Disclaimer: I do not own Kingdom Hearts, Squaresoft, or any of the characters. But I do own the idea of this story! Huzza!

Rating: Pg-13

Author Notes: Whoot! Thanks for the constructive criticism, I guess, and of course, since you requested (you know who you are), I'll try to make the chapters longer. And thanks to everyone who gave nice comments to me! I will not let you down!

Mash

It was a long, silent walk for the rest of the way. Sora couldn't help thinking. . . was there something going on beyond that game? But it was just a game. . . or was it? The sun gently sank down past the sapphire ocean, leaving the island in darkness. However, soon enough, the moon shone its eerie, yet peaceful grayish light upon them, blessing them with what they would call light.

Then, there was a soft rustle behind him. Sora's sky blue optic glanced over his shoulder, a brow now cocked. 'It's nothing. . .' he assured himself. But then, it came again and Sora's heart pounded a bit faster in his chest. 'It's just the wind. And why should I be scared? I'm Sora—the keyblade master!'

But all his confidence slipped away as he turned around, seeing a dark figure lurking beneath the shadows of a tree. The 14-year old stepped back, face turning pale. "W-who's there. . .?!" he called, nearly gagging on his own breath. The figure was advancing toward him now, eyes covered by shadows. Sora stepped back one more time before he tripped, and his eyes rolled back in his head—out like a light.

Sora was standing near the water's edge. It was a pretty sunny day, but not too sunny. That large ball of fire above them emitted a dreamy hue, making the water sparkle. Someone was out in the ocean. . . who was that?

It was Riku. The 15-year old silver-haired boy turned towards him, grinning his usual grin. But then, a large wave sprang up, and Sora had to help him. He screamed out his friend's name, yet no sound was heard. In a second, the wave fell, and at that moment, Sora dove into Riku's arms. . .

"Sora. . ."

It was a semi-matured voice, and it was pretty calming. . . Sora's eyes were shut, but he was surrounded by something warm. He could feel it.

"Sora. . ."

The boy drowned in the person's words, grabbing a hold of what seemed to be an arm.

"Sora. . ."

Sora mumbled to himself a bit, before being violently shook.

"SORA!"

His eyes wrenched open. He was in his room. . . But what happened? And where was he? Sora looked around. Riku's back was to the window, and his legs were hanging off the bed. And Sora's head was in his lap, with Riku's arms around him. "Hey, man, you scared me back there!"

Sora didn't know what to say. He opened his mouth to say something, but no words came out. It was an awkward silence before Sora blurted out, "You were the one who scared me! I thought you were. . . I don't even know what you were! You were in the shadows and--"

"Shadows?! Come on, Sora! You were never afraid of the dark before!" Riku interrupted, putting one hand on the younger boy's forehead. Sora stopped talking just then. His heart pounded harder and Riku's hand traced up to his brown locks, and so Sora shut his eyes. He pursed his lips and then pushed his head against Riku's stomach. Maybe, just maybe that game thing was right. . .? No!! Sora slipped closer against his friend, feeling completely lost.

"H-hey, Sora? Are you okay. . .?" Riku asked, automatically holding him tighter. Sora gave a small whimper, before opening his eyes again, and looked directly at Riku. Riku was his best friend; his sparring partner; his angel. They were like brothers. But right now, it was different. Right now, everything seemed to have changed from friend to. . . well, something else. But hell, it felt right.

Sora sighed. "What about Kairi. . .?" he accidentally asked aloud. Riku frowned as if he was insulted, and Sora immediately shut his mouth. The last thing he wanted to do right now was hurt Riku. Anything but that. "I mean. . ." his voice trailed off. He couldn't find the right words to say.

"What about her?" Riku asked casually. "Don't worry, Sora, I'm sure she's fine," he retorted, trying to hide his sarcasm. What about Kairi?! Couldn't she just die for like, one night?!

"Riku, I. . ."

"It's okay," the older boy gave a reassuring smile and ran his hand through Sora's spiky brown hair. "It's okay."

So everything was okay—for now.

--

Author Notes: Heh. Hoped you liked it. I tried to make it longer, but I can't really think right now. X.x; So, Sora's confused, Riku's a bit hurt, and Kairi. . . well, who cares about her?! Hopefully, chapter 4 will be up pretty soon.