Disclaimer: Not mine in any world, dream, state of mind... zip, nada, nope.

A/N: I fricken' hate how FFNet won't take the lines that I do in Word and transfer them over to the documents. And I really hate how off this word meter is. In reality, this chapter is only 7,358 words long. However, it's practically a thousand words more according to FFNet. Where do they get the extra words from?

Anyway, sorry for the big delay. I'm working on three stories simultaneously, and I try to make all of them the best that I can, so it takes time. Plus, I do have a life outside of fanfiction, inadequate though it may be. So, I hope you enjoy this chapter as much as I enjoyed writing it.

Chapter Three: Realizations and Old Truths

Demyx

I realized something this morning. And this something is just the icing on top of the proverbial cake of my problems.

I memorized his schedule.

And you know exactly who I'm talking about.

'But, Demyx, why is this a problem?' you might be asking. Well, it's a problem because of one clear and certain snag in the fabric of my plan.

Zexion doesn't like me.

It's pretty obvious. I'm not that dumb and unobservant.

Zexion absolutely hates my guts.

It was made absolutely abundantly clear yesterday afternoon when he yelled it at me, throwing a book at me and rushing out of the public library.

Needless to say, the library kicked me out. They would have kicked him out, too, but he'd already left.

You know, I should probably be congratulating myself right about now. I got Zexion Zalman to show emotion, which isn't as easy as it sounds.

Zexion's like an ice cube. No, make that a glacier. Those don't melt as easily as ice cubes, right?

Yeah, Zexion's a big glacier.

He's ice, through and through.

So, I got him to yell at me.

Well, I would be congratulating myself, if it weren't for the fact that Zexion told me absolutely, under any circumstances, that he hated me.

I don't like people hating me.

It's not… it's not very nice to say to someone, you know?

Okay, I swore I wouldn't… I wouldn't cry. No crying, Demyx, you have a reputation to think of. Just… just make it through Chemistry intact, okay? You can't… you can't cry.

I shake my head, rubbing one of my eyes, wishing that my partner, Axel, hadn't seen my movement. I'm hoping to God that he doesn't mention anything. Luckily, all he does is place a hand on my arm, and then moves to check the temperature under our Bunsen burner. I need to compose myself, and Axel showing me sympathy like that almost just about broke me down again.

Why do I like that… that asshole?!

Oh, I said a bad word.

I never say bad words.

Zexion… Zexion's caused me to do this, and now I can't think straight.

But I memorized his schedule, and it's a bad thing, because Zexion doesn't want to be anywhere near me, and it's hopeless, because it's obvious that I'm crushing on him big time.

What did I do to cause his hatred?

I'm not that bad of a person, am I?

I mean, my mommy loves me. Lots of people like me.

Maybe I should just give up on Zexion. It's obvious that he doesn't like me.

But it just makes me wonder what exactly it was that I said that caused him to go absolutely nuts yesterday. I mean, we were just talking- well, okay, it was more me talking and him ignoring me talking- and then he suddenly shot to his feet, yelled that he hated me, threw his big tome at me, and then rapidly walked out of the building, leaving me behind to face the wrath of the librarians.

Those crotchety old women can be really vindictive, you know. I think I have scars.

But that's not the point, really, of course.

I need to find out what I did to incur his wrath.

I feel really bad, because it had to have been something bad if he was willing to yell at me, in a library no less. Libraries are, like, sacred to him, or something. He would never act inappropriate in them, not without a true reason.

Maybe Axel would be able to help me. Okay, I'll ask him. I mean, we're on pretty good terms, right? Nothing to it.

"Hey, Axel," I said, startling him out of his deep concentration. The flask in his hand fumbles, spilling some chemicals over his hands.

"Shit!" he yells, and I almost concur, except for the fact that this is no time to be doing that.

"Mr. Xaldin," I call out, "Axel spilled some chemicals on his hands!" Why do I feel like a tattle-tale or something?

Axel hurries to one of the sinks by the side wall, and Mr. Xaldin rushes to help him, as per lab protocol.

I feel really bad about this. Now Axel's gonna hate me, too, isn't he? I just seem to be making a big mess out of everything now. Ugh, this is not my day.

"Axel," I bit my lip, "are you okay?"

He turns toward me, cold water still running over his hands, and he flashes me a smile. "Yeah, I'll be fine. It's my own fault, jumping like that. Ugh, stupid formaldehyde," he mutters, turning back to the sink and soaping his hands.

Soon enough, the both of us are back at our station, Mr. Xaldin muttering behind us about 'stupid children who can't handle simple chemicals'.

"What'd you need?" Axel asks as the two of us return to our experiment, now severely behind everyone else doing the experiment. He goes to pick up the formaldehyde, but I stop him, flashing a smile and saying, "I'll get it this time. No sense in you doing it."

I pick up the flask, pick up the other flask and proceed to pour the two together over the burner. "Well, I was going to ask you a question, but it can wait."

Axel perked up, looking interested. "No, no, ask me now. I've got nothing better to do," he says eagerly.

I hesitate, wondering if this was the best time. Now it seems so stupid, considering what Axel just went through. But it doesn't seem like he's angry with me, fortunately. I would have hated if someone else was angry with me. I don't like people hating me. It's not good for your karma, you know.

"Well… what would you do if you liked someone, but they didn't like you back?" I ask, truly wondering if maybe I was saying the right thing.

Axel paused, raising his eyes to meet mine. "Well, uh… I… uh… what do you mean?" he stutters.

I raise an eyebrow, narrowing my eyes. Why does he look so nervous? That's not like him. I guess this year is a first for everyone.

"Well, I mean what would you do if someone absolutely did not like you, but you like them… like, a lot?"

Axel sputters, his tongue coming out and licking at his bottom lip. "Well… um… I don't know. I suppose… I would… give up?" he says, making me think that he doesn't know.

"Oh, I'm sorry, Axel; what a weird question to ask of you," I say, feeling stupid. "You can just ignore this conversation if you want. Pretend it didn't happen."

"No!" he practically shouts, raising a hand as though to stop me. I pause in the experiment, wondering what he wants to stop.

"No… what?" I ask, raising an eyebrow.

"Um… Demyx… uh… if you like someone, but you're absolutely sure that they don't like you… don't give up, okay? I mean, it's different if they like someone else, but if you like them… try and get them to like you. Don't give up just because they can't see the good in you. I mean, you're Demyx. You'd be able to sway anyone to believe you," he rushes, trying to get it all out in one breath.

I put down the beaker of mixed chemicals. He sounds like he's had experience with this sort of thing. And that makes me sad, because if he's felt anything like I've felt recently then it's obvious that he's been in pain before.

Now I really wish that I hadn't said anything, because if this is dredging up painful memories, I could just about kick myself.

But… what he says does have merit.

Do I want to give up on Zexion and let him go? I mean, I haven't even tried to get him to like me- not really. I've been told I can I be very persuasive when I want to be.

And, who knows? It could be worth a shot.

Riku

I've got a pretty good life, you know?

I mean, I've got a great best friend, good grades, a good track record, on my way to plenty of scholarships for college… I've got it good.

So why am I bemoaning my fate right now?

Two words: Sora Kiran.

The love of my life, my best friend, my absolutely straight best friend whose got a crush on Kairi Coventina… need I say more?

Oh, why, yes I do.

You see, I've already accepted all of the above reasons for hating my life.

This new one, though, this is why I'm having a tough time seeing the good that I've got.

Instead of waiting in the cafeteria like I normally do in the morning, I'm instead in the library, waiting for Sora to show up, sans Roxas.

Now, don't get me wrong, the library is a nice place, especially my school's library. We get a lot of money donated to it, so it has a lot of books, and nice cushy, squashy armchairs that you can just sink into and curl up with a good book. And it's not as though I hate books.

I just don't particularly like them.

I'm more of an action person, myself. I play sports and I'd rather hold a mock fight with my best friend than read a book.

So, I don't normally spend my time in the library.

And it's got me incredibly uncomfortable.

But, this is the place that Sora wanted to meet, and I'm absolutely nuts over Sora, so I'll say yes to anything he wants, including meeting in the library, a place that neither of us spends much time in.

I'd really rather be in the cafeteria, where there's food nearby than here, but, what can I say? Sora's got me wrapped around all ten fingers and he doesn't even know it.

I set my backpack down and fling my body into one of the aforementioned squishy armchairs, feeling my body sink back into the cushions. At least he picked a nice place to settle, I have to admit. Much more comfortable than… say… the physics classroom.

I draw my legs up to my chest, watch the blue-haired guy behind the counter check out a book for a guy rather reluctantly, and wait for him.

I know that you're shaking your head at me, wondering why I just don't tell him.

Well, telling him just isn't an option. What would you pick- having a completely wonderful friendship with a great guy, or confess to said great guy, and risk losing said wonderful friendship? Um… I choose the former, thank you very much.

It wasn't a hard decision to make, all those years ago when I was in junior high and woke up one day, realizing that I was panting the name of my best friend, a pretty big problem between my legs. Nothing like a wet dream to jerk your eyes open to reality, huh?

There's not a day that goes by that I don't wish I could grab the balls necessary to tell him- to say 'fuck it' to our friendship and just go for it. But, and this is the real kicker, I love him too much to let him go, even if staying his friend is my only option otherwise.

I'm pulled out of my reverie when Sora bounds up to me and waves a hand in my face, blindingly bright grin already in place, the other hand cocked on his hip.

"Riku," he exclaims, "you beat me here! How do you always get here earlier than me?"

I smile. "I don't stay in bed until the last minute, wishing that my alarm clock hadn't gone off twenty minutes earlier, like you do."

God, I'm such a painfully horrible actor. It's such a good thing that Sora is so obtuse sometimes. If he wasn't, he would have figured out my feelings long ago. I just can't really keep it hidden, unfortunately.

He rolls his eyes, smiling good-naturedly. "Okay, so I stay in bed longer; that's only because I don't need to get up early to fix my hair," he says, flicking a bang of my hair between his fingers.

Oh, do that again, Sora.

Wait, wait, no, Riku, bad thoughts, bad thoughts, Riku, stop it. Stop thinking of your best friend in… oh….

I squeeze my eyes shut, wishing that I wasn't so close to breaking. "Well, one of us has to look good, and I don't see you stepping up for the job," I jibe, pushing his hand away from my carefully done hair. I take a long time on it, and I don't like it being messed up.

Then again, if Sora wanted to put his hands in my hair, I really wouldn't stop him. I'm pathetic like that.

He puts both hands on his hips, and pouts at me. It's such an adorable pout. Makes me want to lick at his mouth, wipe that pout off, maybe store it in me. "I don't need to spend extra time looking good, unlike you, thank you very much," he states primly, turning around and dropping in the chair beside me, bending down and hauling his heavy-looking backpack up onto his lap.

Of course you don't, Sora, you look perfectly delectable as you are. You don't need to do anything else. I wipe a little drool off the side of my mouth, turning around so that Sora won't see it. When I turn back around, Sora has a small 1-inch binder in his lap, the words, 'Operation: Axel/Roxas' bolded in big letters across the top of it.

I quirk an eyebrow, wondering what exactly Sora is planning.

"Operation… Axel/Roxas?" I ask, staring quizzically at him.

He grins again, happy to see me confused. "It's what I named our little project. We're trying to get Roxas set up with the guy he likes, right? Well, the first step is to identify who he likes. That person is Axel."

I stare, unable to help the small twitch of my lips. "Axel? Roxas- Mr. I-Have-an-Attitude-Problem- likes Axel, who's two grades above him?"

Sora smiled, and simply nodded his head, unable to see anything wrong with this picture.

I shrug, willing to let it go. Now that I know who Roxas likes, I know that this is pointless. Mr. Cool like that skinny runt? It's not going to happen, no matter what Sora wants to think.

Axel would never date a sophomore.

But, I'll indulge Sora, because what else can I do? It's not like he'd ever listen to no. The boy can be surprisingly one-track minded and closed-eared when he wants to be- like when someone is telling him no.

"Alright, so we know who Roxas likes. Now what, O Wise and Great Master?" I joke.

Sora pouts, stumped. "Well… I don't know. I suppose it would be a good idea to actually get them talking as the next step. Somehow, the two of them have to meet." He turns to me. "You have a class with him, right, Riku?"

Where is he going with this? I don't like the look on his face- okay, well, yes, I do, actually, because it's physically impossible for me to not like any expression Sora puts on his face, but that's not the point-; it speaks to me, saying, 'I are plotting and will be the downfall of everything. Muahahah!' This expression is not good.

I hesitantly say, "Yes…?" wishing that I wasn't really saying yes, because I'm sure that this is going to be very bad for me in the long run.

"Great!" he shouts, immediately being shushed by the blue-haired guy behind the counter, who glares at him. Sora winces, pulling a 'I'm sorry and embarrassed' face on, mouthing 'I'm sorry' to the guy. The blue-haired guy only glares. He turns back to me. "Anyway, that's great," he says in a more subdued tone, chancing a look back at the guy working. "This means that you can get him to tell you his schedule."

I stare, wondering where he's going with this. "And… I want his schedule… why?"

Sora rolled his eyes. "So we know his classes, silly!" he says, shaking his head and smiling. "If we know his classes, we can figure out a way to get the two to meet."

I ah, getting where he's going with this now. It doesn't sound like too bad of a plan, except for the fact that Axel and I have never spoken a word to each other before. Somehow, I doubt getting him to talk to me in second period English will be easy. Plus, he would have no reason to tell me his classes. Probably would think that I'm a stalker. I don't stalk anyone, thank you very much.

Don't look at me like that- I do not stalk Sora. I don't have to.

I act as though I'm pondering, making Sora wait, though it's obvious that there's no way I'm going to say no, because, as you can probably guess, I just can't say no to the guy. I spoil him, of that there's no doubt.

I sigh, making it seem like I'm being put out. Sora knows that I'm just acting, though, because he brightens up, knowing that I'm going to say alright.

And guess what? I do.

"Okay, Sora, I'll try," I concede, acting as though I wasn't going to say yes all along.

It's very hard keeping up this pretend lifestyle, you know?

Ah, but it's all worth it when he really smiles at me, bounding up and giving me a hug, his small binder tumbling to the floor from his lap.

You see? This is why I cannot, under any circumstances, tell him.

I wouldn't trade these hugs for anything.

Seifer

I'm not above using force to get what I want.

If there's something that I want or need, I'll get it, no matter what.

This case is no different.

That scrawny little ass is mine.

He'll never know what's hit him till I've got him tied up in a pretty little package, wrapped around my finger, and willing to do whatever I want.

So I'm cocky? Big deal.

At least I always get what I want. Can you say the same?

It's weird, though. I hate this guy at the same time that I want him so much that it makes me ache.

And I seriously don't like that feeling.

Just looking at him pisses me off. Then again, looking at most people pisses me off.

They're all the same- all stupid fake lies, fake personalities, and fake feelings.

But him… he's completely different.

And I suppose that's what makes me both like him, and hate him with everything I've got inside me.

We've known each other since he was five and I was seven, before that chicken wuss Roxas ever showed up, shoving his face where it didn't belong. So I've known him for ten years.

I didn't realize I liked him until a year ago, when he tried out for the blitzball team I captained, and I saw him in the showers. Before that, I've always hated him and everything he stood for: hated him and those stupid friends of his.

Stop thinking that I should have done something a year ago when I first learned that I liked the pipsqueak. I'll tell you now, and I'll only tell you now, that I wasn't ready to do anything about it back then, and that's that.

But now, I'm ready to go and get what's mine, and let me tell you, he'll never see it coming.

Hayner, you'd better watch out, 'cause I'm coming for you.

It's another day of school, but I'm actually in a pretty good mood, 'cause it's my last year, and I'll soon be saying sayonara to everyone and everything in this dumpy place. I've had to live with this shit for the last three years, and I've only got one more year, baby.

Of course I'm in a good mood.

It might also have something to do with Hayner, who's coming up the steps of the front with his chicken wuss of a best friend, Roxas.

He's smiling, and laughing with Roxas, who kind of looks about half-dead. Huh, must not be a morning person.

Not like I care, beyond it involving Hayner.

I ignore the little runts, of course, because I've got a reputation to uphold, and showing Hayner my interest is the last thing I'm planning.

Rai and Fuu, the little star couple of my gang, comes up behind me, Rai all smiles and Fuu as talkative as ever. And if you don't get that, I'm not telling you.

"Hey, Seifer," Rai booms out, his arm coming up around my shoulder, the other wrapping around his girlfriend, "What's happening?"

I stare at him blankly. "Ah, nothing much," I answer. "Wish there was some new meat worth beating around here, but there's nothing."

Of course there is, but I'm not stupid. This is my last year here, I'm not getting kicked out now for fighting. Too much at stake.

"Well, that's too bad, you know?" he goes on to say, Fuu staying silent.

I can see how she and that weird older brother of hers are related. Neither of them talk unless necessary.

Still, that's what I like about the girl, though I still can't see how she and Rai are a happy couple.

"Eh, there goes Hayner. Wish there was something I could do to rearrange his face, you know?" he says, punching one hand into the palm of the other.

I haven't told him or Fuu that I like Hayner, though I think Fuu is smart enough to realize my intentions. She's always been more observant than Rai. I think she's the reason the two got together in the first place. Rai probably would have stayed happily oblivious for the rest of his life and never known the difference.

This means, however, that I can't tell him that if he rearranged Hayner's face, I'd rearrange his body, because he just wouldn't understand.

I grab his arm, squeezing tightly. "Hayner ain't worth it, Rai," I say, practically evil-eyeing him.

He stares at me, but shrugs. He's too dimwitted to ever go against what I want. I am, after all, the leader of the disciplinary committee. What I say goes.

We move to go into the school, and I see Hayner glaring at me from his place by Roxas. Hmm… what've I done this time?

Maybe it's 'cause I breathe. That's gotta be it.

Whatever; answering his glare, though I can see Rai at my side just itching to turn it into something more, is not worth my time.

Right now, figuring out how to get with him is occupying my mind.

So, I made a list of the obstacles in my way. I've learned over the years that if you don't know what to overcome when on your way to getting what you want, then you won't be prepared for them.

Hayner is, first and foremost… a boy.

This isn't a problem for me, but it might be to him. Is he gay, or is he not?

Hayner can't stand my guts.

This might be the hardest one to overcome. The guy can't look at me without glaring, even when I haven't done anything wrong.

Hayner's best friend, Roxas, can't stand my guts, either.

Okay, this might be the doozy of my problems. Roxas probably hates me more than Hayner does, if that's even possible.

Hayner won't go for anyone that his friends don't like. Roxas doesn't like me.

It might not seem like much, but those problems could very well make or break the outcome of my intentions. I know Hayner. I've known him for many years. He's as stubborn as a mule, unoriginal though that may be.

Hayner's got it in his head to hate me with absolute passion. I can't blame him: I and my gang have done some pretty shitty things to him and his friends in the past. So, really, I can't blame him. Looking back, the pumpkin incident might have been taking it a little too far.

Still, I'm nothing if not persistent. I've just gotta find a way to get in his and Roxas' good graces….

Hmm… time for some re-con.

Tifa

I'm a teacher, right?

And therefore, I should care about my students and their well-beings.

Oh, okay, so I might take it a little too far, and being all buddy-buddy with them might not be the best idea, but it works for me, you know?

It's not as though I'm much older than they are.

Still, I know that getting involved with Zexion's problem is a really bad idea. But I just can't resist.

Over the years since Zexion and I both started here, he's become a really good friend, younger than me though he may be. And I know that this… Demyx guy could be really good for him, in a way that Zexion needs.

Zexion just can't see it because, for all his brains, he's somewhat lacking in social smarts. He thinks that he's perfectly fine in living alone, with only his mother and sister for company. Granted, I'm a friend, but even I'm not allowed to talk to him for too long.

He's a very private person, and he doesn't like people getting in.

I know he says it's because he's learned over the years that people are stupid and aren't worth his time, but I know that this is just a ruse he's trying to convince himself of.

You see, Zexion… idolized his father. I learned this in one of the rare talks I had with his mother. This might not sound like much, because what son doesn't idolize his father?

Zexion's father… was less than the best, though Mrs. Zalman defends Mr. Zalman's actions with her every breath. Don't get me wrong, or anything: Mr. Zalman did not abuse or mistreat his children.

He wasn't around to do that, though I doubt he would have been that sort of father even if he was around them. Mr. Zalman apparently loved his family… he just loved his daredevil routines far more.

This eventually killed him, leaving Zexion fatherless… and idol-less.

And, though Zexion says that it doesn't, it left a big hole in Zexion- the hole where Zexion's father should have been, because Zexion just cannot forgive his father for his weaknesses.

Since then, Zexion has completely refused to let anyone else in, simply because he doesn't want to get hurt again.

Of course, this is all just speculation between his mother and I. What do I know?

But even so, I have always been the type to work for what I want, and for what's best. I know, without a doubt, that Demyx could be good for Zexion.

And I'm stupid, letting a student become a friend.

"What are you thinking about?" Zexion murmured behind me, finishing up checking out another student.

I shrug, watching as a brunet boy springs out of his chair and practically strangle another boy with silver hair.

"That's not much of an answer," he went on.

I sigh, wondering what I should say. "Zexion, I'm just thinking. It's nothing that needs to be discussed to death about."

Zexion never was one to sit down and let things go. "If you say so, but I think you're thinking about something that does matter, and that it should be discussed to death," he said in his monotone voice.

I smirk. Oh, how right he is. "Fine, if you want to know so badly, I'll tell you," I said. "I think you should go on a date with Demyx."

I grin when Zexion's hands fumble with the computer tagger uncharacteristically. "Well, see, that proves my point even more."

I jump off the desk and turn around to face Zexion, whose face was inscrutable and near expressionless.

"I don't know what you mean," he muttered stiffly, casting his eyes off slightly to the left of my own.

"I mean, Zexion that you actually reacted when I said something about Demyx. That means that there's something about him that makes you feel- makes you respond in a way that I've never seen before. I think he'd do you some good."

Zexion stuttered slightly, obviously casting his gaze away from mine. "I think you have the wrong impression here, Tifa. I don't feel for people, you know this."

I scoff, suddenly irritated. "That's such a pile of hog-wash, Zexion, and you know it! There's no such thing as being unable to feel for people- there's always some emotion, somewhere. We live off emotions, for crying out loud. You are no different than the rest of the world, even if you are smarter!" I cry out, disrupting the hushed silence of the library.

Zexion's eyes had widened in shock, unused to hearing me raise my voice beyond the walls of the classroom.

"I do not…" he stumbled.

I raised an eyebrow in triumph. I had shocked the poor boy into silence, apparently, which was very hard to do. I could practically see the cogs turning in his brain, trying to find a way to defend himself from what I had said- anything to deny what we both know is true.

"Zexion, I can understand not letting people in. You're a private person, after all, and you like your alone time. But there's nothing wrong with having a life and having fun sometimes," I say gently, tucking a chunk of my hair behind my ear. "You never know- Demyx could be good for you, and it's obvious that the boy likes you. Maybe he can see what others don't. Have you… ever thought that this might be a good thing?"

He was almost shaking like a leaf. "This is… preposterous, Tifa," he stammered, hands shaking. "I do not… need to go 'out' with someone and most certainly not this Demyx person. He is… he is the complete opposite of me, and as such we would have nothing in common."

I started shaking my head before he finished his sentence. "You don't know that, Zexion. You don't know him, and you've only seen the outside surface. There's no telling what's on the inside. Maybe there's more beneath the surface that you would like. But you're just spouting excuses because you're too afraid to take a chance."

Now, if this was one of those cliché-y movie-slash-books things this would be the part where I'd leave and let him think over everything that I've said.

I never was one for doing what would be the 'coolest'. Besides, I want to see him sweat.

"Tifa… I can't just… there's…," he tried to say.

"I get being scared, Zexion. Everyone feels that way at some point. But being scared, and letting that fear take over you… that's when you've truly lost. Maybe Demyx isn't the be all to end all of boyfriends- maybe he's not the right one, or he's not going to be the love of your life. But are you willing to let this chance pass you by in fear that it will go wrong? Are you willing to run away from everything for your entire life… and never truly live?"

I know it's a little overdramatic, considering that this is only high school, but Zexion… nothing but the over-dramatized will get through his thick skull. I swear; it's hard debating things with the boy on any subject. He believes what he believes and that's it.

"You're making too big a deal of this," Zexion suddenly said, a bite of frost in his voice. "My life is mine to live, not yours. You can't dictate to me what I will and will not let pass me by. Thank you for the encouragement, Tifa, but I think I can handle my own affairs just perfectly fine."

I think my insides just deflated. And it seemed to have been going so well, too. All that work and for nothing.

I shake my head. "I have to say that, for the first time, I'm really disappointed in you, Zexion. I never thought you'd be the type to run away when it really came down to it, but I guess I was wrong." I shake my head again. "Your life is going to be such a waste if you keep walking down this road you're on."

"Let that be my decision, Tifa. What I do with my life is my choice. Besides, I have time later on in life to have a relationship, but, right now, relationships are the least of my concern."

I sigh. "Very well then, Zexion, I can't change your mind. Just… think about it, alright? Demyx seemed like a really nice guy."

Zexion only stares at me, his visible eyebrow raised, an 'are you joking?' expression plastered on his face.

I guess my idea doesn't sit well with him.

Still, this battle isn't over. Zexion's happiness is important to me, and I know that he's not happy. I won't give up quite as easily as he seems to think I have.

I suppose this is what I get for becoming friends with a high school student.

Sora

You know what?

I'm really excited about this plan Riku and I have come up with. Well, okay, so we haven't really come up with a plan- just a step that will lead up to the bigger plan that we haven't made yet, but still… it's a start and it's a good one at that.

So, I'm kinda proud about it.

Riku's got a class with Axel third period, so he's gonna try and get his schedule then. Then, we'll compare Roxas' and his schedules, and then… well, we haven't gotten that far yet.

But when we do, it'll be a good one! I just know it.

You know, I am so lucky that Riku's my best friend.

I'm not stupid, you know, so I know that most people wouldn't have ever considered doing this sort of thing with me- especially when it's for a person that he/she doesn't even like. Yeah, Riku and Roxas don't really see eye to eye on things. Don't get them wrong- if the going gets tough, they'll team up, but they won't do it willingly. There's just something about each other that they just don't like: something that rubs the other the wrong way. It makes for very awkward dinner conversation, you know.

Anyway, back on topic: Most people wouldn't go through with this hare-brained scheme of mine. But Riku isn't just anyone. He's the type that would do anything for a friend, even if said thing was incredibly stupid.

So, I'm lucky, 'cause getting Riku as a friend was pure luck.

"Alright," I cry out, pumping a fist in the air as we exit the library for first period. "So, you remember the plan, right?" I ask, grinning.

Riku rolled his eyes. "Yes, Sora, I remember the plan- get Axel's schedule no matter what, even if it means threatening him into it," he recited my words by rote.

"That sounds about it! So, meet up during lunch and compare? I'll get Roxas' during first, and then we'll go from there."

Riku looked dubious. "Sora… you do know what you're going to do after this, right?" he asked hesitantly.

I smile. "Of course not!" I say cheerfully. "But it never hurts to improvise when in a pickle."

I could practically see the facepalm Riku was doing in his head, and I knew that what I was saying was a little out there, but hey, if it works for tests, why shouldn't it work for this?

Riku sighed. "Alright," he muttered.

I grin, we high-five, though somehow he always does it with more grace than I ever could, and then we part for our different classes.

I'm still smiling as I slip into my desk chair beside Roxas and he just glares at me, still in a bad mood.

"Hey, Roxas," I said, my smile dimming slightly at the look of violence flashing in his eyes. Who knew our eyes could get so cold? I'm practically shivering.

"You look happy," he muttered, eyes like chips of ice.

"Yeah, I am, though I'm really sorry about your… you know," I end awkwardly.

Roxas shrugs, expression lightening a bit. "Ah, like Axel and I would ever have gotten together," he says, nodding philosophically.

I nod, too, head turning back towards the front. "You never know- the two of you might have had a chance."

Roxas scoffs. "Yeah, and you're regular Mr. Optimistic."

I shrug. "I like that about me."

"Yeah, I know," Roxas begrudgingly says. "I like that about you, too."

I would have said more if our teacher hadn't barged in at that moment. "Alright, everyone, settle down and let's start!" she said, as chipper as me.

Then again, I don't think Ms. Yuffie has ever had a bad day.

I roll my eyes at Roxas, who just grins somewhat, and the two of us get to work.

Art isn't so bad. Being in Art 201 has its perks, after all. We get the cooler projects, the use of the second art lab, and the better paints. Plus, we get Ms. Yuffie, who is so much better an art teacher than Auron. Auron… I think he would have been better at being our defense teacher, though Ms. Tifa does a great job at it, than as our art teacher.

He's always mentioning something about protecting us, and having us draw out 'our story'. He's a great guy, though- just a weird art teacher.

Anyway, today, Roxas and I team up for a dual project, so I get plenty of chances to talk to him under the guise of working on our project. Perfect.

"So Roxas, what's your schedule?" I ask nonchalantly, dabbing white, peach, and light brown together, trying to come up with a skin color close to Roxas' tone. Yeah, we're doing portraits, but what makes it cool is that we have to come up with a background that is original.

I sketched out the preliminary work yesterday. I don't know where it came from, but I had Roxas in a fighting stance (that's not all uncommon) with these two… sword-like things in his hands. The background is a cityscape, but really dark with rain water everywhere. Right behind Roxas is this tall skyscraper.

Roxas thinks it looks cool, and gave me the go ahead to title it 'A Nobody's Home'. Some people might find it morbid, but Roxas and I… well, we're not really all that normal to begin with.

Roxas hums, still working with a pencil on his sketch of me. He's not as fast, but his work always comes out better because he works slower on it. "I already told you, Sora, remember? Right at the beginning of the school year. We exchanged schedules the first day and everything."

"Oh," I exclaim. "I forgot about that. Well, never mind then."

Roxas just rolled his eyes. "Why'd you ask?" he said, furrowing his eyebrows and erasing something, lightly blowing the dust and graphite away afterwards.

I shrug, dipping my brush in water and going onto another part of the portrait to paint. I'm not really good at working on one thing for very long- I have to flit around and do it all in chunks. "No reason," I say lightly, and the subject is dropped easily as Roxas just huffs.

"Whatever," he murmurs, going back to his own work. I haven't seen what he's done yet for my portrait, but I know it'll be better than what I've got. He has told me the title, though, teasing me by making me wait. It's 'Off to Another', though I don't know what it means at all.

I snicker, figuring that Roxas' schedule is probably stuffed somewhere in the depths of either my backpack or my locker. I know that Roxas probably won't appreciate my… efforts, but I only want him to be happy.

So, of course, I'm not going to tell him my plans, sparse though they may be. That would be… suicide to my plans, which is just a big no-no.

I smile, unable to keep from being happy, and I return to working on my painting.

I dart between the bodies of other students, smiling at each one, because I know most of them. I don't stop to talk, though, because this is lunch time, and I'm on a quest.

You might think it's the schedule Riku has, but right now it's my stomach- or rather, the lack of food in my stomach.

Hey, I'm a growing boy! I need sustenance to live! And right now my stomach is crying out to me, saying "Feed me, please."

This is an important matter. Still, after that, I'll be getting Axel's schedule, and that's also important.

After impatiently waiting in the cafeteria line, bouncing from one foot to the other, I get my food and make haste towards the table that Riku and I commandeered as our own two years ago, when I first came to the school.

"So, did you get it?" I immediately ask after sitting down my plate, plunking down in the chair across from Riku.

Riku, who looked bored, took out a piece of paper and shoved it in my face. "Do you know how mistrusting that guy is, Sora? God, it was like he wouldn't shut up asking me question after question, as though I have no right to ask him what classes he has. Anyway, I got it, finally, after a good thirty minutes of lying to him about why I wanted it."

I just grin. I'd give him a hug, but Riku isn't really one for public displays of affection. I settled for a kick to the shin. "Thanks, Riku, I owe you one," I say. From my pants I dredged up Roxas' schedule, which I found between first and second in the depths of my locker, stuffed behind a pair of shorts that I don't remember owning. Still, I found it. Amazing how bad my locker can get so early on in the year. Four days in and all ready it's a pigsty. Riku would probably cringe if he saw it.

I set the two schedules down and immediately I see a very good omen. "Riku, they have choir together fourth period!" I exclaim.

Riku nods. "That's… great, Sora."

I roll my eyes. "They already have a class together, Riku. This means that there's a chance of a meeting. They could talk!" I say.

"That's the point of this whole endeavor, isn't it?" he asked.

"Yes, that's why this is good!"

He nods. "Okay, then, what do you plan to do with this gratuitous information?" he then asked.

I deflate somewhat. "Well, I don't really know," I murmur. "I haven't really gotten this far in my planning, and them having a class together never really entered into the equation."

He rolls his eyes. "So… you've got nothing."

"Nope," I cheerfully say. "But, I'm not going to let this pass by. Just think of what this could do to help us. I'm gonna go home and think of stuff to do. There's got to be a way to use this information to our advantage."

He just nods, picking at his pizza. Then, he frowns, and picks up a napkin, and lays it on top of the pizza slice. His nose wrinkles in disgust as the paper becomes saturated with grease.

"I think the food here is capable of thickening my arteries," he complains.

I just shrug, 'cause that slice of pizza looks really good right now. I stare at it hungrily, and he smirks, and pushes it towards me.

I smile. "Thanks, Riku," I say before shoveling it in my mouth, sans the napkin, of course. The fries I'd gotten just aren't enough for a growing boy.

I can just feel it.

I'm going to help Roxas get his man.

I just know it.

A/N: Okay, so I know that there are weird switches between present and past tense, but do know that each one is completely intentional. Also, the timeline does move forward, but there may be instances where it goes back a couple of days or periods, and I know that it can probably get confusing. Just to be clear, I'll eventually post a timeline on dA, along with the schedule of each person and their teachers, just so you get the full effect of everything I've written, because I know it's a lot to take in all at once.

Review if you'd like. I enjoy recieving them. :D

Reviews from Chapter Two: LittleLoneLiar, axeleah, TheaBlackthorn, Lonely Anomaly, Riku-stalker, Sadist-Schemer, Anya Urameshi, TsukiShy, 13loves8loves9loves6, aydlee, kitten85, TwintailCat, Natsumi Hitori, Lipgloss-x-lies, Twisted Reflection, Erethil, CloakedxSchemer, and loverofAkuRoku.