I took longer to update this chapter, but it is pretty long so I hope that makes up for it.
Chapter 6
Second Day
Second Thoughts
When Riku woke, Sora had all ready turned to face him, admiring Riku's gentle slumber. He started to smile as he saw Riku's eyes open. Riku stared back, thinking intently still about the situation he was in. Sora noticed he looked a bit distracted.
"Something wrong?" Sora asked.
"Sora..." Riku stopped, half way from just blurting everything out. He wanted to simply tell him what he did for a living and what his company was asking him to do. He wanted to let Sora know everything. He did not want this secret between them.
Sora stared at him with wide open eyes as he awaited Riku's response.
"Sora..." Riku stopped again. He could not do it. He felt he was all ready in too far for forgiveness. He needed to find another way. Riku had thoughts of finding a way to quit the company for Sora. "Sora, do you believe some secrets are better left secrets?" Riku asked, hoping Sora would not dwell on why he asked. Sora puckered his lips as he thought. Perhaps a comlex question for this early in the morning.
"I don't know Riku. I suppose any secret could be left unsaid. Of course, if the secret could effect someone greatly in either a positive or negative way, then it would depend. Hmm. Maybe one secret is not bad, but if that one secret is being constantly hidden with other secrets. I suppose it would be better to release it before one's life becomes a secret," Sora said. His opinion was quite unexpected. It sunk into Riku's head and stayed there.
"I guess you are right," Riku stated, smiling and hoping Sora would not immediately assume Riku was harboring such a secret.
"Riku, if you are afraid something will get in the way of out relationship, tell me. I am not going to let anything break us apart Riku. I want to be able to fix things to be with you," Sora said, holding Riku's hand in his. Riku could not believe someone cared for him this much. His own parents never even loved him. To have someone like Sora was a rarity in Riku's life.
"Thank you Sora," Riku said.
"You don't have to tell me any secret you don't yet trust me with. Trust is valuable and I want to earn it," Sora said happily, smiling to show his pearly white teeth.
"I as well would like to earn it. So, I suppose we never established someting in our relationship," Riku said, playfully caressing Sora's face.
"Oh?" Sora asked, not sure what he meant.
"Sora, will you be my boyfriend?" Riku asked, not being able to hold back blushing as it felt awkward.
"Yes," Sora answered softly. Sora kissed him. "Can I come over tonight? I have to go to work pretty soon."
"Yeah, of course," Riku said, starting to quickly adapt to and enjoy Sora's company. He considered asking Sora to move in, but he knew that would be going a little too fast.
"Okay then. I will see you tonight," Sora said, crawling to Riku to give him one last kiss before grabbing his clothes to change and leave. Riku layed back down simply to think. As much as he hated to admit it, he needed to find Cloud. Riku pondered quitting the company again. Would it even be possible? He was in so deep, and his knowledge was dangerous. What if they thought he would tell someone? Plus, Jack had already said that they could kill Cloud with or without his help. If Riku protected Cloud, they would both be killed. Riku did not know what to do. He wondered what Jack would say if he told him he considered quitting. Jack did seem fairly angry with the company himself. Would he help him?
"Damn," Riku muttered before yawning. He was stressed. He decided to go ahead and shower, then he dressed. He was going to have to meet Cloud. He wondered if Could ever had any days off. He suddenly forgot about the note he gave Cloud. What if Cloud freaked and is preparing to tell Sora that Riku might cheat on him? How would he even begin to explain? Riku felt nervous jolts target him all the way down the stairs. He would give anything to have this guilty feeling gone.
As he walked the sidewalk he noticed the sun was out today. A comfortable wind sweeped through the streets. Riku stopped when the ice cream parlor was within eyesight. He walked slowly towards it, then entered slowly and reluctantly.
"Customer," someone stated. Riku quickly made his way to the counter, noticing Cloud was not there.
"Umm...Accually I just wanted to know if Cloud was here," Riku said. Suddenly Cloud came in from a back room dressed in jeans a white shirt.
"Oh...Riku. Good, I wanted to talk to you. I was going to take off a couple hours to find you actually," he said. Riku was not sure if that was a good thing or a bad thing. He just smiled cluelessly and waited for Cloud. He stepped out from behind the counter and walked outside with him. Riku stared around everywhere as though expecting to see Sora staring in anger from across the street. Not that he was doing anything guilty...yet.
"So..." Riku said, impatiently waiting for what Cloud was going to say.
"Listen Riku. Sora is my best friend and I don't want to hurt him in any way," Cloud started looking into Riku's eyes. Riku sat on a nearby bench and Cloud followed.
"Cloud, I don't want to hurt him either, that is what makes this so hard, but I can't help it, I am attracted to you and I can't help but like you," Riku lied. It felt so much stranger doing this now that he actually had a boyfriend.
"I know. I...I feel the same way," Cloud said. A swarm of guilty relief came over Riku. It was working.
"So, what do we do? We can't just not be together because we don't want Sora to feel bad," Riku said, not believing how good at acting this out. Cloud shook his head, then ran his fingers through his hair. Riku had to admit he looked good, but that was not making this any easier.
"I don't know. I never felt like this before. I want to be able to experience love for real like this. I never had someone that actually-" Cloud started.
"Loved you," Riku finished. Riku wanted to run away right there. He wanted to be anywhere but here doing this. Cloud basically just stated how Riku has been feeling lately. Why was he doing this? Sure, it's his job, but can he really do this to someone that really thinks they found someone.
"Yes. Look, I don't want Sora to know about this," Cloud said.
"Of course. How about, if we just went out and did stuff at each other's houses and stuff, until we are ready to tell Sora?" Riku suggested. Cloud really thought about what he was asking him to do. More than that, Riku was realizing he would literally have to keep Sora from Cloud because he told Cloud he technically was not even going out with Sora.
"Can I talk to you after work maybe, at my house around five?" Cloud asked. Apparentally he was very unsure of this.
"Yeah that's fine," Riku said, joining him in getting up. Cloud started to turn, but stopped. He walked over to Riku and hugged him. Riku was a bit surprised.
"This is not going to be easy," Cloud said softly.
"No, it definitely won't," Riku responded. When Cloud left, Riku was not sure what he was going to do. He certainly could not stay at Cloud's house tonight. Sora was coming over, and he did not even really know what time. He wondered where Tidus and Selphie would be. He remembered Selphie saying Tidus was going to be in the next production and he had to admit he did not picture his as an actor. He walked to the theater trying to put on a face that showed nothing was wrong.
When he walked in, a relaxed mood flooded the place. Everyone seemed so much more calm. Riku did not even recognize the place like this. Some people were kind of practicing something on the stage, but the majority of everyone was sitting in the auditorioum looking at material for the next perfomance. Selphie was sitting in Tidus' lap as she read through something with him. He seemed a bit bored.
"Hey guys," Riku said.
"Oh! Riku, you completely disappeared after the show. Did you like it?" she asked.
"Yes it was awesome," Riku said.
"How was the rest of your date?" Tidus asked as Selphie's eyes widened wanting to know the same question.
"Good-" before Riku could finish he was cut off.
"Did you kiss him?" Tidus asked.
"Tidus!" Selphie chastized.
"I want to know," Tidus said.
"It is totally rude though. Let him tell us what he wants," Selphie said. Tidus rolled his and as Selphie looked away he mouthed the question again.
"Actually, yes. I did kiss him," Riku said. Selphie jumped up and hugged him.
"That is so great! I did not even get to really talk to him either. We need to do something so I can really meet him," Selphie said.
"We could do something tonight. We could go to that new restaurant on the north side of town. We could meet there. It is called Seventh Heaven," Tidus said.
"Actually, yeah, that sounds like fun," Riku said. "How about around 9:00." He wanted to give plenty of time for Cloud to talk to him. Someone suddenly stepped behind Riku.
"What is going on over here?" Kairi asked, wearing her red hair in a tight pony tail. She seemed like a completely different person. Her voice was actually very sweet and she was even smiling.
"We are going out tonight and it is gonna be so great!" Selphie said excited.
"Because Riku found himself a boyfriend," Tidus said. Riku mouth dropped at what he just said to someone he did not even know. He was not sure she agreed with that sort of thing.
"Oh, that's sweet. I have a friend who is gay, so don't feel embarrased," She said, noticing his face.
"Do you want to go with us Kairi. You could bring a date," Selphie said.
"I would love to, but I am still drained for the other night. I just want to relax," Kairi said.
"Completly understand. Stressful being the lead," Selphie recalled.
"Truly," she said. "Anyway, you all have fun." She walked away.
"That did not even seem like the same person," Riku blurted out. "I thought you hated her."
"Oh no. Trust me you pretty much hate anyone who gets even a little on your nerves near perfomance time. We are all friends. It is just really stressful. I mean, nearly the entire town is in the audience and one extremely embarrasing mess up and you are going to be taunted for months around town by people you don't even know. It is just hard to keep your cool around anyone," Selphie said.
"Yeah," Tidus agreed.
"Oh Tidus! You know I didn't mean to snap at you," she said.
"I know," he said kissing her.
"Anyway, are you sure you don't want to join us in our next show?" Selphie asked. "You could ask your boyfriend to come."
"Sorry, but acting is not for me," Riku said. "Anyway I will see you guys tonight."
"Buh-bye!" Selphie said, hugging him again. Tidus smiled and waved.
Riku walked home and saw Cid outside the apartment smoking.
"Well, if it isn't Riku. Haven't seen you since I saw you sneaking a boy up to your apartment," he laughed. "Somebody took my advice did he?"
"Yes, and I am thankful for it," Riku said.
"Of course you are. Why the hell wouldn't you be," Cid said. Riku walked by and as he opened the door, Cid said something.
"Oh yeah, some guy cam by for you. Said it was 'business'. The smart ass. Don't know why he couldn't just say what the hell he wanted," Cid said.
"Jack?" Riku asked. Why did Jack want to talk now? Surely they did not want him on another job with this one.
"Did he say where I could meet him?" Riku asked.
"Sure did," Cid said.
"And where can I meet him?" Riku asked, growing impatient as Cid clearly underestimated the importance of this business.
"Park," Cid said. Park? Why on earth did he want to meet there? That was a bit unlike him? Riku thought.
"Thanks Cid," Riku said, tuning from the door to go and find Jack.
"Well what on earth is all this business shit about?" Cid said. "Didn't know you were that important to have secret meetings. Everything okay." Riku wondered why he assumed it was bad news.
"Of course. Just notification and updates about something I'm sure," Riku said. Cid cocked his eyebrow.
"Just what the hell do you do?" Cid asked.
"It is not important what I do," Riku said a bit defensively, not wanting to have someone on his case about his secretive ways.
"What? You must work for the goverment or an agency to not just say it. Hmph. Fine," Cid said, sticking his cigarette in his mouth.
"Cid...nevermind," Riku said. Riku walked away before Cid could say anything else. Riku was thinking a bout asking advice, but rather than come up with a bunch of analogies to symbolize his problem, he decided to leave it be. He wondered what Jack wanted. He thought about talking to him about quitting, but somehow he was not sure it would be possible.
As he walked to the park, he saw Jack immediately sitting on bench, shifting his eyes as though afraid of being seen. When he spotted Riku he jumped a bit and got up to greet him.
"Riku. I...I...I didn't know what to do? I tried to change the order. I tried to convince them that killing Cloud was not a priority, but they...they would not do it. I tried everything but..." Jack spoke with a nervous tone.
"What the hell are you talking about? What happened?" Riku asked.
"Riku, I did not want you to have to do this. I know you don't want to. Dammit, Riku I think they know about Sora," Jack said.
"What? How do you know about-"
"Listen. I saw you with him and I knew. I did everything to keep it from the organization, but I think they know," Jack said.
"So?" Riku asked.
"That means they know you are a liability. They know you are feeling love which mean they think your feelings might get in the way. And they are aren't they?" Jack asked. Riku was confused.
"Well...I mean, I thought about it. Look Jack, to tell you the truth," Riku brought his voice down to a whisper, "I want out."
"I know Riku. I do to, but it isn't that simple. If they think and I mean so much as get a hint that you want to quit or abort the mission they will terminate you," Jack said. "They won't risk someone exposing the company."
"But I won't," Riku said. I don't care, I just want my own life."
"Riku you don't understand. In situations like these, the administrators don't look to that, they look at statistics and 80 of the time when a company in a underground organization quits in middle of something like this, they intend to tell someone-"
"But I am quitting for a completely different-"
"Riku! You don't get it! They don't give a damn. They are not risking it. They will kill you if you stop now. Just like they will kill me if I were to quit. They should not know I am here, but I needed to tell you what was happening," Jack said.
"Jack...I don't know if I can do it," Riku said. Jack closed his eyes.
"Okay. I will talk to you again later. I will try and think of something. I will try and find a way to get out of this mess. Don't say or do anything they will not like. Keep your profile. Don't hold back with Cloud or they will know. They need to know you are still doing it," Jack said.
"What are my chances. Jack, how do you know they won't do anything to you if they catch you figuring something out," Riku said.
"I don't know Riku. I just need time. Don't dwell on it. The chances you won't have to go through with it are low, but I might be able to figure something out. I have to go," Jack said. He left in hurry. Riku sat on the bench and tried to relax. They knew about him and Sora. They must have been watching him. They must expect something to go wrong. That or the mission is too important they feel the need to check up on him. He feared for Jack, for truly how could he find a way to secretely get Riku off the job and possibly out of the company. Riku would have done anything not to go down the road he was on. He did not realize that being a con artist might just be the death of him.
He walked to the ice cream parlor, hoping he did not miss Cloud as he would have no way of knowing how to get to his house. As he walked there, a man bumped into him and Riku felt his pocket being pushed into quickly before the man pushed passed and walked away.
Riku grabbed into his pocket and found a small note.
Gate Code Needed for procedure. Bring to Courier after visitation with target.
Class A Courier
Female
Black hair, brown eyes. Red ribbon around left arm.
You will meet in your apartment.
Riku found that odd. Class A Courier for a simple gate code. They were taking this to the extreme ever since the one who was overheard got caught. Plus, apparently they were not having any public or close to public hand-offs. It was right in his own apartment. He wondered how they all ready knew he was going to see Cloud.
A car pulled up beside him. It was Cloud.
"There you are. Thought you might have had something else to do," Cloud said.
"No, just running late," he said climbing in the car. As they drove off, there was an awkward silence that lasted until they began to make their way out of the district. Riku had not been out this far in a long time.
"So..." Cloud said. " I guess I should tell you my answer, huh?"
"Yes," Riku said honestly.
"Riku, I do like you. You know that. And...As long as you promise we are going to tell Sora how we fell about each other, okay. But I don't want him to find out in a bad way. I don't want to hurt him," Cloud said.
"You know I don't want that Cloud," Riku said.
"I know...sorry. I just can't help thinking how he would react, you know?" Cloud asked.
"He won't hate us Cloud. He will understand that we can't choose who we love," Riku said, selling his line professionally.
"Yeah, you're right," Cloud said. They arrived at Clouds place and as he pulled up to the gate, he reached out to tap the code to the gate. Riku closely watched and memorized the number. They pulled up at the front door and got out. Cloud pulled out keys which he used to unlock a keypad which he inputted a code after placing his thumb print on a scanner. Riku could tell he was trying to be conspicous with the security and Riku pretended not to notice much of it. They entered the house and Riku quickly found a pen and wrote down the code and put it away.
"So...I suppose that is the only reason you came, huh? I guess I shouldn't have dragged you all the way out here for nothing," Cloud said. Riku decided to move the relationship up a lot. Much faster then he would a normal relation ship.
"Well, I am sure we can find something to do, Cloud. After all, we are now boyfriends, right?" Riku asked. Cloud gave his small smile and Riku pulled off his shirt.
"Are you sure? You don't think it is too soon or anything?" Cloud asked.
"I don't," Riku said. Cloud smiled wider this time as he pulled his own shirt off.
"Then I suppose I should lead you to the master bedroom then shouldn't I," Cloud said holding his hand out.
"I suppose so," Riku laughed. As he was guided to the bedroom, he made sure to check the clock. He could not be late for anything. He had not even informed Sora about tonight. Cloud swung open double doors to a magnificent looking bed with silver, silk linen.
"Matches your beatiful hair, no?" Cloud asked, running a finger through his hair. Riku smiled and pulled him close feeling a guilt attack him everywhere at what he did next. He kissed Cloud. He had to keep his emotions set on Cloud. If Cloud noticed anything wrong, he would probably assume Riku was doubting the relationship. Riku moved his lips down Cloud's neck. Cloud let out a soft approving moan. Riku pushed Cloud to the bed and started to undo his pants. Cloud pulled of Riku's belt and slid his pants down. Riku lowered Cloud to the bed and placed a kiss on his lips before taking off the final piece of clothing. Cloud watched Riku take off his.
"You are sure?" Cloud asked again, uncertain if Riku really wanted to do this.
"Of course I am sure, Cloud," he reassured him, gently laying on top of him, brushing Cloud's hair from his eyes and staring into them. Cloud pulled him closer, kissing him with passion. Riku let his tongue slip into Cloud's mouth as they enjoyed their most intamite moment. Riku broke apart and moved his hand down to Cloud's lower thigh and in between his legs.
"Do you have any lube?" Riku asked. Cloud quickly found some in a drawer and handed it to Riku. Riku put some on his fingers and inserted one into Cloud's opening as he spread his legs. Cloud tried to relax as Riku added a finger. Riku let his other hand caress his soft face as he delved deeper into Cloud. He started to pull out and then added a third finger and pushing back in. Cloud gasped as Riku started to push in and pull out faster.
"Riku, I'm ready," Cloud said holding Riku's hand in his. Riku put some of the lube onto his hardened penis before placing it at Cloud's entrance. Riku pushed his way in slowly as he held Cloud's legs apart to ensure complete access when he started thrusting. Cloud moaned a bit when Riku pulled out and then pushed back in a little faster.
"Faster?" Riku asked. Cloud nodded as he gazed into Riku's eyes in a way that made Riku's heart drop. He could not continue. This was not going to be able to go any farther. Riku had to get out. He realized something. Cloud actually loved him. Riku knew he was getting to that point, but until now, it did not really become obvious. For some reason this hit him hard all of a sudden. Cloud believed this was real. Sora suddenly came into Riku's mind and Riku pulled out of Cloud and sat on the edge of the bed. Cloud layed there for a moment before sitting up next to Riku. He wrapped his arm around Riku's waist.
"Riku...It's okay. If you want to wait until we tell Sora, that's fine," Cloud said, holding Riku's hand. Riku smiled.
"Thank you for understanding," Riku said. He brought his lips to Cloud's and softly kissed him. "How about we do something tomorrow, just the two of us. So we can talk." Cloud nodded.
"Yeah, of course. You can meet me at the parlor around 3:00," Cloud told Riku.
"Yeah. I am sorry Cloud," Riku said getting up and putting his clothes on.
"Riku, I don't want to do anything that you don't. I want us to be able to be comfortable with each other, you know?" he asked.
"Yes," Riku said, watching Cloud get dressed.
"You want me to take you to your apartment?" Cloud asked.
"Umm...yeah," Riku answered, assuming Sora would not yet be there.
Cloud drove him back into town and to his apartment complex. As they pulled up, Riku glanced in every direction ensuring Sora was no where in sight. When he was positve it was clear, Riku gave Cloud a quick kiss and left in a hurry. He went into his building and Sora popped out behind a potted tree yelling 'Boo'.
"SORA! Oh my god! What the hell are you doing?" Riku yelled, scared to death not from his scare, but from the fact he could have seen him with Cloud.
"I have good timing huh? Sorry, did not mean to scare you that bad. Riku noticed the Cloud's car still outside and he walked a bit to make sure Cloud could not see him before kissing Sora deeply. He was glad to be back with Sora. He pushed Sora against a wall and played with Sora's tongue. He wrapped his arms around Sora and continued kissing him until they both absolutely needed air.
"Wow, Riku. I missed you too," Sora said happily.
"Sorry...I couldn't help it," Riku said.
"Don't apologize for that," Sora said. "It was nice. Perhaps we should go up to your apartment and we can continue." Sora had a lust-filled look in his eyes. Riku smiled. It then turned to a frown.
"Oh," Riku said.
"What's wrong?" Sora said immediately. "I didn't mean to rush into anything, I just," Sora started to say.
"No, Sora. I want to. But I promised some friends we would go out with them tonight. I mean...we could do it later. I didn't mean to make plans before asking but they wanted to meet you...again. I guess get to know you better," Riku said.
"That's fine. I like your friends. And besides, I don't have to work tomorrow, so we have the day to do whatever we want. Plus we can stay up late tonight," Sora said moving his finger down Riku's chest. Riku realized that was bad after promising Cloud, but he still smiled. Sora made him feel so much better.
"Then we should get going then. I hope you can fit into one of my suits...otherwise we might have to stop by your apartment for you," Riiku said.
"Probably," Sora agreed. Riku hurried and dressed, not bothering witht the jacket as it was to heavy and bulky. He met Sora in his room unable to find a decent outfit.
"Well, to your apartment then," Riku said. Sora smiled widely.
"Sorry," he said. They walked out of the apartment and Riku cautiously held Sora's hand, suddenly nervous of Cloud's presence.
"What's up with you?" Sora asked. "You looking for someone?" Riku bit his lip, trying to find an excuse.
"I...was just seeing if we were going to run into Tidus or Selphie," Riku lied.
"Oh, are we meeting them...where are we going anyway," Sora said in a cute, clueless voice.
"Restaurant. Some new one, Seventh Heaven. We are meeting them there," Riku said.
"I hope it isn't one of those over the top fancy places with 'gourmet' delights," Sora said, mocking a high-class waitor. Riku shook his head and laughed at his impression.
"I hope not. But if it is, we will have to skip to dessert, they rarely mess that up," Riku said. Sora jumped at the thought.
"Genious! Good idea," Sora said. "You deserve a kiss for that." Sora kissed him.
"You are loopy," Riku said. Sora shrugged his shoulders.
"You like it," Sora said with assurance.
"Maybe," Riku said rolling his eyes. Sora held his arm around Riku's waist and Riku did the same to Sora as they walked. It was little things like this that he loved most about being with Sora.
When they arrived at Sora's apartment, they went in and found his room. Sora quickly changed. His apartment was fairly modern. Normal sized televison, coffee table, couch, and and average kitchen. His bedroom was an interesting black and white setting that did not even look like you would find in the apartment.
"You like?" Sora asked. "I felt like making my bedroom crazy."
"You did a good job," Riku said playfully. Sora continued to get ready as Riku walked around. A interesting sculpture of a sword was the most interesting thing he found.
"Well...How much time do we have?" Sora asked.
"Umm...about a half an hour," Riku said.
"Oh...Damn...I am ready then. Are we taking the bus or a taxi?" Sora asked.
"Umm...Taxi. I'll pay," Riku said.
"You sure," Sora said, drawing out his words.
"Pretty sure," Riku said. "Come on Sora." Riku walked out with Sora and called a taxi.
"I can never get them to stop," Sora said.
"You just have to catch their eye and give an evil look, they will stop," Riku said. Sora cocked his head.
"Like this," Sora said, contorting his face the best he could into an evil face. It was very funny. "What?"
"Nothing like that...then again...it might scare them," Riku joked. Sora stepped into the taxi and Riku followed him. Riku stated the destination and took off. Sora held his hands in a nervous fashion. "Something wrong?"
"No. I am just kind of nervous. I mean, your friends last time were kind of-"
"Intimidating? Don't worry, they aren't bad. They just have a bad habit of asking questions out of no where and putting you on the spot. They won't do it this time," Riku said comforting him.
"It's not bad, it just makes me feel like people find gay people just so unbelievable, you know. Like when they ask you stuff about relationships sometimes, it seems like their questions are trying to interpret you like you are so much different from everyone else," Sora said. Riku was a bit astonished at this. Riku had not been open about his sexuality until recently so he never had much of an oppurtunity to notice.
"I see," Riku said.
"I am not accusing your friends of it, I am just saying sometimes that is why I am uncomfortable around new people. I just want them to talk to me like they would anyone else, not look at me and ask questions about me," Sora said.
"I understand. They won't. They probably did not even realize they were doing it," Riku said.
"I know," Sora said.
"So...we might be out pretty late tonight. By the time we get back, it will be pretty late," Riku said.
"Are you saying you would rather do it another night?" Sora asked.
"Well, I do want to do it, Sora. But I want to be awake and ready, you know," Riku said.
"Yeah, wouldn't want you falling asleep in the middle of it. That would be pretty awkward," Sora laughed.
"It would. How about tomorrow night," Riku said.
"Okay," Sora said. Riku decided to find an excuse to get out of hanging out with Sora until then.
"But I will be busy tomorrow. I actually got an interview for a job. Forgot about it, but that is tomorrow," Riku lied, realizing it was a pretty poor lie, but as Sora asked questions, he could build around it to make him believe it.
"Oh, really? That's awesome. Where at?" Sora asked.
"Real-estate company a couple miles from my house. Not any big job like selling it, but just stuff around the office. The pay is nice though," Riku said.
"You won't be working all the time will you?" Sora asked, confirming that he believed Riku.
"Nope. Actually it is pretty lenient. Don't worry, I won't abandon you for work or anything," Riku said, kissing him.
"Good. So...I can get stuff ready until you get back then, can't I?" Sora said seductively playing with Riku's tie.
"Yes you can. But, how about we do it at your house? You do have a nicer bed," Riku said, not wanting Sora alone at his apartment in case Jack would come by and cause Riku to come up with an explanation.
"All righty then," Sora said.
"Here you are," the driver said lazily, stopping at the front of the restaurant, which was extremely packed with people.
"Yuck. I hate lines," Sora said. Riku paid the driver and joined Sora.
"Hmm...maybe Tidus and Selphie all ready got here," Riku said, looking around. Someone inside the restaurant waved in the line.
"Well, at least we are inside in the line," Riku said. They pushed their way in the restaurant acheiving rude looks from the other people.
"Took you long enough," Tidus said.
"They probably did it on purpose so they didn't have to stand in line as long," Selphie said.
"Well, what are friends for," Riku joked.
"Hello, Sora, I am Selphie," Selphie said holding out her hand.
"And I am Tidus," Tidus said.
"Hiya," Sora said happily.
"I hope you like this place. Both of you. I didn't realize it was 'this' fancy. Heck, I heard they are so confident in the age range of the people who will come in here, they just give out wine with just a request," Selphie said excited.
"Are you kidding me Selphie," Tidus said.
"What?" Selphie asked, smiling mischieviously.
"You realize you have a long way home," Tidus said.
"Taxi," Selphie suggested.
"Of course. This should be interesting," Tidus said to Riku and Sora.
"Please Tidus. I will just try a glass or two, just to see what this fancy wine is all about. After all, remember how much my mom gave me to come here," Selphie said.
"Yeah, but I am sure she expects some of it back," Tidus said.
"Well she should of asked," Selphie stated.
"We are moving," Riku said. They finally arrived at the counter. A man with a face that screamed 'I have botox injections' greeted them.
"Good evening. How many is in your party?" he asked in a refined voice.
"Four please," Tidus said.
"Non-smoking," Selphie added.
"Of course. This way," he said, grabbing expensive looking menus and leading them throught he restaurant. Fountains were in the center of the restuarant that rose to the roof and spewed crystal-clear water. Chandeliers bordered the ceilings and held gems of crystal that reflected the light. The roof was made of glass that perfectly viewed the moon above. The waitor led them up a beautiful bridge made of what looked like stained glass onto a raised dining area. The tables were elegantly wrapped in a velvet table setting and the chairs were giant chairs fit for royalty with soft seats. The backs were hand-carved into an elegant Celtic design of knots.
"This is amazing. I hope I have enough money," Selphie said, becoming worried about how expensive it might be.
"I have money too, don't worry," Riku said. The waitor was all ready bringing the fresh water.
"Can I get your beverage order?" he asked.
"What soda do you have?" Tidus asked. Sora cringed his face waiting for the answer as though hoping he would not say they did not have soda.
"We do not serve cabornated water here," he said.
"Well, I guess I will have tea," Tidus said a bit dissappointed.
"What kind?" he asked.
"Umm...Iced?" Tidus asked questionable if they had it.
"We have white tea, green tea, black tea, oolong tea, chai tea-" the waitor went on.
"Okay. Uh...green I guess that color sounds nice," Tidus said. Riku laughed at his confusion.
"And the lady?" he asked.
"What kind of wine do you have?" she asked, seeing if she could get away with getting it.
"We have Chablis, Bordeaux, Burgundyand Beaujolais, Chianti, Barolo, Soave, Moscato, Douro, Vinhos Verde, Dão, Bairrada, Shiraz, Chardonnay, and Merlot, to name a few," He said with a small giggle. Selphie looked completely bombarded with the list. Riku doubted she could pronounce half of them back to him. Riku had wine before and was only familiar with a few, but decided he would get some.
"I will have some of your Bordeaux, please," Riku prompted the waitor. Selphie was not sure what to get.
"Riku what should I get?" she asked.
"Well, Bordeaux has a black fruit flavor with a bit of an earthy taste," Riku said. Selphie was not sure if that was a good thing.
"That sounds kind of icky," She said. Sora was now ordering tea as well.
"You like sweet tastes right?" Riku asked.
"Yeah. That sounds good," Selphie said. "Which one is that?"
"Get Merlot, you should like that one," he said as the waitor eyed her now.
"Merlot," she said confidentally as though she was positive about what she had decided.
"All right. I shall return," he said.
"Why can't they just label wine something simple," Selphie said. "Like grape wine and cherry wine." Riku rolled his eyes.
"Because that would be chep wine, which is not worth drinking," Riku said.
"How do you know so much about wine?" Sora asked.
"I used to attend a lot of these fancy party things with a friend of mine," Riku said, referring to Jack. "I have not been in a while as most of the people there were not people like me."
"Probably a bunch of snobs," Selphie said.
"Pretty much. Everyone there is so fake. Most of them are wearing the most expensive thing they own, prancing around like they are high class business tycoons when in reality, they are average people who got invited because they know the guy hosting it, or know a guy who knows the guy hosting it," Riku explained.
"Hmph. I hate fake people," Sora said. Riku nodded.
"Here you are," the waitor returned handing them their drinks.
"Now, what would you like to eat this evening?" he asked holding out a leather bound notepad. They all browsed their menus and found that the food was very much goumet. Most of the items were quite difficult to interpret and as everyone stayed away from things like frog legs and such, everyone leaned towards recongnizable meat and salads. When they were finished ordering the waitor took their menus and left.
"It's like they expect you to research food before coming here," Sora said.
"Most of it was just delicacies from far away. If you grew up there, it probably wouldn't be so strange. Though I must say, I don't know how frog legs could sound apetizing to anyone," Riku said.
"Well, you never know. Maybe we are missing out," Tidus said.
"If you ate frog legs, I would never kiss you again," Selphie said, drinking her wine down quickly, rather than sipping it. Riku shook his head. "Wow this is good!"
"Don't over due it," Riku said. Selphie was all ready asking for another one and they quickly brought it. She sucked it down and repeated her request for more.
"Selphie, our food isn't even here yet," Tidus said.
"You don't understand Tidus! This stuff is amazing. It is like...good," she said, lost for words. Sora found her quite humorous.
"When good girls go bad," Tidus said.
"I hope you are not taking her to her house. Her mom will kill us all for letting her do it," Riku said.
"I'll make up an excuse for her to stay over," Tidus said.
"You guys are acting like I am going to get wrunk of dine," Selphie said mixing up her sentence but not realizing it.
"Mental note to self. Skinny girls get drunk very quick," Tidus said.
"Tidus, you are so sexy," Selphie said suddenly. Riku put his head in his hands.
"If we get kicked out of here because of her-" Riku started.
"Selphie start drinking some water and for everyone's sake lay off the wine before someone notices," Tidus said. Selphie surprisingly complied with Tidus' request, but still took sips of her wine.
Their food finally came and as everyone ate, Selphie seemed to drink more than eat.
"This is actually good," Sora said. "I usually don't like stuff like this."
"Yeah, I know what you mean. I could settle for pizza or burgers," Riku said. Selphie bursted out into laughter that caused her drink to fall on her. Tidus started laughing as well.
"Tidus," Riku said.
"Sorry, but she is funny like this," Tidus admitted.
"Tidus, can you come to the bathroom and help clean me up," Selphie said, licking the wine on her finger. Sora giggled.
"Well...all right," Tidus said, helping her to the bathroom. She had a very unsteady gait.
"Well...that was interesting," Sora said.
"I really wish she would not have done that in front of you like that," Riku said.
"It's okay. She was just excited about trying something new," Sora said.
"Well still," Riku said. Sora scooted closer to Riku.
"Can I have a sip?" Sora asked with his hand on Riku's leg.
"Of course," Riku said. "As long as you don't turn into Selphie. Then again, I wouldn't mind helping you clean up in the bathroom."
"I don't have to have anything spilled on me for you to do that," Sora said, sipping Riku's wine. Riku smiled.
"Well...Are you suggesting-" Riku started.
"Yep...let's go," Sora said pulling Riku's arm all the way to the restrooms. As they entered, Sora went to the largest stall. Riku followed and as the door closed, Sora began kissing Riku. Riku smirked into the kiss.
"This is a nice bathroom," Sora laughed.
"Yes," Riku agreed pushing Sora gently to the wall. He nipped at Sora's neck as Sora quietly laughed. Riku stopped and looked into Sora's eyes, seeing his gentle his gentle blue eyes stare back. Sora started undoing his shirt. Riku pulled it off and let Sora caress his chest before pulling him back into a passionate kiss. Riku pushed his tongue into Sora's mouth and let hiself blindly explore. Sora moaned happily into Riku's mouth. They seperated.
"Hehe. This is fun," Sora said.
"Sometimes you let a inner-child out when you say stuff like that," Riku laughed. Sora smiled. "I love that." Riku let his hands wander down to Sora's back, then lower. As innocent as Sora seemed, what he did next made Riku seem like the innocent one. Sora let his hand wander down Riku's chest and over his clothed manhood.
"So-ra?" Riku said shockingly. Sora laughed.
"Yes?" he asked in an innocent voice. He began to move his hand up and down against Riku, making it difficult for Riku to even stand against the pleasure.
"Ah," Riku moaned as quiet as he could. Sora giggled. Suddenly, the stall door swung open. Tidus was standing there with a half shocked, half amused look.
"Umm...I...wow...this is awkward," Tidus said. Riku snatched up his shirt and put it on.
"What's up?" Sora said giggling a bit.
"Umm...Selphie had an unfortunate accident in the bathroom. Let's just say that wine did not agree with her. Good news, it is out of her system. We were gonna go, you want to share a taxi?" Tidus asked.
"It would be kind of cramped," Riku said, finishing with buttoning his shirt.
"But cheaper," Tidus said.
"Sora?" Riku asked.
"Sure," Sora agreed. They walked out to the table and paid for the expensive meal. They left the restuarant and got to a taxi. Selphie rubbed her head looking miserable. Sora and Riku cuddled in the back seat as they drove back to their district of town. It was Tidus' turn to feel awkward as Riku expressed feelings for his partner. Riku was gently kissing Sora as Tidus tried to keep Selphie comforted.
"Man, Riku. Wine and Selphie are a bad combination," Tidus said.
"Yup," Riku said, removing his lips from Sora's for a second to speak.
"Her mom would kill me if she found out," Tidus said looking at Riku strangely, wondering if he was even paying attention.
"Ah-huh," Riku muttered.
"She would probably attack me with a chainsaw or something you know?" Tidus asked, smiling and wondering if Riku would respond to that.
"M-hmm," Riku answered.
"Of course Selphie has been a raging alcholic since age six, remember?" Tidus asked, finding Riku's lack of attention amusing.
"Yeah," Riku replied.
"Stop Tidus. Leave him alone," Selphie chastized.
"Sorry. Are you sure you are all right? I told you to stop," Tidus said.
"I know, I know. I couldn't help it. It was so good. I will never drink again," Selphie said.
"Hmph. Well, we will see," Tidus said.
"What? You think I won't?" Selphie said. "Trust me, this will at least make me not drink like that."
"Good," Tidus said, kissing her on the forehead. Selphie grabbed his collar and pulled him down to her lips. Sora's stop was first.
"Oh, here all ready?" Sora asked.
"Uh...Yes," the driver said, appartently feeling uncomfortable.
"See you guys later," Riku said.
"Bye!" Sora said getting out.
"Bye," Selphie said.
"Have fun you two," Tidus said.
"Keep it G-rated," Selphie said, this time joining in with Tidus.
"Doubtful," Riku said. The taxi left and Sora and Riku walked to his apartment. When they got to his room they both entered and went to the bed room. Riku took off his shirt and suddenly found Sora helping with his pants. When they were both stripped to their boxers, Riku layed Sora in bed and kissed him. They were both tired and Riku really wanted one more day before him and Sora took it farther. After what happened with Cloud, he had a nagging feeling when he thought about having sex with Sora. He wanted to be sure of himself.
"I love you Riku. I am glad you don't want to rush. I want everything to be perfect too," Sora said, laying his head on Riku's chest. Riku played with his soft brown hair.
"I love you too Sora," Riku said, letting Sora's head fade out as he drifted into sleep. Perfect, huh? Riku thought. Perfect happened in fairytales. This was far from that.