A/N: Hey guys! Thanks for waiting for the next chapter! I think my writers' block is better now since the last half of this chapter just flowed! I hope you like.
Two things I need to make mention of here:
1) I think there's only two chapters left after this one! The next chapter is the one that inspired me to start writing this fic and the whole reason why I wrote a 30+ chaptered fic. I'm really excited to get it posted! XD
2) I have been flattered beyond all belief! Two more readers have sent me links to pics for Salacity! I can't believe the talent of these artists and want to share them with you. Thank you Revalations and KyoSohmaLuver for these lovely pictures! I am beyond grateful for this compliment!
All art created for Salacity can be found on my profile! Please go check it out; I promise you won't be sorry!
On with the show!
*still glowing*
-o-o-o-
Most people look forward to Fridays. Normally, Leon and Cloud would too, but this Friday was possibly the last Friday they would spend together, save for the Friday evening trips to Cloud's new home if they decided that they couldn't bear to wait until Saturday. Cloud was banking on it, but it really was up to Zell and Irvine, who would have to decide if putting off their own Friday night plans was worth driving Leon and Cloud's friends an hour out every week and an hour's drive back if the college boys decided not to stay out there.
Although this weighed heavily on Cloud's mind as he woke up that morning, he tried not to think about it too much. Finding a distraction wasn't difficult, though, because he was still naked and completely intertwined with Leon's naked body. This caused a soft smile to play across his lips as he snuggled closer to his still-slumbering boyfriend. He could still feel a dull ache deep inside his body from the night before and that only served to broaden his smile at the memory.
He felt lighter after talking with Leon after school. He felt horrible for causing so much drama in their relationship but he was grateful that Leon didn't feed into it and spearheaded their working it through via discussion. Leon had a level head about him and it kept Cloud anchored when his emotions ran high. He still didn't completely understand why he had such a problem controlling his drama-queen outbursts, if they could be called that, but the fact that Leon wasn't willing to throw in the towel and gently brought the blond back to reality made Cloud feel like the luckiest guy alive.
Cloud smiled at this thought as he kissed Leon's forehead softly, keeping his eyes closed as he basked in the brunet's warmth and masculine, clean scent. Just thinking about Leon caused his heart to throb in his chest; his warmth and scent caused it to ache.
Cloud still had a hard time processing what Leon had shown him the night before. The brunet was never one for showing his emotions, but last night Leon took it one step further and proved to Cloud that his feelings for the blond were strong. When he placed Cloud's hand over his heart, Cloud had a hard time believing what he was being shown. Leon's heart pounded wildly within his chest and Cloud's seemed to sync up with it with so much love and devotion. He wondered if Leon was beginning to understand love, but with that thought the blond shook his head to himself. He wasn't going to set himself up for disappointment in hoping that the brunet would 'come around' concerning the love issue.
"What was that all about?" a husky, sleepy voice said, causing the blond to smile and look up into Leon's eyes.
"What was what all about?" Cloud asked, leaning up and placing a chaste kiss against Leon's lips.
The kiss caused Leon to moan under his breath as he pulled Cloud closer to his body and buried his nose within silky, blond hair. "You shook your head."
Cloud frowned slightly, a reaction Leon couldn't see from his current position, before sighing to himself. "My head's a real mess right now." the blond answered. He was not going to go into details. "So much to think about."
"What do you say we skip school today." Leon suggested, placing several small kisses on Cloud's crown. "Spend the day in bed together."
Cloud smiled at the suggestion before it immediately converted into a frown. "Might be the last day to see my friends at school." he replied in a low voice. Uttering those words caused the blond to tear up before he took a deep breath to dispel dark emotions. "I need to apologize for being such an ass yesterday."
"They're not mad at you." Leon offered before looking down at his boyfriend. "But I understand why you would want to go to school today."
Cloud looked into his boyfriends eyes then offered a weak smile. "It's like I want to see them, but I'm afraid to." Cloud laid his head back down on Leon's shoulder and focused on a random object across the room. "I'm really going to miss them and… and I don't want to get all mushy."
Leon huffed and started stroking Cloud's back. "Sometimes mushy is okay." He had nothing else to offer. He knew there was nothing he could say that would ease the blond's dread so he pulled him closer, placing a kiss on top of his head, and just stayed with him so he didn't have to be alone.
-.-.-.-
When the boys finally managed to untangled themselves from each other, shower, and stumble out of the bedroom distracted with a few kisses, Leon began preparing breakfast for himself and his boyfriend. Cloud made a general comment about how unusual it was for Zell not to be around which was quickly forgotten as the smell of breakfast ham and pineapple filled the small kitchen.
Leon listened to Cloud comment on the weather but his mind was stuck on the older blond's absence. It was weird how Zell didn't make an appearance and it was stranger still that he was nowhere to be found in the house as the couple left for the day.
He must have gone to classes early, the brunet concluded before his focus switched to the anxious looking blond.
Conversation was short as they walked to school and upon arriving, Tony's appearance in the basketball court by the school did nothing to perk either of them up. Leon began searching the school yard for a friendly face but Cloud's gaze was stuck on Tony and his friends as they messed around with a basketball, looking full of energy and perfectly in sync. Cloud's gut reaction was to get as far away from them as possible but his head told him to stop being so jumpy and just ignore them.
As if Tony heard Cloud's thoughts, he turned around and his expression turned mean as his eyes fell on Leon and Cloud. Cloud's hand instinctively squeezed Leon's from nervousness and Leon squeezed back, eyes still surveying the surrounding area, thinking that Cloud was just being affectionate. Tony's eyes locked onto Cloud's and they stared at one another, Tony's eyes looked angry and Cloud's looked uneasy but unwilling to back down.
Tony took a few steps in the couple's direction and stood tall. Cloud could see Tony flexing his muscles as if preparing for a fight but the boy hardly moved. Every fibre in Cloud's being was telling him to get out of there, his sixth sense raising red flag after red flag, warning Cloud that there was something going on that he wasn't identifying yet, but it was there.
Stop being a pussy… Cloud told himself before he shot a dirty look Tony's was before tugging on his boyfriend's arm.
"They here yet?"
"I don't see anyone." Leon answered before looking back at his boyfriend. "We'll catch them later."
"Kiss me." Cloud requested, his lips curving into a soft smile.
Leon narrowed his eyes as he leaned in and placed his lips against Cloud's in a delicate kiss. Cloud felt his heart rate pick up and he wasn't sure which explanation to pin to it: Leon had that effect on him, Cloud's public display of affection, or that he was using Leon's kiss solely to piss off his former lover. Cloud let Leon end the kiss after a few seconds and decided to let it end there instead of moan for another. He wasn't sure if he was really trying to piss off Tony, but if he was, he didn't want to use Leon like that.
Leon's grip on Cloud's hand tightened as he began to lead the blond towards the front entrance of the school and Cloud couldn't help but look back at Tony, who was positively raging at the moment; his eyes almost on fire as he watched the brunet escort the blond away after what looked to be a tender, affectionate kiss.
Cloud's eyes met Tony's and he let the anger wash away from his own expression. His eyes softened as he glanced back to his boyfriend and followed him like a good boyfriend should.
The rest of the morning was as odd as it had begun. Classes were boring and the classes he had with one of his friends or another was awkward because Cloud felt like he had so much to say to them but wanted to wait until they were all together and had time to say what he really wanted to say. The boys picked up on this and played along easy enough, pretending nothing was amiss. Brad sent him sly smirks when the teacher said something that could be interpreted as sexual while Brantley outwardly chuckled and Xander would give Cloud a curious-surprised look and take plenty of notes with a silly grin. In his Literature class, Eric had as hard of a time concentrating as Cloud. They wrote notes back and forth, mainly about boredom and a few about the appalling outfits some of their fellow students were wearing.
Between classes, Cloud felt a mix of sorrow and uneasiness. He looked around the hallways as a flood of memories came back to him. He grew up in this neighbourhood with the very students who normally filled these now empty hallways. A lot of them grew up together from kindergarten and it was sad that he was about to be removed from the community and hardly anyone would notice. He frowned to himself as he heard someone whispering softly behind him.
Cloud turned around and his heart caught in his throat at the sight of Tony and a couple of his friends. The blond rolled his eyes and continued on his way when Tony grabbed his shoulder and pulled him back. Cloud's back pressed back into Tony's chest and he was forced still when Tony's arm wrapped around his chest as he leaned closer to Cloud's ear.
"I don't think you're going to like what's coming to you." Tony whispered, his warm breath almost tickling Cloud's ear.
Cloud chose not to respond except for trying to wriggle out of Tony's hateful embrace.
"Fags like you don't deserve to live, Strife. We have plans for you."
Cloud stood still and wondered if one of them had the knife right now. A part of him wanted to drop his books and begin swinging, but the other part of him remained perfectly still with fright.
"I had a dream about you last night." Tony continued, his thumb lightly stroking Cloud's chest.
"That's the only way you'll ever have me." Cloud responded bitterly.
"There was so much blood." Tony continued, ignoring Cloud's reply as an evil smile played across his lips. "And your eyes… full of tears as you begged me to stop." Tony dragged his thumb across Cloud's chest with a lot of pressure, pretending it was a blade cutting him open. Tony took a step back and pushed Cloud forward. "See you later, faggot."
Cloud stood still trembling as his listened to the small group of boys trot away, a few of them chuckling with a disgusting tone. Cloud wasn't a stranger to Tony's threats, but there was something very different about Tony's energy and tone which made the blond incredibly nervous. As his back was pressed up against Tony, he felt the boy's heart beat and had a hard time focusing on anything else. He didn't know Tony's game, but if he was intending to follow through on his threats, Cloud would need to tell someone before it was too late.
After a moment, which felt like a century, Cloud began walking towards his next class. He felt like he was in a dream state, floating along without the faintest recollection of what exactly he was doing there. He didn't need to be in school right now and he began to wonder if it was worth it to apologize to the guys face to face when Tony and his friends threatened him like they just had. Cloud tried to shake his head but his body wasn't responding to his brain's demand and he only could continue on his course. It wasn't until he sat down in his seat, which was conveniently placed next to Leon's, before the blond seemed to snap out of it.
"What happened?" Leon's jaded voice was the first thing Cloud recognized. Next was his expressionless face and deeply concerned eyes.
Cloud shook his head, his body finally obeying, and he looked down at his desk. "Tony…"
"What did he do?" Leon asked almost too quickly.
"Nothing… He just… talked." Cloud rubbed his eyes before he began pulling out his textbook. "He just threatened me. Nothing new."
Leon's eyes scanned Cloud for a moment before he leaned closer to the blond so his face was inches away from his boyfriend. "Then why do you look so upset?"
Cloud turned his head and took in Leon's disposition. His heart was thudding in his chest and he wanted nothing more than to spill all to his boyfriend but he didn't want to come off so weak when he wasn't sure whether Tony was all talk or not. "He said some stupid shit and…" Cloud paused a moment as his eyes left Leon and looked down at the floor. "I guess today's just been weird. It affected me more than it usually does." He tried to put on a smile and huffed for good measure. "You'd think I'd be used to this by now, huh?"
Leon began to shake his head slowly but stopped. He leaned back in his chair without removing his eyes from his boyfriend. He wasn't buying what Cloud was selling.
"Anyway," Cloud started, eyes meeting Leon's once again. "TGIF, ya? We're almost half way done the day already."
Leon's eyes continued to examine Cloud and he chose not to respond. He licked his lips and noticed how Cloud was trying to appear happy but, unfortunately for Cloud, he wore his heart on his sleeve. Tony had said something that truly disturbed Cloud and he wasn't telling him about it.
Cloud's attention was drawn up to the front of the room when the teacher announced the beginning of class. He seemed to fall into routine as he pulled out a pen and neatly wrote the date at the top of his page. Leon's eyes never left Cloud until he was called upon to answer a question. After proving he knew what the teacher wanted, Leon's attention went back to Cloud, who looked back at him with a soft smile.
Not even half way through class the static from the PA system came on and requested that Cloud go to the principal's office. Cloud's stomach dropped and he knew exactly what the principal wanted with him. He must have found a place for him to go. If he found a place for him to go, Cloud was probably leaving very soon; most likely this coming weekend. He felt his face pale as he packed his bag, hands trembling as he felt all eyes on him, watching him, wondering what's happening, pitying him.
Cloud swallowed hard as he got up out of his desk. His eyes met Leon's, who was watching him anxiously. He paused a moment to take in the brunet's exquisiteness before he felt a soft, strong hand wrap around his and gently tug him down. Cloud complied, his heart freezing as he felt familiar warm, delicate lips against his own before he even knew what was happening. And it was over before he could respond properly.
Leon's eyes bore into his intensely offering him strength. Cloud's lips twitched slightly in attempts to smile but came out more nervous than anything. He took in a deep breath as Leon nodded his head slowly and released his hand.
"See you at lunch." Leon whispered.
Cloud made another attempt to smile then settled for a nod. "See you."
-.-.-.-
Cloud sat in silence across from the principal in his office. Neither had said much after the initial greeting and he knew Sephiroth was waiting for him to ask what the meeting was about. Cloud had no intention of starting this conversation and he couldn't help but feel a bit of residual anger towards the principal for bringing on this whole situation. He understood that his anger was misplaced after talking with his friends and Leon, but that didn't stop his heart from feeling it.
The blond vaguely heard a clock somewhere in the office tick away the seconds and he could feel Sephiroth's eyes on him, watching him with sympathy even though his own eyes were downcast set on the textured mahogany of the principal's desk. He was growing more uncomfortable with every tick of the clock but he understood that that's exactly what Sephiroth was banking on; waiting him out until Cloud became so uncomfortable that he would start the conversation. With that knowledge, Cloud kept his mouth shut and continued waiting. He was not going to let Sephiroth win this one.
After what seemed like an eternity, but was probably only a few minutes, Cloud's emotions shifted and he felt more miserable than ever. He took a silent breath in to relieve the ache in his chest but it only served to tighten it more. A sharp pain thumped in his chest to the beat of his heart and he began to feel tears prick his eyes. He held his breath and shifted uncomfortably in his chair, wanting nothing more than to run away; hide his pain and tears, but this conversation, if it was ever going to begin, was inevitable. He wasn't one to run away, either, and refused to show how weak and depressed he was at the moment. He blinked a few times and found it more difficult to avoid looking up at Sephiroth. He bit his lower lip and shifted once more, refusing to give in; refusing to let the principal win this stubborn competition.
"Cloud…" the principal began, voice low and smooth as if he figured that would be enough to put the blond at ease.
Cloud: 1; Sephiroth: 0. Cloud smiled inwardly for winning this one.
"We've got the details sorted out for your transfer." Sephiroth said matter-of-factly.
Like a piece of property… Cloud thought to himself.
"We tried to make it as close as possible so you can be with your friends." he continued, watching the blond for any sort of reaction. He received none and couldn't help but notice how jaded the blond looked. Jaded, with the exception of his eyes, which looked dejected. "I wanted to talk to you about this since we're going to be moving you this weekend." He paused a moment for some sort of response; shock, surprise, anger, sadness, anything to show that Cloud understood what was going on but he was met with more silent nonchalance. "Would you like to know the details; who you will be staying with or where you're going to be moving to?"
Cloud huffed softly and shook his head, eyes still fixed on the desk. "It doesn't matter…"
Sephiroth licked his lips before shaking his head. "It might help if…"
"It doesn't matter." Cloud repeated, eyes finally bearing up and staring at the principal with poorly hidden anger. "I don't care. I really don't."
The principal was going to object but bit his tongue and remained quiet. "I can't say that I understand," Sephiroth began carefully, making sure his voice sounded the furthest thing from rebut. "But I respect your decision. I know you probably don't want it, but if you ever need my help, I would like to give you my home phone number in case you need to talk… or vent to someone who cares about you."
Cloud's eyes bore into Sephiroth's with ineffectively hidden anger. "Need your help? Seph, listen…" Cloud took on a casual, condescending tone. "I may have realized that I'm not really mad at you, per se, but I'm definitely not thrilled with you, either. I would never call you for help or just to chat. I have my friends. I don't want your number."
"Fair enough…" Sephiroth said with a nod. He paused once more before deciding to continue. "I just wanted to offer you the opportunity to learn about your new home and foster family, as well as extend my support. The offer doesn't expire so if you change your mind…" Sephiroth pushed a card across the desk with his home number written on the back. "I suppose some time within the next day or two you will be contacted by your new guardian to set the plans in place to move." The principal couldn't help but feel a little choked up about this meeting as it probably would be their last.
Cloud stared at Sephiroth's card and had no intentions of taking it with him. This was all happening way too fast and he was more than a little overwhelmed. There was more silence between them; Sephiroth was thinking of what to say next and Cloud was trying to wrap his head around the whole situation.
It was Sephiroth who broke the silence and Cloud inwardly smiled at his second victory.
"Is there anything else you'd like to discuss?"
Cloud thought a moment. He began to shake is head but stopped as a thought occurred to him. The principal caught on to this and waited to hear what the blond had to say. Cloud took an extra moment to collect his thoughts before beginning.
"It would help me out if you… if you could keep an eye out for Leon and my friends." He wanted to continue but he didn't know how.
"What do you mean by that?" the Sephiroth asked, leaning forward in his chair.
Cloud opened his mouth but closed it. His jaw clenched and he was somewhat thankful that Sephiroth gave him a moment to compose what he wanted to say.
"Tony… and his friends. They've been threatening me and I…" He paused once more before looking up at Sephiroth with vulnerable eyes. "I'm afraid of what he might say or do to them once I'm gone. He knows about Leon and I and I don't want his anger transferred from me to him. And my friends… they'll get involved if Tony goes after Leon." His heart was beating wildly in his chest and the thought of Tony uttering the same threats to Leon as they did to him earlier made him feel weak. "I don't know if there's anything you can do, but I wanted to ask you…" He felt like a jerk, being angry at Sephiroth and not hiding it only to ask a favour the very next second. "Please, just watch out for them…"
Something in the principal's eyes softened as he watched the blond struggle with his request. He leaned back into his chair, eyes remaining on Cloud who was looking very uncomfortable at the moment.
"You have my word, Cloud."
Cloud's eyes remained on the principal before dropping to the ground. "I know there may not be a lot you can do for them…"
"I'll do my very best. I promise."
-.-.-.-
Cloud was more than a little shaken up as he left the principal's office. Not too much more could be said between the two of them so Cloud simply nodded and stood to leave. He knew Sephiroth was disappointed when Cloud made it a point to look at the card with his number on it before glancing at him and walking away without it. He also knew that Sephiroth was genuinely concerned for him and wasn't making an empty-hearted offer when he said Cloud could call him at home any time, but Cloud wasn't willing to cast off the impression that he couldn't be independent.
It didn't matter now, anyhow. He could find out what was happening with Leon and his friends by talking to Leon and his friends directly. He didn't think there was too much he could gain out of keeping open communication with Sephiroth and, however cold it sounded, he thought it best to completely break ties with him to rid of the pain he was reminded of every time Sephiroth looked at him.
Selfish? Sure it was, but Cloud was only looking after himself at the moment.
Cloud didn't go back to class after seeing the principal. Instead, he went outside to the school's grounds and wandered.
I suppose some time within the next day or two you will be contacted by your new guardian to set the plans in place to move. Sephiroth's words echoed in his head and they did nothing to calm his nerves. His heart was still pounding and the pain in his chest was as bad as before. He wanted nothing more than to be wrapped up in Leon's arms. He wanted Leon to take this pain away from him and remind him over and over again that everything would be okay. He wanted to be surrounded by his friends but, on the other hand, he wanted to be alone. He didn't want to be this weak in front of anyone, not even those closest to him.
"You okay?" a soft voice said from behind him. Cloud quickly wiped away a tear before looking over his shoulder to see Eric standing a few paces behind him.
Cloud nodded before turning his head again, looking out in front of him. "Yeah, I'm fine."
He heard Eric chuckle before the boy closed the distance between them. He placed a hand on Cloud's shoulder and softly directed him to face himself. "Leon's lesson one: don't ask that silly question." Eric smiled tenderly and tilted his head. "What happened?" he tried again, reaching out and wiping a rogue tear from Cloud's soft cheek.
Cloud looked down to the ground and took a deep breath. "Sephiroth told me that I'm leaving this weekend." His eyes lifted and met with Eric's. "It's just…" He paused, not able to finish his own sentence.
"I understand. It's just so fast, right?"
Cloud nodded.
Eric sighed, a half smile still apparent on his friendly face. He squeezed Cloud's shoulder before pulling him in for a hug, wrapping his arms around him protectively. "I know, Cloud. It is happening fast." He noticed that Cloud was still, allowing himself to be comforted without pulling away. "It's overwhelming but, in a way, it is also a good thing. It gives us all time to adjust quicker to the change so we can get settled sooner, no?"
Cloud closed his eyes and rested his head on Eric's shoulder. "I guess…"
"You guess? No, you know, blondie." Eric chided playfully. "The last thing we want is for this whole thing to drag on out, right?"
Cloud took a deep breath before offering a weak 'yeah'. Eric gave him a firm squeeze before resting his hands on the blond's shoulders and pulling back enough to look into his sad, blue eyes. "And we're going to be here for you every step of the way. After everything is settled, you'll wonder what it was you were ever worried about. I promise." He smiled at Cloud, who almost smiled back before his eyes focused on the two figures approaching them from the other side of the yard.
Leon and Brad walked straight for them with sombre eyes. A few seconds later, Brantley and Xander appeared from the school doors and jogged to catch up with the other two. Eric looked over his shoulder before turning back towards Cloud. "I saw you wandering out here alone through the classroom window and thought you might like some company. I texted them to join us."
Cloud didn't want to be weak in front of anyone, not even his closest friends, but it didn't matter anymore because he knew they were going to carry him through this.
Leon looked at Eric as he drew close before his eyes rested on Cloud, who watched him with eyes of pain mixed with relief. Eric took a couple of steps back as Leon reached them and smiled at the others as Leon pulled Cloud in for an affectionate embrace. No words were exchanged between them.
"How you doing, kid?" Brad asked, rubbing Cloud's back.
"We heard the announcement on the PA system. What did Principal Sephiroth want?" Xander asked, tilting his head to look into Cloud's eyes.
Cloud's eyes met Xander's and he took a deep breath, head still attached to Leon's shoulder as the brunet's arms shielded him from the outside world.
"Lets chat over here." Brantley suggested, taking a few steps towards a bench bordering the school's grounds.
The small group made their way to the bench, Leon's arm possessively wrapped around Cloud's waist, and they all took a seat.
"I'm doing better now, actually." Cloud said, glancing at Eric who responded with a nod. "And Sephiroth wanted to let me know…" he paused, eyes still trained on Eric.
Leon took a deep breath and rested his forehead against the side of Cloud's head. "It's happening this weekend, isn't it…"
Eric's eyes offered encouragement and strength for the blond, who tilted his head towards Leon's. "Yeah…"
Everyone was quiet for a moment before Brantley spoke up. "Where are you going?"
"I don't know." the blond responded. "I didn't want to talk about it so I just left his office."
"You didn't want to find out who you'll be staying with?" Xander asked, leaning towards the huddled couple.
Cloud started to shake his head then stopped. "It doesn't matter. He said that they would probably contact me really soon to sort out the details and move."
"So, it's written in stone, then." Leon commented, voice low and sounding almost hurt.
Cloud turned his head so his lips were resting on the brunet's forehead. "I guess so but it's probably better that it's happening now so we don't have to dread it longer than we need to." His eyes glanced up and met with Eric's again, who offered him a tender smile. "I can get settled and we can start planning our road trips."
Leon took in a deep breath and closed his eyes. His arms held Cloud just a little tighter. He felt numb.
"We can start next weekend!" Xander chimed in hoping to dispel the dreary mood.
"Cloud can give us the grand tour and we can find a place to have fun." Brantley added, smiling at Xander before looking at Cloud, who offered him a small smile in return. Brantley's smile dropped though at the sight of Leon, whose eyes were still closed.
Eric leaned in towards Leon and put a hand on his shoulder. "It's going to be hard at first but it won't always be like this." Leon didn't move and it broke Eric's heart to see this normally composed, jaded boy look so defeated and depressed. "We'll make the most of every weekend."
Leon lifted his head and looked over at Eric, his eyes betraying how much pain he was feeling at the moment. "We will."
Cloud watched his boyfriend with a heavy heart before leaning in and kissing him softly on the lips. Leon kissed him back chastely, keeping his eyes open and on the blond. Cloud rested his forehead against Leon's after their lips parted and took a deep breath, looking at each of his friends in the eyes before beginning. "I wanted to tell you guys how grateful I am to have you here to help me through this." Cloud immediately felt a lump in his throat and tears prick his eyes. "I haven't been the easiest person to be around since this all started happening and I wanted to apologize for the way I've been acting."
"Lets not make this a sappy goodbye, Cloud, because that's not needed." Brantley said, smiling at the blond. "We're still going to see each other a lot, ya know?"
"This isn't a sappy goodbye." Cloud said, eyes saddening further. "This is an apology."
"For what? Being upset about what's happening with you?" Xander asked, shaking his head. "That's not needed either. We understand."
"For withdrawing and…" Cloud began but paused. He didn't know how to say what he wanted.
"We know you've been trying to put some distance between you and us, Cloud." Brad said, placing a hand on the blond's shoulder. "We figured that part out already. We also know that you were doing it to protect yourself."
"It's an understandable reaction." Eric added.
"That doesn't make it excusable." Cloud said, looking back at Eric. "If you forgive me, which I hope you all do, that's what I need, but please acknowledge this apology at the very least."
Eric smiled sweetly and nodded. "Apology accepted, then."
"Apology accepted." Xander said, smiling wide.
"Totally accepted." Brantley replied, nudging Cloud on the shoulder with a grin.
"Accepted." Brad added with a nod.
Cloud felt himself tremble with relief and he smiled at every one of his friends before looking at Leon. Leon's eyes bore into his intensely with so much grief.
"Leon?" Cloud asked, his own eyes softening as his hand traveled up the brunet's chest and stilled over his heart. He was astonished at how heavily Leon's heart was beating in his chest; it made his own heart ache knowing that Leon was feeling so much at the moment.
Leon watched the blond's eyes for a moment before leaning in so his lips were barely touching Cloud's. "As I said last night, I'm not holding anything against you." With that, he placed a delicate kiss against Cloud's lips.
-o-o-o-
Two more chapters left! As always, I'd love to hear what you think. Thanksies! =D
PS – Go check out the Salacity pictures! XD
