None of the Characters belong to me. © Square Soft

Chapter 4

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Riku

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I felt my head pop up suddenly. I had been jolted awake by some unknown force.

"What time is it?"

I glanced over at the clock on my side of the bed and sighed. Half the day was gone already. It was about to be one o'clock in about 2 minutes. I yawned really loudly and sat up on my elbows. The room was still pretty gloomy, I concluded it was still raining outside. Good, that meant I didn't have to go out today.

"Sora."

He was gone again. I raised an eyebrow and rolled onto my back. I had this weird desire to go back to sleep even though I wasn't really tired anymore. You ever feel like that?

I'd better get up.

Damn... did I have to work today? I glanced at the calendar on the far wall and sighed in relief. Good, I didn't feel like going into the restaurant today anyway. Huh? Oh, my job? Yeah, I'm a part time waiter at this little cafe/bar/restaurant called 7th Heaven. It's Cloud's place actually. He and Aeris run it together. It's nice... but gets old fast when you work there everyday you know.

Cloud... interesting guy.

I'd dragged myself out of the bed and walked up to the mirror on the wall. My reflection blinked sleepily back at me while I brushed my hair. I need to cut it a bit.

Going to the kitchen now. I'm hungry.

Oh yeah, about Cloud. Sora introduced me to him. He's 24, average height, big really bright blue eyes, and.. uncontrollable spiked blonde hair. I think he uses the same gel as Sora... Heh. He's a nice guy actually. Quiet, to himself most of the time though. He hangs around here a lot. Here, as in, our house. We live in the old abandoned house in the 3rd district. Well, it's been fixed up since then. It's really nice now.

Yeah, Sora and I have a place together. Were not even 18 yet either. Pretty cool huh?

It would be cool anway.... if not for Him.

Maybe he's not up yet...

I walked quietly into the kitchen and noted in slight disappointment that Sora wasn't there cooking something. He usually was making lunch about his time. I wonder where he is. It's not like I can't cook for myself. Food just tastes better when Sora makes it. I can cook.... As long as there are instructions on the back of the box.

Looks like I'm on my own. Maybe there's some sandwich making stuff in the fridge. Hmmm.

Our house has one of those little square kitchens with a checker board pattern on the floor. It was Sora's idea to do the floor like that. We put a lot of work into this house... we pretty much rebuilt the thing. Anyway, fixing my sandwich...bread, lettuce, onions, tomatoes...ick... cheese... meat.... Meat.... Aw, damn. So much for my sandwich. I sighed again and started debating on what else I could fix myself to eat.

"Shopping."

I turned quickly, startled, and stared in the direction of the dining table. One window was behind the table, no lights where on. Dreary gray light streamed through the crooked blinds across the fake wood finish of the table. I didn't see anyone at first. One of the chairs was pulled back a bit further from the table then the others into the sliver of darkness just out side of the windows light. I saw a lighter flicker on for a brief second and then a stream of smoke float lazily into the air. My mood freefell about a thousand feet.

"Oh... it's you." I said flatly. 'He' laughed shortly and coldly before becoming silent again. I shut the refrigerator door harder then I'd meant to and watched a box of cereal fall from on the top of it and the floor. The coco puffs exploded all over. I cursed silently and fell to me knees to clean up the mess. I could've eaten that cereal. What a waste.

Do you remember that 'person' I hoped hadn't been up when Sora and I had our little soap opera episode earlier? Well, that's him hiding in the corner. He's... the real owner of this house. What to say about him. Tall, dark. He is handsome, but can you say cold-hearted bastard? I know I can be a little big headed sometimes... but for fuck's sake.

"Lost your little boyfriend." He whispered again and took a drag of his cigarette. I had stuffed the spilled cereal into the trashcan and proceeded to eat what hadn't come out of the box. I decided not to comment on that little remark he made.

"He went shopping." He blew the smoke out of his mouth. "With Cloud."

With Cloud.

I felt my jaw tighten.

I turned around and glared into the dark corner. "So what. Are you trying to give me a hint at something?" I hissed. Another breathy laugh escaped his lips and he lowered his feet from the kitchen table then he stood up.

"Why didn't you go with him?" He asked me and stepped out of the darkness.

I have to admit something here now. Bastard or not, he's a dream to stare at. He's just so.... Uh, gorgeous. I mean like... oh my god I wanna fuck him gorgeous. Squall... err Leon... is what he calls himself. I'm not sure if that's his real name. Either one of them. He's got shoulder length auburn hair and piercing gray/blue eyes. I've never seen him wear anything but leather and white t-shirts. That's his style I guess. He looks good in it. Damn good. But looking delicious doesn't make up for that 'fuck you I'm God' attitude he has.

I like his physical features, not his personality.

"I was asleep." I said after I somehow managed to pry my eyes away from him. I think I hesitated to long with my response because he laughed... again.

"Aren't you always?" Leon leaned against the far counter and started watching me. I had my back to him but I knew he was staring. I could feel his eyes boring into my back. I shivered slightly. Hope he didn't notice that.

"He tried to wake you. You'd think you'd drag your lazy ass out of bed for the one you oh so love." He paused. "No matter what the reason. He seemed heart broken you weren't going with him. Poor baby."

I clenched my jaw harder.

"He's not a baby." I hissed. I utterly hated it when Leon called Sora 'baby'. It was degrading and disrespectful. I noticed Leon had a lot of stupid pet names for Sora. They always made him sound like a helpless little boy. 'Little Keyblade master', 'Little island boy', 'Baby Sora'. He has a name for heaven sake. It's just Sora.

"Yes he is. You both are." I turned on him quickly. He tilted his head backwards slightly and looked down his nose at me. "Both of you need an adult to care for you. Me. You are both babies."

I started to yell, "No we're not!" But stopped myself. I really would have sounded like a baby then. Besides I knew Leon was just fucking with me on purpose. He loved to do it, like a favorite pastime. That's why I disliked him... No... I think I hate him now.

I could tell he didn't fancy me too much either.

"The only reason I let you stay here is because of Sora." Leon started and stood up from his leaning position. I felt my blood start to boil. He didn't have to keep telling me that. I knew that very fuck'en well already. He only said it a dozen times a day. I saw him walk a little closer to me. I instantly tensed.

"I suggest you stop wasting my water."

He was talking about earlier today.

"You don't pay enough of the rent to use half the shit in this house."

He brushed past me and left the kitchen. I balled up my fists and snarled. God, he pissed me off. Oh yeah. I hate him.

He's one of those people I put up with for Sora's sake.

What does Sora see in him anyway?

I wasn't hungry anymore.

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It was about another 2 hours before I heard Sora's voice echo down the hallway. He was laughing in that sweet little tone of his. I jumped up and almost ran from our room. I'd locked myself in there to avoid Leon. He hadn't bothered me since the little meeting in the kitchen.

I ran into him in the hallway.

"Running to your baby." He cooed.

I growled and sidestepped by him. He smirked and started walking towards the kitchen. too.

"Oh, hey!" Sora chirped happily when I entered the room. I felt my heart beat pick up. It always did that. Sora was almost soaked head to and stood mopping himself up with a bunch of paper towels. Cloud was busy dragging bags and bags of groceries through the back door. I didn't say hi, instead I walked up to Sora and kissed him on the cheek. He blushed.

"Riku..." He breathed and turned away from me to busy himself with more drying. He just couldn't seem to get used to me being affectionate in front of people. Well, Cloud and Leon knew we were together. I couldn't see the problem... Well, I guess that's just how Sora is. Shy.

After we got all of the soaked paper and plastic bags full of random grocery things into the kitchen I closed and bolted the back door. There was a large puddle of water leaking just past the refrigerator from the door. I'd be the one cleaning that up. I rolled my eyes and went to see where Sora had disappeared too. Hmmm, Leon and Cloud where gone too.

I found Sora in our room stripping out of his wet clothes and tossing them to a corner. I stopped and leaned against the doorframe to watch him. His back was to me so he didn't notice my lustful gaze. I know it was lustful. Sora just had no idea how sexy he could be. Even when he wasn't trying.

Sexy.

Sex.

Fuck.... err... wrong word.

It's barely been 10 hours and I'm thinking about sex.

Told you this would be hard.

"Can you grab a drying towel for me?"

I felt my eyes widen at the sound of Sora's voice. I'd spaced out. He as standing there in the middle of our room in just his red boxer. His hair was slicked back out of his face and he looked really exhausted. He smiled though.

"What?" I asked quickly.

He grinned. "A towel please... So I can dry off you know."

It took my brain a moment to process his words. Towel. Dry. Wet Sora.

DAMNIT! DAMNIT!

"Okay." I said dazed and turned to walk to the linen closet down the hall.

I found myself imagining lots of indecent things I could have done to Sora's hot little body just then. Too bad we were suddenly practicing celibacy.

This sucks.

I paused in the hallway and frowned. I'd forgotten what I was supposed to be getting. I crossed my arms and thought really hard. Oh yeah! Towel. I continued down the hallway.

"So, about last night..."

That was Cloud's voice. One of my eyebrows rose as I tiptoed over to Leon's bedroom door. It was cracked just slightly. Convenient.

"What about it?" I heard Leon hiss. Oh, he was mad about something. I nudged the door just a tad to widen the crack. I could see them standing on the other side of bed. Leon was looking through the pockets of a pair of his leather pants while Cloud was standing near him talking quietly. His voice sounded a little hurt.

"Er... what do you mean what about it? Uh... we did..."

"Yeah, I know what we did. So what." Leon had said without turning around to look at Cloud. He had an unlit cigarette in his mouth making his voice sound slightly muffled. Cloud seemed to go weak in the knees and slumped to a hunched sitting position on the bed. I couldn't help but frown.

Drama.

I listened closer.

"So let me guess." Leon stood up straight, done fishing around in his pants pocket and flicked his lighter on. It cast a bright yellow glow across his face, making him look rather sinister to me for just moment. He lit the nicotine stick and put out the lighter.

"You...." He breathed slowly before taking a long exaggerated drag from his freshly lit cancer stick and closed his eyes. Cloud looked like he was waiting in anticipation for Leon to continue. The older man rolled his eyes before he blew the cigarette smoke in a slow swirling manner into Cloud's face. I shook my head. That bastard.

Cloud coughed slightly and fanned at the smoke. Leon chuckled.

"You think it was an accident and it never should have happened. Right?" Leon had said smoothly, like he was reading Cloud's mind. Cloud shifted on the bed. His voice seemed a bit shaky.

"Well, no actually. I wanted to say I... had... I had fun last night."

My eyebrows flew up. HUH?

Leon let out a grunt. I don't think he'd been expecting Cloud to answer like that. I still wasn't sure what they were talking about but it sounded interesting.

"I was hoping maybe we could do it again sometime. Like how we used to." Cloud went on. He was standing now and walking up to Leon. I had figured out what they were talking about now.

Oh this was getting good.

Cloud and Leon.

Together?

Leon was glaring viciously at Cloud.

Okay... maybe they weren't together.

Fuck buddies then?

So that's why Leon hadn't come out yelling at the top of his lungs about us wasting his water earlier this morning. He'd been preoccupied. I think he was regretting his late night activities now though. This didn't surprise me much. It wasn't exactly uncommon knowledge what kind of life Leon led. He was... to put it lightly, a male whore. He probably had slept with everyone in this city. Besides Sora and me. There was someone new just about every night. That person was never usually seen again in this house after that. You'd think a 29 year old that looked the way Leon does would have settled down and had a nice wife, maybe some kids too, by now. Not so for Leon. I'd never seen him with a woman before actually. I remember at one time he'd had one, a girlfriend, when he was about my age. Her name was... Rin-something. I'd seen an old photograph of her in this scrapbook he has. Actually, there was someone else too. I'd heard this name a lot. Seifer. Yeah, this really tall, handsome, teal eyed, blonde guy. Leon had lots of pictures of him. Letters, notes, all sorts of romantic lovey-dovey stuff. They had been really serious at one time.

Sora told me all of this.

When I asked him what had happened to this Seifer, Sora got all sad and said he'd died back when Hallow Bastion had been run over by the Heartless.

That's so sad. I guess... well maybe that's why Leon is the way he is.

Anyway, back to Cloud and Leon.

Leon stepped past Cloud, grumbling under his breath.

"It was a one time thing Cloud." He said coldly. Cloud turned to Leon's direction and gasped slightly. His eyes, they were glowing slightly, had a deep hurt in them. I'd never seen him look like that. I was starting to feel sorry for him.

"But.. why?" Cloud whispered.

I was starting to think Cloud had been a virgin for some reason. I mean, he was really young, and he'd just turned 24... like 2 weeks ago. Maybe Leon was the first person he'd ever been interested in emotionally and physically. Poor choice on his part huh? Especially if he was looking for a long term relationship. I don't even think the words 'long term' and 'relationship' are in Leon's vocabulary.

Leon smoked the last bit of the cigarette he'd just lit, smashed it out in an ashtray on his dresser, then lit another one.

"I told you we aren't boyfriends. You're just a.. good fuck every once in a while." He said evenly.

Geez, have a little heart man.

Cloud stared at Leon with what I call a look of disbelief. His eyes were glowing so brightly now that the blue light was reflecting off of some nearby objects. He looked like he wanted to say something really nasty but didn't have the nerve too. I honestly don't know why Cloud would be afraid to speak his mind. From what I'd heard he could do from Sora, he seemed like a pretty powerful mother-fucker. So what if Leon didn't want him. Cloud was good looking, and kind enough to get someone else. Someone way better then Leon.

"So that's it then?" Cloud had his eyes closed and his head was tilted back just slightly.

To my utter surprise, when Cloud opened his eyes and I saw tears. I gaped silently.

Shit... Leon had really broken his heart.

"What the hell is wrong with you? You came back to me remember?" Cloud hissed.

I found myself leaning heavily against the wall just outside the door. Cloud wasn't about to cry. He was angry.

I don't blame him!

But... Well, I understood everything now. Cloud and Leon had been together. And all of this time Leon had still be screwing around? That's sick. Maybe Cloud had caught him. Cloud would have had to be blind to not see that Leon was cheating. Well, I guess people trick themselves into over looking things like that when they really like someone.

"Let's just get something straight." Leon was almost yelling now. I put my thoughts on hold to listen.

"I never said this was permanent. I was in a fucked up point in my life... I was desperate. You were willing to give your 'love' so I took it. End of story. Now I'm telling you to stop the lost puppy act and leave me the fuck alone. You've outlived your usefulness."

My eyes widened.

Oh shit.... this was serious.

See why I hate Leon?

If Sora could just hear what he was saying....

"You know, I knew this was coming sooner or later." Cloud was speaking with an icy tone that made me cringe. He was about to say something cruel, I could feel it.

"That's why you're a lonely mean old bastard. People aren't meant to be used. You'd think with a past like yours you'd go well out of your way to treat those around you nicely. It's been 2 years for Christ's sake. He is never going to be yours. He's a kid anyway."

I felt my brows knit. Kid? Who was Cloud talking about?

"If you haven't noticed Leon, Sora is madly in love with Riku."

Oh shit... he's talking about Sora. About us!

I glanced back around the door to look into the room. Leon was steaming in the corner while Cloud verbally bashed him. I'd never seen anyone get the upper hand over Leon like this before. It was kind of exciting. For once in the first time since I'd known Leon, he didn't have anything to say.

But.. what was this about him liking Sora?

My Sora.

Mother-fucker.

"I told you to shut the hell up about that!" Leon spat. Cloud smiled in triumph. He'd struck a nerve I guess.

"You're jealous of Riku, and what he has with Sora. You'll never have that kind of love. With anyone. You're too fucked up in the head to notice when someone..." Cloud motioned to himself. "...actually cares about you."

Leon inhaled sharply, his eyes were really wide. I don't think anyone has ever spoken to him like that before. Most people were too afraid of him. Like I said Cloud was a nice guy and I'd never seen him mad before, not like this anyway. He had really put Leon into his place. I wanted to clap for him but kept myself quiet. I was snooping anyway. If they caught me... I'd be getting cussed out next.

"Fuck you." Was all Leon said. OH, great come back man. Cloud shook his head and started to walk towards the door. I gasped, ready to make a run for it when Cloud stopped.

"I gave up on love a long time ago." Leon had whispered. Cloud turned sharply back towards him but didn't say anything. He seemed to be silently pitying Leon.

"I didn't ask for you to care about me so don't waste your time. I know... Sora is Riku's." My name came out of mouth like a curse or a really bad taste. Hmph, so he has something against me? Leon was lighting another cigarette. Geez, chain smoker. I think the argument had reached it's abrupt end so I made my silent get away. The talk lingered heavily in my mind.

Oh yeah... Towel.

I grabbed a baby blue one from the linen closet as I made my way back to my room. Sora was still standing in the middle of the room in his boxers. He was staring into the mirror opposite our bed like he was mesmerized. I threw the towel at his head. He turned and caught it with a practiced grace. I smirked. Hmph, show off.

"What took you?" He asked and started to bolt at his hair. I shook my head dismissively and slumped onto the bed.

"I was... nothing." I mumbled. I couldn't tell Sora I was eaves dropping on Leon and Cloud. He'd get mad and say, "Riku, that's so rude." In that scolding little tone he'd developed over the years. I was now laying down on my back with my forearm covering my face. I was feeling tired again. I felt the bed give in slightly as Sora sat on down next to me.

"What are you thinking about?" I heard him ask softly. I took a moment to think about what I was thinking about.

"Nothing really." I lied. Sora sighed and went back to drying himself.

I was really thinking about what Cloud had said. So.... Leon had a thing for Sora. And he hated me because I'd gotten Sora in the end. *gasp* That dirty old man liked my baby? There was no telling what kind of terrible thoughts went through his head when he saw my Sora. I frowned. Leon had seen Sora in his boxers, in his towel after a shower... maybe while he was in the shower. Oh my god....

I was grinding my teeth.

This was starting to drive me crazy. Sora had been alone with Leon in this house for nearly a year by himself. Had anything happened? What if Leon had tried something with Sora. Yeah, I know we hadn't really been together then... but still. Now that I thought about it Sora did seem a little timid and uncomfortable around Leon most of the time. It never registered to me before that it could be because the older man liked him. That would make me uncomfortable knowing a near 30 year old man was thinking sexual thoughts about me every time I was in his line of vision. I sat up sharply, startling Sora. He was eyeing me cautiously.

"Can I ask you something?" I breathed, trying to calm my nerves. Sora inclined his head and raised an eyebrow.

"Uh, yeah." He murmured. I took a second to decide just how I was going to ask this question without giving Sora the impression I knew Leon liked him.

"What do you think of Leon? I know this may sound silly and sudden but... I'm just curious."

Sora frowned and turned away slightly. I felt panicked for a brief second.

"Well... he's very attractive. I won't deny that... but well... he's just sooo..." He paused.

"Uptight." I said.

Sora shook his head.

"Cold."

Sora shook his head again.

"Such a jackass evil bastard."

"Riku!"

I jumped.

"What?" I asked innocently. It was true. Leon was all of those things. I slumped forward. "So what is he then Sora?"

He was quiet again.

".... I think he's just lonely."

I looked up at him slowly. "Excuse me." I said startled.

Sora nodded once. "Yeah... he really doesn't have anyone you know. No family... no real friends... He's just so used to losing people he cares for Riku. He doesn't act mean on purpose."

Sora was biting his bottom lip. I scoffed.

"You actually believe that?" I was a bit steamed. Do you SEE how nice Sora can be?

Frustration.

Sora glared at me. "Yes I do. What's wrong with that?"

"It's... crazy. Leon is just a fucking bastard and you know it." I stood up and walked to the dresser. I felt hot, and opened the window. The cold air startled me for a second.

"Okay then. Explain to me why Leon hates me. I've never done anything to him."

Sora was rubbing his arms. I'd forgotten he was naked from the waist up and still damp. I closed the window and waited for his response.

"He doesn't hate you. I just... I don't think he trusts you after what happened 2 years ago."

I froze. "What?!" I squeaked in surprise.

Sora giggled just slightly. This was no laughing matter.

"Well... you did try to kill me, Riku."

I felt a pang of guilt and regret stab me in the chest. Why had Sora brought this up? It hurt me just thinking about it.

"I did not!! I was just.. going to hurt you a little bi.... Why are we talking about this!!" I threw my hands up an exasperation. Sora put his hand on his hip.

"You started this conversation." He reminded me. He was smiling.

"Well.... I don't wanna talk about this anymore." I said and folded my arms, ending the conversation. Sora shrugged.

Well that had gone completely wrong. SO Sora felt sorry for Leon. ARG!!

"Riku.. look. I don't blame you for what happened back then. I know it was Ansem" Sora was walking up to me. He put his arms around my waist and pulled me into a hug. He was still a lot shorter then me, barely being able to rest his chin on my shoulder. I sighed and leaned into his embrace. It's hard to stay mad and him.

Well, I wasn't really mad... just a little upset.

"I'm sorry for yelling at you." I breathed and turned in his arms so I could embrace him. He grinned, wide and toothy, before he tilted his head back to kiss me. I eagerly moved in for the kiss. It had felt like a really long time since our last real one. 12 hours. That's how long it had been. Sora wrapped his arms around my neck and melted into our now very passionate kiss. Our tongues colliding and twisting around each other. I could taste toothpaste on his breath. Mint and Sora mixed well together.

We ended up on the bed somehow with Sora beneath me. He wasn't letting me go so I just kept kissing him. I was straddling his waist and letting my hands roam free over his almost naked body. He was still very damp but warm with a steamy type of heat coming off of him. Places like his neck, and chest were kinda cold though. It made my fingertips tingle. Mmmm, Sora was so sexy. I pulled away suddenly, breathless, and stared down at him. His deep blue eyes were heavy lidded and his lips were full and slightly bruised. He was breathing like he'd just run a race and his hands were gripping loosely at my sweater.

"Riku." He moaned. I took a shuddery breath and grabbed his hands. He was testing me.

"We... can't..." I stuttered. You have no idea how hard it was to say that. Sora paused, his eyes opened completely and he cocked his head. I climbed off of his bare legs and flopped onto my back next to him.

I was really horny.

"Was that hard?" I heard Sora speaking next to my ear. He was snuggled close to me and lazily tangling his legs into mine.

"Yes...." I breathed truthfully and looked to the other side of the bedroom. I hoped Sora wasn't looking down at our legs or anything. My.... friend was quite noticeable I'm sure. But I had to calm down for Sora. I may be strong when it comes to resisting violence but I was weak little horny boy when it came to resisting my sexual urges.

"I'm going to sleep." I grumbled and tried to pull away from Sora. He was clinging to me like glue.

"Aww, is my little Riku sexually frustrated." he teased and giggled into my shoulder. I simpered and tried to ball up. Sora was laughing into his pillow now. How can he laugh about this? I was starting to believe Sora really hadn't liked sex at all. Other wise he would have been just a horny as I was. Or maybe he had more control when it came to things like this.

He'd finally beaten me in something.

But I wasn't competing. I wanted us both to be losers.

"I know it's hard love. Just be patient. It'll all pay off soon." Sora whispered to me. I felt a slight reassurance from his words and managed to fall asleep.

-----------

It had barely been a week since Sora and I had stopped exploring our sexual desires for each other. I was more then a bit grumpy and aggravated. It was strange how much better making love to Sora made me feel. But I have to admit, I did have more energy and I did want to get up and do stuff during the day. So I'm taking this in, strife I guess.

Sora had completely changed. He got up every morning with the stiff determination to not be lazy all day. I barely saw him now. He would make breakfast for me, Leon, and himself , then run off to do random things in the city. When I finally asked him what he was up to he told me he'd started training again.

With Cloud.

I didn't mind it at first. Sora can do what ever he wants. I was a little hurt that he didn't ask me if I wanted to join him though. I guess he just wanted to get away from me for a little while. For my sake. When he wasn't around I wasn't tempted to molest him. He almost seemed to be avoiding me in some ways. I noticed he was a lot more jumpy and nervous when Leon was around too. Hmmm...

I hadn't heard anything about Leon and Cloud since that night. It seemed as though they had really ended their relationship and semi friendship with each other. Cloud barely came around now. Only to pick up Sora so they could go train. I saw him at work all of the time though. He seemed sad more so then usual now. And whenever anyone mentioned Leon, Cloud would gracefully change the subject to something or someone less frustrating to talk about.

It was going on day 9, Sora, Leon, and I were sitting in the kitchen. Sora was busying himself with preparing dinner for us. I offered to help a few times but he'd told me to just sit down and relax because I'd worked hard all day at the restaurant. It was true that I was a little tired from work. It had been busy at 7th Heaven today. I was idly sipping a cup of water and rubbing my constantly grumbling tummy. God, whatever Sora was making smelled really good. Leon was absently staring up at the ceiling. He had a half empty bottle of beer sitting in front of him on the table. I think that was his 5th beer. He had started drinking a lot more in that last few days. That worried me. I didn't like him when he was intoxicated. He acted funny.

I tried not to stare at him. His head was drooping slightly every few seconds. He was either drunk or falling asleep. I think he's drunk.

"Leon." I called. He glanced up at me through his long auburn bangs but didn't say anything. I saw Sora glance over his shoulder out of the corner of my eye.

"Don't you think you've had enough to drink." I said. I wasn't asking him this. I was telling him. Leon sighed softly and picked up the bottle of beer. He downed the remaining contents and tossed the glass towards the trash can. It missed by about a foot and shattered loudly against the floor into a million shiny brown pieces. I jumped and covered my face from the glass. Sora turned around quickly and stared at the mess. He had a knife in his hand from chopping up vegetables.

"What the fuck is wrong with you!" I hissed bitterly and glared daggers in Leon's direction. The older man chuckled once without looking at me. He seemed to find the fact he'd just broken a bunch of glass really funny. I ran over to check on Sora, who was closet to the trashcan.

"Are you okay?" I asked while motherly inspecting his face, neck, shoulders, and hands. He hadn't been injured. I grabbed his face gently in my hands and stared into his eyes. He looked unnervingly terrified. His eyes were darting back and forth across my face like he didn't recognize me, or he'd just woken up in a strange place.

"Sora!" I yelled. He flinched hard and closed his eyes. This worried me deeply. Leon was laughing behind me. His voice was so... not his own. He was really drunk.

"Sora, baby...look at me." I whispered and lifted Sora's face so he could see me.

"Riku... please don't..." I heard him breath and he tried to pull away and move behind me. I frowned in confusion. What was he talking about now? He was shaking slightly, and the startled expression hadn't left his face. I heard Leon sluggishly standing up behind me and turned around. He was looking right at me.

"That's it... protect your little baby..." He slurred and started fishing around in his pants pockets. I felt Sora shiver really sharply and lean into me. He wasn't afraid of me... He was afraid of Leon. What the hell?

"You'd better clean that up." I spat once I had turned fully to face the drunken idiot. He was tilting back and forth on his feet and still looking in his pockets. He found his pack of cigarettes and pulled one out. I snarled.

"The mess Leon! You made it now clean the shit up!" I felt my temper sky rocket.

"I'll get it." Sora said meekly and fell to his knees to start cleaning up the many shards and bits of glass. I grabbed him to his feet by his arm a little rougher then I'd meant to and looked him in the face.

"NO!" I bellowed and Sora shrank away from me. "Don't fucking bow down to this alcoholic-chain-smoking-son-of-a-bitch. We do everything in this damned house. He can clean up his on messes!"

I let go of Sora's arm and took a step towards Leon. Sora whimpered and grabbed me back.

"Riku... don't please. I can clean it up okay." He begged. I glared sharply into his deep blue eyes. He looked horrified at what was going on. I'd never seen Sora look so scared. What the hell was going on here?

"Sora... Why are you defending him?" I snapped and yanked my arm away from his vice like grip. He pursed his lips and folded his hands but didn't say anything.

"Sora." I said loudly. My voice echoed throughout the kitchen. Sora gasped and covered his face. He was crying. I instantly went on alert.

"What did you do to him.!!" I openly accused and nearly ran up to Leon. He was slouching in his chair again, smoking. He paused and looked up at me. I ground my teeth so hard I started to taste copper on my tongue.

"WHAT-DID-YOU-DO!!!" I half yelled, half snarled. Leon shrugged and blew smoke in my face. That was it. I slapped the cigarette from his fingers and snatched him up by the front of his shirt. Leon was barely an inch taller then me now. He looked only mildly surprised at what I'd just done. Sora had gone silent, but I could just see the totally shocked expression on his face as he watched me man handling Leon.

Leon's head lulled back slightly and he started giggling. I blinked.

"Hmmm, what makes you think... I did... something... hmmm?" He stuttered. I shook him roughly and his eyes grew wide.

"BASTARD! What did you do to Sora!?" I hissed again and slammed him into the nearest wall. He grunted and slumped into my grip. He was so drunk he couldn't fight back.

"I've had it with you!" I growled and leaned into him so only he could hear what I was saying. If Sora heard me, he'd be afraid of me forever.

"Listen, you sick-twisted-cold hearted-child molesting-alcoholic fucker! If you've so much as touched a hair on Sora's body I'll slit your fucking throat. I don't like you, I've never liked you. I .." I rapped his head sharply against the wall. ".. put up with you for Sora's sake. I'm not a little kid and I'm not afraid of you."

At that moment Leon suddenly glared slowly up at me. He seemed like he was completely sober now. I didn't stop my threats though. I'd gone too far and I wasn't turning back.

"When it comes to Sora's I'm perfectly okay with killing people. Remember that." I warned. I was just about to let Leon go when he grabbed me with one hand around my neck. I was too startled to gag but I felt my eyes grow wide. Sora gasped.

"Kill me. Really little boy?" He spat and leaned into me. His lips were barely an inch from mine and I could smell the booze on his breath. His gripped around my throat tightened and I couldn't breath anymore. I wasn't going to show any distress.

"You have no idea who." His grip tightened again. I winced inwardly. "You are fucking with." He wrapped his other hand around my neck and squeezed as tightly as his fingers would allow. I started feeling dizzy. Shit... he was trying to kill me!

"Leon stop PLEASE!!" I heard Sora Begging. He was trying to pry Leon's fingers from around my throat but it was useless. The mans strength had seemed to increase now that he was drunk.

"Be careful what you say little boy." Leon said through grinding teeth. He released me and I staggered backwards, coughing and rubbing my adams apple. Sora came to stand by me, gently rubbing my back and asking me if I was okay. I couldn't catch my breath at the moment.

No I wasn't okay. Leon had just tried to strangle me. I watched him leave the kitchen from my hunched over position. If I'd only had a knife just then, I would've tossed it directly at his damned head. I shook my head to clear my vision. It was blurry from me not being able to breath for that short while. Sora was staring at me with a wide tear filled gaze. I didn't know what to say to him. I was kind of angry with him.

"Why..? Why did you do that?" He squeaked and wrapped his arms tightly around me. He was sobbing again. God, Sora what is wrong? I thought, but didn't ask out loud. I already knew he wouldn't tell me what it was.

"Shh, It's okay. I'm fine...." I soothed and rubbed his back. He pulled back from me just enough to look into my face. "He could have killed you Riku! Do you realize that?"

Oh, no Sora, that hadn't crossed my mind.

"Of course I knew that." I said absently and rubbed at my neck again. It felt really sore. I coughed slightly. "Crazy bastard.... breaking glass and shit.... What the fucks up with him lately?"

I sat down in the nearest chair at the dinner table and Sora ran to get me something to drink. He came back to me and handed me the glass. I started sipping slowly.

"He's... drunk.... he didn't know what he was doing." Sora explained. I almost chocked on my water.

Drunk?

"Sora..." I started and he averted his gaze. I grabbed his hand.

"No... don't ask. I can't... I can't tell you... not yet. Please.... just don't ...." The look of desperation in Sora's eyes made me feel ill. He was begging me not to ask him something...? I dreaded what he meant. I didn't say anything else to him when he went to clean up the broken glass.

To be continued.

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