Cloud parked his bike and pulled off his helmet, heading into the Hardware Store Place, spotting a familiar face at the register. "Hi Dem."

Demyx looked up, "Oh, hey Cloud." He said, surprised. "What are you doing here?"

"Just wanted to check on you. Everything okay?" Cloud asked.

Demyx nodded. "Yeah, definitely. Thank you again."

"No problem. Leon treating you okay?" Cloud asked, smiling.

Demyx nodded again. "He's been really good."

"Good. He's really a big softie, so just do your work and you'll be fine. You see Larxene?" Cloud asked.

"Yep." Demyx nodded. "She's stocking a few aisles away. She showed me around and keeps popping up every half hour or so."

"That's good. You need anything, just ask her. If you can't find her, ask Leon. He'll help you, I promise." Cloud said., riffling Dem's hair.

Demyx smiled at him. "I will. Thank you again, for going to so much trouble for me…"

"You don't have to thank me. If you really want to, though, you'll make Zexion happy once you're back with us. He misses you. And Dem? He likes you, too. We all muss you, okay? So don't thank us for fighting for you – that's what family does, right?" Cloud smiled.

Demyx stiffened before breaking into a grin. "Right. Thank you."

Cloud rolled his eyes. "I told you, stop thanking me! Just be happy. You know where Leon is? His office?"

Demyx nodded. "Yeah, I'm pretty sure."

"Good. I'm gonna go say hi to him, but I'll let you know when I leave, okay?" Cloud said.

Demyx nodded again. "Okay."

Cloud waved, going down a few aisles before spotting Larxene. "Hey, I just talked to Dem. He seems okay. I'm going to pop in on Leon – everything good here?"

"Yep. Dem's been quiet, but otherwise pretty normal. Thanked me a million and a half times before I reminded him that I didn't do anything."

Cloud chuckled. "Tried to do that with me, too, until I told him we were his family and he could thank us by cheering up Zex. That shut him up."

Larxene smirked. "Thanks, then. How is Zex?"

"Still focusing on the randomest things, but better, I think, with a goal. He knows he has to hold it together until after the case is over and won, so he's concentrating on that." Cloud answered.

Larxene nodded. "Good."

"Yeah. Well, I'm gonna pop in on Leon. I'll see you at home later." Cloud said, heading to Leon's office and knocking.

"Come in!"

"Hey. I just wanted to check how things with Demyx are going." Cloud said, walking in and closing the door behind him.

"Not bad." Leon shrugged. "Kid's definitely willing to work, which is good. How's the stuff with the case going?"

"Saix thinks we'll win. We just have to wait for him to actually schedule a court date. So, good. Zex's holding up better than yesterday. Thanks again, Leon. I hope you don't mind but I told Dem he could ask you for help if he needs it since you'll be seeing him the most during this besides Larx." Cloud said.

"I don't mind at all." Leon shook his head.

"Thank you." Cloud smiled.

Leon smiled back. "How are you? Not over working yourself will all this, I hope."

"Let's just say this is going to be a long week. Axel's taking care of Zex and Larxene is watching out for Dem and fixing him a bedroom, so I'm handling… everything else. The case stuff. I know it better than them, anyway." Cloud said.

"Tell me if I can do anything, okay?" Leon asked.

"Once we win, a nice quiet dinner for two would be nice." Cloud smiled.

"Of course." Leon promised.

Cloud sighed. "Thanks. I should probably go give Axel a few hours' break before I have to work."

"Alright." Leon frowned. "If you need anything, promise you'll call me?"

"Promise. I might even call you just because." Cloud walked over to Leon and hugged him, closing his eyes. "Thanks, Leon."

Leon held him, chuckling softly. "No problem, Cloud."

Cloud took a deep breath before pulling back and smiling. "Talk to you later."

Leon nodded. "Alright."

Kissing him quickly, Cloud smiled and left, stopping at the registers again. "Okay, Dem, I'll see you later. Saix'll probably call you soon, if he hasn't yet."

Demyx nodded. "Alright." He said, before hesitating, "Um… say hi to Zexion for me?"

Cloud nodded slowly. "Okay. I will. Be safe and stay strong. Call me whenever you need to."

"Thanks." Demyx said. "I will."

Cloud smiled and waved, leaving and heading home. A few minutes later, he pulled into the driveway and headed inside.

"Hey, guys." He said, as Zex and Ax were on the couch watching TV.

Axel groaned over, "Hey Cloud."

"Where'd you go?" Zexion asked.

"I told you, I went to see Leon on his break." Cloud said, sitting in a chair.

"Have you… heard from Saix?" Zexion asked anxiously.

Cloud glanced at Axel. "He's working on it. He says we'll be in court soon, and he thinks we'll win."

"That's good." Zexion said, sounding relieved and chewing on his bottom lip.

Cloud hesitated before saying, I talked to Demyx. He asked me to say hi from him."

"He… did?" Zexion whispered. "How did he sound?"

"Okay. He misses us, but he's hanging in." Cloud said.

In a strangled voice, Zexion asked, "He didn't… say anything… else?"

Cloud shook his head. "He's hurting, too, Zex." He said quietly.

Zexion nodded shortly, fists clenching as he stared at the TV.

"How about I get us all something to drink?" Axel suggested.

"Sounds good." Cloud agreed.

Axel headed into the kitchen without asking what anyone wanted.

"You okay?" Cloud asked Zex.

"How's Leon?" Zexion asked, ignoring Cloud's question.

"He's fine." Cloud answered.

"When are we meeting him?" Zexion demanded.

"Soon, Zex. Promise." Cloud reassured.

Zexion nodded. "What's he like?"

"He's… I don't know. Quiet. Cute. Sweet. Funny. He's nice." Cloud said, relieved when Axel walked back in with drinks.

Axel handed the soda bottles out, sitting back down.

"Don't you think we should meet Leon?" Zexion asked the redhead.

Axel raised an eyebrow. "I'm sure we'll meet Leon soon."

"Do you have a picture?" Zexion asked Cloud.

"Ah… No." Cloud said.

"You should get one so we can at least see what he looks like." Zexions said decisively.

Axel sighed, realizing what Zexion was doing.

"And what about you?" Zexion asked Axel. "Where's Roxas?"

"At his house, I think." Axel answered.

"Well, when was the last time you saw him? Never mind, when are you seeing him next? Is he coming over?" Zex asked.

"Do you want Roxas to come over? Because Roxas can come over." Axel spoke, "In fact, I'll go call Roxas." He escaped to the kitchen.

"Roxas is coming over." Zexion told Cloud.

Cloud raised an eyebrow. "I know, I heard."

"Do you like Roxas?" Zex asked.

Cloud nodded. "Yeah, he's okay."

"Just okay?" Zexion pressed.

Cloud rolled his eyes. "He's great."

"Have you had his cooking?" Zexion asked.

"Yeah, it was good." Cloud said.

"He made me pie. It was delicious. He's good for Axel – he can feed him." Zexion nodded.

Cloud chuckled. "Yeah, they work together."

"Do you work with Leon? Have you met his roommates?" Zexion asked.

"I guess we do. And yeah, I have, but I work with Xig, remember?" Cloud asked.

"Right. Still, why did they get to meet you but we haven't met Leon?" Zexion pressed.

"I don't know! Next time Leon's off, I'll bring him over. Okay?" Cloud demanded.

"Yes." Zexion said, resuming his staring at the TV.

Cloud barely suppressed a sigh as there was a knock at the door.

Axel dashed through the room, "Oh, that must be Roxas! I'll get it!" He looked absolutely exhausted. Opening the door, his eyes fell on Roxas and he felt ten seconds off of collapsing from exhaustion and relief.

"You look like hell. What is going on?" Roxas demanded.

"Zexion's going on." Axel answered in a hushed voice. "And I apologize in advance." He said, grabbing Roxas and steering him into the living room.

"Roxas. Thank god." Cloud muttered.

"Hi Cloud. Zexion." Roxas said, giving Cloud a look.

"Roxas. Why don't you visit more?" Zexion demanded.

Roxas raised an eyebrow. "I was here four days ago."

"Well, you should visit more often. Axel misses you." Zexion said.

Roxas grinned. "He does, huh?"

Axel responded by plopping onto the couch face first.

Roxas laughed, patting Axel's head and sitting next to him, pulling his head onto his lap and massaging his scalp.

"You two are cute. I told Cloud you're good for Axel, right, Cloud?" Zex asked.

"Sure Zex." Cloud said tiredly.

Zexion nodded. "I did. Cloud thinks you're only okay. I like you, though."

"Hey, I said he's great!" Cloud protested.

"You only clarified because I pressed." Zexion said.

Roxas stared at him. "Did you have caffeine?"

Zexion frowned. "No, why?"

Roxas chuckled. "You're full of nervous energy. Go for a walk or something."

"Maybe later. Have you met Leon?" Zexion asked.

"Who's Leon?" Rxoas asked, confused.

"Cloud's boyfriend. See Cloud, no one knows him! Maybe you're making him up." Zexion wondered aloud.

"What? No I'm not! He's Larx's boss!" Cloud yelled.

"She could be in on it." Zexion mused.

"…I need a beer." Cloud left and headed to the kitchen.

Roxas continued playing with Axel's hair and trying to rid some of his tension. "How long?" He murmured.

It was a little muffled, but Axel answered, "Two days."

"Oh, Axel. I'm sorry." Roxas whispered.

"What do you think?" Zexion asked.

"I'm sorry, Zexion. What?" Roxas asked.

"Do you think Leon's real?" Zexion asked.

Roxas laughed. "I think so."

"Why?" Zex asked.

"Why what?" Rxoas asked as Cloud walked back in with a beer.

"Why do you think so?" Zexion clarified.

"Cloud's a good person – he wouldn't lie about something like this." Roxas reassured.

"Hmm… That's true." Zexion said.

Cloud smiled. "Finally."

"Proof would be best, though." Zexion added.

Cloud groaned. "You want proof? Fine. Would a phone call satisfy you?"

"Hmm. It's a good start." Zexion said.

"Zex, have you slept at all?" Roxas asked.

"Some. It's hard to sleep. I'm tired without being sleepy. It's an oxymoron, really." Zexion said.

"Oh, I get it." Roxas said.

"Are you calling Leon?" Zexion asked Cloud, who had pulled out his cell.

"Yes." Cloud said, dialing. "Leon?"

"Yes, hello. Are you alright? You sound…" He trailed off.

"Call if I need anything, right? Please inform Zexion I did not make you up and we are in fact dating. Don't mention that new register, though, okay? That's just between us."

"What register? What's he mean?" Zexion asked.

Roxas nodded solemnly. "It's code for sex. They probably do it at work."

Zexion was silent as he thought about that before he nodded. "That's a good code. Thanks, Roxas."

"Sure, Zex." Roxas smiled, patting Axel's head in sympathy when he groaned.

As Zexion took the phone, Leon spoke. "Hello, Zexion."

"Who is this?" Zexion asked.

"It's Leon." Leon answered. "Cloud's boyfriend." He added as an afterthought.

"You say that, and yet I don't have proof besides your word. What's Cloud look like?" Zexion asked.

Leon paused, "Blonde, blue eyes, about the same height as Larxene."

"Where does he work? What kind of car does he drive?" Zexion asked.

Cloud groaned and Roxas snickered.

"He works at the Rusty Wrench, and he doesn't have a car. He drives a motorcycle."

"Hm, you knew my trick question. Okay, but can you name one of Cloud's friends that he doesn't live with?" Zexion demanded.

"Zack." Leon answered easily. "His wife is pregnant."

"Hm. That's right. Okay. I'll believe you. But I still want to meet you. Soon. Hey, what do you think of Cloud? Do you like him? He called you cute." Zex said.

"Okay, you don't have to tell him that!" Cloud protested, embarrassed.

Leon chuckled. "Of course I like Cloud. Feel free to tell him I think he's cute, too."

"Leon thinks' you're cute, too, Cloud. I guess you're a good couple, then. Hey, Leon – you have to choose between your favorite thing of all time and Cloud – what do you pick?" Zexion asked.

Cloud blushed and put his head in his hands. He definitely owed Leon for this.

Roxas leaned down to whisper to Axel. "I'd choose you."

"My favorite thing is Cloud." Leon answered after a moment.

"Okay. You win. Thank you, Leon." Zexion said, hanging the phone to Cloud.

Hesitantly, Cloud said, "Leon?"

"Has he been like this since yesterday morning?" Leon asked.

"Yes. Focusing on other things." Cloud groaned.

"Shit. I'm sorry, Cloud. Let me know if I can do anything, alright?"

"Thank you. A hundred million thank you's. You're the best. Hey – what'd you tell him that made him believe you?" Cloud asked.

Leon smirked, "Maybe I'll tell you later."

Cloud smiled. "On that dinner, maybe?"

"Sure." Leon nodded. "Sounds good."

"I can't wait." Cloud said sincerely. "I'd better go. Thanks again, Leon."

"No problem. Call me later, alright?" Leon asked.

"I will. Bye." Cloud hung up.

"Thank you, Cloud. Leon's nice – I like him." Zexion said.

"Sure Zex. Thanks." Cloud said.

XXXX

Xigbar pulled up to Kairi's house and beeped the car horn.

Kairi came running out of the house and slipped into the passenger's seat of Xigbar's car. "Hey." She smiled.

"Hey, Red. I'm guessing Namine's boyfriend is picking her up?" Xigbar asked, wanting to make sure before he pulled away.

"Yep. She's at the school – he's picking her up from her last class." Kairi answered. "Hey, Xig?"

"Yeah? What's up, Sass?" Xigbar asked, studying her face.

Kairi leaned in, giving him a kiss. When she pulled back, she said, "Sorry. Sora and Riku got me thinking about kissing and I realized we hadn't yes. Had to fix that." Not sounding sorry in the slightest.

Xigbar grinned. "Remind me to thank Sora later, then." He kissed her again. "Ready, Sass?"

"Yes I am." Kairi smiled, leaning back and buckling her seatbelt.

XXXX

Xigbar held the door to the restaurant open for Kairi, following her inside and scanning the tables for her sister.

Reno spotted Kairi's hair from their table near the back of the restaurant and waved, calling them over.

Kairi slipped her hand into Xigbar's. "Come on." She smiled.

He smiled back and winked at her as they made their way to the table.

Namine smiled. "Reno, this is Xigbar, Kairi's boyfriend."

Xigbar grinned as he pulled out Kairi's chair. "Hey."

Reno nodded. "Hey. Nice to meet you. Hi, Kairi."

"Hello." Kairi nodded as she sat down.

"Likewise." Xigbar nodded, sitting down himself. "Heya, Namine."

The blonde smiled. "Hello. How are you?"

Xigbar grinned, "Great."

Naminé smiled, "That's good."

Kairi smiled, taking Xigbar's hand under the table as the waitress came over to get their drink orders.

Once she left, Xigbar looked at Reno, "So, you're the one who stole Naminé for a weekend? Disneyplace. Very nice."

Reno grinned, "Thank you." He said, nodding, "You work at the Rusty Wrench, right?"

"Yep. Mechanic and head of all paperworks, that's me. What about you?" Xigbar asked, idly playing with Kairi's hand.

"I work at the Chocolate Chocobo—I'm a bartender." Reno answered, "You guys are always fixing my brother's car."

Xigbar frowned, "Wait, are you Riku's brother?"

"Yep." Reno nodded.

"That car needs to be put down." Xigbar said with a shake of the head, "The only reason it's working now is because Cloud's a miracle worker—it's a lost cause."

Reno laughed, "Trust me, I know. That's why I don't get mad at him when he steals mine. I'll be getting a new one soon, so he'll be able to have mine permanently."

"Good, 'cause it hurts just looking at that hunk of junk." Xigbar grinned.

Naminé laughed. "Poor Riku."

Reno laughed, "Yeah. At least Sora can always cart him around."

Kairi snorted. "Sora's car is only marginally better off than Riku's."

"Okay, okay, hold on a minute." Xigbar said. "You" – he pointed at Reno – "are Riku's older brother and Riku's kissing your" – he pointed at Kairi – best friend Sora?"

Kairi nodded. "Yes."

Xigbar sighed. "And I didn't even peg Sora as gay."

Naminé grinned and shared a look with Kairi.

Kairi laughed, "It's kind of complicated. Sora didn't really peg himself as gay, and it caused this huge blowout between him and Riku resulting in Riku locking himself in his room and Sora getting himself drunk." She explained.

"Which is how I met Naminé." Reno added.

"And then Sora realized they were so close they were practically dating, anyway, and climbed in Riku's bedroom window to tell him and they've been dating since!" Naminé finished.

"…Red, your life sure as hell is interesting." Xigbar said with a grin.

"Hey, it was on the way back from the celebratory dinner that Nam and I's car started breaking down, so indirectly that led to me meeting you." Kairi informed him.

Xigbar's grin widened. "I said it before – thank god you took terrible care of that car." He raised their linked hands to kiss Kairi's.

Naminé giggled.

Kairi smiled at him.

Reno chuckled, taking his own girlfriend's hand.

The waitress reappeared and they all ordered their food.

"So, how's classes and all that?" Xig asked Naminé.

The blonde shrugged. "They're going okay – I'm doing well."

Xigbar rolled his eyes. "Pretty and smart. Reno – why the hell were these two still single?"

Reno laughed, "'Cause they hadn't met us yet?"

Xigbar grinned. "Very true."

Kairi rolled her eyes, but didn't retort.

Before anyone else could say anything, the waitress brought them their food.

XXXX

Xigbar pulled back Kairi's chair for her, taking her hand and pulling her up before smiling at Reno and Naminé as the four left the restaurant.

"Well, that was fun." He grinned.

Naminé smiled. "It was. We should all have dinner together more often." She squeezed Reno's hand when he reached for hers.

"Definitely." Kairi smiled, leaning into Xigbar. "See you at home later?" She asked her sister.

Naminé nodded. "Yes, I'm going to Reno's for a bit before his shift starts."

"See you later then, Nami." Xigbar grinned.

"See you." Kairi smiled. "Bye, Reno."

"Bye, Kairi." Reno answered, leading Naminé away.

"So, you wanna come back to my place or something?" Kairi asked Xigbar.

"Sure, I'd love to, Red." Xigbar said, bowing as he opened the car door for her.

Kairi smiled, stepping into the car and buckling her seat belt.

Xigbar walked around and climbed in, leaning over to kiss her. "Good?"

Kairi smiled and nodded. "We could just stay here and I could kiss you again, though." She smirked playfully.

"Well, how can I deny a request like that?" Xigbar smirked.

Kairi smiled, leaning in to kiss him again.

Xigbar cupped her face, pulling her closer and kissing her slowly, only pulling back when he felt her completely melt, smiling and rubbing her cheek with his thumb. "I should probably start the car now."

"Probably." Kairi answered, not moving.

Xigbar smirked and kissed her again. "You're too damn irresistible, Red."

Kairi smirked. "Well, to you, at least. I'm not complaining."

"All right. I gotta drive." Kissing her one more time, Xigbar finally pulled back and started the car, reaching over to hold Kairi's hand as he drove.

Kairi took it, squeezing it and leaning back. Her phone buzzed in her pocket. Reaching in with her free hand, she flipped it open, rolling her eyes at the message.

"What's up, Sass? Everything okay?" Xigbar asked.

"Everything's fine. Just Sora." Kairi said. "Oh, did I tell you what Sora's brother dashed out the door talking about the other day?"

"Roxas? What's the dessert god up to now?" Xigbar laughed.

Kairi giggled, "He ran out shouting about his best friend's ex-stalker flirting with him."

"Ex-stalker? Flirting? No way…" Xigbar frowned. "Is his friend named La- I mean, Hayner?"

Kairi nodded. "Yeah, that's it! I've only met the kid once or twice."

Xigbar groaned. "What the hell are the odds?"

"Odds of what?" Kairi asked, raising an eyebrow.

"It's Seifer. Seifer's the stalker flirting. Goddammit! Tell Roxas not to worry – I'll handle it." Xigbar said before groaning, "What a dick."

"Your roommate Seifer? Seriously?" Kairi laughed, "Nice. Well, I'll let Roxas know, but I don't see why this is a big deal. Seifer seemed nice."

"Seifer's a dick. He tends to fuck 'em and drop 'em. Slam, bam, thank you ma'am." Xigbar said bluntly. "Don't worry – I won't let him mess up Roxas's friend."

Kairi nodded. "Thanks, then." She said. "Hayner's straight, though, if I remember right."

Xigbar snorted. "That's never stopped Seifer before. He takes a certain maniacal glee in 'converting' people."

Kairi raised an eyebrow. "That is… interesting. He didn't seem like the type."

"He was on his best behavior when you were over – trust me, he's more than capable of being an ass. Don't worry, Red, I'll handle it." Xigbar said, squeezing her hand.

"Sounds good." Kairi smiled, "Thanks."

Xigbar winked. "Gotta protect the dessert god, right?" More seriously, he said, "No problem, Red."

XXXX

Seifer was sitting in the living room of their apartment when Xigbar walked through the door late that evening.

"This kid you're messing with? You need to stop." Xigbar said, crossing his arms and standing in front of Seifer.

Seifer raised an eyebrow, "Why?"

"Because he's friends with Roxas and I am not making my girlfriend's friends pissed at me or losing his cooking for your sick and twisted games." Xigbar said.

"You've never cared about my extracurricular activities before." Seifer commented.

"They've never threatened my happiness before. I'm serious, Seif. You need to back off of Hayner." Xigbar said firmly.

"I'm not going to hurt your precious dessert god." Seifer rolled his eyes.

"You will if you fuck with his best friend. You don't know how to have a real relationship with someone – it's a game until they break and you find a new toy. And I'm telling you, you can't use Hayner as your next toy. Find someone else." Xigbar said.

Seifer rolled his eyes again. "You're acting like this is going to threaten your relationship with Kairi."

"Kairi's best friend is Sora. Sora's brother is Roxas. Roxas's best friend is Hayner. Yeah, see why I'm worried?" Xigbar snarkily said.

"You're paranoid. That's what you are." Seifer shrugged.

"Promise me. Swear right now you won't break him." Xigbar demanded.

"What's going on?" Leon asked, walking in.

"The kid Seifer's fucking with is connected to my girlfriend and this asshole won't back off him. Goddammit, Seifer!" Xigbar yelled.

"Hey, stop yelling." Leon said. "The neighbors'll get pissed. Sefier, just find a new kid to mess with."

"If I say I'll find someone else, will that make you happy?" Seifer rolled his eyes. "Fuck, it's not this huge of a deal."

"It wouldn't be if you didn't break every single person you play with!" Xigbar snapped.

"Seifer, just promise you'll find someone else." Leon said.

"Fine. Fuck. I promise I'll find someone else." Seifer grumbled.

"Good. Because if you break him anyway and Rox comes here to kill you, I'm letting him in." Xigbar warned.

Seifer rolled his eyes.

"I'll be in my room." Xigbar stalked to his room and slammed the door.

"You'd think I'd set my eyes on his girlfriend." Seifer rolled his eyes.

"You promised him, Seifer. Be careful. Xig looks pissed enough that you could lose him as a friend over this." Leon warned.

"Yeah, yeah. I'll find someone else." Seifer said.

"Good." Leon nodded, leaving.

"Eventually." Seifer added after his roommates left, with a small smirk to himself.

XXXX

Me: Seifer's a diiiiiiick. No, seriously.

Jasmine: He's also yours. So, really, Hayner should be saying that.

Me: I have no delusions that I'm not writing him. I'm fully aware of the fact that he's a dick because I write him that way. But that doesn't make him less of a dick.

Jasmine: -babbles about spoilers-

Me: Say things I can put in the author's note.

Jasmine: I don't know!

Me: But seriously, that's my entire comment for everything involving Seifer from now on. Seifer's a dick. Hope you enjoyed!

Jasmine: Please review! :D