Hello! It's been a while...again. Serious case of writers block, and it hasn't gotten any better but I had to get a chapter out for you guys. Doesn't help that my inspiration has been removed from youtube :(. Anyway, hopefully you'll enjoy XD
It was strange, Aerith thought. One moment Cloud would not leave Leon's side, and then the next, he wouldn't even speak to him. When she had woken up that morning, she had expected to find the two men deep in conversation, after all, they had seemed anxious enough the previous night. So she was disappointed to find that, as usual, she was the first one to wake. She'd then wondered whether Cloud had gone to see Leon in his room, so, under the pretence of checking Leon's injuries, she headed towards his room, only to find Leon sound asleep, exactly as he had been when she'd left him last night. As she exited his room, she came face to face with one sleepy Cloud Strife, hair mussed, baggy pyjama bottoms and one of his favourite high necked jumpers.
"Morning," he said, his voice rough but still quite loud. "He alright?"
"Cloud!" she scolded, whispering. "You'll wake him up!" She heard a yawn from behind the door and sighed. "Too late." Cloud had just waved her away and headed down towards the kitchen. Sighing again, she went and checked on Leon, smiling brightly as he looked up at her. She quickly ascertained that he was fine, if not a little tender still in places, and told him that he could go down for breakfast if he wanted. Leon had smiled back at her softly, nodded and followed her down the stairs.
Cloud had just finished making pancakes when they reached the kitchen, and was placing them in the middle of the table. Aerith noted how he had made enough for three; he had been sure that Leon would be fine. It struck her as odd at first until she remembered that Cloud would have heard everything that she had said.
She watched as Cloud and Leon both sat down, taking their customary seats at the table. Neither said a word as they ate, Cloud staring at the wall opposite him, a wistful look in his eyes. She noticed how Leon subtly glanced at Cloud's neck, hidden by the fabric of his jumper; she saw the small smirk that appeared momentarily. After that, nothing else remotely interesting happened. The three of them sat in silence for the rest of their breakfast, and Aerith knew that they were all just happy to be together again.
They knew that they had been lucky. When Cloud and Leon snuck back into the house, it was five minutes before Aerith usually woke up. They both headed back into their rooms, not daring to speak for fear of waking the others. They'd clambered back into the clothes they'd been wearing for bed, jumping under the covers. Leon had just calmed his breathing when he heard Aerith moving about. He closed his eyes contentedly, the earlier sensations filling his mind. He felt the silly smile plastered on his face as he heard Cloud outside his door as they had planned, giving him an opportunity to "wake". He had to hold back a chuckle as Aerith chastised the blonde, and successfully turned it into a loud yawn. Seconds later Aerith sidled into the room almost sheepishly, and Leon knew that the plan had worked. Aerith was none the wiser.
Cloud could tell that Leon was proud of his work, and wondered half-heartedly how Aerith hadn't noticed how the brunette was practically glowing. Maybe it was just something that only Cloud could see, but in his eyes it made Leon more beautiful than ever (though he doubted that he would be pleased with being called beautiful; manly, handsome at a push, but Leon didn't think that he deserved to be called beautiful).
Cloud didn't really trust himself to speak, he was in a sort of stupor, and so he spent breakfast in silence. It was the sort of silence that spoke volumes, but again, Aerith seemed to be having an off day. It was quite funny, she'd been watching them for weeks, and the day when it most mattered, she couldn't see a thing. Or maybe they were just good at hiding it. It was a disconcerting thought for Cloud; he thought that the immense connection would be easy to see, but perhaps it wasn't as strong as he thought.
And so breakfast passed silently and all three stood together. Leon automatically went for the dishes but Aerith slapped his hand away softly.
"Leon. You shouldn't have to do this. Go for a shower, Cloud and I will sort it," she said softly. Leon shook his head, chuckling.
"It's fine. I need to start pulling my weight again I think. Plus, I don't want to use all the hot water. Ladies first as they say. I'm sure washing the dishes isn't the most strenuous of activities," he shot a suggestive look at Cloud, who smirked back.
"No worries Aerith. I'll make sure he doesn't collapse on us. Go shower. We've got this," Cloud said quietly, the smirk still on his face. Aerith sighed quietly, held up her hands and walked out backwards, making sure that Leon really was fine. Both men motioned for her to move faster, and she shook her head, smiling slightly as she left them to their job. She just hoped that Cloud wouldn't smash any of the plates again.
Cloud waited until Aerith was out of sight and out of earshot before he turned to face the brunette.
"'Washing the dishes isn't the most strenuous of activities'? Have an example of a better one?" Cloud asked, winking suggestively.
"Oh shut up," Leon said flustered. He grabbed a towel from the side. "You can dry," he grinned, throwing the damp towel in Cloud's face. He moved to fill the sink, grabbing the washing up liquid from the cupboard below it.
"Aww but baby, what if you collapse and end up face first in the water? You might drown," Cloud gasped mockingly.
"Oh, so you'd prefer me to end up face first on the floor. Thanks," he replied sarcastically. "And don't call me baby."
"Sorry muffin," Cloud sniggered before finding his shirt soaked through with soapy water. He burst into hysterical laughter, Leon doing the same. Then came the ensuing water fight, and Leon found that he wouldn't need that shower after all. Cloud on the other hand was looking forward to a shower, although maybe not at Merlin's. And he knew that if he had his way, the two men would be having more 'fun' involving the water. If only Leon knew what he had unleashed...
A/n: Well there you go. Personally I think its a bit lame, but I just couldn't write this at all. January exams are over at college now so I should be able to concentrate a little more for the next chapter. I'll try my best to update quicker next time, but it'll only work if I can find some inspiration. Anyway, please review, makes me a happy bunny. Next chapter coming ASAP! XD
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