Ahh! I'm finally back! Oh God, I'm so sorry this took this long. I was having issues with algebra and the inspiration kind of disappeared for a while. Anyway, I will most likely be starting a Vampire Knight story after this. (yaoi, obviously ) Also, if you guys like this, check me out on as shifting-shadows. I'm posting original slash on there. Okay, reviews!

Fushica: O.O Wow… you're very devoted to this pairing. XD And don't worry, Riku's scheme gets really interesting.

andromeda90: Yes he is. You're right, Cloud's not too stable either. XD You'll see.

Zexy's Girl: I know, now he'll be even more emo! XD

I also forgot to mention last time, that the last chapter and the next few scenes are dedicated to andromeda90 for being my most frequent and faithful reviewer. And always making me laugh. The jealousy's for you: D

The days passed quickly, Leon found, when he was with Irvine. Surprisingly, Irvine actually did a good amount of work, but he'd still slack off at least once a day. They had picked up where they left off in Balamb Garden, and it was working well, so far. Then there was the situation with Cloud. Things between them had gotten even worse than previously. Now Cloud wouldn't even speak to Tifa, never mind him. Leon felt guilty about not telling Cloud, but he'd thought Irvine was dead, hadn't he? This needed to be cleared up-now.

"Cloud?" Leon asked the sulking figure on the cliff where they usually found each other. His answer was an annoyed grunt. "I need to talk to you about Irvine," Leon continued gently, sitting next to Cloud.

"What's there to talk about? You've gotten back together with an old flame, wonderful for you."

"Cloud...," Leon murmured, stung. "You haven't had any people in your past?" he tried, hoping he didn't sound too accusatory.

"I have. The difference is that I know for a fact he's dead."

"But Aerith..." Leon began.

"Aerith is like a sister to me, nothing more. Why should I be given back my lover? After we...got together," Leon noticed Cloud's voice was getting rough, "I thought maybe I wasn't given Zach back for a reason. I can see, like always, I was wrong," he finished, getting up to leave. As Leon watched Cloud walk away, he couldn't see the tears on Cloud's face that matched the ones brimming in his own eyes.

A few days later, Cloud was confronted by a very pissed looking Irvine near the bailey.

"What did you do to Leon?" the cowboy demanded. When all he received was a look devoid of any and all emotion, he barreled on. "Leon's been completely depressed since he talked to you the other night. He seems guilty all the time, and he constantly looks like he's about to cry." Cloud glared at Irvine.

"It's his own fault for leaving me flat as soon as you show your face around here." Irvine looked surprised for a minute, but recovered quickly.

"Ah, I should have figured. Listen, Strife, Leon's mine. He has been since I first pried him out of that shell. We had been separated, why shouldn't he come back to me when I show up alive?" Cloud growled angrily. "You can't compete with me, so why don't you just go find something else to occupy yourself with?" Irvine sneered.

"Don't worry your pretty head about it," snarled Cloud as he whirled around and stalked away. "After tonight you'll never have to see me here again."

The next morning everyone found a note from Cloud on the table, stating he was off to find Sephiroth again. They had a score to settle, and due to certain conditions, it was no longer convenient for him to stay here. As Leon processed what had happened, he had to fight the urge to throw up that was growing in the pit of his stomach.

Okie-doke, there we go! I promise I'll try to get the next ones out more quickly. Remember to watch for the VK story and check out my Fictionpress account. Please review and thanks as always for your help and for reading this story!

ghosts