Author's Notes: Unenlightenedment isn't a word. My spell check wants to kill me.

Unlimited Addiction
Chapter 12: Unenlightenedment

"Come on Sora… you can do this!" He took a deep breath as he had a staring contest with the door. He wasn't sure if he should knock or just walk in. Yes, technically he lived here. But at the same time, his father had to invite him to get him to come home. He sighed as he shifted his weight back and forth from one foot to the other. He was still mentally preparing when the door knob began to turn.

"Sora!"

The door flung open and Sora found himself swept up in a crushing hug. His eyes widened in complete shock as just stood there, unmoving. He couldn't remember the last time his dad touched him that didn't result in blood loss.

Xaldin pulled away and wrapped his arm around Sora's shoulders. "Come on. No need to hang out on the porch." He pulled Sora in and pushed the door shut.

The brunet pried himself away and stepped back, looking a bit bewildered. "Dad… are you like… high or something?"

"Uh…" Xaldin smiled a bit awkwardly and scratched at the back of his neck. "I've actually been sober for three days."

"Sober?" Sora rolled his eyes. "Dad, you can't go one day without drinking."

Xaldin looked down and let out a sigh. "I know I've given you no reason to trust me but… I promise… I won't drink again."

Sora crossed his arms as he looked up at his dad. He wasn't convinced. "I'm not buying it."

"Alright… well…" Xaldin turned slightly pointed towards the Selchen. "Are you hungry? Dinner's ready."

"You? Cooked? I didn't even think you knew how to turn on the stove." Sora mumbled.

"Uh… Xemnas helped me."

"Oh… he's here?"

"Actually he left. He had to run to work for a little bit. But he'll be back."

"Uh huh…" Sora dropped his backpack and moved around his dad as he stepped into the living room. He rubbed at his eyes the moment they settled on the room. How had he not noticed the second he walked in the door? The fact that the scent of beer was missing should have been his first clue something was off. But this just seemed beyond belief. Everything was clean and neat. "Did you like… hire a maid or something?"

"No."

Sora shook his head slowly and let out a surprised laugh. "So you actually cleaned?"

"Xem helped me with that too."

Sora sighed softly as he looked around the room. "Wow… this is just… wow." He couldn't think straight enough to think of something more intelligent and coherent to say. He moved around the room slowly, peaking under the cushions and pillows on the couch, lifting back the chair to see the carpet underneath, under the coffee table, the shelves of the TV stand, and anywhere else he could think of that could be easily missed with a quick cleaning. But nothing was overlooked or out of place. With probably the first genuine smile he had in the same room with his dad since his mom died, he turned and smiled at his dad.

"Sora… about last week… I can't really remember but… what I did… there's no excuse."

The smile faded instantly and Sora visibly flinched. No, not this. Please don't bring it up. He bit his lip and looked down at the ground.

"What exactly… I… thought I… your arm…"

Sora took a deep breath and raised his head to meet his father's gaze. He lifted his arm and flexed his wrist. "It wasn't that bad." He lied. "My friend… his uh… aunt is a nurse. She… helped me… he lives with her." He added softly. "She's really good." He pulled up the sleeves of his shirt were other various scars and blemishes were once.

Xaldin flinched slightly as he watched Sora show off his arms. He took a step closer, peering at him. "I'm happy to hear… you had a safe place to go."

Sora pulled the sleeves back down and shrugged awkwardly, feeling a bit uncomfortable and foolish.

"Xemnas got me a job." Xaldin said after a moment's silence. "At his firm. Nothing too exciting but like Xem said, it's a job and it'll keep me out of trouble."

"Until you fuck it up." Sora hadn't meant to say it. He really hadn't. It just came out. He clamped a hand over his mouth, expecting a blowup. "I'm sorry." He muttered, looking down.

Xaldin shrugged, seemingly not fazed by it. "I can't promise that that won't happen. I'm not perfect… which is the understatement of the year I know… but I can promise to try." He sighed softly and shook his head. "I don't know how this father-son thing works. I always let your mother do the parenting."

Sora smiled despite himself. "I know. I was there." He wished his father never changed. He didn't know much about him before his mother died. But the drunk he became after was someone Sora wished he didn't know.

"I never loved your mother." Xaldin looked away as he blurted it out. "We only got married because my old man made us."

"I know that too."

Xaldin looked over at him and smiled. "You're a smart kid. Very observant."

"I have my moments."

"So… you hungry?"

-X-

The hour that they spent eating at the Selchen table, something that hadn't been done in the house since before Sora's mother died, had been increasingly weird for the brunet. Every minute that ticked by seemed to surprised him. His father was smiling, chatting, and even spouted off a few jokes. He asked Sora about school; his classes, teachers, and friends. He asked about Sora himself; his favorite color, movie, music, book. Did he like to read? Did he do any school activities?

He seemed genuinely curious and happy. It was a side of his father Sora had never seen, even before his mother died. This was a completely different person, someone Sora thought he could like, if he didn't fear that the other person would pop up at any moment and throw him into the wall.

Sora shook his head slowly as he leaned back in his chair and watched his dad at the sink. His dad was actually washing dishes. And Sora just couldn't wrap his head around it. "Are you serious?" He asked suddenly, crossing his arms and tilting his head to the side.

"He better be." Came an answer from the Selchen doorway.

Sora looked over and eyed the dark skinned, silver haired man he knew by name and reputation more than anything. He could count on one hand the times he had actually seen the man face to face. And usually those lasted a matter of minutes.

"Hey Xem." Xaldin said with a smile as he looked over his shoulder. "Didn't hear you come in. You missed dinner."

"Sorry. Had to work late with Marly. We ate at the office." He turned slightly and leaned in the doorway. "Hello Sora. It's nice to see you back. It's been pretty quiet around here without you."

Sora forced a smile at the man, though the smile he got in returned looked sinister on the man. "Uh… yeah…" He looked from his father back to Xemnas, wondering at them. He had never understood their relationship. "So… exactly what do you do? You were at work?" He asked slowly.

Xemnas nodded slowly. "CEO of a law firm."

Somehow, Sora could imagine the seemingly cold and distant man as a blood sucking lawyer. And then the thought of blood sucking made him think of his vampire. He fought back thoughts of him and focused on Xemnas. "Which?"

"Hunter and sons."

Sora wasn't surprised he hadn't heard of it. "Which are you?"

Xemnas smirked as he watched Sora and allowed the questioning. He wasn't exactly in the mood for it, but he would allow it anyways. It was good Sora was expressing interest in his father's boyfriend. He even thought he heard a hint of suspicion in the kid's voice. That could mean some sort of concern for his father, even if he wasn't aware of it. "One of two sons." Xemnas recited the story easily. "Family business. My father started it. Handed the reins over to me, so to speak, when he passed away two years ago."

"What about your brother?"

Xemnas shrugged slightly. "Who knows where he is. He got his inheritance, signed his share of the company over to me, and left. Was never really his thing."

Sora leaned further back in his chair as he studied the man. "So you're the only one left?"

Xemnas nodded.

"Why don't you change the name?"

He shrugged again. That was a question he'd never been asked before. "Out of respect, I guess. Never thought about it. It's always been that." He said with a nod. That sounded like a suitable answer.

"Uh huh… any other family?"

"Uh… not really. Or that I know of. Just the black sheep brother."

"House?"

"The house my father owned is still in my name but I rent it out. Too much space for just myself. I rent a small apartment not far from the office." That answer was actually truer than the rest. There was a large house in his name and technically it was rented out. But that was just to establish a paper trail. He received no money since the tenants were those under his command in the Hunter's Organization. And he did have an apartment but the only time he spent there were the few times Xaldin came over.

Sora was silent a moment as he tried to come up with more questions. "Pets?"

Xemnas was getting tired of the stupid questions but he simply smiled and faked interest. "Not really… though my business partner has a dog he's always dragging to the office." Again, more or less true. And his smile deepened at the thought.

"Business partner?" Sora leaned forward in his seat, getting honestly curious.

"Marly."

"Talk about a fruitcake." Xaldin commented with a laugh.

"Xaldin…" There was a warning tone in Xemnas' voice.

Xaldin laughed softly as he ran a dish towel over a plate before setting in the cabinet. "The guy has pink hair and is obsessed with flowers. Can't get much girlier without a vagina."

Xemnas rolled his eyes. "You've only met him twice. Briefly."

"And he had flowers with him both times. And asked me if I liked to garden."

"Xaldin… I told you…"

Xaldin turned slightly and held up his arms in defense. "Just commenting on his girlieness. No jealousy."

"Jealousy?" Sora glanced at his dad and then back at Xemnas. "You spend a lot of time with this business partner?"

"Well… he is a partner in my firm. A small partner, mind you, but still a partner. We usually work on cases together."

"Uh huh… and you're letting him near an office?" Sora pointed towards his father. "A professional atmosphere? With people?"

"Sora! Enough with the fucking interrogation!" Xaldin said as he finished the last dish and turned around to lean against the counter.

"He's just curious and concerned about the new job." Xemnas said in a calm, even tone. "Nothing wrong with it. I don't mind. No need to raise your voice."

"Right… sorry."

Xemnas looked back at Sora. "To answer your question, it's my firm, like I said. I can pick and choose who I hire and fire. I tried to help him find a job somewhere else but…"

"Everyone in town knows me." Xaldin grumbled, crossing his arms and looking away. Another reminder that he was nothing more than a complete fuck up.

Xemnas shrugged. "If he fucks up, he's out. He knows it."

Xaldin nodded. "Oh believe me, I do."

Sora looked from one to the other again and his mouth dropped open. This was all fucked up. He pushed his chair away from the table and rose. "Dad… can I talk to you for a minute? Upstairs?"

Xaldin nodded and pushed off the counter. "Sure. Excuse us for a minute Xem."

Xemnas nodded and stepped out of the way as they walked out of the Selchen. He turned to watch as they disappeared up the stairs before moving into the living room.

Sora stopped once he was in his room and turned around. "What the fuck is up with you?"

"Watch your language." Xaldin lifted his arm to wag a disciplining finger at him.

Sora's mouth dropped open. "Seriously. Who the hell are you and what have you done with my dad?"

Xaldin simply smiled and crossed his arms. "I'm me, I swear. Just… improved maybe."

Sora still wasn't buying it. He shook his head and snorted. "It's only been a week since I last saw you. How can everything I've ever known be completely turned upside down?" He threw his arms up for emphasis.

"Sora…"

"This all seems fake. You're putting on some act, just trying to trick me into forgiving you." Sora snapped.

"Why would I trick you?"

"I… haven't figured that out yet." Sora scratched at the back of his neck as he said it. He hadn't figured out the angle, but he knew there had to be one somewhere.

"I didn't force you to come here tonight. And I'm not keeping you hostage." He stepped away from the door and inclined his head towards it. "You can leave if you want."

"I…" Sora started and then bit his lip. He suddenly felt very tired. With a sigh, he rubbed at his head and looked down. "I just… I don't know… how to… handle all this."

"One day at a time." Xaldin said with a smile.

Sora glanced up at him. "Can I… go to sleep now? It's been a long day. My friend and I… we went shopping with his… aunt. Out all day."

Xaldin nodded and reached for the door. "I'll make breakfast in the morning and drive you to school, if you want."

Sora nodded and watched as the almost-stranger slipped out the door.

-X-

Selphie had gone to sleep right after dinner. Aerith had excused herself to her room shortly after for whatever reason. Which left Riku alone to entertain himself for the night. It probably wasn't the best thing, considering that he was now sitting on a branch in the tree in Sora's backyard. He had the perfect view of the brunet's bedroom window. He caught the end of Sora's conversation with his father and then heard the man retreating down the stairs.

"Everything alright?" He heard an unknown voice ask.

"I don't think so." Riku recognized this as Sora's dad.

"I'm sorry if I said anything…"

"You didn't. This is all on me."

"Give him time. He'll come around."

"I highly doubt that. He's probably better off without me. Why am I doing this, Xem? Clearly he's never going to forgive me."

"He's your son."

"He doesn't need me."

"Give him time. In the meantime…"

Riku turned them out after that and listened instead to the rustling coming from Sora's room. The light was still on and Riku could make out the brunet's form as he walked past the window. He had mixed feelings about spying on the brunet. And he was certain Sora wouldn't like it. But that didn't stop him.

He smiled as he spied Sora walking by the window again with his phone to his ear. Riku was so intent on watching the brunet that he jumped when he felt the phone in his pocket vibrate. He knew who it was instantly and pulled it out. "Sora. I was just thinking about you."

"You were?"

Riku smiled as he leaned back against the tree. "Yep."

"What are you doing?"

"Just… hanging out." He said slowly as he looked around at the tree. If only you knew… "Sel and Ary went to bed and left me all alone."

"Oh my poor little Vampire."

Riku's smile deepened. "Oh yes. Feel sorry for me. You should come running back now. Come keep be warm."

"Oh ha ha. I'm getting ready to sleep right now. Busy day and all."

He sighed softly and leaned his head back, feeling a few strands of hair getting stuck on the rough bark. "So you have to go?" He couldn't help the sulking tone that crept in his voice as he asked.

"No… not yet at least. I can talk for a little while longer."

"How did it go?"

Sora sighed over the phone. "Weird. The whole evening was fucked up. I swear I stepped into the twilight zone or something. He actually said he's sober now. It's complete shit."

Riku leaned forward again to peak at the window and saw that Sora was pacing back and forth. "Maybe he's trying to change to be a better father for you."

Sora stopped pacing in front of the window and even from that far away, Riku could see the scowl on his face. "What? Who's side are you on? Why the fuck are you sticking up for him?"

"I'm not…"

"Just a few hours ago you were begging me not to come home."

Riku smiled as he once again leaned back against the tree. "Well… yeah. I'd rather you be here with me…" He said slowly.

Sora's tone changed greatly. "With you, huh? Doing what?"

"I can think of a few things."

"Pervert."

Riku laughed. "So other than weirdness, it went okay? You're okay?"

"Oh yeah." Sora answered quickly. "Only time he touched me was when he hugged me. That was weird."

"Huh…"

"Then his boyfriend showed up."

"Boyfriend?" Riku cocked at eyebrow at that one. Had Sora mentioned his dad was gay before? Had Sora mentioned much about his dad at all? Would Riku have listened if he did?

Sora sighed over the line. "Don't know much about the guy, but he's always given me the creeps and he didn't disappoint me."

"He can't be that bad if you don't know him…"

Sora grunted an answer and was silent for a moment. "I… I miss you." He said suddenly.

Riku's lips curled slyly. "Oh really?"

"Don't read anything into it." There was a sharp edge to Sora's voice.

Riku smiled as he leaned farther back against the tree, slouching slightly.

"But… I did realize something."

"What?"

Sora let out a wistful sigh and was silent for a moment before speaking. "Being around them… I realized I know nothing about him. My dad's boyfriend. They've been dating for a while… I'm not even sure how long. But I know nothing about him other than his name. And a little about where he works now. But I don't know him."

Riku tucked a stray hair behind his ear, listening to Sora's shuffling. "Well… you can fix that."

"That's not what I was getting at." Sora said slowly. "I know nothing about you, despite the very, very basics about how you met Selphie and Aerith. You won't even talk about Vampires. I know bits and pieces, mostly from everyone but you."

That caught him off guard. He sat up quickly and stuttered. "I… well…"

"Where were you born? Did you have any brothers and sisters? Or parents? Did you… go to school before? Was there school? Or a tutor? How did you end up here? Who turned you? I know nothing about you! What's your favorite color or movie or music? Is Riku even your real name?"

"Uh…" Riku's mouth dropped open. Even if he could get a word in edgewise, he wasn't sure what to say.

"You know nothing about me. Not really. You've never once asked about my mother or friends or anything."

"Well…"

"You're a stranger to me. I know Selphie and Aerith better. Hell… I know more about Sel's city friends than you. And yet… I feel… way too drawn to you."

Riku nearly dropped his phone as he felt a chill pass through him. "So… you want me to stop? Leave?"

"No!" Sora said quickly. "I just… want to talk to you and I want you to be honest."

"Sora… there are some things… I can't…" He rubbed at his forehead and closed his eyes, fighting back memories that threatened to flood his mind.

"I'm not saying I need your life story right this moment." Sora said quickly. "I understand you have issues or something. That's probably an understatement but as long as you promise to fill me in one day, I'll be happy if we start little."

Riku let out a long sigh of relief. He once again leaned back against the tree, more for support this time. "Alright then. Little. Like what?"

"Like… what's your favorite color?"

Riku titled his head to the side as he mulled over the question. "Uh… I never really thought about that. Black I guess."

"I love blue! See?" The usual excitement was back in his voice. "We're closer already."

Riku smiled and shook his head slowly. He could just imagine the goofy grin on the brunet's face.

"It's getting late." Sora said suddenly, yawning through the phone.

"Not for me."

"Oh ha ha. I'll see you tomorrow."

"Good night Sora."

"Night Riku."

He pulled the phone from his ear and shoved it in his pocket. He turned slightly, repositioning himself so he could once again see Sora's bedroom window. Even when the light was turned off, he remained in the tree, motionless as he kept his senses on the house.

-X-

Riku rubbed at his forehead as he looked at himself in the mirror. No matter how many times he had done it, it still felt weird to be able to see his reflection.

"Feeling better?"

He looked back as Aerith appeared in the doorway to his bathroom. He hadn't even heard her come in. "I hate when you can sneak up on me."

She laughed as she graceful swept into the small room. "Now you know how everyone else feels."

He rolled his eyes as he turned and leaned on the counter. "Yes, I am feeling better."

She tilted her head to the side slightly as she watched him. "Do you plan to stay out stalking Sora every night when he's not here?"

He stopped his primping and glanced up at her. "You knew about that?"

She let out a soft laugh and lifted her hand to her lips in an attempt to stifle it. "I heard you leave last night and return this morning. I assumed you were with him."

He shrugged and dropped his gaze to the flood. "I was just keeping an eye and ear on the house."

"Any problems?"

"No." He sneered as he said it.

"You sound disappointed."

Riku sighed and rubbed at his forehead again. "I'm not exactly disappointed… and yet I am. If his dad is being honestly genuine… then I'm happy for it. But I just… I want Sora here."

"You really are over protective and possessive, aren't you?"

He glared at her. "I wish you all would stop saying that."

"Sweetie, that's what love does to you."

"I don't…" He faltered, unable to finish his thought.

"Can't say it, can you?" Aerith said smugly.

He shook his head and forced a smile. He wasn't in the mood for more of her teasing. "I'm going to be late. If you'll excuse me…" He stepped around her and came face to face with Selphie. He let out a growl and glared at her. "Did you come to harass me as well?'

The shifter smiled and shook her head. "No." She sounded a bit sad and hurt. "I came to say goodbye."

That caught him off guard. "What? You've only been here a few days."

"I know." She shifted her weight back and forth as if on edge. "But my friend Kairi shared some news with me yesterday. I'm going back to the city. This Hunter's Organization thing is getting more out of hand than I thought and I already thought it was bad."

He rolled his eyes and waved her off. "I still don't think it's anything to worry about. We are a very prideful, vain, and resourceful race. No way would any let extinction happen."

"It's real, Riku. It's serious business." She persisted in a soft, worried voice.

He shook his head again. "No. You're wrong. They've just all gone into hiding. In 50 or maybe 100 years when this hunter thing dies off, they'll all just come out and shout, 'Gotcha.'"

"Well… I hope you're right. But in the meantime, I'm going to do everything I can to stop them before they wipe out another Lodias race."

"Fine. Bye." He waved and stepped around her. "I'm going to be late."

"I'll call you if I find anything out."

"I'll be holding my breath."

-X-

Xaldin scratched at the back of his neck after he pulled his truck into a parking space and turned it off. He turned slightly and smiled awkwardly. "Uh… will we be seeing you tonight?"

"We?"

"Yes… we. Xem's been hanging around a lot lately." He said with a smile. "More like kicking my ass and keeping me in check. But I can tell him to take a night off, if you'd prefer."

Sora shrugged as he reached for the door handle. "I don't really mind him, I guess. Just don't know him. I've never really spent much time with him before."

"Well… come again tonight and get to know him better. You could invite that friend of yours."

Sora nodded slowly. "Yeah… maybe… I'll ask him."

"You do that and let me know. I'll make dinner."

"No. You can't cook. I'll make dinner."

"Then… I'll go shopping. What do you want?"

Sora shrugged. There was too much on his mind to think about what to make for dinner. "I'll decide later. Just get whatever."

Xaldin nodded slowly. "Okay… what about your friend? Anything he can't eat?"

"Uh… no. He'll eat anything…" Sora said slowly.

"Alright then. I'll see you tonight."

"Yeah. Bye." Sora slipped out of the truck and closed the door behind him. He couldn't shake the bad feeling that tugged at the pit of his stomach. With a sigh, he shook his head and headed into the school. He was running late as he turned and headed for his class. He'd have to wait until lunch to look for his vampire, assuming Riku did come after all. Sora really hoped he did. He couldn't shake this overwhelming need to see him. He hoped to see Selphie too.

"Sora! Dude!"

Sora looked up as he entered the classroom. Zexion and Demyx waved him over. With a smile, he took his seat behind Demyx and next to Zexion. "Hey guys."

"Dude. Seifer is pissed." Demyx hissed as he leaned closer.

Sora rolled his eyes as he leaned on his desk. "Yeah? At who this time."

"You." Zexion answered.

"Me?" Sora sat up and his mouth dropped open. What had he done to piss the guy off?

"Where were you this weekend?"

"Uh… home…" Sora stammered as he dropped his gaze to his desk and didn't meet Zexion's questioning eyes.

"Uh huh." Demyx didn't look like he believed him. "That sounds convincing."

"All week you've been awol."

"Seriously dude! What's been going on with you?" Demyx leaned closer and dropped his voice. The room was slowly filling up but no one seemed to be paying attention to the three boys. "We've kept secret about you and… Roxas…" He whispered the name after a quick glance around the room. "But if you're involved with this new guy…"

"I'm not." Sora said quickly. "We're just friends. Sort of friends. More like… casual acquaintances." He could hear his voice cracking slightly as he lied.

Zexion cocked an eyebrow as he tilted his head to the side. "Oh really?"

"Even if you were right… it's none of your damn business." Sora snapped.

"It is when Seifer declares war on him."

Sora's eyes widened. "He wouldn't do that. He couldn't."

"He could and he will."

"Riku hasn't done anything to him!"

Demyx lifted his hand and began counting off on his fingers. "He spoke up in class, played teacher's pet, became all buddy-buddy with Namine, got in a fight with you, and now Seifer's convinced he's stolen you or some shit."

"What? Stolen me? What the fuck does that mean? I can't have other friends?" He rolled his eyes. "I hate this gang shit."

"Seifer won't just let you leave." Zexion said softly. "You know too much."

"You know where the metaphorical bodies are buried."

Zexion looked over at Demyx and cocked an eyebrow at him. "Yeah… anyways… you know things that can't get out, things that could get us all in trouble. And if this new goody-two-shoes…"

"Don't call him that!" Sora snapped. "And he doesn't know anything. I would never spill gang secrets. You can tell Seifer that."

"Seifer doesn't change his mind."

Sora sighed and shook his head. "How can everything get so fucked up in just a week?"

"Sora… what's going on?"

"Are you in some kind of trouble?"

"You can trust us." Zexion added when Sora didn't answer right away. "Despite everything, we are friends."

The brunet sighed and rubbed at his head. "I…"

The bell for class rang just as the teacher came in.

Sora sighed gratefully as he leaned back in his seat. Saved by the bell, he thought with a smile.

The brunet woman smiled warmly as she waved a small slip of paper in the air for a moment. "Sora, you've been summoned to the nurse's office. Take this slip with you."

"Uh…" Sora grabbed his stuff and hurried to the front of the class. "Miss Heartilly… do you know what this is about?"

She shook her head as she handed him the slip of paper. "I'm afraid not, sweetie. One of the office messengers flagged me down in the hall." She patted him on the back affectionately. "Just hurry along. If you're out all period, stop by sometime during the day and I'll give you the assignment."

Sora nodded and hurried out the door. His mind raced as he walked down the hall. Why would the nurse want to see him? Had someone became suspicious about his arm last Friday? Did something happen to his father? Or Riku? With a sigh, he stepped into the nurse's small office.

The door suddenly closed behind him and he spun around and nearly dropped his books. "Aerith! What are you doing here?"

She smiled brightly as she grabbed his books from him and dropped them in chair. Then she drew him into a hug. "I've come to keep an eye on Riku since he won't heed Selphie's warnings. And on you as well. You tend to get in trouble easily."

He smiled as she released him. "As a nurse?"

She nodded. "Don't worry. It's not my first time. I've worked as a nurse several times over the years."

"I believe it."

She smiled again and motioned towards an empty chair. "Have a seat."

With a nod, Sora took a seat and watched as Aerith sat down behind the small desk opposite of him.

"Now… I want to talk to you about something." She said slowly as she folded her arms on the desk.

"Sure. What?"

"For the time being, I'd like it to stay between us. Riku would be cross with me if he found out."

"Uh…" Sora leaned back in the chair and nodded slowly. "Alright, I guess."

"That doesn't sound too convincing."

Sora laughed softly. "Okay. I promise I won't tell the bloodsucker."

Her smile faded as she leaned forward on the desk. "Here's the thing… think whatever you may but I am very old fashioned. I was raised that way. I fell in love with my husband when we were young. We courted when we became of age. Then we married. The closest we got before the wedding was a kiss on the hand."

Sora nodded slowly, oblivious as to where this was going but interested in learning anything about her that she had to share.

"Now… Riku and I… we may not have any family ties… though I do guess in a way we share blood…" She smiled slightly. "But Riku is the only family I have. We've had an odd relationship over the years but in my head, he is my son… or at least brother…" She shook her head slowly. "Or nephew according to the school. It's hard to pin an exact word."

Sora smiled and nodded. "It sounds it." He was still vaguely lost in the conversation and still wondered at its direction.

"Whatever term you place on us, I worry about Riku. I have since I've been with him and will continue to. I know him and I can read him. He won't admit it, but he's always been lonely. I know his life has been long and I know you two haven't known each other long… but like I said, I know him. I worry about his attachment to you."

"To me?" Sora bit his lip. He didn't like where he saw this going.

"You're human. Weak, fragile, vulnerable, pathetic…"

"I get it!" Sora snapped with a frown. "I'm not immortal. I can't be with him."

"That's not entirely correct." She said slowly. "But first… I want to ask you… what your intentions are."

"My… intentions?" He repeated slowly.

"With Riku. Assuming it were possible, could you see yourself with him? Could you be happy with him? Make him happy?"

"I…"

"Or is this some little game to you?"

"A game?" He stood up quickly, pushing the chair backwards, and stepped forward to place his hands on her desk. "Look… he came after me! He intended to kill me and brought me home when he found he couldn't. Yes, I came crawling back when I had nowhere else to go. And I'll admit I flirted but he did too. And last night… he… it's not a game to me. I can't explain it and I know it's crazy. We've only known each other a week and I was asleep during part of it. But I can't help it. I feel drawn to him. I… I love him. I feel like I've loved him my whole life. Longer even! I'd do anything for him. Anything to be with him."

Aerith smiled as she leaned back in her chair. She had been hoping for a reaction like that. "Would you be like him?"

"You mean…" Sora didn't finish his thought as he straightened up and dropped his gaze to the floor. "I don't know."

"You think about it long and hard. It's not something that can be undone. Now…" She slid her chair back and stood up. "Get back to class. I'll see you tonight, right?"

"Um… maybe. My dad wants to meet Riku… the 'friend' I've been staying with. You should come too." He brightened up as the thought occurred to him.

She smiled. "The guardian aunt?"

Sora nodded and smiled. "So you'll come?"

"If you've inviting me… then yes."

Sora bit his lip as he thought about having to ask Riku. "Do you think Riku will? He doesn't think much of my father."

She shrugged slightly as she placed a comforting arm on his shoulder. "If you ask, I think he will. I think he'll do anything you ask."

-X-

Sora spent the rest of his morning trying to concentrate on class and school work and failing. His thoughts, as always lately, were on his vampire. Mine, he thought with a smile. And I called him possessive. The smile on his lips remained as he walked down the hall towards the cafeteria.

"Hey Sora."

Sora rolled his eyes as he heard Demyx's voice. When he turned, he was surprised to see him alone. "Seifer wants to see you. After school."

"Shit… tell him I can't tonight."

Demyx crossed his arms and rolled his eyes. "And why not?"

Sora shrugged. "I have something to do tonight. It's… important."

"Does it involve the new guy?"

"It might." Sora said slowly.

Demyx dropped his arms to his sides and stepped closer. "You are involved with him, aren't you?" He hissed.

Sora pushed him away. "You're one to speak."

"What does that mean?"

"You and Zexion?"

Demyx's face paled. "How did you know about that?"

Sora smiled smugly and shrugged. "You just told me. But I had my suspicions for a while."

"Shit…"

"You lay off me about Riku and keep him out of your gossip and I'll do the same."

Demyx sighed and shook his head. "Fine. I'll reschedule."

"Give me your phone. I got a new number." Sora programmed his new number into Demyx's phone, said goodbye, and went to look for Riku.

"Sora."

Sora turned and smiled at the seemingly normal teenager sitting alone at the table in the corner. He lifted his hand and wagged his finger in a follow me fashion. Then he turned and headed into the hall. His mind raced as he tried to think of where there would be an empty place. The halls were pretty empty but anyone could walk through. There were the bathrooms, but that idea was disgusting. There was Aerith's new office but she'd be there. Outside was always an option but he wasn't fond of that even if his vampire was safe from the sun's wrath in his current state.

With a smile, he stopped in front of a closed classroom. The door was shut, the light was off, and it was empty. Riku had caught up to him by then. Sora grabbed his hand and slipped inside the dark room pulling him in and closing the door behind him.

"What's with the…" Riku didn't get to finish his thought as he was pushed against the wall and a tongue was shoved in his mouth. He acted on impulse then, grabbing the brunet harder than he meant to.

Sora let out a soft moan as he rocked his hips forward and locked his hands in Riku's hair. He had kissed other boys before… well… boy. He had kissed one boy before. But there was something about Riku that drove him completely wild. He vaguely wondered if it was just him or his 'difference' that did it. There had to be something more behind the intensity in which he was drawn to the much older teenage boy.

The sound seemed to stir something in the vampire's head. Inside an empty classroom at school wasn't exactly the best place to be caught making out. "Sora!" Reluctantly, Riku pried the brunet away, struggling to catch his breath for a moment. His lips curled into a smile as he tilted his head to the side. "Shit… that's a way to say hello."

Sora smiled as he stepped closer to Riku again and slipped his arms around his neck. "Hello, Riku."

A laugh was emitted from the vampire as he encircled Sora's waist and drew him closer once again. "So how has your morning been?"

"Aerith called me into her office."

Riku shook his head slowly. "Yeah. When she gets her mind set on something, you can't stop her."

Sora shrugged slightly. "Well… it's good for her, isnt' it? She likes playing nurse."

"Oh yeah, she does." Riku said with a nod. "I think she was secretly upset with Selphie for taking you to that witch friend. I, on the other hand, am not." He pulled Sora tighter against him, emphasizing him words.

Sora let out a squeak and his cheeks flushed slightly. "Uh… where is Selphie anyways?" He asked, attempting to change the subject. "I thought she'd be with you?"

"She's long gone. Left early this morning for the city."

"Why?"

Riku shrugged, his grip on Sora loosening. This wasn't really a conversation he wanted to be having. He wanted nothing more than to forget Selphie ever brought the hunters up. "Some shit about the hunters."

Sora sighed and pulled him closer, hugging his body to the vampire's. "I wish you'd listen to her warnings. I won't pretend to understand… but… I'm worried. I don't want anything to happen to you."

Riku touched his forehead to Sora's and breathed in his scent. Oh how he loved that smell. "Nothing will. Believe me. I've dealt with worse over the years."

"But…"

"Sora!" Riku snapped as he lifted his head and looked away.

With a sigh, the brunet pulled away and looked down. "I just…"

"Don't, alright? Just don't."

Sora tuned slightly, stepped towards the front row of desks, and took a seat on top of one. They were both silent for a few minutes until Sora broke it. He dreaded it, but it was as good a time as ever to ask. "I… uh… my dad wants to meet you…"

Riku's head snapped back to Sora. "Me?"

"The friend I've been staying with."

"I don't know…"

"For dinner tonight." Sora stuck out his bottom lip and feigned pouting.

"Sora…"

"I know, I know." He held up his arms. "Just come, stay for an hour, play nice, and you can leave, okay? Aerith will be there."

Riku rolled his eyes. "You invited her too?"

Sora nodded. "Dad seemed really interested in her."

Riku raised an eyebrow.

"Simply as my friend's aunt who healed me up."

Riku shook his head slowly. "I don't think it's a good idea."

"Please!" Sora was off the desk and pressing up against Riku again. "We can sneak up to my room and I'll give you a little taste."

Riku rolled his eyes and shook his head. "Oh that is so not fair! I can't resist that and you know it."

"Yes I do."

"Fine. I'll go with you. But Aerith has an errand. We'll have to be late."

"Oh! An errand? Can I go?"

Riku shrugged. "As long as she doesn't mind."

"So where are we going?"

"Aerith's decided we need a car."

-X-

"Xaldin… stop fidgeting." Xemnas' eyes followed the black haired man's nervous pacing back and forth across the living room. He was starting to give him a headache.

"I can't." Xaldin snapped, turning his head to throw a glare at the silver haired man. "I need a fucking drink."

"Fat ass chance." Xemnas snapped back at him with as much anger as was directed at him.

Xaldin kicked at the coffee table as he passed it again. The force wasn't hard enough to move the table but it was enough to painfully stub a toe. He ignored it as he let out a sigh. "I know, I know. Fuck!" He stopped and turned to look at Xemnas. "I'm sorry. I don't know why I'm so nervous!"

"Calm. Come sit down." He patted the couch beside him.

With another sigh, Xaldin stepped around the table and slumped down on the couch beside the other man. He leaned his head back and closed his eyes. He really wanted a strong drink.

There was a sly smile on Xemans' face as he grabbed Xaldin's hand and entwined their fingers. "Everything will be fine." He said in a soothing voice. "Last night was fine."

Xaldin squeezed the hand in his and leaned against him. "I know… I just… where they hell are they? They should have been here by now!"

Xemnas leaned further back on the couch and pulled the other man with him. "They?" Absentmindedly, he began playing with one of the black dreadlocks.

"Yeah." Xaldin let out a sigh. "I told Sora to invite his new friend over. He's been staying with this kid for a week and I know nothing about him… but then again, I know nothing… about… any of… what's wrong?" He lifted his head and caught the look.

Xemnas' face was blank and his eye twitched as he clenched his fists. "Friend? His friend is coming over? The one he's been staying with? Here?"

"Yeah…" Xaldin pulled himself up into a sitting position and stared at the other man with curiosity. Why would it matter if he invited the kid? It made sense, didn't it? Wouldn't that be the parent thing to do?

"Why the fuck didn't you tell me sooner?"

"Uh… he just called me an hour ago…"

"Shit!" Xemnas jumped up and pulled out his phone. "Fuck!"

"Xem…" Xaldin was thoroughly confused and slightly freaked out. He had never seen the calm, placid man snap like that. "Xemnas!"

"I got to go." He turned for the door.

"Wait a minute!" Xaldin jumped up and grabbed for him. "I promised Sora you'd be here. He said he wants to get to know you better."

Xemnas wrenched away from the grip. "I have to go now."

"Xem! This is a good thing, right? You said he'd…"

"Tell him I'm sorry."

"But…"

He didn't wait for another comment as he bolted out the door. "Too fast." He hissed to himself as he climbed into his car. "Way too fast. We aren't ready yet." He pressed his phone to his ear as he pulled the car away from the house. "Marly. I'm coming in. Now."

"What? Why?" He caught the panic in his superior's voice.

He nearly dropped his phone as he jerked violently on steering wheel. Every cell in his body told him to put as much distance between himself and the house. "We're not prepared."

"Not prepared for what?" The questioning voice was softer, slower this time.

He didn't answer.

"Xemnas! What's going on? Did something happen?"

"He's coming to the house." Xemnas blurted out. He hated showing weakness but they were so close. He was so close to keeping the promise he made nearly twenty years before. He couldn't afford to fuck it up. "Tonight."

"What?

He clenched his teeth as he turned the wheel again. "Xaldin told Sora to invite him."

"Slow down, Xem." Marluxia said over the phone in a commanding tone. "Take a deep breath and calm yourself. Where are you?"

Xemnas eased up on the gas pedal a bit as he took a deep breath. A glance out the window proved that he wasn't exactly sure where he was or what street he was one. He hadn't been paying attention. "In my car, on my way to headquarters… I think..."

"You just left? Did you give him an excuse?"

"Uh… no… I…"

"Turn around right now and head back." Marluxia said quickly, interrupting.

"But we aren't… I'm not…"

"Think, Xem." Marluxia spoke very slowly, trying to calm his superior. "He's coming over now, for dinner I assume. Which means it's during the day. He's been at school all day, parading around as human. So he had to ingest a lot of pira blood to do that. He'll be perfectly normal."

Xemnas let out a sharp laugh at the term normal being applied to the vampire. "There's nothing normal about that blood sucking leech."

"He'll be human-like, then. His senses will be down and so will his guard. Plus all our research on this guy, brief as it has been, proves he doesn't follow the norm. There's a very good chance he knows nothing about what's been going on. Which means he won't be alert or know who you are."

"But…"

"We don't want to rush this." Marluxia continued on. "If he's as old and elusive as we think, he's stronger than most we've dealt with. We need more information on him before we can take him out. How observant is he? Does he have any weaknesses? How close is he with Sora? Can we manipulate Sora for information? If we found out where he lived…"

Xemnas let out a sigh. "You're right Marly. I know you are." He pulled his car over to the side of the road and turned it off. He leaned back in his seat and took a deep breath. "I guess I just got nervous being this close."

"Your secret is safe with me, sir." There was a hint of laughter to the pink haired man's voice.

"It better be." Xemnas snapped as he slowly regained control of himself. He couldn't allow the others to get wind of this. "Luxord would have a field day with this. Vexen too. I'd never hear the end of it."

There was a silent moment before Marluxia spoke. "So then… you are going back, right?"

"Yes." Xemnas put his car in reverse and looked over the backseat as he turned the car around. "Though I just made a completely fool of myself."

Marluxia laughed over the phone. "Blame it on me. Some big case I've fucked up and you're on edge because of it."

Xemnas smiled slightly. The thought was tempting and could possibly be a good excuse. And it bordered slightly on truth. He was on edge because of a big 'case,' though he had been the one to fuck it up. At that moment, he was very grateful for his levelheaded second.

"I'll be there in an hour with the wolf." Marluxia continued. "I'll make Lux come too. We'll keep an eye on things from the outside. Between the three of us, we should be able to see anything coming. If you want, I can disturb you during dinner and you can yell at me in front of everyone."

"Yeah. Maybe. I'll head back now."

"Just relax Xem. If nothing else, we'll get a better look at him and get a chance at tracking him home."

-X-

Author's Notes: Oh look! XD Plot! I think I'm finally back on track of the point of the story. :P And yes, I suck at writing kissing scenes. Gesh. I'd think with my dirty mind I'd be able to write a simple kissing scene without worrying about my blood pressure.