AN: Hi peps! I'm still alive. Only been a week though. A rather short and quick chapter. Song is from Dido, titled "Take My Hand". It's in bold italics.

Disclaimers: SquareEnix has Kingdom Hearts. Not me.

8: Their Truths

Heavy droplets pelted down onto Sora as he was running, like small pebbles falling onto earth. However, nothing could be felt. Everything was cold and numb.

Why...

Unable to withstand anymore, Sora stopped in his tracks, his fist flying towards one of the tree, venting his frustration. Blood began dripping down, yet he could not feel. Pain was the output of his pent up emotions.

"Sora..."

So sit on top of the world and tell me how you're feeling

It was Riku, standing behind him, drenched under the rain.

what you feel now is what I feel for you

"What!? Not going to accompany Kairi?" With a sorrowful look, Sora snapped hoarsely at Riku.

Trying his best to avoid harsh exchange of words, Riku sighed, gesturing for Sora to go into a nearby pavilion.

"You jerk! I like to be under the rain! Can't I have my freedom?"

It was completely untrue. He just did not want to show his soft and cold side to Riku. The rain served to cover up his tears.

Take my hand and if I'm lying to you

Without more thoughts, Riku threw his arms around Sora, attempting to warm the cold and shattered soul.

"I'm just as lonely as you, Sora..."

I'll always be alone

if I'm lying to you

"Wee!" Yuffie cheered, having great joy dancing.

See my eyes, they carry your reflection

"Cool it! Not so vigourous!" Apparently, Yuffie was quite carried away so for his own safety, Tidus joked light-heartedly.

Upon seeing how active both Yuffie and Tidus were on the dance floor, Vincent sneered quietly. Yuffie was actually leading the dance. She was the "he" in the dance.

What irony...

Probably Yuffie would be the same when it comes to relationships, so Tidus would be having a hell of his time trying to accommodate.

However, the enjoyment both were experiencing is genuine. Yuffie was trying out some dance stunts and the sheer fun was shown on her gleeful face.

"Yuffie! I'm supposed to lead!"

"But I wanna lead! Hahahah... And it is not compulsory you must be the one leading! Here comes the special!"

Watch my lips and hear the words I'm telling you

Sensing he would never outtalk Yuffie, more so if it was a Yuffie in her high, Tidus gave in to the bubbly girl and be contented with his position. It was his pleasure after all to be able to dance with Yuffie.

Out of a sudden, Yuffie released her hold on Tidus. With full faith and trust of Yuffie, Tidus let Yuffie continue. She gave a perfect spin and caught Tidus on the waist meticulously.

Give your trust to me and look into my heart and show me, show me what you're doing

"Gee... Yuffie, you got some neat moves..."

"Well... I got a great lab mouse to test my skills! Teehehe..."

The students had gathered around to watch the amazing feat, a Yuffie in gown leading a dance with Tidus. Obviously Tidus would be teased but nothing matters. The time he was enjoying himself meant the most. Especially when Yuffie herself was enjoying too.

So sit on top of the world and tell me how you're feeling

What you feel now is what I feel for you

As much as hilarity went, the couple was really good with their dance.

For the past few moments, the two boys observed the rain outside of the shelter while thinking. Although no words were exchanged, the peace was soothing, allowing them time to think through.

"Sora?" Finally, Riku addressed Sora, breaking the silence. He needed to share his feelings.

Take my hand and if I'm lying to you

Afraid that his words would not sound too good after so much crying, a nod of his head signified he was listening.

With deep breath, Riku began.

"I never wanted things to ended up this way. I'm just lonely, and decided to do something to get some attention. I never wanted to hurt you..."

I'll always be alone

If I'm lying to you

It did not make sense to Sora at all! It was so damn obvious he was upset over Riku's conquests, how could he not realise that he had hurt him only until now? And why Kairi?

"Maybe I was a bit carried away by all the attention... But trust me... I did not mean to hurt your feelings..."

Take your time, if I'm lying to you

Sora remained indignant. Maybe he could accept that explanation.

But why Kairi?

Kairi was his best friend and Riku had ruined it! Why did he make him suffer with him?

I know you'll find that you believe me

The question did pop up to Riku frequently. He needed to befriend Kairi since it was the best way to get to Sora... Sora who was so full of Kairi...

Even though he had the answer, Riku decided it was too awkward to say it out loud.

You believe me

"God dammit..."

Cloud was surrounded by a group of people, drinking beer smuggled by whoever student. Being introvert, Leon only knew two out of the gang, Aerith and Kairi.

How could he approach Cloud amidst all of those pranksters? It was the worst social situation he was with. Frowning, Leon strolled briskly, then stopped, hesitating.

Feel the sun on your face and tell me what you're thinking

What should I say to him? What should I do? Argh...

Cloud looked as great as ever, joking around with his friends. His cheeks were red, probably from the alcohol. It did not appear he was utterly depressed just moments ago. Only Kairi was sort of disgruntled. His pals were all entertained by him and Aerith was dreamily gazing at her secret love. So what reason did he have to butt in and burst the balloons? He would never belong to their world. Shunned away from the rest, Leon turned to some dark corner he belonged.

"Hey! Leon! Come and join us!"

Glancing through the corner of his eyes, he saw Aerith waving frantically at him.

Great. Just great.

But it was a once in the lifetime opportunity for him, and he would never let anything he want escape from his clutches again. With a deep breath, Leon turned and joined the crowd.

Catch the snow on your tongue and show me how it tastes

Leon? What's he doing here?

Realising Leon was returning his gaze for the first time, Cloud looked away meekly. Hopefully, Leon was thick enough to not comprehend what had happened just now. The incident just a while ago had faded to the back of his head, but the sight of Leon had awakened it. Vague memories had transformed into the vivid and clear words.

Stop. Following Me.

The emotional strength of these simple three words had totally tore Cloud up. And yet again...

Stop disturbing me, okay!? I had enough of you!

Yeah.... Enough of him. Cloud had predicted over-passionate would eventually lead to such outcome. He thought before that happen, Leon would be thawed. Maybe he should have kept a distance from Leon. Even thinking of his over-enthusiasm irked him now.

Take your time

Life had to go on however. He could easily disregard Leon. Maybe if he tried hard enough. Yet he had failed terribly. Instead of trying to make Leon smile and get in touch with the warmth of the world, adverse effects happened. The frown that was perpetually on his face further proved it.

Leon was sitting directly opposite to Cloud. As much as he wanted to disregard the introvert teenager, Cloud could feel his eyes on him. In the past, he never set his eyes on him. Why now? When everything was over... The glass was filled to the brim and Cloud snatched it, gulping everything down in one single go.

I'll always be alone

"We need to talk..."

Somehow, Leon managed to get right next to him.

"Sure! Aye!"

As much as he was about to dissolve into tears, the droplets were held back. He could not show his pain and anguish. Not in front of so many people.

"Hey. What do you wanna talk about?"

Leon's face was solemn as ever, with no slightest hint of brightness. The atmosphere was tense and Cloud was dreading to what comes next.

"Thanks."

If I'm lying to you

Deciphering the short sentence, Cloud thought it was probably about the gift.

"No prob... It was my fault anyway."

Then Leon flashed a tiny smile, something that he never gave to anyone. However, the smile was of a depressing and comforting nature.

Emotions walled up in Cloud's body. How should he react? He wanted to smile along, yet he wanted to cry.

Isn't it a bit late? You must have something to happen before you can react?

Actions spoke more than words. Flashing a hardly visible grin, Cloud walked back to the crowd, leaving Leon in the dark corner.

The grin did not really affect Leon though.

Take your time, if I'm lying to you

It was the frustration reflected in his eyes.

"Leon! Stop drinking!"

To the annoyance of Kairi, Leon was drinking all the alcohol she had taken from the group. They were supposed to share them.

Keeping silent, he continued drinking. Cloud was dancing with Aerith. And he looked delightful.

That all mattered to Leon now. Although it was another person making Cloud happy, he was satisfied. Since he could not do it, why let Cloud suffer? Might as well let others do the work.

I know you'll find that you believe me

It was another person though. Not him.

The two couples, Tidus and Yuffie, Cloud and Aerith, were totally rocking the dance floor with their hyped up moves.

Join in was impossible. As much as Leon wanted to do it, there was an invisible barrier.

You believe me

Cloud...

AN: I'm not so hopeful of these few chapters. Emotional parts I hardly write. But well... Encourage me if you think otherwise! Review!

Another chapter to the end of this arc. Probably end of the story too, since it will be a good place to end heheh... It all depends though, since continuing is also favourable. Review all my chapters too if possible. I'm greedy. :P

Thanks to:

Skilancer: Thanks a lot for complimenting though it is a bit rushed haha…

babymar-mar: Hey again! Leon did want to make up but Cloud refused… Sad… But do not worry! I'll tie the strings up in the next chapter.

XVertigox: Yoz! Wonderful work? (Snigger happily) Did not realise it until now! That means a lot so thanks a lot!

Ninjarjm1: Heh…. I myself think M and M not that good… I like chapter 5 the most cos I'm more light-hearted. Writing these emotional things is a heavy load to my heart. Haha… Though it is nice to know there are people appreciating these emotional parts. And yeah! I'll try to write and update ASAP. But maybe not so soon…

Zoe: I'm flattered! Definitely one of your favourites! Whao… that makes me so happy. Thanks a lot hope this chapter live up to your expectations. :)