Disclaimer: I do not own Kingdom Hearts or any of the other Anime/Disney characters.
Chapter Nine
Twin Stars
-Variability is the law of life, and as such no two faces are the same, so no two bodies are alike and no two individuals react alike and behave alike under the abnormal conditions we know as disease.- William Oslar
Amaranth was awaken from her nap, after a long morning at work, she had gone back home to crash on the couch for a while until she decided to go out and get something for dinner. If Nina was going to keep Hina preoccupied, that meant she would eat alone and didn't need to worry about cooking and it would get her out of the apartment. The door bell rang once again, the source of her ruined nap. Maybe Hina wasn't going to fall for Nina's trap and be kept away, she got up off the couch and tried to tame her unkept long hair as she walked to the door. 'Coming,' she called out to the person that kept ringing her doorbell.
She was rubbing the sleep from her eyes when she opened the door and saw the person standing before her, before she had time to think she instinctively reacted and tried to close the door on said person. 'Humph, I guess you weren't lying when you said you weren't coming,' he said as he held the door open and pushed his way inside. The princess, was wearing a loose light pink shirt that fell past her hips and almost covered her black short shorts.
'What are you doing here?' She asked as she stepped back from his invasion of her home.
'I came to pick you up, so that we could go have dinner with my family,' he said as he walked passed her and further into the apartment so he could see where she lived and how she lived.
'Riku, I told you that I wasn't going and to leave me alone,' she cautiously followed after him. 'I already did as you asked, now leave.'
'Tsk,' he tsked her last comment at he realized that her apartment was more of a condo that had two floors with the stairs to the right of him and the living room before him and to the left. As he studied the living room he saw that it was completely different from his black and white modern take on interior design. Her living room had plants and warm soft colors that gave it a comfortable and lived in feeling. Where his looked cold and reserved, hers looked warm and inviting. Yet it wasn't cluttered and it didn't have pictures hanging all over the place like his mother's or Sora and Kairi's place. She had the basics in entertainment system, he noted and he walked further in, to his right, beside the stairs, he saw a dining room with a large dining room table that seated six people, behind it the view of the city and a balcony that contained a jungle of plants. She must be into gardening, he noted and walked away from the area to the room behind the living room to find a large kitchen.
What she lacked in fancy entertainment electronics she made up for in the kitchen. It must be her haven, he studied the gray marble counter tops and center island, the stainless steel gas range with matching microwave and large oversized refrigerator for one person. Her cabinets and drawers were made of a deep mahogany that added color to the cream colored walls and white tiled floors. No doubt her love for the kitchen, 'Riku,' she reached out and grabbed his hand to get his attention and keep him from roaming around her place. 'What are you doing? I told you to leave.'
'I am curious to see how you live, given how you dress so plainly,' he saw her blush at his jab at her modest attire.
'Sorry, we all don't enjoy designer clothes,' she looked him over and studied his clothes, dark blue cargo shorts with a plaid black and white trim. A light blue shirt, that brought out the color of his aquamarine hues, that was tucked in. Over that he wore a dark jacket, made of leather, that also possessed the black and white plaid trim on the bottom and sleeves.
He couldn't help but enjoy her studying him, after all he was enjoying the view before him, except he felt that it would be better without her clothes on. The clothes she wore suited her, she enjoyed comfort over fashion, therefore he couldn't help but tease her. 'Are you enjoying undressing me with your eyes? Since we have plenty of time before dinner for you to get ready, we can play a little.'
Amaranth's face blossomed a bright red at the suggestion and turned her gaze away from him. 'I am doing no such thing and I told you I wasn't going to go,' she crossed her arms and looked at him in defiance.
'You don't have a choice,' he told her as he reached out and pulled her into his arms. 'After all, you belong to me and anything I say goes.'
'I am not yours,' she tried to push away from him, but his hold was strong and he wouldn't budge.
'I beg to differ,' he leaned forward and caught her lips with his.
'Mmph,' she tried to pull away, but one of his hands had slipped behind her head and held her in place. 'St—-'
She tried to protest, but he quickly took advantage of the opening and slipped his tongue inside to deepen the kiss. 'Mmm,' she moaned into the kiss and before she knew it her hands made there way up to wrap around his neck to hold him in place.
Riku broke the kiss and looked down at the beautiful woman before him and smiled at the light blush that dusted her cheeks, the deep redness of her lightly parted lips that he had just kissed. 'For someone so unwilling, you seem so submissive now,' he watched as long lashes fluttered open and wide amber hues stared up at him.
'I…' she couldn't find the words, protesting would be a lie, lying would be a lie and for some odd reason she didn't really want to lie or submit to him in words. Her body wanted him, it craved his touch and his attention whether soft and docile or hard and demanding. She lowered her gaze and stared at his chest instead, finding it safer to look at than his handsome face and arresting smirk that let her know he knew. Instead she wanted to detach from him, she stayed within his arms any longer and she would end up craving more then just a kiss. After the night they shared, which started unwilling and ended with her submitting and forgiving him, she didn't know how to react. To cry, scream, runaway or throw herself at him without restraint and hope he would catch her. Therefore instead of thinking about that, she decided to change the subject. 'You said that you wanted me to go see your parents tonight, why?'
'My parents would want to see you again. You know how fawn of you they were when we were younger,' he answered, seeing that she was changing the topic to something more tame. 'I am sure that even now you could win them over.'
'Why,' she questioned before stopping to think what she was asking.
'Because I would rather you win her over then someone else,' he answered honestly.
She processed his words and wondered if there was already someone trying to win his mother's favor, in order to gain his heart. It saddened her for a moment, but at the same time was curious as to why he didn't want that other person. 'If you have someone else that loves you, why not allow them the chance to be by your side?'
It was spoken so softly and so sadly that he wondered if she even knew how she looked and sounded asking that question. Amaranth still placed others happiness before her own and he genuinely smiled at the revelation that maybe she cared for him. After all, no woman would submit to someone that they had no interest or care for. Even now he was surprised that she didn't put up a fight after what he did, sure he had apologized and he meant it but in the heat of the moment she could think that he was just talking nonsense. 'Because you're my pet and I want you to get along with them. You'll be seeing a lot of each other in the future for gatherings, family functions or work related parties. I don't need them to be hostile towards you because of someone else.'
Amaranth lifted her head up, he called her his pet but made it sound like her role would be more of partner that he wouldn't just take to bed but also present to the whole world. Why? Didn't he just want revenge and to use her so that she can feel ashamed and humiliated with herself and actions? This made no sense to her. Her hands began to slip away and lightly caress his shoulders and chest as they slid down to push against him. 'I won't go meet them because you want me to charm them, but because I want to go see them. Your Mother and Father were always nice to me, so I'll go.'
He reluctantly let go of her as she pulled away from him to go and get ready, 'I could join you,' he held on to her wrist as she began to walk away.
'No,' she stopped, her face aflame with the things that she began to imagine him doing to her in the shower. 'I think that I can handle getting ready alone.'
'How disappointing, I wouldn't mind helping you.'
'Thanks, but no thanks,' she told him as she pulled her wrist free. 'You can watch television to keep you entertained. There are refreshments in the fridge, help yourself.'
He walked after her and watched as she walked away and admired the view of her long and toned legs, the natural sway of her hips and her plump ass. He looked away after she finished climbing up the stairs and disappeared down the hallway and turned to the television, but instead of sitting down and watching it he decided to go and look around. She didn't offer him a tour of the place, nor did she tell him that he couldn't wonder about on his own. Eventually, he would end up in her room and hopefully when it best suited his interest. He loved the feel of her soft warm flesh underneath his touch or pressed against him. The whole entire week had been torture, he had a lot of meetings, appointments and paperwork to do. At night when he slept alone in his bed, it felt empty and the apartment was lonely. He had never felt that way after he had broken up with Stella or any of the other previous women he had dated.
Yet Amaranth was different, probably because their circumstances and his feelings of possessiveness towards her. No one had ever made him react the way he did with her, not even the woman he had considered spending the rest of his life with because he had given up and forgotten Amaranth. He brushed his bangs back in frustration and wondered how they would interact once they met. How he would react to seeing her again after what she did. He wondered into what looked like Amaranth's library and took a seat on the armchair by the window. He forgotten what a bookworm she was and how much she had enjoyed to read when they were younger. Everything about her was refreshing and relaxing, that was why he enjoyed spending time with her and that was probably what caught him off guard with Namine and allowed him to forget the anger he felt towards Amaranth. The only difference with Namine was her passion for adventure and outgoing personality. Both women had similarities, but both were so different at the same time. Nonetheless, his choice had already been made and there was no changing it.
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Amaranth finished getting ready and looked at the mirror one last time to see if she was presentable or not. She wore a pale yellow dress that had a swooping neck line that fell below her breasts and formed tightly against her stomach until it fanned out at her hips into a loose skirt that reached her knees. Underneath it she wore a short sleeved cream colored shirt that fell off the shoulders, usually she wore her hair down, but decided to wear it in loose and messy braid. She had considered make-up, but opted for just lip gloss, she didn't want to make Riku wait any longer.
After making sure one last time that she was okay, she turned and left her room in search of the man that turned her world upside down. It seemed that no matter what he did, she forgave him and submitted to his will. She protested, but didn't put up a fight because she cared for him and maybe someday she'd admit it to him. She walked down the hall and was about to head downstairs, yet came to a stop as she noticed the door to her library open. At first she thought she forgot to close it, so as she neared it she wondered if instead of staying downstairs Riku had gone exploring. Coming to the open door and peering inside she found him in her armchair peacefully sleeping. How strange she thought as she studied his sleeping form as she silently drew closer to him, he usually had fair skin but with further observation she saw that it was actually pale. He had dark shadows under his closed hues, how hadn't she seen it before she wondered.
His breathing was soft and rhythmic, tentatively she reached out a hand towards him in order to lightly touched and caress his cheek. Yet she stopped her hand and began to pull it away as his eyes opened and peered up at her. He reached out to grab her hand before she could completely withdraw it from him and yanked her forward onto his lap. 'What are you doing,' she asked?
'I should ask you the same thing, what were you planning to do a second ago?' His arms falling around her waist, in order to keep her in place as she sat across his lap, her legs over the arm rest.
'I was going to wake you and tell you that I am ready to leave,' she answered.
'Hmm,' he looked up at her with aquamarine hues questioning whether what she said was real or not. 'Right,' he said and she wondered if he meant it sarcastically or that they should be going. 'But first let me rest a moment,' he pulled her close and rested his head on her chest as he shut his eyes to rest.
Amaranth looked down at him, her arm over his shoulder and resting on the back of the chair, 'Wouldn't it be better if I wasn't sitting on your lap,' she asked him. 'You could relax more without my weight on top of you.'
'Its fine,' he mumbled as he took in her warmth and scent. She smelled of a light mallow musk that had some floral notes that didn't overpower and over whelm a person. It complimented her natural scent and made him further relax into the armchair.
'I don't see how,' she murmured as her hand decided on its own to stroke his head. His silver locks, soft and sleek to the touch, he let out a sigh of contentment and she almost stopped her ministration at the sudden sound but figured he wasn't protesting and she wasn't doing anything wrong so continued. After a bit his head felt heavier against her chest and his breathing was more steady, which meant he must have fallen asleep again. She didn't see how, considering her weight was on top of him and found herself thinking that he would be more uncomfortable then not. Nevertheless she would comply with his request and allow him to rest a little longer before they left for his parents house.
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'What are you doing here,' Hina opened the door of her apartment to find Nina waiting for her.
'What a warm welcome,' Nina responded as she walked into the apartment uninvited.
'It should be a hint,' Hina closed the door and followed after the blonde.
'Humph, and here I was going to invite you out on a date,' Nina turned to look at the red head after she reached the messy living room.
Hina's face redden at the word date, but quickly schooled her expression as Nina grinned at her predicament. 'Hn, as if I need a date with you. I already have somewhere to be today,' she told her as she crossed her arms and looked away from the blonde girl's hurt expression.
'She's not going to go anywhere,' Nina told her already knowing she meant Amaranth.
'You don't know when that Jerk will come back and take her away,' Hina protested.
'Yeah, but you can't be with her always and if you were that would just overwhelm her and push her away,' Nina said. 'She has a right to be free and choose whom she wants to be with, as do you have a right to live your life and not just protect her. Have you even asked her what her feelings for him are?'
'I have,' she answered.
'And?'
'Her answer was absurd and she let herself get used. He hasn't had the decency to call her and see if she's okay, not just physically but emotionally too.'
'So she told you she loved him?'
'Not in those words, she said that she cared. Not that she liked him liked him.'
Nina laughed at her last statement, 'Haha, don't tell me you've been watching a lot of old 'Hey Arnold!' reruns?'
'Humph, it just means a step between liking him and actually loving him.'
'Right,' Nina tried to suppress her laughter, but Hina's embarrassment made it to hard too. 'She cares, so she likes him. Therefore, you should allow her to make her own decisions on the matter regarding him. Plus, if you're constantly around, you'll just become a burden if he shows up and tries to interact with her.'
'Please, he wo….' she didn't finish. 'That's why you're here. Not to take me out on a date, but to keep me away from her so that he can meet her,' she turned to leave but her hand was grabbed.
'Jeez, you're slow sometimes, but I am serious about going out for dinner and enjoying a stroll around the park,' Nina held her back.
'It's dangerous to be walking around at night, you don't know what kind of freaks are out there.'
'But I'll have you to protect me if something happens,' Nina protested, 'since I am the weaker sex.'
'I am a female too,' Hina exasperated at the jab.
'Right, right, sorry,' Nina apologized. 'So will you go out with me?'
Hina's heart began to thump out of control as Nina acted all cute and adorable to distract her from her adjectives. 'I—-'
'Pwease,' she pouted and lightly tugged on her hand.
'But we have to stop off at Amaranth's to see if she's okay.'
'She's fine and you'll just be interrupting,' Nina informed her.
'So she is with the Prick. I've changed my mind and how can you support this?'
'I support love,' Nina quickly told her. 'So stop trying to cause her more harm then good. Otherwise, you'll just be as bad as the Prick.'
'What is that suppose to mean,' Hina was whirled around.
'Nothing, just go and get ready for our dinner. I am not going out with a slob.
'I am not a slob, I am just wearing sweats,' Hina defended herself.
'That's how it starts out,' Nina grinned at her back. 'If you want I can help you out.'
'Weaker or fairer sex, my ass. I feel that in this relationship you'd be the male,' Hina grumbled at Nina's boldness.
'I take offense to that, since I am cute and adorable,' Nina ordered her up the stairs when they arrived. 'So I rescind my offer and I'll wait for you here.'
'Fine, whatever,' Hina grumbled as she walked upstairs to get ready. However, she decided to text Amaranth and see if she was okay and didn't need any help.
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Amaranth was awoken from her sleep to the sound of her cellphone going off in the distance. She realized their position on the armchair and blushed before trying to get up. 'Where are you going,' Riku's grip on her waist tightened, holding her back as he stirred awake by her sudden movement.
'My phone,' she told him as she looked at him, her face only inches away.
'What time is it,' he asked as he yawned and covered his mouth with one hand.
Amaranth looked over at the clock hanging above the door, 'Four forty-five,' she answered.
'Hmm, I slept for too long, we should get going,' he told her, but made no attempt to release his hold or get up. 'Mom always serves dinner at six.'
She heard her cell, in the distance, go off again as another text message was received. 'I should go get that and you should wash your face before we leave, theres a bathroom down the hall.'
'It's not that Idiot is it,' he became annoyed.
'No, its probably Hina,' she answered. 'Don't call him an idiot.'
'The red head that calls me a prick?'
Her face reddened at his sudden question, 'She means no harm.' He just looked at her for a moment before trying to lean in and give her a kiss, but she placed her hand between them. 'Knowing you, it'll start off as a kiss and escalate to something more. So lets not,' she stopped him. 'It's also getting late, you said your mother liked to serve dinner at six, we should get going.'
He sighed, 'We should get going,' he agreed.
Riku released her and she got off his lap, she turned to watch him get up and they walked out of the room together so that she could show him where the bathroom was located. After she headed downstairs to answer her cell, Hina had texted that she got ambushed at home by Nina and that she was going out. However, she would head over later to check in on her. Amaranth wondered if her coming over would be a good idea and then shook her head no. She quickly sent a reply stating that she had plans and didn't know what time she would be back home. As she gathered her keys, purse, cardigan and went to the kitchen to get the cake that was forced on her, Hina replied asking if her plans involved the Prick. Riku, she had corrected and replied yes. That released an onslaught of texts that told her not to go, then to be careful, lastly to at least make sure to wear protection and not to let him leave marks all over her body. She claimed that they were unsightly and that seeing her in long sleeve turtlenecks all week had been unbearable, since it looked hot and unattractive.
After that bombardment she then asked if Nina was in on their plans and was keeping her away. Amaranth replied no, that she just wanted to go out with her. It was a lie, but also a push that she hoped would push their relationship further. She retrieved the cake and walked back out to the living room to find Riku waiting for her. 'I thought you said you weren't planning on going?'
'I wasn't.'
'The cake?'
'Nina's idea, she said that regardless what I said you would show up and that I shouldn't go empty handed.'
He nodded, 'I like this Nina, she seems like a smart gal. I should meet with her and thank her.'
Although she knew that Nina liked Hina, she also knew that Nina was more Riku's style and wondered if he'd pursue her if they ever met. That would mean that she would be pushed aside once again. 'I am sure you'll come across each other someday,' she answered honestly.
Her face suddenly went from neutral to fallen and sad, he wondered what she was thinking to make her frown and speak in such a forlorn tone. 'Come on,' he grabbed her free hand and they headed out.
The drive to his parent's place took about thirty minutes and after Riku parked and they got out, she had to admit that the area they lived in was impressive. She sort of felt overwhelmed a little by the situation and meeting his parents after such a long time. She started to think of how they would react, would they be overjoyed to see her or completely annoyed. It had been such a long time that maybe they didn't want to see her again and she would be intruding on a family dinner. On top of that Riku mentioned that someone else was trying to charm his parents, she wasn't there to win them over but she didn't want them to be put against her. Riku rang the doorbell once they arrived to their place on the seventh floor. Her nerves got the better of her and she held on to the cake box for dear life, so that it wouldn't fall from her trembling hands.
After waiting for a minute the door opened, but it wasn't Mr. Miyano or Mrs. Miyano that opened the door, instead it was a tall male with silver hair and orange eyes. 'Riku, Little Cousin, you came,' the tanned man beamed as he reached out without noticing her and hugged Riku in a crushing hug.
'Cousin, let go of me,' Riku hit his back, trying to get him to release his hold.
He didn't listen, 'It's been such a long time. I've missed you.'
'Xemnas, you're embarrassing me.' Riku stated as he turned to see curious amber hues looking at them, studying him and his cousin.
'Right, we wouldn't want your girl to see you like this,' he pulled away and studied his younger cousin. 'You haven't changed,' he concluded. 'I am sure your girl will be happy to see that you're still the same.'
'My girl,' he questioned.
'Yeah, Namine showed up a bit ago saying that she came to say hello and brought souvenirs for your parents from overseas,' Xemnas answered with a broad smile.
'Namine isn't my girl,' he turned to look at Amaranth when he said that.
'Oh,' Xemnas followed Riku's gaze and it landed on the petite quiet female standing off to the side watching their interactions. He released his hold on Riku, grabbed the cake from her hands and handed it to Riku before attacking her. 'Am, it's been so long!'
Amaranth knew that she recalled the piercing orange hues and long silver hair, the silver hair was a Miyano family trait, but the orange colored orbs were a unique trait that only belonged to one person. Xemnas was one of Riku's cousins that used to live up at the mountain were she and her family ran the hot spring inn. He was about six years older then her and last she saw him was before her departure, he had gone off to college to follow in his father's footsteps as a businessman. If she recalled his father owned a company that trades in a wide range of goods and services, she also heard that his sons would take over for him. Xemnas, being the oldest, would inherit the company once his father passed. To her it made sense, he happened to be highly intelligent with an air of unapproachableness and cut-throat brutality, which was good for business negotiations. Well, that was before, now he seemed different. He seemed more kind and welcoming. 'Hello, Xemnas,' she lightly hugged him back, but tried to pull away from him before Riku got upset.
'You still have that sweet voice,' he teased her and noticed out of the corner of his eye his cousin's discomfort. This is amusing, it seems that old habits haven't changed or died off, he thought to himself.
'Don't say such embarrassing things,' she felt herself blush a bit.
'Riku,' she heard a female voice from behind Xemnas, but with his large frame in the way she couldn't see who had spoken. However, it sounded like a younger voice had greeted and called out to him.
'We better let the love birds talk,' Xemnas took the cake box from Riku and grabbed Amaranth's hand to pull her along inside. 'I'll introduce you two later, but for now lets go see Auntie and Xion.'
Amaranth followed without protest and looked over at the beautiful blond that stood still watching Riku, before she turned to them. Amaranth nodded at the woman, Namine, she figured, the woman Xemnas kept saying belonged to Riku. He had just said that they were love birds, she turned her eyes away from the woman's intense blue gaze that bore into her with curiosity and disdain. 'Who's Xion,' she asked trying to sooth the agitation of anxiety that was building up in her heart at the sudden realization. This woman was already Riku's, he claimed that he didn't want her to win over his mother but that wasn't possible. If Xemnas said she was Riku's girl and she fit in so comfortably without Riku present, it meant that she was already accepted. The one that hadn't to come to that realization was him.
'My daughter,' he beamed down at her as they walked further into the apartment and towards the kitchen.
'Oh,' she nodded. 'No wonder you seem different.'
'Do I,' he questioned as they disappeared into the kitchen?
'Um-hmm,' she motioned once again. 'You don't seem as distant as before, your daughter and wife must be special to you.'
He was about to say something when his daughter saw him and ran over to grab on to his pant leg. 'Daddy, who's this?'
The little girl looked to be about six or seven, she had light colored skin, dark black hair and the most prettiest blue eyes Amaranth had ever seen on a child. 'An old friend of the families,' the older woman at the sink turned to see who her nephew was talking about.
'Oh, my,' the woman quickly finished drying her hands and walked over to join the trio. 'As I live and breathe,' she grabbed Amaranth's face and studied her. 'Is it you?'
Amaranth beamed up at the older woman, 'Hello, Ms. Miyano,' she greeted the woman.
'My Heavens, it is you. My sweet little Amaranth,' she dropped her hands from her face and wrapped them around her in a hug. 'It's been forever.'
'It has,' she agreed hugging the woman, whom hadn't changed much since she last saw her, she had aged gracefully.
'Oh, my goodness,' she pulled away and studied her again. 'You haven't changed, you still look as beautiful as I remember.'
Amaranth blushed at the compliment, 'Thank you.'
'I meant to tell her that,' Xemnas agreed as he ruffled his daughter's short black hair.
'So you're the surprise that Riku had for us,' Mrs. Miyano hugged her again. 'I had thought it was Namine and the fact they had gotten back together.'
Amaranth felt her body go tense at the revelation, but she quickly tried to relax and continue to smile. 'Yeah, we just reunited not long ago and he invited me for dinner to see you and Mr. Miyano.'
'I see,' she nodded happily. 'I thought I would never see you again.'
'I did too,' she admitted and remembered the box in Xemnas's hand. 'Oh, I brought this for you,' she took the box that he handed over and passed to Mrs. Miyano.
'Oh, thank you,' she took the box and saw a beautiful blue glazed cake through clear film on the top of the box. 'It looks pretty and I am sure its tasty too. Now I can't wait for dessert.'
'I wanna see,' Xion told her.
Mrs. Miyano squatted down to show her the cake, 'Doesn't it look yummy?'
'Yes,' Xion agreed, 'I want a piece.'
'We'll have to wait after dinner,' Mrs. Miyano told her as she got up.
Xion pouted, 'Okay.'
Amaranth watched as Xemnas patted his daughter's head and allowed her to lean into him. Before he would never allow anyone to get close, but of course this was his daughter and years had passed since she last saw him, so of course he would change. He noticed her watching him and gave her a devious smirk, one thing that hadn't changed. She hadn't interacted much with him, when she was younger because of their age gap, but knew enough about him and his family. 'She's very pretty,' Amaranth stated as she dropped to eye level with Xion.
'Thank you, she takes after her late mother,' he watched as Amaranth reached out and held her hand out in greeting.
'Hi, I am Amaranth,' she greeted the little girl with a smile, but felt sorry that her mother wasn't with her.
Xion studied her and then she shyly reached out to take her offered hand, 'Xion, nice to meet ya.'
'It's nice to meet you too,' they shook hands and afterwards, she retreated behind her father's legs.
'Sorry, she's a little shy around new people,' Xemnas told her.
'It's okay,' she beamed at the shy little girl, who's face was red. As she got up, they were joined by Mrs. Miyano once again, who began to ask her questions about her and her family.
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'Namine,' Riku studied the young woman before him, she hadn't changed much since he last saw her.
'Hey,' she greeted with a weary smile.
'What are you doing here,' he walked towards her so that he wouldn't have to talk so loud.
'Such a warm welcome. Who's the girl?' She studied the man that she had longed to see after so many years.
'I asked you a question,' he briskly rebuked.
'I came to visit with your parents and they invited me for dinner,' she answered feeling a chill of excitement run down her back. 'The girl?'
'Why?'
'Answer my question first,' she countered. 'Who is the girl?'
'What's she matter to you?'
'I want to know whether or not I have competition.'
'There is no competition between the two of you.'
She cocked her head to the side, 'So you two aren't dating?'
'Why are you really here for?'
'I told you I came to see your parents and you,' she honestly answered. 'Are you happy to see me,' she stepped forward and grabbed his wrist.
'Not really,' he pulled his hand away and stepped back.
'How cruel,' her lips fell into a frown and her hands dropped to her side. 'I thought that you would be overjoyed.'
'Sorry to disappoint,' he told her as he clutched his fists in anger. 'You shouldn't have come here.'
'I wanted to see you.'
'What we had is no more.'
'Why, the girl,' she questioned?
'Because what we had was a long time ago and it's over.'
'We can start fresh,' she responded. 'I still haven't forgotten you.'
Riku scoffed in disgust, 'I still haven't forgotten what you did either.'
'It was a mistake and I apologized. Can't you forgive me?'
'No,' he was blunt with his reply.
Namine cursed the moment he found out and she had to leave, if she would have stayed maybe things would have worked out between them. 'I am sorry,' she said in a soft voice. 'I know that what I did was wrong and I am sorry. I had hoped that with time things between us would heal and we could start over.'
Riku watched her with a calculating gaze, 'I won't be with you, but I wouldn't mind being your friend,' he gave in, after all what would be the harm in friendship.
Namine's face brightened as she stepped forward and filled the gap between them to give him a hug, 'Thank you,' they would start out as friends and with time she hoped to get closer.
'Ahem,' they heard a male voice clear his throat and saw Xemnas, Xion and Amaranth in the kitchen door way. Quickly, Riku pulled Namine away from him so that there wasn't a misunderstanding. 'Auntie said dinner was ready and to go to the dining room.'
Xion's eyes landed on Riku, whom seemed a bit disturbed by Amaranth and Xemnas's nearness, but she didn't know that, she just saw her Uncle looking over at them. 'Uncle Riku,' she ran up to him, her arms extended.
'Hey, Squirt,' he picked her up.
'Hi ya,' she beamed wrapping her arms around his neck and hugging him.
'Come on,' Xemnas told Amaranth as he grabbed her wrist and pulled her away.
Amaranth followed, allowing herself to be led away, her heart in turmoil at the sight of Riku and the blonde woman hugging. She had seemed so happy and Riku had been content until they came out and ruined their reunion. 'So it seems that things might go well for your old friend,' Xemnas said as he led her behind the staircase where there was a door underneath.
'Yeah,' she answered her voice monotone.
'You and him,' he asked without asking.
'Are friends,' she answered, but in reality she was a toy that would soon get thrown away.
'Hmm,' he didn't believe her, but he wasn't going to pry. He knocked on the door they had arrived too.
'Come in,' the person behind the door called.
In they went to greet and tell Riku's Father that dinner was ready and that they were called into the dining room to gather. At first when he saw her standing by Xemnas he didn't recognize her, until she spoke to him in that familiar soft toned voice and smiled over at him. Reuniting with his parents had been a mistake, she thought, if he was going to easily throw her away. She however at the same time was happy to see them, they had always been kind to her and good acquaintance to her parents, almost friends. Before they could leave the study, Riku and Xion joined them on their way to the dining room. The blonde female alongside them and they looked like a well matched family, Amaranth noted in disappointment but didn't show it on her face. After all, she was here to meet his parents nothing more. 'Well, we should all get going, we can't keep my wife waiting,' Mr. Miyano told the group that had gathered at his office. He took Xion from Riku and headed in the direction of the dining room.
Xemnas followed after him with Amaranth tagging along, because yet again he grabbed her hand and led her away. Riku could feel his jealousy underneath the surface as he pressed his lips flat and clenching his teeth. 'Your cousin and friend seem real close,' Namine stroked the flame that slowly began to burn.
'They lived in the same area when they were younger,' Riku answered briskly as they turned to follow.
'Oh, so they have things in common,' Namine voiced.
'The only thing,' Riku snapped and went chasing after them, her.
Namine watched him walk away and realized that it would be a little harder to break the barrier he had around him, especially with the girl around. However, as she joined them in the dining room she smiled at her luck, the sit besides Riku was empty since Xemnas, Xion and the girl were on the same side. 'Sorry,' she took the seat besides Riku as she apologized for being late.
During dinner Namine and Amaranth were finally introduced, Riku's Mother explaining to both women how they knew each other. Amaranth had smiled and nodded through out the whole awkward ordeal, but quickly understood her place. Then they moved on to asking questions about each others lives and she realized that there was no way Riku would ever pick her. The woman beside him was perfect, she was a fashion designer and acclaimed artist. She traveled the world and knew different languages, she also did modeling when she needed to fill in for a model that didn't show up. Riku's parents were impressed with her accomplishments and Amaranth began to feel the gap and distance between them. So she listened, smiled and answered questions when asked.
Riku was annoyed, every time he looked over at Amaranth she was helping Xion or speaking to Xemnas. She acted as if she was there with him and was his wife and mother to the child between them. Xion had taken a straight liking to her and he couldn't help but notice the look in Xemnas's eyes when he watched her. No way in hell was his cousin and daughter taking Amaranth from him. Control, he told himself as he tried to calm down, he needed to control his temper. She was just being nice, there was no underlying meaning behind her kindness. 'Amaranth, do you have any children of your own,' his mother asked.
'No,' she shook her head, 'but hopefully in the future. I can have a child as cute and adorable as Xion.'
The little girl blushed at the compliment and Xemnas found his chance to annoy his cousin and tease Amaranth. 'Then I should just marry you, that way you wouldn't have to wait so long to be a mother.'
'That—' Mrs. Miyano was about to say that it was a good idea, but her son cut her off.
'I don't think that Amaranth would be interested in such a proposal, Cousin,' the grip on his knife and fork was strong.
'I don't know,' Xemnas smiled. 'I think Amaranth and I would be well suited for each other.'
Riku was about to retort, when, 'As much as I appreciate the offer, I am already seeing someone,' Amaranth interjected as she tried to calm the flames that Xemnas and Mrs. Miyano were feeding.
'Really, Dear,' Mrs. Miyano asked and Amaranth smiled and nodded.
'I am amazed that your Father was accepting. He has always been a little over protective of you,' Mr. Miyano pointed out.
'Right, I remember hearing stories about him chasing out suitors from the inn,' Xemnas commented as he stabbed his cousin again.
'Yes, but they were mainly after my Mother,' she brushed off the comment with a smile.
'Your Mother was a beauty back in the day, as far as I remember,' Mrs. Miyano pointed out. 'It would be no surprise if you had your own set of admirers waiting to court you too, seeing as you take after her.'
'Thank you,' Amaranth blushed at the compliment.
They continued to ask her questions about her family, like what they did and how things were getting along. From time to time she would have to calm Riku, when Xemnas made a comment about him and her or another man with her. She knew that he was trying to get him to react for pleasure, but never knew that towards the end of the evening he would say something so scandalous such as recalling story from the past. There was a time when Xemnas had joined Riku and his family and stayed over at the inn, it was when she was ten and he was sixteen. To a sixteen year old it had been nothing, to her a ten year old it had been mortifying but nothing worth mentioning. It was of the time when she had been changing in the woman's bathroom because she had decided to use the public hot spring. He had walked in nonchalant and caught her naked. Amaranth had cried out in embarrassment and Xemnas sighed in disappointment and unapologetically apologized for the intrusion and confusion. Although, now in his story he claimed that it hadn't been a mistake and had hoped to catch older women in the act. It has annoyed Riku, but he remained calm and collected or so they thought.
'Well, we should get going, it's getting late,' Riku had announced not too long after the story. They were sitting on the couch, Riku in-between Namine and herself with Xion in her arms. Xemnas was sitting on his own in one of the armchairs and Riku's parents in the love seat.
'That sounds like a good idea,' Xemnas agreed as he saw his daughter getting drowsy and resting her head against Amaranth's bosom. 'We should be getting back to the hotel, its past Xion's bedtime.'
Riku watched as Xemnas got up and walked over to get his daughter, however the little brat wouldn't comply. Instead she suddenly started crying that she wanted to stay with Amaranth, her supposed 'Mommy.' This was not looking good especially when Namine said that she should take off too and call a taxi to come and get her. 'Nonsense, Riku can take you back,' his Father interjected as he looked at his son so that he wouldn't try to weasel out of his offer.
'Yeah, no problem,' all evening Namine had clung on to him and recalled stories of a past they shared and were never rekindling. 'I am taking Amaranth home, it'll be on our way.'
'Umm, I don't think that's happening,' Mrs. Miyano smiled at the sight of Xion clinging to Amaranth. 'Why don't you just let Xemnas take her home, that way Xion can fall asleep and let Amaranth go without a struggle?'
'What a wonderful idea, Auntie,' Xemnas stopped trying to get Xion to let Amaranth go.
'That—-' Riku was about to protest.
'That way you don't have to go so much out of your way,' his father voiced over him as he cut him off.
Riku clenched his jaw tightly, there was no way this was happening and why was he allowing someone to take off with Amaranth. Especially someone like his cousin, who was way worse than the idiot that liked her. What if Xemnas attacked Amaranth and she allowed it just like she allowed him to take her. This wasn't a good idea. 'Than its settled,' his mother said to them.
No, it wasn't settled, but it seemed that it was the way things were going. Riku watched as Xemnas acted like a dotting husband with Amaranth as he got her purse and cardigan. They said their good-byes and Riku was about to chase after them when his parents stopped him to have a chat before he and Namine departed. Why hadn't she protested and demanded that he be the one to take her home, he asked himself? He wasn't paying attention at the fact that his parents were wishing that Namine and him start back up again. He should just tell them about Amaranth and him, but he needed time for her to accept him still. Fuck, he should have said something when his cousin led her away and acted like they were a loving family departing.
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'He doesn't hide things very well,' Xemnas told Amaranth as he settled Xion in her carseat and Amaranth joined her in the back seat. His daughter had become too attached too fast, he noted as she rested her head against Amaranth to sleep.
'What do you mean?'
'His feelings for you,' he told her before closing the door and getting in the driver's seat.
Amaranth remained silent at that, she didn't really know how to describe Riku's feelings without divulging the truth behind his possessiveness. 'I am just a passing fling, now that Namine has returned I am sure that things will be different.'
Xemnas laughed at that, 'I am sure they won't change.' Maybe she didn't know about his true feelings, but Xemnas knew, for they hadn't changed from years ago when Riku and his family came to visit. It was all ways Amaranth this and Amaranth that, Amaranth is the prettiest girl in the world, when I get older I'll marry her. He recalled all his young cousin's foolish claims when he was younger. Therefore, he had to meet his cousin's blushing future bride, so he asked his Uncle and Aunt if he could stay with them when they stopped over to visit one time. He couldn't help, but enjoy teasing and tormenting his cousin when they were younger. Even now it was still fun, since he got riled up just as easily as back then. 'My cousin is too mule headed to change his ways. As for Namine and him, there's an untold story there that's not worth recalling.'
'What do you mean,' Amaranth was curious about his last statement.
'It's not for me to answer,' he smiled, they had gotten out of the parking lot and he asked her were to go.
It couldn't have been something so bad, Riku's parents were still very accepting of the young woman. 'They compliment each other and I am sure given time he might forgive her. If not he wouldn't have hugged her or allowed her by his side.'
Xemnas just shook his head and continued to drive, changing the conversation to something else and wondering if Riku were to give her up would he be willing to take her. She had already charmed his daughter and she would be easily accepted into the family, since she knew his Uncle and family and was raised in the same town. They arrived at her apartment, he got out to open the door for her and watched as she gently laid Xion's head on the back rest. 'She usually doesn't take well to strangers. She's a very shy little girl,' he held out his hand to help her out.
'Thank you,' she took the hand offered and got out.
'We're going to be in town for a while, I was wondering if maybe we could come and visit. I know you're probably busy and all, but I am sure Xion would love to spend sometime with you.' He'll admit, it was to get close to her but to also watch the story between Riku and her unfold. Plus, it was always fun to ruffle his cousin's tail feathers since he was so protective of the woman before him.
'Yeah, I wouldn't mind spending time with her,' she answered with a smile.
'Great, how about we exchange numbers then,' he pulled out his cell and Amaranth did the same and interchanged phones with him so that he could add his number to her cell phone and hers to his. 'Thanks, I'll call you to see if our schedules match and set up a playdate. Xion will be so happy,' Riku will be too, he added internally to himself knowing it would only annoy his cousin.
For some odd reason she felt that the look of happiness and glee on Xemnas face was malevolent, but not in an evil 'I am going to take over the world' way. It was more of a 'I am going to have fun causing trouble' kind of way. Then again maybe she was over thinking his happiness and it was just that he was happy that Xion would have someone to interact with. 'Okay,' she took her cell back. 'Thank you for the ride.'
'No problem,' he smiled more naturally.
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'Would you like to come up,' they had pulled up in front of the apartment building were Namine lived.
'No, I have somewhere to be,' Riku answered, the ride over to her place had been strained.
'Where? To that woman's place?'
'That is none of your concern,' Riku briskly answered.
'Why, I am your friend now, I am just concern for your happiness.'
'What is that supposed to mean?' He turned cold aquamarine hues towards her.
'Because during the whole evening she didn't even act as if she was there with you. In fact, she acted like she was more interested in your cousin and his daughter,' Namine pointed out.
His grip on the steering wheel tightened, 'Don't be absurd, she was only being nice to him because she gets along well with children.'
'Could have fooled me,' Namine pretended to look out at the street, but in fact she was watching him out of the corner of her eye. In all her years that she had known Riku and dated him, she had never seen him get so irate over any thing or herself. She recalled the moment everything had gone down hill, when he walked in and caught her cheating on him with another man. The look on his face hadn't been that of anger, but disappointment and disgust. He had looked at her and her mate and just shook his head, "How pathetic, if you wanted to break up with me to be with this loser you could have just told me" were his words to her before he turned and walked away. She had gone after him, but it was too late. He had already left, she tried calling him but he refused to pick up, so she went to his home but he wouldn't open the door and he set the security chain on it so she couldn't get in with her spare.
A few days later Kairi had showed up and told her that she needed to leave Riku alone. That he didn't want to see her or hear from her. Of course, Namine had protested that she wanted to apologize and make up with him so she pleaded with Kairi to help her. Kairi had told her that she was just a messenger of a messenger, but she would see what she could do. A day later Namine got a call from Kairi saying that Riku was willing to see her. She had hoped it was so that they could reconcile, not to find three years of a relationship summed up into one cardboard box. Riku hadn't given her a chance to explain or defend herself, but seriously how was she supposed to deny the cheating when he caught her on top of another guy. Instead, he said what he wanted to and then told her to get her things and get out. She begged for him to reconsider, that she had made a terrible mistake, that it wouldn't happen again, but he just flushed her down the drain without a second glance. All that time he had been calm and collected. His face and voice impassive to her and the circumstances.
Given time, things might have worked out between them, but she got a job offer overseas and she decided to take it. Thinking that giving him space to heal or at least forgive her transgression would be ideal. Plus, with his focus being on law school and the bar exam she didn't want to be second to him and his goals. However, it seemed that she let too much time pass and that his flings with other women weren't just passing entertainment. Nonetheless, she didn't understand. Kairi just told her that he had broken up with his long time partner not to long ago, two weeks maybe, so how was Amaranth so under his skin already?
'Are you just going to make me sit here all night waiting for you to get out,' Riku asked drawing her out of her thoughts.
'I was waiting for you to open the door,' she lied.
'Hn,' he exasperated and leaned over to open the door for her. 'Happy?'
Namine grabbed his hand before he could pull it all the way back. 'You said that we could be friends, but you treat me with cold indifference,' she complained.
Riku looked at his hand trapped within her two small ones, 'I treat all my friends fairly, if you don't believe me go and pay your cousin and Sora a visit.'
'I've already seen him and was shock to see your face today too,' she reached out to try and touch him, but he stopped her hand in its tracks. 'I asked why you two had gotten into an argument, but Kairi nor Sora wanted to say. I thought you didn't want to answer your mother, because we were surrounded by so many people but I guess it is something you three don't want to share.'
Riku shrugged his shoulders, he didn't want her knowing the truth because of her interest in Amaranth and he also considered Kairi and Sora's feelings, so he remained silent. 'It wouldn't be of interest to you,' he shot her down, 'now can you please go.'
He pulled his hand free from hers, Namine sighed in defeat. 'Fine, but I still won't give up. I know that you still feel something for me, even if its borderline hate. I know that with time I can change your opinion and make you love me again,' she undid her seat belt and got out.
'I said that you could be my friend, nothing more,' was his answer and he saw her face fall, but quickly regroup.
'Keep telling yourself that,' Namine closed the door and walked away, knowing that he would leave without looking back at her.
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Riku arrived at the apartment past eleven and knew that she was probably asleep. If he would have gone with Amaranth instead of listening to his parents about taking Namine home, they both would have been resting together. He took out his keys and grabbed the quick entry fob he stole from her the second day they were together, and opened the door. He walked inside and locked the door with the dead bolt before heading upstairs to find his princess. However, he found her once he exited the hallway and entered the living room area. Laying curled up on the couch was Amaranth sound asleep, her hands tucked under her head for support, he walked over to her and kneeled down beside her. He reached out his hand and caressed her cheek, removing a strand of black hair that had fallen across her face. 'Riku,' she called out his name in a soft whisper and he stopped his ministration to watch her.
He wondered if she knew of his presence or was thinking about him, he smiled at the idea of the latter. He unconsciously began to trace her ruby red lips and lean in to kiss her, but amber hues opened and looked up at him startled at his proximity and pulled back into the couch. 'What are you doing,' she asked him.
'I came to pick up were we left off this afternoon,' he got up only to climb up on top of her on the couch.
Amaranth turned to look up at him, her hands coming to rest on his chest as he drew close to her and filled in the gap between them. His lips pressed against hers, at first a chaste kiss that he quickly deepened when she granted him access and he slipped his tongue inside her mouth. 'Ahh,' she cried out when he moved one hand up along her stomach and grabbed one of her breasts. His lips tracing kisses along her jaw, down her neck, to the nook between her neck and shoulder, 'No,' she protested, but only because she found that place to be a sensitive area.
Riku failed to listen to her and continued to kiss her neck, a smile gracing his lips as she moaned in pleasure. 'I am happy that you are enjoying yourself,' he teased her. Amaranth looked away, her cheeks dusted red but she didn't deny it or pushed him off. He removed his hand off her breast and grabbed her chin so that he could turn her to face him and he could capture her lips with his once more.