Holy shizz, 100 reviews! Yay! I'm glad this story is so well received! And yet...so poorly updated. But here's the bright side, guys! Summer summer summer time! That means, if I really work at it, I might be able to actually finish this by the end of summer! Well, let's not aim that high. Let's say, I might be able to make a lot of chapters. :) Sounds better.
Reviewers:
Jayrin Paige- Lol, yes, it does leave an imprint, doesn't it? Thank you for reviewing!
hanakitsunechan7- You're very warm...there will be a fight and there will be swords involved...Ha, thanks for your comment.
Inuzukagirl77- Omg, thank you for understanding! I always feel terrible for taking so long to update...(yeah, I know, I sing it like that now too! lol)
ScreamforSOH- Lol, thanks. I sure hope this is developing well.
Naruta13- Don't worry, you don't sound mean. I would be more worried if no one noticed! But yeah, read on, and for a bigger explanation read the AN at the bottom! Gracias!
emorocks91- Will do! Thanks for reviewing!
CryingTearsofBlood- Lol, the updates may not come on time, but they will eventually come! Thanks for reviewing!
iShiznitch- Trust me, the transition left my dizzy too. And I was writing it. But things will calm down. Hopefully. Lol.
Sparkly Red Slippers- Thank you! I'm working very hard to make it a good fic!
flames04- Yes, I LOVE suspense. Thank you for reviewing!
Part One
Enter Riku:
Oh god…oh god…this couldn't be happening to me.
"Riku…where were you?"
What did I do to deserve this?! Sure, I've cheated, I've lied, I've stolen, and I've committed adultery…
Well damn, maybe I did deserve this.
Cloud and I exchanged panicked glances, and even Sephiroth was staring wearily at me, as if wondering just what the hell I was going to do to get myself out of this situation. Pssh, as if I knew!
"Now Sora, I'm sure you're wondering about more important things than Riku, right?" Cloud laughed nervously, and I joined in, hoping maybe that would toss Kiwi off topic. It didn't work.
Why was I not surprised….
"No. I want Riku to answer this first." He snapped at Cloud- well, not really snapped because Kiwi isn't like that, but definitely with some determination behind his words. Then he turned his eyes to me. They were narrowed in confusion and suspicion, and although still completely gorgeous, I didn't like them looking at me like that. Like I was some kind of monster.
Which, truthfully…
"Okay." I finally hedged, and Cloud gasped. I know, I know, I was about to completely screw myself over; there was no need for Cloud to convey that to me in his facial expression. And I know it wasn't what I was supposed to do…but…damn it, it was hard keeping this from Kiwi for three years!
Hopefully he would just listen and…and maybe he would accept this. Maybe this wouldn't change anything.
Pssh…get real; even I didn't believe that.
Kiwi was staring at me, wide eyed and so confused, and I couldn't stop myself from spilling everything I had been trying to keep a secret. "You wanted to know why when you woke up three years ago, I had vanished. I sent you that text from my grandmother, remember?"
He began to tremble slightly, but his determined expression didn't waver. "Of course I remember, Riku. Why'd you leave?"
I bit my thumbnail. "Well…"
Three years ago
"I didn't think I would find you here." I called out to Kiwi, seeing him leaning quietly against the nearby Papou tree. He glanced over at me and smiled before closing his eyes again. I nearly died, I was that mesmerized. I know he was my best friend, and I wasn't supposed to think of him like this, but in that moment the only thing on my mind was how beautiful he looked right now.
"I needed to think." He finally answered, his smile fading slightly. "Riku, I don't think I can keep doing this."
I wanted to hug him close to me and whisper that it was okay. I wanted to kiss away all of his insecurities and tell him how gorgeous he was. I wanted to touch him and make him forget about every vile thought that went through his insecure, hesitant mind.
Instead I stayed right where I was, which was far, far away from where he was leaning.
"You mean…us?" I dared to ask, kicking a nearby rock to take out my fear and frustration. I mean, yes, I was sick and tired of being romantically involved with Kiwi behind Roxas' back, too, but…it wasn't enough to make me stop. Because being with Sora was like being at home…we just fit, like puzzle pieces.
He must have mistaken my pebble kick for depression, because the next thing I knew he was a couple of inches in front of me. He ran a hand down my chest to comfort me…it didn't comfort me, but I was pretty sure he could feel how hard my heart was beating.
"You don't want to be together with me…like this…forever, do you?" Kiwi asked me pointedly, shoving me away with the same hand. "Besides, it's not fair to me that you don't want me enough to leave Roxas."
I grabbed his wrist as he turned away. Was he crazy? Of course I wanted him! I just…didn't want to hurt Roxas. And I know that it was selfish and greedy and rude of me to dangle both of them like this, but…I couldn't help but want to be with Kiwi.
"Kiwi, I love you." I admitted quietly, and the whole world stopped spinning. No longer could I hear the quiet lapses of the waves, or the animals, or the laughter from down the beach. All I could hear was my heart, and his- both beating faster to the same beat.
His eyes widened and he looked away from me quickly. "You're lying."
I gently took his face in my hand and forced him to look at me. "I'm not."
As his chest began to heave faster, I found myself glad that his hyperventilation had just been cured. Because this next part was sure to take his breath away.
"Oh god, was that as cheesy as I think it sounds?" I groaned, pausing in the story to grimace in embarrassment. I mean sure, that's what I was thinking at the time, but now that I think about it, it sounds so…lame.
"It's extremely cheesy." Roxas agreed, giving me a shrug. "But it's no surprise. You're always cheesy, to be honest Riku."
Well this was news to me! I glared at him. He didn't have to agree. What happened to the good old days when friends didn't tease friends? Instead they hugged and gave kisses to greet each other?!
"I think you're thinking of High School Musical, Riku." Kairi answered flatly, and I realized I had said that part aloud. Oh. Oops.
"Hey, hello! Back to the story!" Kiwi interrupted, but I noticed he had a slight blush and a small smile of pleasure on his face. Uh huh, see, he didn't think it was cheesy.
I cleared my throat dramatically and both Cloud and Sephiroth rolled their eyes. But I ignored them. Sourpusses. "Anyway…"
Heat.
That's what I was experiencing as I felt Kiwi's body press tightly against mine. His heat, my heat, the heat inside of him. It was all so hot, metaphorically and literally, and I had never felt anything like this before.
Before tonight, I had never thought Kiwi could be any sexier, but I was wrong. I had never thought his voice could be wanton like this. I had never thought that something so controversial like sex could feel so right.
"You can stop here! We do not need to know the details of your sexual escapade!" Rikku squealed, and I received stern nods for affirmation from everyone else in the room. I guess they're right; it would be incredibly awkward to get a hard on with my dad and Cloud, and Sora's parents in the room.
I winced. "Sorry."
As Sora panted hotly in my ear, causing shivers to go racing down my spine as I moved inside of him, I couldn't help but hear this strange drumming sound.
Thinking it was just Kiwi or something, I kept going, following the rhythm and causing him to moan. But suddenly a voice, clear as day, replaced the weird drumming. And for some reason, it appealed to me.
"Riku." The voice said in a crystal voice. I blinked, and suddenly I couldn't see Kiwi under me. All I saw was darkness.
"What…what's going on?" I asked out in fear. But Kiwi didn't seem to hear me, for all I could hear was his panting. "Who is that?"
"It's…Ansem." The voice replied, and suddenly the darkness enclosed me.
"And that's when it first happened." I finished, averting my eyes from everyone in the room who was staring at me. Well, there it was, all out in the open. Nothing to explain and nothing more to add.
"I don't get it." Axel finally drawled, breaking into the silence. Rikku sighed heavily and jabbed him in his ribs.
"If you don't have anything new to add to the conversation, don't talk at all. We already knew you wouldn't understand." She sniffed. Then she glanced sheepishly at me. "I don't get it either."
Cloud sighed. "To put it simply, Riku has a monster living inside of him, and it started to come out when the two of them were having sex."
"But...why did the monster start to come out during them having sex?" Roxas asked, and this time I could actually answer that. Makes sense. It was my problem.
My...monster man. Ugh.
"Well, whenever I have a monumental moment or experience, He tries to come out and overtake me." I revealed sullenly. That damn monster...
"He tries to overtake you?! Even during sex?!" Axel demanded, sounding offended for me. I grinned. Trust Axel to see the severity of this problem.
"It's during any important experience. And well...apparently having underage sex for the first time was really important to him." Cloud answered with a shrug.
That statement seemed to be the magic words, because as soon as Cloud said that, everyone else seemed to breathe and come back to life.
"Sora, you've…you've lost your virginity? When you were thirteen? You have a lot of explaining to do, young man." Sora's dad, Sunny, began sharply, but Leon started to laugh. He swirled around. "What's so funny?"
Leon, with his stoic, elegant monotone, scoffed. "The irony; you have your nerve talking when you know full well that you lost your virginity when you were twelve."
Reno burst out laughing. "Like father like son, huh?"
While our parents all started squawking, I glanced over at Kiwi. He was hiding his face in his hands, obviously embarrassed that our first time was all exposed for dissection and out in the open. Ugh, this was pretty humiliating. Still…there was this nice feeling of…completion…now that everyone knew the monster I carried inside of me, the monster that I really was.
"How did this even happen to you?" Roxas asked, reaching out to touch me hesitantly before pulling his hand back at the last second.
"I've got a better question; Leon, how did you even know that about Sunny? I thought only I would know that." Cloud demanded, watching him suspiciously. Out of the corner of my eye I could see Roxas throw up his hands in defeat. Ha…yeah, his question was kind of ignored. I guess our parents' drama was bigger than mine.
"Why wouldn't I? We were together nearly every second you two weren't." Leon pointed out with a small little chuckle. That only seemed to make Cloud more incredulous. Yes, trouble in paradise!
I mean…oh no…trouble in paradise.
He whirled to Sunny, his spikes stabbing Cid in the eye and causing him to curse fairly loudly. "Sunny, you were cheating on me when we dated?"
Both Sora and I froze. Wait, what? What the hell was he talking about?
Wait a minute, this wasn't happening…
"Oh…ohmigod, please don't tell me you two used to go out." Sora groaned, peeking his blue eyes from between his tanned fingers. We both gazed evenly at our parents for confirmation.
Well, we got it. "Yeah, Cloud and I used to date in high school. I think for about…eh, two years? Up until, what, junior year?" Sunny explained dismissively.
"But that's beside the point." Cloud insisted, glaring at his best friend. "Did you?"
"Cheat on you? Of course not. You were my boyfriend, but you're always my best friend first. I wasn't going to hurt you. And to answer your question, the only reason Leon knows that about my losing my virginity is because he's my twin brother." Sunny announced as if it was nothing. Come on; try to at least act like you care. This was a shocking moment! The whole freaking room was silent!
Okay, Riku, let's get this straight.
Cloud, my step father, was dating my best friend and potential boyfriend's father's twin brother? Who was the brother to his best friend? While his current husband was in the room?
And I thought I had problems.
If I was a man whore, Cloud was a freaking sprite.
"You knew and you didn't tell me this whole time?" Cloud gasped as he faced Leon, his face looking angry and hurt, and suddenly Leon's indifferent expression began to morph into panic. I rolled my eyes. This was so dramatic. Then again…maybe they'd break up!
"I didn't think it was of major importance." He replied, raising an eyebrow at him. "I didn't think it would bother you…"
"Of course it bothers me!" Cloud snapped, and Sephiroth snorted. We all looked at him. Talk about the wrong time…
He glared at everyone in response. "What? I'm permitted to laugh when I think a circumstance requires it."
"Well it doesn't, so shut it, please." Cloud mumbled, unable to actually seem angry at my dad. I think he was still shocked and secretly pleased that he was even here.
"I just find it amusing how little this twin actually knows of you." He responded indifferently, glancing over at Leon as if he was the lowest creature on earth. And I'll admit it, I actually felt kind of bad for him for a second. For a second, I said.
Finally, when all of this seemed to be getting ridiculous, because, hello, this was about me here, I figured it was time to say something.
"So anyway Kiwi, that's the reason I went with Cloud and Sephiroth. After I came to, I called Dad and he asked me if I wanted to go with them and train. I agreed. It was the only way." I explained, watching his face warily for his reaction.
He was staring at me, in a strange mixture of fear, understanding, and amusement. But worst of all, he was staring at me as if he didn't know who I was. And that really hurt.
"Why didn't you just tell me?" He asked me, genuinely looking like he wanted to know, and I looked away in embarrassment. Because it was a disgrace! I was an embarrassment to Cloud and Sephiroth…what kind of person harvests a monster inside of them?! Better yet, what kind of person harvests another man inside of them?
"He was embarrassed and afraid." Roxas answered, reading my face and rolling his eyes at Kiwi. But he tossed me a reassuring smile when Sora wasn't looking. "No one hates you, you know. You can stop pretending like you're a victim."
I scoffed. Ha, who's pretending? But it was good to know that no one hated me. It kind of makes everything that's happened thus far seem silly. And pointless. "Thanks Roxas. You know just what to say to make me feel good inside."
"Anyway," Cid intervened loudly, causing all conversations to cease, "I think it's about time we answer those questions now that Sora's question has been answered."
Kiwi blushed at his own determination, and I gave him a grin. "Don't worry, it was a good introduction question, if you ask me."
"I have one." Axel spoke up, watching me carefully. "But what the hell do you mean when you say, Riku is a monster? What does that thing inside him have to do with Riku? I mean, how did He get attached to Riku in the first place?"
I let out a breath. Oh…of course there would be questions about Him…I guess I had just assumed, with all the distractions, that someone was going to forget and let me off the hook. Guess I assumed wrong, huh?
"He was cursed." Sephiroth answered simply, speaking up once more and causing everyone to look at him again. Now he was starting to look pissed off. "What?"
"Cursed?!" Kairi repeated, grabbing my hand instinctively. "I thought those were just in fairy tales."
"No, they happen. Especially if you're Sephiroth's son, since Seph was one of the most wanted Guardians in the world." Cloud responded, still refusing to look at Leon.
"Okay, what is a Guardian?" Yuna wanted to know. I saw Kairi glance over at Yuna in an intimidation she tried to cover with her hair. But I caught it. And she had some explaining to do when everyone was gone.
"A Guardian is a protector of souls. See, there are Guardians, Mercenaries, and The Organization. Each group is made up of appointed souls, usually reincarnations of the original saviors but not always, and they protect the world and its people." Leon explained with a slight gloominess about his face.
"Yeah, and let me tell you, it is such a nuisance of a job to be one." Reno whined, throwing his arms over Rude's broad shoulders. My mouth dropped in disbelief. Wait…how the hell was Reno allowed to be something this mystical and prestigious?
He noticed my skeptical expression and scowled at me. "Shut up, at least I'm not a demon."
My face fell and Sephiroth yanked on his ponytail so hard that I thought he was going to rip it off. "Watch your mouth."
Something in my chest panged at Sephiroth's protectiveness, but I pushed it back. I wasn't meant to get along with my father. He wasn't a good person, and I shouldn't feel any amicable feelings towards him if I could control them.
"Uh…" Roxas and Axel both drawled, mystified, and I had to agree. I'm not quite sure I understood all of this either. See, even though Cloud and Sephiroth were my parents, the only resemblance of a historic explanation from them was about my monster man. Other than that, all of this was news to me.
"Don't worry, everything will be explained fully when you go to your respective academy." Sunny offered and Cloud grinned encouragingly. Of course, all of us teenagers burst out in disapproving shouts; what the hell could they be thinking?! More school?! What did they think- that we had loads of free time?
Cloud gave us all a stern look. "Guys, calm down. It's not as bad as you think. Once we assign you to your different schools, you'll see what I mean."
"Wait," Kairi cried, "we have to be split up?"
"Well yeah. You guys all have different powers; different skills…"
But at seeing Kairi, Kiwi and I all instinctively grasp hands firmly, Cloud's voice faltered. He turned to Sephiroth and Leon with a wince. I refused to be separated from them. If I didn't have Kiwi to make me a better person, or Kairi to be my support, I don't know what I would do.
"No reassignments. These assignments have been sent directly from The Council. You change them, you'll suffer the consequences." Sephiroth announced stiffly, his voice only softening when he added, "I won't allow you to suffer, Cloud. Do not put me in that position."
Cloud's eyes widened and he blushed, while Leon looked like he was about to blow a gasket in jealously. Ha…that's what he got for trying to worm his way in Cloud and dad's relationship. He had to understand, as much as I disliked Sephiroth, that the two were meant for each other. No stoic rock, no matter how good looking, was going to change that.
"Can we get this show on the road? Some people in this room have school to attend." Cid declared with a nod in Axel and Rikku's direction, and the two groaned. Aw man…I forgot about school! But what was the point in going now? By the time we got there we would have already missed first period!
Parents were so stupid sometimes.
"Alright, let's begin." Sephiroth said with little change in his voice. "The worthy souls who have been assigned to be Guardians are: Sora, Kairi, Riku," he shot us an I-told-you-so look and the three of us all tossed him sheepish smiles, "Roxas, Tidus, Wakka, Donald, Goofy, and two others to whom have yet to be revealed."
I gave Kiwi a glittering smile, one that had him blinking a couple of times in its brilliance. "I told you we'd all be together."
His shock at my beauty now deteriorated, he gave me a look. "You never even said that, Riku, you're making that up."
I pouted at him dramatically. "You don't…you don't believe me? You're supposed to be my best friend!"
"Anyway," Leon interrupted, annoyed, "the Mercenaries are: Rikku, Paine, Yuna, Lulu, Selphie, Seifer and Roxas."
Seifer?! Like, the kid who likes to beat up Roxas and Kiwi, Seifer? Oh hell no. "That ain't gonna fly."
Everyone shot me a confused look. "What?" Roxas finally asked, giving me a withering glare as if I was stupid. Woah woah woah, no need for all of that hostility! I was trying to help him out! What had his panties all in a twist?
"Since when do bullies get to be honorary souls?" I demanded, and Kairi gave me a nod of support. But Cloud, Sephiroth and Leon merely looked at us as if we were little kids.
"People sometimes act the way they do for reasons we will never understand unless we ask them." Leon answered, as if he was talking about himself or something. Ugh, he was so self-centered and emo. Hello, this isn't about you!
Okay, okay, so he isn't all that. I just didn't like him.
"And finally, The Organization members are typically unknown, but they said they'll reveal their new members: Axel, Namine, Demyx and Roxas." Cid said with a proud grin in Axel's general direction. Yet, as everyone started talking to the respective members of their group, only one blonde, beautiful and opinionated person remained speechless.
"Wait…you guys assigned me to all three groups!" Roxas exclaimed, and that's when the room became silent again, for what had to be the umpteenth time today. I frowned. What…no, he had to be a Guardian, like Kiwi, Kairi and I! He couldn't be out of the group again.
"This is true." Sephiroth murmured thoughtfully, and I threw my hands up. Yeah, dad, that fixed things!
"You mean…no one wanted me, so I was just added to everyone's list?" Roxas guessed glumly, and Axel ruffled his spikes in a gesture of comfort. Or at least…in his mind.
"Actually," Tifa chimed for what seemed like the first time since early this morning, "I was one of the first ones who heard about the list when it was decided at your birth, and the reason you're on everyone's list is because everyone wanted you. You have a great destiny lying ahead of you."
This seemed to make Roxas' insecurities vanish, and I smiled up at Tifa in gratitude. I never know how to comfort Rox anymore. He was so independent now! I just don't know what to say to him when he's feeling bad. But Nurse Tifa seemed to have it down pat!
She met my smile with a bigger, brighter one, one that Cloud noticed. He frowned.
"Tifa." He said firmly, and she glanced over at him guiltily.
"Sorry." She whimpered before returning over to where the adults were standing.
Ugh, freaking Cloud! Why the hell was he such a bully to her?! I don't know what it is, but I find myself very protective of her, and if Cloud didn't back off, I was going to have to start something.
No…I'm not sure what I would start but…it would be something!
"Alright, since you guys won't explain anything else until we go to our academies, can I ask one last thing?" Kiwi asked, and I turned to him in surprise. What else could he possibly need to ask?
"Go ahead." Reno allowed with a voice of stoic authority, and Sephiroth yanked his ponytail again. "Ouch Seph, do you mind?!"
"Please proceed." Sephiroth told Kiwi, giving him his full attention, and he jumped at the sudden focus that the cold, kind-of-scary man was giving him.
"Uh…" He stammered, twiddling his thumbs. ""I was just…I was just wondering, not that I mind or anything but…"
"Spit it out." I encouraged, giving him a firm pat on the back to help the words come out. He glared at me as he continued to stammer.
"I mean…um…what happened to my hyperventilation syndrome?"
Everyone seemed to realize it at the same time I did. Come to think of it, Kiwi hadn't had a freak-out the whole time we were here. And that was kind of weird, considering all of the shit that had went down, back at Kairi's and here at the hospital. What was going on?
"I believe I can answer that one. Sora, we've been experimenting a new drug on you. We call it…Potion." Tifa explained earnestly. I scoffed. Potion? Wow, that was a creative name.
"So wait, basically you just put it in his system and he just instant calms down?" Kairi wanted to know, curiously touching the bottle that Tifa had whipped out as evidence. "That's so cool!"
"I'm not sure if I'm comfortable with this." Sunny murmured, and Kiwi rolled his eyes at him.
"Oh dad, get with the times, will you?" He whined, also reaching out to touch the bottle. Unfortunately he had leaned too far over the edge of the bed, causing him to stumble and topple over and into Tifa. The Potion went flying into the air, and before I could even think about reaching for it, it splattered on the hospital floor with a sickening crash.
It was quiet, save for Kiwi's embarrassed chuckles and Axel's loud snorting. But trust Reno to break the uncomfortable silence, even in the most awkward moments.
"So does that cure being a klutz, too?" Reno deadpanned, and the room burst out in vocal pandemonium once more.
"Oh give the boy a break, he's still growing!"
"Yes, but how do you expect him to save anyone if he can't even stand on his own two feet?"
"I hope there are some more potions…"
"Sephiroth, stop staring at me, you forfeited that right."
"Sora get off the floor, the floors aren't clean."
"Felicia, they clean the floors-"
"Dammit, stop telling me that!"
But all of the conversations in the world wouldn't have been able to reach me. Because at that moment, Kiwi looked at me with those gorgeous blue eyes. I mean, really looked at me. I'm not sure if most people get to live long enough to receive that look…that look of utter acceptance and loyalty, but if you do…
Don't let that person go.
Extra:
Riku's School Schedule:
1st period- Advanced Calculus AB
2nd period- Chemistry
3rd period- AP English 11
4th period- Study Hall
5th period- AP Government
6th period- Combat Class
7th period- Family and Consumer Science
GPA: 4.36
Occupation: School and the Road to Awesomeness
Year: Junior
Age: 17
Part Two
We stood in front of the building, all of us reluctant as hell to step into that huge, oversized torture hell hole. Yep. As Cid promised, being released from the hospital meant time for school, and it was time for us to get out of our moping, hang-over filled slumps and put on a happy face for our teachers.
After our parents stopped talking again, we had more questions, and they had more answers. Well, at least the ones they were allowed to answer. Some of them, they said, would be revealed in our academies so they couldn't really answer a whole lot.
Question: What were those creatures we were fighting?
Answer: Heartless. But we can't fully tell you what they are.
Question: What kind of hospital are we in, because there's a monster right across from us, and it isn't Riku.
Me: Shut up!
Answer: You are in The Hospital for the Supernatural, the one you've been going to since you were babies. I guess you guys just haven't noticed.
Question: What were the-
Answer: The rest will be answered later! God, shut up already so we can release you!
Yeah, okay, sure, they'd better answer the rest. I'm so confused!
Kairi pushed the hair out of her face with a jerk and slipped on a pair of oversized Chanel sunglasses. Shouldering her backpack, she gave us all an understanding, yet nervous look before striding inside, her uniform skirt bouncing with the breeze and her shoes skidding across the pavement. I watched her go with a wistful smile. She needed to get better friends…
Roxas put up his black hoodie and turned back to Sora and I, giving us a two fingered salute before sticking his iPod headphones into his ears and trucking into the school and down the hall. This left me and Kiwi alone...
"Nervous?" I asked him with a smirk, adjusting my uniform and smoothing out my schedule. It said here that I had AP English next. And don't think I forgot about what Roxas told me. I had completely forgotten about my detention, one that he definitely did not remind me of when he went to go serve it. But then again, he was still bitter back then, so…
Kiwi looked over at me with a sigh. Then with ease, he graced me with one of those goofy, genuine Sora Smiles that made me want to scream out in happiness. That single smile made me feel so much better.
"I'm alright. I mean, why would I be nervous? It's not like everyone remembers that we all got shitfaced out of our heads, sprouted random science fiction liked powers, and totally destroyed the interior of Kairi's house." Sora replied happily. I scowled at him. Really, was that necessary?
I began walking into the school, more than ready to get this day over with. Sora blinked after me before rushing to catch up, stumbling slightly to match my pace. I gave him a quick grin. "C'mon. We might as well get through this sooner than later. Gossip never sleeps anyway."
Kiwi flashed me a dry half-smile. "Right."
The Hallway
"So where are you heading next?" I asked Kiwi, partially to distract him from the stares and partially because I really wanted to know. He shrugged uncomfortably and blushed when someone walking besides us pretended to fall, just like him.
"Um, I have geometry next." He answered. We both continued walking down the hall, a little silently now, as we got closer to my homeroom.
I peered over at him. He was clenching his backpack strap with both hands and had this little pout on his face like the world was against him or something. Which, admittedly, I think it was. Kiwi had some pret-ty bad luck.
Man…I frowned. I hated to see Kiwi so distraught about something. It was probably just the whole stress of everything that had happened. But how could I make him feel better? I just got back on good terms with him.
"So…Roxas has changed." I observed, spouting out the first thing that came to mind. And it was true; Roxas really was different. Not necessarily bad different. But definitely a different Roxas than the one I used to know. Sora raised an eyebrow at me.
"It's not like that's a bad thing, though. We all changed." He shrugged. "We had to." Then he gave me an uneasy smile. "You've changed too."
"So has your hair. It's much more…masculine."
Sora huffed and stuck his tongue out at me. "Are you implying that my hair was girly before?"
I grinned lopsidedly. Okay, now I was starting to feel a little more comfortable. Holding pointless conversations had always been our strong point.
"I'm not implying it. I'm telling you. Sora, your hair was girly before." I replied easily and he rolled his eyes at me. "He thinks he's so clever." He muttered to himself as he shook his head, but I could see him fighting off a smile.
"Mr. Tarada. Good to see that you are well. Cloud informed me of your…"accident" and I wish you the best of luck."
That voice. It belonged to the one person I was trying hard to avoid. Dr. Valentine. I turned around, noting in shock that he was right behind me, and forced a grin. But really. Was he serious? Cloud told him? And besides that, what did he even mean the best of luck? What, was that an insult in reverse or something?
I raised an eyebrow. "Cloud spoke to you?"
Dr. Valentine rolled his eyes. "Cloud never speaks when he calls me. He only exclaims and whines and complains. But yes, we did exchange words on your behalf. And he did plead your case on the fact that you were apparently emotionally and physically drained from anything involving work."
I grinned. Good old Cloud! He saved me from my detention disaster. I would have to stop harping on him about Leon now…well, at least for a little while.
"That being said," Dr. Valentine continued, his expression unchanging at my grin, "this does not affect your ability to make it to your designated detention. I am the head of detention at this school, and so I ultimately am the one who oversees your attendance."
My grin fell. Oh.
"You will now have detention everyday this week, and just because you have only been at this school for a day, doesn't mean we will go easy on you. Detention is no serious matter. I will see you after school." And with that, Dr. Valentine flouted off in all of his menacing beauty.
Sora gave me a sympathetic grin, one that told me he really didn't feel that sorry for me at all. "Tough luck, Riku."
I narrowed my eyes at him and smacked him on the back of his head. "Yeah, sure, whatever." Then suddenly I brightened. "Hey! We can eat lunch together today, right?"
Kiwi shuffled his feet and peered up at me with his wide blue eyes and I think I wanted to die, that look was so gorgeous. "You aren't going to be eating with Demyx and Zexion today?" He asked me, a little bit of hope evident in his voice. But I couldn't help it; I broke out in a wide smile at Zexion's name.
"Zex is here?!" I exclaimed, ignoring the weird stares I got from the proclamation. "Where?"
Sora frowned at the ground. "He came to talk to Mr. Vexen about something, but then Demyx saw him and convinced him to stay. I think he said something about tagging along with you since it's not like you're going to really be paying that much attention anyway."
I was starting to become aware that the hallway was starting to thin, meaning we probably only had about a minute or two before the bell rang, but I didn't want to leave Kiwi here in the middle of the hallway frowning like that. It was a look that felt so unfamiliar to see on him.
I scoffed. "Oh come on, Kiwi, it's not like I can't sit with you and Zexion."
"Whatever. I'm going to class." Sora sighed, leaving me to stare after him in confusion. What the heck was his problem? What did I do?
"Riku!" Someone shouted, and I turned around just in time to see Demyx running towards me at full speed. I blinked at him. What was his rush?
"Hey Demyx, what's uuuuuupp?" My voice cracked on the word up as I was yanked by my tie. Demyx had grabbed onto it and was now pulling me with him at high speed. Yes, it did hurt. And yes, it was choking me. Not so much that I would die, though. Luckily.
"We only have thirty seconds to get to class!" He shouted over his shoulder at me. I raised an eyebrow at him as my feet struggled to keep up with his pace.
"You know my schedule? How do you know we have third period together?" I asked skeptically, but I didn't slow down. I may have been caught off guard before, but now I was aware of my surroundings. And I really don't think I wanted another detention.
"Zexion is kinda obsessed with your safety so he made me memorize your schedule so I could rescue you if you were ever attacked at school. I don't know how he expects me to save you if something happened…I told him he really picked the wrong guy. But does that guy ever listen to reason? No." Demyx babbled as we sprinted down the hall.
I laughed. I didn't really know Demyx that well, but he would be someone that I think I'd like to get to know better. He was pretty funny. And plus…Zexion likes him. And he barely likes anyone.
"Okay, here we are. AP English!
3rd Period
For once, Roxas wasn't in my class, seeing as how he's in the tenth grade, and I'm not going to lie, it definitely made a difference.
Oh, I mean we'd made up or whatever. And I love being his friend, because Roxas is quite easily the coolest guy you could ever meet. But you never know about Roxas…one minute he's forgiving you and the next he's re-blackening that black eye that just healed.
My teacher, this cryptically old ex-college professor who couldn't seem to talk about romanticism without spitting (and I was somehow in the front row!), was so elderly that he couldn't seem to tell the difference between Edgar Alan Poe and Dr. Seuss let alone pay any attention to what his class was doing. So I fully prepared to lean back and get the sleep I continued to be deprived of now that all of this science fiction freaky deaky stuff seemed to be happening.
But when do I ever get anything I want?
A small note landed on its tip right on my nose, probably granting me a paper cut in the one place you don't want to get one. Nevertheless I quickly opened the note to find the sender, and then figure out just what the hell they wanted to tell me so badly that I couldn't be allowed to take a much needed nap.
Do you think Zexion has, I don't know, changed?
-Demyx
I sighed. Really? Really. I don't think I was going to make it through the day without having to gossip with all the people I'm acquainted with. With a slight scowl, I licked the tip of my pencil (horrible habit- I've heard plenty of warnings from Cloud that I'll die of lead poisoning…whatever, better than dying of a broken heart, right?), and wrote him back.
Dude, why are you asking me? I've been around him for three years. If he has, I wouldn't notice.
But then I felt kind of bad for dismissing it when he so obviously needs a lending hand. So I added:
But if you think so, I'm always here to help. You know…scouts honor, or whatever?
-Riku
There. That should be enough to satisfy him. I had only closed my eyes for a second before another note got me square in the eye.
"The fu-" I prepared to shout until Demyx quickly covered my mouth from where he was sitting behind me. And I was grateful. Because at that exact moment our teacher, Professor Churn, had just been passing by my desk…
"Ah, Dem! You saved me from a year worth of detentions!" I exclaimed in a whisper when he passed. Demyx shrugged and gave me an impish half smile.
"It was nothing."
I stared down at the unopened note in my hand and immediately felt like an asshole again. Why couldn't I be blessed with manners instead of beauty?! I mean…
…ah, I don't even know what I mean. All I know is that this isn't what I expected when I moved back to Destiny Island. Being rude to people I didn't even know and not being on the completely comfortable platform that I want to be on with Kiwi…
This sucked! I was better off just staying in Bastian Bay until I graduated.
Anyway, I opened the note.
It's just…I get this feeling that he likes you more than he loves me. Which is weird, I know, but it's the vibe I keep getting. Axel told me to shut the hell up and enjoy my happy ending. But I keep getting the feeling that Zexion is keeping me at an emotional distance.
-Demyx
I stared at the note with my mouth completely agape. And I know I'm good looking and everything, but that's just not a look that looks good on anybody.
Demyx thinks that Zexion…that Zexion…
I couldn't help it, I burst out laughing. Everyone was staring at me, especially Demyx but I couldn't help it! The idea that Zexion and I could ever have some sort of emotional attachment was so ridiculous that it tickled me! I mean sure, okay, there was one point last year that I may have had a small crush on Zex, but come on. He's so mysterious and kind of sexy so who wouldn't? Besides, he's so much older than me.
Well, that didn't stop him and Demyx from happening, but we're both completely different people. I turned around and bit my lip to stop from laughing again in his face. He looked so genuinely concerned about this…how cute.
Okay, how could I say this without coming across as an asshole? "Demyx…Zexion, uh, would never like someone like me when he's head over heels for someone, err, like you."
Demyx, completely ignoring the frown that Professor Churn was shooting us, just blinked his innocent green eyes at me. "Like me? What do you mean, like me?"
I nearly slapped myself. I think Demyx and Kiwi had been hanging out too much. Naivety this strong must be contagious. "What I mean is that you're Zexion's perfect counterpart."
As Demyx seemed to ponder this, I felt my confident grin waver. I didn't know him that well. I didn't want him to think I was being pretentious or whatever. "Not that I, uh, know you that well." I added for this benefit.
But Demyx didn't even answer. He was too busy lost in his thoughts, murmuring 'counterpart, huh?' over and over.
Ooookay…this was too weird to ever acknowledge again…
Lunch
You know, I knew this was going to awkward. I mean, come on, somehow lunch with me is never Tea Time with the Tarada. But I didn't realize just how uncomfortable sitting at a table with Zexion, Axel, Namine, Demyx and Selphie was going to be with Sora next to me.
Not that I didn't absolutely love the fact that Kiwi was sitting here with me. It's just…I somehow get the feeling that there's some bad juju between Sora and Axel…
Not that he noticed. Kiwi never notices anything remotely awkward, or at least that's how it comes across. Even now, he was sitting next to me with his head buried in a book.
"Where's Roxas?" Axel asked Sora, bored, and having just made his eighth casual glance around the lunchroom. "Is he going to sit with us, or what?"
Kiwi peered up from his book. "I don't know why he would possibly want to sit here." He replied flatly, going back down to his literature.
Zexion and I exchanged surprised winces. Ouch. Someone was in a bad mood today. What was with him? He'd been snapping at Axel all day. Did Ax do something particularly disrespectful to him today, or what?
"You okay, Kiwi?" I asked him with a frown. This wasn't like him- to act so rude towards a friend. "Something happen?"
He met my bewildered stare with a raised eyebrow. "Did you know that licking a stamp leads to the consumption of 1/10 of a calorie?"
Well, that was the end of that conversation.
"Hey, Riku, do you mind taking a look at my portrait?" Namine suddenly asked, fidgeting with her fingers and staring down at her untouched sandwich. "I would normally show it to Roxas, but he doesn't…I mean…well, anyway, I heard you had an eye for art as well."
I had to hide the grimace that threatened to reveal itself. Why the hell would I want to look at her art portfolio when it was so apparent that she was the unshakable force managing to wedge its way between Roxas' happiness with Axel?
Okay, fine, I know I'm not supposed to discriminate against someone who I barely even know, especially when I haven't even heard her side of the story. For all I know, Axel could've swept her off her feet and completely blindsided her total reason, which would explain why she doesn't seem to care that dating Axel and having sex with him is hurting my ex boyfriend.
"Uh…sure Namine." I answered slowly, trying to ignore the annoyed glower Axel was giving me for having too much hesitation and the completely shocked wide eyed look Sora was shooting me for not having more of it. Ugh, could I not please anyone these days?
Namine seemed to just glow in happiness, and I couldn't help it, I grinned at her. She was pretty cute…besides, was it fair to judge her? It wasn't her fault she was the other woman.
Kiwi didn't seem to think so. He shook his head at me and twisted further away from me in his chair. I rolled my eyes. This was going to have to stop- he might as well just accept that being close to me was in the job description for being my love interest and best friend.
Namine slid her portfolio across the table with a small smile, waiting until I had reached to pick it up before letting go of it. Wow, overprotective, much?
"It's the fifth one. I wanted to give it to Roxas, as sort of a thank you for not completely hating me…" She murmured, toying with Axel's fingers, which were enclosed with hers. "But, I guess there's no need for that now."
"Well, Namine, you did kind of sleep with his lover." Selphie admitted, finally joining the conversation. I gave her a playful nudge.
"Where have you been, Selphie, space?" I teased, and she rolled her eyes at me.
"Your manners are just as bad as your jokes. If you must know, I was thinking about my One True Love, something I bet you haven't even considered you may have." She sniffed. I grinned. Oh, I'd considered all right.
I stared pointedly at Kiwi, and he stiffened slightly under my intense gaze, but was too distracted- or too embarrassed- to look up and meet my eyes.
Anyway.
The traitorous portfolio that sat patiently in my hands needed to be opened and inspected. As I slowly began to open it, Selphie sighed loudly over in Axel's general direction.
"You hear that, Axel?"
"No."
"I said I was thinking about my One True Love. Maybe you should start considering that person the next time you climb on top of one your fuck buddies."
"..." I glanced up in time to see the annoyed glower he was sending her before smirking and going back down to do what Namine asked me.
Just as I was about to flip through the pictures, the bell rang, signaling the end of lunch. I looked over at Namine, trying to disguise my relief. But she just smiled kindly at me and told me I could keep them as long as I needed to give her a dignified and worthy critique.
Great.
5th Period
"So, I heard you and Namine are friends now. Is it true? Are you really aligning yourself on Team Nami?"
That was the first comment I received when I walked into my government class for the first time. And let me tell you, it wasn't a very encouraging remark for a person who was just trying to fit in here. I blinked in the general direction of the voice, which was behind me.
Yeah, okay, whatever, I knew I should turn around. But can you blame me for not wanting to experience any more surprises than I was already routinely getting?
"No…I obviously care about Roxas much more than-" I began but stopped before I said too much. I didn't even know who the hell this person was. I swirled around to face my attacker.
Oh.
What a SURPRISE…
You know, those unexpected little things I was just loving right now! Not.
"Oh, because by what Roxas tells me, it doesn't really seem like you cared about him at all, at least in the past. So I shouldn't be surprised that you're batting for the team of traitors." Hayner sneered at me, which was completely uncalled for!
What the hell was this guy's problem?! Jeez, he may have a major crush on Roxas as Kairi and Olette are suspecting, but this was way out of left field. Now, I'm trying to be a better person and unlike the monster that I tend to be sometimes, literally and metaphorically, but I've never been the type to take an unnecessary verbal beating.
"You have a problem with me, Hayner?" I growled, and at least the cargo jerk had the decency to look a little…well, intimidated. But only for a second. Because I guess he figured his unspeakable and undying love for his old best friend must be worth more than a busted lip and a bruised ego.
That calmed me down.
A little.
"Look man, I understand you're taking Roxas' side because you care about him and all, but you can't just go around picking fights with people you barely even know. I mean, jeez man, you just don't. Now, Namine was merely asking me to critique a gift she means to send to Roxas as a sort of…peace offering. So would you kindly get off of my damn back and let me help?" I didn't mean to be so gruff when I said all of this, but he kind of started it by throwing these insane implications. I mean, come on. Where did he even hear that I was chilling with Namine at lunch? Gossip sure does travel fast at this damn school.
But hey…maybe that tough love speech got Hayner to realize I wasn't the bad guy everyone liked to believe that I was. And hey, maybe we could even end up being friends! I sat down in the desk next to where he was standing and stared up at him pleasantly.
Finally Hayner seemed to blink out of his shock, because the next thing I knew he was shoving my books to the ground and angrily snapped, "You're in my seat, asshole."
A couple of kids snickered. I sighed as I picked up my books and relinquished the seat. So much for being friends, huh? Maybe I hurt his ego or something…maybe he thought he had to retaliate. Either way, that didn't justify trying to humiliate me in front of my unassuming peers. No, I doubt Hayner wanted to be my friend.
Besides, one more strike and I was going to kick this guy's ass.
7th Period
I flopped into the closest seat I could find for my next class, Family and Consumer Science, in relief. Boy was I glad that government was over. Jeez, I can see why Roxas and Hayner would be friends. Their grudges are long and their loyalty longer. Hayner just made that class a living hell for me.
The teasing throughout the entire class period I could handle because I was used to it. I know that my hair is a weird color, I know that my eyes are squinty, I know that I'm really beautiful for a man…I already knew all of that.
And I could handle the random shit being thrown at my back whenever the teacher wasn't looking, because I already had experience with that too, back when I was hated in Bastian Bay.
But what I wasn't used to was Hayner going around and whispering to all of my peers what I had done to Sora and Roxas; that was something I had never experienced. I don't know, I just never had my business all out and exposed like that.
It really sucks, actually. It's ten times worse than being approached while I'm peeing in the urinal and asked if I do underwear modeling. A thousand times worse! And that's pretty bad in itself, you know.
At least this class will be better, right? Hopefully there's no Hayner, no drama…
I looked up for the first time since I had rushed into the room and glanced at my surroundings. It was an average room complimented by average decorations with a couple of those inspirational posters that no one ever reads hanging on the wall. But it was the students in this class that really took the icing on the cake.
Sitting behind me was Roxas, his hoodie up and his iPod on so he had yet to notice me.
Sitting across from me was Namine, sketching Roxas while he wasn't looking with a remorseful expression on her face.
And to make matters worse, just as the bell rang, in strode Axel, with his hair pulled back and bandages visible on each arm, remainders of wounds that were cured just yesterday. And yet, he didn't sit down in the open desk next to me like I thought he would. Instead he walked across the classroom to the board. I stared. Uh, I know he was a trouble maker but…messing with the board? That was a little hardcore, even for him.
His long, thin and slender arms creating an appealing dance with chalk on the chalkboard, he turned to us and announced,
"Hey guys, I'm Axel and I'll be your teacher for today."
My mouth dropped. No…fucking…way…
"WHAT? How can you be the teacher?! You're…you're…you're…well, Axel!" I exclaimed accidentally, unable to stop the words as they poured from my mouth in shock. The class gasped, but Axel just looked amused.
"Oh pipe down, fairy, put a sock in it. I'm not you're real teacher. I'm the teacher aid for this class. But the real teacher, Mr. So-and-So, eh, sorry I don't remember his name, is out sick so I'm filling in." Axel explained with a dismissive hand wave. I paused. Oh.
Oh, okay then. I was cool with this. I just don't know how I would feel if Axel was my real teacher. Ha, now that would be weird.
"So that's why you never seem to have any classes! You've been filling in as the teacher!" I cried out in realization. Oh! Well that made perfect sense! I can't believe I hadn't considered it before…
"Now that your mind is at ease, can I start class now?" Axel asked me, and I blushed as I slunk down in my chair. I hated being called out in front of other people, even if it was Axel.
"Alright, so it says here that-" Axel began reading straight off the syllabus before noticing one of the kids in the back listening to his iPod. "Dude, take off the fucking iPod before I do it for you."
The class gasped again, but the kid in the back just looked incredulously at Axel. "How come Roxas can listen to his but I can't listen to mine?!"
Everyone's head swirled around to see their substitute's reaction. The redhead just shrugged and let his eyes drop back down to the assignments. "Good question. I guess it's just because I'm a biased asshole, and I don't even know you. Either way, take them off."
I laughed. I couldn't help it, it was funny! But I guess I was laughing too loud for some people's taste, because Roxas sighed loudly before tugging off his iPod plugs (which he should have anyway because they were against the rules!) and tapping me from where he was sitting behind me.
"I swear, it is like, impossible, to be in a room with you and just ignore you. What? What's so funny that you just had to laugh louder than my turned-up-all-the-way iPod?" Roxas snapped, practically shouted, actually. But I wasn't fazed. This was completely normal Roxas behavior. Well, at least, it was now. I had to face the facts: sweet and innocent Roxas…was gone. And that was my entire fault.
Roxas stared at me in silence for a long moment before finally sighing and shaking his head, his blonde spikes going everywhere. "Sorry. I didn't mean to snap at you. I've just been kind of stressed out, lately, what with the breakup and the supernatural stuff." He apologized.
My mouth nearly dropped open. Now here was a change I could live with! In my entire life, I had only received about three apologies from this beautiful and blonde hothead, and now he was just offering them up for free as if he'd been doing it his whole life! Whoa, way to make strides in life, Rox!
"That's okay. I've been told that I can be pretty annoying." I shrugged, and it was true. Practically everyone I've met has said that at one point or another. "Anyway, I was laughing at that."
"That?" Roxas followed my gaze up to the sexy, lanky redhead who was throwing chalk at the same overbearing kid in the back of the classroom. He sighed. "Oh…that. I've been trying to be mad at him but...I can't."
"It's hard to be agry at the ones you love..." I trailed off sympathetically, when Namine suddenly leaned in towards us with a nervous smile. Inside my head, I begged her to sit back and stay quiet. Warning, warning, stressed out Roxas, stressed out Roxas!
"Looks like we're all in the same class, huh?" She offered up, and I winced, expecting Roxas to rip into her and let her have it. But all he did was ignore her as if she wasn't alive, turning to me again and asking about how Kiwi and I were doing.
Ouch. Roxas was a hothead, so it was one thing when he got really angry and yelled at you. But it was an entirely different matter when he completely denied your existence. I mean…he must be truly pissed at Namine!
"Alright, so yeah, it says here that you guys are to pick partners and analyze your relationship? I don't know; you guys know what to do, right? Right. I'll expect your papers by the end of class."
"Uh, Riku, do you want be my partner?" Namine asked gently, and I opened my mouth to respond (with what, I wasn't sure), when Roxas asked, just as quietly, "Do you want to work with me Riku?"
Trying to be reasonable and fair for once, because I still wasn't sure if this was completely Namine's fault, I began, "Roxas, you just saw Namine ask me…"
"I didn't hear or see anyone ask any such thing." Roxas said seriously, and Namine's whole body completely fell. Oh man…I hated being cruel to others, even more, I hated seeing someone being mean to someone else, especially girls, but…I loved Roxas. If I didn't side with him on this, he might do something rash or dangerous; I know how much he hates to feel alone.
This was just something I was going to have to suffer through. Roxas needed me. And I wasn't going to hurt him again.
"Okay, Roxas." I accepted glumly, giving Namine an apologetic expression when Roxas wasn't looking. I hated this. But what the hell was she thinking, getting with Axel when she knew the love that Axel and Roxas shared? It was completely idiotic!
I flinched. Oh god…I sounded like Sephiroth just then.
"So are you going to the academy straight after school or are you stopping by your house first?" Roxas asked as he tried to get both of our minds off of Namine and Axel. Oh yeah, I forgot about our respective "academies."
After we were dismissed from the hospital, we were informed that our training started today, since apparently once you learn about being a Guardian, you have to instantly train to be one that very day. Ugh…it was just a nuisance! How were we supposed to do our homework?!
Not that I actually did my homework…
"I'm going to my house first. Well, at least after detention. But what are you doing?" I wanted to know. Because jeez, the boy had to go to all three! At first it had seemed really cool that all three of the academies wanted him, but now that I thought about it that had to suck! Just thinking about my own experiences with people wanting me…it wasn't as cool as it seemed.
"I really don't know. I guess I'm just going to stop by all three? I'll figure it out." He murmured distractedly, and before we knew it, the bell had rung! I blinked and shook my head. There was another weird change from Bastian Bay. Back there, every class seemed like never-ending torture. But here, back in Destiny Island, every day felt shorter, every drama smaller than before.
"Catch you later, Rox." I grinned, and he rolled his eyes at me and cracked a smile before turning his iPod back on and striding out, not even noticing the way Namine had reached out for him with her drawing tucked in her other hand. I quickly zipped up my backpack as she remained standing there. I needed to hurry up; I wasn't trying to get caught up in my pity for Namine or-
"He hates me, doesn't he?" She whispered to herself, looking at me with sad eyes. I gave her an ominous shrug and tugged my backpack over one shoulder. This wasn't my battle. If she wanted to get all psychological, she could go talk to Sora. Well…if he was willing to toss aside his judgments for her.
"I knew this would happen, to some extent, you know?" She murmured to me as the rest of the kids filed out of class. "But I never even considered that Roxas would…that he would hate me!"
Finally my laissez-faire approach would work no longer, and now frustration was kicking in. What did she expect?! That he would just forgive her after stealing the love of his life away from him? I mean, I know it takes two to tango, but that was a line that, as Roxas' friend, Namine never should have crossed.
"Look Namine…I'm not the kind of guy who likes to take sides. But what you're doing is wrong, it is obviously hurting Roxas, and…you continue to do it. So as long as you plan to break his heart, please don't…um…confide in me with anything that has to do with him or Axel." I said, trying hard not say anything that might hurt her feelings. She was really fragile! I didn't want to be the one to break her into pieces. Her guilt had already made the cracks.
So giving her a small smile, I brushed past her, stopping at the door. I turned, noting that Axel and Namine were the only ones left in the classroom. They both looked up at me with different expressions of regret and stubbornness.
Why couldn't Axel stop being a coward and just tell Roxas why he was doing all of this?
"I just can't, Tarada." Axel sighed, almost reading my mind. Namine, meanwhile, just looked confused. As I completely left the room and shut the door, I almost felt intense sorrow for her. If only she knew Axel's true intentions for dating her…
Or maybe she did know. People did crazy things when they were in love.
The Hallway
Ugh, detention was calling my name, but I was definitely ignoring it. I was already debating even going in the first place! I mean, what was one more truant detention?
"Don't even think about trying to skip out on your detention session before training." Kairi's voice suddenly warned, and I glanced up to find myself in front of her locker. How did that happen? Maybe my subconscious was just conditioned to go to her when I wasn't in a 90 to 100% mood.
"But it just sounds so boring!" I whined, flinging my body against the nearest lockers. A couple of girls watched my dramatic display and giggled. Yeah, well, glad someone was having a pleasant day today.
"Well…think of it as a learning experience!" She rephrased, shutting her locker and pulling her arms into her backpack straps. "It can be like…educational research!"
"Aren't you supposed to be making it sound like fun? All of that sounds even boringer!" I complained, following her down the hall.
"I believe you mean more boring," she corrected with a smile, "and we're talking about detention here, not the circus."
"I hate the circus." I muttered, but she just laughed and dug into her purse for her sunglasses. "If you can't do the time, don't do the crime!"
I laughed sarcastically. "Yeah, because you're cool."
"Shut up."
As Kairi and I walked on, I looked around the hall, ignoring the faces staring up at me in awe, for a smattering of brunette. "So, where's Kiwi?"
Kairi snorted. "You're so predictable. Where did you think I was leading you to?"
I stuck my tongue out at her. I mean, I'm aware that pretty much everyone knows I'm kind of obsessed with Kiwi, but that didn't mean she had to rub it in and tease me about it! This was a very precarious relationship, and any wrong move from any outside force could push it in the wrong direction!
We turned around another corner and that's when I zeroed in on my little ball of clumsy cuteness. He was talking to Selphie, Tidus and Yuna, resting on the lockers with perfect ease…but not perfect grace. Before I even got over there I could already see the accident waiting to happen. The way he was posed- with his hands behind his head and his ankles crossed –told me that he was about to fall. So when he noticed Kairi and I, especially me, out of the corner of his eye and jerked up nervously, I was ready for the little tumble.
"R-Riku!" He breathed as I caught him again for the second time since I had arrived back in Destiny Island. "You caught me!"
I grinned down at him, enjoying the way he was in my arms. "I'll always be there to catch you, Kiwi."
As he blushed and I continued to grin shamelessly, I noticed the awkward way that Yuna and Kairi were looking at each other. Not to mention the annoyed expression on Selphie's face. That was strange. Why would Selphie be annoyed…?
My eyes widened. Oh crap…did Selphie love…
How in the hell does Kairi get herself in these predicaments?! She had a terrible taste in friends, and that's definitely including me.
"So are we all heading over to training together?" Kiwi asked cheerfully as he forcefully shoved his way out of my arms, for once managing to maintain his balance as he did so. I rolled my eyes. Sure, I would let him get away with that kind of behavior for now…
When it came to Kiwi, he could get away with a lot of stuff with me. Besides, he seemed in a much better mood compared to this morning. I would have to remember to ask him about that. I mean, really, what was his deal earlier today? Especially towards Axel!
"I don't think so, Klutz." Selphie sighed to him apologetically, and at his confused look she explained, "We're all assigned to different schools in different places. I mean, I know the Guardian academy is just down the street, but the Mercenary academy takes about half an hour to get to, just by driving."
"Man, I hate that we have to be split up!" Kiwi groaned, and everyone nodded in agreement, including me. But when he noticed my movement, he turned in my direction and gave me a chastising smile. "Shouldn't you be at detention, Riku?"
I rolled my eyes and reluctantly stepped away from him. Damn detention. "Oh yeah."
"Okay, so I guess we'll see you two tomorrow?" Yuna stated questioningly at Tidus and Kairi, and they both nodded like the faithful, love struck teenagers that they were before taking off for the hallway down the right.
"See ya, Klutz. Riku." Selphie and Yuna bid farewell before also departing for their training, going the opposite direction. That left Kiwi and I alone. Just the way I liked it. I grinned.
"You feeling better, Kiwi?" I finally asked him openly in concern, running the back of my hand down his cheek. It was tantalizing to be able to touch him, caress him, without fear of being slapped or put down by a lurking Roxas.
He raised an eyebrow and brushed my hand away. "Yes, I am, now that my problem has been solved." Noticing my frown from being deterred from my hand's trajectory, he snorted. "You're getting too comfortable, Riku. You're not in the clear yet."
"Still?" I whined loudly, and he shushed me with a laugh even though there was no one left in the hall. "Still."
"Oh alright, Kiwi, we'll play it your way. But I will wear you down!"
"You already have…ass!"
But just as I started to walk away, I remembered one more thing that was bothering me. "Kiwi, wait!"
He stopped too, swirling around with an expectant look on his way. He probably thought I was doing the best I could to keep him from leaving. Ha, I probably was, truthfully. But nonetheless, I really did have a legitimate concern that needed answering.
"What, Riku?"
I strode back up to where he was standing, still waiting albeit a little impatiently now, and didn't stop until I was practically directly in front of me. He took a deep breath and let it out shakily. And even though I still had a question to ask, I couldn't help but milk the precious moments I was granted by being so close to him.
"What was that problem you had this morning? The one that you said you fixed?" I wanted to know, and he had to blink a couple of times to refocus on the main point of the conversation. Aw, was it because we were so close? Cute. I'm not going to lie, he was testing my self control.
His crystal, electric blue eyes widened up at me. "W-Why would you care?"
My own eyes narrowed. What did he mean, why would I care? Of course I would care! "You're my best friend Kiwi. Anything that bothers you, bothers me."
He looked away, but not before muttering, "I was concerned about a couple of things, actually. Most of them involving you."
I blinked. Me? What did I have to do with anything? I frowned. How come every thought Kiwi had about me was a concern? Didn't he ever have pleasant thoughts about me?
"Riku, what if that person who cursed you is still out there? I mean, I know Cloud and Dad said that they'll explain it in the academy but…doesn't that worry you? What if you're being targeted?" He finally demanded, looking up at me with eyes of stormy blue. "All of this supernatural stuff scares me."
"Well, Zexion thinks-" I began before Kiwi's scowl stopped me. What? What did I say?
"You like him, don't you?" He accused, and I groaned. Why did everything think Zex and I had a thing going on? We were just close friends! I know my track record with simply having platonic relationships was a little flawed, but I was capable of just having a friend.
"No, Kiwi, I like you. You and I both know that." I chided, and he blushed and shuffled his feet in embarrassment. "Any more concerns?"
"No." He mumbled, his face completely red, and I softened. He was so irresistible! How could anyone walk away from him?!
Well…I did, but I'm an asshole so I don't count.
"What about Axel? Is everything okay now?" I prodded gently, and his scowl returned. At my raised eyebrow he shrugged helplessly.
"I just...can't help the fact that I don't trust him anymore..."
Man…I could see where he was coming from but…I guess I kind of feel like if he knew the reasons why Axel was doing this to Roxas, he'd be more understanding? Or maybe not. There really weren't a lot of acceptable excuses for hurting someone you loved. But just the fact that Axel was only hurting him because he believed he was saving him kind of pushed the scale in his favor for me.
I brightened. Besides, Kiwi was such a kind-hearted, fair person. He wouldn't stay heated towards Axel for long!
"Is that everything?" I clarified, giving him a warning look that just dared him to hide anything else from me and he finally cracked a smile. "Yes, Mom."
"Good." I glanced at my watch. Ah crap, I was going to be late to detention! "I need to go!"
Kiwi laughed maniacally, and I raised an eyebrow. If that's the way he wanted to play it... "Don't you have cheerleading practice to go to?"
His laugh quickly welled up, and now it was my turn to cackle evilly. "Riku, I thought that was just for one day!"
"I didn't beg Becky Blecks to let you on the squad for nothing, did I? Our lessons aren't over; you aren't getting rid of me that easily!" I shouted over my shoulder as I took off for Dr. Valentine's classroom. Kiwi sighed loudly and watched me go with a small grin before realizing what he was doing and shaking his head.
Ha…looks like I was making faster progress than I expected!
We had already tackled two obstacles: my Kiwi had forgiven me for the terrible way I had hurt him and Roxas, and he had accepted the fact that I was harboring a demon man inside of my soul…albeit he didn't know all of the facts.
All in all things were looking up!
Indeed, things are looking up...for now :) Alright, so the reason I split this into two parts, but not two chapters was because a.) I really felt like they tied in with each other, b.) I didn't want to break the pattern of Sora/Riku/Sora chapters anymore, and c.) I'm trying very hard to get back on track with their normal lives. Or...at least as normal as their lives can be when heartless are attacking your house. Also, things will begin being explained at a faster pace. This may be one of the last extra long chappies for a while.
This chapter makes you wonder just how the hell you would have a steady relationship when there's a MAN in your body, huh? Lol. Welp, now Riku's secret has been revealed. But don't worry there's lots more to come! Oh, and as for Cleon...yes, I will admit that my fondness for Sephiroth/Cloud is starting to hinder my writing of their relationship, but I will get them back on track in no time. Don't worry.
Next chapter will be Sora's perspective of their day back at school, and the first Guardian Academy training day! As for his hyperventilation, because I know that a lot of you guys have brought up concerns about its disappearance...don't let the potion fool you, that's all I have to say. Remember Kairi's theory? Hehehehe...
Stay tuned for the next chapter...I will update as soon as I can!