Kingdom Hearts: You Belong to Me

by AngelStar89

So this story is based in AU, but if you've read any of my previous stories I will be using my main female character and others as the story progresses. I am really bad at summaries, but I can tell you that this will be a story worth reading and hopefully you guys enjoy it.

3. Chapter 3

Disclaimer: I do not own Kingdom Hearts or Disney Characters

Chapter Two

Budding Blossom

-Bee to the blossom, moth to the flame; Each to his passion; What's in a name?- Helen Hunt Jackson

Years passed and their friendship blossomed, just like the rose bushes in the summer. As she thought about when he would arrive, she felt the corner of her lips pull up into a soft smile. She had seen the reservation roster and saw his family name, yet this time instead of two rooms they requested three. She had found it perplexing until she figured that they were bringing a guest with them this year. After all it had been twelve years since they met and now that he was growing older it would make sense that they would bring a guest with them, so he could have someone besides her to talk too. As she recalled their last encounter, she remembered how handsome he had grown and how it wouldn't surprise her if he brought a girl with him. At the thought of him with someone else, she felt a tightness in her chest that made it ache.

'I am so stupid,' she reprimanded herself and shook her head. At fifteen she had realized that she had fallen for the young man with the silver locks and aquamarine hues. Yet at the same time she fell for him, she noticed that he looked at her only as a friend, maybe too the point of little sister statues. Even if she confessed, long distance relationships didn't work so she would keep her feelings to herself and let their friendship remain.

After all, now that he had graduated high school he wouldn't return. He would get busy with life and college and her happily ever after with her first crush would go down the drain. He would fall in love with a college girl, get married and have children. While she continued to dream of him and wait for the day that their paths would cross again. 'Oh gosh, I am so pathetic,' she laughed in mocking manner at her own stupidity.

'Amaranth,' she hadn't notice her mother sneak up on her.

'Oh,' she jumped a bit.

'Are you alright,' she reached out and touched her shoulder.

'Yeah,' she answered softly with a small frown gracing her lips.

'You were so excited to be out here today, but your gloomy disposition is throwing the guests off.'

'Sorry.'

'Do you want to take a break? I'll watch the front desk.'

'Thank you,' she nodded and got up.

'If something is bothering you, you can talk to me,' her mother offered.

'I know, thank you. If you need me I'll be outside.'

'Dress warmly,' her mother advised.

Amaranth nodded and left without another word, her mind was muddled. After getting her coat and gloves she headed outside to go and sit by the koi pond. As the years had passed the small little garden had evolved and changed, yet the rose bushes and koi pond remained the same. Except now where were more places where the guests could sit and enjoy the clear beautiful days, whether in the cold of winter or heat of summer. Her parents had placed a small bench by the koi pond, since she always enjoyed the comfort of her friends that listened to her. Instead of her actual human friends that drove all the conversations. She sighed heavily as her thoughts wondered and she watched the koi with a distant gaze.

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'Welcome,' Mr. and Mrs. Miyano were greeted as they entered the inn by Belle.

'Hello Belle,' they greeted her and saw that no matter how many years passed she still looked the same.

'We were expecting you,' she smiled softly.

'Amaranth,' Mrs. Miyano asked as she looked about for the girl that helped out whenever they arrived.

'She stepped away for a moment, but when she comes back I'll let her know that you're here,' Mrs. Miyano had taken to Amaranth when she was little and always asked for her.

'I can't wait to see her, I am sure she's gotten more beautiful since we last saw her.'

'You would only have to look at her parents to know that she is sure to be a beauty,' Mr. Miyano complimented her.

'Thank you,' she was about to say something else when laughter and chatter could be heard walking towards them as the door to the inn opened. A young man with a lively disposition, bright blue eyes and brown chestnut hair walked in. Behind him walked in a pretty blonde female with green eyes and tanned skin that stood out against the white complexion of the male that walked next to her, who beamed at her as they approached.

'Hello, Mrs. Benson,' Riku beamed and looked around for his friend, but she was no where in sight. He would have asked, but with Risa by his side he felt that she might get the wrong idea.

'Riku,' she greeted and noticed the held hands with woven fingers, 'welcome back.'

'It's nice to be back.'

After a few minutes they finished introduction, checking in and were ready to go to their rooms. As they walked past the glass doors leading to the garden, the young man with the blue eyes noticed the female sitting by herself in the cold. As she lifted her head and turned a little he saw her profile and though that she was breath taking. 'Sora,' Risa called to him from down the hall. 'You better hurry before we leave you.'

'Coming,' he turned one last time to look out into the garden before following after Riku, his family and pain. Risa acted nice around Riku and his family, but the fact remained that she was a witch and it was something that he didn't find appealing. He just pried that this would be Riku's last year with her and the fact that they were in a long distance relationship would hopefully help.

'What were you doing,' she asked his as he neared.

'Nothing, just scoping the place out,' he told them. 'I think I am just going to drop off my bag and go explore.'

'Just don't wonder off too far,' Mrs. Miyano told him. 'We wouldn't want you to get lost.'

'I won't,' he blushed as he remembered getting lost on the last vacation he went with them years ago.

After settling in their rooms, he told Riku that he would be around. Before Riku could protest and tell him to wait for Risa so that they could go and explore together he took off. He was afraid that the girl from before would be gone, but as he neared the glass he saw that she hadn't moved from her spot. He opened the door and hoped not to startle her, yet she didn't notice and as he made his way closer to her he got more and more nerves. He didn't see the small sheet of ice before him and he stumbled backwards losing his balance. 'Ahh!'

Amaranth jumped out of her skin at the sudden yelp behind her and as her heart raced in fright she got up on shaky legs to see what had happened. Laying on the ground face up was a boy about her age, quickly she rushed to his side to aid him. Feeling a sense of déjà vu, 'Are you okay?'

Sora heard the soft voice above him and observed the girl staring down at him with concern etched across her beautiful features. 'Yeah, I just wasn't watching where I was going.'

'Oh,' she backed away a few steps as he sat up and offered her gloved hand to help him up. 'Here, let me help you.'

Sora's face flushed a light pink as he took her small hand in his. 'Thanks,' he told her as he released her hand after she helped him and scratched the back of his head. Now that he had the beautiful girl before him, he didn't know what to say. He just blurted out the first thing that came to mind, 'Are you a guest here?'

Amaranth cocked her head to the side in wonder and studied the young man in front of her with a soft smile, before she shook her head. 'No, I am just an employee.'

'Oh, so that means you'll be around a lot?'

'Just for a little,' she saw the huge smile that reached him bright blue hues. It had been a while since she had seen such a handsome young man about her age stay at the inn. He seemed to be an active young man with an athletic body that wasn't too over developed but cut and toned. His skin glowed with healthiness and she was jealous, since when she tanned all she managed to do was burn. His unruly spiked hair was a chestnut brown that had light tones weaved about it. 'My name is Amaranth,' she introduced herself as she noticed that he was a little lost for words.

'I am Sora,' he told her.

'It's a pleasure Sora. How long will you be staying?'

'A week. I am here with a friend, his family and girlfriend.'

'Oh,' she nodded.

'Not my girlfriend,' he clarified, 'it's his.'

Amaranth giggled a his sudden declaration, 'Well I am happy to meet you and I hope that you enjoy your stay.'

He saw that his angel was about to retreat and he reached out and grabbed her wrist. When she looked up at him with questioning amber hues, he blushed and apologized. 'I am sorry. I didn't mean too,' he released her wrist. 'I just saw you earlier and wanted to get to know you.'

'It's okay,' causal, but instinctively she placed her hands behind her.

'What were you doing over there,' he turned to the pond.

'Just looking at the koi,' she stepped around him and lead him to the bench were she had been seating at a moment ago, 'and thinking.'

Sora followed her like a puppy would his master. It had been a long time since he had felt an attraction to a female and based on their short interaction she was a keeper. She was easy in the eyes too, it seemed that under her coat she hid a figure that was lean and tone. Her soft pale skin suited the contrast of dark long tendrils that cascaded down her back, he wondered if it was as soft as silk. Yet her most attractive trait was her deep amber hues that seem to look deep into his soul when they landed on him. 'If you need someone to talk too, I am willing to listen.'

'Thank you, but this is something that I need to work out myself.'

'Hmm,' he nodded and took a seat beside her on the bench. He wanted to make trivial conversation with her, but just as he was going to say something he heard an annoying voice call out to him. 'Sora, Riku says that you should get back. His parents are going to take us out to eat.'

Riku, her heart began to race. However, her soaring high came to a plummeting crash when she recalled Sora's words. "I am here with a friend, his family and girlfriend." "Not my girlfriend, but his." What she had feared had become a reality and for some odd reason it hurt more then she could image.

'Amaranth,' Sora called out to her. 'Hey, are you alright?'

'Yeah, sorry,' she whispered as she snapped out of her thoughts and looked up at the boy that gazed down at her with concern.

'I have to go, but I really want to get to know you. Is there anyway that I can see you later?'

She wanted to say no, since all she wanted to do was crawl underneath a rock and rot. 'I don't think that would be very professional.'

'Please,' he had never been rejected.

'I…'

'Let me take you out. I promise that we'll have a good time and hopefully in a warmer place,' he had only been out in the cold with her for a little and it was already seeping through his skin and to his bones.

Amaranth was about to protest, but the girl called out to Sora and she knew she had to give him an answer before she got even more impatient. 'Okay,' she whispered.

'Great,' he beamed and grabbed her hand to help her up. 'How about we go out tomorrow?'

'Okay.'

'I'll come pick you up, you don't live that far away do you.'

'No,' she shook her head. 'I'll leave my address for you at the front desk.'

'Sweet, I'll be over at noon and we can go out for lunch and any place you want to go.'

Amaranth nodded and offered him a warm smile that didn't quiet reach her hues and as he led her back inside she finally noticed the girl waiting for him. 'Took you long enough.'

'You didn't have to wait,' Sora looked down at his annoyance.

'Humph, I was nice enough to come look for you and this is what I get,' she turned on her heels and walked away without acknowledging Amaranth.

'Sorry about her, but it's probably best not to introduce you to her,' Sora whispered.

Amaranth had started at the blonde and frowned, never in her wildest dream would she ever be able to attract Riku. He preferred a female that was the complete opposite of her and no amount of surgery or praying could make her as beautiful and confident as the woman that walked with a sway of her hips down the hall. Her light golden hair stood out against her tanned complexion, her green eyes blazed with a fiery passion that she wondered if it was natural for someone to have such a determined gaze. She was tall, she had curves that went for days and Amaranth had always accepted her size but even then she felt inadequate. The girl had bigger mounds then her that could drive a man to heaven while she, oh goodness she was lacking. 'So I'll see you tomorrow.'

Sora had been talking to her and all she could do was nod, hoping that was the best response. 'Great,' he waved as he left her side by the glass door.

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'Honey,' Belle was starting to get worried about her daughter. Three days had passed and she had refused to go to work, she stayed at the house or went out when one of the inn's guest came to visit. At first she thought that it was because he forced her, but such a cheerful happy go lucky young man wouldn't do that to her daughter. 'The Miyanos have been asking to see you since they arrived. Don't you want to go and greet them?'

'No,' she answered softly as she gripped the edge of her purple pajama top.

'But I thought you wanted to stay here long enough to see your friend one last time before saying good-bye.'

'I know, but now I don't want to,' she didn't want Riku to see her as inadequate next to his gorgeous girlfriend.

'Honey,' Belle saw the tremble of her chin and decided that it was best to leave the matter as is. Eventually Amaranth would voice her concerns for advice. 'Where are you going with your new friend today?'

'Skiing,' she mumbled.

'That will be fun,' she cheerfully stated.

'Yeah,' it was as if the life had left her daughter and all that was left was a shell of a person.

'He seems like a handsome young man.'

'Yeah.'

'Maybe you and him could…'

'He'll be leaving soon and so will we.'

'Right, but what if…'

'No,' she shook her head. 'I just want to be friends.'

'Okay, Dear,' she reached out and ran her hand through her daughters dark locks.

'Mom,' she flung her arms around her mother's waist and pulled her close so she could hug her.

'Sweetheart,' it broke Belle's heart to see her cheerful daughter so sad and miserable.

'Is it alright if I leave tomorrow?'

'Huh?'

'I know that we are supposed to head out at the end of the week, but if it's okay can I leave tomorrow and go get the new house ready?'

'But…'

'Please,' she cut her off. 'I need to leave.'

'Amaranth is someone hurting you or being mean?'

'No, I just want to go sooner then intended,' she pleaded.

'I'll talk to your father, but I don't know if he'll be okay with you leaving by yourself.'

'Thank you,' she mumbled as she buried her face in her mother's stomach.

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Riku laid on his bed looking up at the white ceiling, it had been days since they arrived at the inn and he had yet to see her. He had asked her mother once and she told him that she was a little under the weather. In one of those freeing moment, where his mother took Risa out shopping he had gone to ask if he could see her. Belle had told him that they no longer lived at the inn, but if he wanted he could go to their house. He had gone, but she wasn't there when he arrived. Her father had answered the door and told him that she had gone out with a friend. She wasn't feeling well to go to work, but she was able to go out with a friend. She should have been at the inn, so that he could have at least seen her and seen if she was still alive and well. To see if she had grown more into herself and was as stunning as he remembered her.

When they had first met, she had been the prettiest girl in the world. As the continued to meet over the passage of years, it seemed that her beauty only grew. Not only was she stunning physically, but she had a kind nature that made everyone and everything feel special. She listened well and gave advice when asked. If it wasn't for their circumstances he would be going out with her instead of Risa. But even though Risa and him had a strong connection, the distance was wearing on them. He could feel himself pulling away no matter how hard Risa tried to hold on and there were moments when she felt far away too. That was one of the reasons he never went further with Amaranth, he didn't want to pull away from her or have her do the same to him. Yet she knew that he was here and hadn't even made an effort to see him, just to greet him and reconnect for a moment. In stead she was off with some friend, another person that wasn't him. 'Damn it,' he clutched his fist trying to contain his anger and jealousy.

A jealousy that he shouldn't be feeling, but at the same time couldn't repress. He wanted to monopolies his short time with her, because last time he had seen her she was a gorgeous and beautiful developing woman. Her long black silky hair cascaded down her slender back, it framed her face through her long bangs that curled in at the ends. She wasn't as top heavy as Risa, but she had a womanly figure that could hold up against any curvaceous female. Her skin had remained unmarred, as if she never went through puberty. It gave her an ethereal appearance that contrasted well with her dark hair. Her lips were always full and rosy, a welcoming invitation to those that cared to do the unthinkable. Oh and he couldn't forget her eyes that could stare into his soul and reflect all her emotions. Honey amber orbs, full of light and merriment whenever he was near. Except for when they would part and say good-bye, they would fill with unshed tears that made her eyes look like glass panels.

Riku turned away from the ceiling and faced the wall instead, he had fallen for the girl without realizing it. Even though they only spent one week together out of the year, it had been enough. He wanted to get up, he wanted to go and find her so that he could confront her and ask her why. However, Risa was in the picture and if she found out that he was meeting Amaranth she would get jealous and lash out. He couldn't put Amaranth through so much animosity, so he would have to wait until Risa left the next day and hope that by the time he went out to see Amaranth it wouldn't be too late.

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After a few days of spending time with Sora, she noted the difference that lay between both friends. Sora was easy going and liked to go out for a distraction and have fun. He liked to take her to the movies, mall, dinner and also skiing; which had been a disaster but hadn't been as bad as when they went sledding. It had been awkward when they had ridden down together and his arms had been placed around her. She had trouble getting comfortable, but it was understandable she had never quiet liked being touched. However, she wouldn't deny that she liked his company. Then there was Riku, he liked to stay back at the inn and keep each other company. When they were little they would play out in the garden. As they got older they stayed in and talked about life and what would happen afterwards. It had been a welcoming distraction for both of them and they seemed to understand each other at a deeper level. Although, for her it might have been a different story because she treasured those moment with him and that had led to her down fall.

She looked over at Sora, whom was getting hot chocolate for them and she frowned a little. Even though he was everything that a girl could dream of and she knew that he wanted more then friendship. She couldn't offer what he wanted, for her heart already belonged to another. The bond that she had forged between Riku and herself was a hard hurdle to over come in just a few days time, especially after just realizing it. 'Hey, isn't that guy hot,' she suddenly heard behind her and felt her lips turn up into a soft smile.

'Are you talking about the one at the counter,' the girls behind her squealed as he turned back to look at her.

'Oh, my god, he's so handsome,' Amaranth turned to peek at the young girls and realized that even if she couldn't correspond his feelings their would be other girls that could show him affection.

'He's coming this way,' she noted the light in their eyes and turned around before she was caught spying on them.

'Mint chocolate,' he told her as he placed the warm styrofoam cup before her.

'Thank you,' she heard the girls sigh in disappointment and beamed up at Sora. He was a heart throb and if he didn't already know it, he would eventually.

'Why do you seem so happy,' he couldn't help but react to her contagious smile.

'No reason,' she took a sip of her drink. 'I was just…'

He noticed the sudden change, she lost her smile and turned her gaze toward her hot chocolate like it was the most interesting thing in the world. 'Amaranth,' he wondered what was wrong until he heard that horrifying voice behind him.

'Sora,' his soft unruly hair was suddenly ruffled and his gaze hardened.

'Hey,' Riku forced a smile, but his annoyance got the best of him and he couldn't help but send a cold stare down at Amaranth. 'I didn't know that your two knew each other.'

'You guys know each other,' the pretty blonde that ruffled Sora's hair suddenly became interested in the small brunette in order to assess her.

'Childhood friends, but I didn't know that Sora and her knew each other,' Riku stated.

'Well, now the mystery of where he has been running off too is solved.'

Sora turned to look at the older couple and strained to place a smile on his face. 'We meet at the inn and hit it off, what are you guys doing here?'

'We came to enjoy the slopes,' Riku told him.

'Yeah, but now that there is another girl to keep me company, why don't you two boys have a go,' the blonde offered some good competition. 'We girls can chitchat while we watch you two race.'

'You two don't even know each other and we were just about to leave,' Sora told her.

'If you'd introduce us, we'd know a little bit more about each other instead of just our relationship with Riku,' she ruffled his chestnut locks once again and he waved her hand away.

Amaranth felt like her heart was about to burst, but she didn't know whether it was from seeing him or because of what his girlfriend said that broke her spirits. 'Like I said we were about to take off.'

'Nonsense, introduce us. I need a little girl time with someone else besides my future mother-in-law,' Risa ordered.

Mother-in-law, he was going to get married with her? She suddenly felt lightheaded, her eyes began to lose focus on the cup before her and there was a tightness in her chest that almost made her breathing stop. 'Amaranth,' she heard Riku call her name and she lifted glass amber orbs to look at him and then at the blonde, 'this is Risa. Risa this is Amaranth.'

'Hello,' she got up, 'it is a pleasure to meet you.'

'Such a proper little girl,' Risa smiled slyly. 'It's a pleasure to meet you too. Why don't you persuade Sora here to go for a race with Riku? Then we can compare and have some one on one girl time.'

'I,' she was about to protest when Riku cut her off.

'How about loser pays for lunch, I am sure that you guys must be hungry after a busy morning.'

Sora turned back to Amaranth, who seemed to be a bit uncomfortable with the whole situation. 'I think Sora is afraid to lose face in front of his new girlfriend,' Risa egged.

Amaranth noticed the sudden stiffness in both males and wondered what had set them off. Regardless she knew that Risa was setting poor Sora up and he wasn't going to turn away from a challenge. 'Do you mind if I go for one more run?'

'No,' she shook her head.

'Fabulous,' Risa clapped at the show they were about to enjoy.

'Let's go get our snowboards,' Riku turned away without so much as giving her more acknowledgement then he had to and she felt her stomach drop in anxiety that he was upset with her. Maybe he didn't like the fact that she was hanging out with his best friend and he had a strange complex. Or he was afraid that by her getting close to Sora, he would never get rid of her.

'Don't let her boss you around,' Sora leaned over and whispered into her ear suddenly and she felt a soft heat enter her cheeks, but still nodded.

'Doesn't he fancy you,' Risa took Sora's empty spot and watched as both males went to get snowboards.

'We're just friends,' she answered softly as she gaze returned to the cup in her hands. She couldn't bring herself to look up at the blonde. Any fool could see what Riku saw in the blonde bombshell. She was everything that a man could ask for, she had a long alluring golden mane that complimented her tan skin making her irresistible. Her eyes blazing green hues that held mischief and excitement. On top of that she had a body a man could die for, she was tall, lean and curvy with assets that made other woman feel insecure. She also had the confidence to wear figure fitted clothes that showed off her form.

'You're so shy, now I know why he likes you,' Risa got her attention and wiggled her eyebrows in a suggestive motion. 'I am guessing that he wants to tap that before someone else beats him to the punch.'

Her face was on fire, 'I…don't think that is what he wants from me. I mean we've only known each other for a short time.'

'So, if it were someone like Riku that you've known for a long time it would be okay?'

There was a sudden coldness in Risa's voice that caused Amaranth's hands to get clammy and her to suddenly blink at the hostility. 'No, we are like siblings,' she tried to deflect any unwanted attention.

Risa wasn't easily convinced, 'You're not some vacation fling, are you?'

'Heavens no,' she shook her head.

'Good, I am glad that you know your place. Because even if you two did have something and I found out, I would ruin you.'

Amaranth felt the blood drain from her face and rocks fall into the pit of her stomach. 'That has never been our relationship and will never be,' she answered softly and truthfully.

'Correct,' Risa's personality did a one eighty and she was bright all of a sudden. 'Come on, we should go and cheer on the boys.'

'Yeah,' she weakly agreed and grabbed both her and Sora's drinks.

'Here, I'll take that,' Risa grabbed Sora's drink from her hand and began to drink it.

'Hey,' Sora cried out, 'that's mine.'

'Don't get your panties in a bunch. Riku will buy you another one once you win, if you win,' Risa told him as she took another long drink from his cup.

He wrinkled his nose and shook his head in aversion to Risa and her attitude. Sora really wished that Riku dumped her. 'You shouldn't let her get to you,' Amaranth said as she placed her hand on his arm trying to calm him. 'She's just trying to get in your head.'

Both older teens looked at the younger pair in annoyance and anger, but bother for different reasons. Riku needed to get Sora away from Amaranth and he also needed to show her whom was better. Risa didn't like the subtle way that she put her down, the girl was a sudden threat. 'Thanks,' Sora felt the tension in his shoulders release at her touch. 'I'll have to win for you.'

Amaranth felt her cheeks blush lightly and she nodded. 'We should go and get this over with before you actually start thinking that you can beat me,' Riku cut in on their moment.

Sora ignored him and leaned over to whisper a sudden request that drew the blood to her cheeks even more. 'Can I have a good luck kiss?'

Risa heard the request and walked over to Riku and gave him a french kiss in front of them. 'There, now you have a sure fire reason to win,' she pecked his lips once more before pulling away.

'Thanks,' Riku offered a hard smile that almost cracked when he saw Amaranth rise on her tippy toes and place a brief kiss on Sora. It was an insignificant kiss on the cheek, but it made his skin crawl with cold rage.

'Good luck,' she wished Sora after her chaste kiss.

'Come on,' Riku grabbed a hold of Sora's arm and dragged him away from her before he could suggest another kiss or make his own bet with her if he won. The girls followed behind them quietly, both submersed in their own thoughts.

'Crush him, Honey,' Risa called after Riku as he and Sora got on the ski lift and took off.

Amaranth waved at Sora, whom had turned to watch her but was punched in the shoulder by Riku. 'I didn't know that they were so close,' she wondered out loud.

'They are also competitive,' Risa began to walk to the spectator area. 'You should see them at school. They compete in sports and academics, but your boyfriend always falls short of success.'

'I am sure that Sora will have his moment to shine,' she didn't correct her about them dating. She figured that for a person like Risa, she would never listen to what she said.

'Right, if you haven't noticed yet but my Riku beats out your Dear Sora in looks and personality department,' Risa stated as a matter of fact.

'I haven't noticed,' she lied. How could she not, he was beyond humanly handsome. It was as if he had walked out of the heavens to greet them with his perfect physic and face. Like Micheal Angelo had spent years carving him to perfection with his tall stature, nice physical built that was most impressive and surpassed Sora's since he was a bit more filled out and taller. His face was a master piece that was chiseled away at; from his squared off jaw to his perfect nose and mouth. His aquamarine hues were still a sight to see and if she could she would stare into their depths for an eternity. 'I would have to say Sora is the better of the two.'

'Your commitment to him is astonishing, usually most of the girls who date him do it to get closer to Riku.'

Amaranth face fell and she sudden held a soft frown on her rosy lips, the sudden revelation between the two friends was a predicament that would last for as long as their friendship would. 'I would never use someone like that, because not only would you be hurting that person but you would also be shaming yourself in doing such a horrible deed.'

Risa stared at her in disbelief, 'I don't get you,' she stated. 'Either you're a wonderful actress or totally genuine in the girl next door character.'

'I,' she felt a blush decorate her cheeks, it wasn't the first time that her character had been called into account. 'I just wish to see the good in people.'

'If it wasn't for the fact that I leave tomorrow, I'd ask you to spend sometime with me so that I can give you a back bone.'

'That's okay, I think that I can handle myself quiet all right if need be,' she gently refused her offer and turned her attention to the slope before them.

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'Since when have you two been seeing each other,' Riku asked as they neared the end of the ride.

'From the moment we arrived at the inn, I saw her seating out in the snow covered garden and went out to talk to her,' Sora answered.

'Why?'

'She's gorgeous, why wouldn't I want to know her,' Sora inquired, 'and why do you care?'

'I don't,' Riku snapped.

'It doesn't seem that way. Are you two,' he motioned with his hand to imply something more.

'No.'

'Hmm, then it wouldn't be a problem if I invited her back home this summer.'

'You could do that, but I doubt that she would agree and if she did it would be so that she can get close to me,' he clarified.

Sora could feel the twitch in his right eye start to act up, 'If you must know she has yet to ask about you.'

'She didn't know that you and I were friends.'

'I told her that I was here with you on vacation and she never brought you up,' Sora honestly answered. 'I guess that means that you don't mean as much as you think you do or she's pretty content with my company.'

Riku bitterly laughed at the thought of Sora actually thinking that he could take what belonged to him. 'How about you and I make our own personal bet?'

Blue hues analyzed the male beside him with disregard, 'What do you have in mind?'

'If I win the race you break it off with Amaranth as soon as your little charade of a date is over,' Riku told him,

'What if I win?'

'You get whatever you want.'

'How about you keep your distance from her and stop obsessing over her.'

'I am not obsessing and if you didn't know she was mine first.'

'She belongs to no one,' Sora quickly responded and realized that even thought Riku said he didn't care about her he did.

'I am just stating a fact,' he shrugged his shoulders.

'You have Risa, why does it matter if I am with Amaranth,' they got off at the top of the mountain.

'Because she deserves someone better,' she deserves me, was his unfinished statement.

'Please, you make it seem like you're the only one worthy of her,' Sora rolled his eyes. 'But just know this, even if you managed to get me out of the way there are other willing to stand by her side.'

'As long as it is not you, I could careless,' Riku knew that he had to figure out a way to bind her to him, but how? If he got Sora out of the way that would be a good first step, but what happens later? They were always separate and their only encounters were during the winter when his family stayed at the inn. On top of that her beauty was only beginning to shine through, what would happen when she matured into a full fledged woman. He had thought Risa was gods gift to man, but comparing her side by side with Amaranth he knew he was wrong. She wasn't only beautiful but also kind and compassionate, she was even willing to listen to Sora's whimsical request. Unlike Risa whom enjoyed fashion and showing off her figure, Amaranth enjoyed comfort and leaving something to the imagination and imaging her was a task worth undertaking. To have her look at him with her angelic smile and soft warm amber hues was enough to keep him grounded. He had always enjoyed her company, but now he wanted more than she was willing to offer.

'Are you ready,' Sora drew him out of his thoughts.

'As I'll ever be,' he had been on autopilot and gotten set up, 'remember loser pays for lunch and leaves the girl.'

'Well, it's not going to be me. So I hope you have a lot of money, because I am feeling hungry.'

'Humph, like I am going to lose. Now lets go,' they both took off without another word.

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'Here they come,' Risa cried out when she spotted them getting closer.

'Sora's in the lead,' Amalia announced.

'He must really like you, if he's willing to work this hard to impress you,' Risa was a bit jealous of the girl.

'I think that it's his sheer talent and ability that makes him capable of winning.'

'How can you be so modest? When we both know that what he wants is to get into your pants before this vacation is over,' Risa was flabbergasted. 'You're not daft, are you? Well, I've known pretty girls to be real stupid before.'

Amaranth didn't answer, she continued to watch the two males race down the mountain and in a sudden turn of events Riku pulled forward. Sora lost his balance and crashed into the soft snow that must have felt solid in his impact. 'Sora!'

'Riku wins,' Risa cheered as her beloved crossed the finish line.

'Sora,' Amaranth ignored her and took off to see if he was all right or needed any medical attention. 'Hey,' she helped him get up into a seating position as she kneeled beside him and did a quick overview.

'I lost,' it was barely above a whisper and his voice trembled.

'It's okay,' she rubbed his back in consideration. 'All we have to do is pay for their meal.'

'You don't understand,' he snapped and realized that she had frozen in her ministrations and pulled back. 'I am sorry,' he grabbed her gloved hand. It wasn't her fault that he had failed to win and he had made that stupid bet with Riku up at the top of the mountain.

Her eyes softened, she squeezed his hand in reassurance, 'It'll be okay, you'll get him next time.' He dropped his gaze and looked at his lap. With her free hand she lifted his chin up to meet her gaze, 'Don't be so hard on yourself. You did great out there.'

'Yeah, but,' he stopped and just stared into her loving eyes and wondered how soft her actual hands would be without the gloves in-between.

'Then dust yourself off and get back up,' she beamed brightly and she dropped her hand from his chin and got up and helped lift him.

The older couple had been watching their exchange, 'You know for a person who lost, it seems like he actually won.'

'Let him have his time, after all it won't last much longer,' Riku grabbed his snowboard off the ground. 'If you two are ready, we should get inside. I worked up an appetite.'

Risa looked at Riku's retreating back and sighed. There was more going on then any of them knew and she had a feeling that it had to do with the petite female helping Sora. They had barely had an exchange, but Riku wouldn't have been as annoyed as he was if it wasn't for her presence. As they all went inside and ordered their meals, she watched the exchange between them and it was nonexistent. Riku claimed they were friends, but all the girl received was a cold glare that ruffled her tail feathers. However, the girl remained immune to him. She catered to Sora, answered questions when asked and offered little to none information about herself besides the basics. After their meal was over, she excused herself for a moment and three pairs of eyes watched her leave. Shortly after her, Riku excused himself and left Sora and Risa alone. 'She's a pretty one,' Risa told Sora, 'but she's too quiet and meek.'

'What's wrong with that?'

'Nothing, it's just not what I expected that you would go for. Unless you're just in it for the fun, because once this vacation is over you might never see her again.'

'I am not in it for the fun,' Sora defended.

'How sweet, but I've been watching her and she doesn't seem to feel the same way about you,' she wanted to crush his spirit. 'She treats you like a child.'

'What do you know of actually being nice and treating people with respect?'

'I know a lot and as a female I can tell when a woman likes a man and she my friend is only kind to you,' Risa stated boldly.

'Excuse me,' his eyes narrowed.

'Yeah, you don't seriously think that she actually likes you like that,' Risa shook her head. 'She's just using you to pass the time and I think that you should do the same.'

'You're sick,' Sora shook his head in disgust.

'Suit yourself, but don't come crying to me when I told you so,' she beamed happily as if nothing had happened between them.

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Riku waited for her to come out of the restroom, but she seemed to be stalling as if she knew that he was there. Yet that was absurd, he had given her time before he followed. Once the door opened he saw his startled doe eyed prey before him, 'Riku.'

The way she said his name took his breath away, 'I need to have a word with you before you go back,' he grabbed her arm and pulled her away from the door as another woman tried to get out.

She grimaced as he forced her into the small corner of the wall blocking the restrooms from the dinning area. 'What do you want?' She felt so small and insecure as he loomed over her and blocked any escape route with his arms and body.

'To tell you to keep away from Sora,' he didn't think her eyes could get any bigger but they did.

'I haven't done anything wrong,' she felt a tremor of fear crawl up her spine as his cold gaze swept over her.

'It doesn't matter, I want you to break off whatever it is you two have,' he leaned closer to her.

'We're just friend,' she pressed herself further into the wall trying to get a little distance from him.

'Friends or not, he'll get the wrong idea and you'll just end up hurting him.'

'But—-'

'Amaranth,' he stopped her from protesting, 'you'll do as I say, do you understand me?'

'I,' she hung her head, Riku must have really wanted her to distance herself from him. 'I understand.'

'Good,' he reached out with his hand and lifted her chin up so that she could see him. 'Now, I want you to come to the inn tomorrow,' he ordered before he moved away, but stopped when he heard her soft refusal.

'No.'

'What did you say,' he had never been refused by her.

'No,' she repeated and looked up at him with challenge. 'I don't want to get caught up in-between you two.'

'But I am different from him,' Riku grabbed her upper arms and held tightly.

'You're hurting me,' she cried at his vice grip.

'Meet me tomorrow,' he demanded and she submitted into obedience with a nod. She hadn't refused him because she wanted to, but because at six tomorrow morning she would be leaving. Although with his aggression, she was afraid to tell him about her departure.

'Okay,' she whispered and he released his grip on her.

'Now be a good girl and break it off with Sora,' he moved aside and let her pass.

'Good-bye,' she whispered softly as she passed and made her returned to Sora and Risa where she asked him if they could leave.

Sora noticed that something was wrong and agreed to listen, Risa had protested but failed. During the car ride, he saw that she was trying to control her tears that threatened to over flow. 'Amaranth,' he stopped the car before her house.

'Thank you,' her voice wavered. 'I had fun with you these last few days.'

'I did too, but what's wrong,' the first shimmering teardrop slid down her pale milky cheek.

'Nothing,' she wiped at her freely flowing tears. 'I am just sad to be leaving.'

'No, something must have happened,' Sora reached out and pulled her towards him and wrapped his arm around her. Yet the embrace didn't seem to console her, because she cried harder.

'I am going to miss you,' she whispered into his chest.

'We'll see each other again,' he tried to sooth her by rubbing her back.

'I wish we would have met sooner,' she pulled away from his chest and kissed his cheek lightly.

'Me too,' it sank in that she was saying good-bye, so he pulled her in again and held her tightly. 'I am sorry that things didn't go at planned today.'

'Don't be, I am happy that I got to spend time with you.'

'But it could have been better if we weren't interrupted.'

'I had fun, regardless,' she pulled away, 'and I am glad that I was able to meet you and make good memories.'

He felt empty without her, 'I wish we had more time together.'

Amaranth smiled weakly at him and it hurt her to have to tell him, but, 'Sora, I like you but I don't think that I can offer you anymore then friendship. And I am sure that there is some beautiful girl waiting for you back home, you just have to find her and give her a chance.'

It was a blow to his ego that she didn't want to pursue more with him, but he couldn't be mad because she didn't lead him on. 'Maybe you're right.'

'Of course I am,' she nodded, 'and I am sure that next time we meet, you'll tell me all about her.'

'You're just too kind and I am a little too selfish,' he grabbed a hold of her arms and pulled her close. This time instead of hugging her, he placed his lips against her and began to kiss her. Yet she was as stiff as a board to his sudden attack, but soon melted into his embrace. However, she never returned his kiss. When he pulled back he studied the beauty before him and sighed because he didn't want to let her go and he wanted her to kiss him back, but she wouldn't stay and she would return his kisses.

Amaranth smiled at him and placed one last butterfly kiss on his cheek before breaking away and turning to leave. 'Good-bye, Sora, I hope that we meet again someday.'

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A/N: Hey guys, I hope that your guys are enjoying the story so far. I know that in this chapter there was not much interaction between the two main characters, but they'll interact more in the next one after the time jump. Please feel free to review and give me your thought and opinions, I would really appreciate it so that I can grow as a writer. So until next time.