Ok. I know, that never in a million years could I have a good excuse for not updating sooner, and you probably all hate me now, but I do have reasons! I went on holiday, and used my Granddad's laptop to type this up. That was all fine and dandy, but then when he came to email it to me, it wouldn't send. So, I have spent the day biking it up to my Grandparent's house just so I can update. And that is the god's honest truth. Also, I think it will be pretty obvious to readers, because there are a lot of holiday type things in it. Ok. I'm going to stop whining now.
Thanks to:
KagomeReiSorry for not updating sooner…. I guess I can't really apologize enough. –sweatdrops-
Sillysinny: uh… I think we all wanna see that! –Gives plushies-
Bleedingchaos: this can go in your Riku and Sora goodies pile. –Grins-
Red Headed Sexy Axel: I must say, I do prefer the high school fics. They are so much more realistic and you can relate to them more.
Losthimagain: gah! The one with the cool name! Hehe. Here ya go!
Seika: I did. But not soon, sorry again!
SummonerMomo: Trust me, Tidus still likes Yuna… um… more of that will come out later. Hehe. Thanks.
Shocker2110: I just love plushies. I think it's cute that they make out!
Avalon: Thanks! I wasn't sure if people would like the last chapter, because it's mainly a filler, but I'm glad you did!
Oro-sama: sorry, I just don't like making the chapters too long unless they are special chapters like this one! Thanks!
xXxRiku-chanxXx: well, I'm glad to see you are enthusiastic! XD thanks!
Mizu Hikari: uh, Tidus's mum works at the school, so when HIS school, that he goes to, has a break, like Easter or Christmas, he gets to come and stay with Riku. sorry if I didn't make that clear. –sweatdrops-
FallenAngel25: aw, sorry to ruin your hopes. But here's another chapter for you anyway!
New moongirl: I know. I thought that was MAJORLY cute. XD
Aya Kurayami: you know what? You are THE weirdest reviewer I have EVER had. You review every chapter, and you are still soooooo weird. But cool. Thankies! I hope your elbow is ok…
Glomping Kawaii: Tidus and Kairi are not going out as of yet. But who's to say that they won't in the future? XD
Angelicangelcat: lol. Update for you!
Firelover666: thanks! I thought so too….
Dreamwave27: heylo! I was wondering when I would get to you! XD –gives rose- you are one of my loyal reviewers! I hope that this chapter pleases you!
Youreverlastinglight: hehe. Hope you like this chapter then!
Fearlessreverie: as long as Sora gets closer to Riku, I think she can tease him all she wants!
Darks-Sexy-Lover: hey, you wouldn't be the first to draw him! I think I'm inspiring people to draw Sora in a little skirt! Go me!
Fuyutsuki rikao: thanks! I'm glad you liked my story! XD
Neon-Shuti: I like leaving cliffhangers and stuff, I don't know, I just can't have the chapter go off at a boring ending!
Scarlet locket: don't you worry; something WILL be done about Rinoa. And that's not actually a far off guess. XD
Renscute: wow! –Praises for long review- thanks! I love getting long reviews! I mean, it is nice when people just want me to update, but I love it when a long review comes along! I'm sooo glad you liked my story and took the time to write out a huge review lie, that one. And yeah, exams stink. Also, I can see Sora sitting in ink, it just seems like something he would so, he's one of those sort of guys! Lol! Thank you!
Will Avalon: you can have all the plushies you like! You don't bother me! Thanks!
xLostSoulx: sorry, that was short I guess. But it was a filler chapter in my defense! Sorry! And you are the first person to wish me a good break! Thank yoooooooou!
MyHiddenStory: thank you. Really, I mean, I love getting reviews that tell me how I can improve my writing. I shall try to go into more detail about the little things more often! Thanks!
Raine Mizuki: really? I sooooo have to get that game! Thank you!
Iruweenie: here's picture day! And I have to admit, Sora in a skirt is hot! Lol
The New Shinigami Hikari: you weren't allowed on the site! –Dies- that's terrible! And yeah, I know I just died but hey, anything can happen, right?
Pikachu: thank you! I'm glad you liked it!
Sorakitty: I'm sorry your dad won't let you sign up. –sobs- but I'm glad you reviewed anyway!
XloneheartX: I got writing! And yeah! I updated!
Anazaki: it is rare for you to review, and you reviewed MINE! –feels loved-
Toraneko-chan: uh… you liked everything? Wow. That's…amazing! I like you so much! -glomps-
Snorcackhunter: I just had this image of it being blunt, and then everyone is in the awkward silence. Lol. Thanks. –Gives plushies-
RikuAndMe: hehehehe! I love people that love my story! XD
Riku: Picture Day
I put a hand on Sora's shoulder. I couldn't stop laughing.
"GOD! Sora! Stay still already!"
"Whaaa! I don't like it!"
I put both hands on either side of his head to stop him fidgeting. Holy crap, he was a damn feisty little thing! Kairi squeezed some more of the creamy foundation onto her fingers and smudged it onto Sora's slightly tanned skin.
"Ewww!"
"Shut it Sora. Beauty requires perfection. Any girl will tell you that."
"But I'm not a girl!" He yelled through clenched teeth.
"I beg to differ..." I chipped in.
"HEY!" He yelled. I laughed again. Whilst Kairi applied the powder, I routed through the remainder of the bag's contents. Armed with a black eyeliner pencil, I advanced to the front line of attack. The seat in front of Sora. Gently pulling at the skin under his eye, I drew a thin black line, quite faint, on his bottom eyelid. He flinched involuntarily. I curled my fingers around the back of his head, in order to keep it in place. After I let go, his eyes batted together and his eyelashes fluttered.
"Riku! Mess up my face and you're dead!"
I wondered. How could anyone mess up his face? He was so incredibly cute, if he was run over time and time again by a five ton steam train, he would still win the prize for the cutest puppy alive. I finished the other eye and reached for the mascara. The golden tube felt light in my grasp. I screwed the top open, and glanced from his eyelashes, to the tar covered brush, hesitating. I willed my hand to stop shaking, and gently rolled the brush over his eyelashes, rotating it to reach every single hair.
I stepped back to observe my work I grinned and looked over to Kairi, giving her the thumbs up on Sora's face. She had taken the brush from the set of drawers and begun the gruesome task of taming Sora's mop. She dragged the hair in two different ways to actually GIVE Sora a parting. From there, she worked with the hair, dragging it sideways and down, forming the start of a set of pigtails. The other was soon finished, and she polished off the look with two identical sapphire ribbons. They matched his eyes perfectly. I handed him the white plastic bag, and he began to undress.
Kairi and I automatically turned around. I wanted to peek, but I didn't want to lose Sora's faith and trust in me either. So, instead, I stared straight forward. At the wall. Something clicked in faint remembrance in my mind.
"Hey Sora? Wear the black ones with the cream lace, not the pink and black G-string."
I could just imagine the blush on his face. accompanied by a cute pout. Well, I didn't care. I didn't want my Sora wearing slutty underwear. He would wear what I deemed appropriate. And that meant, classy, French lingerie.
I tilted my head to hear him better. After the rough rustling of fabric came a muffled 'umpf', seemingly from the floor.
"Uh...Riku?"
"Yeah?"
"Help me?"
I got my wish! Damn, were the God's with me today! I turned to see him sat on the floor, skirt round his ankles, shirt round his neck. I forced my jaws to stay tightly together, although it was tough to NOT drool. His chest was perfect. It was smooth and beautiful. He had the best kind of figure there was. Not just muscle, but not drenched in puppy fat either. I slipped the shirt over his neatly done hair and down his exposed chest. He pouted in frustration, and grabbed at the skirt, fighting with the unruly zipper. I fastened that up for him as he did up the final button on his shirt. I reached across for his school tie, hooking it over his head. It was like having a really cute dog on a leash. A REALLY cute dog. I wouldn't know, Shadow had never worn a leash. He'd never needed to. My uncle has trained him as a puppy. He was a gift for my ninth birthday, the year my uncle came home from the civil war in Traverse Town. The revolution had been called off early, although, I don't really know why. All I know is my uncle was distraught. I didn't know him that well though. I still don't.
"Riku? Will you be in on the picture?"
"No."
"Why not?"
I shrugged. What was i supposed to say? He gave me a skeptical look and dropped the subject. "I'll be there though."
He nodded. Picking up a bunch of coats I threw him his, and Kairi her's. Sora looked at me in bewilderment.
"Why will I need my coat?"
My eyes narrowed. "It's cold outside. Duh..."
I got the feeling that was not the answer he was looking for. Kairi interrupted.
"He means that the picture is going to be taken outside. This is a prestige school. The headmaster is obsessed with the upkeep of the school's good reputation. These pictures will be posted as advertisements for the school over the internet too. The headmaster takes them to all the P.F.T.A. meetings he goes to, usually the most recent one. It's one of the most important days that this school holds. Therefore, in order to get the best picture possible, not only does he hire out a three thousand pound photographer and camera, he also uses the Fiteng Mountains as the perfect backdrop for the picture. He uses the North end of the Lake. There fore, he gets the best backdrop for the picture possible. The lake, the mountains, and the forest."
I nodded in agreement. I had seen six photo days to date. They were all great, but I just knew that today was going to be the best ever. How did I deduce this strange logic? Well, Sora was here. That's all that mattered.
Speaking of whom, Sora and Kairi both put on their coats. I slung my own over my arm. Throwing open the door, I revealed the noisy throng of girls, filling the corridor. Me and the others stuck together as close as we could, trying to make it out alive.
The cool air was refreshing. In silence, we followed the hoards of girls up the grassy banks of the lake to Point Chida, where the water tower stood. There was a slight breeze, but it was more welcoming than harsh. I watched as the teachers fussed and bustled around the girls. Sora and Kairi went to join them. Sighing, I looked up into the one face I did NOT want to see. Or, rather, the TWO faces I didn't want to see.
"Riku. You may have your guitar back now. Do not disobey me again."
My Father left son after. I shook myself free of any thoughts of his burning amber eyes.
"Well Riku. It's just you and me."
"Fuck off"
"No need to get like that." Suddenly, her eyes widened and she took off in the opposite direction.
"Well well well, Rinoa Heartily. What a surprise."
"Leooooooooooooon... who's Rinoa?"
I turned. Cloud and Leon stood behind me, Cloud cuddled up to Leon's chest, the brunette's arm wrapped firmly around the blonde's waist.
"That's Squall. And we used to go out. Before I found you."
Cloud's smile dropped a notch, the brightness that shone in his eyes fading slightly. "Oh...I see"
"So...where are you both off to today?"
They both snapped out of their daze and looked at me. Leon gave a rare smile. "Amusements. I promised Cloud. He's addicted to teddy crane machines, although I have to say I much prefer house of the dead."
"Heh. I never would have guessed."
Cloud's eyes went from sullen, to gaping wide, like he was high or something. He mouth pulled open into a huge grin. "Yeah! Leon's going to win me a huge fluffy Rainbow Carebear!"
"Cloud..."
He burst into tears. "NO Leon! Wou Pwomised!" Cloud cried out in a childish voice, his mouth wide.
I saw Leon's eyes roll. His shoulders heaved in a sigh. He wrapped his arms around the shaking blonde and kissed his forehead sweetly. "Ok. Ok. I'll win one for you."
I watched them walk away. I couldn't help but notice the slight twinge in my heart. Like, there was something missing. Anyone could see that they were made for each other.
I smiled thoughtfully as I looked up at Sora lining up with the other girls. Hehehehe. The teachers had finished setting up the barrier around the edge of Point Chida, so no one could fall off the cliff into the lake. A gust of wind blew all the skirts of the girls to one side, and I grinned as Sora's perfectly smooth legs caught my eye. It had taken so long to get them like that. Four hours to be exact. I'll never forget...
-Flashback-
"No no! Riku! Please!"
"It only hurts for a second!"
"Screw you Leon!"
The taller brunette ditched his last attempt to comfort Sora and ignored his squealing. He lifted the wooden stick and dripped some of the hot gooey wax onto Sora's right leg. I grabbed one hand. Cloud grabbed the other.
"No! Stop!"
Leon reached for the linen strip.
"Please! Oh god! NO!"
He smoothed it out onto Sora's skin.
"I can't go back now Sora."
"NO!"
Rip.
I screamed. Cloud did too. I tore my hand from Sora's grip. Deep bleeding red welts marred my hand. Glancing over at cloud, I saw the same had happened to him.
"Sora...what the fu..."
Leon stopped short. Sora was shaking. He had his legs hugged to his chest and his face buried in his knees.
"Sora..."
Needless to say, we didn't try that again. Instead, we accepted the help of Kairi. She gave Leon a run through on the workings of a razor, and he took his younger brother into the bathroom to de-hair his legs.
-End Flashback-
I shook my head and took up my usual place upon my favorite rock, guitar in hand. Feeling a strong gaze burning into the back of my head, I turned. My dad gave me... the 'look'. The one that said, 'strum, and you're dead.'
I whistled instead. Shadow came running up the grassy slope towards me. We sat and watched the photos being taken. Kairi was tiny, towards the front. Sora was on the third row, him being taller. I felt sorry for him. Rinoa was on the fourth row, stood right behind him. Shadow started barking at the flash and I started laughing. My laughter died, however, when I saw Sora and Rinoa in deep conversation. I noticed that they had attracted the attention of Kairi too. As she headed over to them, their voices grew louder.
"Why don't you just admit it?"
Sora's face burned a deep red. "No...It's not true!"
"Hah, it's not your fault you've fallen in love. It's your fault that it had to be him."
"Shut up!"
It was then that it happened. Rinoa barged past Sora, knocking him off balance. His heel caught under the barrier.
"RIKU!"
He fell.
Oh. My. God.
Sora. Couldn't. Swim!
SHIT!
Instinct kicked in. Adrenaline raced through me as I threw off my shirt and shoes, abandoning my socks on my rock. I raced to the edge. I saw him hit the water at an angle.
And, I jumped.
The water hit me like ten thousand deadly icicles. My eyes fluttered open blearily under the water. I needed to breathe already. I saw Sora's slump form wavering. His hand falling from the surface. I swam, fingers outstretched, towards him. I kicked as hard as I could, grabbing him under the arms. He was so much heavier under water!
I cringed as green slime wove its way through the water, towards me. I felt it brush my skin and I almost lost my air right there and then. I couldn't look at Sora. I knew that his eyes were closed, but that didn't mean that he was gone. He couldn't be. Sora was stronger than that! I just knew he was!
I was running out of air, and fast. I didn't know whether it was too late for Sora or not. To tell the truth, I was scared. No, terrified. I could just make out the surface. What was that shadow? Oh, wait! It WAS shadow!
I burst through the surface and flung Sora over the dog's back.
"G-Go S-Shadow!" I managed to splutter, before my head went back under again. Kicking out, I headed as fast as I could for the shore.
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I crawled to his side. Sora lay there, un-moving. UN...breathing? Oh fuck!
I thought back to my uncles teachings. CPR. The kiss of life. The only chance.
I put both my hands on his shoulders, moving him so no water would get in his lungs. I opened his mouth and pinched his nose. Sucking in a racking breath, I pushed my mouth to his and breathed into his warmth. I then pulled back and thumped on his chest three times. I breathed again, I thumped again. I breathed, I thumped. I breathed, I thumped.
And still, nothing.
I felt the tears in my eyes.
"NO! NO! NO!" I yelled in disbelief. "This isn't what I want"
I thumped on his chest. Any harder and I would have splintered several ribs.
"NO! NO! NO!"
He spluttered. "Sora?" I looked down at him as his eyes fluttered open to meet my own.
"Master Riku? Would you kindly take Sora up to her room and take care of her please?"
I nodded obediently. "Of course Sir."
"Woof woof! grrr..."
I whistledfor shadow and took up Sora in my arms. Glancing down, I realized I had to get him out of there fast. The water had transformed his shirt from opaque, to completely see through. It wasn't a good idea to let the girls see this.
He balled up his fists into my shirt as I was struggling up the stairs to his dorm. The headmaster would not send anyone up here for a while; he would summon them to the hall.
I lay him down on the cool sheets, automatically going to take off his sodden clothes. He shot, bolt upright, and blinked at me.
"R-Riku?"
"Uh...Yeah?"
"You...saved me..."
I grinned. "It was nothing...really..."
To my surprise, he wore a replica grin on his own face. "I guess I'm just really lucky to have you."
"I guess"
He leaned in close to me. God, I had to do it now. I had to kiss him, right here, right now. I had to make him understand how much he meant to me, that I'd do anything for him, that I'd die inside if we parted without him never knowing how much I like him.
So then...
HE kissed ME.
WOW! NOT what I expected! Just as I looked up to see where his lips were, so I wouldn't kiss his nose by mistake, he crashed his lips onto my own. No accident, his eyes were closed and his arms snaked their way around my neck. I was in complete shock. I paused, my eyes wide with surprise, but that didn't last long. Water from our hair and faces dripped together, soaking us through. This HAD to be a dream!
Fuck. No dream. He's kissing ME!
I leaned in closer to him, sliding both arms under his sodden shirt, forcing them around his wet, slippery waist. I took it one step further, moving my lips in unison with his, slipping my tongue gently into his mouth and caressing his own with mine, but he didn't care. He simply pushed in closer to me, worming his fingers into my hair, our wet bodies moving together in slick motions. There was nowhere I'd rather be, than right there, in that moment, with Sora.
And the best bit of all? Well, Sora knew I liked him, and he felt the same way. Now, neither of us had to hide our feelings, at least from each other at any rate. I also got the sneaky suspicion that his brother already knew. When I was with Sora, he would raise an eyebrow, or smirk at me.
We pulled back for air. Sora's face was beetroot red.
"So…does this mean you like me?" I pondered out loud. He raised a hand to scratch the back of his head. "Well… uh... Yeah… you…" He looked at me, his face turning to a look of horror. "You DO like me too, right? RIGHT!"
I raised both palms in defense. "Dude…chill. I do."
My mouth formed a tiny 'o' of confusion as Sora started laughing.
"What's so funny?"
He pushed me backwards and leant on my knees. I blinked, now looking up at him.
"Riku... you're blushing!"
No. Way.
I just did NOT blush.
"Nuh uh! No way!"
"Either that or your body really needed that little workout..." he laughed, smirking.
"Hey! My body is astounding...no?"
"I think so..."
"Thanks Sora."
"S'ok Riku."
I wrapped my arms around him.
I wanted to stay like this forever.
Forever and ever.
With Sora.
"Riku? I think I should learn to swim..."
mawahahahaha! So, there ya go. They kissed. I don't think that Rinoa is going to like that… tsk tsk tsk…
Anyways! You HAVE to review! 'cos I wrote this in my HOLIDAYS! I mean, come on!
And you all got the yaoi goodness you all deserved. Thank you for keeping up with me for these first nine chapters.
REVIEW!
Cookies and roses to all reviewers. Also, if you review THIS chapter, you get a special Riku and Sora making out plushie.
XD