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The Long Weekend Away	By : neonabsinthe Category: Kingdom Hearts > Slash/Yaoi - Male/Male Views: 3950 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Kingdom Hearts, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 4
- 5
- 6
Warnings: AU. Fairly OOC and cliché (with Rich Popular Riku and Shy Sora. But hopefully the actual storyline is less cliché). A lotta swearing and fluff alert; drug use and adult situations in later chapters.
Pairings: Riku x Sora, onesided Riku x Kairi, and other minor pairings – some which may become major in later chapters. Dunno yet.
A/N: So Sora has literally zero backbone here, but that’s all part of the plan because he needs to develop one as the story progresses. It was intentional, don’t worry.
LONG chapter; sorry people. I swear I write way too fucking much. I need to set myself a world limit or something. And this chapter was meant to be the second part of the last chapter which I split because it was too long. I should have broken this one up too, so sorry if your eyes collapse from exhaustion reading this.
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The Long Weekend Away
By: neon-absinthe
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-- PART I: Chapter 4 – Decision (II) --
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“Thanks for lending me your pen, Riku,” the brown-haired girl cooed, straight white teeth flashing. Her perfectly manicured fingers, the middle one adorned with a small tiffany diamond on a white gold band, played with the ends of her neatly styled chestnut ringlets. Meanwhile, a little way behind her, her friends all flashed him their best smiles. “Maybe I’ll see you around?”
Her tone was deceptively innocent, but years of experience told Riku she was anything but.
“Yeah,” he smiled back, not wanting to be impolite. “I’ll see you next class.”
Her smile faded slightly and she temporarily withdrew her flirty half-lidded gaze. It was obviously not the response she was after.
Strange, but only eighteen months ago, he wouldn’t have bothered treating with courtesy those he found not worthy enough to be his friends. Hell, he probably would have taken her up on her implicit offer. She was a hot and attractive girl…in that conventional perfectly-trimmed-socialite kind of way that they all were.
“Well, maybe we’ll sit next to each other again next class.” Her tight school shirt was probably a size too small as he could make out the lacy lines of her designer bra through it.
“Yeah, maybe,” he replied cryptically. “Excuse me; I have something important to attend to.” And it wasn’t a lie: he needed to discuss with the blitzball coordinator about his (hopefully) reacceptance onto the team. He also didn’t want to keep Sora waiting for too long.
As the nameless girl stammered an “Okay”, Riku stood up in a quick fluid and smoothly made his way to the exit of the classroom, commanding the attention of most of the remaining students.
He ignored the quiet comments he knew he wasn’t meant to hear.
“Guess the rumours were true.” One of the girl’s friends said.
“Which one? There’s heaps at the moment.”
“The one about him having a boyfriend.”
Pause.
“You know what, you might be right. But…why? It’s not like he had no other option; he could have anyone he wants.”
“Don’t ask me, I don’t know. Besides, don’t you think it’s kind of…gross. Boys aren’t meant to be with other boys. Somebody sure lost their mind this past year.” Giggle.
“Excuse me, but are you ladies talking about Riku Samuel?” a new voice interrupted, a male one. “You know what I think…”
Mindless white statics in a world of sounds and noises. That’s all they were.
He despised gossip of all things.
Of the earliest moments the silver-haired boy could remember of his childhood, gossip has always been a prevalent thing, weaving in and out of the mouths of those around him – children and adults alike. Whether it was positive or negative rumours spread, they all tended to be grossly exaggerated, having been twisted and mangled around the grapevine several times. The worst kinds were the two-faced sort, talking ridiculous trash about you and your family behind your back but still deigned to smile and eat at the same table at subsequent dinner parties. As well as that, the paparazzi, a constant source of annoyance for his parents and his brother given their success and fame, loved to dissect an already twisted truth and happily piece it back together into something completely deformed of what it once was. On many of the occasions Riku could remember, a few stray photographers would discretely tail after him, like dogs waiting to fight for a tossed out bone, only leaving when they’ve smelt fresher tabloid blood.
It was something he just had to put up with – a part of life that would never go away. Even though Riku knew he was living the dream of so many, what they don’t tell you is the price you pay for it. True privacy and personal space and even a basic human right such as choice were merely words in the dictionary that resembled nothing in the life he led.
And slowly by slowly, he found himself becoming desensitised to it all. Whether it was a good thing or a bad thing, he wasn’t sure. On the one hand, he found it now much easier to deal with all that bullshit, but on the reverse side, it could mark the first step into becoming something he hated – one of them.
Despite this, Riku could still remember how utterly frustrated and angry and depressed he once was, so affected by those snide passing comments, having not yet developed a thick enough skin. And it suddenly made him wonder, just how Sora was taking it?
Sigh.
Now the silver-haired was reminded of the events of this morning. And how coldly he treated his fragile little brunet. Riku was just angry and frustrated by this whole fucked up situation, magnified by his encounter with Leon. But it was no excuse to take it out on Sora, who has been nothing but patient and supportive throughout everything.
Sure he apologised as soon as he saw him next, but was a mere apology enough? Given how difficult he knew Sora found everything, despite the other boy’s denial? He vowed to make it up to his beautiful azure eyed boyfriend – at least as soon as all everything settles down.
But right now, Riku needed all his concentration for the task at hand. One of the reasons he had been feeling uneasy through the last class.
He didn’t have to think about where he was going, his legs mechanically drove him forward along a route he’s still very familiar with. Pass the cafeteria and through the long melodious hallways of the Music School, then across the oval to the Sports Centre. And finally, his feet stopped before a simple wooden door. The inscription on the marbled glass window read:
Cid Highwind
Blitzball Coordinator
Riku closed his eyes and quickly steeled his nerve.
His old blitzball coach was crude and blunt and could smell fear better than most wild animals. And he loved to exploit it to entertain his sadistic nature.
A hesitant hand slowly rose, pausing before reluctantly giving a few solid knocks onto the window pane. The sounds seemed overly amplified in Riku’s ears.
“Yeah?” a low grunt was heard from beyond the wood and glass.
Another tight swallow before the infamous Samuel indifference forced away any traces of nervousness – weakness, as his father would claim. The teenager placed his hand on the silver door knob and turned slowly.
Inch by inch, the door frame squeaked open to reveal a moderate sized office. Reeking of stale cigarette smoke, it was cluttered with an organised mess of papers, trophies, plaques and photographs. And then there were the more unconventional office decorations scattered around, like the novelty Official Blitzball World Cup 2007 Beer Helmet and the ashtray shaped like a cancerous lung, already half-filled with old ash and cigarette butts.
But it was the intimidating man slouching forward behind the cluttered desk which seemed most out of place in such a wealthy private school setting.
He was chewing a toothpick carelessly while stubbing out a cigarette into the novelty ashtray. Short spiky blond hair and a face of sharp lines and tough features glared at him through narrowed light blue eyes. It registered shock at seeing which individual dared to disturb his peace, before a knowing smirk replaced those features and the intimidating atmosphere returned at full force.
A smirking snort escaped the blond man.
“Well well well. Look what the cat dragged in. A runaway princess comes crawling back.” He raised his eyebrows mockingly. “Didn’t quite suit you, a life away from daddy’s bank account, did it, princess?”
Riku said nothing. It was usually for the best to let Cid finish his words before interrupting. Arguing with the short-tempered man generally translates into suicide.
“Knew you’d stop by sometime this week.”
The silver-haired boy remained silent, unconsciously stood up straighter, like a cadet soldier as his drill sergeant screamed insulting nonsense into his ear.
Highwind observed the stoic boy in front of him with amusement. What the fuck did he think this was? Boot camp? If it were boot camp, he’d make this kid get up at 4 a.m. every morning to run thirty laps around the oval. And depending how he felt, maybe also deny him breakfast, given all the shit this kid put him through disappearing like he did.
“So what the hell do you want, boy? Want to reclaim captaincy? Fat fucking chance,” to which he emphasised by making a show of turning away with a disgusted snort, as if this was all a trivial issue.
“Not to become captain again, Cid,” Riku corrected him. “I let down the Besaid Aurochs, and I don’t deserve to be their captain.”
“First of all, sunshine. It’s not fucking ‘Cid’ to you, anymore. It’s ‘sir’, got that?”
“Sorry,” the green-eyed boy quickly replied.
“And damn fucking right you don’t deserve to be captain. My team’s a good team; they work hard and they win matches. They don’t need to be dragged down by your pussy shit self-centred ‘leadership’.”
Cid was one of the most unconventional teachers this academy has ever seen.
One would think that such a prestigious and exclusive school would screen their employees so that they were well mannered and professional, who don’t scream outrageous profanities at their students, and don’t chain smoke on the non-smoking school grounds. One would also think that the spoilt young masters and mistresses would have thrown enough hissy fits and complained to daddy already.
But if Highwind’s blitzball coaching hadn’t delivered quality teams of state and national championship levels year after year, he would have been fired, if not sued, a long time ago. And if Riku hadn’t respected the man as much as he did, he would have punched the fucker’s face in from the word ‘princess’.
Leaning back in his chair with his enormous arms behind his head, the blond man continued, toothpick swaying with the movement of his lips. “We’ve already got a captain and a vice. Don’t need a third.”
It was hard for Riku to look into those eyes, knowing that much of what Cid had said was true. Especially about his leadership.
“I just want to rejoin the team, sir. I was hoping to try out again.”
Another snort and pale blue eyes rolled. “Too bad. My team’s full. Why don’t you try out for Pelicans? I hear they’re looking for a Midfielder.”
The Pelicans were another of the Academy’s blitzball teams – mostly for beginners and newcomers to the sport.
“I hear Besaid is also short a man. I’m here to try out for that position.”
“What?” the intimidating man snapped abrasively, toothpick almost falling out. “You wanna be a benchwarmer, eh?” he barked a laugh.
Riku was undeterred. “If that’s what it takes to rejoin the team, then yeah.”
Sharp pale blue eyes turned contemplative as they surveyed him again. Cid raised a large callused hand to his chin and rubbed over his growing stubble. After a minute or so of silence, the man spoke up.
“Follow me, smart ass.”
In a flurry of leather jackets and stale cigarettes, Cid pushed passed the silently cheering teenager as he exited the room. Riku was quick to follow, unable to wipe the small smile which evaded his normally tightly controlled façade. He didn’t think it would take so little for his old coach to consider letting him back on the team.
They made their way down a corridor lined with doors to different gymnasiums, halls and sporting and equipment rooms, capturing the attention of anyone who saw them. Finally, they reached a giant glass automated door, leading to a large hall lined with bleachers. At the centre of the room, was a sophisticated giant transparent spheric structure, about two storeys high, filled with water.
It was a sight Riku knew very well. The blitzball stadium.
An arena of so many fond memories; one of the few places where the pressures of family and society rarely reached. Instead, there was only the competition and the thrill of victory.
“Boys,” Cid’s deep voice thundered through the stadium. “Get over here.”
It was then that Riku noticed the line of sweaty young men, who were in mid lap running around the giant space, began to make their way over to the two intruders.
His old team.
As tired, flushed and out of breath faces realised just who it was standing next to their coach, shock and ultimately anger and irritation registered.
Cid hadn’t planned to let Riku back on the team. He had planned a humiliating showdown with his old pissed off team mates.
The silver-haired sharply looked back at the man in question. The blond stood nonchalantly with folded arms, smirking arrogantly at him, eyes twinkling with amusement
They say that, deep down, Cid Highwind was truly a sadist.
They were fucking right.
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The drink fountain was probably the last place Kairi expected to find him. Sure she knew bumping into him around school, at least, would be unavoidable, especially since now he was no longer just some nameless faceless person whom she would barely spare a glance at; he was Riku’s new boyfriend. And that made him important.
She wasn’t sure it was him at first. After all, there were plenty of brunets in the school, and many of them had that messy bed head hair, which was so popular at the moment.
However when Kairi saw those chocolate strands, something she didn’t quite fully comprehend made her falter in her steps until she came to a stop, standing silently in the shadows just inside the sliding door of the Humanities Building – watching him. It was only when the boy turned his head ever so slightly, that doubts previously occupying her mind as to who this was were harshly ripped away.
The same blue eyes. The same bow-shaped lips. And that same softness in his expression. The blurry camera phone photo Yuffie sent her barely did him justice.
Sora.
Before she even realised her legs were moving, Kairi found herself approaching the unsuspecting brunet. Her steps were cautious and measured, so quiet and soft it resembled a cat on the prowl. Her mind, however, was nothing like her outwardly controlled movements. In fact, the chaos that was her mental state completely blocked out her rational judgement, making her panic and her heart beat quicken thrice fold.
What on earth would she say to him? What would he say to her? And beyond that, did she really want to hear it? Hear how...happy and in love this…boy was with her Riku?
Was she that much of an emotional masochist?
“Sora, right?” those words tumbled out of her mouth before she could stop herself to leave herself an escape route.
It was too late when a set of brilliant bright blue eyes, wide as saucers, whipped around in surprise, capturing the deer-in-headlights look perfectly.
“U-uh,” he stammered, nervous and fidgeting, accidentally spilling some water as he unwittingly tipped the water bottle with his movements. His voice was sweet and light, and tinkled like bells swaying in the wind.
It made Kairi sick.
“Hi,” he offered a hand timidly to her. “Yes, I’m Sora.”
Kairi just stared at the outstretched appendage, cold disbelief spreading behind her frozen mask. Was he seriously requesting she shake it? His way of mocking her? She felt what all losing sporting people felt, reliving the humiliation of losing by congratulating the winners under the force of good sportsmanship.
Her jaw clenched as she concentrated on refraining from sneering or curling her hands into tight fists. It was below her. But she couldn’t stop the glare that unwittingly escaped her control – so intense, all her anger and misery and jealousy translated into this one look. He quickly averted his eyes.
With nothing else to offer, she told him exactly who he was facing.
“My name is Kairi.”
Remember this name, Sora. Remember this name as you sleep so easily at night in Riku’s arms, after stealing my happiness away from me.
Unbelievably, the boy slowly attempted a smile, causing a frown to pull at Kairi’s lips. “I know. Riku’s told me about you.”
A dark silence.
What did that mean? Kairi wondered if he knew: about her and Riku and everything else that went hand in hand with them, before deliberately stealing the silver-haired Samuel all for himself. Could this innocent mask really hide such horribleness beneath?
“What did he tell you?” She kept her tone deliberately nonchalant, not wanting to admit her desperate curiosity regarding this matter.
“Huh?” Sora made a soft sound of surprise, then recollected himself, lightly chewing his full plump bottom lip. Kairi briefly wondered if this was how he tempted Riku.
Disgusting.
“Well, a-all he’s ever said was that you’re his best friend, and have been ever since you were children.” He looked up at her.
So Riku had kept it from him.
“Really?” she said snidely. “And here I thought that being in a relationship with Riku Samuel, there would be more communication between the two of you.”
He didn’t deny it. In fact, the brunet looked away, suddenly a little sad. His emotions were so easy for Kairi to read – like stumbling across a forbidden book where she would waste no time gleefully pouring over its hidden contents. And as it seemed, it looked like not everything were rainbows and sunshine between Riku and Sora.
Kairi inwardly smirked.
“I-It’s not really like that,” the boy tried to amend, “not really. Riku’s just…been under a lot of stress lately. So I can understand if sometimes he doesn’t feel like talking.” He trailed off.
Even Kairi could tell he was just lying to himself.
No matter how much this boy tries to deny it, she knew what it was like to be in love Riku: it was always all about him. Everything else was only second in priority to his needs and wants – family, friends, even yourself – if only just to keep him happy so that you would also be happy. And Kairi had been fine with such an arrangement, and Riku had loved her best out of all of them. But this boy, this Sora, seemed to be struggling with accepting such a life; he had bitten off a little too much than he could chew.
“But this isn’t just a recent thing, is it?”
Kairi’s quiet words resonated in Sora’s mind like shrilly echoes bouncing off cliff faces. “It’s always been a little like that with Riku. Always having to wonder just how much he told you and how much he left out. It’s hard not knowing, isn’t it?”
Sora wanted to squeeze his eyes shut, and box out his ears. But sadly, he knew they spoke an ounce of truth. Kairi’s tone was so sympathetic, and Sora couldn’t fault her for that. But no matter how good her intentions were, he really just wanted her to stop talking – he liked living in delusion and fantasy. It had always served him well.
Sora bit his lip, a small habit he had when he was in deep thought. But it’ll get better. Even Riku himself said so.
“How did the two of you get together?” Kairi asked abruptly. “If you don’t mind me asking.”
Relieved for the change of topic, “Um…” he started. Then hesitated. The slight boy knew Riku was reluctant to share any details of their time on the island, even with his closest friends, but at the same time, he didn’t want to be rude. “We kind of…just found each other, I guess.” Sora was proud of his vague answer.
Meanwhile, frustration consumed Kairi. She was getting sick of not knowing, especially about Riku. And she especially didn’t like being kept from her answers by some dim-witted kid who didn’t deserve to be here in the first place.
“That sounds like a line from a soap opera,” she almost scoffed, masking it in a joking manner. “Let me guess, love at first sight too?”
“Oh, n-no,” Sora laughed uncomfortably; it was from the truth.
“Oh? What was it like then?”
“Well…a situation happened which kind of…forced us together. And we just kind of fell in love from there.”
Kairi hated how simply he phrased the idea of Riku falling in love. It was so so much more complex than that; it was as if he was living in a fairy tale playing inside his head. Or maybe she was just unfortunate to not be living her own happily ever after.
Instead, it was ripped from her, wrapped and handed on a silver platter to this…unremarkable boy. She had never felt so bitter.
“It doesn’t really sound like love to me.” It was a low blow, but right now, all she wanted to do was hurt him as much as he hurt her, even though she knew it wasn’t really his fault. But those who have been scorned usually don’t possess a substantial amount of rationality.
Sora looked a little shocked. His doe-like azure eyes widened slightly, brows furrowed. “What do you mean?” he asked in a little voice.
Kairi merely observed him, letting the tense silence build up between them. She hoped the suspense would make him more and more uncomfortable; it was the least she could do.
And then it struck her. This was his weakness. The boy was filled with the same doubts she was plagued with during her short romantic relationship with Riku. And by default, this was also her weapon against him.
And Kairi Spencer was no stranger to mind games.
“I’m not trying to offend you or anything,” the red head turned on her apologetic smile. “It’s just, you don’t want to fall into such a trap in the long run. Particularly with Riku. Like you said, I’ve been his best friend since forever. Of anybody I should know.”
“But…you don’t know that.”
“I was also his girlfriend.”
He didn’t say anything.
“Besides, I’m also just judging this from what you’ve said,” Kairi tucked a stray auburn lock behind her ear. “This situation you mentioned, the one that brought the two of you together – you did say it was forced, didn’t you?”
“…Yeah,” he hesitated.
“So how could something like love spring from something like that?”
She asked such difficult questions. How does something as pure as love borne from something as twisted and complicated as what he and Riku went through? He didn’t have any answers.
“I…don’t know,” Sora finally admitted in a small voice, giving a little uncertain shrug of the shoulders. “It just happened.”
“Something must have been different,” the girl pressed. “Riku doesn’t just…give into his emotions like that. Especially when it comes to commitment and love.”
“It was just so crazy,” the brunet almost seemed to be speaking to himself. “We barely had time to think about it before we realised what had happened. And by then, we were already…” he trailed off.
“So you’re saying that neither of you rationally understood your respective feelings for each other,” Kairi deliberately twisted his words around. “How can you be sure it’s love then?”
He thought he knew; nothing he had ever experienced in his entire life resembled what he felt for Riku. But now…
Sora sighed, defeated. “I guess I’m not,” his tone was soft.
“Why do you love him, Sora?”
Why did he love Riku?
Well, that was simple. He wished he could make Kairi understand – see that what was between them was real.
He loved Riku because Riku was the first person who seemed to understand him. Because he didn’t judge him like so many other who did before ever getting to know him. Because he naturally acted in a way that made him feel like a human being. Because Sora was trapped in this dark oppressive bubble and–
“–Riku saved me…”
It was barely a mumble, but Kairi caught the words loud and clear. She inwardly frowned a little.
‘Saved him’? What did that mean? Saved him from what? It all came down to the past mysterious year and a half.
What on earth happened to Riku?
Nonetheless, “But doesn’t that prove my point?” she murmured, finally getting through to him. “That what you feel towards him isn’t love, but just gratitude at being rescued?”
Sora’s eyes widened.
What Kairi’s saying seemed to be perfectly plausible and logical even – it just made a lot of sense. After all, how would he know what love is? He’s never had anything to compare it to before Riku. What he thought to be a good and loving relationship was probably seen as morbidly twisted through the eyes of a normal person. And gratitude? Yes, he did feel gratefulness – very grateful – to Riku for saving him from his impenetrable dark cocoon. But, was it just like Kairi said?
Was that all he felt?
But of course it wasn’t ‘love’. The cruel little voice in his head taunted. How can a freak like you possibly ‘love’?
“And Riku,” the red head continued unmindful of Sora’s internal battle. “Riku likes to play the knight in shining armour.”
Sky blue eyes snapped to her face, a silent ‘What?’ hung in the air.
“Riku has always liked being the hero, you know,” she told him, almost casually. “It could be the youngest child complex, but he always did like to shine. And saving you, as you put it, is probably his way of doing just that.” She studied him closely out of the corner of her eye.
But Sora didn’t notice that. Nor did he notice the coolness staining his foot, water spilt from his long forgotten bottle right onto his shoe. The brunet swallowed deeply, trying to rid himself of the lump stuck in the back of his throat. He failed miserably.
Once again, Kairi made a lot of sense. Why else would someone like Riku supposedly ‘fall’ for someone like him? Sora always knew Riku was different ever since the first time he laid his eyes on him – special. And now that he was living in the big city of Radiant Garden, Riku’s home, he was able to see just how special Riku was. A son of a prestigious and amazingly wealthy family – he could barely move without hearing Riku’s name mentioned on some level. And on top of that, Riku was handsome and popular and seemed to be so intelligent and good at everything.
And Sora? He was nobody. Just a boy from some island somewhere in the world.
And that was the truth.
And how can anyone fall in ‘love’ with a freak like you? The voice chuckled.
“Hey,” came a gentle prod. It was Kairi again.
He looked up at her, and took in her enchanting beauty and elegant grace. This was more like someone on Riku’s level, he observed sadly. Someone who deserved him.
“Look, I’m only saying this because I’ve seen countless other girls fall under his spell and end up throwing themselves blind in love with him. It never turns out well, you know.”
Sora nodded listlessly.
“Anyway, I think I’m late for my class,” she looked past down the corridor behind him. “Goodbye, Sora.”
Sweeping past the silent boy, she almost missed the whisper of ‘bye’. There was no more reason for her to stay behind, her deed was done – the boy was obviously deeply affected by what she had said. The foundations of his relationship with Riku was now shaken, if not crumbling.
Who knew it would be so easy. Kairi would have expected someone who was strong; a worthy adversary. Someone perfect for Riku. But Sora was far from what she expected. So naïve and easily wounded. A pauper at the feet of the prince.
A sudden urge arose causing the crimson-haired girl cast a quick glance back over her shoulder. He was but a lone figure standing frozen in the middle of the corridor, clutching solemnly to his dripping water bottle, still facing where she had originally been standing. Kairi turned back around with a smile on her face. Her now calm footsteps echoed masterfully down the empty hallway.
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“What’s he doing here?” was the first thing said after the original shock wore off.
“Now now, no need for hostility, is there?” Highwind chided in an amused tone, obviously enjoying the show.
“Riku!” Tidus’ voice singled out as being pleasantly surprised, albeit a bit out of breath, having just arrived behind the others, face pleasantly flushed and strands of blond hair stuck down on a brow gleaming with sweat. Wakka finished just after him, though he remained silent, chocolate brown eyes unreadable as he stared on. Riku returned Tidus’ grin, silently thanking him for his newfound spurt of courage.
“But seriously, Coach,” another asked more respectfully. “Why is Samuel here?”
“Dear young master Samuel,” the blond man took his time to drawl out his words, “wishes to join the team.”
His was met with a tirade of loud protests.
“What?!” “You’re kidding me!” “You’re not going to fucking let him, right?”
Cid swept over the angry faces of his team, and turned back to the solemn silver-haired boy. Amusement never left his strong features. “Guess that’s a ‘no’,” he lightly informed him, deliberately acting oblivious.
Riku couldn’t help the small scowl which appeared on his face. He hated the way Cid would mock and taunt people, aiming for their weaknesses without fail. It made it so much worse that he deserved all of it, having failed the loyalty and respect the team had once trusted to him by carelessly throwing it away.
“I’m surprised you even bothered trying,” a sandy haired boy sneered, crossing his muscular arms with a glare. Hercules Olympus – the team’s Left Defense, if he remembered correctly. The boy was always cocky and pushy, filled with ambition to be named the best player, though always falling short behind Tidus, Wakka and himself, all of whom he didn’t bother hiding his resentment for.
“It’s better than sitting on my arse doing nothing,” he retorted.
“Better than running away like a coward?” the Athenian boy lifted a brow.
Riku was forced to bite his tongue. Giving into his anger and taking it out on Olympus was not the best way to convince them he had matured.
“Look,” Riku sighed, suddenly so tired from all the apologies and half-formed explanations he had to deliver so far. Just how many left before he was done? “I apologise for disappearing right before the Blitzball Grand Final without so much as a reason. I still don't have one. I screwed you all over, as a team and as individuals, particularly since I was captain at the time.” He didn’t dare look up, not wanting to see the cold scepticism in their eyes. “But right now, I just want another chance to prove to you that all that's behind me now. I belong on this blitzball team, and no other.”
Maybe, just maybe, Riku prayed as his plea was quickly processed by the eleven boys in front of him.
But then,
“Crocodile tears,” someone snorted.
“Just because you’re a Samuel, doesn’t mean you can go ahead and do whatever you want.” This time it was Tarzan Porter – his previous understudy for Right Forward. Riku wondered if he was the main Right Forward now. “We’ve all got sway and connections of our own, you know. And everyone here’s been hand picked for skill and determination and selflessness for the team, something you clearly lack,” his lips curled at the last part. “You can’t just buy your way back onto the team with your family name.”
The grunts of agreements from the other players didn’t exactly encourage Riku that he could convince them that that wasn’t even remotely close. He might just be in way over his head.
“That’s not what he’s doing at all,” Tidus suddenly came to his defence. The tall teenager turned to his team, remembering back to when Riku shot down this exact same idea of bribery only yesterday. “Do you honestly think Coach would be the type to be bought and threatened?”
Doubt started to fill the boys, judging by their facial expressions. The idea of Cid Highwind being intimidated by anything seemed completely ludicrous.
Even so, Olympus did not seem to want to let it go. “I get you were friends with Samuel once upon a time, Kilpatrick. But what’s to say that he won’t just abandon us at a crucial time this season again? You have to think about the team,” he said to them as a whole, generating agreement from them, before focusing on the blond again. “Especially as vice-captain.”
Tidus glared at him.
“My personal connection with Riku has nothing to do with my opinion. Riku was a brilliant Forward, and a wonderful captain. What he did, I can’t speak for, but everyone makes mistakes. And now he’s back and repenting for it. I don’t understand why giving him another chance to redeem himself would be a problem.”
“You’re way too naïve,” Hercules disregarded him.
Tidus was not impressed. “How am I being naïve, Olympus?” he asked, voice showing a little anger which it rarely did.
Cid, silent but not forgotten, still had an amused look on his face from his position a little behind Riku.
“I think,” another voice interrupted loudly. It was Eric who spoke up; a good natured boy who preferred to keep things levelled. “I think the Captain should have a say about this.”
Following the black-haired goalkeeper’s line of sight, all eyes turned to the unusually silent redhead standing behind the majority of the boys, distinctive quiff, in conjunction with his enormous height, towering over their heads. He seemed a little surprised at their looks, as if just coming out of a daydream.
“Wha’?” was Wakka’s intelligent response.
“You’re the Captain now. What do you think? About Samuel?”
Wakka turned silent once more, thinking it over. The furious debate going on in his head was almost perceptible in the darkening of his brown eyes. To most of the other boys, the redhead was just doing what any good captain should do – weigh the benefits and shortcomings of the proposed situation.
But to Tidus, Cid and himself who knew Wakka through and through, the redhead was tossing up between a lot more. Like his position and authority as captain against the any still lingering loyalty to the pervious captain. Riku didn’t want to think of the strong character that was Wakka as having any weaknesses, but he knew that the other boy had many insecurities – one of which involved measuring the strength of his captainship against Riku’s own.
It’s not like he should be worried, Riku thought negatively, as Riku had by far destroyed anything worthwhile in his reign when he abandoned them so suddenly.
Wakka looked up to Highwind, his gaze asking for help. But Cid, being the cold person he was, just gave him a look which said, ‘you’re on your own, mate’.
Riku briefly considered how each outcome would change his relationship with Wakka. If Wakka declined him, their barely reconciled friendship would always be shadowed by this decision, even if they tried not to let it. If, however, the opposite was decided, they would suffer under the strain of maintaining a good friendship while balancing an amiable team mateship in the blitzball dome. It seemed to be a lose-lose situation either way.
Ending the silence waited on with baited breaths, Wakka announced his decision.
“Let Riku have his chance,” he quietly declared.
Olympus looked like he couldn’t believe it.
“What?” he spat scathingly, echoing the sentiments of some of the other boys.
But for once, Coach Highwind decided to participate. “Looks like the captains have voted,” he eyed them down. “Well,” after nobody moved, “You’ve got more laps to do. And I don’t see any running.”
Like sulking children being scolded by their mother, the teenage athletes reluctantly returned to their training one by one, following each other. Riku stood there, determined not to feel bothered by the rough shoulder bumps the guys gave him as they passed, particularly Olympus and his additional insulting mutter. Tidus, however, offered him a word of encouragement. “It’ll get better,” he had promised. His brilliant sunny smile made it hard to doubt his optimism.
Riku tried to make eye contact with Wakka, wanting to thank him for his belief in Riku’s abilities, despite all the personal inner conflicts he was obviously faced with. However, the redhead avoided his gaze, deliberately eyeing the floor as he passed, before catching up to one of the other guys ahead of him.
Riku couldn’t help the disappointment which flooded him. Another wasted chance to make things right again.
“Samuel,” Cid’s hard baritone penetrated his thoughts, capturing the silver-haired’s attention. “Tomorrow’s after school practice – the Pride Land Oval at four.”
With no warning, the scarred man took a few quick strides until he was barely an inch in front of the surprised teenager and abruptly seized the front of his school shirt, hauling him forward menacingly. “If you fuck with me again or let the team down,” he snarled in a furious hiss, eyes flashing, “I’m going to gut you like the gutless shit you are, capiche?”
He didn’t even wait for a reply before releasing the stunned boy; the slight look of panic on Samuel’s face was answer enough. “Oh, don’t be late tomorrow,” he added as an afterthought, striding away with his infamous leather jacket trailing behind him.
Riku gulped, fixing his tightened tie and smoothing out his shirt. He had forgotten how intimidating and confronting Cid Highwind could be. Walking out of the stadium door, he was stopped by a voice calling him.
Wakka jogged up, slightly out of breathe. Riku looked at him questioningly as the taller boy stopped in front of him. For a moment, each teen said nothing, just studying each other silently.
“Riku,” Wakka suddenly spoke up. “Jus’ want ya to know. What I said yesterday ‘bout, ya know, your ‘orientation’?”
Riku gave a sound of acknowledgement, encouraging him to continue, though a little cautious.
“Just,” his features twitched, “forget ‘bout what I said, ya?” He brought a large hand up, rubbing the back of his neck – a habit his reddish-orange-haired friend tended to do under stress or awkwardness. “My older brotha; I said he moved ta Port Royal,” he explained. “Well, he didn’ just move out. Got kicked out ‘cause Mother and Father found out he was a fudge packer.”
Both of Riku’s brows rose. This certainly was news to him. Wakka rarely spoke about his older brother, despite his obvious admiration and loyalty for him.
“So yeah, always been bit weird about the whole…‘gay’ thing. Jus’…wanted ya to know. It’s not you or anythin’. And I’ll try to be cool with it and all,” the built boy stammered awkwardly.
Riku finally smiled. A chance was all he wanted. “Thanks, man.”
“Jus’…” Wakka seemed a bit nervous again. He probably would have blushed if it wasn’t already for the red flush of exertion from his running. “Don’t ‘do things’ in front of me, ya?”
Chuckle. “Sure thing.”
“Well,” the redhead gave a finalising nod, quiff jutting with his movement. “Good that’s cleared. Gotta get back to the guys now,” a thumb roughly jerked to behind him.
“See you tomorrow, Wakka.”
A wide grin and bright disposition dominated Riku’s countenance on his walk to the car park. Finally, he was given a break. Things seemed to be slowly falling back into place. Riku did actually notice that Wakka had completely avoided their unresolved captain issues, but a chance was still a chance. And he’s not going to look a gift horse in the mouth.
Riku absently noted that Sora was nowhere to be seen by the front entrance steps, or anywhere along the sidewalk. Looks like he did get tired of waiting. Shame, because Riku really wanted to tell him about what just happened. Finally something good was starting to happen. Maybe it’ll give the shy boy some much needed optimism during these stressful times.
Riku grinned to himself as he pulled out his car keys.
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--
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The polished stone tiles were cold and hard and jutted uncomfortably into Sora’s back thigh. He would shift his position, but he knew it would just be another uncomfortable position.
The petite boy sat on the polished steps of the grand front entrance of Hollow Bastion, waiting for him. He didn’t know what else to do. He’s been sitting in that exact position since retreating from school after his accidental meeting with Kairi, completely skipping his last class. He had just wanted to get out of there as soon as possible. Sora didn’t know how much time had passed, but when one has a lot on their mind, time tends to speed by rather quickly.
Kairi’s words played like a broken record inside his head.
Loud and clear.
And over and over again.
Love. What was it? It didn’t seem to exist. Sora has never really known any shape or form of this strange conception that is love. How on earth was he meant to compare and analyse his current feelings to a set of prior non-existent ones.
And did Riku really love him, like he claimed to but a mere few hours ago at lunch?
God, why couldn’t he just know?
Sora wished it was as easy as just asking the older boy. But it would just be another stressful drama – another annoyance – added to Riku’s already full plate. He was dealing with so much already, emotionally, and didn’t need Sora to further complicate things.
Some things can wait.
And his stupid feelings and stupid insecurities were just some of them. They just weren’t important.
Instead of complaining, he should be glad at everything that Riku has given him already – his friendship, a home, paid living expenses, but most importantly, a way to start afresh.
The cooler evening breeze ruffled Sora’s messy chestnut locks and drew trails of chills against his skin. He brought his hands up to his arms, rubbing the cooled areas to generate some warmth through friction. His eyes didn’t stray from the massive iron gates at the end of the long long driveway.
In that moment, the brunet made the decision to keep all of this to himself. Some things were also best left unshared.
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--
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Even Mr. Smee, their usually unperceptive butler, could sense a change in her as he opened the limousine door, taking her book bag from her.
“Miss. Kairi seems unusually high spirited today,” the portly man commented lightly.
“And so I am,” she answered loftily, strolling up to the front door, as another of the servants opened the door for her.
“That is good,” Mr. Smee quickly ran after her, short legs struggling to keep up with her graceful easy stride. “Miss. Kairi hasn’t been of the greatest mood these recent days.”
Kairi stopped short, raising an eyebrow at the butler. “And your comment is meant to imply what, Mr. Smee?”
The man quickly realised the fault in his words, reduced to a stuttering mess. “I-I apologise for my rudeness, Miss. Kairi. It was not my place.”
“No,” she agreed, stopping at the hall table by the long mirror cased in an antique golden frame, flipping through the mail left there and picking out the ones addressed to her.
“Before I forget, Miss. Kairi,” the stout balding man recovered from his mistake. “Your mother, Mistress Cobra-Spencer, wishes for me to remind you about the dinner this Saturday night.”
“How can I forget,” the crimson-haired teenager responded, not looking up from the letters. “Mother’s hired decorators have been running around the manor this entire week so far.”
“Aah,” her butler nodded knowingly. “Very good, Young Miss. I shall bring your things up to your room, then.”
“Thank you, Mr. Smee.”
Catching her attention, the redhead stopped at one of the envelopes placed in her hand. It appeared just to be a normal envelope like the others – clean clear and sharp – but the seal on the back made it vastly different. Kairi could recognise that stamp from anywhere.
It was the Samuel’s family seal.
Disregarding the fact the letter was addressed to her parents and not her, Kairi sliced open the letter in a fluid movement with the fancy envelope opener on the table and examined the contents inside.
It was just the Samuel’s rsvp to her mother’s dinner party – a short personalised note apologising for their inability to attend given both were away overseas on business, but a guarantee that the Samuel sons – Sephiroth and Riku – would be present in their place.
Riku.
The name brought back the memory of her little chat with a boy named Sora. The moment that changed everything for her.
Again and again, the auburn-haired teen was struck by how different the boy was from what she had envisioned. Their personalities were so…different. She truly believed that Sora was completely the wrong person for a strong character like Riku. By helping to end their unavoidably disastrous relationship, she would be saving them both from heartache.
And help herself.
Riku was just probably too young and unready for a real relationship when they had tried it. And so was she when she idiotically placed that massive commitment on him, driving him away.
That was probably it.
Besides, they're more mature now. And won't repeat the same mistakes they made the last time.
It would be foolish to let Riku slip away out of her grasp now.
A movement at the corner of her vision caught her attention. It was just her reflection moving with herself in the long hall mirror by the hall table. She turned slowly to look, to examine the auburn-haired girl staring back at her.
Poised and calm, with relaxed shoulders and her chin held high. It hadn’t been like that for a long time now. But most of all, those sea-blue eyes, which gazed straight at her unblinkingly, carried with it intelligence and strength. And determination.
It was then she realised what had been there all along: that Kairi Yasmina Spencer was not one to go down without a fight.
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A/N: Reminder to Review!!! (or flame in a funny way). I won’t know you liked it unless you review. And much much love to those who have. It’s people like you who make me want to write.
I actually hate this chapter. There's something...off about it. Am in need of a beta reader, if anyone would like to try - I really need help with the flow/characterisation/character interaction department. And CONVERSATIONS. It would also be good if you were good at grammar and have a good vocabulary, but that's not as important.
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The Long Weekend Away