I'M BACKKK! (hears only crickets) Hm...tough crowd. Yeah, I'm still alive and I'm glad to be back. Reading stories are fun and all but I was aching to start writing. So, here's another one of my attempts to appease your voracious appetite for kingdom hearts fanfiction.

Disclaimer: I do not own Kingdom Hearts or any references used in the story.

-Chapter One-
Feel the Breeze Between Your Knees

The rolling waves gently lapped up along the beach, cooling the sore ankles of a certain brown haired boy. A grimace dressed his face and an uncharacteristic clenched jaw revealed a set of white teeth that held on to a blood, soaked paper towel. Breathing profusely, the seething boy took a roll of wraps and messily dressed an open wound on his right leg. The tape job was poorly done with loose ends sticking out that did little to encase the four inch cut. Pulling on a roll of scotch tape, Sora tangled it around his shin, using the whole roll to keep the wrappings in place.

For a moment, he watched the waves ride up against his ankles, clearing away the drips of blood from underneath him. It was another day of play for the boy. The sun shone over the horizon and a soft breeze that followed kept the clouds away. Clear blue skies were the forecast for the rest of the summer. It was perfect weather for fun and games. The sound of the ocean and the gentle pats from the water made his pain subside for a moment, the effects from the disinfectant waning. Calming his distraught spirit, he spit out the paper towel and watched as the water took it away. The taste of salt still lingered on his lips.

Stretching his leg, the boy reclined on his back, shifting his weight on his arm. In this position, he could easily clean up another cut that was situated around his midsection. Similar to the gash on his shin, this wound wasn't too bad. It just so happened that a regular paper towel wouldn't be enough to absorb the blood. Stripping off his white shirt, Sora used it to clear away the debris before applying a quick dab of disinfectant. To his surprise, the cut was hardly anything more than a regular paper cut. Groaning, Sora felt his eyes water as he drained the disinfectant bottle onto his stomach, the stinging made worse by the blowing wind.

Breathing rapidly, Sora reached for a band aid and slapped it over his body. Job finished, he rested his head over his arms and let his fatigue take hold. It had been quite a start to the day. He and his best friend, Riku, had just finished a footrace along the entire perimeter of the island. An intense sword fight followed, resulting in a mummified Sora. He was on the losing end after two events. There was still a lot of daylight left and he vowed he wouldn't leave for home a loser.

"SORA!"

Groaning in utter disbelief, the boy lifted his shoulders, head vigorously shaking in both directions to find the source of the voice. His nap was already ruined, his peace threatened, and his head was now aching. Couple that with his shattered pride and humbled ego, Sora was in no mood for friendly jabs or sarcastic mockery.

"There you are, you lazy bum," a voice called out behind him.

Falling onto his back, his eyes locked on a pair of purple irises he could never forget. Bright, warm, and gentle - there was only one person who had eyes like those.

"What do you want, Kairi?" a perturbed Sora whined. He closed his eyes and moved his head behind Kairi's body letting her shade him from the sun. Yawning, he fought to regain his lost nap but instead he found himself struggling to relax. Much to his dismay, his friend's voice allowed for no moment's rest.

"You look funny," the girl exclaimed behind giggles. "You look like a mummy with those bandages all over your face!"

Sora stuck his tongue out in retaliation, careful not to disturb the patchwork on his face. A small smile formed on his lips and he and Kairi burst into laughter. He undoubtedly looked horrible. His face was barely recognizable. There were two on his cheek, a white patch stuck to his forehead, and one over his chin.

"What happened this time?" Kairi asked after regaining her composure. She plopped on the sand next to Sora but kept her face turned to hide the blush on her cheeks. Her evident worrying transcended her judgment; she had forgotten that the boy next to her was shirtless.

"We were sword fighting. I was actually winning this time," Sora proclaimed much to Kairi's doubt. "I was going to win. Then Riku cheated. He pointed behind me and said that you were standing there."

"Uh huh." She was keenly aware about the types of games her two best guy friends engaged in. Foot races weren't just jogs around the island. No, they were filled with lots of shoving, sabotage, and rough housing. Sword fights not only tested ability but measured the boy's innovation for uncanny tactics. Who knew Riku was equally skilled with a jump rope? She had to talk to Selphie about that one. The darn girl had always been a bad influence. Kairi sighed as she stole a quick glance at Sora who was adjusting a set of bandages around his arm. Boys would always be boys.

"Seriously! I would have won if he didn't trick me," Sora said, emphasizing his point with a firm fist. "You have to believe me! I got distracted by you."

"By me!? It's not my fault that you fell for it."

Sora sighed, his disappointment evident. "I really wanted to win this time."

"I know," Kairi sympathized as she patted his back tenderly. She shifted in her seat as she rested her head on his shoulder. "You'll beat him soon enough. Don't even worry about it. Next time, just choose something safer. I don't want my best friend looking like a mummy."

Sora cleared his throat a bit but that did little to quell his discomfort. His face grew pink and he turned away, hoping Kairi wouldn't notice.

"But what should I choose? I tried racing, fighting, swimming, rowing, and building sand castles." He could feel his neck stiffen, the words clogging his esophagus. Why did this always happen whenever Kairi got touchy-feely?

"What about rock-paper-scissors? That's safe, I think."

Sora rubbed his chin, thinking it over. It sounded like a great idea but then his thoughts began to betray him. He could see Riku chasing him with a pair of safety scissors. Armed with only a handful of rocks, he could only watch in terror as Riku easily avoided the flying projectiles. Sora could practically hear the snips. Shaking off the thought while grabbing his head, Sora motioned for the next idea.

"Um…hopscotch?"

Sora scratched his head. He wasn't great at the game but he was certain Riku would turn it into a game of dodging rocks. Next idea.

"Hm…this is hard, Sora. I don't know what kind of game would be good for you. You're a careless person by nature so anything you do would be dangerous, not to mention dangerous for Riku as well."

"Yeah. Maybe…?" Sora furrowed his eyebrows, a thought forming in his head.

"What are you thinking?"

"Huh? Oh. Don't worry about it. It's nothing."

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah, I'm fine." He sent Kairi a brief smile before rising to his feet. This idea was golden. "Sorry, Kairi but I got to go. Thanks for everything."

Sora took off in a hurry with no regards to his injuries leaving Kairi behind with a blank expression on her face.

-KH-

Sora sat at the base of the paopu tree waiting for Riku to show up. It would be his turn to choose the next event and Sora gulped nervously. He had a slight feeling that Riku would pit him against the obstacle course. Sora hated the obstacle course with a passion. They would have to climb over old/tattered boxes, up ropes that were blistering to touch, and scale the tall palm trees. From there, it was like playing leap from canopy to canopy, the winner decided by whoever reached the star statue found behind the shack first. Sora couldn't remember all the times he fell from the tree tops, his worst injury resulting in a couple broken ribs and a sprained ankle that sidelined him during the first two weeks of summer vacation.

It was all going to change now. Replaying the conversation he had with Kairi, he felt confidence swell inside him. His losing days were now officially over.

His thoughts were abruptly disturbed by the sound of a pair of feet landing beside him. Catching a glimpse of a lock of silver hair, Sora nodded his head. Riku. Late, as usual. He watched as his albino haired friend slipped out of his blue sneakers and threw them aside. His shirt came off next, followed by his blue pants. For the sake of censorship, underneath it all was a pair of dull yellow trunks.

"We're going swimming," Riku plainly spoke over his shoulder.

Sora nodded as he, too, got ready. His shirt had previously been lying on the beach somewhere next to Kairi. Thankfully the summer weather was perfect for him to be running around shirtless. Destiny Islands had always avoided high humidity but the high heat was substituted for cold winter snow. Sora kicked off his bright yellow shoes and pulled down on the hem his pants. Falling to ground, he fought off the clothing, struggling to unhook the button. He had on red trunks.

Sora followed his friend down to the shoreline, listening intently as Riku described the rules of battle. Eagerly waiting, Sora crouched into an aggressive stance that enabled him to dive straight into the water. Riku had a knack for false starts and Sora would be danged if he fell victim to another trick.

"…so last one back is the loser," Riku finally explained. "GO!"

Sora yelped as a wave of water splashed onto his face. He could hear Riku laughing up ahead, his voice trailing behind him. Wiping away his long brown locks, Sora drove into the water, crazily, propelling his arms like a water wheel. He reached the booey and lifted his head from under the water. Eyes blurry, he was able to catch a glistening speck meters away. Riku was nearly at the finish. Sora yelled defiantly as he increased his pace, his legs feeling fatigued. Reaching out his arm, he felt the soft sand under his hand, and he pounded on it, the weight of losing crippling him. As he lifted himself out of the water, he felt Riku's overshadowing presence.

"Too slow, Sora," Riku said with a laugh. "Next time, keep your eyes open. You can't be sleeping on me."

"Yeah, yeah, whatever," Sora mouthed. "It's my turn to choose the game this time."

Riku smirked, shrugging his shoulders with indifference. He was physically skilled over Sora and dominated him at mostly all sports. No worries.

"Alright, Sora. Shoot."

It was now Sora's turn to smirk. Sizing up Riku, he cracked his knuckles. It was time to get serious.

"Ok, Riku. I challenge you to a game of truth or dare!" Sora exclaimed. His beaming smile looked lustrous compared to Riku's grimace. Holding up the victory sign, Sora broke into a quick dance with extra helpings of the infamous cabbage patch on the side.

"WHAT KIND OF GAME IS THAT!?" Riku barked, putting a damper on Sora's whimsical celebration.

"Sorry, Riku, but that's the game I choose," Sora answered back, a sly grin replaced his beaming smile. "Or are you chicken?"

"No. I'm just saying it's a stupid idea."

"Humph. Whatever. Rock-paper-scissors to see who goes first?"

"Fine."

"ROCK. PAPER. SCISSORS." the two boys yelled in unison. However, Sora had the last say as his rock triumphed over Riku's scissors.

"I get to go first!" the brunette shouted, once again resorting to the cabbage path.

Riku seethed as he shoved his hands into his pockets. Maybe he should have gone with bazooka.

"Don't celebrate too soon, Sora. Rock-paper-scissors will be the only game you'll win today." It was probably true. Sora would most likely dare him to do something stupid.

Climb a tree.

Steal Wakka's blitzball.

Eat mud.

Sing that one Ke$ha song.

"I dare you too run around the island butt naked!"

Or run around the island butt naked…

"Wa-what!?" That didn't sound anything like Tik Tok.

"Yeah! You heard me," Sora said as he flashed the thumbs-up sign. "I dare you to feel the breeze between your knees."

Riku gulped nervously as he pulled on the strings that held his swimming trunks above his waist. Motioning for Sora to turn around, he slipped the shorts off. He shivered a bit, unaccustomed to the free flowing wind. Clasping two hands over his noodle, he took of running. Behind him, he could hear Sora's hysterical laughter.

-KH-

Riku wrestled into his swimming trunks, his face red with embarrassment and anger.

He had begun his run using the water to camouflage his nakedness. It went well until a detour forced him away from the beach and onto land. Feet hurting from contact with the hot sand, he made a quick dash behind the waterfall. Hiding there for some time, he waited until the coast was clear.

He tightened his breathing as he heard voices. Poking his head out, he found Tidus, Wakka, and Selphie sitting across from him, their feet dangling in the water.

"Hey Tidus, wanna buy me a soda?" Selphie asked.

"Yeah brudda, can you get me one too?" the orange headed Wakka piped in.

"Sorry guys. I'm flat out broke," Tidus responded, emptying out his pockets that contained nothing more than lint and an Zanarkand Abes ticket stub.

"Aw, it's way too hot."

"Sorry Selphie. I know how you feel. I just don't have any munny on me this time."

"Uh…guys?"

"What's up, Wakka? Please tell me you have some munny!"

"No…but I think something is behind the waterfall."

"Huh?"

"Seriously, look!" Wakka pointed with his finger, tracing the barely visible outline.

"Oh man, you're right. What are we going to do, you guys?" Tidus asked as he lifted himself to his feet. "I don't do well with stalkers."

"Hey, you! Guy behind the waterfall," Selphie addressed. "Show yourself or else…"

Tidus and Wakka both took a step back, knowing how violent and wild Selphie got when aroused. As she whipped her jump rope over her hand, Tidus could literally feel his heart burst. He turned to Wakka who smartly took off behind one of the trees.

"Relax, Selphie," Riku said as he appeared from behind the waterfall, hands raised over his head in complete surrender. The boy forced a sheepish smile, a suitable peace offering. However, the action only led to Selphie losing her wits.

"Haha, wow Riku. This is a side of you I've never seen before," she laughed. "Seriously, though. I would so tap that."

"Only in your dreams," Riku responded as he clamped his hands over his exposed self. He felt the heat of embarrassment creep up on his face and he decided it was best to leave now while the going was still good.

"Wait! Riku! Come back! I was only joking. You look good naked!"

He would have to remember to kill Sora for this.

-KH-

Sora fell on the ground, clutching his heaving stomach. He had tears in his eyes from all the laughing and he silently congratulated himself on thinking up this great idea. He hoped someone took pictures. Wiping away a single tear that rolled down his cheek, Sora dusted himself off while occasionally pointing at his best friend.

"Oh man, you should have seen your face," Sora said between gasps. "I've never seen you so red before!"

Riku just sat there in complete and utter silence. He had completed the dare, despite how humiliating it was. Wished to extract his revenge, he found himself drawing blanks. Sora's idea was pure genius, he had to admit. It looked like he was finally learning something. Riku bit down on his lip, needing to find someway of one-upping his spiky haired companion. Rubbing his chin vigorously, he looked around trying to find some sort of sign, some sort of idea, anything to turn the tables around.

"It's your turn now," said the brunette. "I choose dare, by the way."

"Hm..." Riku started out saying. His gaze was soon diverted as an illustrious shine of red sparked the culmination of his revenge. His prayer had been answered. A sinister smiled formed on his face.

"Alright Sora, I dare you to…"

Ah, don't you hate when that happens? Cliffhanger right off the bat...even though you'll be able to guess what the dare is. I know, I know, I'm still horrible with the cliffhangers. Eh... Anyways, since this story is all about dares, I dare you to tell me what you think.

Thanks for reading.

Rock out, party hard, live hardcore