Hinyah~ Hikari here with Chapter Thirty of Shadows of the Night.

Riku's off posting this on AO3, so it's just me

I'm finding it a bit hard to believe that it's been 30 chapters already, especially when I only update a single story on Fridays.

And it's not always this mind you.

Well, on to the new chapter~

Chapter 30

After the location of the next hangout had been set, all they needed was a day. It didn't take too long between the three, seeing as Saru still didn't contribute to the conversation too much. They agreed to meet at the theme park in three days and would meet up a bit before noon again.

When that was all said and done, Riku had spoken up, saying that they should be getting back home. Sora said goodbye to everyone first, prompting the rest to follow after. Now on the pathway home, Riku and Saru walked quietly at first. But eventually Riku let out a sigh and decided to speak what was on his mind.

"What do you think of them?"

"An interesting nuance to today."

"No, I mean like… what do you actually think of them or just one of them. I don't know… I just don't know what to think. I'm trying to understand, but I feel at a loss," Riku replied.

"I find Sora to be too talkative and energetic most of the time."

"I don't mind. I like his energy and bright outlook. He always seems to find the bright side of things," Riku said as he began to smile warmly.

"It was obvious that you enjoy his company."

Riku suddenly turned and looked ar Saru. "I-Is it that obvious? I mean… yeah have enjoyed talking to him. I… I don't think I felt this way… not since I was around Kairi."

"And you really think that whatever the heck you are feeling now, is the same as what you think you felt as a child?"

Riku started to rub his arm slightly, his emotions starting to waver. "Maybe… I did really care for her… and I never really have stopped thinking about her. The feeling, it just feels the same."

"You mean love? You really think that was love?"

"Yeah… that's how I feel. What of it?"

"You were too young to understand what love was."

Riku had come to a stop now, warranting Saru to stop and look around while his brother replied. "At first maybe, but I grew to have that feeling. You know I visit her from time to time at the sanctuary… after so many years of that, I kept thinking about her. So many times… I wished for her to still be around because of this feeling."

"So you're saying you're bi," Saru replied with the most dead serious tone he could have.

Riku looked at him, wide eyed and shocked. Though it should have been expected, he was completely caught off guard by what Saru had said. Yet he didn't retort or argue against him on the subject. He only stared and thought about it.

He sighed heavily and lowered his head, staring down at the ground. The feelings that were turning around inside of him had been trying to hide away as long as they could. He didn't think they were anything at first, just a strange fluke. The more he thought about it, the more he felt on it. "Could it really be that? I mean, I really do think I feel something. I just don't know how to confront it."

"Go ask Zack when we get home, see if he's useful for anything other than Cloud. If not, Zexion could probably find stuff on it for you."

"I guess…" Riku sighed again. "Hopefully I can figure out something. What about you though?"

"What about me?" Saru asked, almost seeming oblivious to the question.

"Do you think you have any feelings towards Yata? You do seem to enjoy annoying him," Riku commented.

"Besides enjoyment from his torment, not necessarily."

"Ah… all right. Let's just get home," Riku said before moving.

Saru nodded as he followed along. There was a small lingering feeling inside of him saying that he should have said more, but he wasn't exactly sure what it was. How was he supposed to handle a situation like this? It was still too far out for him to really grasp and know how to take care of.

When Sora got home, he checked around the house right away, seeing if Vanitas was currently with Namine. When he got to the kitchen he saw that Vanitas was by himself and enjoying a piece of cake. He smiled once he saw Sora enter the room.

"Hey Sora, how did practice go today?"

"Better, Yata and I still have to get a little more coordinated, but I think we are closer than we were last week," Sora answered as he took his seat across from Vanitas.

"Good to hear it, can't wait until forty years from now I hear about you two getting some reward, for finally getting your acts together."

"Hey!" Sora pouted as his brother, though the moment didn't last long. A moment later he started to laugh. "I hope it wouldn't take us that long."

"We just need to see then," Vanitas teased.

Sora laughed, though he started to quiet down when his thoughts wandered. There had been something weighing on his mind for some time now and he was feeling ready to talk about it. "Um, Vani? Can I ask you something?"

"Sure," Vanitas stood up from his seat and moved over so he was sitting directly next to Sora. "Go ahead."

"Well… it's about Riku."

"Again?" Vanitas said, chuckling slightly. "Still freaking out how you straight up called him handsome yesterday, and then freaked out over it?"

Sora exhaled sharply while his cheeks grew warm. It was just an initial reaction from thinking back on it. The memories were still vividly flowing through his mind. He didn't really mind it though, he liked to look back on them for it truly was a great day. Even if he had embarrassed himself he still enjoyed every moment.

He waited a bit to see if Vanitas had anything more to say, but it seemed that he was going to now be quiet and cooperative. "I ran into him again today. He was with his brother Saruhiko again and turns out it was Saruhiko's birthday. Yata and I ended up joining them for dinner at Homra's."

"You went to Homra's? I didn't think you would end up going there."

"Why not? Just cause I knew about it, but never went before, doesn't mean I can't ever go. You've been there before."

"Yeah I know, but… wait, how did you know I've gone before?" Vanitas asked.

"The cook guy, Ignis, he said that he found my scent similar to yours," Sora answered.

"Ah, should have figured. But why did they choose Homra's of all places?"

"Apparently they know the owner and have gone there a lot. But it was a lot of fun, and we already set up another day to hangout!"

"Wait, didn't you say that Riku was new here or something?"

"Well, that was what I thought at first, 'cause I never really have seen him before. Now I am thinking maybe he was just homeschooled along with his brothers."

"Homeschooled, living with three other brothers?" Vanitas asked, raising an eyebrow.

"I live with you, don't I? So why should it matter for him just cause he has more brothers?" Sora replied back.

"Okay fine, you have your point. Anyways, were you going anywhere with this?"

"Oh yeah! So we had dinner with the two of them then made a plan to hangout again, but… I want to maybe… um… tell Riku how I feel."

"Still majorly crushing on him, I see," Vantias said before chuckling. "And it is still adorable."

"Vani!" Sora pouted at his brother's teasing.

"So what's the deal though with wanting to tell him?"

"Well… I don't know how to. That's why I wanted to ask you. Like when you figured out you liked Namine, how did you tell her? And how did it go? Did she tell you she had the same feelings?"

"Whoa slow does there Sora," Vanitas said, trying not to laugh at his brother's sudden energy. "One question at a time. You really are serious about your feelings for this Riku guy? You barely know him."

"I know… but I want to get to know him, and I just can't stop thinking about him. He is soooo mysterious, and so handsome. I just ahh!" Sora exhaled loudly as he flopped back in his chair. "I want to be able to tell him how I feel without freaking out too much…"

"But Sora, do you even know how he feels? I mean, you know… what his preferences are."

"I think he might like guys, I already know his brother does at least. Riku did get embarrassed when I called him handsome, so I have hope!"

"You always are full of such optimistic energy, but for how to approach him, you just need to be straightforward about it. You need to be able to tell him how you feel. Just be honest with your feelings. Just don't over do it."

Sora listened carefully to what Vanitas had to say, nodding long with each word. When he was done, Sora thought quietly to himself over the matter. He just had to be honest and tell Riku the truth about his feelings.

"Is… is it hard to do? To tell someone how you feel about them?" Sora asked next.

"I mean sort of? It can be a bit nerve wracking, but I think that is just a natural thing when confessing your feelings. Getting it out there is probably the hardest part, but everything will feel a bit easier once you do it. When I told Namine, my heart was beating faster than I ever thought. I seriously thought that there was enough stress and adrenaline pumping through me to cause me to transform. Thankfully I didn't, but it felt pretty close."

Sora nodded at the words from his brother, chuckling slightly at the end. He knew it sounded right at least. Even with knowing that, there was still one lingering thought in his mind. One thought that was the most worrying. "What if he rejects me? What if he doesn't feel the same way about me?"

"If that is the case, then he doesn't deserve you and you will find someone better," Vanitas said as he pulled Sora into a hug. "Besides, any guy who hurts my little brother's feelings will have to deal with me as the consequence."

"Thanks Vani," Sora said while leaning into the hug. "You always know just what to say."

"Of course I do, I am the older brother. That is kind of in the job of 'big brother' you know. But now I want to hear more about this evening dinner you had, just how exactly did it go?"

Sora smiled, ready to explain the event to him. These past few days since meeting Riku had really been something for him, and he cherished every moment he had been getting. Now that he knew there would be more in the future he felt more excited than even. Though he still was nervous on when and where he would tell Riku his feelings, but he could only hope for the best!

The following morning came and Yata woke up like he usually did, but today was different than most days. Different at least to an outside viewer, to him it was just a regular thing he would do every couple of weeks.

After getting some food he got dressed and headed out the door. He headed through the neighborhood, quietly thinking to himself as he walked. He didn't let his thoughts wander astray, at least not at first. He was trying to keep his mind focused on the goal for today, which was to get ready to practice his magic, but then things took a detour.

With thinking about magic, a thought came to mind which was him thinking about if his magic were to improve, would he be able to take on Saruhiko again. Yata shook his head, grumbling to himself. "Get out of my head you stupid monkey."

The thought stayed for the moment, as if to taunt him. Yata swore he could even heard the voice of Saruhiko taunting him and saying, 'You really think your pathetic attempts to learn magic will really mean anything? Eh, Misaki?'

Yata sighed and shook his head once more. "Get him out of your head already," he told himself. "Just stop thinking about him. Why does this have to be so freaking hard to do?"

Breathing out a sharp breath, Yata continued his walking pace, continuously trying to shut out any thoughts he had about Saruhiko. Much to his surprise, and to his liking, there were far more than he expected.

By the time Yata got to his destination, he still was trying to clear out all the thoughts that he could. In the end though, it had proved to not work and Saruhiko still stayed in his mind, taunting him every which way.

He sighed deeply, continuously trying to clear his mind. He could only hope that once he got started with things, he would finally be able to get back on track. He knocked on the door a second later, and waited a moment.

It wasn't long before the door was opened.

"Good morning, Misaki," Anna greeted, opening the door fully and stepping aside to let Yata in.

"Hey Anna, how are you doing this morning?" Yata asked as he stepped in.

"I've been well. How has your week been?"

Yata rubbed the back of his neck as he thought about it. Instinctively he was going to say it was normal and find, but then Saruhiko flashed up in his mind again. "It's been… I guess rather unique. At least these past two days have been."

"Misaki enjoyed the past couple of days then," Anna stated, closing the door after Yata before turning to lead him further into the house.

"Huh? What makes you say that?" Yata asked as he followed behind her.

"Misaki's face is a pretty red."

Yata nearly stopped dead in his tracks. "Ah! What?!" Yata placed a hand to his cheeks and they did in fact feel warmer than usual. "Why the hell am I red about this!? That goddammned monkey and his stupid grin can't really be causing this!"

Anna blankly stared at Yata, as if confused by what he said.

It only took Yata a few seconds to realize his choice in words, but he could already hear footsteps coming from the kitchen. Within seconds Mikoto was looming over Yata, glaring down at him with a piercing gaze. Yata shark back a little, swallowing hard while he was trying to think of something he could say.

"Ah ha… hey Mikoto," Yata finally managed to say, trying to keep his voice sturdy despite feeling nervous in the presence of Mikoto's 'death stare'.

Mikoto grumbled before crossing his arms, still showing his heavy disapproval. "You're going to have to try better than that."

"I'm sorry, okay? I didn't think about the words I was saying, and I forgot that I was talking to Anna. Honest!" Yata replied quickly.

Mikoto gave another grumble and did not move from his spot. He kept his glare sharp and narrowed at Yata.

Anna walked up to Mikoto and tugged gently on his pant leg, looking up at him with almost a pleading look on her eyes. Mikoto looked down to her and slowly a small smile appeared on his face. He placed a hand on her head and patted it gently.

He then turned back to look at Yata. "You're lucky she can be persuasive with just her stares alone."

Yata was about to speak up, but someone else spoke first. "And I wonder who she could have possibly picked that up from."

Yata turned to see someone standing in the doorway to the kitchen. Like Mikoto he had bright red hair that was rather messy and unkempt, though he also had a long ponytail in back. Unlike Mikoto, who had a shade of amber color for his eyes, this redhead's eyes were a deep shade of blue.

"Oh hey Reno, I didn't know that you were here," Yata said, hoping that he could get away from any anger that Mikoto may still have had.

"I had come by to visit for a bit, I had forgotten that today was the day you train with Mikoto," Reno replied. "I can head out if you guys need me too."

Anna walked over to Reno and gently grabbed his wrist. "Please stay."

Reno smiled. "Aw all right, can't say no to my favorite little niece."

"Your only niece," Mikoto corrected.

"Yeah I know, but she still is my favorite," Reno replied back.

"So, can we get to what I came here for?" Yata asked, thankful he got to avoid the wrath of Mikoto.

"Yeah, we can start," Mikoto replied as he turned around to head to the back of the house.

Everyone followed him going downstairs to where the training room was. Reno and Anna went off to the side while Yata and Mikoto actually entered the room. Their training began like usual, with Yata showing off the best he could with his fire magic. After that Mikoto started to explain different ways to summon the fire for attacks.

Yata tried his best to follow along with Mikoto and his movements, but ever so often he slipped up and they would have to start it over.

Eventually Mikoto dismissed his magic and sighed. "Looks like you've been slacking lately."

"I'm not slacking!"

"Then you're not focused today," Mikoto replied. "And if you are not focused, we don't train."

Before Yata could even give an excuse Mikoto stepped out of the training room. Yata quickly stumbled out the door after him. "Hey! Wait we can't just stop, we always train today."

Mikoto grumbled deeply while placing his hands into his pockets. "And if I say we are done, then we are done."

Yata looked over to Reno and Anna who were still sitting off to the side, as if they would have the answers, but Reno only laughed at the sight. "Sorry man, I'd like to help, but you know Mikoto. Once he makes up his mind, that's the way it is going to stay. I'd help you train, but you know, me being the one human brother makes things harder."

"It doesn't mean you can't learn magic," Yata replied as he finally stepped out of the room.

"Yeah, but it isn't natural to me, which means more effort to learn it," Reno said as he leaned back and sighed.

"I believe Uncle Reno would have such a pretty red if he learned," Anna said as she rested against Reno.

Reno smiled and placed a hand on her head, rubbing it gently. "You know, maybe I will one day, just for you Anna."

Yata watched the two for a moment before he saw Mikoto walk upstairs without another word. Sighing, Yata flopped down to the floor, leaning his back against the training room wall. "What am I going to do now?"

"Well you could figure out how to not be so distracted next time," Reno suggested. "Speaking of which, why were you so out of it today?"

"None of your business," Yata grumbled, resting his arms on his knees.

"Is it why Misaki's face was a lovely red earlier?" Anna innocently asked.

Reno let out a laugh. "Oh oh! Is that so? Now I can understand why your head was in the clouds during training."

"I said it is none of your business," Yata repeated. He felt like he could get up and leave, there wasn't any other reason for him to be there anyways. Yet for some reason he didn't, he instead stayed put where he was sitting and waiting for Reno's response.

"Come now Yata, we're all your friends here. Surely you can tell us how your life has been going and if you've met anyone new or interesting. That's what it is right? You met someone and now you're crushing on them."

"I'd rather tell anyone but you!" Yata retorted. "You are the worst gossiper."

Reno shook his head and smiled. "I think you mean the best gossiper."

"Uncle Reno likes to talk too much," Anna said softly, giving her input.

"Aw Anna, you know that's just who I am. I'm just a curious guy that needs to be in the know," Reno replied before looking at Yata again. "So come on, you can tell us. So who are you crushing on?"

Finally feeling annoyed by Reno's noisy nature, Yata stood up. "I'm leaving. I don't need to put up with this…"

"Misaki, please stay." Anna requested, a pleading look in her eyes.

Yata stared at her, looking into her pleasing glaze. She just stared at him, so innocent and sweet, it was hard to try and refuse her request. Eventually he sighed, lowering his head. "Fine…"

"So can you tell us then? Who's the special girl?" Reno asked, grinning widely.

Yata grumbled and crossed his arms. "Still not telling you."

"It's just one little thing, having a secret crush is fine, but someone at least has to know," Reno replied.

"I… I just… no! I don't want to," Yata grumbled again.

"I don't understand why you are so resistant to this. You shy or something?" Reno asked in a taunting tone.

Yata actually could feel his cheeks growing warm this time. "I'm not shy!"

"It's just one little thing telling us who you like. I promise I won't tell anyone else, honest," Reno said holding up a hand.

Yata gritted his teeth, growing more frustrated. "I'm not interested in any girl!"

"Yeah right," Reno said whole rolling his eyes. "It has to be a girl that's distracting you."

"Misaki's telling the truth," Anna said promptly, giving her input.

Reno raised an eyebrow. "Oh really now?"

"Yeah! You see? I'm not distracted by any girl," Yata replied hastily.

"It's a boy."

Both Yata and Reno turned to Anna, who continued to stand there calmly and innocently. The heat in Yata's cheeks increased further as he tried to find an answer. "A-Anna… you didn't have to say that part."

"But it made Misaki such a pretty red again."

"Ah…" Yata trailed off, unable to find any words.

Reno on the other hand, let out a joyful laugh. "Oh I see. Now it all makes sense."

"And what does that mean?" Yata asked.

"Nothing bad, but now that I look at it, it figures you are interested in guys," Reno answered. "But how come you've never told any of us before?"

Yata lowered his head, letting out a long sigh. He knew with Anna being there, he couldn't lie his way out of it. "Cause I never wanted anyone to know…"

"But you won't be happy if no one knows, Misaki." Anna had walked over to Yata and hugged him.

Yata looked a little surprised at the gesture, but he relaxed and hugged her in return. "Thank you Anna…" After all of this time he never felt more relaxed than he did right at that moment. Maybe it was a good thing to finally get it off his chest. His friends were kind and understanding, any fear he had about them negatively reacting was just his fears playing too strong. Though now it was out in the open between Anna and Reno, and no doubt Reno would want to learn who it was. Yata sighed slowing, knowing he would have to try his hardest to get out of that upcoming situation.

And boi Saru still torments Yata without being present.

Who knows what will happen next time, cause I sure don't.

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Until next week, nyah~