From Eternamente -- Thanks for reading my very first fanfic. I was motivated to just burn some midnight oil and capture my desire to write again, and I feel this story came out beautifully. However, it is quite explicit. I highly recommend you to take several themes into consideration before reading this story.

Themes discussed in this story involve child molestation, child abuse, boy's love, and a sprinkling of AxelxRoxas snogging. If these themes disturb you, please do not read this story. I will, however, assure you all that this story does have a happy ending. And even after this story is completely finalized, I intend to do a more-fluffy sequel to it.

Disclaimer -- Sora, Riku, and any other Kingdom Hearts references belong to Disney/Square Enix. I don't own the characters or settings, however I do adore them and happily present to you a story based on an alternate reality involving said characters and settings.

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Chapter One - The New Boy

'Shit, I'm gonna be late,' Sora thought to himself. He hurriedly ran back and forth from his room, to the bathroom, and back to his room, all of the while being careful not to awaken his father. Clothes were strewn about the bedroom floor, and he still hadn't decided on what to wear to his first day of school. He had all week to get ready, and yet here it was Friday morning and for the life of him he couldn't find everything he needed. 'Who schedules the first day of a school year on a Friday? Honestly.'

For the first time all morning Sora stopped himself to catch his breath and take a long look at himself in the mirror. Sighing, he studied his own body. Sure, his cinnamon brown spiky hair was perfect, and his pouty face was cute, and he was skinny but not-too-skinny, but tears welled in his blue eyes as he examined all of the welts, bruises, scrapes, and cuts his frail body exhibited. His leg had a deep scrape from being thrown down the stairs, and right arm had a rather large bruise on it from having a chair thrown at him. His back was riddled with a series of welts and cuts from his father's belt buckle. Sora tried to fight back his shame and tears. He knew deep down his father loved him, but in his drunken and frustrated states…

His father worked at a local service station as tow-truck driver. He was never a smart man, but it was at least some family income. When he wasn't putting in long hours at work, he was home on Sora's case. Because of the family's poverty, Sora had been home-schooled by his mother for the past ten years of his schooling. Tragically she succumbed to cancer two years ago. Had his family had the finances, she'd probably have been able to receive proper treatment for her condition. Sora choked back tears as he remembered her funeral. His father was so drunk he could barely get up to say the eulogy. Sora had to gather the courage to read it himself in front of everyone, and his tearful voice was enough to make an angel cry.

Sora knew that his mother was his protector, and with her out of the picture Sora's father was free to take out his rage on Sora's body. As much pain as his father caused him, his father was also immensely possessive of the boy. He wouldn't even let Sora get a car of his own, despite his turning sixteen last year. It had taken a world of convincing on Sora's part to let his father enroll him in public school this year, having been forced to stay at home for the past year. He was immensely intelligent when it came to schoolwork, and he had to keep himself at it if he ever wanted to go to college. Sora couldn't wait to go away to college.

Sora muttered a simple 'this will do' as he finally settled on an outfit that would cover his body enough. He wore a loose gray hooded sweatshirt, a pair of black cargo jeans, and a simple pair of sandals. Glancing in the mirror one final time, he forced a smile to assure himself of his satisfaction. At least no one would notice the marks. He then gathered his bag and silently crept out of the house and headed to the bus stop.

------

Elsewhere another boy was tending to his own morning ritual. Sunlight streaming through the large bay windows, Riku slowly awoke and let out a pleasant yawn. He stretched, and promptly fell to the floor and pumped out a quick fifty crunches. It was a routine of his to do those crunches every morning, and it always gave him the energy to get through a boring day or school. After he got off of the floor, he went to his mirror to admire his physique a moment. His long, silvery hair hung delicately around his face, and his body muscular, but not massive. He brushed his bangs out of the way to get a better look at his brilliant green eyes.

'Yes… perfection. As always,' Riku thought to himself with a sigh. 'If I'm so perfect, why did they leave me?' For the past ten years his parents had been traveling the world promoting their respective careers. His mother was an empathic doctor who took pride in helping third world countries obtain health stability. And his father was a world-famous writer traveling the globe for inspiration. His parents kept Riku well-off, well-supervised, well-educated, well… well, everything. He had a gorgeous home on Destiny Islands, with a few maids and a personal assistant. He also had quite the weekly allowance allotted to him, plus he could have any car his heart desired. He loved convertibles. But, despite all of his parents well-meaning, he didn't have his parents present. Usually he could handle it all, but this was his senior year of high school. To him, it would have been nice if they could have been present for at least part of it. Even during the holidays they were rarely there, choosing to send postcards and e-mails wishing him warm wishes. It wasn't the same. But, for Riku, it sort of became expected.

He took a quick shower and chose his outfit for the day. First day of school, finally a senior, and he was single. He needed someone right now, so he had to dress his absolute best. He picked out a pair of tight faded jeans, a steely gray button down shirt (with no intention of buttoning every button, of course), and a few accessories. Most girls were afraid to approach him because of his pedigree, and most boys didn't think he was the type into 'that sort of thing,' despite him hanging out with perhaps the most out-of-the-closet couple in school. Riku was admittedly bisexual, but even having his choice of any gender didn't make his love life any easier.

Dressed, Riku stared at himself in the mirror for a bit before deciding that his clothing would do for today. He felt approachable, at least. That was a good thing. Suddenly his cell phone began to right.

"Yo," Riku answered, smiling when he was met by a familiar voice on the other end.

"Hey, you ready yet? We have to be at school in ten minutes," came the reply.

"No worries, man. Listen, Roxas, I'll pick you up in five. I'm just headed out the door," Riku told him.

"Alright. I'll be waiting."

Roxas was an old friend of Riku's. As he hurried out to his convertible, he recalled when they first met. They had to have been 5 or 6 years old, and Roxas was playing in an alleyway. Riku was in town with his mother (who paid more attention to him at the time), and managed to get free of her grasp for a moment. Running into the alleyway, he met Roxas and the two began to play in the cramped area. Suddenly out of nowhere a group of rats surrounded the two children, but undaunted Riku grabbed a stray stick and began swatting away at the critters. Roxas followed suit, and in no time at all the two had emerged victorious from a very dangerous situation. Nonetheless, Riku's mother found both children and gave Riku a good scolding. A bit later Roxas' worried parents were found, and he too received a prompt scolding. Since then, the two have been close friends. Regardless of what Roxas was sexually into these days, it didn't phase Riku. Roxas was always going to be Roxas to him.

Within moments Riku arrived at Roxas' home, and gave his horn two sharp honks. Moments later Roxas, dressed in a plain black t-shirt and black jeans with a simple white wristband, bounded out of the house, and hopped into Riku's car. Riku high-fived his friend, and the two drove off to school.

"So, Roxas, how's Axel?" Riku inquired about Roxas' flame-haired lover. "Must have been a lonely few weeks without him around."

Roxas gave a heartfelt sigh before replying. "Yeah, he just got back last night from Spain, so I wasn't able to even see him yet. I hope he didn't find some sexy Spanish salsa señ or to take my place!" Roxas laughed at his own comment.

Riku had to laugh at Roxas' corniness as well. "No worries, man, I'm sure he's been waiting for a taste of your salsa again!"

Roxas blushed at Riku's joke. True, he and Axel were very public about their relationship, but he didn't really like it when people joked around about the more secret intimate parts of their relationship. But, he knew a joke was a joke, and Riku was one of the few people he was willing to let get away with one about that subject.

"So, listen, you said you had an idea for me?" Riku asked. Last night Roxas had called Riku up, telling him he had a great plan to meet someone new that he could fall in love with, but Riku had to just leave everything up to Roxas.

"Yeah. Just leave everything up to me. I have it all figured out," Roxas smiled. "New school year, and there are always new students. So, I'll just select the cutest one I can find and have the person meet you somewhere after school. You meet, you talk, you woo, they're new, you're a shoo-in. They won't treat you like some porcelain statue or whatever, because they don't know you yet."

Riku had to admit, Roxas came up with good ideas every now and again. And this one was brilliant. "Okay, have the person meet me at the flagpole after school. I don't care who it is. Guy or girl. He or she has to be cute, though. You know my type."

"Yeah, yeah, shorter than you, dark haired, cute face, yada yada," Roxas rolled his eyes. His friend was very picky when it came to a mate. Perhaps this is why he was a senior and single…?

"Okay, I'll leave it up to you. Don't let me down!" Riku said as the two pulled into the parking lot. The school busses were still depositing his schoolmates off, so he knew they were right on time. He stared at the busses for a moment. 'If Roxas is right, maybe one of these yellow tin cans holds my future. It would be nice to have a body to hold…'

------

Sora looked up and down the hallways, each one looking exactly as the one he had just left. Never having been to an actual school before, this place was rather intimidating. Well, sure, he had gone and visited schools when he was very little before his mother chose to home school him instead, but he had his mother by his side during those visits. But not anymore. Sora straightened himself up before he could feel sorry for himself. 'No, this is not the time to start feeling sorry for myself. This is the time to find room number 305. Let's see, I'm on the third floor, and down that hallways the numbers are 320. Down this hall, the numbers are 310. Ah ha, the 300's must be down the next hall beyond that!'

Feeling proud of himself for uncovering the cryptic code behind the hallway system, Sora began walking in the proper direction. Suddenly the bell rang out loud, nearly causing Sora to jump out of his skin. 'Another sound I have to get used to.' Taking off like a rocket, he bolted towards the direction he decided his first class resided in. But before he could get into the proper hall, he collided right into Roxas. Scurrying to his feet, Sora mumbled a quick apology and went to head to his destination when he was halted by a 'wait' from the other boy. Turning around, Sora realized he probably should help the other boy up.

"Hi, I'm uh… really sorry about this. I'm.. um… not even sure where I'm going," Sora stammered to the boy.

Getting to his feet, Roxas brushed himself off and introduced himself. "So, you must be new, eh?"

"Uh, yeah. Heh, new to school itself… I was home schooled for most of my life, so this big school thing is kinda confusing for me," Sora blushed, realizing he probably said more to a perfect stranger than he should have. Seeing as how the other boy gave him his name, he figured he may as well offer his name. "My name is Sora. I'm a Junior this year. Nice to meet you… Roxas, you said it was? Cool name, it's like an anagram of my own, but with an added X." Sora blushed once more, realizing he had been babbling.

Roxas chuckled at the observation, and then went ahead making some observations of his own. 'Let's see. He's pretty short. About 5'4" I'd say. Pretty lean, cute face… beautiful eyes. Very cool hair. Clothing style could use work, but I don't think that matters. Hmm… you know, I think this guy will do perfectly.

"So, Sora. Since we're now late for class, and you kind of plowed me over, mind doing me a favor?" Roxas smiled a devilish smile. Yes, this boy would be perfect for Riku. He was the right height, the right look, the right everything. And Roxas was damned if this kid wasn't sexy. If Axel wasn't his own, he'd eat this boy up in a heartbeat.

"Well, yeah, I guess. It's the least I could do for running you over."

"Perfect. I have someone you absolutely MUST meet today," Roxas grinned. "Here's the deal. He's cute, he's rich, he's charming, and he's single. His name is Riku. You're new, and you're perfect. Meet him at the flagpole in front of school today at as soon as school is over, and I can guarantee you won't regret ever doing so."

"Wait, what? Me meet him? Single? You want me to go out with him?" Sora blushed a deep shade of red. He never imagined this random kid would tell him he had to meet a guy so that he be his love interest. Not that he really knew if he'd mind trying to be with a guy. Being cooped up in his house during all of his spare time didn't leave much room for sexual growth. Sora fussed with the idea for a few moments before timidly agreeing to meet this mystery boy.

"Perfect," Roxas stated. "Trust me, there's nothing to be worried about. This guy is great, and will treat you like a princess." Smiling, Roxas waved good-bye as Sora hurried off to class.

------

"Really? You found someone?" Riku would have grabbed Roxas and kissed him, had Axel not already been occupying Roxas' mouth.

"Mhmm" Roxas managed to grunt out between kisses. He then cupped Axel's face in his hands, giving the indication that he needed his mouth to speak for a bit. Giggling, Axel instead went to work on Roxas' neck. "His name is Sora. I didn't catch a last name. Anyway, he's cute, and he fits your 'dream girl' description. He kinda owes me this for knocking me over… he was in some kind of rush to get to class or something like that. So, yeah, that's about what you need to know."

"He sounds nice. What's he wearing?"

"A gray hoodie and black pants. Kinda plain. He's lean and lanky, but very cute. You can be his muscle." Roxas winked.

Riku grinned at the description. This Sora. He sounded cute. The right type. Not sure about personality, but Roxas had met him and obviously had a conversation with him so the guy is outgoing. 'Perfect' Riku smiled at the word. He'd meet this mystery boy, woo him, and he'd have someone to hold for his senior year. At least he can approach someone who didn't know everything about him yet.

"Axel?" Roxas giggled. "Axel! Don't go south… noooo not in school. Later. Later!" Roxas laughed as Axel tugged at Roxas' pants.

"Aww, but why? You know I haven't seen you in over two weeks. I miss you. I miss it." Axel winked at Roxas' crotch.

"Because people are staring?" Roxas laughed as Axel suddenly realized he had Roxas pinned against the wall.

"I should probably zip your pants back up, yes?" Axel blushed a shade of red to match his hair.

------

Sora made pains to concentrate on his classes, but throughout the entire day that last sentence Roxas said rang through his ears.

'Like a princess. He'll treat you like a princess.'

Sora wasn't treated very nice at home. And this guy was rich? Probably very high-class. How could he like a scruff like Sora?

'Like a princess.'

Why did Sora get a feeling of giddiness thinking of that sentence? Like a princess? Is that to imply he'd be the girl in this relationship or something? He wasn't sure how to prepare himself for that. He'd never been with a girl, or a boy. The only physical contact he'd had were from his father, and that was enough to cause Sora to cringe.

'Like a princess.'

Sora sighed, thinking of that sentence over and over again. He thought of how nice it would be to be treated good for once. Maybe this mystery person could be his salvation?

"What am I thinking," Sora muttered to himself during a very lonely lunch. "I haven't even met the guy. He's not going to like me. And even if he does, and he wants to try something, my body…" Sora's voice trailed off into a choked sob. During gym he learned that starting next week him and the rest of the class would have to start changing into gym clothes in the locker room for the year. There was no way he could bear to undress in front of all of the other boys, and risk having so many questions brought up about his scars and welts. He decided he'd forge a letter from his father stating that he was unable to participate in gym for the year, and get the nurse to verify it or something. But gym aside, if this mystery boy wanted to touch Sora, he'd find out about the cuts and scrapes. Sora frowned in worry.

Sora chucked his uneaten lunch into the trash can. There was nothing worth eating anyway. A peanut butter sandwich on stale bread. It was the only quiet thing he could make for himself without waking his father up. He'll have to remember to cook lunch the night before from now on.

Just at that moment, he realized he promised his father he'd be home by 4pm to make his dinner. If he was late, who knows what kind of beating he'd receive today. Father hated waiting for supper. So, his meeting with this mystery boy would have to be very short. Sniffling, Sora headed into the bathroom to look at himself in the mirror. Looking at himself with tearing eyes, he wondered how anyone could find him attractive. Some princess he'd be.

------

Finally classes were over, and Riku slowly made his way to the flagpole. His friends Roxas and Axel were there already, as were a few of his other friends. Kairi smiled at Riku sweetly, and giggled after telling him she heard everything about this blind set-up from Roxas. It was very cute to her.

"So, his name is Sora?" Kairi asked.

"Yeah, from what I hear," Riku said.

"I had a class with a Sora today. He was a new boy. Home schooled all of his life or something. He's cute, but he seemed so shy and detracted," Kairi mentioned. "I kind of felt sorry for him for some reason. I'm not sure why. It seemed like he was kind of hiding something."

"Hmm, I didn't pick up on that," Roxas mused. "Anyway, it's too late to find someone else. Here he comes." Roxas gestured towards one of the exits. A short cinnamon-haired boy stepped out and took a few cautious looks around the front of the building.

"Yeah, that's definitely him," Axel said. "No one would just look around like that unless they were looking for something specific."

As if on cue, the boy stopped glancing around seemingly having found the flagpole he was looking for. Recognizing Roxas, he began to head towards the group's direction. Upon arrival Sora waved and said his greetings.

'That voice,' Riku thought, 'that voice is heavenly.'

"So, um… I'm supposed to meet a Riku?" Sora cut to the chase. He had to get home in a hurry, so he didn't really have time to beat around the bush.

Riku turned around to greet the voice, and his eyes widened as he beheld Sora in his gaze. 'My God. Roxas, you're brilliant.' The boy was perfect. He was the perfect height. The perfect build. The most adorable face Riku had ever seen on a boy. His mind began to wander as he wondered what was hidden underneath those pants…

"Riku?" Roxas nudged Riku in the ribs, but didn't get a reaction. "Riku. Earth to Riku. Riku, this is Sora."

"Yes, er, yes, hi Sora. I'm Sora. Er, no, I'm Ruki. Er, wait, no I'm Rucksack. Er…" Riku stammered as he tried to regain his composure. Daydreaming and undressing someone with your eyes can be intoxicating.

"Is he always this charming?" Sora smirked. Sora decided to take matters in his own hands, and took Riku by the hand. Riku eyed Sora's hand grasping his own and melted. "I'm Sora. I guess… I'm your date or something?" Sora grinned sheepishly. He wasn't sure what to say, really. He had never done this sort of thing before. His first day of public school, and he was already being pushed into being some rich kid's boy toy. He never quite knew about this type of experience, but at least this was a start.

Riku's eyes stopped glazing over as he looked into Sora's brilliant sapphire eyes. "Hello, Sora. My name is Riku. Would you like to do something tomorrow?"

"Sure, what did you have in mind?"

"I thought you, me, and some of my friends here could go to the mall or something?" Riku offered, hoping Sora would accept.

Even if Sora wanted to say no, he felt pretty bad about running over Roxas. And even if this Riku person wasn't all he was cracked up to be, he at least could make it up to Roxas by being a friend. "I'd love to. But, um, I have to get going right now or my father will kill me. Let me jot down my number quick," Sora said as he fumbled for a scrap of paper and a pen.

Riku offered Sora his cell phone. "Here, just add your number to my speed dial."

Blushing, Sora accepted the phone and managed to figure out how to add his number. "I'm sorry… I don't have a cell phone, but I added my home phone number. If a gruff-sounding man answers, that's my father. I have to run, but call me tomorrow?"

"I will," Riku said through a grin as he watched Sora rush off to catch his bus. Riku couldn't help but stare at Sora's ass. He looked just as good going as he did coming.

"What'd I tell you? Can I pick them or what?" Roxas jabbed a drooling Riku.

"Hey, be careful Riku. You might start slobbering over everything," Kairi teased.

Axel snapped in Riku's face to get his attention. "Hey, Riku, listen to me, man. Don't intimidate the boy. If you want that piece of ass, you have to charm it and flatter it. Don't flaunt yourself. I have a feeling he's not exactly sporting the bling bling."

"How can you tell?"

"His clothes were ratty, and he doesn't have a cell phone. Also, he's sixteen? No car? Just be careful when you're being yourself. I know you can get a little caught up in your own fortune," Axel cautioned.

"Alright, I got it. Be myself, don't be my money." Riku nodded.

------

Sora stepped into his home, and called out to his father. "Father! I'm home! I'll have your dinner together shortly."

"You're late, Sora," a gruff voice seeped into the front hall.

"It's only 3:30. You asked me to be home by 4 o'clock," Sora replied.

"It's 3:30 right now, and dinner won't be done by 4 o'clock. You better get cracking, boy, or I will," his father glared as he took a swig from a bottle. Sora flinched away in fear as he slunk into the kitchen.

"Alright, alright, I'll have it ready in a little bit. Just go, relax, and you'll have your dinner soon," Sora tried to ease his father away so he could at least try to make dinner in less than a half hour without interruption.

"I better have it soon," his father responded. "And after dinner, we're gonna have some dessert, too."

Sora shuddered at that last comment. His father hadn't approached him like that for a few days, and he had thought that perhaps the man didn't want him for that anymore. Hiding his emotions, Sora went to work preparing a quick meal for the man in the hopes that he'd finish it in time and be spared.