A/N: Sorry i haven't been around much. Life has been sososoos busy. D: Please don't think I've forgotten about you all, I will try to update as much as I can. But at the moment, top priority is Radiance of Time and Fools and Luxury. The two stories I'm most excited about at the moment. :) On a brighter note, how have you guys been? Haha. Any new recommendations for stories? I've been so out of the loop.


Radiance of Time

:: number nine. happiness ::


It was a normal night, just like any other. Leon opened his eyes, adjusting to the darkness of the night, paying attentively to the sounds that were coming from downstairs.

He yawned and swung his feet out of bed, sleepily walking out of his room and down the steps. He makes sure to be quiet as he passes by Yuffie's room, not wanting to wake the ninja up because once Yuffie's up.. she doesn't shut up.

He makes sure to be extra quiet as he passes by Cid's room, because once Cid is up, he gets angry and goes on a cuss-fest that Leon really wasn't in the mood for.

The next down the hall closest to the staircase is Aerith's room. The door is open and he sneaks a peek through the cracked open door. There she is, sound asleep in bed.

The sounds from downstairs become louder, and faster. Footsteps. He knows exactly who they belong to.

Leon is calm now as he walks down the steps. Because this is simply just the routine. But he won't let it pass this time, he's going to do something.

Why is he so eager to help? He doesn't know.

"Don't tell me you're running again, Strife." He remarks, eyes narrow and glaring at the swordsman.

Caught in the act. Leon smirks, proud of himself.

He could oh-so-barely make out Cloud's form in the darkness, and all he could see is a pair of bright blue eyes and a couple of pieces of his stupid blonde hair.

"You're up." Cloud replies.

"Drop the act." Leon begins, his grip tightening on the railing of the staircase. "I'm not telling you what to do, but there's no reason to give this up." He motions his head up, toward Aerith's room.

"This?" Cloud asks, but already knows the answer.

It takes a long time for Leon to answer, and the silence is thick as ice. Finally, he parts his lips to speak. "Happiness."

Cloud nods slowly, understanding but not quite wanting to. He knows Leon is right, but if only he understood.

"Once you lose it, it's not an easy thing to get back." Leon explains, sad to own such knowledge. If only he was as ignorant as Cloud, with the world in his hands and not knowing what to do with it. "Hold on to it, Strife."

Staring out the window as dawn approaches, Cloud nods. "You're right."

Nothing is said after as both men go to back to sleep. Leon in the comfort of his own room, and Cloud in the comfort of Aerith's warmth.

Happiness is truly something not to let go of.