Disclaimer: I love this game but sadly I do not own Kingdom Hearts or any
of the characters otherwise I would be rich living off in some place
beautiful like Hawaii, own a new car that runs ALL the time, and buy all
the manga I want..
Parings: Sora/Riku because they rule together.
Warnings: This fic is an AU and a YAOI (which means male/male relationships). R for language, adult behavior, and sexual stuff in later chapters. So, if you feel that this not what you had in mind then please proceed to the next story and do not read mine. Okay...maybe the kissing part for Riku and Sora may have to wait. However, I'm thinking about writing a one shot fic real soon of them doing the KISSING THING DAMMIT!
I just wanted to say that everyone that reviewed I have no words. Except maybe holy shit!!! So like yeah...THANKS...still a little flabbergasted by the amount of reviews and positive feedback. THANK YOOUUUUUU!!!! Right, on to the story.
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:::Chapter 3- More Than I Imagined:::
Something's odd here in the realm of slumbering wishes. I really can't put my finger on it but it's here. I survey my surroundings but nothing appears before me yet. My feet remain stationary, ankle deep in water gently rolling back and forth.
I start to walk aimlessly at first. My instincts soon take over bringing me closer. I know she's here. I can feel her presence but she's confusing me. The landscape is none existent. Why hasn't she changed it yet into something tangible, beautiful, or anything other than what it is now, like it is normally when she's here?
"Sky?" I ask searchingly in the blinding darkness. 'Please answer me. I need you,' pleading internally.
"....."
My head snaps around orientating on the direction from where I heard her response if I could call it that. She's not far from where I am. I spot her small dejected form huddled on the floor completely soaked from the water. Did something happen to her? I closed the distance between us. Once I was next to her, I rest my hand on her shoulder then move it up to cup her cheek tenderly. Slowly I direct her face to where I may look into her eyes. Rich azure colored gems focus on me and my heart contracts without warning. She's been crying? But why?
My voice breaks and I speak just barely above a whisper, "My Sky, what's wrong?"
"Nothing, Riku. I'm okay." She shifts her eyes away from me.
An obvious lie. She never could lie to save her life but what actually bothered me was that she was lying to me. Why?
I rotate my hand around to where I'm able to use the back of it to trace her jaw line softly. :::chuckle::: "You realize I know you are lying to me."
Nothing. Not even snicker. "Tell me, Sora, why are you upset? I'll listen to what ever it is. Did something bad happen today?" Her eyes momentarily close to savor the feeling of my hand caressing the side of her face. The next pass I make I suddenly feel wetness. What?
"Sei..." desperation seeping through her voice, "I did so much. I used everything possible to accomplish what I sought to do." She focuses on me for a split second. "I only wanted...wanted to...I had no expectations and I just needed to see you to know you were really apart of my life, Sei." Now I understand what it is I feel here, its fear, her fear and shame...but what happened to make her suffer this way? Did I do this to her? If so, how?
"I don't understand, Sky. I've always been right here, always. Please help me to understand." Now she's scaring me.
I can feel a second tear join the first. Oh God, why is this happening? My mind is going over every word said, every gesture made from the previous dream we shared. A thousand options, moments, play over and over and I could only conclude one thing. Everything was fine up until tonight.
My thoughts were interrupted when she abruptly stood up towering above my kneeling form. Her eyes had a sad cast to them. "I only wanted to see you. Seems that I can't even get that right." And with that she swiftly disappears.
Fuck.
Frustrated and confused I draw my fingers through my hair trying to lessen the pressure I'm now feeling. It won't take long before the headache begins. Dammit, what did I do?
"Skkkkkkyyy...please come back. Why are you leaving me?"
Nothing but the darkness, water, and me.
"Sk...Sora...Please."
Nothing. Nothing but the darkness, water, and me.
Soon it was only the darkness and water in our special place.
Last remnants of my thoughts circled around her words, 'just wanted to see you.' Why would she say that? Sora?...then sleep claims me as her prize.
--------------------------------------------
Stupid-stupid- stupid- stupid- stupid- stupid- stupid- stupid- stupid- stupid- stupid-
:::breath:::
stupid- stupid- stupid- stupid- stupid- stupid- stupid- stupid- stupid- stupid-STUPID.
Sora lays in the bed, furnished by the resort along with the room, confused and furious from his behavior. Not once but twice he's ran from his closest friend, the person he willingly risks everything for. He knows he shouldn't have left Riku in the dreamscape as he did. However, Sora is still not ready to face him. Seeing Riku in real life jumbled his emotions throwing his mental equilibrium off. He knows the silver haired man he's seen earlier today is the same man sharing his dreams. But it is different somehow, he can not bring himself to confront Riku yet.
Sora, for the umph'teenth time, counts various cracks tracing random designs on the ceiling. He thinks about all the things he did through out the day. It's like a rollercoaster he sighed.
"One minute I'm up, the next I'm taking a deep plunge to my death then to only to return back to the top." However the man couldn't say the whole day is a waste. He has a job and he found the one man he has desired to meet since...GOD!!!...since he could remember. But that's also the source of his current berating session.
:::sigh:::
"I had the perfect chance. He was right there in front of me and what do I do when what I wish for appears?!!! WHAT?!!! Tell me WHAT I did? I stood there like a big LOSER!" His anger is cascading out of his mouth now. All stops pulled. "I had the perfect chance to introduce myself. But NOOOOOO. Guess what poor little Sora did instead...I watched. I watched Sei with everyone take their sweet time preparing a boat and then drive away. I never said a damn thing!!!!"
His hands go to his eyes to quickly wipe at the stray dampness forming. He is shamed.
:::AAAUUUUUGH::: Frustrations continues until it climaxes and he proceeds to bump his head against the head board repeatedly.
Stupid-stupid- stupid- stupid- stupid- stupid- stupid- stupid- stupid- stupid- stupid- :::bump::: bump::: bump::: bump::: bump::: bump::: bump::: bump::: bump::: bump:::
stupid- stupid- stupid- stupid- stupid- stupid- stupid- stupid- stupid- stupid-stupid- bump::: bump::: bump::: bump::: bump::: bump::: bump::: bump::: bump::: bump:::
:::BANG:::BANG:::BANG::: a sharp rasping could be heard from the other side of the wall where Sora's poor battered forehead currently rests. He stops and nervously lies silently, not moving. He's hoping didn't unintentionally wake anyone.
:::BANG:::
"HEY IN THERE!!! SHUT THE HELL UP!!!!!! NORMAL PEOPLE ARE TRYING TO SLEEP IN HERE. YOU AND YOUR LOVER TAKE THE BANG'N OUTSIDE!!"
Lover? Bang'n? What does...he...mean? He ponders the meaning behind the words of the irritated, anonymous voice. Small pause before understanding hits Sora like a brick wall, an 'O' to forming on his lips. His blushes furiously. "I need to get out of here.", whispering for his ears only.
Sora rises from his bed and decides that if he can't sleep that he might as well begin his day early. He steps into the shower hoping to wash himself of all his worries but not such luck. His mind keep getting drawn back to thoughts of the striking tall man with hair reflecting streaks of molten silver, thoughts of the achingly familiar green colored eyes, thoughts of Riku, thoughts of how completely pathetic he is.
Sora stands in the shower talking to himself. "I just stood there like a young dropped jaw teenage girl. On top of that I upset him last night in our dreams. A double whammy. Good going me. What possessed me to run and to lose my only chance to talk to him? I'm just a man who wants to say hello to a friend, a dear friend. Except...I'm not a man...but...a woman in our dreams." The last part hung in the air.
'DAMMIT!?!!! Was that it? Was that why I hesitated?' Sora stopped for moment. He had always had a strong sense of intuition, the kind that only women should have. There it is...I inadvertently had found my answer to the fevered question. Riku doesn't know the 'me' in flesh and blood but as the 'me' in our dreams, which means he thinks I'm a woman.
"......."
"That's a real problem," He offers to himself.
The water is now lightly beating against his face, trialing down neck and crossing down his body and onto the tiled floor to drain away. "So...how do I get around that?" He began to wash trying to think of an answer. Nothing. The brunette is annoyed and halts the racking of his poor overloaded brain.
"Well, there's nothing I can do right now but go to work. Maybe later when my head is clearer I can come up with a better solution. At least I know without a doubt that he's living here on one of the isles in the area."
:::SIGH::: Sora turns off the water. "Time for breakfast," declaring cheerfully.
The brunette quickly dresses making sure to wear his new employee's T- shirt. Soon he hits the streets within the resort with a bagel in his mouth and another in hand.
The roads are empty and oddly quiet. 'How early am I?' He guesses no one is awake yet. The young man finds he rather likes it. The silence makes the place seem almost enchanting. He notices the sea off in the distance and how the water is very still. It has a glass like quality.
A cheesy looking grin sets across his face. Sora wanders off in the direction of the coffee café. He walks at a leisure pace in no hurry.
--------------------------------------------
It is nice riding up here on the ferry this morning. The water is calm giving the illusion of liquid metal. None of the Dolphins are swimming and the birds are nowhere to be seen. 'Kind of nice if you ask me. I'm really not in the mood to think much about anything.'
A headache is pounding away at my skull with a vengeance. It started while I was still in the dreamscape right after Sora left. I ask my buds for some medicine to help me out and you know what the fuckers suggested? Beer. I have alcoholic ass wipes for roommates. "I'll have to make them pay for laughing at me." I smirk from a mischievous thought.
A hazy mist blankets the resort area. I imagine it's coming from the shoreline. I love the smell it gives to the air. However, when the sun makes its appearance for the day, the early morning fog will burn away.
My mind loses track of where I am going. Thankfully, my body slips into autodrive. Few minutes later I find myself standing before the store front of the café. Oddly enough so is someone else. Taken back, I stop a few steps away from the man. I really shouldn't be surprised. It's not unusual for customers to arrive a few minutes to half an hour early. However, one hour is a little much. Normally I would tell whomever to 'get lost' and come back like most 'normal' individuals but something told me to stop this time and remain where I stand.
I study the man's profile. He is leaning against the wall of the store next to the front door with his body turned to the side fast asleep. Watching, I note his average height, hints of muscle tone, probably plays a sport of some kind, and the mop of mouse brown hair that is very damp from a recent shower most likely.
Time passed. I vaguely look at my watch. Oh shit. Talk about zoning out. I need to get into the store and prep everything before Anders arrives. I feel something pleasant run along the back of my neck. I rub at it with my fingers. My headache is finally gone, I notice. 'Thank God.' I sigh in relief.
Okay. Time for me to wake up 'sleeping beauty.' I give the man a single shake to his shoulder closest to me, "Hey there bud. Need to find some other place to catch your Z's." He shifts a little and mumbles to himself what sounds distinctly like gibberish. It's kind of cute. Cute? "That was a strange thought?" I give my mind a mental shake and remind myself that I'm here for business. Now, I grab both of his shoulders deliver a bold shake this time.
"HEY!!! WAKE UP!!!!"
:::!?!:::
The man stands up right away from the wall looking around in a sleepy haze.
"What?!" (confused)
His shirt shifts with his movements revealing the familiar café logo. 'Huh?' I thought. Must a regular perhaps? I haven't seen him before, though.
Lost in my thoughts, the brunette shifts his attention to me and the strangest thing happened. For a split second he looks as if he recognizes me. (FEAR) Suddenly for no apparent reason he throws his body back against the wall, tripping over his own feet, causing the poor guy to his lose balance and fall to the ground. :::Heh::: What a klutz. I try to stop myself from laughing but I don't succeed.
:::chuckle:::
"Sorry about that. Didn't mean to startle you." I move to help him, "Here take my...hand..." I trail off when I see his eyes for the first time. Blue. Brilliant blue. The color appears exactly like Sky's. 'And I thought Sky was the only owner of that color...was I wrong.' "Wow," I say barely above a whisper. I recognize him now. He is the person I saw yesterday getting off the ferry boat. I'm still staring intently. MENTAL SHAKE!!! I try to focus on the guy again.
"Here." Quickly locking hands I give a strong tug bringing him quickly to his feet. (confused) He's brushing himself off. His hair is mostly dry, now. The brown mope looks more like a chunk of bangs starting from short on top to long in front and the sides and back are closely cut. He's a rather nice-looking guy. Whoh. What am I thinking? Oh...whatever. Its morning and I'm not awake right yet. Right?
He's bowing his head so that his longer bangs in the front successfully hide his face. (shame) Is he blushing? "Hey, you okay?"
"Um...yeah. I'm okay. Just a little groggy." That's when he looks up and shyly smiles causing his eyes to shine.
Wow... again...wow ...I retract what I said earlier. Add the smile, he's VERY attractive.
:::cough::: what? The brunette is watching me inquisitively. Shit! I'm staring again.
"Right. Um, we don't open until later...um you can wait here or come back when we are ready for business. I would stay personally since you obviously think the cafe's worth it." I give his shirt a tug to emphasize his point.
The man frowns, "But...I was...I was told...to come here at this...this...time," stuttering nervously.
Now it's my turn to frown. "Really? By whom?"
"By me." A third voice joins the conversation. I look over my shoulders to see Mr. Anders walking up puffing on his pipe, hands in his pockets, untucked, white, buttoned shirt and jeans.
(relief)
The brunette next to me seems relieved and walks up to greet the older man. "Good morning, Mr. Anders." What is going on here? I'm confused.
"Good morning. I'm glad to see you're on time, young man," addressing the stranger. The owner looks first to the younger man then to both of us. "I see you've met my other employee." The owner uses his hand to motion to me then to the mystery man, "Sora meet Riku. Riku meet Sora. Sora will be working here at the store starting today."
My eyes pop out of my head at hearing that name. I'm a little shocked to say the least. New employee, what? When was this decided? His name is Sora? What?
--------------------------------------------
Anders walks around gathering odd things here and there from his car. Some of them look like new items to sell besides coffee. Souvenirs mostly, better known as 'expensive crap' that tourists would LOVE to spend money on. Who the hell knows why. A week later, the supposed treasures will only end up in the waste basket.
Anders stops with his hand in mid-motion from opening the front door. Fuck. I know what he's doing. He's going to leave me with the new guy...all...day...long.
"Sora?"
"Yes Mr. Anders?"
"Riku's an expert. Listen to everything he has to tell you and you will be well taken care of." (nervous) "It may seem overwhelming at first, Sora, but I have faith in you. You will be making coffee like a pro before the week is out." Then the old man motions for me to follow him outside. Great, the 'let's have a talk, son.' :::grrrrrr::: Once the door clicks behind me, I turn to face Mr. Anders and demand an answer. "Sir, what the hell is going on? When did he...when did you find him?"
"Riku, I'm getting old." I balk at the notion but he doesn't stop. "I cannot commit the same amount of hours I use to. I need a break and you cannot run the store alone." I wanted to say something, anything thing to prove him wrong but as much as I searched for the answer he was right. Silently I listen. How did I miss it, the man I've come to know and love has grown old? "As for the young man, I think you will find him surprising and reliable. I want you to teach him everything about the store. Start small then work up to making the drinks when you think he's ready. Okay?"
The old man caught my sadden look. I looked away and mumble, "Yes, sir." A victorious smile grows on Mr. Anders' face. "Good." I nod my head to let the old man know that I was still paying attention to him. "Then until tomorrow morning. Bye." And with that he was gone and I returned to the store.
:::jingle::: :::jingle:::
Inside the store, the new guy appears a little nervous and out of place. Understandable, I guess. I never like starting new jobs either. Through my peripheral vision I catch a glimpse of him shifting in place while toying with his new employee's T-shirt. A strange notion popped into my head. Before my mind could catch up, I found myself...
"Sora, was it ?"
I found myself wanting to make the guy feel more comfortable. Not a usually desire of mine unless you're family or close friends. He flinches at the mentioning of his name like he is being called out from a dream. (nervous)
"Ah...um, yeah?" He makes direct eye contact. I'll say this, he's definitely different. At one moment he comes across as someone pure and unspoiled by deceit or despair than at the same time he feels like he has a bottomless pit of strength and determination. I don't understand how; I just know that he would never back down from any obstacle set in his path.
"Here take this and follow me." Without warning I shove one of the boxes full of souvenirs into his arms. I look over my shoulder. He begins to follow me from a respective distance. "So Sora, that's a woman's name, right?"
:::SIGH::: The brunette exhales dramatically lifting his bangs away from his face. "YESSSS. I know, but my mother insisted. Have a problem with that?"
:::chuckle:::
"?" He's looking at me with a pout. Now I bust out laughing. Cute.
"Sorry." :::hehehe::: "Just now, you reminded me of another friend of mine. It's funny really, you both share the same name and you both could have been twins actually." :::cough::: the sudden sound of the brunette choking threw me off. I rush to his side and hit his back a few times until he seemed to regain his composure.
"oh? What's she like?"
"She's beautiful, very compassionate and caring. Sora is the most wonderful woman I have ever known. (pleased) I would be lost without her." (indecision)
"Um...Riku?"
"Huh?" I set down the box I was holding and look at the man expectantly.
:::silence::: "Well...um..." (apprehension) He doesn't look too comfortable with what he is about to ask. I wonder what it is. His eerie eyes look like deep pools of sapphire. I found myself lost in them again. "um...Wow...I mean..." Then suddenly the sun decides to bath my face with warm rays of light. That is exactly what it is like when the man before me smiles. He continues, "she sounds wonderful, this Sora. You say we could have been twins, do we look alike?"
I think about what he just asked and to be honest I found I couldn't answer him since in reality I have never truly seen her except for her eyes. So I decide to do the next best thing...change the subject.
"Lets get the store ready. We'll be opening very soon."
:::shrug::: Sora is relieved. He mirrors my own state of mind. "You lead I follow. Just tell me what you need me to do." I had to smile at that.
--------------------------------------------
(LATER THAT MORNING)
I usually never like people on the first meeting, most the time I hate em'. That's a given, actually you could set that in stone. Yet, this guy is really growing on me, especially during the last couple of hours. It's weird. I never purposely seek people out to be come close to. I just let them attach themselves to me. Maybe I'm lazy. Kiari thinks it's a defensive mechanism. I don't believe her. I think, maybe, she is just comparing me to her son Squall since we act similar. So I asked one of the guys what they thought about it.
'Hell, yeah dude. She's pinned you like a voodoo doll.'
'What the fuck are you talking about geek boy?'
'Ya, Riku, sorry to tell you this but Tidus has it right, man. We were your friends for six years before you even bothered to tell us anything other then surface bullshit.'
'Yeah, you know like the weather, the next lay, or the next asshole you met and destroyed.'
'Fuck you.'
'See that's what Wakka is talking about.'
Some small part of me couldn't deny what they were trying to tell me back then. I'm emotionally inept. When I think about it, Kiari has it right. There really isn't a difference between little Squall and me. We both only bond to family members and very few friends that we keep very close and dear and the rest we shut out. Why? Squall has a very good reason and I really don't want to think about the puss nut and as for me, there is no reason to speak of.
So, yeah, it's strange for me to be standing here training this guy wanting to know him better. Okay, strange isn't enough...fucking bizarre is better.
I pause myself in the thick of my mental battle and look once more to the young brunette before me. He's currently trying another drink I fixed for him. In, the next couple of days, Sora will sample every consumable product the store has to offer. Need to know how they taste if you are to sell them to customers. Sora is jutting his bottom lip out at a 'nasty drink he just had' judging by his reaction. I smile at the scene and go back to making another drink. I think I'm going to look forward to work for now on after today.
--------------------------------------------
"Is it usually this slow?"
"Only in the morning."
"Huh. Whys that? Is there a time difference here?"
"Huh? Na uh. See, since most of the rich lowlifes that come here to partake in 'the manufactured isle paradise', they don't wake like normal people. Fucking assholes. They believe they can leave their lives behind for a small break from reality. It's only a quickie, quick fix if you will. No one can escape the truth they have built for themselves. This is an illusion and they are the fakes that participate."
:::snicker:::
"?"
:::snicker:::
"Are you laughing at me?"
"Sorry, Riku. You just really get emotional about the most bizarre things don't you?"
"Be careful, Sora or the next thing you'll be learning is how to properly clean the toilets."
:::snicker::: "Um..." :::cough::: "right." :::snicker:::
--------------------------------------------
(AROUND NOON)
Sora discovers that his first day working at Destiny Isles is turning out better than he had ever hoped. A weird and lucky turn of events. He crosses ocean and land to a far away place to find someone he wasn't too sure lived out of his mind and finds himself not only with a dream job for a coffee addict but working along side the very figment of his imagination. 'Pretty messed up, really. But gets an A for coolness factor.'
The rest of the day goes smoothly. The extremely tall silver haired man is a very patient teacher. Though, a little voice in the back of Sora's mind tells him that this might not be the case for everyone. The knowledge makes his stomach do somersaults.
They spent time talking between customers. Both of them fall into an easy and familiar rhythm. 'Strange that we both still act exactly like we do together in the dreams even though Riku had no idea who he is training.' Maybe some part of Riku recognizes him.
There lies another problem. Should the brunette tell the other man his true identity or not? Would he freak to hear that the woman in his dreams is a man? Better yet, she/ he decides without warning to pop up out of nowhere to say hi? Dilemmas...dilemmas... Riku 'not knowing' allows Sora to watch and see his childhood friend in a different light. "There's no harm in waiting is there?" he whispers to himself.
--------------------------------------------
"That one...and her too."
"Nah...the second one definitely."
"Whatever, Riku, you're blind. They both have had boob jobs."
"Okay smarty what about her?"
"Absolutely."
"No way."
"Are you suuuure you've been with a woman?"
"OF COURSE! Just look at me. Women can't resist me. I am a super conducting female magnet"
"Conceded. So, you truly are convinced hers are real?"
"Yes."
"You really sure?"
:::grrrrrrr::: "Yeeeeeeeessssss, Sora. She's coming towards the store. Want to put money where your mouth is?"
:::silence::: "I don't bet."
:::?::: "Likely story, wussy boy. You're just afraid that you'd lose."
:::shuffle shuffle::: "Alright, I bet you five bucks."
"Five bucks!?! Nope. Not good enough."
"What do you mean not good enough?"
"Loser treats winner to drinks."
"......" :::some more shuffling::: "You're on bean boy."
"So how do we find out the truth, blue eyes?"
"Believe me it will be painfully obvious, Goldilocks."
:::jingle::: :::jingle:::
"Hi, welcome to our café. Anything I can get for you?"
In a VERY MASCULINE voice "Yes, I would like a medium ice coffee with a shot of cherry syrup, please."
(amusement)
:::choke::: "Right away, sir...I mean miss?"
:::Poke::: In a small voice, "Told you." :::snicker:::
:::grrrrr::: "Shut up."
:::sniker:::
--------------------------------------------
(STILL EARLY IN THE AFTERNOON)
As the day wore on, I notice Sora and I are exchanging back and forth like old buds. It is as though we've known each other for years. Then a question enters my head that I find I start to ask before I realize what I am asking.
:::sip:::
"You know...I've never seen you before today and you don't seem like a native or local of the isles. You're not from here, are you Sora?"
"Mmmph?" :::sip::: "No, this is the first time for me to see the sea first hand."
I watch him tip his glass drinking deeply. "Damn, your heart is going to burst if you drink any more coffee. That's your eighth cup right?"
:::sip::: "Yup. You made the rules that I could have as much coffee as I wanted for free."
"Humph. Somehow even if you were swimming in the stuff it seems to me that still wouldn't satisfy you."
"You finished?"
"Nope."
"...."
"...So Sora, are you here to stay or are you traveling aimlessly?" (surprised)
"What? No. I mean yes I'm definitely here to stay. There will never be a reason for me to leave."
"Why's that? What's your reason? Family? Friends?"
"A friend but I'm not ready for him to know I'm here yet."
"Why? Did the two of you fight or something."
"Well...let's just say that I need to feel out the situation first."
"But..."
"...Riku, I..." His eyes stared at me intently making stray shivers crawl up my spine. His eyes are really freaking me out. They are too close to hers. We held each other's gaze then Sora's softens and becomes gentle. "...look...I hope you don't take offense but I really don't want to talk about it right now."
Now it's my turn to smile. He's too nice. I can't help thinking it.
--------------------------------------------
(CLOSING TIME)
The day is ending and the last of the customers are retreating from the store front. Both Sora and I are busy closing the store 'properly'. Sora's carries out the trash to the big dumpster behind the café and I'm count the till. He soon returns.
"Sheeesh." He heaves an exaggerated sigh. "What else do I need to do, Riku?" looking up at me expectantly with a tire grin. He's a god send compared the last guy Anders hired, I thought absently.
"Um, you need to bring in the chairs and tables from the outside and stack inside over there in the corner."
"Right." With that said, he moves to finish the task.
When the last chair is in, we step outside and I lock the store declaring another day done.
:::SIGH:::
Without forethought or indication, we both simultaneously flop our backs against the wall of the store dramatically. I'm tired. I turn my head and watch Sora for a few minutes. He's too tired to notice.
"You a smoker?" I prompt.
"Ah...Yes...I mean I was." He started to frown. "How did you know?"
"You act like one. How long has it been since your last drag?"
"Whooo...Who know's. Remember the coffee?" I nod then it suddenly dawns on me why he drinks as much as he does. He smiles at me, "Yeah, it helped me to quit. I knew that I didn't have the will to stop cold turkey so I used the substituting method. I still want one every now and then."
Silence surrounds us again. I could hear the tide retreating in the distance. Love the sea. I look up at the skyline. "It's going to be dark soon."
".....Yeah."
I couldn't tell you why but I didn't want to leave. I wanted to stay here with Sora. I really like being in his company. I think he feels the same. Sora stands up shattering the perfect moment. He focuses on me with his apologetic eyes... his exceedingly deep blue eyes.
"I'm sorry Riku but I just remembered that I was invited, yesterday, to game of Blitzball tonight."
"Really?" My brow arches to the new knowledge. Interesting, he just arrived and he's already been invited by someone? A small twinge of jealousy weighs down on me. "It's funny you should mention it because I'm about to join one as well. Was it by the main pool?" Nod. "Do you remember who invited you?"
"Well it was..." The gears are turning visibly. He's tired.
"um...oh!" Sora quickly stops himself. He just remembered that Riku is the Uncle of the little boy he found yesterday. The voice in the back of his head doesn't think Riku knows about his little Nephew misadventures. "...No, I don't remember who." He shakes his head. "Eh uh. Not at all."
I narrow my eyes and start to grin evilly. He's lying again. "You sure about that?"
Sora crosses his arms and pouts. I start to frown upon seeing him do that. It is exactly how Sky does it in my dreams. "Yes, Riku. I...don't ...remember." He's standing his ground against me as if we were in a silent battle of wills. Not going to work, I'm able to see through you.
"Sora, you don't lie." It was not a question but a statement. Sora was struck dumb. He didn't know how to react. I couldn't tell you why but it was like a whisper telling me what this brunette standing in front me was really like. I just knew. "Come on, who was it?"
He sighs and slumps his shoulders feeling like a trapped animal, "A man named Tidus."
Really? Somehow I'm not surprised. I clasp his shoulder with brotherly affection, "You like Blitzball?"
Sora looks up not sure where this is leading, "Yes, love the game."
"Well, Sora, then we should not keep them waiting." I'm going to kill that fucker, Tidus. Something happened yesterday while I was getting a boat. I'm willing to bet it had to do with the twins. I calm myself before I get really mad. Don't want to freak out Sora. I doubt he did anything wrong. I've only known him for an extremely short time but I know for a fact that this man would never intentionally harm or hurt anyone. It's just the way he is.
I look once more at my new friend and give him genuine smile. He returns the smile causing my heart to jitter. He's different somehow. I'm glad he came to work at the café. I give him an affectionate push and we begin towards the direction of the big pool letting the night swallow us whole.
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About flippin time. This chapter took for flippin forever. For some reason it was difficult to decide on how I wanted them to interact on their first meeting. To be honest, I'm not sure how I feel about this chapter...:::pout::: So whatever. I really promise this time things will speed up in the next chapter. Oh, and if there are any criticisms, please let me know. It is MUCH appreciated. AND DAMN ON THE REVIEWS!!!!! VERY COOL! MY HEART IS SINGING!!!! Hope my chapters don't get shit-ti-er.
About the whole Sora/Riku kissing, they have to be friends first so that won't happen for a while. However, I was thinking about writing a one-shot fluff. Yes...No?
Parings: Sora/Riku because they rule together.
Warnings: This fic is an AU and a YAOI (which means male/male relationships). R for language, adult behavior, and sexual stuff in later chapters. So, if you feel that this not what you had in mind then please proceed to the next story and do not read mine. Okay...maybe the kissing part for Riku and Sora may have to wait. However, I'm thinking about writing a one shot fic real soon of them doing the KISSING THING DAMMIT!
I just wanted to say that everyone that reviewed I have no words. Except maybe holy shit!!! So like yeah...THANKS...still a little flabbergasted by the amount of reviews and positive feedback. THANK YOOUUUUUU!!!! Right, on to the story.
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:::Chapter 3- More Than I Imagined:::
Something's odd here in the realm of slumbering wishes. I really can't put my finger on it but it's here. I survey my surroundings but nothing appears before me yet. My feet remain stationary, ankle deep in water gently rolling back and forth.
I start to walk aimlessly at first. My instincts soon take over bringing me closer. I know she's here. I can feel her presence but she's confusing me. The landscape is none existent. Why hasn't she changed it yet into something tangible, beautiful, or anything other than what it is now, like it is normally when she's here?
"Sky?" I ask searchingly in the blinding darkness. 'Please answer me. I need you,' pleading internally.
"....."
My head snaps around orientating on the direction from where I heard her response if I could call it that. She's not far from where I am. I spot her small dejected form huddled on the floor completely soaked from the water. Did something happen to her? I closed the distance between us. Once I was next to her, I rest my hand on her shoulder then move it up to cup her cheek tenderly. Slowly I direct her face to where I may look into her eyes. Rich azure colored gems focus on me and my heart contracts without warning. She's been crying? But why?
My voice breaks and I speak just barely above a whisper, "My Sky, what's wrong?"
"Nothing, Riku. I'm okay." She shifts her eyes away from me.
An obvious lie. She never could lie to save her life but what actually bothered me was that she was lying to me. Why?
I rotate my hand around to where I'm able to use the back of it to trace her jaw line softly. :::chuckle::: "You realize I know you are lying to me."
Nothing. Not even snicker. "Tell me, Sora, why are you upset? I'll listen to what ever it is. Did something bad happen today?" Her eyes momentarily close to savor the feeling of my hand caressing the side of her face. The next pass I make I suddenly feel wetness. What?
"Sei..." desperation seeping through her voice, "I did so much. I used everything possible to accomplish what I sought to do." She focuses on me for a split second. "I only wanted...wanted to...I had no expectations and I just needed to see you to know you were really apart of my life, Sei." Now I understand what it is I feel here, its fear, her fear and shame...but what happened to make her suffer this way? Did I do this to her? If so, how?
"I don't understand, Sky. I've always been right here, always. Please help me to understand." Now she's scaring me.
I can feel a second tear join the first. Oh God, why is this happening? My mind is going over every word said, every gesture made from the previous dream we shared. A thousand options, moments, play over and over and I could only conclude one thing. Everything was fine up until tonight.
My thoughts were interrupted when she abruptly stood up towering above my kneeling form. Her eyes had a sad cast to them. "I only wanted to see you. Seems that I can't even get that right." And with that she swiftly disappears.
Fuck.
Frustrated and confused I draw my fingers through my hair trying to lessen the pressure I'm now feeling. It won't take long before the headache begins. Dammit, what did I do?
"Skkkkkkyyy...please come back. Why are you leaving me?"
Nothing but the darkness, water, and me.
"Sk...Sora...Please."
Nothing. Nothing but the darkness, water, and me.
Soon it was only the darkness and water in our special place.
Last remnants of my thoughts circled around her words, 'just wanted to see you.' Why would she say that? Sora?...then sleep claims me as her prize.
--------------------------------------------
Stupid-stupid- stupid- stupid- stupid- stupid- stupid- stupid- stupid- stupid- stupid-
:::breath:::
stupid- stupid- stupid- stupid- stupid- stupid- stupid- stupid- stupid- stupid-STUPID.
Sora lays in the bed, furnished by the resort along with the room, confused and furious from his behavior. Not once but twice he's ran from his closest friend, the person he willingly risks everything for. He knows he shouldn't have left Riku in the dreamscape as he did. However, Sora is still not ready to face him. Seeing Riku in real life jumbled his emotions throwing his mental equilibrium off. He knows the silver haired man he's seen earlier today is the same man sharing his dreams. But it is different somehow, he can not bring himself to confront Riku yet.
Sora, for the umph'teenth time, counts various cracks tracing random designs on the ceiling. He thinks about all the things he did through out the day. It's like a rollercoaster he sighed.
"One minute I'm up, the next I'm taking a deep plunge to my death then to only to return back to the top." However the man couldn't say the whole day is a waste. He has a job and he found the one man he has desired to meet since...GOD!!!...since he could remember. But that's also the source of his current berating session.
:::sigh:::
"I had the perfect chance. He was right there in front of me and what do I do when what I wish for appears?!!! WHAT?!!! Tell me WHAT I did? I stood there like a big LOSER!" His anger is cascading out of his mouth now. All stops pulled. "I had the perfect chance to introduce myself. But NOOOOOO. Guess what poor little Sora did instead...I watched. I watched Sei with everyone take their sweet time preparing a boat and then drive away. I never said a damn thing!!!!"
His hands go to his eyes to quickly wipe at the stray dampness forming. He is shamed.
:::AAAUUUUUGH::: Frustrations continues until it climaxes and he proceeds to bump his head against the head board repeatedly.
Stupid-stupid- stupid- stupid- stupid- stupid- stupid- stupid- stupid- stupid- stupid- :::bump::: bump::: bump::: bump::: bump::: bump::: bump::: bump::: bump::: bump:::
stupid- stupid- stupid- stupid- stupid- stupid- stupid- stupid- stupid- stupid-stupid- bump::: bump::: bump::: bump::: bump::: bump::: bump::: bump::: bump::: bump:::
:::BANG:::BANG:::BANG::: a sharp rasping could be heard from the other side of the wall where Sora's poor battered forehead currently rests. He stops and nervously lies silently, not moving. He's hoping didn't unintentionally wake anyone.
:::BANG:::
"HEY IN THERE!!! SHUT THE HELL UP!!!!!! NORMAL PEOPLE ARE TRYING TO SLEEP IN HERE. YOU AND YOUR LOVER TAKE THE BANG'N OUTSIDE!!"
Lover? Bang'n? What does...he...mean? He ponders the meaning behind the words of the irritated, anonymous voice. Small pause before understanding hits Sora like a brick wall, an 'O' to forming on his lips. His blushes furiously. "I need to get out of here.", whispering for his ears only.
Sora rises from his bed and decides that if he can't sleep that he might as well begin his day early. He steps into the shower hoping to wash himself of all his worries but not such luck. His mind keep getting drawn back to thoughts of the striking tall man with hair reflecting streaks of molten silver, thoughts of the achingly familiar green colored eyes, thoughts of Riku, thoughts of how completely pathetic he is.
Sora stands in the shower talking to himself. "I just stood there like a young dropped jaw teenage girl. On top of that I upset him last night in our dreams. A double whammy. Good going me. What possessed me to run and to lose my only chance to talk to him? I'm just a man who wants to say hello to a friend, a dear friend. Except...I'm not a man...but...a woman in our dreams." The last part hung in the air.
'DAMMIT!?!!! Was that it? Was that why I hesitated?' Sora stopped for moment. He had always had a strong sense of intuition, the kind that only women should have. There it is...I inadvertently had found my answer to the fevered question. Riku doesn't know the 'me' in flesh and blood but as the 'me' in our dreams, which means he thinks I'm a woman.
"......."
"That's a real problem," He offers to himself.
The water is now lightly beating against his face, trialing down neck and crossing down his body and onto the tiled floor to drain away. "So...how do I get around that?" He began to wash trying to think of an answer. Nothing. The brunette is annoyed and halts the racking of his poor overloaded brain.
"Well, there's nothing I can do right now but go to work. Maybe later when my head is clearer I can come up with a better solution. At least I know without a doubt that he's living here on one of the isles in the area."
:::SIGH::: Sora turns off the water. "Time for breakfast," declaring cheerfully.
The brunette quickly dresses making sure to wear his new employee's T- shirt. Soon he hits the streets within the resort with a bagel in his mouth and another in hand.
The roads are empty and oddly quiet. 'How early am I?' He guesses no one is awake yet. The young man finds he rather likes it. The silence makes the place seem almost enchanting. He notices the sea off in the distance and how the water is very still. It has a glass like quality.
A cheesy looking grin sets across his face. Sora wanders off in the direction of the coffee café. He walks at a leisure pace in no hurry.
--------------------------------------------
It is nice riding up here on the ferry this morning. The water is calm giving the illusion of liquid metal. None of the Dolphins are swimming and the birds are nowhere to be seen. 'Kind of nice if you ask me. I'm really not in the mood to think much about anything.'
A headache is pounding away at my skull with a vengeance. It started while I was still in the dreamscape right after Sora left. I ask my buds for some medicine to help me out and you know what the fuckers suggested? Beer. I have alcoholic ass wipes for roommates. "I'll have to make them pay for laughing at me." I smirk from a mischievous thought.
A hazy mist blankets the resort area. I imagine it's coming from the shoreline. I love the smell it gives to the air. However, when the sun makes its appearance for the day, the early morning fog will burn away.
My mind loses track of where I am going. Thankfully, my body slips into autodrive. Few minutes later I find myself standing before the store front of the café. Oddly enough so is someone else. Taken back, I stop a few steps away from the man. I really shouldn't be surprised. It's not unusual for customers to arrive a few minutes to half an hour early. However, one hour is a little much. Normally I would tell whomever to 'get lost' and come back like most 'normal' individuals but something told me to stop this time and remain where I stand.
I study the man's profile. He is leaning against the wall of the store next to the front door with his body turned to the side fast asleep. Watching, I note his average height, hints of muscle tone, probably plays a sport of some kind, and the mop of mouse brown hair that is very damp from a recent shower most likely.
Time passed. I vaguely look at my watch. Oh shit. Talk about zoning out. I need to get into the store and prep everything before Anders arrives. I feel something pleasant run along the back of my neck. I rub at it with my fingers. My headache is finally gone, I notice. 'Thank God.' I sigh in relief.
Okay. Time for me to wake up 'sleeping beauty.' I give the man a single shake to his shoulder closest to me, "Hey there bud. Need to find some other place to catch your Z's." He shifts a little and mumbles to himself what sounds distinctly like gibberish. It's kind of cute. Cute? "That was a strange thought?" I give my mind a mental shake and remind myself that I'm here for business. Now, I grab both of his shoulders deliver a bold shake this time.
"HEY!!! WAKE UP!!!!"
:::!?!:::
The man stands up right away from the wall looking around in a sleepy haze.
"What?!" (confused)
His shirt shifts with his movements revealing the familiar café logo. 'Huh?' I thought. Must a regular perhaps? I haven't seen him before, though.
Lost in my thoughts, the brunette shifts his attention to me and the strangest thing happened. For a split second he looks as if he recognizes me. (FEAR) Suddenly for no apparent reason he throws his body back against the wall, tripping over his own feet, causing the poor guy to his lose balance and fall to the ground. :::Heh::: What a klutz. I try to stop myself from laughing but I don't succeed.
:::chuckle:::
"Sorry about that. Didn't mean to startle you." I move to help him, "Here take my...hand..." I trail off when I see his eyes for the first time. Blue. Brilliant blue. The color appears exactly like Sky's. 'And I thought Sky was the only owner of that color...was I wrong.' "Wow," I say barely above a whisper. I recognize him now. He is the person I saw yesterday getting off the ferry boat. I'm still staring intently. MENTAL SHAKE!!! I try to focus on the guy again.
"Here." Quickly locking hands I give a strong tug bringing him quickly to his feet. (confused) He's brushing himself off. His hair is mostly dry, now. The brown mope looks more like a chunk of bangs starting from short on top to long in front and the sides and back are closely cut. He's a rather nice-looking guy. Whoh. What am I thinking? Oh...whatever. Its morning and I'm not awake right yet. Right?
He's bowing his head so that his longer bangs in the front successfully hide his face. (shame) Is he blushing? "Hey, you okay?"
"Um...yeah. I'm okay. Just a little groggy." That's when he looks up and shyly smiles causing his eyes to shine.
Wow... again...wow ...I retract what I said earlier. Add the smile, he's VERY attractive.
:::cough::: what? The brunette is watching me inquisitively. Shit! I'm staring again.
"Right. Um, we don't open until later...um you can wait here or come back when we are ready for business. I would stay personally since you obviously think the cafe's worth it." I give his shirt a tug to emphasize his point.
The man frowns, "But...I was...I was told...to come here at this...this...time," stuttering nervously.
Now it's my turn to frown. "Really? By whom?"
"By me." A third voice joins the conversation. I look over my shoulders to see Mr. Anders walking up puffing on his pipe, hands in his pockets, untucked, white, buttoned shirt and jeans.
(relief)
The brunette next to me seems relieved and walks up to greet the older man. "Good morning, Mr. Anders." What is going on here? I'm confused.
"Good morning. I'm glad to see you're on time, young man," addressing the stranger. The owner looks first to the younger man then to both of us. "I see you've met my other employee." The owner uses his hand to motion to me then to the mystery man, "Sora meet Riku. Riku meet Sora. Sora will be working here at the store starting today."
My eyes pop out of my head at hearing that name. I'm a little shocked to say the least. New employee, what? When was this decided? His name is Sora? What?
--------------------------------------------
Anders walks around gathering odd things here and there from his car. Some of them look like new items to sell besides coffee. Souvenirs mostly, better known as 'expensive crap' that tourists would LOVE to spend money on. Who the hell knows why. A week later, the supposed treasures will only end up in the waste basket.
Anders stops with his hand in mid-motion from opening the front door. Fuck. I know what he's doing. He's going to leave me with the new guy...all...day...long.
"Sora?"
"Yes Mr. Anders?"
"Riku's an expert. Listen to everything he has to tell you and you will be well taken care of." (nervous) "It may seem overwhelming at first, Sora, but I have faith in you. You will be making coffee like a pro before the week is out." Then the old man motions for me to follow him outside. Great, the 'let's have a talk, son.' :::grrrrrr::: Once the door clicks behind me, I turn to face Mr. Anders and demand an answer. "Sir, what the hell is going on? When did he...when did you find him?"
"Riku, I'm getting old." I balk at the notion but he doesn't stop. "I cannot commit the same amount of hours I use to. I need a break and you cannot run the store alone." I wanted to say something, anything thing to prove him wrong but as much as I searched for the answer he was right. Silently I listen. How did I miss it, the man I've come to know and love has grown old? "As for the young man, I think you will find him surprising and reliable. I want you to teach him everything about the store. Start small then work up to making the drinks when you think he's ready. Okay?"
The old man caught my sadden look. I looked away and mumble, "Yes, sir." A victorious smile grows on Mr. Anders' face. "Good." I nod my head to let the old man know that I was still paying attention to him. "Then until tomorrow morning. Bye." And with that he was gone and I returned to the store.
:::jingle::: :::jingle:::
Inside the store, the new guy appears a little nervous and out of place. Understandable, I guess. I never like starting new jobs either. Through my peripheral vision I catch a glimpse of him shifting in place while toying with his new employee's T-shirt. A strange notion popped into my head. Before my mind could catch up, I found myself...
"Sora, was it ?"
I found myself wanting to make the guy feel more comfortable. Not a usually desire of mine unless you're family or close friends. He flinches at the mentioning of his name like he is being called out from a dream. (nervous)
"Ah...um, yeah?" He makes direct eye contact. I'll say this, he's definitely different. At one moment he comes across as someone pure and unspoiled by deceit or despair than at the same time he feels like he has a bottomless pit of strength and determination. I don't understand how; I just know that he would never back down from any obstacle set in his path.
"Here take this and follow me." Without warning I shove one of the boxes full of souvenirs into his arms. I look over my shoulder. He begins to follow me from a respective distance. "So Sora, that's a woman's name, right?"
:::SIGH::: The brunette exhales dramatically lifting his bangs away from his face. "YESSSS. I know, but my mother insisted. Have a problem with that?"
:::chuckle:::
"?" He's looking at me with a pout. Now I bust out laughing. Cute.
"Sorry." :::hehehe::: "Just now, you reminded me of another friend of mine. It's funny really, you both share the same name and you both could have been twins actually." :::cough::: the sudden sound of the brunette choking threw me off. I rush to his side and hit his back a few times until he seemed to regain his composure.
"oh? What's she like?"
"She's beautiful, very compassionate and caring. Sora is the most wonderful woman I have ever known. (pleased) I would be lost without her." (indecision)
"Um...Riku?"
"Huh?" I set down the box I was holding and look at the man expectantly.
:::silence::: "Well...um..." (apprehension) He doesn't look too comfortable with what he is about to ask. I wonder what it is. His eerie eyes look like deep pools of sapphire. I found myself lost in them again. "um...Wow...I mean..." Then suddenly the sun decides to bath my face with warm rays of light. That is exactly what it is like when the man before me smiles. He continues, "she sounds wonderful, this Sora. You say we could have been twins, do we look alike?"
I think about what he just asked and to be honest I found I couldn't answer him since in reality I have never truly seen her except for her eyes. So I decide to do the next best thing...change the subject.
"Lets get the store ready. We'll be opening very soon."
:::shrug::: Sora is relieved. He mirrors my own state of mind. "You lead I follow. Just tell me what you need me to do." I had to smile at that.
--------------------------------------------
(LATER THAT MORNING)
I usually never like people on the first meeting, most the time I hate em'. That's a given, actually you could set that in stone. Yet, this guy is really growing on me, especially during the last couple of hours. It's weird. I never purposely seek people out to be come close to. I just let them attach themselves to me. Maybe I'm lazy. Kiari thinks it's a defensive mechanism. I don't believe her. I think, maybe, she is just comparing me to her son Squall since we act similar. So I asked one of the guys what they thought about it.
'Hell, yeah dude. She's pinned you like a voodoo doll.'
'What the fuck are you talking about geek boy?'
'Ya, Riku, sorry to tell you this but Tidus has it right, man. We were your friends for six years before you even bothered to tell us anything other then surface bullshit.'
'Yeah, you know like the weather, the next lay, or the next asshole you met and destroyed.'
'Fuck you.'
'See that's what Wakka is talking about.'
Some small part of me couldn't deny what they were trying to tell me back then. I'm emotionally inept. When I think about it, Kiari has it right. There really isn't a difference between little Squall and me. We both only bond to family members and very few friends that we keep very close and dear and the rest we shut out. Why? Squall has a very good reason and I really don't want to think about the puss nut and as for me, there is no reason to speak of.
So, yeah, it's strange for me to be standing here training this guy wanting to know him better. Okay, strange isn't enough...fucking bizarre is better.
I pause myself in the thick of my mental battle and look once more to the young brunette before me. He's currently trying another drink I fixed for him. In, the next couple of days, Sora will sample every consumable product the store has to offer. Need to know how they taste if you are to sell them to customers. Sora is jutting his bottom lip out at a 'nasty drink he just had' judging by his reaction. I smile at the scene and go back to making another drink. I think I'm going to look forward to work for now on after today.
--------------------------------------------
"Is it usually this slow?"
"Only in the morning."
"Huh. Whys that? Is there a time difference here?"
"Huh? Na uh. See, since most of the rich lowlifes that come here to partake in 'the manufactured isle paradise', they don't wake like normal people. Fucking assholes. They believe they can leave their lives behind for a small break from reality. It's only a quickie, quick fix if you will. No one can escape the truth they have built for themselves. This is an illusion and they are the fakes that participate."
:::snicker:::
"?"
:::snicker:::
"Are you laughing at me?"
"Sorry, Riku. You just really get emotional about the most bizarre things don't you?"
"Be careful, Sora or the next thing you'll be learning is how to properly clean the toilets."
:::snicker::: "Um..." :::cough::: "right." :::snicker:::
--------------------------------------------
(AROUND NOON)
Sora discovers that his first day working at Destiny Isles is turning out better than he had ever hoped. A weird and lucky turn of events. He crosses ocean and land to a far away place to find someone he wasn't too sure lived out of his mind and finds himself not only with a dream job for a coffee addict but working along side the very figment of his imagination. 'Pretty messed up, really. But gets an A for coolness factor.'
The rest of the day goes smoothly. The extremely tall silver haired man is a very patient teacher. Though, a little voice in the back of Sora's mind tells him that this might not be the case for everyone. The knowledge makes his stomach do somersaults.
They spent time talking between customers. Both of them fall into an easy and familiar rhythm. 'Strange that we both still act exactly like we do together in the dreams even though Riku had no idea who he is training.' Maybe some part of Riku recognizes him.
There lies another problem. Should the brunette tell the other man his true identity or not? Would he freak to hear that the woman in his dreams is a man? Better yet, she/ he decides without warning to pop up out of nowhere to say hi? Dilemmas...dilemmas... Riku 'not knowing' allows Sora to watch and see his childhood friend in a different light. "There's no harm in waiting is there?" he whispers to himself.
--------------------------------------------
"That one...and her too."
"Nah...the second one definitely."
"Whatever, Riku, you're blind. They both have had boob jobs."
"Okay smarty what about her?"
"Absolutely."
"No way."
"Are you suuuure you've been with a woman?"
"OF COURSE! Just look at me. Women can't resist me. I am a super conducting female magnet"
"Conceded. So, you truly are convinced hers are real?"
"Yes."
"You really sure?"
:::grrrrrrr::: "Yeeeeeeeessssss, Sora. She's coming towards the store. Want to put money where your mouth is?"
:::silence::: "I don't bet."
:::?::: "Likely story, wussy boy. You're just afraid that you'd lose."
:::shuffle shuffle::: "Alright, I bet you five bucks."
"Five bucks!?! Nope. Not good enough."
"What do you mean not good enough?"
"Loser treats winner to drinks."
"......" :::some more shuffling::: "You're on bean boy."
"So how do we find out the truth, blue eyes?"
"Believe me it will be painfully obvious, Goldilocks."
:::jingle::: :::jingle:::
"Hi, welcome to our café. Anything I can get for you?"
In a VERY MASCULINE voice "Yes, I would like a medium ice coffee with a shot of cherry syrup, please."
(amusement)
:::choke::: "Right away, sir...I mean miss?"
:::Poke::: In a small voice, "Told you." :::snicker:::
:::grrrrr::: "Shut up."
:::sniker:::
--------------------------------------------
(STILL EARLY IN THE AFTERNOON)
As the day wore on, I notice Sora and I are exchanging back and forth like old buds. It is as though we've known each other for years. Then a question enters my head that I find I start to ask before I realize what I am asking.
:::sip:::
"You know...I've never seen you before today and you don't seem like a native or local of the isles. You're not from here, are you Sora?"
"Mmmph?" :::sip::: "No, this is the first time for me to see the sea first hand."
I watch him tip his glass drinking deeply. "Damn, your heart is going to burst if you drink any more coffee. That's your eighth cup right?"
:::sip::: "Yup. You made the rules that I could have as much coffee as I wanted for free."
"Humph. Somehow even if you were swimming in the stuff it seems to me that still wouldn't satisfy you."
"You finished?"
"Nope."
"...."
"...So Sora, are you here to stay or are you traveling aimlessly?" (surprised)
"What? No. I mean yes I'm definitely here to stay. There will never be a reason for me to leave."
"Why's that? What's your reason? Family? Friends?"
"A friend but I'm not ready for him to know I'm here yet."
"Why? Did the two of you fight or something."
"Well...let's just say that I need to feel out the situation first."
"But..."
"...Riku, I..." His eyes stared at me intently making stray shivers crawl up my spine. His eyes are really freaking me out. They are too close to hers. We held each other's gaze then Sora's softens and becomes gentle. "...look...I hope you don't take offense but I really don't want to talk about it right now."
Now it's my turn to smile. He's too nice. I can't help thinking it.
--------------------------------------------
(CLOSING TIME)
The day is ending and the last of the customers are retreating from the store front. Both Sora and I are busy closing the store 'properly'. Sora's carries out the trash to the big dumpster behind the café and I'm count the till. He soon returns.
"Sheeesh." He heaves an exaggerated sigh. "What else do I need to do, Riku?" looking up at me expectantly with a tire grin. He's a god send compared the last guy Anders hired, I thought absently.
"Um, you need to bring in the chairs and tables from the outside and stack inside over there in the corner."
"Right." With that said, he moves to finish the task.
When the last chair is in, we step outside and I lock the store declaring another day done.
:::SIGH:::
Without forethought or indication, we both simultaneously flop our backs against the wall of the store dramatically. I'm tired. I turn my head and watch Sora for a few minutes. He's too tired to notice.
"You a smoker?" I prompt.
"Ah...Yes...I mean I was." He started to frown. "How did you know?"
"You act like one. How long has it been since your last drag?"
"Whooo...Who know's. Remember the coffee?" I nod then it suddenly dawns on me why he drinks as much as he does. He smiles at me, "Yeah, it helped me to quit. I knew that I didn't have the will to stop cold turkey so I used the substituting method. I still want one every now and then."
Silence surrounds us again. I could hear the tide retreating in the distance. Love the sea. I look up at the skyline. "It's going to be dark soon."
".....Yeah."
I couldn't tell you why but I didn't want to leave. I wanted to stay here with Sora. I really like being in his company. I think he feels the same. Sora stands up shattering the perfect moment. He focuses on me with his apologetic eyes... his exceedingly deep blue eyes.
"I'm sorry Riku but I just remembered that I was invited, yesterday, to game of Blitzball tonight."
"Really?" My brow arches to the new knowledge. Interesting, he just arrived and he's already been invited by someone? A small twinge of jealousy weighs down on me. "It's funny you should mention it because I'm about to join one as well. Was it by the main pool?" Nod. "Do you remember who invited you?"
"Well it was..." The gears are turning visibly. He's tired.
"um...oh!" Sora quickly stops himself. He just remembered that Riku is the Uncle of the little boy he found yesterday. The voice in the back of his head doesn't think Riku knows about his little Nephew misadventures. "...No, I don't remember who." He shakes his head. "Eh uh. Not at all."
I narrow my eyes and start to grin evilly. He's lying again. "You sure about that?"
Sora crosses his arms and pouts. I start to frown upon seeing him do that. It is exactly how Sky does it in my dreams. "Yes, Riku. I...don't ...remember." He's standing his ground against me as if we were in a silent battle of wills. Not going to work, I'm able to see through you.
"Sora, you don't lie." It was not a question but a statement. Sora was struck dumb. He didn't know how to react. I couldn't tell you why but it was like a whisper telling me what this brunette standing in front me was really like. I just knew. "Come on, who was it?"
He sighs and slumps his shoulders feeling like a trapped animal, "A man named Tidus."
Really? Somehow I'm not surprised. I clasp his shoulder with brotherly affection, "You like Blitzball?"
Sora looks up not sure where this is leading, "Yes, love the game."
"Well, Sora, then we should not keep them waiting." I'm going to kill that fucker, Tidus. Something happened yesterday while I was getting a boat. I'm willing to bet it had to do with the twins. I calm myself before I get really mad. Don't want to freak out Sora. I doubt he did anything wrong. I've only known him for an extremely short time but I know for a fact that this man would never intentionally harm or hurt anyone. It's just the way he is.
I look once more at my new friend and give him genuine smile. He returns the smile causing my heart to jitter. He's different somehow. I'm glad he came to work at the café. I give him an affectionate push and we begin towards the direction of the big pool letting the night swallow us whole.
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About flippin time. This chapter took for flippin forever. For some reason it was difficult to decide on how I wanted them to interact on their first meeting. To be honest, I'm not sure how I feel about this chapter...:::pout::: So whatever. I really promise this time things will speed up in the next chapter. Oh, and if there are any criticisms, please let me know. It is MUCH appreciated. AND DAMN ON THE REVIEWS!!!!! VERY COOL! MY HEART IS SINGING!!!! Hope my chapters don't get shit-ti-er.
About the whole Sora/Riku kissing, they have to be friends first so that won't happen for a while. However, I was thinking about writing a one-shot fluff. Yes...No?