OMGosh!~ My first ever Kingdom Hearts fiction!!~ And my first ever AxelxRiku as well! I've loved these two as a pairing forever. And I was happy to read some really good fictions with them... but they still seem to have a small fanbase. Which makes me a little sad so I've always wanted to do a story with these two... but I could never come up with a workable plot until now. :D Usually it's Axel chasing Riku... well, this time I am going to write it where Riku does the chasing. Should be fun... hopefully it will be fun to read as well!

WARNING: This story contains a BOYxBOY pairing/ relationship. If you DO NOT approve of such a pairing PLEASE TURN BACK NOW! This story is NOT for you! This story contains AxelxRiku and SoraxKairi pairing amongst some other side pairings (I'm exactly sure of them all yet)... if you DO NOT approve of either one please TURN BACK NOW. THIS STORY IS NOT FOR YOU.

Also this story will eventually have an M rating for sexual content and possible language... so please keep that in mind as well.

DISCLAIMER: I do not own the characters or the series. I do not get paid for writing.

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Chapter 1: The Bet

'Hey Riku! It's Sora! I guess I called a little late... but anyway–remember to call me when your flight gets in! I can't wait to see you! Love ya!'

An amused smile curled his lips lightly as he listened to the message that had been left on his voice mail earlier that morning before turning his phone off again and pocketing it as the lights flashed and an attendant's voice suddenly spoke from the front asking everyone to please put their seatbelts on and prepare for landing.

Fifteen minutes. In fifteen minutes he would get to finally see his best friend again after not seeing him for nearly a year! How he missed Sora... who was more than a friend to him–more than a brother. If it wasn't for the fact that they would never be romantically involved... he would say they were soul mates. It had been hard for them both when Sora had to move away when his mother had fallen ill. His family had offered to take Sora in but his mother had wanted him to stay with his father in the city on the mainland where she would be hospitalized. Even though Sora and his father were practically strangers.

He didn't get it but he didn't want to upset Sora more than he already was... so he gracefully accepted that his best friend was leaving him. And who knew when he would see him again. At least he had Kairi to help him deal. And when Sora had arrived at his new home he had written him a small novel about his new discovery: his half-brother Roxas. He felt more at ease knowing Sora wouldn't be lonely now either. He would get to meet Roxas soon. He had seen a few pictures and was startled by how alike they looked, though Sora had his mother's brown hair and Roxas had his mother's blonde. They shared their father's blue eyes, nose, and cheeks though. And Sora seemed to have his father's happy demeanor while Roxas–well... appearances weren't everything. Maybe it was just a bad picture?

But it wasn't like he was going to be with Roxas anyway. He was there for Sora. And his mom, who had always been like a second mother to him. When Sora had wrote to say his mother was getting worse, he had wanted to rush to his friend's side but his father would not allow it. He had still had school and sports–a life outside Sora. He had been so angry that he had threatened to run away. Only Sora and his own mother cooled his hot head and finally his father agreed that if he kept his grades up... when he turned sixteen he could move out to where Sora was and he'd pay for the apartment. He took it. He wanted nothing more than to be with Sora again.

There were ground rules, of course, but he'd follow them. Kairi had asked if they could room together when she turned sixteen next year. Deciding to talk about it when the time came he packed up to join Sora in the new school year, leaving a sad Kairi and mother behind.

Distracted from his thoughts when the attendant's voice was back, thanking the passengers for flying with them and whatnot he quickly unbelted himself and got to his feet so he could get to his overhead to grab his carry on and get the hell off the metal bird of potential death. Only his love for Sora made him get on the damn thing in the first place. Making it into the airport ten minutes later he was just about to turn his cell on to call Sora when a sudden squeal–a very unmanly squeal–made the motion unnecessary.

"RIIIIKUUU!" Was shouted so loud he was sure the passengers on the plane that was just about to land in the next gate outside had heard him.

He didn't get a chance to respond as he was suddenly pounced on, embraced so tightly he could hardly breathe.

"So-Sora..." He gasped, unable to inhale at the moment.

"I'll never let go, Riku! Never!" Sora's muffled voice sounded from his neck where he could feel the smaller male crying on him.

"But... I can't... breathe." He wheezed before poking the always ticklish sides until he was released.

Sora pulled away, sniffling and wiping his nose on his sleeve before giving him the smile meant just for him. Only Sora could still look unreasonably adorable even when crying. Smiling back as he made a show of gasping for air, he hungrily took the new sight of his best friend in. He was paler than he remembered and he was a few inches taller now, too. His face was more angular than his previously rounded one and his body was less lanky, more filled and toned. He smirked to himself. Wouldn't Kairi be impressed when she saw him?

"You don't have to worry about never letting go Sora.... I don't have a death wish." He teased as he picked his bag up from the floor. "Though if you broke my iPod I might have to kiss you here in public. Tongue and everything."

Sora just laughed before apologizing lightly and grabbing his arm to drag him to retrieve the rest of his luggage. "Sorry. I couldn't help it. My body reacted without my permission."

He laughed. "That sounds perverted."

Sora turned red and whacked him on the arm. "Only 'cause you took it that way!"

They chatted about the crappy flight while they got the rest of his luggage before going to sit down, Sora explaining how his father had had some errands to run but he would be back to get them right after.

"That's why I was here early. I didn't want to wait." Sora added as he watched him sit down on a chair before climbing boldly onto his lap. "I've missed you Riku. I couldn't bear not seeing you even for a minute the second you got here."

He arched a silver brow at his friend. This was one reason why he liked Sora. He wasn't afraid to show his affection or to be himself. Of course... he would box the teeth in of anyone who tried to hurt Sora. Maybe that was partially why he didn't feel the need to censor. "Sora... you're so..."

He couldn't think of anything suitable. When inquiring blue eyes met his ocean teal he just laughed and shook his head. Sora beamed and hugged him.

"Riku... your hair is longer..." Sora noted, touching the soft silvery strands. "I like it. I bet Kairi is jealous!"

He laughed again, almost revering what it was like to always smile. To always laugh. "Maybe... but you should see hers. It's longer now too. She looks really pretty."

Sora's brow arched with interest but before he could comment his phone suddenly rang, making him jump. Laughing in embarrassment he looked at the ID before answering. He agreed to something then affirmed that they would be outside in five minutes before hanging up. "My dad. He's on his way. Come on."

When the brunette had climbed off they gathered his luggage equally between them and went out into the sunshine to wait. Five minutes later a red Ford Taurus pulled up, a tall blonde man getting out of the driver's seat to help them pack his things in the trunk. He pointedly ignored the man and when he tried to offer a friendly greeting he just shrugged it off with indifference. When Sora frowned he felt a little guilty but luckily the man seemed to catch on and left him alone after the failed first try. When he and Sora had climbed into the back they buckled up and drove off without a word.

Sora touched his arm lightly, questioningly, so he offered a small smile in turn. This seemed to put Sora at ease. Sliding a small hand into his tanned one they held hands during the ride, Sora leaning his head on his shoulder and resting his eyes. He felt bad for his sudden attitude but he didn't trust the man yet. He wouldn't so easily forgive him for not being in Sora's life until recently. And only then because his mother was sick and has asked him to care for their son.

It probably wasn't a good idea to be hostile when he would be living with the man for the next three days... but hopefully they wouldn't have to see much of each other. If anything he could get Sora to show him around for as long as possible each day until he could move into his rented flat near the high school. His mother and father would be driving up a moving van this weekend since they didn't want to fly all of his things there. Hopefully everything would be finalized with the lease as well.

When they pulled into the driveway he barely took notice of the house as he gently shook Sora awake from his light doze. He did notice it was a cozy three story house with a nicely sized front porch before getting out to help Sora and the man bring his luggage inside. He was led to the guest bedroom that was across the hall from Sora's, to the left of the bathroom. When the man dropped off his share of the luggage he left without another word, much to his relief.

Sora set down his share before going to the door and closing it gently. "Riku... he's really not that bad."

He chose not to reply.

"He really does care about me. Before he–"

"Only now. I remember before Sora! And–"

"Riku, please stop." Sora choked on a sob.

Cursing at himself he walked over to his friend and hugged him tightly. "He'll never be good enough... not while I love you so much."

A choked laugh. He smiled and petted the messy spikes that seemed to defy all gravity until his room door suddenly opened, revealing a beautiful blonde woman.

"Hello Riku. My name is Risa. It's finally nice to meet the young man Sora has talked so much about." She said graciously as she walked into the room. He tried to be prickly toward her too but it proved difficult when she smiled sweetly at him. "Such a handsome young man too. They don't make them like this on the mainland, do they Sora?"

Sora laughed, earning a point in his book. Before he could get a warning of any kind he was suddenly pulled into a warm hug, a soft kiss planted on his cheek. He felt his first instinct should be anger that a total stranger was being so familiar with him... but he felt like a little boy instead, pulled into his mother's embrace. He was safe here, he was home. That thought startled him making him pull back. To his slight irritation that made Sora and the woman laugh.

"See Sora, honey? I can melt even the coldest chips of ice." Risa said with a warm smile, summer blue eyes shining in affection at him.

He snarled inwardly that he liked this woman against his will. This woman who took Sora's father from him when he was a baby.

"Yes, Risa-san." Sora happily agreed.

"Well, Riku... you look a little pale. Was the plane ride awful? Would you like a snack?" She asked as a warm hand slid under his bangs and touched his forehead lightly.

"I'm fine." He huffed in slight embarrassment.

When a pale brow arched at his comment Sora smiled and punched his arm lightly.

"Forgive him. He's like Roxy." Sora said in a mock whisper, like he thought he couldn't hear him this way.

"Ah." Risa seemed to understand something, making him feel like he had missed something. "Well, the kitchen is open until five pm if you're hungry. After that you have to wait until dinner."

With a final smile she left the two alone, closing the door behind her.

He watched the door for a minute before turning an inquiring look to his friend. "Roxy?"

"Roxas." Sora answered with a grin. "He hates being called that... but it's fun."

"Oh." He didn't know what to say to that.

"He calls me 'Ra-Ra' to get even... now even Risa-san calls me that from time to time. Bit stupid, really." Sora giggled as he sat down on the bed.

"Ra-Ra?" He snorted, earning a glare from the brunette.

"Quiet or I will get her to call you Ri-Ri." Sora smirked deviously as he folded his legs up on the bed with him.

He arched a brow at the threat. "Do that and I may have to kill you."

They both laughed.

"I'm so happy you're here Riku." Sora smiled sweetly as he took the silver haired teen in.

"Me too." He said lightly. He watched his friend for a minute before smirking playfully. "Stop checking me out, creeper."

Sora blushed before laughing easily. "Sorry! You've changed. Roxas will probably pee his pants when he sees you."

He blinked before frowning curiously at the strange comment. "What?"

"Oh! Well... actually I think you will be gone by the time he comes back... but he'll see you at school if not before then." Sora quickly explained before adding somewhat awkwardly, "He's bi... and you're pretty cute I guess."

He stared for a minute before he started laughing, holding his sides after a minute and laughing harder when he received a cute offended look. "Sora, I think being on the mainland too long has made you stupid!"

Sora huffed at this, crossing his arms. "Shut up Riku."

He rolled his eyes. "You say something like that then tell me to shut up?"

The brunette frowned and turned away. "You don't get it."

He sighed and rolled his eyes again. "You think I will want to get with Roxy? I think not. Not when he looks like you. It'd be too weird. Besides... I'm here for you."

Sora eyed him for a minute before narrowing his eyes. "Not when he looks like you? What's that mean?"

"Oh God Sora! Stop being difficult!" He couldn't help smiling a little. It already felt like old times. "You know I love you but I'd never do you... and you know why. Roxas is like a blonde version of you, almost, in looks. Yeah. Wouldn't work."

"So... I'm still a sexy beast?" Sora asked innocently, making him snort.

"That's it. I'm not going to give you Kairi's love letter." He stated after a minute of disbelief, crossing over to his carry on bag and pulling out a pink envelope with Sora's name on it.

"W-Wha? Love letter? Riku, oh sexy God of mine! I'm sorry to have incurred your wrath! Please spare this foolish mortal and give unto him that of his love's beautiful words!" Sora cried out as he jumped to his feet, rushing over to where he stood and holding his hands out.

"Well, well... it seems you're finally learning some 'big boy' words." He smirked as he held the letter above his head, his height an advantage since Sora was still a few inches shorter. "Your sexy God is pleased."

They both laughed again as he handed the letter over before digging his cell out and turning it on. Seeing he had a missed call from his mother he checked his messages before calling her to let her know he had safely arrived like she had asked him to. He then waited as Sora read his letter, walking over to the window and looking out of it. It was a little weird not being able to see the ocean when he had seen it all of his life before.

An excited squeal told him when Sora had finished reading.

"Kairi is coming up with your parents this weekend! I can't believe it!" Sora said happily as he refolded the letter and put it back in it's envelope before stowing it in his pocket.

He smiled. Seeing Sora happy really was a beautiful thing indeed... because he seemed to infect everyone around him with it.

"I wonder if Roxas will get to see her before she goes back to the islands... then he'll know I am not lying!" The brunette seemed to be speaking to himself.

"Well why shouldn't he?" He asked with slight interest, not understanding why Sora should care what anyone thought when it came to Kairi. Sora was her heart and she was Sora's.

"Huh... well Roxas went to a concert out of town with some friends for a few days. I don't know if he'll be back before she leaves." Sora shrugged.

"Ah." He shrugged as well. "Well... whatever. Who cares if someone doesn't believe you about Kairi. You know she cares about you. That should be enough."

"I guess." Sora shrugged again. "I can't wait until she attends school with us next year! Oh God! You, Riku! The girls are going to love you! You'll be popular in like two seconds!"

He watched his friend with curiosity when the brunette suddenly seemed saddened by that thought.

"Why on earth would I be popular in two seconds? No one here even knows me besides you. Anyway, I think you're forgetting how it was back on the island. You were popular there–friends with everyone!" He laughed lightly, letting Sora know he thought the younger teen was being stupid again.

"It's not the same, Riku..." Sora said softly, staring at his feet.

He instantly frowned, concern biting into him, bringing out his protective side. Whose ass was he going to be kicking when school started? "What do you mean? Are... people bullying you here?"

The brunette went red making him see red. The bastards! They would be eating their teeth for breakfast!

"No–I... it's not like that." Sora sighed, honey brown locks falling into his eyes. "I mean... this isn't like the little island school back home where everyone knows each other. What matters most here is looks. That's what's... judged on."

"Sora, that's stupid." He said dryly, brows furrowing.

"Yeah, it is... but it's true. I'm really a nobody–"

"No you're not! And you know that!" He snapped, outraged.

"I am at school!" Sora snapped back before frowning. "Because I was shy and quiet. You're hot Riku and you get along easily with people. They'll like you right away."

He rolled his eyes for the millionth time that day it seemed. "Do you hear yourself? You said it was because you were quiet and shy. Doesn't matter how you look!"

He was given an impatiently frustrated look. "Riku, looks count here!"

"I bet they don't!" He stubbornly insisted.

They glared at each other.

"Fine. Lets make a bet." Sora finally said after a few minutes of silence.

He laughed with slightly hysterical disbelief. "Shut up."

"No, really!" Sora insisted seriously, blue eyes sparkling with a need to be proven right.

"Sora, you suck at bets and always lose." He sighed, shaking his head.

"Riku! Come on! You think you're so right! Bet on it!" Sora urged, clenching his fists.

He stared him down but when the other didn't give in he sighed. "Fine. I'll prove to you looks don't matter, it's the personality."

"How?" Sora asked with a business-like air.

He thought on that for a minute before smirking. "I'll dress unattractively–you know... be uncool. Pretend to have annoying habits or ticks."

Sora stared before laughing. "Seriously?"

"Yeah. For one week–" He started to add until Sora cut him off.

"I don't think that's long enough." He said thoughtfully. "How about... the first term?"

He thought on that for a minute too. "Okay..."

"Okay." Sora agreed. "And if you win?"

"I get to call you Ra-Ra at school." He snickered at Sora's glare. "And you have to clean my apartment for the second term."

Sora glared before sniffing in disapproval at the mention of his nickname. "Fine."

"Yeah... and in the highly unlikely chance that you win?" He asked with a smirk.

Sora blinked before smiling cutely. "Oh Ri-kun... your humiliation will be enough. Your suffering, too, since you can't do any sports."

"Wait! No sports?! Sora–" He started to protest. He didn't see what that had to do with anything.

"Riku!" Sora now sounded exasperated. "People with personalities don't need sports to help make them cool."

He was pissed. Sneaky little... he let his thoughts trail off as Sora just watched him quietly.

"Fine! I accept your side!" He hissed.

"I accept yours." Sora beamed at him.

To seal the deal they each spat on their right hand shook on it.

-Chapter 1 End-

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Author's Notes: Well there you have it... the first chapter. :3 So... it's AU, hopefully that is understood. If not, well... now you know? I really don't have much to say at the moment... but... if you have a question or would like to comment, please feel free too.

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NEXT CHAPTER: (EDIT as of 10/14/09) 3 Days And A Weekend