The Lion and the Mouse

by sakurai-chan

[AU] Riku is a viscious gang member, Sora is a timid high school student. When Sora rescues Riku from a life threatening experience, they become a little closer than others might like... yaoi RS,LC,WT

11. Tradition

The Lion and the Mouse-

-peeks out into audience- Hello. . . is everyone still there? I'm back! I'm sorry it took me so long. School is over, so I should be updating more often. In June, I was on vacation. I went to Disneyland! -dances- 50th anniversary! Disney world is so much better though. Anyways, I hope you all haven't given up on me. I do plan on finishing this story, so no worries. It's all worked out in my head . . . the middle's kinda fuzzy though, but I've got the ending! I've also been working on some Lion and the Mouse artwork. Keep checking my deviant art page. There's a link on my info page thingy. Okay, and now on with the story!

Chapter 11:Tradition-

Monday morning, Riku woke up with butterflies in his stomach, and a happy blush spread across his face. He was excited that he was going to see Sora again. He actually wanted to go to school, something he hated doing. It was all because of that boy; he was an amazing inspiration. Something about Sora made Riku happier than he had been in a long time. He jumped out of his bed and stretched, yawning loudly. He scratched his silver locks before he went to his dresser to find what he was going to wear. Once he found a suitable outfit in his gang colors, he went to their small bathroom to take a shower.

As the warm water hit Riku's skin, his mind couldn't help but drift over to Sora's face. " Sora . . ." He whispered. He never thought about anyone as much as he thought about Sora, especially while in the shower. His face became hot as he blushed. He couldn't help thinking about what Sora would look like in the shower. He shook himself and slapped himself in the forehead. " Gah! Pull yourself together, Ri!" he shouted at himself. If hethought about Sora any longer, he was sure he would lose it. Upset, he grunted and grabbed his shampoo. Why does Zell have to like him! He thought hopelessly. He took his anger out on the shampoo bottleby squeezing it tightly. It wasn't long after he began to work the shampoo into a lather did he realize he had accidentally used his mother's shampoo. He groaned. " Great. Now I'm gonna smell like . . ." he paused to read the bottle, " Warm Vanilla Sugar all day. Perfect . . .!" He didn't even want to think as to why his mother had that shampoo.

After he dressed, he pulled his black scull cap onto his head, and slung his backpack over his shoulder.

As soon as he made it to his front door, the doorbell rang loudly. Riku hoped with all his heart that maybe it was Sora. He looked trough the peek hole with excitement. Zell's unmistakably blonde, spiky hair came into view, and Riku quickly backed away from the door. He had forgotten that this week was the gang's traditional " skip school" week. They had done it every year since Oblivion was established. They would always go to school every other week. Riku mentally slapped himself for being so airheaded.

Zell suddenly began to pound his fist on the door shouting, " Riku! Open the door or I'm comin' in!"

" No you're not . . ." Riku said quietly. He had gotten smart and locked the door the night before. He laughed when Zell tried to open the door and couldn't.

" Riku!" Zell called, and his voice sounded panicky. " Riku! Are you okay in there? Open up, Bro!"

Riku sighed. It was not normal for Riku to lock the door, so he understood why Zell was so worried. I can't leave him like this, he thought as he unlocked the door.

Zell stumbled inside, obviously getting ready to ram the door. " Riku!" he cried, regaining his balance. " You bastard! Why'd you lock the door? You had me worried, bro!"

" Calm down," said Riku, holding out his hands. " I didn't know you'd be so freaked out!"

Zell sighed and rubbed the back of his head. " Sorry. I just get so protective of you guys sometimes. I don't want anything to happen to my gang, especially you . . ."

Riku smiled while rolling his eyes. " Cut the mushy-brother-shit, dude," he said, embarrassed.

" Woah! That was cheesy!" Zell said once he came to the realization. " So, what are we gonna trash today? Park, mall, rich neighborhood?" He sniffed the air. " And why do you smell like a hooker? Never mind. Let's bounce--"

" Actually," Riku began, cutting him off. " I was actually thinkin' about goin' to school today . . ."

Zell's smile slowly dropped. " What? You're kidding, right?"

Riku shook his head. " No. I am going to school."

The Oblivion leader tried to talk, but all that came out were fragmented words. " You . . . I . . . school? Wha . . ."

" Zell, calm down dude," said Riku, placing his hands on Zell's shoulders.

Zell pushed his arms away. " Why? Riku, it's tradition!" We always skip this week! What the hell are you thinking!" Riku fell back a bit at the angry glint in Zell's eyes.

" Zell, bro, it's nothing really . . ." he searched for an excuse. " It's just that . . .I saw a kid at school . . .wearing our colors, and I need to take care of him . . ." Riku decided that technically, that wasn't a lie. Sora had worn their colors before, and Riku wanted to take care of him.

Zell seemed to calm down a bit and he nodded. " Okay . . .I see. S'cool. Make sure you get him good. Maybe I should come too--"

" No!" Riku shouted all too suddenly. Zell was giving him a confused look. Riku laughed nervously. " I mean . . . let me take care of this one, besides . . . I won't even be there all day. I'll leave at lunch and meet you at your house."

Zell gave a long uncertain sigh before he nodded again." Okay Ri, but don't get into the habit. We're not destroying my big bro's tradition."

Riku gulped. " Wouldn't think of it!"

His friend smiled and punched Riku in the shoulder. " Alright then. You be careful. Remember what to do if you see a Red and Black again?"

" If one of them puts their hands on me, I send them to the cemetery . . ."( Quote from Malcom X! XD) Riku said monotonously as Zell smiled.

" Good," he said. He snapped his fingers as ifhe remembered something. " Oh! And while you're there, keep an eye out for Sora. I don't want anyone else to have him. Ya hear? He's mine."

Riku winced. He felt like a back stabber. " ya . . . yeah. I'll keep an eye out."

" Okay," said Zell. He opened the door and let Riku walk out first. " I'll see you at lunch."

" Right," Riku agreed. " See ya then."

Zell waved before he turned and walked in the opposite direction of the school.

Riku let out all of his breath. " Dammit . . ." he groaned as he began his walk to Sora's house.

ooOO00OOoo

Sora ran downstairs with the strap of his new shoulder bag hanging over his shoulder.

" Slow down!" Cloud called as Sora sped past him. " At first Rikku, now Sora. What's gotten into him?"

Sora ran into the dining room and grabbed a piece of toast from Rikku's plate.

" Hey!" she cried, stomping her foot.

" See ya sis, dad, Lu!" Sora said quickly, kissing each of them goodbye.

" Son, what's with the rush?" his father asked. " Sit, eat. You have plenty of time."

" Yeah Sora," said his sister, glancing at her Cardcaptors wristwatch. " School doesn't start for another hour and a half."

Sora sighed, looking up at the ceiling. " Oh, alright." He sat beside Rikku, and then threw his hands up declaring, " It's such a beautiful, sunny day!"

Rikku chewed slowly while staring at him. " Sora . . . It's overcast."

He blinked and looked out of the nearest window. He blushed. " So it is! A-ha-ha!"

His father and Rikku looked at each other.

" Sora," came Cloud's voice. " I don't appreciate you almost turning me into road kill in the hall way."

Sora gave him a bright, apologetic smile. " I'm sorry!"

Cloud stopped right in his tracks. Woah . . . He hasn't flashed one of those since mother passed away. . . " Sora, what's gotten into you?"

" I was just about to ask the same thing myself," said their father, leaning in on his elbow.

Everyone stared at Sora, including Lulu and Aerith, who were standing in the doorway.

Sora grinned happily. " Nothing's gotten into me! I'm perfectly fine!"

Suddenly, the doorbell rang and Sora jumped up from his seat, almost spilling Rikku's orange juice.

" Sora!" She cried, frantically grabbing at her cup.

Sora sped past Lulu and opened the door before she could. His grin wavered a bit when he saw who it was. " Oh. Hey Leon."

Leon smiled and waved at him. " Hey. Is Cloud ready?"

Before Sora could say something to embarrass his brother, Cloud came into the entry way.

" Hi Leon," he said with a smile. He looked down at Sora. " You walking with us Sora?"

Sora shook his head. " Uh, no. I'm going with Rikku."

" Rikku's going with Rinoa and Yuna later on," Cloud reminded him.

Sora smiled nervously. " Did I say Rikku? I meant to say Tidus and Wakka."

" Tidus and Wakka have morning practice today. There's a game in a few weeks," said Cloud. He was becoming suspicious.

Sora had to give in. " Oh. . . okay. Then I guess I'll walk with you guys." Before he left to go get his bag, he turned to look at them. " Just don't start making out while we're walking." He ran away before Cloud could hurt him.

Cloud turned to a chuckling Leon. " My brother," he said. " Just ignore him. He's been acting so different lately . . ."

"He's a kid," Leon reminded him. " He's just having one of those times."

Cloud sighed and shrugged. " I guess so."

ooOO00OOoo

On their way to school, Sora lagged behind Leon and Cloud as they chatted about the poet's café. He kept looking all around for Riku, but couldn't seem to find him. Maybe he's not coming today, Sora thought sadly, lowering his head to look at his converse.

They walked under a tree and a mysterious figure jumped behind Sora, putting the confused boy in a headlock. He began to laugh when he realized who it really was. The silver hair that was hanging in his face was unmistakable. "Ah! Riku . . . let go of me!"

" 'Sup Sora! I'm so happy to see you, Bitch!" Riku exclaimed, tickling him.

Sora began laughing uncontrollably. " Ahhhahaha! Rikuuu! Sora cried.

Cloud turned around when he heard Sora screaming. He gasped when he saw who was holding his brother. He shook Leon's arm. " Leon, look! It's that brat Riku!"

Leon turned to look. His eyes went wide. " We have to help Sora!"

They both ran over to Sora, yelling for Riku to let go.

" Hey bastard! Get your hands off of my brother!" Cloud yanked Sora from Riku's grasp, and Leon grabbed Riku from behind.

Sora ducked out of Cloud's arms. " Ah, Cloud! What are you doing?"

Cloud looked at him, confused " S-Sora?"

Sora laughed nervously. " It's okay. Riku . . ." he paused, not sure how Cloud would react to the truth. "Riku is my. . .friend."

Cloud's mouth fell open, and Leon's did as well.

" Let him go," Sora told Leon politely.

Leon pushed Riku away from himself and watched as he straightened his black jacket. Riku was giving him a smug look that said, " Nah nah!"

" Hey Leon," Riku said evilly. " Long time no see. How's your new life going?"

Leon looked petrified. " Let's not do this, Riku . . ." he begged in a stern voice. He did not want for Cloud to know about his past.

Cloud pulled Sora aside. " Sora! What the hell is going on? What do you mean he's your friend?"

Sora looked away from him. " Cloud . . . It's okay. Look! He gave me my necklace back and everything! He's really nice . . ."

Cloud gaped at him. " S-Sora! Have you forgotten all that he's done to you?"

Sora shook his head. " I forgave him, and he's my friend now. I needed one."

" Not one like him," Cloud said. " Sora, he's in a gang. It's dangerous! You could get killed!"

" Nah," said Sora, shaking his head. " Riku wouldn't let that happen. He'd protect me."

For a moment, Cloud was hurt that Sora had a new protector in his life. He continued to stare at him in disbelief. " Sora, but, he's . . ."

" He's nice, funny, cool, and . . . and . . ." Sora looked down, blushing and giggling. " . . . And I think I like him too . . ."

" What!" Cloud cried. " Sora, no!"

" Cloud, you need to calm down," Sora said. " Forget it. Who I hang out with is none of your business. I know you want to protect me, but sometimes, you've got to know when to back off."

"S-Sora . . . but . . ." Cloud was at a loss for words.

" Don't tell dad?" Sora asked hopefully.

Cloud was silent for awhile before he quietly agreed not to tell their father.

Sora laughed happily, hugging his brother around the neck. " Don't worry Cloud! I'll be careful! I promise!" He waited for Riku to walk over to him, and together, they began to walk to school.

Cloud still stood there, staring after them. At that moment, he felt very left out. That was when Leon came up beside him and wrapped his arm around his shoulder.

" Don't worry about it, Cloud," Leon said gently. " He'll be okay. If he's Riku's friend, Riku won't let anything bad happen to him . . ."

Cloud glanced up at Leon and moved away from his arm. " Yeah? And how do you know Riku so well?" And how does he know you?"

Leon drew in his breath and looked away.

" What are you hiding from me Leon?" Cloud shouted. He felt like he was going to cry. His little brother, who he shared everything with, was suddenly keeping things from him. He felt like he was losing it. Ever since they moved-- in fact, ever since their mother died, he had been feeling like he was under a lot of stress. Sora was the only one he could talk to about it. He couldn't lose him to some gang thug. " Leon?" he screamed. Tears began to stream down his face. " Tell me! Tell me please!"

Leon was shocked to see Cloud crying. " C-Cloud . . . Don't cry . . ." he whispered, placing his hand on Cloud's cheek to wipe away his tears.

Cloud leaned into his touch, closing his eyes. " Leon . . . everything's falling apart . . .and I can't stop it . . ."

Leon took the blonde into his arms. " It's alright Cloud," he said gently. " I'm here for you. I won't let you down."

Cloud sniffed as Leon pulled away a little to kiss away his tears. The blonde smiled gently before Leon placed a small, soft kiss on his lips. Cloud blushed and hugged Leon again.

"B-but . . . Riku . . ." he muttered.

"Shhh," said Leon. " I promise to tell you later. Right now, we have to get to school."

Cloud nodded slowly. " Okay . . ."

ooOO00OOoo

" And then, Coach Cid was all like, ' Tidus! Swim six laps in the stadium!' And I was like, ' Aw man!' And he was like, 'Now mister!' And I was like--"

" Tidus!" Wakka cried with his hands over his ears. " Shut the hell up!"

Tidus stuck his tongue out at the red head.

Selphie and Kairi laughed from across the lunch table.

" Sora," Kairi began as the spiky-hairedboy bit into his sandwich. " You seem happy today. You were all blushy in Jewelry Class."

" Yeah," Selphie agreed. " And when you came over here too."

Sora shrugged, smiling shyly. " It's nothing really . . ."

Tidus stuffed a few fries into his mouth. " What's my cousin hidin'?"

" Nothing . . . Tiddy," Sora said mockingly.

" Shaddup!" he cried, crossing his arms to pout while the others laughed at him.

Suddenly, Riku slid next to Sora on the bench. " 'Sup Sora?" he asked casually.

" Hi Riku," Sora said, totally forgetting how it must've looked to the others.

Riku reached across the table and took a handful of Tidus's fries. He gave him a nod. " 'Sup Blondie?"

Some fires fell out of Tidus's open mouth as he stared.

" You hungry, Riku?" Sora asked.

Riku nodded. " Yeah. I don't have any lunch money though."

" Oh," said Sora, digging through his bag for his wallet. He pulled out some money and handed it to Riku. " Go get some lunch and come back here," he said with a smile.

Riku smiled at the money and then at Sora. " Thanks Sora. You're the best." He ruffled Sora's hair before he left to go buy his lunch.

When he was out of hearing distance, Tidus leaned in to speak to Sora. " Sora," he began casually. " Can I ask you something?"

Sora nodded. " Yeah."

" HAVE YOU GONE NUTS!" the blonde cried, throwing his arms into the air.

Sora drew back. " What do you mean?"

" What do I--! What do I . . .! Somebody say something! I can't talk right now!" Tidus's head fell into his arms as Wakka patted him on the back.

Selphie spoke first. " Sora . . . honey . . . Tidus was just wondering if you realized who that was."

Sora nodded. " Riku. Duh."

Tidus looked up again. " You've gone crazy, you've lost your mind, your marbles! You've gone nuts!"

" Calm down Tidus!" Wakka said. " You know how you get . . ."

Tidus nodded. " You're right Wakka. I've just gotta breath and calm down . . ."

" This is strange," said Kairi. " I'll be sure to look out for the apocalypse."

" Why?" asked Sora, totally clueless.

" Because Riku's being nice to us-- to you," she said. " Just last week, he was picking on you. Maybe he lost a bet?"

" Does this have anything to do with when you saved him?" asked Wakka.

Sora shrugged. " Sort of. We kind of bonded after that. We've been hanging out all weekend."

Tidus slapped his forehead. " I knew it. I knew we should have just called an ambulance. But nooooo! You just had to play hero!"

" He would have died, Tidus," Sora reminded him. " I had to."

" What are you guys talking about?" asked Selphie.

" Riku shouldn't even be here today," said Tidus.

" Yeah. I thought this was their skip-school-week," said Wakka. " They do it every other week, ya know."

Just then, Riku came back with his lunch and sat beside Sora. " So . . . you guys are again? No wait. Don't tell me . . . I remember . . . Taidus, Sophie, Kari, and Wakku, right?"

" That's Tidus, Selphie, Kairi, and Wakka," Tidus corrected him.

" Oh yeah, yeah, yeah," said Riku nodding. " That's right."

Selphie cleared her throat and spoke. " So Riku . . . Are you . . .going to hang out with us from now on?"

Riku shrugged. " When I can. Zell's already been suspicious. It's gonna be tough, but I'll do anything to hang with Sora."

Wakka stuck up an eyebrow.

" I broke tradition just to see him," he said, eating some fries.

" Isn't the Oblivion gang going to get mad?" Kairi asked.

" Not if they don't find out," Riku simply stated.

Just then, a reporter from the school news paper walked past and spotted Riku sitting with Sora. " Woah!" he cried. "This'll make a great story! Oblivion gang member Riku Nomura with . . .some kid."

Riku jumped up from his seat and grabbed onto the reporter's collar before he could leave. " Not if you like the way your face is arranged now you fucking bitch . . ." He made a threatening fist.

" Riku!" Sora said loudly, grabbing onto his raised arm.

Riku looked down into Sora's eyes and smiled. " But I won't hurt you," he continued. " Sora wouldn't want me to." He set the reporter back onto the ground. " Just don't tell, Okay? Or I will come after you . . ."

" Agreed," said the reporter, his eyes wide in fear. He turned and ran off.

Riku sat back down and continued to eat his lunch with Sora while the others juststared.

ooOO00OOoo

" So when did you firstfeel lost in math?" Sora asked at their tutoring session in the library after school.

Riku shrugged, leaning back in his chair to rest his feet on the table. " Dunno. I never got math."

Sora looked at Riku's homework and nodded. " You can do this with a little extra help. I know you can. What's for English?"

" We have to write a stupid poem," Riku answered. " I can't write poems. Who do I look like? Shakespeare or something?"

Sora shook his head while chuckling. " You can do it. Poetry can be fun when you write about something you really care about."

" I see," said Riku. " Then . . . can I write about you?"

Sora began blushing immediately. " Um . . . sure. If you really want to . . ."

Riku was grinning slyly. " Oh, I want to."

Sora blushed even more and then tried to change the subject. " Okay then, um . . . In History, we just finished Chapter One, right?"

" Riku nodded. " Yeah. I didn't read it though, so I know I failed the test."

" Don't worry," Sora said, " It's not too late to change that."

While Sora flipped through their history book, Riku gazed fondly at him. He loved Sora for all that he was doing to help him. Finally, someone who's willing to give me a chance . . .

Sora suddenly felt Riku's warm breath on his ear as he spoke his words.

" Thank you so much Sora. You're the best . . ." he said softly,then heplaced a firm kiss on Sora's cheek.

Sora caught a whiff of vanilla inRiku's hair as he pulled away. He blushed and placed his hand on the spot where Riku had kissed him. " Um . . . y-you get started on that poem, and I'll--"

" I didn't get a you're welcome, Sora," Riku said with a grin.

Sora blushed even more and looked away. " R-Riku . . ."

Riku moved closer and put his hand on Sora's face. " Sora . . .?" he called in a low, sexy voice.

Sora's mouth went dry. Their faces were only inches away from each other. " Riku . . .s-stop . . ."

" Not until I get a you're welcome. " He kissed Sora on the nose and Sora gave a small squeak.

"Y-you're welcome," he said quickly.

Riku grinned, pulling away. He was hoping that Sora would have delayed a bit longer so he could kiss him on the lips. " Okay, so you were saying?"

" You start the poem while I work on a way to explain the math to you," said Sora, the blush on his face subsiding.

Riku nodded and picked up his pencil. He began to write as he watched Sora from the corner of his eye.

ooOO00OOoo

Riku walked Sora home after tutoring, and he had no idea thatsomeone stood by, watching silently. After they saw Riku say goodbye to Sora and start walking back, they emerged from behind the wall in front of him.

Riku stopped dead in his tracks. " V-Vincent?"

" Hello, Riku," said the tall, black haired teen. " What's up? Besides the fact that you walked Sora home?"

Riku looked away and started walking again. Vincent walked with him.

" What are you doing with Sora?" he asked.

" I'm sure I have no clue what you're talking about," said Riku with his nose in the air.

Vincent scoffed. " Oh sure," he said skeptically. " Come on, Riku. What's going on? I knew there was something up when you didn't show up at Zell's at lunch like you said you would."

Riku kept walking in silence.

" Riku . . ." Vincent pressed. " Come on. What--"

" Okay! I'll tell you!" Riku cried, fed up.

Vincent smiled triumphantly. " Okay. Go on. I gotta hear this. . ."

Riku let a long sigh escape his lips as he rubbed the back of his head in guilt. " Sora. . . he's fun to be with," he admitted. " I know Zell likes him a lot, but he's only attracted to Sora's physical side . . ."

Vincent slid his hands into his pockets as they kept walking. " I see . . . but why do you like him?"

Riku smiled. " He makes me feel like I'm worth something, like I can make something out of my life . . ." He paused to gaze up at the sky. " No one has ever made me feel like that. No one has ever given me the chance . . ."

Vincent was shaking his head while tsking at what Riku just told him. " Oh no man . . . You sound a lotlike Leon . . . you better be careful or that kid will have you quitting the gang . . ."

Riku gasped and punched him in the arm. " Never! Nothing and no one will ever make me turn my back on my brothers! Never!"

" Well, then what about today Ri?" asked Vincent. " You never showed up like you promised. What was that all about?"

Riku stopped walking. " He was helping me . . . Okay?"

Vincent stopped walking as well and gazed down at Riku with an uncertain look. " Riku . . ."

Riku interrupted before he could finish. " Just . . . don't tell Zell, okay?"

"Riku . . ."

" Please Vincent?" Riku begged, giving Vincent his best puppy dog eyes.

Vincent scoffed again. " Dammit dude. Why with the sparkly eyes?"

Riku stuck out his lower lip in a pout. Riku usedbeing the youngest member of the Oblivion gang to his advantage all of the time.

The dark haired boy sighed in defeat. " Okay . . . okay . . ." he said, finally giving in. " I won't tell Zell . . ."

Riku grinned happily before he began running down the sidewalk. He waved back at Vincent. " Thanks Val! You're the man, bro!"

Vincent just watched him go. " He's never been this happy . . ." he said to himself. " Never . . ."

ooOO00OOoo

As soon as Riku got home, he started on his homework. Usually, he just watched T.V. or played video games. Homework was something he never did, but he wanted to impress Sora.

He began working on his math at the kitchen counter when his mom came into the apartment.

Riku looked up from his math momentarily to see her. " Where the hell have you been?"

" Out," was her simple reply. She came into the kitchen to get a drink when she saw what Riku was doing. She blinked " What the fuck are you doing? Those look like numbers . . ."

" Thank you Captain Fucking Obvious," Riku snorted, rolling his eyes.

His mother's eyes went wide. " Are you doing homework?"

Riku nodded, not looking away from his work.

His mother looked out of the front window suspiciously.

" What the hell are you doing?" Riku asked her after a while.

" Just checking to see if pigs are flying," she said. " I can't believe you are actually doing homework!"

" Get over it," Riku said, annoyed. However, he was happy that mother seemed to be proud.

She held up her hands while shaking her head. " Nope. That's it. If you can get your act together, then I should be able to too. I'm the adult after all. I've gotta get my act together too."

Riku refused to believe that she was serious. He shrugged. " Whatever . . ."

The phone began to ring and Riku's mother picked it up. " Hello? . . . Yes, just a sec." She held the phone out to Riku. " For you Ri."

Riku took it and spoke into the receiver. " 'Sup?"

" Hey Riku," came Zell's voice. " It's me."

Riku gulped, thinking that Vincent had told him about Sora.

" Missed you at lunch," he said. " Where have you been?"

Riku shrugged, trying to keep his cool. " Oh, here and there . . .mostly there."

Zell laughed. " Very funny. Okay . . . So. . ."

" So what?"

" So what?" Zell echoed. " So what about Sora?"

Riku almost dropped his pencil. " S-Sora?"

" Yeah, Sora," his friend began. " Short, brown haired kid, blue eyes, cute face, nice ass . . ."

Riku felt like throwing up after the last thing that Zell had said. Looks, he thought. That's all he cares about. " Nope. Nobody's snagged him yet."

" Good," said Zell. " And yo, look. I found the perfect way for me to get him."

Riku clenched his teeth. " Really . . .? How So?"

" The 'rents will be going out of town soon, and I'll have the house all to myself. I'm gonna throw a party!" Zell told him happily. " Isn't that great? And I'm inviting Sora."

Riku rolled his eyes. " Yeah, yeah . . ." There's no way I'm letting Sora come to a house party! Riku thought fiercely.

" Party's in a few weeks," said Zell. " Perfect time to get everything ready."

Riku went silent on the other line. Zell just wouldn't give up, and it was making Riku sick. He could just think of all the disgusting things Zell would do to Sora if he had the chance. Knowing Sora, he would probably just let him do it.

" Ri?" came Zell's voice. " You still there, man?"

Riku narrowed his eyes. " Look man. I can't talk right now. I gotta do my homework."

Zell's side was quiet for a while, and then he burst out laughing.

Riku found his laugh quite annoying at that moment. " What the hell is so funny!"

" You . . . homework . . .?" Zell said through laughs.

Riku strummed his fingertips on the table, waiting for Zell to stop.

" Okay dude," Zell said, catching his breath. " I'll let you go then. See you tomorrow."

Riku's body went cold. " T-tomorrow . . .?"

" Yeah . . . I know we're supposed to skip, but tomorrow's special," Zell said. " I want to invite Sora tomorrow."

" I don't think he'll want to see you," said Riku angrily. " I mean . . . after all you've done . . ."

" After all we've done," Zell corrected him. " Don't you worry, dog. He will be mine. That's a promise."

Riku snapped his pencil in two from gripping it in frustration. " Son of a . . ."

" What was that?"

" Nothing . . ." Riku muttered. " Fine. I'll meet you at school. I . . . wanna sleep in."

" Alright you lazy ass," said Zell jokingly. " See ya then."

Zell hung up and Riku slammed his phone back onto its cradle. " I really feel like kicking his ass right now . . ." he admitted to himself, andthen, he went back to doing his homework.

ooOO00OOoo

Tuesday morning, Sora had to walk to school with Wakka and Tidus. His father was starting to wonder why Sora was waiting, so he had to leave without Riku. As they walked, Sora's mind drifted back to Cloud. He didn't speak to Sora at all after the incident; he just stayed locked himselfin his room. Sora felt horrible, because Cloud was easily depressed, especially after their mother passed away. Cloud had left earlier with Leon and Yuffie. He didn't even say goodbye to Sora, and he was standing right there.

Sora sighed and tuned back into what Wakka and Tidus were talking about.

" Man!" Tidus was saying as he put his arms behind his head. " Coach Cid is really packin' on the practice!"

" Well, he really wants the school to win a game, ya," Wakka said to him. " I mean, our team has never won a game . . ."

" Never?" asked Sora.

Tidus shook his head. " Nope. Nada. Zilch."

" Sucks," said Sora, frowning in disappointment.

Wakka placed a hand on Tidus's shoulder. " Well, look on the bright side: at least your getting taller, Ti."

Tidus grinned. " I am, aren't I?"

Sora looked over at his cousin to find that he had to look up a bit to see into his eyes. " Woah!" Sora gasped. " You used to be shorter than me!"

" I was, wasn't I?" said Tidus, smiling smugly.

Sora pouted. " No fair! Everyone's getting tall except for me!"

" Don't worry Sora," Wakka began, " You'll get taller soon . . ." Then he finished quietly with, " Probably . . ."

" I heard that!" Sora cried, crossing his arms.

Wakka and Tidus laughed as they kept on walking.

As they walked, a small noise caught Tidus's earas they passed an alleyway. He watched as a dark figure began to emerge and make their way over to Sora.

Tidus shrieked. "GAH! Sora, look out!"

Sora turned around, eyes wide, only to be glomped by Riku. ( AN: Very OOC. . . .I know . . .)

Tidus jumped back, staring with an open mouth. He grabbed onto Wakka's arm. " Quick Wakka! Do something! He's strangling him!"

Wakka just stood there, watching. " No . . . I don't think so . . . I think he's huggin' him, ya."

Tidus stopped panicking and started to stare like Wakka. " He. . . is . . ."

Riku pulled away from Sora and held up a paper. " Sora, look!" he shouted happily. " I finished my first math homework in like, forever!"

Sora took it from his hands and smiled at it in disbelief. " Wow Riku! And at first glance, most look correct!"

Riku scratched the back of his head modestly. " Well . . . I wasn't quite sure about numbers 3, 8, and 15 . . ."

" It's okay Riku," said Sora happily. " I am still very impressed!" Without thinking, Sora placed a soft kiss on Riku's cheek. When he realized what he had done, he clamped his hands over his mouth and began blushing wildly. " Umm . . ."

Riku was grinning while touching his cheek. " Anyways, your tutoring really helped . . . thanks . . ." He took Sora by the shoulders. " Now it is my turn to give you a thank you kiss . . ." Riku brushed his lips very lightly against Sora's, and this caused him to blush even more.

Wakka and Tidus just stood by watching, side by side.

" Um . . . Confused?" Asked Tidus.

Wakka nodded. " Oh yeah . . ."

ooOO00OOoo

After fourth period, Sora went to his locker to unpack his books. Once again, when he was about to close his locker, it was slammed shut for him. Sora jumped back again to see Zell standing there with his hand resting on the lockers. The only thing different about it this time was that Riku was with him.

Sora eyed them both nervously. " Leave me alone," he said to Zell. " I don't want to associate with you." He started to walk away, but Zell caught his arm.

" Hold on . . ." Zell said. He grinned as he took Sora's hand and pulled him closer to his body. " Don't worry . . . I won't hurt you . . ."

Sora was shaking slightly at how close he was to Zell.

Riku was beginning to get furious. " Zell," he started. " How about I invite him now?"

Zell shook his head. He was smiling slyly. " That's okay, Ri . . ." he said. " Let me handle it."

Riku's eyes went wide as Zell took Sora by the shoulders and gently pushed him against the lockers.

" I'm having a party in a few weeks," Zell said, raising a hand to play with one of Sora's hair spikes. " I'd love it If you'd plan ahead for coming . . ."

Sora gulped. " A . . . p-party?"

Zell nodded slowly.

"I-I don't know . . ." Sora said quietly. He looked to Riku with pleading eyes.

Riku grabbed Zell's shoulder. " Zell . . . come on. You're scaring him."

Zell chuckled and then looked into Sora's eyes. " You don't need to be scared anymore." He put his knee in between Sora's legs and slowly pressed down. " So?"

Sora nodded, wanting for Zell to just go away. " O-okay."

" Good . . ." said Zell. He gave Sora a kiss on his neck before backing away. " Let's go, Ri."

Riku gave Sora a paper invitation and then took a few steps after Zell. He wanted to stay with Sora; to make sure that he was okay. So, Riku grabbed his side and made a pained expression. " Oh . . . ow! My ribs!"

Both Zell and Sora took a few worried steps over to him.

" Go on without me, Zell," Riku said. " I'm gonna check 'em out in the bathroom."

Zell went over to him. " No. We should go to the nurse--"

" No!" Riku said quickly. " I mean. . .no. It's alright. I'll be fine."

Zell nodded. " Okay. Be careful. We're cutting the rest of school, so I'll se you at my house."

Riku gave him a nod as Zell began to walk off. When he was out of sight, Riku miraculously recovered.

Sora went over to him and gently laid his hands on Riku's side. " Are your ribs bothering you again?"

Riku took Sora's hands in his. " No. I'm fine. I just said that so I could be with you."

Sora looked away, blushing. " O-oh . . ."

" How about you?" Riku asked, still holding his hands. " Zell didn't hurt you, did he?"

Sora shook his head. " I don't wanna go to a party . . ."

" Why?" asked Riku. " If it's because of Zell, I promise--"

" It's not that," Sora cut in quietly.

" Then why?"

Sora mumbled something that Riku couldn't hear.

" What was that?" asked Riku as he bent over slightly to hear him.

" I said I can't dance . . ." Sora finally admitted.

Riku straightened up again and laughed. " That's it?"

Sora nodded, his face flushing with embarrassment.

Riku hugged him. " That's okay. I'll teach you," he whispered softly into his ear.

" Okay,"Sora agreed. They released each other and Sora dug into his pocket for some money. He gave the money to Riku. " Here. Let's have lunch by the big tree in the field."

Riku took the money gratefully. " Thank you," he said smiling. " I'll meet you by the tree after I get some lunch."

Sora nodded and then said, " Yeah, because if we're going to hang out, we've gotta do it inconspicuously. Rumors will start. And I don't think my friends are ready for you yet."

Riku nodded in agreement." Meet you by the tree," said Riku as he began to back away.

" Kay." Sora waved as Riku ran off. He slipped his backpack onto his shoulder and started for the tree.

ooOO00OOoo

After Sora finished his homework that night, he decided he would go talk to Cloud. He was still very upset with Sora from the incident the other day. It wasn't that he was mad, he was just upset that Sora hadn't told him. Sora knew that Cloud could get depressed very easily, and it sometime even made him sick. Sora didn't want to cause his brother anymore unnecessary pain. Sora wished that Cloud had just never found out about him and Riku. What he doesn't know won't hurt him, Sora thought as he walked over to Cloud's room door.

Sora inhaled deeply before he knocked on Cloud's door. " Cloud . . .?"

Sora could faintly hear Cloud talking on the phone. " Yeah, hold on a sec, Yuffie . . . Who is it?"

" I-it's Sora . . ." he said gently.

" Yuffie, I'll call you back," said Cloud. Sora heard him hang up the phone." Come in Sora."

Sora entered Cloud's room and then closed the door behind him. He stood there silently, waiting to be invited closer. He could see that Cloud was still in the middle of a difficult math assignment.

Cloud looked up for a second and said, " What is it Sora? Come here."

Sora walked over to Cloud's desk and sat down at his feet. " Was that Yuffie?" he asked casually.

Cloud nodded. " Yeah. She needed help with the homework." Cloud put down his pencil and then looked down at Sora. "So what's up?"

Sora rubbed the back of his head. " I just wanted to say that I'm sorry about the other day and that you were right. Being associated with a gang member is dangerous. I could get killed . . ." He looked up into Cloud's eyes. He seems to be buying it. " So . . . I've decided not to hang out with Riku anymore . . ."

Cloud leaned forward so that he was closer to Sora. " That's good. I was really worried about you . . . If I were to loose another person I care deeply about, I think I would loose it."

Sora's stomach turned. " I'm sorry if I caused you any sadness or pain. . ."

Cloud slid onto the floor in front of Sora. " Look. I'm sorry about how childish I acted. I just should have talked it out with you. I guess I was just jealous."

Sora arched an eyebrow. " Jealous?"

Cloud nodded. " Yeah. I was upset because you felt safer with Riku than with me . . ."

Sora felt incredibly guilty. He hugged Cloud around his waist. " You don't everhave to feel that way. You'll always be my brother, no matter what friends I make."

Cloud hugged him back. " I know. I'm sorry. I'm just glad that you're not going to associate with Riku anymore. You've still got the others, right?"

Sora nodded. " Yeah . . . the others. . ." Sora couldn't believe that he had lied to his brother again.

ooOO00OOoo

tbc

Whew! That was very long to type! It's 31 pages! I hope you all enjoyed it, even though the title really has little to do with it. Please excuse any errors that I might have missed! There's probably a lot. I had an argument with my friend on how you pronounce Tidus's name. He thinks it's Tye-duhs and I say Tee-dus. I mean, that's how Wakka says it in Kingdom Hearts, and he's never played it, so he wouldn't know. . . Anyways. Now, going off the subject . . . Who saw Star Wars? It was so awesome! Anakin is like, my new boyfriend now -drools- . I'll be back with the next chapter as soon as I can. Please review! See you in Chapter 12: The Lake.

Bye bye!