Hallo all, Chii here! So I've been stuck drawing, gaming and NOT WRITING so apologies for my trashiness and the lateness of this story ha. Ansem save my soul, the very soul I have sold to this beautiful ship ＿φ(￣ー￣ ) To make up for it I have one other upcoming Soroku story but, let's hope I don't take 300 years to post again. Whoopiee~
I have art for this twoshot! Not really a good one since I made it (about a month ago when I should have been WRITING) but just in case you want to see trash art, here's a link~ (cherrymarts . tumblr . c0m / image / 156886396211)
If I owned Kingdom Hearts, Sora would have quadruplet brothers. And be married to Roxas pfft XD But I unfortunately do not, so I shall continue to dream instead.
Also I hope I got away with characterizing this Sora as shy and cranky with all the other Soras outshining him. My absolute favourite is Wisdom Form lol (he shares the character for Chi in my name!) Beware of cliched stereotypes, some innuendos (yikes) and Roxas' typical popular student council president position oml. So unoriginal. (；￣Д￣)
With that said, let the quadruplet Leonharts take over from here!
Here are your references just in case:
Yuuki (勇気) means "courage" or "valor"
Chie (知恵) means "wisdom"
Kiri (限) comes from Genkai (限界) or Seigen (制限) meaning "limit" and "restriction" respectively
Yakyu means baseball
Thrice The Trouble, Four Times the Fun
Summary: Meet Sora Leonhart's peculiar quadruplet brothers: the overpowering Yuuki, the intelligent Chie and the cheerful but deadly, adorable Kiri. What happens if all four of them have a crush on the same person: the next student council prez of Twilight Academy, Roxas Strife? It's a race to impress with the best of their abilities... Roxas x Sora, featuring Valor, Wisdom, and Limit Form~
PART I
By popular opinion, being an identical twin is a pretty cool family trait. You've got a best friend in your own sibling, a personal co-conspirator and a stay-at-home rival to constantly compete with.
Being an identical triplet, however, is twice as better. Not only do you have a clone, but two clones of yourself? ...Damn! Imagine the pranks you could play on unsuspecting people. You could be at three places at the same time!
But what about the very lucky, very rare identical quadruplets? Do they get the same benefits of being a twin or a triplet? It's three times the trouble, and four times the fun when all four of you live under the same special roof. Three siblings to trust and three siblings to outrank, whether it's in sports, academics or being the cutest of them all.
Sora Leonhart is part of a quadruplet family. His parents were lucky enough to be blessed with four beautiful identical sons almost sixteen and a half years ago. There's the eldest, most fearless of the four: Yuuki Leonhart, who pretty much crawled into the world with only his pudgy, baby hands (at least, that's an exaggeration from the teen himself. Quite disturbing, if Sora would care to admit).
He's straightforward, physically strong and obsessed with baseball, so no wonder some people at Twilight Academy call him Yakyuuki.
Chie Leonhart, the second-born, was a crybaby as a child, but the boy's found himself a knack for his maths and sciences in recent times. The most composed and articulate of the bunch, he prides himself for his volunteer work and several prizegiving awards to be envied every given school year.
The baby of the family, little Kiri Leonhart, tends to spend more time grooming himself compared to any of his older brothers. Kiri is usually the favoured one of all four, if only for his incomparable cuteness, superb drama skills and mysterious charm. He prefers isolating himself from crowds that don't meet his expectations, the vain child, so only his siblings know how much of a train-wreck he can be underneath that adorable persona of his.
Compared to the other three, Sora believes he's quite... ordinary, for lack of a better word. As the third-born, he is quiet and perfectly plain, relatively friendly and an active band member. He does have a quick temper but it's not as bad as Kiri's, enough voluntary kindness which doesn't surpass Chie's and average strength that cannot compete with Yuuki's.
Which is good. Perhaps. At least Sora isn't as weird as his brothers... right?
Despite their unique personalities and individual hobbies, close similarities between the siblings still ensue. Sora and Chie are the more passive-assertive types while Kiri and Yuuki dive head first into conflict when things don't go their way. They all love cheese and tomatoes but hate frozen peas and caramel, powdered milk and way-too-hard-boiled eggs. Chie dresses in bluish hues and Kiri in pastels; Sora in darks and Yuuki in carmine. The brothers are all roughly the same height (Yuuki has a bit more ground compared to the other three), sport the signature Leonhart chestnut-coloured spikes, their father's coffee complexion (save for Kiri, who hates the sun and has his mother's fair skin) and a curious pair of sea blue eyes each.
It's just too bad that among this phenomenon of similarities, the boys manage to have the same crush on the same person so incredibly often. When this feat does happen, which really, is more likely than the four intend it to, it's a bloody fierce competition between the brothers.
Like they say, one for all and all four for one, right?
Hah. More like all for none, Sora would beg to differ. Against each other, when has one of them ever actually won?
Today feels like one of those not-so-amazing days of being part of a lucky four, Sora notes as he casually steals glances from a table right behind his older brothers. Kiri who is sitting beside him has given up trying to eat the sludge of... whatever the heck it is (gross cafeteria food can go burn in hell) and is mentally questioning how Yuuki can stomach the garbage. When the tallest of the four slams down his plate contentedly and stretches, Chie rounds the other two to share what leftovers they've got for the school worm bin ("Wasting food is shameful!" is what the boy preaches every meal).
"Sora, I require your tray. Please hand it to me."
"Oh. Uhm, y-yeah, here." the distracted boy stammers, his frantic demeanour not lost on Chie's eyes. "Thanks Chi."
"God... if I weren't so full I'd eat all of that," offers Yuuki as he sinks down on the table, cheek-first on the surface. "I need to gain more weight."
The teen swipes their scraps to one lone plate, stacking the rest to his left. "I suggest drinking more milk and consuming a nutrient-rich balanced diet, then. In fact, I believe these afternoon meals need more than just an improvement on taste. I should remember to propose that to the council..."
At the mention of the student council, Sora casts his eyes downwards. Funny, that. He was just thinking about them too— more specifically about a particular treasurer and wow, how cool it would be if he could win the school's votes with his incredible speech today and move up ranks and contribute so much more for the academy and—
God, if twin telepathy or whatever it's called for them really did exist, Sora will never be able to live it down. The particular person in question does look freshened up today though, standing not too far in front of him, laughing casually with his fellow mates.
"Are you going to run for the committee, then?" he asks Chie cautiously. "There are only two volunteers for the next president so far..."
"That is so. And I have little doubt that I would lose the running if I ever do consider it, but alas, I have far too many associations to add another to my portfolio. I shall give our fellow schoolmates a chance and let them lead."
"Hah!" Yuuki scoffs, amused. "You mean to say you can't do it? Will you look at that. There's actually something perfect Chie cannot do."
"Oh be quiet, you."
Kiri, who's been listening to the conversation this entire time, scoots a little closer to Sora and pokes him on the shoulder. "Who are you staring at, big brother?" he mumbles, addressing the elephant in the... canteen.
"W-W-What?"
"What?" Yuuki mimics and looks right behind him as well, just straight past the table of populars and several friendship circles.
"Ahh, yes. I too, have wondered that for a while now," Chie chips in, his grasp on the trays tight with curiosity. "Brother dear, please do explain what it is that has you so fascinated. Is there something you would like to share with us?"
"N-No!"
Feeling slightly left out, the eldest shakes his head frantically and looks at each of his siblings for signs to inform him what the heck is going on. Most of the time, it's Chie he's trying to scrutinize. God knows what that evil genius keeps inside that head of his. "Okay, okay, I know I'm supposed to be the eldest and therefore the best out of all of us but this inside communication thing between you three really has to stop. What are you talking about? Is there something I don't know that you're all in cahoots with?"
"Yuu, there are multitudinous things we know that you've not got the brains for."
"Is that a challenge?"
"Bigger bro and I are peer-pressuring big bro Sora to tell us his secret." Kiri mutters with a small voice, giggling candidly.
"Thank you, Kir." Pointing at the second-born, Yuuki then exclaims, "Well, you could have just told me THAT instead of insulting me, you dweeb, stuck in your physisicks books and mathematics stuff all day. Why, let's see you run a mile. Right now. Can't do it, can you?"
"It's Physics, but your awareness of simple vocabulary escapes you. Of course I wouldn't expect anything else."
"C-Can we just clean up already?" Sora interrupts. It's all in a day's work to break up his two older brothers' banter. Luckily, their school is used to them arguing so openly, but no one can help the stares and mile-long gossip. "You guys are s-so loud! And I'm not looking at anyone! I'm simply admiring the view, is all. Nothing wrong with that."
Kiri tugs on Sora's school shirt. "You don't want to sit with us anymore?"
"No! No, of course not!"
"Sora, you do know you are a terrible liar." the wisest of the four says. "By view, would I be correct in assuming that you are referring to a certain someone's taut arse?"
.
.
Choking on nothing but harmless air, the intimidated, flustered brunette does his absolute best to redeem himself from his embarrassment. "Chie, do you have to be so v-vulgar? And l-like I'd tell you! Like I'd tell all of you! You may be related to me but you're all horrible people!"
"...Ohhhhh. Our Sora has a secret crush."
Upon their awed realization, all three huddle much closer to the third-born, scrutinizing him for an answer through means of brotherly suffocation.
The last time one of them liked someone, Kiri tried to outcute Yuuki for their upperclassman Axel's affections. Yuuki was head-over-heels for the strong, doting soccer captain, even to the point of daydreaming ("It was strategizing, okay! Like before a match! You have to have a plan to win!")
Kiri won. But then Axel left Twilight Academy after his graduation last year. The eldest and the youngest quadruplet didn't talk to each other for days.
Another instance of one of their similar crushes was when Chie struggled to ask out Xion from his History class. The boy was a sputtering mess. Give him a prompt on Chemistry and he'll be singing the periodic table to you, but give him a task to woo one girl and you'd think he'd hit his head on something because he would. Pause. At. Every single word. Safe to say, a few touches and promises to win a game for her, Yuuki was able to impress Xion, much to his brother's annoyance.
From the day they first knew what a "crush" was to this very striking minute, the boys would frequently fight over a potential love interest. Kiri versus Chie. Sora versus Yuuki. Sora's first crush on Kairi was tripled over by the older two, and in the end, not even Chie and Yuuki were able to woo her because she was a little creeped out.
At the current moment, the four brothers are truced as no individual from their outside circle has been interesting enough to bring them apart. Sora liked it that way. He hated fighting. His brothers are mean competitors, and the most intense rivals he would ever have a chance of going against.
Not to mention, none of them has ever been able to keep a real and proper relationship. When you're one copy out of four, there are many options for people to exploit you. Jerks they may be, but against the favouritism and bias of their peers, blood still stands stronger than anything.
"Subtlety is lost on you, little brother," continues Chie, already listing all the instances with his fingers. "I've studied your expressions and body language. Your hominine instincts tend to fly out the window and we're left to deal with a partially-liquefied sibling when you're smitten. I cannot be sure with who, I must admit. Do tell, that violin piece you've been practicing studiously: is that something you plan to play for this special person given the right time?"
"Don't you bring my band notes INTO THIS!"
"Come on, Sora! Tell us the truth! I promise I won't interfere this time!" Yuuki is adamantly poking at his brother's arm to annoy him, which is sort of working.
"Pity." Chie huffs. "You are more likely to lose a baseball match than keep your capricious promise, Yuuki. We're quadruplets. We can't help but like the same things. But if you do so manage to be true to your word I will give up late night reading for a week."
"Deal."
"Big bro Sora, you won't lie to Kiri, right?" the youngest whispers, big azure puppy eyes attempting to win the teen over. It would have been Sora's downfall if the lunchtime warning bell hadn't suddenly rung, breaking up their group and many others around them.
"Why is this suddenly... about me!" Sora whines as they finally head towards the worm bin right behind Twilight Academy's far-off gymnasium. "Lunchtime is almost over and we still haven't cleaned up! Look, I have Graphics next then it's assembly for all eleventh graders. I'll talk then, if you can spot me in the crowd."
"You should probably give us a much harder challenge if you want to keep it to yourself." the tallest shrugs.
Kiri links his left arm around Sora's and his other around Yuuki's. "Yes. Big bro and I are in the same class. I sit next to you, remember?"
Chie, having just dumped away their food scraps, decides to make sure the worms are alright by spreading their waste around with a metallic gardening tool. "It wouldn't take a mathematician to locate you, though I happen to be one myself. You're on, Sora. I shall be the first to make you crack."
"Many of you probably know me as that one crazy kid who hangs around the Clock Tower, mindlessly dangling from its sidelines with only an imminent kersplat of a death awaiting me below if I compromise my bearings, but even so, I feel like that craziness in me is actually an advantage and not a downside. I mean, look at me. I've been your council treasurer for, well, almost 365 days and I'm not even that good at math. Truth be told, I'm still waiting on the day where I'd be held at gunpoint and asked to solve a complicated cube root function or I die. Still hasn't come, thank goodness."
Laughter and amusement ring around the hall, prompting the speaker to carry on with the next part of his speech.
"Don't worry. Since I've gotten this far, that's probably proof that I can add and subtract and multiply. And divide... although to tell you the truth, division is not really my thing. Four people, one cake? They can share this last quarter amongst themselves and I'll take the rest, haha.
But I'm standing in front of all of you, my fellow classmates and teachers, not to be greedy with a piece of cake, but to propose and share a worthwhile deal. As your next eleventh grade student council president, I hope to use my craziness to improve Twilight Academy as you see fit; to be able to compromise and divide my time to listen to your important ideas. Whether it's appreciation for the arts or more items for the PhysEd department, I want each and everyone in this room to be as creative as they can be. So yes. Do dream on, and dare to dangle from the sidelines of the Tower to look at the view ahead. There may be a giant fall below, but as long as we keep on climbing, our ideas will always reach the sun. Thank you."
Upon concluding his presentation, the student makes his way back to his seat at the front of the crowd, some friendly waves, applause and proud cheers coming his direction. There are awed whispers about his current place in the council, many about how he may just earn himself a win after the boy's inspiring words.
Next to a nonchalant Kiri, Sora listens to the mutters of his schoolmates. They are currently filing behind the giant doors of the school auditorium, awaiting their turn to exit. The brunette knows he's definitely going to vote for him. For a better Twilight Academy (and because he kind of has a crush), what better candidate is there?
"You have been located, Sora! Proceed towards the baggage area and confess your crimes as promised!" Chie drags his unamused sibling away from the rest of the student body.
Kiri pouts, crying out as he too, grabs at Sora, "Nuh-uh. I've been with big bro the entire time! He should talk... to... me first!"
"Hey, both of you, stop dragging me in two directions!" he stops on the spot, freeing both his arms from the deadly grasps of his family. "If you didn't know, we're kind of still at school? In the middle of this CROWD? If you want us to talk, then I suggest we don't do it here!"
"SOOOOOORAAAA! I found youu! Oh balls, don't tell me I got here last! The heck, that's just unfair. My class is way, way at the back."
The new arrival pants once he reaches his destination, one hand on a knee and the other clutching his chest. Yuuki straightens himself and stretches, grinning at the other three. Once they've all found their bags scattered by the sides of the auditorium, all four of them head for the school drop-off and pick-up zone.
"It seems we won't be enlightened about Sora's beloved until we arrive home. Thankfully I can wait."
"I hope Mumsy brought us some food. Like cheesecake. With strawberries on them," imagines Kiri.
The tallest agrees gladly, and as do all of his brothers, but something else pops into his head, inevitably changing their conversation topic. "So, what did you guys think of the speeches? I bet Naminé has a chance at winning."
"Mhmm. Her powerpoint animatic was A-okay~" Kiri exclaims, Chie agreeing along with him. Sora purses his lips as he listens to his brothers talk about what their favourite slide was and how long it must have taken the girl to draw every single one, unsure if he should speak up with his opinion.
Oh.
Guess he's the only one voting for the opposition, then. Four sure votes towards the latter candidate would have made a huge difference...
It was, of course, while they were waiting for their mother and discussing the council position outcomes amongst themselves that one of their classmates decides to approach their group to offer up his own point of view. Sora visibly flinches at the familiar sight of the person: the very same sky-blue eyed, honey blonde candidate who spoke beautifully today. Oh god.
Oh god oh god oh god.
"Naminé is superbly diligent," the person says confidently. "Against her, I don't stand a chance, haha. After all, an animatic versus some funny talk about math isn't really a tough selection to work with, right?"
Yuuki, Sora and Kiri know to keep their mouths shut when Chie begins to rant at the newcomer, slightly displeased.
"If I may, mathematics isn't exactly a laughing matter. Why, if you are to take a college course on computer programming or general engineering, being knowledgeable on both basic and advanced mathematical computations would aid you so. Mathematics has been the pinnacle of mankind since ancient history, a subject most worthy of praise. Perhaps you would like me to tutor you, or maybe learn a few poin—"
"Woah, uhm, sorry. I didn't mean to offend you. I'm told I'm not really funny, but I still try, ahaha. Chie Leonhart, right?" the blonde adds, hoping to make amends. "And the baseball captain Yuuki Leonhart, then quiet violinist Sora and cheerful drama star Kiri. I've always wanted to talk to the famous four." He sticks out his hand.
"I'm Roxas. I'm definitely not as well-known but I've certainly heard all about you." He locks eyes with Sora and grins.
He's joking, right, is the thought that runs through all their minds, even with the absence of telepathy. Roxas Strife was one of the few decent swimmers in Twilight Academy's team. The current semester finds his popularity skyrocketing all the more as he runs from being the council treasurer to the elevated position of council president. But not only that. Roxas is also quite attractive — toned muscles from sport and soft flaxen curls, with a great face and pretty eyes. He even seems to be able to tell them apart despite their likening appearances.
"I guess I could use a few tutoring classes," Roxas also mentions, leaving Chie and his siblings speechless. "I have no idea if you were being serious but if you're still offering, I'd be happy to take it. I could really use some help on calculus. Can I give you my number then?"
"Oh... Uhh, well, I... I s-suppose so. Please. Go ahead."
Internally flabbergasted, Sora clenches the fist by his side as he helplessly watches Roxas take out a pen and scribble something on Chie's arm. There's no way, really no way this is hap—
"You will have to share your time with my brothers though — I teach Science and Mathematics on Thursday lunchtimes at the library and Social Studies at half-past five Fridays back home. For tips on Drama and Music, you may ask Kiri and Sora. Yuuki... he can probably teach you to handle a bat."
"Hey, I can so do more than that!" Yuuki growls, much to his own confusion. "Don't keep the next council president to yourself and share! If you're willing, Roxas, we can do strength training together. I can so use another pal to do gym with."
"Sure thing. I'm in."
"How about me? We can go get ice cream and I'll help with making you look good. When we're done, you'll really be fit for the president role~" the youngest notes humbly beside Sora.
"Whatever you say goes, Kiri. " the blonde beams, fixing up his own backpack handstraps. He seems to be waiting for an offer from the third-born but Sora simply looks to the right, too embarrassed to say anything.
"Well, uhm, thanks for keeping me company, my ride's here now. I must be the luckiest person in the school to have the famous four willing to teach me. See you all tomorrow?"
The Leonharts mindlessly nod as they watch their classmate run ahead of them after waving a final farewell. When they can't see hide nor hair of him, Sora releases the breath he's been holding and buries his burning face into his hands.
"My word." Chie gasps first. "He's a perfect gentleman with enough intellect to challenge my own. Why, I cannot believe he praised my idea."
"I can't believe it either," the first-born admits, blinking rapidly as he replays the scene in his head. "A hunk like that with a brain like yours? Maybe I should try out for the swim team. I would so love to watch him flex all day."
"Roxas listened to me too. I want him to take care of me one day."
"Were we talking about something before this?"
The smartest Leonhart responds, "I cannot seem to recall, Yuuki. But what I do know is that Roxas shall get my vote for kindness alone. Humility is most respectable in a competition for positions of authority."
Beside them, the only quadruplet who hasn't spoken yet finally explodes, disbelief etched within his expressions. "You—" he accuses Yuuki, "and you, and YOU! I can't believe— you guys were just talking about Naminé and then he approaches and suddenly you're all buddy-buddy and wanting him to win and—" he inhales deeply, face a dark red, "talk about hypocritical, why, if he was anyone else he wouldn't have taken those speech insults as coolly as he did, he was trying to be relateable and humorous, I just—"
He pities himself greatly for not speaking up earlier, for not offering to help Roxas with anything when his more confident identical siblings were able to. Why oh WHY—
"...You like him." Chie reaches an epiphany. "Pardon my language, but bless my hellbound soul, the person you've been staring at earlier and all the other days is none other than the council treasurer, Roxas Strife. I'm astounded that I didn't realize this before and it's only now that I'm certain of it! Did I hit the nail on the head?"
"I—"
A distressed Yuuki sighs, his shoulders dropping. "God damn it, does this mean I have to suffer through Chi's late night reading anyway? Sorry, Sora. I think I have to take back my promise with interfering. You really have good taste in people."
The boy swivels to face his eldest brother so fast it hurt his neck. "That's not fair! There is no way I'm losing him to any of you!"
"But he's not yours yet, Sora," his little brother eyes him apathetically, this scary personality change common to them when the boy really wants something. "We three still have a chance. Besides, haven't we always made a bet for other people's hearts? Just because you liked him first it doesn't mean you own him... it's always been our Leonhart way."
Bollocks. The nerve of Sora's jerk brothers! Not that they have any idea he's been carrying a torch for the blonde since the start of ninth grade, the very same year after Kairi rejected the older two and himself. Bastards. This selfish competition of sorts really hurts him. Four identical pairs of eyes shine with challenging and determined glints, each brother readying themselves for a battle of the best.
"F-Fine. But keep it civil. Axel probably hated how you and Yuu almost bruised his arm from squeezing him so much." Kiri and Yuuki both narrow their eyes judgingly at their suddenly defensive brother.
The second-born clears his throat, noticing their mother pull up nearby, "Very well. We are all on the same page then. As Roxas and I were the first to converse, and I did suggest the tutoring classes albeit abruptly, the unspoken rules of brotherhood condone me to court him first."
"WHAT! You dirty cheater! There is no such rule! Last one to Mom loses, and you know I'll win him over!"
Kiri follows behind the sprinting Yuuki, also newly determined. "Roxas will realize I'm the better-looking brother. I have you all beat."
Poor Sora is abandoned attempting to calm his beating heart, his identical siblings having left him to chase after the boy he's had his eyes on for three long years. Seriously? And just a while ago they were all over him too! How dare Yuuki, Chie and Kiri go after Roxas! How could they?
With his own failure to suggest not even one activity to do with the blonde, Sora doesn't stand a chance. He isn't as academically diverse as Chie. Not as sporty or brave as Yuuki either. Compare his appearance to the gorgeous Kiri and the latter will win ten times over. He doesn't exactly have a worthy skillset either — just a useless talent to differentiate sound frequencies and notes, sing harmonies over melodies and play the boring violin.
Damn it. It'll break his heart in the long run if one of his brothers ended up with Roxas. Sora has to compete. He'll regret it like he regrets being a coward earlier if he didn't.
The one person he'd really wanted to impress and keep his siblings away from and for god's sake, the brunette couldn't even do it.
He still stands by his original beliefs of today being a not-so-amazing day. Yep. Being a quadruplet sucks sometimes.
Thursday marks Chie's chance at impressing Roxas with the intelligence he so greatly values and brags about. Rather than just have one lunch hour with the future council prez (hopefully), the genius boy proposed it'd be highly beneficial for the blonde to familiarize himself with his tutor, if only to positively ensure a friendly tutor-muse relationship when the teaching do begins.
"That's bogus!" Yuuki tells his other brothers while they observe Chie and Roxas' interactions from the sidelines. "Tutor-muse relationship? I've heard better lies! He's just trying to be sneaky and keep Roxas to himself, that one!"
"You've got to admit, biggest brother Yuu, bigger bro Chi certainly knows how to use his resources."
"I know I would do the same thing but it still doesn't make me feel better."
Sora, on the other hand, is too busy savouring his chocolate nut bar to care. Or rather, he's trying so hard not to. Seeing Chie hang out with Roxas with the latter's other friends over at his table makes him feel about as green as the stupid paint job on the peeling cafeteria wall. Roxas' friends seem to be accomodating of his sibling, at least. Amongst a mixed group of athletic and reserved people, Chie is blending well with the crowd. Good for him.
"Pssst! Sora, Kiri! Move out!" whispers their taller sibling when he spots the duo excuse themselves and head towards the direction of the school library. "This, we've got to see! Do you think Chi will sing another phases of the moon song like last time? No offence or anything, but he should probably leave the musicals to you, Sor."
"What do I know." Sora rolls his eyes. "You're the one who rooms with him. What has he been doing the last two days?"
"Can't tell. He's been reading at midnight as usual. Oh! And he's been on his phone a lot too! God, you don't think they're sending each other crude messages now, huh?"
Kiri pulls at Yuuki's shirt to keep him from advancing into the library prematurely. Goodness, it's like they're in some kind of spy movie with the faux sneaking and the whispering...!
He then jabs at his brother to peek just a little bit through one of the windows to check where Roxas and Chie are located. But of course. Where else would they go but what everyone else has dubbed as "Chie's Spot", a desk isolated at the left most corner of the building?
"Yuuki! Can't see!"
"Well, duh! We've got to get closer! Come on, you two, let's break in!"
"Break in..." drones a careless Sora, fixing his fringe oh-so-tiredly. "You two are insane."
~o~
Over at Chie's Spot, an amicable Roxas rearranges the books and papers he needs to take notes for his recess tutor lesson. The second-born Leonhart patiently awaits for him to be done, his own things already sorted out in front of him. Up close, Roxas looks a whole lot tamer and easygoing. A child-like eagerness to learn graces the teen's chiselled features — something Chie finds really attractive, if he may add.
...Heavens, all this dopamine circulating his very veins. There won't be any mishappenings as long as he sticks to his plan and stays as composed as possible.
"When you're ready," he mutters to the blonde, "you can pick whichever math topic you most need clarifications on. My way of teaching revolves around concise explanations and examples, so do let me know if I'm lecturing too quickly or if there is anything I need to simplify for you. I am always open to all kinds of feedback."
"Oh." Roxas starts, nodding thereafter. "Thank you. Well, uhm, I know I'm not too bad with it but I still need some help with integrating functions with number c. I keep forgetting how to calculate c, that is."
"I see. Scoot a little closer then, I'll write up an example for you. I seem to recall you have a fondness for math humour and ever since then I have tried not to be so close-minded and came up with a few of my own. Would you like to hear a joke just to lighten up the mood?"
"Sure. What have you got?"
He's not sure if Roxas has noticed him take a deep, reassuring breath before he says, "This one may be considered a little spicy to most individuals but I must ask: how do you seduce a clever mathematician?"
"Uhhh. Hang on, let me think."
"Bide your time."
"Hmmm... you... calculate the curve of their parabola? Or something?" the blue-eyed blonde responds hesitantly. "I've got no idea, tell me."
"The answer is easy. You take away their algebra."
Still writing, the brunette glances at Roxas briefly to see his hopeful reaction. When he's met with a blank expression, apprehension looms over him like a pile of rocks falling from an avalanche. Oh dear. That was a terrible ice-breaker, wasn't it?
The other knits his eyebrows together, "Sorry. I don't think I get it. What was the joke?"
"Well, uhh, to put it simply, it's a two-way joke. Technically you'd have to distract anyone if your goal is to get them to pay attention to you. But vulgarity aside, the most logical way is to strip off their article of clothing. Hence the bra."
"Oh. Ohh! Now I get it! That was clever! Ahaha, alge-bra!"
"You didn't... dislike it?"
Roxas shakes his head. "No, of course not. I thought it was funny. I'm a little slow with getting puns but otherwise I enjoy them."
"Perhaps you're in need of a cos(gerine) over sin(gerine) then? Consuming foods before undertaking any form of pedagogy can boost the brain to make connections more rapidly."
"A what...?"
Biting the inside of his cheek, Chie mumbles a sad, "Oh, uhm. Never mind."
~o~
"UGH! Are we really going to be watching the entire exchange?"
Before the bell even goes off signalling the beginning of third period, Sora and his brothers have already left the building due to Yuuki's annoyed complaints. They were hiding behind the closest bookshelf to Roxas and Chie a little bit earlier, subject to second-hand lessons on calculus courtesy of the smartest Leonhart. Yuuki didn't want to hear any more. The other two don't understand why he's asking them if they should carry on spying when HE was the one who suggested it in the first place.
"It's all just... tutoring! He's not making a move, yet he's told some terrible cringe-worthy jokes that make me want to die a little in the inside. Kill me, if I have to listen to another quadratic function example or math pun I'm going to split my head open with my baseball bat."
Sora shrugs begrudgingly, "Chie is taking his time. He's always been like that." In truth, Chie's never been more calm and collected when it comes to impressing someone he likes. If it wasn't Roxas his brother was pursuing, he would have been more supportive of it.
Bummer.
Some three hours later, during the peak of the afternoon, Yuuki, Sora and Kiri once again await for Chie and his admiree to leave the lunch table for some quality, ulteriorly-courting tutoring. It appears that the two have gotten real close in only a matter of hours, with the former being gracious enough to even teach Roxas and his peers proper dining etiquette.
"Now, had we more dining utensils this lesson would be absolument parfait. However, one must always be willing to adapt to the situation," Chie recites, blue eyes darting around to check that he has everyone's full attention. "Given we only have knifes and forks, there is no need for swapping out utensils. When you are done eating, it is polite to align your knife and fork parallel to each other on your right side. Hands remain flat over your lap when not eating. And no," the teen slams his left hand down on the surface firmly, "drinking a beverage does. Not. Compel. YOU! to stick out your pinky like so. It is not proper. It is insulting, offensive to the common folk. Never do that, understood?"
"I got it. That's actually enlightening, I never knew that. Thanks for the pointers, Chi." Roxas replies, surprisingly grateful despite the confused stares of his closest friends.
Kiri snickers to himself at the scene, visibly amused compared to a disgruntled Yuuki who is banging his forehead on the table repeatedly. He murmurs, "He's doing really terribly, fuu. At this rate, I'll be the one to win Roxykins over with my good side."
Sora merely glares back at him.
"He's a disaster!" Yuuki argues irritatedly. "Dining etiquette? Like how is that impressive?"
"I think he's losing resolve, nya. Didn't expect him to bang the table."
Ahh. Now it happens. To Sora, Chie does look a bit worn. The smarter brunette is doing that thing with his hand where he tucks his thumb underneath his index and middle finger then changes it quickly to an O shape. When he asked his brother about it one day, the other said that it spells out "NO" in sign language. Sora has no clue what Chie is currently thinking about, but he can only guess that his brother's expecting Roxas to sweep him off his feet and finally confess the feelings he's developed for him over the course of the... day. Haha, that's almost sad.
"Roxas," Chie places a cautious hand over the blonde's shoulder and purses his lips. "I believe now is the time to go. If you'll excuse us," he says to the rest of the table, voice tone wavering from his disappointing lack of progress.
The other three eventually return to their hiding place at the bookshelf, with Roxas and Chie clueless of their presence. Instead of further lessons on mathematics though, they witness the left-handed Chie get daring enough to actually grab the blonde's free hand with his own and knot their fingers together.
"Chie? Are yo—"
"Studies show that holding hands imprints a greater learning engagement. It's a little unconventional but I'm an individual who believes in all ways of teaching. Please think of it as me physically supporting you as your tutor."
"I, uhm. Alright, I'll do that. Thanks."
"The guy is thanking him for HOLDING HIS HAND? My ever living soul, this is eno—"
"Shhhh!"
"Alright, geez! It ain't my fault our sibling is a lose—"
"Hey Chie. What are your brothers like?" Another voice joins Yuuki's ranting, prompting the amateur stalkers to duck further behind their hiding place. "I know we're supposed to be reviewing but. Well, I was just wondering. I'd like to know more about you and your family."
Face turning a light pink hue, the brunette blinks back at him astoundedly while he thinks of a sound response. Family? How curious he would inquire so out of the blue. Chie can't say he's disappointed that it wasn't only him Roxas wanted to hear about but. Oh, what the hey.
"If I could sum them up in one word, I must admit they're... entertaining." he says, looking everywhere but at the boy who asked. "We share two rooms amongst each other — Sora stays with Kiri and I am unwillingly stuck with Yuuki. You can imagine why I always argue with my older brother. He's a damn idiot. An incredibly talkative idiot, at that."
"Hey!" Kiri covers Yuuki's mouth and shushes him once more.
"I think he's not so bad. I've met worse people. On and on and on; they blabber for ages. So weird." Roxas adds.
"You may believe Kiri is the least of your problems, but he's talented like that. He can convince you that he's the prince of the school or a vulnerable, lost little boy. And Sora—" At this, Roxas leans in just a little bit closer to him, "Why, I can only conclude that he has more potential than he himself believes he does. He can be feisty at times, but I've yet to meet anyone who can hate him. Once you dig deeper, you'll see the boy is indubitably good-hearted."
Sora stands up hastily, not even caring if he's to be seen. He can't believe he's just witnessed the boy he's been pining over look truly interested in his family, cerulean eyes lighting up and nodding along kindly as Chie describes them to him. To think his brother would call him good-hearted...
That was... so nice.
If by any chance Roxas is going to choose Chie, he doesn't want to be around to see it.
"You're a good brother, Chie. And I know what you mean about your family being the most important thing to you." Roxas comments, still holding Chie's hand. "I wouldn't ever want anything bad to happen to mine. I would always choose them over anyone."
The former agrees silently. Fixing up his papers, he begins stuttering nervously, "W-Would. You. Like to hear another. Joke. Maybe? I have brought up the one on angles already, yes?"
"You mean the, are you an angle of 20 degrees because there is acute-y beside me one? You did. Took me a while, to be honest."
Yuuki and Kiri choose then to leave the duo alone as well, unable to fathom how Chie's dorky flirting will go from now on. Fifth period is right around the corner. Their brother's time is almost over.
"If you found that amusing, then you may take an affinity for this: are you a calculus function, because you derive me crazy."
"Calculus does tend to make a sane person nuts."
"I wish to be adenine so that I could be paired with you."
"You... the letter u replaces guanine in the DNA code, right?" Roxas gets on his feet and happily assists his tutor with cleaning up. "Hey, thanks for the tutoring lesson, Chie. I had fun hanging out with you."
"I give you my thanks as well." he finishes, his chin raised up proudly. "You were a delight to teach. Thank you for taking it."
Yuuki's time to shine couldn't be any more evident, with the eldest brunette constantly reminding his siblings of the fact in a very vocal manner. Whoo. They get it. It's his turn. Why, he sounds more thrilled about this chance to woo a person than he does when he actually wins a match.
Every Friday after baseball, Yuuki would visit the school weightlifting area which is open to everyone with a keycard. It is separated from the rest of the gymnasium by a hallway branching to an electronic door, a caution to keep their exercise equipment free from anyone who may abuse its functions. It's merely coincidence that the swimming team also has the same time slot as they do. Yuuki tells the blonde that they should meet there once Roxas' breaststroke practice is finished, making sure to add that he'd booked the entire room all to themselves. Hmm, one could only wonder what they'd be doing, all alone, just the two of them...
"Is it inescapably necessary for us to wear something as unsightly as this?" A confused Chie refers to the basketball shirt and bowlcut wig he was given to wear by his brother Kiri. The youngest himself (herself?) is in a full girl's volleyball get-up, chestnut pigtails falling by his shoulders and a fluffy yellow bow to complete his persona.
"Bigger bro Chi, you said so yourself that the girl's volleyball and basketball teams are the only other ones with practice at this hour. If we don't want to get in trouble with sneaking, we have to wear a disguise."
Even Sora had to be dragged into adapting an entirely new identity. The basketball shirt he has on didn't always have a rip at the side rims (it was caused by Kiri's rough handling as he forced him into it) and goodness, he doesn't suit spiky black hair at all. Why would they need a disguise if they'd be hiding away in the first place?
"Right. Well then. I wish you both luck with your reconnaissance. I shall now make my way home to complete more important matt— ouch! Curses! I have long since prohibited you from pinching me at the back!"
But Kiri doesn't respond as he tiptoes over to the back of the work-out area. Unfortunately so, the most sacred place in the entire sports department has another much more exposed entrance — a sliding door made out of glass to let the light in.
Sora comforts his older sibling. "Are you okay, Chie? Seems we have demon Kiri by our side today. This hairspray feels so disgusting on me."
"That makes two of us, brother dear. How I question the acquisition of this wig as not only is it ghastly in appearance, it also itches. A lot! I'm painfully aware he requires props during his drama performances, but there are some things that even those blessed with intelligence are not meant to understand."
"Door has been successfully pick-locked~! Let's go inside, big brothers!" an excited Kiri beams before fixing up his hair clips once more. The room smells like new equipment with a hint of hardworking sweat. Soon enough, the three stalkers find themselves crouching by the tall gymnastics vault near one corner of the room: their ideal spying place.
They don't have to wait long to find Yuuki and Roxas entering the room through the electronic door, the latter still drying his hair on the towel hanging loosely around his shoulders. Yuuki looks about ready to get onto one of the exercise machines — it didn't matter to him which one — and demonstrate to the blonde just how fit he is.
Impatient and headstrong as always, that boy.
"So... Roxas. You're my workout buddy for today." he starts, finding the closest weightlifting bed by him and sitting on it. "What do you usually do? What's your gym regimen?"
Roxas shrugs, thinking. "Err. I lift weights most of the time. Since I'm a swimmer, I have to do a lot of shoulder stabilization exercises. Lat-downs, bench presses, that kind of thing. Doesn't mean I'm good at it though. Then there's a bit of treadmill running to keep my legs active and yoga to keep my mind clear. How about you?"
"I pretty much do the same thing!" Yuuki exclaims, suddenly excited. "Well, except yoga. Maybe you can teach me how to in the later hours if we have time. What do you say we do some pull-ups and sit-ups, then a bit of barbell lifting for starters? I'll be your spotter, and you can be mine..."
"I'm game. Thirty each?" The blonde walks towards the pull-up stand by the sliding door. He's close enough to their secret visitors that they can see the veins on his arms when he pulls up his uniform sleeves. Holy god of gods, Yuuki was right about Roxas looking good. Chie even has to pinch himself just to stop his own unacceptable, invasive staring. Being fit doesn't mean anything!
Kiri can't think the same though as he twirls one of his pigtails with a finger, his attraction undeniable. Sora has to shield his eyes. He already knows Roxas is plenty attractive. He doesn't need to see more of the guy's skin to believe it.
Wasting no time to prove himself worthy of the blonde's attention, Yuuki soon finishes his last pull-up and wipes away his non-existent sweat at the back of his hand. He approaches Roxas with a grin and offers to help hold him down for their sit-ups, leaning in much closer than necessary. "You know, Rox, you and I could get used to this," he slurs, eyes darkening with desire.
"Get used to what?"
"Me holding you down, with you nowhere to go... I can change the way you think and feel and function, if you'd just let me..."
The blonde blinks back, surprisingly agreeing, "Hmm, I guess that's kind of the point of sit-ups though? Most of my teammates can't pin me down properly and I end up having to do half-arsed ones. I've got to say, you're really good at this, Yakyuuki. Thanks."
.
.
While the brunette's face falls at his failed attempt in seduction, his brothers hiding behind the vault can't empathize. The normally composed Chie is begging to laugh out loud, his head bent so low the bowlcut wig he's wearing almost falls off. "Dear heavens, that was the most priceless change of expression I have ever witnessed since watching a reaction video of a hamster being denied its meal... Absolute genius response!"
"Chie! Do you want us to be caught or not?" Sora's not really happy himself. That was HIS crush Yuuki was trying to charm, as if such sneaky tactics would work on Roxas. How utterly undignifying.
"I knew bigger bro Chi wouldn't regret this, ha ha. That was too pathetic."
They shuffle and change positions to make themselves more comfortable. "Alright, alright. I concur. We keep silent from now on."
Of course, it's no surprise that the eldest Leonhart quickly recovers from his failure. As an athlete, he has to be able to predict the pitcher's moves, initiate believable feints and keep trying until he bats a home run. He has another trick up his sleeve — not as effective as physical seduction, unfortunately, but it may just do. Though to be honest, if being more straightforward with his interest than he's ever been with anyone else he's tried to woo didn't work, Yuuki's not sure what would.
He can't give up and let Kiri or Sora have a chance. Especially not Kiri.
~o~
Once Yuuki finishes his set of thirty sit-ups thanks to the help of the hottest blonde in this room, the two move on to bench-pressing, with one of them acting as a spotter and the other putting in all the effort. He prefers being able to look down at Roxas and his gorgeous face, pale skin glistening with sweat from the physical "action" they've been doing all afternoon.
"Arms up a bit, Roxas. I'm going to give you a bit of a lift-off, you good with that?"
The other nods, his grip on the barbell confident and steady. "Y-Yeah, sure. And... o-one! Darn, of all days to be rusty at weights, huh?"
"No way, man. For ten kilos each, you're doing good."
"And... t-two! Man are my arms burning with pain."
They continue their drills until the blonde reaches twenty-five, taking deep, laboured breaths. Yuuki stands watch, even going as far as to brush back the sweaty fringe getting in the way of Roxas' eyes. This earns him a grateful smile from the boy under him, catching him off-guard with his heart in his throat.
His siblings may believe that the only thing he's attracted to from a person is their strength and athletic build, but there's more to people than just their appearance, Yuuki knows. Geez, if Roxas would just, not smile at him like that again, maybe he wouldn't feel so compelled to bear his heart to yet another kindhearted soul.
Swapping places after the usual thirty, now is the athletic Leonhart's chance to boast the upper body strength he's been working on for many a year. With Chie, Kiri and Sora quietly spying on them, he adds an extra five kilos to each side of the barbell, totalling a hefty thirty kilograms. It's evident that Roxas is impressed when the cerulean-eyed teen nods at him approvingly, devoid of any traces of doubt. Can Yuuki keep his object of affection's attention by successfully completing this high-stake round of bench-pressing?
He struggles a bit with that first push above his head, and with lowering the weight towards his breastbone. "Oh y-yeah, that really hurts."
Roxas remains alert just in case Yuuki can't handle himself. "Twenty-nine more to go. You can do it, Yuu."
"H-Hey, l-let's add a reward system to this, Rox. If I m-manage, you'll have to give me something special at the end of our s-session. What do you say?"
The blonde may not have seen the bet coming, but being the agreeable individual he is, he willingly goes with it nonetheless. "Uhm, I don't know what I can offer you though. All I have is my wet towel right here. Or if I remember I may have brought a sweet with me..."
"Trust m-me, there's plenty you can give that I'll want..."
God freaking damn it, Yuuki, Sora curses to himself from behind their hiding place. He could understand Chie's punny approach to courting, but his eldest brother's strategy is just too much for him to handle. Had he enough willpower, he would find something closeby to throw at Yuuki's stupid face, but if they get caught spying, what would Roxas say then? They're not even supposed to be inside the weightlifting area since it's strictly prohibited to non-members. Plus, he's not as precise with his throws. Heck, they're even involving the next eleventh-grade student council president here! School rules are everything!
The third-born only manages to stay put when Chie squeezes him on the shoulder, offering comfort and wordlessly letting him know it wasn't worth taking action. Sora's grateful to his older brother many a time. He's the reason why he can't be like Kiri, with a temper so uncontrollable it's scary.
.
.
To no one's surprise, Yuuki tenaciously keeps up with his bench-pressing because the blonde's constant encouragement is too esteemed to be wasted. Once he reaches the halfway mark, a cross-dressing Kiri claps proudly (but quietly) right behind them, noting that Yuu may just take this trophy home.
"I know he's supposed to be our rival, but biggest brother Yuu really is strong, huh? I'm so happy."
"You couldn't say the same," Sora scratches at his sticky hair, "when you were laughing at Chie and his lessons. Remember, you're the one who completely turned on Yuuki when you started chasing Axel for yourself."
"You three were spying at us too? How disrespectful and incomprehensible!"
The youngest ignores his siblings, grumbling matter-of-factly, "You know I truly look up to biggest bro Yuu. You and Chie, on the other hand, are a sad team of weaklings. Kiri can't relate to that, nya."
An annoyed Sora is about to tackle his baby brother to the ground for the rude comment when Roxas starts clapping in the background, rejoicing through Yuuki's success.
"Great job, Yuuki. You really are stronger than you look." The two assist each other for their next and last activity: a simple round of treadmill running.
Gloating proudly, the brunette answers with, "I am, aren't I? Of course you were a big help to me too, Roxas. Thanks for looking out for me."
"Naaah, I didn't do much. You're more used to weights than I am. I guess I have to try harder if I want to win first place in one-hundred-metre breaststrokes."
"Dude, you've already won first place in interschool freestyle though!"
"True, but I always want to become better than I already am. I'm sure you do too." The duo mount their own treadmills at the far side of the weightlifting area by the electronic door. Tampering with the machines' settings to match their abilities, Roxas and Yuuki race upwards and downwards on one spot. Had they been watching a lot closer, the three hiding Leonharts would have noticed their brother's fleeting stares and how he would stumble a few times in his sudden distraction.
Focus, Yuuki, focus! He's barely gotten through capturing Roxas' heart for himself, and now he's running out of time. He has to up the ante and really cross the finish line, whether acceptable or not.
The next ten minutes of constant jogging is comfortably quiet. Slowing his pace and panting, Roxas uses his shirt to pat himself dry as a substitute for the towel he left on the weightlifting bed. That ends their workout session for the day. While his defenses are down, all four inhabitants in the room are immediately taken aback when a predatory Yuuki advances towards the blonde, forcing him to back up slowly towards the nearest wall.
It's a miracle the hopeful couple didn't hear Sora kick at their only barrier from invisibility to visibility. Licking his lips and blinking rapidly, Roxas stutters a baffled, "Y-Yuuki?"
"We'd make a great pair, Roxas. You think so too, don't you? You like working out with me too, right?"
"Uhm—"
Yuuki keeps his arms to either side of the blonde's pretty head, leaning close to the other's ear when he continues in hushed tones, "I'd win a game for you, you know. I'll think of you when I hit that ball to yonder side. You'd make me the happiest guy in school if you'd say yes. Be my partner, Roxas Strife."
"Well, I—"
.
.
"Why that piece of— LET ME AT HIM!" growls a pissed-off Sora, unadulterated anger seeping from his very veins. Keep it civil, he remembers telling his two unpredictable brothers, and yet there Yuuki was, treating the current council treasurer like some piece of meat to own. It's difficult to make up what he'd said exactly with the two being so far from them but still, the eldest Leonhart's behaviour is inexcusable. Being pulled down by Chie and Kiri wouldn't have helped — Roxas has probably already spotted the three lurking nearby.
Still trying to find his words, the future student council prez doesn't move a muscle. It's not like he could get anywhere either, what with Yuuki Leonhart barricading his exit areas. It is with bated breath that Sora finally hears the answer he most dreaded to hear — a compliant, "Y-Yes, I'll be your partner, Yuuki."
The sound of his heart breaking is inaudible to deaf ears.
It's too early for Yuuki to rejoice, however, because just when the quadruplets think it's all over, the beautiful blonde still has more to say. "I've always wanted to have a regular gym partner. With you offering, I didn't have to ask. Sweet." he grins, unafraid to pat the teen's cheek before ducking under one of Yuuki's arms and retrieving his towel. The dumbfounding admission shocks them all so; Yuuki especially as he gapes shamelessly at the wandering blonde.
The guy seems to be looking around for something because he drops on all fours and checks under the bench. Upon finding it, Roxas chucks said item at the astounded brunette. "I knew I brought one of these along! As promised, your prize for completing your bench-presses. Sorry if it's a little squishy."
The disbelieving Yuuki looks down at his reward, fighting incredibly hard not to look severely crestfallen.
...A Snickers bar. Oh.
It's probably a hilarious insult from the gods living above because the Leonharts all hate caramel.
Ha ha ha...
"Thanks for today, Yuuki. I'll see you on Monday?" A hopeful Roxas says anyway, tarrying towards the front exit. He only excuses himself and leaves when the former nods, voice cracking as he bids him farewell. No, no, no... Yuuki isn't going to cry, he's not going to be upset, he IS NOT GOING DOWN CRYING.
"Aww shucks, that's gotta hurt, Yuuki." A delighted girly Kiri emerges from their quaint corner some time later, schadenfreude evident. The eldest Leonhart doesn't even have time to argue about what his sibling was doing there with him when a disguised Chie and Sora follow suit, their intentions purer than their little brother's.
"That," Sora starts as he smacks the athlete on the arm, hard, "is for stooping so low and resorting to shameful tactics. But this," he then gives his older brother a sympathetic hug, "is to say I'm sorry. Let's go home, big brother."
"I d-don't— I don't understand what just—"
"My turn, my turn! Yaaaa! Kiri's going to take center stage! Hooraay! Hoooraaay! Hip hip hoooraaay!"
"Stiff-upper lip, Yuu. We'll ask Mother to pick up some tomatoes on our way home."
"Can't believe I got rejected so bad..." the boy sniffs, rubbing at his eyes. "I'm s-sorry, Sora... S-Sorry, Chie... S-Sorry..."
Aaaaaand I shall cut it here! Part 2 features Kiri's attempt, and boy, what will Sora say to that? x3
I actually really adore these boys... See you in the next chapter, yaaa~