Ahaha, long wait right? I'll try to update every 3 weeks or so from now on. Well anyways, here's the next chapter. Please continue to read my stories even though they may take long to update.

Chapter 9: Beach Date Tragedy

Italicized: thoughts

Roxas slipped on his shoes, the warm embracement still lingering against his small body. He wrapped his arms around his self as though that would keep the feeling there…as though he would capture the feel of Riku's touch. He waited silently till Riku was ready. He was going home and he didn't know if he'll ever see Riku again after this. A light tap on his shoulder broke him out of his thoughts. He turned around and looked up to see a smiling Riku.

"Ready?" he asked.

Roxas only nodded in response. Riku opened the door for him and he walked out to the black Honda Civic Hybrid car. A harsh wind blew by, making him cover his eyes so dust wouldn't get in his eyes. Riku came to the car a few minutes later after the wind had passed.

"Hmm, that was a strong wind. Almost feels like a bad omen," muttered Riku.

"Bad omen?" repeated Roxas.

"Oh, that's just me and my superstition stuff, but I'm sure nothing bad will happen."

Roxas forced a smile and a small chuckle. He couldn't help feeling a bit nervous, as though Riku's superstition may come true. He gulped slowly and got inside the car. He sat on the passenger seat and stayed silent the whole ride.

The silence was making Riku feel really awkward though. He wanted to say something, but there were no words that he could find to comfort Roxas. He felt that he was partly to blame for this. If he had just stayed quiet about Sora, maybe Roxas wouldn't have been so troubled. Before he realized it, they were already in front of Roxas's house. Roxas got out of the car and murmured a small thank you. Riku watched form inside his car as Roxas walked away. He got out of the car swiftly and called out to Roxas. He was still within earshot. Roxas turned around and tilted his head.

"Yeah?" he replied.

"Um, I wondering if you would like to…uhhhh…go to the beach with me tomorrow? I'll invite Cloud, he said he met you, and I'm sure Cloud will bring his lover with him, so you can meet him too," he said.

Roxas thought about it for a long. He had wanted time to himself to clear his thoughts, but this suggestion was too tempting to not refuse. He shifted on his feet and looked at the ground for a long time before looking back up. He notice Riku was starting to feel awkward. He smiled and gave a small laugh.

"Sure," he replied happily.

"Really?" asked Riku sighing with relief.

"What? You thought I was going to refuse?"

"…A bit."

"How can I refuse when you make a face like that?"

"What? What face?"

Roxas laughed and waved his hand.

"It's nothing," said Roxas with amusement.

Riku pouted slightly, but smiled afterwards, happy to know that Roxas was feeling a bit better.

"Okay, I'll pick you up tomorrow around three. You still have school," he said.

"Yeah, almost forgot about that. Lucky it was the weekend when I spent the nights at your house," he replied.

"Yeah? Well, I hope I didn't get in your way of making up for your classes you missed."

"Ah! I forgot about those!"

Riku laughed to himself.

"I guess you better finish those then," said Riku.

"Yeah, see you later then," said Roxas as he waved to Riku and turned around to leave.

Riku watched as Roxas entered his house and then got back inside the car. He didn't know why, but his felt his heart beating really fast. He felt anxious for tomorrow. Snap out it Riku. He shook his head and started the car and then drove off.

Riku stopped by the ice cream parlor and hastily entered the ice cream parlor. The familiar sweet aroma filled the place as usual. There were more people than usual here. He looked at the where the tan counter was and saw Cloud serving someone. Cloud noticed him and waved a hand at him. Riku walked over to where Cloud was and waited till Cloud was done serving the person. Once he was done, He turned to Riku and smiled.

"Was there something you wanted?" he asked.

"Yeah…um…you think you and Leon can get the day off tomorrow?" asked Riku.

Cloud arched an eyebrow at him and wiped his hand on his white apron. He looked to where Cid was and then back to Riku.

"That's a bit sudden? I don't know…" he replied.

"Please! I really need you and Leon to be there," pleaded Riku.

"Why?"

"Ah, well uh, you see…I asked Roxas to go to the beach and I said I was going to invite you and Leon too."

"…Riku…if it was a date why are you bringing me and Leon along?"

"It's not a date!"

"Really?"

"It's just a hang out. He seemed a bit depressed and I wanted to make him feel better."

"Why was he depressed?"

"I told him about how Sora…died."

"You told him about Sora's death?"

"Yes."

"You?"

"Yeah."

"Wow…"

"What?"

"It's just…you don't usually talk about Sora to anyone, so it's quite a shock. I may have met Roxas once, but this makes me more interested in him, making you tell him about something as personal as that in only a few days. I really have to persuade Cid about letting us go now."

"Really?"

"Yeah."

"Thank you so much!"

Riku beamed with happiness. Cloud smiled and gave him a light hit on the shoulder. Riku laughed and turned to leave.

"Let me know soon okay!" he said before leaving.

Cloud watched as he left and chuckled to himself.

"I haven't seen that kid smile like that in ages," muttered Cid.

"Ooh, so you overheard?" asked Cloud with a smirk.

"Yeah and?"

"What do you think?"

"About what?"

"About this Roxas boy? You saw him once."

"Hmph, the kid looks like Sora, but he gives off a different aura, something like he's dangerous, but if he's able to make Riku smile like that, I got no complaints."

"Dangerous? Why do you say that?"

"Don't know. I just feel it."

Cloud rolled his eyes and wiped the counter with a cloth.

"So do you let us go tomorrow?" asked Cloud with a smile.

"…Tch, fine whatever, but I'm only doing it for Riku! You two owe me," he said with a grunt and turned to serve another customer.

Cloud laughed and took off his apron before hurrying to tell Leon, who was in the changing room.

"What? We're going to beach tomorrow with Riku and that Roxas boy?" he asked surprised.

"Yup!" replied Cloud.

"And Cid let's us go?"

"Uh-huh."

"…"

"Leon, you should have seen the smile on his face! It was like his smile from back then. I think it will be good for him. That Roxas boy is something though."

"I haven't met him yet."

"Well, introduce yourself tomorrow to him then."

"Yeah, yeah…"

Cloud smiled and leaned up to give a small peck on Leon's lip. He was going to pull away, but Leon wrapped his arms around Cloud's waist and pulled him closer. Leon nipped at Cloud's bottom lip before licking it. Cloud gave a small gasp and Leon's tongue entered, ravishing Cloud's mouth. Their tongues intertwine, making Cloud moan into the kiss. Leon pulled back, saliva trailing behind. He lowered his head and licked Cloud's jaw line as well as nipping and kissing at it. Cloud made another soft moan. Leon slid his hand Cloud's loose white shirt and trailed up his abdomen to his nipple. He pinched it, earning a hoarse moan form Cloud. He smiled wickedly and continued to fondle Cloud's nipple. He finally lifted Cloud's shirt up and licked his chest before trailing to Cloud's nipple and sucking on it. Cloud gasped at the hotness of Leon's mouth.

"Ah…nngh…wait Leon, Cid will get mad at us," he whispered in a husky tone.

"Mmm, but I want you…I don't care what Cid will do," said Leon huskily.

"Leon!"

Cloud pulled back and smacked Leon on the head. Leon winced and let go of Cloud. He rubbed his head on the spot where Cloud had hit him. He grunted with dissatisfaction. Cloud fixed himself and then looked at Leon. He chuckled and gave him a peck on the cheek.

"Cid is going out tonight with some friends and won't he back till morning. I'll give you a little present then," he said in a seductive voice.

Leon smiled, satisfied with that. They both left the empty changing room to go back to work.

The next day had come quickly and the hours passed by to fast to count. Riku dove to Roxas's house and saw that Roxas was already waiting for him outside. Riku stopped the car in front of him. He reached over and opened the door for him. He watched as Roxas sat in the passenger seat, but Roxas didn't look too happy.

"Hey. You okay?" asked Riku.

"Hm? Yeah," replied Roxas with a smile.

Riku smiled back, but he knew that Roxas was only forcing himself to smile for his sake. He decided to ask later and started the car. Next, he went to pick up Cloud and Leon. Cloud and Leon hurried out of the ice cream parlor. Riku notice Cid yelling at them as they came out. They got inside the care quickly and laughing.

"What did you two do to Cid?" asked Riku as he started the car.

"Nothing in particular," replied Cloud with amusement in his voice.

"Nothing huh? Bet you two were doing something last night that ticked him off."

Cloud only smiled while Leon smirked. Riku started the car once again as Leon introduced himself to Roxas. When they finished introducing themselves, Riku was well on his way to the beach and it was only a few minutes left before they reached there. They talked and joked in the car, but Riku still noticed that Roxas was forcing himself just a bit. He sighed inaudibly to himself. After a few more minutes, they reached the beach. Riku parked the car and everyone got out. Cloud took Leon by the hand and winked at him. Leon smirked at Cloud.

"We picked a good day. No one is here. Okay you two; Leon and I are going our separate ways. We'll meet up with you two later," said Cloud as he walked away with Leon.

Riku didn't protest, since he did want some alone time with Roxas. He turned to look at Roxas as the two disappeared. Roxas was staring out at the sea, his mind elsewhere. A soft breeze blew by them. The glittering of the blue sea shone brightly and the rays of the sun beaming down on Roxas only made him look more angelic, especially with a far off looking face. Riku smiled slightly and turned to look out at the sea too. He would for a while before talking to Roxas. Roxas sighed to himself. He really hoped that this would have taken his mind off of Sora, but it seems Sora still haunts him even now.

"Are you having fun?" asked Riku.

Roxas was brought out of his thoughts as he shifted his gaze to Riku. Riku's silver hair seemed to flow with the wind. His gentle smile was calming. He's beautiful…thought Roxas. He looked away with a blush.

"Ye-yeah," he replied.

"You don't have to force yourself," said Riku.

Roxas looked up and saw that Riku was no longer smiling. He was serious which made Roxas feel uncomfortable.

"Sorry," mumbled Roxas.

"What for?" asked Riku.

"…It looks like I'm only ruining the fun."

Riku sighed and walked down to the beach. He took off his shoes and folded his blue jeans up to his knees. He carried his shoes and dropped them next to a rock. He turned around and waved to Roxas, motioning for him to come down too. Roxas followed and did the same as Riku. He took his shoes and folded his white jeans to his knees and carried his shoes, dropping them next to Riku's. He stood at the water line of where the waves will not reach him. Riku was father ahead up, where the waves would reach his knees. Roxas could only watch as the waved splashed, sending droplets of water scattering around Riku. Riku turned around with his hands held out to Roxas.

"I brought you here so you can fun, but I guess Sora's story is still haunting you. I shouldn't have told you in the first place…still, I want you to know this…Sora's story…his death…you may have been there, and probably feel guilty for not being able to do anything, but you were a hostage too and you're as innocent as any of those who weren't able to help Sora, even if they wanted too. You know about this and you know that Sora wanted to tell me how much he loved me before he died and I may still miss him, but it's a burden you don't have to carry. Sora may no longer be a part of this world, but as long as he is in my heart, he will always live…but I know that I can't always linger in the past and that I have to move on…so Roxas, you can move on too. Don't mope around and feel sad. Live your life like there's no tomorrow…because you'll never know when it may end," said Riku solemnly, "So Roxas…smile, I like it when you smile. You are who you are"

Riku's last words brought tears to Roxas's eyes. He felt better with Riku's words. He smiled and ran towards Riku, taking hold of his extended hand…

A few hours later, they both came back from the washing waves, laughing. Riku sat down while Roxas continued to stand. He looked back out to the horizon of the sea. Roxas gazed down at Riku and laughed out. Riku looked up and arched an eyebrow at him.

"You have a sea weed in your hair," said Roxas smiling.

"Oh?" replied Riku as he searched through is hair.

"Here, I'll take it out."

Roxas leaned down and pulled the sea weed. He let his gaze wander down and came face to face with Riku who was happened to tilt his head up to look at him. Their faces were now inches apart from each other. He chuckled sheepishly, embarrassed to look at Riku.

"Um, I took the sea weed out," he muttered.

"Yeah…" whispered Riku.

They leaned in closer, lips nearly touching. Roxas's eyes were half lidded, sapphire eyes filled with want, but he turned away before they could kiss.

"We should…probably find Cloud and Leon now," he said looking away.

Roxas tried to walk away, but Riku grabbed hold of his hand and pulled him down so he was sitting on top of Riku. His face became scarlet red in an instant. Riku wrapped his arms around Roxas's thin waist and pushed him closer. Roxas leaned his head down and their lips met. It was a soft kiss at first, but Riku managed to make Roxas moan and he slid his tongue inside. He explored Roxas's whole mouth, enjoying his taste and everything. They pulled a part to take in a breath of air before latching their lips back onto each other. Riku pushed Roxas down onto the warm sand while still kissing him. Their tongues intertwine, fighting for dominance. Riku had won the battle, making Roxas moan into their heated kiss. Riku pulled away from the kiss and looked at Roxas's blushing face. This only made him want Roxas more. He leaned back down and trailed butterfly kisses down Roxas's neck and to his collar bone. Every kiss made Roxas mewl out, which made Riku more aroused. He slid a hand under Roxas's black shirt and slid it over Roxas's nipple. He leaned back up and lifted Roxas's shirt up more so he could get access to Roxas's abdomen. He leaned back down again and kissed one of Roxas's nipples.

"Nn…ah," moaned out Roxas, "Mmm, mo-more…"

Riku stuck out his tongue and licked it slowly, swirling his tongue around it, making Roxas twist in pleasure. Roxas wrapped his arms around Riku's neck and bit back moans. His body became sensitive to every touch Riku made. Riku came back for another passionate kiss. His hand slid down Roxas's chest to his abdomen and then to his pants. Just as he was about to unbuttoned Roxas's pants, someone had cleared their throat. Riku stopped abruptly and Roxas opened his eyes and stared up at a very amused Cloud and Leon. Roxas blushed fiercely, trying to fix himself as Riku sat up swiftly and fix himself too.

"Well…it seems you two were having fun, but unfortunately…it's getting late," said Cloud as he tried to hide his laughter.

Riku ran his fingers through his hair and stood up with a faint blush.

"Ye-yeah…" he stuttered and held a hand out for Roxas.

Roxas took the hand and got up with Riku's help. They were too embarrassed to look at Leon or Cloud, which only made them laugh more.

"It's okay, you don't have to worry about us. We won't say a word," teased Leon.

Riku only grumbled while Roxas averted his gaze to the sand, blushing some more, if he even can. It took some time before they finally got back to the car and drive back home. Cloud and Leon were still laughing, so Riku decided to drop them off first, since he didn't want to be teased by them. Cloud whined, but Leon pulled Cloud out of the car and dragged him home. Riku sighed in relief and started the car to take Roxas home. The drive to Roxas's house was silent and awkward. They didn't say a word to each other nor did they look at one another. When they came to a stop sign, Riku finally had the courage to speak up.

"Um, about what happened at the beach…I, uh…" he said, trying to explain himself.

"It's okay, it was probably a spur of the moment," replied Roxas.

"No, it's not-"

A honk from behind them broke their conversation. Riku sighed again, aggravated that he didn't get to explain himself. He stepped on the gas and drove out to the crossing section, not noticing a speeding car coming towards them at Roxas's side. By the time Riku had seen the oncoming car, it was too late to turn the car so it would avoid hitting Roxas. The sound of screeching cars filled the night sky…

Riku opened his eyes, but he found it hard. Everything was fuzzy and he couldn't seem to think right. He could feel something running down from his forehead like water, maybe blood. He finally got a hold of the situation. He remembered the speeding car and the light. He turned to the side to see if Roxas was okay, but all he saw was a motionless bloody body. He reached out his hand to Roxas, but he couldn't reach him.

"Ro….xas…" he muttered out before falling unconscious again