AN: I'm back! Don't throw me out! Yeah, finished my examinations and the first thing I did is to write! See how good I am? (Trapped in virtual reality)
Song is Friend's theme song, I'll Be There For You, by The Rembrandts.
Okay, enough babbling... Last chapter...
Disclaimers: Not mine... Square's...
9. The Simple Way
Both the boys had been sitting under the pavilion, amidst the pattering noises from the droplets of rain descending from the skies. The silence they shared together was sacred, and soothing. Having solved most of their misunderstandings, the couple just casually remained in their respective places, opposite to each other and savour the comfort.
They had stayed in this way for about a past hour, just doing some thinking and how they should continue from here. Riku's usual taunt facial expression was relaxed, jaws slacked and gaze unfocused, staring out at the darkness of the night and occasionally shift his glance to Sora.
Just a few moments ago both were heated up, especially Sora, who now had his eyes shut in deep thought. His lips stuck out slightly, and a light frown appeared on his forehead.
He must be thinking real hard...
Never had Riku witnessed Sora being so concentrated and focused on his task. Never did he see Sora with the kind of deep contemplating expression.
"You know, Sora... I thought you will never use your brain in your whole life. Guess I was wrong... Heh... You started using it."
The frown deepened and the slight pout grew into a full blown one. Within the next moment, Sora's eyes were wide open and glaring daggers at Riku. Riku's egoistic self would never change. Now that he had broken the silence, he would not get any peace!
"I was trying to be more like you, moron... Thinking did not get you far though, did it?" Sora retorted in defense, leapt to Riku and mocked a punch on his shoulder.
"Fine." It was a one-word statement, implying he did not wish to continue the conversation. They had resolved a just moment ago and going back to the norm was just too abrupt for him to accept.
Maybe it was because Sora was naïve, or just that he decided brain power was not to be wasted on such minor things, he tossed Riku's comment to the back of his head and continued. They had to clear everything up anyway in order to foster a better friendship. Sora was comprehendible with some issues after all.
"You know, thinking has never been my forte..."
"I knew that..." Riku hissed.
Giving Riku an incredulous look, he decided to continue anyway.
"So... Let's not think that much... Don't think at all instead... So... Friends?"
Riku gave a rude snort. Just what could he expect from Sora? His resolution was too simplistic. Not that Riku really mind though. Simplicity could always work out just fine.
"Simple solution by a simple-brained guy... But I can lessen my brain-power to squeeze into your standard. It won't hurt much, I guess."
I'll be there for you
So what did he mean? Sora was having difficulties comprehending. Why could not he just give a straight forward answer instead of beating around the bush?!
The sight of Sora whining in desperation and racking his brains just to solve the obvious meaning of his words, which apparently appeared to be oblivious under Sora's scrutinizing, was entertaining. He could not wait whole day however. It was time they should be going back.
"Just for you, I'll paced my words slowly. What I meant was simply... F. R. I. E. N. D. S." Riku spelt the word with heavy emphasis on each and every word.
Sora mentally wrote the word in the air. Riku was already wondering if Sora was trying to be ignorant or was simply plain thick. After successfully deciphering the word, a grin spread across Sora's face.
"Okay. I shall... erm...Squeeze my brains to your lessening power too!"
When the rain starts to pour
Giving a defeated sigh, Riku smacked his forehead in exaggeration and chided Sora not to imitating his words without understanding the statement.
"Let's go back to the hostel. The function should be ending anyway. And I'm still soaked..."
Riku pulled Sora close to him and by using his coat as a protection over their heads, they hastened their footsteps back to the hostel in unison.
"Why are you so good to me, Riku?"
Someone I'll always laugh with smile
Not knowing what to say, Riku used his fingers and wrote a word in Sora's palm. Sora lips tugged upwards slightly.
Even in my worst I'm best with you
No thoughts and no reasons. Being friends was all they needed.
"Wah! Did Leon literally dropped into a pool of alcohol and drowned?"
Yuffie asked in concern, eying the pathetic state Leon was in. He was completely drunk, totally wrecked and throwing his tantrums around in his drunken state.
"Leave me alone!" Leon bellowed, words as sharp as usual, but with a tinge of depression.
Cloud had tried to numb his pain through dancing. However, it seemed Leon's state ached his heart even further. He could even feel Leon's anguish, and it was his fault, wasn't it?
"Don't look at me! I tried to stop him... Not that he was the only one troubled..." All eyes looked accusingly at Kairi, since she was the only one with Leon. She was not in her tip top condition either, being abandoned half-way through a date...
"Let me handle this..." Cloud offered, and brushed the rest away, "Go check on the rain or something?"
"I myself had an umbrella, but probably it won't fit all of us. It's quite a small one." Aerith said, shoving the umbrella out of her handbag. Indeed, it was pathetically small. To others, it was more like an ornamental kind of pinky stuff to look nice in the rain.
"Erps... Okie! Not bad! I have another one in my locker! Yay! That's one plus one and equals two! We got two umbrella!" Yuffie exclaimed, overly excited regarding a matter of umbrellas. Tidus really wondered how she could get so much energy.
With that, she instructed Kairi and Aerith to use the umbrella back to the hostel while Yuffie bounced happily to her locker in the wee hours of the night and Tidus drifted sleepily behind.
Opposed to Aerith's, Yuffie's umbrella was big and plain, and not pinkish at all...
"Don't tell Aerith but personally I don't like her style. Teehee... "
Of course. Aerith was more on the womanly side while you are more on the rowdy side.
"I think we should pass this umbrella to Cloud. He need to take Leon back." Suggested Tidus, with the full agreement of Yuffie.
The noisy crowd had dispersed away, leaving an empty hall, with a sense of calm shrouded them. Lively decorations hung withered and bare without the energy of people. Cloud irked the deafening silence. Life should be bright and positive. Not quiet, liveless and... Just an empty shell...
No-one could ever know me
Leon was now sleeping soundly, with soft breaths that Cloud could hear due to the stillness of the night.
What do I feel towards him?
With his arms folded on the table, he peeked sideways and gazed deeply at Leon. It was a baffling feeling. A bit of hurt and despair, probably resulted from past experience. A sense of fear, fearing of rejection. And a feeling of... Indescribable feeling.
No-one could ever see me
He could just sit there to watch over Leon and stay contented.
" Whoops... I caught Cloudy eyeing Leony! " Mocked Yuffie, in her ever so cheery tone.
Cloud immediately diverted his gaze away from Leon.
" I'm... I'm NOT eyeing! Wah... I'm just trying to see if he's alright." Cloud stuttered nervously. In fact, he really had no idea what he was doing.
" Fine! Fine! If you call looking Leon with a dazed and lovesick expression is not... Teehee... Tidus! You're finally back!"
Tidus dragged the umbrella along, cursing under his breath. He was really dead beat and yet was still stuck in the school, following Yuffie around like a slave.
" Freaking... Take this umbrella and get the hell out with Leon!" Tidus fumed, frustrations building up.
" Touchie... So how about you both? You have any other umbrella?"
" Nah... We will survive."
With Leon slung over his shoulders and a hand handling the umbrella, Cloud began making his way back.
Back at the school compound, Yuffie and Cloud decided not to brave the rain. Although it had toned down considerably, they were too tired to travel back, especially under the rain. Yes, Yuffie was starting to get a bit sleepy too.
As they saw Cloud disappearing into the distance, Yuffie laid her head onto Tidus. They were sitting at the entrance of the Hall, against the glass door.
"I'm cold!!! And sleepy..."
" Don't worry... I'll be here to keep you as warm as possible..."
I'll be there for you
With that, Tidus awkwardly wrapped his arms over Yuffie. Yuffie leant into his embrace and soon felt asleep.
Cause you're there for me too
You are a heck of a weight...
After the arduous journey, both the teens had arrived at the hostel. Placing Leon carefully on the floor, Cloud swung his arms to relieve some of his strained muscles. After finding the card key in Leon's bag, Cloud opened the door and shifted Leon onto the bed. After removing his slightly wet coat and muddy shoes, he attempted to do the same to Leon.
It's like you're always stuck in 2nd gear
Tossing all the dirty clothing into the corner, he fetched a warm and damp to aid Leon. Actually, he had completely no idea if the towel stuff worked but learn it from the television. He guessed it should have some basis so would help. While fumbling with the towel to figure out the place the towel should be placed, Leon's eyes opened with a death glare. He was feeling annoyed but after noticing it was Cloud, the glare softened into a glance.
Cloud is always too good to others for his own good...
"Hey... Thanks. I think I'm feeling much better already." Croaked Leon, startling the teen nursing him.
When it hasn't been your day, your week, your month or even your year
"Hmm... I better get going then." Cloud voiced timidly, and raised from his chair.
""Hey. Thanks again."
This time round, both gazes met. Cloud, confused, implored, "Heh... Yeah. But you said it already."
"I mean. For everything. And I will try to smile more often. It's not that I do not enjoy your company but that... I'm not very expressive about it in the past. It will change, I hope."
I'll be there for you
Then, Leon flashed a meek smile, and Cloud's stony expression melted into a grin.
I shall smile for you... And I want you to smile... Because of me...
Cause you're there for me too
As much as Leon wanted to say it out loud, he felt it was quite an achievement already. He would take his time. For now, it was enough.
fin
AN: How was it? I squeeze my brains to suit this last chapter! Anyway I will be doing a different story soon, and some one-shorts. Did one and got a review. A single review... Haha... But the story is really too cruel on the characters( all died) so I can understand. But thanks for that single review! Love it!!!
Probably the new fic can make sense as a sequel but also can stand on its own. Just to break away a bit... It will be having COMPLETELY fluff, sap and humour. I hope... The starting already has some "stuff" anyway so it will be R. And yeah, for now, they are only at a kind of very good friends state, not lovers yet. Maybe a bit for Leon and Cloud.
I am also thinking about another fic, more to the adventure side. Wanna try myself in a new genre.
Thanks:
Sai-ryo Aura Feana: haha... Cannot thank you in the other one coz it's a one shot. Glad that you like it! Personally I also like it but its way too dark and ominous. This story is more light hearted, wonder if you are keen... Well, thanks anyway :)
Crescent wish: Yeah, I emphasized the Cloudy and Leony part. Nice to know that you loved this! And thanks for reviewing. Stay tuned!
Zoe: Hi to you again! It seems the Cloud and Leon one is quite popular. Heh... Your reading satisfaction is my writing happiness! This chapter I think I balance slightly more with Sora and Riku. Not really sure myself... :X
babymar-mar: Yo there! Heh... You found the moral of the story! Yeah, you are correct. Anti-social is a bad thing! This one will be more of a happy ending stuff.
Kaoru009: Hihi. New reviewer??? I guess so. Thanks for your support! And yeah, there's some feelings between them. It will develop more next time.
And those that read! Thanks!