Chapter Two---Money Grows on Trees

Leon decided to forgo Cloud's offer to show him where Hollow Square was. The less he saw of the blond, the better. He did, however, call his father to come get him. This was a bad idea. He wanted to leave but Laguna wanted to stay and have some 'tasty treats' in the 'quaint little shop'. Rubbing the bridge of his nose, Leon tried to be patient, tried to be calm but that was never an easy thing with his father.

They sat at a little table near the window as Laguna made small talk. Leon didn't really do small talk, or talk of any kind (ask Cloud, he'd tell you) though he tried, he really did! It was just so...weird. However Axel came by with their food and a drink for Leon, giving him a wink as he went back to the kitchen.

"So, Leon, what brings you here?" Laguna asked, looking around. Hollow Bastion didn't seem like a "Leon" kind of place. Leon shrugged.

"It's a change of pace I guess." Leon nearly choked on his coffee. He looked to Axel who only smiled innocently and went about his business. Hmm, was that vodka he tasted? Or rum? Leon decided he liked this bakery and turned his attention back to his father.

"Have you met anyone?" Laguna asked suddenly. Leon gave him a suspicious look. That question usually meant he already had someone in mind. Someone who was bubbly and sweet and utterly nauseating.

"I just got here, how could I have met someone? Besides, I'm not really looking." Laguna scoffed as the door to the bakery opened. In stepped a rather tall, intimidating man with long silver hair and bright green eyes.

"Sephiroth! Just in time my friend, I'd like you to meet my son!" Leon groaned. The man walked over, smiling slightly.

"And here I thought this son of yours was a myth! Pleasure to meet you, I'm Sephiroth." Leon shook his hand firmly as Cloud came out.

"Sephiroth! I didn't know you were coming." Sephiroth smiled and kissed the blonde's cheek as Leon watched in self-pity. Sephiroth was better looking...

"I brought Riku and Zexion. I have a meeting with Laguna and Leon." Cloud seemed slightly embarrassed as he nodded and went back to the kitchen. Laguna gave Leon a look, to which Leon shrugged.

"Leon, Sephiroth is my vice-president. I'd like you to work with us in Department of Defense."Leon looked extremely skeptical. The door burst open, two teens walking in, arguing loudly. Sephiroth sighed.

"Riku, Zexion, kept it down." They shut up and meandered over.

"Somebody get shot?" The taller of the two asked, rather hopefully in fact.

"No, Riku. No one got shot. Leon, this is my brother Riku and his friend Zexion." The two acknowledged him with a smile and went back to the counter, ordering.

" Dad, I'm not sure I want to get into that again. It's getting kind of old." Laguna owned a rather large weapons and defense company that Leon had work in for many years. But hadn't that been why he moved away? A change of pace.

"Well, you know you can always change your mind." Leon nodded solemnly and stood.

"I need a place to stay." Laguna opened his mouth but Leon spoke quickly, least the offer he know to come spill from the mans' mouth.

"Not with you." Axel piped up.

"I've got a room free..$250 a month." Leon frowned. He didn't even have a job...

"Look, you help around here, I'll give you the room for free." Leon sighed.

"Thanks Axel." Laguna nudged his son in a knowing manner, to which Leon scowled.

No.

No, he was not interested in Axel. No, he did not want to see more of that pale, smooth skin...

He didn't! He really didn't.

Axel actually owned a three bedrom house and rented out two rooms. Leon had the recently vacated room next to Axel's. That's it. It was final. God hated him. And Karma. This was some whacked, Get-Leon conspricacy from the spiritual realm. What had he ever done to them anyways?!

"Bathroom's down the hall and the 'laundry room' is here." Axel opened what looked like a closet.

"In the middle of the hallway?" Axel nodded.

"In the middle of the hallway. Dumb idea, I know. But I didn't build the damn thing. So, dinners at 6:30, breakfast is at 5 and you're on your own for lunch."Leon threw his stuff onto his bed, looking around the room.

It was decorated in music poster and magazine clippings. A empty guitar stand sat in the corner and Leon wondered why someone would just leave all their stuff behind this way.

"Who was here before?" Axel's eyes went dark.

"My ex, Demyx. He died."

"Oh..."Leon was actually sorry he brought it up.

"So, come on before Roxas gets here and gets in the way."

"Where we going?"

"To the kitchen. To cook, my friend, to cook!" Leon growned.

Today was just not his day.

A.n: Wee chapter two! Review!!!!!!

iUlti!-