Fan Fiction ❯ Trials and Tribulations ❯ T&T (10) ( Chapter 10 )
[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
By: MercuryGoddess 
Anime/Manga: Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Angst / Romance | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 03.22.2004 | Pages: 4 | Words: 4.4K | Visits: 376 | Status: Completed
Anime/Manga: Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Angst / Romance | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 03.22.2004 | Pages: 4 | Words: 4.4K | Visits: 376 | Status: Completed
Author Notes: *scans reviews* Where is Sora/Riku lovin'? When are Sora and Riku getting together? It's all the same. You guys have been pleading and begging for some Riku/Sora lovin' and this is the moment...you have not been waiting for. Sorry guys, there is no Sora/Riku lovin' but there is Sora/Riku LIKIN'! Hope you're not too mad, but I do promise lots of it in chapter 11! Now, without further ado, Trials and Tribulations Chapter 10!!
You can now access the unedited versions of any chapter at this website:
http://www.geocities.com/mercurygoddess2001/heartsfanfiction.html
Special Thanks To: Junsui-san, Angel-White-Wings, Raven's Light, kawaiidark, Ariana, onlyHAUNTED, myredraincoat, shadowsdancingdragon, Rinoki Rio, Crystalline Tears, Kyari, Ocean-Eyed Songtress, Sora Otaku, KaoruFan, Uzumaki-sama, CLOud, diamond_kat06, Twinstar1, Kairi099, SP, ouyukie_cookie, Xytrustion, rikusbadgirl06@fanfiction.net, angelicattie, Colin Creevy, Mel, sorariku, CREA_NAMCO, and my Mediaminer reviewers Child of the Strata, yamichaos and inoccent_asassin!
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!
Rating: I have boosted the rating on this story for future chapters...
Reminder:
"..............." Means talking
(...............) Means author notes
*..............* Means an action
~..............~ Means thinking
'...............' Means past sayings
>.............< Means a place
Trials and Tribulations
Chapter Ten
"Hey didja hear, Nami? Kado transferred to another school because he has a stalker!"
"That's bullshit, Jiro! Nobody would want to stalk that asshole."
It's been two weeks since Kairi's accident, and it was lunchtime at Kado High School. Sora, Riku, Nami, Jiro, Sakura, Garnet, and Taiyou were gathered around a small table in the courtyard, discussing the latest news that's been spreading across the school. The latest news: Kado's sudden leave.
"You're right, but still! It must have been something serious if he transferred to City Isle AND his father turned in a letter of resignation."
Riku lay back in his seat, throwing a small glare at Sora. There was something Sora did that night, something so horrible that Sora wouldn't even reveal what he did, and if it made Kado transfer to a faraway island and make his father resign then it must have been something pretty brutal. All Riku heard that night was muffled cries and a little bit of what Sora was telling Kado. There was one phrase that stuck out in his mind the most:
'Don't worry, boys intrigue me, but I rather fuck the devil than fuck you. Well, in this case, I'd be fucking myself if I fucked the devil.'
What made Sora say that? Was it one of the methods used to scare Kado that made him say such a thing? Whatever it was, it scared Kado to the point of moving away, and Riku's curiosity was eating away at him slowly ever since that night. He chose not to ask or even bring up the situation, because helping Kairi was more important.
While Kairi is successfully healing, externally, due to physical therapy, she has also become much more open with her feelings around Sora. Right now, there's nothing really else to solve except this.
"Without a doubt, it was something huge. I guarantee it."
Everyone turned to Sora, who had his head propped up on his hands and a silly grin on his face. He straightened up, the grin still on his face, and winked at Jiro. "Whatever the bastard got, he deserved, so I don't feel sorry for him in the least."
"You make it seem like you know exactly what happened," Taiyou interjected, crossing his arms and frowning, "Exactly."
Sora only threw him a glance before he turned back to Jiro. He opened his mouth to speak, but Taiyou obviously wasn't finished: "Why the cocky attitude? Kairi is still in the hospital, and even though she is physically getting better, there is still the mental aspect. Kado being out of this school isn't the most important thing; Kairi is, Sora."
The carefree, gossip-filled atmosphere was now overrun with tension as each person watched Taiyou in silent shock. His face was etched with a frown, brows furrowed, and breath irregular. He almost seemed angry at Sora; the way he said Sora's name was a clear indication of that. The mere fact alone was shocking. Sora had been at the hospital day and night for the past two weeks, and only yesterday did he break his habit for his own health. Sora did everything; talking, listening, joking, even playing with Kairi to make her stay at the hospital as comfortable as possible. Everyone knew the sacrifices he made to make sure Kairi felt safe and secure. So why would Taiyou say something like that?
"I know what is important, Taiyou," Sora snapped, a thin angry line now replacing his once mischievous smile, "but if a threat is near one who is most important to you, you need to deal with it as soon as possible."
Riku watched as Taiyou's fist clenched and unclenched repeatedly before shifting his gaze to his boyfriend's face. Even after all these years, he still knew the look of pure, unprecedented rage, and there was no reason for it - that he could come with anyways. "Taiyou..." he whispered as he grabbed the clenching fist.
Taiyou only looked his way for a brief moment before directing his angry gaze back to Sora. Nami swung her long braid over her shoulder, her facial features twisted in a look of disgusted incredulity. "How could you doubt Sora like that?! His girlfriend was raped, and here you are questioning his priorities when he had made a lot more sacrifices than us for her."
Sakura, who had been quiet all the way through, nodded in agreement. "We have been friends with her for a long time, Taiyou, but no one at this point is closer to Kairi than Sora, even after the incident."
"You guys don't even know what I'm talking about," Taiyou said in his own defense. "I'm not saying he didn't make any sacrifices or anything like that."
He ended the conversation there. Nami, Sakura, Jiro, nor Garnet knew the real in-depth details because Kairi wanted to keep it secret, so he certainly wasn't going to try to explain his reasoning to any of them. If they took his comment in the wrong context, that wasn't his problem.
Garnet watched Taiyou and the emotional stages that he seem to go
through: anger, annoyance, frustration, fear. She had noticed his change in attitude about Sora, and she didn't know why. All she could was wait until this intricate web of emotions had been unraveled.
For a while, no one did anything, but watch each other, all of them thinking of their own reasons as to why this was happening. It wasn't until Taiyou broke the thick silence by balling up the plastic lunch tray and gathering his books that anyone did anything.
Riku stood up and placed a hand on Taiyou's shoulder, only to have it shrugged off. He stepped back and watched the flustered boy rake his hand through his shoulder length light brown hair and glance at everyone with fierce amber eyes. "You guys just don't give a damn, do you?" he whispered fiercely, locking his gaze with Sora's.
With that, he turned around and headed to his next class, the bell ringing loudly above him. Sora stood up abruptly, ready to set Taiyou straight, but Riku stopped him by holding his arm out and looked at the retreating figure that is his boyfriend. He shook his head once and then headed after Taiyou; everyone knew that it was best to stay behind.
>Taiyou's locker<
*SLAM*
Taiyou slammed the locker shut, burning anger rising to its boiling point. He had never felt so angry in his life and the reason for it: Sora. Sora did everything the perfect boyfriend was supposed to do when his girlfriend was in a crisis, but that wasn't the reason for his anger. When Sora wasn't with Kairi, he was with Riku! That day when Sora ran out the room and Riku went to get him, they did something that lasted for a couple of hours AND they did something at night. When he asked Riku about it, all he got was 'we talked' or 'it was nothing really'. It pissed him off to no end to watch HIS boyfriend interact with some GUY who kept giving him these looks and requiring his attention all the time. ~Call it jealously, but Riku is MINE!~
"What's wrong and don't say nothing because you know what I'll say."
The blunt statement could be from no one other than Riku, so Taiyou turned around and leaned his head against the locker, letting out a deep sigh. "Fine. I'm angry."
"I didn't notice," Riku replied sarcastically, rolling his eyes heavenward then back on Taiyou. "I thought you were happy."
Chuckling to himself, Taiyou pushed off of the locker and starting walking to class. "You know I don't like sarcastic remarks," he said teasingly, looking to Riku.
"And you know I don't like it when you try to hide your obvious anger," Riku responded, but in a serious tone.
Taiyou stopped in the middle of the hallway, his eyes narrowing, and muscles tensing. "You're the one to talk about hiding things, Riku."
His voice seemed on the edge, and that immediately gained Riku's full attention. He felt anger rising within himself but declined to show any of it. "What do you mean?"
"You know exactly what I mean. You and Sora are going off to different places, not telling anyone where you're going or what you're doing. I know you guys had something to do with Kado's sudden transfer, and I want to know what you did."
Riku let out a dry laugh. "Taiyou Quen, are you jealous of me and Sora's relationship?"
Silence.
"Ha! I can't believe you are. Sora and I are just friends, and he's going through a rough time right now. Just relax."
After planting a small kiss on Taiyou's cheek, Riku turned around and walked away, shaking his head and laughing. Taiyou just stood in his place while watching Riku disappear around corner. ~What are you hiding from me, Riku?~
>After School - Hospital<
Sora leaned back into the comfortable hospital chair provided from the staff and watched Kairi slowly make her way across the room to him. The surgery was successful, and even though Kairi was in a lot of pain, she was determined to walk normally again. Her strength and courage was unbelievable, and many of the nurses and doctors in the hospital were rooting her on because of it. Her arms were just about healed and the bruises were gone as well, but the nightmares and flashbacks were still there. Doctor Miyazaki made it clear that she might develop Post Traumatic
Stress Disorder due to her rape, so family, friends, and even some of the staff at the hospital are pitching in to make sure she feels as comfortable as possible. "S-Sora!! I'm doing it!"
The auburn-haired girl smiled her brightest since the attack, and everyone in the room felt the joy and happiness that radiated off of her. Sora stood up and opened his arms to the incoming girl, smiling almost as brightly as she was. At the gesture, she picked up her pace slightly, and it wasn't until she was about a foot away from Sora when she stumbled. He caught her with ease, and applause echoed throughout the large room as nurses, doctors, her mother, and all her friends clapped at her brilliant accomplishment. Sora kissed her enthusiastically in her messy ponytail, thrusting his fist up in the air while he held Kairi. "She is NUMBER ONE!" he yelled while doing a watered down version of his victory dance.
Kairi giggled at the silly antics of her boyfriend and clung tighter. He looked down and scooped her up in his arms gently, heading back to her hospital room.
"Uhh, Sora."
Jiro stepped forward, pointing to the small folded up wheelchair in the corner. Sora rolled his eyes heavenward before looking back at Jiro. "I did this for a reason, Jiro."
He winked at the boy to make his point and headed out the room with a giggling Kairi. Jiro only shuddered at the comment, making Nami, Garnet, Sakura giggle and Taiyou smile. Riku seemed to be the only one unfazed, for he was in deep thought about the situation at hand. Kado's gone, Kairi is making excellent process so what is the problem?
Sora and Taiyou.
Up until this point, Riku hadn't really noticed the change in Sora and Taiyou's relationship, but now, he noticed the glares Taiyou threw at Sora when he mentioned Riku's name or when he did something like hug Riku. Before Taiyou knew about the type of relationship Sora and Riku had, he was good friends with Sora. But now...
~Flash~
"'I'll be the shoulder you cry on?' What's that supposed to mean?"
~Flash~
"Why were you guys holding hands when you walked in the room?"
"Sora was having a rough time actually going in. That's why."
"Oh..."
~Flash~
"Hey, where you guys headed?"
"Oh, we're just going to my house, Taiyou."
"Yea, we're discussing business."
"...Business?"
"Yeah! It'll be boring so I doubt you'll want to come."
"What business are you talking about?"
"Just minor stuff really. I'll be back home in time to go out with you tonight."
"Oh..."
~Flash~
"Why the cocky attitude? Kairi is still in the hospital, and even though she is physically getting better, there is still the mental aspect. Kado being out of this school isn't the most important thing; Kairi is, Sora."
~Flash~
"You're the one to talk about hiding things, Riku."
"You and Sora are going off to different places and not telling anyone where you're going or what you're doing. I know you guys had something to do with Kado's sudden transfer, and I want to know what you did."
~End Flashes~
Riku ran his fingers through his hair and sighed. Things were a lot more complicated than he thought, and if Taiyou continues down this path of dislike for Sora, then conflicts that could have been avoided are going to happen. This is not the time to fight within the group, but to work together to help Kairi out as much as possible. He wasn't going to decide between Sora and Taiyou; he wanted them both.
Apparently, Riku's sigh earned the attention of Taiyou, and the amber-eyed boy walked over to Riku. "What's wrong?" he said, looking concerned.
Riku looked up and flashed him a small smile. "Just thinking, that's all."
*CRASH*
"Ha, didn't see that there."
Sora lifted his right arms to rest on the back of his head, smiling sheepishly as silver bedpan spun on the floor. Everyone except Taiyou laughed at his clumsiness. "Did you see the way she walked, Riku?!"
Sora jogged up to Riku and pulled him into a bear hug, squeezing as tight as he could. "She was doin' great!!"
Riku coughed a bit before looking to Taiyou, who was glaring daggers at Sora. It was as if Sora felt one thrown at his back because he turned around and grinned at Taiyou. "Wasn't she, Taiyou?"
His grin turned into a familiar mischievous smile, and from what Riku could see it was the same dark smile that appeared on his face when he was planning Kado's confrontation. If that smile reappeared so soon, then Sora must be really angry with Taiyou. This has to stop. "Sora, Taiyou, meet me at my house today at 6:00pm. We need to talk."
Riku removed himself from Sora's hug - even though he enjoyed it - and walked to the door, still looking at Sora and Taiyou. Sora was smiling smugly, and Taiyou was glaring once again. He sighed and left the room for good, but instead of heading to the exit, he veered to the right; straight to Kairi's room.
They have done this everyday; have long conversations after Kairi's physical therapy. It has become routine now: After Kairi does her physical therapy (With Sora watching), he takes her back to the room when she's finished, she 'sleeps' and a little later, Riku sneaks in her room so that they can talk. It was the only way Riku would be able to talk to Kairi privately since Sora was monitoring her all the time but the real reason why they sneaked around to talk was because of their topic choice. Kairi often talked about the adventures of Sora, The Monster Slayer and Kairi, Treasure Huntress Extraordinaire. Riku learned many things Sora probably would be uncomfortable talking about right now, therefore he relied on Kairi to fill him in. He knew that she was missing more current information on Sora like who Seifer was to Sora but that will be revealed when Sora is ready.
Riku reached Kairi's room within a matter of minutes, quickly looked around and then entered quietly. There have been occasions where Kairi actually fell asleep so he came in quietly for that moment on. She was already sitting up in the hospital bed, looking out the window. It wasn't until Riku shut the door behind him that she shifted her gaze to Riku. She smiled in acknowledgement to his presence and motioned him to sit beside her on the bed. He eagerly complied and gave her a small hug. "How are you?"
"I'm doing all right. I had a nightmare last night, but Sora helped me out."
She smiled at the memory, causing Riku to smile also. He was glad that Sora was helping her out so much. He is, of course, her boyfriend.
"That's good."
By the flatness of his tone, Kairi could tell something was wrong. "How are you doing, Riku?"
Riku laughed dryly before running his fingers through his hair. "I've been better, Kairi, I've been better."
A pause falls over them. "This doesn't have to do with Sora and Taiyou does it?"
Riku nodded once as he looked at her in shock, eyes widening slightly. Did she know about the tension between those two?
"From the way Taiyou talks about Sora and watches him, I'd say he's pretty angry with Sora."
"He is, and he's mad at me too because of our relationship."
Kairi hesitated to respond due to that comment. Even she had noticed the strengthening of Riku and Sora's relationship, and she couldn't be happier that Sora finally found someone to fully trust again. But the knowledge of Sora's bisexuality hindered her from being completely content with the relationship change. Once and awhile, she would catch Sora watching Riku; saying nothing and doing nothing. Kairi could remember when she used to do that with Sora, and a couple of years later she discovered she was in love with him! The same could happen to Sora...sooner or later...
"...I don't know what to do."
Blinking twice, Kairi mentally scolded herself for drifting off. She had missed almost everything Riku had said, and now he was looking at her, expecting an answer. She smiled apologetically, and from that small gesture he understood what just happened. Chuckling, Riku wrapped his arm around her neck and squeezed her softly; reassuringly. "It happens to me all the time," he said, still chuckling.
"Sorry, though," she giggled.
The two fell into a pleasant silence, and for several moments, the only movement was that of Riku shifting his weight to get into more of a comfortable position. Riku broke the silence. "I'm making them come over my house this evening to talk it over."
"I'm glad you are. Something like this doesn't need to go on."
Riku nodded once before planting a small kiss on Kairi's forehead and heading to the door. "Get some sleep."
She happily obeyed and curled up on her side, still facing Riku. "See ya later."
"Bye."
Riku walked out and shut the door behind him, a determined look on his face. He was going to resolve this.
Tonight.
^*^
"Maybe this isn't such a good idea..."
"She's Sora's girlfriend, Selphie. Even after all of the things she did to him, no one deserves being raped."
"He's right, Selphie. I don't know much about Kairi and Sora, but from what I hear, he's pretty dedicated to her. You and Tidus know more about their pasts, but I'm looking at what's happening now. We should give these to her."
"She'll probably like it, if she doesn't, tough. I'm not tryin' to impress a girl I don't know."
"Eiko!"
"What? It's true. You should feel the same way, Zidane."
"*sigh* Let's just sneak these into her room, ok? I think she's asleep so I'll slip them in."
"Let me do it! You're a loud walker, Tidus."
"Fine."
^*^
>6:00pm - Riku's House<
Sora waited patiently on the porch after ringing the doorbell twice. Frankly, he thought this meeting was stupid and pointless, but nevertheless complied with Riku's wishes. He knew exactly why Taiyou kept giving him glares or making rude comments; the boy was jealous. Yes, his and Riku's relationship did grow since Riku deemed himself 'the shoulder to cry on.' Yes, it was true that when he wasn't with Kairi, he was most likely with Riku, getting to know him better and spend time with him. However, it wasn't true that their relationship was more of an intimate relationship than a friendship. Sure, they knew their friendship was strange; Sora seriously doubted that the boys at school would hug as often as they do or share personal feelings and desires like they do. He also doubted that one of them would cry all night long on his best friend's shoulder without them minding.
However, there is that factor called attraction. Sora is attracted to Riku -- that fact was apparent from the start. But they both are in a relationship with someone else right now, and even if Riku were to have the same attraction to Sora as Sora did to him, it still wouldn't work out. Taiyou knew about the attraction Sora has for Riku, and it is the very reason why they are in this conflict. "Come on in."
Sora looked up to see Riku leaning against the doorframe, seemingly tired and frustrated. Taiyou was right behind him, his arms now crossed across his chest and eyes looking sideward. Sora stepped inside and grinned. If he had showed his real emotion, there would probably be a fight...
"Well," Sora started as he kicked off his shoes, "you wanted to talk, Riku, so let's talk."
Riku nodded and headed up the stairs, Sora and Taiyou in tow. They reached the familiar room, Sora occupying the bed, Taiyou occupying a beanbag near Riku's TV, and Riku leaning against the wall beside his door.
"This has gone on for long enough, and you know what I'm talking about. So let's talk. Let's get it all out right now. Taiyou, you go first."
^*^
Finished! I haven't been giving you guys too many cliffhangers so I decided to throw one in for ya. Preview for the next chapter - Taiyou reveals all his feelings, Sora reveals all his feelings, some damage is done (I won't say to who.) More of Kairi's feelings, Riku's past is revealed, and SORA/RIKU LOVIN'!! Oh yea, Leon and Cloud are back and their role is bigger than ever! Romance, angst, a little humor, and definitely some drama blended into one to make:
Trials and Tribulations Chapter 11!
Haha, I'm so excited!
Stay Tuned For The Next Installment Of Trials and Tribulations!
~MercuryGoddess~
You can now access the unedited versions of any chapter at this website:
http://www.geocities.com/mercurygoddess2001/heartsfanfiction.html
Special Thanks To: Junsui-san, Angel-White-Wings, Raven's Light, kawaiidark, Ariana, onlyHAUNTED, myredraincoat, shadowsdancingdragon, Rinoki Rio, Crystalline Tears, Kyari, Ocean-Eyed Songtress, Sora Otaku, KaoruFan, Uzumaki-sama, CLOud, diamond_kat06, Twinstar1, Kairi099, SP, ouyukie_cookie, Xytrustion, rikusbadgirl06@fanfiction.net, angelicattie, Colin Creevy, Mel, sorariku, CREA_NAMCO, and my Mediaminer reviewers Child of the Strata, yamichaos and inoccent_asassin!
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!
Rating: I have boosted the rating on this story for future chapters...
Reminder:
"..............." Means talking
(...............) Means author notes
*..............* Means an action
~..............~ Means thinking
'...............' Means past sayings
>.............< Means a place
Trials and Tribulations
Chapter Ten
"Hey didja hear, Nami? Kado transferred to another school because he has a stalker!"
"That's bullshit, Jiro! Nobody would want to stalk that asshole."
It's been two weeks since Kairi's accident, and it was lunchtime at Kado High School. Sora, Riku, Nami, Jiro, Sakura, Garnet, and Taiyou were gathered around a small table in the courtyard, discussing the latest news that's been spreading across the school. The latest news: Kado's sudden leave.
"You're right, but still! It must have been something serious if he transferred to City Isle AND his father turned in a letter of resignation."
Riku lay back in his seat, throwing a small glare at Sora. There was something Sora did that night, something so horrible that Sora wouldn't even reveal what he did, and if it made Kado transfer to a faraway island and make his father resign then it must have been something pretty brutal. All Riku heard that night was muffled cries and a little bit of what Sora was telling Kado. There was one phrase that stuck out in his mind the most:
'Don't worry, boys intrigue me, but I rather fuck the devil than fuck you. Well, in this case, I'd be fucking myself if I fucked the devil.'
What made Sora say that? Was it one of the methods used to scare Kado that made him say such a thing? Whatever it was, it scared Kado to the point of moving away, and Riku's curiosity was eating away at him slowly ever since that night. He chose not to ask or even bring up the situation, because helping Kairi was more important.
While Kairi is successfully healing, externally, due to physical therapy, she has also become much more open with her feelings around Sora. Right now, there's nothing really else to solve except this.
"Without a doubt, it was something huge. I guarantee it."
Everyone turned to Sora, who had his head propped up on his hands and a silly grin on his face. He straightened up, the grin still on his face, and winked at Jiro. "Whatever the bastard got, he deserved, so I don't feel sorry for him in the least."
"You make it seem like you know exactly what happened," Taiyou interjected, crossing his arms and frowning, "Exactly."
Sora only threw him a glance before he turned back to Jiro. He opened his mouth to speak, but Taiyou obviously wasn't finished: "Why the cocky attitude? Kairi is still in the hospital, and even though she is physically getting better, there is still the mental aspect. Kado being out of this school isn't the most important thing; Kairi is, Sora."
The carefree, gossip-filled atmosphere was now overrun with tension as each person watched Taiyou in silent shock. His face was etched with a frown, brows furrowed, and breath irregular. He almost seemed angry at Sora; the way he said Sora's name was a clear indication of that. The mere fact alone was shocking. Sora had been at the hospital day and night for the past two weeks, and only yesterday did he break his habit for his own health. Sora did everything; talking, listening, joking, even playing with Kairi to make her stay at the hospital as comfortable as possible. Everyone knew the sacrifices he made to make sure Kairi felt safe and secure. So why would Taiyou say something like that?
"I know what is important, Taiyou," Sora snapped, a thin angry line now replacing his once mischievous smile, "but if a threat is near one who is most important to you, you need to deal with it as soon as possible."
Riku watched as Taiyou's fist clenched and unclenched repeatedly before shifting his gaze to his boyfriend's face. Even after all these years, he still knew the look of pure, unprecedented rage, and there was no reason for it - that he could come with anyways. "Taiyou..." he whispered as he grabbed the clenching fist.
Taiyou only looked his way for a brief moment before directing his angry gaze back to Sora. Nami swung her long braid over her shoulder, her facial features twisted in a look of disgusted incredulity. "How could you doubt Sora like that?! His girlfriend was raped, and here you are questioning his priorities when he had made a lot more sacrifices than us for her."
Sakura, who had been quiet all the way through, nodded in agreement. "We have been friends with her for a long time, Taiyou, but no one at this point is closer to Kairi than Sora, even after the incident."
"You guys don't even know what I'm talking about," Taiyou said in his own defense. "I'm not saying he didn't make any sacrifices or anything like that."
He ended the conversation there. Nami, Sakura, Jiro, nor Garnet knew the real in-depth details because Kairi wanted to keep it secret, so he certainly wasn't going to try to explain his reasoning to any of them. If they took his comment in the wrong context, that wasn't his problem.
Garnet watched Taiyou and the emotional stages that he seem to go
through: anger, annoyance, frustration, fear. She had noticed his change in attitude about Sora, and she didn't know why. All she could was wait until this intricate web of emotions had been unraveled.
For a while, no one did anything, but watch each other, all of them thinking of their own reasons as to why this was happening. It wasn't until Taiyou broke the thick silence by balling up the plastic lunch tray and gathering his books that anyone did anything.
Riku stood up and placed a hand on Taiyou's shoulder, only to have it shrugged off. He stepped back and watched the flustered boy rake his hand through his shoulder length light brown hair and glance at everyone with fierce amber eyes. "You guys just don't give a damn, do you?" he whispered fiercely, locking his gaze with Sora's.
With that, he turned around and headed to his next class, the bell ringing loudly above him. Sora stood up abruptly, ready to set Taiyou straight, but Riku stopped him by holding his arm out and looked at the retreating figure that is his boyfriend. He shook his head once and then headed after Taiyou; everyone knew that it was best to stay behind.
>Taiyou's locker<
*SLAM*
Taiyou slammed the locker shut, burning anger rising to its boiling point. He had never felt so angry in his life and the reason for it: Sora. Sora did everything the perfect boyfriend was supposed to do when his girlfriend was in a crisis, but that wasn't the reason for his anger. When Sora wasn't with Kairi, he was with Riku! That day when Sora ran out the room and Riku went to get him, they did something that lasted for a couple of hours AND they did something at night. When he asked Riku about it, all he got was 'we talked' or 'it was nothing really'. It pissed him off to no end to watch HIS boyfriend interact with some GUY who kept giving him these looks and requiring his attention all the time. ~Call it jealously, but Riku is MINE!~
"What's wrong and don't say nothing because you know what I'll say."
The blunt statement could be from no one other than Riku, so Taiyou turned around and leaned his head against the locker, letting out a deep sigh. "Fine. I'm angry."
"I didn't notice," Riku replied sarcastically, rolling his eyes heavenward then back on Taiyou. "I thought you were happy."
Chuckling to himself, Taiyou pushed off of the locker and starting walking to class. "You know I don't like sarcastic remarks," he said teasingly, looking to Riku.
"And you know I don't like it when you try to hide your obvious anger," Riku responded, but in a serious tone.
Taiyou stopped in the middle of the hallway, his eyes narrowing, and muscles tensing. "You're the one to talk about hiding things, Riku."
His voice seemed on the edge, and that immediately gained Riku's full attention. He felt anger rising within himself but declined to show any of it. "What do you mean?"
"You know exactly what I mean. You and Sora are going off to different places, not telling anyone where you're going or what you're doing. I know you guys had something to do with Kado's sudden transfer, and I want to know what you did."
Riku let out a dry laugh. "Taiyou Quen, are you jealous of me and Sora's relationship?"
Silence.
"Ha! I can't believe you are. Sora and I are just friends, and he's going through a rough time right now. Just relax."
After planting a small kiss on Taiyou's cheek, Riku turned around and walked away, shaking his head and laughing. Taiyou just stood in his place while watching Riku disappear around corner. ~What are you hiding from me, Riku?~
>After School - Hospital<
Sora leaned back into the comfortable hospital chair provided from the staff and watched Kairi slowly make her way across the room to him. The surgery was successful, and even though Kairi was in a lot of pain, she was determined to walk normally again. Her strength and courage was unbelievable, and many of the nurses and doctors in the hospital were rooting her on because of it. Her arms were just about healed and the bruises were gone as well, but the nightmares and flashbacks were still there. Doctor Miyazaki made it clear that she might develop Post Traumatic
Stress Disorder due to her rape, so family, friends, and even some of the staff at the hospital are pitching in to make sure she feels as comfortable as possible. "S-Sora!! I'm doing it!"
The auburn-haired girl smiled her brightest since the attack, and everyone in the room felt the joy and happiness that radiated off of her. Sora stood up and opened his arms to the incoming girl, smiling almost as brightly as she was. At the gesture, she picked up her pace slightly, and it wasn't until she was about a foot away from Sora when she stumbled. He caught her with ease, and applause echoed throughout the large room as nurses, doctors, her mother, and all her friends clapped at her brilliant accomplishment. Sora kissed her enthusiastically in her messy ponytail, thrusting his fist up in the air while he held Kairi. "She is NUMBER ONE!" he yelled while doing a watered down version of his victory dance.
Kairi giggled at the silly antics of her boyfriend and clung tighter. He looked down and scooped her up in his arms gently, heading back to her hospital room.
"Uhh, Sora."
Jiro stepped forward, pointing to the small folded up wheelchair in the corner. Sora rolled his eyes heavenward before looking back at Jiro. "I did this for a reason, Jiro."
He winked at the boy to make his point and headed out the room with a giggling Kairi. Jiro only shuddered at the comment, making Nami, Garnet, Sakura giggle and Taiyou smile. Riku seemed to be the only one unfazed, for he was in deep thought about the situation at hand. Kado's gone, Kairi is making excellent process so what is the problem?
Sora and Taiyou.
Up until this point, Riku hadn't really noticed the change in Sora and Taiyou's relationship, but now, he noticed the glares Taiyou threw at Sora when he mentioned Riku's name or when he did something like hug Riku. Before Taiyou knew about the type of relationship Sora and Riku had, he was good friends with Sora. But now...
~Flash~
"'I'll be the shoulder you cry on?' What's that supposed to mean?"
~Flash~
"Why were you guys holding hands when you walked in the room?"
"Sora was having a rough time actually going in. That's why."
"Oh..."
~Flash~
"Hey, where you guys headed?"
"Oh, we're just going to my house, Taiyou."
"Yea, we're discussing business."
"...Business?"
"Yeah! It'll be boring so I doubt you'll want to come."
"What business are you talking about?"
"Just minor stuff really. I'll be back home in time to go out with you tonight."
"Oh..."
~Flash~
"Why the cocky attitude? Kairi is still in the hospital, and even though she is physically getting better, there is still the mental aspect. Kado being out of this school isn't the most important thing; Kairi is, Sora."
~Flash~
"You're the one to talk about hiding things, Riku."
"You and Sora are going off to different places and not telling anyone where you're going or what you're doing. I know you guys had something to do with Kado's sudden transfer, and I want to know what you did."
~End Flashes~
Riku ran his fingers through his hair and sighed. Things were a lot more complicated than he thought, and if Taiyou continues down this path of dislike for Sora, then conflicts that could have been avoided are going to happen. This is not the time to fight within the group, but to work together to help Kairi out as much as possible. He wasn't going to decide between Sora and Taiyou; he wanted them both.
Apparently, Riku's sigh earned the attention of Taiyou, and the amber-eyed boy walked over to Riku. "What's wrong?" he said, looking concerned.
Riku looked up and flashed him a small smile. "Just thinking, that's all."
*CRASH*
"Ha, didn't see that there."
Sora lifted his right arms to rest on the back of his head, smiling sheepishly as silver bedpan spun on the floor. Everyone except Taiyou laughed at his clumsiness. "Did you see the way she walked, Riku?!"
Sora jogged up to Riku and pulled him into a bear hug, squeezing as tight as he could. "She was doin' great!!"
Riku coughed a bit before looking to Taiyou, who was glaring daggers at Sora. It was as if Sora felt one thrown at his back because he turned around and grinned at Taiyou. "Wasn't she, Taiyou?"
His grin turned into a familiar mischievous smile, and from what Riku could see it was the same dark smile that appeared on his face when he was planning Kado's confrontation. If that smile reappeared so soon, then Sora must be really angry with Taiyou. This has to stop. "Sora, Taiyou, meet me at my house today at 6:00pm. We need to talk."
Riku removed himself from Sora's hug - even though he enjoyed it - and walked to the door, still looking at Sora and Taiyou. Sora was smiling smugly, and Taiyou was glaring once again. He sighed and left the room for good, but instead of heading to the exit, he veered to the right; straight to Kairi's room.
They have done this everyday; have long conversations after Kairi's physical therapy. It has become routine now: After Kairi does her physical therapy (With Sora watching), he takes her back to the room when she's finished, she 'sleeps' and a little later, Riku sneaks in her room so that they can talk. It was the only way Riku would be able to talk to Kairi privately since Sora was monitoring her all the time but the real reason why they sneaked around to talk was because of their topic choice. Kairi often talked about the adventures of Sora, The Monster Slayer and Kairi, Treasure Huntress Extraordinaire. Riku learned many things Sora probably would be uncomfortable talking about right now, therefore he relied on Kairi to fill him in. He knew that she was missing more current information on Sora like who Seifer was to Sora but that will be revealed when Sora is ready.
Riku reached Kairi's room within a matter of minutes, quickly looked around and then entered quietly. There have been occasions where Kairi actually fell asleep so he came in quietly for that moment on. She was already sitting up in the hospital bed, looking out the window. It wasn't until Riku shut the door behind him that she shifted her gaze to Riku. She smiled in acknowledgement to his presence and motioned him to sit beside her on the bed. He eagerly complied and gave her a small hug. "How are you?"
"I'm doing all right. I had a nightmare last night, but Sora helped me out."
She smiled at the memory, causing Riku to smile also. He was glad that Sora was helping her out so much. He is, of course, her boyfriend.
"That's good."
By the flatness of his tone, Kairi could tell something was wrong. "How are you doing, Riku?"
Riku laughed dryly before running his fingers through his hair. "I've been better, Kairi, I've been better."
A pause falls over them. "This doesn't have to do with Sora and Taiyou does it?"
Riku nodded once as he looked at her in shock, eyes widening slightly. Did she know about the tension between those two?
"From the way Taiyou talks about Sora and watches him, I'd say he's pretty angry with Sora."
"He is, and he's mad at me too because of our relationship."
Kairi hesitated to respond due to that comment. Even she had noticed the strengthening of Riku and Sora's relationship, and she couldn't be happier that Sora finally found someone to fully trust again. But the knowledge of Sora's bisexuality hindered her from being completely content with the relationship change. Once and awhile, she would catch Sora watching Riku; saying nothing and doing nothing. Kairi could remember when she used to do that with Sora, and a couple of years later she discovered she was in love with him! The same could happen to Sora...sooner or later...
"...I don't know what to do."
Blinking twice, Kairi mentally scolded herself for drifting off. She had missed almost everything Riku had said, and now he was looking at her, expecting an answer. She smiled apologetically, and from that small gesture he understood what just happened. Chuckling, Riku wrapped his arm around her neck and squeezed her softly; reassuringly. "It happens to me all the time," he said, still chuckling.
"Sorry, though," she giggled.
The two fell into a pleasant silence, and for several moments, the only movement was that of Riku shifting his weight to get into more of a comfortable position. Riku broke the silence. "I'm making them come over my house this evening to talk it over."
"I'm glad you are. Something like this doesn't need to go on."
Riku nodded once before planting a small kiss on Kairi's forehead and heading to the door. "Get some sleep."
She happily obeyed and curled up on her side, still facing Riku. "See ya later."
"Bye."
Riku walked out and shut the door behind him, a determined look on his face. He was going to resolve this.
Tonight.
^*^
"Maybe this isn't such a good idea..."
"She's Sora's girlfriend, Selphie. Even after all of the things she did to him, no one deserves being raped."
"He's right, Selphie. I don't know much about Kairi and Sora, but from what I hear, he's pretty dedicated to her. You and Tidus know more about their pasts, but I'm looking at what's happening now. We should give these to her."
"She'll probably like it, if she doesn't, tough. I'm not tryin' to impress a girl I don't know."
"Eiko!"
"What? It's true. You should feel the same way, Zidane."
"*sigh* Let's just sneak these into her room, ok? I think she's asleep so I'll slip them in."
"Let me do it! You're a loud walker, Tidus."
"Fine."
^*^
>6:00pm - Riku's House<
Sora waited patiently on the porch after ringing the doorbell twice. Frankly, he thought this meeting was stupid and pointless, but nevertheless complied with Riku's wishes. He knew exactly why Taiyou kept giving him glares or making rude comments; the boy was jealous. Yes, his and Riku's relationship did grow since Riku deemed himself 'the shoulder to cry on.' Yes, it was true that when he wasn't with Kairi, he was most likely with Riku, getting to know him better and spend time with him. However, it wasn't true that their relationship was more of an intimate relationship than a friendship. Sure, they knew their friendship was strange; Sora seriously doubted that the boys at school would hug as often as they do or share personal feelings and desires like they do. He also doubted that one of them would cry all night long on his best friend's shoulder without them minding.
However, there is that factor called attraction. Sora is attracted to Riku -- that fact was apparent from the start. But they both are in a relationship with someone else right now, and even if Riku were to have the same attraction to Sora as Sora did to him, it still wouldn't work out. Taiyou knew about the attraction Sora has for Riku, and it is the very reason why they are in this conflict. "Come on in."
Sora looked up to see Riku leaning against the doorframe, seemingly tired and frustrated. Taiyou was right behind him, his arms now crossed across his chest and eyes looking sideward. Sora stepped inside and grinned. If he had showed his real emotion, there would probably be a fight...
"Well," Sora started as he kicked off his shoes, "you wanted to talk, Riku, so let's talk."
Riku nodded and headed up the stairs, Sora and Taiyou in tow. They reached the familiar room, Sora occupying the bed, Taiyou occupying a beanbag near Riku's TV, and Riku leaning against the wall beside his door.
"This has gone on for long enough, and you know what I'm talking about. So let's talk. Let's get it all out right now. Taiyou, you go first."
^*^
Finished! I haven't been giving you guys too many cliffhangers so I decided to throw one in for ya. Preview for the next chapter - Taiyou reveals all his feelings, Sora reveals all his feelings, some damage is done (I won't say to who.) More of Kairi's feelings, Riku's past is revealed, and SORA/RIKU LOVIN'!! Oh yea, Leon and Cloud are back and their role is bigger than ever! Romance, angst, a little humor, and definitely some drama blended into one to make:
Trials and Tribulations Chapter 11!
Haha, I'm so excited!
Stay Tuned For The Next Installment Of Trials and Tribulations!
~MercuryGoddess~