COR: Didn't think you see me so soon huh?
Kairi: That's right, keep updating as fast as this and maybe you're get this thing done in a month.
COR: Ha! Maybe two…
Namine: Oh maybe a year, since you get bored easily.

COR: Shut up…

Disclaimer: I DO NOT OWN THIS PLOT OR KINGDOM HEARTS! Got it? Good!

Warnings: Swearing, mature themes, etc, etc... yadda, yadda yadda

Addicted to You
Chapter Four: The Great Divide

"What?" I asked in frustration.

"Nothing," Laxrene replied turning her eyes away from me.

We were sitting on the bleachers waiting for Sephiroth and a few other guys to finish their football practice. Laxrene kept looking at me wearily and it was driving me insane.

"Come on Rene! What's up? Do I have something on my face or something?" I asked raising a hand to my cheek.

"No-no not at all. It's just that…"

"You should tell him Laxrene, for all of us," Jess said solemnly.

"All right, Roxas… well everyone and I were just… curious, as to why Riku stood up for you today."

"Why would you be curious about that?" I asked slightly raising my eyebrow.

"Roxas! Riku sticks up for no-one. And when I say no-one, I mean absolutely no-one!" Laxrene told me harshly.

"Unless of course you were his friend… or a relative or something… you're not are you?" piped up a red haired boy called Hal.

"No, no, I barely know the guy. Yesterday was the first time I knew he even existed," I told them and cursed myself inwardly as my voice wavered slightly.

"Then you're screwing him," Jess said casually. "That's the only other reason why he would stand up for you."

My jaw dropped in indignation. All three girls and the guy Hal were looking at me in surprise. "No! No no no no no! No I am not his friend! No I am not related to him! And there is no way in hell that I am screwing him!"

"Hmm," Laxrene sighed. "I guess we're going to have to believe you this time. Besides, it was a one off thing wasn't it everyone? If it happens again though mark my words when I say that we'll never talk to you again. You just don't socialize with those sorts of people Roxas. It can't be much different in New York can it? I mean, people over there aren't normally challenged are they?"

I opened my mouth to say something but was interrupted by Giselle. "I think they are. We went to New York for the summer and so many girls were wearing pink bandanas. Bandanas!"

Laxrene cocked in eyebrow at her. "What do bandanas have to do with hanging out with freaks Giselle?"

"But – but you were talking about morals and nobody with god morals would dare wear a bandana. I just think-"

"Look nobody cares what you think! Roxas," Laxrene swung her perfect face towards me. Her smile was gone and she looked horrifying… evil. "Let me get this through your head. If you hang out with any of those Goth's or if you even utter a kind word to them we will ditch you." Her lips curved upwards into what would be described as nothing less than a malevolent.

Then like nothing had happened her smile turned pretty again and she began telling a story about when she and Sephiroth had gone out on a date and some homeless person was begging them for money. I was still in shock. How could she threaten to ditch me if I talked to Vogue (or Sora not quite sure) or any of them? That wasn't fair. I was beginning to regret ever wanting to be popular. There were too many rules and laws and God knows what else.

"Hey peeps," said Sephiroth announcing his presence. He flopped in between Laxrene and I and gave Rene an affectionate peck on the cheek. "How was your afternoon."

"It was great baby. We've just been talking and watching you guys practice," Laxrene told him smiling sweetly.

"Really? Sounds like the kinda thing girls do. What'd you talk about?" he said looking over at me.

I felt a bit offended, sure I was gay but I'm not a girl and I don't act like a girl. Oh well, whatever… "Oh, we talked about shopping and boys and the usual." I said in my best gayish voice, doing the little hand wave thing. There NOW you can call me a girl, jerk…

Over Sephiroth's shoulder Laxrene nodded approvingly. I almost rolled my eyes. I was being sarcastic bitch. "You're cousin is so cool Sephi. I can't believe that your uncle made him live in New York for so long!"

I looked away and down at the ground. I missed New York. I missed the city and the bustle of it all. San Diego was beautiful but it didn't have my friends. My true friends. The friends who didn't lecture me about who I could and could not talk to. The friends who I felt comfortable with. The friends who I actually enjoyed hanging out with.

I should give Fujin and Vivi a call this afternoon. Oh. And Raijin and Hayner and Pence and Rikku, I thought miserably. Sure I talk to them on the net but I miss hearing their voices. I actually miss not living in the city, living in the suburbs is fine… but I miss what I'm used to… I… I miss dad…

"Roxas?"

I looked up in surprise to see Sephiroth frowning at me. "Yeah what?"

"I asked if you'd like a lift home. I know Demyx1 left ages ago and I was going to stop in and talk to your bro's anyways. So how about it?"

"Oh… yeah – sure thing Sephitorth. Thanks. I'll see you later guys. Tomorrow I guess in the morning." I picked up my bag and headed down the stand.

"Oh and by the way Roxas, where were you this morning?" Rene called after me.

I turned and looked at her strangely. "I was in the quad… I was looking for you guys."

"Really? Because we were looking for you in the quad. Oh well. We are usually in the powder room until 8:30 so if you get to school before then you'll know where to come straight away." Beneath the pleasant tone there was a warning there and I knew from the conversation before to take Laxrene's warnings very seriously.

"Powder room?" Sephiroth echoed scornfully. "Rene, just call it a God damned bathroom. Ha! A powder room in a public school? Don't make me laugh."

Laxrene curled her lip at him. "Off you go Sephi," she said nastily and flicked her hand in our general direction.

Instead of being affronted Sephiroth just laughed and headed towards the parking lot with me in toe.

"Why do you let her talk to you like that?" I asked him as we reached his shining convertible.

"Who?" Sephiroth asked frowning.

"Laxrene."

"What about her?"

"How can you let her talk to you like that? It's like she thinks you're dirt or – or something like that!"

"Really? Ha, I didn't notice. I'm used to Rene," she said simply.

I stopped in mid-motion of opening my door and looked at him in shock. What kind of world had I found myself in? Sighing in my own form of defeat I slumped into Sephiroth's car and he pulled out.

"Where are we going? The quickest way to my place is back there," I said in alarm after we past the street to turn into.

"I'm just going to pick up something to eat ok? I'm famished," Sephiroth told me. "It's ok little cuz, don't fret. I promise on pain of death to get you home safe and as soon as possible."

I laughed then let it and the smile slowly die from my lips. We sat together in silence and I watched with little interest as houses and streets flashed by us.

"Do you want anything from Subway? 'Cause I'm picking up stuff for Cloud and Demyx as well?" Sephiroth offered, breaking the tension that should not have been there.

"Nah, it's ok thanks," I replied softly. I looked down at my hands and bit my lip. "So," I started hoping that I sounded calm and nonchalant. "Why do you wanna talk to Demyx and Cloud today?"

After a moment of silence I glanced over at Sephiroth to see a very serious expression on his face. "Roxas," he began in a stern voice. "There is something that Demyx, Cloud and I need to talk to you about."

"What?" I asked slightly alarm. "What have I done?"

"That's what we'd like to know. C'mon, some pretty fucked up shit happened today and it's got a lot of people talking, and not good stuff either."

"What?" I asked although I knew exactly where this conversation was headed.

"Well… I'm not sure how to go about this other than the blunt way. Stay the fuck away from Riku or any of his freak friends a tout school," Sephiroth said his eyes firmly trained on the road.

"What the hell?" I demanded. "How dare you try – try to run my life! I can talk to whomever I please! Ok! Today, I have no idea why Riku stood up for me! Maybe it's because he hates Demyx, did anyone think of that? No! Everyone just assumes that we're screwing each other or that we're related or some shit like that! God, this is so annoying Sephiroth! I've been here two days and already I'm getting lectured about who I can and cannot hang out with!"

We pulled up at a set of lights and Sepiroth turned to face me, his eyes cold. "Roxas if you talk to any of them you're going to get fucked over and I do not want to have to be looking at you and thinking 'I told you so'. They all get smoke pot, get pissed and screw each other like no tomorrow. I, and your brothers, do not want you falling into that sort of crowd."

"Well sorry for being naïve but at my school Sephiroth the ones who, how do you put it – oh yes, the ones who 'smoked pot, get pissed and screw each other like no tomorrow' were the cheerleaders and jocks. Now please tell me you're not as stupid as Laxrene and assume that just because people live on the East coast that they are total aliens to those who live on the West coast."

Sephiroth clenched his jaw. "Leave Rene out of this. This is between you and me."

"Gee Sephiroth! Have you ever even talked to any of them? They are people just like you and I. I mean, Kairi and Vogue are-"

"You mean Sora," Sephiroth told me.

"Excuse me?" I asked bewildered.

"It's his name, only Riku or people close to Sora can call him 'Vogue'."

"How – how did you know that?" I questioned him taken aback.

Sephiroth shot me a sharp look. "Everyone knows that," he snapped.

"Really? Well for someone who hates them so much you sure do know a lot about them."

"Know a lot about them? Shit, I just know that only people close to Sora call him 'Vogue'. Why are you assuming that I know everything about them?"

"I'm not! Why are you overreacting? What if I want to be their friends? What if I want to date one of them? What if-"

"Yeha that's right, you're after Kaji aren't you? Demyx warned me to turn you off that little prick," Sephiroth growled. "Roxas if you go out with Axel or if I even see you talking to them I'll tell you're mom about the kind of crowd you're falling into."

I laughed in disbelief. "Like she cares."

"She'll care if I tell her you're sleeping around."

I gaped at Sephiroth in horror. What was my family turning into? "You know what Sephiroth," I said gathering up my stuff into my lap. "Fuck you." With that said I swung open the door and stormed off.

The light turned green and Sephiroth had nothing else to do but move forward. As he did I quickly ducked into a random backyard and hid behind their tall brick wall. I was so furious. If I had not have left the car I would have hit him hard.

How dare he – he be that way! I spat inwardly. He and Demyx and Laxrene, everyone was pleasant on the surface but underneath they were just dickheads and bitches.

There was absolutely nothing wrong with me hanging out with Sora and his friends. Nothing. Why everyone was acting so weird about it was the thing that annoyed me the most. It was as if there were some huge hidden secret conspiracy between Riku and Co. and my brother, cousin and their friends.

Dammit, I feel as if I've been dwelling on that same thought for days now, I mused. When in fact it's only been two…. Not even that. How am I going to last a year?

I leant my head back and looked up at the sky. It was fairly overcast. Grey clouds threaten to spill over and cover California ground with heavy rain. Which we were defiantly in need of I might add.

I guess I should start walking home I sighed. If it starts raining I'm going to cry.

I stayed in my spot for a another five minutes or so, just to make sure Sephiroth didn't spot me and demand that I get in the car again. The sound of a cleared throat made me jump in surprise.

"Can I help you?" demanded a man standing on the porch of the house behind the brick fence.

"Oh… ummmm – sorry for sitting here and I was just tired… I'll go now," I said quickly, shock clasping at my throat.

Leaping to my feet I headed home with my head bowed. That was close. The guy looked as if his tie were on a bit too tight and I thought he was about to explode or something. Grinning to myself I was reminded of Sora and his escapade with the text book. So it had been Axel's idea to burn it? Well… at least the kid was creative. I took in a deep breath of air and I could taste the moisture in it.

Oh please don't let it rain," I begged quietly.

Just as the words left my mouth a huge raindrop fell right into my nose. I jumped in shock and then swore as a sudden downpour started.

Just my luck, I growled angrily as I picked up my pace.

My house was at least nine blocks away and the rain showed no signs of abating. I made my way as quickly as possible down the pathway and looked out for the street where I would have to turn into. I had a growing suspicion that I wasn't quite sure where I was going and now it hit me like a mallet. I was lost and I had no idea of how to get home. I looked around frantically trying to remember something while alone the journey here.

"Oh no," I groaned.

I was now cold, wet and lost. Great way to start the week, even though today was Tuesday… however that was beside the point. I looked over at the houses to my left. None looked liked the sort of buildings that would accommodate a sopping wet boy like me. No matter how homely they looked. The only other option I had was to continued walking and hoping against hope that I found some convenience store or a place where I could ask for directions. I hadn't been given a cell phone yet so it was not like I could call home for help. Not that I wanted to anyway, no doubt Demyx would lecture me and there was even less doubt that mom would go on and on and on about me until midnight.

So what! I had caught the bus to school, what was the big deal? There was none, my family was just overreacting and I was learning that hard way that they overreact over the most minor things. I had better things to worry about. My worries tripled when I saw my silhouette cast before me by a set of headlights from behind. A car pulled up beside me and I heard the window roll down.

"Piss of Sephiroth, I don't want to hear it," I snapped angrily and brought my arms around myself to provide some feeble sense of safetly.

"Need a ride?"

I stopped dead in my tracks and turned around slowly. There sitting right before me – or actually to my right – was Riku Conrad. Yes, the Riku Conrad.

"Oh I – umm I'm fine thanks," I said quickly.

Riku grinned at me and I bit my lip when I realized that he was hot. Very hot. "C'mon Roxas, you're lost and you're now soaking wet. Who else is going to offer this to you?

"How do you know I'm lost?" I demanded.

"It obvious, I saw you before looking around like you had no idea where to go. I was right wasn't I?" he said cockily.

"Still," I said bitterly. "Your offer is appreciated but not needed."

"Oh stop being a fucking bitch and get in the car. I'm not going to hurt you."

I looked straight into his eyes and found they were unreadable. "I'm going to have to trust you," I said finally. Riku smiled and leant over to unlock my door. I slipped in and found a jumper dumped unceremoniously into my lap. "Thanks," I muttered.

I slipped it on and belted up. An incredible sense of warmth overcame me and I sighed contentedly.

"So what were you doing out here?" Riku asked as he pulled out back onto the road.

"Is that it?" I asked. "You're going to tell off my brother in front of everybody and then talk to me as if nothing happened?"

"Huh? Roxas I hate to break it to you but nothing did happen. I was going off at your brother 'cause I hate his guts. I didn't do it for you or the crowd, I did it for myself."

"Oh… but – but why would-"

"Look here new dude, I don't really give two flying fucks about you or your problem with that sadistic brother of yours alright? He was yelling and I had a headache so I told him to shut the fuck up."

I laughed. "That's rich, calling my brother the sadistic one."

Riku glanced over at me. "What are you going on about?"

"You're the Goth. You are the one who is sadistic. Not Demyx, he's everything but."

"Oh really? So because I'm a Goth it means that I'm shallow, self-obessed and oh, let's not forget sadistic," Riku asked grinning nastily.

"Well you are self-obessed. You telling me that you didn't stick up for me before is more that proof of that," I retorted.

Riku barked a laugh and I cringed. "You think you know me? Well fuck you bro. Now tell me your address then shut up, I picked you up out of pity if nothing else."

I snapped out my addresses then stared determinedly out the windscreen. A million thoughts raced through my head as I clenched my jaw tight. For some reason in the past five minutes of… debating with Riku I found that I did like him. I still thought he was a bit of an asshole but I found him more tolerable than the day he felt me up.

"That reminds me," I started. "Why did you feel me up on Monday?"

Riku laughed genuinely and I found it pleasant on the ears. "You're a fine piece of work for a guy. Cute like a girl I couldn't help but wanting to touch you."

I blushed at the crudeness of his comment. Riku thought I was good looking? Did that mean Axel would also? I shook my head when I realized that even though he was Axel's best friend – that much was obvious – he and Axel had different tastes. And I still don't know his sexualities.

"So… so are Goths allowed to think that normal people are good looking?" I asked.

"Normal people?" Riku asked me with raised eyebrows.

"Sorry, I mean like… people like me. Yeah, so people like you are allowed to think that people like me are good looking or pretty?"

Riku gave me a pointed look, which was ok as were at traffic lights. "Yes. We're not retarded you know. I have been with girls and yes even guys… like you as you would have said it. I'd just prefer to call you a fucking prep but hey, each to their own."

"What about your friends? Like Sora and… what's that other guys name who pulled you away from Demyx today? Axel I think?" I asked feigning innocence. "Oh, and I'm not a prep."

"OK, whatever. I'll have to trust you on that one."

I smiled at him but felt a sinking feeling in my stomach. He hadn't answered my question as to whether or not Axel would date someone like me. Unless I joined their group… then Axel could like me and ask me out! If he liked guys… Dammit!

"So… ah… what do people have to do to be allowed to hang out with you guys?" I asked.

"Allowed to hang out with us? Ok, unlike your 'friends' you don't have to do anything to get in my group. Just be yourself and you fit in. Although, wearing mostly black or gothy clothing helps a lot. Why you thinking of switching psse's huh?"

"Oh, I dunno. Maybe."

Riku laughed again and switched the car off. I looked up in surprise and found as sitting outside my house. I looked over at him and he returned the look with a raised eyebrow.

"So… this is your house right?" he asked.

"Oh yeah… yeah. Thank you for the ride," I said as I opened the dor.

"Sure thing, next time we'll do it in my bedroom though," Riku called after me.

I stared at him in shock then slammed the door hard. Without another look back I stormed into the hosue and shut the front door firmly behind me.

-

Riku watched Roxas disappear into his house, with a small smirk on his (Riku) face. He had made him laugh, that was a good start. Leaning forward he flicked on his cd player and started up his engine. Just as he drove away something in the rear mirror caught his eye. Slowly down Riku turned im his seat to have a better look. Seeing the car that pulled up outside where he had just been and its owner, he sniggered.

"It's going to fucking rock watching you in pain Lovell," Riku sneered as Sephiroth made a run for the front porch. "Oh is the big bad Sephi afraid of some tiny rain?" he asked in a mocking voice.

Laughing to himself Riku sped off in the direction of his own home. He pulled into his driveway and waited patiently for the automatic door to open. After parking his car he hopped out and headed inside.

"Mom? Dad?" He called out.

The echo of his own voice was the only reply and shrugging Riku tossed his keys onto the kitchen bench. As he did it hit a photo frame and the frame was knocked to the ground. The sound reverberated throughout the empty house. For a moment Riku stood there and looked down at the picture before bending over and picking it up. It was a photo from one of their family vacations. This one had been Hawaii and the smiling faces of his parents, sister and himself looked up at him. Looking at it for a moment longer Riku clenched his fist and threw the photo onto the tiled floor. The glass shattered and without another word Riku turned and disappeared into his room.

Sighing out loud he switched on some music and collapsed onto his bed. Demyx had been a bitch to him, just like every other day.

"That's the story of my fucking life isn't it?" he asked out loud.

For once he got a reply. Not from another living soul in the house, but from the firm banging on his front door. Groaning Riku got up, trudged down the stairs of the expansive house he lived in and threw open the front door.

"What the fuck?" he asked in surprise.

"Hi Conrad. So why the fuckwere you just at my house?" Demyx demanded with his arms crossed.

Riku glared at him and swept his eyes over Sephiroth, Cloud and the four other football players standing behind them. "Why is it any of your business?"

"Don't play games with me, now tell me and we'll go easy on you… well easier," Demyx growled.

"The dog has teeth," Riku commented dryly. "But if you must know I was dropping off your brother." The way Cloud, Sephiroth and Demyx froze up brought a grin to his face. Knowing that baiting them was the last thing he should do Riku continued. Besides he was at his own house, what could they possibly do?

"You were what?" Cloud asked through gritted teeth.

"Oh hey there Cloud. Yeah, I just took your brother out for a… ride. He seems to be pretty good about it and fairly well accustomed so I guess I'll-"

Riku was cut off short by Demyx's fist colliding with his face. "You stay the fuck away from him!"

As Riku stumbled slightly the rest of the group advanced and landed punches on him wherever possible.
Cloud, Demyx and Sephiroth acted like men possessed as they pummeled Riku mercilessly. They ignored the grunts and whimpers of the boy they were bashing and continued with their work. Each time Riku collapsed to the ground he tried getting to his feet again but he was only beaten back down to the floor again. Finally Cloud swung his fist and caught him underneath his chin. In a swift motion Riku's head swung back and he fell straight onto his back. This time he didn't bother trying to get up again.

"Ok that's enough," Demyx said and the six boys pulled off.

Groaning Riku rolled over and coughed up some blood onto the ground. The redness of it shone bright against the white tiles. Looking up he coughed again as Demyx gave him a final kick to the stomach. His face was already turning all shades of purple and green and spots of blood covered the tiles around him.

"I hope you've learn your lesson Riku," Demyx began harshly. "If it happens again I doubt you'll be even able to move." Once more he kicked Riku down. "That was for feeling him up the other day too."

Coughing up more blood up onto his shirt Riku watched with hatred blazing in his teal eyes as the group left his house. Rain blew in throught the open doorway and staggering to his feet Riku was able to push it shut. Wheezing in pain he sunk to the floor using the door for back support. Trying to swallow brought waves of pain throughout his body so Riku closed his eyes and concentrated on breathing. He'd make it through, and when he did it would make his revenge all the sweeter.

-

COR: DONE! Damn that was a long chapter…
Axel: Full of pointless junk! AND I'M NOT IN HERE!!
Roxas: Next time you will be sweetie, so bear with it. I'll make it up to you (wink)
Axel: Ooo you devil you!
Riku: Life fading, dim shading, I feel so much paain… oh…. The light! I see it… Mother is that you? Ugh…
Sora: NOOO! MY HONEY-MONEY-SMOOCHING-PUDDING-POP!
All: …
Axel: Totally ruined the moment….
Roxas: Totally…

If you press the purple button good things will start to happen… Wooooooooo!