Chapter 7

Broken glass


The halls were crowded, yet all the brunette could focus on was the silver haired boy walking a few feet in front of him. It
seemed he was stumbling through the hall, but he had enough space to walk in between and keep himself from making contact with anything he was maneuvering through.

He tried walking faster, trying to catch the one ahead of him who was oblivious to his pursuit. The faster he seemed to walk, the further the silver haired youth was.

He frowned at the annoyance of his failed attempt and in the end he let his voice reach the other.
"Riku!" He let out another shout for good measure, "Riku!"

Silver locks stopped in the rhythmic sway, as the said boy halted in his steps. A slight turn of the head, offering a ear for another shout of his name.

Taking the offer, "Riku!"

At the name the silver haired boy turned in full, to search out with his green eyes at the source of the sound.

The brunette slowed his pace as he closed in on the other.
"Hey!" He let a lazy smile creep.

The other replied with a nod, his mouth formed a tight line.

Sora frowned, placing his nervous hands in his pockets.

"Sora?" Riku voiced the other's name softly.

Sora fidgeted at having his name said in such a way, frowning, "Hey.." His blue eyes fell from Riku's.
"About... well.. we.." He paused shortly, bringing his eyes to Riku's once again, "About.. that night.."

Riku frowned, "It's nothing, don't worry about it. You have Cloud..."

Sora bit his bottom lip.

"It's not just you and I any longer. You've involved yourself, away from me." Riku's words came flatly. "It can't be helped." His voice was heavy, almost tired, "Just don't worry about it."

Sora attempted to say something, anything, but nothing could form or escape his lips. Instead he watched as the other turned from him and walked. He stood there for a while, watching Riku's back, watching his hair sway from the movement of his steps. He was frozen in this moment, unable to move, or breath. Though his heart was pounding madly, threatening to break through his chest. A sudden shiver ran through his arms, down his back. Riku generated such a cold aura, that it lingered, paralyzing the brunette.

You involved yourself, away from me.


Sora tapped his fingers lightly on the smooth surface of his desk. He danced them along the wood, as far as his wrist would turn, his arm supported his head, that lay in view of his moving digits. Occasionally a frown would pull at his face, then as soon as it came a firm line flattened his lips once more. He concentrated on the rhythmic motion in which he let his fingers tap at the desk, though as fast as they came to the wood, he'd lighten the impact as to make sure no noise would come from them.

your so blind... I love you.

Was it obvious? Why would I assume anything, do people usually assume somebody loves them? How would I know, you could've told me. Were you... afraid? Why would you be afraid of telling me something like that?

"Sora?"

The brunette jumped at his name, his head shot from his arm to look into the eyes of the man that stood above him. Grey eyes. "Mr. Leon?" He questioned, his eyes searched around them, finding that they were alone.

"How long do you plan on staying here?" He questioned, seating himself on the desk next to Sora's.

"Oh.. sorry.. I didn't know class ended." Sora let a light smile crawl it's way on his face.

Leon narrowed his eyes, "Yeah, I noticed. Anything wrong?"

"Oh, nothing... I just... well I guess I wasn't paying attention." Sora frowned, a guilty expression pulled at his face.

"You've been distant lately, whenever I look at you it's either your staring holes into the wall or you've got your head down threatening to fall asleep." His words came quick and agitated.

Sora lowered his eyes, "I'm sorry."

A light sigh came from the older man, he ran a hand through his hair, moving the strands that lay in his face.
"Sora..." He paused briefly.

At his name he raised his eyes back to Leon's grey ones.

"You don't have to apologize but I am worried about you. Cid mentioned you weren't paying attention in first period. Even in my class, I thought you loved History?"

Sora nodded, "I do, but my mind just seems to go off on it's own, I don't even remember what we did in first period, or even if you were there either." Sora shrugged, "But I'd imagine you were, your always usually there, were you there?"

Leon frowned, "Yeah..." The older man eyed Sora, raising a brow.

Sora nodded, "Yeah, thought so." He smiled softly, "Your always hanging around in the shop."

"You sure nothings wrong?" Leon reached over to feel Sora's head, "Your kind of warm."

Sora gave a light shrug, "I don't know, guess my mind's been wearing me out." Sora sneezed.

"Do you have a cold? You've been sneezing a lot during class." Leon's words were filled with concern.

Sora frowned, a puzzled expression on his face, "I have?" He frowned.

"Is that why you weren't at school yesterday?" Leon interrogated.

Sora nodded, "Wasn't feeling well."

Leon stood, "Well you might as well go home right away, sleep it off." He walked from Sora to the front of the classroom, "Sleep is the best kind of medicine. Especially for someone so young."

Sora stood gathering his things, "Thank you."

Leon was silent, only letting his eyes trail over Sora's body, then he frowned. "Can anyone drive you home?"

"I could call somebody." He eyed Leon, knowing the other would know.

Leon nodded, "Cloud?" He reached into his pant's pocket, pulling out a few coins.
"Here, use this." He dropped the few coins in Sora's awaiting hand. "The office doesn't allow non-staff on their phones."

"Yeah, the pay phones are for us." Sora confirmed. He started to turn toward the door, then stopped suddenly.
"Does... Cloud mention me?"

Leon frowned, folding his arms across his chest.

Sora blushed, feeling ashamed for asking a dumb question.

"He thinks a lot of you and I agree." Leon's words came soft and welcoming, yet low and unsure.

Sora met his eyes with Leon's softened grey ones. Feeling the frustrated blush drain, he shoved hands into his pockets, "Thank you.."

"Tell me Sora," Leon crossed his arms, "What does it mean to value somebody?"

"Value somebody?" Sora frowned.

"Please, enlighten me on this." Leon pressed.

Sora's blue orbs fell from Leon's, "I guess it means to think about them. Being grateful for having them in your life."

Leon nodded, "I see." A frown pulled at the older man's face, "I'd expected none other then that answer, almost word for word." He paused, narrowing his eyes into Sora's, "However, do you think it takes more then that?" Leon sighed, "There's that cheery hallmark answer, but what does value mean? How much effort should we put into valuing the people that mean something to us. Would we reach out to them, making sure for each moment of their life they have the assurance of our guidance, of our helping hand? Or would we smile and only offer as much as it would take to secure ourselves a helping hand?"

"Mr... Leon?" Sora fidgeted, "If someone truly valued another, they wouldn't do it just to watch out for themselves, but rather, because that person was important to them." His brows furrowed, "Don't you think so? How could it really be valuing someone if their just planning on using them?"

Leon shrug, "It all depends on what value means to you."

Sora shook his head, "I believe value doesn't run with selfishness."

A long moment of silence passed between them before Sora sighed, killing the awkward moment.

"Sora." Leon rushed, startling the young brunette.

"Yes?" Sora inquired.

"Nothing." He closed the distance between them with a few short steps, he motioned with his hand towards the door, "You should get going."

Sora nodded, making his way through the door, he looked back once more, a soft smile on his face, "Sleep's the best medicine, right?"

Leon nodded, "Yes, for someone so young."

Sora gave a short lived smile as he walked from the classroom, he frowned as soon as he was three steps from Leon.

The discussion left Sora feeling uneasy, almost like Leon was trying to draw something out of him, or hint at something. A frown pulled at the brunette's face.

Riku.

Sora couldn't help the guilty feeling that pulled at his mood. Riku had loved him, the knowledge came with a feeling of warmth that ran a course through Sora's body. But it also brought embarrassment as well. His best friend was in love with him. How could he have not known that Riku felt this way? They were so close, he knows so much about Riku. How could he have not known how the other felt? How much did he not know already?

Riku was never about trendy things or popularity, although he was at the tip of everybody's tongue. He was just one of those people who everybody wanted to be around, and even some wanted. Riku always had that kind of attention, and Sora was almost jealous of it. But Riku stayed with Sora, through all that attention, his attention was always around Sora. It's the answer to why he'd never had a girlfriend.

Sora walked to the pay phones, eyeing them hesitantly. He wasn't really planning to call anybody. But Leon did give him the change to use the phone. To call for a ride. To call Cloud.

It wasn't that he wanted to be the subject of everybody's conversation he just wanted somebody to notice him. Like how some people noticed Riku, in that sort of way. He wanted to be wanted. Sora blushed, like how he wanted Cloud.

Tan fingers reached up to the the white phone. His grip was loose but he still held the phone securely. He placed the needed coins in the slot, then hastily ran his fingers across the digits that would connect him with Cloud.

Silence. Then the sound of the short ring came and went as he waited for the other to answer.

Riku and him always hung out together, during school and after. Any time you'd see Riku you'd see Sora as well, it was just how it was. Just recently.

We're important to each other, we value each other. Anything we'd need help going through we'd be able to count on the other for support. If he ever had a problem he'd always come to me, didn't he? I'd never take for granted our friendship, nor would Riku ever use me. We're not selfish, we don't feed ourselves off of each other. We've been friends ever since I can remember, there's no way anything can get between that, not school, Kairi, Tidus, or even...

"El..low?" The voice sounded almost annoyed.

Sora was startled from his thoughts, "Hey!" Sora rushed, "Hey, it's Sora.."

"Hey Sora, you know, I thought you forgotten how to speak." The tone was playful, "Are you still in there?"

Sora nodded, then finding there's no way the other could have known that he answered, "Yeah? What're you do'n?"

"Waiting for you to come out already!" The other rushed.

Sora frowned, "Huh?"

"I'm waiting outside for you, can we get it going? It's about to pour out here!"

"Oh!" A wide smile spread on Sora's face, "Yeah! I'll be right there!" He pushed the telephone back on it's receiver and started to walk towards the double doors.

Riku shifted his legs, bringing them out towards the grey waves that inched towards him, teasing to wet the feet, only to quickly roll back towards the large body of water. Riku found himself walking from the school, right after his encounter with Sora. His feet led him to the beach.

What would it matter anyway? It's obvious, so obvious. Riku clenched his fingers, forming a fist. Images of Sora ran through his head. He'd like the images to be ones of where the younger one was smiling, was happy. But all that crept to his mind were of times when he noted Sora frowning.

Maybe that's all it was, a realization. Riku didn't make Sora happy.
Riku shook his head, to deny the thought.

No, we've been friends forever, been together since I can remember. He'd thought the other would pick up on obvious hints that Riku felt for him. Even times when Riku would slip up and say something revealing the hidden secret.

"How did I get you started into all of that?" I inquired.
If your going to go on blaming me for this mess you better have a good reason.

"What you said last night. You know bout me liking Kairi. I never thought about it before, about liking somebody before." Sora confessed, taking his eyes from mine.

Oh God, I think I'm going to be sick. I started that idea that he might actually like her? I thought maybe it wasn't true, that you would deny it. But now you might have just found it to be true for yourself. I've just led you deeper into her game.
"Well now what?" The words left my mouth before I could stop them.

"What do you mean?" Sora asked, his eyes wide, and unsure. He stepped closer to me.

I felt my body involuntarily jump at his question, I watched in horror as he came closer to me. No don't come near me Sora, I'm going to be sick!

Then he faltered, he was still for a moment.
"When's the first time you ever looked at someone and... um" He blushed, and shoved his hands in his pockets.

The feeling of sickness drowned in my stomach, he looked so innocent. He is innocent. He's so curious.
"popped one?" I said that with a wide smirk on my face.

Sora nodded, then looked away from me. He's embarrassed.

"Years ago" I said, smugly, I'm not embarrassed by natural things like this.

Sora frowned, then shot his eye's back to me, "Years ago ?" His tone was in utter disbelief.

I nodded, "about two" I stated to be accurate about the situation.

"But you were only fourteen!" Sora protested. His mouth was open in... appall ?

"And you were only thirteen!" I rushed, trying not sound completely perverted. Then I realized I'd completely given myself away. I covered my eyes. I can't believe I just told Sora that... he's going to freak, he already was surprised at how 'young' he thought I was. But we weren't young Sora.

Not that he completely understood what I've done when I admitted that. But I did cover that incident up with some rubbish about maturing at different ages. Then later that night, you were so confused as to why no one liked Kairi. You continued to walk right into her demented plan. You would've been blind until the very end of it all, until she was done toying with you. You wouldn't have even known she's to heartless to like anyone. She was just jealous of what we have... had.

Riku let out a long sigh, he rolled his hand through the soft sand. His gaze fully focused on the in coming waves. I don't even know what we have anymore, is it anything? Do you really not care to see what was obviously right in front of you? Maybe it's not that your blind, you just don't want to see. You found Cloud after all. You just don't want to see me. I can't continue to look at you if you choose to look right past me. So then I'll just be back at the beginning of this whole mess. I'll avoid you.

Riku shook his head again.
"No." The word came simple and low.

I'm not going to run away this time! I'll show you Sora, even though it might not be something you want to see, I'll show you.
Because you have to know.
I love you.

"Um... well.." Sora blushed, finding it hard for words to form.

Cloud's eyes went from the rain that splattered on the glass window to Sora who sat, fidgeting in the passenger seat.

"Cloud..." Sora moved a strand of darkened hair from his face. "About... Aeris."

Cloud's lips formed a small smile, "I know, I'm sorry." The blonde offered, "I wasn't trying to keep anything from you."

Sora frowned, "Oh, no, I know. You don't have to be sorry."
But I want to know. I want to see.
"What was she like?"

Cloud let out a soft sigh, his small smile never faltered, "She had beautiful blue eyes, long chestnut hair. She usually kept it in a braid, and she always wore a pale pink dress, it was my favorite on her." He paused, "She was so innocent and pure, she also had a gift. She sensed things in others, she always knew what mood I was in, or if something was bothering me, she'd know what it was. She was very open to people's emotions. Almost like she knew anything and everything on the way humans work. She was a loving person though." A soft smile curved his lips, "If I knew how everybody worked I'd probably be pissed off all the time. We all have our malfunctions, but to see everybody on the course of destruction... I just couldn't deal with it. I couldn't love somebody who was on that kind of road." Cloud took his eyes from Sora's, returning his gaze back to the splattering rain. "Aeris was different though, she still loved us. Even through knowing how selfishly driven people could be, she still had it in her heart to love. That's what makes her so pure, that's why I loved her." His blue orbs turned to Sora's, "That's why I love you."

Sora felt his heart skip at the confession. He was loved by Cloud... Cloud loved him. He felt his mouth drop slightly, taking in a sharp breath.

Cloud smiled, his features seemed to glow, "You have the same aura has her, you draw me in. I know it's only been a short time since we really started to see each other, but already I feel so close to you."

Sora blushed, he was drowning in the deep sincere eyes of the other. He exhaled a breath he didn't note he was holding. His nervous eyes shifted to the front door of his home. Then, after a few moments, his passenger door opened, Cloud stood bent over offering his hand to him. Sora took the hand, with the help of the other he stood from the car. The door closed from behind them. Rain attacked the small brunette, the water plastered his hair to his face. They began to walk side by side to the door. All of this was happening, yet it felt like it was something Sora was watching. His body led Cloud to his room, his eyes watched as the other placed wet hands on Sora's jacket, taking it down from his shoulders, letting it fall to the floor. Cloud, then, removed his rain wet jacket, letting it drop next to Sora's.

Every nerve tingled and reacted, sending shivers across Sora's body. He felt himself long, yet shy away from the taller man. Cloud's hands traced the side of his cheeks, wiping the brown strands from his face.

"Every moment without you, is nothing at all." Cloud started, "I feel you even when your not around." He brought the other into an embrace, taking his hands down Sora's back to the hem of his shirt. Wet fingers traced the moist skin of Sora's back.

Sora let out a shaky breath, The fingers on his back were cold, but he longed for them to stay. He felt the digits dance and twirl on his skin, drawing him to huddle closer into Cloud's chest.

"I see your eyes, hear your voice, feel your skin." Cloud continued, "Your perfect. Your just like her, you have this light, much like she had hers."

Sora frowned, "Aeris..." He let the name fall helplessly from his lips. He closed his eyes as he nuzzled deeper into the strong chest.

Cloud pulled at the shirt, lifting it over Sora's head. Then without a moment of breath he removed his own shirt. "Sora.." He called to the other, his tone was deep, and his call was insecure. He pulled the other back into the embrace, their moist skin pressed against each other.

Sora felt a small unsure croak creep up his throat, escaping from his lips, a blush followed.

Cloud's expression haltered, as he pushed the brunette away, just far enough for their eyes to meet. A small smile crept to his face, "I won't.." He started, though he let his eyes fall from Sora's, to look at the younger boys chest, then he brought them back up to meet Sora's questionable gaze, "I'll leave?" His tone had an almost pained heaviness, however it also carried a knowing confidence.

Sora moved into Cloud once more, wrapping his arms tighter against the other. He let his answer, to the question, come from a slight shake of his head. His eyes focused on the pale pink nipple of the other, his cheeks reddened with embarrassment. He shut his eyes, denying his eyes to seek the other's body.

Cloud let his fingers softly dance once again on Sora's bare back, one hand came to play with the wet chestnut strands.

Sora let a breath come heavy and hot from his mouth. Having the other's touch on him was sending nervous but pleasurable sensations through his body. He absently clutched the other's soft back, bringing his hands to rub over to the others pants. Fingers dipped curiously between the tightened pants then out to play with the belt that held the clinging cloth on the other.

Cloud ran his fingers up the back of Sora's neck stroking, massaging at it before his fingers dived through the wet locks. He let the locks intertwine with his fingers, he clutched and held Sora's head within his hand. The smaller boy rolled his head back to the palm that sent the invitation. Exposing his neck, beckoning silently, yet loudly for the other to take advantage of the bare skin. As wanted, Cloud leaned in, giving the neck a gentle peck. Then he moved from spot to spot, leaving a kiss from below the other's chin to the other's collar bone. Sora felt a wet, warm, tongue probing at his skin, then felt the tongue drag up to his chin. Goose bumps ran across his body, as the tongue lapped at his neck. Sora felt his knees weaken as Cloud began to suck at his ear. A soft moan escaped the smaller boy at the feeling of Cloud's fingers being drawn down his chest to play at his pants. "Sora.." Cloud whispered into the ear his mouth was so close to. Cloud began to move the younger boy, walking him backwards, while nibbling on his ear.

Sora felt the back of his thighs hit the bed. Cloud gently pushed the other down on the bed. He was silent as he felt Cloud run his fingers down Sora's stomach, stopping at the button. The blonde looked from the small circle button to Sora's eyes.

A light blush came from the brunette, as his eyes met with Cloud's.

"Sora.." Cloud cooed to the other, his other hand started to rub at the other's thigh. He let his head fall just above the smaller boys lap. A small grin crawled to the blondes face, as he let his chin fall suggestively on the other's pant's.

Sora ran a hand through the other's blonde strands. The chin rubbed at the younger boy, playing with the hardness that was being suffocated by the pants and the other's chin.

"Sora.." Cloud stated his name thick with lust, and as deep as he'd ever heard Cloud before.

The very mention of his name said in such a way sent a pleasurable chill down his spine. Sora moaned letting himself fall completely into the mattress that supported him. He felt his body lock stiff, but under the touch of Cloud's fingers he felt himself mold to the movements made upon him. His eyes fluttered open, as he realized the pressure of the pants had disappeared, he found himself staring at the man that stood unbuttoning his own pant's. He was entranced with every movement the blonde made. His eyes ran across the other's bare body. He absently ran a hand down to his own member as he eyed Cloud's chest down to his well defined stomach then to the little yellow hairs that trailed down further to Cloud's erect member. Sora felt flushed, as he began to absently stroke himself to the image of the man that stood before him. He ran his free hand through his hair, licking his lips hungrily. The blonde grinned, kneeling himself in front of Sora, taking Sora's hand away from his member. Hot breath tingled and teased the hardness, causing Sora to fill with a hunger of need.

"Sora.." Cloud whispered, then he took his lips and wrapped it around the other's shaft. His tongue played at the slither of the opening, drawing out a moan from the small brunette. He ran his tongue through and down the other's member, in rhythm to the hand that pumped it.

Sora's breath was short and heavy, as pleased moans escaped from his throat. He clenched and ran his hands through the blonde's hair. He felt his body occasionally buck towards the retreating mouth, forcing the other to take his hardened piece again. He felt the other place a heavy hand on Sora's hips, keeping him down as he left the member. Cold air attacked his exposed and wet shaft. Sora's eyes fell open to the change of atmosphere. His blue eyes came heavy to Cloud's, the brunette knew he wore a pleading expression. The expression of somebody who's in lust and in need of more pleasure.

"Cloud." Sora called to the blonde.

Cloud crawled from his position, laying himself on top of the smaller boy, he pressed soft kisses on the boys neck until he reached his chin.

"Sora.." He whispered, once again sending a chill down the brunette's back.

Sora smiled softly at the intensity of his name being said. He wrapped his arms around the other's neck, closing the distance between them. He pressed firmly on the other's lips. Massaging at the lips, playing with them, his tongue lapped at the lips, he was met by Cloud's dominant one. His lips parted, giving the tongue entrance into his mouth, the other took at the inside of him instantly. Their tongues swirled and danced with one another, pushing at each other then wrapping around the other. A pleased moan vibrated within the caves of their mouths, causing another moan of pleasure to sound. Sora withdrew his tongue as a smile found it's way to disturb their pursuit on one another.

Cloud took two fingers, dipping them into Sora's mouth.

Sora sucked at the fingers, letting his tongue play with them fondly. Cloud moved his fingers from Sora's mouth, his hand disappeared from view. Sora let out a gasp as he felt Cloud twirl his wet fingers at his entrance. His eyes shut tightly, as the blonde maneuvered a finger inside Sora, pushing at the inside walls of the brunette. Sora let out a pained moan, making the blonde stop in the motion of his finger.

"Sora?" Cloud questioned, his finger rolled inside him softly.

Sora opened his eyes, meeting the concerned stare from the older blonde. He took in a shaky breath, the finger began to roll faster inside him. Sora found a firm clutch on the wrinkled sheets they laid on. Cloud pushed the second finger in.

Sora moaned, then laid his head down, staring at the dark ceiling above them. His palms were moist, the sheets were hot under his clenching fingers.

"Are you.." Cloud began, his fingers moved rhythmically inside the brunette, pushing, pulling, stretching.

Sora placed a hand on Cloud's shoulder, holding on to him as Cloud withdrew the fingers. Their eyes met, blue dived into blue, Sora's heart began to pound.
"I want to connect with you." He heard his lust driven words tear at the silence, confirming the question within Cloud's eyes.
I'm ready.

Cloud positioned himself between Sora, pulling the younger one's legs up from the bed, pushing them against his stomach. With a quick glance into the brunette's eyes, Cloud licked at his own fingers, then once again placed them into Sora. It wasn't as before, he moved the fingers faster, and wider within Sora. The moaning, panting boy could feel as the inside of him was being pushed at by the alien fingers. It was painful but he longed more for the feeling. The fingers tickled at the inside walls as well as push at them harshly. Then then the fingers were gone. Blue orbs peeked from the ceiling to Cloud, the blonde was looking at him, waiting for him. He pushed himself inside of Sora. The brunette lost a breath in his throat at the sudden change. Cloud was slow at the intrusion, pushing in then pulling back from. Sora's head pulled back, pointing his chin towards the ceiling, his eyes locked with the shaking bed post. His back was stiff, with his legs tight against his stomach. Cloud's hands rested on the legs, shaking Sora, with each small thrust. A deep loud moan sounded from the smaller boy as the the blonde pushed deeper. His mouth widened as the other continued to pull from him only to push in deeper. His fingers tightened against the wrinkled sheets, his back faltered, leaving him more flexible. Eyes met the ceiling again as he relaxed his head. He heard fast breaths come from the blonde, he let his eyes fall to the other who was licking at his pale pink lips. Sora flushed, a light smile crawled from his lips.

The blonde was beautiful. Cloud's eyes were shut, sometimes tightly but then relaxed, his mouth opened only to close, then a pink tongue would escape to moisten the already wet lips. His brow was glistening with sweat. His breath escaped quickly and was accompanied with pleased moans.

Sora rolled his eyes closed, he was soon to loose himself. He let out a loud moan, he heard the blonde call at his name. Then with a fast pulsing he came. He looked once again to Cloud, watching the other smile as he witnessed the white substance ooze from the smaller boy. Sora was flushed, embarrassed from having a witness to such an occurrence. Then he watched as Cloud closed his eyes, rolling his head towards the ceiling, his hands tightened on Sora's legs. His thrusts slowed, and he felt Cloud throbbing inside of him. His shaft maneuvered within him fully lubricated now. After a moment, Cloud returned his eyes to Sora, a small smile crept to his face, he removed himself from Sora slowly. Sora gave another low noise at the absence of Cloud. The brunette's legs dropped from his stomach, as Cloud laid next to Sora. An arm snaked it's way around the smaller boy, pulling his body closer to the blonde. Sora grabbed the blanket, quickly wiped at his semen then discarded the sheet.

"Sora.." Cloud's call came tiredly. He wrapped his legs in with the younger boys. His eyes met with Sora's, fingers dived into chestnut colored hair, playing with the strands.

Sora felt himself being drawn in completely with the deep blue orbs. He ran his hand over the blondes face. Wiping the blonde strands from the face, rubbing at the forehead that was moist with sweat. His fingers traveled down to the other's pale pink lips. A finger traced the top then the bottom lip. Cloud smiled, then kissed the finger. Sora was pulled closer into Cloud's body, his head between the other's shoulder and neck.

"Your the purest part of me, I won't let you go, my light." Cloud promised softly.

Riku strolled from his bedroom towards the bathroom, he'd heard in the hallway the television was on in the front room. He rolled his eyes as it was a sports announcer for some volleyball game. He made it at his destination, and turned on the shower. What he really needed was a nice warm shower. He'd keep that in the front of his mind, pushing the cold rejecting fate in the back of his mind. But it didn't matter, that's how it was, for people like him. Sora was childish, but he'd always look out for his friends, making sure everyone was alright and that everyones needs were kept. Even when it came up to standing up to somebody, for his friends, he would. It didn't matter that Sora looked two years younger then what he actually was, he'd still do it. Riku frowned, Sora was always being taken advantage of, no matter how good he was to people.

He lifted his shirt over his head as steam started to form around the bathroom, then he took down his pants. He looked in the cabinet for some towels, however, to his almost knowing confirmed sigh, he found not one. He ran a hand through his silver locks and walked out of the bathroom, in nothing but his boxers. It was a short trip through the hall, past the front door and through the kitchen to the laundry room. There he found some towels folded on top of the dryer. He took the plane white, firmly folded towels and walked them from the laundry room. On the way back he noticed the television was off, and Vincent blankly staring into the black screen. Riku adverted his sight, feeling confused, for the some-what zombie like expression on the other's face. He found the steam floating heavily out of the bathroom and smiled as his skin was greeted by the moist atmosphere inside. He put a towel on the counter for himself and the rest inside the cabinet. He then removed himself from the boxers, kicking them to his pile of dirty clothes.

The water was more then welcomed as the temperature was just right, reddening his usual pale skin at the warmth of the droplets. He rubbed at his face then brought his hands to run through his hair. Although his body was fully absorbing this experience, he wore a heavy frown. His thoughts found their way to what was lingering in the back of his mind.

Sora was no longer his.
He knew he shouldn't have acted so cold to the other, when he thought Sora liked Kairi. But his jealousy screamed louder then his heart. He was unable to control himself from pushing the brunette away.

I didn't think it'd be that long until you finally figured out how much I love you, I thought you'd find that you loved me as well. I can't believe it worked out this way, your always being manipulated!
Riku clenched his hand, he stared angrily towards the water drain.

Don't you see? I never took advantage of you, I would never manipulate you. You and I are real, Sora, we're not fake with each other. Then Cloud decided to come around, and take you from me.

He fisted his other hand, his shoulders shook lightly, as he thought of the blonde.

You've taken him from me, all your doing is using him to have some sort of sick twisted revenge on us. Your so bent up on believing that my father killed your lover. I've done nothing, but I'm not going to sit back and let you take Sora from me, your distractions will end. He'll see, the truth. I'll show him the truth.

Riku shut the luke warm water off and left the shower. He grabbed at his towel and twisted it around his waste. His eyes met the fogged mirror. Only a blur of pale skin and silver hair was reflected.

What about the truth? You don't know anything Riku! Your so blind! Just like your father!

Riku growled angrily at the remembrance of the blondes haste words, he felt his body shudder with rage. The next thing he realized was that his fist was making contact with the mirror that denied a clear visual of his reflection. Glass shattered and punctured his skin. Blood oozed and dripped freely, falling to the pearl sink.

The truth, your one to talk.
Riku directed his words to Cloud, his mind taking no notice of the wounds across his fist.
Your view on the truth is twisted, you'll manipulate any situation you can, even Sora. What are you doing with Sora? What does he have that you want?

The door was being pounded on as Riku finally escaped his mental hold.

"Riku! Riku!" The voice rushed, it was loud, and concerned. It was Vincent.

Riku sighed as realization of the mess of glass and blood that scattered across the bathroom sink. He could feel inside himself a laughter rising, though his expression remained in the same state as when he punctured the mocking mirror. The laughter sounded through his head, through his body, it was taunting. Words followed the laughter, yet came in sync to it, words that degraded his very own consciousness.

I've changed, this rage inside me has sprouted, these violent acts are not my own. This is what love has done to me, it's planted this violent nature in me.

"Riku! Open the door!" The voice came threatening.

The silver haired boy sat in awe of the scattered glass and splattered blood. His fist was pounding.

Vincent, you've been avoiding me. Are you concerned if I'm alright? Even though you've been doing your hardest to avoid me, but I've caught your eyes on me a couple of times. Your pained eyes.
Laughter sounded once again, hollowing through his mind.

I've been careless towards you, heartless.

Riku felt himself start to shudder again, his knees began to give in, he slid to the floor. He let himself rest against the wall, he eyed at the door that was being pounded on.

"Riku! Dammit! Open the damn door!" The voice came shaky.

Vincent, don't loose your composure, your strong that way. Don't be weak for me, I don't deserve your faltering over me. Just give me a minute. Let me collect myself.

"Riku say something!" The pounding was less aggressive as before, the tone was lower then the shouts before.
"Riku, answer me, are you alright?" The voice was low and shaky, Vincent had stopped pounding on the door.
"Riku... just... talk to me!"

Riku frowned, feeling a few of his muscles jerk to action, he slid up from the floor. Then all to suddenly he unlocked the bathroom door, not even realizing he'd locked it before.

The door opened, slowly but almost to quickly. Vincent stood, holding the door knob, his sight laid heavily on Riku's cut hand. Chocolate eyes glanced quickly at the mirror then to Riku's eyes, who found more interest in the floor then the other.
"Riku.." Vincent took a slow step foreword, his black socked foot caught Riku's attention.

Riku's eyes jerked from the floor to the concerned eyes that poured endlessly into his. Vincent, almost hesitantly, took another step towards Riku, he softly kicked the door closed behind him.

"Are..." The other began.

Riku suddenly felt his chest tighten.

"What's going on?" Vincent's voice was low, a soft hum.

Riku was quiet for a while, though he knew that the other would wait, patiently at that, for the answer to come. He knew the other would put two and two together; the bloody hand, the broken glass. Vincent wanted to know why.

Because I can't control it anymore. This anger, these emotions, this jealousy. I pushed Sora away, even when he tried to talk to me, I kept him at a distance. He even came to my door, my bag full of clothes as an excuse to see me, I still pushed him away. He was with him. I'm even surprised Cloud would show up here, if he hated us that much, if he hated dad that much, why would he chance seeing him? It could be avoided.

"Give me your hand." The words were nothing short than a demand. He guided me to sit on the closed toilet seat. Then started to pry glass from my fist.

"I know you'd rather I not be the one doing this." He paused, "I'm trying to give you space, trying not to intrude." His tone picked up, "But if you're going to go around bashing things in and piercing your skin then I'm going to have to intervene some where." Riku knew the other well enough to define the tone as almost mocking, but still, behind that sarcastic remark, he heard the other's pain. Vincent turned the faucet on and rinsed the bloodied fist in the cold water.

"Vincent.." Riku looked to the other's avoiding eyes.
"I'm sorry."

The brunette looked up from the mess of glass, in which he'd been cleaning, into Riku's aquarium eyes.
"What?" The word was almost lost between the over powering stillness in the room.

This isn't right, I have no right!
Riku jerked his hand from the water with a loud grunt.
"Vincent! This isn't how it should be!" He could feel his chest rising heavily then fall deeply as he breathed.
"I'm sorry for being this way to you, all you've done was help me. You don't deserve to be just pushed aside like that, you haven't done anything wrong." Riku could feel his heart race in his chest, "I don't know what's wrong with me, all I do is push people away from me!"

"You can't push me away, I'm not going to leave you." Vincent quickly offered.

"I know, you won't let me push you away." Riku shifted his weight as he brought up a finger to point at Vincent, "All that we've been through, you've always stuck around, you never once given up on me!" Riku let his hand fall to his side, "Why? I've been cruel to you, I've pulled you in and I've depended on you, then I accused you of... distracting me." The silver haired boy frowned, taking his gaze from the concerned chocolate eyes that watched him hesitantly. The words tore at him, the heavy truth of the words pulled him down, he felt like he couldn't breathe. All this time Vincent has let me use him, let me rip at his emotions, then I brushed him off. Why didn't I see what I was doing? Why did I hurt him?

"Because I love you." Vincent met the eyes that rushed to his with those said words.

"Love.." Riku frowned, his expression was curious.

"Even though your saying all this, these cruel words about yourself. It's different, for me, because I love you none of that bothered me. Even now, if you'd ask something of me, I would do it for you. All I want is to love you, no matter what that may mean to you, or how you want me to express it. I just want to love you."

Vincent's words were heavy and they brought a stinging pain to Riku's eyes. The selflessness meaning behind the words, tore at Riku's heart. He longed for the other to embrace him, he desired to curl up and be soothed by the arms of the boy who'd said such words, to be comforted once more by Vincent. But he can't, he couldn't, no matter if the other would do it. He couldn't. Not after the way Riku was towards him, how selfish he was to someone who loved him. He used him, and that's all he'd be doing if he'd ask such a thing, he'd be using him, again.

"I.. I'm sorry." Riku looked from the saddened expression of Vincent, to the wet tile below him.

"No, don't be." Vincent turned from Riku, "I'll always be here." The words lingered through the air, like a cold breeze through the warm moist air. They struck Riku harshly, leaving bumps on his pale skin. The intensity of the confession, the sorrowful eyes of the other, bore into him deeply. Making his heart quiver. Vincent loved him though he was being put through the pain of not having love in return. It was worse than that, it was having abuse in return. Riku took advantage of Vincent's feelings, using his love to aide him, but giving nothing in return. Is that was love was about? Reaching out though you know the other would not reach back? How sad it would feel to be held by the one you love, to be intimate with the person you desire, only to always have the nagging reality in the back of your mind, taunting you. It's not true. These brief encounters of comfort aren't real, their a bittersweet taste of something that will never be real. Riku frowned as he knew what Vincent said was sincere.

I'll always be here.

It wasn't real. He can't continue to use Vincent, he can't pretend that Vincent was gaining the same comfort from their intimacy, when he knew all it was doing was... hurting him.

Why are you hurting him?

TBC

I want to thank my reviewers, you guys really give me the oomph to get it in gear.

I want to apologize... IMMENSELY, for the time it took to post this chapter.. for shame, it's been done for a while..
Chapter 8 is looking pretty good... should be done shortly... I promise I'll get that up sooner then I did 7.

Feedback is incredibly desired.

Now for my reviewers. (I've seen this done, and I thought it be so nice to do it as well. I want to recognize the one's that taken time to leave feedback.. thank you so much!)

Riku
great story so far, i just finished chapters 1-6 and they are totally awesome, though i wish Riku loved Vincent too, oh well, its still a really good story so far and i can't wait till you post the next chapter

Thank you, I appreciate you reading my story. It's sad, because at least once, each individual finds that one love that will never be returned. Finding ways to deal with it, or compromise with the dilemma, can sometimes be painful... Making one desire to be stoic in their emotional sense. Though.. that's the flaw of humans.. we thrive off feelings versus instinct.. In which, separates us from animals.

person with cookies
dude, that was a really really really confusing story. but it was AWESOME. please update soon!

My goal is to have the story end up with a sense of comprehension in the end. Thank you for your complement. I'm sorry my update didn't come to soon, however, I will strive to do better next time.

dimonyo-anghel
wha poor people involved with the stupid deaths and the people involved with the people in the stupid deaths!

Death affects more then just one person. Just like life. We all have our connections within this life, carrying on, moving foreword within this life.. Just particularly, in this story, death helps the binding of this story.. while on the pages it's life that is read.

moi
very good... but why do you have to be so mean to kairi.

All shall be revealed.. promise!