Note: dazed Wow. I started this Thursday and already I've gotten back a great response! I never expected it, so thank you! I even paused in my KH2 playing to post this. wink I hope you all like this chapter better than the first!
Hugs, thanks and cookies go to: Wolfgrl1880, hyperRme, DancingMistress, kamui-2609 for reviewing, Angel Lain, Elemental Author, Yaoilover S, labarynth-mind, moonchik44 for putting this story on their alerts lists, Ska Chick and Anime Freakfor doing both andto allreaders!
Warnings: Mild and suggestive language, and embarassing situations (xD).
Disclaimer: Iown nothing except the plot, so don't sue!
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Class ended and the boys filed out, heading to the cafeteria. A person walking through the crowd would hear things like this:
"You've seen him yet?"
"Just give me five minutes and a closet…"
"What's the big damn deal!"
"Looks like Harada's got competition!"
The lunchroom bustled with students; eating, talking, and in a few cases-plotting. Leon and Riku sat at a table, watching Sora and the same blonde Leon had been eyeing laugh loudly about a joke between them.
"So what's your first move 'oh mighty swooner?'" Leon asked dryly. Riku shot him a dirty look and narrowed his aquamarine eyes. "First, I want to get the grounds for this bet set up. What do I get when I win?" Leon rolled his eyes. "If," he corrected. "And I dunno, what do you want?" Riku tapped his chin in thought. His eyes lit up after a moment's pause and he smirked. "Your complete and utter humiliation," he answered.
When Leon gave him a puzzled look he continued. "When I win, you have to confess your undying love to your little boyfriend over there."
"I don't-"
"In front of everyone-in song."
Leon paled. "So I have to sing him a song? In front of everyone?" He looked horrified at the thought. "Yep," Riku said, grinning. Leon sat in shocked silence for a while before a thought struck him. "Hey hold it! What if you loose?" he demanded. Riku shrugged. "I don't know, pick something," he said looking uninterestedly at his hands. Leon paused before snapping his fingers. "I've got it!" he declared. "You have to stop for eight weeks." Riku gave him a strange look. "Stop what?" he wondered. "Dating, although that's only a technical term to you. No flirting, hugging, kissing and definitely no sex." Riku looked shocked and disgusted. "Eight weeks!" he howled.
"What, can't do it?" Leon asked, enjoying this reaction. "Of course I can," Riku snapped, pulling himself together. "Fine. If I don't get Sora in two weeks, I lose. If I do, you lose." He stuck out his hand and Leon shook it firmly. "Better get going then," Leon said easily, tilting his head in Sora's direction, who was heading to the nearest trashcan. Riku winked and stood up, taking his own tray as he went. When he was close enough, he reached out and tapped the teen on the shoulder. "Sora?"
Sora turned and gave a shy smile. "How do you know my name?" he asked. "Same English class," Riku said and flashed Sora his most charming smile. "So, I was wondering if you'd like to sit with my friend and me. Maybe later I could show you around a bit." He put one hand on Sora's arm and smiled again. Frowning slightly, Sora pulled his arm away. "No thank you," he said pointedly, and raised an eyebrow. "I'm not alone, my friend Cloud is over there waiting for me." They both turned to see Cloud looking back with interest and concern. Sora smiled reassuringly, and Cloud smiled back. "So as you see, I'm fine," Sora continued, fully aware of Riku's gaze moving up and down his body. He turned to leave and felt a hand grasp his arm. "Sora I-"
"You really want to let go of me," Sora said coldly and snatched his arm away. Without looking back, Sora went back to his table and resumed his conversation. Annoyed, Riku huffed back to his table, where Leon was laughing heartily. "Very smooth," he gasped. "Step one-make your target repel you. I wish I would've taken notes…" he put his head in his arms to muffle the sound. "Oh shut up!" Riku snapped, looking frustrated. He paused for a second, looking thoughtful. "I don't understand it…most people would jump at the chance for me to spend anytime with-"
"Thanks God you're not conceited," snorted Leon.
"Them at all," finished Riku.
"Did it ever occur to you that Sora's different?" Leon asked. "Or that-this will shock you-he isn't interested in you? Or maybe-here we go-he's not gay?" By now, Riku looked very putout. "He has to be," he murmured, flicking some of his silver locks away from his eyes. Leon patted him on the shoulder. "C'mon, let's head back," he offered, standing up. Riku stood up and the duo exited the cafeteria. "By the way, your lover's name is Cloud," Riku said nonchalantly. Leon stopped in his tracks. "Really?" Riku nodded without looking back. "Cloud…" Leon said quietly, his mind filled with images of the golden-haired boy he knew so little about.
During this time, Sora and Cloud sat discussing what had happened. "It was strange at first, then just annoying," Sora explained. Cloud shook his head. "I don't believe how he just came on to you like that," he mused. "I mean, I've heard things but-"
"Things?" Sora cut in frowning. "Like what?" Cloud shrugged. "He's a bit of a whore." Sora's cerulean eyes widened in surprise. "Well he is!" Cloud said defensively. "I don't really know a better word. He sleeps around a lot, but it's just using other people. Get them in, get them out you know?" Sora frowned and wrinkled his nose. "I'm guessing he wants me next. Well no way in hell, I'm not going to be another notch on his bedpost. I'm nobody's whore. I hope I don't see much more of him."
Just then, someone coughed behind them. "Sora Taimedo?" Sora turned and gave a nervous smile. "Yes?" A freckly, redhead boy who was now rapidly starting to match his hair stood there and drew in a shaky breath. "Hi Sora the Headmaster wanted me to take you and show you where you will be staying," he exhaled in a rush. "Erm…right," Sora said slowly. "Thanks." The boy nodded and headed for the nearest exit. Sora watched him uneasily. "Come with me Cloud?" he asked. Cloud nodded and they followed out of the cafeteria and up a long staircase.
Riku was sprawled on his bed throwing a bright blue ball up in the air and catching it, the sound making a hollow thump in his hands. "So-still going for him?" Leon asked, cross-legged on his own mattress.
"Yep," came the reply. Thump.
"Why? You said yourself he was different."
"So? Different doesn't mean impossible." Thump.
"I know but, I think-"
"You think too much. It'll be the same as always. A little charm, some romancing, quick fuck and then he's out. Which means you lose and have to serenade your boyfriend."
"HE'S NOT MY-" rapid knocks came from the door and Leon hopped up and opened it. "Yes? Oh, hey Ry." Riku cocked an ear to listen. "Hey Leon," came a muffled reply. "Listen, you and Riku have a new roommate and he's gorgeous. Hang on, here he comes and he brought his cute friend…" Riku saw Leon swallow hard and clutch the doorframe. "Leon-who is it?" he asked. Leon didn't reply. "Who is it?" he repeated louder. Still no response. "Come on in," Leon said quietly, stepping back. "Damnit Leon, who is-" Riku fell silent as their new roommate stepped in.
Sora turned to him and his jaw dropped. Riku only stared back. Sora shook his head and stepped away. "No way," Sora said, shaking his head and folding his arms across his chest. Cloud's head appeared over his left shoulder and blinked in surprise. "He's here? But Sora…"
"I know!" he cried and rounded on the red headed boy called Ry, who flinched. "Move me somewhere else," he pleaded. "I can't be in here with him…anywhere…" Ry sighed and took a step back. "Sora I'm really sorry," he apologized sincerely. "But it's a rule. Spots are permanent." He gave the defeated-looking Sora one last sad look before departing. "I'd let you stay with me," Cloud piped up softly, "But my room's full." Sora nodded his understanding and patted him on the shoulder. "See you." Cloud nodded and turned to leave, spotting Leon who was openly staring at him. Cloud gave him a strange look. "What?" he asked feeling self-conscious. Leon froze for a moment before he could speak. "Nice…hair," he finished lamely. Riku laughed, which he hastily turned into a cough. Cloud tugged on a golden lock and gave a small smile. "Uhm…thanks. Later Sora." He turned and left. When the door closed behind him, Riku began laughing all over again. "Fuck off," Leon snapped, a blush blossoming in his face. Sighing, he turned to Sora and gave him a crooked smile. "Hey, I'm Leon and I just made a complete ass of myself," he introduced, offering a hand. Sora laughed and took it. "I'm Sora, and you have my sympathy," he replied, deciding he liked Leon. He turned to Riku and put a hand on his hip. "Don't touch me and we'll be fine," he said coolly. Riku looked taken aback-no one had ever said that tom him before. Leon doubled over and bit his fist, using all of his willpower to keep his laughter down. Satisfied, Sora turned back to Leon wearing a cute smile. "Where do we shower and stuff?" he asked. "Down the hall," Leon choked out, opening the door for Sora who went into the hallway. Leon took a fleeting look at Riku, whose baffled expression still hadn't changed. The door closed and there was a loud boom of laughter in the corridor.
Riku groaned and flopped back on the mattress. "What have I done wrong?" he wondered aloud. He hadn't done anything different, usually he'd have a guy begging in his arms by now. But Sora hadn't responded to any of it-at least positively anyway. Actually, Sora seemed disgusted by him. Maybe I was too forward, Riku mused. At first sight, Sora had seemed fragile. There seemed to be more to Sora then he expected. "Well I'm not giving up Sora, he said to the ceiling. "I said I would get you and I will."
"Well that's lovely," said a voice from the door. Riku sat up. Leon was leaning against the doorframe, with an amused expression. "Is the great seducer Riku having difficulty?" he asked in mock disbelief.
"Haha," Riku said humorlessly. He stood up and stretched. "Is he still in the showers?" Leon nodded cautiously and stepped aside to let him pass. As Riku closed the door, he could've sworn he heard a mumbled, "It's your funeral."
Ten minutes later, Riku stood in front of the showers double doors having a two-sided mental battle.
If I just go in there to talk-
What if he doesn't listen?
Well, why wouldn't he?
But why should he?
He can't be that mad, can he?
Can I really be sure?
I came down here just so I could tell him I'm sorry!
To the showers. I came down here to talk to him in the showers.
Maybe I should've waited…
Sighing, Riku made his way back up the staircase. He really should have waited instead of attacking him as soon as he stepped out of the shower stall. When he reached the deserted landing, he sighed and looked around. A soft shout made Riku pause. That sounded like-
"No! Get off of me!"
It was Sora. He paled, and turned back the way he came, hoping he could get there before it was too late.