Long chapter ahead! Yes, the story is winding down. There is one more chapter after this. Once this story ends, I'll be spending all my time on my new fanfiction, Cabalistic. The first chapter should be up alongside this, in fact. If you're into somewhat mystery, suspense, and the ever lovely Riku and Sora loving, check it out. Promise you its not one of those everday fics. Took me forever to think up a new plot idea that isn't used all the time!
Any way, I hope you enjoy this chapter and what's to come in the last few. Its been great you guys, and I do hope to see you after this story (hint hint hint) happy new year!
Caller Number Nine
Chapter Twenty Four: Birthday Surprise
November 2nd
"Its raining..."
Sora made sure to stick close to the older and ascendant teen beside him. Frigid air clung around the pair as they made their descend from the dormitory stairs, down on to the cobblestone path to the courtyard. Drops of rain fell from the heavens above as the two males continued onward. Riku glanced over to his rather melancholic friend with a look of mitigation. After everything the pair had been through, it was finally over. They both could move on with their lives and go back to normalcy. Seeing things were becoming normal again, Riku dared to wonder if today, or soon, would be a good time to confess and see where they stood. He could not possibly lay down any more hints, or give the other more time. Now it all lay in Sora's hands.
"Yeah." Riku replied in recognition of the rain. Radiant green eyes turned to the side to peer at Sora with curiosity. Usually the cheery brunette enjoyed the rain. Usually the boy would dance in it or just huddle close. Today, however, he seemed a bit disturbed and angered by the precipitation. In addition, Riku had his guesses as to why.
"Sora," Riku whispered as they came upon the small forestry path that connected the dorms to the courtyard. Once upon it, Riku halted his stride, beneath the shelter of the trees. Sora stopped simultaneously, giving the other a confused look. Instead of explaining first, the silver-haired teen just pulled the younger male into a tight hug. "Like I said, you don't need to worry about it anymore. It's all over. I'm not going to leave." Reassured Riku.
Sora gaped lightly at the words and actions of his friend. It was good to hear the reassurance, but the past was not the only thing on the brunette's mind. "Thanks, Riku. It's, just, not that. I just didn't want it to rain on my birthday." Sora answered, watching Riku withdraw from the hug.
"Today's your...birthday?" Riku asked in puzzlement. Silence fell between the two friends, making everything seem all that more awkward. Ideas and excuses soon began to filter through Riku's head. At least he had rid Sora of the problem of Xemnas and Larxene before his birthday. At least he had not left the night before. Guilt and relief spread through Riku all at once. If the dj had not been so afraid of acting a bit too 'touchy', he would have encircled the other in another hug, but instead decided upon a verbal approach. "So, you're finally eighteen, huh?"
"Yeah." Sora exhaled sharply, relieved that Riku was not mad. Then again, why would he be? Sora shrugged off the thought and grinned at his friend. For the first time since this all started, he felt like his old self again completely. If he just forgot what she had done to him, maybe he could move on. He needed to move on, and Sora knew just the person who could help him do that.
"Sorry I didn't get you anything. Short notice." Riku sneered good-heartedly, trying not to let onto his disappointment for not being able to get the other a gift. "But I'll find a way to make it up to you, Sora. I promise you that." A rather wide smirk, a slight arching of his eyebrows, and that was that.
"Ah, Riku. You don't need to." Sora answered, raising his hand to rub the back of his neck sheepishly. Even if Sora did appreciate the attention he typically got on his birthday, he did feel shy and modest when it came to accepting it. Blue eyes filled with humility as he watched his friend closely.
"I will...somehow." Riku acknowledged, letting the crisp air fill into his lungs. "So how was your class today?" A change of topic never hurt anyone.
Riku and Sora began their pace once more, side-by-side. Sora seemed to appreciate the topic change more than he realized. "It was pretty good. I actually got a B on a term paper. Isn't that great?" Sora smiled widely at his friend, obviously proud of his accomplishment.
"Humph, pretty good." Riku replied, purposely acting snobby to tease the other. "You know, I did get an A on a term paper before." Riku smirked as he watched Sora's eyes fill with a sudden competitive energy. The brunette at once stopped walking, long enough to hook his arm in Riku's and turn the other around to face him, as if to scold him.
"Ah well, I got an A on a term paper before, too! An A+ might I add!" Sora replied, scrunching his nose. Riku cocked his head to the side, fighting off the urge to comment on the other's childish and yet adorable actions. If Riku wasn't so self-conscious and nervous about the whole damn thing he would have slammed the other against the nearest tree and stripped him of all clothing. Of course, ones fantasies must be kept to the closure of one's mind.
"That's great?" Riku answered, not really thinking too much seeing his mind was focused on the slightly vitiate image running through his head and the memories of the morning before. The two continued to walk once more, only to be greeted by the plundering of rain. Sora winced at once, dragging his arms to his chest in a shiver. Riku took note of this immediately.
"Do you want to head back to the dorms, watch some movies, and then head out to Mango later?" Riku offered, not really keen on the idea of braving the rainstorm. It was amazing how quickly snow could go to rain within a few days time. Must be a warm-front coming in. Riku awaited an answer, raising his arms over his head to shield himself.
"S-sure!" Sora chattered in response. "I'll race you." Sora grinned, raising his eyebrows in entertainment.
"Those are fighting words, Sora." Riku answered, a rather alluring smile crossing his lips. Sora tried his best not to blush from the look he was getting. Instead, the boy turned his attention back to the dorms, silently wondering if he could ever muster up the courage to tell Riku how he felt, in fear of their friendship crumbling. After all, it was not everyday you found out your best friend wanted more than friendship. It was rather life changing.
"Want to?" Sora inquired, gently nudging his head in the direction of the dorms as his hair slowly began to fall flat on his face. Sora flinched at this, hating how he looked when his hair lost its spike. Riku on the otherhand was only staring in marvel and awe of how adorable the other looked. It was Sora's question that dragged Riku from his thoughts, for what felt like the millionth time since they had met.
"Sure thing. But don't whine and complain when I win. I'm not going to go easy on you just because it's your birthday, might I add." Riku replied, giving the other a forewarning. Sora nodded at once, up for the challenge. It felt good doing these friendly things with Riku, even if they could be taken in a completely different way.
"Want to bet?" Sora further questioned, lowering his head so the rain would not fall into his eyes. "Loser has to do what the winner betted." Sora suggested, feeling his heart suddenly beat faster and faster. What was he setting himself up for? Something incredible, now that he thought about it. Perhaps he now would have an excuse to kiss Riku, to run his hands through his hair, and just to spend more time with the man he had fallen in love with.
"Fine." Riku looked ahead to the dorms. "Lets just keep the bets hush-hush until the end of the race." Sora gave a concerned nod but nonetheless agreed. "All right, one, two, three!"
When Riku had ushered the word three, Sora sped off, kicking off the muddy ground with the heel of his shoe. The small and slender boy gained an early lead, speeding quickly down the forestry path they had just gone through ten minutes before. Blue eyes concentrated on the dormitory in the distance all the while his mind kept focusing on Riku.
If he won, which he seemed like he would, what would he request? A kiss? It seemed the most logical, but that really was not what the younger boy wanted. He wanted more. How much more, he was not sure, but he knew that he wanted a bit more than just a quick kiss. He wanted Riku to do whatever he did when they had those lessons, and those moments that came out of nowhere.
Sora hurried his pace, heart still beating faster by the moment. Riku. Everything always came back to Riku. Sora had so many reasons to be thankful to Riku for, and he didn't have the slightest idea. All Sora knew was that Riku said he would stay, that Riku had actually cared about him (even if it was just as a best friend), and had helped him through his hardship with Kairi. Now Sora needed help once more. Sora needed to know if what the others said about Riku was true, and if so, if it still was. It took eighteen years, almost to the day, to figure out this different side of him, and there was no way in hell he was going to let the only person he actually loved slip through his fingers. Sora wanted a storybook ending more than anything, and would fight for that.
Sora clattered towards the steps of the dormitory, feeling victory in his lungs. He was going to win, and he was going to be able to be kissed by Riku! This was going to be the best birthday ev-
Sora's thoughts were cut off when he realized Riku was sitting under the awning of the dormitory, leaning against the wall already. Sora stopped dead in his tracks, an instant frown crossing his lips. A sigh emerged from Sora as he slowly trudged forward, climbing the steps and passing over to his victorious friend.
"How did you do that? I never saw you pass me..." Sora questioned, shaking his head in attempts to remove the beads of water from him. A grin once more passed Riku as he gave a shrug of his shoulders.
"I've been here longer, So. I know the lay of the land better." With that said, Riku took the other by his wet and cold hand inside.
The two friends made their way up the dorm stairs to Sora's floor, having the idea to the dry off and hang out for a while in mind. It seemed so nice and peaceful that Sora began to blush. However, Sora stopped all thoughts of cuddling with the other when a hand slid around his waist once they neared Sora's dorm.
"Huh?" Sora questioned, not really expecting the reassuring and dominant hand of Riku to be upon him. Blue eyes looked up, expecting to be locked with Riku's, but only saw strands of silver as Riku looked downward, a sly smirk on his face. Before Sora knew it, he was being shoved against the wall beside him dorm room. "R-riku?!" Sora asked in surprise, having Riku's face inches from his.
"Yeah?" Riku breathed huskily, wet hair clinging to his face. And Sora couldn't deny how appealing the other looked like this. Sora gulped, feeling that familiar sensation occurring once more. The boy tried his best to ignore it, but found it impossible when Riku had leaned closer; pressing his lips to the younger's neck.
"R-riku, oh god..." Sora murmured, voice as soft as a mouse. Blue eyes shut with that incredible pleasure as he felt Riku's lips leave hot and heavy kisses up his neck, and then on his jaw, and then finally on his lips. The brunette moaned softly, if at all possible, into the kiss, in reaction to Riku's cold hands sneaking their way up his shirt.
"R-riku.. there's... something..." Sora began between kisses, feeling that the longing for the other was getting far too strong to ignore. "I... need...to..." Sora continued, but only stopped when he felt Riku's wet denim brush against him, causing him to gasp in a sudden relish.
"Hmm, Sora?" Riku questioned with that same cocky attitude as his hands gently caressed the cold skin of his friend, making the other involuntarily gasp, shudder, and eventually arch his back from the unsuspecting touch.
"I..need to..." Sora tried again, only to be silenced by a pair of lips clasping onto his own. And he felt lost, so lost.
"Don't worry, this was my bet." Riku assured the other, figuring the boy was wanting to ask why he had advanced on him. Riku broke the kiss once more, feeling the needy Sora cling to his wet body with desire, or what ever that was... for Riku was not sure. "Let's just... go inside."
"Riku.. seriously.. There's something I've been..." Sora spoke, as he watched Riku take the brunette's dorm key from his pants pocket, making Sora pant with lust. The silver-haired teen smirked to himself, as he slipped the key into the door and twisted the knob. Riku pushed the door open a few inches, slipped the key into his own pocket, and wrapped his arms around the brunette, dragging him into the room with him as he pressed his lips on the other's.
Sora mewed into the kiss as he closed his eyes. This was what he wanted. He needed this. Riku was all there was. Riku was everything. Sora then felt Riku's foot kick the door shut with a loud thud as the teen's fingers began to prod at the other's waistband, daring to drop lower as Sora's sounds of satisfaction filled the air. "Riku..I..."
"Surprise!"
Sora felt Riku's hands fall from around him. To Sora's utter amazement, he found himself falling onto the floor. He had not realized until that moment that his legs had become jelly and Riku was the only thing keeping him standing up. And it wasn't until that moment that Sora had realized that his dorm was filled with festive decorations and all his friends. All his friends.. just... saw... that..
"Ah!" Sora yelled in embarrassment and shock, face turning pale and red at the same time. This was by far the most awkward and embarassing moment of his young life.
Riku stood there equally dumb-founded and shell-shocked. A loud gulp came from Riku as he looked at the stunned faces of Tidus, Axel, Naminé, Kairi, Hayner, Roxas, Zexion, Demyx, Olette and the angry face of Selphie. Oh he had some explaining to do all right. Well, to most of them.
"Er... surprise?.." Riku said in response, feeling the silence become a bit too awkward.
"Sora's gay?!" Selphie blurted out with rage and stun. The girl at once stomped her feet in the ground, about ready to ring the brunette's neck. It was Tidus' hand clenching her collar that held her back that saved Sora from that problem. The whole place continued to stare at the drenched Riku and Sora, still speechless.
Sora sat there on his floor, hiding himself behind his hands. This was not happening. This was not happening... Riku was not going to find out that he loved him like this. The next to speak was Kairi, whose face was completely pale. "Sora?..." She spoke, shaking off the reassuring hand of Hayner as she stepped a bit closer to the two, uncertain how to react to this.
"Did we... interrupt something?" Demyx inquired. Riku really didn't see a point for Demyx or Zexion to be here. After all, they were more so Axel and his friends, not as much as Sora's. Then again, the more the merrier. However, in this case, the less would have been better. Zexion then jabbed the ignorant blonde in the side, giving Riku a sympathetic and amused look.
"Well, Uh, I think we surprised them at the wrong time. And uh there's nothing to see here, so lets just give the two some room and uh," Axel attempted to straighten things out and try and make it easier for his two friends, to which he failed. Roxas cocked his head to the side curiously, surveying Sora and Riku for a long while.
"Tidus!! Let me go! I want to knock some sense and morals into Sora!" Selphie moaned and demanded, trying to break away from Tidus' death grip on her shirt.
"Let's just all have cake and talk. It's Sora's birthday party after all." Naminé suggested softly and kindly. It seemed that was all it took for everyone, who amazingly fit into the dorm, to break off into inidivual conversations as they went for the food on the small table.
For the first time since the surprise, Riku glanced down with an apologetic look to Sora, praying the boy was not mad. The last thing he wanted to do was to make Sora look 'different' in front of his judgmental friends. Sora meekly lowered his hands from his face, sparing a glance up at Riku who was now extending his hand to help him up. Sora sheepishly took said hand, face still a dark scarlet.
"I'm sorry about that," Riku whispered into Sora's ear, lips a bit too close and thus pressing against the other's ear on accident. Sora shuddered from the touch as he gave a quick nod, at once forgiving his friend. "You probably think I'm the worst person in the world now, huh?" Riku spoke weakly, loud enough for Sora to hear as he spared a emerald glance to the others who were busily chatting, more than likely about them.
Sora did not answer, instead he only gave Riku an unreadable look as he motioned for Riku to follow him to the group of friends.
"So, what was that all about?" Demyx inquired as Riku and Sora approached. The overly obnoxious and cheery blonde never seemed to learn, not even after the countless whacks he had received from Zexion. Axel flashed a cheesy grin at Riku, trying to apologize for the inconvenience, somehow realizing that Riku had not confessed yet. Roxas gave the other an uneasy smile, as if he was contemplating something.
"Wouldn't you like to know?" Riku retorted, folding his arms to his chest with a cocky attitude.
Sora took this opportunity to scan the room. Tidus was talking with Selphie and Naminé... Hayner was talking with Olette.. Zexion, Axel, Roxas, and Demyx were busy with Riku and that left... Kairi.
"Kairi." Sora spoke nervously, walking across the room to the vacant corner Kairi leaned against. The red-head gave her friend a shrug as he approached her, obviously showing that she was uncertain of what to say and what to think. "Listen, I wanted to tell you-" He began in a low voice, not really wanting anyone else to know.
"Then tell me now." Kairi spoke, trying to be kind and understanding, even if in her heart she really was not.
"I..." Sora glanced at Riku who was still talking with his friends over at the other corner. "...don't know what to think anymore. I thought that you were the only one for me... really, I did. And I guess when I realized that we weren't going to work out no matter what I did... I realized something else. That someone that cared... or at least I hope he does... was right in front of me all along. And he's helped me so much... always been there, and Kairi.." Sora made sure to speak in a whisper at the last part. "I've fallen in love with him..."
"..." Kairi looked even more shell-shocked. Her usual charismatic blue eyes were cast downward as she pondered on what her friend had said. After several minutes she finally found her voice and rose her gaze to meet Sora's. "Does he know?"
"N-no.. I can't tell him. I'm afraid he doesn't feel the same... I'm afraid that I've been misreading him all this time and that he'll hate me if I tell him how I feel." Sora shook his head in confusion as he took a deep breath. "I want to tell him tonight, somehow... I just can't get myself to. I've been saying this for days now.."
"Sora," Kairi finally found something to do. The red-head enclosed Sora in a hug, a single tear falling from her eyes. "I don't understand this at all, but I'm trying to, for you." Even if her words cut like a knife through his soul, the hint of hope healed the wounds.
"Thanks, Kairi." Sora whispered, leading his friend over to everyone else.
Cake was passed around once the annual song had been sung. Gossip and advice was spread throughout the friends, amazingly about everything else besides the current situation between Riku and Sora. It seemed like the surprise birthday party had lasted for days before people finally began to leave, bidding Sora farewell for now. It was only around seven when they did leave, which was still an amazing amount of time spent talking and eating. Axel was the last to leave the party, having helped clean up.
"Riku," Axel spoke as the two began to collect a few discarded napkins from the floor. Riku turned his gaze to his green-eyed friend, cocking his head to the side.
"You need to tell him." Axel informed, giving Riku the most serious and stern look he had ever given. And it made Riku quiver and yet burst with fear and excitement. Questions lingered on his lips and soon emerged.
"What if he hates me for it?" Riku asked in a whisper, shooting a glance over his shoulder to the bathroom where Sora was changing into his nightclothes. "I can't stand him hating me..."
"Trust me. I have been here for you since this whole crazy thing started, and I'm not going anywhere. I know this is hard for the both of you, and I know that this will continue to be hard, but just know you have to make the first move." Green eyes seemed incredibly furtive, as is concealing a secret from Riku.
"..." Riku looked pessimistic, as if he wasn't sure whether he could trust the other or not.
"If you need a reason to trust me, just remember Ansem." Axel gave Riku that same stern look as he patted his friend on the shoulder, shot him a smirk, and then left the dorm, humming something along the lines of 'secret lovers'. Riku rolled his eyes and threw the napkins they had collected into the trashcan.
At once, Riku collasped onto the bed, staring up at the ceiling. How would he even go about telling Sora this? Was there an easy way? Was there a right way? He knew the day was right, the boy's birthday, but how could he say this? How could Riku even begin to explain to the other all these feelings, wants, and cravings he was going through. How could Riku express love to Sora verbally, that same very love that made him kill to keep him safe.
"Hey Riku."
Riku glanced over his shoulder, watching Sora re-enter the room. The brunette was wearing a green shirt with black sweats. Even when he wore nights clothes he was adorable. Riku sighed as he forced a smile on his face, watching Sora come closer and sit on the edge of the bed, eying Riku curiously.
"I'm sorry, again." Riku murmured, wondering if he really had anything to be sorry for.
"Don't worry about it, please." Sora answered shyly as he arose from the bed once more. Sora passed across the room, starring out the window at the stars gleaming in the distance. Riku cocked his head to the side, also rising to his feet. The curious teen walked over to where Sora was standing to investigate.
The moon was on the very top of the trees, gleaming brightly in the night. A smile danced on Sora's face as he looked out the window at the night scene with such adoration and amusement. Riku stood slightly behind him, watching as well. Life looked so simple, but was so complicated.
"I was just thinking... if I hadn't convinced you to stay last night, today would have been completely different." Sora admitted, voice slightly cracking. Riku cocked his head to the side, leaning his chin down on the shorter boy's shoulder. "You could have been gone... you could have just walked out of my life for good, Riku." Sora sounded like he was on the verge of tears. "I could have lost you..." Sora turned his head to the side, blue eyes watering as he spoke once more. "Don't ever do that again!" Sora whimpered and then buried his head painfully into his friend's chest.
"Hey..." Riku looked down at Sora, cautiously wrapping his arms around him. A sigh passed Riku's lips, knowing full well of the hell he had put Sora through these past few weeks. Somehow he had gotten Sora tangled up into this insane game of lies and death, and Riku was surprised himself that they had both gotten out alive and innocent. Or as innocent as one could be.
"Promise me again, Riku, that you'll never leave!" Sora murmured loudly into Riku's chest, never wanting the other to leave.
"I promised you last night, I promised you a few weeks ago, and I'll promise you know, I'm staying. I'll never leave you." Riku whispered caringly, knowing that there was no other place he would rather be than in the boy's tender and loving arms.
"Thanks.." Sora answered, breathing into Riku's chest. He needed to tell Riku so badly how he felt. He wasn't angry at what had happened earlier, just embarrassed and frightened that people may have treated him differently or worse, or have told Riku that he was in love with him. And it seemed all too surreal that Riku had kissed him again. It felt so real, and yet it was not. There was always a reason behind their sessions. Never just because of love. Because from where Sora stood, this was a one-sided affection and situation.
"Hey, Sora. Want to head down to the studio with me for a bit? I have to work tonight, so..." Riku spoke into the other's ear. Sora rose his face from Riku's chest to grin up at the other. Never before had the boy seemed so delighted by the idea of going somewhere with the other. Before Riku could breath, Sora had nodded his head anxiously.
"Mmkay!" Sora answered, breaking their embrace as he laced his hand with Riku's shyly. Riku rolled his eyes at his best friend as he collected his jacket from Sora's bed. Sora paused after a brief moment, sending a glance nervously to his clothes. "Er... I sort of just changed though." Sora answered shyly, addressing the issue.
"No one ever comes in there, so they won't see you. Cloud might, but oh well." Riku smirked and gave a tug on Sora's hand as he lead the boy out of his dorm. Sora obediently following. He was actually going to the studio with Riku! He was going to Riku in his RJ glory! And this time it was not just because he came in bursting in tears because of that wench. This time it was because Riku invited him too! What better place to spend the rest of your birthday at?
Riku lead Sora down the winding streets of the town, down the familiar sides and mains, leading to the studio. Once outside it, he spared a glance to Sora who was as perky and up-beat as imaginable. It seemed that Sora bounced back awfully quickly.
"If Cloud says anything... stupid, just ignore him." Riku informed, giving Sora a nod as he pushed the door to the studio inward, letting his hand drop from Sora's in the process.
The brunette was a bit said to see his hand free once more, but we delighted to be in the atmosphere of the studio again. Blue eyes filled with glee as he entered, having the door swing shut behind him. Sora was like a kid revisting his favorite childhood place. The grin continued on Sora's face as Riku lead him down the quiet hall to the main studio room, giving the door's knob a twist.
"Hey Riku, Sora." A voice from behind them greeted.
Riku glanced over his shoulder at Cloud. "Hey." He declared, nodding his head to the male. "You were pretty good Saturday. You and Leon." Riku corrected himself, emerald eyes filling with amusement at the other.
"Thanks. You weren't bad yourself." Cloud snickered, hands folding to his arms smugly. Blue eyes noticed Sora once more, observing the boy's attire. "Have plans on sleeping in there?" Cloud inquired, arching an eyebrow before continuing. "Oh wait, I get it. You both are going in there together, right. I got it." The smirk grew on Cloud as he spoke with that smug voice, even though it was good fun.
"What?..." Thank heavens Sora was dense. The brunette tilted his head to the side, trying to figure out what Cloud had meant. Riku blushed a deep red but hid it as he turned his head to the side, grabbing for Sora's hand to enter the room.
"Ass." Riku called under his breath to Cloud. All the blonde could do was smirk back at his co-worker, nod him off then close the door behind the pair, giving them some privacy. It would seem that Cloud knew of Riku's liking in the boy as well.
"I didn't know Cloud worked here." Sora acknowledged as Riku let go of the boy's hand.
Riku made his way over to his chair, nodding back at Sora. "Yeah, regretfully." Riku murmured, sitting down and sighing with pleasure. Sora watched curiously as Riku grabbed for microphone, making his nightly introduction. However, he covered the mic as the commercials began, glancing over to Sora who was now sitting beside him in one of the chairs.
"Hey, Sora," Riku whispered leaning over so he could do such into the other's ear. "Care to dance? You know, seeing it's your birthday and all." When did he have to make excuses up to dance and be with the other? Green eyes shut with the realization that he was making this harder than it had to be.
"What?" Sora blinked over at Riku. After a moment Sora nodded slowly. "S-sure." He answered, a small smile forming on his lips. Riku nodded at once with a pleasurable look. The DJ began to rake through the large, black covered case of CD's. Sora watched curiously as Riku scanned through the hundreds, as if he was searching for one. Riku hid what CD he removed with his free arm. The DJ was dexterous as he slid the cd into the equipment, flicking to number twelve as he reached for the microphone once the commercial ended.
"Ten in a row is coming next. To start off is a personal favorite song of mine. You may not know seeing it isn't played as frequently as it used to be. It's Everything by Lifehouse." Another smirk as he pressed play and arose from his seat.
At first Sora had no idea what song it was by its name. The brunette cocked his head to the side curiously as Riku extended his hands. Sora sheepishly took Riku's, lacing their fingers together. The familiar strumming continued as they entered the formal stance of slow-dancing. Before the song could begin, Riku whispered softly down into Sora's ear. "I would have put on Amazed, but this station doesn't play country. Sorry..."
Sora turned a bright red at the mention of his favorite song, and Riku having remembered it after these past weeks.
Riku placed his chin on the Sora's head, just barely being that taller. At once, the words of the song began to play. Find me here, speak to me. Sora's heart at once dropped as he gave the other a nervous glance. Was there a reason Riku had picked this song?
I want to feel you, I need to hear you, the music played in the background as the pair swayed back and forth on the studio floor. Riku's hands were tightly interwoven with Sora's, but soon fled from their position to hold the other close to his chest. Sora sheepishly complied, shyly wrapping his arms around Riku's body. You are the light, that is leading me to the place where I find peace, again.
Riku sighed peacefully as he felt the familiar arms of Sora wrap around him. A gentle smile flickered onto his face as they turned, following the standard one two step. It was so peaceful dancing at this steady rate.
You are the strength, that keeps me walking, Riku made sure to hold the other tight to his rapidly beating heart. There was no way he was going to let Sora go anymore. Sora in return closed his eyes, tears threatening to fall. Why did Riku have to pick this song? This song that reminded him so much of Riku. Sora choked back a sob as they turned once more.
You are the hope, that keeps me trusting, you are the light, into my soul Riku smiled lightly as he got lost into his fantasies. If things could be like this all the time he would be happy. Just maybe they would, someday. That was, if Sora felt the same. Axel had told him to trust him, but was it really worth it? Was this really worth losing a friendship over? But... hadn't Sora told him that anyone that would hate Riku for liking them wouldn't be worth it?
You are my purpose, you are everything, Sora choked back another sob. He wanted Riku to love him. He wanted it so much. Just once, he wanted someone to care about him. Even if it was just a bit, he wanted someone there for him in a relationship. Sora buried his head further into Riku's chest, hands clenching the back of Riku's shirt painfully.
And how can I stand here with you, and not be moved by you, would you tell me, how could it be, any better than this?
Sora winced once more upon hearing the words. The brunette's body began to shake as Riku held him close. Was he chasing after something that really wasn't there? Was his birthday just going to be another sad chapter in his life? Sora choked back a third sob, trying his best to keep it together.
You calm the storms, you give me rest, you hold me in your hands, you still my heart Riku nuzzled the top of Sora's head affectionately, not sure why the other was so hidden. Had he done something wrong? Riku nervously looked down at Sora, making sure to hold him in a assuring embrace. Sora's right hand shakily found Riku's, intertwining weakly. And such a simple act made Riku melt.
And you take my breath away, would you take me in, would you take me deeper now. Sora sighed with peace as he felt Riku's hand within his own. It was reassuring, and he liked that. Riku smiled to himself, knowing just for this moment this was real.
and how can I stand here with you, and not be moved by you, would you tell me, how could it be, any better than this?
Riku gently pulled away from Sora, just enough to look Sora in the eyes. Sora nervously glanced upward, meeting Riku's deep and loving green eyes. Something was shimmering in them and Sora could not understand it. What was Riku trying to say? Did he want to say that this wasn't real, and this was just good practice? Did Riku hate him?
cause you're all I want, you're all I need, you're everything, everything. You're all I want, you're all I need, you're everything, everything.
Riku rested his forehead against Sora's, smiling as he did such. Sora nervously shook, making sure to keep his gaze locked with the others. The familiar chorus picked up, making Sora shudder. Riku's free hand had found Sora's, lacing it together. Now both of the boy's hands were interlaced as they stood there. A smile came across Riku's face as the music slowly died down. It was nearing the end and he knew it,
"Sora, god... I can't keep this up anymore. This is driving me insane. I can't stand here any longer lieing to you and pretending..." Riku spoke shakily. For the first time in his whole life he was beyond nervous. Riku was afraid. Riku was afraid not only of Sora getting angry, but afraid of rejection.
Here it comes, Sora thought weakly. He was going to tell him that they couldn't do these things anymore because people were going to get the wrong idea. He was going to tell him that he could not keep pretending that he enjoyed their kisses when he thought they were repulsive.
"How do I even begin to explain this to you? I've thought about this for so long, Sora. Ever since I saw you at the lake. I've wanted to tell you this so badly. And over time it kept growing and growing, and quite frankly Sora, I don't think it can grow anymore." Riku gulped, looking Sora square in the eye. "I know this sounds so desperate, so disgusting, so stupid, but I..."
"You...?" Sora whispered in between Riku's words, inches from Riku's savory lips as the music neared the last few words.
Would you tell me, how could it be, any better than this?... (1)
"...I've fallen in love with you..."
And the song ended when Riku's lips met his own.
Sora felt like he was on a crash-course to the floor. The brunette's body suddenly became weak and unstable. He felt dead, but the good kind of dead. The kind where you are lifeless, floating, like none of this is happening because it's so good. Sora's aquamarine eyes filled with tears of relief and love the moment Riku's words registered in his head. Riku loved him. Riku loved him. Riku. Loved. Him.
Sora melted into the kiss, feeling for the first time in his life what a real kiss was. No strings attached, no ulterior motive, just love. Sora's grasp on Riku's hands tightened as he shyly pressed back into the kiss. This felt so different from their lessons. Mostly due to the fact that everyone had been right. Riku loved him. And he never got tired of saying it. So there was a reason Riku picked that song...that perfect song.
Riku broke the kiss briefly as Sora cautiously opened his eyes. "..." Riku was silent, hoping, no praying, that Sora wasn't going to run away when he realized that Riku had really meant his words. Now was the moment of truth. Did Sora love him? Or was this just some sort of twisted fairy tale Riku had created to hide from the world, to give his life purpose?
"Riku..." Sora smiled, mind fluttering around from glee and happiness. He was wanted. Someone loved him. Not just anyone, but Riku. RJ... the person he had fallen in love with by accident. The person who he was going to timidly give his heart to.
"Happy Birthday?.." Riku weakly spoke, uncertain if Sora was ever going to reply to what he had said. Riku was silenced when Sora gently pressed his lips against Riku's once more. Riku was a bit shocked, but more so nervous than anything. Their hands were still intertwined, and that was the only assurance to Riku that Sora wasn't going to make a run for it. And Riku had to admit, Sora had become such a better kisser over these weeks. So their lessons paid off after all.
Once the chaste kiss ended, Sora looked brightly at the other. "Oh god, Riku," Sora whispered. He had never said those three words to anyone. To his parents, yes, but not to someone else. He was handing a piece of himself to Riku if he spoke them to him. Any other time this idea would frighten Sora, but not anymore. Sora wanted this. "I...finally found my...soul mate...and you were here all...along...waiting...always..there. Waiting..." Sora answered, before continuing. "I...love you so much..." Sora gulped, knowing that unlike some people, he actually meant them. Down to the last letter, he meant it.
And that was when Sora let tears fall from his eyes. Riku's heart fell and then fluttered the moment Sora had began to cry. Green eyes filled with such glee, and such... emotion. There wasn't a word to express how Riku felt at that moment. Somehow he had made Sora fall in love with him. Somehow they had found a soul mate in each other. Somehow they had overcome their love issues with women and found comfort in each other. And now, somehow on Sora's birthday, they had found the courage.
"I can't believe this is actually happening." Riku murmured, locking his lips once more against Sora's. And it felt more alive and electric than ever before. One kiss never tasted and felt so good. One kiss never meant so much as it just did. Sora's hands shakily, nervously, and lovingly tangled themselves in Riku's hair. Timid and longing noises soon came from Sora.
This was real. Riku loved him. This was real. There was no 'what about' and 'what if's'. This was real.
Riku ran his tongue tenderly against Sora's shaking lips. The boy eased his nervous lips open, falling into a new kind of bliss. This wasn't just lust anymore... this was love. Something he thought would never happen to him. Riku felt Sora's hand rake through his hair, twirling strands on his finger and then letting them go.
Riku broke off the heated kiss when he needed air. Sora took a deep breath as he stared at Riku. If his was any other time he would have engaged in another kiss that would lead to more. But for some reason, just that was enough. A shaky smile spread on Sora's lips as he wrapped his arms tightly around Riku, nuzzling his face into the other's firm chest.
This was too good... things like this didn't happen. Riku was waiting for Sora to say 'just kidding', laugh, then push him away, but that wasn't happening. Riku smiled as he also shut his eyes. "Happy birthday, Sora." Riku spoke once more, knowing that there was no rush. Not anymore.
He had time to respect Sora, to savor every single touch. There was no intense need right then and there to do anymore. Tonight would perhaps be the best birthday ever for Sora. And tonight would perhaps be the best night at work that Riku ever had.
But tonight they were more than just close friends, tonight they were together. And it felt nice being able to look at each other without that burden. And it made the night go by even faster, having his special 'guest' for the night hosting the show alongside him.
But Riku knew, somewhere in the back of his mind, that he would have to tell Sora soon. Sooner or later he would have to tell Sora about Larxene, about his day... everything. But not now, not when he had Sora in his arms. That's all they were... two hurt, broken, twisted, but loving souls that had been caught up in something that made no sense and hurt them. But now they were free of that. At least, that was what Riku wanted and thought.
But when Riku would awake the next morning, he would be greeted with something that he never wanted to be involved with again. Would this be his final chance to set things right? Or would his past overwhelm him and tear the two apart. It wasn't over... even if Riku wanted it to be. Not yet, but very soon. And it all had started with that stupid fight . . .