♥ You Don't Know Me Anymore ♥

By: Lakija X

Author's Notes: A game of chicken, and Riku with his shirt off. What could be more fun? Well, loads of stuff… like Riku in my living room with his shirt off playing Kingdom Hearts with me! Lol

But seriously, for my male readers, I have a little bonus next chapter. Don't let me forget it. I may forget it! Kairi's in a bikini. I promise to give some "insight" on that too. Now evveybodee's happee!

The bonus is totally freewill, so if anyone has suggestions, just let the craziest, most satisfying things come out of your keyboard. Just nothing indecent, 'kay? It's all for male readers, or readers who think Kairi and Riku should have some early romance as a comedy thing in the middle of this seriousness. I promise, whatever makes you happy.

That also includes not doing one at all! Lol

If you want me to Not do one, just holler.

Disclaimer: Unfortunately, I do not own Kingdom Hearts, or the characters… though I wish I owned Riku, of course. I can do without the other guys… just Riku… He's super cute and cool!!! -

I also do not own the nice lyrics from Musiq Soul Child's song "Love," that I used in various parts of Riku's monologues. They belong to him, and the nice peoples that also work with him. (See the 5th paragraph in Riku's part of the story.)

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

Kairi: Let's Go Swimming!

Riku told Sora about his eyes. But what he didn't tell me was that he could really totally see in the dark. That's when I knew that something about his blindness was not right. How can you see in the dark, but not in the light?

"That's because it's some sort of Kingdom Hearts curse or something. A little gift someone gave me in exchange for the safety of my heart… even though my heart was untouched, they took something that was even more important than that…" Riku explained.

I frowned. "What did they take? You've said that so many times… but you haven't exactly told us what it is that was taken," I pointed out.

Riku put his arms behind his head. We were walking on the beach, the three of us, and were trying to get a little sunshine.

"That's because, well… I don't exactly know what was taken either. I mean, what could it be? I don't really feel different. All I know is that there's a freakin' large gash in my stomach and that I am getting a killer sunburn!" Riku smiled. His eyes wandered off into the ocean, where they joined in unison. That's the thing about Riku's soul: it's the same color as the ocean.

"So… Sora. Have you been mackin' on Kairi while I was gone or what?" Riku asked. WHAT?! I thought.

"What?! I mean… I…I wouldn't- exactly- say that!" Sora stuttered bashfully. Oh yes he did…

"Really? Well, you'd better get to work then. We're not getting any younger!" Riku laughed. He's always laughing!

We all reached the cove, where Sora said that he would go and get a blanket and some lunch. While he was gone, Riku was sprayed by a little of the ocean. That sparked a proposal.

"Hey! I got an idea! Kairi, go and tell Sora we're going to go swimming. I haven't swan in three years."

I looked at Riku. :Do you want me to pick you up some trunks?"

He smirked. "That would be great. Where are you going to get them though?" he asked.

"Wakka, I suppose. I'll be back soon."

Me and Sora came back with Selphie, Tidus, Wakka, and Serenity. They all had on swimming attire. Selphie, who had beat me to Wakka's closet, handed Riku a pair of, and what else but, yellow and royal blue trunks. He smiled at her and pecked her on the cheek.

WTF!?!?

Riku went behind a tree to put on his trunks. Of course I'd already experienced the magic, but Selphie hadn't. When Riku returned, his gorgeous abs were exposed for all to see. Though we had covered most of it in bandages, Selphie could still spot the beauty right down to the last pack. The down-and-upside of the situation was that I would have to change his bandages when we finished swimming.

Selphie's eyes turned into moons as she gawked at the white-haired teen..

"Hey! Put 'em back in your head, ya?" Wakka complained, watching Selphie. He smacked her in the back of the head. Of course, Wakka has plenty to show too, but you know…

Riku playfully punched Wakka in the arm. Then they dived into the sparkling green and blue water of our tropical island. Though Riku and Sora are best friends, I really admire Riku's relationship with Wakka. They act like big brothers, taking care of the rest of us if we need any help at all. I guess it's because of their age. Plus, they understand each other a little better.

"Hey! Riku! Let's play chicken!" Serenity yelled out.

"Ya. I haven't whupped you in a long time Riku. Whatcha say 'bout that?" Wakka taunted.

Riku whirled around. He let out one of those freakin' hypnotizingly-beautiful laughs. Wow, I can't believe my descriptive details!

"Coolness… who wants to be my partner?" he called out, smiling from ear to ear.

Selphie jumped up, but Wakka pulled her back and whispered in her ear. Wonder what they said…

Serenity jumped on Wakka's back. "Wassup ya'll?! This my partner!" she yelled out. She was twirling around a towel in the air. Wakka laughed, carrying her to the shore. The towel landed on Sora head when she let it go.

Selphie went and grabbed Tidus's arm. "Come on hot-stuff. We're partners!" Those two also went. Well, actually, Selphie dragged Tidus along.

That's when Serenity said something that puzzled me. "Sora! Ay! Be the referee for us. Make sure Riku plays fair!"

Sora smiled politely, although I knew that he would want to play with me.

Should I stay with him? I thought. Or should I get on Riku's muscular shoulders… I mean! On Riku's shoulders?

I shook my head trying to think straight. Why did I even ponder that? Muscular? 'Cause it was true, mostly, but me?

"Have fun Kairi! Don't forget to knock of Serenity for me!" Sora called out to me. He was hiding disappointment, I know it, but he's way too polite to refuse a request.

I smiled sadly at Sora, and waded into the water. Sorry…

I climbed on Riku's shoulders. Then I thought of something obvious. Bending low to talk into Riku's ear, I asked, "How are we gonna play, if you can't see?" Then something that made my heart stop happened. When Riku turned around to talk into my ear, his lips brushed my face. I turned red immediately. Did someone see that?!

Wakka laughed, and everyone looked surprised. Riku realized what had happened and smiled, looking down.

"Don't worry about that. I never lose… and some things are planned mistakes."

I frowned a little, trying to figure out Riku's words. Planned mistakes? Those words stunned and confused me; had he brush my face on purpose?

When he took his face away, he kissed me… I guess it wasn't a mistake. And I'm pretty sure that I felt his lips.

"Keep looking up. Okay Kairi?" he whispered. Then we started the game.

Sure enough, Riku turned out to be the best player.

Serenity and Wakka went for Riku and I, but Riku expertly maneuvered through the water, as if he lived in it. It was a long game, but I'll speed it up to the final minutes.

Serenity and Wakka had knocked off poor Selphie, and Riku waited patiently for the battle to cease. When our team and Serenity and Wakka could go head to head, Riku told me to go in, duck, and push. I didn't know what would happen if I did what he said, but I figured the worst that could happen was that I'd totally fall. So I took a stab at Riku's strategy.

I told Riku to move forward. He did so, staying steady all the way. I pretended to push forward, and Serenity thought she had me. She laughed, extending her arms in offense, but I ducked out of the way. Serenity lost her balance a little, and I went in for the kill. Riku waved goodbye to Wakka as we pushed both players into the water together. Sora announced our victory.

Selphie snapped her fingers. "Best two outta three!?"

Later that day, Riku and I walked Sora home. We continued through the island to our own house. Riku had slung his shirt across his shoulder. The sky was getting dark, so I took a crack at something I had been thinking of.

"When night falls… will you be able to see?" I asked.

Riku sighed. "Hopefully. If it gets dark enough, you know? I wouldn't mind seeing how much you and Sora have grown on me. Heck, I wouldn't mind seeing how I look. Last time I saw myself… I was sixteen…" Riku's eyes watered slightly, but the sparkle disappeared instantly. That's when he glanced at me. His eyes looked right into mine. I mean, point-blank. But when the tears vanished, his eyes wandered slightly. He's not really one to cry.

What was that?

Riku stopped walking, looking at the ground. "Listen… today was really fun. It's great to be back home… but I can't help feeling that, something is still the same, but different."

"Huh?" I asked. I looked up at Riku. The sun disappeared into the ocean at that moment, and Riku's eyes once again focused on mine.

"You're in love with Sora right? How's everything going?" Riku asked.

"Great. When he came back I was so happy…"

"I know… I always knew, but…" Riku trailed off. He waved off the subject, continuing toward the house. I took Riku's arm, making him stop. His head was slightly hung. I lowered myself, so that I could look up into his face.

His eyes glittered again. "Are you okay?" I asked.

Riku's face melted into a hurt expression. "God Kairi… I thought that I would be able to…" he whispered, moving his hand to my face.

I touched his hand. "What?" I questioned in a small voice. I straightened back up.

Riku's eyes searched my face, but they stopped, looking down.

"…"

I whispered. "Riku?"

"Please…" he muttered. Riku took his had away from mine. " I don't want to talk about it… I don't want you to see yet…"

"See?" I asked, confused. I was a little worried. Riku had been so happy all day. Now he seemed sad. What had happened between then and now?

When Riku did not answer any more questions on that subject, I changed that topic. But I put it on a shelf in my mind to get later…

"Can you see me?" I asked.

"No…only your outline," he shrugged. "I was so happy at how cool you've grown to be Kairi… I mean… well… I thought I would be able to see your face as well… that goofy smile you get when you laugh," Riku sighed.

"Thanks… Riku." I smiled at him. Goofy? Me?

"Yeah, you're welcome. But I would like to see your real, beautiful face one day. One day far away I suppose…" he smiled. The moonlight shining on his face was so unreal, that I lost my breath.

When we reached the house, Serenity and I helped to take down Riku's hair. Serenity promised to braid it back up when ever Riku wanted. Riku happily took up the offer. He also fell asleep while we undid his hair. Serenity didn't notice his strange behavior before then.

"So Kairi. Do you like Riku?" Serenity asked.

I cringed. Did I?

"I don't know…" I mumbled slowly. Well, I didn't know. I only knew that he was absolutely gorgeous.

"Tell me about how it used to be back then, sweetie." Serenity got a pillow and put Riku's head on it.

"Well, I used to like Sora, for one thing. And he still likes me."

"So you like him then?"

"I think so… but I think I also like Riku," I said.

"Well, I can't lie. Back home, Riku would be over you and setting his sights on other girls if you chose Sora over him. He also may be heartbroken this very moment. Riku's heart is very delicate. He probably feels so bad right now. People like him rarely heal from such heartbreaks… So now you have a bad situation on your hands if you feel as if you regret to decision you made- That would make you feel guilty…"

"I don't know how I feel. Before he came, I was feeling happy with Sora. I was worried about Riku, but I was optimistic that he would return one day. Then, when Riku arrived this morning, I felt my world toppling over. Why? Because I don't know… I guess I was guilty with myself…" I whispered.

"That can only mean one thing: that you don't totally believe in your decisions." Serenity struggled with a stubborn braid.

"Are you sure?" I asked. Serenity nodded.

She looked thoughtful. "I know how you feel… Does it feel as if he's treating you with indifference?"

"…sort of…like he's paying attention to me, but not. Well, actually, he pays a lot of attention to me. It just doesn't feel like it…"

"Don't worry 'bout it. You just need to be truthful with Riku. He's really playing games. You see how he's always smiling. He's trying to tell you something," Serenity unwound a final braid, and proceeded to brush Riku's silky hair. However, I grabbed the brush, and occupied myself with the task. Serenity shrugged.

"Tell me what?" I asked, getting upset. I wiped my eyes furiously. Tears? For what?

"He's trying to tell you that he wants you and Sora to be happy. I believe he used to be in love with you. I'll ruin your discoveries of life if I tell you the truth… but you need to do this: let Riku know, that he still has a chance," Serenity said, being sure to sound concerned.

I continued to brush. Why hadn't I realized that Riku had been in love with me?! Why? When had he been in love with me? I couldn't recall. I needed answers. I needed info. Or this guilt would surely undo me.

"Ouch…!" Riku moaned. "What's going on?"

"Geez Kairi! Chill. You're brushing the hairs off his poor head ." Serenity warned.

Riku smiled, of course. "If it's a new thing to brush hair like that, then I don't mind."

I called Sora when I reached my room. I promised I would. I truly don't feel like relaying that awkward conversation. What I did ask was if we would throw Riku a party.

SORA: Yeah! That would be great. I'll certainly tell everyone about it.

KAIRI: Yeah… I was relieved when he came back. I didn't really want you to leave, because you'd get into trouble.

SORA: Don't worry about stuff like that… listen… I think that there's something going on. You've been acting weird since Riku came back. Is there something you want to tell me?

KAIRI: Well, I don't think so. I'm just really glad he's back home. If I need to tell you anything, then I will certainly call.

We both said good night, and I hung up the phone.

I had fixed up the guest's room for Riku, and he was getting accommodated. I however, went into my own bedroom. That's when I found a picture of us, me Sora and Riku, when we were younger. Riku, as a fifteen year-old, was not much different than he is now: lively and humorous and certainly vivacious at times.

His picture smiled down on me, beaming happily with zest and coolness. Sora's goofy smile made the picture so joyous, and I… I was standing in between the two young men who were causing me so much trouble in terms of love.

I held the picture next to my heart. Riku… please help me understand. Did I make the wrong choice for real? Or are you playing me for a fool? Because I broke your fragile heart?

Riku:…

I sat on the bed in the guests room. Looking at the lamp on my bedside, I clicked it off. I could see the gray outlines of everything in the room in the pitch dark of the night. I laid my head on the pillow, looking into the stars outside. Not pitch dark I guess. I looked out of another window. I could see everything over there.

I looked at my neatly folded clothes next to my bed. Reaching into my coat pocket, I pulled out a small charm.

It was something that I'd made a while back, to remember my friends by. I knew that I'd couldn't forget them, but accidents happen.

Just a small yellow star with red and violet ribbons attached. Just a stupid arts and crafts project. I laid it on the nightstand.

For some reason, I felt sad. Why? Because I knew that I couldn't pretend to not love Kairi anymore. I couldn't even like her genuinely.

But when I became sad, my heart told me to be happy. Be happy for Kairi and Sora. I wouldn't be able to move on if I didn't. It was hopeless to have a one-sided relationship with someone. I had to let her go…

No… Kairi didn't really love him. How could she love him? How? How could she when I practically lived just to be near her every day. She didn't know that no matter what happened, for better or worse, I would always choose her first over all else.

Why couldn't Kairi realize that!? Why?

I dug my head in the pillow, my eyes stinging. I had to move my head back and forth to keep tears from overflowing my eyes. My chest hurt from trying to tear my emotions in half: one half for love, the other for lies.

What was I to do? I was going into a state of depression trying to keep her happy.

Trying to act like I didn't care about Kairi and Sora was killing my heart. I did care. I did feel as if… as if my life were a lie: I don't care! I do! I DO have emotions! What about me?

I shouted into my pillow, tears evaporating into steam. What about me, huh?!

That was the second time I'd ever cried in my life; the first time was when I couldn't get an ice cream cone at age 8.

I hadn't even cried when I was born.

After I had recovered, I fixed my face in the dark. Looking into the mirror in the washroom, I had to pull the curtains to even begin to see myself. I washed my face, the cold water refreshing. The dripping of the water echoed in my head. Something was about to happen. I knew it.

I grabbed fresh bandages from the medicine cabinet. I removed the old ones, tossing them into the trash. I felt darkness within myself again subsequently. What could I have done about it?

Going back into the room, I leaned against the wall. Unwrapping the bandages, my eyes wandered to the wound on my stomach. I felt a mounting pain there that hadn't been there before. Breathlessly, I covered it with my hand. That did not cease the throbbing ache.

Suddenly, without warning, the pain increase sharply. I cried out, writhing against the wall. What was happening?!

The pain was creeping up my spine. The pain became so great, that I had to put the roll of bandages into my mouth, so that I wouldn't scream of bite my tongue. Sliding sown to the floor, I tried to ease the pain somehow.

I punched the wall. I thought I'd gone mad or something. Tears streaked my face with every wretched

throb. Sweat prickled my forehead. The stunning Riku was in pain, and it was NOT stopping.

"Riku! Is that you?!" I heard Kairi call out. My eyes widened.

I heard scrambling beyond the wall. Oh no… I could hide, but what good would that do? I was being tortured. Some people may think hiding is a good idea, like on movies and stuff. But I think that's stupid. I mean, if someone's coming to help you, why hide? See, I personally like taking the much-less traveled road. I clung to the wall, forcing my body to stand. On my way up, a sudden spasm caused me to dig my fingernails into the wall.

Kairi burst into the room just as I scratched a handful of wallpaper and plaster from the wall. She hurried to me, putting her arm around me.

"Riku!! What happened?! Are you okay?! What's wrong!" Kairi cried. At that moment, I lost all control of my body. I couldn't feel any part of it, and my head throbbed. I think I had a seizure. Terrible…

Before I lost consciousness, I caught a glimpse of a man outside the window. He had a glowing orb. I'm sure of it. I'm sure it was a man too. Because it was completely black on that side of the house.

When he saw me looking at him, he rushed away.

The pain disappeared shortly after, and I passed out.

Anyone who knows me can tell that that guy was going to get beat when I woke up…

Kairi: Help Me Hold Riku!

QUIZ

What will happen?

Riku will be so weak, that he needs Kairi and a friend to hold him.

Riku will be falling off the deep end, and someone needs to hold him.

Riku will beat the f—k out of someone, so Kairi needs help to hold him back.

A mad scientist wants to transfer Riku's brain into a poapu fruit, and Kairi's helping.

Riku passed out after his epilepsy-like attack. Before that though, he reached his hand out toward the window. I spotted a man running away.

Immediately, I grabbed the phone extension from Riku's desk. My fingers flew as I dialed Sora's number.

Later that night, we all had tied up that guy we found. Sora had caught the guy using his Keyblade. I myself couldn't use one, but I had the power to make key chains or charms into keyblades. Cool, yes?

When I removed his hood, I was stunned. He was a complete replica of Riku! He had a sneer plastered across his face. I was a little frightened, but I knew that we couldn't let him escape. I called over Wakka and his dad. That made sense. I mean, in movies, if something this serious happens, you never see anyone's parents show up. I think that an adult makes all the difference.

When the two entered the house, I told them about our little guest. Wakka's dad folded his arms.

"Where'd 'e come from?" he asked.

"We don't know. He won't talk, and Riku hasn't woke up yet. I'm worried," I said, silently. Wakka put his arm around me. "Don't worry 'bout it Kairi. I know Riku, and he will definitely wake up, ya?" Wakka patted my shoulder.

I shook my head. "It's really strange, though. The man did say that the darkness in Riku was his downfall. What darkness?"

Wakka and his dad looked uneasy. "Look Kairi. When Riku feels like it's time to tell you, he'll say something."

No one else continued, so we proceeded to Riku.

We took turns watching over that guy until the morning. Riku woke up while I was on watch. I perked up. Shaking Sora, I told him that Riku was awake. We woke everyone else in the room, including that guy.

"Oh Riku! You're okay! I was so worried!" I flung my arms around him. Riku hugged me back tightly. I half expected him to say, ow you're hurting me, but he didn't.

Instead, he asked, "What happened last night?"

I told him about how that guy was manipulating him with darkness. Riku looked across the room at the other boy.

"You gave me a seizure you know," Riku whispered. It's rare to hear Riku speak so quietly!

Riku pulled back the covers. I'd replaced his bandages and stuff last night. Riku looked around. He wasn't seeing anything. Rather, he was sensing everything around him. His face was directed toward that guy after a while.

Cringing after he realized he was still hurting badly, Riku walked slowly toward the other side of the room. We all watched as he put his face very close to the boy's face when he stopped. Then, something we all did and didn't expect happened. Riku brought back his fist and slammed it very painfully into the boy's jaw.

Author's Notes: Cool! Riku punched the lights outta that guy. If I made any errors, just holler, because I haven't read over this story yet. I wanted to get it out really quick!

In the next chapter, there will be MORE!!

More carnage!

More romance!

More RIKU!

More KAIRI!

MORE, MORE STUFF!!!

Final Chapter… There's No Avoiding It

After "That Guy" is punched into space, the gang, excluding Riku, prepares for a party out of this world! Sora even invites a couple of his old friends: like Leon, Cloud, Yuffie and Aerith. Everything is going along fine, until a heated argument between Riku, Sora, and Kairi fires up. It soon drives the platinum-haired teen right out into the rain. Will Kairi be mad at him and stay with Sora? Or will she follow him, her heart telling her that it's now or never?

-Lakija X)