"Hey." Cloud said dryly when I opened the front door after I had set Sora down.

"Hey." I answered back dryly.

"How was school?" Cloud asked in that voice that said that he didn't care, but asked just to ask.

"Awful." I huffed as I walked to the kitchen to get Sora some ice. "Sit on the couch." I told Sora, so he did. He listens to pretty much anything I say, and has been since we were little.

"Welcome back." Leon said, coming downstairs.

"Gee thanks." I scoffed.

"What's eating you?" Cloud asked but I ignored him.

"Here, move your hair." I told Sora, who fixed his bangs behind his ear. I put the ice pack on his eye as he held it there.

"What happened?" Leon asked, sounding concerned.

"First fight already?" Cloud asked but I didn't know how to answer.

"Apparently our school is full of homophobes." I stood up in front of Sora, looking into his one free eye, wanting so badly to take away his pain.

"You two weren't being stupid, were you?" Leon sighed so I got defensive?

"Stupid?!" I asked, completely clueless as to why he'd call us that.

"If you two are going to advertise the fact that you're gay, you better get used to the black eyes." Leon shook his head, almost laughing. Why was he laughing?

"So what, did you two get them too?" I asked with my attitude.

"Nope." Leon smiled. "Cloud got a couple."

"Shut up." Cloud answered back.

"How did you two avoid it then?" I asked, wanting to know how and why everyone else knew but Sora and I.

Leon smiled. "Who wants to mess with this?" Leon flexed his arms and I rolled my eyes. He had a point. Leon is nearly pure muscle. Still, I knew how to hold my own, I mean I used to try to fight him growing up so I'm used to fighting people twice my size.

"Sora won't let me fight." I answered back.

"It's dangerous!" Sora got into the discussion.

"It's necessary!" I argued back.

"You'll get your ass kicked." Cloud butted in, so I rolled up my sleeves.

"Oh yeah?"

"Yeah!" Cloud stood up, taller and stronger than he looked whilst sitting down.

"Hey, cut it out." Leon stood up as well and we all sighed, embracing the fresh silence. I knew they were right though. Cloud is strong, but Leon is pretty much a beast and if anyone was stupid enough to try and fight him, well, they deserved whatever injuries he gave them.

"I don't know what to do anymore." I rolled my eyes, fed up. "I'm not going back to that school." I sat down next to Sora.

"Yes you are." Leon said and I kicked the coffee table in front of me.

"No I'm not!" I was getting so frustrated by all this drama bull shit.

"Hey! Knock it off!" Leon shouted and I crossed my arms as I sulked in the corner of the couch.

"Where else are you going to go?" Cloud asked.

"I don't care." I mumbled.

"Look, from now on, just avoid the people who don't like you." Leon said.

"That's half the school!" I yelled.

"Then start doing some push-ups." Cloud chimed in and I stood up.

"Where are you going?" Leon asked as I headed up stairs.

"Away." I said as I walked into my room and slammed the door. I fell on the bed on my face, so sick of all this pointless drama.

"Rox? You ok?" Sora walked in and sat beside me.

"They don't get it Sora. No one does. Why can't we just be left alone?" I rolled onto my back.

Sora shrugged. "I don't know."

"Sora, let's go." Cloud came into our room.

"Where?" Sora asked.

"To get dinner." Cloud said, so Sora nodded. Cloud left and Sora grabbed a jacket.

"It'll all be alright." Sora smiled, even through his swollen eye.

"Thanks." I smiled at him. He leaned down and kissed me gently before he ran downstairs. Even with his black eye, he managed to smile, because he knew I needed it. He's so sweet and caring like that. He's so perfect and all I wanted was to protect him. Why wouldn't he let me protect him?

I was enjoying the quiet calm when Leon walked in. He stood leaning against the doorway.

"You know that you're going to have to fight, even if Sora doesn't want you to." Leon said and I sat up.

"He won't like it."

"How else are you going to get those punks to leave you alone?" Leon brought up a good point.

"You're ok with me fighting?" I asked; Leon shrugged and sat next to me on my bed.

"I can't really say yes, but I know from experience that it might help get those assholes off your back." Leon shrugged and I nodded.

"I just want Sora to be ok. He's so easily hurt." I sighed.

"Yeah, Cloud was like that too, but he wouldn't show it." Leon said and I could see how Cloud is like that. Leon is tough on the inside, so he looks tough on the outside too. As for Cloud, I think he grew up wanting to be like Leon so badly after seeing how much our dad loved him. So Cloud is mostly tough on the outside, but not so much on the inside, though he hides it well.

"Leon? Was it harder once you two started dating?" I asked, not sure if I was crossing some line. For all I knew, they could have still been dating, or broken up, or who knows what else.

Leon sighed and put his hands together under his chin. "Yeah. Since I was older, Cloud got most of the shit from the kids in my grade. I did everything I could to protect him."

"But?" I could tell that there was more.

"But it wasn't enough, and Cloud couldn't take it anymore." Leon shrugged.

"So you two…?" I wanted to know, but I could tell that it was a potentially awkward topic.

"We broke up, because Cloud was getting sick of all the drama and pain."

"Did it get better once you two broke up?" I asked in fear. My heart was racing. Was I actually considering that option?

"A little. Cloud got a girlfriend, to try to show others that he wasn't really gay or in love with me. Once he and Tifa started dating, things nearly disappeared." Leon said and I nodded with a frown. Was I willing to let Sora go to someone else? No. I couldn't. I couldn't ever watch someone else love Sora. He's mine. Who else knows him the way I do?

"That's awful." I whispered.

"Why?" Leon asked quietly.

"Because it must have hurt you so badly." I looked into Leon's eyes. Leon looked away. Yeah, it really must have hurt if he can't even look at me.

"Well, it was necessary." Leon cleared his throat, but I shook my head.

"Do you still love him? As more than a brother?" I asked and he nodded.

"Always."

"Does he still love you?" I wanted to know if Cloud really loved his girlfriend, or if he was still clinging to the only normality in his life.

"I'd like to think so." Leon chuckled, but I could tell that he only did so in nervousness.

"I'm sorry." I rested my head on Leon's shoulder.

"It's ok." Leon rubbed my arm. I couldn't describe it, or explain it, but I had this tugging on my heart that brought water to my eyes.

"That's not fair." I sniffled. Maybe it was because I feared the same fate for Sora and I, or maybe it was just another reason why I didn't want to live here anymore, but I just couldn't imagine the emotional pain that Cloud put Leon through. I know I fight with Leon all the time, but I knew that he's the kind of brother that would die for me, Sora, or Cloud. He's so strong and caring, and the idea of Cloud dumping him just didn't seem right. I'll never love anyone like I love Sora, and I love the way that Sora loves me back because its everything I need. At the same time, I know that Leon would make such a great partner. He's a bit strict but he's wise and mature and caring. He's too grown up for my laidback style, but he's a catch that Cloud shouldn't have let get away.

"It's ok." Leon repeated, but I shook my head, sitting up with impatient frustration.

"But you loved him!" I argued and Leon nodded.

"I still do, but if me loving him is only going to hurt him, then staying with him would only reflect my selfish desires."

"It's not selfish, it's love!" I tried to explain.

"Love would never compromise the safety of its target." Leon said and I had to nod since it made sense.

"It just seems so sad." I wiped my eyes and he sighed.

"It wasn't easy. There were a lot of times when I thought I could actually hate him, but in the end, I love him enough to want him happy. I'm not going to be the cause of his pain." Leon shrugged and I sighed.

"I can't do that." I admitted.

"You and Sora?" Leon asked and I nodded. We never really told Cloud or Leon that we were dating, but I knew that it wouldn't be that much of a shocker.

"It's been almost a couple years already, but when I saw him lying on the ground like that, I just wanted to kill everything." I fisted my hands.

"Breaking up with Sora won't stop that feeling. Just because Cloud dumped me and got a girlfriend didn't mean that I stopped being so protective. Most people left him alone once he had a girl, but that didn't make it any easier for me."

"So, what did you do?" I asked, and when Leon shook his head, I could tell that he was going to share something he didn't want to admit.

"I got a girlfriend too."

"Do you love her?" I asked and he nodded with a small shrug.

"She's a sweet, kind, strong, beautiful woman."

"But she's not Cloud." I finished for him and he nodded.

"If you love someone as much as you claim, be willing to back it up." Leon patted my back.

"So you're saying that if I love Sora, then I should let him go?"

Leon shook his head. "That may not be the answer for you two. If it is, then think about it. If it isn't, remember that sacrifice is an extension of love."

I nodded. "I don't want to lose him. I can't let him go."

Leon nodded. "It's not an easy decision to make. If you're not willing to let him go, then be willing to do whatever it takes to hold on." Leon said and I nodded.

"Thanks." I smiled and Leon stood up.

"Sure. Now let's get the table ready, they'll be back soon."

Leon and I went back downstairs and prepared the table for when Sora and Cloud returned.

"We're home." Sora shouted as he came through the front door with the bag of Chinese take-out.

"Sora!" I rushed to him, took his face in my hands, and smashed my lips into his. When I pulled back, he blushed.

"What was that for?" he asked and I shrugged.

"I just missed you." I smiled and he did too.

"I missed you too Roxy." Sora put the food down on the table.

"Well if you two are done missing each other, I'd like to eat." Cloud said and for some reason, I got angry.

"Don't be jealous just because Sora and I are willing to make it work." I snapped and Leon stared at me in shock. Cloud's eyes went wide.

"Excuse me?" Cloud asked and I gulped. Leon stood between us and tried to solve it.

"Just drop it." He said, but Cloud shook his head.

"Whatever." Cloud turned around and went upstairs, slamming his door which made Leon sigh.

"I'm sorry." I said, feeling so guilty for what had just happened.

"It's alright. You two eat, then do your homework, alright?" Leon pointed a stiff finger and Sora and I.

"We will." Sora said as Leon went after Cloud.

It was quiet while Sora and I ate, neither of us in a talking mood.

"Rox?" Sora asked, so I looked up from my plate.

"Yeah?"

"You…you're not going to dump me, are you?" Sora asked with his non-black eye that looked scared and hurt. I couldn't shake my head quick enough.

"No, I couldn't even think of it." I answered, which made him smile.

"Good."

"Why would you ask?"

"Cause of what happened with Cloud and Leon. I saw a picture of Cloud with a girl in Cloud's wallet when I went to pay for the food and I know that Leon really took care of him. I don't want you to stop taking care of me." Sora didn't look me in the eye, so I took his hand.

"I wouldn't dream of it. To be honest, I was scared that you'd want to dump me, to avoid Seifer." I said, but Sora shook his head.

"I'd rather get black eyes and have you, than not have either." Sora smiled and I couldn't control my smile.

"Sora you are just too perfect! I wish I knew why you love me, but I won't question. I'll just do everything I can to be the best boyfriend for you, ok?" I asked and Sora blushed.

"Rox, you know that,"

Sora started, but was interrupted.

"What the fuck Leon!?" We heard Cloud yell and we soon heard him running down the stairs.

"Cloud?" I called his name as he entered the kitchen, but he ignored me, grabbed his helmet and the keys to his motorcycle, and ran out the front door.

"Cloud wait!" Leon came down, but it was too late.

"Everything ok?" I asked just before the three of us in the kitchen heard the roar of Cloud's motorcycle peeling away from the curb.

"I don't know." Leon shook his head.

"I'm sorry." I apologized again, but Leon smiled poorly.

"Not your fault. Go do your homework." He said so Sora and I went upstairs in our room.

"Roxy, what'd you get for number thirteen?" Sora asked and I double checked my homework.

"I got three hundred and fifty eight." I said, not even sure if I punched the numbers right in the calculator.

"Good, me too." Sora copied down my answer with my steps that led up to it and I laughed.

"You're so cute." I kissed his temple as we laid on our stomachs, doing our homework on the bed.

"You're so sweet Rox." Sora put his hand over mine and squeezed it.

"I love you Sora." I rolled on my back and lifted him onto my stomach.

"I love you too Roxas." Sora used my chest as a pillow as I intertwined our legs.

"How do you feel?" I asked, moving my hand slowly over his crotch.

"Still sore." He said and I sighed.

"I'm going to fight him Sora." I said, and as I predicted, Sora sat up out of my arms.

"No you're not."

"Yes I am." I sat up too.

"Roxas, why?" Sora begged for an answer.

"Because they won't leave us alone unless I prove to them that we aren't going to put up with it." I explained for what felt like the hundredth time.

"What if it just makes things worse?" Sora looked away and I nearly laughed.

"How can it get worse?"

"I don't know but it can, ok?" Sora sounded upset.

"Sora, come on, we're stronger than this. I'm not going to let some punk ruin my relationship with my true love." I took his hand, but he sighed and pulled his hand free.

"I'm not going to be a part of the fighting." He said and I groaned in annoyance.

"Seriously? What else am I supposed to do?" I asked in frustrated.

"Ignore them." Sora pleaded but I rolled my eyes.

"Yeah and look where that got you."

"You know that I don't support meaningless violence."

"It's not meaningless Sora, I'm trying to protect you!" I shouted, forgetting that Sora hates being yelled at.

"Stop shouting." He put his hands over his ears.

"I'm sorry." I reached for his hand, but he stood up and aimed for the door. "Sora, Sora stop!" I said, but he left the room. I sighed and kicked the books off the bed. I did not expect this day to go this bad.

Sora didn't come back upstairs, I didn't hear Cloud come back home, and I didn't have the energy to go looking for either.

I managed to finish most of my homework, and as an apology present, I did Sora's homework too, laying it out on our desk.

I had just started the shower and was about to undress when Sora came into our room, hours after our fight. He didn't say a word, so I didn't say a word. Our bathroom is within our room, so I went inside it and shut the door. I wanted so badly to just be over all this, but I felt like I was just waiting for him to understand what was really happening to us. Sora is usually so positive and I think that it sometimes prohibits him from seeing how bad some things really are.

I had just taken off everything but my boxers when Sora opened the door and took off his shirt. We always shower together, not for any reason other than to save hot water and out of habit.

I stepped into the tub and started rinsing my hair and when I opened my eyes to see Sora in the tub as well, I gasped. He had bruises on his stomach, and right above his dick.

"You ok?" I asked and he nodded. "I'm sorry." I said and he nodded, his eyes watering. "Come here." I said, opening my arms as he stepped into them. I held him tightly and rubbed his freshly wet skin, trying to be gentle yet firm.

"I'm sorry." He said, but I shook my head.

"You have no reason to be." I inhaled deeply and exhaled loudly. I grew so angry at just the sight of what stained his body.

"You love me, right?" Sora looked up with scared eyes.

"I love you so much Sora." I said before it went quiet. "Sora?"

"Yes Roxy?" Sora remained in my embrace as I sighed.

"I'm going to fight him, and nothing you say will stop me. I know you don't want me involved in pointless violence, but I have to show him that we aren't going to put up with the bullying. If I have to join his gang to get you immunity, then I will." I said, deciding to just be straightforward.

"Please don't get hurt." Sora shivered.

"I won't." I squeezed him tightly as we finished our shower. Once we were dressed and ready for bed, Leon came in.

"How are you two doing?" Leon asked, so I took Sora's hand and squeezed it.

"We're doing better." I smiled.

"Is Cloud home yet?" Sora asked, but Leon shook his head.

"No."

"Leon, are you ok?" I asked, hating how he sighed.

"Yeah. Get some sleep." Leon stood up and turned off our bedroom light as he left.

Sora fell asleep quickly, but I couldn't sleep knowing that I was going to try to fight Seifer to show him my skills. My plan was to win a fight with him or maybe even one of his buddies and impress him and get close enough to him to save Sora's ass.

I was getting scared at just the idea of it all and craved water, so I went downstairs to get a drink. On my way back upstairs, I heard faint talking outside of Leon's door. Sometime after Sora fell asleep, Cloud must have returned, because I heard him and Leon arguing as I stood outside the door.

"I didn't bring it up randomly, Sora and Roxas are going through similar problems." Leon said defensively.

"What the fuck ever Leon. I don't want to talk about it." Cloud grunted.

"Who said that I wanted to talk about it? You're the one who's making a big deal over nothing." Leon scoffed.

"I don't like being reminded of all the shit I went through because of you!" Cloud yelled and it went silent. I could hear myself panting, nervous for Leon. That wasn't easy to hear.

"Because of me? Cloud, Cloud I love you." Leon said as I bit my lip to keep quiet.

"I loved you too Leon, till I was the only one suffering." Cloud complained.

"You don't think that it hurt me to see you in pain, knowing I was to blame? I did everything I could to help you Cloud, everything. That was then. This is now. I still love you. No one is going to hurt you anymore." Leon said and I heard small movement.

"L-Leon?" I heard Cloud's voice go weak before I heard faint sniffles.

"I love you Cloud." Leon repeated.

"I, I," I barely heard Cloud utter before I was about to return to my room when I heard Cloud continue. "I can't ignore the past," I could sense someone moving towards the door, so I quickly tip-toed back to my bedroom and shut the door before I snuck into bed, next to Sora. I held him with all that I had. Like hell would I ever let a love as true as this slip away.

Author's Note: I was hoping to make my chapters shorter but I keep writing long scenes by accident lol. Thank you for everyone following/favouriting! Don't forget to check out my Akuroku Killing Loneliness, which is constantly being updated!

Reader Response:

The Dark Flair: Thank you so much! I really appreciate your review, it means so much to me! You inspire me to continue this bold plot I have. I was so nervous about posting this story I have postponed for nearly a YEAR because I was afraid I'd get a bunch of negative comments about (t)wincest being gross, too dramatic, whatever, but I'm glad that you understand and appreciate my goal of making it seem like a forced, accepted idea. Thanks again! -Sarabellum

Thank you all again!

Living Legacy, Silent Sacrifice, Sarabellum