The New Me

Chapter 29

A/N: Wow…this chapter is long, long, long, long, LONG. It was a bitch-and-a-half to go back ad proof it. Forgive anything I missed please? I really think this is the longest chapter in the fic so far. Although I’m sure they’ll be even longer once Leon shows up.

Hmmm, he and Riku aren’t gonna get along so well… But I won’t tell you, I’ll let you see that for yourself.

Anyway, if you put this chapter in words, it’s around…20 pages, no lie. I have no idea why I made a 20 page chapter, but I did…

So basically, this is all Sora’s birthday. Have fun.

Life is hell. That’s all there is too it. You know that song, for the fox Robin Hood? Well it’s a lie. Life has no ups, only downs. At least that’s what Sora’s opinion was. He couldn’t bring himself to stop crying.

He felt like an idiot…Why couldn’t he stop? It wasn’t like he was in pain, at least no physically…

“Sora?” The boy looked up to see his mom hovering over him. “Sora, sweetie, are you ok?” The boy shook his head. Marie sat down next to her son and began stroking his back. They were sitting on a bench outside the court room. As soon as Sora was allowed off the stand he ran from the room. He didn’t care. He wanted to get out this place.

“Sora, don’t worry, every things fine.”

“Ev-everything is n-n-not!” He turned to bury his face in her chest. “Why would he say that? Wh-h-hy? I nev-ver hurt her!”

“Sora, calm down…I know you didn’t hurt her.” She stroked his head, “He only asked you those things because-”

“A-asked? H-he didn’t a-ask! H-he w-was demanding!”

“Marie?” The both looked up. Ansem stepped out from the court room door. “Are you two ok?”

“We’re fine,” she smiled at him; Sora leaned into his mom and kept crying. He walked over and stuck his hands in his pockets.

“Hmm, we should have had Sora go last…”

“Nonsense. You said yourself, they needed to hear him, and then the support for his testimony.”

“Yes, but when I said that, I thought Sora would be able to get through the trial.”

Sora looked up angrily, “We-well you didn’t b-b-bother to tell me! Tha-t-t he wa-s go-going-” Sora couldn’t even finish his sentences. He was too busy hiccupping back sobs.

“That’s true; I didn’t know the Akai’s lawyer was going to tear into you like that.” He took a handkerchief from his pocket and leaned down give it to Sora. “But I did tell you, he was going to do his best to make it look like you forced Kairi into a situation where she had to defend herself…” Sora took the little cloth and blew his nose.

“Well, did he succeed?” Marie asked a little worried. Ansem closed his eyes and titled his head.

“Well, Sora did confirm that his whole intent for lying to the kids was to upset them…and that he did purposely egg Kairi on into a state of rage.”

“…”

“However,” Ansem stood up, “I don’t really think that’s grounds for her to bash your head in. And hopefully the judge feels the same way.”

Sora and Marie looked at each other. She smiled at her son. He would be ok.

“Ready to go back in, sweetie?” Sora lightly nodded and stood. His mother took his hand and the two followed Ansem back in.

‘Did I mention this was like a three ring circus?’ Riku sighed as he watched Sora walk back into the room. The time he was out, everybody and their grandmother shot their mouth off. He and Naminé sat in silence, though the look on her face was clearly one of concern.

Wakka looked over at Riku from time to time, but he hadn’t noticed. He was watching Kairi. She sat with her head down, face unreadable. It drove Riku nuts.

Once everyone was back in their seats, Ansem was up and talking to the judge. Riku still got a kick out of the title ‘Judge Mickey’. Who actually names their kid Mickey? Oh well, that didn’t matter right now. They were starting up again.

The next person on the witness stand was Sora’s doctor, Dr. Vexen Order. He still looked stuffy and arrogant, but Riku didn’t care. He was on Sora’s side, so he could look like shit and the boy would still be just as happy to see him.


For the life of her, Kairi could not focus on this man and what he was saying. She knew Sora’s lawyer and the doctor were talking. She glanced up and her stomach lurched, they had a picture of Sora’s head. They were talking about injuries now. She knew Riku was right, it was bad for her that she had no wounds. And the doctor would point out she hadn’t lost any of her own blood.

What was going to happen to her when this was over? Would they send her to jail? It was crime to lie to the police, in court, to everyone. But would she go to jail just for Sora being found not guilty…what about the fact that his mom filed a counter suit? She reached up and grabbed her head with her hands. Do they send teenagers to jail?

She should have told the truth when Riku offered it to her…she was never going to have her old life back. And this new one was hell. She let go of her head and looked up. Ansem was walking away from Vexen, and now her lawyer was approaching him.

She knew he wouldn’t be as relentless with a grown man as he had been with a teenager. That fact slightly relieved her. She knew from the moment Sora started to cry on the stand that Riku was staring at her. Giving her that look he gave people he’d rather hit with a motor boat than talk too. It made her sick. In a sense she was more afraid of the deep hatred Riku had building for her than she was of what was going to happen at the end of this trial…

Wakka listened to everything that was said during the trial. He was surprised, and even felt a little upset when Sora cracked on the stand. He looked over at Riku to catch his reaction, but realized the boy was looking at Kairi with an intent to kill. It still dazzled his mind that Riku turned on her. She was his best friend. They had been together longer than any of them. It just didn’t seem right. How could he abandon the person that loved him the most in the world? Was Riku even sure anything could work between him and Sora? After all, the boy did just get done saying how he originally had the intentions of hurting him.

“I don’t like this…” Tidus murmured. Wakka looked over at the little blonde haired boy. “I don’t like this at all…it’s the worst thing ever…” He leaned forward. “I miss Riku, I miss Kairi, and we’re never going to get them back.”

Wakka reached over and rubbed his back, “Don’t worry, Tidus, things will get better.”

“Yea,” Selphie nodded, “After all this. Things can only improve, right?”

“B-but, what if, what if Kairi gets found out…what if she has to go away and Sora stays…”

“What do you mean, what if she gets found out!” Wakka leaned over and glared at Tidus. The blonde bit his lip.

“Oh, come one Wakka!” Selphie shook her head, “You know she’s lying…look at the pictures of Sora’s head. Look at the police reports.” Wakka leaned back in his seat to ignore her. “Look at Kairi for crying out loud. You know she’s wrong.”

“That maybe so, but we’re her friends! We need to stick by her. She needs support from someone, anyone right now…”

“Even if she’s wrong!”

“…Even if she’s wrong.”

“Even if she ruins someone’s life?” Tidus looked up at Wakka. The red head didn’t have an answer. He just stared over at Riku. Its more than one life she’s ruining…but if she does it on her own, Wakka was sure something much worse would happen.

Riku dug through his drawers looking for a clean outfit. It was Sora’s birthday today, and god did he need a party. Mr. Akai’s lawyer tried to rip through him with words today.

‘Stupid bastard…her dad’s probably paying him a lot to make kids cry on the stand.’ Riku sighed. He didn’t know a person could apologize so much in such a short span of time. At this rate they might convince the judge Sora really did attack Kairi.

He shook his head. No way, Mrs. Hikari’s lawyer showed the x-rays of Sora’s head, and had a doctor, and a cop for a witness. ‘Yea, it doesn’t matter how much they pay that jerk…what’s his name? Its something dumb…Tseng, was it? Oh well.’

Riku pulled out his favorite yellow shirt, blue jeans, and black sneakers. This was good enough to go out in. Now to get dressed, and get out. The teen threw his clothes onto his bed and headed down stairs.

He walked into the kitchen and made himself a snack. His parents were talking at the table, oddly enough not about what had happened at court today, and not about how he refused to sit near Kairi. No they were carrying on about what college would be good for Riku once he was done with high school.

Shouldn’t he be apart of that conversation?

He finished his snack and turned around. “Hey guys,” His parents turned to him, “I don’t want to go to college. I want to travel the world.” He smiled broadly. His father frowned.

“Then why not pick a profession that lets you do that? What about going to flight school to be a pilot?” He mom asked cheerfully.

“Hm, tempting….why don’t I sleep on it,” He raised his plate, “Ok?”

“Sure honey.” She waved him off, “Have a nice nap.”

Riku bounded up the stairs to his room. ‘They were being awfully nice, maybe they were having second thoughts about Sora…’

Riku shoved the little sandwich he had made into his mouth, locked his door, and changed his clothes. He carefully opened the window and slipped out. The ledge was very thin, so he had to be careful about closing the window once out. If he closed it all the way, he’d be screwed, but if he closed it too little, he risked the wind opening it and slamming it into the side of the house.

He mentally cursed having windows that swung open like doors.

Once the window problem was solved, it was a matter of getting down. Riku looked down from the second story ledge, it wasn’t so high. He could make it. He just needed to jump. Right…NOW!!!

Ok he didn’t jump.

‘God, I’m such a pussy, Touya’s right…’ Riku looked down again, ‘Ok, just jump. Jump! JUMP!!’ Riku pushed off the ledge and set himself falling for the ground. He hit it, feet first, and as a result staggered forward a few steps before falling flat on his face.

‘God…did I just break my legs? No way, I jump from high places all the time. Yea but usually with a running start…’ He pushed up from the ground and knelt in the grass. He looked over his shoulder and up at his window. ‘I’ve got to work on sneaking out…’

He stood up and after a few shaky moments, went running for Bay St. He was not gonna be late for this.

Sora sighed and looked down at the table. Naminé had insisted they go out for his birthday, despite the fact that his eyes were still red from crying earlier today. He really hated the Akai’s lawyer…he was merciless. And his mother was no help, with a bit of silent encouragement from Ansem, she let Naminé drag him out of the house the one day he wanted to bury his head in the sand.

‘Ansem…being outside is not helping me…’ He sighed again.

“…Come on, Sora. Cheer up. I think you did a great job today.” The boy glared at her. “Well, I mean…you at least got through Ansem’s questioning ok…”

“Arg, I feel like such and idiot,” let his cheek rest in one hand and used the free one to draw shapes on the table. Edgar to get his mind off of the trial he raised a question, “Why are we out here anyway? We’ve been sitting at this café FOR-EV-ER. I thought you had a gift for me?”

Naminé looked up and down the street. “Don’t worry…I’ve got one….” Sora shook his head and went back to drawing invisible images on the table.

Right now, if he was home, the gang would be plotting where in the Fourth District to take him. Yuffie would without a doubt would suggest they go to the Blackjack since Irvine had given him that life time backstage pass. Cloud would use that as an excuse to embarrass the hell out of him and Leon. Sora chuckled a bit. He could see Cloud pushing him up on stage with some munny in hand, and telling him to slip it in strategic areas. A ploy to get Leon to get up on stage and stop him…That’s the way the blonde was. Ever since that night he got lost in the Fourth District, Cloud did random things to force Leon to get close to him.

It was a blessing and a curse at the same time. Sometimes those things worked out. Like the time Cloud locked them both out on Aerith’s roof over night. That worked very well. However, there was the time Cloud shoved Leon to get him to fall into Sora, and he missed and Leon fell over a railing into the fountain in Second. That time Leon stopped talking to everyone for a week.

Sora chuckled again. He was so lost in his memories he forgot all about the girl sitting across from him.

Naminé watched his face with curiosity. He seemed like he was lightening up a bit.

“Hey.” Naminé looked up. She hadn’t been expecting a girl’s voice…or a girl. She looked her over; she came into the flower shop with the boys, right?

“Um…you are?”

“Selphie,” She smiled, “Riku invited me.”

“Oh…um, well if Riku says its ok…”

“Look, I know I shouldn’t be here. But I’m trying to make up for the past…I just want to help out.” She nodded at Naminé. The blonde looked her over again, best to ask Sora. She looked over at the boy who still wasn’t paying attention. She tapped him.

Sora turned his head, he was lost in the memory of tanning on Leon’s roof that time Cloud and Yuffie set the towels on fire. Leon was so- “Selphie?”

“Um…Happy Birthday, Sora.” She held out a little gift for him. Sora looked from the box to Naminé with a scowl. The blonde shook her head.

“Riku invited her.”

“Is this from him then?” Sora took the box, fully aware that Riku was grounded, it didn’t seem too strange a theory.

“No…it’s from me. Riku’s coming on his own.”

“Riku’s coming?” He looked the box over; was this a gag present? “How’s he getting here?”

“No clue…” Sora frowned and put the box down. He didn’t bother to open it or look at the girls. He looked off in the distance and waited for Riku.


The silver haired teen ran all the way to Bay St. God was he ever hot…He stopped and looked in a shop window and smirked. In every sense of the word.

Riku smoothed out his hair and began to casually walk down the street. He got a few odd stares from kids as he passed. They were all from his school. They had all probably been told about Sora from Kairi, but that didn’t stop him from smirking at each and every one of them.

By the time he reached the café, he saw Naminé, Selphie and Sora all sitting in silence. The girls spotted him instantly, but Sora was looking the opposite way. He signaled them to keep quiet as he snuck up on the boy. And without warning he wrapped his arms around Sora’s waist and planted a kiss on his cheek. He wasn’t surprise when Sora angrily squirmed and pinched his arms.

“Riku you jerk! Knock it off!!” Sora flailed about in his arms.

“Ah, but Sora…you’re Sixteen. That means you need Fifteen more…” He began counting down kisses along the brunette’s neck, and Sora flailed about even more. Needless to say random on lookers were shocked and appalled. Selphie blushed, and Naminé giggled.

But despite the audience, Riku continued. He left light kisses, nibbles, licks, and red marks along both sides of the boy’s neck. Seven on each side. He kept his hands wrapped around Sora’s waist but for every time he tried to get away Riku pulled him closer and pressed his back into his stomach. Sora leaned forward to try to get away from the contact. While Riku had his attention focused, Sora was looking at all the people watching. And it was making his face heat up.

What was with Riku? Did this boy have no shame? Why was he always so eager to get on him like this?

Sora finally pulled away when Riku got down to the last kiss. He ripped himself from Riku’s grip and stood up.

“You got one more coming to you.” He winked at the boy. Sora chewed his lip.

“Can we just go…” Sora muttered silently.

Naminé nodded.

“So what’s the plan?” Selphie asked now bouncing in her seat. Now that Riku was there she didn’t feel so out of place.

“We’re going to take Sora shopping!” Naminé threw her hands into the air.

“Shopping for what?” Selphie asked.

“Whatever he wants and a cake.” She nodded at him. Sora sighed and shook his head. He might as well; Riku took the time to sneak out after all. He weakly smiled at the silver haired boy and allowed his new friends to lead him off down the street.

The quartet walked down the street, laughing talking. You’d hardly think there was something wrong. Naminé was going on about Axel causing problems at the flower shop; Selphie was talking about how the original group didn’t really do anything anymore because of all the problems; Riku was pointing off to random shops, and Sora just soaked it all in.

He had to admit, since the incident at the Secret Place, and excluding this morning, this was by far his best day on the islands. It almost even, felt like home.

“Hey how about in there?” Riku stopped walking and pointed off into a little store across the street. The windows were decorated with kites in the shapes of dragons, moths, and butterflies; there were little statues, figurines and plushies on display; the window had the word ‘Serendipity’ painted in a semicircle across it. It really didn’t seem the type of place Riku would suggest, but the girls feel for it instantly.

Selphie was ready to bolt across the street to the shop, but Naminé grabbed her shoulder. She turned around and looked to Sora.

“Wanna try?” It was his birthday after all.

Sora skeptically looked at the display window; he glanced to Riku, but his face was indifferent and unreadable; Selphie was all but screaming to go, and Naminé looked a little enthusiastic herself.

“Sure, why not?” He shrugged and the girls went running. Riku shook his head and laughed. “What’s so funny?”

“You are.” He said as they crossed the street.

“And why is that? You suggested the store.”

“Yea but you caved to pressure. If you didn’t want to go, you should have said no. It’s not like you’d have broken my heart or anything.” Riku smirked and opened the door for Sora. “Ladies first.” He gave a bow and stepped aside.

“You know, if you’re trying to charm your way into my heart, you’re doing a lousy job.” Sora ruffled Riku’s hair as he walked into the shop. The silver haired boy rolled his eyes and walked inside.


The inside of the store was bit more than Sora expected. Form the window he thought he was walking into one of those new age stores, but actually, this place was liked a tripped out thrift shop.

They had everything: Clothes, books, toys, accessories, decorations, furniture, antiques, rare finds…you name it, there was an example of it some where in the store. Selphie was admiring an old movie poster of ‘Attack of the Fifty Foot Woman’ while Naminé was rummaging through a pile of old ‘TY’ Bennie Babies. Sora stood in the door way and looked around. And he probably would have stayed there if Riku hadn’t snuck up behind him and wrapped his arms around the boy’s waist.

“Hmmm…I still owe you a birthday kiss.”

“Kiss me again today and I’ll rip off a fist full of your hair.” Sora glared at Riku over his shoulder, the boy sighed and let him go. Sora nodded and walked off to look around. Riku shook his head. He couldn’t give up, if ever there was a day to win a person’s heart that wasn’t a holiday, it was their birthday…or a random sudden surprise…maybe he could work out both.

He walked into the store and looked around. He stopped to admire a glass ball on a stand. He couldn’t help but pick it up. Light weight, no weird design in it, sweet and simple.

‘Its probably meant to be a crystal ball,’ He thought as he tossed it up and down, ‘Better not let Naminé see it, she’ll have a conniption.’ He laughed a bit, but his thoughts were interrupted by sudden yelling.

“No tossing the merchandise!! Kupo!!!” Riku stopped tossing the ball and looked over to the counter. Sure enough there was a small Moggle next to a fan, with a bandanna wrapped around its head glaring at him. At least he thought it was glaring.

“Sorry.” He put the ball down and kept walking. He walked up to Sora who was eyeing the little Moggle behind the counter.

“I didn’t know Moggle’s owned shops like this…”

“Really? Mog there’s a pack rat. He came to the island some time ago and set up shop with all the stuff he’s collected from around the world. Apparently he used to be a great adventurer; mostly because he talked himself into a world of trouble. Sora shook his head.

“Still, the Moggles in Traverse Town, they make items and weapons.” Sora scratched his head, “But then again, you’ve got the Garden and SOLIDER Academy on the edges of town, so there’s a big demand for it.”

“Eh? You’ve got those kinds of schools in Traverse Town? That’s high class.” Riku scratched the back of his head. “I heard those kids can kick some serious ass.”

“Yea. All my friends back home went to one or the other.” Sora smirked.

“Good grief! I really am a little fish aren’t I?” Riku muttered to no one in particular. Sora just laughed and walked away. Riku watched him weave his way to the back and start rooting through the clothes. He looked over at the girls now, Selphie had discovered a bunch of old Rock n’ Roll records, and Naminé had found the new age stuff…they’d be lost forever in there own little worlds.

‘Might as well follow Sora.’ Riku made his way to the back of the store, he spotted Sora looking through a shoe rack at the boots. He started to make his way over, but he heard the most interesting thing…

“Well, really? Because that’s not what I heard.” Riku turned his head toward a row of old prom dresses, there were to ladies talking.

“I heard,” one leaned over and whispered to her friend, “That that city lawyer of hers showed them her son’s head. It was something awful.” She nodded. Riku looked around and ducked below a wrack of clothes. He slowly crept his way over to the ladies.

“Well, I still think it’s fishy. I mean, even if that little girl threw the first punch, why would she do it? He must have done something to her.” Riku stopped under the ruffles of a frilly blue dress. He could see the ladies feet, and hear them clearly.

‘So people are talking about the trial? I guess this will be a more honest up date of everyone’s thoughts than the news.’

“Ok, I’ll give you that, but really, what kind of girl hits someone with a rock repeatedly? It’s not very lady like if you ask me?”

‘Yea what kind of lady goes around beating the shit out of people?’ Riku smirked.

“Well I’m just saying,” she leaned in and whispered, “I personally believe it’s the fault of the parents. I mean, who raises their children to act this way?” She pulled back and began shuffling through the dresses around her.

“You’re right. Truly, when children go astray, it’s the parents fault.” The woman turned and flipped through the opposite wrack.

Riku rolled his eyes. ‘Geez, the gossip circle is really great…blaming it on the parents. I love it.’

Riku lifted himself up off the floor and crawled out from under the dresses. ‘So now everyone’s blaming the parents…really, I don’t think Mrs. Hikari or Mr. Akai did anything wrong…’ Riku walked his way over to Sora. The boy was still flipping through the boots, when Riku saw something that caught his eye.

Oh he loved it. He reached out and picked up a dress. A simple black sleeveless dress, with a yellow chest; across the back, it was held together by a red ribbon that crisscrossed down the back and to the waist. Riku held it up and twisted his face into a little smirk and sneaked up behind the brunette.

“H-ey, Sor-a?”

He rolled his eyes and stood, “Riku, I told you,” He turned around, “You kiss me again and I’ll-What in the world are you doing!” Sora backed up and hit the shoe rack. Riku held the outfit up to him.

“Hmmm….I think it’s cute.” Riku raised his eye brow at him. Sora shook his head.

“What part of no more ‘New Sora’ doesn’t sink into your brain?” Sora pushed the dress away.

“Oh, come on, Sora.” He gave a little pout. “Do it for me?”

“No!”

“Hey guys? Something a- oh that’s cute!” Riku turned around to just in time to see Naminé reach out and grab the dress in his hands. “Very cute!” She looked up at the shorter boy, “Are you getting this, Sora?”

“No.” He grabbed the dress from her. “I’m putting it back.” Sora pushed through the two of them. Just as he was putting it back, Selphie bounded up. She looked at the dress and pointed in question.

“He’s not gonna wear it.” Naminé said shaking her head.

“Really? Then can I have it; it’s cute?”

“Eww, Selph, no one wants to see you in a dress.” Riku crossed his arms. Everyone glanced at him with a questioning look. “Ok, no one wants to see you in that dress.”

“And what’s wrong with me wearing that dress?”

“For one, it’s too short.”

“Which is exactly why I’m not going to wear it!” Sora put the dress on the rack and turned around.

“Oh, come one Sora. It’s your birthday, you’re supposed to buy something!”

“Yea, Riku, for me! Not for you!”

“Yea, Riku,” Naminé shook her head. “If you want to see Sora in that dress, wait until your birthday.”

Riku grumbled, ‘But my birthday’s months away…’ Selphie laughed and Sora rolled his eyes.

“Come on, let’s get out of here.” He waved the group towards him as he headed for the door. Selphie followed enthusiastically, but Riku and Naminé remained behind.

“Why in the world would you suggest that when you know wearing a dress got him trouble in the first place?” She turned her head to look at him.

“It’s not like that. I just wanted to see. He’s so willing to do it for Leon; I wanted to know if he’d do it for me too.”

“…that’s a bit selfish don’t you think?”

Riku shrugged, “I guess Sora just brings out that side of me.” He walked away from her to catch up with the others.

Riku and Naminé walked out the shop. They looked around and spotted Sora and Selphie not far away, unfortunately they weren’t on there own.

When Sora walked out the store, he was bit miffed at Riku for suggesting the dress. But as much as he hated to admit it, that dress was cute…maybe he would have to look into getting that dress for R-

Not able to finish that thought. Sora looked up just in time to see a blitz balls spinning for his head, he dropped to the ground to avoid it. He looked up in time Selphie backing up for him and a set flip flops walking up to him.

“Selphie! So this is where you’ve been?” Sora picked himself up off the ground. He did not feel like dealing with Riku’s ex-friends right now. Especially the little red head in the skirt.

“Selphie….” Kairi stepped forward. “What’s up? I called your house, and you said you had chores to do today.”

“Well…I,” she looked over her shoulder, “You see, I was invited to...”

“To what!” Kairi yelled at her, drawing some attention to them, “To hang out with this liar! This jerk! He broke up our friendship! He’s ruining our lives! He’s-”

“He’s a heck of a lot bitchier than some people around here!” Kairi looked up and Sora and Selphie turned around. Riku was standing there with Naminé, looking extremely angry.

“Riku, how can you keep talking like that to Kairi!” Wakka spoke up.

“How can I not, is the answer. Come on Wakka, Tidus, you were both there today. You saw the evidence. You know Sora didn’t lay a hand on Kairi!”

“You can hurt a person with just more than physical contact, Riku.” Wakka stepped past Sora and up the silver haired teen. “I don’t see how you can turn on us for a liar.”

“Lesser of two evils. Ever here the term?”

Sora looked over at Riku, he and Wakka were staring each other down. Selphie as assumed the prayer position, Naminé was chewing her lip out of anger, and Tidus was quiet and kept to the back. This was going to draw a lot of attention.

“Look, Wakka, you know I’m not lying when I say Sora never hurt Kairi, so why do you stand by her?”

“Because, Riku, someone has too. It doesn’t matter that she lied to us; you have to give her the benefit of the doubt. You can’t cast aside someone you’ve known for years for a fling. Someone needs to stand by her, it should be you. I shouldn’t be doing your job!”

“…Wakka, I did want to stand by her, but not this Kairi. I want to stand by my Kairi and no one else!”

“But you’ll stand by Sora!” Now it was Kairi’s turn to start talking again. “I am your Kairi, I’ve always been her!” She reached out and tried to grab him, “All I want is for things to go back to normal!”

“Then why did you sell Riku out!” Naminé chimed in.

“You shut up! You’re not even involved in this!”

“Oh yes I am, your selfish actions have gone and gotten the entire island chain involved, dearie! So I intend to stick up for my friends!”

“You’re friends! You don’t know anything about us! About Riku!”

“No, but I consider him and Sora my friends. I’ve never really had them before. You’ve had them all your life, but what do you do? You tear them apart for your own selfish needs! I might have been a witch in a past life, but you’re a modern day bitch!”

“WHAT DID YOU SAY!”

“Um… guys…” Sora was looking around at the people on the street watching. Some were whispering to each other. “I really don’t think we should do this hea-”

“You heard me, you’re a bitch! It’s not just what Riku thinks, it’s a known fact!”

“Riku, you gonna stand there and let that little spaz talk to Kairi like that?”

“Maybe, she’s doing a good job.” Riku smirked at Wakka. The red head bit his lip and reeled back to punch his friend. Riku turned just in time to avoid Wakka’s fist to his nose and got it in the cheek instead. It was still pretty hard, he stumbled back and hit the ground.

Someone across the street shouted, someone else went running.

Now, Sora knew for sure this would draw a crowd, so he did the only thing he could think of. He lurched forward and tackled Wakka. The two fell flat on the pavement. For a moment, they were all stunned. Sora slowly picked himself up and Wakka rolled over and growled.

The two probably would have began their own battle, if it hadn’t been for the fact that Riku grabbed Sora by the elbow and pulled him up. Wakka got up after him, but Kairi grabbed his shirt and pulled him back.

Sora looked at Riku confused but then realized why he was being dragged around, there was a police officer running down the road. He had seen Sora tackle Wakka. It didn’t take much more to convince him to start running.

Riku, Sora, and Naminé went running down the street, Selphie stayed behind. The police officer came up and looked at them.

Kairi pointed off toward the direction of the running teens, “Those kids were harassing me and m-”

“No they weren’t!” Selphie cut her off. The officer turned to her. “They didn’t do anything! We were shopping, and they started with us!”

“Excuse me, but what’s going on here?” He asked them.

Selphie stomped her feet, “She’s starting trouble!” she pointed to Kairi.

“That boy just tackled my friend!” She pointed down to where Sora ran off.

The officer shook his head, “Did he tackle you because you started something boy, or did he?” The man turned to Wakka.

He looked at Kairi, then at Selphie.

“I started it, sir…” Wakka mumbled. Kairi looked at him in disbelief, but Tidus and Selphie smiled. “Please don’t go after them, I started it, ya. They’re some kids from school I have problem with. I punched one in the mouth, that’s why the other jumped me…”

The officer shook his head. He gave Wakka a warning and kept walking.

“Why did you do that?” Kairi asked him.

“Simple, Riku’s our friend. I wasn’t going to get him in trouble.”

“But, but, he was with Sora!”

“Kairi! Listen to me, I’m not gonna turn on my friends. Now, I’ve stuck with you, ya. We all have! Don’t make more trouble than their already is!” Wakka turned on his heels and walked away. Tidus followed him, only Selphie remained.

“…Kairi?”

“Yes, Selphie.” She muttered.

“You have to stop this…It’s not right.”

Kairi shook her head. “I’m not gonna give up on Riku…” Selphie stood there for a moment. Finally she silently nodded and walked away.

Kairi was all by her self on the sidewalk, only a few random passersby paid her any mind.

Sora, Riku, and Naminé ran like they were being chased by a wild bear. The kids didn’t stop until they were a block away from the boys’ houses. Naminé leaned over and gasped for air; Sora tilted his head back and panted; Riku rubbed the side of his face, Wakka could throw a good punch went he wanted too.

“Th-that stupid g-girl…” Naminé stood up, still slightly panting.

“It didn’t help that you egged her on.” Riku pointed out.

“Well, she had it coming.” Riku shook his head and rubbed his face.

“I need to get some ice.”

“You can get it at my house…we might have to go in the back.”

“Ok.” Riku turned to the blonde, “Where’s Selphie?”

“She stayed behind, probably to stall the cop.”

“That was nice of her.” Sora said and started walking.

“Selphie’s not bad, she just gets caught up in things…” Riku followed, but stopped when he notice Naminé wasn’t, “Hey? You coming?”

She shook her head, “No, I should get home…I don’t want to get caught by the cops. You guys have fun!” Naminé turned and ran away.

“Because we can have fun treating your injuries?” Sora looked at Riku confused. The silver haired boy just laughed and walked by.

Riku and Sora weaved their way through back yards to get to Sora’s. They didn’t want Riku to get caught outside his house. Once they reached Sora’s backyard, the brunette looked around before walking up to his back door.

“Ok, now, my mom had work after the trial today,” He unlocked the door and pushed it open, “So no one should catch you here.” Riku nodded and stepped inside. Sora shut the back door, the windows in the little back hallway were all closed up; so the room was rather dark.

“Here, let me open a window…” Sora murmured. Riku nodded and turned his attention up the hall. To his surprise, there was a man silently standing in the darkness not two feet away from him. He opened his mouth to say something, and received his second punch in the face for the day. He fell backwards and landed smack into Sora. The younger boy shouted as he fell to the floor. Riku looked up ready for the person looming over them to attack again, instead he stood there.

“…Sora?” Riku raised an eyebrow, the person knew Sora? The man reached over and opened the window shade to reveal himself to Riku.

Sora rolled over, “…Ansem...what are you doing here?”

“Me? What are you doing sneaking in the back door? I thought you were a burglar.” He reached down and helped Riku up off of Sora. “Sorry about that, you ok?”

Rkiu rubbed his nose, “Yea, just need some ice…” Ansem nodded and walked down the hall. The boy’s followed.

“So, what are you doing sneaking in the back?”

“Well, we were, in the back, so decided it was better to just use that door, instead of walking around to the front.” Sora nodded to himself.

“Uh-huh, and this wouldn’t have anything to do with the fact that your friend there isn’t supposed to be here?” Ansem smirked over his shoulder as he walked into the kitchen

Riku and Sora stopped dead. “How did you know I wasn’t supposed to be here?”

“I didn’t until you told me.” Ansem opened the freezer and took out an ice tray. Riku mentally cursed. “Look, I’m not your parents, so I don’t care. But you should let them know where you are, ok?”

Riku nodded. “Good.” Ansem put some ice in a plastic baggy and wrapped it up with a little hand towel. He handed it to Riku.

“So, why are you here?” Sora asked.

“Now, now, relax. You’re mom’s got an emergency at work, so I’m watching you and the house. She won’t be back until tomorrow.”

“Is she coming to court tomorrow?”

“Probably not, she’ll be very tired.” Sora frowned and lowered his eyes. Ansem reached over and patted his Godson’s shoulder. “No long faces, even if she’s not there, you’ve got me and your friends. Right?”

“Yea, Sora. You got me and Naminé. Selphie now too.” Sora nodded and Ansem ruffled his hair.
Riku flopped down on Sora’s bed and watched the younger boy change. He took off his T-shirt and switched into a long button down shirt. Riku watched him walk around and get out a new set of jeans. He set down the make shift ice pack Ansem had made on the bed, stood up and carefully watched Sora walk around the room. Just as the brunette was taking off his old jeans, Riku shot out his arms and grabbed him around the waist. Sora shirked in surprise as the other boy pulled him back down onto the bed.

Sora kicked his legs furiously. “Riku! What are you doing!!!” Riku tightened his grip on Sora with one hand and put his free hand over the boy’s mouth.

“Shhh…..Hold still and I’ll let go.” For a little while Sora thrashed a bit before he finally settled down. Riku removed his hand.

“What are you doing?” Sora shifted around to face Riku, he had a smirk on his face.

“Let’s have a sleepover.”

“Sleepovers are for girls.”

“So, you’re kind of a gi-” Riku got cut off when Sora elbowed him in the stomach. He had to let go. Sora rolled over to face Riku.

“You’re crazy!”

“Oh, come one, Sora. Lighten up. Besides, if I go home anytime soon, I’ll be banned from you for ever.” He reached over and picked up the ice pack. “So, can I stay the night?”

“…fine…” Sora took the pack from Riku and held it to the boys face. “But that still doesn’t explain why you jumped me.”

“Well, I figured this made good pajamas.” He pulled on the shirt.

“What about you?” Riku bit his lip. He slowly pushed Sora up and sat up himself. Riku removed his shirt and shoes and tossed them aside. Then he turned to Sora and smiled.

“Ready!” Sora sighed and put the ice pack on top of Riku’s head, before he moved to lie down in between the other boy and the wall. Riku looked at Sora and leaned back to lie down himself. He would eventually call his mom, but right now he didn’t feel up to it. For a little while he and Sora lay there in silence. Finally Riku spoke up.

“…So….How many days left of trial?”

“Not sure…Ansem still wants to go through the police officers that interviewed Kairi, and the ones that found me. Then they’re doing character witnesses, then closing.”

“Hn…” Riku thought for a bit, ‘Maybe I should ask Ansem if it’s too late to sign up as a character witness for Sora.’

“This has been a long day.” Sora said, breaking the silence.

“Yea, one heck of a birthday.” Sora silently nodded. Riku glanced over at him from the corner of his eye, he looked a little sad. “Thinking of him?”

“Thinking of home.” Sora sighed and rolled over, “I sent a letter home, telling my friends the truth. By now they’ve got it. They’ll all be so angry, especially Leon. He promised he’d take me back if life here was too much…but now…”

“Well, do you even want to go back now?”

“Kind of…” Sora looked up at Riku, “But this place is nice too.” He smiled faintly. Riku reached over Sora and let his ice pack fall in the space between the bed and the night stand. Sora watched him with curiosity. The silver haired teen rolled over so his nose was an inch from Sora’s; he wrapped his arms around the boy’s waist and smiled. “Riku? What are you doing, now?”

“Well, we didn’t get you a present. So, I figured, I might as well finish up this one.” Sora blushed. He told Riku if he kissed him again he’d attack him. Picking up on the animosity, Riku smirked, “You wouldn’t hurt some one who’s already been decked twice today, would you?”

Sora frowned, it was true, Riku had been abused enough today. He lay still for a moment, and finally, he leaned forward a bit and hesitantly pressed his lips against Riku’s, giving him a quick chaste kiss. The silver haired teen let Sora take control, not wanting to freak him out, as he had done so many times before.

Sora pulled back and smiled at Riku, but he smirked at him.

“Wow, Sora you kiss like…well, a girl.” Sora frowned.

“Well then, you show me how to do it right…”

“What?” Riku raised and eyebrow.

“I said…show me how to-” Sora didn’t get the chance to finish. Riku just wanted to be sure he heard the other boy right. And once he heard Sora repeat the line, he didn’t hesitate with his kiss. He pressed his lips, a bit forcefully, against Sora’s. He moved them methodically, occasionally teasing him with his tongue.

After a few moments, Riku felt Sora kiss back. It was cautious, soft, and a little nervous. The brunette moved his lips against Riku’s, lightly nibbling and pulling on his lips, tasting the island life soaked up in his skin. He pulled back after a few moments, and was red in the face. Sixteen birthday kisses from a boy he barely knew, but felt close too. It certainly was an interesting birthday.

Riku smirked back at the boy and laughed a little. He tightened his hold on Sora’s waist. The boy allowed himself to be pulled into a tighter embrace. He buried his face in Riku’s neck. And wrapped his arms around the boy’s chest.

“Happy Birthday, Sora.” Riku planted a kiss on the top of Sora’s head.

“Thanks, Riku.”