By: Miroir du Symphonie

Fandom: Kingdom Hearts

Chapter Rating: PG-13

Chapter Warnings: Cross-Dressing, Language

Pairing: Roxas x Sora

Disclaimer: Sora, Roxas, and all other characters are the property of Square Enix. I just happen to play with them on occasion, and I do claim ownership to the plot.

A/N: Okay, it happens in this chapter! I was so nervous about putting this up, I don't know if I wrote the action scene right, or if Cloud is too OOC, or whatever. In a way, Cloud is OOC from what I've already written him as - quiet, shy, etc. But his behavior will be explained in Chapter 10.

Anyway, the fight between Cloud and -blank- is mostly taken from Tifa's fight with Loz in Advent Children, with only a few minor changes, if that makes it easier to envision. Please, please, please review this chapter. I spent forever working on it, worrying about the wording, or about the characterization, and about the action, since this is the first action scene I have ever written. And I mean ever. My beta says that she likes it, and I believe her, but it would be nice to see what your guys think.

Enjoy, my lovelies.

Enjoy.


VIII: Broken Glass

"Presenting Master Reno Sinclair and Mistress Claudette Storm..."

Smile. Step. Flash. Flash. Smile. Flash. Step. Flash. Step. Flash. Flash. Smile...

Of the entire irritating process, the part that Cloud absolutely couldn't stand was the introduction. Cameras were going off everywhere, and shortly the two of them would have to make rounds around the room for stilted introductions, stiff hugging, and boast-filled catch-up.

And veiled insults. Can't forget those double entendres, now can we?

Reno gave him a tiny shake. "Focus, Claudette," he whispered.

Seriously, I want to know who the fuck came up with that horrible name—

"And this is my girlfriend, Claudette," Reno was saying, snapping Cloud out of his daze. The woman was giving him a slow once-over, and he tried his best not to feel nervous. You've done this before. Get a grip.

"It's nice to meet you, Miss Brooks," he said in falsetto.

"Likewise, Miss Storm. You know, the other day I was telling Reno..."

If you had asked Cloud to name three things that had been said to him within the space of that torturous half hour, he couldn't do it—although he was sure he'd heard the word marriage mentioned two or twelve times. He'd responded with the customary giggle and blush—after the initial jitters, he didn't even need to pay attention to what he was doing. You simply had to keep your appearances up, which after five or six events spent at Reno's side he was pretty good at.

It was like giving candy to a baby—all of these people were the same, all wanting to be the best and all wanting to rub it in everyone's faces while doing it. Giving them what they craved most, that feeling of topping everyone else, was all that was needed to survive at these things. But, as always in the silly little games we play, there could only be one number one—and Cloud slowly came back to Earth as they approached him.

Rufus Shinra was the only person of drinking age in the room that knew that "Claudette" was a guy. There wasn't much that you could hide from him, and he only needed to take one look at his nephew's date to know the truth. He didn't seem to mind, though, and always asked Cloud to sit by him for a time or for a dance.

"Konnichiwa, uncle." Reno bowed politely to his uncle, and Cloud followed suit.

"Konnichiwa, Mr. Shinra."

"Reno, Claudette. I am so glad that you could make it. Claudette, please, sit with me—why don't you go mingle for a while, nephew?"

"Whatever, yo," the redhead shrugged, walking off.

Cloud gingerly approached the man and sat down. He knew that underneath all of the power and intrigue that the man held Rufus was a nice guy, but he had always expected to be thrown out on his ass. Maybe it was just him being paranoid—he was dating the man's nephew, after all. He was pretty sure that gave him some small measure of safety, right? But the feeling wouldn't go away, no matter how hard he tried. Maybe it was because he was lying to everyone, or because he wasn't good enough for Reno, or because he wasn't important enough to even be at the man's parties. Or all of the above.

That first time he had met Rufus, his hands wouldn't stop quaking as Reno brought him for his uncle's inspection—he knew all about the powerful leader of Shinra Company, and he had been nervous as hell. That had also been his first time cross-dressing, in a dark blue gown that Tifa had managed to stuff him into. But as the night wore on, he found that there was no way Rufus would kick him out—it just wasn't the older man's style. In fact, the blonde had been warm to him, dancing several songs with Cloud which was more than he could say for Reno, who had been, as usual, getting drunk.

With those aqua eyes that could change from the coldness of a glacier to the calm of the sea in seconds, the young executive had won Cloud's friendship that night, kissing the boy's cheek as he left. "It was nice talking to you, Cloud Strife," he had whispered, and smirked as the younger man froze.

Now, those same cerulean eyes were looking at him in interest. "Hello, Claudette. Are you enjoying the party?" I hope that this isn't too hard on you.

Cloud clearly heard what Rufus had really said, and responded in kind. "I am having a fair time, Mr. Shinra, as always." I'll deal with it, I've done this before.

"Are you thirsty? Has my nephew brought you anything to drink?" Are you feeling alright? Has Reno been treating you well?

"I haven't really decided whether I'm thirsty or not yet, Mr. Shinra. Too much excitement to think about taking anything, to be honest." At this point, things are a bit iffy with Reno and I. A lot of stuff has been happening, I haven't had the time to sit down and actually think things through.

"Well, maybe a spin on the dance floor would work up an appetite, no?" Yes, you do look a bit down. Dance with me. It'll cheer you up a bit.

The older blonde stood up and offered Cloud his hand, which he gratefully took.

"I'd like that."


"Good evening, sir," the hotel receptionist said, smiling benignly at the cloaked man who had just come in. "Are you looking to rent a room?"

"No, thank you. Could you point me to the ballroom?"

"Sure, it's down the hall, down the stairs, and to your left, sir. You can't miss it."

"Thank you."

Heavy leather boots made tramping noises on the stairs as he walked. He knew that his brothers were near; he could feel their presence following him—ready to act if they were needed. He was hoping they weren't.

There was a man standing at the door to the hall with a clipboard, who smiled at him as he approached. "Good evening, sir. May I see your invita—"

Loz put his hands on the man's neck and twisted.

For a long time, he had been under suspicion. They said that he was too much of a baby, that he wasn't aggressive enough and screwed up all his missions—Nii-san hadn't been too happy about his performance. Seeing Kadaj stagger out of Nii-san's room, bloodied and bruised, and knowing that it was all his fault made some part deep, deep inside of him hurt. His brothers were all he had, and he was letting them down—and Kadaj was paying for it.

Well, Nii-san had had enough with him. His orders for tonight were simple—get the girl and get out. If he passed, all would be well. If he failed...

No. Failure was not an option. He could not screw this up.

He managed to find a utility closet to stash the body in, and then prepared to enter. Above him, he heard the whisper of a slipstream as dual shadows left him, making their way to the roof. Taking a deep breath, he slipped inside, immediately spotting the little girl playing with a doll on the edge of the dance floor.

Let's go.


"Rufus, did you hear that?"

"Hear what?" Rufus gave a slight frown at the disguised boy.

"It sounded like someone screamed...but cut off..."

His frown deepening, the older blonde listened hard. There was nothing but the chatter of the guests, the clink of glasses and the music playing to be heard. He glanced at the boy next to him—maybe Cloud was hearing things? "Claudette, I think you're just—"

And then, he caught it.

"HELP—"

"Shut UP, little girl—"

Cloud set his drink down, the feeling of foreboding that had been growing as the night wore on suddenly exploding into full-blown dread. Whatever's going to happen tonight, it's going to happen now. "I heard it again."

The president looked like his usual impassive self, but Cloud could see the growing worry in the man's eyes. "I did too—and I can't see Scarlet anywhere."

"Your little sister?"

He never got an answer as another yell came from the corner, only it sounded much more masculine. Scarlet's small voice, panic-stricken but with a hint of pride, could be heard with the sounds of struggling.

"You let me go!"

"OUCH—you bit me, you little bitch—"

With every noise, the feeling of dread worsened. "Rufus, he's hurting her!"

Rufus didn't answer as he signaled his bodyguards to investigate. "Stay here, Claudette, I don't want you getting hurt—" he started as he turned to the teen.

But Cloud was already gone.


Loz was having problems. Not, of course, that someone of his stature and acute intelligence couldn't handle a little trouble. He just didn't expect the girl to be such a kicking, squalling brat—the little bitch had bitten him, for fuck's sake!

I swear to fucking GOD that I'm going to fucking kill this kid—

He had almost succeeded in setting up the syringe with the sedative when he heard the telltale click of multiple guns being cocked.

Shit!

"YOU! Unhand that girl now!"

The man was obviously Wutainese, his hair was long and straight, and he spoke with an air of one who had seen danger and knew it well. The other one, a short blonde woman, held her weapon steadily, not batting an eye. Sizing them up, he could tell they were no newbies at their job.

"What if I don't want to?" He replied, snapping his tazer handle to his hand and placing it to the girl's neck.

Scarlet froze.

"Drop your weapons."

The guns fell to the ground, and Loz inwardly smiled—as long as he had his weapon to Scarlet's neck, they wouldn't do anything. Slowly backing away and dragging the girl with him, he failed to notice the presence running up behind him until it kicked him in the head...


Softly cursing, Cloud managed to get past the crowd surrounding the dance floor to the opposite corner of the room. Quickly, he tugged his gloves on, deciding to leave the switchblade alone for now.

I swear to god I'm going to kick Reno's ass for making me have to do this shit in the first place...

There was a dual click sound, and Cloud saw Elena and Tseng, two of Rufus' guards, pointing their guns at the intruder's head. He took a moment to size up his opponent. He seems pretty muscular...I'd better not get in too close of range.

Another click of metal, and little Scarlet Shinra found herself with a weapon at her neck and her protectors unable to help her. He watched the little girl tremble, tears forming in her big, blue eyes, and Cloud knew it was time to go. Adjusting his gloves, he ran at full speed towards the silver-haired man and his foot connected with that head of silver hair...


"What the fuck does he think he's doing?" A shadow hissed as it crouched upon reinforced glass, watching the battle taking place below. "His mission was to get Scarlet Shinra and then get out! And that girl is kicking his ass!"

"Nii-san isn't going to be happy about this, Kadaj," the other shadow whispered in return.

"Who says he has to know?" Kadaj held up the round, black object that was sitting in his palm. "We've got this, don't we?"

"Don't be foolish, brother," Yazoo said, adjusting his position to see better. "There are cameras in there. People are undoubtedly videotaping this event, and I wouldn't put it past a single soul not to send the footage straight to the paparazzi. Nii-san will find out eventually. Plus, it'll be even bigger a story if we use that. Honestly, I don't know who I feel sorrier for—Loz or you."

"Thanks for the boost in self-confidence, brother," Kadaj spat. "I feel eons better now."

"Don't snipe at the one who's going to be patching you up when all of this is over."

The shorter one shot a bitter glare towards his brother and both of them turned their attention to the third of their trio, hoping that everything would turn out alright.


"Fuck!" Cloud hissed as the tazer caught him in the cheek, the sheer power behind the blast sending him into a backwards roll and sliding onto the marble floor. The man gave a sinister laugh, sliding his weapon back into place.

He had long since abandoned the constraining dress, and it lay in a crumpled heap against a wall. His cheeks had burned as he had straightened the leather underneath, feeling like a rent boy in the strapless halter top. His attention, however, was quickly distracted by the balls of electricity that his opponent was attacking him with, and he hissed as the sparks burned his arm.

The thing about fighting this man, Cloud noticed as he made a rebound on one of the pillars and kicked his opponent in the face, was keeping him on the defensive. The silver-haired man was fast, and was able to utilize his brute strength, but he was useless when it came to kamikaze attacks. Cloud was actually grateful for the sponge-like material that he was currently passing off as breasts as the man kicked him hard in the chest—they absorbed most of the blow and Cloud was able to stay on his feet. Tensing as the tazer made a dent in the wall directly above his head, he slapped the arm away and jumped onto the man's chest, leaping into the air and slamming his opponent into the floor. Yes!

He was positioning himself to land in a front flip when he suddenly felt a hand grab his leg.

Oh, shit.


Reno wasn't quite sure how it had happened. One minute, he had been chatting it up with a pretty redhead, pleasantly buzzed, and the next his "girlfriend" was fighting with some silver-haired guy that he was pretty sure was not invited.

And...what the hell is Cloud wearing...

He felt himself becoming increasingly worried as the two battled it out. While he was impressed with Cloud—he didn't know that his boyfriend could fight like that—the other man had delivered a few hard hits on him. He could see the other guests watching in shock, confusion and slight awe as "Claudette" managed to use her opponent's chest as a spring board and slam the guy into the floor. Camera flashes were going off everywhere—and suddenly the man had gotten hold of his boyfriend's leg.

This isn't going to end well, is it?


Pain blossomed in Cloud's skull as the man slammed his forehead into a chair while swinging him around. The world was a blur of color and he could feel the little he had eaten threatening to come up when his opponent suddenly let go. He went flying, managing to land neatly on the wall, bracing himself on one leg with the other stretched out. His slipstream destroyed the flowers from the huge arrangements below him, the silken petals fluttering every which way and obscuring his vision. From his position, he could make out the shocked faces of the guests and his opponent's bewildered expression through the petal rain and smirking, he prepared himself for a jump.

Now, I'm going to kick your ass...


Kadaj and Yazoo gave each other incredulous looks as the fight ended. Not so much at the fact that their brother was currently buried under a pile of broken tables, no ma'am. Sure, they were upset and concerned and whatnot, but they couldn't help but stare at the figure that was currently brushing him...her...it? Yes, it would work. They couldn't help but stare at the figure that was brushing itself off in the middle of the ballroom.

"You—you mean to tell me that our brother just got beat up by a—"

"Kadaj, just drop the bomb."

"But—but that's a—"

"Drop the goddamn bomb."


Cloud managed to land cleanly on one knee, breathing hard, head bent. Behind him, the broken tables that his opponent was currently lying in emitted clouds of dust, the small motes rising from the wreckage and swirling into the air. Standing up, he spotted Scarlet clinging onto her brother's arm, still shaken but fine.

Rufus, however, was shooting Cloud a look that made him very nervous.

As he brushed himself off, he became aware of a few things. One, he was standing in the middle of the most influential people in Hollow Bastion wearing a strapless halter top and short shorts. Two, there were looks of mixed shock and disgust on the faces of the guests and cameras were flashing like mad. Three, his boyfriend was frantically gesturing towards his head, and a sickening dread crept its way through Cloud's body.

Oh, damn.

Slowly, he raised his hand and passed it through his hair. His blonde, spiky, distinctly male hair.

The wig had come off.

The sound of wood hitting marble sounded behind him as his opponent dragged himself from the pile of rubble. Deciding to worry about his current dilemma later, he got into a fighting stance for round two when suddenly, the ballroom doors burst open. A shout of "FREEZE!" echoed through the large room, two men pointing their large guns at the silver-haired man.

Finally, hotel security had arrived. Take your damn time, why don't you? Cloud thought bitterly as Rufus snapped out of his daze and went to go talk to them.

Then, out of nowhere, there was the shattering sound of breaking glass, and something black fell from the sky.

The last thing Cloud saw was white.