None of the Characters belong to me. © Square Soft
Chapter 10
I hate this place.
The smell makes me want to puke.
I feel nothing but sickness here...
God this is taking so long.
Why did we have to come to this place....
I sighed and tried to make myself comfortable in the hard wooden chair that lacked any sort of cushioning. It was 8 in the morning, I was tired, irritable, and bored out of my freaking mind.
But this was my idea.
But I didn't want to come here.
Riku and I were sitting in the waiting room of a Traverse Teen and Family Clinic. We were back in uptown, back in Hell, waiting for Riku's name to be called. This clinic was one of the worst in my opinion. But it was the only place Riku could go to without fear of them trying to contact Cloud. He was a minor after all. And considering the kind of treatment he was going in for, he had to be 18 or over. I'd talked him into going and getting tested for any STD's just in case. And to have his ribs looked at. Thankfully this clinic had an urgent care center. I didn't want to make a trip to the hospital today as well. So it was convenient. Oh and free. Riku and I had nearly no money, what he'd made at work he'd spent on getting us new clothes and other personal items earlier today. And medical bills were a bit expensive. We had no medical insurance either.
Another sigh of frustration. I really just wanted to get out of here. This place had a strange unsanitary scent that like I said made me want to gag. I would take the hospital smell over this any day. I looked around again vaguely. I noticed there were lots of really young looking people here in the waiting room. A girl that sat across from me reading a tattered out of date magazine, she looked about 8 months pregnant, but had to be no older then me. I'm 16 remember. Yeah, she's young. Oh, there was a toddler grabbing onto her yelling "Mommy I'm hungry." Over and over and over again. Poor girl. I noted there was no one else, like a boyfriend, sitting beside her. I could be wrong though. Maybe he was at work or something.
I turned my head.
2 girls were sitting very close to each other, holding hands. They looked a little older then me. One of them looked really sick. Her pale skin seemed tight and pulled across her bones. She had bandages covering up one arm almost up to her shoulder. I noticed that she was trembling violently and murmuring something.
Drug addict.
I turned away and flicked at a bunch of brochures I'd picked up out of boredom. I'd read them all already. I was tired of looking at the symptoms of Genital Warts and Syphilis. The pictures made me cringe. I'd read up on various forms of birth control, that would have been helpful had I been a girl... *shrug*. I picked up a brochure I hadn't read yet. It was one of kinds for the teen hotlines. It had a very frightened looking girl on the front of it, she was hugging herself and staring out at you with really wide sad eyes.
Wonder how much she got paid doing this...
It was a rape victim brochure.
I flipped it opened and it started with that ominous, "Are you or someone you know being sexually assaulted?" I snorted and read on. "If so, you aren't alone. There are people that can help." I frowned and started reading a bit more. I skipped over the prologue. It was just to pitying for me. I went on to read just what to do if you had just experienced being raped or sexually assaulted. Those are two different things by the way. Looks like I've been through them both...
Anyway, the brochure said that after being raped you shouldn't take a bath and go right to the hospital. Don't take a bath huh? That's... pretty hard not to do. They seemed to know that because they commented on it. "We know what you've just been through feels awful and you are probably feeling dirty.." Not in those words by the way... but it's basically saying that. Continuing...
"But by taking a bath you could wash away important physical evidence that could lead the authorities to your rapist."
That's what I'd told Riku this morning. He wasn't trying to hear that again though.
I skimmed down the rest of the brochure and noticed all of the phone numbers to various places around the city that dealt with rape victims. Not that I'd be calling any of them... it was just something to note. Riku was suddenly gripping my hand and breathing really hard. I turned to him quickly.
"They... called me..." He said stiffly. I folded up the brochure and stood up. We couldn't make them wait for us. Riku stood as I did and headed for where a lady in floral nurse outfit was standing. She smiled sweetly at Riku and said hello. Riku smiled back nervously.
"And who are you?" She turned to me. Oh yeah...
"Oh I'm..."
"Sora." The women said softly. I nodded wondering how she knew my name. "Yes, you're here as the spouse." She looked over her clipboard. My eyes widened. Riku glanced at me.
I'm his spouse?
Hmmm :)
"Well, shall we go?" The nurse asked and moved aside to let us enter a small carpeted hallway. We were in what looked like another waiting room, but the sign over this front desk said Infant Care. There was no body in the section waiting.
"This way." The women said and took a left. Riku and I followed her silently. I got a lot of smiles from other nurses and doctors in the area and felt a little more at ease with this place. I wasn't even the one getting checked and I was nervous as hell. After another turn we came to a few door. The nurse pushed open a slightly cracked one and turned on the light. Riku and I stepped in as she closed the door.
"Have a seat." She said softly and motioned to the chairs sitting a very small desk. I took the seat closet to the door and Riku took the other. The nurse, her name was Joann, sat down at the itty bitty desk and pulled out a pen.
"Okay Riku. It says here you'd like to get a few STI tests done." Riku nodded. Joann went on. "You want to be tested for everything?" She eyed Riku. He seemed to tense slightly but managed to nod. I could only imagine what was running through her head. She probably thought Riku slept around with everyone.
"Okay." Joann said and scribbled something onto her clipboard. "And you'd like to have a doctor check you over. You think you have a some broken ribs?" Joann looked back at Riku. He lowered his eyes a bit.
"Uh yeah... I got mugged a few days ago..." He said. He sounded pretty damn truthful too. Joann seemed to believe his story because she wrote something down.
" Hmm, you have a bruise here too." She noted to herself, pointing at Riku's cheek. "It seems to be healing okay. You've been cleaning it?" Riku just nodded. Joann wrote down something else. That was starting to bother me.
"Alright then Riku. In order to have the STI tests I need to ask you a few very personal questions. You know and understand all of the information exchanged in this room is completely confidential. The clinic will in no way, shape, or form disclose any of this information without written consent from you. If the situation proves severe, such as your AIDS test comes back positive, we may have to get in contact with a parent or guardian. Do you understand these terms?"
Riku nodded.
"Can you sign here please." Joann handed Riku her pen and pointed to a dotted line. He signed his name shakily. Joann took her clipboard back, flipped the page, and started her questionnaire.
"What sexual preference would you classify yourself to be. Gay, Bi, or Straight?"
The answer was obvious I think.
"Gay." Riku said without hesitation. Joann smiled.
"When would you say was the last time you participated in sexual activities?"
"...2 days ago." Riku said softly. I knew he was referring to the rape. He couldn't lie about that.
"Was protection used?"
".....No...."
"Were you giving or receiving?"
"...receiving." I noticed Riku's hands were trembling violently. I laid mine over his to comfort him while trying not to make it seem like anything was wrong. Joann wouldn't have noticed anyway, she was staring at her clipboard.
"Was the intercourse oral, anal or both." I frowned at Riku, he couldn't see me though. He seemed to be holding his breath for some reason. All he had to do was answer the question. It was... unless...
"...both..." Riku finally breathed. I gaped at the floor. He hadn't told me that.
Oh no....
Joann went on.
"What reason do you have that makes you think you may have an Sexually Transmitted infection?"
"Past partners." Riku answered quickly. He must had known that was coming. Joann clicked her pen after writing down what Riku had just said.
"All done. Now, I'm going to be the one doing your tests, but first Dr. Valentine will be checking for your injuries." Joann stood up and went to a drawer. She pulled out a hospital gown and I heard Riku groan.
"Don't worry, you don't have to take your underwear off. Yet." She handed Riku the gown. "So go on and get changed. Dr. Valentine will be in to see you shortly." Joann gave us one last smile and closed our room door. Riku sunk into his seat. I was at a lose for words at that moment.
Leon had.. forced oral sex on Riku too...?
"Why didn't you tell me that...?" I asked. I was hurt. Riku gazed at me. Is expression held an extreme level of shame.
"What was I supposed to say? "Oh Sora, Leon stuck his dick in my mouth. I think I may have swallowed two liters of his cum?","
I winced. Ew.. that was nasty. Especially when Riku said it like that. My stomach lurched violently. I'm glad he hadn't told me...
Riku was changing now. I wasn't really paying attention to him though. I was just thinking how degrading that must have been. Leon had.. never forced me to do that. In a sick sort of way.... I'm assuming... it's how he told Riku he was in control....
Bastard.... bastard.... sick fucking bastard....
"It's all out my system now..." Riku joked icily, his voice cracked. He was referring the him throwing up so much. Gag again.
"I'm sorry." I said. Riku had completely changed and was sitting his folded clothes down in his chair. He shook his head and wiped at his eyes. I stood and went to hug him. I didn't fight me and just leaned limply into my embrace.
"I... just want this to be over..."
I kissed his head.
"You... must think... I'm so dirty Sora..."
I wanted to smack him for even conceiving a thoughts like that.
"Riku. How many times do I have to say it. I. LOVE. YOU. No matter what. Nothing is going to change that one simple truth okay." Riku studied my face through watery eyes.
"Once you're all checked up we can go home and you can rest. Then we can just forget about all of this."
Riku gave me a nod. He was trying so hard not to fall apart.
"Sorry to intrude." Came a soft but deep male voice. I let go of Riku, a bit startled, and looked at the door. A tall, at least 6 foot something, man was standing in the door. He had deep brown, almost red eyes, pale skin, and long shiny black hair that was tied back into a neat low ponytail and he looked really young. Maybe no older then Cloud. I know I was staring. He was really handsome. NO, really beautiful.
"I'm Dr. Valentine." He reached out to shake my hand. I took it and noticed how pretty his hands were. Almost feminine pretty. "You can just call me Vincent." He said and went over to Riku, who had perched himself onto the examining bed.
"So you are Riku." He said not really asking. "Well, it's nice to meet you." He shook Riku's hand and went to his clipboard. His eyes skimmed over it rather quickly and he murmured.
"A mugging. Hmm, not good. You're a lucky one." he looked back at Riku. I'd sat back down and was trying not to watch them. It was hard though. I was worried about Dr. Valentine.. er Vincent touching him. What if Riku got really nervous? The doctor would start to suspect something.
"This happened 2 days ago you said?" Vincent asked and pulled out his stethoscope. He reached into the back of Riku's hospital gown and moved his hand around. I know he was listening for Riku's heart beat.
"..yeah.." Riku breathed and stared at the floor.
"Can you take some deep breaths for me?" Vincent said.
Riku started breathing. His exhales were really shaky. The doctor frowned.
"Okay, you can stop now." He lowered his medical instrument and ran his fingers down Riku's spine. Riku flinched when the mans fingers brushed the bruise on the small of his back.
"Hmm." Was all Vincent said. He paused in the examination and wrote something on his clipboard.
"Okay, lye down please." He instructed. Riku complied and pulled himself up father onto the bed, so his legs weren't dangling, and laid down. Vincent pulled Riku's gown down a bit, just below his navel, he didn't react to the large bruise across his chest though. I saw Riku shiver, from the cold or from being uncomfortable I'm not sure.
"Hmm." Vincent said again. He was looking over Riku's torso with a steady gaze. Finally he pulled his stethoscope back out and listened to Riku breath from his chest.
"Good. Sounds clear. That lets us know that if your ribs are indeed broken, that they haven't punctured your lungs."
I sighed. I'd been worried about that too.
"Sorry if my hands are a little cold." Vincent said as he placed his finger tips on Riku's torso. I guess his hands were cold because Riku inhaled sharply. The doctor chuckled and started making smooth rubbing motions over where Riku's ribs were.
"If you feel any pain let me know." Vincent told Riku and for a time he there was no talking and the doctor did his work.
"Have you two been together long?" The answer was directed at me.
"Er.. yes, 2 years... Well we've been friends since we were little." I said. Vincent nodded and smiled. Riku was looking at me.
"I can tell you two have been together for a very long time. You have, what I call, 'a soul mates gaze'. When the two of you look at each other, a certain level of understanding is passed. You don't even have to speak because you already know what the other is going to say."
Vincent was gaining cool points with each passing second. Either he's gay himself or very open minded. There are few people, males, that would just openly talk to us about our relationship. Cloud, and Cid.... Yeah.
"How are you doing?" Vincent asked Riku softly. I saw Riku shift slightly and his gaze was fixated on Vincent's pale lovely face.
"I'm fine.... are you almost finished though?" Riku asked. I laughed softly at that. He was always to the point. The Doctor wasn't taken aback in anyway and just chuckled.
"Almost. Tell me, when I press here, does it hurt, like sharp stabbing pain, hurt?" Vincent took three fingers and pressed them against were Riku's sternum would be. Riku gasped slightly and flinched in a very unnatural way. Vincent drew back and nodded.
"Yes, it appears you do indeed have a few broken, if not cracked ribs." Vincent lowered pulled Riku's gown back up and turned away.
"You'll need to get some X-rays done and you may need bed rest."
Riku and I both glanced at each other and frowned.
We so did not have money or insurance to pay for X-rays. A getting them done would require a trip to the hospital I'm sure you know the out come of that topic by now. Riku sighed and said.
"Is there anyway that can be avoided. I mean.. I feel fine. I only came in because... I wanted to make sure. Now that I know I do possibly have some broken ribs I'll just take it easy for a while.:"
Vincent stopped what he was doing and turned to look at Riku. His gaze was sharp and questioning. I think Riku had crossed some invisible line that he shouldn't have.
"You don't seem to understand. You need more then just to take it easy. Judging by the bruises you have all over your chest and back. I really recommend you go to the Urgent Care center at the hospital."
Riku scoffed. "Look... we don't have the money for that okay." I gaped. Dr. Valentine didn't seem to startled. Even at Riku's icy tone of voice.
"Then your parents insurance should cover it." He eyed Riku. I stood then and came to linger next to my now getting angry lover.
"Look DR. Valentine. I thank you for your help and all. Now that I know I'm hurt I'll just chill for a few days. I'll be fine. I'm not some weak little kid that needs his mother to kiss his wounds for him."
"Riku..." I soothed and took his hand. I really wanted him to just shut up. He was being rude now. But... I guess I understood him a bit. The last thing he wanted to hear was someone mentioning his parents.
"We... live on our own." I finally explained. It was only half true. Sure we stayed with Cloud now, but we took care of ourselves. I one more year Riku would be able to get his legal ID, by a house, a car, get credit cards, everything. Then we'd be able to be on our own.
"No guardian?" Vincent asked. I bit my lip. I heard the man sigh.
"I see. So that would explain why you came here. Okay... well..." Vincent was flipping through some papers on his clipboard. "Ah, here." He gave me a business card. "When you get the chance. Call this place. They can set you up with free medical insurance. And because of your situation, they won't question you about your age or anything. Tell them Dr. Vincent Valentine referred you."
I took the card and smiled thankfully at the man. He was so understanding. If only more people in the world were like him.
"Well Riku. For the time being. Get some rest. Don't lift ANYTHING, try not to move around too much and avoid strenuous and physical...." He winked, I blushed. ."..activities. I'll give you a prescription for some pain medicine." And with that he made his graceful exit with a small smile and wave.
"Well, that part is over. Now you just gotta..." I turned to Riku and saw him pale. He seemed to have forgotten about his STD testing. I rubbed his shoulders. "It'll be fine." I was saying this from experience. True the tests were anything but fun. But they weren't so bad once you got past the part that a stranger was staring at and touching your genitals. I wasn't going to say that out loud though.
"... can you stay...?" Riku whispered. I looked at him in confusion. Stay? Where was I going. He seemed to understand why I was so confused.
"I know... you probably don't want to watch... but could you... don't leave my side okay..." He was getting close to begging and I nodded vigorously. Of course I would stay. I kissed Riku gently on his cheek and we waited for the nurse to come back. I felt Riku stiffen when she entered the room with a small cart. I had lots of various tools, cups, small sample dishes on it. Joann smiled.
"Ready?"
-------------
We'd made it back home with no incidents. Riku had gone and immediately took a bath. I heard him whimpering and moaning in sorrow in the shower through the door. The tests were degrading. They really made you feel worse once they were all done. The questions stayed on your mind for days and haunted your dreams at night. You keep wondering and dreading in heated anticipation for the results. Which we will know in a week. Well... except for the AIDS test. That's 6 months. But I'm not worried about that at all. Leon's a whore yes, but he lives by safe sex....
I tried to avoid conversation all together once Riku had settled down enough to relax. He was lying with his eyes closed, on his stomach, and the head of the bed in his pajamas.
"Did you take some of that pain medicine?" I asked, referring to the prescription Dr. Valentine had written out for Riku. That freaking bottle of meds was forty-five damn dollars. For 25 pills with one refill. The fuck... but I forked over the cash so Riku could get better.
I need a job..
"Yeah...." Riku slurred. I eyed him worriedly. He was acting funny.
"You just took one right?" I asked and crawled up to him. He was breathing really slowly and couldn't seem to focus on me. He managed a slow nod.
"... Well the doctor said that they'd make you a little sluggish..." I ran a hand through Riku's hair and smiled. He was dozing off.
"Just rest. We can start fresh tomorrow."
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Tomorrow and the days after that, were good days. We were healing.
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1 month and 1 week later.
I thought things were getting better. I hoped and prayed at night that they were. Riku was doing much better, emotionally and physically. He was smiling, if only slightly, again. I lifted my heart to see him in good spirits. Cloud still didn't know anything. And I felt guilty for not telling him. It had been a month and then some since those life changing events had swept down upon us. It felt like another life time really. I hadn't shed a single tear since then. It felt good to be happy for once. And Riku and I were seemingly moving on with our lives. Riku had gone back to work a few shifts a week at the restaurant. We had money again so that was a plus. He didn't talk about work to me, or anything from outside though.
We'd come accustomed to our new living space. Cloud's apartment was nice and cozy with plenty of space for the three of us. Cloud... we didn't see much any more. Only in the morning and maybe some times in between. He hadn't grown distant of anything. He just.... always seemed to be doing something now-a-days. That was fine.. I mean, we aren't his kids....
I wonder who he's always on the phone with though...
I was always stuck in this apartment during the day. I didn't have a job yet. Riku didn't really want me to get one. He said he felt better knowing I was home behind a bolted door no the 7th floor or our apartment building. I found something to do most of the time. I cleaned, cooked, watched TV, slept, wrote things, read things, slept again. I got bored so I'd go out. Let me tell you, Downtown Traverse is way safer then Uptown. The malls were always full of people, I had plenty to look at and try out. Clothes, games, food. All sorts of things. And considering Riku always gave his tip money to me I had lots of cash to blow. Not that I did.
Sigh.. I'd better get home before Riku does.
I wonder what would happen tonight. Like I said before, Riku didn't talk much about anything now. Mostly because he didn't do much but work. I wanted to talk about things though. Like our relationship.
Okay... I felt guilty about this. But I was really starting to miss being intimate with him.
He didn't like touching or holding too much. I could understand. And at the same time I couldn't. All of his STD tests results came back negative. That was a weight off of my shoulders. Not that I was worried... ah heh... ahem yeah. But I just couldn't understand why he was so uncomfortable around me. I didn't try to do anything at all. I actually stayed away from him most of the time so he wouldn't feel trapped. I just didn't know what to do.
I was 6:00p.m. by the time I walked into our apartment. It was dark inside so I know Cloud wasn't here. He hadn't been home for the past 3 nights. I was staring to get worried. I know his job is important, and that he's pulling extra shifts so he can provide for us, but I don't like him working so much. It makes me feel lazy. But I had picked up the job as housewife. I would make sure dinner was on the table when Riku and Cloud got home, and that things were clean and in order.
*Ring, Ring, Ring*
I stopped in pulling off my jacket and answered the phone.
"Hello?" I said and glanced at the caller ID. I was from 7th Heaven. So it was either Cloud or Riku.
"Hey.." It was Riku.
"Hi!" I chirped and continued taking off my coat. I hadn't heard Riku's voice since this morning. I was nice to hear it now. "What's up?"
Riku was silent for a minute and I could hear voices in the background. He was still at the restaurant.
"Did you make dinner yet?" he asked. I started shaking my head, like he was there to see it, and answered 'No.' Riku grunted. "Why?" I asked. Maybe he wanted something in particular for dinner.
"I wanted you to try 7th Heavens lobster tails... I got some... Is that okay?" Riku said softly. I smiled into the phone.
"Of course. I could go for some sea food. What do you want me to make something to go with it?" Oh, Lobster. That was some expensive dinner. I wonder what else Riku had in mind for our night.
"No, you just relax. I'll be home in about in hour or 2..." I nodded to myself. I'd been hoping he'd get off of work early. But he always stayed until about 9:00 every night.
Sigh...
"Okay..." I paused. "Is Cloud there by any chance?" I had to know.
Riku was silent for a time. "Er.. yeah... he's busy in the kitchen though. Did you have something to tell him?"
"Uh.. No. I was just wondering... Is he joining us for dinner?" I was untying my boots now. Riku seemed to switch ears to listen because everything sounded muffled for a moment.
"No. He said he had plans tonight." Riku finally said. I blew a soft breath through my bangs. God.. Cloud could at least call. I was tired of staying up worrying about him. I just had some fear that Leon was going to come after him looking for us. I hadn't happened yet... but still.
"Sora." I jumped slightly. I 'd forgotten I was on the phone. "Yeah?"
"I have to go now. I just got a new table. See you in a bit. Keep the doors locked."
"Oh.. Okay... Love you." I said. Riku paused and went silent.
"I love you too." He finally breathed. I could jus see him smiling like a love struck fool on the other end of the phone. I blew a kiss through the receiver, Riku returned it, and hung up.
So... I wonder what's on TV...
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(Riku's POV)
Damn... I so did not want another table tonight. I'm ready to go home. I stood from the booth I'd perched myself in and headed for the kitchen. Yuffie had told me it was one person at my table so I didn't go to look. She'd given me an odd expression when she'd told me though. Oh boy... maybe my customer was a jackass. Whoever they were. I got a glass of water, an appetizer plate and some napkins and went to greet my him/her/them.
It was a distance from the kitchen to my section. It gave me time to think. And considering the restaurant was nearly empty it was nice and quiet. But I really didn't want to think. I just wanted to erase my mind of anything and everything... except what I had to say to greet my table. That's what mattered now. The present, here and now. Not what happened yesterday, or a month ago...
Damn...
I tremble just slightly... Here and now, here and now.... I lifted my head to say hello and my voice caught in my throat. I just remember I stumbled and nearly dropped everything in my hands when I saw the man sitting at the table.
Oh..my God... Literally.
"Uh... Hi. I'm Riku...." I paused and swallowed hard. The man was watching me so closely. "...I'll be your server tonight... Is there anything I can get you while you decide what you want tonight?" I tried to keep my voice steady. This man... I'd never seen anyone that looked like him walk into 7th Heaven. Ever. He was either a model or an angel... or both. He looked rich, dignified, and polite... er suave. Yeah that's the word. He was sitting staring down at his menu when I walked over. He turned, his... I thought it was gray... shiny white silver hair rested over his shoulder like a water fall of stars along the milky way. His eyes were.... well they were the same color as mine. Only sharper and more intense. They seemed to glow. When he smiled I felt like jell-o for some odd reason. And when he spoke...
His voice made me tingle all over. It was weird but really nice.
"Hmmm." He breathed and his eyes ran over the menu again. "I'll have a bottle of your White Zinfandel, chilled." He looked at me again and I slowly wrote that down. Good lord... he'd just spent 60 dollars... Oh yeah.. he's rich.
"Ah.... can I see your ID please?" Please don't give me hell over this mister. The mystery man reached into his trench coat, it was sitting next to him, I noticed how shiny the leather was and I knew instantly that it was real. He pulled out his wallet and showed me his ID. He took a good picture. I stared at the signature and date of birth. I was counting up from my birthday to his. He's... 26.
SEPH-I-ROTH... Was his name. I didn't say it out loud. I'd probably say it wrong anyway. Oh... his name was... like melted butter.
"Okay Sir.."
"Sephiroth." He corrected me. I blinked. His voice was so.... hypnotic.
"Okay... Sephiroth. I'll be back with your drink in a moment. Was that all?" I wanted him to order something else before I left. Just so I could hear his smooth as silk voice again. Just so I could feel like whip cream from my toes to my finger tips for another moment.
"The sautéed Portobello mushrooms in raspberry vinegar please." I wrote that down and smiled as well as I could. "Okay, I'll be right back." I said and turned to walk away. We had.. Porto..bello mushrooms here? He made our food sound so classy. Ch.. his bill had already reached 80 bucks. I wonder what he was going to eat for dinner.
"Riku you are so lucky." I heard Yuffie coo as I entered the kitchen. All of the women were swarming to the door way of the kitchen to look at Sephiroth. I like that name a lot. I didn't blame them really. I mean, there was an absolutely gorgeous man sitting out in our restaurant, who wouldn't stare. But women can be so... girly sometimes.
"Yeah, yeah...." I said and handed the order of Portobello Mushrooms to the cook. He eyed the order for a moment and lifted a brow. Yeah.. that was some expensive shit he had to cook.
"What did he say to you?" Yuffie asked and grinned at me. I shook my head.
"He asked for my phone number." I chuckled at Yuffie's wide eyed expression.
"Yuffie.. What do you think he said?" The girl squealed and I rolled my eyes.
"That guy is... HOT. What did he order?" She asked.
I turned from the cook to look at the girl. I couldn't help but frown. "Why do you care?" I asked and leaned against the counter. Yuffie grinned. "Oh come on man. Look at that guy. He's like.. the most gorgeous human being to walk through those doors. Ever. And you of all people get him."
My frown increased. "What's that supposed to mean?" I felt insulted for some reason. Yuffie scoffed. "Don't act like you don't know. Riku, you always get the best customers. Hot guys especially. And I think this one is rich."
I smiled beside myself. "He is... he ordered a freaking bottle of Zinfadel... a bottle Yuffie. That's 60 dollars worth of alcohol." Yuffie gaped at me.
"Well, you're under aged. You can't take it to him." She was basically saying she would do it. "Like hell. He doesn't know I'm a minor." I turned away from the girl. She pouted and asked.
"What's his name?" I glanced at her and started saying the mans name over and over in my head before I whispered.
"Sephiroth."
I let the words roll off my tongue. His name sounded very... Latin to me. All of the women turned to me with wide star struck eyes. One of them looked like they'd faint any second.
"He's a God." One of the other female servers swooned. I scoffed and went to leave the kitchen to get the bottle of wine. The bartender prepared everything and sent me on my way. When I came back to Sephiroth's table he was busy looking through a novel I hadn't noticed before. He closed it and turned to watch me while I sat his wine glass and bottle down.
"Your mushrooms will be done in a minute." My voice shook and I have no idea why. I also felt like I'd just drop everything I was holding at any minute because I was quivering so bad. Was it good this man was having this affect on me. Sephiroth laughed huskily and I felt my cheeks go warm.
"Thank you." He cooed. I nodded timidly. I think I'm blushing now.
"So... are you ready to order?" I whipped out my pen and pad to take his order down. If I could just get some kind of control back... I'm just serving him dinner. It's completely innocent. I'm not flirting with him.
But I think he's flirting with me.
"Hmmmm." He breathed again. The way he did that was very airy and elegant and made me want to hear it again over and over. I think he knew it too because he did it again and looked at me.
"I have never eaten here before. What do you recommend, Riku?"
I froze. The way he said my name... it was like... the most beautiful way I'd ever heard anyone say it. It sounded like a forbidden spell from his lips, that I noted looked so soft and supple. Sephiroth took a sip of his wine and waited for my response.
"Well.. what do you have a taste for?" I asked absently. The man studied my face and ran his tongue over his lips. I think if I hadn't been leaning against the table I would have fainted.
"Meat." Sephiroth said and closed his eyes. "Fresh, rare meat. Maybe some sea food..." His voice went soft and he smiled at me. I had completely lost all ability to think and I just stared at him.
"Well." He breathed. I jumped slightly.
"...You can get... our 5 .oz lobster tails with a sirloin if you want..." That was another 30 bucks. Sephiroth seemed to like that suggestion.
"Sounds good. I will have that then."
"How do you want your steak?" I asked ready to write. I'd gotten my bearings back at least a little bit.. A very little bit.
"Medium Rare."
Gag... that's not even cooked. That's nasty.. raw meat. Hey but that's okay. It's his steak...
"And your lobster?"
"Broiled. With lemon butter." He said.
I jotted that down.
"Potato?"
Control was coming back now. He was just having dinner. There was no chemistry between us. He was a stranger and he was here to do nothing more then feed himself.
Yeah....
"Baked, everything on the side." He licked his lips again.
Oh my god... My pen was shaking in my hand again. You know... I can't tell if I'm nervous or afraid now...
Why would I be afraid?
"Salad?" I breathed. He paused and frowned slightly. I froze, thinking I'd done something wrong.
"I don't think I'm going to be able to eat all of this by myself." He turned to me. "If you're getting off soon maybe you'd join me for dinner."
I dropped my pen with a sharp intake of air. Had I heard him right. Me. Riku. Join him. A God. For dinner? Was he for real? I bent down quickly to grab my pen and felt around blindly on the floor. Where the hell had it gone?
"Here." Sephiroth said. I looked up quickly and noted how close his face was to mine. My heart fluttered unnaturally again. I had butterflies in my stomach and my face felt really hot.
"Excuse me?" I stuttered and took a step back. I hadn't heard him right. That was all.
"I said. If you'd like. Would you join me for dinner?" Sephiroths eyes were looking me up and down. I think... As he asked again. I felt like a deer in head lights and I couldn't seem to form a single word in my mind to say back. This just couldn't be happening..
"Well.. you're my last table. I won't get anymore tonight.. so..."
What the hell am I doing? Have dinner with him? I couldn't.... I shouldn't...
I looked back at the man and put my pen in my shirt pocket.
"I have a boyfriend." I finally said and mentally kicked myself for not mentioning it earlier. Most people would stop trying to come on to me once they knew I was taken. But this man wasn't most people.
"So." he said.
I took an involuntary step back at that. I hadn't really thought this guy was gay. He doesn't look it... Well neither do I but still. I guess the dinner thing should have given him away though. But grown men do things like this all of the time. He probably has kids and a wife waiting at home for him. And here he is flirting with me.
"I'm a minor." Yeah... that would make him leave me alone. Although... I didn't really want him too. He was really nice. But it was freaking me out. He was almost 30... It wouldn't work. And I was with Sora.
Sephiroth gave me an odd look. I couldn't tell if he was mad or not. Maybe slightly agitated. I'm sure someone like him didn't expend their energies trying to pick people like me up all of the time.
"Riku. I never said I wanted to take you home. I just want you to sit with me for a while."
I stared hard at the man. He sounded sincere enough. But I had learned my lesson a long time ago from dealing with grown men.
"I'm meeting someone here." He said. A bell rung in my head. Meeting someone. So he wasn't interested in me? I felt better and sad all at the same time. I was sad from finding out this walking wet dream wasn't here for me. And I felt better knowing that I didn't have to feel guilty for slightly flirting with him, and actually considering having dinner with him.
I was tempted to ask just who the hell was he meeting here and how and where did they met him. That they were lucky a son-of-a-witch too.
"Well.." I started rather shakily. "That just changes everything." I ran a hand through my hair and laughed to myself. Sora would have just... killed me if he was here now.
"I can't. I have a boyfriend like I said." I turned to Sephiroth. He was smiling slightly, like he was musing over something.
"I really would join you. I mean, the offer is extremely tempting. But...It just wouldn't be right." I turned back to my not so secret admirer. He was laughing softly to himself.
"Maybe next time then, Riku. Whoever has you as their boyfriend is very lucky. I'm sad I missed out. You seem like a very intriguing person." Sephiroth took a sip of his wine and then said. "But perhaps, I can get to know you during this short time of you being my waiter."
I smiled and nodded. I'd tell him anything he wanted to know. I just felt like I could talk to him without being ridiculed. Sure I felt just slightly uncomfortable that he was a total stranger... but he wasn't so much anymore. I knew his name, his age.... that he was waiting for someone. OKAY.. so he is still a stranger. But it's not like I'll ever see him again.
"Let me go and put your order through." I said after a time. Sephiroth nodded and made my way. I was again bombarded with questions by all of the ladies in the kitchen. I didn't answer them and just rung up steak and lobster dinner. I didn't go back up front to chat though. It wasn't right for me to get familiar with this man. What if his illusive companion suddenly showed up and he and I were in a deep conversation about the meaning of life or something. I know I would get pissed if I walked in on Sora like that. And once again. He is too old.... for me.
"Are you okay Riku? You look.. a little pale." I didn't turn to acknowledge the voice. I knew who it was.
"I'm... just tired Aeris."
I thought she'd gone home already. Sighing I glanced at her. I think she was one of the few women I could put up with without Sora being around. Aeris was a genuinely nice person. She had a very motherly persona, that often times made me feel inclined to spill my heart out to her. There were a lot of things I really needed to talk about out loud. But I just didn't have the nerve too. Not to Sora.. Not to her... not even to myself. So I kept them buried.
"Want to talk about it?" Aeris asked. What.. could she read minds or something? I shook my head stiffly and went to check the status of my table's appetizers. The mushrooms came up and I ran them out. I didn't take the time to talk to Sephiroth though. He was on his cell phone anyway. I noticed his companion hadn't shown up though. On my way back I saw Cloud watching my table from the bar quite curiously. His gaze was so steady that he wasn't even blinking. That picked my interest a bit but I wasn't going to dwell on it. Cloud could stare at whoever he wants.
Aeris was still watching me when I came back into the kitchen. She had this look on her face that said "Please talk to me." It annoyed and frightened me at the same time. How the hell could she tell something was wrong?
"Riku.. can I see you in my office for a moment." It was an order. As gently and sweetly as she could say it. I groaned. I had to go. She was my boss after all. I made my way over to her slowly and walked into her little office. She closed the door and took a seat at her desk.
"Something's wrong." She stated. Basically saying for me to spill. I raised an eyebrow at her.
"Okay.... And?"
Aeris sighed and motioned for me to sit. I shook my head, refusing to.
"Look.. I thank you for your concern. But I'm fine. Everything is fine. And even is things weren't.. I really don't feel like talking right now. And I have a table I must attend to." I turned to leave, just grabbing the door knob.
"I.... there's something I have to tell you."
I froze but didn't turn around. I think my stomach fell to my knees at that moment. I never liked how those words sounded. When people said them it was always bad. Always.
"I.. know... about...."
My breath hitched. What did she know? She didn't know anything. How could she? Who'd told her?
"About Sora..."
I think I almost broke the doorknob because I tugged really hard without meaning too.
"What... what are you talking about?" I was going to play dumb. I like I was clueless. I didn't like where this was headed one bit. And... something was telling me she'd been wanting to say this for a long time. A long time before I knew about it.
My blood was starting to boil.
"I wasn't going to tell you. He made me promise not to." Aeris was standing now and hugging herself. "I can't take it anymore though. You have to know... since it doesn't seem like he'll tell you."
My mouth was suddenly very dry. So it was true. Sora had told her before he'd told me.
How could he...
"Riku.. Leon raped Sora." Aeris said. And I heard her voice crack with raw emotion. I turned slightly. Shocked from her having known first.. not from hearing the news. Aeris was sobbing quietly into her hands.
"He..." I started but my voice caught in my throat. I as going to ask her why he'd told her first and not me. I think Aeris thought I was going to ask why hadn't he just told me at all.
"He begged me not to tell you. I'm so sorry. I know I should have...sooner... but.."
"But you didn't." I hissed and turned on her. I was furious now. All of this time this sugar sweet fake.. BITCH looked me in the face laughing and giggling and asking me about Sora. All of this time she'd known something that had almost destroyed us.
"How long have you known?" I asked bitterly. Aeris wiped her face and looked sadly up at me. I wasn't buying any of this sentimental bullshit. Not a bit. Anything I'd ever thought good about her had completely disintegrated into thin air.
"About.. a year now... I wanted to tell you.. but.."
"But Sora begged you not too! Well guess what AERIS! I don't give a flying fuck what he begged you not to do!" I was pissed and I wasn't hiding it anymore.
"Riku...." She breathed wide eyed. I think this was the first time the women had every seen me mad. She was going to get holy Hell too. I wasn't going to hold back.
"Do you know what we've gone through. This could have all easily been avoided if you had just come out and said something. What were you? AFRAID?! Afraid that Leon would hurt you! What about what he could have done to Sora again?"
I took a breath.
"You're a fucking adult. It's not like Sora was asking you not to tell on him because he'd stolen something. He was raped. And you claim that you care about him... like he's your son. So you'd keep something like that a secret if it had been your child? You as the grown up should have stepped in and reported that shit to the police.. You're a fake-hypocritical-smiling-little-bitch! And Sora trusts you with his life... and you let him suffer..!"
Another breath.
"But because he begged...." I stopped there and snatched the door open. I just couldn't believe her lame ass excuse. "Don't you ever talk to him, look at him, don't even say his name.. AGAIN!" I hissed. I was looming over her. I wanted to smack the living shit out of her so badly. She reminded me of my mother at that instant. She did it for his benefit. Bullshit! I slammed my fists down on her desk and watched her jump in fear. She was terrified of me at that moment. I didn't care either.
"I swear to you. If you so much as think about Sora I'll fucking strangle you. YOU don't deserve to be his friend." I meant that too.
And with that I left the room. I don't know what Aeris did after that. Everyone had heard me yelling. I know they had. They were staring at me with wide worried eyes.
"Yuffie. Can you finish waiting my table for me? Something came up and I have to run." I snarled. Yuffie nodded cautiously. I didn't say thank you and grabbed my coat and the lobster I'd ordered for Sora and me. I had to get out of here.
I wasn't coming back either.
Good, Bad, Review please.
Author's Notes:
Riku is so mean. Can you blame him though. Yay! Sephiroth is here. Hahaha, now all of shit is about to start. Riku is very very angry with Sora. I haven't decided what he will do to Sora. It's not nice though. This is the first time you'll see Riku act violently towards Sora. It's... going to be intense. This is why Riku starts to contemplate suicide. Because of what he does to Sora. You'll see.