I'll Be There (KH/FF fanfic)

Chapter 10: Love and loss

Chapter 10:

Leon offered to walk you home back to RANGER headquarters as everyone began to leave Kairi's house. Everyone was worn out after hula hoop contests (surprisingly Namine won), more games of chicken, and a dance off (you kicked Axel's butt!) and you were ready to go home, so you took him up on the gesture. You were actually pretty excited. Maybe you'd finally be able to get some alone time with Leon and just talk. Maybe...

"Leon! ____!" Cloud's voice rang out. "Hey let's all walk together! It'll be fun!"

You shot Cloud an annoyed look as Leon sighed. The two of you looked at one another and began to laugh. Cloud could be a pain sometimes.

"Alright," you said, giving in.

"Great!" Reno yelled, Zack, Aerith, Tifa, and Seifer trailing behind him.

Kairi called out to you, gave you a wink, and waved goodbye with Axel, who blew you a kiss. You rolled your eyes and shook your head. Axel was such a player. He was hot, but he definitely wasn't the guy you had your eyes on. Namine's words about Leon echoed in your mind. "He likes you..."

Before you could delve any deeper into your thoughts, Cloud ran forward and stood between you and Leon, placing an arm on your shoulders as well as Leon's.

"So...when's the wedding?" he coughed, grinning widely. You smacked your palm to your face as Leon shoved Cloud away. The spikey blonde roared with laughter until Tifa grabbed him by the ear.

"Tifa, baby! You promised you would only do that to Reno!" He protested.

"Cloud, you better be thinking about OUR marriage before you start bugging them about their love life," she threatened as Cloud winced.

You giggled and gave Tifa a high-five.

"Better him than me," Reno shrugged.

When you arrived back at RANGER headquarters you waited for everyone to go up to their rooms before going into your own and changing into sweatpants and a fitted t-shirt. you tried your hardest to fall asleep but just couldn't seem to shut your eyes. Carefully, you snuck out of your covers and tiptoed out of your room and toward the balcony. you threw open the doors and felt the gentle breeze against your skin. The corners of your lips turned upwards as you closed your eyes.

You began to sing: "My universe will never be the same. I'm glad you came. I'm glad you..."

"You've got a beautiful voice," you heard someone say in a genuine tone.

You whipped your head and your light brown hair billowed in the wind. "L-leon?" you said, a bit embarrased that he had heard you sing...not that you had a bad voice or anything...

"Can't sleep either?" he asked.

You shook your head and placed your elbows on the edge of the balcony, resting your chin on your hands. Leon placed an arm on the balcony and looked up at the sky, then turned his head to face you, his slate colored eyes peircing your blue ones. You stood straighter up and faced him, a smile forming on your face. Leon walked slowly towards you and wrapped his strong, yet comforting arms around your petite frame. You placed your arms on his back and hugged him back. The two of you stood that way for a long time before he gently ran his hand through your hair. Leon looked at you lovingly and a true smile was visible on his face.

You giggled. "I told you I would change your mind," you laughed.

Leon let out a deep chuckle and embraced you. "I guess you did." You flashed him a grin.

You shivered as a gust of chilly air brushed by. Leon gave you his jacket and the two of you sat down. You let your head fall onto his warm chest and he watched you fall asleep, your breaths slow but even and peaceful. finally, he let himself drift into a slumber.

When he awakened, you were gone. Surprised, Leon checked your room, but there was still no sign of you. He checked every room he could possibly find, but there was still no sign of you. Finally, he burst into Cloud's room, a worried look on his face and shook Cloud awake.

"Five more minutes, Mom..." Cloud whined.

"Cloud wake up, this is serious!" Leon said with urgency. "____'s gone."

Cloud bolted out of bed. "Nu-uh, not my little sister! We gotta go find her!" The only two things that could get Cloud out of bed were Tifa being in danger or you missing from the headquarters.

Cloud slipped on a pair of jeans and Leon ran to wake up Tifa, Reno, and Seifer. Seifer...Where was Seifer?