Prompt: Robot

Given by: Jao Ensatsu Kokuryuha

Setting: Radiant Garden, Post-KHII

Pairing: None; Hints at Leon/Riku


"The kid is a robot…," commented Zack in something close to awe as he took a glance into the next room.

"I know," commented Zell. "Even Leon can't work on that thing for more than a handful of hours straight…and no one is more robotic or dedicated to the restoration than he is."

"I am somehow both flattered and insulted by that statement." Leon chimed in from the large desk he was working at.

"You know we love you," retorted the blonde man as Zack simply waved the grey-eyed man's comment away.

"Seriously though," Zell stated after Leon merely shook his head and continued working; "I know he learned from Ansem the Wise and all that, but even that doesn't explain it."

"Maybe we actually found someone more introverted and frustrated than Leon," said the former SOLDIER with a smirk.

"You could try learning from Riku's example instead of sitting around talking trash," said Leon.

"Why?" questioned Zell. "Between you and the kid, nearly everything we came here to check on is handled."

"Besides, we're having fun and spending quality time with our dear old friend," added Zack.

"There is work to be done elsewhere; the restoration is still far from complete," stated Leon, "And we see each other nearly every day."

"All minor details," responded the black-haired man, causing Zell to chuckle and Leon to roll his eyes.

"Fair does have a point," Zell suddenly stated, looking at the sable-haired man. "You haven't looked up from that pile of schematics and reports since we arrived, and that kid has been working on that computer for over ten hours straight now."

Leon's head snapped up abruptly, causing the other two to straighten.

"What?" asked Zack at the same time Zell said, "Something wrong?"

"He didn't take a break at all today?" asked Leon. It was an indication of their close friendship that the other two recognised the concern in his voice.

It was also a mark of how long they had been friends that they thought to harass him about it right away.

Zell grinned, "Now why is that the only thing you have fully responded to today?"

Zack raised his eyebrows suggestively, "Maybe there's a reason why Leon's so much more frustrated and introverted lately…and if the kid is the same way, then maybe-"

"Do not finish that statement." Leon's tone left no room for argument.

Now blonde eyebrows rose as well as black, both with the same look of surprise

"I think this is more serious than we thought," commented the tattooed man.

"I think you're right," agreed the violet-eyed man.

"You both need to stop thinking," commented Leon, "It's too late to pick up new habits…"

Both blue and violet eyes widened slightly.

"Oh, now we know something's up," said Zell.

Zack nodded, "He's way to defensive…"

"I am not defensive," stated Leon. "I have a right to be worried if the kid is overtaxing himself without you two jumping to absurd conclusions."

"Yeah…but normally you just don't respond or say 'whatever' when we tease like this," commented Zell.

"Exactly," agreed Zack as he folded his arms over his chest. "Why are you so keen to keep us quiet on this?"

"Because it's immoral and it could make Riku uncomfortable," replied the scarred man.

"…And why do you care if we make Riku uncomfortable?" asked the black-haired man. "You don't care how we affect anyone else."

"You do realise that sounded more like you were trying to remind yourself then convince us, right?" questioned the blonde man.

Leon sighed. "He's just a kid, he's got some understandable trust issues, and he's not used to your antics. …And I already know it's immoral; I don't need to remind myself."

The other two men sobered notably as the grey-eyed man stood. A silent understanding passed between them.

"I'm going to make sure Riku takes a break," said Leon.

Zack and Zell exchanged a glance.

"It's pretty late, you know," said the violet-eyed man.

"You should both get some rest," added the blue-eyed man.

Leon watched them from the doorway for a moment before nodding slowly, as if thanking them. "Put away those files for me, would you? I'm going to take the kid home."

Both Zell and Zack nodded as he left the room.

"Think he'll actually say something about it?" asked Zack.

"Not without some persuasion," replied Zell, "And the kid isn't going to offer any."

"We'll just have to take care of that then," replied the former SOLDIER.

"That we will," agreed the blonde.

The two friends knocked their fist together before attempting to sort and put away the pile of forms and blueprints on the large desk.