Inspired by a wonderful Cloud/Leon amv done to "Disarm" by Smashing Pumpkins (posted by GotBeefFan on youtube). Love that song. The voice, lyrics, music...it's all really made an impact on me, especially with some recent developments in my life.

Disclaimer: dood, fanfiction. Kingdom Hearts, Final Fantasy, and the characters and universes therein are the property of Disney and Square Enix. I receive no remuneration for this work; it is a parody and as such utilizes the Fair Use clause of the Copyright Act.

"Do you..."

Cloud made a soft, questioning sound and gently raked his fingers through his lover's hair, waiting for him to continue.

Leon sighed against Cloud's chest, closing his eyes at the touch. "Do you ever wonder if...if what we do really even makes a difference? If all these battles are worthwhile?"

"Does sex always make you think about death and destruction?" Cloud murmured, the tiniest teasing hint to his voice, and the brunet scoffed.

"Not death...life. I just wonder...if it actually helps. It just seems like we're always working so hard and it never changes. Nothing ever changes, nothing's ever really over," Leon said, drawing his fingers together until they formed a light fist over the blond's heart. "We've been fighting for this for years..."

Cloud was silent for a few moments. He eventually moved his other hand from where it cushioned his own head to curl around Leon's clenched fingers. "I think...there'll always be strife, and we'll always have battles to fight, but...it does make a difference. If...one person is spared from ever going through what you went through, what I went through..."

As the swordsman's voice faded, Leon shifted his hand to bring Cloud's knuckles to his lips, pressing a slow, tender kiss there. Neither delighted in bringing it up, but it meant a lot to both men that the other had eventually revealed much of their past, even if the words were imparted hesitantly, and only in private.

"If just one child has a chance to just be a kid, to not be forced to grow up so soon," Cloud continued after a moment, allowing his eyelids to lower and stroking his thumb over Leon's fingers. "...I'll keep fighting for that."

Leon hummed a quiet affirmative. "You're talking about Sora, aren't you?"

"Mm. You think... he'll really be able to help?"

"Everybody is placing a lot of trust in him," Leon admitted. "He has a big heart and a lot of spirit; I hope it's enough to keep him going."

"Maybe it'll be over before it gets that far."

"Yeah," the older man sighed again. "All we can do is be here to support him. I just wish there was an end in sight."

"Me too..."