Dcal's Note: Since I missed out writing an author's note in the previous chapter, you are going to get a double dose of my raving...cackles But I will leave you to the story first, then bore you with my ramblings.

Disclaimer: (This applies for all chapters) All the Squaresoft/Kingdom Hearts characters mentioned in this fic do not belong to me. If you think they do, then you must be high on crack.


All because of you: I couldn't breathe.

With pen and paper in hand, Leon sat opposite Cloud who was sprawled on his favourite couch, head on his palms with his lips formed into a slight pout. Leon had ordered Cloud to think of all the possible places the two teenagers might be, since this was his territory. After thinking the matter through, Cloud realised that Riku was too much of a smart-ass to remain in town and he told the brunette so. Thus, they had to figure some other way to locate the boys. Leon frowned, deep in thought and Cloud never thought that he could find someone looking so serious and intelligent but incredibly sexy at the same time. The blond had to bite back the urge to drool like a lovesick puppy when Leon looked up those deep blue eyes of his. Gosh, I barely know this guy for twenty-four hours and I already have the hots for him?

"Do you think Riku might turn to anyone he knows for help? They can't possibly go far without money could they?" If there was one thing Leon knew about Sora, it was that his son had the natural ability to spend cash like water.

"Aha! Riku hasn't gotten his allowance yet and since he won't dare to use his credit card... hee... Oh... let me think who he might run to for help."

"Well, there is this orange haired bloke that likes to follow Riku around... I think his name is Wakkie... Wakky or something. Lives two blocks away. Riku may not ask any favours from that guy but I am pretty sure he would have some inkling of where Riku might have taken Sora."

"Let's go then."

Cloud and Leon decided to pay Wakka a little visit.

XXXXXX

When Wakka was making his way down the stairs to the street, he was surprised to find Riku's brother and another stranger looking for him. They were wondering if he knew where Riku had gone. The orange-haired boy could only shrug his shoulders to indicate that he had no idea where Riku could be. Curious over why Cloud would think he knew about Riku's whereabouts, Wakka asked, "Erm, what do you think I know where Riku is ya?"

Cloud honestly replied, "Well, I always see you hanging about Riku and sort of figured that you might know where my brother went."

The blond's response garnered a deep laugh from the chunky teen, "Ya know, I am recruiting players for my blitzball team. Your bro can play blitz pro ya! I've been trying to get him on my team for ages. Ha ha ha! Must seem like I am stalking Riku ya?"

Cloud smiled awkwardly (because he really thought Wakka was stalking Riku) and thanked Wakka for his cooperation.

Leon, standing quietly behind Cloud all this while, finally spoke, "Another dead end. Any other ideas?"

Cloud blinked. He knew Riku was not exactly a social butterfly and did not have many friends. Suddenly, an image of a ghost from the past flashed through his mind. If there was one person that Riku might turn to for help, it might just be him.

Their relationship had ended half a year ago because Cloud could not longer take his possessiveness. Just being around him made Cloud feel constricted and controlled. He tried all kinds of things over Cloud's life by tracking his every move, every action. The final straw came when he tried to buy over Cloud's family. Cloud didn't even know why he had a relationship with him. Maybe it was those emerald eyes, or that great body... The blond shook his head in self-disgust. It came as a surprise to Cloud to find out that his kid brother had taken a liking to him even after they broke up. He was worried at first that he would resort to hurting Riku in some sadistic form of revenge. However, it seemed that he and Riku could genuinely get along. Figures, silver haired freaks. Hence, if Riku needed some financial assistance to leave town, it must be him. After all, he is one of the richest men in town.

XXXXXX

Cloud pushed Leon into his bright red Ferrari, ignoring the older man's silent protest. By the time Cloud had forcefully strapped Leon down to his seat, Leon had given up the struggle. The soft white leather of the luxury vehicle's seats felt uncomfortable to Leon as he was used the hard driver's seat in his jeep. Cloud rolled his eyes at Leon trying desperately to refrain from squirming in his seat as he started up the car.

"Why do we have to take your car?" Leon murmured.

"Didn't you abuse your car trying to get here?"

"It's a jeep, it'll last."

"Then, do you know where we are going?"

A momentary pause. "You could always tell me the directions."

"Do you think you could stay awake long enough to drive another 40 miles while listening to me chatter?"

A smirk appeared on Cloud's face as he reversed the car from the parking lot and steered it into an open lane.

"You just relax there, take a nap and let me do the driving. Or you can take the alternative which is to sit there and continue sulking as you are doing so now."

Leon crossed his arms and turned his face away from Cloud, who was humming a tuneless song to commemorate his success over the brooding brunette. Closing his eyes, Leon decided to take up the first option. At least that way, he would have enough strength to endure the mission they had embarked upon: to find Riku and Sora. Somehow, Leon could sense that working with Cloud would prove to be slow and torturous. These were the last thoughts on his mind before he drifted into a dreamless sleep.

He was not looking forward to waking up.

XXXXXX

Cloud knew he could have easily called him, and not travelled all the way across town, but he had the feeling it would be easier to deal with the person in question if done face to face. Cloud slowed down the car as he turned into the gates, which opened automatically, leading to a mansion at the end of a ridiculously long drive way. He stopped his car in front of the mansion and took off his seat belt. Cloud turned to his right to see Leon sleeping soundly.

"Wake up sleepy head." Cloud whispered as he prodded the resting figure beside him.

Leon growled in response and Cloud just could not help smile and relax a little. Up till now, he had felt tense at the thought of seeing his ex again. However, Leon's adorable snarl just made Cloud's day a little brighter. He never knew that a grown man like Leon would cling onto his safety belt protectively and act so childishly when being woken up. It was just another facet of this stranger he had not known until today. Then a thought hit Cloud, together with a strange feeling of warmth and confusion. Now I know what people mean when they say love strikes you under the most unusual circumstances...

Since it had become clear to Cloud that he wanted to get to know Leon much "better", he had to find a way to get into the brunette's good books (not pants... at least not yet). To do so, they had to find Riku and Leon's son. With a new resolution forming in Cloud's mind, he felt more confident in facing the silver-haired man who lived beyond the doors to the mansion.

Leaving Leon sleeping in the comforts of his Ferrari, Cloud walked up the steps to the front door of the manor. When Cloud was a few steps from the entrance of the mansion, the beautifully carved door opened. The blond man took a deep breath before walking in.

Sephiroth was expecting him.

XXXXXX

Cloud's jaw dropped when he walked into the atrociously huge living room filled with blood red roses. Amidst the sea of scented flowers was Sephiroth clad in a form-fitting tuxedo, holding a delicate bouquet of lilies.

"What the HELL do your think you are doing Sephiroth!" blasted Cloud the moment his senses returned to him.

Sephiroth took three strides and presented the beautifully arranged flowers to Cloud, "Lilies for the fairest of them all."

Rolling his eyes and taking five steps away from the silver haired man, Cloud asked, "What is this all about?"

"It's a fitting reception for the one I adore."

Even though Cloud did have a weakness for flowers, and especially lilies, Sephiroth's display was way overboard. Cloud was thankful that he had not had time to have any breakfast that morning. He was not feeling so well after Sephiroth's overtly sappy declaration. "How did you know I was coming to see you?"

"A lover would always know when his love seeks him."

Clear blue eyes narrowed as Cloud inched closer to the exit. Maybe leaving was a safer option...

"You are STILL stalking me?!"

The blond man shook his head in disbelief. Two minutes into this meeting and Cloud was already feeling emotionally drained and this was not a good sign for the things yet to come. Brushing the scattered roses off a velvet divan, Cloud sat down. As Sephiroth attempted to follow suit, Cloud halted him, "Sit further from me." He pointed to a royal purple settee across the room. "There."

Sephiroth wanted to protest but the look on Cloud's face told him that it would be a better idea sitting further away. Cloud was not in the mood for games and Sephiroth did not want to risk scaring him away. Both men in the living room were so engrossed in their own thoughts that they did not notice the sound of gunshots from outside the room.

With an exaggerated sigh, Cloud muttered, "Since you are still keeping tabs on me. You should know why I am here."

"You want to know where Riku is," replied Sephiroth knowingly.

Cloud nodded and was about to say more when Sephiroth interrupted, "I can tell you... but what will you give me in return?"

Now, this was a pretty complicated transaction. Knowing Sephiroth, Cloud did not have high hopes of getting away without paying a hefty 'price'. It would be to Cloud advantage if he let Sephiroth start the bidding and he bargain the 'price' down.

"What do you want?"

"I want you to return to me."

"Damn it Sephiroth! We have been through this before. It will not work out! Ask for something else!"

"It's the only offer I am going to make because... all I ever want is you."

Though Sephiroth's romantic declaration would make any weak hearted female swoon, the words just made Cloud feel slightly disgusted. Cloud stood up, "Well, I am not on offer so forget it. I don't need to put up with this."

"I can tell you where Riku is but I can just as easily take him away from you."

"What do you mean?"

Sephiroth smiled menacingly, "Your brother could be sent to one of my private islands on the south pacific where you won't be able to see him until say so."

"You're threatening me!"

"I will treat you kindly."

"This is ridiculous!"

The blond's frown deepened as he thought through his dilemma. He was not looking forward to 'sacrificing' himself for the sake of getting information. It was just horrible thinking of having to put up with Sephiroth extreme form of 'love'. Cloud did not want to drown in boxes of chocolates and candlelight dinners with background music playing the 'Come What May' over and over again for the rest of his life. Yet, he knew that it was important that he used this chance to help Leon find Sora.

Sephiroth just might really do something as crazy as whisking the two kids off to some faraway island where neither he nor Leon would be seeing Riku or Sora for the next twenty years. It looked like Cloud had no choice but to submit to Sephiroth's wishes.

Just as Cloud was about to admit defeat, he felt a warm arm slide around his waist. He turned and was surprise to find someone standing next to him.

Leon's sapphire gaze told him that everything would be all right.

XXXXXX

When Leon woke up, he found Cloud's red jacket covering him, left there as a gentle afterthought by Cloud before he left the car. Unconsciously, a smile teased the corners of his lips and it was the first time Leon felt truly relaxed and happy in quite a while. Ever since he had been having problems with Sora, Leon had not been able to smile. For so long, Sora had been Leon's only source of happiness. His life had revolved around work and Sora. Work gave Leon a sense of purpose, but Sora gave meaning to his life. It was as if the only reason that kept Leon from dying in mortal combat missions the military sent him on, was the fact that he was living for Sora. He was living just to be able to see Sora looking up to him as if he was the only thing in his liquid blue gaze.

However, Sora was no longer the six-year-old that needs to rely on Leon for his every need. Sora's world no longer revolved around Leon, and he was slowly losing his hold on the only reason he had for living.

Yet, when he woke up today with Cloud's jacket over him, Leon knew that something was different. It may have been sudden, but Cloud's presence made it possible for Leon to relax and fall into a deep sleep. Many years in the military forced Leon to be a light sleeper and it was seldom that Leon would let down his guard to the will of the sandman. Maybe it's because I didn't get enough sleep the night before... argh. Who am I trying to kid? Though he did not want to admit it, Leon knew that thoughts of Sora's disappearance had flickered in and out of his mind during his time by Cloud's side.

Instead of worrying about where his son might be, Leon's thoughts had centred on trying not to notice his growing uneasiness around Cloud. It was contradictory but the more Leon felt comfortable and relaxed around Cloud, the more awkward and scared he became.

Leon put aside his emotions for a while and decided to look for Cloud. He folded the red jacket neatly and placed it on the driver's seat before stepping out of the car. Using a gloved hand to close the door of the red Ferrari, Leon wondered how rich Cloud actually is... and whether I can match up to him...

The moment Leon stepped into the hall; he was ambushed by three of Sephiroth's henchmen. Though they caught him by surprise, Leon was fast to react and it took little effort to knock all three guards out. After all, Leon was one of the military's most decorated officers. He had completed many dangerous missions successfully and earned enough awards to cover his entire uniform. Even though he had moved up the ranks and no longer got involved in combat missions, Leon still regularly trained himself and was just as capable as anyone in the Special Forces under his command.

Another two guards appeared and they were armed. Leon dodged an ice attack and retaliated with a fire attack from his Gunblade. With two moves, Leon unarmed both men and rendered them unconscious. He picked up a gun that one of the guards was holding and scrutinized it. Leon then tucked it into the back pocket of his pants and walked towards what seemed to be the living room. He paused in his step when he heard the discussion between Cloud and Sephiroth.

Leon had did not want to interrupt their conversation but when Sephiroth started to threaten Cloud, he decided to take action.

XXXXXX

Sephiroth's eyes widened and questioned the dark-haired stranger who was touching his beloved Cloud, "Keep your filthy hands off my love! Who are you Intruder?"

Leon winked at the surprised Cloud and loftily lifted a dark brow, replying, "I am ..." Leon paused for dramatic effort, "his boyfriend."

"What?" Sephiroth and Cloud shouted simultaneously.

Cloud had no idea what happened to Leon. They could barely be considered friends and now Leon announces in front of his jealous ex that he was his boyfriend?! It was as if someone had possessed the brunette while Cloud left him sleeping in the car. The arm around Cloud's waist tightened, signalling the confused blond to keep quiet.

"But...but..." Sephiroth stammered as he scrutinised the stranger, looking for flaws to criticise. However, Leon had the looks, the body and the attitude. There was almost nothing Sephiroth could find to nitpick on and bring the unwelcome visitor down. Unless...

"But?" questioned Leon.

"You're shorter than Cloud!!"

"So?"

"Cloud, please tell me that you're not going out with someone shorter than you when you could have someone like me!!!" Sephiroth exclaimed, his precious composure in pieces.

Leon ignored Sephiroth who was crushing the bouquet of lilies within his hands as he whispered into Cloud's ear, "Missed me?"

Since Leon wanted to play things this way, Cloud was not so dense as to screw up Leon's 'performance'. Using both arms, Cloud mimicked Leon's embrace and wrapped himself around the brunette. Projecting his voice so Sephiroth was sure to hear him, Cloud laced his words with honey as he said, "Of course I did! I was wondering when you would come and save me from this silver-haired freak."

"Sorry for being late, I had to deal with goons that this guy left to guard the entrance." Leon explained whilst pointed towards a fuming Sephiroth.

Sephiroth had left his strongest henchmen at to protect his privacy with Cloud and this stranger managed to get past all of them? The owner of the mansion knew he could not take his love rival lightly.

"You can't be Cloud's boyfriend. I would know."

"Cloud and I have been going out for months now. Pity, your men don't seem to be doing their job. If you need some new bodyguards, I could introduce some good men to you."

"If you are so good, why do you need me to tell you where Riku is?"

"Ah, the difference is that Riku is still a minor and we don't want him to have any records."

Records? Damn, this man must be involved with the military. Sephiroth knew better than to mess with someone from the military, especially when he was involved in less than legal activities.

"I have stated my conditions. It's up to Cloud to decide whether or not he wants to find his brother."

"Ah... interesting... If you are so adamant about taking my boyfriend away from me," Leon shot Sephiroth his prized 'stare of death', "Then, I have to do something to stop you, don't I?"

Cloud frowned. He was worried that Leon might do something to offend Sephiroth. After all, the green-eyed man was quite a powerful and complex character to deal with. Leon felt Cloud's concern and in a voice so soft that only Cloud was able to hear him say, "Trust me." He nodded his blond head in response.

Twisting the remains of the bouquet of lilies he held, Sephiroth could not stand to see Leon and Cloud exchanging 'sweet nothings'. His eyes blazed with jealousy as he challenged Leon, "What can you do? I have the upper hand."

"Are you so sure?"

"What do you mean?"

"I think some of the people I work with will be interested in this." Leon pulled out his trump card.

Sephiroth felt the tips of his silver hair curl in disbelief at the sight of Leon holding out a modified revolver he had taken from one of the fallen henchmen. Apparently, Sephiroth had been dealing in the sale of illegal firearms (illegal because of incorporating magic abilities into civilian weapons) on the black market. It would mean the death penalty if caught by the military. As much as he wanted Cloud, he was not about to risk his entire career, and possibly even his life, for the stubborn blond.

"I can kill you right here you know." Sephiroth threatened, a last ditch attempt at regaining the upper hand.

Leon revealed his Gunblade. "Where is Riku?"

The Masamune blade appeared in Sephiroth's palm. "I don't need to tell you."

"Talk Sephiroth. Or it will be two against one." Cloud could no longer keep silent and he took out his Buster Sword.

With a sigh, Sephiroth surrendered. He did not want to go against Cloud.

Looking at Leon in the eye, Sephiroth bargained, "Keep what you know a secret and I will tell you where Riku is."

"Deal." Leon sheathed his sword as Sephiroth put his own blade away, with Cloud following suit.

"So where is my brother?" Cloud asked impatiently.

Sephiroth tossed his silver hair and answered succinctly, "I don't know." Before Cloud could start railing at him, Sephiroth continued to explain himself, "Riku called me yesterday night, asking if he could borrow some money. I asked him why but he didn't answer. I got suspicious and sent some men to tail Riku and his friend after they had gotten the money through speed post. All I know is that they bought bus tickets to Traverse Town and Kingdom Court. I think he must have sensed that I was onto him that is why he bought tickets to two different destinations. Both buses left at the same time and my men couldn't keep track which bus the two boys took as to do so would be too obvious."

Cloud nodded, it figures that Riku would try his best to kept him and Leon off his trail.

Tossing Sephiroth's gun back at the silver-haired man, Leon took Cloud's hand as he turned to leave. That was as much information they could get out of Sephiroth. Cloud murmured a soft 'good-bye' before following Leon's lead back to the car outside.

XXXXXX

When the two made their exit, Sephiroth called for his housekeeper to take care of all the flowers littered around the room. He then walked up a spiral stairway to his lavishly furnished room. Making his way to the glass windows that were half hidden behind heavy embroidered curtains, Sephiroth watched Cloud from behind the glass. His blond hair was rendered gold under the last light of the day's sun. His blue eyes sparkled with some indescribable emotion. The corners of his lips were uplifted into a dazzling smile. Cloud looked happy. Cloud looked the way he did when Sephiroth first met him.

They met a year ago at an evening ball that was held by Sephiroth's company. Originally, it was Cloud's mother who was invited to attend this event, but the lady had to make a sudden trip overseas so she sent her second son in her stead.

Despite Cloud's punk sense of style (which explains the hair) and casual attitude towards matters, he was essential brought up in a wealthy family and expected to live up to the high demands of being the second son. Cloud's older brother, Laguna, had the duty of handling the family business and thus, matters to do with socialising and appearing at public functions fell to Cloud.

When Sephiroth first saw Cloud, he was mesmerised by the young man's zest for life. The evening ball was usually a boring affair but Cloud managed to convince the crowd that it would be more fun if they put aside the dry talk about weather and business to enjoy the evening. Cloud managed to get the musicians to play some country music and he started doing some line dancing which was an instant hit with the crowd. Sephiroth could have easily put a stop to the havoc Cloud was creating. Yet, seeing the blond man flirt outrageously with dowagers of society and joke casually with the hired waiters, Sephiroth was amazed by the energy that Cloud possessed. He wanted Cloud. He wanted to possess the spark of life that Cloud radiated and make it his own.

He courted Cloud. At first, Cloud was not very receptive of Sephiroth advances. But Sephiroth was well skilled in the arts of seduction and managed to convince Cloud to at least give him a chance to prove himself. However, as time passed, it became clear that they were not meant to be. Cloud became unhappy because of the strain the relationship was having on him. The spark that Sephiroth longed to see in Cloud's eyes started to flicker and dim. Desperation caused Sephiroth to take one final step to make sure Cloud would not leave him. Sephiroth approached Cloud's mother and made an offer that she could not refuse in exchange for her approval for letting him be with her son. This turned out to be Sephiroth's biggest mistake, as he did not realise the grudge Cloud bore against his mother.

Cloud left him. Usually, it was he who was in the position of discarding his unwanted lovers. Yet, this time he was the one being ditched and he could do nothing because he did not want to risk hurting Cloud further. In the public's eye, Sephiroth has always been perceived as the shrewd businessman with no emotions and always got what he wanted. But, Sephiroth was never capable of capturing Cloud's heart. When Cloud smiled, it was never for him.

Up till now, Sephiroth had been trying to deny the fact that he was not the one for Cloud. He had this notion that he could get Cloud because he thought he loved him. What Sephiroth did not understand was that if he really were truly in love with Cloud, he would have been able to let Cloud go.

XXXXXX

"What was that all about?" Cloud asked Leon excitedly.

The car was back on the road and Cloud was dying to find out why Leon put up that act about being his boyfriend.

"Concentrate on the road," Leon was not interested in explaining himself.

"But Leon..."whined the curious blond before he was interrupted.

"I didn't want you to do anything you didn't want to just for the sake of Sora. It would have made me feel more indebted to you than I already am."

"Oh."

Leon could sense the disappointment in Cloud's voice. Hitting his head against an imaginary brick wall, Leon immediately regretted his insensitive words and set out to correct them, "But thank you for what you did."

"I... didn't do much. You were the one who got Sephiroth to talk."

"Let's just put everything aside for now and concentrate on finding Riku and Sora. Okay?" asked Leon.

Cloud thought for a moment and he unconsciously tightened his grip on the steering wheel before he said, "Okay. So where are we going?"

"I think we should split up."

"What? Why?" Cloud asked frantically. I... I haven't got the chance to tell you... tell you that I want to know you better!

"Let's be practical. The boys could have gone either to Traverse Town or Kingdom Court. Since we don't know where they could have gone too, we should go to both places and find them before they travel further."

Cloud knew that what Leon was telling him made sense. Sora was after all Leon's top priority and Cloud was just a mere acquaintance.

His voice was deceptively calm and collected as he answered Leon, "I'll drive you back to my apartment. Then you can pick up your jeep."

Leon nodded.

The rest of the journey continued in uncomfortable silence.

To Be Continued...


Dcal's note: Hmm... Sephiroth as Cloud's ex??? You probably saw that coming a mile away. How could I not include a psycho stalker Sephiroth into the fic? Wakka's cameo was a little bit included especially to make my beta-reader happy. I really want to thank Andrew (my beta) for putting up with stupid mistakes made while writing the fic half asleep. The "Leon pretending to be Cloud's boyfriend" bit? It was tribute to Uzumaki-sama's A Complete 180. I had Laguna be Cloud and Riku's elder brother because he was the only person that seemed to fic the role (Some other candidates for the role were Irvine and Cid... somehow... I don't think they would have fit.) You are probably wondering where Riku and Sora are... Now, now, save the fangirl thoughts for later. The boys will appear in the next chapter that is also the third and last instalment to the fic. It will be updated very, very soon so watch out for the final chapter! Okay, you have read my fic and I want to know what you think! So drop a review? It's just a click away! What are you waiting for? Review away!