From Eternamente -- Thanks for reading my very first fanfic. I'm considering going back over the previous chapters and developing Riku, Roxas, and Axel a bit. I have the three characters more-defined in what I've written of the sequel so far, and it'd be nice to develop the characters in this part of the story as well. Someone had mentioned that it seems I have Axel and Roxas defined by their relationship. In some ways, I do. Axel is mostly in the story as a bit of comic relief and fan service, but he does at times chime in with a pearl of wisdom or two. Roxas is the more-developed of the two acting as Riku's closest friend, but his friendliness gets distracted by Axel's... Axelness. And as for Riku, we don't hear much about his past. I'm debating if I should edit in more of Riku, or keep this whole segment as strictly Sora's story. I do have plans for Riku's character in the sequel, but I also think it would be nice to develop him here. Give me some feedback and let me know what you think about that.

So, let's see... about this chapter... I could talk about it here, or just let you read it. I shall let you read it. Enjoy!

Disclaimer -- Sora, Riku, and any other Kingdom Hearts references belong to Disney/Square Enix. I don't own the characters or settings, however if I did then Sora would be mine, and I'd let Riku visit him every now and again. Maybe.

--------------

Chapter Ten - Even an Angel Needs Help

Riku headed into his room to get dressed, and pulled out his cell phone as it started vibrating. He smiled as he saw Kairi's name on the screen before answering it.

"Hey Kairi," Riku smiled as he began pulling out clothes. "Are things going as planned?"

"Yup. I explained the whole thing to my father this morning during breakfast. He's gonna help us," she announced happily.

"Great. Axel and Roxas said they'd be at Sora's house by now getting his things, so I think things will go according to plan."

"I hope so. I really care about Sora, you know?" Kairi said. "He makes you so happy… I wouldn't feel right not trying to help him like we are."

"I know. Things will be just fine. Don't worry," Riku smiled. "Anyway, once you have things taken care of with your father, meet up with Roxas and Axel and then come to my place."

"Will do. Daddy's already taking care of the paperwork. I'll see you soon." Kairi replied as she hung up.

Riku dressed comfortably for the day. He had a feeling it would be a bit hectic. After making sure he looked alright he headed back into Sora's room to find the boy sitting in the same spot he left him. He headed over to the boy and kneeled in front of him. "Are you okay?"

Sora nodded. "I'll fight back, Riku. Because you want me to," Sora said in a hushed whisper to the silver-haired boy. "No, because I want to."

Riku's heart soared. This amazing boy before him had been a ball of mixed emotions just last week. Exactly last week he had broken down in the middle of a mall, crying and weeping about things that didn't make sense to Riku at the time. But now it was all clear. Sora had been trying to tell Riku his pain without actually saying it. Riku sat on the bed in front of Sora and gave him a hug. "I'll be here for you. I'll be your strength for this. You can do this."

"So, when should I call?"

"I'm waiting on Kairi's word that her father has the paperwork taken care of. Plus, I'm waiting on Axel and Roxas to arrive with your things. After that's all taken care of, we can put it in motion."

"Are they going to take me away from you?" Sora asked Riku in a pleading manner.

"No, no they won't. I promise you, no matter what, you won't leave me. Even if this isn't your home, I know you'll remain on Destiny Islands," Riku assured the trembling boy. "They'll take your father away. He'll never hurt you again."

Sora snuggled into Riku's chest and let loose some of the happiest tears he had ever imagined crying. How he secretly longed to hear those words, but there was no one to tell him those words before. Until now.

'They'll take your father away. He'll never hurt you again.'

It was like a symphony had rang through Sora's ears. Those beautiful words. Never. Hurt. You. Again. Ever since his mother died, his life had been a wreck. His father would come home from work every night demanding dinner, and if it wasn't ready yet Sora went flying. He learned how to safely fall down stairs so it didn't hurt as much upon landing. He'd lost count of how many times he laid unconscious at the bottom of the basement stairs after his father wised up to his safe-falling trick. He'd suffered twisted ankles, broken collarbones, black eyes, cut lips, bruises, being beaten by a belt buckle until he bled, having just about everything in the house used as a weapon against him, and worst of all he had to endure his father's sickening loving embrace as well. Thinking of it all, he felt so empty, as if he was nothing more than a shell of a human. But this guardian angel, this saint, this God almighty has come to tell him that he wouldn't be in pain anymore. That he wouldn't be used anymore. That he would be comfortable. That he wouldn't wake up in the bottom of a stairwell and wonder how many hours or days had passed since he was thrown down there headfirst. He could be complete now.

"Riku?"

"Mmm?"

"Before I regret saying it, I want to tell you something," Sora found the courage to say something very important to Riku. Even though he had no idea what it truly meant anymore, he felt pretty certain this was it. If not for any reason, it was because Riku was willing to give everything he had to Sora to ensure his safety.

"What is it?"

"I love you."

Riku sat back in utter shock. 'Did he just say he loved me? I heard him right, didn't I? He loves me? No way, does he really? I… wow. Did he really just say that? I never thought he'd say that to me. I've only known him for a week, and he already said he loves me. Wow.'

"I know it's so soon, and even if I don't really know what love is anymore, or yet, I just love you for what you're doing for me. I'll never forget it. Thank you," the brunet said softly, derailing Riku's jumbled train of thought.

"Sora, I've never had someone tell me that before. That they loved me," Riku said quietly. "You don't know how much that means to me. I'm jealous of you. Even before your mother died, your parents truly loved you and let you know that. My parents only drop in on occasion to wish me a happy holidays before scurrying off to some unknown location. They haven't told me they loved me in years."

Riku stood up and stared out of the large bay window. Sora's eyes never left the angel for a moment, whimpering with acknowledgement to Riku's words.

"They send postcards, e-mails, letters, and gifts. They send every greeting they possibly can, but even when they're here they don't take me in their arms and say they love me. Not once. I haven't heard someone say that to me in years."

"I'm sure they love you or they wouldn't bother to show they care at all," Sora offered in a low voice.

"I know, but it would still be nice to hug them once in a while," Riku said sadly as he turned back around to face the fragile boy.

Despite his own problems, Sora realized there was oddly something about each other that the other was jealous of. Sora was jealous of how well-off and worry-free Riku's life and home were, and Riku was jealous of the togetherness Sora had before his mother had died. Sora wanted to get up and just hug the boy, and cry along with him, but he knew they couldn't break down because of their sadness. Sora already had a newfound resolve to rid himself of his abusive father. Riku would be alright, so long as Sora proves how much he loves him.

"I'm not sure what love is anymore, Riku," Sora began as Riku made his way to sit on the bed next to him. "But I'm willing to find out again if you want me to. I owe you so much right now. I owe you my life…" Sora's voice trailed off. It seemed so long ago when the two of them met. He had noticed Riku's beauty, but he hadn't understood the heart of gold that slept within his porcelain exterior. He was feeling so apologetic for freaking out the first time Riku touched him. But, after being touched so hurtfully by his father, it was no wonder that he wasn't used to a genuine caress. He was used to his father grabbing him, and using him as a piece of meat and the discarding him like yesterday's trash. He felt like a rag doll around his father, but around Riku… around Riku he felt like a person.

Sora whimpered and trembled under the sheet every time he thought of his father. After having the truth painted so clearly before him, he couldn't go back to that life. And he was petrified. What if it doesn't work? What if he's taken away? What if his father gets revenge on him if it didn't work? He'd be a dead man. Sora pulled the sheet over his head and wailed out loud in sadness thinking of his father killing him for trying to escape him. Concerned, Riku held the sobbing, crumpled boy in his lap.

"Sora, I love you too. And I'll never let anyone hurt you again. And I'll respect you in every way. I'll let you heal. You're one of the only people who has ever seen me for who I am, not what I am. Everyone sees me as this statue on a pedestal. You see me as a person. Every time we're together, you just light up. You opened up to me at the mall, and then at the Manor, and you let me drop my defenses as well. It means a lot to me. I'll never let myself lose you. Not when I have you so close right now," Riku calmly assured Sora.

Sora poked his head out from under the sheet and hugged Riku. "I'll make you happy. I'll be yours forever. You're giving me my freedom. I'll give you my heart."

Riku delicately rubbed Sora's back and nuzzled his face into the brunet's spikey hair. He lightly pecked the boy's forehead and reached down to lift Sora's face up to the older boy's own. "Sora..." he said as he gently pulled the younger's face towards his own. "Thank you," he said as Sora's face was a mere inch away from his own. The air between the two began to grow hot and heavy, as if the air itself was hovering in anticipation around the boys. "You're giving me the best gift in the world." And with that he pulled the younger into a breathtaking kiss.

Sora reached up and twisted himself into Riku's lap to earn himself some comfort. He fingered Riku's hair, and allowed the silver-haired boy to explore his own mouth. 'I love you, Riku. Never let me go.'

------

After some time, Riku heard the front bell ring followed by his cell phone ringing in the other room. He and Sora had been making out ever since that wonderful first kiss, and time was easy to lose track of.

"That is most likely someone under our employ, sweetness. You might want to get your clothes on," Riku said with a smirk. Riku's heart dropped down a beat as Sora winced a few times as he untangled himself from the sheets and reach across for his borrowed clothes. 'I can't imagine the pain he goes through each day. I won't let him go through it alone.'

Riku opened the front door to a welcome committee. Axel and Roxas each carried two tote bags, while Kairi was present along with her father. "Hey guys. Oh! Mayor Albright, it's an honor." Riku bowed to the mayor before welcoming everyone into his home.

"Daddy insisted he meet Sora so that he can better help him," Kairi explained the mayor's presence.

"Yes, I've heard quite a bit about the boy from my daughter here. And I must say, you're all amazing friends for him to have to help him out in this manner," the mayor told the group. "I'm even willing to overlook a bit of trespassing on young Sora's behalf." he glanced at Roxas and Axel, who were both wearing the stupidest grins on their faces. "In any event, before I help him, I'd like to talk to him and get his take on the whole ordeal."

Riku ushered the crowd into the living room. Before entering, he grabbed Roxas by the arm and brought him into the foyer. "Did you get his things?"

"Yeah, we got everything we could find in his dresser and closet. He didn't have many things, and a lot of it is raggedy," Roxas said halfheartedly.

"And his father?"

"Out of his mind, passed out drunk. Beer cans and bottles surrounded the bastard," Roxas said in disgust. "Man, if my parents ever got like that…"

Riku and Roxas joined the group sitting in the living room. Out of respect for the mayor's presence, Roxas opted to sit next to Axel, rather that on top of him.

"So," Mayor Albright broke the ice, his aging face brightening up in a smile as he clapped his knees. "Where is the lad?"

As if on cue, Sora delicately walked down the stairs towards the group in the main hall. Wincing slightly, he was startled to see the mayor in Riku's home.

"Ah, you must be the young Sora Tsukada. I've heard much about you from my daughter this morning." Mayor Albright extended a hand towards Sora, who hesitated for a moment.

"It's okay, Sora. Daddy's on our side on this. You can trust him," Kairi assured the nervous boy.

"I understand what you've been through, from what I've been told. I don't blame you for not immediately trusting me, which is why I came to meet you and hear everything from you," the mayor told Sora. "I want to help you, but I need to know everything."

Sora had gone through the story with Riku already. It was a bit much to ask him to relive the past two horrifying years of his life yet again. But, if this would earn him his freedom, he'd travel through Hell and back for the chance.

"Everything," Sora gulped. "This might take a while." Sora nervously stood in the middle of a room, knowing that all eyes were on him. "Um, well, Riku told me he told you all about me. So, I guess you want to see some proof."

"We believe Riku, Sora. We don't need to see proof if you don't want to show us," Roxas said.

"No, but Mayor Albright would need to see it anyway," Sora sighed as he took off his shirt and turned around for the room to see. "Welcome to the past two years of my life."

Mayor Albright held a hand over his lips and shook his head. "The thought that someone would do this to you. Sora, please, tell me everything."

And Sora did. He was embarrassed to go into explicit detail, but he knew he needed to. He had to say everything. About being home schooled, and then his mother dying to cancer. About how his father was infatuated with Sora because he'd be drunk and Sora looked like his mother. How his father would be so temperamental and would throw furniture at Sora, and how he'd throw him down the stairs. He told the mayor everything. Every bump, cut, bruise, every unconscious night, every tearful morning. He had to say it all, because he knew if he didn't then any missing part of the story could set his father free and he might kill Sora for trying. Riku watched on as this boy became so vulnerable, yet comforted by telling everyone about his tragic past few years. How he'd gone from being a simple island boy to this battered shell of a person. He restrained himself, but the urge to hug and hold Sora was stronger than ever.

"Sora, I've heard all I need to know. I'll draw up all of the necessary paperwork as soon as I get back to my office. I just need two things from you," the mayor said.

"What's that?"

"You have to go to the police today, and you need to present a guardian who we can give temporary custody to. You're sixteen, so it's only for two years."

"I already knew about the police," Sora began. "But I don't know anyone who can be my guardian."

"Daddy, isn't there someone on the islands who'd be willing to take Sora in? At least as his official guardian? We already discussed it last night. Riku said Sora could live here with him, so he wouldn't be a burden to anyone," Kairi tugged at the mayor's arm.

"Hmm… well," the mayor had a thoughtful look in his eyes. "I'm feeling charitable. I've already taken in one child." He smiled and gently cupped Kairi's face in his hand. "Sora, would you like it if I named myself your guardian? You'd be free to live here if you so desire. There are plenty of people here to look after you, and it always helps to have a good friend in the same home."

Riku chuckled to himself as he recalled Sora's initial reaction to his buying Sora a present as an apology for striking his bruise.

'I don't want your charity.'

He had to chuckle, knowing this time Sora wasn't going to act proud and defiant. Sora would accept.

"I…" Sora began to say something, anything, but before he could he felt a calming hand caress his cheek. He looked around, but no one was close enough to do that. Then he saw his mother's face briefly before him, smiling and nodding in approval. This was the sign Sora needed that the mayor was good to his word.

"Would you like that?" Mayor Albright repeated.

"Yes," Sora sniffled as he stepped back to the couch and into Riku's waiting arms. "Yes, I'd like that very much. Thank you so much." Sora tried hard to fight back the tears of joy that were forming, but the kindness was too much and too overwhelming. In one day's time he had a way out of his life and a future.

Reviews and stuff please! I enjoy hearing feedback, regardless of the context. Some of you guys have been very helpful in me taking great care to rework some areas of the story to make it all the better. I know some of you are enjoying the 'yay Sora and Riku are in love!' aspect, but I also appreciate the feedback regarding the controversial themes contained here.

This bit of the story is almost done. I may as well stop regarding the sequel as a sequel, because I am attaching it to this. So, I'm just going to say Part One of the story is almost over. Yes, it is a happy ending. How happy of an ending will it be? You'll just have to see...