Chapter 8:

A Brother's Keeper: Brothers in Strife

He knew he was dreaming. Somehow his subconscious was telling him so, despite of how real it felt…But this dream…It was familiar. He's had it before. He's been in it before…It has been quite a while since he's had it.

The sky above him was gray, very much resembling one of a stormy day. He could not see where he was standing thanks to the intense silvery fog that surrounded him. Like the times before, where he has had this dream, he walks forward: Unafraid and unfazed even though he had no visibility of where he was going. If the dream was the same, he already knew what was going to happen. Even so, the feelings he would have in this dream would be the same: Yearning, emptiness…the endless search for something.

Every time, he would stare off into the horizon he would feel a faraway warmth that he so desperately wanted to reach. He could not see it, but he could feel it. Strong intuition told him that, if he reached it, the hollow feeling in his heart would go away. For as many times as he had this dream, not once, had he been able reach whatever that thing was: He had not even been able to catch a meager glimpse. And there would also be a howl. A single, lonely, howl that would cause him to feel sad and alone; Heartbroken, and that void would only grow deeper. He would try to reach for it, it's lament would echo through the cold fog and then it would fade into silence.

However, as he walked he started to notice a change in the dream: He heard a howl, as usual. But he felt as if this one was different. It had not started low nor it had escalated into a long high pitch: It had not sounded melancholic nor distant. Instead it had been short, precise and it broke the silence a second time, it waited then howled a third time….It felt as if it was calling, so frowning in thought, he followed. Not far he had walked when, through the fog, a shadow progressively took shape. He stopped dead on his tracks when he finally met the howling creature that haunted his dreams. Fur was wild, thick, black as the night sky, it's eyes were an intense blue almost purple. The wolf sat there, it was still, looking at him with judging eyes and he could not help but stare in awe back into its scrutiny.

Without warning, the beast stood and turned, it looked at him over its shoulders right before it started to trot off. His heart started to beat faster in flutters, prompting him to follow the peculiar animal…..

Everything was suddenly dark and he could feel as his mind lazily awoke itself and his senses back into reality…Something was pressing on top of his body, four things to be exact: two on his shoulder and another two on each of his thighs. But he kept his eyes closed. Faint panting was blowing some hot air into his face blowing some of the messed bangs on his forehead….and the air smelled funny too…

Scrunching his nose, he then frowned in dormant thoughts, sleepily swatting away the peculiar air. It stops for a moment then something warm, flat and…wet, runs up his cheek several times even when he turns his head to this side and that one. Arms were brought up to block his face from the onslaught. His skin brushed against fur. Soft, fluffy fur….Eyes shot open at the realization and brought into focus a certain furry canine.

"Fenrir…" Leon drawled in a sleepy grumble gently pushing the friendly canine's snout away. Fenrir gave a low whine and Leon idly scratched Fenrir under the jaw as his mind took a few minutes to wake from slumber.

Leon rubbed some sleep of his left eye immediately triggering a yawn, which of course he stifled: Even if there was no one around, he liked to maintain his composure. Though that did not stop him from closing his eyes again and pull the soft, warm blanket a bit closer….

'Wait a minute…blanket?' eyes shot open for a second time, raising his head just enough so that he could see down his body, he touched the soft fabric. He knows he crashed in Cloud's sofa last night….And he definitely remembers that he did not have a blanket when he went to sleep…Leon concluded that it could be only one thing:

'….Cloud' as soon as the name of the man crossed his head, his nose finally became fully aware of the smell of eggs and bacon. His stomach wasted no time to voice that it wanted some of it. Leon frowned at the unceremonious sound while Fenrir snorted and made a strange sound that was between a yelp and a soft howl.

"Fen, get off of him" came Cloud's deep calm voice and both the dog and Leon directed their attention to the kitchen: Fenrir's pointy ears perked whilst tilting his head and Leon sat on his elbows as much as Fenrir's paws would allow him, to crane his neck over the sofa.

Cloud had his back to them as he silently worked through the kitchen. He then turned and waved a strip of bacon in front of him. In seconds, a small happy yelp from the furry animal as he jumped off the brunette and ran towards the blonde instead. The happy dog took the offered piece and returned to the living room , laid down on his favorite corner and happily crunched away. The two men followed the canine with their gazes, Cloud gave a subtle chuckle and said

"He seems to really like you"

"So it seems" Leon sat up better and Cloud directed his attention to him. Leon saw Cloud look at him briefly with wide eyes before he bit his lower lip and looked to the side clearing his throat into his fist…It seemed like Cloud had tried to hold back a laugh…

"It seems you had a good rest" he said

"What?" Leon raised an eyebrow at him confused at the reaction and sudden statement.

"Your hair…it's, uhhhh…" Cloud tugged on the spikes on the left side of his own head, apparently still fighting the small smile that wanted to break. Leon touched the left side of his head and he could practically feel the awful bedhead…

"How embarrassing…." Leon muttered to himself as he felt the subtle heat on his cheeks that gave away his embarrassment as he stood up trying to comb his hair back into place with his fingers.

"There's a brand new extra tooth brush in the guest bathroom if you want to use it. I also made us some breakfast…If you're hungry" Cloud returned his full attention to finish preparing the food

"Oh. Tha-thanks" Leon made his way to the bathroom and effectively, there was a toothbrush still sealed in its package. He brushed his teeth, cleaned his face and combed his brown mane as best he could manage with his hands and fingers. Once he deemed himself more presentable he returned to the kitchen, where Cloud was waiting for him sitting at the table with both plates already served but untouched.

The blonde man was gently fiddling with his thumbs, lightly frowning. Leon could feel that Cloud was much more calmer than he had been the night before: There was still guilt and unease in that heart, but it was not poisoning the air with negativity and the sinister presence that Leon felt had subsided.

"I served you both water and grape juice….since I don't know if you like grape juice or not." Cloud spoke a bit uncertainly, as Leon sat down in front of him.

"I like it. Thank you" Leon answered with a casual smile to show Cloud his gratitude.

The blonde nodded and moved in to dig into his food. Leon stared at him for a bit, before he went to take a bite out of his bagel. The two ate in silence that wasn't really comfortable but it wasn't awkward either. If anything, there was just a bit of tension that started emanating from the younger man in front of him at some point. The gunblader had also felt the other's eyes him on a few occasions as they ate.

Only when they had finished eating was that Leon really felt a form of awkwardness and more tension, all coming directly from Cloud. Intuition was telling him that Cloud wanted to tell him something, but the man was having trouble with his words and some of his sentiments.

"Cloud…is there anything you want to tell me?" straightforward, there was just no way around it, at least not for Leon. Yet, he used a calm tone.

There was those eyes again, communicating with him, telling him that they needed something "Can…can we talk? Please."

There was something in those blues….Trust. It pulled Leon in and he could not say no to the intensity of it. "Of course. I said I was going to help you didn't I?"

"Hm. Right." Cloud lowered his head for a moment as he seemed to think of something and then looked at his companion again "Mind…if we go outside, to the balcony?"

"I'll help you clear up before we do" they both got up and picked up their respective plates.

"It's fine, I got it. You did enough last night" Cloud shook his head once as he reached to try and take Leon's empty plate from him.

"I insist" Leon said as he walked away from Cloud and towards the sink with the things he used.

Cloud huffed amused as he thought to himself 'There's just no winning with this man. Guess I know how it feels now'

They worked quickly and in perfect harmony to clear everything. Cloud had offered Leon some coffee, whom had it black and with just two spoons of sugar, whereas Cloud had his with a bit of milk and three spoons of sugar. They dragged the chairs from the table and sat on the balcony, Fenrir laid on the floor between the two of them, poking his head between the railings so he could stare at the people bellow. Cloud stretched out his legs, resting his cup on his lap whilst he drummed his fingers on it; Leon was hunched forward, elbows laid on his knees as he too cradled his cup in his hands.

"So. Tell me. What's on your mind Cloud?" Leon looked at him with pure interest, he could feel that something had shifted within Cloud, it was a bit small but there was something different. After taking a sip from his cup, the blonde man took a deep breath and slouched a bit on his chair to look at the sky

"….You…said that I had to let go because my heart is being consumed by darkness, right?"

"…I apologized for that. I told you that I wasn't-"

"You're right." Cloud cut him off

"Pardon?"

Cloud breathed in and out again closing his eyes for a moment then turned his eyes to Leon

"You were right…I realized it last night, after I….." the Adam's apple on Cloud's throat bobbed as the rest of his words stopped abruptly. Closing his eyes with furrowed eyebrows, Cloud breathed in and out very slowly. And as he looked at Cloud, Leon felt himself frowning alongside with him, feeling the pang in his own chest: When Cloud breathed however, Leon let his eyebrows soften although his eyes remained a bit squinted.

"…..After what happened…last night" were the words Cloud settled with. Leon looked into the dark liquid inside his cup and took a sip of it. It was really making Leon feel saddened how Cloud's heart was tearing itself apart, it was painful. But he kept quiet.

"When Roxas left and I was left alone…I thought about it a lot…I've been holding in a lot of things…. thing that happened even before…before Zack…."

Leon still remained silent, he couldn't find the right words of advice to offer, but the real reason he remained silent was because he knew that what Cloud really wanted was to be heard, he could feel it.

"I don't know how to let go of this 'darkness'….but, I guess…maybe, I could start by letting out some of those things I've held back…"

Cloud, downhearted, looked to his side at Leon, whose downcast eyes had been looking at the coffee in his hands. When Leon felt the solemnity he so familiarly associated with Cloud, he met the other man with his eyes: Leon felt a gentle tug inside his chest, it was small, shy and unsure. Never averting his gaze, barely even blinking, Leon nodded once very softly: Thinking over and over that it was okay, that he would listen. Their hearts gave a small leap of relief and Cloud breathed deeply as he looked up to the waking sky and began with his tale.

When, why or under what circumstances did things in their household change, young thirteen year old Cloud did not know. He was still young and there were many things he still didn't understand. He simply could not understand why the person that was supposed to be his mother could be such a heartless person. Their home was not welcoming: It always felt cold, empty….So full of hate and anger…The word darkness was all that came to his young mind whenever he thought of this place.

He laid on the floor in fetal position holding on to his upper arms. The back of his head palpitated, right on the spot where a firm hand had painfully pulled at his hair. Pain sent tremors through the battered limbs: The sharp sting of cuts where the leather of a belt had delivered a merciless attack. A pained whimper rolled out of him when the purple and black bruises that were scattered around his arms shouted reminders of how the cold steel of the belt buckle had punished him. Yet none of it had mattered, there was one and only one thought in the forefront and that had been: Protect.

'Protect….that's right. I was protecting him. He…where is he?' his mind inquired him prompting the early teen to weakly open his eyes.

"Rox?" Cloud called into the silence of the room as he lifted his head and looked around. When no response came, panic started to squeeze him from the inside. Eyes scanning the poorly lit room by efforts of a small lamp on the night stand. Just as he was about to call again the door creaked open as his tiny brother pushed it with his back, for his little hands were occupied with a bowl full of water. Cloud watched him as he pushed the door close the same way and walked over to him ever careful to not spill the water.

Sniffling and with big red puffy eyes, Roxas kneeled beside him and took the wash cloth from the bowl, the little hands squeezing out the extra water as much as they could: Then carefully pressed the cloth on one of the cuts. Cloud hissed wincing as he let his head thump back against the floor, he felt that Roxas made no further movements until he (Cloud) eased by sighing, trying to ignore the sting. Cloud relaxed as the clumsy movements of an inexperienced hand worked in trying to clean cuts and rubbed the hematomas. Cloud was grateful, regardless.

After a little while, the sniffling became more constant and Cloud opened his eyes to look at the teary pout on his little brother's face.

"E's cunno…." Roxas said through a hiccup

"Roxas?" Cloud lifted his eyebrows in worry

"E's cunno…cunno, cunno, cunno! I sowy Cloud!" the little boy wailed as he broke down in tears

"Ssshh…'tis okay Rox. E'mm pa ugyo."Cloud cooed to him as he sat up to gather Roxas into the battered arms, rocking him back and forth whilst threading his fingers through the hair at the back of Roxas' head. Roxas nuzzled against his older brother's chest.

"No. no 'k. You hav ouchies Cloud…ouchies hurt…'ey mae u cry…" the muffled cries made Cloud's heart both swell with affection and twist with pain…Roxas was too little to be witnessing things like these. His baby brother's pain, was his pain, Cloud wished he could just make it disappear. In the warmest voice he could manage he said:

"You made me feel better…Thank you" he ran a soothing hand through the short blonde spikes on the younger head. The little boy's only response was the tightening of his fists on Cloud's shirt and a snuggle. Cloud sighed and tightened his painfully throbbing arms around Roxas despite their protest, while also pressing his face atop of the child's head.

"Roxas…I…I'll protect you…I won't let anything hurt you…I promise…"

Leon had to swallow before he looked at Cloud concerned. He knew what it felt like to feel unwanted and be physically hurt because of it.

"So…you and Roxas…you were… abused?"

Cloud nodded softly, with his head hung low in uncertainty. Leon exhaled sharply through his nose, scowling at the view ahead of him.

"Stupid thing to promise huh…" Cloud snickered humorlessly earning a confused look from the Invoker

"Funny how I promised him that I would protect him…yet look at what I did…." berating and loathing himself again, Leon could not bear to sense that within the blonde.

"Cloud" Leon called softly "The both of you have been going through a tough time, and from what I know it has been for quite some time. Neither of you have been allowed to properly heal, and that's where darkness likes to strike. So it can pull you away from those you care about."

"But I'm supposed to watch out for him Leon….I should not let myself be influenced…by my own negative emotions…or whatever the hell it is that's affecting me…"

"What transpired last night, between you and the entity, it was not your fault" He looked at Cloud seriously, but there was a stern sense of reassurance in those eyes. "You don't really believe that Roxas hates you….do you?"

Cloud remained silent at the question, contemplating if he had any type of reasonable answer or explanation. Seconds of deep reflection passed by, the Strife thought back on his actions and decisions, he went so deep, that he barely noticed when he started rambling. Although, some part of Cloud mused that perhaps the welcoming aura and the diligent demeanor he felt from his companion could have had something to do with it.

Though Cloud was speaking in a low tone, as if he were talking with an absent mind, Leon paid his full attention to the man. He wanted to ask questions, but Cloud seemed to be lost in his reminiscing, thus, Leon opted for just listening. One memory in particular, really reached him. Mostly because of how Cloud's tone went from an deep, reflective rambling to the fond but also somewhat bitter re-telling of a memory that was clearly held close to the blonde's heart.

Cloud had awoken Roxas in the middle of the night with great urgency. Roxas had drowsily rubbed his eyes, asking Cloud where were they going to which the eldest replied that they were just going far away as he stuffed a few clothes into a backpack.

Long had the two brothers travelled away from the awful place they had called home. If anybody in their right mind could even call it that. They had slept wherever the night caught them. Cloud was still a teen, but was old enough to do most odd jobs here and there. Their destination; the city of Midgar.

Even when they arrived at the city the brothers still had to wander from spot to spot, mostly around the slums. Cloud doing whatever was within his grasp to at least bring something to their bellies. One night had been particularly rough…Cloud had to use up the majority of his munny (or gil, as they called it in Midgar) to pay for a room in the cheapest Inn they could find…just so they could sleep under a roof instead of out in the street like many times before. Cloud had gone out to get some food, only to find that he could only afford to buy food for one of them. Cloud's stomach groaned in protest and the blonde teen only sighed. They hadn't eaten properly in days, but his real concern laid in Roxas…Cloud could resist the hunger….but Roxas was only a kid and could get sick more easily. The teen bought a sandwich with a bottle of water. When he returned, he found Roxas sat on the bed, quiet and patient, waiting for his return: Reading a book that was one of their very few possessions.

"Here you go Roxas" standing in front of him, Cloud handed the boy the sandwich and the bottle of water. Said boy put the book aside and took the items reluctantly. Cloud inclined his head to the side when he saw his little brother inspect what he had been given before pouting up at the adolescent.

Cloud sighed tiredly "Look. I know it's not the best, but it's much better then nothin'" Cloud's own accent a little more prominent than usual as his frustration with their situation ate at him.

"….I like sandwiches…" the kid mumbled in his defense.

"Then?" the elder brother cocked an eyebrow and placed his fists on his hips to express his confusion

"One…where urs?" The boy still struggled a bit with the common language.

'Ah. That's why he pouted.' Cloud leaned forward, resting his hands on his knees to meet him at eye level and said:

"Don't worry Roxas. I already had somethin' to eat while I was out." he hated lying to Roxas, but the boy's well being came before everything and anything else, even before Cloud's own disregarded hunger. However, the teen didn't count on the fact that his little brother had a keen eye and a pretty sharp mind despite his young age. The child knew his brother all too well.

"Naymmo?" The boy drawled, clear doubt etched in each syllable.

"Ye. Really" Cloud nodded firmly but with a soft smile, though the younger Strife eyed him suspiciously for a moment. Roxas sighed as he put the water bottle on the night table, took the sandwich out of the bag and as best and as evenly as he could, Roxas tore it in half. Looking at him in concern he offered a half to Cloud.

"Oh no, Rox it's fine, I-"

"Ayd" The boy simply said in Nibel, pushing the half further towards Cloud. The older brother blinked a few times, Roxas pouted a bit, it was a patented defiant look that was unique to him. And even for an eight year old, Cloud could simply not say no to him. Accepting defeat, Cloud hung his head and shook it as he huffed.

"You won't believe me until you see me. Won't you?" Cloud looked up again and smirked, Roxas only answered with a sharp nod. Standing up straight, Cloud moved to sit at the edge of the bed beside his little brother and took the offered half.

"Thank you" he said, that was when Roxas finally dropped his pout to replace it with a smile right before he took a big bite out of his half. Cloud felt warmhearted as he watched Roxas, wishing that he could do more for this wonderful little soul.

'Don't worry Rox….I'll try to make things better for us…somehow…' Cloud ruffled the scruffy hair as he too took a bite out of his sandwich.

The last part of the story, Cloud told it with a bitter-sweet smile, his eyes fondly fixed into the horizon. Leon couldn't help but have a similar expression as he could relate to Cloud. Being so close to a brother…and wanting to protect him so much. It just made last night's situation all the more unfortunate, that the darkness was trying to sever such a deep bond…and it was succeeding.

"You… did the best you could with the situation Cloud. You have done more than well, taking on responsibilities that were not yours to begin with. You took the chance, instead of staying there and taking it all, you decided to rise above it. For the both of you. Thanks to that Cloud, you are both alive, sure, struggling…but you are here…Which means, you really haven't given up yet..."

Cloud was honestly surprised by the sincerity he could feel from the older man's words: Leon was not talking for the sake of just saying something…he meant those words. The younger man wasn't sure how he knew it….but he just did. That did not stop self-doubt from trying to seethe its way to shake off that feeling.

A small smile spread Leon's lips as he huffed and sat straight in his chair, the proceeded to simply say

"You're a good man Cloud. I'll show you, a step at a time, but I will" Leon offered Cloud a hand. The latter, at first looked at him confused, but his heart was telling him to reach out for that hand. Leon gripped the porcelain hand in a firm friendly grip: He offered Cloud a smile that was small, but it did not lack in its warmth and acceptance.

Leon felt a warm feeling course through his body. Quite literally, he felt as if something he couldn't quite describe, filled a hole in his heart. A hole, that had just become apparent to him…He could tell that these weren't Cloud's feelings imposing on him, these, were his feelings…

As that strong hand encircled his, Cloud felt…refreshed. That's how he described it. It felt as if part of the weight in his heart was lifted and he felt lighter. Even that small amount of relief felt so good, he could not help but smile back at his friend…

Friend...the leap their hearts gave at the thought of the word did not go unnoticed by either of them and their eyes met again. However this time, they looked away more quickly to prevent the strange sensations they felt whenever they did. Though they forgot, that their hands were still intertwined.

When he noticed, Cloud cleared his throat "Umm…Leon…my hand, please…"

Leon widened his eyes and quickly retrieved his own hand "Sorry…"

Both men were embarrassed, effectively dusting their cheeks a light red: Cloud rubbed his neck with a hand while Leon gripped Griever into a fist and moved around in its chain a few times, while it was on his neck. He suddenly felt a bit hot. Silence followed, stretching the awkwardness between the two men.

With his keen, animal senses, Fenrir peered up at his human companions, thumping his tail once he barked promptly making both Leon and Cloud jump a little in their seats. They looked at Fenrir, whom just stared back in a dog's equivalent of a blank stare. And then they looked at each other: They could not help the small laugh that escaped them, and they sighed afterwards.

"Soooo, uuhh…" Cloud began uncertainly

"Yes?" Leon responded almost immediately, rolling back his lower lip as soon as the word was uttered. The brunette mentally face-palmed at how he was making it more awkward. Despite that, Cloud seemed undeterred

"That sword practice thing….you said it was meditating…does it work?"

"It does for me. I offered the same to you since you seemed interested in swords….but it's okay if you changed your mind"

"No, no…I was just…wondering. I've just always thought of meditating as being in silence, sitting down on the floor with candles and doing weird noises…" the younger man mumbled, worlds trailing down towards the end of the sentence.

They way Cloud said it, it had been with a sort of innocence, Leon knew that it had not been meant as a joke. Still, he could not resist to throw his head back in a snicker, it was becoming apparent that Cloud, had a strange sense of humor…whether the blonde meant it or not.

"There's different ways for different people Cloud. The purpose is to have a moment away from your mind to find a moment of peace. Trust me when I say that it helps in a variety of different ways and what method you use doesn't matter. But we'll get to that."

"Hm. All right…." trailing off he frowned, once again drumming his fingers on his now empty cup as he hunched forward again.

"And?" Leon drawled, he was getting really good at reading the younger man, he noted.

"About…those voices I heard…"

"What about them?"

"….that's the darkness speaking to me…isn't it?"

Behind the tranquil facade, Leon could see the worry and fear that flashed in the brilliant blues. He nodded with a serious face and he swore he saw Cloud's body shudder for a moment

"….I've been having nightmares too…Zack's always in them one way….or another" despite the way it was worded, Leon could perfectly understand the question in disguise

"The darkness can use what we cherish against us. It knows our heart and it will use the bonds in it against us to drive us away from the light. It will try to keep feeding your negative emotions so that it can keep feeding of off you until…..well, it destroys you. One way or another." he looked at his friend pointedly but in a non accusing manner, it was more tinged with concern.

Cloud nodded in understanding, everything Leon had told him repeated itself in his head. Analyzing everything, he had asked for the man's help after all. And Leon could see the comprehension in the younger man.

"I need to get rid of this" Cloud said in realization, though more than a that, it had sounded more like an assertion.

"That you do" Leon replied. Cloud idly nodded again and at that moment a spark of determination set off in his heart.

What has changed within him, Cloud didn't exactly know. All he knew is that he wanted to do it, and although he was not entirely sure on how he would deal when it came to Zack…he would find a way around it….just as he has always done in the past. But for the moment, he wanted to focus on finding his happiness again…both his and Roxas'.

Meanwhile, in Leon's apartment, Sora and Roxas were studying. Or at least trying to. Roxas had barely slept, though in all fairness, neither had he. Sora was too restless, his mind full of thoughts and his heart was perturbed….

He discretely watched the blonde teen from across the table: heavy eyes were directed at the open pages beneath them, though from what the Leonhart could see, the blue optics were still. Distant. They did not follow along the words of the pages that had been long since turned. The Strife's elbows were rested at each side of the book, hands cupped the fair face that was sullen. Roxas had barely uttered a word since the night before, though Sora could understand why.

A bond that had ran so deep, and although it was not severed, it has been deeply fractured….

As Sora tried to look away from the distracting bruises on Roxas' face, and focus back on his own reading: He remembered when Roxas had told him about the abuse he and Cloud had suffered when they were younger…

And some of the hardships that they had faced…

Their situation had not improved, Cloud was still being overworked and underpaid. Roxas could not stand seeing his brother so exhausted and they had barely enough time to spend together. In his young mind, the little blonde wished every night that there was some way he could help the older Strife, or that something could happen to them.

Nonetheless, as days went by, the harshness of reality beat down on the hopes of his naïve heart.

Luckily for him, he was one sharp tack; quick to learn; adapt; he picked up street smarts fairly quickly. As consequence, in his desperation to help his brother, the young boy resorted to stealing. Roxas didn't particularly like it and he would often do it behind Cloud's back earning him a lot of reprimand from the eldest Strife…but as they said: 'Desperate times call for desperate measures'.

One good, fateful day, when Cloud had ventured to seek some food for the both of them, Roxas had decided to further practice his pick pocketing skills on the unsuspecting victims of the slums; people who were clearly from the wealthier parts of Midgar.

He had been tailing a tall man whom by appearance seemed to be just few years older (and taller) than Cloud. What intrigued Roxas had been the huge sword the man carried behind his back. Word on the street was that, people with strange kind of weapons could wield magic and that they earned a lot of gil. But people also said bad things about people with magic…Roxas gulped…was it worth the risk? If rumors were true, then a lot of gil would mean that both he AND Cloud would have something to eat everyday for a long time…maybe even be able to afford a room with a bed for each them instead of just one….Most probably, it would also earn him one of Cloud's endless speeches and probably he will get grounded for an eternity. There had been a few times where Cloud had even gone as far as to make Roxas return whatever he stole and apologize to the person: But there were other times in which their situation was too critical and even Cloud would not exactly say no….

He took another good close look…that black hair was familiar…he wondered if he knew the guy…Oh, who cared. Prey was prey, and such a big fish Roxas would not let swim away. Pouting to set his determination on stone, he 'went in for the kill.'

Roxas had been very proud on how swiftly he had been able to sweep the wallet out of the man's pocket. If only it hadn't been for the snitch of a merchant, he would have been able to get away just as swiftly; the black haired man was relentless in his chase, despite all of Roxas' tricks and maneuvers to evade the pursuer. Eventually cornered, Roxas cautiously kept his attention towards the stranger as the latter approached him slowly, but naturally, didn't seem too happy.

"Ok kid, just give me my wallet and you won't get in trouble" the man said cautiously raising his hands in front of him as a sign of no harm. But Roxas knew better than to trust a stranger from the streets. He vaguely wondered why the strange man hadn't used his so called magic on him yet.

Before anything else could happen the tall man was tackled by a blur of golden hair. And even to the ravenette just stumbled back a few times, Roxas was awed, gaping as he saw as his savior engaged in a scuffle of blind rage with the black haired man. Cloud wasn't exactly the tallest or burliest, but he too, had picked up things from the streets and was a force to reckon with when enraged. The other man however was apparently well trained in combat to be able to predict Cloud's undisciplined (but clearly firm) thrown punches, but he was sure having trouble on keeping Cloud off of him; the look of surprise on his face said it all.

In one bad step the man lost his balance and fell to the ground on his back, Cloud quickly straddling him to point a very sharp pocket knife to the man's neck.

"Stay away from my brother" Cloud hissed between pants and through clenching teeth, a dark glare etched into his face. Roxas did not dare move from his spot until Cloud would tell him that it was safe. He paid close attention however to the wide open shock in the man's eyes and opened mouth.

"Cloud?" the man said close to a whisper, tone shocked and with disbelief.

The dark scowl was gone to be replaced by a confused frown, right before Cloud's eyebrows shot up to his hairline and his lips slightly gaped.

"Zack?" Cloud had whispered in shock. Roxas expressed his confusion by tilting his head and eyeing between Cloud and this 'Zack' guy.

Sora breathed out shortly and barely audibly, without raising his head, the brunette teen looked at his peer again: Roxas had remained pretty much the same, with the sole exception that he had at least flipped the page of his book. Sora then looks back to his book, he wanted to say something, while his logic questioned: what could he say?. What words could he offer, but everything that came to his head sounded wrong to him: Dishonest. Empty. Repetitive.

Then a thought went through his head. The young Leonhart could not shake the foreboding feeling that settled in his gut, he felt his heart sink and he bit his lower lip. Sora considered if he should tell Roxas what he had in his mind that was causing him the restlessness. He quickly decided against it as he thought that it was not the best time….a protest made his chest beat, but he ignored it in favor of reading.

Roxas on the other hand had been trying to forget about what had transpired between him and Cloud. The betrayal he felt within him was near overwhelming, he had never felt so negative in his life….not even when he lived in the abusive home. Unpleasant thoughts crept in, seething uncertainty, threading doubt into the young mind…

"A family? Is this the idea of a family to you?!"

"Look at us! We're not a family Roxas! We've NEVER had one and we never will!"

Cloud's harmful words cut through him without mercy, over and over again.

'So everything we went through…it meant nothing…it was all a lie….' his fist clenched his golden locks, the letters on the page became distorted in blurs as furious tears formed.

He wondered how long has Cloud resented him. All he had ever done was cause Cloud worries and troubles. Roxas thought back…

There had been a time when Cloud had left Roxas in an orphanage until the older brother (along with Zack's help) could find a permanent home for themselves. Cloud would visit from time to time…but thinking back on it made him consider if Cloud had actually tried to get rid of him at the time….

'I hate this place…..' the mind of Roxas grumbled as said child sat on his assigned bed in the orphanage, both pair of limbs crossed. His stomach also voicing in a protest of its own for being denied food.

The purpling bruise on his right eye, the broken lips and the scratch on his nose, he could deal with all of that: it was something he was used to anyways. Hunger though, now, that was something that he found painfully annoying to withstand, he wished he could meet the 'genius' who came up with the 'no supper' punishment so that he could kick said person in the butt.

This place was really no better than the hell he had had for a home….well, maybe it was better….but he still hated it. It had been a few days since he last saw Cloud and Zack…he missed them so much. Even in the little time he has known Zack, he really liked the guy. And Zack made Cloud happy.

KNOCK KNOCK

Spooked, the child looked at the offending object that had produced the knocking sound, as it swung open and one the of the caretakers stood there.

"Roxas." she called calmly

"Ye?" Roxas almost grumbled back, his body tensing in expectation of another earful.

"Come with me please" a command with no room for arguing while also still spoken in a neutral demeanor. Rebellion rioted him to say no, to stay firmly in place, a challenge he conveyed with the defiant look he was so good with. That had been what he wanted to do until the woman told him that his brother was downstairs waiting to see him, to which of course, she had barely finished her sentence when he was practically flying out the door and down the stairs.

"Clouuuudddd!" Roxas shouted with glee as he ran down the hall to the front yard where his beloved brother stood alongside Zack.

Cloud had been talking to Zack, then turned around when Roxas had shouted his name. The elder brother had barely enough time to kneel on one of his knees before Roxas had pretty much tackled him into an embrace.

"Hey little bro" Cloud chuckled softly, with one hand to the back of Roxas' head to press the side of said boy's head, to his cheek. Roxas grunted as he tried to squeeze Cloud as much he could, eyes closed shut in joy of his brother's unexpected, but much awaited visit. Zack watched the affectionate display with a heart-warming smile.

"Hey Zack!" the boy then greeted as he let go of Cloud.

"Heya champ!" the boy was all grunts and giggles as Zack caught him in a headlock so that he could ruffle the blonde hair.

"Where have you been? I thought you had forgotten me." Roxas frowned in concern

"Forget you?! Seriously sport, how could we possibly do that?" Zack pouted

"But it's been long since you last came…"

"We have been busy Rox" Cloud replied, squinting as he took notice of the bruises on Roxas' face "More importantly…" he added cupping Roxas' chin turning the young face to one side then the other, taking in the bruises. Cloud frowned pointedly at the bruised boy whom responded by pulling back from Cloud's fingers.

"Seriously? Again, Roxas?" Cloud asked in disapproval.

"E's veha…" was the grumbled response Cloud received.

"Tuh'd mea Roxas. We heard you've been getting into trouble, sport. We had to pretty much bribe the caretaker to let us see you" Zack filled in, as Roxas looked away from his two elders, head hung low. Cloud looked up to exchange a worried frown with Zack, then looked back at Roxas.

"Roxas…You can't keep getting into fights with the other children." Cloud calmly stated, the defensive response from his younger brother came almost instantly.

"But they keep sayin' bad things 'bout u! That-that Zack is bad! An' that monsters will take your heart for being his friend, Cloud!"

"I don't care about that Rox, I care about your well-being. The caretakers are doing us a favor in keeping you here…What if they kick you out?"

"Good! I come home with u!"

"You can't live with me yet Roxas…"

"Why not?! I don't like it here"

"There's still a few things I need to do Rox…." Cloud furrowed his brows in an expression that resembled sadness and guilt, giving Roxas the real answer he was dreading…he would have to remain in the orphanage for even longer time. Cloud reached out for Roxas' shoulder as the boy started to step back biting his lower lip in anger.

"No! It's always later Cloud! You keep promising me but you never keep your promises!"

"Roxas-"

"Forget it! I'll NEVER get outta here!" Roxas walked a few steps away from them with his arms crossed, leaving his back to both.

Cloud hung his head in a saddened, short audible breath, Zack kneeled beside his friend tenderly placing his hand on Cloud's shoulder. The late teen looked up at the young man; Zack could just see the guilt that was berating into Cloud's mind.

"Cloud, lemme talk to him" the soft tone meant to ease the turning gears in the blonde's head. Cloud's eyes turned to the floor as he nodded very faintly.

Zack walked over to the younger Strife, crouching to be at the boy's eye level; meeting him with a friendly smile.

"Hey" the raven haired man whispered softly clenching the small shoulder; Roxas refused to meet his gaze until Zack nudged him playfully.

"Don't be mad at your brother Rox. He's trying. He really is, he just wants to provide you with a good home." Roxas rolled his eyes scoffing but Zack continued. "I know that this place sucks. But right now this is the best place you can be. Instead of sleeping in the streets and such."

"But I'll work too! I'll help, Zack"

"You're still a little young for that, Sport" Zack chuckled whilst affectionately ruffling his hair, even if the blonde boy frowned again. "Look, I'm helping Cloud in whatever way I can, some things just take time…But I assure you, everything Spike is doing, he's doing it for you, he loves you…and he just wants to see you well. And Cloud hasn't been feeling well…he's been really sad…" Zack leaned close to almost whisper his statement; the young man raised his eyebrows knowingly on a more serious-worried expression, making Roxas take a quick look over his shoulder at his older brother, whom looked at them with a solemn expression, but had respected their conversation. Now that he looked at him…Cloud really looked pretty sad…and now he felt bad for shouting at him.

"Roxas." Zack called to get his attention, which he did get it. "why don't you go over there an' give your big bro a hug. I'm sure he needs it." he suggested through a small smile, motioning his head towards Cloud. Roxas thought about it for a little bit, though by the soft look on his face, Zack knew that the boy would comply.

After nodding in approval, Roxas walked over to the older blonde whom kneeled at the younger's approach.

"Cloud….I'm sorry…"

"It's ok little brother…I understand why you are upset. I am too to be honest…" Cloud offered Roxas an apologetic smile. Roxas shook his head then wrapped his arms around his brother's neck, warranting a soft contented sigh from the late teen as his arms almost engulfed the younger body.

"Look, you have to learn to brush off the things they say about us. They are not worth you getting in trouble" Cloud disengaged from the embrace by gently pushing Roxas by the shoulders to look at his face again. They exchanged looks for a few seconds until Roxas lowered his gaze

"Hey" Cloud whispered while holding both sides of Roxas' head to lift it "I don't like seeing you hurt. Promise me that you will at least try not to get into any more trouble. Please?"

"Ok…I will…"

"Bro fist?" Cloud smiled bringing up his fist, spawning a smile from Roxas as they bumped their fists. "We'll be together again soon. I'll make sure of that" Cloud added in his regular soft tone, but the look in his eyes shouted nothing if not determination to which Roxas nodded in renewed faith in his brother.

Zack smiled and walked to their side crouching to be at their current level and said:

"Well, now that that's settled…" he placed his arms over the brothers' shoulders respectively "how about we sneak you out for a bit and get you something to eat" he gave Roxas a mischievous look then winked when the boy beamed at him.

"Mmmm….I could go for some noodles from the slums…" Cloud expressed in self approval of his suggestion. He earned the questioning gazes of Zack and Roxas, both raising an eyebrow at him: they looked at each other and then back at him.

Cloud blinked looking from one face to the other "What? They're good ok?...don't judge…." he grumbled almost pouting as he looked away from both of them.

Zack and Roxas snorted and just laughed.

Even when the memory told him otherwise, Roxas could not help but to feel distraught. Had Cloud really never seen them as family? How could he not? Sure, they were far from perfect but Roxas considered that they had at least cared enough for each other…

Roxas closed the book with more force than it was really necessary. He didn't want to think of any of it. He didn't want to think about Cloud, he didn't even want to see the man.

Sora had jumped in his chair when the book was slammed shut and he looked up at Roxas as the latter stood up.

"Where are you going Rox?" Sora's inquiry had been made carefully, in the least demanding voice possible.

"Mind if I go sleep for a bit?...I'm tired" Roxas had tried to keep the edge out of his own voice, but it was very difficult with all the tension he felt on him.

"You don't need my permission…"

"…it's ur room…"

"Yea, but the air mattress is in there which means we're sharing the room now" Sora replied in a light-hearted tone to try and cheer up the blonde teen.

"…..I guess….I'll see you later…."

Roxas headed into the room, hoping that he could catch on to the sleep he had missed and perhaps even sleep off some of the anger….if that was possible.

Sora, finally giving up on the reading he had attempted, closed his own book and slumped back into his chair. After sending a quick text to Leon, to check up how things were on his end, Sora clenched the crown necklace on his neck as he looked at the ceiling.

'…I hope this gets solved soon….' A voice inside him said in a regretful tone.

"…..Me too…." Sora answered back.

A Heart's Passage:

"Roxas" I had called you on that lazy afternoon…I was perturbed, a foreboding feeling deep in my chest.

"Yes, Zack?"

I watched for a brief moment, you were just a pre-teen then, but your light was so strong…and you have always been a smart kid. I patted your shoulders and rested my hands there, to look you in the eye….I needed my message to be clear.

"Roxas….always watch out for Cloud. I know it's strange that I ask you this, him being the older brother and all but…he needs you."

"Why are you telling me this? Is he okay?" The way you two worried about each other was always an affectionate thing to witness…It always made me wish that I had a sibling of my own….You two were so close….

"Well…let's just say that…this, is a little unstable." I had tapped at your chest, where the heart is supposed to be located. You frowned in confusion looking from my hand, then right back into my eyes.

"What do you mean Zack?"

"What I'm trying to say is, that…Cloud. His heart, is a heart that is stronger when it has people to care and watch out for."

"But…that's good…right?"

"It is. But it's also where it's weakness lies: It is too afraid of losing. Afraid of getting hurt. It is hard for it to let go and it has some trouble healing on its own. And that's the kind of heart that the darkness looks for."

"Darkness?" you had looked at me with such fearful eyes. I looked at you with a serious face, but not enough to frighten you.

"That's right. Cloud could be more vulnerable to it….but his heart would remain strong if it has others around it, leading it and giving it strength."

"But Cloud will be ok….right? Is there more people like Cloud?" divided between curiosity and concern for your older brother. The words were spoken just a little fast, I responded with a more paused, patient tone. Gently easing and teaching you.

"Some more than others. Also, you Strifes can be a bit sentimental…but out of the two of you…He's the most sensitive, even if he doesn't show it…Just don't tell him I said that" heh…Cloud would have killed me if he heard I said that…

"Well, now I have something to blackmail you with" you were such a mischievous little rascal

"Aw come on Rox, don't be like that" couldn't help but whine, though it was good to instantly get my revenge when I caught you in a headlock and ruffled your hair

"Just promise me that you'll keep an eye on him..." I insisted kindly….but I needed you to…the unease in my heart could not settle until I heard the words from you.

"I promise Zack. He's my big brother"

"All right. I'm counting on you Spike jr."

PLEASE READ.

A/n: I know I had said that I was going to post this chapter sooner...But MAN, this chapter has been by far the HARDEST to write. I redid the chapter like 5 times no joke or exaggeration. I wanted some points to come across and was really nit-picky with it.

So, I have an announcement. The next chapter MIGHT take me a bit to upload, I'm solving some personal things (not bad thankfully) and also, I will be revisiting and reviewing the older chapters of this story. I've noticed that I have a few mistakes and some things that need fixing for the sake of the progress in this story. I might add new details here and there to the older chapters, but I will let you know when I upload the next chapter. But I don't think the details will be that many.

I just like polishing my works and I like working with this story. It is my first published fic and I'm learning on how to manage my story telling. If you find the time I would really like to know your opinion of this story so far. And when I say opinion it includes your concerns, things you think I could improve and even suggestions. Feel free to PM me too if you'd like. I really feel like I need to revisit the old chapters and make the adequate changes, because this story has evolved from the vague experimental idea that it had started of as (not that I'm complaining).

Anyways, as per usual, thank you for your time and attention, happy reading and see you on the next chapter! Peace out! ;)