Title: Drought

Category: Kingdom Hearts/Yaoi

Disclaimer: Shh…I'm pretending to be rich and famous and the owners of these fine people…

(AN: yeah, I'm a bit of a POtO fan myself so I'm glad that someone else recognized Erik's costume from the masquerade :) Uh…the reason this fic is updated so frequently is because I spend my summer playing games and annoying my family. Yeah I'm lame, such is my life…)

Chapter Four

Even from the Astronomy Tower in Disney Castle, Cloud Strife had looked amazing. Leon could never quite understand how he managed to look so gorgeous while doing such mundane things as walking or just turning around to throw someone his "I-have-nothing-to-say-to-you" look. He shook his head as the blonde didn't even bother to put his shades on before practically racing out of the world exit. A small frown creased his brow. Cloud was so withdrawn; he never let anyone else in. Even when he was clearly in pain. Even to him.

Leon bowed his head as the memory of their last meeting returned to him. I was so stupid! He thought angrily. The brown-haired mercenary was many things, but impulsive was not one of them. Still, he reflected, he wouldn't have been so apt to act upon desires if not for the way the ex-soldier carried himself. It was humiliating and hurtful to be rejected in such a manner, and Leon felt the blow hard. What the hell had he been thinking? It was obvious from the moment they first met that nothing short of a world invasion would ever bring them on the same side, much less together.

Besides, he berated himself as he moved away from the broken wall of the Tower where he had been standing for a few hours, Strife was so much more than he. He had worked under Shinra's Rufus and spent time with the men of Soldier. Thanks to Aerith's constant reminiscing, Leon was left in no doubt as to how alluring these men were. Next to them, he was probably just a commoner. Despairingly he returned to where Cid was working on the underside of the giant telescope he was repairing. He leaned against the wall and stared up at the oblong object.

Of course Cloud wasn't the only sexy man he knew; there had been others that were almost as attractive as he. With a small smile, Leon recalled the summer he spent with Vincent. A more charming man, there had never been. It was easily one of the best times of his life. But it was not meant to last, and soon after they met, their time was cut short.

Even now there was someone else who craved his attention. He considered their kiss in the empty closet earlier. Braska was, calm, unconcerned and possessed of a charisma so enchanting that it was hard to resist. But it was not like when his tongue tasted the sweetness that was Cloud. No, Braska was his guide to the underworld, nothing more. He did not stir the fascination in him that arose when Strife walked into a room.

"Yo lover-boy, willya stop thinking about that idiot and gimme a hand here?"

Leon jumped as Cid interceded and interpreted his thoughts with alarming certainty. A deep flush coloured his cheeks as he knelt at the pilot's side and helped him lift the strut that was blocking his way. The rugged man rolled out and sat up, wiping the sweat off his brow with an uncharacteristic smirk aimed at Leon. Ah hell, he thought, it would be a miracle if everyone didn't know. Knowledge of this fact didn't excuse Cid from receiving Leon's favourite ice glare. He laughed it off.

"Leon, it's no secret that you two are hot for each other, even Aerith, caught up as she is in her own world, can tell." He stated matter-of-factly.

Leon sighed. This was ridiculous, but if even someone as dense as Cid could see it, then he must be obvious indeed. Dropping his annoyed expression, he sat back on his heels and leaned against the wall.

"That evident huh?" Leon demurred as he closed his eyes. Unbidden an image of a topless Strife danced before his eyes. He shook his head and continued without waiting for an answer.

"Cid, there's nothing there. He doesn't even like me. I'm his link to you, nothing more. I'm not even his friend." Try as he could, he couldn't keep the bitterness out of his voice.

"Leon, I don't often presume to know what the hell Cloud thinks about. Hell I'll be damned if he likes me for crying out loud. But I DO know that he needs you. No, don't look at me like that, I don't know what goes on between you two, but I know Cloud's past. He's lost too many people to trust anyone completely, but he needs to trust someone. And I can see it in his eyes when he looks at you." Cid looked serious. "He wants to trust you Leon, but he can't do it unless he can get over himself first."

Leon frowned. He crossed his legs in front of him and pondered Cid's words as the older man lit a cigarette. His eyes, Leon knew their power alright. They could contain a lifetime of words, and hide a sea of emotions. All of them unreadable.

"Don't sell him short Leon, I've seen him do things none of us ever thought possible. He rose through the ranks of an extinct organization, defeated Sephiroth on more than one occasion, hell I even saw him almost win a beauty contest dressed as a girl."

Leon sat up straighter. Cloud dressed as a girl? Now that sounded interesting.

"Only, don't tell him I said that. My point is, no matter what he says, or does on the outside, deep down, he needs someone. And when he looks at you, his eyes lose some of their loneliness." Cid continued hurriedly. He gazed intently at the brunette blowing smoke in a small spiral between them.

Leon sighed, He wanted desperately to believe Cid's words, but there was no denying the truth. Leon had made his move, and been shot down. There was a difference between hope and foolish optimism. Cloud didn't want him and he would just have to deal with that.

"I'll see, Cid. Where are you headed?" the rugged blonde had stood and was preparing to lock the tower.

"Traverse Town. Merlin wants us to clear our stuff from his old study. Want to come now or later?"

Leon stood and brushed the dirt off his pants. It was troublesome, but he might as well do it as soon as possible. Besides it would do to keep his mind off beautiful strangers.

The Coliseum gates were splattered with blood. The crowds in the stands were roaring in approval at the current match. Cloud looked up at them in disgust. The underworld was prey to the witches, hags and villains of all worlds. Much the same was the repertoire of contestants for the Hades Cup. Despite the fact that he was already sporting a bleeding gash across his chest, he was not ready to leave yet. Cloud refocused on his opponent. A giant minotaur. It must have been over six feet tall. He shook his head and smirked. The figure of the half animal had four arms and a breath that would fell ogres. His buster sword was already caked with dried blood, but as tired as his limbs were, his strength was fueled by the shadows that preyed on his thoughts.

The creature roared and was replaced by the likeness of Leon kissing a stranger. Fury pulsed through Cloud's muscles and in one swift movement he slashed through two of the animal's limbs. He lighted on the ground behind the monster and rapidly spun the heavy blade around to hack at its legs. It connected with a satisfying ripping sound, splattering Cloud with blood.

A piercing scream sliced the air as the large abomination fell heavily to the ground writhing in agony. Cloud turned and glared with repulsion at the fallen animal.

"Is that the best you can do?" He threw at the incensed creature. It roared again and leapt to its feet, despite the incessant bleeding from its wounded calves and shoulders. Cloud smirked in satisfaction as he skipped back. The minotaur charged the angry blonde, horns lowered.

"Here I come!" Cloud yelled, mimicking Leon's battle cry as he impaled his opponent in one quick stab. The crowd of freaks cheered as he pulled out his blade and swung it over his shoulder to leave. It was almost time to meet Cid in Traverse Town.

He walked slowly out of the coliseum, pausing only to take notice of the damage he had done. His wound had begun to throb painfully now, and he was beginning to wonder if it was worth worrying over. As he reached his bike, a low voice sounded behind him.

"Nicely done Strife. You truly are a man of many talents."

This time, he didn't hesitate. With lightning fast reflexes the angry man pulled out his sword and spun around in a whirlwind of attacks at the red robed stranger. Harmlessly his weapon passed through the spectre. The stalker laughed.

"Tell me, is that any way to treat a friend?"

"You're no friend of mine." Cloud growled moodily before slashing at the ghostly image again. This time, the stranger smiled and slowly removed his mask. Underneath was a beautiful face with a faintly child-like quality, framed by silver hair. His smile was warm, almost inviting.

"Come with me Cloud. We were made for each other, you and I."

Cloud felt his sense dim. Even the rage he was harbouring began to fade in intensity. He began to feel warmth seep into his body, even in the cold recesses of the underworld.

"Who…who are you?" he whispered desperately, using his sword to balance himself. He was suddenly dizzy. The lovely man seemed to be exuding an aura that was intoxicating.

"My name is Kadaj. Don't forget it…Cloud." He spoke softly. The blonde's mind was spinning, but that could be the loss of blood. He looked intently at the silver-haired man, but he had already begun to disappear.

Damnit, Cloud swore. His head was already beginning to clear, for all the good it did him; he was still confused. This whole goddamn day was really beginning to get on his nerves. He stood and mounted his bike.

He exited the world through darkness, tired, in pain, hungry, annoyed and confused. The wind whipped though his blonde spikes mercilessly. Oh god, he thought, he wanted Leon, and he wanted him now.

Leon spun around in the alleyway. There was the sudden growl of an engine as Cloud's bike roared out of the darkness behind the hotel. It came to a stop at the edge of the waterway. Leon froze. He swallowed hurriedly, trying to keep the flush from his face. He was carrying three boxes over to where Cid was waiting in first District with that drunk of a captain, but now he contemplated dropping them and making a hasty exit before Cloud noticed him. He had just decided on the latter course of action when he felt the other man's eyes on his back.

Shit, He thought. Now what? He was going to skin Cid alive.

"Leon?" Cloud asked softly.

Leon bent over to put the boxes on the ground. He could still feel Cloud's eyes on him, and he had a good idea of where they were trained. He stood quickly and turned around, keeping his face carefully blank. Cloud was heavily splattered with blood, and looked as though he would fall to the ground at any instant. There was an ugly gash across his chest that was bleeding profusely.

"What the…hell? Cloud, are you alright!" He sputtered without thinking. His blank look gave way to one of concern as the sight tore at his heart. The blonde swayed on the spot for a moment and then his eyes closed and he fell forward. Leon rushed to his side and caught the bleeding man quickly. He glanced around, but there was no one in the immediate vicinity. Shit, well the bike would just have to stay where it was. Carefully, he unbuckled the sling that kept his sword strapped on and picked up the unconscious man. He headed to the second floor of the hotel, to Cloud's room.

Leon tried to keep his mind focused on getting him to his bed, but instead, his mind wandered to the body he was carrying. What the hell had this idiot been doing? His normally impeccably black clothes was now splattered with blood, mud and grime. His concern grew as he glimpsed the deep cut he was sporting. He opened the door to Cloud's room and cautiously placed him onto the white sheets. He walked back to the door with every intention of getting help for the injured mercenary when a low moan came from the bed.

Leon turned. If anything, this injury made him more desirable than ever. Cloud's eyes were still closed, but his head was turned to the door. He was frowning.

"Don't…leave."

Leon walked back in and shut the door. He kneeled at the side of the bed intently. He was torn between going for help and fixing the wound himself.

"Please Leon…I…can't lose…you too."

Leon started in surprise. The words stirred a place deep within him he never knew he had. Maybe it was the fact that Cloud was unconscious, or maybe because of the words themselves, but Leon dared to touch his face softly. He moved his blonde strands out of the way and stroked the side of his neck delicately. Cloud's face visibly relaxed, and his breathing leveled out.

It was then, that Leon realized that he didn't care whether or not Cid was right. He didn't care how Cloud felt about him. He could never let this man go, and he wouldn't even try.

AN: So whaddya think? Am I using too many outside characters? Any pirates wish to review? Make my day :)