Disclaimer: Kingdom Heart's characters aren't mine! They're just drawn too well to be mine anyway…
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" … "
Riku was lazily lying on his bed, completely bored out of his mind. A month had passed since Sora left and, to him, it seemed like a whole year. The letters the brunette sent were scattered on his bed. The papers were getting creased from being read over and over. He was glad when his cellphone rang.
" Hello? " he said.
" Hiya! How're you doing, onion boy? " a cheerful woman exclaimed.
" Mi- Miss Haruno? How come you have my number? " Riku wondered out loud.
" In case you forgot, your mother and I talk to each other frequently. And I was feeling like calling you. " she said, then paused for a moment. " Aren't you too lonely without Sora around? "
" God, I can't take it anymore! I hope he's coming back soon. " the teen admitted.
" Aw, love gives you a hard time sometimes, doesn't it? "
" Hell yeah. " Riku replied. And then, it struck him. " W-wait a minute, how did you – "
" Come on, kid. I've been through this too. It's so obvious you like him! Do you think I didn't see you blush when you saw Sora almost naked? "
" … Was it that evident? "
" Ha ha ha ha, of course it was! " she laughed. " If you want, I can send you pictures of naked Sora to you! He's only five on them, though. "
" Er, no thanks. " the teen replied.
" Of course you don't want them. It would be much better to have him undressed right under – I mean, that would be suspicious. " Misaki replied.
" Please, stop that before I… Okay, I'm thinking about it already. Argh, I can't believe you're the one who made me have this kind of thoughts. " the teen whined, smacking his head against the wall behind him in an attempt to calm down.
"… Do you have tissues? "
" Miss Haruno!! " Riku angrily told her.
" No, no. Call me Misaki! 'Miss Haruno' makes it look like you're talking to an old woman. " she answered. The teen sighed.
" Say Miss Ha- Misaki… " he trailed off, gulping nervously. " Does my mother know about it? "
" Know about what? "
" Well, about the fact that I like Sora. "
" Yes and, actually, she's taking it pretty well. I think your father does too. It's hard to tell. "
" I guess it is. " Riku replied, smiling softly although she couldn't see it. At least, he had his mother on his side.
" Just be patient, Riku. Sora will come back quickly. I'm sure he's feeling the same. " she comforted the gloomy teen. " If you're feeling lonely, you can ask Roxas to keep you company. Well, if Axel allows it, that is. " she added.
" So, you know about them too. "
" Of course! Cloud's talking about them all the time and Aerith and I always have a hard time to make him understand he should let his brother live a little. Axel's a great kid, by the way. I can tell by the way he's talking about Roxas. He loves him so much I'm almost jealous of them! "
" I understand you so well… " Riku replied. He also wished he could be loved by Sora and hold him whenever he felt like it.
" It's about time I make dinner. Good night, kid! And don't forget to do your homework and to brush your teeth before going to bed! See you! " she said, then hung up without giving Riku the slightest chance to reply.
" How come everyone but Sora noticed how I feel about him… " he mumbled, then grunted. He stared blankly at the ceiling for a long while, then he got up and decided to go for a walk. The streets were crowded and the teen almost panicked at the view. Almost. He walked down the streets, entering some stores and getting out of them withou bying anything. He kept walking and met a group of girls. He got a bad feeling the moment one of them winked at her friends and walked in his direction.
" Hi! Are you by yourself? " she asked, batting her eyelashes.
" No, I'm walking with my invisible friend. " he replied. Really, people asked such stupid questions. Wasn't it obvious he was alone?! The girl seemed a little taken aback by the blunt reply but she was too determined to let him go just like that.
" Okay… " she trailed off, thinking about her next move all the while. " Wanna come with us? " she asked as she pointed at her friends. " It'll be fun! "
" No, thanks. " he politely replied. Now wasn't the time to piss him off. He passed her but was soon stopped as she grabbed his arm.
" Wait, don't tell me you – " she began, smiling seductively at him.
" Don't you see you're annoying me? Just leave me alone and find someone else to glue yourself on. " he snaped as he made her let go of his arm. She stared blankly at his back as he walked away. He entered the closest store to make sure they wouldn't follow him and, since he was there, he decided to take a look. It was just a down right boring stationer's. But something among the shelves caught his eyes. It was a keychain that had a crown's shape. Its design was simple, yet beautiful. The more he looked at it, the more he thought Sora would love it. He bought it, then continued his stroll.
" Hey, Riku! " the teen heard. He turned around as Allan walked in his direction, holding hands with a cute girl.
" Hi, guys. " Riku replied.
" It's surprising to see you here. " the brunette replied. " I never saw you alone in town. "
" Sometimes, I like being alone. "
" Maybe we should leave, then? " Allan asked.
" You're not bothering me at all. " the silver-haired teen replied. " How about hanging out together for a while? " he offered.
" Sounds nice to me. What about you? " the other boy asked his girlfriend, who only nodded as a reply. " You're being shy all of a sudden. Did you forget how to talk? " he teased, grinning.
" I-I'm not shy! " she exclaimed, frowning.
" Okay, you're not. Now, let's go! " Allan stated, and the three headed for a small and quiet café. They sat at a table, next to a window and soon after, a waitress took their order and left to get their drinks.
" It's been about a month now, hasn't it? " Allan asked out of the blue.
" Hm? " Riku replied.
" Since Sora left. "
" Oh, well yeah. " the green-eyed boy quietly answered.
" Did you tell him about your feelings? Or did he tell you something? " the brunette asked, curious. Riku shook his head no. " My, you're hopeless. " Allan added, then sighed.
" Who is – "
" Here are your drinks! " the waitress said, as she put glasses and a mug on the table. " Let me know if you need something else. " she said, then left.
" Did Sora send you letters by any chance? " the brown-eyed teen asked.
" Yes. Why do you ask? " Riku questionned.
" I can't believe it. I didn't get any! " the other exclaimed and pouted.
" He's busy and he barely had time to send some to me. They're all pretty short. "
" He could at least send a text message… " Allan insisted.
" He's abroad. He can't. "
" Touché. " the girl replied instead of her lover. " Now, could we talk about something else? Even if he's a nice guy – from what Selphie told me – I don't fancy hearing you talking about your ex-boyfriend that much, you know. " she said, frowning a little as she cast a glance to the brunette.
" You're right, sorry. " he apologized, then gave her a quick peck on her lips.
------
One hour later, Riku left the couple and went back to the dorms slowly. " What now? I just can't spend the rest of the month lying on my bed and staring at the ceiling! I have to find something to do! " the teen thought.
" Kyaaaaaaah! Look, it's Vincent! " a girl yelled, her friends gathering around her. Riku lifted his head up and was disappointed when he noticed she was pointing at a TV screen in a store's window. He still approached to take a look.
" As all Vincent Valentine's fans know, these days' most popular writer is currently co-writing a new novel with Pete's contest's winner of the year, Haruno Sora. " the presenter said. Riku's heart began to beat faster. They were talking about Sora! " And for their first collaboration, the two men – already called 'The brillian duo' – decided to make it big by holding a contest. " The woman turned around to look at Vincent who was sitting in a comfy chair right behind her, Sora sitting next to him. Green eyes widened.
" Vincent! It's Vincent! He's so hot! " the same girl almost shrieked.
" That boy beside him is quite attractive too! " another one said.
" Good evening, Vincent, Sora! Could you talk about your on-going work? " the presenter asked the boys.
" Well, as most of my other books, this novel will deal about supernatural events happening to common characters. " Vincent explained.
" You're mysterious, as usual. " the woman commented and smiled at the man who smiled back. " Well, what about you, Sora? What part did you play during the book's writing? "
" Erm, I-I was mostly in charge of helping Vincent to describe the character's feelings and their way of thinking. I also helped with the plot. "
" Let's say each of us found half of it. " the man added.
" I see. " the woman told Vincent, then looked at the brunette again who shifted nervously in his seat.
" Isn't he cute? Look at him, he's being all shy! " a girl next to Riku commented.
" He's cuter when he's right before you. " the silver-haired boy thought. And he felt proud, being sure all those girls would be damn jealous of him if they knew he was sharing a room with him.
" Hey, look at that! Sora's on TV! " a familiar voice exclaimed. " Hey, Riku! " The green-eyed boy glanced behind him.
" Hey, Axel, Roxas! " he greeted back. He couldn't help the grin that was plastered on his face as he felt the stares the girls were giving them.
" So, Sora, your story published by Pete's won the hearts of many people. How does it feel to know many persons liked your work? " the presenter asked.
" Well, I'm glad… Er – " he trailed off, thinking about what he could say. " To tell you the truth, I didn't think I'd ever win. I read the four other stories the jury selected and I found them pretty good. I'm still not sure why I was chosen, but I'm happy there are people who are interested in what I write. It makes me want to write more stories. I want to help people to forget about their worries and escape their daily life for a while, just like when I read books. Anyway, everything wouldn't have ever happened if my friends didn't encourage me to enter the contest. I'm highly thankful to them. " Sora said.
" Why, you're welcome. " Axel commented, grinning at the two boys who smiled back.
" People tend to say you described Tim's – your main character – feelings so well it almost seems like the same thing happened to you. Could you explain to our viewers how you can do such a thing? " the woman asked Sora. The three boys gulped loudly.
" That's what happens when one reads my books, I guess. " Vincent replied instead of the brunette.
" Oh, Sora's also one of your readers? What a coincidence! " the woman exclaimed.
" Sure is. " the black-haired man replied, smiling at the brunette who beamed at him.
" How can he be soooooo cute?! " a girl exclaimed, blushing as she stared at the blue-eyed boy on the screen.
" Now, could you talk about the contest you're holding? " the presenter asked the boys.
" I'll let Sora explain it, it was his idea after all. And I'm too lazy right now. " Vincent replied. The brunette laughed a little.
" Well, we're searching for an artist who could draw the novel's cover picture. You can send your work to us – only one per person. Don't forget to give it a title as we'll need it later to contact the winner. Don't write anything else. Since Vincent knows many artists, we don't want the other competitors to think we advantaged them. " the brunette explained. " The subject has to be 'supernatural events' and you can not draw beasts or such, as there aren't any of them in the story. Oh, and the contest's due November the tenth! It doesn't give you that much time, but I'm sure you'll be able to do it. Good luck everyone! "
" Thank you both very much for your – " the presenter began, then continued with other news.
" Let's go. " Riku offered and the boys began to walk away.
" Wait a minue, please! " a girl called. They turned around. " Do you guys know Sora? "
" Oh, she's already being familiar…" Riku thought.
" Of course we know him. " Axel replied. " We're the friends he talked about. " This guy should learn to shut his big mouth…
" Heh? Really? Does he live around here? Do you think we could meet him? " she pressed.
" Okay guys… " Roxas whispered. " Run at three. One, two… three!! " And the boys ran… in different directions. " Dumbasses, don't separate!!! " the blonde angrily exclaimed as he quickly ran after his lover.
A while later, they all got back to the dorms. Fortunately, those girls weren't the running type and they lost them easily. Riku litteraly fell on his bed, completely exhausted. Something pressed against his thigh and he took it out of his pocket. It was the keychain he bought for Sora. And as he stared at it, something came to his mind.
" That's it. " he said out loud. " I'll draw something and send it to them. That would be great if I was chosen to be their cover's illustrator! " He didn't have that much time, so he had to be quick!
------
Well, things don't always go as planned and Riku knew it perfectly well.
" Shit, I can't take it anymore! Why won't it look right?! " he exclaimed as he ripped his tenth drawing. It seemed like none of the pictures he drew where good and it annoyed him. He tried all week but to no avail. " There are only three weeks left and I'm still unable to come up with a good idea. What should I do? " he wondered as he nibbled his thumbnail. He closed his eyes, sat on the floor and took a deep breath. " Okay, calm down. Being angry doesn't solve anything and makes my art crappy. Think about something supernatural and scary. Hm, what are Vincent Valentine's books about anyway? " He opened his eyes and looked at Sora's bookcase. Luckily, his books were still there! Riku arose to his feet and took some of the black-haired man's books and read their summaries. It seemed like every time, the characters were afraid of something they couldn't see. An image came to Riku's mind and he quickly caught a pen and drew something on a paper. A few minutes later, his sketch was done.
" Now, that's way better. " he proudly said. He drew a man curled up into a ball on the floor, his hands clutching on locks of hair violently as if to wake up from a nightmare. The man was in his bedroom and the ghost of a woman was floating in the corner of the room and she was smiling at the one who was probably her lover. That was supernatural and creepy. Well, it would be once finished. Riku took a stiff sheet of paper and quickly covered it with gouache. Now, the real work could begin!
------
The sun was setting and Riku grunted as he took a look at his painting. All he did was the man's body and the bed. It was going to take some time… But he would definitely finish it on time! The teen's stomach rumbled and he looked at the clock.
" It's already dinner time! " he exclaimed as he rushed out of the room. There weren't that many people in the cafeteria. The only ones there were Zexion and his group of friends. Deciding he didn't want to eat alone, Riku sat at their table.
" What were you doing? " Zexion asked his brother as he sat down.
" You've got paint all over your face – and shirt. " Larxene informed the teen.
" Well, duh! " the teen replied before he began to eat. " I'm currently working on a project. "
" Is it for school? " Xaldin asked.
" No, it's for a contest. " Riku replied.
" A contest? " Zexion asked, curious.
" Yeah, it's for a book's cover. "
" Sounds nice! Where do you have to send it? " Xigbar asked. Riku looked at him, blinking. Why did he ask that question?
" Now that you talk about that… " the teen began. " I have no idea about the address where it should be sent… " he added, panicking.
" You're really dumb. " Larxene told him.
" For which book is it? Maybe we could find the address in the newspaper. " Xaldin offered.
" It's for Vincent Valentine's newest book, the one he's writing with Sora. " Riku explained. Grins spread on everyone's faces.
" Now, do you really think Sora will choose your picture? " Marluxia teased.
" He wouldn't know if he did, we can't write our names on our works. "
" I think I read something about that contest. " Xaldin informed the teen. " I'll take a look at the article and write down the address for you. "
" Thanks a lot! " the silver-haired teen exclaimed. As soon as he finished eating his dinner, he got rid of his tray and got back to his room where he continued his painting. Roxas and Axel came over frequently during the next weeks to check on its progress and sometimes, they gave advices to their friend, though they weren't artists themselves – as they said. But like Riku had put it, other people's opinions are precious and helpful. That's how, two weeks later, the painting was finished.
" Woa, you did an awesome job! " Roxas exclaimed, staring at the picture.
" Are the bedsheets drenched in blood or are they originally red? " Axel asked, which made the silver-haired boy grin.
" I'll leave that up to the viewers' imagination. "
" Well, all that's left is to send it now. " the blonde added. " I hope it'll be chosen! "
" So do I. " Riku said.
" Let's send it now! " Axel offered.
" Okay, just give me a few seconds so that I can find something to protect it. " Once Riku was ready, the three headed for the town's post. It only took them a few minutes to go there and send the painting, thus they decided to celebrate for the completion of Riku's project.
" I'm sooo glad it's finished! It was beginning to drive me crazy, I tell you. " the green-eyed teen admitted. " Two days longer and I would have burnt it, then danced on its dust! "
" Hopefully, you managed to do it quickly. " the red head said, laughing nervously.
" I wonder how Sora will react when he sees it. " Roxas wondered.
" He'll just freak out, and that emo-looking guy will love it. " Axel replied.
" Vincent's not emo. Didn't you see the warm smile he gave Sora? " the blonde asked.
" Sure I saw it! And if you want my opinion, there could be something going on between those two. " the red-haired boy answered.
" What? " Riku asked, arching an eyebrow. " That can't be. I heard Vincent's married. "
" Tch, you're so naive. " Axel told him.
" … " Riku frowned.
" It's not unusual to hear about celebrities cheating on their lovers. That would just be another one of them. "
" Sora wouldn't let that happen, bonehead. " Roxas told the other, noticing how worried his friend was. There were still – at most – two weeks left before the brunette came back and there was no need for the other to worry until then.
" But he's one of his fans, and we all know how fans dream about having a relationship with their idol, even if only for one night. " Axel stated, nodding at the same time as if to show the others that it was a fact.
" Stop that, already. " the blue-eyed teen ordered. " Sora wouldn't do that, I just know it. Period. " He glanced at Riku who was still frowning. " Don't worry, Riku. I'm sure there's nothing between them. " He paused for a few seconds, then added: " Now, that's a good lesson, don't you think? "
" Hm? Why do you say that? " Riku asked.
" Well, once more, there might be someone who is trying to seduce my cousin. I'm not talking about that writer but about all those people Sora meets. If you keep on hidding your feelings, someone will steal him for good. I just hope it's not already too late. " the blonde said.
" … " the silver-haired teen said nothing and he seemed lost in his thoughts for a moment.
" Why don't you tell him everyhting? " Axel asked.
" I can't. " Riku replied. " He'd either think I made it up or be angry because I didn't tell him anything earlier. "
" He won't. Trust me, if you explain all the things you both experienced, something good will come from it. " Roxas assured him. Riku nodded in agreement. " And there's no turning back or running away, got it? "
" Yeah, got it memorized? " Axel added, grinning. Roxas rolled his eyes, then burst out laughing along with his silver-haired friend. Riku kept thinking about Roxas' advice and he knew he had to tell everything to Sora, from the memories he lost to the feelings he still had for the brunette. The most difficult part – at least, one of the most difficult parts – was to find the right words. When he thought about it that evening, he almost got a migraine, so he just dropped it.
------
" I'll let you have the honor of typing the final point. "
" Really? Okay, here I go! "
As Sora put an end to the story Vincent and him spent months to write, both laughed loudly and quickly hugged each other.
" I can't believe we actually finished it! I'm so happy!! " the brunette exclaimed.
" Hell, yeah. " Vincent replied, breaking the hug. " I say we should celebrate that! "
" But before that… " Sora began, then he pointed at something behind him with his thumb. " We should look at the pictures people sent us and make our choice. It'll only take a minute. "
" … " the man pouted, then sighed. " Okay, let's end it for good. " They looked at the few pictures they received. There were only a dozen, but as Sora said it on TV, they didn't have that much time. In the end, they hesitated between two pictures: one with a headless man sitting on a chair and holding his head in his hands, and the other was about a woman falling in an endless…. something.
" Which one do we keep? " Vincent asked.
" Well… " Sora took another look at both paintings. " This one would fit a horror book perfectly. " he said, pointing at the headless man. " Since that's not what we wrote, I say we choose the other one. "
" Agreed. " the man simply replied, then put the picture on his desk. The others were put in a dustbin. Sora eyed them sadly. " What, did you want to keep them? " Vincent asked him.
" Er, no. " the teen simply replied, shrugging. They went down the stairs and were greeted by Lucrecia and Yuffie.
" Did you guys completed it? " Yuffie asked, beaming at them.
" We could hear you screaming from the kitchen. " Lucrecia added, frowning a little.
" Sorry. " Sora said, smiling sheepishly and rubbing the back of his head. " Max! " he cheerfully exclaimed as the dog nuzzled its head against his hand. He squatted next to it and patted its back.
" So, that means we're going out tonight!! " the younger girl exclaimed. " Where are we going this time? "
" I dunno… " Vincent trailed off. " Got any idea? " he asked Lucrecia.
" Last time, we went to that amazing restaurant. Maybe we could go there again? " the woman offered.
" No.Way. " Yuffie stated. " That was so boring! Let's go somewhere else, please! "
" Hmm… " Everyone thought for a moment.
" I know! " Lucrecia suddenly exclaimed. " I heard Reno's bar is holding a party tonight! I don't know what its theme is though. "
" Yeah, let's go there! Reno's parties are nice! " the girl cheerfully said.
" It's decided, then! " the man stated. " Let's get changed first! "
" Come on, Sora! I'll help you pick your clothes! " Yuffie told the brunette as she pulled him towards his bedroom. She closed the door behind her, then turned towards him, an evil grin plastered on her face.
" Yuffie, what are you – " Sora nervously said, but he was cut off.
" Take them off! " the girl exclaimed as she caught the poor boy's shirt and took it off. She was trying to unbutton his trousers when Sora's hands stopped her.
" Stop that already! I can change myself! " he exclaimed, pouting at her. She blinked a few times.
" Wow, you're not even blushing! Am I that unattractive? " she asked.
" It's not that. Now, let me – "
" What is it, then? " she pressed. This time, Sora's face turned a deep red. " Oh! " she said, putting a hand before her lips.
" Please, don't tell anyone! " the brunette panicked. " I don't want them to – "
" I knew it. " she cut him off again. " When Tifa came, her huge boobs had no effects on you. She was so depressed. She's proud of them. I only told her you were probably gay to comfort her, but I didn't think I was right! " she explained, then grinned. " Rest assured, I won't tell anyone. But my bro's pretty open-minded, so he wouldn't mind, you know. Anyway, let's get dressed! " she exclaimed, then searched through the brunette's closet.
------
Reno's bar was pretty wide and nice. It wasn't that dark in it since there were many lights, but not too much so that people wouldn't go blind when entering. A tall man with red hair came to Vincent's group as they made their entrance.
" Hey, Vincent! Long time no see! " the man said, patting his black-haired friend's shoulder.
" Hey, Reno. " Vincent casually replied.
" Heh?! You know each other! " Yuffie exclaimed, quite surprised. " You never told me that! " she added as she looked at his brother.
" You never asked. " he replied. She huffed and crossed her arms to her chest.
" Buddy there comes each time he finishes one of his books. " the red-haired man said, pointing at Vincent with his thumb. " Besides, we know each other since elementary school. " He grinned at Yuffie, then he turned to Lucrecia. " Dear Lucrecia, you look as beautiful as always. " he complimented the woman, then kissed her on the back of her hand.
" That is so cliché. " she told him, holding back a laugh at his puzzled expression.
" Well, I was just trying to be a gentleman, and here you go and say such a cruel thing! " he whined, putting a hand on his chest, which made Sora laugh a lot. Reno turned his head to look at him. " Oh, look at this cute kid! Who is he? " he asked, making Sora blush like mad.
" Haruno Sora. I told you about him before I left. " Vincent replied.
" Oh yeah, that kid! I take it he accepted and that you're both finished writing your book then? " Reno asked. Vincent nodded. " Well, congratulations! " he exclaimed, hugging Sora.
" Erm, thanks. " the teen whispered, his face still a deep red. He looked quickly at Vincent and noticed he was laughing.
" Hey, Vincent! That kid's just my type! Can I borrow him for the night? " Reno casually asked. Sora gasped. What was he saying?!
" Sure. Just don't go too far. " the black-haired man replied, then he walked towards a table in the back of the club while the brunette was still traped in the red head's arms. He shifted to show the other he wasn't comfortable with the situation.
" Oh ho, trying to resist me? " Reno teased him. He let go of the teen and smiled at him. " Don't worry, I just want to tease you for a bit! Nothing bad, promise! " he added, then motionned for him to join Vincent, which he gladly did. He stomped loudly in the table's direction, glaring at the writer all the while.
" Vincent! What does that mean?!! " he angrily exclaimed. Lucrecia couldn't help but laugh, along with Yuffie.
" Come on, he won't hurt you. He's just playing with you, nothing more. " Vincent calmly replied, not noticing the grin Reno had as he stared at the innocent brunette.
------
A/N:
Sora: Riku, what are you doing?
Riku: It's Becca's computer! I'm trying to find something nasty so that we can blackmail her!
Sora: But why would we do that?
Riku: Sora, we never know what that crazy shrimp could do to us! Wanna take a look with me?
A few hours later
Riku: I can't believe it! There's nothing! The worst things in that are links to M-rated fanfictions! She's soooooo boring.
Becca: Why, thank you, honey!
Sora: Oh no, she knows!! panicking
Riku: Since when were you here?!
Becca: Stupid, I'm the one who made you do and say everything! Of course I knew you'd look into my computer. Now, if you want to see naughty things, I'll gladly help you! wink
Sora and Riku:…. You're insane.
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Yay, another cliffie! I know you don't like them, but I need to make this story interesting! (at least, that's what I try to do) …..Well, I don't know what I could say. So, I'll end this note by saying thank you so very much for your support! See you soon!