Unlimited Addiction
Chapter 11: Unintentional
"Marly… I've found something."
"I found it."
The man who had spoken first turned and looked down. His long, dirty blonde hair was pulled back in a loose ponytail. His green eyes narrowed into a glare.
Standing in front of him was a large brown and white wolf with brown eyes. The animal was thin and malnourished. A large, heavy collar sat around its next. Closer inspection would prove that underneath that collar, spikes dug into the animal's hide. Blood and dirt matted into the fur and wounds. Every tug on the collar pulled at the spikes, making it so it would never heal.
The man tugged at the heavy chain that was connected to the wolf's collar, earning a low growl from the animal. "Don't back talk."
"Vexen, go easy on him. If you kill him, we'll have to go through the trouble of catching and training another."
Vexen glared at Luxord as the blonde came over. "Shut up, Lux. The tracker is my business. You work on your shit."
"Calm down boys." Marluxia rubbed at his eyes as he came over.
"Good. Marly…" Vexen turned towards him, tugging the wolf behind him.
"Don't call me that." The pink haired man snapped. "Mar-lux-ia." He said slowly, sounding it out. "My name is Marluxia."
Vexen rolled his eyes. "Climb down off your fucking…"
"Shut it Vex and just get on with what you found."
Vexen looked down at the wolf. "Yesterday Lux's device picked up a second paranormal reading. Wolfie here confirmed what it was." He gave the chain leash a yank.
"Shit, you fucker. That hurts." The wolf snapped, flashing his teeth. He let out a snort and turned his gaze up to Marluxia. "The car they traveled in belongs to a shifter. It didn't accompany them. From what I could tell, the shifter hadn't been in the car since earlier that day. Morning, by my guess."
"Can you tell us anything about the shifter? Gender? Physical or real age? Anything?"
The wolf shook his head. "No." It was a lie since he already figured out who it belonged to. But it was one he hoped they believed. He would give them only enough information to please them so he'd get fed.
"Is there enough scent that you can track their trail? Either where they came from or where they went?"
The wolf tilted his head to the side slightly. "It's pretty faded now but I might be able to make some sense out of it, if I had incentive."
Vexen glared as he stepped forward and leaned down, intending to hit the animal. "Why you little… you do as you're told!"
"Vexen!" Marluxia yanked the chain out of his grip and pushed him. "Mistreating equipment won't help." He turned and bent down beside the wolf to unhook the chain. "You are to track them as far as you can. Try to find out where they came from and where they went. As long as you do that, I don't care if you hunt along the way. You have two hours. If you aren't back here by then, I'll give Vexen the remote to your collar."
The wolf nodded his head. "Understood."
"Go." Marluxia stood back up and inclined his head towards the road. "Time starts now."
"And don't think about trying to escape again." Vexen snapped. "That tracking device will tell me exactly where you are at all times."
The wolf rolled his eyes. "Don't treat me like I'm stupid. I know perfectly well what I can and can't do. Why don't you come closer and I'll show you what I can do."
Vexen glared. "Yeah. I'll kill you."
"I believe I kicked your cocky ass and it took five of your Organization friends and a tranquilizer to pull me off. I wasn't even in animal form then."
"I'd like to see you try now."
"You're twenty years older, twenty years slower, and twenty years stupider. Take this collar off and I'll rip your throat out with my wolf teeth, even if I am injured and starving."
"You little…"
"Enough. Everyone just shut up!" Marluxia shouted, stepping in between the two. "You're giving me a headache. Vexen, he's trying to provoke you. You…" He pointed a finger at the wolf. "Get going now. You're clock is ticking." He rubbed at his head. "Lux, Vex… look over everything again. See if there is anything we've missed. Anything."
Lux nodded and turned to leave. After a few minutes and grumbles, Vexen followed.
"I apologize." The wolf said, turning towards Marluxia and nodding his head in an apologetic manner.
"Just go." Marluxia turned his back on the wolf and walked towards the house.
The wolf snorted loudly and shook his head. The movement brought pain from the wounds in his neck but he was used to it. He hadn't been rid of the damned thing since his last near-successful escape attempt almost twenty years ago. With a sigh, he turned and padded off towards the road.
-X-
"Well… this has been a productive day."
Xaldin groaned and slunk down in his chair. He picked at the food on his plate, feeling completely miserable. "What did you expect? I told you I didn't have a good track record. I'm fucked."
Xemnas let out a loud sigh and rubbed at his head. He needed to get to Sora. To do that, he needed Xaldin to behave, which meant he needed something to keep him busy. "Maybe… I can find something for you to do at my office."
"With you?"
"Running errands or doing deliveries or mail room or cleaning or something. Not directly in my office. No distractions."
Xaldin nodded slowly. "I'll do anything."
"Glad to hear it. I really…" He paused as his phone began to ring. He pulled it out and pressed it to his ear. "What's up Marly?"
"We've got some news, sir."
Xemnas glanced at Xaldin and held up a finger. "Important. Need to take this."
Xaldin nodded and dropped his gaze to the table.
Xemnas got up and walked towards the entrance to the small café. "Shoot." He said into the phone after he was outside and away from prying ears.
"The wolf confirmed there was a second paranormal scent. The car they used belongs to a shifter."
"Really?" Xemnas sat down on an empty bench and leaned back.
"Ours couldn't identify it. But he tracked it to the school."
"School?"
"The one Sora attends. Traces of the shifter were found there."
Xemnas leaned forward slightly, thinking. "So Sora, the vampire, and the shifter attended school yesterday. Then Sora and the vampire went to Sora's house in the shifter's car, packed a bag, and left."
"Yes sir. That is our theory."
"Could he track where they went after?"
"For about a mile. Then the scent gets lost. Something about it being diluted and old. And he's too weak. The wolf is. Vexen's been too rough with him. I'd like to request he be put in my care for a while. If Vexen keeps up, he's going to kill him. He's too valuable to lose."
Xemnas considered the request for a moment. Vexen would be pissed. But Marluxia had a point. The wolf was one of their greatest weapons and assets. "Yes, Marly. You can play master and dog. As long as you tell Vexen yourself that you're taking his toy away."
Marluxia groaned over the phone. "Yes sir."
"Is that everything you've found?"
"Yes sir."
"Okay. I want surveillance cameras up. School parking lot, the main hall of the school, around the house, and along the roads the wolf has traced. As many as you can secretly hide. I want the vampire, his shifter, and his piremort as soon as possible."
"Yes sir."
Xemnas stood up and turned back towards the café entrance. "How long do you think you'll need?"
"Maybe… three hours."
"Damn. Alright. Call headquarters for me. Tell them I'm bringing Xaldin in and everyone has to play along. We're a legitimate law firm. I'm going to hire him as a… whatever to keep him busy."
"Yes sir."
"Call me if there are any problems." He flipped the phone closed and shoved it in his pocket. When he got back to the table, he was surprised Xaldin didn't attack him with questions about Marluxia. He sat down slowly and stared at the black haired man. Maybe it was possible for him to change.
-X-
"Can I go with you? Please?" Sora's eyes were huge and his bottom lip stuck out.
Selphie stood firmly with her arms crossed as she shook her head. "I need you to stay here. Can't chance anyone seeing you."
"But Yuffie…"
She shook her head again. "I'll be out and back in no time. Just to the car and back."
Sora glared at her and leaned heavily on the table.
"Oh cheer up!" Yuffie jumped up from Vincent's lap and pranced forward. "We could have so much fun! Do you like to dance?"
"Uh… sure… I guess…"
Kairi appeared beside Yuffie and grabbed for her arm. "Wait! Yuffie!"
The genie folded her arms and blinked. The interior of the shop changed to that of a dance club. Strobe lights, lighted floor tiles, loud music, and glitter everywhere.
Tidus jumped up and clapped his hands over his sensitive ears. "Too loud, Sel." He hollered over the noise.
"Yeah!" Selphie covered her own as she headed towards the door.
"Yuffie! I'm going to kill you!"
Selphie smiled to herself as she heard Kairi's voice and slipped out the door. Even though the sky was darkening, the street was buzzing with people and vehicles. She nodded and waved to a few people she vaguely knew. Those she didn't paid her no attention. She made it to the gate and through it without being stopped. With a smile, she knocked on the trunk of her car. "Hey. Wakey, wakey sunshine."
"Open the trunk before I break through it." The voice was muffled but she could hear him well enough.
She laughed as she pulled out the keys and hit the open button.
"Fuck… that was the longest day ever." The vampire rubbed at his neck as he climbed out. He slammed the trunk closed and hopped on it.
Selphie shrugged as she pulled herself up on the trunk beside him. "Yeah, sorry it took so long. I had planned on being home long before now."
He waved her off. "No worries… but… where is Sora?" He was slightly disappointed that the brunet hadn't accompanied her.
"Left him back at the shop. Didn't want to chance him being seen by anyone."
Riku smiled as he peered sideways at her. "He'll have to come out eventually. Especially if we want to get back before morning."
"I know. Yuffie's going to blink him out."
"Yuffie?"
"A friend. She's a genie."
He rolled his eyes and leaned forward slightly. "I hate genies."
She laughed and stuck her tongue out at him. "You hate everyone."
"And yet… you stick around."
She pushed him hard, sending him tumbling off the trunk. Then she hopped down and straddled his waist.
"Shit, Sel."
She pulled a small bag and tweezers out of her pocket. "Okay. I need four."
He groaned and leaned back, flat against the ground. "Fine. Just get it over with."
"Are you that attached to your hair?"
"I like my hair."
With another laugh, she bent closer and pulled the allotted hair, placing each strand into the bag. She sealed it and slipped it back into her pocket.
"Now that you're done molesting me, kindly get off."
Sticking her tongue out, she rolled off and jumped up. "Now… I'll try and hurry but I'm not sure how much longer we'll be." She dug in her pocket and pulled out the car keys. "Here." She tossed them on the ground near where he was still laying. Then she turned her back on him and waved. "In case you want to go for a spin or turn on the radio or whatever. Just be careful."
"Yes mom." He called after her.
-X-
"So do you like… live in a cave or something?"
The shop had been turned back to normal after Kairi attacked Yuffie. She wasn't very fond of the genie's antics when they involved her shop. Once Selphie got back, her and Kairi disappeared in the back. Sora sat, once again, with the others around the small table.
The dragon let out a laugh and shook his head. "No dude. I live with Tidus. In the… uh… the room with the giant door, ya?"
"Garage." Tidus offered.
"Yeah. That's it. Pretty big. Usually just stay in there, ya. Doorways can be my enemies."
Sora nodded slowly and looked over at Yuffie. "And you live in a bottle?"
"No. I live with Vincent. I sleep in the bottle. It's more like my room. Though Vincent here enjoys sneaking up on me and trapping me inside." She glared at the demon and poked him in the chest.
"I haven't done that in months."
Kairi walked back into the main room of her shop, where the four sat conversing. She smiled as her eyes settled on Sora. She waggled her finger at him. "Sorry to interrupt the party but I'm through with Selphie. It's Sora's turn now."
Sora looked over at the witch a bit nervously. The look in her eyes scared him a bit. With a sigh, he stood up and followed her back to her bedroom, once again. "Do you do everything in here?"
She shrugged. "Pretty much." She moved over towards the wardrobe and flung the doors open. "Sit." She commanded and began pulling a few things out.
"Uh…"
"Sit!" She said it louder as she grabbed a pair of scissors.
Sora stumbled backwards onto the bed. "Is this part of your potion?"
She shook her head with a smile. "I don't work for free. But I don't have much use for your human money. Plus… I've got plenty."
"So… then what do you want…"
She jumped at him and grabbed his hair.
"Ahhh! Kairi!"
"Just a few snips." She cut off a few strands of hair and dropped them into a bag. Then she took a few nail clippings, blood and saliva samples, and a few skin flakes.
Sora sent her a glare as she stashed her payment in the wardrobe and turned back to Sora. "Are we done yet?"
"With that, yes. Now..." She dug around in her pocket and pulled out a small vial. "Here. Drink this. Quickly, one drink." She pulled the cap off and held it out to him. "Stay sitting and try not to move much. It may be a bit disorienting for a few minutes. It's more potent than I usually make. Very powerful."
Sora sighed as he accepted the vial and lifted it to his lips. He was slightly worried at her words, but he tilted his head back and let the thick, green ooze-like substance slip down his throat. "Ah!" Almost instantly, his throat began to burn and stomach started doing flip flops. "Fuck… what'd you do to me?"
Kairi pressed a hand to his chest and forced him to lie down. "Take a deep breath. Should be momentary."
Sora closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Just as she promised, the discomfort faded and he sat back up slowly.
"Better?"
"I think so…"
"Good." Kairi said with a nod. "It'll take a few hours to really kick in so don't push it. By morning you should be completely good as new. But now…" She grabbed his arm and hauled him up. "I have one more thing to do before you need to get going. Have to get your friend home before the sun comes up." She said with a wink. Then she stashed a few things from her wardrobe her in pockets and headed for the door.
Sora followed after her slowly. He was curious as to what she was going to do next but he was more curious about her knowledge of Riku. "How do you know about Riku anyways?"
She turned as she opened her bedroom door. "Is that his name?"
"You didn't know?"
Kairi shrugged. "I knew Selphie found a newborn vampire and brought him here. Didn't know his name."
"Awe!" Sora groaned as he slunk towards her. "Don't tell him I told you!"
"Oh come on." She grabbed his hand again and hauled him though the door back out into the main room. "Okay. I need everyone, for a minute, minus Yuffie."
Yuffie looked up as she hopped off Vincent's lap. "Awe! You don't need me?"
Kairi shook her head as she released Sora hand and dug in her pockets. She set four very small cups on the counter. Then she pulled a vial of red liquid out and poured a few drops into each of the small cups.
Instantly curious, Tidus bent over the counter and sniffed at the cups. "Blood?"
Kairi nodded. "Tell me what you think about it."
"It's Sora's."
"What?" Sora leaned forward slightly repulsed and curious at the same time.
Kairi rolled her eyes. "Yes. I know that." She stuck out her tongue. "There's something different about his blood. It has an addicting effect on… someone. As members of races who frequently consume blood and other… animal and sometimes human parts…I want your opinions."
"This has to do with the vampire they've got stashed somewhere close by, right?" Tidus asked nonchalantly as he grabbed one of the small cups.
Selphie's mouth dropped opened. "How did you know?" She glanced at Sora.
The brunet shook his head. "I said nothing! I swear!"
"I smelled him on Sora the moment you guys got here." The werewolf smiled smugly. "And I smelled him on you when you got back from running to your car."
The demon nodded slowly. "They do have… a unique scent."
"You're one to talk." Tidus muttered, wrinkling his nose.
"We don't have time for fighting." Kairi snapped. "Time line.
Selphie sighed and glanced at Sora. "We didn't consider that." She cast a pleading glance around. "But you all have got to keep quiet about it."
Yuffie jumped forward and wrapped her arms around Selphie's shoulders. "Don't worry sweetie. We can keep a secret."
"Can we get on with it, ya?" The dragon bent his long neck over the counter and grabbed one of the cups with his teeth. He set it down on the floor in front of him and eyed it. "Want to get home."
Tidus stuck his finger into the blood and rubbed it between his fingers. Then he touched it to his tongue and shrugged. "Just normal, human blood. I can't find anything special about it."
"I agree." Wakka said, dropping the empty cup back on the counter. "Nothing special, ya."
Vincent testing his sample and dropped it back on the counter with a shrug.
Selphie brought the remaining cup to her lips, inhaled it, and then let the red liquid touch her tongue. "Yeah. Nothing."
"Hmm…" Kairi dipped her head and crossed her arms. "I was certain one of you would find something different about him." With a sigh, she looked back up at Selphie and Sora. "Well… that's all I've got right now. Sorry I couldn't have been more help."
Selphie shrugged. "If it doesn't affect us, maybe it's just a vampire thing."
Kairi nodded slowly, thinking. "Or just this particular vampire."
She nodded. "Either way, it's more than we knew before."
Sora leaned on the counter and let out a sigh. "So you think there's something wrong with me too?"
Kairi turned slightly and ruffled his hair. "There's nothing wrong with your sweetie. You're just…"
"Special!" Yuffie said with a squeak.
Sora batted Kairi's hand away and smiled.
"We need to get going now. We have a night of driving ahead of us. And we need to get back before dawn."
Sora glanced at Selphie and nodded. He pushed off the counter and turned to smile at Kairi. "Thanks for everything. It was nice meeting you. All of you."
Yuffie jumped in-between him and Kairi and wrapped her arms around him. "You so have to come back! And bring your friend with you! I love meeting new people. They never let me."
The werewolf rolled his eyes. "You get too touchy-feely with new people. And too blinkie."
She waved his comments off as she released Sora and wagged a finger at him. "I will see you again."
-X-
Sora glanced back over the seat and smiled. "She really was tired, wasn't she?"
Riku shrugged as he pushed on the gas pedal, making the car accelerate. "What about you? Aren't you tired?"
Sora turned back around in his seat and leaned back. He probably should be tired as it had been a long day. But as he considered the question, he realized that he wasn't the least bit tired. All the excitement! "Actually… I feel great."
"So the potion thing worked?"
He shrugged slightly and looked down. "I don't know yet. Kairi said I'd be fine by morning. Don't want to test it yet."
Riku smiled as he leaned back in his seat. "Okay then… so did you enjoy yourself?"
"Yeah." Sora said as he looked over at Riku. "It would have been funner if you were there."
"Tell me what happened."
"You really want to hear?"
"Sure. We have a couple more hours to kill. Sick of all the silence today."
Sora's smile broadened and he felt his cheeks flush.
They spent the rest of the ride back talking. Sora described Selphie's friends and Riku commented that he would have found them annoying. He went over everything that happened and watched Riku's reactions as he did. When they finally pulled up in front of the house, the sun was starting to rise.
"Go." Sora said as the car was shut off. "I'll wake Selphie."
Riku rubbed at his arms as he felt his skin begin to sting. "Leave her." He was already out of the car and on the porch when he looked back to say it.
"Riku!" The front door was thrown open and Aerith yanked the vampire inside. She had heard the approaching car and made sure all the drapes inside were pulled closed. She turned and pushed him even further inside. "Cutting it way too close. You're all red."
He rolled his eyes as he righted himself and waved her off. "I'm fine."
She shook her head and turned as Sora came inside and closed the door. "Sora!" She stepped forward and wrapped her arms around him. "How are you feeling honey?"
He smiled as she released him. "Great!"
"Selphie still in the car?"
He nodded. "She fell asleep as soon as we got on the road."
Rku rubbed at his forehead. "The sun's getting higher. I'm going downstairs to sleep."
"Night Riku." Aerith called after him with a smile. "Are you hungry, Sora?"
He shook his head. "I didn't get much sleep… so like Riku said… I'm going to… uh…" His eyes drifted to the vampire's form as he headed for the door to his room. "… sleep…."
Aerith nodded and peered out the corner of the window at the car. "If you boys need me, holler."
Sora followed behind Riku, slipping inside the door before it closed.
Riku knew he was being followed and by who but he said nothing as he walked through the darkness. He flipped the light on as he entered his room. Once he heard Sora pull the door closed, he turned.
Sora looked up at him, a bit surprised. He tried to read the vampire's expression but couldn't. He opened his mouth and said the first thing that came to his mind. "Uh… can you… help me get this off?" He fingered the sling that still held his arm. His eyes were locked with Riku's as he took a step closer.
Sora was dangerously close to him now. The vampire's nostrils flared with the brunet's scent as he lifted his arms to unwrap Sora's arm. He dropped the unneeded sling on the ground and stepped back.
Sora didn't break eye contact as he lifted his arm and flexed his wrist. It moved easily and painlessly. He made a mental plan to marvel at it later. Right now, he wanted to marvel at the eyes that so intently held his. A bit nervously, he bit his lip as he lifted his no-longer broken wrist and brought it up to touch Riku's cheek.
The vampire stiffened under the touch but didn't pull away.
Feeling encouraged, Sora stepped closer and caressed Riku's cold skin with his fingertips. He had been thinking about this all day, this moment. He took a shaky breath as he stood on his toes and pressed his lips against the vampire's. His hands tangled in the long, silver hair as he pulled himself flush against the other body.
Up until that point, Riku had been passive. Not daring to move or breathe. He was internally torn once again. He needed time alone to think without having to worry about Sora's safety. He needed Sora to leave his room now. But despite that decision, he wrapped his arms around the smaller waist, lifting him off the ground.
Sora let out a surprised squeak and further tangled his hands in the vampire's hair. He let out a soft moan as he felt Riku's lips leave his and trace down his neck. Bite me, he thought as he felt the lips move down his neck. Sora was breathless and completely dazed when Riku pushed him away.
"Get out!" Riku hissed as he turned his back on the confused brunet.
"I… I'm sorry…" Sora stuttered, dropping his gaze to the ground. "I… don't know what came over me."
"You're tired and probably still high from whatever shit was in that potion."
Sora nodded slowly and bit his lip. "I'll just… go upstairs… and get some sleep then. I'll uh… see you tonight."
Riku let out a sigh once the brunet was gone. He turned and his fist connected with the stone wall. He heard and felt the bones in his hand cracking. The bricks in the wall did the same.
"Oh yes. That's going to solve all your problems."
"Fuck off Aerith." He let his arm fall to his side, wincing slightly as he felt the broken bones already beginning to mend. "Mind your own fucking business. I don't need a lecture right now."
Aerith looked completely thrown by his reaction. Sure, they had had a few squabbles over the years, but never anything serious. She could count on one hand how many times he had raised his voice to her. "Riku…"
"What part of fuck off do you not understand? Get out!"
She ignored his behavior and stepped around him. She reached for his arm, not being gentle as she ignored a few hisses of pain. "Well… can't be sure but it feels like you've broken your ulna and radius. Your wrist is completely mangled and your fingers are shattered."
He wrenched his arm out of her grip, gritting his teeth at the pang of pain that shot through him. "It'll be completely healed and good as new in no time."
"Riku…"
"It's not like I've never broken a bone before. I've broken this particular arm like fifty times."
"You should try using your other arm to take out your frustrations. It probably feels left out."
"Left out? It breaks just as well as the other." He turned to swing at the wall to prove that point.
Aerith attempted to stop him, stepping forward to block him. But he was stronger and his movements faster. His fist still ended up in the wall and Aerith ended up thrown against it as well. She let out a hiss as she pried herself from the wall. The damage wasn't too serious. It felt like a few broken ribs and maybe a crackled pelvic bone. It would take her longer to heal than it did him, but she would still heal rather quickly.
Guilt washed over the vampire as he saw the pain in her eyes. But he clenched his jaw and didn't act on it. It had been her fault. She shouldn't have interfered with him. She should have left him alone. Everyone should leave him alone.
Aerith brushed herself off slowly, running her hands slowly up her torso, double checking. When she turned her attention back, she was pissed. "What… sexual frustration getting you down? Or up?"
His jaw dropped open. "Aerith!"
"How long as it been anyways, huh? You and I had a few kicks but that was before, when I was your prisoner. You and Selphie have gone at it a few times though neither of you talk about it. It's been quite a while since she last visited."
Riku rubbed at his forehead, ignoring the slight pain in his hand. "Please shut up." He turned his back on her and stepped away.
Aerith wasn't done and followed him. "Though with her being back… maybe you two need some time alone."
He spun around and glared at her. "I have no feelings for Selphie beside annoying-stalker… sort of friend feelings."
"Well… what about Sora?" She snapped.
"What about him?"
She crossed her arms, ignoring the stabs of pain, and tilted her head to the side.
Riku shook head and turned away from her. He didn't want her to see the stray emotions. "I just met him."
"So?" She said, dipping her head slowly. "You've broken countless laws and risked a lot to get him help."
He waved her off. "That was Selphie."
"You had nothing to do with any of it, huh?"
"He's a whiny little gang punk with a big mouth."
"Oh like you're one to talk." She said with a laugh. "You may be older than me, but you hardly act on it."
Riku rolled his eyes. "He's human."
"Love, we both started as human. And we both parade as them."
"He's a guy, Aerith."
"What's so wrong with that?"
He didn't answer because he didn't have an answer for her. He ran his hands through his hair and yanked. It did nothing to help clear his troubled mind.
She stepped closer and lowered her voice. "You're addicted to more than just his blood." She said softly. "I know it. Now stop being a little twit and admit it to yourself. He might just be good for you."
Riku shook his head. "I… even if I did… have feelings for him… I can't be involved with a human."
"Which is why you turn him and live happily ever after for all eternity."
"No." He said flatly, shaking his head.
"Riku…"
"NO!" He screamed.
She smiled slightly as she caught his anger. She kept her voice even and level. "Let him decide."
"No. I won't do that to him."
She stepped closer to him and touched lifted her hand to his back. "What Xigbar did to you was wrong and he was punished for it. It wouldn't be like that for Sora."
Riku started shaking visible. "Aerith…" His voice cracked.
"Xigbar was a monster."
He shrugged her hand off and spun around. "Don't say his name! I know what he was. You weren't there. You were even alive!"
She sighed heavily and rubbed at her neck. "Okay. I shouldn't have brought him up. I'm sorry for that but… I think this thing with Sora is more serious that you're admitting to yourself. And Sel's pretty certain he has a thing for you as well."
He spun around, surprised. "When'd you talk to Sel?"
"Just a few minutes ago. She told me all about the text flirting."
He rolled his eyes. "Sel and her big mouth."
"Would it really be so bad?" She asked softly, her voice a bit wistful. "Spending an eternity with someone you love?"
Riku was silent for a moment before he spoke. He sighed and shook his head. "One… I don't love him. Two… I don't believe in love. And three… I can't stand other vampires. So what makes you think I'd suddenly start if I turned him?"
She smiled. It was such a Riku answer. Excuses. "Because he'd still be Sora."
"Sora doesn't like the idea of killing people."
She persisted. "Then go to a vamp blood bank."
"No vampires left according to Sel." His voice was laced with sarcasm.
"Vampires aren't the only ones who shop at the banks."
"I hate the city."
Aerith smiled and laughed softly. "Sora loves it. And Sel's friends. I have a feeling he'd fit in so much better with us than he does with them."
Riku sighed heavily and ran a hand through his hair. He didn't want to admit to her that he liked what she said. And he agreed with her last point. Unlike him, the kid had taken a great interest in the Lodias and Che'el. He would indeed fit in perfectly. Though… if Riku did agree to turn him, he'd have a slight problem. By law, turning had to be approved. This meant he'd have to go to Che'el. And with the head vampire gone, who would be the one to give judgment? And going would force him to admit that he was still alive. And they'd force him on the council and make him spawn others to bring the race back. The idea of being a master sickened him almost as much as being on the council.
He turned from her and grabbed his stomach. It was making him feel physically sick. He couldn't do it. He couldn't…
Aerith stepped forward and touched his shoulder softly. "Riku?"
He shook his head slowly and sighed. "I'm sorry Aerith. For blowing up at you and for hitting you. I know you're only trying to help but… can you leave me alone? I'm tired and I just want peace and quiet. Please."
Aerith nodded and slipped out of the room as quietly as when she came in. No more words were needed. She did what she came to do, stir him up.
Riku lifted his arms and flexed his wrists and fingers. They felt sluggish and sore but the pain had subsided. A few more minutes and it would be like it never happened. He closed his eyes and let out a long breath. When he opened his eyes, he still felt as lost and confused as when Aerith walked in. And slightly more pissed. He could deal with everything she said about Sora and himself. But when she mentioned Xigbar… he clenched his jaw and resisted the urge to punch the wall again. He'd already done enough damage to it.
After turning off the light and shrouding the room in darkness, he turned for the bed and collapsed on it. He took very little comfort in the soft blanket and pillows.
-X-
"Hey Sora?"
There came an answer but it was muffled by the pillow plastered against the brunet's face.
"Sora…"
He let out another muffled reply as he rolled over on his back and draped his arm over his face.
"Wake up!"
His arm was pulled away and he struggled against the grip. "Go away! I'm sleeping."
"Sora… come on sweetie. Time to get up."
"Selphie?"
"Get up and get dressed. We're going shopping."
"Huh?" He sat up and yawned as he rubbed his eyes. His eyes focused on the shifter and she looked too awake and excited for him. How much sugar and caffeine had she consumed? Or was it catnip again?
Selphie was sitting on the edge of the bed, smiling broadly. "Shopping. You, me, and Aerith. We need to leave now. There's a storm rolling in. Lots of clouds."
He stifled a yawn and rubbed at his neck. "What?"
"Aerith." Selphie said slowly. "Less sun out means less chance she'll burn her skin. And the stores we're going to aren't open at night."
Sora blinked a few times as he pulled the blankets off. He was still wearing Selphie's shifter clothes from yesterday.
Selphie pointed towards the dresser. "Aerith washed what was worn and put the rest of your clothes in the drawers."
He nodded slowly as he looked up at her. "I'll give these back after I get changed."
She shook her head. "Keep them. You may need them again."
"Really?" His face brightened at the thought of going back to the city. "I had fun yesterday. I really like your friends."
She laughed and ruffled his hair playfully. "I think they really like you too. Kairi thinks you're a cutie. She called a little while ago and asked about you. She's really excited. She made me promise to drag you back."
Sora felt his cheeks flush slightly and he looked down.
"Speaking of her…" Selphie started slowly. "How do you feel?"
"Oh yeah…" When he got back to the room earlier that morning, he had forgotten his plan to check. "Better, I think. All healed up."
"Can I see?"
He nodded and lifted his fixed wrist.
Selphie grabbed it more roughly than necessary. She watched his face for any sign of pain or discomfort but saw none. With a smile, she pushed him down on the bed and straddled his waist.
His eyes widened and his blush darkened. "What are you…"
She tugged at his shirt and wrestled it off over his head. Then she scooted back far enough to pull the hem of his pants down far enough to expose the spot where yesterday she had glimpsed the broken bottle cuts.
"Sel!" He flailed and struggled against her but she was faster and stronger.
"Look." She said, poking his chest with a smile.
Sora glanced at her before he dropped his gaze to where her finger was.
"Every mark is gone. Every scar, burn, cut… you're perfect."
"Shit…"
"I told you my friend does excellent work." She lifted her finger and began to poke his sides.
He let out a laugh and wiggled as he swatted at her hands. "Stop it, Sel. I'm ticklish!"
"No shit."
"Get off so I can get dressed."
She smiled and slapped his side before jumping off and darting towards the door. "Five minutes."
"Ouch…" He rubbed at the spot where she hit him as he got up. He dug around in the dresser and pulled some clothes out. Then he tiptoed to the bathroom, though he knew it was no use. Everyone in the house had better hearing than him. He spent a long while staring at himself in the mirror. He couldn't believe it. What Selphie had said was true. Not a single blemish marred his skin. It was weird. Really weird. He'd gotten used to hiding.
He smiled as he slipped his clothes on and ran a brush through his hair. He had the urge to run downstairs and show Riku, since he had been the first to see him after what his father had done. But after what had happened earlier, he wasn't sure if he should.
There was a knock at the door. "Hey… you okay in there?" Selphie asked in hushed tones.
"Yeah. Just a minute Selphie. I'm coming." He took one last look in the mirror before unlocking the door.
-X-
"I don't know about you, but I'm starving!"
Aerith laughed softly as she adjusted the large hat on her head and got out of the car. She was covered practically head to toe, shielding her skin from the setting sun that was trying to poke its way through the clouds. "Help Sora with his bags and then you can help me make dinner."
"You go ahead." Sora said as he got out of the car. "I'll get the bags and be right in."
Aerith looked at him with concern. "Are you going to call your father now sweetie?"
"Go. I'll be fine."
"Alright. You heard him Sel. Let's go."
Sora waited until both were inside the house before pulling the newly bought cell phone out of his pocket. It had felt weird to let others buy things for him but Aerith had seemed pretty excited about it. And she had said Riku wanted her to take him. So he had let her, though he wished Riku could have gone with them. "Though now…" Sora sighed as he dialed his father's number and pressed it to his head.
"Hello?"
Sora bit his lip as he heard the voice. He wondered if he had disturbed his father's drinking. "Uh… hi dad."
"Sora? Sora! Where are you? Are you alright?"
He was speechless for a moment. Did he hear concern in his father's voice?
"Sora? Are you still there?"
"Yeah… sorry…" He stuttered slightly. "I'm still at my… friend's house. I'm fine."
"Are you eating? Do you have clothes? Where does your friend live?"
Sora's mouth dropped opened. "Uh… I'm fine. I swear… and he lives… not too far away."
"Which friend?"
"You haven't met any of my friends."
Xaldin was silent for a moment. "Oh… right…"
Sora sighed and rubbed at his head. "He's new. He just started school a week ago."
"You've been gone all week."
"I know that."
"So you just met this guy and decide to run away and spend the whole week with him?"
"I didn't want to come home!" Sora snapped.
There was a pause before he spoke again. "Sora… I'm… sorry. I want you to come home tonight."
"What… why? The house needs to be cleaned? Dinner needs to be made? Need a punching bag?"
"It won't be like that." He sounded hurt. "I promise. Give me a chance. Please. I want to know you're okay."
"I told you I'm fine."
"Please! Despite everything I'm still your father. Just one night. You can run away again after if you just give me one night."
Sora sighed as he considered the request. He wasn't sure anymore what he felt for his father. Did he really ever love him? Did his father love him? He had never thought so before. "Fine."
"Great! Do you need a ride?"
"No. I'll be there in an hour." He hung up the phone without another word and dropped it in his pocket. "At least the sun's still out. Riku will still be hiding. If I hurry, I can leave before he gets a chance to stop me." He turned back towards the car and bent over to pick up the bags. He attempted to be as quiet as possible as he snuck into the door and down the hall. He hoped Aerith and Selphie were too busy in the kitchen to pay attention to him.
He opened the door to his makeshift bedroom, dropped the bags, and closed the door as quietly as possible. As he turned around, he noticed for the first time since he stepped into the room that the heavy curtains were drawn shut and it was completely dark inside the small room.
"Sneaking around?"
Sora practically jumped out of his skin as he heard his voice. "Shit Riku…" He reached for the light switch and flipped it on.
Riku was laying on the bed, dressed in a black tank top and loose black pajama pants. He turned his gaze upon the brunet and noted the slight blush that tinted his cheeks. A smile spread across his lips. Good, he thought. Makes things slightly easier. Moving faster than the human eye could see he was standing in front of Sora, towering over him.
"Shit…" Sora stumbled backwards slightly, bumping into the door. "Don't do that!"
Riku smiled as he stepped closer and moved his arms to pin Sora against the door. "I've come to a decision." He went to step even closer and kicked one of the bags Sora had brought in with him. He stepped back and dropped his gaze to the floor. "What's what?"
"Uh…" Sora's blush darkened as he looked at the bags. "Aerith got me a new phone… and then Selphie suggested we go clothes shopping. She and Aerith were both convinced… I needed… some new outfits."
"Oh yeah?" The way he said it made Riku instantly curious. He bent down to look in the bags.
Eyes wide, Sora bent down and snatched the bags, moving faster than the vampire for once. "No! Don't!"
With a laugh, Riku stood back up and wondered at the brunet's nervousness. "Why?"
"Because they are both perverts and the second I can, I'm sneaking them back."
Riku cocked an eyebrow as he tilted his head to the side. "Seriously?"
Sora pushed past him and crossed the room towards the dresser. He dropped the bags on it and sighed. "Just because that witch fixed me up or whatever doesn't mean I need to dress like a prostitute."
Moving quickly and silently, Riku pressed himself against Sora's back. "I'd like to see that."
Sora fought back a scream as he felt the vampire suddenly behind him. He pulled away, spun around, and pushed him back. "Stop doing that!" He snapped. "It freaks me out!"
Riku held up his hands apologetically. "I'm sorry. I'll stop."
Sora continued to glare at him for a moment before letting out a soft sigh and leaning against the dresser. "So what decision did you make?"
"Huh?"
"Before you kicked the bag… you said you made a decision."
"Yes…" The vampire stepped closer and placed his hands on the dresser on either side on the brunet, pinning him once again. "I've come to a decision."
Sora lifted his chin, tiling his head back slightly. He was tempted to push him away. He was getting tired of this hot and cold game with the vampire.
"I want you."
When Riku bent down to close the distance between their lips, Sora lifted his hands to the vampire's chest, stopping him. "Why?"
Riku looked confused. "What?"
"You've been flirting with me all week…"
"All week?"
"Yes, all week." Sora repeated. "You're over protective and possessive…"
"Possessive?" Riku interrupted again.
"Yes. I'm not the only one who's noticed. And when I kissed you, you kissed me back."
"Yeah, so?"
Sora glared at him. "Why'd you stop? Why'd you push me and scream at me and try to convince me that I only kissed you because I was tired and drugged?"
"I… I don't know…" Riku stumbled over the words. Because I'm scared shitless of you, he thought.
"I'm not just some toy you can throw away when you get bored."
"I know." He said softly.
"Just making sure." His hand tightened on Riku's shirt and he pulled the vampire down to crush their lips together.
Riku let out a growl as he pulled away long enough to pull Sora's shirt off. He bent back down for another kiss when Sora stopped him yet again. "What now?" He snarled out in frustration.
With a coy smile, Sora grabbed the hem of Riku's shirt and pulled it over his head. Then he ran his hands down the taut muscles. "You're cold."
He laughed. "Yeah. I'll warm up."
Sora repressed a shiver as he wrapped his arms around Riku's neck, pulling him closer. He bypassed the vampire's lips and went for his neck instead. He placed a soft kiss just under the vampire's chin. A second was placed just below, followed by a third. He tongue snaked out to trace a line down to the base of his throat.
Riku could feel his non-existent body temperature rise slightly as the tongue traced his collar bone. He resisted his urge to grab the shorter boy and slam him against the dresser. Every cell in his body screamed for him to. And then he felt the teeth at the base of his neck. "So-rrra…"
The brunet smirked as he heard his name. He loved the throaty way the vampire said it. He nipped at the skin under his lips.
"Fuck, Sora…"
The brunet pulled the vampire down enough that he could nibble at his ear. "Bite me."
Riku grabbed a handful of Sora's hair and forced his head back. "Pretty demanding, aren't you?"
"Just do it."
With a sly smile, Riku lowered his lips to the waiting neck. As he inhaled the scent, his fangs dropped. He felt Sora's hands in his hair and the urgency in his movements. "Impatient much?"
"Riku!" Sora whined seconds before he felt the sharp teeth pierce his skin. He tugged harder at Riku as he let out a soft moan.
Riku's tongue probed at the puncture wounds and lapped at the rising blood.
And then the door was thrown open and Selphie came flying through it. She had the worst timing.
Riku released his hold on Sora, spinning around to glare at the intruder and Sora blushed as his hand flew to his neck to cover the bite marks. "Damnit, Sel!" Riku growled loudly.
Selphie dropped her gaze to the floor and covered her eyes. "Sorry. Really, really, really sorry. Blame Aerith. She told me to come get Sora. We didn't even know you were up yet, Riku."
"Uh… why does Aerith want me?" Sora asked when he found his voice.
"Dinner's ready." She said, taking a wobbly step backwards with her hand still firmly over her eyes. "Wanted to know if you were hungry."
"Okay." Riku snapped, crossing his arms and leaning back against the dresser. "You told him. Now kindly excuse yourself."
"Uh… no… that's okay." Sora said quickly. "I have to get going."
Riku turned to stare at him. "What?"
Sora adverted his eyes, not meeting the vampire's gaze. "Yeah… uh… I told my dad I'd go home tonight for a while."
Riku's mouth dropped open. "What?"
"Yeah…" He said slowly.
"Sora!"
"I'll just leave you two alone." Selphie slipped out and closed the door behind her.
"What the hell are you thinking?"
Sora rolled his eyes. "See? Over protective and possessive."
"Because the guy is crazy!"
"You don't even know him." Sora snapped.
Riku grabbed the wrist that had been broken. "He broke your wrist and did plenty of other shit to you."
Sora pulled away from him. "I know that!"
"You should press charges."
"The proof just happens to be gone."
Riku rolled his eyes. "What if he does it again?"
"He said it won't be like that this time."
"Oh he said." Riku rolled his eyes again and leaned back against the dresser.
"Yes, he said! He's still my dad. I have to…"
"What if he does attack you again?"
"He said…"
"Fuck what he said!" The vampire all but screamed at him.
"Fuck what you say." Sora took a step away and turned his back on him. "I'm going home. You can't keep me here!"
Riku stepped in front of him before he could move. "Wanna bet?"
"Oh yeah." Sora pushed him. "Keep me prisoner against my will. That'll prove to me that I'm not just some toy to you."
"Sora…"
"I'll be fine. I'll see you at school tomorrow, right?"
Riku was silent for a long time, thinking. He didn't want Sora to leave. He didn't want him to ever leave. "Right." He said finally with a nod. "And after?"
"And after."
Riku let out a loud sigh and shook his head. "Sora…" He lifted his arms and ran his fingers along Sora's stomach. "You look good without all the damage."
The corner of the brunet's mouth curled. "I'm still damaged goods."
"I like damaged."
"Want another drink before I leave?"
Riku grabbed him and sunk his teeth back into the soft skin where they had been moments before.
Sora threw back his head and tangled his hands in the vampire's hair. "Shit… why the fuck does that feel so good?"
"Why do you taste so good?"
"That's enough." Sora said with a laugh as he pushed against Riku before he started to get too lightheaded. "I really have to get going."
Riku made sure to lick the brunet's neck clean before he pulled away with a sigh. "I still can't convince you to stay, right?"
"Nope." He bent down to pick up his shirt. "I'll see you tomorrow."
"Want to steal Sel's car?"
Sora shook his head. "Just going to walk. It's not too far. Plus it's still too bight out for you."
Riku groaned as he walked over to the bed and sat down. "Fine."
Sora pulled his shirt over his head as a thought occurred to him. "Why don't you have one anyways? A car?"
He shrugged. "Never saw the big deal. I can get around fast enough by myself."
Sora nodded slowly as he grabbed his back pack.
-X-
Author's Notes: Blah, blah, blah. Place something here. Huh… I have no thoughts. Imagine that. Thoughtless.
