Author's Note: I'm a tad disappointed the last update didn't attract many new readers. I know it was lacking, so I really hope this one's better. On a happier note, I'd like to thank StillDollDemon for always being there to motivate me! This chapter is dedicated to her! :3 Also, there was a song that inspired me while I was writing, and now I love it dearly because of that. If you're into jrock and visual kei, please check it out! It's called Byakuya by the band MoNoLith.

Warning! Giant fluffballs ahead! Huehuehuehue!

What did Sora have in mind? He hadn't given it much thought, his mind being preoccupied with other things. He supposed they could do anything. Simply being with Riku might take his mind off things.

"Well, I could go for some dinner. I really miss this one place over in Traverse Town," Sora suggested.

"Sure, it's a start. We'll head over to Traverse and go from there."

Once they were situated in Riku's car and on their way to the next town, Sora started to fill his friend in on what had landed his family in the current situation.

"Cloud may not be my favorite person in the world, but even I'm a little worried about him," Riku said when Sora finished his retelling of the events. "He's your brother after all."

"Thanks Riku."

"I bet he just needs some time to cool off. He wouldn't give you guys up so easily."

"Yeah… he'll come back," Sora beamed, returning to his more cheerful nature for the first time today. "Well, you helped me out… now can I do the same for you?"

"Sora, there's nothing more you can do than what you're already doing. I'm happy to just have you as a friend… even though I don't deserve it."

"Aw, come on, Riku! Don't say stuff like that. You're a great friend!"

"Hn. You know better than anyone I've made some terrible choices in the past… a lot of them where ones that had the potential to hurt you pretty badly. That doesn't sound like too great a friend to me."

"You also saved me from something pretty terrible once… and that's something I'll never forget, Riku. How you stood up to your own brothers for me. How does someone go against family, the adults in your life… especially when you're just a kid yourself? You had to be pretty brave, and a pretty great friend to do that. In my eyes… that trumps everything else."

"You really think so?" Riku asked, taking his eyes off the road for a moment to gauge his younger friend.

"Of course," Sora answered sincerely.

Riku turned his gaze back to the road, reflecting on the brunet's words. "I'm very lucky to have you as a friend then," he said at last.

"Same here, Riku."

At an arcade in Traverse Town, an air hockey machine sent out a loud vibrating buzz, signaling the end of the game.

"Best two out of three!" Sora shouted. Riku had taken the victory this time.

Apparently the silver haired teen had managed to bring out Sora's competitive side.

"Come on, Riku! I'm really feeling it this time!"

"It's getting pretty late Sora."

"So? It's not a school night. And it's not like anyone is expecting me home at certain time… Do you have to go home?"

"You know Sephiroth doesn't give two shits about me staying out late."

"Oh, so you're just afraid I'm gonna beat you, huh!?" Sora teased.

"Not in the least. I'll prove it! Best two out of three!" Riku proceeded to stuff the contents of his wallet into the machine. As it chimed back to life, the two teens took hold of their mallets for a battle of speed and coordination.

Riku let out a loud curse as the buzzer went off for the final round.

"Seven to three! Haha! Eat that Riku! I knew you were totally deflecting earlier."

Riku rolled his eyes. "You know Sora, gloating is not attractive," he said, sulking playfully.

"Aw, Riku, you love me anyway, right?" Sora said before he realized how it sounded. "I am your best friend," he added so as to make sound less awkward.

Riku smiled, trying to figure out his friend through a sleepy gaze. He brushed it off as Sora just being Sora. "I was just kidding, Sor. Never mind. Looks like we're closing the place down. Let's get out of here." Sora nodded, following Riku out of the arcade.

"Boy, am I exhausted," Riku said as he plopped inside the driver's seat of his car. "I did not get enough rest last night."

"Thinking about Kairi?" Sora asked, taking the passenger seat.

"Kind of… Honestly, I was more worried about losing my friendship with you, than getting dumped by my girlfriend. It was definitely a wake-up call to set me straight on my priorities. I'm gonna have to do a lot of work on myself before I jump into another relationship."

"Right, there's always room for improvements… but in the meanwhile, just remember that I like you, flaws and all…" Perhaps it was the adrenaline running through Sora at the moment, but he had never felt so bold to even hint about his feelings as he was now.

How Sora always managed to have such a strong effect on him, Riku could never figure out. He wasn't complaining. He really did feel lucky to have Sora for a friend. "Thanks… that means a lot coming from you. Totally sappy, but heartfelt nonetheless. I feel better about myself already."

That earned him a small laugh from Sora, although, inside, he was terrified if his friend were ever to catch on to his hints.

"So where to now?" Riku asked, starting the car.

"Home?"

"You don't seem too sure about that."

Sora shook his head, "To be honest… that's the last place I wanna go right now."

"I've got a better idea… why don't we stay here tonight?"

"In Traverse Town?"

"Yeah… we could stay at that cool-looking hotel we passed on our way over here," Riku suggested on a whim.

"Okay, sure."

:o We are progressing slowly but surely! Please stick around to find out what happens next! Another update is on its way! 'Til next time!