Stranger Than Fiction

Chapter Four:

The Sparring

Author's Note:

Thank you to the reviewers who are very supportive, and lots of reviews mean lots of chapters, right? I'm listening to No Doubt The Singles, so I have lots of happy thoughts. This chapter is… Cloud and Leon based really.

Although I do manage to destroy innocent Sora, and straight Sora in this chapter. Well, not completely straight Sora, but he begins to 'experiment'. Always a good sign in Sora/Rikuness.

Oh, and thank you for all those who 'highly recommended' this story. If you go to the normal KH story listing page, then change the url from the usual 'list.php' to 'naf.php' it comes up with the highly recommended list, of which Stranger Than Fiction is at the top (This was written on the 25th July). Thank you thank you thank you!

Disclaimer:

I don't own Kingdom Hearts nor any of the characters.

Sora waited by his phone the next evening, and the evening after that. The anonymous texter didn't reply. Then, when Sora had assumed all hope was lost…

Hello Sora.

Sora stared at the phone, then immediately went to his template he had created in his boredom. It was a simple message.

I've bin waiting every nite 4 u 2 txt. I stil have no idea hu u r. Y don't we start with a/s/l?

He waited, holding his breath. Would he sound too keen? This person, this random person from his life, was caring for him. But who was it?

You've been waiting for me Sora? How cute. As for a/s/l, I'll tell you. 16/DI.

Sora sighed. So it was a guy… Only a guy wouldn't have put his sex. Unless it was a girl who didn't want her identity revealed that early.

As if I couldn't have guessed that alredy. Er… Ok, what's your favourite flavour?

Sora cursed as he sent the text. He'd forgotten to add 'food' but it was too late now. Rolling over on his satin sheets, Sora faced the dark ceiling.

I like Berries. Strawberries, Raspberries, Blackberries, Gooseberries. They're all good. I would like to taste you too Sora, I'm sure you'd be up there with the rest of the berries.

Sora frowned. He didn't know anyone who liked berries. This could be a random stalker… But somehow, Sora wasn't sure why, but he liked these little text sessions. It was comforting to know that someone cared enough to go through the trouble of getting his number...

Sora-berries? I don't taste 2 good, don't try eating me. I may luk gud enuf 2 eat, but seriously, I taste gross. Also, if u take a bite out of me skool I'll know hu u r.

Sora was quite pleased with his answer. It was then he realised someone was in the doorway. It was Selphie, her hands clasped behind her back.

"Who you texting?" She asked. Sora grinned at her.

"I don't know, that's the fun part," He replied. She came and sat on his bed.

"Ooh! You have a secret admirer!" She squealed. Sora nodded and showed her all his texts so far. Selphie frowned and then jumped when the phone went off again. Sora opened the message eagerly.

Sora, you're too much… You're a virgin aren't you? Man, that must suck… Well, maybe I'll be the one to taste you first?

Sora wasn't sure if he should let his innocent little sister read that, but she snatched it away from him. She seemed completely calm about it all.

"What you gonna reply?" She asked. Sora thought for a second.

Maybe you will taste me first…

"You can't put that!" Selphie screeched. Sora put his fingers to his lips to indicate silence and returned to the message.

I take it u're not a virgin then… u're slowly narowing this list down. I no I'm luking 4 some1 hu's not a virgin hu likes berries. That's half of the island then. Can I ask u 1 question, not a specific?

Sora sent the message, Selphie mouthing at him soundlessly.

"Sora! I can't believe you put that! You don't even know if it's a boy or a girl yet!" Her voice was all high pitched and strange.

"So?" Sora replied, he felt reckless. So what if it was a guy, if Sora felt a connection with him what did it matter? Not that Sora had ever fancied a guy before, but maybe this was different. They were never going to meet and it was just texting…

No. Have sweet dreams of me Sora. Know that if my dreams are as sweet as you, I will wake up happy. Goodnight.

Sora bit his lip. He didn't want to say goodnight yet…

"Well? What are you going to reply?" Selphie demanded. Sora grinned evilly suddenly.

What are you wearing?

"Selphie, it's time for you to leave," Sora said, his authority voice on. Her eyes widened.

"I really wish I'd never come in…" She said, before running out the door and into her room. Sora didn't intend on doing that but it was a good excuse to get rid of Selphie temporarily.

That eager to let me taste you Sora? What would you think if I told you I had just got out of the shower. And that I am a guy.

Sora's lips drooped a little, but then a little pulse of excitement ran through him. What would it hurt? Most people experimented with their sexuality, right? Most people were straight so it only figured that it was okay to do it…

Does that matter? What would you say to a little taster session?

You had the first taste.

Sora sent. He lay down on his bed, wondering what the hell he had just done. Text sex was something that only sad people did, but he'd managed to do it without thinking about it…

Sora… I'm not quite sure what to say to you… Wow… I promise to dream of you tonight, and be in a good mood tomorrow. Thank you, thank you for tonight. Goodnight...

Sora was too tired to reply properly, so he just dialled the number, expecting it to just ring. However, there was a reply, the voice on the end of the line was breathless and husky.

"Sora?" It said. Sora's sleep addled mind took in the sound of the voice with delight and a small shiver.

"Goodnight. I promise to dream of you too…" Sora whispered, aware that his own voice was broken slightly. He heard an intake of breath on the other end of the phone.

"Goodnight."

Cloud surveyed the corridors. The last day of school before the weekend, the last few hours. As usual, Sora was late, and Cloud hadn't the patience to wait for him. Riku and Leon walked passed, and to Cloud's surprise, Riku was smiling.

Cloud drew his eyes from Riku's radiant smile to Leon, who's smile was slightly less… open, but still present. Sensing Cloud's eyes, Leon looked up and his smile became a little more indiscreet.

"What you smiling at?" Riku asked, then followed Leon's gaze to Cloud. Riku then looked at his brother.

"Hey, Cloud?" Riku called. Unsure about Riku's motives, Cloud approached warily.

"What?" He asked. Riku smirked.

"By any chance does your number end 254?" The silver haired demon asked. Cloud bit his lip. Damn… Had he sent his text messages meant for Kuja to someone else?

"Er, yeah, why?" Cloud asked, casually. Riku glanced up at his brother.

"Ha! I guessed it! My turn! Who's number ends with 547?" Riku asked. Cloud frowned.

"That's Sora's number… How did you get it?" Cloud demanded. Riku blinked, then laughed.

"Because his little sister wrote it on large laminated pieces of paper and put them all around the school. I mean, everyone has either a business card that reads 'Sora Hikka, Professional Dumbass, 0145-458-547'," Riku laughed. It was then that Cloud first noticed the pink post-it stickers everywhere. Also the luminous A4 sheets with the word's 'SORA'S NUMBER' on it.

"Oh man… I'm going to have to help him take all of them down…" Cloud cursed loudly and profoundly. It was amazing how many curses you picked up when you're parents both worked long hours.

"Nice vocab," Riku drawled.

"Thanks," Cloud flashed him a grin.

"I'll help you take them down later," Leon suggested. Cloud smiled, more than a little bit fazed that someone as gorgeous as Leon would ever want to help the only open homo in the school. People weren't openly prejudiced, but at the same time, they weren't openly accepting either…

"Um… Thank you…" Cloud replied, then he heard Sora's telltale heavy footfalls.

"Sorry I'm late, I was up late last night," Sora yelled, skidding to a halt before Cloud, Riku and Leon. Immediately there was the usual tension, but there was something strange today, like neither of them really wanted to start of the friction.

"I don't want the details," Cloud said quickly. Sora blushed slightly.

"Good, because I'm not giving you any. Er… Cloud, I want to talk to you later, in private about something," Sora muttered, the blush slowly spreading.

"You know what, I think Sora's finally given into those homo urges," Riku drawled. Sora shot him a glare.

"Shut your mouth Riku before I knock out another tooth and ruin your oh so perfect smile," Sora said, without his usual venom. Cloud looked at Riku, who was obviously thinking about it.

"Fair enough…" He said. Cloud watched Riku's mouth, realising that when Sora had hit him, it must have been a back tooth he knocked out. Suddenly, Cloud had an urge to ask.

"Which tooth was it?" He asked, earning a look of bewilderment.

"Why?" Riku asked. Cloud shrugged.

"Dunno, just curious I guess…" Cloud replied. Riku opened his mouth and pulled back his cheek to reveal not only the fact he had a tongue piercing, but also that the last 'normal' tooth before the molars was missing.

"Niiiice…" Sora said, but he too looked interested in a morbid way.

"As much as I've loved this little… conversation… I must be going, there is a cigarette with my name on it. Good day," Riku bowed mockingly and walked away. Cloud turned to Sora.

"You're being nice to him," Cloud exclaimed. Sora rolled his eyes and grabbed Cloud's arm.

"You don't know the half of it…"

Sora explained the whole text thing, blushing slightly when he just said the words 'text sex'. Cloud didn't look all that shocked, which struck Sora as being a little weird. Was he the anonymous texter?

"It wasn't… you… was it?" Sora asked. Cloud blinked, then laughed.

"No offence Sora, but no it wasn't. Unless that's an offer of course?" Cloud put on a look of lust. Sora backed off a little.

"So what, you're bisexual, join the club. Nearly everyone is nowadays. Very few gays, such as myself, limit themselves to one sex anymore. Besides, so what if you like a guy, I'm sure that if he likes you back, there's no problem, right?" Cloud asked. Sora stared. It was that simple? It really didn't matter?

"Yeah… Yeah it's that simple… Wow… Tonight I might have a boyfriend…" And in his thoughts Sora added: And I still don't know his name…

Cloud slouched in a cubical of the gent's toilets. He was thoroughly bored of taking down little pieces of luminous card. If he got his hands on Selphie…

"Cloud?" He heard Sora call his name. He drew up his legs and made sure that if Sora looked under the door he couldn't be seen.

"Cloud, Leon's looking for you!" Sora called again. Placing his feet down with a 'thunk' Cloud opened the door only to be met with Sora's evil grin.

"Ooh, so little Cloudy has a crush of tough-ass Leon?" Sora teased. Cloud put his hand to his forehead. This was not a good day.

Leon was halfway home when Riku reminded him of his promise to Cloud. Cursing, he had run back only to see the last car speeding off into the distance. Rather than comb the school, Leon had waited outside.

Cloud hadn't appeared and it was five pm before Leon realised how long he'd been waiting. Deciding to take a short cut through the park, Leon had to cross a meadow. The sky was beginning to turn pink as the sunset. The meadow was so beautiful…

Leon began to walk across when he saw a dark figure silhouetted against the sunset, and a glint of metal. Scared for the person who was being attacked, Leon dropped his things and immediately ran to their aide. It wasn't until he was only ten yards away that Leon realised it was Cloud. Leon stopped, his mouth working soundlessly. Cloud… Cloud!

The boy hadn't noticed him yet, but he that didn't matter. Leon stared at the topless blonde as he almost danced with a wicked looking blade. It seemed to be the largest sword known to man. It probably was…

Cloud turned suddenly, and Leon saw the taut muscles, fighting to control the blade, the sheen of sweat on his muscled torso. Then he snapped out of his daze when Cloud cried out.

"Leon!" He stumbled, fell over a fallen log and landed on his ass. He stayed down, not shifting, steam beginning to rise off his body in the cooling air.

"Sorry to sneak up on you. You should be more alert next time," Leon warned. Inside his mind was screaming at him to be nice. It was screaming at him to put away the mask, but for some reason, Leon was too… too shy…

If Cloud could see what he was feeling then there was a chance of rejection. When Cloud finally got up, Leon noticed a mask similar to his own. Or perhaps Cloud just didn't have any feelings?

"Yeah, well if you hadn't been doing your little stealth exercise then this wouldn't have happened!" Cloud snapped. Leon stared at him and then shook his head.

"I'm not going to fight with you. Just because my brother's a bit of an ass, and he doesn't get on with your best friend, doesn't mean we should hate each other immediately," Leon said calmly. A brief look of confusion spread across the younger boy's face.

"What are you and Riku up to now?" Cloud accused. Leon scowled, what was this kid's problem? Was he trying to push away a new friend?

"I'll have you know that whatever Riku is 'planning' he's leaving me out of it, like he should. I've done his dirty work far too often, he knows that I've had enough and has to do it himself. Trust me, he doesn't need my help to make people's lives hell," Leon replied. Cloud clenched his fists.

"You train here often?" Leon asked, watching as Cloud picked up a bottle of water and drank some. Dragging his eyes away, Leon scolded himself. This was Riku-esque behaviour, the kind of obsessive watching and torturing…

"Perhaps," Cloud replied. Leon smirked and shook his head. What did he expect? Cloud had a mask too, he wasn't likely to drop it for a guy he'd known for barely a week…

"How good are you?" Leon asked. Cloud put the water bottle down then opened out a long cloth bundle.

"You know how to use a bo?" He asked, throwing one to Leon, who caught it with one hand, giving it a little twirl.

"I know how to use one," He laughed. It had been ages since he'd done official martial arts training… It felt strange to be holding a bo again… He examined it, finding it to be the perfect weight for his build. Then again, he was built like Cloud, so it wasn't much a coincidence…

Leon shrugged off his jean jacket, underneath he had a sleeveless white T-shirt. He also removed his 'Griever' pendant, slinging it to the ground before holding out the bo in a 'challenge' position.

Cloud raised an eyebrow, and raised his own bo, carefully positioning himself so as not to be hit before he could defend. For a few seconds, that felt like minutes, they stared at each other.

Then Leon leapt into the attack, striking against Cloud's bo with such force that it made the blonde stagger backwards. Cloud returned the blow with a lighter but faster stroke.

It went backwards and forwards for quite some time, perspiration gleaming on both their brows, neither willing to give in.

Leon stumbled…

Cloud gulped when he saw Leon stumble, unsure whether it was a feint or a real chance to win. Deciding to attack anyway, Cloud whipped the bo out against Leon's ribs. He heard Leon's breath hiss out of his lungs.

"Shit!" Leon cursed, before rolling and jumping to his feet. He glared at the blonde, making Cloud feel a little guilty. It was that moment of hesitation, Cloud later realised, that Leon was waiting for.

A powerful blow to his head sent him spinning to the ground, he was temporarily blinded. He felt strong arms lift him up, turning him so he wasn't facing the ground. He felt gentle hands carefully move hair out of his face, and examine the injury. He felt a slow drip of blood fall from his temple into his hair.

"Cloud? Cloud for God's sake say something! C'mon! Shit!" Leon's hands were trembling against his cheek. In his slight confusion, suddenly pain shattered his thoughts. The only thing that kept him crying out was how nice Leon's hand felt against his cheek.

"L-Leon… I'm okay… One hell of a… headache though…" Cloud winced, knowing he should try to sit up, but being held like this… was far too nice…

"No kidding. I know what head shots are like. I thought you'd manage to block it. I'm going to try to clean away some of this blood. I think the bo just split the skin on your temple," Leon's voice sounded strained. It was as though he was holding many emotions back, but it was obvious he was concerned simply by the fact he sounded as though he was holding emotions back.

"Was too busy… feeling guilty… about your bloody… ribs…" Cloud replied. He blinked as he felt something cold pressed against his temple. There was the usual stinging as when a cut was cleaned, but Cloud focused on Leon's other hand, the one that was stroking his forehead absently.

Cloud opened his eyes to see Leon's eyes focused on the wound, his mouth set in a thin line, a frown on his features. It almost melted Cloud into a puddle. Didn't this idiot know what he did to him?

"I think I have… concussion…" Cloud whispered. He saw Leon's smile.

"I think you have too. Just don't fall asleep," The brunet replied. Cloud frowned, and immediately regretted it when he felt the pain spread from his temple through his head. He was sure that he was going to pass out if he didn't fall asleep.

Cloud felt Leon's hand leave his temple, and curiosity made him open his eyes again to see that Leon was using his T-shirt to wipe his forehead.

"What the?" Cloud whispered before he could stop himself. He then shut his eyes quickly. He was all too aware how much he was attracted to Leon, without Leon suddenly turning all caring and taking his shirt off… Besides, it was most likely that Leon was straight…

Then again, what had he told Sora earlier? Most people nowadays had bisexuality as an option? Was Leon one of those people? Shut up brain, shut up, shut up, shut up!

"What's the matter?" Leon asked. Cloud bit his lip, trying to think of a reply.

"I wonder what I'll tell my parents. I got beaten up by a nobody or that I was 'mugged'? They're going to go psycho…" Cloud mumbled. It was then that he heard Leon's sharp intake of breath.

"You aren't going to sue are you?" He asked. Cloud laughed, how could he ever sue Leon, hell, anyone? What kind of money did that have? Zilch, zero, zip-all.

"No, no I'm not. Say… Could you help me home?" Cloud asked, he opened his one eye and saw Leon was shifting to put him down.

"Yeah, sure," Leon replied as though it were the most natural thing in the world. Was he really that comfortable around Cloud or was he just feeling guilty? Probably the latter.

"Here, I'll help you into your shirt," Leon gently lifted Cloud up, pulling the T-shirt over his head gently. Cloud pulled his arms through himself, but Leon straightened it up. Perhaps Cloud was being hopeful, but he was sure that Leon's touch lingered longer than it should.

"Okay, I'm going to pick you up. You may feel a little sick…" Leon then heaved Cloud to his feet. Leon hadn't been kidding. Cloud felt the world spin and slammed his eyes shut. He felt as though he were falling, spinning wildly.

"I'm going to stash this in a bush, okay? I can't haul you and your weapons along. I'll pick them up later and bring them to your house, okay?" Leon asked. Cloud didn't reply, he knew if he opened his mouth he'd be sick. That wouldn't be very attractive…

"Hold onto me," Leon instructed. In Cloud's slightly dazed mind, that had a more prominent meaning. He practically fell onto Leon, who staggered under the weight.

"Cloud! Stay awake!" He begged. Cloud heard Leon's panicked voice, and smiled. Leon did care then…

"Sorry… My cell phone is in my… pocket…" Cloud whispered, before slumping his full weight onto Leon.

Leon found Cloud's phone, hurriedly dialling 911. He heard the operator's voice.

"Ambulance," He said before the woman had finished. After that there was the usual crap about false alarms. Then Leon heard the actual person rather than recorded message come onto the line.

"We're on the meadow just off Sylvae Street. My friend fell, he hit his head pretty bad. He's just passed out. I'll try and carry him to the main road. Yes… Yes… No… What?… Oh right, I don't know… Um… He's unconscious so I can't ask him… I don't know, for God's sake! It's concussion, why the hell would he need that?" Leon snapped. What was with the one hundred and twenty questions?

"Just get the goddamned ambulance here!" He growled, the woman on the other end of the line seemed to get the message.

"They'll be there in five minutes. If your friend wakes up, get him to tell them the answers to those questions…" The woman then hung up. Leon glared at his phone, before picking up Cloud.

For a second he looked at the blonde's face. In this state he looked so… peaceful… His mask had gone… He looked like a child…

"I hope you aren't having a brain haemorrhage. I'd hate to have to tell your parents…" Leon whispered.

Cloud awakened in a hospital, his parents were sat there, looking worried. He grinned at them blearily.

"You didn't think I was in trouble, did you?" He asked. His mother laughed, throwing her arms around him and his father just beamed. He looked around, and pouted when he realised that Leon wasn't there…

"Who was it who brought you in? The nurse said it was someone with brown hair, was it Sora?" Eva asked. Cloud licked his lips.

"Er… No… It was Leon Leonhart," Cloud realised how stupid that name sounded. Who in their right mind would believe him that he had been rescued by someone named after their last name?

"Oh, Leon? I wasn't aware you were all that close?" Eva said, smiling knowingly. Cloud frowned, how the hell did his mom know Leon?

"He's a nice boy, Cloud. Not that Sora, or Kuja, aren't, but he's more… like you… You have more in common," Eva seemed to want to make Cloud cringe.

"Mooom! I'm not involved with him in that way. I can have friends you know!" Cloud moaned. His mother clasped her hands in delight.

"I knew it! Oh honey, I'm so happy for you!" She threw her arms around him. Cloud tried to pull away, but stuck in a bed, it was locked in his mother's embrace when Sora, Leon and Selphie entered the room.

"Er, Cloud?" Sora said. Blushing furiously, Cloud tried to place the mask on his features. It was too late, because Selphie squealed and jumped up and down.

"Are you blushing?" She squeaked. His mother gave him a triumphant smile.

"So I was right, huh?" She asked in an undertone. Cloud glared at her.

"You feeling okay?" Leon asked. Cloud swallowed and looked up at him. He nodded slowly.

"How stupid are you to trip up and fall over on a rock?" Sora asked, taking the seat nearest Cloud. Cloud blinked.

"I didn't…" He said before realisation dawned. "I mean, it's all hazy. I might have…" He stopped there, knowing how bad a liar he was.

"Er, thanks for that Cloud. I hit him with a bo. Knocked him pretty much senseless. His fault, he should have been paying attention," Leon said, a trace of humour in his voice. Uncharacteristically, Cloud stuck his tongue out.

"Aw!" Selphie said involuntarily. She got an elbow in the ribs from Sora, who himself was wearing a look of 'how cute'.

"Sora, don't you have a secret admirer to text?" Cloud asked. Sora looked up at the clock.

"Not for two hours. Isn't this going to be cosy?" Sora's grin turned evil. Cloud squirmed.

Ending Notes:

There's the secondary paring for you. In fact, the 'secondary pairing' get together first, so I guess they're more of a 'primary pairing'… Oh I dunno… Anyhow, please read and review.

I have a few questions that I'd like you to answer if you can be bothered:

Are Cloud or Leon a little too OOC? Is it getting too complicated with the parents? Is this story believable for a whirlwind romance fic?