Chapter 2

As the thin, moist air of the earthy forest pressed roughly against my skin, I knew I made a grave mistake. Even in the darkness of the forest it seemed he was illuminated on the spot. He looked so helpless and innocent laying in front of me. I had the urge to stretch my hands to touch his silver hair, as it was spread out across the grass, entangled in twigs and dead leaves. He made no hint of sound as he looked dead from afar, but I knew he was sleeping peacefully. I hesitantly leaned over him, each step more regretted than the last. I was so close I could distinguish the small ants scurrying all over his body. I made to brush the bugs off him, but thought better of it, and stopped halfway. I went to turn away, to flee before he saw a complete stranger staring at him from above. Cowardice it was. Before I could break into a run, however, he slowly opened his eyes, and they met mine.

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Where was I? How did I get here? Who is that angel hovering over me? Am I in heaven? Or it is even an angel? He looks horribly familiar.

Before I could debate whether or not this person was an angel, he ran away, and disappeared in the forests' thick embrace. I yelled, or tried to yell, for him to return, but I was utterly unsuccessful. I did not know his name, so calling his name would be futile.

Why was I in a forest? I did not recall any previous events on how I ended up here. All I remembered was going to bed, then ending up here. It was dark, as the trees were so thick the sun was blocked out. Insects the size of my thumbnail dashed in and out of the grass where I slept. Twice I spotted a far off robin diving from a tree, grabbing an earthworm from the dirt, then feeding it to her young. I have never seen such a peaceful forest in my life, since I grew up in the big city. I could of laid here for the rest of my days, casting not a care to the outside world in that soft patch of earth. I wanted to do and know many things, like find out who the angel was, and why he was here.

I quickly got to my feet, and ran in the direction of the fleeing angel. I was still drowsy, my eyes still sore from lack of sleep. The thick trees made it difficult to track the angel down, and I could not see the edge of the forest. A few times a lone insect would hit me in the face and leave a small, visible red mark on my cheek. Other times I would just barely dodge a tree.

So I ran, and ran, hardly knowing where I was going. However, I did know I was getting closer to the town, as the trees gradually became thinner and thinner. Finally, I saw the sun high up in the sky. I saw the town far in the distance, looking surprisingly inviting. I saw home. The only thing I did not see was the angel I so desperately needed to see. Not even in the sky.

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I collapsed violently on my bed, still panting as very heart was giving one hundred beats per minute. Sweat covered my entire body as my clothes stuck to my skin. Roxas was still at work, meaning I would have to wait to tell him the recent events. Actually, I did not think it to be wise to mention it to my brother, the very one who told me not to fall in love with the beautiful boy. A small part of me actually wished that he saw me in the forest, but a larger part of me hoped to god that he did not. It was not my fault that he happened to be in the forest at the exact same time as me, so he would have no reason to be mad at me, so why was I scared. Roxas would understand... would he not? I should not make assumptions about him though, he would never be mad at me for a silly reason like this.

The hours droned by, as I stared at my bare ceiling. The sweat finally began to go away, and my heart began to beat normally. My room was at a moderate temperature, and I was extremely comfortable. Perfect conditions for a nice long nap. My mind, however, was too strained to even begin to sleep, though my eyelids were crying out for sleep they would never get. I destroyed their last shred of hope as I forced them open with my hands.

Fighting sleep had to be the least of my worries, as I heard a roaring engine pull up in my driveway, then coming to a sudden halt. Roxas was finally home. I swiftly got off my comfortable bed to meet him, the entire time debating whether or not I should tell him about the day.

Roxas was clearly glad to see me, as he smiled when I met him, even though I was not the happiest person in the world at the moment. Following a brief hug and a kiss on the cheek, he retired to his room to get ready for his shower. I sat in the living room, and waited for him.

Completely stripped of his clothing, Roxas exited his room, and made to the bathroom. Before he could close the door, I called his name louder than I intended. Roxas left the bathroom, wrapping a towel around his waist, and sat next to me on the love seat. He seemed excited to say something that was slipping off the tip of his tongue. Whatever it was, it would have to wait. I was still going to explain. And so I did.

Every single detail I could throw in my explanation I did. I told the story from the second I woke up to when Roxas came home. He seemed very interested in what I had to say, and when I mentioned the boy he seemed to get even more excited, which puzzled me. He did not attempt to interrupt me throughout the story, and I knew he wanted to. Roxas was known for his patience, I knew that much.

As I finally finished, he smirked at me, then his mouth opened. He was on the verge of saying it, but was disrupted by the doorbell.

All was silent. All I could hear was the trees whipping in the gusts of wind, and the sounds of footsteps that belonged to walkers. I looked to Roxas, surprised to see that he was smiling even wider now. The muscles in his face had to be in pain, I thought.

"Your going to love me so much Sora," Roxas said, as he got up and went to the bathroom, to start his un started shower.

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I checked the address on the house a second time, considering if I made the right choice or not coming here. I would just have to place my trust in Roxas, the boys brother. He was the first one to talk to me, and I am grateful for that. Thank you Roxas.

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Roxas stared the shower, and hurriedly got in. The warm water felt soothing as it spread over his back, to his legs. At this moment, he thought, Sora will be facing the only one he loves in this town, excluding me. Yes, I did consider his feelings when I confronted him today before I came home from work. Sora is going to love me.

Roxas smiled to himself as he once again recalled their confrontation.

He saw the boy, sitting alone on his front doorstep, eyes concentrating on the ground. As he drove by in the pick up truck, he had the sudden urge to stop, and talk to the boy, as no one else would. Yes, he did remember about forbidding Sora to fall in love with this guy, and how upset he made him.

I have to put things right now, he thought, anything to make Sora happy.

And so he stopped, capturing the attention of the lonely boy, who stood up. Roxas exited the truck, and approached the boy, who looked shocked. Roxas' brisk footsteps had him in front of the boy in now time, holding out a hand in friendship. The boy hesitated, but followed suit anyway, and they shook hands.

"Hello, I am Roxas, and welcome to Thamesville," said Roxas, slowly.

"Hi, I'm Riku, and thank you," he said, returning his arm to his side. His voice was dreamy, Roxas noted, like the kind in romantic movies. His eyes were the most beautiful shade of blue, the exact same colour as Sora's. Sora would be dying to be in my position, Roxas thought, now... what to say next.

But nothing was said, and the two men stared at each other for a few long, awkward minutes. No one uttered a word. I have to say something! Quick!

"So uh... do you like Thamesville?" he asked, trying to sound as casual as possible.

"Oh yes," Riku lied, but he hung his head again to the ground, "well, to tell you the truth... not at all."

Perfect! Now I can give him an excuse to come over!


"I understand," said Roxas, "me and my brother Sora were the last people to move here before you came, and I agree it isn't the nicest town out there is it?"

They both chuckled, and Riku lifted his head again.

"Yeah, that's true I suppose," said Riku, "you are the first person to talk to me actually."

"Yeah, it takes awhile for the townsfolk to get used to you I'm afraid," explained Roxas, "but if you need anyone to talk to, I have a brother who looks about the same age as you, and you should get together some time. Here's my address."

He said it, and Riku memorized it.

"Was he the one standing with you yesterday?" asked Riku, sounded interested.

"Yes, that's the one," Roxas said, smirking, he noted Riku's expression, which immediately lit up, "there aren't a lot of boys in this town your age, so I figured you could get together, know what I'm saying?"

"Yes, thank you," said Riku, "I really appreciate it."

"No problem!" Roxas said, " I better get home, Sora is probably waiting for me. I'll see you around ok!"

"All right, goodbye Roxas," bade Riku in his dreamy voice, as Roxas walked down the sidewalk to the pick up truck.

Now it's only a matter of time, Roxas thought, as he drove away.

That was awfully fast though, he thought, as he spread the bar of soap around his body, feeling refreshed after a long day at work. He could hear the door open, even over the loud sound of the rushing water.

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I was almost subject to hysteria as I opened the door. There he was, finally, standing in front of me, smiling. My heart pounded furiously as we gazed at each other, and I would not be surprised if I began to drool, but none came. I lost track of time as he began to speak, he voice melodic and dreamy that could easily lull me to sleep.

"Are you... Sora?" he asked. I could of danced, he knows my name!

"Yes," I replied, smiling gleefully, "and you are?"

"Riku," he said, as I leapt off the ground as he said his name, but thankfully he did not see it, "your Roxas' brother, right?"

So Roxas has something to do with this. "Yes, that's correct."

"Okay good. He told me you lived here."

"Did he now?" I asked, loving Roxas more and more by the minute.

"Yes, a couple of minutes ago actually." He then fell silent. Why would Roxas do something like this when he specifically told me not to fall in love with him? Sudden change of mind? I'll consult him later, after I talk to Riku.

"Well why don't you come on inside," I said, "it's really awkward standing here."

"Sure," he said, as he entered.

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His house was smaller than mine. One level, while mine was two. The living room was to my left, and the kitchen was beside it, no wall separating them. To the right of the kitchen was a hallway, but I did not venture there as it was not my home. I took no note of my surroundings as my eyes were still fixated on Sora.

"It's not much," said Sora in a tiresome tone, but I loved it already. I felt warm and comfortable as I removed my shoes, and placed them neatly next to each other beside the door. I sat on a love seat in the living room, soft and velvety, as Sora retired to his room to get changed into something presentable. I already felt more at home then I have ever been, sitting here. More at home than my two level house fourteen doors down. I glanced at the objects around the house, and registered them into my mind. Most of them were photographs of Sora and Roxas, they were good pictures too. Better than anything I've taken. A small ceiling fan was rotating dully above me, making the curtains flip lazily in the front window. The only furniture in the room was the love seat I sat on, and a small, lone rocking chair in the corner by the window. There was no television, table, or any fancy decorations in the cozy living room. The only table in the entire house was the one in the middle of the kitchen, two chairs of different design tucked neatly underneath it. Beside the table was the smallest refrigerator I've ever seen. Beside that was a stove (which was also very small) that was sparkling clean. A counter surrounded the rest of the kitchen, and it was bare except for a lonely toaster oven that stood near the edge of the counter. I also noticed that the whole house was notably clean. The floor bore no hint of any spill or food stain, and the tiled floor of the kitchen was swept clean of dust and dirt. My attention averted from the cleanliness of the home when I heard the sound of a closing door down the hallway.

Sora entered the living room and glanced at the empty spot beside me, and I was hopeful. He ended up sitting in the rocking chair however. I frowned as he passed.

As there was nothing to entertain us, everything was silent and awkward, excluding the rush of water from inside the bathroom, but that eventually stopped too, which all the more made it more awkward. Sora was turned away from me, staring through the curtains and out the window. Through my mind I tried desperately for a topic that could break this silence. Before I could think of one however, Sora spoke, rather roughly.

"You know that forest, near your house?" he asked.

I simply nodded, and I turned to him. From somewhere inside my mind, I could of sworn I saw him today. But how could I of? I woke up in that forest and saw an angel...

I gasped, as I looked at Sora more intensively, studying his face. I could already foretell where this conversation was going. No wonder I thought I saw him today, because I did, he was the angel. I was ninety-nine point nine, nine percent sure.

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" I saw you there today, sleeping on the forest floor," I said, but Riku looked neither shocked nor puzzled. He must of seen me. He only nodded a second time, and smirked at me. His smile was beautiful. It matched the rest of his face perfectly. What I would give to be with him.

"Yes I was, but I can say that I had no idea how I got there," he replied, "you were there today also weren't you?"

Damn, he saw me. "Yeah. I always walk in the woods. I love it, it cleans my mind of all the my thoughts and problems."

"It is beautiful," said Riku, "I can barely remember it though, as all I did was chase after you. Why did you run away?"

I could not simply tell him that I loved him, not yet. So I lied convincingly, "I was... shy." I expected a snigger, or a small hint of a laugh, but Riku showed nothing in his facial expression that confirmed my assumption. He had a good poker face, I thought.

"It's okay to be shy," said Riku, noticing my reaction, "I'm easy to get along with. How do you think I get along with my parents?"

We both chuckled. Even his laugh was harmonious. After a long sigh from the good laugh, Riku continued.

"I'm just... desperate to find someone that will even talk to me,"he said, atmosphere becoming serious again, "the town already hates me, and no one will talk to me. I feel alone."

"I had to put up with years and years of that," I explained, "it's something you get used to."

I suddenly realized my bluntness as Riku said nothing. It was not the reaction he was hoping for, I noticed. I quickly regretted it and brought up another point to break the uncomfortableness, but was briskly interrupted when Roxas emerged from the bathroom. He saw Riku and waved, but gave me no sign of welcome, only glaring. He walked to the love seat and sat next to Riku. Ignoring him and his glaring, I brought up my subject.

"So Riku, have any hobbies or talents?"

At first he opened his mouth to say something, but almost immediately closed it. When he finally did speak, my heart sank.

"It's getting late, I better go home," he said, and stood up and walked to the door. Roxas rushed after him and blocked his way.

"Come on Riku, you haven't even been here ten minutes!" he said cheerfully. Riku opened his mouth to argue, but Roxas continued, "I'll explain everything to your parents later. Do you want something to drink or eat? Don't be shy to ask."

Riku shook his head, and sat back down, ignoring my fruitful gaze.

"Sora," said Roxas, smiling haphazardly, "can I speak to you in my room for a few moments please? We will be right back Riku, feel free to help yourself to a drink or snack," he added hastily. He then took my arm roughly, and guided me to his small room. From the moment he touched my hand, I knew he was infuriated with me.

"What the hell is wrong with you!" Roxas whispered loudly, as we entered his room, "I heard every word to said after I got out of the shower, and I never knew you could be like this Sora. I risk having him here and all you can say is that being ignored and hated is something that takes getting used to!"

"So it was you who told him to come here," I replied. Roxas looked as if he was about to burst with anger.

"That's not the point Sora," he snapped, "the only reason I told him to come here was because I know that you love him. I opened the door of opportunity for you to get to know him, and -"

"Hold on," I interrupted, "I thought you were the one to tell me not to fall in love with him. Why the sudden change of mind?"

"For Christ's sake Sora! Did you not take any hint or clue as to why I felt bad last night? I'm not going to stop you from falling in love okay! Now I want you to go out there and talk his head off you understand me!"

I didn't have time to either nod or reply, as he pushed me angrily out of his room.

"Sorry about that Riku," said Roxas, as he and I took our previous spots on the furniture, "now where were we... Oh yes, hobbies."

"I play the piano," he mentioned, falling silent swiftly, embarrassed.

Now it was time for me to act, to get his friendship, to get his love. "I love the piano! I get goose bumps whenever I hear it. Maybe you could play it for me sometime? I would really love that. You have a piano at home right?"

"Yes of course! And sure, I'll play for you," said Riku, smiling hopefully, "maybe tomorrow?"

I just smiled, receiving one in return.

"Now Riku," said Roxas, "tell us about yourself."