okay ... so this chapter i love a lot. the chapters just keep getting better from here and such. trust me, it's a bit exciting. Leave a review and tell me your thoughts. And like I said, Kairi and the others will reappear later and things that may seem confusing will be explained. And if you think Riku is changing ... guess again. Don't jump the gun ;D Review!
Innovation
Literary Complex
Excitement that Sora hadn't felt for a few years suddenly coursed through the brunette's veins. He stared at Riku as the author smirked. Slung onto the man's body was a tight, black vest that accented his silver-hair perfectly. Sora took a double take as his feet lingered; suspended on the stoop of his office building. The artist's breath hitched when he realized his assumption was in fact a true statement.
"Since when did you own a motorcycle?" Sora questioned giddily, a large grin plastering itself onto his boyish features. Sora then practically lunged off the stoop and towards his friend.
"I'm famous and I live in New York City ... What'd you expect?" Riku teased, cracking his knuckles.
The elder of the two took a seat back on the bike, beckoning for Sora to come closer.
Sora appeared to be skeptical. "Can I fit on that?" Sora took a step closer to inspect the bike. "Where's the passenger seat?.."
Riku chuckled, "/You/ sit behind /me/ and wrap your arms around my middle." Riku patted the seat beside him encouragingly. "I don't bite."
"What if I fall?" Sora stammered nervously, letting his right hand touch the seat cautiously.
"Then don't let go of me," Riku instructed. "And you won't fall."
The silver-haired male nudged his head towards the road. "Come on. I made reservations."
To emphasize his point, the author revved the engine, kicking the foot stand down. Feet graced the concrete as he motioned for Sora once again. "Hurry up, sweetheart."
"...coming," Sora whispered, swinging his body timorously onto the motorcycle. The brunette was careful to position one leg on either side of the bike. His hands hovered in the air, unable to move them around the author. Sora froze, fear and discomfort gushing into him.
"Oh for heaven's sake," Riku grumbled, maneuvering his hands so he could snag Sora's. The author felt the brunette's pulse skip a beat to which he shrugged off. Riku took the hands of Sora and placed them squarely on the flat exposure of his stomach. Sora flinched, leaning forward against Riku's back, tightening his hold around the male.
Oddly, this was having an effect on Riku as well. Sora's small, crafty hands on his toned stomach made his breathing become unsteady. Aquamarine eyes shut in a weak attempt to control his thoughts. What was the point of friends again if all you ever did was 'date' them?
Riku fought off the urge to move Sora's hands lower, but instead tightened his grip on the handles.
"Ready?" Riku asked huskily, looking back at Sora behind silver bangs.
"Mhm..." Sora hummed as he suddenly felt the bike jerk forward, speeding forward. He could sense that Riku was smirking like a mad-man. "R-r-riku!" Sora hollered over the revving of the bike.
"Yeah?" Riku called over it, sneaking a peek back at Sora. The brunette had buried his face into Riku's neck. Sora's arms were clasped around Riku as tightly as they could be.
The smirk never did falter as he turned his attention back to the road. He was used to riding, so it didn't phase him to have Sora cowering like a kitten on his back. And it certainly didn't bother him that Sora was leeched onto him. So close that he could practically feel Sora's lips inches above the back of his neck. Prude... was all Riku could think dismally.
"Are we there yet?" Sora whimpered into the back Riku's neck.
Riku shivered feeling Sora's hot breath, contrary to the cold breeze. "No," he stated simply, preparing to take a right turn. "Hold on."
"What?" Sora raised his gaze to see the bike taking a sharp right turn. The force was almost strong enough to throw Sora off the bike. However, he pressed his body as compact as he could to Riku's, clinging onto the man for his life. "Please don't let me die," Sora whimpered.
"We're not going to die, chill out," Riku called out to Sora, rolling his eyes as he passed a car.
"I don't like this!" Sora hollered back, fingers trembling against Riku's stomach.
"Mm. I do." Riku grinned profusely. This earned a set of nails digging into his stomach. "Sora!" Riku hissed.
Oddly enough, Sora shuddered a bit hearing his name in such a desperate tone. The brunette fought off a blush and continued digging his nails into Riku's stomach. "Stop being an idiot then," Sora demanded.
"You know." Riku winced. "This hurts but," he gained speed, shocking Sora further, "It kind of turns me on."
"Everything turns you on!" Sora hollered, fingers going flat.
"Care to test that theory?" Riku offered.
"..." Sora grinned deviously as he leaned forward a bit, resting his nose to Riku's neck. He felt Riku stiffen under his touch. "Perhaps I will. You tease /me/ enough," Sora murmured, nose touching the skin ever so softly.
"Stop...that," Riku demanded, barely being able to focus on the cars around them and the street they were upon.
Sora grinned, revenge in mind. "Nah," Sora childishly responded, digits fleetingly grazing Riku's stomach. The brunette was slowly becoming more comfortable with the bike and loosened his death grip around Riku, but only enough to move his hands around.
"I'm serious..." Riku warned, breath hitching, "You know that I..." Riku gasped, so loudly in fact that Sora could hear it over the motor, "...can't control my hormones sometimes."
Sora blinked innocently. "Control your hormones?" Sora asked, fingers flicking over Riku like little worms.
"You're such a bluenose," Riku groaned, slowing the speed of the bike as he neared the restaurant. When they did come to a stop, he slammed his feet down against the ground to balance them so they wouldn't fall off the bike.
Silence fell over them as the motor quieted.
"You know I was just teasing you, Riku," Sora taunted, laughing like a small child.
Riku didn't see it that way. Not one bit.
"I told you." Riku suddenly reached out and snagged Sora's hands, craning his neck to the side so he could stare at Sora. "Not to...mess with my mind."
Sora suddenly became worried. Had his fun little joke gone too far? He gulped at Riku's firm grip on his hands. "Riku..." Sora pouted, bracing himself for what he expected was going to happen.
"I'm never going to get used to this," Riku declared, dropping Sora's hands and pushing his body expeditiously off the bike and onto the sidewalk. Sora smiled at the realization that Riku was keeping to his promise. The brunette got off soon after, watching Riku double-check his bike's locks. Once done, the silver-haired male motioned for Sora to follow him inside.
Peculiarly, Sora had not been to this restaurant before.
It was fancy. Sora never did gourmet things. Blue eyes glimpsed around excitedly like a child in a candy shop. Pieces of art hung on the walls, making the brunette giddy. Masterpieces. He had to look at them all. A tugging on his sleeve drew his attention away from the art and back to his friend. "You can gawk at them later. I'm starved," Riku said, dragging Sora towards the podium where the hostess stood.
"Riku Karada." She smiled, pushing her hair out of her eyes.
"Table for two."
"As always," Sora mumbled under his breath, figuring that Riku was a regular to this place with his 'dates'. He looked up and watched the girl grab two menus. She gestured for them to follow, to which Riku immediately did.
They were seated at a booth near the back. Sora flinched when he realized just how far out of sight they were. All the booths in this place were spread out. They had dividers up for the ones that were close by. It was pretty.
Sora scooted into the circular booth, not waiting for Riku. The author snickered and got in as well, strangely keeping his distance. Sora smiled again at Riku's modest actions, reaching for the menu that the girl left.
"This place seems nice," Sora noted, looking around insouciantly.
"It is. Best place I know of," Riku answered, picking up his menu also.
"Do you come here often?" Sora asked, peering over his menu to stare at his friend. "I mean with your dates and all..."
"No," Riku said simply, eyes scanning the page.
Sora was surprised. Completely amazed. Was Riku that cheap to not give his 'little friends' the best of the best? Sora pushed away the thought, figuring that he wouldn't jump to conscious again. Instead, he allowed himself to feel special for being invited by Riku to come here when it was obvious that Riku didn't bring just anyone. Which brought up yet another question ...
"What are you getting?" Riku cut Sora's wandering thoughts off.
"Not sure..." None of the things on the menu even made sense to Sora. He was used to middle-class food ... not this gourmet things. Truffles... "They have a dinner with chocolate in it?"
"What?" Riku stared uncertainly over at Sora.
"Truffles. Those are the chocolates, right?" Sora asked cutely, tilting his head to the side.
Riku's palm made contact with his forehead at once. "No, Sora. The truffles here are mushrooms. Not chocolates..." He paused. "The chocolate is for dessert. Because you know what they say about chocolate."
"No... what do they say?" Sora cocked his head further.
"That is boosts someone's sensual wants." Riku smirked.
"..." Sora stared at Riku until he finally understood it. "O-oh..." He made sure /not/ to order chocolate at all when he was near Riku.
"Just get what I'm having," Riku informed Sora, setting his menu down. "I'm sure you'll like it." A timid smile followed that.
Seeing Riku smile was a rarity, so Sora made sure to memorize the way Riku looked with a smile. In fact ... Riku looked incredibly dashing smiling like that. The hair over his eyes, that jacket on ... that smile. Sora felt himself go pale, face scorching in contradiction.
"Sora?" Riku asked, reaching for his water.
Roxas and everyone seriously couldn't be right ... All these years... he should /know/ if he was like this! Sora flinched. Then again, he had spent most of his teenager years obsessing over Kairi, when all he felt for her was nothing more than a strong bond. Hell, he doubted it was even love. If it was, he would have been able to say it to her. Right?... Sudden guilt and realization washed over Sora.
"Sora?" Riku questioned again.
Riku not calling him kid caught Sora off guard as well, just adding to this stun. He was attracted to /Riku Karada/. His stomach churned, making him want to smack his head down against the table. The brunette resisted, however, not wanting to frighten anyone.
He would keep this little 'bit of information' to himself. The male knew that if he told Riku this shocking, or more so obvious, detail, Riku would try to pressure him into something he didn't want. True, he may be attracted to the man (who wouldn't be?), but he was not going to spring into a relationship. No. Sora barely knew anything about Riku. It was just his looks.
"Sora!" Riku called for the third and final time.
"Yeah?" Sora snapped his eyes closed and then open quickly, pushing the dazed look off his face.
"You okay?..." Riku seemed worried. Sora seemed flustered.
"Of course..." Sora answered quickly, grabbing for his water to take a long sip.
The dinner went by quickly. The discussion mostly consisted of future signings, the Times Square signing next Friday, and the shady Xemnas from the day before. It also took a turn for what could be considered the worse when Sora stumbled upon the letter he received earlier that day.
"You're being evicted?" Riku nearly spat out his food, eyes widening.
"Um.." Sora flushed a dark red, "It doesn't matter..." Even if Riku was his 'friend' now, he didn't expect the other to care.
"So you're going to have no place to live?"
"I'll just rent a hotel if they decide to do it..."
"No."
"No?" Sora challenged.
"Haven't you seen those shows?" Riku scoffed. "The shows where people go to hotels and get raped? No, you're not going to some grimy hotel. Someone of your excellence ... or rather, soon to be excellence, isn't going to spend his time at a run-down hotel," Riku informed him, pointing his fork at Sora.
"I'm shocked that you care so much." Sora hadn't meant for it to sound so harsh. He just wanted to state his stun, but the way he said it made him sound conceited and angry.
Riku's eyes dropped. "I thought we had already established the fact that we're friends. And friends care what happens to one another. At least, that's what television taught me. Correct me if I'm wrong, though. I'm new to this," Riku answered bitterly.
"Riku... I didn't mean it like that," Sora tried to refute his case. "You know I appreciate everything you've been doing for me. Everything."
Their eyes met. "You're coming to live with me."
"I thought we argued over this already..." Sora mumbled.
"That was before we agreed to be friends and you still thought I was a horny bastard." Riku smirked and paused, "Not saying that I'm not," A devilish grin that made Sora wince, "But I thought by now you'd trust me just a bit."
"If I came to live with you..."
"You should start tonight."
"Tonight?" Sora echoed, finishing his meal. Was Riku anxious?
"Sorry." Riku even surprised himself with that sudden burst of anxiety. Maybe this whole friendship thing was what he needed all along. Someone he could tell his problems to. Someone who read and understood his books. "Forget that. Just tell me when you need a place."
"Thanks ..." Sora was uncertain if this new side of Riku was just temporary. He liked it. This modesty, kindness, sincerity, and a bit of sexiness. Okay. Let's forget about that last one, Sora clenched his fists in reaction to his thoughts.
Dinner was finished and the bill was paid. Sora wasn't sure how much it was, but he was glad that Riku didn't hesitate in paying. It wasn't that much, right? Sora eagerly followed Riku out of the restaurant, allowing the night air to whip against his face. It was nice doing this with a friend again. It was like he was with Roxas again.
"Thanks for tonight," Sora thanked Riku, turning to him once they were outside. "Dinner was really good. I didn't know chicken could be so delicious."
"It was nothing, kid," Riku answered.
"Can you come over tomorrow morning?" Sora inquired.
"Sure. Same time?" Riku asked, tilting his head to the side. "Even though it /is/ Saturday."
"Yeah." Sora smiled before pausing. "So I guess this is goodnight?"
"Do you want a ride home?" Riku motioned to the bike.
"Nah..." Sora shook his head. "I can walk. It's not far... I know where we are now."
"Suit yourself then. Goodnight, Sora." Riku smiled and turned his back to make his way to the bike.
Sora stood on the sidewalk for a few seconds like a statue before latching out to Riku's arm. The silver-haired author turned around, staring down at Sora and how /beautiful/ he looked in the glow of the city-lights and the stars desperately shimmering above them, barely visible. "Something wrong?" Riku asked softly.
Sora's heart beat ferociously as he reached upward on tip-toes. Riku's heart suddenly stopped when he felt soft, angel soft, lips grace his right cheek. His stomach dropped and his body stirred. Sora's lips lingered for a few seconds before the brunette shyly pulled away. "Thanks again, Riku..."
Aquamarine eyes met with blue ones. Something deep inside Riku lit on fire as he looked at his friend. "No problem..." Riku managed to get out, trying to act like the simple kiss was nothing. No one had actually kissed him on the cheek when they could have easily kissed him. Not like that.
"Good night," Sora whispered, turning to walk home. Sora didn't sleep that night ... he was too busy finishing that book into the morning hours.
"Night..." Riku called, still in a swirl of confusion. That night Riku Karada did not sleep. He was too busy writing ...
xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
"The ending ... Riku, it was amazing."
Sora sat cross-legged on his bed, eying his friend from across the room. The author paced throughout the bedroom, glimpsing at a few objects as he did such. He stared at Sora, laughing good-heartedly.
"Why thank you." The author took a quick bow. "I worked hard on it."
"How did you think of it?" Sora asked, blinking curiously. It was ten in the morning, and he wasn't accustomed to getting up so early on the weekends. But he figured that getting to start on illustrations for Riku's books would be the best idea.
"Well." Riku shrugged, the flats of his fingers lingering on the dresser. "I just imagined what it could be like to be with someone. To care that much."
Riku's words gripped at Sora's heart, making him believe what the other said. Riku was complex, and Sora only had begun to unravel the man. "So I take it you're still looking for your 'soul mate'?"
Riku closed his eyes. "I don't believe in soul mates, kid. I made those things up. Got into the mind of the character. He's nothing like me."
Sora bit his bottom lip. If only Scott Anders /was/ like Riku. If Riku showed /half/ the care that Scott showed for Madison, then maybe Riku could keep a girlfriend. Or boyfriend. "You must believe some of it?"
"No." His response was empty, just like the apartment. "I don't believe in the one."
"Why?"
"Because," Riku retorted. "I won't let someone have my heart because no one's cared enough to offer me there's." Something desperate and honest shone in the author's eyes. It took an imaginative mind to create carefully constructed stories. Was Riku desperate for an actual relationship?
"I guess you're right," Sora mumbled, arms falling down into a shrug. "Kairi abused mine."
"Tell me," Riku took a seat at the edge of the bed, "If you've been betrayed by someone, why do you still want to look for someone new? I figured a broken heart would discourage you."
"Because I want to be loved," Sora murmured honestly. Blue eyes shone with a childish luster. All he wanted was to be with someone who'd love him. Someone who could give him the time and affection he needed.
"I'm sure you'll find someone then," Riku stated, avoiding eye-contact.
"Heh.." Sora's gaze lingered on the bed sheets. "So, what do you want to do?"
"Hmm ... you tell me. What do friends typically do?" Riku scooted closer to his brunette friend, hands lacing behind him on the bed. "Do we just talk about nonsense? Or gossip like teenage girls?" He smirked. "How about we help each other get dates? Considering we can't date and all." He shot the other a mock resentful look.
"Because we know it'll be a bad idea." Sora shot back, narrowing his eyes. Arguing with Riku was like trying to clean away permanent marker from your wall. You weren't going to succeed anytime soon.
"No. Because one of us," Riku corrected diligently, "wants to date girls and hide his tastes. Or maybe he's really straight and fooling the world. No pressure, though."
"And one of us is just a honey ... idiot," Sora answered, crossing his arms before pouting. He stuck his bottom lip out, lack of being able to think of anything more effective.
"Whatever you say, cookie," Riku answered, batting his eyes at Sora fondly.
"Since when am I a /cookie/?" Sora demanded, moving closer to the other in anger without realizing it. Even if it was just 'messing around', Sora figured he'd try and win the play fight.
"Since ever, darling," Riku cooed back, waving his hand in the air. "But I do have a question."
"And that would be?" Sora asked. The brunette's eyes were glued to Riku's face. He couldn't look away, even if he wanted to.
"If you were, not saying that you are," But he knew as well as Sora did, "interested in guys," he stated it carefully and caringly, "would you find me attractive?"
Sora wasn't prepared for that question. "E-e-xcuse me?" Sora stammered but quickly recovered. He was amazingly fast on his feet, "Well, would you be? To me I mean?"
"Dear," Riku leaned closer. The author took a piece of Sora's hair and spun it around his index finger. "I /am/ attracted to you. You're forgetting that I've already made this known." He paused, noticing the red flags flying in Sora's mind. "But we're friends, so I resist."
"Right..." Sora glanced nervously at Riku, "Right.." The brunette repeated again and glanced to the ceiling.
"But back to the subject about helping each other get dates," Riku prodded at Sora. "Do you know anyone who would be interested in dating me?"
"Not really." Sora shrugged. "And I doubt you know anyone for me ... not like I'd like them any way."
"You're a cynic." Riku stated, laughing distantly. Sora at once shot daggers over at Riku. The brunette seemed flustered and offended at the statement. It was obvious by the intense look and the wave of pain lingering in those blue eyes. Those beautiful, unreachable blue eyes.
"No I'm not," Sora argued.
"Denial." Riku sniggered. "You're in denial about a lot of things, aren't you?"
"Shut up!" was Sora's immediate response. His face turned a tomato red as he quickly looked towards his window. Anywhere other than Riku's face. "You're really nosey of a friend, you know that?"
"Comes with the job description," Riku answered. Aquamarine eyes never left Sora's body.
Sora was about to comment on that when a knocking at his door caught his attention. A frown at once plastered itself onto the brunette's face. Sora looked as if the world had just ended and that the grim reaper was waiting at his door. He winced and made an attempt to stand up to answer said door. Riku, however, pushed Sora back down onto the bed. He hadn't really /meant/ to pin the other beneath him, but they just landed that way.
"Er...Riku?" Sora squeaked. The pressure of Riku's lean body above him made him feel dizzy. "I need to answer the door..."
"I'll get it," Riku breathed out. Aquamarine eyes lingered on Sora's lips before he hoisted his body off Sora's. The author made his way to the exit of the bedroom, only for Sora to snag his arm.
"Riku!" Sora stated firmly, still red in the face, "I can handle them on my own. It's my house. I need to do it myself. I don't want you bribing them or paying them for me. I can make my own money..."
Why was Sora so eager to pass up free money? It was oddly cute. "You're such an innocent and righteous person," Riku mumbled, moving to the side to allow the brunette to pass by him.
"Just stay in here, okay?" Sora whispered. The brunette now stood in the hallway, shooting Riku a pathetic look.
"Mhm." Staring at Sora so intently reminded him of the good-night kiss the night before. He blinked and then nodded, incapable of denying the brunette of what he asked for. The concept frightened Riku, just a bit, so he quickly turned away from the cause of his problems.
Sora hurried to the door and practically flung it open. Standing at it was a black-suited man with gelled back hair. His bangs, however, hung in his face. Lilac. That was the color. Dark eyes stared untrustingly at Sora behind those thick eyelashes. The man was skinny. Very skinny. He had a single scar over his right eye, making him look all the more intimidating.
Sora cleared his throat nervously, "Hello..."
"Sora Kayaki," the man spoke, walking in abruptly. "I'm here to discuss the matters of your apartment, as you probably already knew," This man got straight to the point, "and the current eviction you are facing."
"Yes," Sora answered morosely. The brunette followed the unnamed man into the kitchen, praying that Riku wouldn't make a surprise appearance.
"We are prepared to offer you a deal, Mr. Kayaki." The man sauntered into the kitchen and onto a stool. He removed a folder from his suit that had been previously hidden. Sora blinked in marvel.
"Which is?" Sora was a bit afraid to ask.
"We are giving you a months time. You see, we're going to take custody of this property for that one-month period until you can make a full payment. So basically, we are in control of your apartment until you pay. So naturally you'll need to be living somewhere else."
"Why can't I live here?" Sora gulped. This made no sense.
"Because we'll be renting this place out to one of our clients. The rent will be directly given to you to help you with the payment. Deal?" The man arched his eyebrow.
"..." Sora shook his head in dismay. "But..."
"It'll save you money in the long-run." the man snippily added on.
"Can I have your name?..." Sora inquired. He hadn't even been introduced yet. Talk about cutting to the chase.
"Zexion Zirjashi." The agent extended a black-gloved hand. Gloves ... Sora didn't' want to know why he wore them. "Pleasure to meet you." The words flew out like carefully constructed webs of lies. They tried to catch their prey, that being Sora in this case. And once that prey was caught, they would devour them. And in this case... that was destroy everything Sora had ever worked for.
"I'm not sure..." Sora whispered, uncertain about the whole deal.
"Well-" Zexion began but was cut short when his eyes locked onto Riku standing at the entrance to the kitchen bearing a smug grin. "...Karada."
"Karada..." Sora echoed and then tensed. Damnit, Riku! He winced and peered over his shoulder, sending Riku a look of intense anger and fear. "Riku..." Sora whispered, shivering at the looks Riku and Zexion were exchanging.
"Zirjashi," Riku responded, strolling towards them. He carried himself as a celebrity would. The man practically floated up to them. He bore a charismatic and yet sadistic look that sent Sora's mind into another round of dizziness. Riku was complex and dangerous. Very dangerous.
"I didn't know you were dating my client," Zexion stated coldly, eyes never once leaving Riku's.
Riku smirked. "Does that bother you?"
Sora stiffened at the words. It took the brunette all he had not to yawp when he felt Riku's arm slide around his waist. Oddly, it wasn't offending or obtrusive. It was like Riku was purposely being cautious and timid.
"Not at all," Zexion answered icily.
"Now, on behalf of Sora," Riku made sure to accent his friend's name, causing Sora to nearly quiver, "we accept the deal. He'll live with me until he can make the payment."
Why were other people deciding his life? Sora looked questioningly at Riku. "I am?"
"You are," Riku confirmed.
Zexion said nothing at first. "So you're finally letting your boyfriends stay with you?" Dark eyes arched and his eyes narrowed at Sora. "That's interesting, to say the least."
"Isn't it?" Riku sneered and tapped his fingers idly against Sora's hip. "Is that all we had to settle, Zexion?"
"Yes, that'll be all," Zexion scoffed, arising to his feet. "We'll be in touch in regards to your apartment, Mr. Kayaki." Zexion sent Sora a hateful look. "Please bring any valuable personal belongings with you when you move-in with Mr. Karada." He then shot /Riku/ a hateful look.
"Right..." Sora was being banished from his home. Great...
Zexion perambulated over to the door. He paused once there. "And Riku?"
"Yes?" Riku asked, pulling Sora up onto his feet. The author never once removed his arm from the brunette's waist. Not even for a second.
"Tell your brother that I don't appreciate him not returning my calls."
And with that he left, slamming the door behind him.
"..." Sora said nothing. He gazed nervously over at Riku who had this disgusted and stunned look on his face. "Riku?..." Sora asked.
"The damn prick is fucking my brother," Riku seethed, clenching his fists as he pulled his arms away from Sora. Sora at once missed the warmth. He smacked himself at once for the thought.
"...Demyx?" Sora asked.
"Who else?" Riku sighed, shaking his head in disbelief.
"Is Zexion your ex?..." Sora inquired nervously.
"Surprisingly, no. He and I used to be 'arch enemies' in high-school. I always was the reason why Demyx and him never got together." He smirked but frowned at his mention of Sora's 'arch enemy' saying.
"Riku..." Sora noticed it at once. "...You know that I really don't consider you my enemy, right?"
"At least not anymore." Riku shrugged and crossed his arms.
"...Now that I've gotten to know you. And that you're letting me stay with you," Sora added on with a gentle smile.
"Yeah well, you know how these things work." Riku laughed distantly and then paused. "I say we start packing your things." He nudged Sora towards the bedroom, "Maybe if you're good and hurry we can have a little ... /fun/ before we head over to my place?"
"In your dreams," Sora mumbled. He rolled his eyes and headed to the bedroom.
"As if I'd do you to begin with," Riku countered, following Sora to help him.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
"This place is huge!"
"I know. If you think this is big, you should see-"
"Stop there. For my sanity, stop there."
Sora dropped his things at the entrance to the large penthouse. His eyes surfed around the 'apartment'. There was kitchen, a large living room, countless hallways branching off, and some other things Sora didn't take the time to stare at. He recollected his bags and cautiously took another step in, taking in the wonderful sight of his friend's house.
"Consider yourself lucky, kid," Riku noted, brushing past Sora to sit on one of his many couches. "No one other than Demyx has ever been in here."
"Really?" Sora was /incredibly/ surprised.
"Really really." Riku yawned, getting comfortable. He took off his shoes and peered at Sora. "Leave your things there and come over here."
"Why?" Sora asked curiously, fingers curling around the strap of his bag. "Can't I put my things in my 'room'?"
"Haven't you ever heard the saying not to put clothes away after dinner?" Riku questioned, smirking at Sora.
"..." Sora blinked as he stared out the large bay window. The stars glimmered in the distance, along with the bright New York City lights. It was distracting, and yet amazingly calming. God, they were so /high/ up. "I've never heard that before, actually."
"Right." Riku shook his head. "Just drop the things and get your skinny ass over here."
"Demanding, aren't we?" Sora laughed. He did as he was told and flopped down on the couch beside Riku. "So?..."
"Can I ask you something?" Riku yawned a bit as his gaze remained glued to the younger.
"Sure?" Sora wasn't sure what Riku could /possibly/ ask.
"I'm leaving first thing on Monday to Vegas for a convention. Want to come with?"
Sora blinked in utter surprise. "Really?" He grinned. He had /never/ been to Las Vegas before. The idea made him smile like a maniac. The idea of being in Vegas with /Riku/ was exciting! "Are you serious?! You'd bring me?" Another grin.
"Why not?" Riku laughed, "We're friends now. And it'll give you some 'introduction' to the world. Plus, I'll need somebody to drag me out of the bars when I pass out."
"Heh." Sora nodded sheepishly. "As long as you don't have hookers in the room every night."
"Hey, why should I pay when I can have it for free from you?" Riku joked and then shook his head, "It'd be a nice change for me, regardless. Get out of the 'Big Apple' for a few days. Will your boss mind?"
"..." Sora sighed. "I don't ever want to go back there, Riku."
"Why?" Riku's curiosity was sparked.
"...Marluxia scares me," Sora admitted, staring down at his feet.
"He's a creep. Ignore him." Riku paused for a long while. "Kid." Riku reached out to gently touch Sora's hand. At once Sora's attention was given to Riku. "We may be new to this friendship thing, but I think advice is part of the deal. Therefore, I suggest you listen to me when I tell you to quit. I can help you get a temporary job at Demyx's place with your friend. It pays well."
"Why?" Why would Riku be so /kind/ to him? Was he actually for real?
"Because I've done so many stupid things in life and I've made so many bad choices that I need to make some good ones. And helping you sounds like a pretty good way to start. Besides," he laughed, withdrawing his hand from Sora's, "I don't want the son of a bitch trying to rape you."
"You'd be jealous," Sora stated childishly.
"Or would I?" Riku challenged, laughing alongside Sora.
"Would you?" Sora stuck his tongue out.
"Perhaps." And with that the conversation continued. It consisted of many things regarding Riku's book and the illustrations. Subjects like dating and relationships were barely touched upon. It was strictly business and humor. Sora actually /enjoyed/ being around Riku Karada. In fact, he was a /really/ nice guy ... why had he been so stupid so think that Riku was strictly harsh and cold? He was ice. First, it was frigid, but overtime it warmed and melted into harmless water.
Perhaps Riku just always had his defenses up. And to think that Sora of all people would be the one to break them. And to think that Sora, the one person Riku could never have, would be the one person he desired the most? He said nothing, of course, figuring it was his usual attraction to anyone remotely handsome. Or in this case ... stunningly beautiful.
Everything about Sora he wanted. Everything.
