Fan Fiction ❯ Trials and Tribulations ❯ T&T (4) ( Chapter 4 )
[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
By: MercuryGoddess 
Anime/Manga: Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Angst / Romance | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 11.29.2003 | Pages: 5 | Words: 4.3K | Visits: 487 | Status: Completed
Anime/Manga: Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Angst / Romance | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 11.29.2003 | Pages: 5 | Words: 4.3K | Visits: 487 | Status: Completed
Author Notes: I'm drowning in reviews from both websites! I love it! It's fueling the fire, people. Anyway, you guys are the best and I hope you continue to read cuz it gets more complex! I just love complex stories...Which reminds me. Two Halves of A Whole needs my attention. Ja.
Special Thanks To: SupaSaiyajin, Kairi099, Heather Christi, RcA, onlyHAUNTED, myredraincoat, Elle King, KaoruFan, Xiao, Reaper02Angel, and all my Mediaminer reviewers (can't forget about them!): yamichaos, Seya, Rinni, YaisaKitty, Pyrokitsune, and AOTS!!
Disclaimer: If I owned Kingdom Hearts, I would be filthy rich right now!! So, get off my back!!
Warnings: This is a yaoi, or to plainly put it male x male relationships! If you don't like it, don't read it!! I don't want to see flames on this subject because I plainly put my warning here!
Reminder:
"..............." Means talking
(...............) Means author notes
*..............* Means an action
~..............~ Means thinking
'...............' Means past sayings
>.............< Means a place
Trials and Tribulations
Chapter Four
Sora jogged the rest of the way home, his anger still at boiling point. The skin around his knuckles split so it caused small rivulets of blood to flow down his right fist. But he could care less about that right now. What - or really who - is pissing him off at the moment is Riku. Why didn't he notice before? Riku was always saving his ass from something, like he couldn't have done it himself. Even if Sora was younger, that didn't mean anything. He's been alone for quite sometime so he learned a few tricks. ~Stepping in front of me like I'm a weak girl. That ticks me off!~ He winced in pain as the breeze went over the open wound. Attempting to cover the wound with his other hand, Sora hurried to his house. He was about to reach his destination when...
"Sora! Hey!"
Not bothering to suppress a groan, Sora looked over in the direction of the approaching girl. "Hi, Kairi."
She didn't seem to notice the groan. Pulling her long auburn hair in ponytail, Kairi smiled brightly at the boy before her. "Going home?"
"Yea," Sora replied, his face expressionless. "Look, I have to go so---"
"Sora, what happened?!"
Sora followed Kairi's worried gaze until it ended up resting on his fist. He shrugged. "It's nothing, really..."
"You're coming to my house to tend that." Without hearing the protests of Sora, Kairi grabbed Sora's good hand and dragged him down the block to her house. Sora looked at her with a mixture of shock and annoyance: One, when did she start caring about what happens to a non-popular kid? Two, she didn't listen a word he said. And three, she hasn't been acting like a mother hen since elementary school. Why start now?
"Hold on, right quick."
He looked up to see Kairi fidgeting in her backpack to find her key. Just to be nice, Sora grabbed the handle of her backpack and held it up for her. She stared at him momentarily, a blush creeping up her face. Rapidly, she looked back down and got her key, then swiveled around to unlock the door. Sora watched her, surprise etched in his features. ~Was...she...blushing?!~
"MOM! I'M HOME AND SORA'S WITH ME, OK?"
Loud footsteps could be heard coming from down the stairs. A middle-aged woman with auburn hair that had streaks of gray in it came down the stairs. Loose strands fell into her face as she approached the two teenagers. "Sora? My, have you grown. So handsome."
She pulled Sora into a hug, which he gladly returned. Some people changed over the years; others don't. "Thank you. You are very beautiful yourself."
A warm smile adorned her lips as she looked at him slyly. "Your voice is so deep! Well, despite the physical changes, you certainly still suck up to adults."
Sora's expression changed to mock hurt. "Ouch, that hurt."
Kairi's mother let out a hearty laugh as she began walking to the kitchen. "I'll get you guys a snack, ok?"
Sora nodded, then turned to Kairi, who was looking at him. She turned away quickly, the blush that spread across her face deepening. "Let's get you tended."
She grabbed his good hand once again and led him up the stairs into their main bathroom. Opening the medicine cabinet, She took out some alcohol and bandages as well as gathering some tissue. She bunched the tissue together and pressed it against the opening of the alcohol bottle, then tilted the bottle to get a small amount. Dabbing Sora's wounds, Kairi quickly cleaned and bandaged them.
It was now Sora's turn to be amazed. The Kairi he knew couldn't take care of anything medical. In fact, she only made wounds worse. A great example was when Sora cut his knee and when she tried rushing him to her house, she tripped him and ended up getting sand in his wound. The cut was infected for a week. "Kairi, where did you learn to do this?"
"Over time, I guess." Kairi shrugged.
"Oh." A moment of silence passed between them. Sora shifted uncomfortable on the toilet seat he happened to be sitting on while Kairi looked around, trying to avoid eye contact with Sora. ~Ok, I can do this, I can---~
"Sora, will you go to the Four Keys concert with me?" Kairi blurted out.
She covered her mouth with her hands, looking away while blushing. Sora looked at her, stunned by the sudden outburst, but more so by her question. ~She's asking me out?!~
"I mean," Kairi stuttered. "My friend Garnet and I were planning on going but she's bringing her date, Riku, so I wanted someone----"
"Riku?!"
Kairi stopped instantly, puzzlement etched in her features. "Yea, Riku. I think I meet him when I visited you in the hospital."
Fists clenched unconsciously at the thought of Riku going on a date with someone else. ~Why is he going out with someone else? And how come he never told me?~ A pause. ~...Why do I care so much? It's just a date.~
"So, Sora, do you want to come?" Kairi asked with a hint of pleading in her voice.
Sora smiled at her. "Sure, I'll go."
~I'll teach him.~
* * * * * *
'You should leave, Riku. I can make it to my house without any of your help.'
~I know you can, Sora. I just like being with you. That's why I want to walk with you.~
'I know why you hang around me, Riku, and frankly I am disgusted.'
~The reason I hang out with you is very simple. I want to keep you to myself.~
'I'm not some damn charity case, ok? I can take care of myself.'
~Of course you can. That doesn't mean you can't have someone to help.~
Lying on his back, Riku stared aimlessly at the ceiling while trying to figure out the situation at hand. The cinnamon brown haired boy had been holding his thoughts captive for quite some time. His 180 degree mood swing really shocked Riku. One moment, they were joking about the Algebra 2 teacher, the next minute Sora shows some unbelievable skill at fighting and then all of a sudden, Sora is glaring at him coldheartedly.
Replaying the scene over and over, Riku tried to find the problem: walking and talking, Kado and his lackeys surprise attacking them, Kado and him fighting while Sora and the lackeys are fighting, Kado stopping to face Sora...
~That's it!~
Riku jumped out of bed, straightening out his wrinkled clothes and matted hair. ~I'm such an idiot! I damaged his pride!~
'I'm not some damn charity case, ok? I can take care of myself.'
Riku let out a string of obscenities while running out of his house and down the block. He had stepped in front of Sora like a parent does his child when something dangerous is there. That is what caused Sora to be so angry.
Quickly spotting Sora's house, Riku ran to the porch and rung the doorbell twice. The door opened to reveal Sora's father. A 6'3 man with graying chocolate brown hair and striking cerulean eyes, Sora's father was a well mannered, uptight man with strict morals and beliefs. He smiled often but rarely smiled genuinely. Riku had come to admire Sora's father for the simple fact that he was a nature born leader. "Hi."
"Oh, hi Riku. Sora is in his bedroom. Come in. You can go ahead and go upstairs."
"Thank you."
Slipping his way past Sora's father, Riku went up the stairs and headed to Sora's room, which was at the end of the hall. He knocked twice before proceeding into the room with caution.
Sora looked over from his spot on the bed, a cold glare now replacing a simple look of curiosity. "What do you want?"
A feeling of anger washed over Riku. ~Does he have to be so damn rude?~ "I came to apologize."
The cold glare softened. "I know that I hurt your pride, but---"
"Pride?!" Sora spat out angrily as he sat up. "What do you mean, PRIDE?!"
Riku stared at him in disbelief. ~Now what?~
"That isn't why I got angry! Maybe you would get angry over that...."
"Me?" Riku said, now as livid as Sora. "What do you mean, me? I would be grateful if someone did that for me. You didn't look like you could fight so I---"
"You assumed and made me look like some lost little child. THAT'S what you did."
"Look, Sora, I'm not going to argue with you over this because it's stupid."
"Really? Then, if this is so stupid, then you can leave." Sora made his point by stretching his finger to the door, a flustered/determined look on his face. Riku's eyes widened at the comment. Nevertheless, Riku left slowly. "Oh yea, see you at the Four Keys concert." Sora added bitterly with a hint of jealously.
Riku froze mid-step, turning around to look at Sora, but only met a closed door. He cursed to himself once again. ~How did Sora know about that? Jeez, I was just going as an excuse to clear my head...~
:Flashback:
Riku walked down the empty street alone, Sora's phrases echoing in his mind. He was in deep confusion at the things said, and the pang in his heart was fierce, almost agonizingly so.
"...Riku?"
Riku awoke from his stupor to meet large coal black eyes. A girl about his age with long flowing black hair past her waist stood in front of him, a blush covering her face. She wore a simple orange body suit with a white shirt underneath and short brown boots. Her hands were covered with red gloves. "Hi, Riku."
"Oh, hi Dagger."
She blushed at her nickname, the one she had gotten in the sixth grade from him. She had gotten angry and ended up getting in a fight. From then on, Riku always said she was short, but cut nice and clean like a dagger. Hence the nickname. "Umm, I was wondering if you would go to the Four Keys concert with me?"
Riku thought about it for a second. Nothing bad could come out of this and it would probably take his mind off of Sora. "Sure, why not?"
Dagger's smile widened and she hugged Riku. "Thanks, Riku."
Riku waved it off and continued walking home. "No prob."
:End Flashback:
Running his hand through his silver hair, Riku stood in place, going over the events that just took place. He turned back to Sora's door and opened it to reveal Sora laying on his bed, getting ready to put on some headphones.
"Sora---"
"Riku, there is really nothing else to discuss here."
Leaving it at that, Sora put on the headphones and clasped his hands together behind the back of his head. Riku looked at him momentarily before shutting the door, highly pissed at the boy behind the door. Stomping down the hall, Riku descended the stairs quickly and left the house. He shoved newly formed fists in his jean pockets, struggling to regulate his breathing as well as his thoughts. ~I just went to apologize and he treats me like shit! What kind of friend is he?~
A few moments later, Riku's house was within sight, causing the boy to quicken his pace. He reached the porch and lifted the mat to retrieve the spare key that was hidden there since his key was left in his room. Opening the door, Riku greeted his father, then bounded up the stairs, hiding away in the confines of his room. He collapsed on the bed, trying futilely to keep his mind off of Sora. Despite his anger, Riku had to smile at one thing:
~He was jealous.~
(Sora got home about 10 minutes before Riku arrived.)
* * * * * *
Kairi jumped on her bed, her thoughts centered on a certain cinnamon brown-haired boy. She grabbed the phone that was to her left and dialed the number she became so familiar with. "Hi, Mrs. Alexandros, can I speak to Garnet?"
"Sure, Kairi dear, hold on."
Kairi waited patiently, twisting the cord with her index finger.
"Hello?"
"Garnet, you won't believe it!"
"What happened? You got backstage passes?!"
"No, silly, I asked Sora and he said ok!"
"That's great. I guess we're going on a double date, huh?"
Kairi beamed as she heard 'double date' "Yea, I guess so! I can't wait until this week is done!!"
"Week? Girl, we got less than that. We have approximately 5 days, 16 hours, and 8 minutes left!"
Kairi giggled at the obssessive behavior of her friend with this concert and the Four Keys. "Geez, Garnet!"
A soft laugh was heard from her friend. "I'm sorry. I just can't wait!"
Kairi fell back on her soft pillows, looking up at her ceiling with a bright smile on her face. "I can't wait either, Garnet. Hopefully, this concert will bring me and Sora closer."
"Oh, you're still on Operation: GSB, huh?"
"Definitely!" Kairi almost yelled, sitting up straight in her bed. She lied back down. "I can't give up."
"Well, what you're doing at the concert should bring him around. I know you told me he was thick-headed, but this is really spells it out."
"I hope so," Kairi sighed. "If it doesn't then I'm going to have to go to plan B."
"Plan B? Geez, you are really serious about this aren't you?"
"Yea, I am. I love him, Garnet. I never realized that until now and he needs to know."
"Are you sure it's love though?" Kairi sensed the skepticism in her friend's voice. "I mean you are only sixteen."
"I am absolutely positive."
A pause. "You know yourself better than anyone else, so if that's what you think it is, then you are probably right. Therefore, do what you can."
"Thanks. Oh, that reminds me. I have to call Taiyou. Talk to you later."
"Ok, ja."
"Ja."
Kairi hung up, then quickly dialed Taiyou's number. "Hello, Mr. Quen, is Taiyou home?"
"Yes, Kairi, hold on one moment."
Once again, she waited for Taiyou to answer the phone."
"Hello?"
"Taiyou, hi."
"Hi, Kairi."
"I just wanted to thank you again for the advice. I asked Sora to go to the Four Keys concert with me and he said yes so hopefully the event at the concert will convince him."
"Great, Kairi," Taiyou answered with deflated enthusiasm. "If that doesn't convince him, I don't know what will."
"Yea....my heart is pounding and the concert is a school week away."
"I'm sure he'll come around, Kairi."
"Taiyou, you always know how to cheer me up."
"Well, how long has it been? Since 6th grade?"
"Yea," Kairi replied with a hint of sadness. ~The grade I dumped Sora in.~
"I have to go eat dinner so I'll see ya later."
"Ok, bye Taiyou."
"Bye, Kairi."
Kairi hung up and collapsed on her bed. Her mind was reeling with new thoughts and possibilities since the concert was coming up. Hopefully, Sora and Kairi would be able to have a good time and mend their broken friendship there. It was a slim chance; Kairi did betray him and embarrass him in front of most of his grade in middle school. But Kairi was willing to give up everything to be forgiven and possibly develop more than a friendship in the process. Closing her eyes, she drifted into a peaceful slumber.
(GSB=Get Sora Back)
* * * * * *
The school soon got wind of the fight between Sora and Kado. At first, the underclassman was going to get suspended, but when the entire story was told from Sora, Riku, Kado and the two lackeys, it was determined that all of them get a detention instead. Fighting usually was punished by suspension or expulsion - as Kado already found out - but since the fight was off of school grounds and it was not as serious as the last one, all the boys were let off the hook with a four hour detention after school.
>Principal's Office<
"Now, I don't want to see you guys in another argument again!" barked the principal. "This is the second time and school has barely begun!"
All of the boys bowed their heads in shame. "Yes, principal."
"I don't want to hear pathetic words! Give me action!"
His pause initiated the rise of the boys, who quickly shuffled to the door. "Kado, stay."
Kado stopped mid-step, knowing the trouble that is to befall him. Sitting in chair nearest the door, Kado gulped, looking at his father meekly. His father was not amused. "What were you thinking?" he hissed in a harsh whisper.
Kado looked away from his father's piercing stare, anger boiling within him. "He got me suspended."
"You ATTACKED him, Kado. That is why you got suspended."
"But he bumped into me..."
"QUIT YOUR NONSENSE RIGHT NOW!" the principal bellowed. Kado instantly fell silent. "My patience is wearing thin with you, Kado. If you continue to misbehave, I will be forced to kick you out of this school."
"But fat--"
"You will leave me no choice!"
Kado looked to the ground angrily. "I'm...sorry father to have displeased you."
The principal looked at his son, shocked by the coldness of his voice. "You may go." he said quietly, still trying to shake off the iciness.
Kado stood up tall and took long prideful strides out the door. Fixing his loosened ponytail, his onyx eyes were fixated ahead of him. ~He's got me suspended, he's broken my arm, and he's got me yelled at from my father. This bitch will pay.~
>Sora's Locker<
Letting out a deep sigh, Sora opened his locker and began switching his books for his after lunch classes. His mind was completely blank, and his energy was depleted. Most of the night, the boy had stayed up contemplating what he said to Riku. Truthfully, he didn't know what exactly got him so angry yesterday. He knew that Riku treated him like a child when they were in the fight and of course he didn't like being treated like a child, but what was with yesterday. He just...exploded without giving any real thought to it. ~Maybe I should apologize...~
"Hey, Sora!"
Sora looked up to see Kairi, Garnet and Riku approaching him. His eyes narrowed as he saw Riku's arm casually wrapped around Garnet's shoulder, losing all thoughts of apologizing. Trying to shrug off the jealously, Sora stood up and gave them his trademark grin. "What's up, guys?"
"I just wanted to give you your ticket." Kairi said, revealing a small ticket in her hand. She gave it to him, smiling brightly.
"We're meeting behind Destiny Palace at 7:00," Garnet said. "And Kairi's dad got us backstage passes."
"Great," Sora said with fake enthusiasm. Kairi and Garnet didn't notice, but Riku did. His eyebrows raised in response. "Can't wait."
Kairi and Garnet said their goodbyes before heading off to lunch while Riku stayed behind. Sora turned around and continued pack his books in his backpack. Finishing, Sora swung the bag on his shoulder and started to walk away. "You know there is nothing to fight about, Sora, so let's just stop."
Sora froze, then turned around to see Riku patiently waiting with his arms crossed. "I apologized, Sora, so what's the problem?"
Casting his eyes downward, Sora felt a blush rising up. ~I feel so stupid. I got mad for absolutely no reason.~
Riku sighed, uncrossed his arms, then walked over to Sora. Grabbing his chin gently, he tilted it up so that Sora's eyes were staring directly into his. "I'm sorry, Sora." he whispered.
Sora's blush only deepened as he stared into sea-green eyes, the urge to kiss him building up deep within him. "You don't have to apologize, Riku," he mumbled. "I was..."
"PMSing?" Riku finished.
Sora tore his chin from Riku - because of mock anger and because of his need to kiss him - then gave him a glare. "Shut up, Riku."
Riku only laughed, which caused Sora to start laughing along with him. The two began to walk down the hall. "Hey! Umm, wait...Damn, what is your name? Oh yea, Sora!"
Sora turned around along with Riku. Taiyou ran up to the two boys, slowing his pace when his eyes fell on Riku. "Dear god..."
Following Taiyou's gaze, Sora's eyes rested on Riku, whose eyes seemed to have darkened along with his mouth slightly open, letting a small gasp escape his lips. The color literally drained from his face; his breath hitched. Sora looked at the two boys in confusion. "What is going on?"
Riku didn't seem to hear him for he continued to stare at the boy in front of him. "Taiyou...?"
"Riku." the amber-eyed boy whispered.
* * * * * *
HaHaHaHaHa! Since I am feeling devilish, I have decided that I will leave you guys with this cliffhanger until I get at least 10 reviews! That's right. 10! Since I'm on my evil streak, I've give you a preview of next chapter:
"What does he mean to you, Riku? Damnit, tell me the truth!"
"He's nothing!"
A pause. "I don't believe that."
Better get reviewing....
~MercuryGoddess~
Special Thanks To: SupaSaiyajin, Kairi099, Heather Christi, RcA, onlyHAUNTED, myredraincoat, Elle King, KaoruFan, Xiao, Reaper02Angel, and all my Mediaminer reviewers (can't forget about them!): yamichaos, Seya, Rinni, YaisaKitty, Pyrokitsune, and AOTS!!
Disclaimer: If I owned Kingdom Hearts, I would be filthy rich right now!! So, get off my back!!
Warnings: This is a yaoi, or to plainly put it male x male relationships! If you don't like it, don't read it!! I don't want to see flames on this subject because I plainly put my warning here!
Reminder:
"..............." Means talking
(...............) Means author notes
*..............* Means an action
~..............~ Means thinking
'...............' Means past sayings
>.............< Means a place
Trials and Tribulations
Chapter Four
Sora jogged the rest of the way home, his anger still at boiling point. The skin around his knuckles split so it caused small rivulets of blood to flow down his right fist. But he could care less about that right now. What - or really who - is pissing him off at the moment is Riku. Why didn't he notice before? Riku was always saving his ass from something, like he couldn't have done it himself. Even if Sora was younger, that didn't mean anything. He's been alone for quite sometime so he learned a few tricks. ~Stepping in front of me like I'm a weak girl. That ticks me off!~ He winced in pain as the breeze went over the open wound. Attempting to cover the wound with his other hand, Sora hurried to his house. He was about to reach his destination when...
"Sora! Hey!"
Not bothering to suppress a groan, Sora looked over in the direction of the approaching girl. "Hi, Kairi."
She didn't seem to notice the groan. Pulling her long auburn hair in ponytail, Kairi smiled brightly at the boy before her. "Going home?"
"Yea," Sora replied, his face expressionless. "Look, I have to go so---"
"Sora, what happened?!"
Sora followed Kairi's worried gaze until it ended up resting on his fist. He shrugged. "It's nothing, really..."
"You're coming to my house to tend that." Without hearing the protests of Sora, Kairi grabbed Sora's good hand and dragged him down the block to her house. Sora looked at her with a mixture of shock and annoyance: One, when did she start caring about what happens to a non-popular kid? Two, she didn't listen a word he said. And three, she hasn't been acting like a mother hen since elementary school. Why start now?
"Hold on, right quick."
He looked up to see Kairi fidgeting in her backpack to find her key. Just to be nice, Sora grabbed the handle of her backpack and held it up for her. She stared at him momentarily, a blush creeping up her face. Rapidly, she looked back down and got her key, then swiveled around to unlock the door. Sora watched her, surprise etched in his features. ~Was...she...blushing?!~
"MOM! I'M HOME AND SORA'S WITH ME, OK?"
Loud footsteps could be heard coming from down the stairs. A middle-aged woman with auburn hair that had streaks of gray in it came down the stairs. Loose strands fell into her face as she approached the two teenagers. "Sora? My, have you grown. So handsome."
She pulled Sora into a hug, which he gladly returned. Some people changed over the years; others don't. "Thank you. You are very beautiful yourself."
A warm smile adorned her lips as she looked at him slyly. "Your voice is so deep! Well, despite the physical changes, you certainly still suck up to adults."
Sora's expression changed to mock hurt. "Ouch, that hurt."
Kairi's mother let out a hearty laugh as she began walking to the kitchen. "I'll get you guys a snack, ok?"
Sora nodded, then turned to Kairi, who was looking at him. She turned away quickly, the blush that spread across her face deepening. "Let's get you tended."
She grabbed his good hand once again and led him up the stairs into their main bathroom. Opening the medicine cabinet, She took out some alcohol and bandages as well as gathering some tissue. She bunched the tissue together and pressed it against the opening of the alcohol bottle, then tilted the bottle to get a small amount. Dabbing Sora's wounds, Kairi quickly cleaned and bandaged them.
It was now Sora's turn to be amazed. The Kairi he knew couldn't take care of anything medical. In fact, she only made wounds worse. A great example was when Sora cut his knee and when she tried rushing him to her house, she tripped him and ended up getting sand in his wound. The cut was infected for a week. "Kairi, where did you learn to do this?"
"Over time, I guess." Kairi shrugged.
"Oh." A moment of silence passed between them. Sora shifted uncomfortable on the toilet seat he happened to be sitting on while Kairi looked around, trying to avoid eye contact with Sora. ~Ok, I can do this, I can---~
"Sora, will you go to the Four Keys concert with me?" Kairi blurted out.
She covered her mouth with her hands, looking away while blushing. Sora looked at her, stunned by the sudden outburst, but more so by her question. ~She's asking me out?!~
"I mean," Kairi stuttered. "My friend Garnet and I were planning on going but she's bringing her date, Riku, so I wanted someone----"
"Riku?!"
Kairi stopped instantly, puzzlement etched in her features. "Yea, Riku. I think I meet him when I visited you in the hospital."
Fists clenched unconsciously at the thought of Riku going on a date with someone else. ~Why is he going out with someone else? And how come he never told me?~ A pause. ~...Why do I care so much? It's just a date.~
"So, Sora, do you want to come?" Kairi asked with a hint of pleading in her voice.
Sora smiled at her. "Sure, I'll go."
~I'll teach him.~
* * * * * *
'You should leave, Riku. I can make it to my house without any of your help.'
~I know you can, Sora. I just like being with you. That's why I want to walk with you.~
'I know why you hang around me, Riku, and frankly I am disgusted.'
~The reason I hang out with you is very simple. I want to keep you to myself.~
'I'm not some damn charity case, ok? I can take care of myself.'
~Of course you can. That doesn't mean you can't have someone to help.~
Lying on his back, Riku stared aimlessly at the ceiling while trying to figure out the situation at hand. The cinnamon brown haired boy had been holding his thoughts captive for quite some time. His 180 degree mood swing really shocked Riku. One moment, they were joking about the Algebra 2 teacher, the next minute Sora shows some unbelievable skill at fighting and then all of a sudden, Sora is glaring at him coldheartedly.
Replaying the scene over and over, Riku tried to find the problem: walking and talking, Kado and his lackeys surprise attacking them, Kado and him fighting while Sora and the lackeys are fighting, Kado stopping to face Sora...
~That's it!~
Riku jumped out of bed, straightening out his wrinkled clothes and matted hair. ~I'm such an idiot! I damaged his pride!~
'I'm not some damn charity case, ok? I can take care of myself.'
Riku let out a string of obscenities while running out of his house and down the block. He had stepped in front of Sora like a parent does his child when something dangerous is there. That is what caused Sora to be so angry.
Quickly spotting Sora's house, Riku ran to the porch and rung the doorbell twice. The door opened to reveal Sora's father. A 6'3 man with graying chocolate brown hair and striking cerulean eyes, Sora's father was a well mannered, uptight man with strict morals and beliefs. He smiled often but rarely smiled genuinely. Riku had come to admire Sora's father for the simple fact that he was a nature born leader. "Hi."
"Oh, hi Riku. Sora is in his bedroom. Come in. You can go ahead and go upstairs."
"Thank you."
Slipping his way past Sora's father, Riku went up the stairs and headed to Sora's room, which was at the end of the hall. He knocked twice before proceeding into the room with caution.
Sora looked over from his spot on the bed, a cold glare now replacing a simple look of curiosity. "What do you want?"
A feeling of anger washed over Riku. ~Does he have to be so damn rude?~ "I came to apologize."
The cold glare softened. "I know that I hurt your pride, but---"
"Pride?!" Sora spat out angrily as he sat up. "What do you mean, PRIDE?!"
Riku stared at him in disbelief. ~Now what?~
"That isn't why I got angry! Maybe you would get angry over that...."
"Me?" Riku said, now as livid as Sora. "What do you mean, me? I would be grateful if someone did that for me. You didn't look like you could fight so I---"
"You assumed and made me look like some lost little child. THAT'S what you did."
"Look, Sora, I'm not going to argue with you over this because it's stupid."
"Really? Then, if this is so stupid, then you can leave." Sora made his point by stretching his finger to the door, a flustered/determined look on his face. Riku's eyes widened at the comment. Nevertheless, Riku left slowly. "Oh yea, see you at the Four Keys concert." Sora added bitterly with a hint of jealously.
Riku froze mid-step, turning around to look at Sora, but only met a closed door. He cursed to himself once again. ~How did Sora know about that? Jeez, I was just going as an excuse to clear my head...~
:Flashback:
Riku walked down the empty street alone, Sora's phrases echoing in his mind. He was in deep confusion at the things said, and the pang in his heart was fierce, almost agonizingly so.
"...Riku?"
Riku awoke from his stupor to meet large coal black eyes. A girl about his age with long flowing black hair past her waist stood in front of him, a blush covering her face. She wore a simple orange body suit with a white shirt underneath and short brown boots. Her hands were covered with red gloves. "Hi, Riku."
"Oh, hi Dagger."
She blushed at her nickname, the one she had gotten in the sixth grade from him. She had gotten angry and ended up getting in a fight. From then on, Riku always said she was short, but cut nice and clean like a dagger. Hence the nickname. "Umm, I was wondering if you would go to the Four Keys concert with me?"
Riku thought about it for a second. Nothing bad could come out of this and it would probably take his mind off of Sora. "Sure, why not?"
Dagger's smile widened and she hugged Riku. "Thanks, Riku."
Riku waved it off and continued walking home. "No prob."
:End Flashback:
Running his hand through his silver hair, Riku stood in place, going over the events that just took place. He turned back to Sora's door and opened it to reveal Sora laying on his bed, getting ready to put on some headphones.
"Sora---"
"Riku, there is really nothing else to discuss here."
Leaving it at that, Sora put on the headphones and clasped his hands together behind the back of his head. Riku looked at him momentarily before shutting the door, highly pissed at the boy behind the door. Stomping down the hall, Riku descended the stairs quickly and left the house. He shoved newly formed fists in his jean pockets, struggling to regulate his breathing as well as his thoughts. ~I just went to apologize and he treats me like shit! What kind of friend is he?~
A few moments later, Riku's house was within sight, causing the boy to quicken his pace. He reached the porch and lifted the mat to retrieve the spare key that was hidden there since his key was left in his room. Opening the door, Riku greeted his father, then bounded up the stairs, hiding away in the confines of his room. He collapsed on the bed, trying futilely to keep his mind off of Sora. Despite his anger, Riku had to smile at one thing:
~He was jealous.~
(Sora got home about 10 minutes before Riku arrived.)
* * * * * *
Kairi jumped on her bed, her thoughts centered on a certain cinnamon brown-haired boy. She grabbed the phone that was to her left and dialed the number she became so familiar with. "Hi, Mrs. Alexandros, can I speak to Garnet?"
"Sure, Kairi dear, hold on."
Kairi waited patiently, twisting the cord with her index finger.
"Hello?"
"Garnet, you won't believe it!"
"What happened? You got backstage passes?!"
"No, silly, I asked Sora and he said ok!"
"That's great. I guess we're going on a double date, huh?"
Kairi beamed as she heard 'double date' "Yea, I guess so! I can't wait until this week is done!!"
"Week? Girl, we got less than that. We have approximately 5 days, 16 hours, and 8 minutes left!"
Kairi giggled at the obssessive behavior of her friend with this concert and the Four Keys. "Geez, Garnet!"
A soft laugh was heard from her friend. "I'm sorry. I just can't wait!"
Kairi fell back on her soft pillows, looking up at her ceiling with a bright smile on her face. "I can't wait either, Garnet. Hopefully, this concert will bring me and Sora closer."
"Oh, you're still on Operation: GSB, huh?"
"Definitely!" Kairi almost yelled, sitting up straight in her bed. She lied back down. "I can't give up."
"Well, what you're doing at the concert should bring him around. I know you told me he was thick-headed, but this is really spells it out."
"I hope so," Kairi sighed. "If it doesn't then I'm going to have to go to plan B."
"Plan B? Geez, you are really serious about this aren't you?"
"Yea, I am. I love him, Garnet. I never realized that until now and he needs to know."
"Are you sure it's love though?" Kairi sensed the skepticism in her friend's voice. "I mean you are only sixteen."
"I am absolutely positive."
A pause. "You know yourself better than anyone else, so if that's what you think it is, then you are probably right. Therefore, do what you can."
"Thanks. Oh, that reminds me. I have to call Taiyou. Talk to you later."
"Ok, ja."
"Ja."
Kairi hung up, then quickly dialed Taiyou's number. "Hello, Mr. Quen, is Taiyou home?"
"Yes, Kairi, hold on one moment."
Once again, she waited for Taiyou to answer the phone."
"Hello?"
"Taiyou, hi."
"Hi, Kairi."
"I just wanted to thank you again for the advice. I asked Sora to go to the Four Keys concert with me and he said yes so hopefully the event at the concert will convince him."
"Great, Kairi," Taiyou answered with deflated enthusiasm. "If that doesn't convince him, I don't know what will."
"Yea....my heart is pounding and the concert is a school week away."
"I'm sure he'll come around, Kairi."
"Taiyou, you always know how to cheer me up."
"Well, how long has it been? Since 6th grade?"
"Yea," Kairi replied with a hint of sadness. ~The grade I dumped Sora in.~
"I have to go eat dinner so I'll see ya later."
"Ok, bye Taiyou."
"Bye, Kairi."
Kairi hung up and collapsed on her bed. Her mind was reeling with new thoughts and possibilities since the concert was coming up. Hopefully, Sora and Kairi would be able to have a good time and mend their broken friendship there. It was a slim chance; Kairi did betray him and embarrass him in front of most of his grade in middle school. But Kairi was willing to give up everything to be forgiven and possibly develop more than a friendship in the process. Closing her eyes, she drifted into a peaceful slumber.
(GSB=Get Sora Back)
* * * * * *
The school soon got wind of the fight between Sora and Kado. At first, the underclassman was going to get suspended, but when the entire story was told from Sora, Riku, Kado and the two lackeys, it was determined that all of them get a detention instead. Fighting usually was punished by suspension or expulsion - as Kado already found out - but since the fight was off of school grounds and it was not as serious as the last one, all the boys were let off the hook with a four hour detention after school.
>Principal's Office<
"Now, I don't want to see you guys in another argument again!" barked the principal. "This is the second time and school has barely begun!"
All of the boys bowed their heads in shame. "Yes, principal."
"I don't want to hear pathetic words! Give me action!"
His pause initiated the rise of the boys, who quickly shuffled to the door. "Kado, stay."
Kado stopped mid-step, knowing the trouble that is to befall him. Sitting in chair nearest the door, Kado gulped, looking at his father meekly. His father was not amused. "What were you thinking?" he hissed in a harsh whisper.
Kado looked away from his father's piercing stare, anger boiling within him. "He got me suspended."
"You ATTACKED him, Kado. That is why you got suspended."
"But he bumped into me..."
"QUIT YOUR NONSENSE RIGHT NOW!" the principal bellowed. Kado instantly fell silent. "My patience is wearing thin with you, Kado. If you continue to misbehave, I will be forced to kick you out of this school."
"But fat--"
"You will leave me no choice!"
Kado looked to the ground angrily. "I'm...sorry father to have displeased you."
The principal looked at his son, shocked by the coldness of his voice. "You may go." he said quietly, still trying to shake off the iciness.
Kado stood up tall and took long prideful strides out the door. Fixing his loosened ponytail, his onyx eyes were fixated ahead of him. ~He's got me suspended, he's broken my arm, and he's got me yelled at from my father. This bitch will pay.~
>Sora's Locker<
Letting out a deep sigh, Sora opened his locker and began switching his books for his after lunch classes. His mind was completely blank, and his energy was depleted. Most of the night, the boy had stayed up contemplating what he said to Riku. Truthfully, he didn't know what exactly got him so angry yesterday. He knew that Riku treated him like a child when they were in the fight and of course he didn't like being treated like a child, but what was with yesterday. He just...exploded without giving any real thought to it. ~Maybe I should apologize...~
"Hey, Sora!"
Sora looked up to see Kairi, Garnet and Riku approaching him. His eyes narrowed as he saw Riku's arm casually wrapped around Garnet's shoulder, losing all thoughts of apologizing. Trying to shrug off the jealously, Sora stood up and gave them his trademark grin. "What's up, guys?"
"I just wanted to give you your ticket." Kairi said, revealing a small ticket in her hand. She gave it to him, smiling brightly.
"We're meeting behind Destiny Palace at 7:00," Garnet said. "And Kairi's dad got us backstage passes."
"Great," Sora said with fake enthusiasm. Kairi and Garnet didn't notice, but Riku did. His eyebrows raised in response. "Can't wait."
Kairi and Garnet said their goodbyes before heading off to lunch while Riku stayed behind. Sora turned around and continued pack his books in his backpack. Finishing, Sora swung the bag on his shoulder and started to walk away. "You know there is nothing to fight about, Sora, so let's just stop."
Sora froze, then turned around to see Riku patiently waiting with his arms crossed. "I apologized, Sora, so what's the problem?"
Casting his eyes downward, Sora felt a blush rising up. ~I feel so stupid. I got mad for absolutely no reason.~
Riku sighed, uncrossed his arms, then walked over to Sora. Grabbing his chin gently, he tilted it up so that Sora's eyes were staring directly into his. "I'm sorry, Sora." he whispered.
Sora's blush only deepened as he stared into sea-green eyes, the urge to kiss him building up deep within him. "You don't have to apologize, Riku," he mumbled. "I was..."
"PMSing?" Riku finished.
Sora tore his chin from Riku - because of mock anger and because of his need to kiss him - then gave him a glare. "Shut up, Riku."
Riku only laughed, which caused Sora to start laughing along with him. The two began to walk down the hall. "Hey! Umm, wait...Damn, what is your name? Oh yea, Sora!"
Sora turned around along with Riku. Taiyou ran up to the two boys, slowing his pace when his eyes fell on Riku. "Dear god..."
Following Taiyou's gaze, Sora's eyes rested on Riku, whose eyes seemed to have darkened along with his mouth slightly open, letting a small gasp escape his lips. The color literally drained from his face; his breath hitched. Sora looked at the two boys in confusion. "What is going on?"
Riku didn't seem to hear him for he continued to stare at the boy in front of him. "Taiyou...?"
"Riku." the amber-eyed boy whispered.
* * * * * *
HaHaHaHaHa! Since I am feeling devilish, I have decided that I will leave you guys with this cliffhanger until I get at least 10 reviews! That's right. 10! Since I'm on my evil streak, I've give you a preview of next chapter:
"What does he mean to you, Riku? Damnit, tell me the truth!"
"He's nothing!"
A pause. "I don't believe that."
Better get reviewing....
~MercuryGoddess~