[So, here is the next chapter. I know it's getting kind of annoying, Sora going hom every time, but this hopefully is better than what was expected. There's still more to come. There shouldn't be any real confrontation in the next chapter. That has to wait to the end.

spenc53:Thanks so much for your review. I'm glad you really like it!

Animefanboi101: Thanks! I hope this chapter doesn't disappoint you!

& I know there were a few things about the yaoi...it was kind of rushed, but at the same time, I'm not sure how else I could fit it in there. After the story is done, I'll see where else it might be more appropriate. Thanks again, everyone! I hope you enjoy the rest of the story!]

Riku followed the pair as quietly as he could. He didn't understand Sora's actions. Why would he continually go back to his father? What form of nature kept tugging at him?

Nothing happened between the two, not even a word was exchanged as they made their way back to their home.

Silence.

As the duo reached the house and walked in, Riku waited expectantly for a scream, a cry for help, the sound of something being thrown to the floor.

Silence.

At first it confused him, but after contemplating for a while, he realized that his dad might not have been drunk. Is that why Sora chose to go back? He felt a growl in his throat. Drunk or not, he sill didn't like it. He saw the light to Sora's room switch on and stay there.

Curious, he began climbing a beech tree whose branches brushed under his window. He heard muffled voices, calm, but serious.

His arms were beginning to tire, and his legs were cramping from crouching under Sora's window. How long are they going to talk? Night was settling and Riku thought he had been out there for several hours before the whispers stopped abruptly and Sora's light was turned off.

He heard the boy climb into his bed and finally, Riku stood, stretching his cramped muscles. Slowly, as quiet as he could be, he clambered into Sora's room.

"Sora?"

"Riku!" Sora flipped beneath the covers, his eyes trying to adjust. "What are you doing here?"

Riku contemplated his answer. He sat on the edge of the bed.

"I wanted to make sure you were okay. Last time, I left you alone, and then…" he couldn't finish.

Sora reached for his hand, pulling him closer.

"Everything was okay," he said quietly. Riku looked him over.

"Let me see your wounds."

"He didn't hurt me," Sora said hopefully.

Riku ignored him and lifted his shirt to peer at his ribs. Nothing new. Frowning, he asked Sora to turn around, and he looked at his back. Still nothing new. And there was no doubt in his mind that Sora's dad had exchanged cruel words, because Sora was responsive.

Riku chewed on his lip. It was as if he wanted the man to hurt Sora in some way so that the boy would stay with him. He quickly dismissed the thought though. He didn't want Sora hurt no matter what.

"I told you. I'm okay."

"What were you talking about? I must have been sitting in that beech tree for hours."

Sora leaned back against his pillow.

"He…he said he was sorry. He apologized. Said that things just weren't really working out in his life, so he tried to find a safe haven. But that it only made things worse."

Riku shook his head stiffly as Sora retold his father's discussion.

"He said he wished that I stay home more often. That it's easier when there's someone around to make him remember that he has someone to take care of him."

"But Sora," Riku tried to take a grasp on his emotions. "I can take care of you. And you know you would never have to fear me hitting you or talking to you like he does."

Sora looked down sadly. "I know," he said softly, playing with his navy-blue bed sheets.

Silence enveloped them and Riku shifted uncomfortably.

"But…my dad needs me right now, Riku." Sora looked at him as Riku averted his cerulean eyes.

"And I was hoping that maybe-"

"Maybe what?" Riku snapped. "That everything would return back to normal? Reality check Sora. It probably won't happen."

Sora flinched at his angry words.

"Riku," he sniffed. Riku turned to look at him, suddenly shameful. Sora was crying again. He mentally hit himself in the face for making Sora upset.

"I'm not ditching you, R-Riku. You never left me in my time of need. I won't leave him."

Riku met his gaze. "I just want you to be safe, Sora."

"I know."

Silence again.

At a loss of words, he pulled Sora into his arms. He leaned down and kissed the tears from his cheeks. He rubbed his arms and nestled his face next to Sora's. He sighed.

"Is that what you talked about this entire time?"

"Pretty much," he admitted. "He…umm, didn't really like the fact that I was with you."

Sora heard a grumble reverberate against his back.

"Please don't be mad."

Riku sighed into his neck. "I'm not mad, Sora. I could never be mad at you. I just wish I could understand."

Sora stifled a yawn.

"It's late."

"You're not leaving, are you?" Sora asked.

"Sora, I don't think your dad will take it well if he comes in to your room and sees you spooning with me."

"I'll lock the door."

Riku chuckled, kissing Sora on the lips.

"I'll do it." He strode across the room and locked the door. Swiftly, he bounded into bed with Sora, wrapping his legs and arms around the smaller boy. Sora pulled the covers over them, enveloping them in a warm embrace.

Riku planted kisses on his neck. Sora hummed, closing his eyes.

Silence.

Riku sighed as the boy purred in his arms. The silence welcomed him. He trusted Sora's judgment. Maybe his dad needed a second chance. But he would have lost his mind if he thought Riku was going to leave the picture. He had barely done anything at all today, and yet, he was so exhausted.

He let his eyelids shut and for the time being, he was content just to lay with Sora in the silence.

[So that was chapter 10. I hope it was alright. Not much action again, but something needed to add a twist to the story. Don't worry, his dad's not really going to change. That kind of thing rarely happens anyways. This chapter was just a glimmer of hope for Sora. Hope it was alright. Please Review!]