Riku hadn't fallen asleep since he had his nightmare. He would doze off for a couple of seconds here and there but he never fell right asleep. The storm outside was getting more violent. A large clap of thunder shook the whole treehouse and startled Sora awake.

"Riku!!" He cried.

The silver-haired teen faked a yawn and sat up. "What is it, Sora?"

"I-i don't think I'm right over my fear of thunderstorms. Can I sleep with you?"

Riku nearly moaned at the thought of Sora squished into his sleeping bag with him.

"Sure."

The older teen unzipped his sleeping bag and motioned for Sora to join him. The frightened brunette scrambled out of his own sleeping bag and practically dove into Riku's. The teen chuckled and gave his friend a gentle pat on the shoulder.

"It's ok, Sora. I won't let the storm hurt you."

"Thanks Riku." The brunette smiled sheepishly.

"I'm sorry I was such a jerk before."

Sora smiled. "It's ok."

The silver-haired teen smiled back and lay down.

"Uhm...hmn..." Riku frowned.

There was barely any room left in his sleeping bag. There was no room for his arm.

"Here."

The older teen's eyes widened as Sora guided Riku's arm around his waist.

"Better?" The younger boy asked.

"M-hm." The silver-haired youth murmured, hugging his friend close.

Now that he was "safe" from the storm it didn't take Sora long to fall asleep again. Riku nuzzled the back of his friend's warm neck and placed a gentle kiss on the chainlinks of Sora's necklace. The teen's eyelids were starting to droop. Sora's body heat was making him comfortable and sleepy. Riku dozed off a few seconds later but he didn't have anymore nightmares.

----------------------------

"Riku. Hey sleepyhead."

The teen opened his eyes to see Sora leaning over him, grinning.

"S-sora."

"Good morning!" The brunette chirped. "Well actually..." Sora blushed. "Afternoon. We slept kinda late."

The brunette moved over to his backpack and brushed his hair before gelling his spikes into place again.

"Did you have a good sleep?" He asked.

"Yeah." Riku replied.

"We should reach home just in time for lunch."

Riku nodded and brushed his own hair.

"Is something wrong, Riku? You look kinda...sad..."

The teen smiled and shook his head. "Nah. Nothing's wrong."

The boys packed up their things and headed for the dock. As he past the Secret Place Riku could have sworn he saw something move among the vines that shadowed the entrance. The teen shivered violently and ran to catch up with Sora.

"We're taking the ferry to Plum Island after lunch." Riku said as they rowed for home.

Sora smiled. "I've been craving Apple Berry's ice-cream for a while."

Just as Sora predicted the boy's were home on time for lunch. Riku's mother was feeling quite well so she made chicken noodle soup and sandwiches. April made home made Mac 'n' Cheese.

"So? Did you and Riku have fun?" She asked.

"Not really." Sora admitted, blushing. "We got in a fight and went to sleep early."

April chuckled softly and shook her head. "You two. Only you and Riku could get in a fight and forgive each other so easily."

"Is it ok if me 'n' my friends go to Plum Island after lunch?" The teen asked.

April nodded. "Sure. Holly is taking me to the flower show."

"Boooorrriiiinnnggg." Sora teased.

The woman laughed and gently tweaked her son's nose. "Maybe for you, mister but I happen to find flower shows interesting."

"I'll make supper tonight and I promise not to burn it this time." The brunette grinned.

April smiled and ruffled her son's hair. "Sounds good."

The leftovers were in the fridge and the dishes were washed when both April and Sora left the house. April waved to her son and pedaled off with her friend.

"Does this mean I have to take fat ass on my bike again?" Riku teased.

"I'll walk if you're going to be insulting." Sora replied with a small grin.

"You can ride my bike Sora."

The silver-haired teen's smile vanished and he could barely stop himself from glaring at Kairi. The girl's roller-skates had finally fallen apart so her parents bought her a shiny new bike.

"Great! Thanks Kairi!"

Sora hopped onto Kairi's bike. He seemed to have no qualms with it being hot pink. Kairi giggled and perched herself on the handlebars.

"Can you see Sora?" She asked.

"Yup!"

"Let's get goin' then." Wakka said.

Riku muttered a curse under his breath and pedaled off. He looked back to see Selphie hanging onto his bike, grinning.

"No free rides, Tilmitt!"

Selphie giggled and let go, skating past him. Riku pedaled harder and past Selphie.

"Hang on Kairi!"

Sora tried to catch up with Riku and pass him. Only Wakka and Tidus were leisurely riding along, watching their friends trying to kill themselves as they struggled to pass each other.

"Our friends are so weird." Tidus sighed.

Wakka nodded his agreement. The redhead looked around. They were far away enough from home so he placed a kiss on the blonde's cheek.

"Awwww!" Selphie cooed, slowing her pace to skate beside Wakka's bike.

"Shh. Kairi doesn't know." Tidus said.

"Oops." The girl blushed. "Sorry."

The group of friends reached the marina just in time to catch the ferry. Sora and Kairi won the race.

"Ocean, ocean, ocean!" Selphie sang as she bounced around the ferry.

"Yes Selphie. You see it every day." Riku replied.

"I love dolphins! They're so cute! When they talk they sound like a flute!" The hyper brunette continued to sing.

The silver-haired youth shook his head and discreetly ran away. Riku sighed. He'd gone from one awkward situation to another. Wakka and Tidus were leaning against the ferry's railing, watching the scenery go by. Wakka's arm was wrapped possessively around his friend's waist. The teen looked over at Sora and Kairi. The two were talking about...something. Riku sighed and looked back at Wakka and Tidus wishing it were him and Sora leaning on that railing together.

...................
Poor Riku. He's feeling all left out [pets him] TT R&R Please. It'll make Riku happy XD