Heya. Here's a chapter. Love you all.


BEEP. BEEP. BEEP. BEEP.

Riku groaned. His alarm was going off, but it felt early. It was a Monday, right? His first class wasn't until 1:30. Why was he up?

He cracked an eye to look at the time. He was confused for a second. Why did he get up at 8:30 AM on a Monday?

He remembered why when he stood up to turn his alarm off and almost stepped on a small boy on his floor.

He had to get Sora back home by 10.

Riku turned the alarm off.

"Sora?" Riku asked, not sure how to go about waking him up.

Sleepy blue eyes looked at him. Just because Sora woke up easily didn't mean he was wide awake as soon as he was awake.

"We have to leave in 45 minutes to get you home in time."

"Mmkay," Sora mumbled, rolling over and closing his eyes again. When he was sleepy was one of the few times when Sora didn't care about things being evenly done.

Riku frowned. "Oi, you. Time to get up."

"Shhh, too early."

"Sora, get the hell up."

Sora opened his eyes to glare sleepily at Riku.

Riku folded his arms in front of his chest. "Up."

"Why?"

"Because we've gotta get you home," Riku reminded him.

"I don't wanna go home."

"You need to get your meds, if nothing else."

Sora whined and rolled over again so that his face was to the floor. "Don't wanna."

"Sora, get up." Riku nudged the brunette with his foot.

"Noooo."

"Get up," Riku insisted.

"No. Shoo."

Riku was starting to get frustrated. "Sora, get the fuck up. We've wasted ten minutes already."

Sora hissed at Riku, and Riku rolled his eyes.

"Up, or I'll drag you up myself."

"I will kick you."

"No you won't. You'll get the hell up." Riku was nothing if not persistent.

"Rikuuuuuuuuuu."

"What?"

"I'm sleepy."

Although Sora's tone was quite pitiful, Riku was not swayed. "So?"

"So, I want to sleep."

"So tough luck."

Sora gave Riku puppy dog eyes. "Just half an hour?"

"We have to be out of here in an hour," Riku reminded him. "You can sleep in the car."

"No, I can't."

"You can't?"

Sora shook his head, finally relenting and sitting up, but keeping his eyes closed.

"Why not?"

Opening his eyes to look at Riku, Sora said, "Because my eyes stayed glued to the road the entire time, and it'll be especially bad today."

"Why?"

"Because, what if you don't see something and something goes wrong? Or...or..." Sora trailed off and looked down. His hands were clenched again.

"Okay. That works." Riku didn't know what else to say.

"There's a reason my mom won't let me drive anywhere on my own..."

"Makes sense."

"Yeah..." Sora frowned.

Riku checked his watch. "Twenty more minutes."

"There is no way that's enough time... I have a very specific morning routine."

Riku frowned. If Sora hadn't been dragging his feet getting up, he would have had longer to get ready. "Can you rush it? I want to give us enough time to get through traffic."

"No, I can't. I can't rush these things."

"How long do you need?"

"Let's see..." Sora was quiet for a minute. "Thirty-three minutes."

"Okay," Riku said resignedly. "Start now and I'll speed."

Sora got up, setting about going through most of the motions he did every morning. He'd had to factor out the ones that weren't necessary and the ones that he couldn't do. Finally, after retying his shoes at least five times and making sure his hair was all in the right place, he looked at Riku. "Okay, done."

Riku checked his watch. "Thirty-three minutes on the dot. Let's go."

"I've been doing the exact same thing for five years. I know exactly how long it takes me. I've timed myself several times."

"Wow," Riku said, moving towards the door. He put his key in his pocket.

"Wow?"

"I just... can't imagine being so structured."

"Welcome to the world of watching me be OCD," Sora said. "You should see it when I'm at home. It's more than twice as long."

Riku grimaced. "Wow. That's scary." His own morning routine was getting out of bed, putting clothes on, brushing his teeth, and maybe showering, if he had time. It took fifteen minutes, tops.

"I'm used to it. I've done it for years, after all."

"Wow," Riku repeated. He walked out of the room, holding the door open for Sora.

Sora laughed a little as he walked out of the room. "You say wow a lot."

"Only around you," Riku said, laughing. "I'm not used to the whole OCD thing yet."

"It's only this bad when I haven't taken the latest medication they've decided to try," Sora explained. "They all work for a few months and then, BAM, it's like I've never had one at all. The latest is surprisingly effective, though."

"How long have you been on this one?"

"Nearly half a year."

"That's good, right?" Riku asked. He did not have much of a concept how long was normal.

"The longest before this one lasted five, so yes, good."

Riku smiled. They got to the car and climbed in after Sora triple-checked everything.

"What time is it?"

"It's 9:31. If I gun it on the highway, we can get to the city in time." Riku froze. "I just realized I never actually found out where you live. What part of the city are you in?"

"Somewhere near the center. I can give you specific directions once we're close enough. And, it's okay if we're not there by exactly 10."

Shaking his head, Riku said, "I said I could get you back by 10. I plan to get you back by 10." Riku considered his options. "I'm going to take the back road way. That way I can speed without having to worry about cops. I'll have to deal with the highway later on, still, but there won't be as much traffic."

"Okay..."

Riku pulled out of the parking lot and hit the road. They hit the highway 15 minutes in, meaning that Riku had managed to shave about 10 minutes off the usual time. They were still six minutes behind schedule, but Riku knew they were a bit after heavy rush hour. This was doable.

"I should probably call my mom..." Sora muttered, not looking like he was looking forward to that.

"Hm?"

"To let her know that I'm alive and stuff. Otherwise, she's going to pounce the second I walk through the door."

"That's probably a good idea," Riku agreed.

"Yeah..." Sora pulled out his phone and called his mom.

"Hello?"

"Hi..."

"Where are you, Sora?" His mother's voice was clipped. That was a very, very bad sign.

"On my way home..."

"Where were you?" she demanded.

"With a friend."

"Which friend?"

"Not Demyx," Sora said.

"Then who, Sora?" her tone was sharp and frustrated.

"A new friend."

"Who?"

"Riku... Xion knows him, too." Sora hoped that helped dull down the fact that his mom did not know Riku.

His other pressed on. "And how is it that she knows him?"

"Saturday and Sunday in town."

"So you went home with someone you met two days ago, Sora?" She sounded incredulous.

"Kind of...? But, Zexion was right down the hall!"

Her anger was temporarily replaced by confusion. "Why was Zexion down the hall?"

"Because he lives there?"

"Where is there?"

"The dorms at the college in town," Sora said.

The suspicious, accusatory tone was back. "Why were you staying with a college student?"

"Oh, I don't know. Maybe because I'm sick of being stuck in that stupid house all the time."

"Sora, we moved to this house for you. The least you can do is a be a bit grateful."

"I didn't want to move there!" Sora said unhappily. "Why should I be grateful?"

"We did it because of your condition. We uprooted the whole family so you could be closer to doctors."

"I didn't ask you to!"

"Sora, are you questioning my willingness to help you out?" his mother asked. Her tone was verging on dangerous.

"I know you're willing to. I just kind of wish you wouldn't sometimes. I can take care of myself."

"I disagree. You can't seem to go anywhere on your own without panic attacks."

"I can so!" Sora protested. "I just did!"

"How long did it take you to reorganize that kid's dorm room?"

Sora was quiet.

"How long, Sora?"

"It doesn't matter."

"I thought so," she said, a hint of triumph in her voice.

"What do you mean?"

"You're incapable of functioning without your family." Sora's mother sounded downright smug.

"That's not true!"

"Without Vanitas or Xion around, you simply can't survive."

"Yes, I can!"

"Oh really?"

"Yes. If you'd just give me a chance..." Sora muttered.

"Every time I give you a little bit of wiggle room, you always fail," she said, not softening her tone.

"Name one time."

"I've tried letting you go into town alone before."

"When?" Sora asked.

"When you were on your previous medication."

"Oh, right. The one that didn't work. That hardly counts."

"It isn't worth the risk," she said with finality.

Sora was starting to get really fed up. "You can't do this forever, Mom! I get to have a life, too!"

"No you don't."

"You don't mean that..." Sora's voice was quieter than he meant it to be.

"I do."

"Mom..."

Sora could picture his mother's eyes rolling when she next spoke. "What, Sora?"

"You're not keeping me from having a life."

Clearly, his mother had had enough. "It's not like you're really capable of one," she said calmly.

"Yes, I am!"

"Sora, you are not arguing this with me. I am your mother."

Sora was getting louder and louder. "I don't care. You're not me. You can't decide what I'm capable of or not capable of."

"I am your mother, Sora," she repeated. "I'm the one who supports you financially and gives you a place to stay and has raised you since you were born. I know what you are capable of."

"No, you fucking don't! You limit me because you think you know, but you don't!"

"I know what you are capable of," she said simply.

"I don't believe you."

"Tough luck."

"Whatever. I'm done with this conversation." Sora hung up before his mom could reply.

Riku glanced at him out of the corner of his eye. "You okay, kid?"

"No."

"What do you want to do?" Riku asked carefully.

"I don't have any choice but to go home."

"Okay." Riku did not question Sora's decision. Instead, he refocused his attention on the road. After another minute or two, he asked, "Which exit?"

"Two from the one we're about to pass."

"Okay," Riku said. A few minutes later, they took the exit.

"Where to now?"

From there Sora gave Riku directions. Before long, they had pulled up to Sora's house. Riku checked his watch.

"Two minutes ahead of schedule," he said proudly.

"Lovely..." Sora did not seem nearly as enthusiastic.

Riku caught onto Sora's tone, and it worried him a bit. "Are you going to be okay?"

"Always am."

"I feel like that's a lie," Riku said, frowning. "But it's not my job to tell you if you're being honest or not."

"It's not a lie."

"Okay," Riku said, shrugging. He pulled a notebook out of his glove compartment, tore out a piece of paper, scribbled something on it, and handed it to Sora. "That's my number. If you ever need anything, you're welcome to call."

Sora nodded. "Thanks."

With that, Riku's duties were fulfilled. "I'll see you when I see you, then, I guess."

"Yeah. See you." Sora got out of the car.

Riku waved, and as soon as he saw Sora enter the house, he started to drive down the street and back to school.

Slowly and quietly, Sora walked through his house to the kitchen.

"SORA?" Xion said, attempting to sneak up on her brother in the hallway and tackle him. "YOU ARE ALIVE!"

"Yeah," Sora said, dodging out of her reach. "Why wouldn't I be?"

"Mom seemed to think you were kidnapped, for some reason."

"Well, I wasn't..."

"I'm glad," Xion said brightly. "I'd be sad."

"Did you honestly think Riku would kidnap me?"

"No! But Vanitas encouraged mom," Xion said apologetically.

"Vanitas is a jerk."

"Yeah." Xion pouted.

"Anyway, I need breakfast now."

Xion nodded, and they started to walk back to the kitchen. "Mom's just left to run errands, so you're safe for another hour or so."

"Perfect. I plan to be gone before she gets back."

"Where are you going?" Xion looked confused.

"Anywhere," Sora said.

Xion looked like she was going to burst into tears. She wouldn't treat his statement seriously were it not for the fact that he had actually disappeared for a whole night. Everyone was worked up about it, and she was worried in the first place. The idea of him taking off was not that farfetched, anymore.

"Xi... I'll be back. I just have a point to prove first."

"Sora," Xion said, her voice shaking. "A-are you're s-sure that is what you need to do?"

"No. I just don't know what else TO do."

"What do you mean?" she asked quietly.

"I had an argument with mom earlier over the phone."

"So?" Xion said, sounding frustrated. "You and Mom are always fighting."

"This one was kind of different," Sora explained. "I told her she couldn't keep controlling every little thing I do and that I get to have a life, too, and...she said that I didn't. She said that I couldn't manage on my own. I want to prove her wrong."

Xion looked down. She did not want Sora to see the disappointment in her face. "Where are you going, and how long will you be gone?"

"I don't know... Maybe this is a stupid idea..."

"I think it's a tremendously stupid idea," Xion agreed, "but if it means you'll be less miserable, then I can't blame you for doing it."

"It's only stupid because I don't have a plan, yet. If I planned everything out, I think it'd be okay."

Xion nodded. "Then do you want me to help plan things out?"

"Sure."

"Okay. Could you stay with Dem?"

"Dunno." Sora moved past Xion to the kitchen to get breakfast. "Maybe, but I'm not sure how well that'd work."

Xion was genuinely confused. "What do you mean?"

"Because of Zexion."

That did not clear things up any for Xion. "Hm?"

"Because they're together and stuff."

"And?" Xion didn't look as surprised as she was supposed to be.

"I dunno," Sora said. "I just think it'd be weird if I was around and then he was around and yeah."

"Zex has a single, doesn't he?"

"I don't know. I think so."

"And you've stayed over at Dem's before with no problems, right?" Xion asked.

"Well, yeah..."

"Then you should ask him before leaping to conclusions."

"I guess so. I'll ask him later, after Fruit Loops."

Xion laughed. "Okay. Sounds good."

After eating his Fruit Loops, Sora finally got around to taking his medicine for the day. He had just put the bottle away again when he heard the front door. That could mean one of two things: either his mother was back, or Vanitas was coming home. It was too early for his dad to be getting home.

"So wittle baby Sora ran back to his mommy?" a voice asked. Vanitas had entered the kitchen.

"What do you want, Vanitas?" Sora asked wearily.

"Why does it matter?"

"Because I'd like to spend as little time around you as possible."

"Oh really?" Vanitas asked.

"Yeah."

Vanitas smirked. "So when are you leaving?"

"What do you mean?"

Vanitas sat down across from Sora. "Xion looks sad and you're fidgeting."

"That doesn't mean I'm leaving."

"Mom told me about your conversation," Vanitas said, yawning. "Being the favorite has benefits."

Sora just glared at him, and Vanitas repeated his question. "So when are you leaving?"

"None of your business."

"Before Mom gets home, right?"

Sora shrugged.

Vanitas rolled his eyes. "You can leave quickly."

"No, I can't. I can't just up and leave."

"Pity," Vanitas said. "We'd be happy without you."

"Fuck off."

"That's your job," Vanitas said, grinning.

"Not today, Vanitas. Please?"

"Why not, baby Sora?" Vanitas said, his tone mocking.

"Just go away," Sora said, looking away from Vanitas.

"Why not today?" Vanitas demanded.

"Just go the fuck away." Sora glared.

"Sora, why not today?"

Sora's tone was brusque. "I'm not in the mood."

"Awwww, why is Sora not in the mood?"

"I'm going to hit you."

"No you won't."

"How much are you willing to bet that I won't?" Sora asked.

"I don't make bets. I don't need to," Vanitas said cockily.

Sora looked at Van for a moment before hitting him.

Vanitas punched Sora in the gut almost immediately after. "Don't screw with me, kid."

Sora barely stopped himself from doubling over. "Was that...really necessary?"

"Was hitting me necessary?"

"You deserved it."

"Then you did as well.," Vanitas replied.

"I hate you so much."

"And I'm supposed to care... why?"

"I don't care if you care or not."

Vanitas sighed. "Sora, when the hell are you leaving?"

"Why do you want me gone so badly?" Sora asked.

"Because the house will be more peaceful without you."

"Oh..."

"Yup!" Vanitas looked almost cheerful.

Sora was quiet.

"Shut up Vanitas," Xion said, glaring at him.

"Stay out of it, Xi."

"No," Xion said firmly. "I'm not letting you bully Sora."

Vanitas shook his head. "Don't get involved, Xion."

"Too late," she said, glaring. "Leave him alone."

"Don't think so."

While the two of them were arguing, Sora had left the room.

"Sora?" Xion asked, stopping her conversation with Vanitas and running after Sora down the hallway.

"Leave him, Xion," Vanitas shouted after her, rolling his eyes. "He's not worth your time."

By the time Xion caught up to him, Sora was already in his room.

"Sora?"

"What?"

"What can I do?" Xion asked sadly.

"Nothing."

"You sure?" Xion frowned.

"Yeah." Sora shrugged. Xion gave him a hug. This time Sora did not hug back.

"What's the plan?" Xion asked.

"I don't know, but there's no way I'm getting out of here before Mom gets home."

"You still have another half an hour, at the least."

"You said I had an hour forty-five minutes ago," Sora said. "How does that even work?"

"I got a text from Mom while you and Van were arguing," Xion explained. "She had to make another few stops."

"Oh. Okay. I still don't see how this is going to work, though."

"Dem lives 15 minutes away," Xion pointed out.

"Yeah, I know that. But, I still have to get stuff together, and you know how I am about packing anything. I need normal necessities, my school stuff... Xion, that's going to take like an hour."

"If you give me a list of the things you need, I can pack for you," Xion offered. "Namine and I are going out to see a movie later on, so I can drop stuff off at Dem's-though you'll need to call him and make sure it's okay, first."

"Yeah, I know." Sora pulled out his phone. "He texts back faster than he answers usually, so..." Sora sent Dem a quick text.

Less than a minute later, Sora's phone started vibrating. "What'd he say?" Xion asked.

Sora read the text. "He says it's cool." He sent Dem an appreciative reply.

Xion smiled. "Are you okay with me packing for you?"

"Not really, but I don't have much of a choice."

"I'm sorry, Sor. I know by now exactly how you organize things, though, to the exact angle. I promise I won't mess up your room, and I'll be really, really organized packing."

"Okay. I trust you."

"Thank you." Xion smiled slightly. "How are you getting to Dem's?"

"Umm..."

"Can he pick you up?"

"One sec." Sora sent another text to Dem and got a super quick reply. "He says he can't for at least half an hour, so...no?"

"How are you going to get over there, then?" Xion looked nervous. "It's too far to walk."

"Drive me?"

Xion's frown deepened. "I can't. Mom and Dad have their cars, and Vanitas has to go to class soon."

Sora sighed.

"I'm sorry, Sor."

"Hey, Xion..."

"Yeah?"

"Why aren't you at school?" Sora asked.

Xion mumbled something under her breath.

"Hm?"

"I was worried about you."

"Oh..." Sora bit his bottom lip.

"Besides, Namine has been bugging me to skip with her and go see a movie for a while now."

"Such a little rebel."

"Shhh," Xion said, putting a finger up to her lips. "I faked sick this morning. If I weren't such a good actress, I never would have gotten away with it. It's a good thing I'm Daddy's little girl."

"I'm proud of you, Xion."

Xion looked at Sora, confused.

"Mom's hard to fool."

"Vanitas helped me out a little," Xion admitted. "But it was mostly me."

"Vanitas was actually helpful?"

Xion nodded.

"Oh."

"I love you," Xion said, somewhat abruptly.

"That was random...but I love you too."

Xion smiled. "Good. Now back to the issue at hand. How are we getting you to Dem's?"

"I still say you drive me there and Van can get a ride with a friend or something."

Xion bit her lip. "Give me two minutes." She skipped out of the room.

After a few minutes, she returned, keys in hand. "I talked to Vanitas. We've got the car. Let's go." They walked out to the car, and Xion unlocked the doors. They both got in and headed out. The drive to Demyx's didn't take long.

Sora looked at Xion. "You'll bring my stuff later?"

"I will," Xion promised. "I just have to get back home quickly, before Mom catches me. Van said he'd text me if she beats me home. I'll bring it up later, when I go out with Namine."

"Awesome." Sora smiled. "You're the best."

"Nah. You are."

Sora shook his head, opening the door. "I'll see you later, Xi."

"Seeya, Sor."

Sora got out of the car and went inside. He was there enough and close enough to Dem that just walking in wasn't weird.

Xion drove away, a frown on her face, but knowing that she had done what was best.

[TBC]