Hello, my lovelies! Ah, so many reviews, I'm ecstatic! 3 Well, it seems we're moving into the final stretch of this story now. I have about two more weeks of school, so I'll be crushed under work for a little while, but then it's time for glorious summer vacation! Squee! Anyway, this chapter is relatively short, but pivotal! And Riku's role is err…semi-revealed?

andromeda90: Hee, you're welcome! I know, all these guys are so thick headed, ne? XD And yes, Riku's still important as you'll soon see!

Meru Caldera: O.O Wow… Thank you, your review made my head swell! XD Just kidding, but that amused me to no end. Thanks! )

Kita Ito: Thank you! Yeah, so do I. –sweatdrop-

ShinjaNoBaka: Again, thanks, and here's more!

Fushica: Yes, yes he is. You'll believe that even more after this chapter. –evil grin- Ah, I see. And yes, make sure to read the author's noteat the bottom for a notice about that pairing.

AngelDragonQueen343: Ahaha, yes and yes. I know, hopefully our little chocobo will soon be saved from his emo pit of despair! (Yes, as a note, I do enjoy making fun of Cloud occasionally. I mean, come on, he is the picture definition of "emo" even though I'm not fond of the word. ;XD)

Zexy's Girl: Thank you, and no, he is off to fight Sephy, although I liked your guess.

Aeternus-Spes: O.O Wow, thank you. You're very enthusiastic!

Veleria: Thank you, and I appreciate the criticism. I actually went into this story with very little plot in my head, so that's a factor. I also find I have trouble sometimes conveying what I want to happen. But this will all help me get better, so thanks again, and I appreciate your patience!

Disclaimer: I own the KH game, KH II game, the respective strategy guides for each, (although I did lose the first one) the AC DVD and I've watched the movie three times, but nothing else!

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That afternoon was scorching and Leon was in a black mood. Not even Irvine was able to shake him out of it. When they were on one of their breaks, Irvine's arms wrapped around Leon from behind and tugged him gently to a shadowed corner. Resting his head on Leon's shoulder, Irvine breathed into Leon's ear seductively, "Come on, Squall, cheer up. Strife's gone, so now we can be alone in peace."

Leon pulled away irritably. "It's too hot for this, Kinneas," he snapped, striding away while pulling off his leather jacket. Irvine's brow furrowed and he jogged after his lover.

"Baby, come on. What did I say? You know it had to be one of us, and Strife's a strong guy. He'll be fine."

"How do you know that, huh?" Leon whirled on Irvine. "He barely survived last time, what's to say Sephiroth won't kill him now?"

Irvine looked pissed. "Look, I don't know who "Sephiroth" is, or what he's got to do with anything, but you're mine now, and frankly, I don't care what happens to Strife either way."

The look Leon gave Irvine right then probably could probably have scared Ansem (the Heartless "Ansem") back into oblivion. "Since when am I yours?" he spat. He opened his mouth to say more, decided silence would speak better, and stormed away.

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Leon was miserable after being alone with his thoughts for the rest of the day, and he had decided to seek out Irvine. He wanted to explain and work things out, and he really just needed someone right now, loath as he was to admit it.

Irvine had disappeared after dinner, so Leon was walking around town, hoping to find him as the sky darkened to night. He turned into an alley just as he heard Irvine's voice. Heartened by this, he walked more quickly to the junction where the alley turned, but stopped when he heard a snatch of conversation.

"Well, how's your progress?" came a voice that sounded eerily similar to Riku's.

A sigh came from who Leon assumed was Irvine. "Fine, I guess. Squall still seems protective of Strife, at least."

"Good, good." A pause. "Is there a problem?"

"Well...sort of. This is getting hard, especially keeping things from Squall. I may be involved now, but he and I were still together, and I still want to be friends. I can't do that by hurting him."

It was Riku's turn to sigh now. "I know it's hard, but you have to pretend to still love him if the plan's going to work."

Leon's eyes were like saucers now. Pretend to love him? The plan? Irvine involved? With who? Dear gods, what was going on? Trying to keep his eyes from watering, he stepped around the corner to confront the two conspirators, hurt written all over his face.

And there we go! Big things are coming up for our favorite woe-begone couple so keep an eye out! I also know I said there would be SoRiku, so I'm sorry I didn't get much in. There will be some at the end, and after this I will write a one-shot centered on them in addition to starting my VK fic. Thanks for reading everyone, and please remember reviews make ghosts float! –is shot for horrible pun-

Ja ne- ghosts