Chapter 7: Cataclysm

He ran through the black abyss. Bare feet heavily stomped on the presumed floor of the void. Breathing was erratic, coming out in heavy panting, sounds that got sucked into the silent vacuum. The teenage boy kept looking over his shoulder with blue eyes completely wide. One hand was holding a strange object…it looked like an oversized key while the other was holding something close to his chest, completely covered between the hand and his pectoral.

An eerie growl echoed through the ambient, almost as if the abyss itself had made the intimidating sound. Notwithstanding a pair of yellow orbs melted out of the darkness to then pounce at him, he violently swatted at the emptiness with the strange key. The eyes dissolved into the nothingness soon to be replaced by more. Surrounded, the teenager swatted away with his key-like weapon this way and that rapidly vanquishing the camouflaged enemy.

It induced adrenaline, the boy looked like he was unbeatable…

Then, right in the climax of the battle he was witnessing, with a name lodged into his throat, Roxas' head sharply shot up from its resting place on top of his folded arms…

"Sora!" he shouted with an outstretched arm reaching out for the friend he had seen in his dream.

Frightened eyes looked around to slowly have his brain register that he was no longer staring into an endless obscure space. It had all been replaced by the warm colors of his room's walls…all his belongings: the desk upon which he had fallen asleep, his bed to his left, closet to the right…the slightly open window at the head of his bed….

'So it was a dream then…' his mind told him though, his wary eyes scanned the room to be absolutely sure that they indeed were where they were supposed to be. Even when the dream had been so vivid, most of the details of it were quickly escaping him, until eventually he spaced out; the fleeting thoughts had become a rambling mess that his own brain could barely keep up with itself.

A tired sigh escaped as Roxas hid his face into his hands as the lingering images of the dream slowly relented their grip. Once the remnants were nothing more than vague tresses, Roxas lazily dragged his hands out of his face: Dragging his eyelids until the appendages came to rest atop the blonde teen's lips while the heels of his hands supported his chin. Looking out the window Roxas observed that the sky outside still bore the warm pastel colorings of a dying day. He made a face in confusion subsequently turning to look at his cell phone for the hour.

"It's only been about twenty something minutes since Cloud left?! Tysh…time goin' slow…."

Although he was not sure when or how, but Roxas had dozed off and as such he would have expected to have killed off a lot of the spare time…

"But it seems I'm wrong" another sigh, this time accompanied by his hand going through his blonde spikes. He massaged his own head wanting for his thoughts to drift elsewhere…instead of thinking of more optimistic thoughts, the image of he and Cloud arguing was pulled out of his memory and displayed like a movie inside his head…

It seemed like it was going to be a long afternoon for him, even more so when he wanted to resolve the conflict he had had with Cloud moments ago. How he really hated fighting with Cloud, it was something that, even after a year of getting the same treatment, Roxas could not get used to…

Reflecting on his own actions, the teen wondered what could he be doing wrong to make Cloud be so angry or apathetic towards him most of the time….

'Let's see…I do my chores….I do my homework….I help him at home and work as much as I can…..' his mind was working over the list, desperately searching for any small detail he could be missing.

'Could it be my behavior?...but I wouldn't get so defensive if he wouldn't get so aggressive in the first place….'

Over and over he kept thinking of any solutions to his dilemma with his older brother, wondering…was he, Roxas Strife, such a bad person? Was it unreasonable for him to wish Cloud to feel better?...Unreasonable to yearn his big brother's attention…his love? He didn't care if he was being childish….The last year has been such a confusing time…so much has changed…Roxas couldn't help but feel lost.

All the things that he has desired for Cloud to give him guidance on churned unpleasantly inside his chest, heavily plummeting his insides into a chasm build on incertitude…coated with frustration the Strife sharply shook his head, blinking back tears.

"No. Don't cry Roxas" he admonished himself "Tears won't solve anything…"

He needed to distract himself. Sniffling , he unlocked his phone to stare at the home screen considering whether he should text Sora or not.

'Maybe…No. I shouldn't. I think I need some time for myself.'

And with that thought in mind, he put on his shoes calling out to Fenrir to see if he wanted a walk. The animal promptly responded with a long , lazy yawn and continued to doze. Roxas smiled helplessly as he plugged his headphones to his phone and made his way out of the apartment.

Roxas wandered through the streets of Radiant Gardens, enjoying the fading afternoon warmth. The sky was the object of his focus for the majority of the time. Headsets in place, delighting his ears with the instrumental music he so much enjoyed…perhaps the occasional song from a band or two. Roxas' head wondered to far off places and delved into extensive thoughts. Feet stepping in casual stride while hands where tucked under the comfort of the pockets of his gray pants.

Passing by coffee shops, bakeries and different kinds of stores. Across the street, one place in particular however, caught his interest…

'Oh look, a bookstore' a little voice in his head peeped, vanishing the deep introspection that he had submerged himself in.

Tilting his head curiously, he took in the building's sight: It clearly had two floors, painted in a strange light pewter, although it looked faded and almost a soft hue of platinum. The building looked old, due to its old-fashioned structure, the smears of dirt each telling their own anecdote. Two large display windows at each side of a fiberglass door, adding more to the antique feel. The young Strife pursed his lips and took a quick peek at his phone.

'Yeah, I don't think Cloud will be home anytime soon...'

A shrug of the shoulder and he crossed the street towards the establishment, lowering his headphones to his neck right before pulling the door open and entering. It was completely empty.

Instantly, the scent of pages took over his nose…it lifted his heavy spirit, as he looked around and saw the wooden bookshelves filled with books that looked both old and new. Roxas swore he could very well breathe in the knowledge around him serving as a spark for his imagination. As he made his way in, Roxas brushed his fingers across the spines of the books on the shelve to his right.

'Maybe I could read some history? Oh! I wonder if they have books on myth and legends?' thoughts of what interesting things he could pick for reading kept spawning in his brain.

The teen was pleased to have found the bookstore. Roxas had always enjoyed learning, whenever he felt curious about something, he would look into it, making him quite knowledgeable on varying subjects, sure not expertly, but he at least would always have something to talk about. Unexpectedly, a memory of him as a six year old sitting on top of Cloud's crossed legs and them reading a book, shot through his brain…

He smiled sadly, but it fell quickly when a throb made his heart ache, using frustration and sadness as its fuel. Falling into his own musings, Roxas didn't notice that he had stopped, looking with a soft but unfocused frown at the books while his fingers lingered on their spines.

The sound of someone clearing their throat made his eyes go wide, whipping his head to the side to look for the source of the sound, his surprised eyes landed on an scrawny looking elderly man. Roxas blinked a few times, promptly leaving him at a loss for proper reaction.

"Can I help you?" the elder tried, raising a snowy eyebrow looking at the youngling over a pair of round glasses that laid low on his big nose.

"Oh umm…I was just, looking. I didn't know there was a bookstore around" Roxas could not stop his eyes from hovering over the thin figure. The man had a long white beard and a moustache to match, high opposites to his bald head. The man wore a button down sky blue shirt, sleeves rolled up to his elbows, suspenders over his shoulders; a pair of khaki pants and black pointy shoes composed the rest of the outfit

"Ah, just passing through then, laddie?" the store owner rounded the counter, walking with his hands hooked behind his back and in a slight hunched position.

"More like, looking for a distraction…."

"Ah well, I have all sorts of books. What do you feel like reading?"

"Hmm. Well, I like reading and learning a lot of the past…About its mysteries an' all that"

"Ah I have books that you might find very interesting. They're on shelves on the back" the book store owner pointed behind his back.

"Oh ok. Thank you Mr…..uhh"

"You may call me Merlin." the old man offered his hand in greeting

"Nice to meet you. I'm Roxas." he responded with a firm handshake.

"All right Roxas. Happy reading, let me know if you need anything."

"Will do. Thanks again Mr. Merlin" nodding, the teen walked away towards the other end of the shop. Grabbing a few books ranging from the history of Radiant Gardens to theories on the heart and the few books he found regarding Heartinvokers and the legends that surrounded them.

Perhaps his afternoon wouldn't be so bad after all.

Meanwhile, after Cloud had witnessed Leon's meditating session, the younger man felt a calming peace that though not necessarily erased the dark haze that clouded his heart, it at least kept it at bay: coating the cold with its warmth.

Both men had walked a little until they had arrived at a small diner Leon expressed that was one of his and Sora's favorite. They sat down on a booth near a large glass window, the dying rays of the sun were almost gone, the sky above possessed a soft gradient from a peach, to salmon pink, to soft purple colors: The ambient softened into cool hues. Leon took the chance to also buy the beer he had promised Cloud the day Sora had been in the hospital; Cloud had smiled discretely at the gesture…he had honestly forgotten about that. They wasted no time in ordering their food: Cloud settled for a mushroom swiss burger (which he would also order one for Roxas) and Leon for a bacon and cheddar cheese burger. As they ate their meal, Leon attempted conversation.

"So Cloud, you said you were from Midgar, yes?"

"Nibelheim, to be more specific."

"Nibelheim?"

"It's a small mountain village in the outskirts of the city. I was born and raised there…mostly. Then I moved into the city."

"Ah. I Suppose that explains the accent. Though I must point out that Roxas' is more pronounced than yours."

"I was raised with both languages…Rox always had more trouble grasping the common tongue. I had to sorta beat it into his head."

Leon chuckled. "So you moved into the city seeking opportunities?"

'More like running away…' it was the answer Cloud would keep to himself.

"….more like seeking any jobs I could do. I needed to support Roxas as best I could." the words came out in a detached tone and his face formed into a soft, pained frown.

Leon thought about the answer he was given for a moment watching as the bubbles in his beer rose and popped. He had told Cloud about his own story, but there was so little that he knew about the somber male… The intrigue over the solemn being was killing Leon: He just wanted to know Cloud better, plain and simple.

"What happened to your family Cloud? I mean, you don't have to tell me if you don't want to of course."

Cloud had been about to take a bite out of his burger when he was made the question. Putting it back on the plate to stare at it through squinted eyes, wondering on how to answer said question.

"We….I don't consider we really had one. Roxas and I had a…problematic childhood. Eventually I got tired of it and I ran away with him and we ended up in Midgar. Later on I met up with Zack…." the name of the deceased man was followed by a another contemplative frown.

Leon's empathic senses saw the dark cloud that wanted to obscure Cloud's heart, painting a mental image of a sinister storm cloud slowly creeping in from the horizon. A bit of vexation thrummed within the gunblader, sculpting a concerned glare towards the napkin he was twisting in his hands…that familiar dark feeling was a memory Leon was not fond of and it was something he did not wish upon anyone.

"Cloud…that darkness is consuming you…it will claim your heart…you need to let it go and move on." unfortunately for Leon, his brain was not quick enough to keep up with his mouth. Even if he considered that he could be a straightforward person and even if there was truth in his words…well, Leon will not be surprised if he felt a punch connecting to his jaw at any given moment.

At each side of the plate, Cloud's hands did indeed twitch and curl into quivering fists: How dare he…what would he know of what he was going through? what he HAS been through all his life? Anger slithered into his heart, trying to cloud his mind and command him to lash out at the man in front of him. But there was also a group of thoughts that accompanied said sentiment….fleeting yet ominous thoughts that made his chest jump then constrict with an uncomfortable feeling.

Despite that, a small moment of clarity pierced through the haze…had there been some semblance of concern in Leon's tone? Cloud's head replayed the words and indeed, the feeling they gave off had been one of worry…and he would even dare say understanding. Cloud admitted that he himself did not like it when those feelings or thoughts attacked him…he always felt uncomfortable with himself…

Maybe Leon was right….He knew Leon was right…it was more a question of: Was he ready to move on? To let go?...to forget?...He wasn't so certain about that…but he was certain that he really couldn't be angry at Leon…or at anybody for that matter….and by anybody, he thought of Roxas…

"It's…It's something I'd rather not talk about…" Cloud finally said without looking at Leon.

"….my sincerest apologies, Cloud….I-I honestly don't know where that came from…I wasn't thinking…" spoken with clear contriteness and regret…Cloud would recognize those anywhere. He did not need powers like Leon's to confirm that the older man was being honest with his apology. For some reason, Cloud felt like he wanted to smile…even if it was just a small and ephemeral smile that Leon would not see. The delivery man shook his head as his way of saying to Leon to not worry about it. Looking up from the table and out the window, while crossing his arms on top said table and clearing his throat he said

"So…What about you? Have you ever had anyone?"

'That came out of nowhere…' Leon thought a bit confused. Good though. Cloud was trying to chase away the moment of awkwardness and guilt (from Leon's part), that had just transpired between them. Though, the brunette had to blink and double check…did Cloud feel…bashful? If Leon was not going to rely on his senses for that answer, then surely he could rely on how Cloud was trying hard not to meet him in the eye whilst tapping two fingers on his own arm. Leon had hold back the smirk.

"No. Not really…I have tried in the past but….It just never felt…right."

" 'Right?' "

Leon leaned on the table, crossing his arms similar to how Cloud had done. The latter only turned his face to a three quarter angle eyeing the Invoker with curiosity , whilst Leon kept his eyes trained on the bottle as he twirled it in place.

"I always get overwhelmed by others and their feelings. Feels like…they are constantly sucking the life out of me. It can get really suffocating at times, like if I were to be engulfed and lose myself somehow…"

"You really can't control it?"

"If there is a way…then I'm not aware of it. I learned how to block or channel it by sheer luck…Took me years to figure it out. Yet sometimes…not even the meditating is enough."

"What do you do when that happens?"

"Well…like I said…I get uncomfortable around people and well…I just avoid them….and probably revert to my old ways and sulk in my solitude." Cloud could not help it when he hung his head and huffed trying to hold back a small laugh. It had been a bit amusing how Leon spoke of his 'old ways' in a nonchalant light-hearted tone as it brought the image of a younger Leon pouting in a dark corner in his room or something.

"But…if that happens…how do you manage to still seem so…normal?...so to speak."

"It's only around very select people that I feel comfortable around. As long as I'm around those people, it helps."

"I see…I assume Cid, Aerith, Yuffie and Sora are those people."

"Mmhm, you assume correct…though you forgot to mention that in that list, I include Roxas…and yourself."

As Leon talked, he had been rubbing the bottle of beer with his thumb as he kept his eyes on it, but when he mentioned Cloud he looked into the eyes of the man in question. Looking into those skies always came so easy, more and more did Leon feel the pull of that lofty gaze, most of the time he felt like he couldn't just simply look away from them. Every time it would feel as if he could just simply hold a conversation with just their eyes.

As for Cloud, the first time that he had met with the haunting eyes, he had felt shaken: Even a bit uncomfortable and intimidated, he could hardly withstand being scrutinized by them…Now it had all shifted: There was a sort of comforting peace in them. Despite of all the other times that Leon's presence had served as an outlet that subdued the storm within him; At that moment, for the first time, Cloud was truly mesmerized by the crystalline view…and for the first time there was no guilt because of it.

The spell however, had to be broken; both men had gone completely silent in their spellbound state. They cleared their throats as the alluring effects of their staring quickly transformed into awkwardness. Leon shifted his position to lean his back against the window, keeping his hand on his beer, while Cloud kept his position but choose to divert his attention towards anything in his surroundings. Both young men wondered just what had happened, each in their own way. Cloud, being the first to, once again, resume the comfortable casualness of their conversation.

"Must be tough….not understanding a lot about yourself."

"Eh, you eventually learn to live around it and make it up as you go. Too bad took me quite a while to wrap my hard head around it. Though I must say, having abilities like mine can have its perks" the brunette took the last swig of his drink.

"Sensing what's inside others and pretty much knowing what their intentions are..." Cloud bobbed his head and raised his eyebrows in agreement as possessing that kind of insight could be very helpful "sounds like a great way of knowing who to avoid and who not, thus, sparing you drama and ill-moments…for the most part"

"Mmhm. Plus, fending off monsters here and there with a cool sword and magic….it can be pretty cool in its own way." he joked giving Cloud a wink, said younger man scoffed with a small smile shaking his head helplessly.

By the time they were done, the first white specs of light began to pepper the mostly dark sky. Leon expressed that he needed to check up on Sora, since he was still keeping a close eye on the teen's health, despite the younger brunette's protests. Cloud nodded in understanding and they had gone their separate ways. Albeit, there had been some reluctance.

The further Cloud drove away from the man, the more he felt the heavy fog loom over him. When he got to his apartment, no matter how much he had tried, he couldn't get rid of the heaviness in his heart. Why did he feel so miserable when he considered that he had had a rather good time with Leon just moments ago; he did not understand. It irritated him.

Taking off his gray denim jacket and hanging it behind the door, he then made his way down the hall, putting the bag of food on the counter as he walked by. Cloud called for his brother like two times before he noticed that the other was not in the house. Searching the teen's room, the adult only found Fenrir soundly asleep atop the bed. Cloud frowned…it was strange that his brother was not there…

Walking back to the living room, he texted Roxas asking him where he was. A few minutes went by before Roxas answered that he was in the library and the he would be there in a few minutes. Cloud was about to text him that he would go pick him up, when all of a sudden he felt tired and completely drained. Sauntering, almost dragging his feet around, he put Roxas' food in the micro and then made his way towards the couch. Letting himself fall on the cushioned surface he threw his head back with his eyes closed. Pain was starting to palpitate in his head, especially on the top, soon followed by an unexpected light headedness that made him hunch forward, holding his temples.

Cloud's tired half lidded look fell on the ring he always wore on his left hand. The weight on it more present than ever before. Thoughts dizzily spun out of his brain. He shuddered as a cold sensation ran up his spine and down his arms, making them give a short violent shake…the hairs in his arms and on the back of his neck prickled: Letting out a shaky breath as he ran his right hand through his hair…he needed to drink some water.

Shakily, his legs complied and not a moment too soon his surroundings faded into black and he felt like he was endlessly falling into a bottomless pit. Looking up at his outstretched arm that reached for the rapidly fading light.

Your heart only belongs to ME, Cloud.

Fear grasped him as the familiar disembodied voice resonated in his head…there's nothing he could do as the darkness around him kept pulling him down into its eternal grip.

Come join me…

Something that felt like cold hands slithered around his torso, abdomen and ankles pulling faster into the abyss, when he tried to scream, that same dark thing wrapped around his mouth; he felt as if something smiled sickly right beside his ear.

Roxas had gotten too involved in his reading as somewhere in between he had totally forgotten about the passage of time. He had felt guilty when he received the text from Cloud…how could he have forgotten to let his elder brother know that he would go out for a bit. But he had read very interesting things, so he did not exactly regret it. He wondered if he could tell Cloud about it… he fondly remembered that back in Midgar he and Cloud would often engage in long conversations about history among other different subjects. In hopes that Cloud would be more calm, breathing in deeply, Roxas opened the door to the apartment. As he stepped in something didn't feel right…it had been as if the air itself had fallen heavily on him creating a tight feeling inside him. A small voice in his head told him that he wanted to leave, that he shouldn't be there. Roxas couldn't place why he was feeling so strange, this was his home…a place where he should feel comfortable….

Rubbing his arms at the eerie feeling his eyes landed on his brother's form, laying motionless on the floor. Fenrir was whining while nuzzling the golden locks of the unconscious adult.

"Cloud?!" Roxas gasped as he ran towards the older Strife, placing a hand on the bare shoulder he noted that the skin was a bit feverish. An unsavory memory from his childhood crashed into him, thrumming his heart with its unwanted presence.

"Cloud! Cloud please get up!" a desperate plea that was shouted in a cracked voice, Fenrir barked twice and then whined.

Just when Roxas was about to grab his phone, one of Cloud's arms twitched and the adult grunted as his eyes fluttered open.

"Cloud" whispering harshly, Roxas leaned in closer to look at Cloud's face: he looked tired, more so than usual. Skin was pale, and the usual somber look that shaped those eyes was hard and something Roxas would describe as dark; just the overall feel around him was cold, breathing gloom into the air that drained the energy out of him…this was very worrying to him.

"Are u ok big bro?"

Cloud did not answer, he only sat up, faintly swaying as he allowed himself some time to recover from the dizziness. Roxas didn't know what was freaking him out more: the ominous feel in the ambient, the fact that he just found his brother unconscious and seemed somewhat unresponsive, or that he had no idea what was going on.

"pnudran, bmayca dymg du sa" perhaps speaking Nibel would help Cloud back to his senses, though Roxas didn't know how that would work…he decided to try it anyways. Holding him by his shoulders Roxas looked into his brother's eyes, the latter responded with half lidded eyes. The elder's blue pupils vaguely flickering as they stared back into the equal blues.

Some semblance of reality was returning to Cloud. He held his head in frustration shaking it, a useless attempt of fending off the headache. The young man could not explain the bizarre wrath that was boiling right beneath his skin. What had happened to him? He felt strange...

"I'm fine Roxas." Cloud stood up, then tried to walk away to spare his brother the ill temper. He staggered when he had barely given a few steps, holding on to the couch for support…his vision blurred as his eyes felt heavy and his head felt light. The man blinked while softly shaking his head.

"Cloud…you really don't look so good" tentatively, Roxas stood up as well and put his hand on his brother's shoulder conveying his worry in both his mellow tone and worried expression.

Cloud slumped down on the couch holding his head, tugging at his bangs in distress. Even if he really couldn't explain himself why, the adult could feel the ugly emotions twisting and churning inside his chest. Keeping them in check was a really difficult task, Cloud's conscious kept repeating over and over that Roxas did not deserve to be on the receiving end of those terrible thoughts. Lying, as per usual, became the quickest way to try to fend off his little brother…

"ugh…I-I'm fine…." the eldest insisted with his eyes closed shut.

"Cloud….please….why do you keep lying?….I'm worried…." in order to try and appeal to Cloud's soft side, he kneeled to look up into Cloud's eyes: Silently pleading not to be lied to….not to be pushed aside any longer.

To Roxas' great disappointment, Cloud averted his gaze, looking down to the floor.

'Ignored…again….' the thought hurt Roxas with the might of a thousand needles…biting back his lower lip to push aside the hurt of his brother's rejection, he stood up and began to dig his pocket for his phone.

"I'm gonna call-"

"I don't need help!" Cloud yelled at Roxas abruptly standing up as he was trying hard to control himself. A bit of silence followed and though it was short, it was aggravating…it really made the teen angry. It perfectly reflected the cold attitude the older Strife has been giving him throughout most of the past year. Roxas was tired…tired of being thrown to the side. Tired of his efforts going unappreciated…

"What do you mean you don't need help?! You fainted…on the FLOOR!" At their screaming, Fenrir lowered his ears whimpering and retreated back to Roxas' room…

"I'm just tired. Get off my back!" Cloud dismissed as he started to retreat to his room.

Is this honestly what he got for caring about his older brother? Is this how he was rewarded for trying to keep them both together despite everything they had gone through? Is this what he deserved for wanting to take care of the only family he had left?...was he going to slowly lose Cloud too? And he would have to just sit and watch?...It hurt….it really did…always the helpless one. The one to just sit on the sidelines and watch…unable to help…unable to do nothing.

"I've had enough…" he mumbled with balling fists.

"What was that?" uttering the words in snarl, Cloud turned around, shooting the younger Strife a dark scowl. He hadn't heard what Roxas had said and he wanted for the teen to repeat it, which Roxas wasted no time in doing so in an angry shout.

"I said that I'm tired Cloud! Why are you always pushing me to the side like you don't care! Like I don't care!"

"What are you talking about?" Cloud inquired as it was the only response he could think of, the logical part of him that he was willingly ignoring was telling him that Roxas was right.

"You know what I'm, talkin' 'bout!"

Indeed he did knew what Roxas was referring to…but the truth was something that was always hard to face. He hated the fact that his younger brother was spitting it in his face.

"It's not your problem Rox…" Cloud growled warranting a groan from adolescent.

"Yes it is Cloud! You think I can just pretend we're ok?!"

"Whatever…" Cloud shrugged his shoulders

"Don't ignore me damnit! I deserve an answer!"

"Okay Roxas! what is it you want to know, huh?! what is it you want me to say?!"

"Everything Cloud! Everything! Every. Single. Damn. thing! I just want us to be a family again!" the younger gave his answer almost immediately.

"A family? Is this the idea of a family to you?!" he scoffed "Look at us! We're not a family Roxas! We've NEVER had one and we never will!" the words hurt him even as he said them, yet he let them slip, watching the hurt flash in Roxas' eyes as well.

"We could if you would just try!" the pleading shout was another strong blow to Cloud's heart, but the pent up anger and hurt was just too much to contain.

"Try he says." Cloud scoffed again with a dry humorless smile while shaking his head then grits his teeth and replies "I'm tired of trying and failing, all I ever accomplish is pretend that everything in my life isn't going to shit! I'm useless…."

"Don't say that!" Roxas snapped balling his fists again. 'I'm the one who's useless….I can't help anyone…'

"And what about the three of us, huh?! Weren't we a family Cloud?!" Roxas continued.

Cloud turns his back on him and groans "Stop it Roxas. I don't need this right now!" He spoke with rising hostility towards Roxas.

"But I do!" the shout resonated through the apartment.

Cloud looked at him surprised and turned to face him "I haven't lied to you, I keep things to myself because I don't want to burden anyone, but you don't understand that with your constant nagging!" his voice also resounding

"Nagging, really? Is that what is to you Cloud? Nagging?! When I'm the one looking after you! huh? if it weren't for me, you'd still be rotting in ur pity back at Midgar!"

"….." He looked down, then back at Roxas "Looking after?...pity?! What the hell do you know Roxas?! What do you know about what I'm going thru?!" Cloud's voice was getting louder and more hostile, fists were clenching.

"I know EXACTLY what you are going thru Cloud! I loved him too you know?! He was like another brother to me!

Cloud remained silent for a few moments, trying to process the info. Roxas continued:

"I've been TRYING to be strong for your sorry ass! But you don't care!" tears are breaking down, Cloud huffed shaking his head in disbelief, not being able to think of any argument.

Roxas sniffled, harshly drying the tears with his arm, adding: "You know what….Zack was right…Your heart really is dark and drags people down…I wonder if you even deserved Zack's light….or anyone's"

A small silence brewed. Roxas squinted his eyes, to glare at his older brother, half regretting the shocked and hurt expression he inflicted on Cloud with his words… In his own mind, the adult desperately tried to justify himself for his actions…unable to find the right words to defend his position. Truly, what could he say? The voice of reason told him that Roxas spoke some truth….it hurt…and had Zack really said that to Roxas…had Zack really thought of him that way? That hurt even more….

When neither of them spoke further, Roxas turned around to leave the apartment.

"Where are you going?" Cloud demanded in a snarl

"Away from you! It's not like you care anyways…"

In a quick movement Cloud grabbed Roxas by his shirt collar and looks into his eyes filled with rage, speaking in a low tone "Don't. I'm warning you…"

"What the hell? Let go Cloud!" Roxas tried to break free from the grip

Cloud gritted his teeth holding Roxas more firmly, pulling him slightly up something inside Cloud snapped as he started shaking his brother when the latter resisted his grip.

He's telling the truth Cloud….

"Shut up…" Cloud squeezed the words through his clenched teeth, staring at Roxas but his mind was hazed.

"Cloud stop…what's wrong with you?"

Roxas felt the fear welling up in him, he looked into Cloud's eyes seeing someone he didn't recognized: The dark look from earlier had returned as Cloud seemed to have been fighting off an enemy Roxas did not know.

Everything will be taken away….you don't deserve anything…

"I told you to stop!" blindly enraged, Cloud pushed and slammed Roxas into the wall behind him, not wanting to continue listening to a fabricated painful truth he so whole heartedly denied. Roxas' head hits the wall hard and he grimaces, a pained moan escaped his throat as one of Cloud's hands gripped at the younger's neck….the adult's fingers were digging painfully into the thin neck.

"Cloud…you're hurting me…." Roxas whimpered clawing at Cloud's arm tears forming in his eyes as the air was being cut off. Cloud failed to notice whatever was taking over him…there was only one thing in his mind: get rid of the voices in his head. In a desperate attempt to get free, Roxas found the strength to kick Cloud in the abdomen; although it was only with enough force to get the adult to release his grip. Cloud slightly doubled over, being able to quickly recover and glare at Roxas.

Afraid that he would get further hurt, Roxas crossed his arms in front of him defensively out of instinct. In that moment, hot anger jerked Cloud's senses, stirring something in him that gave way to a strong palpitating sensation in his head. Everything around him seemed to have ceased to exist in that moment. A loud thud reverberated and then was followed by a scraping sound and yet another loud thud.

There was an eerie stillness in the air, all Cloud could hear was his own panting. At some moment Cloud's vision was going in and out of focus. His ears felt very hot, the pulse inside his head was frantic. The adult wondered why did he felt so agitated as he looked at his trembling right hand. Said hand was balled into a fist, knuckles red and pounding. He stared at it in confusion for a small moment before he turned to look in front of him confused…he felt an odd blank in his mind. Slowly, he turned his head to the side, noting that part of the table was pushed askew.

The adult's eyes then finally landed on the motionless form of his brother whom was on the floor. Upon seeing the signs, the situation was starting to echo through his mind, gradually growing into a disbelieving intensity. His insides sunk in dread, his head shaking in disbelief.

"Ro-Roxas?"

One of Roxas' arm twitched as it steadily moved for the teen to use it to push himself up. Roxas sat up a bit disoriented, there was a strong pain on his cheek bone and part of the eye near it. Cloud's insides twisted in terrifying disbelief as he watched when his little brother rose a dazed shaky hand to his bleeding lips. What was worst, both hurt and betrayal were directed up at Cloud in the form of widening eyes. Cloud's body shook violently, his mind rejecting the images that slowly revealed what he had just clearly done.

"Ro-Roxas, I-" the older brother hesitantly reached out to help Roxas to get on his feet. It was reciprocated by a sharp gasp as Roxas backed himself into the wall again body curling protectively, never averting his gaze from Cloud.

"Please don't hurt me!" Roxas blurted out as an automatic response. The way his little responded was a painful stab to Cloud's heart…In his eyes, Roxas was that little five year old boy again. That small boy whom he always swore up and down that he would shield from the world…the boy…whom he had just physically hurt with his own hand.

"…Rox.." Cloud struggled to find his voice or even any words that he could say. It was a hard task as the knot in his throat grew thicker, the pain tearing away at his guilt ridden heart.

Roxas suddenly frowned as his brain caught up with how he was responding: the helpless five year he once was had surfaced, and he hated it. That did not stop him from seeing that Cloud had just broken his promise…but what really hurt was that he couldn't stop comparing Cloud to all the awful people that hurt them…to that awful woman whom had damaged them so much…

He couldn't believe that he was actually afraid of his brother...

"Roxas." Cloud attempted to reach out for him again

Roxas gritted his teeth whilst shaking his head…No this was not Cloud…this wasn't the brother he loved and admired…his brother would never hurt him like this…

In the blink of an eye, he bolted out of the house without looking back, deliberately ignoring when Cloud had called out after him…

Back inside, Cloud was shocked, replaying the events again on his head hoping that, all had been just a bad dream. The more he thought about it, the more painfully truthful it became.

"What have I done?" he gasped covering is face with shaking hands, slowly breaking down.

He was angry at himself; despising himself for hurting someone he cared about so deeply was supposed to watch over for. In another fit of rage, he threw and trashed anything that was near his reach. At the end of his fit, Cloud had grabbed a book to throw it with all his might. It had been enough force that he lost balance and stumbled on his own feet, only regaining his balance when he hit the wall behind him. Slowly crumpling to the floor, tears running down his face. He started to hear the nightmarish voices again, thus covering his ears, notwithstanding , it was futile, for they were in his head.

'Please stop….please…'

Why couldn't he just be rid of all the pain he felt? All those ugly things that were dragging him through the mud…Why was it so damn hard to let go?

'I don't want to be alone…I'm tired of this pain…'

"What is wrong with me?!" he screamed out in despair, the heels of his hands digging into his eyes whilst fingers clutched his hair.

'Someone help…please help…please help me…Leon….' the voice in his heart sent out it's plea…hoping, that it would be heard.

Roxas ran with all the speed his legs allowed, all of the emotions he had were escaping in tears and pants. The night cold shaped his breath into the huffs of white mist. He ran through the city with no clear destination for his mind was too busy thinking on everything he had said to Cloud and vice versa. His heart was beating in anger, he almost wanted to go back and punch Cloud right back…but he knew he wouldn't do it. Signs with street names on them flying past him, subconsciously following those which rang familiar bells.

When his legs finally screamed that they had enough, that they could carry him like that no longer, he slowed down until he was just walking. Time seemed to have flown by him as he took a chance to notice just where his legs might have taken him, nevertheless, it seemed that his body was not quite done moving. Making his way up the stairs, down the hallway in a heavy, measured stride, half lidded eyes scanning the numbers on the doors until his mind pulled him to a stop in front a specific door. Slowly his hand knocked lightly on the wooden surface just a few times before it fell to his side listlessly.

Barely a few moments passed when there was a click and the door opened to reveal a tired looking Sora. His hair messy, his sleeping clothes rumpled. But Sora still smiled at the unexpected arrival of his friend.

"Roxas?! Hey, what brings you-" Sora let his words trail into silence when his eyes really took in the appearance of the boy in front of him.

A big purple spot making its presence known a little under Roxas' eye and cheek bone. One side of the lips were swollen and broken. The most terrifying of the bruises however was the red imprint of what seemed to be a hand around the Strife's neck….The expression on Roxas' face said it all; it was heavy, darkening the brilliant blue optics that were directed at the floor. Sora frowned sadly and stepped to the side.

"Come in" he said and the other teen wasted no time in taking the invitation.

"Who's there, Sor?" Leon asked as he walked into the living room from where he had been in the kitchen, answering his own question when his eyes landed on the aloof looking adolescent.

Sora looked into Leon's eyes conveying all of his worry as he closed the door behind him to then walk over to Roxas. Placing his arm around Roxas shoulders he sat them both down on the sofa, Leon sat on the coffee table in front. Leon's senses wasted no time in digging through Roxas' feelings, he gently cradled Roxas' chin in his fingers turning the face this way and that examining the bruises…

Retrieving his hand, a strong feeling fiercely pulled on the cords of Leon's heart. His insides alerting him in foreboding as thoughts were bringing up Cloud to the forefront of his mind. As soon as the thought of the blonde man hit him, his chest pounded not only in pain but also in a sort of longing…it felt as if something was calling out to him…his heart was begging him to go, to follow said feeling…But first things first…

Leon breathed in deeply as he stood up, heading to the kitchen to retrieve an ice pack and brought it back to Roxas. The bruised boy first looked up at Leon and then at the pack for a bit before he took it and placed it under his eye, wincing as the cold made his skin sting, sighing in some relief shortly after.

"What happened Rox?" Sora worriedly asked rubbing the other's arm. Though Roxas shakily shook his head, Leon knew that the teen was still partially in shock. Seemingly to be staring at something that was unknown to both Leonharts, so they waited like a minute or so to see if the boy would respond. When no such response came, Leon decided that he wouldn't push it: His gut restlessly bawled at him to check up on Cloud…his intuition was telling him that something had happened between the brothers, even if he wanted to deny it.

"Hm. All right then." It was all the response the adult gave walking towards the door and putting on his black parka jacket.

"Where are you going?" Sora inquired lifting an eyebrow.

"I'll be back in a while." Leon dug for his wallet and took out some munny to place on top of a small round table near the door. "Oder some pizza or something. I'll be back."

That was all the adult Leonhart said, leaving no more room for further questioning as he headed out the door.

Leon found that the door to Cloud's apartment ajar….that was the least of the Invoker's worries…The thick dark aura that emanated from the space was suffocating, Leon nearly felt completely drained of his energy. As he entered the apartment he could not shake off the feeling that there was something ominous watching…To summon his Gunblade, was becoming a very tempting idea, all of his senses were prickling at the eerie feeling.

Assessing the mess raised all sorts of alarms in his head, quickly striding into the apartment almost instantly stopping when, he spotted Cloud sitting on the floor, limply leaning back on the wall.

"Cloud?" he called approaching tentatively, for the younger man looked vulnerable and utterly defeated. Leon kneeled on one knee beside him: Cloud's eyelids were midway, the optical blues staring aimlessly ahead and unblinking, tears creeping down in silence. The man's legs where completely stretched out and moderately separated from the other. His hands were rested atop his groin area, the left hand tightly grasping the right's wrist…the one he had used against his little brother. For Leon, it was very saddening to see him so broken: to feel just how broken Cloud was.

"Hey, Cloud" he tried again in something close to a soft whisper whilst putting a gentle hand on a slumped shoulder. A slow blink, Leon took this as the only acknowledgement he would get from Cloud.

"Roxas is at my house with Sora…" which to Cloud's ears translated to 'I know what happened'. It stung. It was a harsh burn to his chest, kindling more hot tears that squeezed through closing eyes.

"I'm not here to judge you Cloud. Believe me. But…I..think that maybe you and Roxas need a little time apart."

Cloud opened his eyes again making the slightest movement to furrow his brows, to which Leon knew the reason why as if he could read the other's mind.

"He can stay with me. I don't mind. If you don't that is."

The younger man's chest heaved in a silent sigh, he was ashamed about what he did but even more so, he was ashamed that now he was involving other people into their personal struggles…Although, really, what more could he do. So far, he had tried so hard to deal with the problem by himself, and look where that has gotten them. Cloud blinked slowly yet again, to which Leon replied with a short moment of what felt like contemplative silence, though Cloud could feel that the gunblader's gaze was soft with understanding.

"How about I help you clean up this mess?" And that did it. It was simple gesture, but it was enough. Cloud didn't know why but a fresh wave of tears welled in his eyes completely blurring his sight. His nose prickled and lips quivered. He did not deserve this kindness, ever since he met the brunette man all the other had shown him was kindness, understanding. Leon had extended a helping hand without really offering or forcing it: Leon, had even saved his life. Depending too much on another person to feel better…Roxas had been right….Cloud felt disgusted with himself. Again, it reminded Cloud of how it used to be with Zack…It made him notice that Roxas, his little brother, had only been like a crutch for him to lean on…All around him, everyone was always watching out for him…

Cloud sobbed.

"I'm ti-tired…" quietly Cloud whispered feeling when Leon's fingers pressed on his shoulder. He looked up into the compelling slaty orbs that always seemed to stare so deeply into him.

"You were right Leon….I-I am being con-consumed…" Sentence was worded between shaky breaths. "I heard it…it-it was speaking to me….I let it do this…."

'So that explains the dark presence I had felt in the house…which now that I think about it, it has reduced in its intensity quite significantly. Good…that means that no spirit can cross over…yet. Still, I'll need to take precautions…But I need to take care of Cloud first' Leon's eyes travelled across the thin frame in sadness: He applied a tender rub with his thumb to Cloud's shoulder.

"I want to get rid of this Leon…ALL of it!" Cloud turned more towards his elder while clutching the left side of his chest. Leon fully understood what Cloud had meant by 'All': All of the pain. The anger. The darkness that loomed over him. Everything that was dragging him down. More importantly, Leon saw the unasked question that laid within the glassy stare to which without much thought he answered.

"I'll help you Cloud. In fact, I've been wanting to do it for a while now, I just didn't know how to approach you." Leon offered Cloud a small smile…but the warmness behind it spoke volumes of the honesty behind it.

Gods, how that fond smile Leon gave him made Cloud's heart ache while also lifting some of the heavy weight in it. Cloud bit hard on his lower lip trying to contain his emotions, though they proved to be too strong even for his body: tiredness pounced on him again, his head started to spin making him sway and fall forward. Leon managed to catch him in his arms, Cloud's face was completely planted into the elder's shoulder. Leon was about to think that Cloud had fainted on him, when he felt hands seeking purchase in his tan arms…and then he heard Cloud weep.

Leon had been caught a little off guard by the man bearing his heart out this openly, even in the eyes of his empathic abilities. Even when Cloud had always done his best to keep to himself; conceal his heart within a dark haze; Leon could always see past the fog even if it was just a glimpse…but now…seeing the younger man's heart so open; showing all of its wounds, and it's desire to be healed…shifted something within Leon.

Leon's heart was resonating with Cloud's. It made an unspoken commitment to the damaged heart that was calling out to it. It became the far away light at the end of a tunnel….

Sora had been right after all….there had been a connection between them…Leon could feel how their hearts were truly beginning to join.

Where would it lead? Well, Leon supposed that he would find out…Even if it was strange and it made Leon a bit afraid…but it also felt like he should just let it be: Like something that he needed to do.

Pushing the seconds of bewilderment aside, the strong arms encircled the quivering thinner frame with just a twinge of doubt: Meriting a grateful sigh from the younger man and a more controlled weeping, subdued to just a couple of sobs and shaky intakes of air until it faded into a more even breathing with just one or two sniffles here and there. Even then, Cloud, had not disengaged from the embrace to which Leon did not mind, if anything, he had even begun to soothingly rub Cloud's back. Moments later, he carried Cloud to his room, when the latter had given into his exhaustion and fallen asleep in Leon's embrace.

Leon spent the rest of the night cleaning up the small mess, casting protection spells around the house and watching over Cloud. All the while, with a curious Fenrir watching and shadowing him, something that Leon found amusing in its own adorable way. Until finally, he crashed into the sofa facing the ceiling with an arm over his forehead and the other dangling to the side; He was completely drained, though he mused that it was because he absorbed some of the negative energy that was afflicting Cloud and taking such a heavy toll on the blonde's body. On the floor, Fenrir flopped next to him making Leon huff with an amused smirk, idly scratching the silvery head…Right before he fell asleep he texted Sora that he would not be back tonight.

A Heart's Passage:

….

Rapidly losing strength….my light is weak…

….

I am safe…where I am…for the moment…

…

But I am running out of time….they already managed to use some of me against you….

Your heart seems to have finally recognized that it needs to heal….Good...

And his heart, is finally reaching out to yours.

Though I think I'm almost ready….I'll hang in there for a little longer…just to make sure….

I hope Sora doesn't mind…..

A/n: Hello! Yes I am alive, lol. Just wanted to let you guys know that I had originally planned to upload another chapter alongside this one but I had a change of plans for that chap but I should be uploading it pretty soon, so stay tuned and I hope you enjoyed this one! As always thank you for your time and if you have any suggestions or opinions I'd be happy to hear them. Thank You!