Disclaimers: KD belongs to Square Enix. So are the characters and etc. In a little world somewhere though, there's a place where the KD characters are under my rule! The little world is called imagination by the way...
Sora's situation was terribly drastic. Riku started flirting with Kairi, right before Sora's innocent eyes! Feeling alone and isolated, Sora explored the town and found somebody to talk to.
On the other hand, Cloud got to spend some fun and quality time with Leon. He ruined it though...
5: Just A Game
The heart-wrenching look from Sora when Riku flirted with Kairi was indeed satisfying. Moreover, Kairi was responding more often to his flirts. The table was overturned. It was Sora getting ignored by both of them, without the realisation of Kairi.
Kairi was completely oblivious of being made use to fulfill the hunger of Riku's twisted pleasure of sadistic fun. Without trying to, Kairi had hurt her best friend.
And her best friend's cheerful outlook of life was shattered into many pieces. Somehow, after the first day of school, Sora's life had taken a turn for the worse. In deep, underneath his positive and good-natured self was just a little frightened boy. His friends had been his pillars of strength. Without them, he would crumble into debris, and stripped of his happiness. Especially Kairi. She was his sole friend in the new place, and how could she disregard him so easily?
Riku was just too hard to resist.
"Oh no! Dr. Gepetto looking out for guinea pigs again!" Kairi muttered cautiously, averting her eyes away from the teacher in hope of not being called.
"I guess more sacrifices have to be done." Rolling his eyes, Riku raised his hands casually to offer himself.
After the little accident Sora and Kairi had, the pupils were scared shitless. Lest being the next victims, no one dared to volunteer. Riku's courage had earned the "Ohh..." and "Ahh..." from follow classmates, girls and boys alike. In a matter of time, Riku had become the favourite student of Dr. Gepetto and all the students held Riku in high regard.
Only for a particular one. Sora watched Riku do the experiment in perfection while sulking away.
Heaven is so unfair!
Once the experiment was done and the result obtained, the class burst into loud applause while Riku grinned toothily.
What the!? He's putting his charms in Kairi's direction!
Sure enough, Riku was directing his smile towards Kairi. To the horror of Sora, Kairi was blushing like a bashful schoolgirl.
She never turns beet red like that throughout the whole period I have known her!
Out of curiosity, Sora grinned to the glass panel on the lab table. He looked like a five-year-old who was getting an ice cream. The grin was nowhere close to Riku's attractive one.
That was totally in Sora's opinion however. While Riku was sauntering back to his seat, he had noticed Sora's obsession with the glass panel.
He may be crazed. But... How weirdly adorable.
Giving a gentle shake of his head to clear his clouded thoughts, he found a disgruntled Sora was then staring straight into his eyes, looking for something. That something responded and Riku looked away, unable to stand the eyes bearing deep down, reaching for his soul. He could not forsake his plans so soon.
"Riku. Good job as usual! Sora is nothing compared to you! Man... You're really smart..." Kairi commented with a girly blush still visible on her face.
"Thanks. My pleasure." The reply was thoughtful and charismatic, capturing Kairi's heart. Riku was the gentlemen of every girls' heart and the envy of many other boys.
Ouch. That hurts, Kairi.
Sora glanced into Kairi's eyes in hope of the usual assuring and concern look.
There was none. Her eyes were all over Riku. In full admiration of Riku, in complete awe of Riku and head over heels infatuated with Riku.
There was no space for Sora. Not even a glimpse. Sora was just an ex-pal. Heck! There was no need for Sora to begin with! Not with Riku around.
Sora diverted his gaze to Riku once again. With hatred and contempt, shrouded in silent tears of sadness. No! He would never cry because of a guy like Riku!
Riku caught Sora's eyes. A disdainful smirk replaced his sexy grin upon noticing Sora's anger. It died out soon though, and Riku quickly focused back on Kairi. Not that Kairi was much more lookable, but because light had well reflected the unshed tears in Sora's downcast eyes.
Gods... What have I done?
Sora appeared to be a small and frightened kitten, neglected under the rain.
It was not his fault that Kairi had her eyes all over him in a matter of a week though, Riku reasoned. He was merely letting Sora had a taste of his own medicine. Never had he predicted that Sora was hurt deeply and badly. Not once in Sora's life had Kairi preferred somebody else except for him! The damage was done, and eventually all three had to suffer.
Nevertheless, a heartless and merciless creature was not Riku's true self. In fact, every time Sora gave him that look, he felt a shiver running down his spine. Was it guilt, compassion or sympathy? It was a mixture of all of them. Something else essential too, which Riku failed to comprehend.
So Riku had got what he want. Kairi clearly had forgotten the presence of her good friend Sora. Additionally, Aerith was influenced. Lunch was a pain in the ass since all Kairi and Aerith did is to smile meekly at Riku, which triggered a chain-effect. Starting with Riku acknowledging them with a slight smile, causing the two, and some other girls who saw the amazing smile, to blush and giggle in joy while Leon knitted his brows and Cloud patting Riku's back. Finally, a whole bunch of people surrounded the party.
It was not Riku who needed the comfort! Sora was the one well deserving of it. The only thing he was capable of doing was to stare real hard on the floor and lose his appetite under the growing crowd of Riku's fans gathering. It was unbelievable but Riku had managed to get a fan club dedicated to him just within a week!
Only Yuffie was unaffected and went on living in normalcy. Not that her life was normal at all. It was simply because Yuffie was already living a full and rich life which could not be better so she was still very much the same. The treatment she gave the lover-boy, Riku, was not of special care and attention. Moreover, she was still as bright as ever with Sora around. That was the only comfort Sora had to cling on.
So marked the end of the first week. Sora managed to struggle through intact, but highly doubted he will make through the next one. A full week without good rest was extremely pressurizing and tedious for Sora's growing body. If the situation persisted on, he would not learn anything. Throughout the week, Sora was not attentive in his lessons, idling them away day-dreaming or spying on Riku and Kairi. It jolly well had to stop if he still had his future in mind. With sheer determination, Sora self-coaxed himself to sleep, preparing for challenges lying ahead of him.
Judging from the clock, Sora hardly had a good rest. Only an hour of rest and he was wide awakened again. The problems he had encountered need to be bore out from his heart. But to whom?
No idea. But not him for sure!
Sora peered through the corner of his eyes to his roommate's bed. It was empty however.
Who cares?
With a quick change of clothing, Sora sneaked out into the night town of Traverse.
The cool air greeted his body once out of the suffocating hostel. In his one week of hectic schedule, Sora only came out once, which was to travel from the harbour to the hostel. To think that Kairi was still his best of friends, a sigh of resignation was heaved.
The sky was gorgeous. Twinkling stars conquered the darkness with tiny little glimmers of light. The lone moon hung on the black sky like a watchful face over the heavens and earth. Both day and night were equally enticing but yet portrayed differently. The sun and clouds during the day was of deep memories to Sora. Although different, the sun, clouds and lovely blue sky blended perfectly into a final portrait. Although contrasting, the moon and stars managed to integrate into the darkness, shining their tiny yet meaningful lights.
Why couldn't Sora interact well with Riku? Sora pondered on and on, while strolling briskly under the guidance of lights up in the skies.
Because no matter how stunningly wonderful day and night were, they could never get together.
Erm... Wonder where the hell am I... Ah... My life is miserable! I lost my way... Fuck it...
Amidst Sora's thoughts, he had gone far away from the hostel and somewhat lost his way back. The place was of a deafening silence and hurriedly, he paced around trying to find the way back. On and on Sora went, until he reached a dark alley.
Might as well try my luck...With his shoulders sloping and head down, the boy walked down the lone and isolated path. The lithe boy felt a presence passed him and jerked his head up in anticipation.
My saviour!Sora spun his head around. A sliver-headed boy was walking away from him. Undoubtedly, it had to be Riku. His hands were kept deep in his pockets and had apparently passed by Sora without realizing it.
"Hey!" Sora tried to call out for assistance, but let out a strangled yelp instead. He would not stoop so low as to seek alliance from his enemy!
At the end of the row of houses, stood an out-of-place building. Unlike the rest of the sloppy-looking houses, this was more of a cheery and colourful type.
The owner herself was just as bright and extraordinary as the house itself. It was Yuffie. With a hundred and one dogs.
Sora was literally abducted into the place once Yuffie opened the door in response to his knocking. Squealing in delight, Yuffie marvelled at how lucky and joyous it was that day to have two new visitors.
Thick as usual, the 'two' word did not strike anything in Sora's mind at all.
Sora adored Yuffie. No one could never not adore her upbeat personality. It was a bit too much though. To be stuck with Yuffie and a hundred and one replicas of her was simply too much. The puppies were chasing one another, pouncing and prancing playfully.
I doubt they will ever sleep. Inclusive of Yuffie.
"Oh... What's bothering my dear cute little kitten?" Yuffie asked worriedly, sensing a troubled Sora.
Kitten indeed. Precisely why I cannot stand much of your dogginess.
On second thought though, Yuffie was a good person to talk to. So Sora narrated everything to Yuffie, who surprisingly managed to keep her activeness in check. Yuffie was understanding, not interrupting but merely nodding her head to show she was listening. Sora started from the first day when Riku announced he was going for Kairi and ended with his thoughts of day and night, them not able to be together no matter what.
With an intelligent look on her face, Yuffie softly patted a certain puppy on her lap and scratched the side of the ear. The puppy barked in contentment and slept soon after. With gentle care, Yuffie removed the puppy and snuggled it up with the rest, which had fallen asleep during Sora's truthful chat with Yuffie.
The puppies all looked fluffy and huggable. Absent-mindedly, Sora soothed one resting on the couch he was on. The blue-collared puppy gave a delighted yelp and rolled over on its back, continued sleeping in bliss. A small yet truthful smile appeared on Sora's recent disgruntled face.
The puppies are so cute..."Yay! You finally smile! I am really looking forward to your bright smile!" Yuffie cheered heartily, happy for her friend.
"Yeah. I do. Thanks for listening." Grinned Sora, feeling warm inside again.
If only Riku can see the puppies right now.
A thought came across Sora's mind. Riku. He was submerged back into the cold depth of the sea again. A frown gradually appeared once again.
Her friend's sudden change of mood did not escape Yuffie's eyes, so without further hesitation, Yuffie went forward and gave Sora a tight hug.
"Do not be afraid to show your emotions. I know you are lonely right now... Get them back, get Kairi and Riku!" Yuffie consoled, still having a tough grip on Sora, "I'll be here to help!"
Sora was really pleased to hear those kind words from Yuffie. But how was he going to show his emotions? Riku would mock him for sure! He started it anyway, so he should be the one ending it.
As if reading his thoughts, Yuffie continued, "Riku's just too proud to change his stand. He will conceive once you ask him too! And don't ask me why, but I'm very certain! Weehee! Good luck!"
With that, Sora was released from Yuffie's hug, but still with doubts lingering.
"You mentioned night and day will never co-exist together, right? But you are wrong! Haha! Silly Sora! Go figure it out..." Yuffie chirped energetically, "and remember the ball tomorrow on Saturday for welcoming the students! I'm gonna wear a dress! I'm gonna wear a dress! You have to go and check me out tomorrow!"
That was a command, so Sora nodded weakly. Due to the lack of attentiveness, the news probably missed him. Luckily Yuffie was there to tell him. With a pat on the sleeping little blue-collared puppy and some directions from Yuffie, Sora bade goodbye and left.
Night and day co-existing together?
Back in the colourful house of Yuffie, the mistress yawned. Sora was proven wrong. She needed her sleep after all. She was human after all.
Making herself comfortable on the sofa, Yuffie's mind wandered off to her two visitors. They encountered their difficulties, and had no one reliable to rely on. She was determined to go the extra mile for them!
The blue-collared puppy ruffled around, and then woke up dazedly. He needed to say goodnight to his owner. With a small bark and a lick on Yuffie's face, the pup contentedly slept.
I will be there for them. Like all of you did when I lost Father and Mother...
Sora was back in the hostel sooner than expected. It appeared that Yuffie was not that far away from the hostel. Feeling refreshed and rejoiced, the small brunette took big strides until outside of his room. He took his card key out but had no use of it. The door was left open!
How careless Riku can be!
Sora entered, closed the door as soft as possible and tiptoed across the small and miserable hole of a room. He settled down quickly, not wanting to disturb Riku's peace. After a quick look at Riku's relaxed facial expression, a burden was lifted off. Riku looked just as cuddly as the blue-collared pup.
When night and day co-exist. An eclipse...An eclipse was rare. No matter what, Sora was going to give it a try at the very least. The puzzle was solved finally and Sora's soft snores filled the room eventually. Sounds of soft breathing followed soon after.
The door was opened with a purpose.
He's still as stuck up as ever. Still keeping to himself! What's wrong with him!? I thought at least our relationship... Friendship will improve after a year!
Cloud was reminiscing about his first year in school thoughtfully. Little had changed between him and Leon regrettably, and it had messed with his mind just a little too much. Something... Anything... Must be done further since Leon was still keeping a distance with him. He could not bear it anymore! Since year one, Cloud had been dropping hints here and there but Leon had not been observant, or because he just pretended to ignore it.
"I'm going to confess my feelings to you tonight!" Cloud joked dramatically.
A pillow flew towards his direction and with quick reflex, Cloud managed to catch it.
"You missed! Haha..."
Then another pillow flew towards him. Too complacent about his achievement, Cloud was caught by surprise and the pillow hit him right on the head forcefully.
"Ouch! That's hurt!" Cloud half-groaned, half-fumed.
"I appreciate your liveliness and feel happy for you finally finding a partner to confess to but right now it is time to sleep. Keep your mouth shut or I shall gag you and tie you to the bed using handcuffs."
Cloud's roommate, Vincent, was really intimidating and never lied. The thought of being restricted and tied up by Vincent, handsome in a dark and sinister way Vincent, was appealing though.
Sleep must have awakened the kinky side of you...
Between seeking Leon out or to be tied to the bed by Vincent, Cloud was having a difficult time to choose. He decided to go for the former, and rushed out stealthily.
"Leony! Your darling Cloud is out here!"
Leon was rudely thrown out of his dreams.
Leony!? Darling... Cloud!? Gosh... Nightmares...
The ranting outside grew stronger.
Face my nightmares? Then get to sleep. Or don't get to sleep at all?
Being the practical person, Leon got up grimly and opened the door with the "Fuck off or I'm going to have my hands covered in your blood" look.
Gee... Leon sure was good in expressing himself through facial expressions..."I just want to tell you that in true, I..." Nervousness caught Cloud's tongue and his eyes went darting in Leon's room, "Eh... Where's Tiddy?"
Leon could not believe his ears! Cloud just woke him up to ask where was Tidus! Cloud's ass was itching to be kicked is the only logical reason.
Composing himself, Leon forced out, "Home..."
"Heheh... I see. I see. That's not my main point. I want to..."
Ravish you right here and right now... Say it!"Radish your right ear and right nose"
Shit...
"Pardon? Radish in my right ear and nose? Don't try to be funny so deep in the night..."
He's getting crazy..."Argh! Forget it... Hey! Is that a PS2!? Want a game? Want a game!? Please! Please!"
Yuffie is a bad influence on Cloud...I'm getting a headache...
Get rid of Cloud the sooner the better was Leon's main priority. So he complied with Cloud's constant pleas and begs, allowing for a game or two of Tekken 4.
"Take this! And that! Haha! I'm going to win!"
While Cloud was smiling gleefully, Leon suddenly unleashed a powerful move, which sent Cloud's character to hell.
"What's that!? You fucking cheated, didn't you? Rematch!"
And it happened again. And again. And again. Bored and exhausted resulting from the lack of competition and constant winning streak, Leon yawned lazily and made a face at Cloud.
Last match! Don't give me that look! I mean it. Last. Match. Swear. Happy?"
Leon gave a small nod and started the match. Cloud, bent on winning, was swaying the controller excitedly, as if he was in the game.
"Take that! Yeah I win!"
SNAP!
As though by black magic, Cloud's controller was detached from the cord.
"Oops... What happened? I'm so sorry Leon! It's not my fault! Seriously! Look at me Leon! Don't ignore me!"
With a dark scowl, Leon pierced right into Cloud with a menacing and murderous look. Terrible. Not willing to deal with a furious Leon, Cloud kept his mouth shut.
"Get out... Get out! GET THE HELL OUT BEFORE I PERSONALLY DO IT MYSELF THEN I WILL THROW YOU OUT IN PIECES!"
At least Leon is talking a week's worth of words...With that final thought in mind, Cloud gave an amused chuckle and smiled foolishly at Leon before scramming.
AN: Twisted Truths offered to help me out with my fic! Thanks a lot! What's the use of a fic when no one reading it? So thanks to those who reviewed!
You may be asking, is this an angsty story? Generally, no. But where's the fun without the angst? Haha... I'm sadistic. Don't worry though, at most it will only last for a little while more. I wanna make you all cry before I stopped! Wahaha... Joking... Sorry camigirl4k3 since there's no RS loving but more of RS angst. It will come soon I promised. Maybe not so soon... Thanks for your support anyway. :)
Hope the last part of the story will lighten the heavy and dead atmospheric pressure :P Some wacky LC fun hopefully will not improve the general mood.
How is this chapter? I can't believe the length! It was just so addictive that I kept writing and writing! The PS2 thingy was supposed to be more exaggerated, but I minimised the damage done. I wanted Cloud to pull out the controller along with the hard drive at first but oh well... TT... Anyway we still want Leon to have his trusty PS2 for more fun in the future... Can't have it permanently spoilt! Heh...
I'm cutting down on AN. Don't want to let the cat out of the bag. Please do review!