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, buy all the
manga I want, and license Fullmetal Alchemist for myself but Funimations
beat me to it...like I could compete :(
Parings: Sora/Riku because somehow those two belong.
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.
Sorry, I promised heat but it definitely is in the next chapter. So please don't kill me. And THANKS X 100,000 for the reviews. Still think it's a joke maybe because I still can't believe the amount of people reviewing. Fucking cool. Whatever...on the story.
(Author note: 5-29-04 thank you Junsui-san for pointing out the spelling mistakes. O0 You were being nice. There were a lot.)
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:::Chapter 4- Where to go?:::
The opaque walls encroach upon my vision. Colors of grey start from the edges then slowly flow to the center creating a tunnel of sorts. Wistfully, I wonder if this is what people see just before they die; the tunnel of light except in this instance the tunnel of pasty grey.
Closing.
Man, I'm bored.
Closing.
The longer I stare the worse it gets pushing back my ability to focus clearly. My eyes begin to burn but I ignore it as much at possible. I feel as though I'm having a staring contest with a friend to see who blinks first except the contest is with myself.
Closing.
I'm pathetically bored. :::sigh::: Secretly I wonder if I'm ADD but that's too convenient of an excuse.
Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored.
Honestly, there isn't a reason to put myself through this abuse but it's soothing. It keeps my mind off of him.
Closing more.
Glowing, metallic streaks are crossing along my field of vision. 'That's new. Then again, I usually give up about now.' Yes...this is NOT the first time I've done this, ME i.e. LOSER. :::heh:::
Sora.
You might even equate this to cutters using blades to draw across their bodies or people using the intense heat of the flame to bring them back to reality by the pain.
"Sora..."
Extreme burning. It's painful yet I refuse to end the contest. Finally, I see total darkness. 'Darkness...Why does he only allow the darkness to dominate the dreamscape? Why doesn't he manipulate and change the surroundings. Up until now, I always brushed it off as something only I was able to perform. Who knows, that might have been the case in the beginning however is it still the truth? What if he is choosing to remain in darkness until I arrive? If that's true...does that mean I define his world?'
"SORA!"
Like a huge mass in motion brought to a sudden halt, my brain crashes throwing all my previous thoughts out the window and kick starts back to the present, here in the café. I look around frantically. I'm disturbed further when a lone hand is placed on my shoulder to herald the intruder's presence...Mr. Anders. I look at the older man smiling down at me with concern. "Dreamland is always a great place to travel to, yet dangerous to stay in for too long. It can play for keeps."
How ironic. Those words said held more truth than I think even he knew.
I smile sheepishly at my benefactor; the kind man that gave me a foundation for myself to use to stay here in Destiny Isles. "Sorry, sir. I guess I kind of zoned out."
Mr. Anders gives me a searching look before he grasp my shoulder one more time as if to say everything is well and you are in good company. 'Thank you. You really don't know how much that means to me.'
"Hey, I've been playing with this new recipe for a drink. You mind being my Guinea pig?" My eyes shine at the thought of trying something new in the realm of coffee. He shakes his head and releases a hearty chuckle bellowing deep within his chest. "Young man, I've never met anyone who loves coffee as much as you do. Let me get it started for you." I watch the owner walk off to the other side of the counter. He slips into a well worn rhythm. He loves doing this. I can't see any fault with his desires.
I go back to staring out the window, absently listening to the pitter patter of rain randomly hitting against the glass. I was told that the REAL raining season will be starting soon and this is only a shy hello. I can't wait to see what a genuine greeting will be like. Love water.
Three days has come and gone since I started working at the café. During all that time I have been thinking of nothing but Sei, the friend of my sleep held nights, and Riku, the friend of my wake filled days. Obsessed. I've become fixated. I'm not a stalker, it's just that I wish I could come clean and tell Riku who I am. I don't like telling lies. Sounds childish but it's true. As much as I try, I can't find a way without repercussions.
I've known Riku for a very long time. You might say that before I knew Riku as a person, I knew his heart.
:::AUUUUUUGH:::
I can't think. I grip my thick long bangs in frustration. The tips pass between my fingers barely brushing up against my eyes. It's weird. I never thought I would become like this. For the last couple a days I have become dependant of our time together.
Today is his day off. I'm bored out of my mind and don't know what to do with myself. I miss him.
I softly drop my head against my arms crossed on top of the counter. It makes a muffled thump. Mr. Ander watches me silently amused by my behavior.
My eyes drift back to the droplets beading up against the store windows. Maybe the rain is letting up.
"It won't last much longer." The words bring me from my dumb-out session. Mr. Anders smiles and places the finished drink in front of me. I give him a questioning look. He directs his gaze to the showery world just outside the bounds the store, his face not faltering once. "Maybe thirty minutes...tops."
"........." It wasn't so much the weather really, I like the rain, it's just...
"...he should be here soon."
'Huh? Did I miss something?'
"Who?" I ask reluctantly. Mr. Anders doesn't answer and just ruffles my bangs. A few seconds later, the drink is pushed closer to my right hand. The owner flashes me a not so subtle look telling me to commit my life to drinking or die. Okay...maybe not THAT extreme. I tip it back let the first few hints of the drink to hit my taste buds. He waits.
"......"
"Well?"
"......" I really couldn't describe it. Fantastic. It's bitter but sweet at the same time. I quietly take few more sips.
"WELL?!" My hand comes up to halt the onslaught of questions coming from my coffee patron. I swish it again in my mouth before I swallow. It's not that I need more time to decide if it its good or not. It's my way of teasing him.
I swish some more. His patience wanes.
:::sip:::
"Sora..." He's getting agitated, shifting from leg to leg. Amazing considering he is otherwise well mannered and laid back.
:::swish::: :::swish:::
"...soooo?..." it comes out like a demand rather than a question.
I can't help it. I start to giggle and his scowl turns into a wide smile. "You heathen! I can't BELIEVE I fell for it too." He points at me accusingly, "You are taking on too many of Riku's bad personality traits."
:::giggle::: "I'm sorry Mr. Anders. It was too tempting...The drink is wonderful, as USUAL." I turn fully towards him giving him all of my attention. "It's a lot different then what you normally make. It has a slight bitter after taste. Was that what you were going for?"
"mmm. Well, not entirely. I think I'll have to work on this one." He sets out to take my drink away from me in mid sip. I quickly move it away from his offending hands. I give him a look of 'I bite.'
:::jingle::: :::jingle:::
He throws his hands up into the air sighing in defeat. I give him another glare for good measure. "Mine." Then I go back to happily drinking my coffee.
"Geeez you two. Like a pair of ragged dogs fighting over a bone."
The owner and I both look up at the same moment to identify who the new intruder is. I grin like a fool at Riku's entrance. "Only LOSERS come to their place of work on their off days, bean boy."
Riku stares back at the both of us and walks over grabbing my drink from my hands and before I realize what he's doing...he drinks my..."HEY!!!" The green eyed man stares directly at me as he chugs the rest of my drink down. I feel the rage building.
Mr. Anders removes himself from the combat zone rapidly brewing. It amazes him daily to see the growing attachment between us. The development makes him happy. To him, we almost seem as long time friends somehow finding each other again but with amnesia. We have the emotions intact but the memories are gone. He doesn't even think Wakka and Tidus are this close to the tall boy.
A low rumble of a growl starts from my chest and rises up barely escaping my lips. The silver haired beast innocently cocks his head watching me. "Something wrong, Sora?" He purrs. He brings his head closer to my mouth as if listening carefully for something.
"grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr."
"Huh...I guess it was the wind or something." His head retreating and he stands up straight sporting a smirk.
GRRRRRRRRRRR. You might say that I'm over reacting but if you were an avid coke addict or a very religious smoker and someone is keeping from your vice the moment you need it most then....I rest my case. As of right now? I see red. "Riku....." my words coming out more like a low menacing hiss.
"mmmm? Right...thanks for the cup of jo." with the look of pure innocence still on that bastard's face. That's it!
"I'm going to KILLLLL YOUUU!" with that said I pounce but he easily catches me and holds me at a safe distance. (happy) This continues for a few minutes. Riku is laughing while I'm trying for his face...that is...until Mr. Anders hands me another drink. I stare at it bewildered.
He just smiles, "Try this one." I look at him then back at the drink then all anger drains from me and pure pleasure takes its place. "Oh...Okay. Thank you very much, Mr. Anders." :::sip::: I'm completely content, all thoughts of before gone. He just snorts at me and Riku sits down on a stool closest to him and shakes his head. "You kill me, Sora."
:::sip:::
I raise my eyebrow trying my best to ignore his presence. I'm doing fine up until my legs start to protest and I decide to take the stool next to him. Periodically I would take a sip of my delicious drink unintentionally making small sounds of pleasure every time. Minutes pass and I turn my head towards Riku and he looks at me in kind. "So." I say.
"So." He returns. We smile at each other. "You hungry?"
:::grumble:::
We both look at my stomach's disturbance. I smile shyly, "yeah, I think I am. Why?" that's when something very pleasant and very edible crosses my nose and catches my attention. The silver hair god of food places a lunchbox in front of me.
"oooooo...really?"
"Dumbass."
(pleased)
'Pleased? Yeah, I guess I am?' Riku hands another lunch to the owner. My eyes follow their movements but I'm not really paying attention. I'm confused. It's been happening for awhile now. I feel out sorts in a way, almost like a split personality. I'm not sure I can explain. Sometimes I experience an emotion that mirrors my own and other times it's the opposite. Like my mind can't make a decision on what it wants to feel.
'Auuuugh...Whatever.' It's not important anyways. I flop my head against my arms on the counter again followed by an exasperated exhale. The two men turn to silently ask me if I'm okay. I smile in return and begin to relieve the lunchbox of its contents. Happy with my answer Mr. Anders thanks Riku and walks outside to eat under the protection of the store's overhangs. Riku begins to devour his food next to me.
"Thanks for the...ummm...lunch...mmm...good.........thanks." I mumble between bites. Riku smiles warmly at me amused by something that I'm doing but doesn't enlighten me as to what. He just watches me for a moment creating an audible silence. I begin to feel a slow burn heat up my face. His smile widens then he turns back to his food satisfied, "You're welcome, Sora. Just thought you might be hungry."
It didn't take long to devourer everything. Damn I was hungry. Finished I rest my back against the counter basking in the 'happy tummy after glow'. I can still hear the rain falling outside. No one is coming in. Even though it's bad for business, it's nice since I'm able to spend more time with Riku.
"So, have you found a place to live yet?"
I'm surprised by the question. "Um...well..."
"mmmm?"
Unbeknownst to me I start to pout. "No. Not yet. But Mr. Anders is going to let me off early today and I still have one more day to stay at the resort. He also said..."
Riku's brow arches to that, "Him?"
(confused) 'There it is again.'
"Anders that is, he said I can stay with him if I needed the time but I'd rather camp in the nearby public forests before I inconvenience him."
:::chuckle::: Riku couldn't help but laugh at that. Sora was always so considerate of others, maybe a little too much so. Wait a minute didn't he say that he had a friend here? "Sora, what about your friend? Couldn't he/she...well I mean why not ask to stay with them?"
I start to frown, not because of the innocent question but because of my stupidity. No matter how many times I have the opportunity to tell Riku who I am, I just let it pass me by. I'm scared. No...I'm terrified. There were two times I tried to get the courage in the dreamscape to tell the silver haired friend but I...I...it was just how he reacted.
I walked up to his seated form on the grassy field I created. I could feel him in the dream, happy and content. I was scared. Not of him but of what I was about to ask. I have never cornered him before and ask him out right. I knew this was a touchy subject but I couldn't wait anymore. So I approach quickly almost reluctantly. I took a deep breathe and committed myself. "Sei?"
"Yeah, Sky?"
I felt the nervousness climb from the pit of my stomach. Oh heck, I needed to do this. "Um...well...I was wondering...what is your life like?" He immediately looked straight into my eyes with fear. Dammit.
This isn't the first time I've broached this subject to him. His eyes would bore into me every time I'd ask something like this, life outside of the dream. And every time fear would illuminate his beautiful green eyes.
"Why do you want to know?" OR "Um...it's getting late. I need to get some sleep." and he would disappear OR "Let's not talk about that right now." OR he would blatantly ignore what I just ask and change the subject or remain silent holding my hand until it was time for both of us to leave. It infuriated me. I wanted to know why it scared him so much to connect outside in the real time, the physical world.
So, last night, I stood before him again. His eyes showing every bit of fear that I could not understand and never wanted to see. I should have backed down but I had to know. "Why don't you ever want to talk about our lives outside of here?"
"Dammit Sora. Why can't here be enough?" Somehow today his reaction was worse.
"But Sei," I pleaded, desperation in my voice. "This is 2-D. The sky, the water, the grass, the colors." I reached out my hand and touch his face. "us...It's not real."
"How can you say that?" He moves to me and grasp my hand intertwining our fingers. "This is real to me. I can feel the heat from your hand, I may not be able to see you clearly but this is still very real to me." He brings my hand to his lips lightly brushing my fingers one by one with them.
'Ah!' The soft touch of his lips cause sparks of electricity to travel up my body into my heart.
"Sky, you are the most important person in my life."
"What life? Sei, this is a dream. I can't even see you. I want more. This is isn't enough for me anymore. I want to know EVERYTHING. I want to know about your family, friends, the little mundane things you have to deal with in your life, everything from what your wear to what kind of places you like to hang out at to who you are dating, everything. Do you understand what I'm saying to you?" I didn't need to see his expression or his stunning eyes to know. I could FEEL the pain fiercely welling up within him. GOD...what am I doing to this man? This is not what I wanted to do. I just want to tell him everything, I was ready to take the next step to our relationship and bring it to the waking life outside waiting for us but I just seem to continue to hurt him. Dammit, Riku. What are you so scared of?
"NO! Sky, I don't understand! I DON'T UNDERSTAND ANY OF IT!" With he was gone again and I stayed there and cried until I woke in real time with dried tears caked on my cheeks.
That was how I started my morning. Now, I am sitting before him deciding what to say to him, the most precious person in life. He's doesn't know he's asking me the same question I asked him in our dreams. "Well...you see Riku, my friend still doesn't know I'm here yet. So, I can't really ask to stay with him."
He gives me a very calculating look. I'm captivated. Riku is beyond words. He defines all types of beauty and I'm afraid to admit it.
"Sora, why haven't you talked to him yet? You risked a lot to come here let a lone without the security of knowing he was even here. That says a lot about you but doesn't explain why you hesitate." :::heh::: Pot meet kettle. I avert my eyes and stare at something other than him.
"I just can't. Not yet. Riku, it's complicated. Please don't ask me anymore."
Silence fills he store again.
(thrilled)
'Where the heck did that come from?' But I don't have time to ponder it for long. Riku turns towards me and grabs my shoulders suddenly with a very excited expression on his face. "Then...why don't you stay with us?" He chirps.
What? "I...I don't know Riku..."
But he didn't let me finish. "Yeah, you'd love where we live. Our house is right on the shoreline. You can hear the waves at night clearly from the windows. The breeze coming off of the sea is always cool so there's never a reason to have window units on so the house is always open. Wakka and Tidus would love to have you as a roommate. They definitely got a kick out of you when we played Blitzball a couple of days ago. There is an extra cot I can get from my parent's house. Of course there are chores and Kiari, the freeloader, will probably off load the kids on you since you're the newbie and all, and sharing the bills but that won't be much since it's between four people now AND..." :::breathe::: "if you need anything we have a car that...
Woah. A little overwhelmed by his obvious enthusiasm. My eyes widen in response.
"...into town and there are many stores and sure that...wow." Huh. Why'd he stop suddenly. Um...he's staring at me. His voice dropped to low whisper. "They are a radiant blue. You both have the most incredible eyes...beautiful." Does he even realize what he just said to me? My shirt's too tight. I close me eyes trying to concentrate on calming my quickening heart rate.
(surprise)
Riku jolts his head up as if he just replayed what he had just said to me in my presence. His face is turning into a ferocious red.
"Um...sorry...right." He's really embarrassed and to my dismay so am I. My neck is burning now. I rack my nails across it a couple of times trying to get it to stop and look at Riku and he is doing the same. We both start laughing. Why? Who knows but its enough to break the awkward moment. "Allergies?" I offer.
He grins, his cheeks still flush but returning to normal. "Yeah, must be. Don't know what the fuck from. For the last couple of days, I would randomly feel something on my neck. Pisses me off, since I've never been allergic to anything before."
"Not me. I was a sickly child."
Silence
"So...what do you think? Roommates and such?" Right...back to the original subject.
"Give me time to think about it. I promise I will." My green eyed friend shyly smiles and nods. Without warning he stands up, towering over me, grabs the remains of my lunch and proceeds to throw away our trash in the back of the store.
:::jingle::: :::jingle:::
I am still sitting on the stool at the counter with my back to the door when the older man walks back inside. I turn around to see him closing the door behind him. He looks at me grins. I watch him take the stool next to me and he starts to clean out his pipe. He uses a toothpick to grind out the remaining tobacco into an empty cup. Without looking up, "Sora, I don't think we are going to get anymore customers with the rain and all." Then he glances up at me and gives me a strong pat on the back, "Let's call it a day."
I find my head in an arm lock without warning or indication by none other, Riku. "Excellent!" Smirking like a maniac.
"What are you planning?"
"Honestly? Nothing really. But we need to leave ASAP if you're going to meet her."
"Riikkkuuu...I don't want to meet one of your current escapades." I grumbled.
The monster gives my long bangs a vigorous rustle. "Just come with me, Mr. Clueless."
He grabs the back of shirt and drags me towards the store front without mercy. My hands flail trying desperately for the arms to release me but I fail miserably.
:::jingle::: :::jingle:::
"See ya, Anders."
"Bye...Dammit, let me go!"
:::chuckle::: "See ya boys!"
The older man looks around the store and sees that there isn't really much for him to clean up. He scratches his chin deep in thought. 'Those two really have become attached to each other within last few days. It's odd and strangely comforting.'
:::jingle::: :::jingle:::
He gives the store one last look before he locks the door and walks towards the dock to see if he can get some fishing before the day is done. Rainy days are always perfect for fishing.
--------------------------------------------
There are many pools scattered within the resort grounds for the guests' leisure. Two of the five are indoor and the rest line the edge of the recreational facility just before it opens to the beaches. The floors and sidings used around all the pools are natural rocks found all over the neighboring isles. The stone is naturally like a thin slab or slate casting deep hues of blackish blue. The over all design and lighting creates a feel of other worldliness.
At night they are very popular for couples and people searching for potential partners. During the heat of the day other parts of the resort bustle with activity. However, as the last day of the week quickly closes, most guests prepare to leave paradise behind and pick up the reigns of their lives waiting back home.
Consequently, the pools are practically deserted even without adding the rain lightly showering outside.
:::splash:::
Two men are lounging in the chairs pushed further away from the edge of the water but still close enough to view everything within. "THAR SHE BLOWS!!!!" yells one of the men. He is tall, tanned, has stark white hair and deep auburn eyes twinkling with malice. The second one is a lot smaller with short clipped red hair, similar build and ice blue eyes devoid of emotion. Bouts of snickering promptly follow the outburst.
A blond man and two women, a brunet and redhead, were too busy playing and swimming to pay attention to the two heckling men on the side lines.
The red head pulls herself out of the pool and makes her way to the diving board in the deep end. The blonde and the brunette are still splashing each other when the redhead reaches her destination. Smiling, the young woman yells back to her two friends in the water, "CLOUD! SELPHIE! What should I do next?!"
Selphie looks up excitedly at her friend between splashes, "How about a 'Jack-knife, Kiari!" Cloud was about to agree before he unexpectedly received a mouth full from a grinning brunette throwing him into a fit of coughs. Kiari couldn't help but snicker. She nods and confidently strolls up to the edge of the diving board. It is at this moment before she executes the move where she feels calm and devoid of all wants and desires. It is at this point where she is not a daughter, a sister, a mother, a woman. Here, now, it is enough for her to just exist. The moment fades and moves into jumping once then hitting the board with her feet only to have her body rebound up again flowing immediately into the dive. 'Perfect.'
:::splash:::
"SHAAAAAMOOOOOOO!!!!!" the hackling from the sides erupts into laughter.
Cloud standing in the water, this time, catches the mean spirited words coming from the two men. He silently seethes from their taunts but chooses to remain silent. It is never wise to confront Ansem. However, not everyone agrees. Selphie goes rigged and clinches her fists at her sides, "Shut up!! You assholes!!"
Ansem and his friend both stare at the young woman's retort with wide eyes. To Cloud's relief they only point at her and start laughing which makes her shake with quite rage. "RRRRRR. ME MATEY!!"
Cloud moves to hold Selphie back with one hand. He is grateful the two dismiss her and turns to look at both men straight in the eyes, "Ansem...Jeb...leave Kiari be!" Ansem is Kiari's lover and father of her children but that does not mean that he cares. One of his favorite games is to stab at her weight. The white haired man calls her a cow, whale, anything really. Of course none of these names or games have any real bases, she is physically beautiful. It is just another way for the man to break her down.
Cloud's demand elicits more snickering but nothing else. Kairi's submerged form finally surfaces beside her two friends. She wipes the water from her eyes to see her two friends frowning. 'Something's wrong.' She is confused. "What's up?"
"Nothing." Both replied in unison. The red head starts to inquire further until she catches a glimpse a familiar head of silver hair. A very tall man followed by another man with mouse brown hair coming around the corner entering the pool area. Additional questioning fled her thoughts, "RIKKKUUU!!!!" She yells excitedly.
Riku wildly waves his hand then grabs and slightly jerks the shoulders of a shorter man standing next to him. "Hey! Get over here. I want you to meet someone!!" Riku's whispers something low to the new stranger. His new acquaintance looks nervous but shyly waves at her as well.
--------------------------------------------
I glance at the young woman. She is an attractive red head with clear grey, blue eyes. I look at Riku next to me, "Who is she?"
Riku turns to me and winks. "She's my sister. This is the person I wanted you to meet." He directs his attention momentarily at her, "Get over here. I want you to meet someone!" Sensing my nervousness, the green-eyed man bends down and whispers in my ear, "Her name is Kiari. Don't worry, she won't bite...much"
She smiles and points to her brother, "Great! Wait right there." With that said she dunks under the water.
"SHAMMOOOOO!!!"
'What?' Both of us quickly turn in the direction of the sudden interruption to see two other men with nasty smirks on their faces.
(anger)
Riku is frozen next to me. We stand in place watching the two men get up from their chairs and walk over to us. Everything about their stance and expression suggests they are spiteful and dangerous, i.e. grown bullies. I couldn't help but stare at the taller of the two. His manner is threatening and a voice within was screaming to stay far away. Who are they?
(growing anger)
There's that stray emotion again. Even though I don't feel mad, it's starting to effect me. I look around for its origin and my eyes land on Riku. He may appear calm and collected but I can see a minor shiver coming from his hands. I can't tell you why but I know Riku is about to go in a fit of uncontrolled rage any second. What's making him so angry? I look again to the white haired man coming closer. Him?
In a very deep, almost chocolate like voice, "Hello Riku." The man before us grins, playfully mocking us.
"Ansem." Riku growls more than greets in return. "Still making fun of Kiari?" There's danger in his voice.
The man flippantly shrugs, "Why not? Not like she's worthy of better."
(RAGE)
'Oh shit!' Riku snaps and I barely have enough time to reach him before he tries to punch the white haired man. This is not the place for a fight especially with this mysterious man. I step on the foot closest to me to partially immobilize Riku. The abrupt halt in Riku's forward motion is enough to for me to follow his unstable body, quickly slamming him against the closest wall. I use my weight to pin his whole body with his face turned away from the tanned man. Riku is furious. It takes all of my strength to keep him there.
"AURRRRR! LET ME GO SORA!"
:::chuckle::: I glance over at Ansem. He calmly flips his long ghost like hair back away from his face and grins maniacally. "A pleasure always, Riku." Our eyes meet for split second. Satisfied with what he read in my face he turns around and leaves the area with his buddy. I feel Riku renew his struggling with a new fervor upon the two men's exit. I slam him against the wall again. He screams with anger.
"ANSEM!!! GET BACK HERE YOU FUCKER!!!!"
:::SLAM:::
Soon after we're joined by another presence. "What's up?" A feminine voice pipes up. I look for the owner and see Riku's younger sister looking curiously at her brother and me. She smiles brightly. Thoughts fill my head of how this may appear to someone who had been under the water the whole time and arrives now. I start to blush intensely. Her brother is not yet aware of his sister standing behind us.
"GOD DAMMIT SORA!!!!"
She shakes her head. "Let me guess...Ansem?"
I'm shocked and quietly nod.
Her smile never faltering holds her hand to me in greeting, "Don't worry, he always does this when he's near. You're his new friend?"
"PUSS NUT!"
Riku still sees red and I slam him again and quickly make a try for her hand. I'm successful and we shake, "Yeah..." ::: SLAM::: "I'm...Sora."
"ANSEMMMM!! YOU PUSSY!!!"
::: SLAM:::
"Nice to meet you, Sora."
"FUUUUUUUCKKKKK!!!"
::: SLAM:::
:::chuckle::: Her grey blue eyes shift to focus affectionately on her older sibling, "Shut up, brother. I'm trying to say hello here." :::slam::: "I'm Kiari, Sora." She leans closer to Riku who is panting now with frustration. "Who would have thought that 'Jack' was stronger than 'the Bean Stalk'." :::giggle:::
'That stung. I think she just called me short.'
Riku goes slack and starts to chuckle. I'm not fooled for a minute and remain in place just in case he makes another try for Ansem. "Dammit, Kiari. You're always making fun of me."
The young redhead winks and ruffles his stray silver locks that escaped his hair tie, "That's what little sisters are for." I like her. She is kind and makes me wonder if I had had siblings if we would be like her and Riku.
Before I can register what she is doing, she pecks me on the cheek. "Glad Riku has a new friend as kind and protective as you." My face begins to burn.
"Um..." is all my brain could muster in response before she returned to the pool and friends still within the water.
"So that's your sister?" as I release Riku.
All anger gone, he steps away from the wall and wipes his shorts off of any stray dirt. "Yep."
'Cool. I know another important part of Riku I never had before.' :::sigh::: 'I just wish I knew it as Sky and not just Sora.'
--------------------------------------------
"So tell me again 'Oh Great One' why I'm in the car with you with two 24 cases of beer and three frozen pizzas in the rear driving back to your house when I could be using the time Mr. Anders graciously gave me 'WISELY' and looking for a place to live?"
Riku doesn't break his focus from the road to answer, "First things first, don't insult the Jeep. It's a 4-wheeler and not a 'car.' As for reasons: One, the beer is for the two alcoholic buttholes, Wakka and Tidus you met a few days ago. As for the amount...well...I figured you would want something to drink too."
Beautiful greenery whips past my face, too fast for me to appreciate the landscape. I had to raise my voice a bit to speak above the roar of the Jeep's engine. Sounds more like a lawnmower than an automobile. "mmm...No ulterior motives?"
"Ah! Sora, I'm shocked you would suggest something as perverted as that and here I thought you were pure white like an angel's behind."
I growl, "You're mocking me aren't you, Goldilocks?"
"Nope, I am sweet and innocent of the charge. While, I agree alcohol has great persuasive properties with lowering the ability to think and makes the drinker vulnerable to all kinds of attacks, sadly that is not my intention."
'What?' "Sadly?" I search his face for what I'm not sure. Everything said so far was playful except for that last bit. 'Why?' I repeat, "What do you mean sadly?"
The tall man maintains staring forward with his magnificent fluorescent green eyes ignores my last question and continues with the previous one, "Two, because I think my house deserves a fair chance in your decision for places to stay." The twists and turns become sharper but the silver hair man zips along in the vehicle at the same speed with accuracy and confidence that only someone who travels these roads daily could. I watch him and admire his skill. I take that back...even someone who drives these roads on a regular bases could not replicate what Riku is able to do without recklessness.
My friend somehow senses my attention. Riku looks at me momentarily grinning, "Three, I don't feel like cooking tonight."
I'm not convinced this is a good idea for me to room with him. I haven't even decided if I want to tell him or not yet about me. And if he did know...wouldn't it be awkward? I mean we really don't act like normal friends in the dreams. I've had to catch myself many times from touching him affectionately as we do in the dreams. It's not proper behavior between two strangers. My head starts to ache.
I frown bringing my hand up to my face to massage the bridge of my nose. I close my eyes concentrating on the calming effect. "Riku...I don't think..."
"Seriously, Sora, I think you're going to like the place."
We come to a halt and the 4-wheeler is put in park and shut down. I take my hand from my face and look around. I hear Riku speak to me again but in a gentler and a more sincere voice. "Sora, if after tonight you honestly don't want to stay here, I will never speak of it anymore and help you to the best of my ability to find another place to live. Deal?"
I'm having a hard time sustaining eye contact with him. His eyes burn with an intense color of rich emerald and I gulp and nod my head. His eyes change color to a clearer green and he smiles. God, he's so expressive.
We exit the automobile and start to cross the open ground of sand, stretching clear across to the house on one side and on to the ocean on the other side. The sight strikes me dumb. It was like picture taken from a book. I cannot articulate exactly what it was that was speaking beauty to me. The grey/blue, two story house wasn't anything real special. It is made of wood balanced upon thick wooden columns much like midget telephone poles with stairs leading up to the front door and balcony.
My eyes are drawn to the large expanse of sea water laying a few yards away from both Riku and me. I openly stare at the waves constantly lapping back and forth just beyond my feet. I have never seen the ocean so close before. Without thinking I start to walk towards it as if under an enchanted spell. I know that even though I have been staying at the resort I never took advantage of the facilities. Well...except for maybe the one, playing Blitzball, however that was just one instance and I don't think that really counts.
My sandals are wet and clinging to the sand's gentle kisses as I walk closer yet. I slowly shut my eyes. The sounds of the ocean are hypnotic and the smell, fresh and alive.
Riku slowly comes up behind me places his hand on my shoulder affectionately understanding my reaction completely. "It's beautiful isn't it?"
:::sigh::: "Yeah." I said dreamily. I turn towards my friend watching his hair playfully dancing in the wind causing sparkles of silver to reflect against the waning light of the afternoon. 'Ethereal.'
He just smiles, "Come on. Let's go in." The words pass his lips and I'm greatly tempted. He drops the bags and starts to take off his shoes. I'm confused. "But...I don't have a swimsuit?"
(amusement) He doesn't answer me and grabs my sandals and throws them to the wayside and makes me place my burdens down as well. Satisfied, Riku grabs my hands and walks determinedly to the ocean. I silently count my steps, one...two...five...ah!. A small gasp escapes my lips as the first hints of water hit my feet quickly traveling up to my mid-thighs. "But..."
He brings a finger to his lips, "Shhhhh...don't worry, we also have a washer and dryer."
I half heartedly shove the tall man. "Ass." With that said I happily follow him deeper until the water is at chest level. The sea pulls and pushes me as I try to fight, my feet gripping the sand. It feels like a pulse, like a heartbeat. I tentatively take a dip under. I come up fast swishing my bangs against my face. I look for my companion. Riku is staring at me with an intense look. His eyes narrow, I begin to wonder if I did something wrong but then they soften. I smile brightly. "I never knew it was like this."
Riku brings his hand up to his long bangs that had slipped from the hair tie and plaster them back. "Yeah, I love the sea. It's the second place closest to heaven to me."
"And the first?" That earns me a strange look.
"Secret, Sora. I can't tell you all of them." He smirks.
I happily snort at the remark knowing that I didn't upset him. I could easily fall in love with this lifestyle. I almost feel that I was meant to. I want this. I want our friendship. I glance over at the man facing away from me. He's beautiful. Riku, why do you know exactly how to sway me?
A long standing question within me finds its answer. I decide that I will never reveal myself as Sky. I won't jeopardize my chance to be with him even if he knows me as someone else. I will remain as two people, the childhood friend in his dreams and his best friend in life.
We continue to swim until the sun falls deep into the sea casting rich maroon and oranges across the sky.
It's all I desire. I'm content and it's enough to be with him.
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Yeah, I think I definitely like this chapter better. I had so much more I wanted in this chapter but it was way too much. So I guess that means that the next chapter will come sooner and I'll be able to turn up the heat between the two men.
Hey if I didn't get my thanks for all the reviews across before...let me try again:
YOU GUYS FUCKING RULE!!!
(even the flamers. Which by the way if anyone wants to come up with more creative flames even if you don't feel that way. Have at it. They're fun. Go to town.)
Oh...something else...I HATE it when stories get going and you really like them and they just drop off. I WILL finish this story so don't even think it. I still think it will be 10-11 chapters. I will try to always keep it between 2-3 weeks for updates. Until next time.
Parings: Sora/Riku because somehow those two belong.
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.
Sorry, I promised heat but it definitely is in the next chapter. So please don't kill me. And THANKS X 100,000 for the reviews. Still think it's a joke maybe because I still can't believe the amount of people reviewing. Fucking cool. Whatever...on the story.
(Author note: 5-29-04 thank you Junsui-san for pointing out the spelling mistakes. O0 You were being nice. There were a lot.)
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:::Chapter 4- Where to go?:::
The opaque walls encroach upon my vision. Colors of grey start from the edges then slowly flow to the center creating a tunnel of sorts. Wistfully, I wonder if this is what people see just before they die; the tunnel of light except in this instance the tunnel of pasty grey.
Closing.
Man, I'm bored.
Closing.
The longer I stare the worse it gets pushing back my ability to focus clearly. My eyes begin to burn but I ignore it as much at possible. I feel as though I'm having a staring contest with a friend to see who blinks first except the contest is with myself.
Closing.
I'm pathetically bored. :::sigh::: Secretly I wonder if I'm ADD but that's too convenient of an excuse.
Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored.
Honestly, there isn't a reason to put myself through this abuse but it's soothing. It keeps my mind off of him.
Closing more.
Glowing, metallic streaks are crossing along my field of vision. 'That's new. Then again, I usually give up about now.' Yes...this is NOT the first time I've done this, ME i.e. LOSER. :::heh:::
Sora.
You might even equate this to cutters using blades to draw across their bodies or people using the intense heat of the flame to bring them back to reality by the pain.
"Sora..."
Extreme burning. It's painful yet I refuse to end the contest. Finally, I see total darkness. 'Darkness...Why does he only allow the darkness to dominate the dreamscape? Why doesn't he manipulate and change the surroundings. Up until now, I always brushed it off as something only I was able to perform. Who knows, that might have been the case in the beginning however is it still the truth? What if he is choosing to remain in darkness until I arrive? If that's true...does that mean I define his world?'
"SORA!"
Like a huge mass in motion brought to a sudden halt, my brain crashes throwing all my previous thoughts out the window and kick starts back to the present, here in the café. I look around frantically. I'm disturbed further when a lone hand is placed on my shoulder to herald the intruder's presence...Mr. Anders. I look at the older man smiling down at me with concern. "Dreamland is always a great place to travel to, yet dangerous to stay in for too long. It can play for keeps."
How ironic. Those words said held more truth than I think even he knew.
I smile sheepishly at my benefactor; the kind man that gave me a foundation for myself to use to stay here in Destiny Isles. "Sorry, sir. I guess I kind of zoned out."
Mr. Anders gives me a searching look before he grasp my shoulder one more time as if to say everything is well and you are in good company. 'Thank you. You really don't know how much that means to me.'
"Hey, I've been playing with this new recipe for a drink. You mind being my Guinea pig?" My eyes shine at the thought of trying something new in the realm of coffee. He shakes his head and releases a hearty chuckle bellowing deep within his chest. "Young man, I've never met anyone who loves coffee as much as you do. Let me get it started for you." I watch the owner walk off to the other side of the counter. He slips into a well worn rhythm. He loves doing this. I can't see any fault with his desires.
I go back to staring out the window, absently listening to the pitter patter of rain randomly hitting against the glass. I was told that the REAL raining season will be starting soon and this is only a shy hello. I can't wait to see what a genuine greeting will be like. Love water.
Three days has come and gone since I started working at the café. During all that time I have been thinking of nothing but Sei, the friend of my sleep held nights, and Riku, the friend of my wake filled days. Obsessed. I've become fixated. I'm not a stalker, it's just that I wish I could come clean and tell Riku who I am. I don't like telling lies. Sounds childish but it's true. As much as I try, I can't find a way without repercussions.
I've known Riku for a very long time. You might say that before I knew Riku as a person, I knew his heart.
:::AUUUUUUGH:::
I can't think. I grip my thick long bangs in frustration. The tips pass between my fingers barely brushing up against my eyes. It's weird. I never thought I would become like this. For the last couple a days I have become dependant of our time together.
Today is his day off. I'm bored out of my mind and don't know what to do with myself. I miss him.
I softly drop my head against my arms crossed on top of the counter. It makes a muffled thump. Mr. Ander watches me silently amused by my behavior.
My eyes drift back to the droplets beading up against the store windows. Maybe the rain is letting up.
"It won't last much longer." The words bring me from my dumb-out session. Mr. Anders smiles and places the finished drink in front of me. I give him a questioning look. He directs his gaze to the showery world just outside the bounds the store, his face not faltering once. "Maybe thirty minutes...tops."
"........." It wasn't so much the weather really, I like the rain, it's just...
"...he should be here soon."
'Huh? Did I miss something?'
"Who?" I ask reluctantly. Mr. Anders doesn't answer and just ruffles my bangs. A few seconds later, the drink is pushed closer to my right hand. The owner flashes me a not so subtle look telling me to commit my life to drinking or die. Okay...maybe not THAT extreme. I tip it back let the first few hints of the drink to hit my taste buds. He waits.
"......"
"Well?"
"......" I really couldn't describe it. Fantastic. It's bitter but sweet at the same time. I quietly take few more sips.
"WELL?!" My hand comes up to halt the onslaught of questions coming from my coffee patron. I swish it again in my mouth before I swallow. It's not that I need more time to decide if it its good or not. It's my way of teasing him.
I swish some more. His patience wanes.
:::sip:::
"Sora..." He's getting agitated, shifting from leg to leg. Amazing considering he is otherwise well mannered and laid back.
:::swish::: :::swish:::
"...soooo?..." it comes out like a demand rather than a question.
I can't help it. I start to giggle and his scowl turns into a wide smile. "You heathen! I can't BELIEVE I fell for it too." He points at me accusingly, "You are taking on too many of Riku's bad personality traits."
:::giggle::: "I'm sorry Mr. Anders. It was too tempting...The drink is wonderful, as USUAL." I turn fully towards him giving him all of my attention. "It's a lot different then what you normally make. It has a slight bitter after taste. Was that what you were going for?"
"mmm. Well, not entirely. I think I'll have to work on this one." He sets out to take my drink away from me in mid sip. I quickly move it away from his offending hands. I give him a look of 'I bite.'
:::jingle::: :::jingle:::
He throws his hands up into the air sighing in defeat. I give him another glare for good measure. "Mine." Then I go back to happily drinking my coffee.
"Geeez you two. Like a pair of ragged dogs fighting over a bone."
The owner and I both look up at the same moment to identify who the new intruder is. I grin like a fool at Riku's entrance. "Only LOSERS come to their place of work on their off days, bean boy."
Riku stares back at the both of us and walks over grabbing my drink from my hands and before I realize what he's doing...he drinks my..."HEY!!!" The green eyed man stares directly at me as he chugs the rest of my drink down. I feel the rage building.
Mr. Anders removes himself from the combat zone rapidly brewing. It amazes him daily to see the growing attachment between us. The development makes him happy. To him, we almost seem as long time friends somehow finding each other again but with amnesia. We have the emotions intact but the memories are gone. He doesn't even think Wakka and Tidus are this close to the tall boy.
A low rumble of a growl starts from my chest and rises up barely escaping my lips. The silver haired beast innocently cocks his head watching me. "Something wrong, Sora?" He purrs. He brings his head closer to my mouth as if listening carefully for something.
"grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr."
"Huh...I guess it was the wind or something." His head retreating and he stands up straight sporting a smirk.
GRRRRRRRRRRR. You might say that I'm over reacting but if you were an avid coke addict or a very religious smoker and someone is keeping from your vice the moment you need it most then....I rest my case. As of right now? I see red. "Riku....." my words coming out more like a low menacing hiss.
"mmmm? Right...thanks for the cup of jo." with the look of pure innocence still on that bastard's face. That's it!
"I'm going to KILLLLL YOUUU!" with that said I pounce but he easily catches me and holds me at a safe distance. (happy) This continues for a few minutes. Riku is laughing while I'm trying for his face...that is...until Mr. Anders hands me another drink. I stare at it bewildered.
He just smiles, "Try this one." I look at him then back at the drink then all anger drains from me and pure pleasure takes its place. "Oh...Okay. Thank you very much, Mr. Anders." :::sip::: I'm completely content, all thoughts of before gone. He just snorts at me and Riku sits down on a stool closest to him and shakes his head. "You kill me, Sora."
:::sip:::
I raise my eyebrow trying my best to ignore his presence. I'm doing fine up until my legs start to protest and I decide to take the stool next to him. Periodically I would take a sip of my delicious drink unintentionally making small sounds of pleasure every time. Minutes pass and I turn my head towards Riku and he looks at me in kind. "So." I say.
"So." He returns. We smile at each other. "You hungry?"
:::grumble:::
We both look at my stomach's disturbance. I smile shyly, "yeah, I think I am. Why?" that's when something very pleasant and very edible crosses my nose and catches my attention. The silver hair god of food places a lunchbox in front of me.
"oooooo...really?"
"Dumbass."
(pleased)
'Pleased? Yeah, I guess I am?' Riku hands another lunch to the owner. My eyes follow their movements but I'm not really paying attention. I'm confused. It's been happening for awhile now. I feel out sorts in a way, almost like a split personality. I'm not sure I can explain. Sometimes I experience an emotion that mirrors my own and other times it's the opposite. Like my mind can't make a decision on what it wants to feel.
'Auuuugh...Whatever.' It's not important anyways. I flop my head against my arms on the counter again followed by an exasperated exhale. The two men turn to silently ask me if I'm okay. I smile in return and begin to relieve the lunchbox of its contents. Happy with my answer Mr. Anders thanks Riku and walks outside to eat under the protection of the store's overhangs. Riku begins to devour his food next to me.
"Thanks for the...ummm...lunch...mmm...good.........thanks." I mumble between bites. Riku smiles warmly at me amused by something that I'm doing but doesn't enlighten me as to what. He just watches me for a moment creating an audible silence. I begin to feel a slow burn heat up my face. His smile widens then he turns back to his food satisfied, "You're welcome, Sora. Just thought you might be hungry."
It didn't take long to devourer everything. Damn I was hungry. Finished I rest my back against the counter basking in the 'happy tummy after glow'. I can still hear the rain falling outside. No one is coming in. Even though it's bad for business, it's nice since I'm able to spend more time with Riku.
"So, have you found a place to live yet?"
I'm surprised by the question. "Um...well..."
"mmmm?"
Unbeknownst to me I start to pout. "No. Not yet. But Mr. Anders is going to let me off early today and I still have one more day to stay at the resort. He also said..."
Riku's brow arches to that, "Him?"
(confused) 'There it is again.'
"Anders that is, he said I can stay with him if I needed the time but I'd rather camp in the nearby public forests before I inconvenience him."
:::chuckle::: Riku couldn't help but laugh at that. Sora was always so considerate of others, maybe a little too much so. Wait a minute didn't he say that he had a friend here? "Sora, what about your friend? Couldn't he/she...well I mean why not ask to stay with them?"
I start to frown, not because of the innocent question but because of my stupidity. No matter how many times I have the opportunity to tell Riku who I am, I just let it pass me by. I'm scared. No...I'm terrified. There were two times I tried to get the courage in the dreamscape to tell the silver haired friend but I...I...it was just how he reacted.
I walked up to his seated form on the grassy field I created. I could feel him in the dream, happy and content. I was scared. Not of him but of what I was about to ask. I have never cornered him before and ask him out right. I knew this was a touchy subject but I couldn't wait anymore. So I approach quickly almost reluctantly. I took a deep breathe and committed myself. "Sei?"
"Yeah, Sky?"
I felt the nervousness climb from the pit of my stomach. Oh heck, I needed to do this. "Um...well...I was wondering...what is your life like?" He immediately looked straight into my eyes with fear. Dammit.
This isn't the first time I've broached this subject to him. His eyes would bore into me every time I'd ask something like this, life outside of the dream. And every time fear would illuminate his beautiful green eyes.
"Why do you want to know?" OR "Um...it's getting late. I need to get some sleep." and he would disappear OR "Let's not talk about that right now." OR he would blatantly ignore what I just ask and change the subject or remain silent holding my hand until it was time for both of us to leave. It infuriated me. I wanted to know why it scared him so much to connect outside in the real time, the physical world.
So, last night, I stood before him again. His eyes showing every bit of fear that I could not understand and never wanted to see. I should have backed down but I had to know. "Why don't you ever want to talk about our lives outside of here?"
"Dammit Sora. Why can't here be enough?" Somehow today his reaction was worse.
"But Sei," I pleaded, desperation in my voice. "This is 2-D. The sky, the water, the grass, the colors." I reached out my hand and touch his face. "us...It's not real."
"How can you say that?" He moves to me and grasp my hand intertwining our fingers. "This is real to me. I can feel the heat from your hand, I may not be able to see you clearly but this is still very real to me." He brings my hand to his lips lightly brushing my fingers one by one with them.
'Ah!' The soft touch of his lips cause sparks of electricity to travel up my body into my heart.
"Sky, you are the most important person in my life."
"What life? Sei, this is a dream. I can't even see you. I want more. This is isn't enough for me anymore. I want to know EVERYTHING. I want to know about your family, friends, the little mundane things you have to deal with in your life, everything from what your wear to what kind of places you like to hang out at to who you are dating, everything. Do you understand what I'm saying to you?" I didn't need to see his expression or his stunning eyes to know. I could FEEL the pain fiercely welling up within him. GOD...what am I doing to this man? This is not what I wanted to do. I just want to tell him everything, I was ready to take the next step to our relationship and bring it to the waking life outside waiting for us but I just seem to continue to hurt him. Dammit, Riku. What are you so scared of?
"NO! Sky, I don't understand! I DON'T UNDERSTAND ANY OF IT!" With he was gone again and I stayed there and cried until I woke in real time with dried tears caked on my cheeks.
That was how I started my morning. Now, I am sitting before him deciding what to say to him, the most precious person in life. He's doesn't know he's asking me the same question I asked him in our dreams. "Well...you see Riku, my friend still doesn't know I'm here yet. So, I can't really ask to stay with him."
He gives me a very calculating look. I'm captivated. Riku is beyond words. He defines all types of beauty and I'm afraid to admit it.
"Sora, why haven't you talked to him yet? You risked a lot to come here let a lone without the security of knowing he was even here. That says a lot about you but doesn't explain why you hesitate." :::heh::: Pot meet kettle. I avert my eyes and stare at something other than him.
"I just can't. Not yet. Riku, it's complicated. Please don't ask me anymore."
Silence fills he store again.
(thrilled)
'Where the heck did that come from?' But I don't have time to ponder it for long. Riku turns towards me and grabs my shoulders suddenly with a very excited expression on his face. "Then...why don't you stay with us?" He chirps.
What? "I...I don't know Riku..."
But he didn't let me finish. "Yeah, you'd love where we live. Our house is right on the shoreline. You can hear the waves at night clearly from the windows. The breeze coming off of the sea is always cool so there's never a reason to have window units on so the house is always open. Wakka and Tidus would love to have you as a roommate. They definitely got a kick out of you when we played Blitzball a couple of days ago. There is an extra cot I can get from my parent's house. Of course there are chores and Kiari, the freeloader, will probably off load the kids on you since you're the newbie and all, and sharing the bills but that won't be much since it's between four people now AND..." :::breathe::: "if you need anything we have a car that...
Woah. A little overwhelmed by his obvious enthusiasm. My eyes widen in response.
"...into town and there are many stores and sure that...wow." Huh. Why'd he stop suddenly. Um...he's staring at me. His voice dropped to low whisper. "They are a radiant blue. You both have the most incredible eyes...beautiful." Does he even realize what he just said to me? My shirt's too tight. I close me eyes trying to concentrate on calming my quickening heart rate.
(surprise)
Riku jolts his head up as if he just replayed what he had just said to me in my presence. His face is turning into a ferocious red.
"Um...sorry...right." He's really embarrassed and to my dismay so am I. My neck is burning now. I rack my nails across it a couple of times trying to get it to stop and look at Riku and he is doing the same. We both start laughing. Why? Who knows but its enough to break the awkward moment. "Allergies?" I offer.
He grins, his cheeks still flush but returning to normal. "Yeah, must be. Don't know what the fuck from. For the last couple of days, I would randomly feel something on my neck. Pisses me off, since I've never been allergic to anything before."
"Not me. I was a sickly child."
Silence
"So...what do you think? Roommates and such?" Right...back to the original subject.
"Give me time to think about it. I promise I will." My green eyed friend shyly smiles and nods. Without warning he stands up, towering over me, grabs the remains of my lunch and proceeds to throw away our trash in the back of the store.
:::jingle::: :::jingle:::
I am still sitting on the stool at the counter with my back to the door when the older man walks back inside. I turn around to see him closing the door behind him. He looks at me grins. I watch him take the stool next to me and he starts to clean out his pipe. He uses a toothpick to grind out the remaining tobacco into an empty cup. Without looking up, "Sora, I don't think we are going to get anymore customers with the rain and all." Then he glances up at me and gives me a strong pat on the back, "Let's call it a day."
I find my head in an arm lock without warning or indication by none other, Riku. "Excellent!" Smirking like a maniac.
"What are you planning?"
"Honestly? Nothing really. But we need to leave ASAP if you're going to meet her."
"Riikkkuuu...I don't want to meet one of your current escapades." I grumbled.
The monster gives my long bangs a vigorous rustle. "Just come with me, Mr. Clueless."
He grabs the back of shirt and drags me towards the store front without mercy. My hands flail trying desperately for the arms to release me but I fail miserably.
:::jingle::: :::jingle:::
"See ya, Anders."
"Bye...Dammit, let me go!"
:::chuckle::: "See ya boys!"
The older man looks around the store and sees that there isn't really much for him to clean up. He scratches his chin deep in thought. 'Those two really have become attached to each other within last few days. It's odd and strangely comforting.'
:::jingle::: :::jingle:::
He gives the store one last look before he locks the door and walks towards the dock to see if he can get some fishing before the day is done. Rainy days are always perfect for fishing.
--------------------------------------------
There are many pools scattered within the resort grounds for the guests' leisure. Two of the five are indoor and the rest line the edge of the recreational facility just before it opens to the beaches. The floors and sidings used around all the pools are natural rocks found all over the neighboring isles. The stone is naturally like a thin slab or slate casting deep hues of blackish blue. The over all design and lighting creates a feel of other worldliness.
At night they are very popular for couples and people searching for potential partners. During the heat of the day other parts of the resort bustle with activity. However, as the last day of the week quickly closes, most guests prepare to leave paradise behind and pick up the reigns of their lives waiting back home.
Consequently, the pools are practically deserted even without adding the rain lightly showering outside.
:::splash:::
Two men are lounging in the chairs pushed further away from the edge of the water but still close enough to view everything within. "THAR SHE BLOWS!!!!" yells one of the men. He is tall, tanned, has stark white hair and deep auburn eyes twinkling with malice. The second one is a lot smaller with short clipped red hair, similar build and ice blue eyes devoid of emotion. Bouts of snickering promptly follow the outburst.
A blond man and two women, a brunet and redhead, were too busy playing and swimming to pay attention to the two heckling men on the side lines.
The red head pulls herself out of the pool and makes her way to the diving board in the deep end. The blonde and the brunette are still splashing each other when the redhead reaches her destination. Smiling, the young woman yells back to her two friends in the water, "CLOUD! SELPHIE! What should I do next?!"
Selphie looks up excitedly at her friend between splashes, "How about a 'Jack-knife, Kiari!" Cloud was about to agree before he unexpectedly received a mouth full from a grinning brunette throwing him into a fit of coughs. Kiari couldn't help but snicker. She nods and confidently strolls up to the edge of the diving board. It is at this moment before she executes the move where she feels calm and devoid of all wants and desires. It is at this point where she is not a daughter, a sister, a mother, a woman. Here, now, it is enough for her to just exist. The moment fades and moves into jumping once then hitting the board with her feet only to have her body rebound up again flowing immediately into the dive. 'Perfect.'
:::splash:::
"SHAAAAAMOOOOOOO!!!!!" the hackling from the sides erupts into laughter.
Cloud standing in the water, this time, catches the mean spirited words coming from the two men. He silently seethes from their taunts but chooses to remain silent. It is never wise to confront Ansem. However, not everyone agrees. Selphie goes rigged and clinches her fists at her sides, "Shut up!! You assholes!!"
Ansem and his friend both stare at the young woman's retort with wide eyes. To Cloud's relief they only point at her and start laughing which makes her shake with quite rage. "RRRRRR. ME MATEY!!"
Cloud moves to hold Selphie back with one hand. He is grateful the two dismiss her and turns to look at both men straight in the eyes, "Ansem...Jeb...leave Kiari be!" Ansem is Kiari's lover and father of her children but that does not mean that he cares. One of his favorite games is to stab at her weight. The white haired man calls her a cow, whale, anything really. Of course none of these names or games have any real bases, she is physically beautiful. It is just another way for the man to break her down.
Cloud's demand elicits more snickering but nothing else. Kairi's submerged form finally surfaces beside her two friends. She wipes the water from her eyes to see her two friends frowning. 'Something's wrong.' She is confused. "What's up?"
"Nothing." Both replied in unison. The red head starts to inquire further until she catches a glimpse a familiar head of silver hair. A very tall man followed by another man with mouse brown hair coming around the corner entering the pool area. Additional questioning fled her thoughts, "RIKKKUUU!!!!" She yells excitedly.
Riku wildly waves his hand then grabs and slightly jerks the shoulders of a shorter man standing next to him. "Hey! Get over here. I want you to meet someone!!" Riku's whispers something low to the new stranger. His new acquaintance looks nervous but shyly waves at her as well.
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I glance at the young woman. She is an attractive red head with clear grey, blue eyes. I look at Riku next to me, "Who is she?"
Riku turns to me and winks. "She's my sister. This is the person I wanted you to meet." He directs his attention momentarily at her, "Get over here. I want you to meet someone!" Sensing my nervousness, the green-eyed man bends down and whispers in my ear, "Her name is Kiari. Don't worry, she won't bite...much"
She smiles and points to her brother, "Great! Wait right there." With that said she dunks under the water.
"SHAMMOOOOO!!!"
'What?' Both of us quickly turn in the direction of the sudden interruption to see two other men with nasty smirks on their faces.
(anger)
Riku is frozen next to me. We stand in place watching the two men get up from their chairs and walk over to us. Everything about their stance and expression suggests they are spiteful and dangerous, i.e. grown bullies. I couldn't help but stare at the taller of the two. His manner is threatening and a voice within was screaming to stay far away. Who are they?
(growing anger)
There's that stray emotion again. Even though I don't feel mad, it's starting to effect me. I look around for its origin and my eyes land on Riku. He may appear calm and collected but I can see a minor shiver coming from his hands. I can't tell you why but I know Riku is about to go in a fit of uncontrolled rage any second. What's making him so angry? I look again to the white haired man coming closer. Him?
In a very deep, almost chocolate like voice, "Hello Riku." The man before us grins, playfully mocking us.
"Ansem." Riku growls more than greets in return. "Still making fun of Kiari?" There's danger in his voice.
The man flippantly shrugs, "Why not? Not like she's worthy of better."
(RAGE)
'Oh shit!' Riku snaps and I barely have enough time to reach him before he tries to punch the white haired man. This is not the place for a fight especially with this mysterious man. I step on the foot closest to me to partially immobilize Riku. The abrupt halt in Riku's forward motion is enough to for me to follow his unstable body, quickly slamming him against the closest wall. I use my weight to pin his whole body with his face turned away from the tanned man. Riku is furious. It takes all of my strength to keep him there.
"AURRRRR! LET ME GO SORA!"
:::chuckle::: I glance over at Ansem. He calmly flips his long ghost like hair back away from his face and grins maniacally. "A pleasure always, Riku." Our eyes meet for split second. Satisfied with what he read in my face he turns around and leaves the area with his buddy. I feel Riku renew his struggling with a new fervor upon the two men's exit. I slam him against the wall again. He screams with anger.
"ANSEM!!! GET BACK HERE YOU FUCKER!!!!"
:::SLAM:::
Soon after we're joined by another presence. "What's up?" A feminine voice pipes up. I look for the owner and see Riku's younger sister looking curiously at her brother and me. She smiles brightly. Thoughts fill my head of how this may appear to someone who had been under the water the whole time and arrives now. I start to blush intensely. Her brother is not yet aware of his sister standing behind us.
"GOD DAMMIT SORA!!!!"
She shakes her head. "Let me guess...Ansem?"
I'm shocked and quietly nod.
Her smile never faltering holds her hand to me in greeting, "Don't worry, he always does this when he's near. You're his new friend?"
"PUSS NUT!"
Riku still sees red and I slam him again and quickly make a try for her hand. I'm successful and we shake, "Yeah..." ::: SLAM::: "I'm...Sora."
"ANSEMMMM!! YOU PUSSY!!!"
::: SLAM:::
"Nice to meet you, Sora."
"FUUUUUUUCKKKKK!!!"
::: SLAM:::
:::chuckle::: Her grey blue eyes shift to focus affectionately on her older sibling, "Shut up, brother. I'm trying to say hello here." :::slam::: "I'm Kiari, Sora." She leans closer to Riku who is panting now with frustration. "Who would have thought that 'Jack' was stronger than 'the Bean Stalk'." :::giggle:::
'That stung. I think she just called me short.'
Riku goes slack and starts to chuckle. I'm not fooled for a minute and remain in place just in case he makes another try for Ansem. "Dammit, Kiari. You're always making fun of me."
The young redhead winks and ruffles his stray silver locks that escaped his hair tie, "That's what little sisters are for." I like her. She is kind and makes me wonder if I had had siblings if we would be like her and Riku.
Before I can register what she is doing, she pecks me on the cheek. "Glad Riku has a new friend as kind and protective as you." My face begins to burn.
"Um..." is all my brain could muster in response before she returned to the pool and friends still within the water.
"So that's your sister?" as I release Riku.
All anger gone, he steps away from the wall and wipes his shorts off of any stray dirt. "Yep."
'Cool. I know another important part of Riku I never had before.' :::sigh::: 'I just wish I knew it as Sky and not just Sora.'
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"So tell me again 'Oh Great One' why I'm in the car with you with two 24 cases of beer and three frozen pizzas in the rear driving back to your house when I could be using the time Mr. Anders graciously gave me 'WISELY' and looking for a place to live?"
Riku doesn't break his focus from the road to answer, "First things first, don't insult the Jeep. It's a 4-wheeler and not a 'car.' As for reasons: One, the beer is for the two alcoholic buttholes, Wakka and Tidus you met a few days ago. As for the amount...well...I figured you would want something to drink too."
Beautiful greenery whips past my face, too fast for me to appreciate the landscape. I had to raise my voice a bit to speak above the roar of the Jeep's engine. Sounds more like a lawnmower than an automobile. "mmm...No ulterior motives?"
"Ah! Sora, I'm shocked you would suggest something as perverted as that and here I thought you were pure white like an angel's behind."
I growl, "You're mocking me aren't you, Goldilocks?"
"Nope, I am sweet and innocent of the charge. While, I agree alcohol has great persuasive properties with lowering the ability to think and makes the drinker vulnerable to all kinds of attacks, sadly that is not my intention."
'What?' "Sadly?" I search his face for what I'm not sure. Everything said so far was playful except for that last bit. 'Why?' I repeat, "What do you mean sadly?"
The tall man maintains staring forward with his magnificent fluorescent green eyes ignores my last question and continues with the previous one, "Two, because I think my house deserves a fair chance in your decision for places to stay." The twists and turns become sharper but the silver hair man zips along in the vehicle at the same speed with accuracy and confidence that only someone who travels these roads daily could. I watch him and admire his skill. I take that back...even someone who drives these roads on a regular bases could not replicate what Riku is able to do without recklessness.
My friend somehow senses my attention. Riku looks at me momentarily grinning, "Three, I don't feel like cooking tonight."
I'm not convinced this is a good idea for me to room with him. I haven't even decided if I want to tell him or not yet about me. And if he did know...wouldn't it be awkward? I mean we really don't act like normal friends in the dreams. I've had to catch myself many times from touching him affectionately as we do in the dreams. It's not proper behavior between two strangers. My head starts to ache.
I frown bringing my hand up to my face to massage the bridge of my nose. I close my eyes concentrating on the calming effect. "Riku...I don't think..."
"Seriously, Sora, I think you're going to like the place."
We come to a halt and the 4-wheeler is put in park and shut down. I take my hand from my face and look around. I hear Riku speak to me again but in a gentler and a more sincere voice. "Sora, if after tonight you honestly don't want to stay here, I will never speak of it anymore and help you to the best of my ability to find another place to live. Deal?"
I'm having a hard time sustaining eye contact with him. His eyes burn with an intense color of rich emerald and I gulp and nod my head. His eyes change color to a clearer green and he smiles. God, he's so expressive.
We exit the automobile and start to cross the open ground of sand, stretching clear across to the house on one side and on to the ocean on the other side. The sight strikes me dumb. It was like picture taken from a book. I cannot articulate exactly what it was that was speaking beauty to me. The grey/blue, two story house wasn't anything real special. It is made of wood balanced upon thick wooden columns much like midget telephone poles with stairs leading up to the front door and balcony.
My eyes are drawn to the large expanse of sea water laying a few yards away from both Riku and me. I openly stare at the waves constantly lapping back and forth just beyond my feet. I have never seen the ocean so close before. Without thinking I start to walk towards it as if under an enchanted spell. I know that even though I have been staying at the resort I never took advantage of the facilities. Well...except for maybe the one, playing Blitzball, however that was just one instance and I don't think that really counts.
My sandals are wet and clinging to the sand's gentle kisses as I walk closer yet. I slowly shut my eyes. The sounds of the ocean are hypnotic and the smell, fresh and alive.
Riku slowly comes up behind me places his hand on my shoulder affectionately understanding my reaction completely. "It's beautiful isn't it?"
:::sigh::: "Yeah." I said dreamily. I turn towards my friend watching his hair playfully dancing in the wind causing sparkles of silver to reflect against the waning light of the afternoon. 'Ethereal.'
He just smiles, "Come on. Let's go in." The words pass his lips and I'm greatly tempted. He drops the bags and starts to take off his shoes. I'm confused. "But...I don't have a swimsuit?"
(amusement) He doesn't answer me and grabs my sandals and throws them to the wayside and makes me place my burdens down as well. Satisfied, Riku grabs my hands and walks determinedly to the ocean. I silently count my steps, one...two...five...ah!. A small gasp escapes my lips as the first hints of water hit my feet quickly traveling up to my mid-thighs. "But..."
He brings a finger to his lips, "Shhhhh...don't worry, we also have a washer and dryer."
I half heartedly shove the tall man. "Ass." With that said I happily follow him deeper until the water is at chest level. The sea pulls and pushes me as I try to fight, my feet gripping the sand. It feels like a pulse, like a heartbeat. I tentatively take a dip under. I come up fast swishing my bangs against my face. I look for my companion. Riku is staring at me with an intense look. His eyes narrow, I begin to wonder if I did something wrong but then they soften. I smile brightly. "I never knew it was like this."
Riku brings his hand up to his long bangs that had slipped from the hair tie and plaster them back. "Yeah, I love the sea. It's the second place closest to heaven to me."
"And the first?" That earns me a strange look.
"Secret, Sora. I can't tell you all of them." He smirks.
I happily snort at the remark knowing that I didn't upset him. I could easily fall in love with this lifestyle. I almost feel that I was meant to. I want this. I want our friendship. I glance over at the man facing away from me. He's beautiful. Riku, why do you know exactly how to sway me?
A long standing question within me finds its answer. I decide that I will never reveal myself as Sky. I won't jeopardize my chance to be with him even if he knows me as someone else. I will remain as two people, the childhood friend in his dreams and his best friend in life.
We continue to swim until the sun falls deep into the sea casting rich maroon and oranges across the sky.
It's all I desire. I'm content and it's enough to be with him.
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Yeah, I think I definitely like this chapter better. I had so much more I wanted in this chapter but it was way too much. So I guess that means that the next chapter will come sooner and I'll be able to turn up the heat between the two men.
Hey if I didn't get my thanks for all the reviews across before...let me try again:
YOU GUYS FUCKING RULE!!!
(even the flamers. Which by the way if anyone wants to come up with more creative flames even if you don't feel that way. Have at it. They're fun. Go to town.)
Oh...something else...I HATE it when stories get going and you really like them and they just drop off. I WILL finish this story so don't even think it. I still think it will be 10-11 chapters. I will try to always keep it between 2-3 weeks for updates. Until next time.