Chapter Seven: My Flirts Day Of School (Part 1)
Sora
When our day at the beach was about over, Riku and Roxas winning their games, I rushed up to him. When Pence's big brother, Terra, showed up to get him, Axel's group sort of disbursed all except Demyx. Hayner and Roxas started arguing again, causing Olette to take action. This time, Riku shook his head and walked to Naminé. He looked at me and in that split second when I saw his face I knew he was out for trouble. His devilish grin told me I wouldn't like it, either. He walked up to Naminé.
"Hey... So Naminé, just curious- you got a boyfriend?" Riku asked. His voice was hinting something I didn't like... In fact, it wasn't just that I didn't like it, the emotion I was feeling was- dare I say it?- jealousy.
"No, why?" she asked. She was so innocent- let Riku leave her be! She probably doesn't even know what a boyfriend is!
"Weeelllll... I was wondering if maybe Tuesday night we could meet up at the little ice cream shop next to the salon? Just to make the plan a little more specific maybe you could give me your number so I could tell you what time. Are you up to it?" he asked, grinning at her with a very flirtatious look on his face.
"Umm... Okay," she said shyly. What?!
"Great... Here. Why don't you text me or something, huh?" he said, slipping her a piece of paper. Oh, great- this guy carries pre made cards with his number? She looked at the paper like it was a fairy. I grimaced and noticed Riku suddenly had all our suff and was walking home.
"C'mon, Sora! You coming?" he called, waving to me. I stood there stupidly trying to process what he just said. Sora snap out of it! He wants you to follow him, duh!
"Coming," I called and started up the hill towards him. I followed him wordlessly into the house. An odd wave of emotion suddenly washed over me and I quickly dodged around Riku to avoid being caught. I had to hide... Get somewhere and hide, like my room. I hurried up the stairs, Riku staring at me curiously as I went up. As soon as I was on the second floor I started running to my room, arm in front of my eyes as if it would help. I couldn't even see where I was going and ran into the wall next to my door, hurting my nose in the process. I ran through my door correctly and shut it behind me quickly I threw myself into my bed, buried my face in my pillow and then pulled the covers over my head. I didn't even know why, exactly. I just felt like I was stabbed. A minute later after several large, warm beads of saltwater had dropped from my eyes my door opened and I heard some things being dropped on my floor. I bit my lip and squeezed my eyes closed even more. Let whoever it is leave- I want to be alone.
"Sora?" Damn. That voice. I tried to speak but all that came out was a muted sob, barely audible to me, even.
"Sora, what's wrong?" he asked. I felt someone sit on the bed behind me. I curled up even more, especially when a light touch met my back.
"I hit my nose on the wall- what do you want?" I asked. I could barely say it.
"Well, I came to drop off your things and I saw this little lump in the covers. Are you sure you're alright?"
"Yes."
"Sora... Are you upset that I didn't spend much time with you today? I know you probably wanted to hang out with me because you took me to the beach... Is that it? Did you feel left out?"
"Yeah," I said after a few seconds. Let's just stick with that.
"I'm sorry... Is there any way I can make it up to you?" he asked. I opened my eyes a bit. I turned around to look at him. I peeked from under my blankets.
"Well... Yeah, there is."
"Just name it," Riku said sincerely.
"Riku... Can we be friends?"
"Of course- we can be anything you want." I smiled a little.
"Yeah," I agreed quietly.
"Aww, you like that I'm here- you would be lost without me! You looove your big brother!" Riku teased, poking my forehead. Embarrassed, I retreated back into my hiding place under the covers. Does that mean he knows? Is he just messing with me?
"Aww, don't hide!" he protested. He got up. A second later someone pulled open a little space in front of me and peeked inside. "It looks pretty cozy in here... No wonder this is where you hide." I watched him curiously. What would he do next?
"Well, you need to come out."
"Why?" I asked quietly.
"Because- I have to ask you something."
"What?" I asked, sitting up. He raised his head from his arms, which were folded on the bed.
"What's up with Demyx? He seemed pretty upset today."
"How should I know?" I demanded and relaxed back onto my pillow. It was soaked with tears, I noticed.
"Well, is his little brother Hayner always like that?"
"He was getting worked up easier than usual... But yeah- he's pretty much like that."
"Maybe Demyx and Hayner got in a fight this morning," he guessed.
"Maybe," I agreed. Then something else came to mind. I sat up. "What the hell is the big deal, asking out Naminé- what were you thinking? She's my cousin!" He sat down on the bed cross-legged beside me.
"Yeah, but... Even though the papers may say we are now brothers, it's not true because the truth is, I'm not related to any of you, so I can do as I please. Besides- it's surprising a girl as nice as her doesn't have some kind of boyfriend. Regardless, I can be someone she can go to if she's in trouble. You know, as my 'baby brother' you get that special privilege, too- but just because you're weak and skinny."
"Oh, thanks, you are too kind," I said sarcastically, hitting him with my pillow.
"Oh, so now you want a fight?" he asked playfully, putting me in a chokehold and started giving me a noogie.
"Ow-OW! Stop it! You win, you win!" I caved, laughing. He let me go, but instead of sitting up I leaned back.
"Sora? Are you sleepy or something?" Riku asked. I noticed I was leaning on his chest. I sat up abruptly.
"I... No. Just sick of sitting and standing, you know?"
"Yeah. Sure," Riku said. "Don't worry about Naminé, Sora. I'll be nice."
"You better," I warned.
"Or else what? You're too wimpy to beat me up."
"I'll find some way to make you pay," I continued, trying to be scary. It kind of hurt to have him go after someone else but I had to deal with it- he has his own life to live, and I can't control any of it. Besides- he was off-limits, anyway. I have no idea how or why I got so emotionally attached to him, anyway- I mean, is it how he acts when I'm upset? Because he seems like he cares. Or did the feeling grow into noticeability? I recalled the way he had looked at me blankly in the car window. It was my fault he was so mean- I fired the first shot by being stubborn, and now look at me- it's like he's been there all along.
"Sora?" he asked. "What's wrong? You're..." he said, reaching out but hesitating a little. I felt something wet slide down my face again. I touched it.
"That's weird..." I started. Then another and another started flowing. I started shaking with silent sobs.
"Sora..." Riku said, his face looking like he was watching a puppy with a broken leg.
"I-I-I'm s-so sor-r-ry, Riku!" I sobbed. I hung my head. Why was this happening?
"Hey," he said softly. I refused to look at him while I cried- he would tease me later for this, I knew it.
"What do you need to be sorry about?" he asked.
"I'm such a b-bad person!" I pressed my fists into my eyes to try and stop it.
"No you're not."
"Yes I am! I tried to send you away like garbage! I was such a brat to you... You didn't deserve it. I'm sorry!" I sobbed, looking him in the eye. "If anything, I'm the garbage!"
"You're not garbage... You're just adjusting," he said. I kept crying and not looking at him. "Sora, come on- stop." When it didn't work, he sighed, most likely rolling his eyes, too. Then hands rubbed across my back until I was pressed on all sides. "It's okay, just-stop crying, okay?" He was... hugging me? "Don't be sad, you don't have a reason to. The past is the past- water under the bridge. I forgive you, okay? Just calm down." His hand was rubbing my back. Oddly, now that it was I was being soothed. I was easily calmed out of tears then. He had forgiven me... What is wrong with me? I'm acting like some kind of lunatic.
"There... You okay now?" he asked. I wiped my eyes and nodded. He pulled away... But I couldn't help but to latch onto his shirt. "Sora?"
"Can we be best friends?" I asked quickly.
"Sure." I still didn't let go. "Sora?"
"Can we sit here a minute?" He hesitated a moment. Then he relaxed.
"... Okay." I rested my head in his shoulder. I felt drowsy and before I knew it, I was waking up to my mom calling me down for dinner. I looked around... he must've slipped out when I went under. I went downstairs and ate dinner. I didn't say a word. Then I bathed and went back to bed, still not a word. Right before I slipped back into sleep, I heard a faint: "Goodnight, Sora."

Mom woke me up the next morning ordering me to get dressed in my uniform because I needed to be on the trolley in an hour. I went through my morning routine in a daze... Monday... Monday? It's already Monday? Why am I awake this early? Trolley? What trolley? Why do I need to be on a-
"Come on, boys- you don't wanna be late for school!" my mom called up the stairs. Right... School. "I've got sandwiches for breakfast- hurry up!" I finished my routine and grabbed my backpack. These uniforms are ridiculous- blue and white plaid pants and tie with a white shirt and black dress shoes- one of the silliest combinations I've ever seen. I trotted to the stairs and looked at Riku's door when I heard the click of a doorknob twisting. He looked out with relaxed, intimidating eyes and a blank stare. His long bang fell into his face and he looked around the hall, his eyes resting on me at last, causing my stomach to turn and twist into little knots. I looked at him in his uniform- it looked exactly like mine. Short sleeved button up white shirt, blue and white plaid tie and pants with a black belt, and black dress shoes. I swallowed nervously and started down the stairs. Of course, already emotionally balancing precautiously on a scalpel's edge, I slipped on the stairs, loosing my physical balance. I tumbled down the stairs, coming to a crashing halt at the halfway point. Seconds later, Riku was stepping over me, smirking and shaking his head.
"Typical," he muttered, passing me on the way to the kitchen. I got up and trotted after him, almost tripping again. Mom handed me my sandwich and my lunch.
"Have a nice day, Sora," she said, smiling. She hasn't been this happy in a long time...
"Sora, let's go!" Riku called from just outside the front door. I nodded at my mom and started for Riku. She grabbed me before I could take another step and hugged me.
"Be good, okay big boy?" she whispered. Then she let me go and started waving to Riku. He waved back. Then he waited for me. I ran after him and stumbled two feet away.
"You're such a klutz, Sora," he muttered.
"I'm sorry- it's kind of your fault!" I insisted before I realized what I almost let out. I almost told him my stumbling around him was because I would get nervous... all I wanted now was for him to like me.
"Me? How is it my fault?" he asked playfully- his playful voice in that instant became one of the cutest things I've ever heard.
"Because... Um... You intimidate me," I said. He scoffed.
"Yeah right... It's something else- you're a terrible liar, Sora. Come on- I don't want to be late," he said, walking towards the train station.
"Hey, Riku?" I asked after fifteen minutes of walking.
"What is it, Sora?" he asked.
"Well... I was wondering... Are you serious about Naminé?"
"Well... I haven't really thought about it... I mean, I just met her yesterday, and we haven't even gone on a date yet, so I'm not sure. She's cute, I'll allow that- and she has a nice body, too. And she seems pretty sweet. I'll have to take her out tomorrow night and see where it goes from there."
"It bothers me when you say something like that," I mumbled.
"What? When I was talking about her appearance? Wouldn't you go out with her, or does she even interest you at all?"
"How many times to I have to tell you- she is my cousin!" I hissed.
"Just for a minute pretend she isn't- then tell me what you think."
"Well... I guess she does have an okay body... But I still wouldn't date her- firstly she would be too shy and goody-goody to start anything; she would probably only let you hold her hand. Secondly, she is super unpopular with the other girls because she is so quiet. Olette is the only girl who likes her, and the only reason Roxas's friends hang out with her is because Roxas is super protective over her and makes her go EVERYWHERE with him unless she's sick and has to stay home. He even made his friends sign up for the same classes as hers. The only classes he doesn't have her in is the electives, but they choose those today. You'll be lucky if you can get her alone for the date."
"Hmm... Well, I still like her- I mean, the Roxas thing seems a little much but other than that she doesn't sound bad at all. I'd be the one starting everything, anyway- I like being in control." We stepped on the trolley that would take us straight to the school. Roxas, Hayner, Pence, Olette, and Naminé were already sitting in the back, Roxas and Pence sharing a seat with Pence at the window, Hayner across from them and Naminé in front of Roxas in the window seat, Olette beside her. I sat down two seats in front of them, leaving seven rows in the front. Then, to my surprise, Axel and his gang got on. And they had a new member. Demyx was chatting away with him. Riku sat across the row from me as I watched Zexion following Demyx close behind, occasionally asked a rowdy question from the two as they sat down with one seat between themselves and Riku. Zexion sat in front of them, Marluxia and Axel following, the only ones without a school uniform. Axel had all the earrings in his ears that had been pierced multiple times, slashed up baggy jeans, halfway unbuttoned dark red-brown shirt under a brown windbreaker, checkered wristband, a black ring on his index finger, dogtags, a chain that connected something in his pocket (perhaps his wallet?) to his beltloop, which had a checkered patterned belt that matched his wristband, and really worn out blue converse sneakers. Marluxia was wearing a tight, white v-neck shirt with long sleeves that hugged his arms, and that shirt was under a navy blue button up shirt that was unbuttoned, the sleeves rolled up to just above his elbows, baggy, dark blue jeans with a chain similar to Axel's, a pair of red, black, and white basketball shoes that had the laces tucked into the shoe, and his pink hair shrouded his face. They sat across from the other boys, Marluxia across from Zexion, Axel across from Demyx and the new guy, who had long blue hair, pierced ears, golden eyes, and a stern look that changed only when someone said something funny. Demyx loosened his tie, threw his right leg over the seat behind him, and leaned on the window, not minding that his legs were split at the new guy. Of course, you could put three people to a seat so there was about a seat's worth of space between them, but still. Axel leaned into the window, too and lounged more comfortably then Demyx, who seemed comfortable but Axel had more lounging space. Marluxia leaned into the corner where the seat meets the window and Zexion was the only one besides the new guy who was sitting correctly up there. He obviously had his nose in a book, so he didn't care. The new guy had his head turned to Axel, who was talking to him from across the isle.
"Okay, Sïax. Welcome to the group. You just need to know that here, we are all brothers because this is the only family that myself and Marluxia have, so we need to stick up for each other," Axel said to the new guy, Sïax. "See that guy behind you?" Axel asked pointing to Demyx. Sïax turned around.
"Yo," Demyx said, holding his hand up before Sïax could turn back to Axel.
"He is your brother, just like I am your brother and Marluxia and Zexion are your brothers. You know, Zexy has a weird family, so he needs this security, don't you bro?" Axel asked, grinning at Zexion.
"My little sister is my cousin," Zexion muttered.
"Fuu was put up for adoption when she was born because her parents were afraid of her mutation, and wouldn't you know her Uncle Xemnas and Aunt Aqua adopts her. His brother, Ansem, and the rest of his family died," Axel told Sïax. Riku froze.
"What was wrong with her?" Sïax asked.
"She had blood red eyes instead of orange or aquamarine," Zexion responded, flipping the page. He was really small for his age- I was half an inch taller than him and he was two years older than me. Leon and Yuffie got on, Yuffie's little sister following and Kairi following them. That's when I remembered- Kairi was Leon's little sister. That was probably why he put up with me. Kairi sat down next to me, Leon sat in front of Riku, Yuffie sat in front of me with a cheery 'Hi!' I was focused on Riku, though. The expression on his face was scaring me. Yuffie's little sister sat quietly in the front seat. Larxene, a girl in Demyx's class sat next to her and they immediately started talking. Larxene and Xion were probably the biggest sluts in school- a new guy just about every week, and Larxene has had more than one pregnancy scare. I went through Junior high with Xion in my class- she flirted with everyone all the time. She first met Larxene at eighth grade graduation and earlier in the summer I saw them flirting with everyone at the beach. Kairi was talking to me, I noticed, but I wasn't listening.
"Riku?" I asked.
"My dad... His name was Ansem... And my uncle is Xemnas, my Aunt Aqua... I knew I had cousins but I never met them... Turns out I did and never knew it!" Riku mumbled in awe. That's when a girl about my age gets on, hair the exact same color as Riku's, bloodred eyes, and a school uniform with thigh high socks like Yuffie's and Larxene's instead of knee high like all the other girls. She sat in the seat that was about two seats in front of Marluxia. Kairi was looking at her, too.
"Sora! What is with you? That's just Fuu- don't you remember what she did to you?"
"... No?" I said.
"I don't believe you! She gave you a wedgie and hung you from the flagpole by your underwear!" Kairi said. I looked at her like she was something from Mars. I remembered now, but the tone of her voice...
"Are you jealous, Kairi?" I asked. She got a little flushed then.
"No!" she insisted. "You're unbelievable!" she said exasperatedly and got up to sit by Yuffie.
"So, Sora- you excited to sign up for athletics? I know I am- we can totally win with you on the track team! Nice tan," Yuffie commented.
"Thanks," I said. "I'm thinking about joining the cheerleading team, too, and I might sign up to be water boy for football."
"Hahahaha!" she laughed. "Cheerleading, huh? I'll admit you're loud but we really need catchers, and you're awful clumsy. How about you, Rik? You'd make a great catcher." Siefer, Rai, and Vivi got on, then, Pence's brother following. That's when I remembered his name- Terra. Terra looked like Pence's dad, while Pence closer resembled his mom.
"What's wrong with me? It's because he's hotter than me, isn't it?" I demanded. Leon, who was leaning against the window with his eyes closed suddenly tensed up, his eye shooting open. Kairi turned around to stare at me, Riku looked up like I'd just asked him to wipe my butt, and Demyx and Axel stared at me. Axel then shook his head and started talking to Sïax, who was now looking around, wondering what was going on. Demyx raised his eyebrow and turned his head to the front of the trolley. Kairi stared at me still, Yuffie sat in shock, Riku still had that look on his face, and Leon's eye was now trained on me.
"What?" Riku asked, sounding shocked, confused and a little irritated. Yuffie started laughing.
"You know, like- I think she only wants you on the team because you have big muscles. Girls like big muscles and all, so Yuffie might think you're hotter than me so she wants you instead," I explained nervously. Real smooth, Sora- you've got all eyes on you and you almost let the secret out.
"Awww, isn't that cute!" Kairi gushed. I looked at her in horror. Did she know? Has she put it together? Is it over for me? Will she tell-
"Sora's jealous of Riku!" she cooed, pinching my cheek.
"Awwww!" Yuffie said, pinching my other cheek.
"Poor Sora!" Kairi said, pulling me to her chest in the kind of hug you would give a Teddy bear when you're happy. My face burned red when I realized my head was buried in her chest. I could barely peek out at Riku, who was laughing at me.
"Kairi, let me go!" I begged, but I was too muffled by her breasts to be understood.
"Yuffie, little Sora needs more love- he's so insecure!" Kairi said.
"No! Nooooooo!" I called, squirming when Yuffie joined the hug. Now I was pressed on both sides as the trolley began to move.
"Is there a group hug back here?" Oh, God no! Not Larxene! "Oooh! Is that the cute little Sora bug I see? He is so cute!" she called, and I felt her boobs press into my back as she joined the other girls. I was screaming, now, and all I heard was the girls giggling and Riku's laughter as I felt another body add to the pile. I felt the new girl's legs draped over my lap. Xion, it just had to be. Then I felt another.
"This is so adorable!" I heard Olette squeal.
"Here, Naminé- get my camera out of my purse and take a picture- I want to put this in the yearbook!" Kairi called. Of course she would want to be on the yearbook team- she aspires to be a journalist. I barely saw the flash of a camera.
"Good- join us, Naminé! He is just the cutest thing! He called me an angel this summer!" Olette squealed.
"No thanks... I need to talk to someone," Naminé said.
"Even I can't resist!" I heard another girl call... The same one who called me a dork before hanging me from a flagpole. I felt another person's weight added to the pile of just GIRLS on my back.
"Okay, look- all of you are very pretty, um... Very lovely girls, but I would appreciate it if you would take me out of your chests- I'm a little uncomfortable being here," I said nervously. I didn't want to offend them because more than one of these girls could damage me.
"What, do you not like our breasts?" Larxene asked, squishing into my back harder to emphasize her point.
"No, well, er... I mean- they're very nice but I don't really feel it's appropriate," I tried again.
"But you're not uncomfortable, right?" the girl on my lap asked- yep. Xion.
"It's really SOFT!" I squeaked when her hip brushed my privates.
"Xion, get-off-my-lap!" I hissed. "I just don't like being wrapped in all these chestparts!"
"This is so cute!"
"No, it's not!" I protested.
"I just adore him!"
"You can be my pet for the year, cutie!"
"Pet? He'll be my playtoy if he wants."
"No, I don't want to-"
"Aww, I don't think hugs are enough!"
"Let's give him a kiss!"
"Yeah!"
"NO NO NOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

I got off the trolley, all the girls' lipgloss all over my face and one planted on my neck. Riku walked next to me, smirking and obviously trying not to laugh. The group of girls waved and split up into their smaller groups, Olette going with Roxas and his friends, Fuu going with Seifer's gang, Yuffie and Kairi with Leon, and Larxene and Xion waving all their fingers at me flirtishly, blowing kisses, then finally walking away but swaying their hips to hold my attention. I glared at Riku.
"Why did you let them DO THAT to me?!" I demanded. "You're supposed to be my big brother and you didn't stick up for me!"
"We are in the same class, those are girls (and some of them aren't that bad-looking), and you need to learn to fight some of your own battles."
"Pfft. What did you do besides laugh at me? Nothing."
"That's not true- Dad's taking me to get my liscence after school today, so while you were being smothered in a way any guy would love to be, I was planning my date with Naminé. I'm going to pick her up tomorrow at seven, and we are going to see a movie. I even have directions to her house- not very far from home, I might add."
"Yeah- it's just a house or two away from home."
"She's really excited about it... Hey, why didn't they ride the trolley?" he asked, pointing to Wakka, Selphie, and Tidus.
"They must've been staying in town..." I mumbled. They had a camp they went to until school started- it's a study camp. Tidus and Wakka have bad grades, and Selphie goes because she likes to help them study. Leon and Kairi don't understand why an eighth grader could help freshmen in their studies, but she succeeded. Of course, most of the stuff they teach at camp is eighth grade things and Selphie is a little boy crazy. It wouldn't surprise me if she became friends with Xion and Larxene.
"Leon mentioned he had another little sister skipping into the ninth grade... Is that her?"
"Yeah... I guess... His only sisters are Kairi and Selphie, and you've met Kairi."
"Cool." I stared at him like he was a madman. That was all he had to say?
"Wait! I've lost Naminé!"
"Roxas, it's fine- she is a big girl. Besides, you can't have her in your sight every second of the day!" Hayner said, and I looked around to see him trying to reason with a frantic Roxas. "Let's go," Hayner said. "We'll see her in the assembly to announce the freshmen, and you can go on with keeping her on a leash. I heard from Olette she had a tough guy out for her- he'll keep her safe, okay?"
"Tough guy?! What the fuck?! Now something bad could happen when did he meet her and whydidnoonetellmeeeee!" Roxas squalled. Hayner beckoned to Pence and both of them grabbed one of Roxas's arms and drug him inside. Riku and I proceeded walking due to the fact we had paused to watch Roxas's mini-meltdown about his sister. Then I heard a clicking of shoes behind me. Riku and I turned, and for the first time I noticed he was a whole head taller than me. I looked at the girl who had trotted towards us, with her white button up shirt you could almost see through, knee high black socks, brown dress shoes, blue and white plaid skirt and tie swinging along with her blonde hair.
"Naminé? Why aren't you with Roxas? He is totally freaking out right now," I commented.
"Well... You see, um... I wanted to spend a little time to myself... And I wanted to talk to Riku, too," she said, looking down.
"So... What is it?" Riku asked.
"Well... This is a little embarrassing, but... I..." she whispered, then stepped forward quickly to hug Riku. I did a little bit of a double take.
"I think you're nice," she said softly. Then she drew back and smiled at him shyly before waving. Then she dashed inside.
"Nice," I scoffed. "I told you that she's way to sweet- good luck getting a kiss, Prince Charming," I said angrily.
"Sora, don't be that way- she's just shy. You don't like that I'm dating her, do you?" he asked. I started storming inside. "Sora, why are you so mad?"
"I'm going to wipe this stuff off my face," I grumbled. Great. Now I'm jealous on top of all that. The look on his face when she hugged him... Cheery surprise.