Work Text:
Leon sighed and took a quick look around as he stepped out of the car. The building for the competition from the outside was gigantic, and resembled a make-shift coliseum like he recalled seeing in pictures during his ancient Greek studies. It was kind of fascinating (well, almost), but despite the grandeur he still felt exhausted. There was a huge throng of burly men walking in to what he assumed was the entrance. They formed a line by a table manned by a dozen or so workers trying to get everyone signed in.
His family was there, in the car, to drop him off, and then stay to watch and support him from afar. There was a different building for guests, and competitors would not be allowed outside contact for the whole of the... "tournament", as the hosts chose to call it.
In the backseat where Leon had stepped out from there was a younger brunette who was practically vibrating. The boy reached out to grab the car-door as he said with the cheekiest grin, "Remember to smile!" And quickly shut the door before Leon could cuff his ear.
Leon moved to the passenger seat where a window rolled down to reveal his older sister (well, cousin... but they were raised to be siblings). She leaned forward to give him a final peck on the cheek and added, "Remember, we are so proud of you no matter what."
"I'm not a kid anymore, Ellone."
"Never the less, we love you."
"Love you guys, too."
She rolled up the window and away the car went. Leon waited until it was around the corner (and hopefully give the crowd behind him time to filter out a little, which it hadn't) before turning around to get in line. There were tons of men, each sporting different outfits: some were wearing suits, some in tanks and shorts, and others barely dressed at all... He was told to come as he usually would be at any other given time with a claim it would only be meetings and scheduling on arrival day (so dress comfortably). Tomorrow would be introductions to the competition and the competitors introducing themselves to the crowd, before the crowd would then be told how everything would work. Literally a catwalk day with only mild judgement and no points involved. Easy peasy, and then things would get rough on the second day.
Even just having to strut makes me cringe... This whole thing is embarassing. Why didn't I agree to something else? He's ten. I'm sure we could have talked him into going somehow... But they had tried for nearly six months. Sora had even been forced to go to physical therapy once, and was so overwhelmed just by the sight of those also working to improve and all the machinery around he had broken down all over again. I guess it does seem like a lot to a kid, and when it hurts to even move... Fine. Just do your best. Even if you fail you can at least say you tried, and he won't be competing with anyone so he can't fail so long as he tries.
Leon usually wore his favorite leather jacket with fur rim, but his family had told him to save that for later. He had been made to wear a bigger jacket (much baggier than he cared for) and pants that were basic denim instead of his usual leather that were also a little loose. His sister had insisted in order to "hide his body at first so no one knew they had real competition to deal with" as some sort of psychological attack strategy, as if he cared. He very much doubted anyone would be intimidated, especially when he considered some men in line were almost twice his size.
Good thing this isn't a size contest...
Leon yawned as he walked to the tables and did his best to hide his impatience as he waited his turn, got his badge and a tag for his bags, and sighed with relief when he could finally get out of the sun and head inside. Somehow, the interior even in the halls appeared to be large than it seemed outside. The entrance had beautiful, marble flooring and stairs, high ceilings with multiple chandeliers, fresh roses in an expensive looking vase every few feet, and... servants? Were those actual butlers and maids?
I've never heard of a competition of any sort being this ritsy, Leon thought with growing trepidation and disbelief. I know this is an internationally loved sort of thing, but still. They aren't usually this kind with beauty or reality shows. What's the deal?
Somehow, it made him feel even more ridiculous.
The other participants were walking around as if this were all typical, or acting as new as Leon, but with less restraint on touching things. At first Leon felt lost, but then he saw arrow signs that led down the hall and eventually to a room with a big banner stating, "Auditorium: Mr. R Meeting! Welcome all Gladiators!". Leon rolled eyes, and as he walked past the doorway was immediately ushered by a gentleman in an orange caution vest to what was apparently his row. Plenty of guys chose to leave a space or two between seats, which no one seemed to object to, so Leon made sure to sit in a place where he could at least extend his elbows. The Auditorium was dome-shaped and had the seats climbing upward from the stage. The lights were on, but the whole room was so huge it was still dim between the seats.
"Please make sure to keep your registration papers for after the meeting!" Called a short, bald man in a shaky voice. He seemed nervous to be surrounded by other men three times his size (both tall and wide). "No papers, no room key, no competing!"
Leon carefully folded his papers and packed them away into a secure pocket on the inside of his large coat. Once he was sat, he looked up toward the ceiling and noted it seemed ten floors high. There were many visible halls looking over the auditorium where the curious could peek in, and for a moment Leon wondered if maybe some of the faces either close to or pressed against the glass might be his family.
It would be typical of Sora to try and meld his face into the glass to try and find me, Leon thought with a tiny chuckle.
A youngish girl with short hair approached the front of the stage where there was a mic. She tapped it first, adjusted the height, and then grinned like a fox to the crowd.
"Have a a seat, and no pushing! There's enough room for all of you!"
Leon took a breath with the hope he might be able to breathe in the old stone, but all he got was too much cheap cologne and body odor. It was hard to relax when he felt like he might choke if he inhaled too deep. Ugh...
A red-head joined the brunette girl on stage, and they proceeded to discuss something away from the mic while pointing at what seemed to be the lights. A suit walked onto the stage to observe them, as well as the crowd; Leon assumed he must own the place or something.
Leon blinked as, quite without permission, a blonde suddenly plopped into the chair right next to him. The brunette turned and immediately noted the new guy was big (though not as big as Leon) with glowing, blue eyes--the prettiest shade he had ever seen. He had a neutral frown on, sleeveless turtleneck, and trousers that fit his thighs well (especially as they crossed). The blonde turned to regard Leon and a flash of amusement crossed his expression.
"You seem a little bored," the blonde's voice was smooth, deep, and did wonders on Leon's nerves. Which was strange... It was like a sudden blanket of calm washed over him.
In return, despite the smell, Leon gave a long... loooong sigh. He crossed his arms and slumped back in his seat with his own frown for answer. Even though the man's presence was far from alarming or irritating, he still preferred to be left alone and hoped the blonde would take that as a sign. Or get bored with him enough to leave.
Instead, the blonde just opted to copy his posture and slumped into his own chair. "You won't win anything with that attitude. Something bothering you?"
Leon grunted and sat back up straight, rather grudgingly. The other man spoke so clearly, and his voice somehow left the taste of cake on Leon's tongue. He suddenly thanked his sister for insisting on loose pants, and silently cursed the stranger. It was incredibly rare for Leon to find interest in anyone, and right now was not the time. "I drove over twelve hours to get here. All I want to do is sleep." He admitted, though it sounded like he was whining.
"Understandable. I flew three planes to get here... and I'll be forced to stay awake at least another nine," for a moment the blonde looked irritated, but he hid it away in the next. The blonde turned his pretty eyes to Leon as he straightened back out in his seat. Even the way the man sat spoke volumes about him; grace, good balance, excellent posture... His nails appeared rounded and manicured, his hair purposely spiked (which was normally such a terrible look, but this man wore it well), clear and creamy skin, and overall he was well-groomed but not overly so that one might think him too feminine.
Leon turned away and remained silent. After all, what was it any business to this guy why he was there? If he told the truth it might be turned against him. Then again, how often did you ever see anyone more then once, on a personal note, at these things? And better yet, how often did Leon ever really give a crap? He shrugged. "Made a bet with my nephew."
"A bet?" the blonde's brows raised. "The stakes must be pretty high if you actually entered a large competition like this."
Leon blew some hair from his face. "... His legs were injured in an accident last year, but he refuses any chance of helping himself. One day he finally got annoyed with everyone bugging him about it--said he had as much chance to go through physical therapy as I have winning Mr. Romantic." He shrugged again. "Figured I'd at least try, maybe he might to."
The blonde seemed to stare at him for a long moment, looking contemplative. He smiled a little, and it seemed to lighten up his already handsome features considerably. He opened his mouth to say something, but was cut off by one of the spokesman. That girl from before was calling for the judges to come to the stage so they could begin the Welcome meeting.
"It was nice talking to you, but I have business to take care of." The blond stood, holding out a hand. "You can call me Cloud. And you are?"
Leon vaulted a brow, but took the male's hand all the same and shook it. "Leon..."
Cloud wrapped Leon's hand in both of his own; his hands were warm, and somehow both rough and soft at the same time.
"Nice to meet you, Leon. I have a feeling you'll do great in this competition." Cloud let go of his hand, before he exited the aisle and headed toward the stage. Leon was confused more at his own attitude (and the realization he had been blushing a little) than Cloud's overly familiar actions, at least until he noticed where Cloud went. Leon wasn't so far from the stage he couldn't make out the figures standing there, and he watched as Cloud hopped up to join the red-head and brunette.
Cloud was not a participant, then.
Leon blinked and stiffened as panic suddenly set in. Who was it that I was really talking to just now? He angrily pondered to himself. Crap, knowing my luck it was some judge or something... I may have just screwed up what little chances I actually have. I'll be out of here in the first round at this rate. Not that Leon would have normally cared, but that would have just been pathetic. What made it worse was how... open he had been. Cloud felt like a breath of fresh air and had the sort of aura that caused one to feel like he was trustworthy--like he was someone worth getting to know. Leon let his guard down due to that, and thinking they wouldn't have a chance to talk again, but if he was a judge...
Fuck, fuck, fuck, FUCK. Now I'm just a grump with a sob story, fantastic.
It took another hour or so (Leon was busy trying to keep from banging his head on the hard seat in front of him, so he didn't pay the time much notice) before everyone finally was settled, more or less. The microphone was back on and the talking finally died down. Leon sat back a little too hard into his chair and looked on toward the stage with a growing sense of doom. Not just for his screw up, but for this whole fiasco in general.
The woman was there again. "Hello hello hellooo!" She called with a casual wave. "Everything good? Wonderful! Okay, hello, everyone, and good afternoon! It's great to see all of you made it here today in good spirits and on time! Very important!" She cleared her throat and with another toothy grin that was equal parts cheerful and... calculating said, "My name is Yuffie Kisaragi, and on behalf of the entire panel I'd like to welcome you to the fiftiethh annual Mr. Romantic Tournament!"
Leon clapped with the last bit of energy could give. His eyes darted to the blond, waiting to see how badly he fucked himself up already. Remain calm. Remember, it's never as bad as you think...
"Exciting, right?" Yuffie said after a bit of clapping. "And I see you came prepared," as she stretched the last word some chuckled and began to flex their muscles, which caused the young lady to laugh. "Okay, okay, put the guns away, boys. Save it for the competition, fellas." Yuffie looked behind her at another group of people: the blonde (Cloud), the other blonde in the suit, and a small group of others. Only Cloud looked like he belonged in the contest, whereas the others were in business or business casual wear with average bodies or were women. Was that so Cloud could spy on the participants easier? Sort of weed them out before things even began? She grinned at them and turned back. "Let's start by introducing the panel! I'll begin with our first judge and the owner of this very coliseum, Mr. Rufus Shinra!" The blonde in the suit with the slicked back hair waved idly to the crowd. "No words yet, Rufus? Okay, then let's move onto our second judge..."
Yuffie continued to prattle on as she introduced the judges, which were seven in all so far, and each one had a chance to come to the mic and make a quick speech. Eventually, there was only Cloud still waiting at the end.
Leon twitched. Cloud was still young, attractive, strong, and had a surprisingly bright smile--a well practiced, obviously used to the lime light smile. ... Is he famous? I'm suddenly feeling like he's extremely familiar... Like I might have seen him on television... It's not odd to have celebrity guests as judges. Leon tilted his head curiously as Cloud seemed to be skipped over. Was he not a judge, then?
"So I'll now pass the mic to Rufus who will explain exactly how this night's portion and tomorrow's introductory round of the tournament will work and what not," Yuffie said, brushing some hair from her eyes. "And we'll have a few inspiring words from Mr. Strife! After, we'll collect your papers and get you your room keys." She passed the mic as Rufus approached without further ado.
Rufus took the mic with all the enthusiasm of a king dealing with the troubles of peasants. He looked down his nose at every last person in the whole auditorium. "Thank you, Yuffie." He gave a patrician sniff, cleared his throat, and wiped a bit of what might have been lint off his shoulder before addressing the crowd again, "Welcome, everyone, to the Coliseum. Our audience will be in the East side, and anyone who dares to attempt a visit will be automatically disqualified. You are to remain quarantined to the West side throughout the competition unless given special permission." Everyone knew that coming in, Leon assumed, but the way he spoke was as if they were prisoners from this point onward. "After this meeting, and after you've acquired your keys, we do expect you later tonight to attend a formal dinner. Think of this as a first test. Though it is not technically part of the competition, it does give us a glimpse into who is deemed fit to be the next Mr. Romantic." There was a pause. "If you should acquire this title, you will be expected to do more than just show up and wave a hand at parades. You will be attending many social gatherings, and therefore must have a good grasp on proper dinner etiquette." Rufus gave the whole of the crowd a hard stare as he said, "No one dreams of their perfect date eating like a pig." There was at least a bit of chortling among those seated with that. "We do have a laundry system here, of course, but it is first come, first serve. Dry cleaning services take approximately twenty-four hours, so if you make a mess of your tuxes or suits tonight I certainly hope you had the fore-thought to bring a second."
There was some nervous fidgeting, but not much. Someone coughed.
Leon wasn't too perturbed; it was about what he expected now.
Rufus went on, "We all know that everyone here is in a hurry to get to the competition, but because of the theme it won't be beginning until tomorrow at night fall. This gives everyone who had to drive or fly here from many miles off plenty of chance to relax, rest, and enjoy all the compliments that The Coliseum has to offer. We have saunas, pools, a spa, and a bar--though I wouldn't suggest drinking too much lest you lose your decorum."
Hmm. Guess I can do a little day drinking, then, Leon was feeling a little happier at that news.
"Tomorrow's events are listed in order for you all in each of your rooms. You will appear for a final meeting prior to the introduction itself for a practice run around the stage so that you will present yourselves in the correct manner. The way you walk, the way you talk, each way you smile, laugh, or even tilt your head will be judged."
Some anxiety was evident, but more than there was anxiety there was excitement. One male in particular seemed a little too confident, only smirking at the judges on stage.
Leon just yawned. And now I'm bored. This is a load of crap...
Rufus gave an extremely fake smile. "With that said, good luck to every one. Throughout the competition you'll be filing out in alphabetical order and you'll be following the word of only one person. We, the judges, will simply be for commentary on individuals." He turned and waved a hand to present Cloud. "This man has run for five years, the maximum number of years a man can run for Mr. Romantic, and won every time. No other before or after him has accomplished this, though many have tried. Now, he's here to give emotional encouragement to the people that will be attempting to take the title. He shall be the one leading you across the stage and he shall be available for advice, tips, and tricks." Everyone began to clap excitedly as Rufus moved away from the mic without another word.
Well... That explains why he seems so used to this, and familiar... If he's been the champion the past five years I've probably seen him a lot. Ellone likes this show way too much. Leon quirked a brow and felt a little self-conscious. It also means I didn't come out to a judge, so much as our... trainer? Leader? He would need to get to know us, then.
"Thank you, Rufus, Yuffie." Cloud said once he approached the mic. The way he stood was elegant and proud. "And everyone for being here to compete for the title. Here is where I'm supposed to offer words of glory, and to entice you to win by discussing the perks of achieving such a title... but you must know that it's more than just formal occasions, charities, and prize money. It's about who you are. Becoming Mr. Romantic will take more than just your brawn and looks..." Cloud turned his head and seemed to look directly at Leon as he said, "You must prove yourself worthy by having a sense of selflessness, ambition, and drive."
Leon's brow jumped another centimeter higher. How exactly do they plan to find out who is selfless? Drive and ambition are usually easy to see, but genuine selflessness... Leon shook his head. Why had he revealed to Cloud what he had? He never liked talking to people before, never felt compelled to either... Maybe Mr. Romantic wasn't a crock after all? Or maybe Cloud was just a rare type?
...Or maybe I'm just thinking too much?
"With that, my only advice for all of you to have any chance of winning is to be yourself. Have your talents, dress, and intellect reflect who you really are so that we may get to know you and not a fake romantic." Cloud gave everyone his winning smile. "Good luck to all of you. I have high hopes," Leon was certain Cloud was looking at him, as they made direct eye contact this time, "that you will inspire this generation, and many generations after you." He stepped back, and the crowd applauded.
Leon clapped his hands with everyone else as Cloud stepped away and Yuffie retook the mic. The opening meeting closed a little after Cloud's speech. The helping hands at a new table collected the registration papers and handed out keys, and then the contestants were free to do what they wanted until that evening's formal dinner.
Leon got his key and headed to the elevators as most of the other guys were busy congregating--trying to catch a judge's eye, or heading off to the swimming pool before it began to get crowded. Leon himself just wanted a drink or two, then a nice, long nap.
oo00oo00oo
The bar was virtually empty when Leon arrived. Stools were set up along the counter where the barista was cleaning a glass, and the only person besides himself to be seen was the pretty blond, who was sipping at something green.
Leon calmly walked up toward the bar after traversing a maze of lounge chairs, tables, and half-walls. He sat down, not noticing the blond right away as he waved a hand casually to catch the bartender's attention. "... Hard whiskey on the rocks."
The bartender nodded, putting the glass down to put Leon's drink together. Cloud at the end of the bar put down his glass and looked up towards where the brunet sat. Cloud smiled as he stood with his glass in hand, and like before he took the stool nearest to Leon without thinking twice if he would be welcomed or not.
"I figured you would find your way here."
Leon was in the middle of giving a cat-like yawn (his mouth open wide and slightly crooked, like a lion) when Cloud came to sit down next to him. He examined the blond through the corner of his eye, then turned his gaze back in front of him to some speck on the counter. "... Were you waiting for me or something?"
"I suppose you could say that," Cloud said, placing his drink down. The bartender returned with Leon's order.
"Another Mako, sir?" the bartender asked kindly.
"I'll take whatever he's having," Cloud said.
"Sure you can handle a lot of liquor, Mr. Romantic Supreme?" Leon said, half-annoyed. He just sighed, taking his own liquor in hand with a long, slow sip. He breathed through the burn as he added, "I didn't know who you were at the time, so don't get any wrong ideas."
Cloud just chuckled. "No need to be snippy, Leon. I have a pretty high tolerance." The bartender returned with his drink. He took it, passing the guy a tip. "And what would you define as the 'wrong idea'?"
"Telling you my sob story." Leon replied, setting his drink down. He pulled out a piece of ice. "I don't like sympathy and I sure as hell don't pull for sympathy points for advantage." He licked the ice over one side, then sucked on the same end. It felt so cold against his tongue and helped to relieve some of the heat that had built up in his head from Cloud's voice; it melted away quickly and left a trail of water and whiskey over his lips and tongue.
*****
Cloud just watched him, as he took a sip from his own glass. It burned going down, but the feeling was almost pleasurable... even more so when he watched Leon play with that ice. He watched the brunette neutrally, giving away no obvious signs of what he was thinking. "I didn't look at it as some kind of 'sob story', Leon." He said quietly. The man's name felt good on his lips, so he kept taking the opportunity to use it while he could. "In fact, just by watching you and listening to what you say, I figured you were very honest."
Leon dropped his ice, half melted, back into the cup, and then lifted the cup again. His Adam's apple bobbed temptingly with every swallow, and Cloud bit the inside of his mouth to keep from staring too hard. It became almost too much, however, and he was forced to turn away completely.
"I don't even know why I spoke to you to begin with," Leon didn't speak in an angry or malicious way. "Normally I tell people to stick their noses up someone else's business and leave mine alone." He was very honest, at least.
Cloud could only smile. That was actually very amusing. "People tell me I'm very easy to get along with, despite looking the way I do. I didn't mind you sharing your story with me."
Leon rolled his eyes, though discretely. "I did." He grumbled, finishing off his drink. There was only ice cubes left, which he willing began to drink up. He plucked another piece out, popping it right into his mouth.
"I suppose you would," Cloud said, now watching Leon's mouth as he played with the ice. Despite his sour attitude, there was something so different about this man... something almost... sweet. Almost. "After all, it was none of my business, even if you did tell me willingly. If it's any consolation, my personal opinion of you won't really have much say on your overall score during the contest. Its mostly decided on how many points you earn during each event."
*****
Leon shrugged, as if that hadn't been concerning him at all. "..." That's good at least... Why was I so angry at this guy? Oh yeah. He makes me wanna talk. That's always bad. He swallowed the ice he had, now that it was a size smaller then a dime. Dammit, I'm not buzzed yet... "... Another whiskey, no ice."
The bartender nodded, taking Leon's empty glass.
"Although," Cloud continued as he stirred his drink around. His eyes were on the dark liquid, not Leon. "I really do like you."
Leon nearly choked his own air at that confession. Besides the fact that Leon himself was rarely ever interested in anyone, even the few he was found him too intimidating or too rude to stand for long. It was just a fact of Leon's life he would probably be single forever, and that was what caused him to seek out one-night stands more often than relationships. No one had ever confessed liking him before, even so casually.
"Thanks." Is he hitting on me or just means he likes me in general? Leon just barely angled his head in a way he hoped wasn't too obvious as he took a fresh glance at the blonde. If he is... Would it be inappropriate to have sex with the trainer, or whatever his title is? I might as well. I very much doubt I'm winning this, so I should have fun while I can.
Things went quiet for a bit after that as Leon got his fresh drink and Cloud ordered another Mako instead of whiskey. There was some small talk about the green drink in Cloud's hands (vodka, Butterfly Pea Flower tea, lemon juice, lime syrup). He let Leon have a sip, and though it tasted just fine it didn't quite match the bite Leon wanted.
"Why do you prefer vodka drinks?"
"I have a high tolerance, but I can't stand anything that makes me feel as though a hole were burning through my esophagus," Cloud admitted with a small chuckle. "And I like Makos... they're sweet and sour."
"Ellone prefers sweet or sour over fresh fire, too."
Cloud took another sip. Some of the green liquid escaped past the rim of the glass, and if Leon hadn't been sure if Cloud was flirting with him before he felt pretty damned good about the assumption he was (he definitely was) as Cloud boldly looked Leon dead in the eye with a sultry sort of smile and swept his tongue along the glass to catch it. "Is Ellone a friend of yours?"
"Older sister. Though, she acts more like she's my mother."
"Mmm. Good."
"Good?"
"Sounds cute," Cloud commented instead of answering. "I never had any older or younger siblings."
"Not that fun." Leon made a grimace, as if to back up his claim. "We had Selphie, Aerith, me, Ellone, and our parents. In a one room house." Leon suddenly twitched. Dammit, I'm doing it again. There has got to be a logical explanation for wanting to be friendly with this guy... I've never had the urge before, why now? And I know it isn't the liquor, it's never made me talk before. He looked back at Cloud in time to see the blonde as he leaned against the counter... His eyes were amused and there was a small uptick to his lips Leon found oddly attractive.
"Really? I've always wanted a large family. I'm an only child myself." Cloud pressed his arm nonchalantly into Leon's. "What was it like?"
"I... need some sleep before dinner tonight," Leon mentioned quietly before he downed the last of his glass in one large gulp. He hissed as it snaked down his throat like acid.
*****
Cloud checked his watch. They had a few hours before the dinner, but he did have to go get ready himself. Even if the participants weren't expected right away, at any moment Yuffie was bound to come running around the corner calling his name like an annoying alarm clock. He sighed and followed suit, quickly chugging his drink. "All right," he replied as he licked his lips. "It was nice talking to you again." He stood from the stool, offering Leon a small smile. "I hope I'll get to spend more time with you in the future."
*****
Leon nodded and stood from his own stool. He barely had a buzz at all, but it was just enough to sleep. He checked his watch under his glove. Three hours exactly before dinner. More then enough time. He turned to the blond. "... So... Your personal feelings... Don't have any part in the judging, yes?"
Cloud shook his head. "No, not really. They will deliberate later on with some personal opinions for your overall performances, but its mostly numbers that will determine whether or not you win or lose the competition. I have nothing to do with those numbers--I won't even be giving them my own assessment, not of personalities at least, unless asked."
The brunette nodded. "I see..." Then I see no problem with some 'hanging out' time.
"Hey, Leon," Cloud said just as Leon was adjusting his jacket. The brunette turned back; Cloud had, at some point, pulled out a piece of paper and was writing on it. He folded, then handed the note to Leon with another soft, inviting smile. "That's my room number... In case you find yourself needing some 'advice, tips, and tricks'."
Leon smirked and took the note, which he then stuffed away in his coat pocket. "I'll keep it in mind."
Cloud waved good bye and headed to an elevator that was on the opposite side of the room, which apparently led to much higher levels than where the contestants were staying. Leon licked his lips as he watched the blonde leave.
... Maybe I was wrong about this being complete crap after all.