Reno lounged in a chair, flipping through TV channels and trying to find something at least slightly interesting to watch, but was having no luck. It had been at least an hour since Namine had called her sister, and he was starting to give up hope of Kairi having had any luck.
Namine came back from the kitchen with a box of chocolate chip cookies. "I couldn't find any brownies, but I found these." She laid the box on the table as she sat down on the couch. "Hey, Riku!" She yelled. "We have cookies!" No answer. Namine sighed.
Reno sat up, grabbing a cookie, "Make yourself comfortable. Hear anything from your sister?"
Namine shook her head, taking her own cookie. "No, not yet."
They sat in silence, eating their cookies for a moment, but then there was a knock on the door. Reno glanced at Namine before jumping up to answer it, but much to his disappointment, instead of the brunette he'd been hoping for, a curvier brunette was standing there.
"Oh, Ri." he said.
"You sound disappointed." she commented.
"Hoping you were Sora coming to convince Riku to leave his room." Reno admitted, letting his sister in.
"He still hasn't left?" Aerith asked, surprised.
"Nope." Reno sighed, shutting the door behind his sister, "Namine, this is Aerith, Ri, Nami."
Namine quickly stood up, brushing cookie crumbs off herself before offering her hand. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you!"
"You too." Aerith smiled, "Do you think there's any chance he'd open the door for me?"
"Probably not." Reno shook his head.
Aerith sighed, "I'll give it a try anyway." she said, walking down to Riku's room without another word and knocking on the door.
"Riku, it's Aerith..." she said softly, "Can we talk?"
"We already talked. What're you doing here, anyway? Go home. I'm fine." Riku yelled, rolling over onto his back and staring up at his ceiling, thoughts swirling in his head making his eyes burn and his chest ache. "Leave me alone." He said softer, but still loud enough for his sister to hear through his door.
"You're not fine." Aerith said, "I came by to see if there was anything I could do. I know that seems like a stupid question, though."
"Can you turn back time and stop me from opening my big, stupid mouth?" Riku asked bitterly. "Just leave me alone, Aerith." Riku closed his eyes, trying to take calming breaths as he really really wanted to stop crying so much already.
Aerith sighed, "I'll be here for awhile. If you want something to eat, or anything at all, just let me know, okay?"
Riku nodded and rolled over onto his side, facing the wall and placing his back to the door, ignoring the fact that his sister couldn't see him.
Namine approached Aerith. "Nothing?"
Aerith shook her head, "Nothing... I said I'd stick around awhile, though, so I plan to."
Namine smiled softly. "I'm staying for now, as well."
"Sounds good." Aerith smiled, ignoring the fact that this was Reno's apartment, not hers.
Walking back into the living, Namine frowned at the half-eaten box of cookies. "Reno, did you seriously just eat all of those cookies? You'll be sick!"
Reno shrugged, "I didn't eat dinner, so cookies became my dinner."
Aerith shook her head, "That's it, I'm making real food."
"Do you need any help?" Namine asked.
"Nah, I'm good." Aerith smiled, "Thank you, though."
"Well, if you change your mind..." Namine trailed off.
"I'll let you know. Thanks." Aerith smiled, vanishing into the kitchen.
Looking after her uncertainly, Namine reluctantly settled back on the couch.
XXXX
"This was a bad idea…" Sora muttered as he gripped the metal harder. This hadn't seemed so high during his senior year of high school, when he'd snuck over here all the time to hang out with Riku. Now it seemed a lot higher and a lot more dangerous, and Sora was avoiding looking down. He hooked his arm around one of the poles to give himself less of a chance of falling and reached out with his other hand, knocking loudly on the glass and hoping Riku would answer. He was the only one that ever visited him via window, after all. He hoped he'd understand.
And quickly, because Sora wasn't sure how much longer he could hang without falling.
Riku sat up, dazed. He could have sworn he heard someone knocking, but it didn't sound like it was coming from his door, which meant it was coming from his window and the only person ever stupid enough to climb three stories to his window was Sora and there's no way Sora's at his window because... "Fuck." The silverette whispered, pressing the heels of his hands to his bloodshot and aching eyes.
Sora knocked again, really hoping he hadn't somehow gotten the window wrong or that Namine hadn't lied to Kairi about Riku not leaving his room because in either situation, he was dangling three floors above the ground for no reason.
Riku jerked, his hands falling into his lap. No way... he had to be dreaming. But... but what if he wasn't, and Sora was hanging outside his window right now? It wouldn't hurt to check, right? But what if he's not there? But what if he is? Shaking his head and quickly striding to his window before his head exploded with 'what if's', Riku pulled up the blinds and very nearly had a heart attack before his body moved in auto pilot, opening the window and pulling Sora inside. Sora. In his bedroom. Riku's brain hurt and he was dizzy. He blindly grabbed at his desk chair and sat down.
Sora took a deep breath now that there was actual floor beneath him and the threat of falling three stories was diminished, "Thanks." he said, trying to regain his breath.
"What are-" Riku croaked, then cleared his throat. "What are you doing here?"
"You haven't left your room." Sora answered, as if that explained everything.
Riku's jaw dropped, and he opened and closed his mouth a few times before managing to ask: "Why do you care? It's not any of your business anymore what I do or don't do."
Sora sighed, not moving from Riku's floor, "I reacted really horribly the other day."
What was left of Riku's heart crumbled and he snapped, jumping to his feet, fists clenching at his sides. "You reacted horribly? That's what you climbed into my room to say. You reacted horribly. Well, great. Good for you for figuring that out, but I guess there really is no great way to crush your best friend into a million little pieces, is there? Don't worry, you did great though! I cried for hours and hours and my whole body hurts and you reacted horribly? Get the fuck out. Get out of my room. Now!"
"Riku!" Sora said, hopping up, "Wait! I wasn't-Fuck, Riku, you KNOW I suck at stuff like this!" he snapped, "I've never been in a situation like this, and I just... I didn't know HOW to handle it, and I made the wrong decision! And I know I can never make up for it, but I'm trying, Riku. I'm sorry!"
"Don't." Riku bit out, crossing his arms over his chest to hide their shaking. "Don't stand there apologizing. You made your point loud and clear - you will never love me the way I love you. And I can't-" Riku broke off, his voice cracking. He turned his head to stare at his door, avoiding looking at Sora as the tears started gathering on his lashes. He tried holding them in, but a few escaped, rolling down his cheeks. "God, Sora. You don't even know what you did to me - do to me, standing there. I love you. I think... I think I'll always love you. But it hurts. It hurts so much and I don't know what to do and I-" Riku stopped, tears clogging his throat.
"I'm sorry..." Sora repeated, "I never meant to do this to you. And I have no idea how to do this, Riku, but I'm willing to try, for you." he sighed, "You're my best friend, Riku, and I don't want to lose you. I can't promise it will work out, but I'd be an even bigger ass than I already am if I wasn't willing to try it."
Riku stared at him, not caring that he was letting Sora see that he was crying. "What... what are you saying?"
"I want to try dating... you..." Sora said, trailing off awkwardly, "Fuck that sounds creepy."
Riku looked disappointed. "I guess I am dreaming after all. God, why is this so unfair? Why does my brain keep torturing me like this? I..." He shook his head, a few more tears slipping down his face.
Sora walked over, putting both his hands on Riku's shoulders, "Dude, I can't promise more than this, but you're definitely not dreaming. And if you are, call me when you wake up so I don't have to dangle from your window again. Fucking scary."
Riku's eyes widened and he hesitantly brought his hand up to touch Sora's, jumping back once he made contact. "Holy shit!" he yelled. "This is real? You want to... you want to date me?"
Sora opened his mouth to answer, but was interrupted by a knock on the door, "Riku, are you okay? I heard yelling." His sister's voice called.
Sora glanced over, "Your sister's here?"
"Yeah. And my brother. And Namine. It shouldn't surprise you, really, since I cried all over Aerith, got drunk with Reno, and yelled at Nami." Riku said, before saying louder: "I'm fine! I'll... I'll be out in a few minutes, okay? Please just give me some time."
"Of course!" his sister's voice called back, "I'm making dinner, think you'll feel up to eating?" she asked, unable to hear Sora cursing under his breath about putting Riku through too much shit.
Riku's stomach growled. "Yeah, yeah. Okay. Thanks!" He yelled through the door, before turning to face Sora. "Are you asking me out?" He bluntly asked, wiping the tear tracks from his face. "Because if you are, I have to know why. If it's because you... you feel bad, or you just want your friend back... Look, eventually, I'll get over it. Over... over you. And find myself a boyfriend who won't hurt me. I don't want a pity relationship."
Sora shook his head, "No. It's nothing like that. I mean, yeah, it's partially wanting you back, because dude, I have no life outside of you, I proved that this weekend. I... I want to try this. I don't want to see you upset again, and it's not because I feel bad or anything (even though I do, but that's not the point.) I'm... I'm fucking coherent tonight, huh?" he sent Riku a smile, hoping to dislodge some of the tension, "I suck at this."
Riku tentatively smiled back. "Yes, you do." His smiled fell, however, as he asked seriously, "But do you... would you really be able to... you told me you're not gay. Are you really going to be okay with telling people you're my boyfriend? And having me announce you as mine? I won't hide in the closet with you. I want something... real. You'd be comfortable dating me? Holding hands?"
"As long as you don't mind taking it slow so I can figure out what the fuck I'm doing, Riku, I'm fine with anything." Sora promised.
"I want something real." Riku whispered. "I don't want to start something only to get crushed again. Please, please don't do this unless you are really willing to try, because I don't know if I could take it."
Sora put his hands on Riku's shoulders again, "I promise Riku, I'm really willing to try this."
Riku took a deep breath and smiled. He stepped away from Sora and towards his door, holding out his hand. "Prove it."
"Sure." Sora said, taking Riku's hand, "But you're explaining how I got in here."
Riku stared down at their interlaced fingers and squeezed lightly, immediately feeling Sora's answering squeeze. His grin widened, and his chest hardly hurt anymore. Maybe... Maybe this could work.
Unlocking the door, he opened it and led Sora through into the living room, where Namine and Reno were standing talking to Aerith as she cooked dinner. He cleared his throat, feeling all their eyes turn to them.
"Hey." He said lamely, attempting a smile.
Aerith (barely) resisted the urge to throw the pan she was holding into the air, pretty sure that Reno's reflexes wouldn't catch it in time. "Hi." she said, lamely, "Uhh... how did Sora get in?"
"Through the window." Reno grumbled, "Used to do that all the fucking time years ago. Should've realized."
Aerith glanced at Reno and then at Sora, and then finally back to Riku, "But you're on the third floor!"
"That's never seemed to stop him." Riku said shrugging, his heart mending a little more as the tug pulled on his hand still linked with Sora's.
Namine took a deep breath, then let it out slowly. "Riku? Are you okay?"
"Yeah. Thanks, Nami. Sorry for worrying you." Riku said, smiling at her.
"Why are you and Sora holding hands?" Namine asked, glancing at Reno and Aerith before looking at the couple, worry clearly written on her face.
Riku took one look at the frozen look on Sora's face and decided that he would answer the question first, but not letting him completely off the hook. "He decided to try being my boyfriend. I accepted because I love him. Now he's going to prove it by saying it out loud. In front of my family and closest friend besides himself. Right, Sora?"
Sora gave Riku a look, "You're trying to make me babble incoherently again, aren't you?"
Riku shook his head. "While that was amusing the first time, I really do want to hear the words come out of your mouth. I want something real, remember? If this is too much for you, say it right now."
Namine nodded in firm agreement, glad Riku wasn't letting his love for Sora blind him to the fact that the brunette was deep, deep in the closet.
"I came over here and snuck in his window to tell him that I wanted to try this, so we're trying it. We're dating." Sora said, hoping the words connected right.
Riku's smile was pure joy. He squeezed Sora's hand. "See? Now that wasn't so hard to say, was it?"
Namine laughed, rushing over to hug Riku. "I'm so happy for you! I had hoped things would work out!"
Riku gave her a one armed hug in response, unwilling to let go of Sora's hand just yet. "Thanks, Nami. For everything."
Namine grinned as she pulled back, stepping over to Sora and looking him dead in the eye. "Sora, I love you like a brother. But I'm Riku's best friend now that you're his boyfriend, which means I love him more. Don't hurt him again. I'm glad you finally came to your senses, though." She gave him a quick hug, before stepping back and standing next to Reno, smiling at him in amusement as he had tracked her every move with his eyes.
"Trust me, I never want to see what I came through the window to ever again." Sora said.
"I'd have half a mind to smack you right now for what you did to my brother." Aerith said, "But I won't, because I think Riku might not like that."
"Oh, no. Don't mind me. Just don't do any lasting, permanent damage, and we're good." Riku teased.
Aerith rolled her eyes, "You guys mind if I call Zack and see if he wants to come by and eat?"
"Actually, now that Sora's here, I should really be getting home." Namine said. "I don't want to leave Kairi alone to fend for herself."
"You can invite her too, if you want. I made plenty, since I don't trust these two to eat healthy if I don't cook for them." Aerith smiled.
"Well... If you're sure... Let me just call her, then. Thank you. Excuse me." Namine said, taking a few steps away from everyone as she hurriedly called her sister and explained what had happened, giving her the apartment's address. Thankfully, Namine had had a meeting with group partners this morning and so hadn't driven herself over, so that Kairi now had the car. Hanging up and walking back over, she asked Aerith if she needed any help.
Aerith shook her head, "Nope, just about done. Actually, could you ask the boys if they want a salad? Looks like they have enough stuff here for me to pull one together."
"Sure!" Namine said, heading into the living room where Riku and Sora had settled on the couch and Reno was in his chair, looking thoughtful. "Do you want salad with dinner?"
"Yeah, that sounds great!" Riku said, stomach rumbling again.
"Yes to the salad, Aerith!" Namine called out to the woman in the kitchen.
She frowned at Reno, who so far hadn't said anything more about Riku or Sora or anything. She poked him in the shoulder. Hard.
"Hm?" Reno jolted, glancing at her, "Oh. Sorry, Nami." he chuckled.
"I don't think I've ever seen you this quiet." Namine said, frowning.
Riku glanced at his brother. "You okay?"
"I'm fine." Reno insisted, "Just a little tired and trying to think of the best way to call out of work."
Sora looked over, and then connected Reno's face with the bartender from the restaurant. "Ah, damn it." he muttered.
Reno chuckled, "About time."
"What? Did I miss something?" Riku asked, looking between his guilty-looking boyfriend and his smirking brother.
"Your boyfriend spent the last two nights at my bar." Reno said, "And didn't recognize me."
Riku narrowed his eyes at Sora. "You were getting so drunk you couldn't recognize Reno? Reno? What the hell was wrong with you?"
"I didn't say I was in much better shape than you were." Sora mumbled.
Riku's gaze softened. "Sora..."
Namine sighed, grinning at the pair of them. "Come on, Reno. Help me set the table so they can have a moment together. Didn't I tell you they would be perfect together?" The blonde asked as she pulled Reno from his chair and led him out of the living room.
Reno chuckled, following Namine as she led him into the other room, "I'm gonna miss seeing you around now that Riku's happy again."
Namine smiled. "Really? Well, it's not like I can't come visit him when he's happy. And who says I can't stop by just to visit you?"
"I hope you do." Reno smiled, "Even though we didn't do much more than watch TV and pig out on cookies."
"And sleep. Don't forget sleep. Ahh, TV, food, and sleep - the foundation of a solid relationship." Namine laughed, teasing the redhead as they set plates and silverware around the table.
Reno laughed, "Well, all relationships start somewhere. We've progressed to dinner as well." he said, gesturing to the table.
Namine giggled. "It's like a date!" She said as she brushed past him and headed into the kitchen to grab the salad bowl and dressings.
Reno chuckled softly, but didn't say anything. Someone knocked on the door.
Zack walked into the apartment. "All right, where's the guy who upset Riku?" He demanded.
Riku chuckled. "He's right here, Zack. But don't worry, we worked it out."
Zack took one look at their still intertwined hands and grinned. "Well, damn. Good for you, Riku. He's hot!" Zack winked at the couple before heading back to the kitchen and kissing his wife soundly on the lips. "Thanks for cooking again, baby."
Aerith smiled, "No problem. Thanks for coming."
Zack winked at her. "Anytime, baby. Anytime. So, need help?"
"Nope, just about done. You can check to see if Namine and Reno need help in the dining room if you want, but they're probably done by now." Aerith said, smiling.
Zack grinned, giving Aerith one more kiss before making his way into the other room.
"Well, I don't think we've met. I'm Zack, Aerith's husband and Reno's best friend. Actually, I think I'm his only friend. Reno, don't just stand there! Introduce me to your girlfriend!" Zack said. Namine giggled.
Reno rolled his eyes, "This is Namine, Riku's best friend. She's been practically living here since Riku moved into his bedroom permanently, but him moving out of his bedroom will hopefully not affect the amount of time she spends here."
Namine rolled her eyes but her smile didn't lessen. She held out her hand to shake Zack's. "It's nice to meet you!"
Zack shook her hand, grinning at Reno. "She's already better than your past five girlfriends!"
"Have I had five girlfriends?" Reno asked, before glancing at Namine, "I'm joking, I promise."
Namine just shook her head at the two of them. "I can see why you two are best friends." She said with a laugh. "But, Zack? Reno and I aren't dating. At least, he hasn't asked me out. I'm going to grab the loving couple from the living room." Namine laughed quietly again, heading into the living room, telling her best friend and his boyfriend to get into the dining room, already, because it was almost time to eat.
Aerith walked into the room holding more food and put it on the table as someone knocked at the door. Reno walked out of the room, swinging the door open to reveal Kairi standing there looking only half sure she had the right apartment.
"Kairi?" Reno guessed.
"Yeah, that's me." Kairi nodded, "Good, I'm not knocking on some strange person's door."
"Kairi! Just in time!" Namine said, walking up behind Reno. "Dinner's ready. Kairi, this is Reno, Riku's brother. Reno, this is my twin sister Kairi."
"Nice to meet you." Reno nodded.
"You too." Kairi smiled, walking past him into the apartment to join her sister and smacking Sora on the shoulder on the way as form of greeting.
Sora rolled his eyes.
Namine followed, rolling her eyes but otherwise saying nothing about it. "Everyone, this is Kairi. Kairi, that's Aerith, Riku's sister, and her husband Zack. You just met Reno. You should vaguely recognize Riku, but since his hibernation, you may not. And of course, you know Sora. Notice the handholding? I give you complete credit for that. Thank you."
Riku grinned. "Yeah, I'll second that. Thanks, Kairi, for making Sora realize how lost he is without me."
Zack laughed. "Damn, Reno. They're more sarcastic than you are!"
"I will take full credit and ask for payment next time I have to sit on Sora's porch until he gets home." Kairi shrugged, "Congrats." she told them sincerely.
Riku smiled sincerely at her. "Thank you."
"Alright, everyone ready to eat?" Aerith asked.
As everyone sat down and dug in after a resounding reply of 'yes!', Riku glanced at Sora before reluctantly releasing his hand.
Sora smiled at him, reassuring him that he wasn't going anywhere.
Zack stood up and cleared his throat, grinning at Aerith. "Guys? Aerith's pregnant. We're having a baby!"
Aerith smiled, "We figure since you're all happy again, it's a good time to tell you. I blame all of you for putting me through mental distress if something happens to this baby."
XXXX
And everyone's happy again! Yaaaaaaaay! Just in time too. On a completely unrelated note, Jas and I are almost out of prewritten chapters. :( Will this affect our updating? Hopefully not. But she's busy with JulNo, and I have literally been SWALLOWED by cleaning for the last… week. I'm cleaning ONE ROOM. It should NOT take this long!
T_T
And speaking of, time to hop back into it now. So close to being finished. So close.
Thanks for reading, guys!