Okay.
I don't mean to be a pain in the ass (pardon the pun) but I'm just feeling a tad unappreciated. I update a really long update just for you my beautiful children, and it doesn't seem to spur you to read on.
Anyways, after all my moaning, I want to thank those who did review... and apologise cos my email being screwy and won't let me reply. So thank thank thank you!
And so, in this chapter, I figured i oughta lighten the mood a little. And so, there is only one chapter left after this one. I'm just working on extending the ending for you guys. Also, has anyone any ideas for the title of the sequel? Requests?
-Cookies and roses to all reviewers... plus this plate of Sora goo-
Sora:The Purple Papou
I was led in bed right now, thinking of all that had happened yesterday. Riku went away nine days ago. I missed him so much. The first day I had discovered his Mother's grave, and told Kairi about everything I knew. That's right.
I had told Kairi everything. Everything about Leon and Cloud. Everything I had seen in the forest. Everything I knew. The necklace, the cookies, the closet.
"Kairi... you see... I know Riku's uncle." She looked confused.
"Look. This doesn't leave us... okay?"
"Sure Sora. You know you can trust me, right?"
"Yeah..."
"Then go on."
I shuffled uncomfortably. "You see... Riku's Uncle is the General of an army. Leon used to be his main sidekick. Ever since Leon was about 13, he'd belonged to the army. With the civil war going on in Traverse town, even some children had to help out. Sephiroth... uh... that's his name by the way, took a shine to Leon and took him under his wing. My mum and dad never liked that, but Leon was happy, so we left it alone. Then, during the war, they caught someone from the opposite side. That was Cloud. Cloud delivered information to his people in Midgar."
"He was a spy?"
"Oh... no. He just delivered information from the headquarters to the field sort of thing. I'm losing you, aren't I?"
"No, no. I follow."
"Well... Sephiroth wanted to know what he was delivering, but Cloud wouldn't tell him. They kept him there as a prisoner of war. All the while, Leon knew that there was something wrong with what they were doing. From the way Leon had told me about it, I guess that it really got to him. Bearing in mind, this was like, the first real emotional breakdown Leon had. He sort of, I don't know... went off on one, blurting out all how he felt and stuff..."
"Sora..."
"Sorry. He started to talk to Cloud, and saw how frightened he was. He'd only gone into the war to help his Mother, who was sick. He was trying to get the money together to get her some help. I guess it was then that Leon really fell in love with him. After he'd been there for six years, Leon took Cloud out of the headquarters and they got in one of the tanks. They were driving away when Sephiroth got in his own tank and followed them, running them off the road. They got out, Leon got Cloud out just in time before it blew up, but, as I'm sure you have noticed, he doesn't remember any of it. When he woke up in the hospital, he was completely unaware of anything."
"I see..."
"But... I just... can't leave Riku... no matter what happens. Do you understand?"
"Yes. Sora, but since Leon ran away from the army, well... isn't that punishable by death?"
"It is!"
"Last time I checked."
xXx
She'd laughed when I had told her about the closet. She told me I shouldn't worry about it. According to her, she'd once walked in on two of her classmates making out under the table. She said that Riku's dad wasn't going to say anything, because he was that kind of person. I showed her the necklace and she fingered it for a moment, her eyes lighting up. She 'awwed' and cooed before telling me I should probably get back to school.
Later that day I had gone back to the forest. The trees were a little lighter now, and I knew that as much as I didn't want to break Riku's trust, there could be something in those letters that explained a lot about him. So, I opened the little metal box and picked up a bundle of papers, looking at the least recent one. They were all short in length, but I think it's just because Riku's writing is tiny. It read,
Mum,
Things are going okay. I guess anyway. I forgot to put the guitars away and Dad hit me again. He's got more violent recently. He blames me, I know he does. Why can't you come back and tell him it wasn't my fault? I really miss you. My Uncle has been ringing up more and more recently. I'm getting a bit suspicious. Don't worry though, I'm not going to spill your secrets. :D Riku xxx
Blames Riku? For what? I picked up the second one, putting the previous one back into the box.
Mum,
I met a new student today. He's a boy mum. A BOY! Imagine that! He said his parents had sent him here because they didn't want him to end up gay like his brother. Strange? I do, however, think he's cute. You'd have no problems with my sexuality, would you mum? I mean, you said that no matter who I loved, you'd always support me. Well, I don't want you glaring at me from heaven! He's nice, and sweet, and everything I've ever wanted. Do you think I should tell him? I think I should help him out. I mean, he is pretty clueless... in a cute way. :) Riku xxx
I felt my face flush red. He was talking about ME. I put it away and opened the next one.
Mum,
I hate my Dad. Why can't you come back and tell him to stop hitting me? Things seem to have got a lot worse since yesterday. Not much to say today other than I miss you. Riku xxx
I felt sorry for him. My parents were quite cruel in their own way for sending me to an all girl's school, but they would never dream of laying a finger on me. I don't quite know how I'd react if they did what Riku's dad does to Riku.
The next one went like this,
Mum,
I tried mum, I really did. I was going to kiss him. His name is Sora, and we were looking through the mail together. I couldn't resist. His lips looked so sweet, like candy. I can be poetical sometimes, can't I? Well, I leant down and everything, when Mrs Aeris walked in. Trust her. I think she was just being nosey. Teachers are like that. :P Riku xxx
So he WAS going to kiss me! It wasn't just me! I touched my lips. Hahaha, Riku called them sweet. I smiled broadly. I was important enough for Riku to tell his mum about me. I felt so... so... fuzzy!
Mum,
Good news, or bad news first? Well... lets go in chronological order. AHA! Aren't you proud of me? Me, Riku, using big posh words. Nah, I only remember it from junior. Bad news is that Dad hit my again, and this time, he cut my whole back open. And that means I can't do sports or swimming. Good news is that Sora stopped by my room, and he was the one to put cream on for me. (Healing cream, not whipped cream). We had a rather nice time. :D Riku xxx
I flushed. The next one was even better.
Mum,
Hurrah! Let me hear you rejoice! What are we rejoicing I hear you say? The birth of me and Sora! Today was picture day. Mwahaha, he had to wear a skirt and everything... but his legs looked so strokeable... I mean, they were so smooth! Not only that, but Rinoa, you know, the stupid girl from Gladstone Junior pushed Sora into the lake! I got him out though :P And when we went upstairs I was telling myself, Riku my man, just kiss him. He can only say no... right? I was about to put my plan into action when he kissed ME! Cue the part where I jump for joy! YAY:D Love you mum, Riku xxx
That was the last one. I shut the box and let a small smile grace my face. Although I was happy, I just wanted Riku home. With me. If, that's where he wanted to be of course.
xXx
So... back to the part where I was lying in bed. The bed I am currently sharing with six pairs of dirty socks and something squishy that I don't even want to think about. I rolled over and groaned loudly. Why is my life so crap? I mean, CRAP. Like, super dooper cat poop on a stick. The second guy I had given my heart to had gone away. I say second, I'd had a boyfriend before, but I broke up with him. I found out he picked his nose, the hard way. It wasn't a nice experience to roll over in the morning and get attacked by little green splodges. I tell you... my life is crap. What made the crap even smellier is that I hadn't heard anything from my mum or dad. I expect they were having a field day... what with no kids in the house to disturb them...
OH MY GOD!
Waaah... that's one thing I do NOT want to think about. Parental sex is so sick. Ew.
I rolled over again. Oh, hello Mr. Floor. How nice to see you this morning. Don't worry about my face, it's only my one path to an actual reputation.
I grabbed my clothes and got dressed before any of the other girls woke up. First lesson of the day... let's see. Oh, how grand. Cooking. Last time I had done cooking, the teacher had told me I'd make a great housewife. Meh...
The stairs were quite empty. I always liked to get to class quickly, because it meant that a certain braindead bitch couldn't corner me in the hallway. She was about as attractive as a monkey sucking on a mouldy grape. Like Riku would ever want her. He wouldn't. He WOULDN'T. Yeah... take that doubtful thoughts!
Rinoa, I mean.
I said hi to the teacher in a pleasant way, as I was in a good mood. I'm not sure why, I just felt happy. Hehe! Today we were making a Papou Pavlova. A nest egg of Papou and assorted berries in a rich, creamy sauce, caged by a white, sweet crispy coating. I'd had it before.
The girls started coming in now. Some had huge smiles on their faces, others just wore sad smiles. Rinoa arrived behind them. Wow, I never realised she had such a huge fringe. It quite literally covers half her face, and it seems to move all by itself... how queer... I wish she was. Then she'd leave Riku alone. I wonder if there is a special injection to turn you a lesbian? Maybe I could use it on her. Mwahahaha!
So, fringey came and sat down next to me, staring into my eyes before pushing me hard off the chair. Hello Mr. Floor. I suggest we get better aquainted with each other. We see each other all the time. Want to be the god parent of my non existing child?
"What are you smiling at?"
I didn't actually know I was smiling. "Oh... nothing really..." (Oh how much I wanted to tell her she looked like grape sucking monkey with a huge greasy fringe... but I value my life. So, sadly, it shall not happen.)
We began the lesson at last. I was just starting to slice up my juicy yellow papou when I noticed Rinoa's basket of papou fruits. Nestled among the others was a small purple papou. I raised an eyebrow. I didn't know that purple papou's existed.
OW!
I'd just cut through my finger. My loud cry was echoed with a bitter laugh. Oh yeah, it was me laughing. As I had cut into my finger, I had also made Rinoa jump by shouting, resulting in her squishing her papou and the juice squirted all over her face. Now she looked like a drenched grape sucking monkey. Well, at least juice drenched hair was better than grease drenched hair. HA!
I carried on the rest of the lesson in silence. Rinoa didn't. Each movement I made was followed by a homosexual insult.
Slice... "So... Taken it up the ass yet, bum boy?"
Twitch. Cut... "I bet you scream as Riku goes into you. I would."
Twitch twitch. Chop... "You're all sick... you homos."
Twitch twitch twitch. Snip... "I bet Riku has you bending over backwards..."
"Excuse me, miss Rinoa? We'd like to move onto the next section. And you're way behind. Chop chop girl!"
Hahahaha... chop chop... off with her head! Hahaha... I wish. She'd just got told off. Mwahahaha...
I'm glad she was finally stopped. Those insults were quite hurtful.
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Finished. Finally. My pavlova stood tall, proud. Rinoa's was actually pretty good. Miss had said that we had to try each others. I cut a piece of mine for Rinoa, and dumped it on her plate with a smile. She did likewise, minus the smile. I gingerly took up a spoon and took a piece, tasting it slowly. It was... good! I swallowed.
"Surprisingly that was pretty good."
"Your's tastes like shit."
Well... so much for my newly discovered niceness. The teacher came round and tried all of our pavlovas. She told Rinoa that hers needed a little more sugar. She told mine that my pavlova was perfect. Best darn thing she'd ever tasted. Okay, she didn't say that. She said it was perfect though. Yay!
Fringey shoved me as we left the room. Honestly... what did I do to deserve that?
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It was later on, in my room when I noticed something was wrong. I felt a headache coming on, and I felt sort of sick. I rushed to the bathroom, missing the toilet and spewing up in the sink. A thick, deep purple substance lined the white ceramic. I knew then that it was Rinoa's stupid papou that had done it. I had wondered why she hadn't had any of her own pavlova...
Damn. I bashed the door with my knee on the way out. I couldn't see properly. Everything spun, and oh look! There were two Kairis! Hahaha!
"Kairi... I think I'm delirious... and sick..."
"You don't look so good..."
I threw up over her shoes as a reply. Oh poop.
She helped me down to the nurse's office, flinching as I started having a sneezing fit. When we got to the office, I had started to feel cold. It was freezing.
"Oh dear... come in quickly!"
Great. I had a fever. My body ached and everything seemed to be so distant. One minute I was frozen, shivering and crying I was so cold, and the next minute I was boiling, red hot, turning over and wanting to take my clothes off. I knew I couldn't. They'd know I was a guy. I rolled over and cried some more. I owed Kairi big time. She sat there the whole time, telling me jokes and funny things that had happened in her life. I think I actually laughed once or twice.
Ew. I had to take this horrible medicine that tasted like someone had already eaten it and spat it back out. It slid down my throat and I coughed a hell of a lot.
I felt myself slowly falling to sleep. I wanted Riku. When I was with Riku, my entire life was right. When I was with him, it felt like the rest of the world didn't exist. There was just me and him, and that was okay. I could escape from my problems and relax, in a way I could never have done at home.
"I love Riku.." I murmured. God... what am I saying...? I'm delirious...
"Riku has... ears..."
Kairi smiled, nodding. It was so obvious that she just wanted to burst out laughing.
"I used to... to... do magic tricks... you know..."
"You did?"
"I once... pulled a rat out of a habit..."
"Don't you mean, you once pulled a rabbit out of a hat...?"
Shut up brain, shut up.
"My cat... used... to... pee on the... seat."
"It did?"
"It liked brocolli..."
That was one wierd cat. We called it Rip van boy next door. Rip for short. We named it that because the boy next door brought some soap around, and the cat attacked him at the door. He was wrinkly too... but I won't go into that.
"Was wrinkly..."
Apparently I will...
She sniggered, trying to keep her laughter inside her mouth, but I could tell she was ready to blow any second.
"I... used to... last the... laugh... have the laugh last... laugh."
"You used to have the last laugh?"
"Hahaha... Rinoa sucks a monkey with a graped fringe..."
She laughed then, so hard that she started crying. I found it funny, but was in no position to laugh. It hurt my ribs.
"Rinoa sucks a monkey? Classic..."
"Want... Riku back..."
I saw her face fall. She looked down at me and patted my head.
"I know Sora... I think we could all do with Riku coming back."
"Want Riku... now..."
"Sora..."
""Love Riku... want... Riku... toastie maker..."
"If you say so."
I cried then. Quietly but surely, I cried. Kairi put a hand in mine and made a nice shhhing sound.
"Where Riku? Want Riku... please... no take Riku away..."
She bit her bottom lip and bent down, kissing my forehead.
"Hey hey. I believe that's my job."
Riku? RIKU? RRRIIIKKKUUU! (At this point I would have jumped to my feet and pounced on him, if I hadn't had been as sick as a dog and unable to feel my legs).
"Riku!"
Kairi ran up and gave him a huge hug. He hugged her gently before coming over to me. God... is my hair okay? Do I actually look like I'm sick? Are my lips still sweet and irresistable? Good lord... I bet I couldn't outmatch Rinoa right now...
He knelt down next to me.
"Well well well. What have we here? A sick patient? I must get to work!"
He kissed me. His lips met my own and his hand flew to mine, holding it gently. I closed my eyes. Oh how I had missed this. I was getting kiss withdrawl symptoms. He drew back, still looking into my eyes. I tightened the grip on his hand. I felt my eyes starting to close again. This time, I couldn't fight the blackness. I let myself fall into it. Falling soundly asleep.
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I could have kept lying in slumberland forever. Until the cows come home as they say. Pfft... this cow looked suspiciously like Riku...
"Sora! Sora!"
Woof woof. I don't answer like a dog you know. God.. just get yourself a whistle and a leash why don't you. I'm ill. Leave me alone. Look at this non existant sticker on my sweaty forehead. It says, 'Do not talk to'. Isn't that obvious? Hahahaha... still got it. Well... actually, I haven't got anything besides a headache. I think I'm still delirious...
"Sora!"
"Fish. What?"
"Fish?"
"What nis it Niku?"
"Earth to Sora? I'm Riku. And I have good news for you!"
Finally! About time too.
"What is it?"
"Rinoa's been suspended. For questioning. Turns out the papou she poisoned you with was purple."
Duh. I could have told them that.
"They're illegal. They were originally made to kill the king in... 18 something or other. She broke the law Sora!"
Joy. Now let me rest in peace. I blinked an eye open.
"Really?"
"Really really."
"She told me I bend over backwards for you..."
What am I saying? Ah! Sora.. quiet!
"Literally... then she said something about screaming and homosexuals..."
"Sora..."
"I lobe lobe love you Riku!"
"Lobe?"
"You have ears... gahahaha!"
"Would you bend over backwards for me Sora-kun?"
"Huh?"
He was smirking an evil smirk. He had a strange lusftul gaze in his eyes and I tilted my head. Would I?
Of course I would!
"Yeah... I guess..."
"Would you call me Riku-sama whilst you did it?"
I froze. Didn't Sama mean master, or someone of a greater position? I couldn't quite recall...
"Riku... sama?"
"Yis, yup, yeah. Riku-sama. It's not that hard to answer. You either do, or you don't."
"If you want Riku toastie sama."
"Close enough."
I could feel the pain killers working their magic. The aches in my head, stomach and ribs were slowly fading. I pulled on Riku's hand and he leant down close to me. Mwahaha... Come into my palour said the spider to the fly. What a dumb fly.
"Riku."
"Sora?"
I kissed him, ignoring the pain in my ribs and leaning up, touching his cheek softly with my lips. My SWEET lips. Heh. He'll never live that one down. I grimaced in pain and he put a supportive arm around my waist, holding me up. I just hoped that the nurse didn't walk in now. Eeek. How would I explain that? I'm sorry miss... Riku had something on his cheek and I was getting it off for him. With my tongue. Guess you could say I was getting IT off WITH him. Hahaha. Well... it didn't matter. She'd just think that Riku had got himself a girlfriend.
He really WAS a good kisser. On a scale of 1 to 10, I'd say 11. Not that I much to compare him to. Bugger boy wasn't in Riku's league. He leaned in and I always instantly melted. Which is a good thing in the world of love. I think. He did this really cool lip nibbling thing that I enjoyed. Not only that, but he wasn't too full on. If you get what I mean. His tongue gently strokes my lips, as if he's asking permission, and slips into my mouth, and it's so warm and gentle. Kissing Riku was almost as good as the sacred cookie incident. Almost.
He pulled back. "What are you laughing at, oh little chibi one?"
I was laughing? So I was... "Nothing... I'm just... remembering things..."
"Nothing naughty I hope," He whispered with a smirk on his face.
"Of course not!" I exclamined, rather indignantly. He shook his head and stood up, giving me a little kiss on the cheek before turning to leave. No! Where was he going?
"I have something to check out. I'll be back, okay?"
And he left. I told you my life was crap.
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I've been led here for hours. The pain has gone. Well.. only because the nurse had come in, pinned me down and forced me to have a shot of something that sure as hell wasn't natural. Unless it was electric lime juice, and I seriously doubted that...
I feel well enough to stand. Let's try, shall we?
Hello again Mr. Floor. We meet again. In a more, painful encouter, I must admit, but still...
Why aren't my legs working? Mr. Floor... does this have something to do with you? Why do you enjoy throwing yourself at me? Because it isn't MY fault of course...
As I led on the floor, I thought through a couple of things that had got me wondering. Should I tell Riku about his Mother's grave? If he knew that I knew then he'd write to his Mother so she knew and heaven knew and would all hate me because they'd know that I knew about what Riku knew.
So complicated...
On the other hand, I could bottle it up like a decade old bottle of rum and wait until the very last minute where it would suddenly explode, most likely at an alkward time or situation.
"Riku? Where are you? I need to tell you something!"
I got shakily to my feet. I heard both of my knees pop as I gripped hold of the side of the bed for support. Trust me to go and get myself poisoned. I don't think I'd ever live it down.
I got past the nurse easily enough. She was busy painting her nails. What sort of a person wears bright pink nail varnish? I mean... honestly. At least she wouldn't get run over in the dark. Driver's would be able to see her a mile off.
First things first. Clean underwear. I trudged to Kairi's dorm and knocked gently. I knew she had maths, but I wasn't sure if she finished at 5 o'clock, or ten past. I needed a new memory stick. Hahaha, I sound like a computer. Riku could plug it into my usb port if he wanted. Hehehe!
No one answered. Baaah. I slid down and sat in front of her door, waiting for her to come back. Unfortunately, someone opened the door, deciding to throwing me flying across the corridor. What had I done to deserve this punishment? I mean, everything I seemed to do got me into more mess.
"Oh... sorry. Is it Sora? It is. I'm really sorry. I didn't know you were there. Are you waiting for someone?"
"Hey. It is Sora. Have you seen Kairi around?"
"The little red head that helps out in the library?"
"Yeah. That's her."
The girl pondered for a minute. "I think she went to return some books. Can I help you instead? I'm Alice."
Eeek! What the hell was I supposed to say? Hello, I'm Sora, I need to borrow some of your underwear because I can't wear boxers under a skirt, and I don't have anything but boxers because I'm actually a guy?
"I... think I'll wait until she gets back... but thanks anyway."
"I'll be around if you need any help, okay? I heard that you had some trouble with Rinoa. Sorry about that. There's a bad apple in every orchard."
I smiled then. It was nice to hear someone say something positive for once. "Thanks. I'll bear that in mind."
She was quite pretty. I wondered why I'd never seen her before. She had nice long blonde hair that she had thrown behind her back. She wore neat little black shoes, the kind that were supposed to hide doll's feet. She looked like she'd been down a rabbit hole and back. Completely spaced out.
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It wasn't long before she arrived, a new set of books clasped to her chest. She frowned as she approached.
"What the heck are you doing out Sora? You should be in bed. Resting. Ever hear of the word?"
"Look.. Kairi... I kinda need... you know..."
"Ahhh I see. Come in a minute."
I wandered in. It always shocked me how clean and tidy her room was. Everything was assorted in colour order and folded neatly. She pulled open her drawer and I gasped. "How can you be so clean all the time?" I asked her.
"Hahaha... I like to be organized. It's a girl thing. That's one thing that gives you away."
"Hey! What are you trying to say!"
She snickered, before shaking her head. That was a bad sign.
"What is it?"
"We need to go down to the washroom."
Joyous occasion. There was no underwear. I'd better not have to go commando. One wrong move and everyone would be able to see that my genitals are on the outside of my body, not the inside.
I'd never been down to the washroom before. It wasn't, surprisingly, the pokey dingy room I had imagined it to be. There was a strong smell of detergant and lavender, and I noticed a silver head pop up next to a creaky old washing machine. There was no one else that I knew with silver hair like that. I bent down behind the silver hair and yanked on it, hard.
"Ouch! Jeez!" The hair cried. I giggled.
"Hey Riku."
He stood up and turned around, one hand holding his head. I watched as he observed who I was, the cogs pratically whizzing around in his mind. The penny dropped.
"What the fuck? Sora... you should be in bed! You're never going to get better if you don't rest!"
"But I..."
"Why don't you ever listen to me?" He continued, rudely interrupting me if I do say so myself... "Who told you to get out of bed?"
"Well..."
"Exactly... no one. Maybe you should think these things through... I mean... you are so impulsive!"
"Riku."
He paused, most likely to breathe. "What?"
"Shut up."
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I led back, my head in Riku's lap. He was so perdy. Hehe! We had another ten minutes before the washing finished. Kairi had her nose deep down in a book called 'The divide', and I was falling asleep. I had no idea what Riku was doing, although it felt like he was fondling himself from where I was sat.
"Riku. Why are you touching yourself?"
"I'm... not..."
I frowned. "Then what are you doing then?"
"Trying to get something out of my pocket."
Oh. That explained it. He took his hand from his pocket and I sat up slightly so I could get a better look. He told me to close my eyes. I refused. He then kissed me, and then told me to close my eyes. Well.. that would do. I slid them shut, feeling him thrust... something into my palm! Haha.. like Riku would thrust anywhere else in a washroom and in the presence of Kairi...
"Open your eyes."
I did as I was told, my hand unfurling to reveal a beautiful silver charm. It shone in my palm. It was a ying yang, made totally of silver, and black cat's eye gemstone. The dots inside the charm were solid sapphire and aqua amethest. I sat, spellbound as he pulled the crown pendant from around neck and clipping the ying yang to the bottom, so it floated over my chest, as if out of thin air. I saw Kairi raise an eye from her book, but she simply smiled and lifted her book a little higher. Riku... had his hand on my chest! He slid his hand up and to the side of my neck. Oh poop. I could feel my pulse racing already! There was no doubt Riku would be able to feel it too!
"Sora. I want you to have this, because I want you to know that no matter how different we may seem, I'll always love you."
Something about the way he spoke those words made my heart rise into my throat. Although his tone was steady, there was an undertone of something practised. Something that sounded so familiar to him.
"Riku..." I couldn't form any other coherent thought beyond his name. He chuckled.
"You don't have to say anything. I just want you to know that whatever happens... everything will work out alright in the end... okay?"
"..."
He kissed my forehead gently. He sounded so sad. I mean, upset like sad, not pathetic sad, of course.
"Where... did you get the money for this?"
"That's not for you to worry about."
"Tell me."
"My mother left it for me. She left it to me, so I could spend it on what I want. And there's nowhere I'd rather have it spent than on you."
"But I..."
"Shhh..." He kissed me gently on the lips, remembering we had company. I felt a rush of blood to the head and everything spun. The next thing I knew, I was stood in my own living room, watching the younger version of myself play with a friend. It was only then I noticed my parents, stood in the corner and tutting to one another. I remember that day! I lost to Fayt playing snap and we had a huge playfight, that ended up in us tickling the hell out of each other. As the tickling went on, I paid more attention to my Mother and Father, who were deep in conversation at the dinner table.
"It's just like Leon," I heard my Mother say, in disgust.
"Leon was a little more subdued than that babe," My Father replied, more calm than my Mother.
"We can't let this happen again. It's a disgrace to the family."
"We don't know that. He's just confused, that's all." My respect for my Father grew a little then.
"I found him in my wardrobe yesterday!"
Oh... hahahaha! I could explain that... oh... or not. Okay, so I wondered what it was like to try on some of mum's makeup. I had thought it looked nice actually, especially the black eyeliner. She never used it anyway! She always said that dark colours hid her 'natural complexion'.
"It doesn't matter. I'm having nothing to do with it. In my opinion, it's his choice, not yours."
My Father left the table. I felt someone tug at my arm. Looking down, I saw a little boy that looked just like Riku. Only.. smaller... and with a woman stood next to him. I asumed that was his Mother. Riku tugged at my arm for a minute.
"Sowa sowa, Lwet's go pway!"
I didn't have time to answer him. Everything spun and I was stood on the edge of a rundown road, the rain pounding my body. I got my bearings and saw a little boy crying. It was Riku. I bent down slowly and saw a pile of dust next to him, drowning in the rainwater.
"What's wrong?"
When he spoke, I gasped. This wasn't the little boy that had been with me a few seconds ago. His voice was just like the Riku that I knew now.
"She's not coming back. Why? Why? It wasn't my fault. Don't you believe me? Don't you? Don't you?"
He clung to my leg, pulling and crying loudly.
"Why? Why did she go? Tell me where she went! Let me go with her!"
Riku's face was breaking up, his skin cracking and turning brown, like a wilting flower. His skin started to rot and fall off, his grip tightening until it was only his bones grasping my leg. His hollow eyesockets were black and dark, and his hair was bleached white. I tried to get him off, but his fingers pierced my skin, the blood from my leg trickling down his brown, dead body. And it hurt. It felt so real. I screamed, my voice cutting through the rain.
"Why Riku, why?"
"Riku!"
"Riku!"
"Sora? Sora wake up! SORA!"
I snapped awake, my hands flying to my leg, where the pain still seemed to live. It was gone. There was no mark beaneath my skirt at all. I sighed, and looked at Riku. It was such a fresh change from what I had just seen. I was still breathing heavily.
"I told you that you should have stayed in bed!"
I flopped back on the washing machine, which came to a stop with a shudder. What had I just seen? What did it mean? Riku kissed me just before I passed out, so did I accidentally see some of his past?
That's stupid Sora. How could you have seen his past? He died in your little 'vision'. And he sure as hell isn't dead now. Let's just check.
"Sora. Why is your hand in my crotch?"
"Just checking to see if you are alive."
"Well move it. Otherwise I won't be the only thing, 'alive'."
"Sorry."
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We were all led on my bed now, trying to help me with my homework. Oh no, that sounds like I'M helping ME doesn't it? Well, I'm not. Riku and Kairi were throwing problems at each other. Riku insisted that the answer was 395.001, but Kairi was saying it was 395.01. I tried to helpfully suggest that 0.1 difference didn't actually make that much of a... well... difference, but I was silenced by both of them, as they didn't actually pay any attention.
I on the other hand, was running my hands up my legs. They needed shaving AGAIN. God, girls had it bad. They must have neat hair and smooth legs and no spots and no underarm hair and, of course, they all had to be perfect in every single way. What was the point? It was so incredibly VAIN. It's not just a coincidence that vain rhymes with pain, I'll tell you that.
"Its 00.1!"
"No. It's not. It's 0.1!"
"Yeah... and you see that? A pig... with wings! When pigs' fly, you'll be right! Hahaha..."
"Do you know they once crossed pig genes with avian DNA?"
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"Pig's can fly... and I'm right."
"What!"
"Hahahahaha! Sora... it's 395.01!"
"NO IT'S NOT!"
"Sora?"
Mwahahaha... an easy escape. While they had been fighting, I had snuck into the bathroom and de-haired my legs. Honestly... I'd have thought they'd have missed me.
I came out, feeling radiant. Aha! That sounds so girly. I'm getting better at this already. However, Kairi said that I needed to work on the walk. Apparently, I walked like I had a barge pole rammed up my ass. Hmpf, well, how the hell else was I supposed to walk? Hips swinging from side to side making my ass stick out by six inches? I do not think so!
Surprise surprise. Riku suddenly lost all interest in mathematics and turned to me. He smirked and prepared to pounce.
"Ri..."
I didn't get any further as I was rudely interrupted by a loud mewling sound.
"Sora Sora! It's so perdy!"
I frowned. Riku... was... hyper! He was bouncing around the room like a kitten on crack. Kairi picked up a sweet wrapper from the bed and threw it up in the air, exclaiming at the top of her voice that Riku had just eaten 12 times the daily guideline of sugar a 30 stone man should be eating. 12 TIMES! He... was nuzzling my chest and purring! PURRING! How cute! I threw him off and he landed on all fours, falling onto his ass with a little bump.
"Sora! Kairi! Looky look look!"
What was he pointing at? There was no one in the bathroom... I should know, I'd just been in there!
Damn.
Double damn.
Poop poop poop. I'd left the water running! The steam was heating everything up and dampening it! I rushed in to turn it off, whilst Riku and Kairi laughed. I didn't understand why they were making fun of me! If I'd have been caught, then I'd have been clapping erasers together for months!
"Hey! It's not even funny!"
They just laughed harder. Kairi's face went as red as her hair, and Riku was crying in his attempt to stop laughing. I'd had enough. I honestly couldn't see the funny side of it. Even as I stood there, just watching them, they didn't stop.
"Fine! Go ahead and laugh! See if I care! Which I don't!"
I slammed the door behind me, hearing Kairi shout my name. I couldn't care less. I was storming to the dormitory, nose in the air, like a french cat. I didn't look like a french cat, of course, just my nose did. I passed an open door, to see a familiar back, heaving in sobs. I pushed the door open and heard her shout at me. Well... I don't actually think it was AT me, because she hadn't realised who I was.
"Go away!"
"Hey Rinoa."
She turned round. Man, she looked a mess! Her eyeliner had run and was all over her face and her bag was half packed, spilling out at one side, and her hair was limp and lifeless. I should have turned back. The little voice in my head was crying out, 'run Sora run!' but I didn't listen. She might never be coming back to school, and as much I hated to admit it, I felt sorry for her. Ignoring the fact that she tried to kill me of course...
Ouch. She threw a shoe at my head. No need, seriously no need.
"Are you okay?"
"No! And you know what? I's all your fault! Your damn gay brother and his damn gay boyfriend and you and your gay boyfriend and your damn family and... and..."
She trailed off, which was good, because I wasn't actually listening in the first place.
"Why did you give me the purple paopu Rinoa?"
Fringey did this little head shaking thing and swallowed hard. "I just wanted someone for me. For once."
Get over yourself! Can you hear what you're saying? You sound like a lonely housewife for crying out loud!
"Look frin... uh... Rinoa, there are plenty more fish in the sea."
"Yeah... but they are all wet. At this rate I'd have to turn into a lesbian to get into a good relationship!"
I was about to suggest that it would be a good idea, but thought better of it. I tried hard to think of something comforting to say, but all that could cross my mind was a grape sucking wet monkey. A lonely, wet, desperate, poor poor monkey with violence issues.
"Well, you will find someone. Riku told me that people always find people that love them, and love them back as well. Maybe you just haven't found the right person yet."
She sniffed. "Riku said that?"
"He did. And as much as I hate to say it, Riku's usually right."
"Why thank you, oh chibi one. I'll remember that for future reference."
I hated the way Rinoa's eyes lit up when she saw Riku in the doorway. I glared at him. Seemingly ignoring the fact that Rinoa was in the room, he walked over and wrapped both of his arms around me. I felt my face burning red.
"I'm sorry for laughing at you. Forgive me?"
I pouted. "Fine."
"God you're so gay."
Her voice cut through the atomsphere like an icy knife. I hung my head. I was sick of these homsexual insults.
"And. What's your point exactly?"
I loved him. I really did. He had moved in front of me, as if to shield me from Rinoa's constant bullying. I'd never seen his face so serious before. I was waiting for Rinoa to challenge him, and I think he was too.
"My point is that you're destroying society. You think of no one but yourselves."
"So we should go against who we love for the sake of other people?"
"Well... I... I'm saying that there are some types of love that were never supposed to be."
"Forbidden love? Don't make me laugh. Nothing's forbidden, just tempting. Things that weren't supposed to be do not exist. Everything is supposed to be. It just depends on how you get it, and how you use it."
"Christ is against it, and so are many other people, so therefore, you should keep it to yourselves!"
"I'm not Christian, so why should I care? And I want to know why we can't show other people we are in love, if the majority don't mind, and straight people do it all the time."
"..."
"You know what Rinoa? Society has a problem with it, because society is run by people like YOU. People who are so narrow minded that they can't see more than an inch in front of their own faces."
She ran out of things to say. Riku heaved a sigh and turned to me. "Let's go Sora."
I didn't say anything, because it just felt like an alkward time. I felt like a dog all over again. That doesn't mean I had a runny nose and a butt everyone wanted to sniff! It meant that I was once again being dragged somewhere by Riku. I wanted to ask him if it really WAS wrong, and people were uncomfortable with it. I wanted to ask him questions that would make his little nose wrinkle at the top and a loud sigh escape his lips. I didn't though. If I had learned anything from Riku's outburst, it was that homosexuality was NOT to be questioned.
We stopped at Riku's room, where he fished for the keys in his pocket and pulled them out, a frown still on his face. He opened the door.
"Are you coming in?"
No. I am going to wait out here in the hallway like a wet lettace, or a daft lemon... or whatever you want to call it, whilst you go inside and do whatever you are going to do... God I am making no sense. Stop rambling Sora and answer him! You are gaping like a limp fish! It's unattractive!
"Sure," I said, retracting my fishy mouth just in time.
I followed, and Riku kicked a pair of boxers under the bed just as I came in. I should have guessed he hadn't unpacked yet. I went through and he told me where everything was. Then he remembered he'd already given me the keys, and that made him worry.
"Where's Shadow?"
"I left him in here last night after I took him out."
As we entered the kitchen, we heard a little snuffle. Shadow was fast asleep, curled up near the oven. He looked so cute. Riku showed me his bedroom, and I raised an eyebrow at his bed.
"You call that a bed? Even mine's bigger than that!"
Then he said it.
"Well it's not like I'll be sharing it with anyone anytime soon."