cowriteeee updateeee. incubus
i'm farily certain that this is the next chapter. :D... yeah. reread the last one for a refresher, i suppose. i love this story. haha it's so fun. oh. but it's going to get complicated. poor riku. that's all i can say.
It was a bit later that a man entered the room that the pair was currently sleeping in. The tall brunette quietly studied the room with his grey eyes. Well… This room was extremely… Blue. Not that he had anything against the color of blue, he just liked grey better. And then his eyes landed on a goop of brown and silver, curled together under the blankets, seemingly undressed.
"…Didn't know he was gay," he murmured and then shrugged, dragging the vacuum cleaner behind him and plugging it into the electricity.
Riku twitched in his sleep when he heard a buzzing noise. No, that was not the sound of looming death. Nor was it the sound of crackling whips or screams of the undead. No, it was something annoying. Riku's nose scrunched up several times as he subconsciously shifted closer to Sora, burying his nose into the brunet's soft hair to somehow block out the noise. No matter what he did he couldn't get the noise to go away. It was a constant, loud 'grr'. And worst of all…Sora had begun to stir as well. And that caused Riku to fall more into the realm of reality.
"Hm?" Sora blinked awake, his tired eyes glancing at Riku's neck and chest that was in his sight of vision. A small blush appeared on the shorter's cheeks as he quickly looked off to the side, struggling to keep his eyes open. Stupid heavy eyelids, they always seemed to want to fall close again. Perhaps he needed more sleep?
"Morning, Master Sora," said a voice as the vacuum cleaner was temporarily muted.
Peace. Riku fell back into slumber at once, his arms tightening around the brunet in his dreams. Sora, on the other hand, remained awake, his eyes flashing nervously over the covers to where Leon smugly stood, leaning against the cleaner with a wicked grin on his face. Oh, the embarrassment. "H-hi, Leon," Sora stated, a sheepish smile forming on his lips.
Riku twitched his nose. Sora was talking to someone. Regretfully, the silveret stirred awake. Aquamarine eyes were greeted with a bit panicky blue ones. It wasn't until he heard someone clear their throat that he noticed the third body in the room. Riku's eyes instantly snapped over to the tall brunet who was eying the pair curiously. And was that a glint of jealousy?
"How are you today?!" Sora asked quickly, offering a huge smile towards Leon.
"I'm fine. My vacation was very refreshing, Master Sora." The older brunette answered, drumming his fingers against his thigh.
Riku groaned and rubbed his eyes. Who the hell is that guy?
Sora nodded and quickly sat up. "I'm glad you're back!" He grinned, swallowing. "It wasn't the same without you here."
Riku cocked a brow. Okay… What? Why was Sora all fidgety?
"Thank you. I missed you too, Master Sora." Leon answered quietly, closing his eyes and pursing his lips.
"Well… Meet Riku, he's my friend. I met him a few days ago, he's very nice and cool." Sora nodded, gesturing over his sleep-ish companion.
"It's a pleasure to meet you." Leon sighed, bowing in front of Riku courtly.
"…Yeah, me too." Riku frowned, eyeing the tall man. He… Did not like him. At all.
"Leon, uhm..." Sora trailed off and glanced over to the silveret with a sheepish smile written on his face. "Leon's been working here for a few years and he's really nice. Other than you he's been the only person around here that treats me like a real person." Sora grinned.
Riku nodded knowingly and glanced over at Sora. Why is he blushing and stuttering like that? The silveret looked over to Leon and offered an obviously fake smile. "Well then…"
Awkward silence reigned supreme over the trio. "Leon! Do you want to have lunch later with Riku and I?" Sora asked curiously, grinning happily at the older brunet.
"Sure, why not," Leon decided and kicked the vacuum cleaner across the room. "I'll be back later to clean the room when you two are gone," he explained and then bowed politely. "See you at lunch then, Master Sora."
Riku sighed and brushed his hand through his hair. He… Did not…. Approve of Leon. At all. The guy seemed to undress Sora with his eyes and Sora was acting like a hormonal school girl.
"Isn't he nice?" Sora grinned, finally calming down and squeezing the blanket between his fingers.
"I suppose." Riku sighed and slumped back. "I'm still tired, let's go back to sleep."
Sora eyed his quietly for a few moments. "But I don't wanna keep Leon waiting…" he finally murmured, looking pleadingly at Riku. It was no use though, Riku simply yanked him back under the covers and wrapped his arm against him. Sora swallowed and curled against Riku with a quiet huff. He didn't like the fact he was going to be late and probably disappoint Leon but… Riku's touch felt way too comfortable to decline.
"Riku?" Sora asked after a moment of brief silence.
"What?" Riku murmured as he kept Sora close to his body, greedily taking in the brunet's warmth as he protected him from the other brunet who was probably a class-a rapist or something of the sort. Riku really, really didn't like his first impression of the vacuum wielding man at all.
"You're…really holding tightly," Sora noted with an uneasy laugh as he remained still in Riku's grasp, making no move to break away from it, however. "Can you…loosen your grip just a bit, please?"
Riku blinked and then glanced away embarrassedly. "Sorry," Riku muttered and loosened his grip, as instructed. Silence…and then, "I don't feel like having lunch today."
Sora lowered his look. "Really? I guess I'll be having lunch alone with Leon then…" He murmured, shrugging once.
Riku frowned. He couldn't tell Sora not to go, right? Right. "How about we eat at the pool?" He offered, looking somewhat thoughtful.
"That's a great idea but… Leon couldn't accompany us then!" Sora shook his head. "And I promised him we would eat lunch together. I missed him…" He sighed and shook his head, much to Riku's dismay.
"I see…" The older male sighed, shifting against the pillow. "That's too bad… I thought we could maybe swim together sometime." He hummed, hoping that bribing Sora would do the trick. Then again, why was Riku so determined to make sure Sora didn't see Leon more than he needed to? Well, Riku didn't know himself. He just, as already stated vehemently, did not like the guy one ounce.
"Really?" Sora glanced up from his hiding spot against Riku's chest. Blue eyes glimmered playfully. "I bet I could get my Dad to allow Leon to take off an hour so he can eat lunch with us there and swim! I haven't done that with him in so long!"
Shirtless? Shirtless pervert with a shirtless, adorable boy? Riku tensed and swallowed down a thick lump of nerves. "Do you…think he'll agree to this? Leon, I mean…"
"Of course he will! He enjoys spending time with me…I think," Sora stated thoughtfully and then hugged Riku tightly. "And Daddy will say yes because he wants me to become more social! I'm so happy! I'll get to spend time with the both of you and swim with you guys!"
What had Riku just done? Riku rubbed his forehead. "…Okay." He sighed and cleared his throat, letting his fingers drum over Sora's back.
"And then we could go up to my room and talk or something!" Sora grinned, poking Riku's chest.
It's getting worse by the second… Riku sighed, tucking Sora's head under his chin.
"Don't you think it's too much for Leon?" the silver haired teen hummed in question.
"What do you mean?" Sora blinked, looking up curiously at Riku.
"I mean… Don't you think he needs some alone time too?" Riku sighed, turning to look at Sora then.
"But… But I missed Leon…" Sora murmured, flashing Riku a pleading look. "Can't we spend some time with him? Please?"
"I think lunch is plenty of time to spend for one day," Riku informed Sora, tossing in his two-cents with a weary look. "He just got back so I'm sure he wants to have time to himself to get back into the routine of things and whatnot."
Sora sighed and shook his head. "But…Leon would…"
Riku was getting sick and tired of that name already. It was Leon this, Leon that, in fact, Sora hadn't even said one word about him today. No compliments…nothing. Riku felt a bit…jaded, perhaps. "Fine. Do whatever…" But I'm not leaving your side and letting you be alone with him for two seconds.
"Thanks!" Sora grinned and hugged Riku tightly before reaching down to snag Riku's hand. "Let's go to lunch now!" Sora urged, tugging on his friend's hand with an adorable, and utterly molestable, smile.
Riku swallowed the small lump in his throat and let Sora drag him out of bed. He was not pleased, not pleased at all.
Sora chirped and quickly entered the bathroom, grabbing some clothes and promising Riku he would be right back.
The elder just sighed and crossed his arms, waiting for Sora to finish dressing.
No longer than a minute later, Sora was out, dressed in a bright orange tee and a pair of jeans. "Let's go to your room now and get you dressed!" he chuckled, hands on his hips.
Riku mentally scowled. "Yeah. Let's go."
Riku and Sora made it to the pool-area in a record time of five minutes after they had left Sora's room. Sora had, practically, acted like a hot-footed couch who was hustling their player to do things faster. And frantically, Riku had never gotten dressed so fast in his entire life. He barely had buttoned his jeans when Sora had dragged him out of the bathroom and out of the room altogether. Was Sora that excited?
Regardless, the pair now stood in the desolate pool-area. It was quiet. Peaceful. Sora stood happily next to Riku. The silveret didn't dare reach for Sora's hand. He felt it would be out of place. "I called the maids and told them to bring the food out here. And I told them to tell Leon to come out as well!"
He's talking really fast… Riku thought dully as he took a seat on one of the pool chairs. Sora sat on the ground beside him and grinned up at the silveret with a wide smile. "You'll like Leon, trust me!"
No, I won't, Riku deadpanned in his mind bitterly. "Well see about that." He replied quietly, wanting nothing more than to relax and make Leon disappear… Or at least make Sora treat him like he was one of the maids and not… Someone close to him. That was Riku's job, not Leon's.
Sora mewled and poked Riku's shoulder. "You don't look happy…" He frowned, hugging his knees to his chest.
No shit, Sherlock. Riku mentally groaned. "It's nothing. I'm just still sleepy." He sighed and rubbed his face, hoping that when he would open his eyes again, Sora would tell him how much better than Leon he was, and ask him to ravish him senseless.
…Okay, what?! Riku shook his head and chased the thought away. Must be a slip. He thought, brushing his hand through his hair.
"Hey…Riku?" Sora asked timidly, a smile and a faint blush appearing on his cheeks as he tapped his feet against the marble ground around the pool. "Can I ask you a question?" the brunet requested very softly.
"Sure, go ahead," Riku answered and glanced down at the brunet. He was blushing? Why? For some reason Riku's stomach knotted and he stared expectantly at Sora.
"…how do you know if you like someone… like dating wise?" the brunet asked in a very, very quiet voice. Blue eyes looked up pleadingly, as if begging Riku not to be upset. "I…I'm just curious." Sora giggled uneasily.
Riku assumed this was about that Leon guy. It had to be…and that just irked him beyond belief.
"You just do. You are attracted to them and stuff, you like to hug them and shower them with affection. It's hard to explain," Riku murmured, crossing his hands over his chest. "Why are you asking, anyway?"
"No particular reason!" Sora answered all too quickly, blush growing as he gave Riku a shy look.
Riku narrowed his eyes. "Okay. If you say so," he muttered, returning to his previous position on the chair and sighing.
"Oh, look! It's Leon!" Sora grinned, instantly standing up and waving at the older brunette.
Riku wished he had a harpoon to throw at him for hogging all of Sora's attention. Instead, Riku remained seated and watched as the brunet made his way over to the pair, pulling up two chairs. One for himself and one for Sora. Riku figured that Sora was going to sit in the middle. Why couldn't Riku sit in the middle so that Sora wouldn't be next to Leon? That'd be nice.
Leon placed the two chairs near Riku's. At once, the older brunet cautiously took a seat as Sora hopped up onto one as well, grinning widely at the other. "Hi, Leon!" he declared joyfully. Riku felt a migraine coming on.
"I'm honored to be invited to lunch," Leon stated with ease, offering a small smile at the brunet. Riku wanted to rip the other brunet's lips off for smiling at Sora and causing the brunet to mirror the smile right back. It was so annoying!
"It's no problem!" Sora giggled and leaned back in the chair.
"Oh Leon, can you help the maids? I can see them over by the door…they need help," Riku suddenly declared, trying to sound civil and polite. But really, he was just looking for an excuse to get the other way from his Sora…right. About that…
Leon nodded quietly and stood up, bowing and making his way towards the group of maids struggling with a bunch of trays.
"What was that for?" Sora frowned, huffing at Riku.
"Nothing. I just thought they needed help. Leon is a butler after all, isn't he?" Riku replied easily.
"Yeah but… He was having time-off so he could have lunch with us!" Sora sighed, shaking his head. "If you don't like him you don't have to be such a meanie you know… It's not polite and it's really shallow."
Riku felt his heart sinking. Him? Shallow? Rude? He didn't really care if anyone said it, but Sora… It was actually… Hurtful.
Riku fell silent as Leon and the maids brought the food over, placing a tray with a small stand beside each of the three chairs. The maids giggled, bowed, and then promptly leaved after a quick word with Sora. Leon began, almost at once, conversing with Sora, as if to strike silently back at Riku. Payback.
Riku plucked a roll from the tray of food and squeezed it in his palm, watching it crumbled in his grasps. Frustration, yeah, he had a lot of that right now. Riku muttered something dark under his breath, a bit broken and almost depressed from Sora's statement moments before. No, he wasn't going to say anything to Sora right now. He felt too pissed and…bothered to do that.
Sora didn't seem to notice Riku's change of mood. The brunet was too busy catching up with Leon about what was happening to notice Riku's sudden melancholic and downright adorable pouty state throughout the entirety of lunch.
Riku was not used to being ignored, but figured that if he was not going to have paid attention to he would at least have a good meal. He'd deal with winning Sora over later, on a full stomach.
He wondered if Sora would even notice he was missing, with him being so indulged in his conversation with Leon. He shook his head and took another pancake.
Sora chuckled and leaned back in his chair upon finishing his meal. "Hah! That's great Leon!" He grinned, crossing his hands behind his back. The older brunette nodded with a small smile.
Riku was about to throw the damn man into the pool and drown him with his own hands.
"So, you wanna go swimming now?" Sora suggested, cocking his head slightly.
Leon nodded and turned to look at Riku.
Riku sighed. "Yeah… Let's go."
Now, if Riku hadn't been jealous before he definitely was now. Not only had Sora stripped down to his swimming trunks—that didn't bother him that much—but that home wrecking, butler man had done the same. And with a body like that, Riku found it impossible that he was a butler and not some famous celebrity in disguise. The silveret stood by his chair as Sora and Leon eagerly entered the pool, already having fun. They were like long lost friends…or lovers. Riku begged to argue on that one.
"It doesn't bother me," Riku told himself as he lifted his arms into the air, easily peeling off his thin shirt. He wasn't really in the mood to swim but he had to now that the stalker was in the pool with Sora. This wasn't going to end well.
"It doesn't bother me," Riku repeated to himself as he quickly unbuttoned his jeans and tediously peeled them off, his gaze locked with the two brunets in the pool. If Leon touched Sora, there would be hell to pay. No molesting was allowed here. None whatsoever. Unless it was—No.
Riku hadn't realized until that moment that Sora was blushing softly as he swam around the pool with the other brunet in tow, playing chase or something. Sora looked so happy…and giddy…and nervous, and he kept occasionally glancing back at Riku with an uncertain look. Almost to ask if Riku was upset with his behavior. Riku didn't dare answer, verbally or physically, and took a seat at the edge of the pool.
Sora quickly made his way to the older teen, panting and offering Riku a tiny smile. "You wanna join us?" he hummed, leaning on his elbows and throwing Leon a glance as the butler hoisted himself on Sora's other side.
Riku kept quiet for a few moments before rubbing the back of his head. "I'll see about it," he murmured, keeping his gaze cautiously pinned at the rippling water.
Sora scrunched his nose and nodded. "Okay… Well, feel free to join whenever you feel like it!" he informed him with a grin, tugging on Leon's hand and pulling him back to the center of the pool. The older brunette followed gladly, of course.
Riku sighed and leaned on his elbows, narrowing his eyes at Sora. Didn't he say he really needed a friend? Or was Leon not a friend to him? Perhaps he was… He didn't like that train of thought. Not a bit.
Riku, for an instance, couldn't stand being ignored, nor did he like sharing. Especially after his big breakup.
Without really thinking, Riku turned his back to the pool and headed back inside. Thoughts of protecting Sora left his mind briefly as he childishly threw a silent tantrum. Riku had never been one for sharing, nor was he one to be ignored. The silveret clenched his fists angrily by his sides, almost forgetting that he was a slave here and he should have expected this. A butler was above a slave, after all.
Riku stopped walking in the small room that connected the pool area and the main house. The small room was silent and Riku could barely hear the splashing of water outside. Emerald eyes slid shut as he leaned back against the closest wall. A murmur slipped from his lips moments later.
"I hate this," Riku decided and forced himself to open his eyes and stare back out at the pool. Sea green eyes locked with Sora's form. It took everything the broken Riku had not to go back and punch the butler straight in his face and kick him aside.
Riku lowered his gaze and rubbed his forehead "Am I…jealous?" he asked himself, his eyes widening wearily. He shook his head a moment later. "Probably just being stupid." He sighed and brushed his hand through his hair. "Better go to my room and do something with those books Sora gave me…" He sighed and brushed his hand through his hair.
Sora, meanwhile, was dunked by Leon, and was enjoying it quite a bit… Almost enough to forget about Riku. Almost.
"Is something wrong, Master Sora?" Leon sighed, supporting himself against the edge of the pool.
"Riku's gone…" Sora murmured, looking at the exit from the pool. "Wonder why he did that…" He frowned, making his way out of the pool and getting his towel.
"Perhaps he was tired?" Leon suggested, wiping his forehead and cocking his head at Sora.
"Nah, it's probably something serious so I better go check it." The youth sighed and wrapped himself up in the towel, smiling at Leon. "Tell mom you're free for the afternoon, imma go check on Riku," he informed Leon and quickly took off.
Riku, meanwhile, entered his room quickly, not bothering to redress. He figured he'd just linger around his warm room in his swim trunks for awhile. He doubted anyone would come in so he really didn't need to worry. Besides, trunks were better than what he was wearing when he first cam here. Desolately, Riku sat down on the edge of his bed and began thumbing through a book Sora had given him, though part of him wanted to return to the pool and drag Sora away from the older brunet.
It was only two more minutes before Sora entered the room, dripping wet. The small brunet closed the door gently behind him and walked over to Riku with a weary smile on his lips. Riku didn't even raise his gaze from the book.
"Riku?...You okay?" Sora asked nervously, his fingers toying with his wet hair as he swayed back and forth on the balls of his feet.
Riku murmured a response and pretended to be absorbed in the book. Frankly, he couldn't read even if he wanted to—his mind was too scrambled to focus on reading words in a book.
"Riku?" Sora asked again, walking over and cautiously sitting down beside the older teen. Apprehensively, Sora placed a hand on Riku's shoulder. Riku promptly closed the book he had been reading.
"You were acting weird and I got worried…" Sora sighed, pulling the towel up over his head like a hoodie. "Something wrong?"
"Not really, I was just tired," Riku murmured after a long moment.
Sora chuckled and poked Riku's shoulder. "Right."
"I didn't feel like staying, so I went." The older teen shrugged and rubbed his forehead. "It's nothing."
"It's something if it makes you just go away without noting…" Sora sighed and cocked his head. "Did I do something? Tell me, I wanna know…"
Riku sighed and leaned back. "I don't like Leon," he announced, keeping his eyes safely shut.
Sora lowered his look and laced his fingers together. "Why? Is it because I'm paying less attention to you when he's around?"
Riku didn't want to answer that question. The silveret shrugged and kept his gaze off the brunet beside him, too fearful of the truth that surely would come out eventually. But really. What was the truth exactly? "What if I said yes?" he asked plainly, fingers strumming the top of his bare knee
"Uhm…" Sora trailed off and tapped Riku on the shoulder. When Riku didn't look his way, Sora frowned deeply. "If you said yes then I'd apologize…I just haven't seen him for awhile. A really long time, actually…and…"
Riku was a bit internally terrified to hear the 'and' part. "What?"
"He's like a big brother, I suppose," Sora murmured and hunched his shoulders up. "I never had one so Leon…is kinda like that to me, I suppose." The brunet moved uncomfortably, trying to get comfortable on the bed but without moving too close to his upset friend. "I'm sorry, Riku…"
Riku bit his bottom lip. "It's…nothing, really. You don't have to apologize to me. I'm just a slave. It's nothing," he mumbled.
Sora knew otherwise. "Riku…"
"I was just being stupid, don't fret about it." Riku sighed, leaning back against the wall and closing his eyes.
Sora lowered his eyes and pursed his lips. "Why were you so upset then?"
"I already told you, I don't like sharing… Friends," he concluded quietly with a sigh.
Sora scrunched his nose. "If you say so…" he whispered, rubbing the towel against his head.
Riku sighed and turned over so he could look at Sora, eyeing his briefly before quietly offering his hand for the brunette to take.
Sora blinked at the outstretched hand. A small blush appeared on the brunet's face before he timorously extended his own hand, lightly clasping his own over Riku's. Blue eyes shyly glanced up at aquamarine. "You know that no matter what you'll be my friend, right?"
Riku offered a wayward smile and subconsciously squeezed Sora's hand. "Thanks, Sora," he murmured and absentmindedly began toying with Sora's fingers.
Sora smiled radiantly. "You're welcome!" he eagerly chirped and gave a timid squeeze back, his cheeks turning a sharper red as his breath caught in his throat for no reason whatsoever.
Riku looked like he was about to say something but instead remained silent. Sora noticed this and turned a darker red still.
"How often do you go outside? I mean, just going out for a family trip on Sunday whatsoever…" the silver haired teen finally sighed, allowing his gaze trail over to Sora's direction.
"Mmm… Not very often. I usually don't ask, though. I have most of the things I need in here so… I just don't." Sora shrugged and slumped on the bed, letting his head land on Riku's lap. "We usually fly abroad three times a year on holidays," he hummed, shrugging.
Riku leaned back and let his hand land on Sora's shoulder, squeezing lightly every now and then like a massage of a sort. "I see…" he concluded, eyes lingering on Sora's lithe form.
"How about you?" Sora wondered as he nuzzled his cheek against Riku's leg, getting comfortable. "Did you travel often, I mean?"
Riku shrugged dismally and brushed his fingers through Sora's hair this time. Aquamarine eyes remained on Sora's curled up form, glad that the brunet was laying on him and not that butler guy…even though Sora considered him an older brother. God. Why was he so jealous?
"Not really," Riku answered honestly. Silence. "We stayed at home most of the time." His fingers continued threading through Sora's hair. Back and forth. A small scratch there. Riku didn't say anymore. He was just at utter peace having the brunet's warm body against his body—regardless of how unclothed he was.
"That feels good," Sora admitted dreamily, smiling sweetly as he broke the silence.
"Hm." Riku replied quietly and closed his eyes, letting himself drift away in thoughts as his fingers kept raking back and forth through the rich cinnamon locks.
Sora sighed quietly and curled closer to Riku, fingers fidgeting with his towel. "Hey… Riku? Can I touch your hair too?" he whispered, rubbing his cheeks with the back of his hands, swallowing thickly.
"Why?" the elder asked calmly as his fingers kept grazing against the still humid brown mane.
"It feels really nice…" Sora smiled, turning around so he could face Riku. His shoulders pulled up by instinct as he offered the silver haired teen a pleading look.
Riku shrugged and averted his gaze for a single moment. "I suppose if you want. It's not really that soft but if you want," Riku murmured, tending to ramble towards the end as he kept his gaze locked with an object in the distance.
"Really?!" Sora exclaimed happily, a large grin appearing on his cheeks as he stared at Riku with wide, blue eyes.
"Eh, sure, I guess," Riku responded with a nod, uneasily looking towards Sora once more. Sora was awfully close and a dark red and incredibly adorable looking. This boy was unbelievable.
Sora smiled sincerely and impulsively leaned forward and kissed Riku's nose before pulling back with a crimson blush and sifted his fingers into Riku's hair, collapsing back against the older's chest as he somewhat sat in Riku's lap, but more so on the space on the bed between the teen's legs.
Riku cleared his throat uneasily as the light feeling of delicate fingers sank in his hair, caressing his scalp with a line of feather-light touches, like cotton candy or clouds… Something fluffy and awfully sweet. Something like Sora.
The brunette smiled with content as his cheek meet Riku's firm collarbone. He liked the feeling of it, it was so comforting and safe… Very much like Leon's, only more raw… And somewhat familiar.
"Sora…" the older teen murmured quietly, leaning into the touch. It felt so damn nice and maternal… Riku missed the touch, missed it so damn much it almost hurt.
"Mm?" Sora hummed quietly, pulling his shoulders up as he curled on Riku's lap, tucking his knees under himself.
"Don't… Fall asleep…" Riku whispered, leaning his cheek against Sora's wrist and sighing softly. Missed it too damn much…
Sora chuckled softly under his breath. "I won't," the small brunet reassured the taller teen as he kept close to Riku's warm, bare chest. It was akin to the model's chests on television that he often stared at in awe. The brunet giggled mentally and snuggled closer, his nimble fingers stroking a small patch of hair of Riku's hair.
"Alright, good," Riku mumbled. The silveret leaned his head against the soft caress that the younger teenager gave.
Sora absently began to draw small shapes onto Riku's lower stomach as he remained curled up against Riku. "I'm sorry again," Sora whispered, keeping his free hand buried in Riku's tresses.
"Don't apologize. I was an ass and overreacted," said Riku with an edge to his voice that was easily detectable.
Sora sighed and kept his cheek pressed to Riku. "Can I make it up to you?"
Riku shrugged. "You don't have to, but if it will make you feel better- sure, why not?" He sighed and opened his eyes, scanning the goop of brown hair just below his chin. "Feeling comfortable?" Riku snickered and took a deep breath in, wrapping his arms slowly around Sora's frame.
"Yeah," Sora admitted with a small chuckle as he shrugged the towel off; revealing the soft, smooth skin of his back.
Riku couldn't help but adore the texture of Sora's back. It was like running your hands through heavy cream, or some very fine sand.
"Well… I guess it's good then…" Riku murmured, his dexterous fingers swimming back and forth across the tender skin.
Sora swallowed thickly and pressed closer to Riku, pursing his lips tightly together. Damn… Having Riku touching like that felt too nice for his own liking. Honestly, the feeling of sparks running up and down his spine was simply overwhelming…
Riku eyed the brunet in his grasps for a long while. "Hey, Sora?" Riku asked quietly, his eyes transfixed with Sora's almost angelic body. It wasn't tall like his, nor was it muscular. It was hard to describe. The only word Riku could think of was heavenly, and not even that justified the boy's torso.
"Hm?" Sora trembled and didn't dare to peek up at the older silveret. The brunet still felt bad and he didn't want to push his luck by moving. If they were both comfortable Sora wouldn't dare to move out of this position anytime soon unless Riku wanted to.
"You're shaking," Riku informed the brunet as he brushed his knuckles down the silky, tan skin on Sora's back.
"Oh…" Sora tried not to stammer or stutter. "I'm sorry." Sora flattened his shaking hand against Riku's stomach. The brunet dropped his hand from Riku's hair and allowed it to rest on the silveret's shoulder, his fingers gripping the area tightly. Almost as if he was afraid to let go.
"Something bothers you?" the older teen asked softly, soothing his hands down the brunette's sides. Ah… Showing care and affection. He kind of missed doing it…
Sora shook his head in reply and swallowed quietly. "It's nothing Riku. Just a bad thought."
Riku sighed and hugged Sora close. "You know… If it really upsets you that much, you should share. Maybe I can help," he offered in a quiet murmured, hands fastened safely around Sora's waist.
The brunette squirmed slightly and shook his head. "It's okay. It's over now anyway." He offered Riku a brilliant, somewhat shy smile, and returned to leaning his head against Riku's chest.
It wasn't five minutes later before a knock on the door could be heard, making both teens quickly unbind and head into different directions. Of course, Riku nor Sora knew why they lunged away from one another. What were they so afraid of? Someone catching them snuggling? Was that what they were doing? Or was it something different? Riku didn't bother asking.
"May I come in?"
Leon. Riku narrowed his eyes and watched as Sora looked to Riku, sheepishly smiled, then scrambled over to the door, grabbing his towel as he went. The brunet wrapped the towel tightly around his upper torso and opened the door, a dark crimson on his cheeks.
"Hi Leon!" Sora greeted nervously, beaming happily at the older brunet as he began trembling once more.
Riku sat down on the edge of the bed once more, eying Leon with a deathly look. One that ultimately stated, 'you touch him and you're dead'. Riku, though, remained silent. Polite and silent..except for his deadly glares that were sent at the other.
Leon blissfully ignored the daggers Riku was sending at him and bowed politely. "Master Sora, your father wants you to eat lunch with him." He informed, casting the youth a look of sympathy. "I highly suggest you don't let him down. He said it was important."
Sora rubbed the back of his head and nodded. "Come on Riku…" he offered the older teen a tiny smile. "Let's go." Riku felt a dread feeling swirling at the pit of his stomach. Sora's father? Wasn't he the one who bought him…?
"Riku?" Sora frowned, placing his hands on his hips.
"Actually, your father wanted to speak to you alone," Leon hummed and placed his hand on Sora's shoulder, squeezing it gently.
"And why can't I come?" Riku found himself retorting at once, protectively looking from Sora and then to Leon. More daggers sent towards the tall brunet butler. Sora sent him a look and Riku quieted at once. "Fine, go," he grumbled under his breath and looked off to the right.
"I'll be back soon, Riku," Sora reassured the silveret with a softened smile. "You'll be fine, right?..."
"Yes," Riku lamented and paused when he felt Sora's hand on his shoulder. Aquamarine eyes glanced awkwardly up to blue ones. "Huh?... What is it, Sora? You shouldn't keep your father waiting…"
"Uhm…heh, yeah," Sora said quickly, quickly removing his hand, forgetting why he had put it there to begin with. The brunet waved at Riku quickly and then scampered out of the room with Leon.
Riku growled and rubbed his head. He was being a jerk again, wasn't he?
Oh well… Time to get dressed…
Sora sighed and followed Leon to his room, holding his hand absently and moving his gaze from one tile to another as they progressed towards his room so he could get dressed. He usually would be happy about having lunch with his usually busy father, but today he just felt off… Most probably because he knew he left Riku in a rather uneasy situation.
He wanted to hug him again and let him know that he was still his friend… And that he didn't like seeing him feeling down like that. At all.
"Do you know what he wants to talk to me about?" Sora asked as they neared the door to the small lunchroom his father usually ate his lunch in. The brunet shifted uncomfortably before glancing over at Leon.
"No," Leon said and gestured for Sora to enter. "You'll do fine. I mean, you are his son. It'll be fine," Leon reassured the smaller brunet and nudged him towards the door.
And with one deep breath, Sora entered the room and went on to have lunch with his father, which honestly, was a rare occasion. While Sora remained in that room, Leon wandered up and down the hallway, making sure everything was in order. The older brunet figured he'd wait for Sora to finish and then escort him back to the room he had been in prior. It was the least he could do. Riku, on the other hand, was a nervous wreck. He just knew they were discussing him. Riku grabbed a pillow and smothered himself with it, trying to keep his mind off Sora for more than a minute. It was pointless.
After twenty minutes, Sora exited the room, appearing a bit shaken up. Sora swallowed thickly and looked to his right, noticing Leon leaning against the wall. Was he trembling that badly? Would Leon notice?
Leon quietly pushed himself from the wall and crossed his hands over his chest. "Well?"
"He wanted to talk about Riku." Sora shrugged, not bothering to look up at the elder's face and swallowing again.
"I see… Are you alright? You seem pale," Leon noted quietly, squeezing Sora's shoulder.
Sora swallowed again and let himself hug Leon tightly, burying his face in the man's firm chest. "He treats Riku like a slave…" he whispered, tightening his hold around the other brunette's waist. "And… He's not. Riku's my friend!"
Leon shook his head quietly and planted a tiny kiss on top of Sora's head. "Don't mind his words then," he sighed, hugging the teen back and closing his eyes. "You were the one that told me it doesn't matter what others think of you as long as you're happy. It should be the same with Riku and your father," he explained, hands going up and down Sora's back in slow, soothing motions.
The youth sighed and dragged a deep breath in. "I know it's kinda stupid and I'm being really sentimental but… I don't want him to treat Riku like a slave… So what if he bought him at some stupid auction? Riku's human too… Right Leon?" He sniffled once, rubbing the corners of his eyes.
The older brunette offered Sora a tiny smile as he crouched beside him, squeezing his hands lightly and looking up at him. "You shouldn't be upset about this," he sighed, pressing Sora's fingers against his lips. "You still make your own decisions. It's you who decides whether that boy is or isn't a slave… Am I right?"
Sora swallowed and nodded quietly, eying the kneeling man in front of him. He couldn't help but compare him to Riku… Both radiated this masculine aura, only Leon's was much more refined and mature, restrained, yet still evident, while Riku's was free and still held traces of childishness.
He couldn't decide which one he liked better.
"I suppose you are right," Sora reasoned and shivered a bit. "But…I can't control what Dad does to Riku, though. What if he…hurts him or something?! I don't want to see Riku hurt!" Sora gulped and hid his face once again, feeling a feral need to cry grow in his chest. He wouldn't cry, though. He didn't want to appear weak. He wasn't. He was emotional but not weak.
"Then protect him?" Leon suggested and helped Sora to his feet once more. "If you're this worked up over him perhaps you should return to him? It's quite obvious that he's become attached to you," the old brunet said.
"He…is?" Sora blinked as he stumbled to his feet, holding the older's hand. "I…didn't think he was?"
"Yes," Leon reiterated and began leading Sora slowly down the hallway. "He's protective of you as well," Leon chuckled deeply. "It's obvious that he cares about you, regardless of what you're father's done."
Sora turned a light shade of pink. And again, he wasn't sure whether he liked Leon's kindness or Riku's better. "That's good," Sora sighed in relief and continued down the hallway, feeling slightly better. Perhaps if Riku truly was his friend this whole setup and ordeal would work out. Maybe, just maybe.
When they returned, Leon stood idly outside the door. "I'll leave you to him now, Master Sora," the brunet said huskily as he let go of Sora's hand, bowing in front of the brunet.
Sora blushed softly and held the doorknob, uncertain if he wanted to return to Riku just yet and leave Leon just yet.
"Thanks…" the brunette whispered, squeezing both of Leon's hands and taking a deep breath in, standing on the tips of his toes so he could wrap his arms around Leon's neck and let himself sink in that one last comforting embrace.
"You have to go now…" Leon whispered quietly, voice sounding quite strained. "He's waiting."
Sora nodded and slowly slid back to a complete standing position. "Thanks, Leon…" he whispered. "You're great."
Leon bowed with a faint, yet incredibly genuine smile. "It was nothing, Master Sora," he murmured and quietly and left.
Sora took a deep breath in and out, eyeing the copper colored doorknob.
Riku was inside his room, already dressed and sprawled on his stomach, reading one of the books Sora gave him to distract his mind from the thoughts swimming around in his head, almost all of them regarding Sora.
Although Sora was glad to be back with Riku, he felt a small pang of remorse for having left Leon. The brunet shuffled quietly into the room, hands laced innocently in front of him. The young brunet cleared his throat, drawing Riku's attention at once. Riku glanced up from the book and locked his gaze with Sora's. "Welcome back," Riku said calmly.
Sora laughed uncomfortably and marched over to where Riku was laying. "Thanks," Sora whispered and sat down beside Riku.
Riku arched a brow and closed the book, placing it beside him. "What's up?" Riku sat up straight, noticing a different…something about Sora. "You look really out of it," the silveret noted, lifting a hand to gently place it on Sora's shoulder.
Sora looked up quickly to Riku, smiling sheepishly. "I'm fine. Just a bit… tired, that's all," Sora lied and eased into Riku's touch.
"You sure?" Riku wondered, biting his bottom lip.
Sora nodded and rubbed his forehead. "My dad is so old fashioned…" he murmured, offering Riku a weary smile.
Riku shook his head and snickered, flipping back on the bed and resting his head on his crossed hands. "All parents are like that, to one degree or another…"
Sora sighed and slid on top of Riku's back, burying his nose in Riku's hair and just breathing his scent. Rain… He liked Riku's natural odor, it reminded him of fresh and crisp air, of winter and sharing sweet, innocent gestures with your dearly beloved. "Rikuu…" he murmured softly, feeling at ease now that the older teen's scent was all around him.
"Mm?" the older male responded calmly, eyes sliding close as he let Sora sniff through his mane of hair.
"I really… Like hugging you…" Sora murmured, settling his arms around Riku's shoulders and yanking him closer as if he was some stuffed toy.
Riku snickered and gently pried Sora away from his back, turning to lie on his side and pressing the teen against him in a tight hug.
"Thanks…" Sora purred, inhaling the alluring scent and easily drowning in it.
Riku blinked once as tender warmth settled in the pit of his stomach, sending millions of ethereal butterflies fluttering through him and rocking his body. "Sora…" he murmured, slowly letting his eyes close and the light warmth settle in his cheeks as he indulged in that sweet kiss placed on his left cheek.
Riku kept his arms tightly around Sora. He breathed in and out a few times. Sora blinked a few times. "Yeah?" Sora asked softly, keeping close to the silveret's cheek as he breathed hot puffs of air.
Riku was about to ask why Sora had done that, but he figured he shouldn't bother. Riku kept close to Sora, absently nuzzling closer to the brunet. "Nothing," he murmured and brushed his fingers down Sora's back a few more times.
"Are you mad?" Sora asked nervously, brushing his nose affectionately against his friend's face, refusing to move away from Riku's warmth and protection. Riku was his friend now, he should be allowed to do this. Leon had always let him do this…so why should Riku be any different?
"No," Riku said simply and breathed out. "Just…surprised, I guess."
Sora pressed his cheek against Riku's, quivering at how close they were. "Surprised over what?" he whispered, his voice gentle as it wafted into Riku's ear that was nearby.
Riku shuddered. "That you're this affectionate. I didn't really expect it," Riku murmured inaudibly as his eyes lidded once again, blocking out the light and allowing his mind to picture the brunet beside him.
"W… Well…" Sora swallowed quietly. "You're… Worth my affection…" he murmured, fingers gently squeezing the back of Riku's black cotton shirt.
"Thanks," Riku whispered back, shifting slightly and leaning his head against Sora's.
"Riku?" Sora hummed quietly, sliding his slender fingers to Riku's nape and tangling his fingers in the soft baby-strands there.
"Yeah?" the older teen replied calmly, though his voice seemed to hide some excitement.
"Could you hold me closer?" the brunette sighed, nuzzling against the lobe of Riku's ear and letting his warm, sweet breath caress the elder's neck.
Riku downright shivered at how close Sora was. He couldn't breathe. He had only known Sora for a few days now but it had felt like quite a long time. Probably because he hadn't been away from Sora for more than a few minutes.
Those little breaths on his sensitive neck reminded him of him. Of how he used to touch him like that. Kiss him after teasing him senseless. Riku's stomach began to twist and turn, his body shivering as well as he yanked Sora closer upon request.
"Riku…my heart's beating really fast," Sora admitted, his warm cheek pressing against Riku's neck. "Is..something wrong with me? It's…kind of worrying me," Sora whispered nervously. "Usually it only beats this fast if I run a lot and I'm exhausted and stuff."
"It's normal," Riku reasoned.
Sora made a small 'oh' noise and brushed his hand through Riku's hair. "What causes it? Do you know?" Sora smiled against Riku's neck and experimentally kissed his friend's neck, wanting to show him that he really did deserve affection from someone. Sora just…didn't know a lot of things.
Riku swallowed thickly and let a small gasp escape his throat. "It's… When you feel close… To someone that's really important and special to you… Your heart… Starts beating fast and… You start feeling funny… But in the nice way…" he whispered, burying his nose in Sora's hair. "It makes you want to get even closer and… Probably make the other person… Feel nice…"
Sora nodded and planted a soft kiss just behind Riku's ear, sighing quietly. "I… See…" he murmured, kissing Riku's cheek again. "It feels nice…" He smiled and buried his head in the joint between Riku's neck and shoulder, purring softly. "Does it feel nice to you too, Riku?"
How could he possibly answer such an absurd question as that?
"I suppose it does," Riku murmured in a husky slur as he craned his neck to the side, allowing the brunet to have more access to his neck. This wasn't a 'I suppose' situation. This was a, 'hell yes it feels damn good', situation but Riku wasn't one to come out and say that. Especially when Sora was just experimenting in the fields. Experimenting…Was that exactly what the younger was doing?
"Oh," Sora answered softly as he kept his face hidden, his hands kneading almost kitten-like against Riku's shoulders. "I can stop if you want? If it doesn't feel good?" the brunet suggested sheepishly, smiling sadly against Riku's skin. He didn't want to stop, though. It made him feel warm, loved, and protected.
"It's fine," Riku reassured Sora, his hands slipping back into Sora's hair, caressing the soft locks of brown hair. So damn beautiful. "Continue…if you want," he breathed out when he felt Sora's nose brush against a sensitive spot on his neck.
"You sure?" Sora mumbled worriedly, clinging like a baby koala to the older male.
"Yeah…" Riku answered faintly, voice distant and somewhat pleading.
Sora swallowed and closed his eyes, letting his fingers slide over Riku's back and mesh the skin there. His lips moved to plant millions of feather light kisses on the pale neck, relishing each and every delicate portion of Riku available.
Riku gasped softly and rolled his head back, revealing more flesh for Sora to nip on with those petal-soft lips.
"God… Sora…" he moaned quietly, hands tightening around the youth's waist and squeezing him impossibly close.
Sora blushed darkly at the sound. "Uhm?" the brunet wondered as he shivered compulsively. "What was that noise?" he asked a bit apprehensively as kept close to the older teen.
"Nothing," Riku lied breathlessly. Why did he have this sudden, undeniable urge to kiss the adorable brunet in his arms. He wouldn't have minded asking but he figured that'd be quite awkward. After all they were just friends.
Sora's lips led tediously along the expanse of his friend's neck. The brunet placed a soft kiss to Riku's cheek and lingered there, holding his friend close. "Your skin is really soft," he whispered gently.
"Thanks," Riku exhaled in peace.
"Can I kiss it whenever I like?" Sora asked in a hesitant whisper, cheeks growing red with each passing moment.
Riku kept quiet for quite a while, considering Sora's option. On one hand… He'd kill to get more kisses from Sora. On the other, it was quite hard to control himself in that state… Riku was scared.
"…Yeah," he finally answered, swallowing quietly and closing his eyes, usually pale cheeks painted rich crimson. "You can…"
Sora purred with content and placed another kiss to Riku's cheek. "M'happy…"
"Yeah… So am I…" Riku exhaled and offered Sora a tiny, warm smile and a kiss on the cheek.
At least now he was partially more important than Leon. At least for this moment he had all of Sora's attention and affection. Leon was no longer a part of the equation for this moment. But, of course, Riku knew deep down that Leon wasn't going to go away.
Riku's hand slid up and caressed Sora's tanned cheek with his hand, lightly brushing his thumb along the area. "Would you be offended if I told you that I really enjoy this?"
"Of course not," Sora replied calmly and leaned into Riku's touch. "So you really don't mind me kissing you?"
"Nope," Riku answered honestly as his breathing began to escalate. They weren't really technically kissing…and just the mere thought of that was causing Riku to shudder uncontrollably. He had just met Sora and he was already having distant and romantic thoughts.
Sora offered Riku a shy smile and gently cupped his cheeks, kissing his nose and chin then. "It's really fun to kiss you too… Makes me feel all fluttery on the inside… Like my tummy melts…" He whispered, swallowing and hunching his shoulders.
"Me too…" the older male admitted quietly, fingers absently teasing Sora's nape, milking series of quiet purrs and gasps from the brunette.
"Hey… Riku? Will you come sleep with me tonight?" Sora murmured, sliding his hands down to Riku's chest and clenching his shirt gently between his fists.
"…Yeah," Riku confirmed with a faint nod, his chest swelling with somewhat nostalgic warmth. "I'd love to…"