Song: Give It to Me by Timbaland feat. Nelly Furtado & Justin Timberlake
0o0o0o0o0
The smell of alcohol assaulted his nose as soon as he stepped foot in the club. Loud beating of the music felt like it was in his chest, vibrating through his bones, and he sighed through his nose silently. This was not him. Being in a strip club went against almost every morale the man had, but he couldn't go against his Chief's orders. It was his turn to scout out the downtown district, especially since his squad had gotten the responsibility of gangs in the area.
The man paid a fee to continue into the club to a man that looked to be the owner. After ordering a light drink, he made his way to a table that was dimly lit and set up in the corner of the club. That was perfect for him – it'd be easy to survey the area and avoid catching a glimpse of the dancers. Settling down in the dark leather seat, he leaned forward, elbows on the table, as his aqua eyes began looking around the club.
Nothing unusual or even remotely suspicious – just drunk men fawning after dancers that they knew they couldn't have and women talking avidly amongst themselves about the male dancers. The way these are portrayed in the movies is completely wrong. Everyone always thinks there'd be only gang members at strip clubs, making deals and buying all the dancers for a lap dance, but it's quite the contrary. In fact, it's almost rare that an entire group of gang members come here to do anything illegal. Most of them just need a reason to jack off instead of hiding out in a bathroom with a phone.
The man let out another sigh and ran a hand through his silver locks before he grabbed his phone out of his front pocket. He idled for a while, reading texts from his friends that were mainly, "Man, you need to take a few days off!" "Riku come on, come hang out with us for once!" or, these, which were his favorite, "Found this chick I think you'd wanna bang." The ones about hooking up with random chicks always made him chuckle quietly.
It wasn't because he was gay – he was bisexual – it was the fact that some of his friends believed he'd only hook up because he wanted sex. Riku was never fond of one night stands. He didn't like the lack of actual intimacy; the intimacy that leads to cuddling or waking up with that person beside him. None of his friends quite understood that, but he was never one to correct them. His personal life was his and his alone.
Answering to only a select number of his closer friends, he began to scroll through the random things on his phone. He wasn't one for social media, and the puzzle games he had on his phone were far too easy, yet he couldn't find the will to actually delete the apps. Maybe he could continue Badlands? That app proved to be a bit of a challenge. But, if he became too invested in it, he'd forget about his assignment at hand.
Riku scanned the environment once more, noticing that the men and women at the club had switched places – the women were pressed against the stage in an attempt to even so slightly touch the man walking the catwalk. The men went and got more drinks, went to the bathroom, or simply sat away from the catwalk and talked, avoiding looking at the male stripper. Riku was here by himself, but at least he had his phone to keep him occupied.
Turning his eyes back down to the lit up screen, he began scrolling through his Facebook. He never posted anything or made a comment, but he liked being informed about his family's whereabouts. News about his brother having a baby (when the hell did that happen?), his cousin getting a new phone (no surprise there), a different brother having problems keeping a girlfriend steady (it's his fault for being a man whore) – his family really didn't change much either. Guess being the same runs in the family, he thought.
His ears being unable to tune out the loud, thumping music, felt great reprieve when the music was cut off. The women in the front aww'ed in dismay as the man on the catwalk went backstage, but quieted down to listen to an enthusiastic announcer talk. Riku had no choice but to listen, and his boredom was quick to draw his eyes up to watch.
"Settle down, ladies!" The somewhat chubby man waved his arms in the air to signal for them to shush, "Thunder will be back out later, but I know you're all here for the event of the night, right?" The man grinned as the ladies, and a few men, clapped and whistled in delight.
"Well, it's a good thing you all waited!" He talked louder to get his voice heard over the clapping, "Give a warm welcome to The Little Mermaid and Sexy Siren!"
Riku rolled his eyes and turned his attention back down to his phone once he saw the curtain begin to move, signaling the dancers coming out from the back. He didn't need to look at the dancers. He went to a strip club once for "enjoyment" and he never wanted to go back. Of course, he was aware that strippers usually joined the profession for personal reasons, but he never liked the way people flaunted their body in front of others.
Perhaps he was a prude in that sense.
Trying to focus back on his phone, his ears picked up the song Give It to Me but it was the karaoke version. Instead of the artist's voice coming through the speakers, it was the voices of the dancers. First, a woman, who made her voice seductive yet slightly high pitched. Riku didn't mind the sound of her voice, but he found it odd the dancers were actually singing.
As she sang, Riku was able to keep his attention on his phone as he scrolled through his apps and music mindlessly. It was up until the girl had finished the chorus that his attention was snapped entirely to the speakers. The voice that filtered through was… gorgeous. Boy-ish sounding, yet talented - enticing. His voice was smooth and sweet, full of seduction and somehow joy at the same time. Riku froze in his seat, stopped what he was doing on his phone, and listened to the voice that was so mesmerizing.
"Could you speak up and stop mu-mumbling, I don't think you came in clear
When you're sittin' on the top, it's hard to hear you from way up here,"
Riku's aqua eyes were hesitant to turn their gaze to the man who belonged to the beautiful voice, because he knew that he had to keep his focus on the job at hand. Besides, something like this, where he'd been attracted to a mere voice was something that had never happened - hell, being so attracted to anyone like this was foreign to him.
"I saw you tryin' to act cute on TV, just let me clear the air
We missed you on the charts last week, damn, that's right you weren't there,"
Riku was not the type to just fall for anything that moved, but that voice was beginning to gnaw at his senses.
Going against his better judgment, he tilted his head and his eyes landed on the most alluring and drop dead gorgeous man he had ever seen. Messy, chocolate brown spikes going in every which way on his head, tanned skin that remained free of any form of blemish, and the seductive hip movements that came with the music – Riku was transfixed.
"If se-sexy never left, then why's everybody on my shi-it-it
Don't hate on me just because you didn't come up with it,"
The silver haired man slowly stood and began making his way to the edge of the crowd after he watched the man dance for a minute. His mouth was agape with awe as the brunette loosened a tie and tossed it towards the curtain, before he began moving his hips in a circular motion, plump ass jutting out for the women and men to see.
Riku didn't dare move closer to the stage. He didn't want to waste money here. Besides, how would he get the brunette to notice him if he was just here to give him money?
"So if you see us in the club, go on and walk the other way
Cause our run will never be over, not at least until we say,"
Plush lips parted to sing the next verse, and Riku was captivated more. His eyes watched each of the brunette's muscles contract or relax as he walked a little ways down the catwalk, ripping off the thin material that covered his lower half, the pant-like material falling behind him. The brunette slid down onto his knees, hips out towards the women that were closest to the stage, one hand going to rest behind his neck while the other trailed down his stomach. Money was almost instantly thrown at him or shoved into the tight booty shorts he was wearing.
The redhead behind the brunette sauntered up to him and put a hand on his shoulder causing the brunette to stand and turn to her as they both began singing.
"If you see us in the club, we'll be actin' real nice
If you see us on the floor, you'll be watchin' all night,"
Riku's eyes stayed glued to the brunette as he moved his hips seductively. Riku couldn't pry his eyes off the brunette to watch the redhead beside him pull her bra off in one smooth gesture. What he did notice though, was the brunette briefly looking around the room, in which their eyes locked for a second, and Riku could feel his breath catch.
The deepest blue eyes he had ever seen were staring into his. He couldn't see everything that the man's eyes held, but he could see the way his beautiful eyes seemed to pop with the tan skin that lay so close to it.
"We ain't here to hurt nobody
So give it to me, give it to me, give it to me,"
Riku could feel the disappointment in his chest, knowing the song was nearing its end, but he felt more inclined to stick around to talk to this brunette – if he were even allowed to. He didn't care. He knew he had to talk to him. Those perfect lips moving in time with the redhead beside him, his muscles moving fluidly as he danced, sweat dripping down his curves from the heat of the lights, those eyes – Riku just couldn't pass someone like this up. Even if he was bombarded with "date me" daily.
"Wanna see you work your body
So give it to me, give it to me, give it to me,"
The music ended and the crowd erupted in a chorus of cheers and whistles as the two dancers grinned. The grin that spread across the brunette's face was enough to send Riku's heart fluttering. As soon as they disappeared behind the curtain, Riku scoffed and shook his head, thinking, How different of me. Since when did I start falling for voices?
The announcer came back out, jolly as ever to bring out the next few performers, and Riku was discouraged after he heard that Sexy Siren wasn't going to come back out. He must've come too late to see the brunette perform earlier.
Riku trudged back over to the seat he had chosen and sat back down. The club wasn't closing for another two hours, and Riku wasn't supposed to leave until he collected enough information about the club anyway. Not that there was much to collect – unless his captain wanted a detailed report of a stripper that was extremely attractive.
That gave Riku an excuse to stay later than necessary, though, as the drunkards and giggling groups of women made their way out of the club and the last dancers left to remove their make-up and revealing clothes. Riku stayed where he was, hoping to catch the brunette as he left the club. He watched as a different brunette, who had a scar across his face, stacked chairs, and noticed one of the other strippers come out from the back to help – a blonde haired man that he hadn't watched dance. Riku sighed through his nose, thinking the brunette he was looking for had gone out through the back a long time ago to go home. He was about to finish his beer off and go home himself when he saw the spikes come out from the back of the club.
The small brunette was wearing normal clothes now: a baggy black hoodie, a pair of dark blue jeans, and yellow shoes that threw the outfit off with the random splash of color. Riku stayed seated in the booth he was at, listening for the brunette's normal voice as he started helping out the two stacking chairs.
"One of those girls looked about ready to jump on the stage," The brunette laughed – that gorgeous laugh, Riku thought – as he pointed at the blonde standing a few feet away from him, "How do you even deal with all that? If I had someone look at me like that I'd freak out."
Cloud shrugged, "You get used to it. And, if you're not noticing the looks women and men are giving you, you're more oblivious than I thought," Cloud teased, a smirk on his lips.
"Hey, I don't notice them because they aren't doing that to me!" The brunette countered, a small pout on his lips. "But, they're all googly eyes for you."
"Sora, you're hopeless," The older brunette chimed in, chuckling when Sora gave them both an angry glare.
"Maybe I'm too involved with how I dance to worry about how people stare at me. It's not like I have people throwing money at me for my amazing dance skills or anything." Sora stated, putting his hands on his hips after he put up the last chair.
Riku was about to keep listening, when his shoulder was tapped by the brunette with a scar across his face. "It's closing time. Gotta get going."
Riku softly sighed and stood, having been gathering up the courage to talk to this Sora. "Alright, I'll get going. After I talk to, uh, that guy," Riku quietly told the owner, pointing at the exotic dancer before he walked over to him, not giving the man a chance to stop him. "Hey." Smooth, Riku. Real original, he thought, already biting his tongue.
Sora turned his gaze up to meet Riku's, glancing at Cloud and the other brunette before he spoke, "Uh, hey. Do I know you?" He cautiously asked, checking the distance between them as casual as he could.
"Oh, no. I'm Riku, I, uh, saw you earlier. Just wanted to say you have a beautiful singing voice," Riku quietly said, a hand going to rub the back of his neck. He usually wasn't this nervous, especially around people he was trying to hit on, but the brunette in front of him drained his skills down to nothing. It was like he had this ability to spot flirting and tear it down without even meaning to.
Sora's mouth made an "o" shape, nodding slowly, "I see. Well, sorry, but I don't give out my number or go on dates with people who come to see me dance." Sora responded easily, as if he'd spoke that same line a million times. That was a crushing blow to Riku's confidence he had mustered; He probably gets approached all the time. I must look like a fucking creep, he thought, trying to remain neutral.
"This is actually my first time here. I know you probably get a lot of people talking to you after shows, but I-" Riku began, but was cut off by the blonde haired man now standing beside Sora, a step closer to Riku in a protective stance.
"Well, Riku, I think it's time you leave." Cloud sternly said, his arms crossed, "I don't see a reason for you to stick around past closing time."
Riku looked between the blonde and Sora, before waving his hands in the air in slight defense, "Hey, I wasn't going to try anything with him, I just wanted to-"
"Get to know him and hurt him? Yeah, that's not going to be happening. Get out," Cloud growled, a stern stare in place.
Riku went from his nervous phase to his rude state, "I wasn't going to hurt him. Why can't someone get to know another person? Just because he's an exotic dancer doesn't mean I can't talk to him."
"When you're talking to him after a show, it's very likely you're here because of his body." Cloud retorted, snarky tone in place, "It's past closing time. You need to leave anyway."
Riku tsked, "Fine." He snapped, turning to walk towards the doors. He pushed them open with a bitter sigh, heart still thumping.
He could've continued to fight the blonde haired man on staying longer, but he knew better than to piss off the place where he could see the young brunette. He sighed and reluctantly left, but as he was exiting the doors, he distinctly heard a, "Cloud, I could've handled that myself!" followed by a quick, "No, you couldn't," causing a small chuckle to pass his lips.
Riku wasn't sure about who the brunette was, or anything of the sorts, but he was positive on the fact that he wanted to know more about him. He couldn't call the feeling in his chest love, hell, he knew it wasn't – he didn't believe in love at first sight – but that didn't mean he wasn't intrigued by the man. While his feelings earlier may have been brash and misjudged easily, he knew now that it was because he was drawn in by the man's voice, and he wanted nothing more than to know everything about him.
0o0o0o0
After that encounter he had at the strip club, Riku had gone home, taken his dog (affectionately named Goofy) out for a walk, slept, and returned to work the next day with no news about the club's possible affiliation with any gangs. Quite frankly, he thought the club had no involvement with gangs – it seemed normal. His Chief, Mickey, seemed disappointed, but satisfied with the report. Riku made his way back to his desk after, not needing to go on patrol for another hour, leaving him to work on things that he hadn't finished.
Riku sighed through his nose, idly typing a report for the umpteenth time since he became a policeman whilst he thought of other things. Nothing very exciting happened around the precinct the way they dramatize it on television or movies. There was quiet chatter, but mostly the noise of fingers against keys moving quickly to avoid a late turn in time was the only thing that could be heard. Every now and then, a drug addict or an angry citizen would come in screaming about one thing or another, but other than that, things usually stayed rather silent.
Well, maybe to Riku, that is.
Riku knew his coworkers well enough to know they had his back out on the job, but other than that, he never participated in their activities outside of work. The only person he did spend any time with in public, out of the uniform and overbearing policies, was his partner Merida. She was very much on the wild side, and Riku didn't think he'd actually be able to handle training the younger officer, but he managed and had become very close to Merida over the years of working so closely together.
In fact, he spent much more time with her than his own family. But that was for personal preference over any hard feelings that may have been in the family.
Riku ran his fingers through his hair slowly, massaging his scalp as he tied the silver locks up into a ponytail. As he closed his eyes, his memory went back to the dancer he had been so fortunate to meet last night. He couldn't seem to get the dazzling grin out of his mind, those bright blue eyes… he was entranced, to say the least. Every time he blinked, he saw that tan face, those out of control spikes, and he felt his heart begin to race again.
God, when did he turn into such a fucking sap?
Riku was jolted out of his thoughts at a distinct slap against his back, causing him to flinch and snap his eyes open, "The fu-"
"Whoa, there! I see you've been doing nothin' productive all mornin', have ya?" A thick, Scottish accent teased affectionately. Riku turned in his chair, rolling his eyes at his partner.
"I've been doing plenty, you just caught me right as I happened to be doing nothing," Riku explained, leaning back in his chair as he looked up at the redhead. "At least I'm not the one deciding to go on a million "doughnut" runs just to get out of the precinct for a bit."
Merida put her hands on her hips, a pout following, "I do not lie to leave! Well," Merida thought it over before she shrugged and smiled, "Maybe sometimes. At least I'm out in case something happens!" Merida said triumphantly, posture in a heroic pose.
Riku chuckled lightly as he turned his chair back towards his computer, skimming over the work he had already finished, "If you want to see it that way I won't stop you. Just know, you'll get in trouble someday for pulling an everyday stunt like this." Riku pointed out, picking up where he left off easily.
"Only if a certain ponytailed guy tells the Chief." Merida tugged on Riku's ponytail, laughing when he reached a hand back to swat her hand away. "Hurry up and finish your report – I want to get back out there and patrol, get some action!"
Riku waved her off, letting her wander away before he continued to work the remainder of the time he had in the precinct. He didn't let his thoughts stray again, knowing that he'd have to deal with Merida snapping him out of his thoughts again. He didn't need the woman asking questions about what had him so wrapped up – because he knew he'd be getting them anyway. Merida may be crazy and seemingly untamable, but she was smart, and Riku gave her credit for that every chance he got.
Riku shut his computer down as he stood, stretching his misused limbs while he walked out of the police building, heading to the patrol car that was Merida's and his. He slid into the passenger side, letting the fiery redhead drive for the day.
As soon as the doors were shut, questions were fired at Riku. "So, what had you so in thought this mornin'?" Merida asked with a sly smile on her face, "Did you meet someone? Maybe had a pleasant night with your family?" Merida offered, hoping to coax a response from the silver haired man.
Riku scoffed and shook his head, "What makes you think anything was on my mind? I was thinking about work – it's a very thought consuming job." Riku lied, his eyes forward as Merida drove out of the parking lot, heading to their usual patrol area.
"No, no, your face was not 'I'm thinking about work,' your face was, 'I'm thinking about someone,' and I feel I have a right to know who that someone is." Merida pointed out frankly, a finger wagging at Riku's face.
Riku sighed through his nose, staying silent. It wasn't that he was ashamed that he had felt something for the brunette he saw last night, it was more… he'd rather keep it to himself. At least for now. Especially when he didn't know the dancer personally yet. And, besides, the last thing he needed was a nosy Merida going down to the club and demanding to see Sora. No, no. Riku would much rather do this on his own terms and time – even if it took forever.
And, he thought, I could just be attracted to him. I don't know him. I may not even like him once I get to know him.
"Riku! I was talkin' to you!" Merida half-growled, flicking Riku's nose indignantly. "Tell me who it is you're thinking about! You got that look on your face again."
Riku rubbed the tip of his nose slowly, contemplating actually telling his friend, before he buckled, "I did meet someone. Sort of." Riku gave the shortest answer he could, even though he knew it wouldn't suffice.
"Oh, good! And who are they? What's their name?" Merida asked quickly, the words tumbling out of her mouth fast. "Where'd you meet them? How'd you meet them? Are they friendly? You better introduce me! As your best friend, I have to meet them and make sure they're good for you. Otherwise, they'll get a little ass-kicking from me. How old are they? What do they look like? Are-"
Riku's head swarmed with answers and that ensued with complete confusion, leading him to shout, "Merida!" He silenced his partner, rubbing the bridge of his nose before he breathed out, "How am I supposed to answer any questions when you're asking me them at the speed of light?" Riku questioned, tacking on, "I… don't know that much about them, actually. All I really know is where they work and their name and their looks. Nothing else."
Merida nodded, "Okay, then, spill the beans! Tell me everything!"
Riku glanced at the redhead, his eyes shut as Sora's face popped up in his mind. "Can't we just continue working? I'd rather get through the day without missing anything than talk about my romantic life." Riku hoped Merida would go for the offer. He really, really, wanted to keep Sora to himself – for now, while things were still… weird.
Merida huffed and rolled her eyes, "Fine, fine. I'll drop it until we clock out." Merida stated, just as they pulled in to their usual coffee place. It was routine to come here in the morning before they headed out for patrol. Riku told Merida to stay in the car while he went to go get them their usual coffee's, which gave him a chance to collect his thoughts.
Riku knew that he was being much too brash and jumped the gun with a lot of his feelings, and Merida wasn't helping. Right now, Riku needed to focus on work, because he knew he'd have to deal with Merida one way or another at the end of the day.
0-0-0-0-0-0
Just as Riku had suspected, Merida was on his case once more as soon as the day was up. He tried his best to ignore the pestering woman, but she knew he'd crack after bothering him enough and Merida was well aware of that. "Merida, please, I'd rather keep it-"
"To yourself, like a little lame-o!" Merida finished, walking out with Riku to their cars, "I get you like to keep things to yourself, Riku, but it's not like I'm gonna do anything to whoever this person is."
Riku shook his head, fishing his keys out of his pocket as they approached his car, "I don't think you will, but that doesn't mean I want to tell you. I just met him last night, that's all I really want to say."
Merida seemed just about ready to take that answer and leave it, but her eyes widened with sudden realization, "You had an assignment to go to that strip club last night," Merida slowly spoke, before she hurriedly whispered, "You like a stripper, don't you?"
Riku's face went from neutral to panicked, his head shaking furiously. "No, no! Not at all – what makes you think I'd like a stripper? You know I'd never go for someone like that." Riku coughed nervously, rubbing the back of his neck. "He's just a guy I met, that's all I'm saying."
Merida scoffed, standing closer to the silver haired man to stop him from escaping into his vehicle. "I don't see anythin' wrong in liking an exotic dancer! Some of my best friends are dancers. Who is he? If you don't tell me I'll be forced to go there myself and pick one out."
Riku bit his lip nervously. "He's… the brunette one. Tan skin. Gorgeous blue eyes and a dazzling smile." Riku slowly, softly said, his shoes scuffing the ground out of embarrassment. "Please, Merida, I really need you to not go there and bother him." Riku pleaded, hoping his friend would refrain from going down to the club.
"You really think I would do that to you?" Merida asked, offended expression in place, "I can tell you like the guy enough, I won't go and bother him." Merida stated firmly, leaving Riku with a sigh of relief.
"Good… and, I'd really appreciate not talking about him again. He's… just a dancer." Riku grabbed Merida's shoulders and moved her to the side, opening his door to slide in. "I'll see you tomorrow, Merida." Riku bid a brief farewell to his coworker, waiting for her to get out of the way of his vehicle before he drove home.
The ride home was quiet, except for the soft noise of the radio at a low volume giving the car some life. He never listened to music loudly, unless they were in headphones and he was using it as a way to get out of social interactions that were thrust on him – like at family gatherings. Man, did Riku hate seeing all the silver haired weirdo's in one place at the same time.
Riku scoffed at his own memory of a recent family gathering, one that was cut short due to a fight that had broken out amongst Riku and his three siblings over something trivial. The fight was so miniscule Riku couldn't even remember what had caused it, but their father was going to have no part of it and kicked them out promptly.
Riku rolled his eyes to himself as he pulled up to his small house. He got out of the car slowly as he saw the black and tan dog in his window, his floppy ears perked up as Riku strolled to the front door. The man let out a chuckle as he watched, and heard, the dog scramble from the window to the door as Riku stepped in, "Hey, Goofy. Have a nice, relaxing day without me?" Riku asked, patting the dog's head.
Goofy used to be a part of the K9 Unit at Riku's station, but he was retired when he was injured during a drug bust. They were going to give him to the Humane Society, but Riku had seen the black dog around the precinct before and had grown attached to him. Riku then adopted Goofy, and the dog was now a few years older – calmer and more relaxed but still a dog nonetheless.
"Yeah, I bet you had a wonderful time sleeping. Jeez, what I'd give to sleep as much as you do." Riku joked with the animal, chuckling to himself as he shut and locked the door, beginning his usual routine of changing into his home wear. He made sure his gun was tucked safely away in the safe in his room, knowing Goofy would alert him of a break in, before he wandered out to the kitchen, tiredly making himself dinner.
As Riku cooked, he wondered if he should head down to the club again tonight, but he quickly chose against it. For one, he didn't want to seem like some creepy stalker, and two, he wasn't too fond of going out after work. He was always much too exhausted to do something like that. Perhaps he'd go tomorrow – if he had enough energy to do so.
Although, he knew he wouldn't get anywhere. That made him wonder how exactly he was supposed to make any progress with the tan dancer. Maybe he should just forget about this silly infatuation and continue on with his life, hoping Mickey didn't send him on another scout out of the place?
That was much too easy, though. Riku never liked the easy route. It was always a "forge your own path" type of thing with him. Going the hard way wasn't fun, either, so picking the middle route was something he'd much rather do.
So: take the easy way of forgetting about his one day crush; take the hard way of spending night after night at the club; or take the middle way – spending a couple nights a week there to stay late and try to talk to the brunette, even if the blonde from the previous night kicked him out each time. That seemed much more interesting, and besides, it would give Riku the necessary time he'd most likely need to truly mull over his feelings and see if he wished to pursue the man he had seen.
Riku tasted the soup he had made, adding a pinch of salt as he transferred it from pot to bowl. He scooped Goofy more of his dog food while he settled down in his chair in the living room. He turned the TV on, but he kept it more as background noise. In all honesty, Riku was getting bored of being this alone. While he had Goofy, the dog wasn't a very good conversationalist, and Merida was someone Riku would rather see at work and occasionally out someplace than spend every day with.
Riku had never been one for relationships, but as of late – before he had met the blue eyed beauty the previous night – Riku had been getting a nagging feeling of loneliness. It wasn't natural for him, but he couldn't deny the feeling. While he always preferred to be alone, and would be fine living the rest of his life that way, he wanted someone else here, if even for a few weeks before a break up.
Perhaps this dancer could be someone he could rely on for that loneliness to leave? He doubted it, but a flower of hope budded in his chest.
0o0o0o0o0
Several weeks had passed since their first encounter; Riku was being personally escorted out at the end of every night Riku had shown up by Cloud, due to Riku's persistence on trying to talk to Sora. Riku was tempted to fight the blonde man, but he knew better, and he could see Sora scurrying up to the upper floor of the strip club as soon as the club doors were locked on some nights. It bothered him to no end, but Riku came in after work every couple days, as he decided weeks prior, to watch the brunette dance and sing, and it only made Riku want to talk to him more.
He was successful in slipping a few sentences of conversation into the brunette on some nights, when the blonde dancer seemed preoccupied backstage and the owner of the club was nowhere in sight, but other than that, there had been little to no contact. Those quick minute conversations were enough to get Sora to smile, at least, and that felt like a victory enough to Riku – if he can get the brunette to smile because of him, he had to be doing something right. The short time that were the talks never gave Riku a chance to ask more in depth questions to the brunette other than "How was your day?" and that was more than a disappointment.
The first week that Riku had shown up to the club, Riku was still discussing his feelings internally. Merida had wanted to give calm advice, and Riku let her, and it led to Riku figuring out his feelings towards the dancer. Sexual attraction was a small part of what he was feeling, since he saw sex as more of bonus to relationships than a requirement, and Merida had helped the silver haired man conclude that he wished to know more for one particular reason: genuine interest.
Riku knew little to nothing about the brunette, but Riku was intrigued and captivated by the young man's external beauty and voice from the day he "met" him. He wouldn't call it love, he would say it was a more advanced crush. No lust or want was overtaking him, driving him mad beyond belief was there. Only the deep seated feeling of wanting to know more - because Riku could feel the brunette had a story to tell, and that Sora was worth whatever costs it took to get to know him. And, Riku got this vibe from Sora – almost as if the tan dancer gave off a pleasant emotion, making others around him feel happy, and Riku longed for something – someone – like that in his life. Of course, the people here to see him strip couldn't possibly feel the way Riku did. Riku cared more about personality, anyway. He just hoped he would get the chance to talk to the brunette soon.
Over the course of the few weeks, Riku began observing tiny details about Sora's body as he danced, having been approaching the stage more often but staying amidst the crowd or on the outskirts instead of trying to get to the front. He was able to see freckles that were dusted over his cheeks and shoulders, hard to see because of his tan skin; he noticed that if Sora was sweating enough by the ends of his routines that dark circles were under his eyes, showing pure signs of stress and tiredness; and on one particular night, Riku noticed that the make-up for all the dancers had been hurriedly put on, and Riku could see the thin white scars marking up Sora's thighs as he danced. Those lines spoke so much yet offered much more mystery. It made Riku wonder why such a happy seeming man would feel the need to harm himself.
Riku had no chances to ask the brunette. As much as he wanted to find him outside of the club, he wasn't about to abuse his power as a police officer to figure out where the brunette would go. Riku would never want to build a relationship off of something like that.
This particular night, however, when Riku was second guessing actually showing up at the club but had a gut feeling that tonight was a good night to go down to The Dusks and Shadows, things went much differently. The night started off the same as any does – the dancers come out and the crowd goes wild until they leave, and the announcer comes back to bring the next dancer, or dancers. The smell of alcohol stayed lingering in the air, cigarette smoke drifted up into the vents, and things were simple; normal.
That was, until Sora came on.
Sora made a grand entrance onto the stage, having gone solo that night. The usual grin was plastered on his face, his blue eyes wide, plush lips moving seductively as he sang, and Riku could feel the way the brunette kept looking at him. Directly at Riku; making eye contact and keeping it for multiple seconds. He could feel the other people in the crowd beginning to turn their head in an attempt to see what one of their favorite dancers kept looking at, and Riku did the same, though, when he turned back, he could see the small laugh that escaped the brunette's lips before he began singing again. Riku couldn't help feeling as if this dance was for him – or at least, directed towards him. Their inconsistent minute conversations seemed to have paid off in the long run.
Riku listened to every word the brunette sang, watching each muscle move fluidly, a tiny smile on his lips as he made frequent eye contact with Sora. Riku paid attention to the sweat that began to drip down Sora's body slowly, droplets that collected and moved further down as he danced, or flung off onto the stage with each sudden movement of his slender body.
But, in the middle of the brunette's routine, the music was cut off, leaving Sora to stop dancing awkwardly. The silence was quickly followed by multiple "What the hell's?" and angry remarks towards the person in charge of the music, but they shut up when the owner of the club came up onto the stage in a hurry. Riku leaned slightly forward, watching the older brunette's lips as he whispered into Sora's ear, and Riku could feel his heart drop. He saw the way his dancer paled, his breath stopping for a second before he was running backstage, no doubt about to go get more clothes on.
Riku stood and left the club, heading out to his car. He had no idea why Sora would need to go there, but he was able to read "hospital" off Leon's lips as he spoke to Sora. Riku knew full well that running to the hospital when he knew nothing about the man was crazy, and he'd seem like a stalker, but Riku couldn't let Sora go alone – suffer alone. He didn't care if he got a firm smack from the dancer, he wanted to be there for him. If Sora asked him to, he'd leave him alone forever, even if it hurt him.
Riku drove slowly to the hospital, taking his time, wanting to give the brunette time to get there before him. Riku wanted time to carefully think out his actions, anyway. But, by the time Riku arrived at the hospital, he had to assume that Sora was already there, most likely visiting or hearing about the condition of his family or friend. Riku slowly exited his vehicle, feeling apprehensive as he made his way into the large double doors, the smell of antiseptics and cleaners assaulting his nose. He didn't know where to begin looking for the brunette, but he caught a glimpse of his agro spikes through the doors that led to the pediatric ward. Riku's heart sank again, seeing that the brunette was hunched over, his head buried in his hands.
Riku took a deep breath and walked into the room, seeing only one other couple sitting far away from Sora, talking quietly amongst themselves. Riku could see Sora's body shaking slightly, no doubt from the fear of whatever was going on, and Riku took a slow seat beside him.
Sora seemed to sense his presence, but had no idea who it was. Or, perhaps he mistook Riku for someone else, for the way he was talking seemed to be as if Sora was talking to someone close to him. "What the hell am I supposed to do? What if he doesn't wake up this time? Those idiotic doctors told me he was getting better, not worse. Why would he collapse?" Sora spoke softly, his head still resting in his hands.
Riku sat silently beside Sora, letting the brunette talk, his knowledge of what was going on being too little to try and comfort. "You'd think after months of chemo and a marrow transplant these episodes would stop happening, but…" Sora's voice shook. "Here he is, again, stuck in this damn hospital. He hates it so much, I know he does. He's only 14 and he has to deal with this bullshit. This constant fear of when he's going to collapse next, not if." Sora bitterly spat, before he leaned back in the seat, his palms rubbing circles gently into his eye sockets. "I can't imagine what he's going through… I can only support him but I feel like that's not enough… clearly it's not, huh? He's still fainting, still on this horrid rollercoaster of okay and not okay. This isn't fair – none of it is, Aerith." He whispered slowly, a frown creeping on his lips, tugging at Riku's heart.
Riku waited for the man to finish speaking before he placed a hand gently on his shoulder, about to speak when an angry, "Why the hell are you here?" came from the entryway to the pediatric ward.
Sora and Riku both flinched, turning their heads to look at Cloud, who was standing with his arms crossed, scowl in place. "I said, why the hell are you here?" Cloud repeated, after not receiving an immediate answer.
"Riku…?" Sora muttered, causing the silver haired man to look into those deep blue eyes. "How… long have you been here? I thought you were a friend of mine, I… Oh, crap…" Sora groaned, running his hands through his hair before he stood.
Cloud stepped closer to the pair, "No one's going to answer me? Sora, why's he here? You actually trust this creep to know about him?" Cloud questioned, shooting Riku glares every chance he got.
"I didn't come here because he asked me to," Riku butt in, also standing. "I saw him leaving the club alone, I thought-"
"That it'd be fun to stalk him to the hospital? Not home or anything, but a damn hospital?" Cloud snapped, "You're a class act fan. You probably came here just to get your move in without Leon or me here, hm? When he's fucking vulnerable?"
Sora shook his head, "Cloud, if he had wanted to do that, he would've done it long before you got here. He just… listened." Sora explained, his eyes wandering to Riku as he spoke. Riku had trouble reading Sora's expression, but there was something about the confused look Sora gave him that made his heart feel tight.
"I don't care if he was here just to listen, I guarantee that he was here to make a move. He probably figured you'd be vulnerable, especially if you were coming here for someone, and he thought this was a perfect opportunity." Cloud seethed, his stance still more than protective of the brunette standing in front of him.
"Look, I wasn't here to 'make a move.' I'm not that sleazy and I'd never take advantage of someone because they're at a hospital." Riku defended himself, not about to break under Cloud's threatening gaze. "Just because I don't know him personally doesn't mean I can't want to help him."
Cloud turned his whole body towards Riku, about to go off again when Sora grabbed the blonde's arm tightly. "Stop it, Cloud. You're causing a scene where there doesn't need to be one." Sora flatly spoke, silencing the older man, before he sighed gently. "I'm sorry. Please, I don't care if you two want to rip each other's throats out, I just don't want to deal with fighting when I have a sick little brother. Okay? Riku wasn't doing anything creepy to me, and… and I don't see him trying to do anything creepy to me."
Cloud made a quiet noise of defeat after he was silent for a few moments. "Fine. I'll accept him – for tonight," Cloud muttered, before he pointed a finger at Riku, "But any wrong movements and I'll throw you out of this hospital myself."
Riku nodded, "I can agree with that."
Awkwardly, the three sat in the waiting room, mostly in silence. Sora sat in the middle, despite Cloud wanting to sit between the two as a "buffer," and Sora continued to stare at the same tile in front of him. Riku leaned forward every now and then to check and make sure Sora was at least blinking, and he tried to find different topics of conversation that he could ask the brunette to try and take his mind off things. When nothing came to mind, he leaned back in his chair, letting out a long sigh.
Riku hadn't expected things to turn out this way tonight – not at all. He had been trying to make a move for weeks now, but that was proving difficult with a certain blonde haired bodyguard always telling him to "Get the fuck out," before he could even get close to Sora. That always disheartened Riku, and he was beginning to give up on ever actually being able to talk to Sora, ever get to know him. Riku would never admit it, but he was thankful that something had happened to get Sora out of the club and somewhere Riku could join. No words were passing, but he felt this would lead to more interaction.
Riku's eyes darted over to the blonde that he could see over Sora's back, and he caught yet another glare. Riku shook his head in slight annoyance, placing a hand on Sora's back, rubbing it in a comforting manner. The corner of his lips went up just enough to offer the brunette solace when he turned his head to look at him, and Sora gave a curt smile back.
The man leaned towards the one sitting beside him, talking softly, "Are you okay? Be honest here."
Sora licked his lips slowly, before he scoffed weakly, "I'm tired." Sora whispered, rubbing his hands through his hair and down his neck.
Riku knew exactly what he meant. He didn't offer words of advice or consolation, knowing that there's nothing he could say to the man to cheer him up. Instead, he continued to rub slow, light circles into Sora's upper back, giving what little comfort he could manage to Sora. Riku knew too well the feeling of "tired," that feeling of the weight of the world on his shoulders, feeling like nothing was going right, feeling like every attempt was a failure. Riku hoped that he could be there for the man like Cloud and Leon were there for him.
Silence ensued once more, and the hours dragged out and seemed to go slower as the night went on. The couple that was in the room when Riku came in had long since left and no one else had showed up. Riku felt strange being in a hospital this late, when the building was quiet and there were no bustling nurses or phones ringing, only the soft click clacking of shoes going to check on sleeping patients.
As the hours reached the early morning, Leon showed up. He glanced at Riku but paid no attention to him, instead he talked to Cloud and Sora quietly. Shortly after Leon arrived, a doctor came out, looking as tired as the four of them did. Sora instantly stood and went over to the short, slate-haired man, and crossed his arms, listening to the doctor speak while nodding every now and then.
Cloud, Leon, and Riku all sat where they had chosen, watching the two interact. When Sora sighed a breath of relief, a thankful smile appearing on his pink lips, Riku could've sworn he felt himself feel more relaxed. It was nice after the hours of tension to see the brunette less bottled up, and he talked for a minute more with the doctor. Sora turned back to the three but spoke directly to Leon and Cloud.
"He'll be fine. It was just an episode of sorts – he'll be able to leave the hospital in a few days," Sora explained with a tired smile. "You guys can all go home now. I'm going to go sleep in Roxas's room."
Cloud and Leon both stood, walking Sora a ways away from Riku as Sora gestured to them. Riku let out a sigh, his eyes rolling as he realized they were talking about something that more or less concerned him. He wasn't about to butt in, but it was getting on his nerves. Then again, it was weird enough he had showed up at the hospital in the first place. So, he stayed where he was seated, tapping his fingers against the armrests of the chair, eyes focused on a tile on the floor.
Riku felt more and more awkward. In fact, as the night progressed, he realized how crazy he must seem. No wonder Cloud had always been so quick to protect Sora from him – Riku would've been freaked out if someone kept trying to talk to him, too, especially in the setting that they had met in. Not only had he tried relentlessly to talk to Sora when he showed up at the club, but he also followed him to a hospital.
Was Riku losing it?
He scoffed silently at himself. Riku knew this wasn't like him. He never gave anyone this much time and effort, and he was torn between not wanting to scare the brunette and wanting him too much to care. There was no ill intentions he had towards Sora, and he would never do that in the first place, but there was something about the brunette that piqued Riku's interest.
There was a lot of Sora Riku had noticed, and from the stressed out bags under his eyes and white scars lining his thighs, Riku felt the need to protect him - or at least help the brunette with whatever was troubling him.
As Cloud and Leon stepped back from Sora, Riku looked up and caught gazes with the younger brunette. Sora softly said his farewells to the two older men, before he made his way over to Riku again. "So…" Sora began, sitting beside Riku once more. "You're pretty weird to follow me here." The brunette chuckled, a tiny smile on his lips.
Riku rubbed the back of his neck nervously, "Well, I just, um… I wanted to be there for you in case you needed someone. I didn't think your boss and your co worker were close enough to you to show up as well…" Riku trailed off, his eyes averted to a dark green tile on the floor.
"Not many people would think that, especially for my occupation, but," Sora shrugged, "they're both real good people. I'm actually surprised you had the guts to come here."
Riku sighed, his voice growing quieter, "I guess I've got a lot of guts… I really wanted to talk to you. I honestly don't have any ill intentions towards you, Sora. If I did I would've done them by now." Riku explained, his heart beginning to race. Riku had never felt so strongly towards another person, and he certainly never cared enough about anyone else to show up unannounced and uninvited.
Sora leaned forward to look at Riku's face, a curious expression in place, "I can tell that. You had all the opportunity in the world to do something before Cloud came in." Sora pointed out, leaning back once Riku turned his head further away from Sora. "If you have no ill intentions towards me, why are you here, exactly? How come you kept trying to talk to me?"
Riku fought off the blush in his cheeks that threatened to overcome him. "Your voice caught my attention, and… I have this feeling that you'd be someone worth knowing. It's not like you're half bad to look at anyway."
Sora laughed at that, making Riku smile, "Alright, alright. So, you're not a creep – you're just a guy who thinks I look nice?" Sora teased, "I don't see why I shouldn't give you a chance. When I return to work in a few days, you can stay late and we can actually talk. For now, I need to go see my brother."
Riku nodded instantly, his head turned now to look at Sora in the eye. He couldn't believe this – his abrupt decision to follow the brunette to the hospital had actually paid off. At least he was getting a chance. Even if it led to nothing special, only friendship, he'd be fine with that. That doesn't mean he wouldn't try to make things more special. "That sounds wonderful. I appreciate that, Sora. I can already tell you're much different than most people. I expected a smack for coming here."
"I had every right to, but, you didn't do anything wrong," Sora stood, causing Riku to stand, the silver haired man taking a respectful step back to give Sora space. "I'll see you in a few days, then. I expect you to have good topics of conversation!" Sora smiled as he gave Riku a friendly wave, turning to walk through the double doors that led to the patients rooms.
"I'll make sure to have topics," Riku said, giving the brunette a small wave back, his heart still beating a million miles an hour. As that gorgeous grin was directed at him, he could've sworn he felt his heart swell. Once Sora was down the hall meant for family and staff only, Riku turned and made his way out to his car, knowing that the progress he had made with Sora was more than he could've hoped for.
The first thing Riku did when he slid into his car was let out a sigh of relief. For things to go so smoothly - somewhat - with the brunette was something he wasn't expecting. He thought he'd get the cops called on him, actually, or even beat up when he saw the tall blonde walk in. Even with the lip-lashing Cloud had briefly given to him and the nasty glares he received, he felt like it was a successful day. Now, all he had to do was wait for Sora to return to work - which, he assumed, Sora was taking time off to be with his brother.
With their plans set for a few days from now, Riku finally started his car and drove home, the feeling of success not leaving him for a second. Even as he lie down to sleep that night, he found himself overcome by thoughts of the possibilities of their friendship - but, he couldn't get ahead of himself, get his hopes up. He knew better than to do that.
Play it cool. I want this to work, he told himself just before he dozed off, pleasant dreams filling his mind.
0o0o0o0o0
After his conversation with the doctor, Sora was somewhat relieved. The collapse Roxas had had only been a small case of his cancer acting up – or something like that. Sora had been too grateful for Roxas still being alive to actually listen to the diagnosis. The doctor told him that only one person would be allowed to visit Roxas tonight, and only direct family. Sora gave a brief nod and thanked the doctor one last time before he turned to the three currently sitting in the chairs, all staring at him, waiting patiently for the news to be delivered.
Sora glanced at Riku, his heart telling him to keep his mouth shut about Roxas – what did Riku need to know about the blonde, anyway? – but he gave a brief relay of information directed more at Cloud and Leon. He shuffled on his feet for a moment and gestured to Cloud and Leon to follow him away from Riku. Once his two "parents" had stood and made their way to him, Sora began quietly talking.
"He'll be fine. Just needs to spend a day or two here and he'll be back home." Sora explained again, his heart suddenly feeling heavy as he realized he had said things like that a lot over the past eight months. "The doc said only one person can visit tonight, and I don't expect you two to wait out here until morning. I promise you two can come back tomorrow to see him."
Leon put a hand on Sora's shoulder, looking into the younger brunette's eyes deeply, "I'm glad he's okay, but are you?" Leon questioned, that being his thing whenever something happened to Roxas. It gave Sora a good sense of comfort, being asked if he was alright. He was usually too preoccupied with thoughts of Roxas to actually care about how he was doing.
"I'm fine, just a bit tired. I'll sleep in the hospital chair, though." Sora chuckled softly, rubbing the back of his neck. "I'm just happy he's still breathing."
Cloud nodded once, "As long as he's alive." Cloud put in, ruffling Sora's hair affectionately in an attempt to bring a smile to his lips. "You better make sure you-"
"I never asked – why is Riku here?" Leon cut off, his eyes having wandered to the silver haired man currently staring blankly at a tile on the ground. "And why didn't someone make him leave?" Leon turned his gaze to the blonde beside him, looking disappointed.
"I tried to make him leave, Leon," Cloud sighed through his nose, "But, Sora insisted that he be allowed to stay. Since he didn't do anything 'wrong.' I still don't think he should be here."
Sora shrugged, rubbing his upper arm as a yawn passed his lips, "Well, he could've tried something before you got here, Cloud, but he didn't. I'm not saying I'm gonna marry the guy but that doesn't mean I can't give him the time of day. He's not like the other people that try to talk to me at the club – he barely even drinks."
"That doesn't mean he's not dangerous." Leon pointed out, pulling his hand off Sora's shoulder, "Just make sure he doesn't hang around long. You don't want him getting any ideas."
Sora nodded and turned his head slightly to glance at the man, and he felt a twinge of pain. The way Riku was staring at the ground was the way Sora felt every time he was at this hospital – like nothing else in this world mattered. Of course, he wondered why Riku looked that way, but figured that might just be his face. "I know, I know, but I really don't think he'll do anything harmful."
"Whatever you say, Sora." Leon sighed through his nose, before he turned his head to Cloud. "We should get going. Sora should be with Roxas." At Cloud's nod, both the older men gave Sora a brief hug, leaving with a warning stare towards Riku. Leon added before he left that Sora had a few days off, as usual, to take care of Roxas.
Sora shook his head slightly at the behavior of the two men, and he made his way over to Riku again. They had a short conversation, in which Sora made a last minute decision to let Riku have at least one chance. He hadn't even been thinking about giving Riku a chance, but when he sat down to talk to him – without Cloud or Leon there – it felt right for Sora to do so. When they parted ways, Sora felt a bit lighter, feeling he had done the right thing.
As the brunette made his way down the familiar hallways of the hospital towards Roxas's room, Sora couldn't help but sigh. While he had just been feeling good, he couldn't help but feel… bad. Perhaps it was because he was in the hospital, again¸ making sure his brother was okay. Maybe it was due to the fact that the hospital bills coming in were piling up fast, and Sora was starting to drown in debt.
Sora bit his lip, running a hand through his spikes as he stopped outside Roxas's room. Right now, those things shouldn't matter – not being in the hospital, not the debt. All that matters right now, is that Roxas is okay, that's he's resting. Without another moment's hesitation, he pushed into the room quietly, making sure he wouldn't wake the sleeping blonde.
Blue eyes landed on the pale skin that moved rhythmically with each slow breath. Sora's heart ached at the sight, hating the way Roxas looked so sick after each of his episodes. Roxas had been battling for months now, with extensive chemo and plenty of rest, and the leukemia either stayed the same or proceeded to get worse. For a while there, the cancer was ebbing, and it was even beginning to fade. But, it came back full force and with a vengeance, making Roxas weak enough to where Sora had to pull him out of school. Now, Roxas had independent study online, and he did the work when he felt well enough to do so.
Sora slowly made his way to Roxas's bedside, holding the blonde's hand as he leaned down to kiss his forehead. Sora smiled sadly, his lips forced into a smile. Man, did his heart feel like it was getting poked with a giant stick again. With his free hand, he cupped Roxas's cheek, a thumb rubbing gently over Roxas's cheekbone.
"I'm sorry, Roxas," Sora whispered, licking his dry lips, "I really, really am. I wish it were me instead of you… I hate having to watch you be in so much pain." Sora's voice grew softer as he spoke, his heart twisting more and more with each passing word. Sora had always been an empathetic person, and he was very quick to relate to someone's pain or try to help them through it. It was a part of who he was. But, with Roxas, things seemed to be a thousand times worse. This wasn't just some stranger or a friend, it was the person he had been so excited to meet when he found out his mother was pregnant.
Why, he wondered, why did it have to be him? Sora hadn't found this fair at all. After everything they had been through, the things Roxas had seen - he'd never want his precious little brother to suffer this way, to suffer even more than before. Sora let out a tired sigh through his nose, his eyes shut as he pressed his forehead against Roxas's.
Sora kissed Roxas's head one last time after he opened his eyes before he settled down in the all too familiar and uncomfortable chairs beside Roxas's bed. He kept his hand locked with Roxas's, as he usually did when he had to spend the night. Exhaustion consumed his mind once he had gotten "comfortable" in the chair, his eyes drooping shut. He kept his gaze locked on Roxas until he couldn't any longer, and he fell asleep with a whisper of, "Love you, Rox."
Today had been too much of a rollercoaster to stay awake much longer.
0o0o0o0o0
AN: Finally an update! I had a lot of fun writing this chapter and I hope you guys enjoyed it :D Don't know when the next chapter will be up, but, things will get more in depth from here on out! Well, more in depth for our little pre-love birds...
