The New Me

Chapter 33


“Arg! I’m too tried to walk!” Yuffie cried out as she stopped and feel back onto the pavement on her bum. “Leon, you do not have us pack two hours in advance, drag us on an over night flight, and then ask us to walk miles looking for a house we’ve never seen!”

Leon walked back to Yuffie and crossed his arms. “Oh….what? It’s too hard? A real ninja could have found the house hours ago.”

“I am a real ninja!”

“Well, right now, you certainly aren’t acting like it.”

Aerith shook her head, and Cloud just yawned. Yuffie jumped up and held out her hand. “Give me the letter! I’ll find Sora’s house faster than you can take your emo-attitude and shove it up your-”

“Guys!” Aerith yelled, the lack of sleep making her just a little grumpy. “How’s about one of you two ask for directions?”

“We don’t need directions.” They answered. “I can find, Sora.”

“Ninja’s don’t need outside help.”

Aerith sighed. Cloud yawned again. “Well…let’s say you’re in an unfamiliar area Leon, and Yuffie, let’s say someone stole your ninja-ness-whatever…” Cloud yawned again, “What would you two do?”

“…ask for directions.”

“Good.” Cloud turned to a shop door he was standing next to. “Here, let’s ask in here where we can find the street.” Cloud pushed open the door to the little shop called ‘Serendipity’.


It was late a little after noon when the gang found the house. Yuffie promptly sat down in the grass before spreading out and relaxing. In her hands she rolled around a crystal ball she had bought at the shop.

“There’s no car…” Cloud pointed out.

Leon knocked on the door few times and got no response. “Doesn’t look like anyone’s home either.”

“Arg…we could have took a nap, Leon!”

Aerith sat down in the grass next to Yuffie, “Its fine, we’ll just wait until they come back…Why did you buy that any way?”

“Thought it was materia…And I don’t want to wait.”

Cloud and Leon sat down on the porch and looked out at the girls. The sat in silence for a while before Cloud leaned against the wall and spoke up.

“So…what are we doing here again?”

“Checking up on Sora.”

“Hm. And we couldn’t do that from home because?”

“I want to make sure he’s alright.” Cloud looked out at the girls and sighed.

“You’re going to try to bring him back, aren’t you?”

“…”

“Marie will never allow it. She trusts you as far as she can throw you.”

“That’s why I brought Aerith. She’s a good diplomat.” Cloud smirked and pulled his scarf up higher.

“Taking a nap. Wake me when they get here.” Leon nodded.

The two sat there, one a sleep, one starring out at there friends for what seemed like hours. It was probably only one. Finally, the stillness was broken when Yuffie suddenly jumped up and proclaimed she had an idea.

“I’ll just sleep in the house!”

“How…its locked.” Aerith pointed out.

Yuffie pointed to her self, “Hey, if I can steal your materia, I can get into a locked house.”

“Yuffie,” Leon stood up, “You can’t break into Sora’s house. We’re her to look good to his mother. If you break in, we’ll never get to see him.”

“Wrong. You’re here to suck up to your would be mother-in-law. I’m here because I got dragged here.”

“I thought you wanted to beat up the girl who hurt Sora?” Aerith stood up.

“That too.”

Leon walked over, “Yuffie, quit it. You’re not breaking in.”

“Watch me!” She struck a pose and ran forward. Before Leon or Aerith could move she had jumped up and grabbed onto the roof of the porch.

“Yuffie!” Cloud woke up and saw Yuffie’s legs dangling from the roof. He shrugged and closed his eyes. Leon and Aerith ran up to Yuffie. Leon grabbed her legs and tried to pull her down.

“Yuffie get down!”

“Let go!”

“Leon don’t hurt her!”

“Yuffie let go damn it!”

Cloud stood up, “Can’t you guys do that in quite?”

Aerith turned to Cloud, “Help him if you want peace.” Cloud grumbled something before grabbing onto Yuffie as well.

“You guys suck! I just want to sleep!”

“Yuffie! Let! Go!” Leon and Cloud pulled her one last time and she let go. They all landed in a heap on the yard, save for Aerith who had backed up.

Yuffie jumped up angry, followed by and angrier Leon and Cloud.

“You two suck!”

“Just take a nap on the porch like I did.”

“You’re being childish. Just calm down.”

“You calm down!”

“Guys…please don’t yell. Sora’s neighbors might be home.”

“Yea, Yuffie, Leon, breathe. We aren’t home you know.”

“We should be!”

“You didn’t have to come. I only got you a ticket because you said you wanted to!”

Aerith sighed and turned around, to her surprise she saw two cars driving up. “Hey guys…” she turned around, but everyone ignored her. “Hey guys. Guys?”

She turned back around when she heard the car suddenly stop, and to her joy she saw a fast moving red and brown blur running at them. She quickly stepped aside as it launched itself in the air screaming.

“LEON!” The other teen stopped arguing in time to register he had to catch a falling boy. He held out his arms and caught Sora. Yuffie and Cloud stopped arguing as well. In fact Yuffie forgot all about the fight and smiled cheerfully.

“Sora!” She tried to get a hug from him, but as soon as she took a step forward, Leon moved back and glared at her. “Hey! Share!”

“You didn’t want to be here two minutes ago!”

“Leon, let her hug the boy.”

Sora on the other hand didn’t seem like he wanted to move either. He had tightened his grip on Leon as if afraid he’d leave if he let go of him. He buried his face in the fluff of the older teen’s jacket and stayed there, his feet dangling a few inches from the ground.

Aerith on the other hand left the four and went to greet Marie and Ansem who were pulling up in the driveway.

“Hello Aerith.” She said plainly.

“Hello Ms. Hikari. It’s a pleasure to see you again. Sorry about dropping by so suddenly…but you must understand. We were worried when Sora wrote us about his…accident.”

“Oh!” Realization dawned on Marie, “Sora wrote you about that. Yes, well I can see how that would cause you all to suddenly show up.” She walked around the car and waved a hand at Ansem. “This is Ansem, a long time friend and Sora’s lawyer.”

“Lawyer?”

“Whoa wait…” Leon stopped fighting with Yuffie, “Lawyer?” He looked down at Sora who he was still hanging on to, “You need a lawyer?”

Sora sheepishly looked up and nodded.

“I think it would be best if we all went inside and explained what’s been going on agreed?”

“Agreed.” Aerith turned to the others, “And that way, Yuffie can rest up on your couch.”

Leon put Sora down; the boy promptly had his hair ruffled by Yuffie who followed him and Cloud to the house. Sora stood in the yard with Naminé.

“So…” The two turned around to see Riku, “We were quite happy to see him.”

“…Riku…” Sora looked down.

“I have to get home. I’ll come over tomorrow.” He turned and walked away. Sora sighed.

“Don’t worry about it, Sora. Riku’s just instinctively…uh…competitive. I’m sure he’ll calm down by tomorrow.”

“So,” Aerith took a sip of coffee, “You all are going to meet tomorrow to determine what action to take.”

“Yes,” Ansem nodded. Leon sat silently with a scowl on his face. Cloud sat blank faced. “Hopefully we’ll know what the outcome of everything will be tomorrow.”

“I see. So then, is Sora going with you all tomorrow.”

“No, he’s not.” Marie set down her cup, “The judge has asked that the kids be confined to their homes tomorrow.”

“What!” Sora yelled, “I wasn’t told that.”

“Well you’re being told now.” Sora grumbled.

“Is it ok for him to have visitors?” Naminé asked.

“Yes, that’s fine.”

“Well then I’ll come over to keep you company, Sora.”

“…Marie,” Leon spoke up.

“Leon, I really don’t think you should come over unless I’m here.”

“Um, Ms. Hikari,” Aerith smiled, “We would really like to spend time with Sora. And I assure you, I will watch him like a hawk. I’d never let anything happen to him. Plus, Sora’s other friends could be here as well…”

“That’s all well and good Aerith, however-”

“Mom.” Sora whined, “What happened to being nice?”

“Besides Ms. Hikari, you don’t have to worry about Sora and Leon, he’s dating Riku now.”

“Naminé!” Everyone in the room stared at Sora.

“Well if you’re not you should be.”

Sora stood up, “I’m gonna help Naminé to the door.”

“But I don’t want to go,” he grabbed her arm and led her out.

Aerith looked over at Leon, “I think we should go too; we need to catch up on our sleep.”

He nodded and the three of them stood up. Aerith left to wake Yuffie who had indeed crashed on the couch.

“Leon,” Marie stood up, “You can come over tomorrow, but only after noon and I want you gone by dinner understand?”

“…Sure.”

“Gone by dinner!” Yuffie huffed, “Man she’s mean.”

“She’s protective of her soon. Can’t really blame her for that.”

Aerith sighed, “Besides dinner’s a relative time. If Sora doesn’t want to eat until eight…”

“Then we don’t go home until eight.” Cloud finished.

By eight the next morning, Sora was alone. His mother had told him to stay in the house and to wait for the gang to come to him. He didn’t really want to, but he also knew he was confined to the house, and leaving when he wasn’t supposed too would look bad for him. So he stayed.

But to his surprise, at around, nine, he heard knocking on his door.

He looked over his shoulder from the couch and looked at the windows.
‘Who could that be…Naminé’s not coming until eleven, and the others aren’t coming until after her…’ Sora pushed up from the couch and headed over to open the door.

“Riku!” He backed up and let the other boy in.

“What took you so long…” He looked around, “Where are your friends?”

“Leon and the others?” He closed the door, “They’re not coming over until later…”

“Really?” Riku turned around to face Sora and smiled. “Guess it’s just you and me for a while, huh”

“…Aren’t you grounded?”

“My mom said I can come over for a bit.”

“So when are you leaving?”

Riku shrugged, “Mom works at night and sleeps during the day. She’s passed out by now…so I guess whenever my dad gets back.”

Sora frowned, “Riku…I don’t think you should risk getting in tro-” Sora suddenly stopped his words when Riku reached out and stroked the side of his face. Sora turned red and bit his lip. “W-what are you d-d-doing?”

“Nothing,” Riku took a step forward and lowered his eyes, “Just enjoying our time alone together.”

Sora backed up and hit the door, “Riku!”

“Is it so wrong?” He brought his face closer, “To want to spend time with my boyfriend?” Sora opened his mouth to stammer out a response but Riku took it as an open invite to start a kiss. At first Sora let out a muffled protest, he even put his hands to push Riku away, but the other boy grabbed those hands and pinned them down. Sora felt the heat in face rise, since Riku had caught him off guard he found himself sharing his first real open kiss with the boy. It was ture, Riku had pried into his mouth before with the warm appendage, but never like this!

Sora protested again, but this time in a soft whimper as he felt the silver haired teen’s tongue flick over his own, and search his mouth. It only took a little while for Sora to begin to work with him, encouraging Riku to deepen the bond. He let go of Sora’s hands and placed his hands on the other boy’s hips and drew him upward. Sora wrapped his arms around Riku’s next and pushed back against the invading force, suddenly feeling a need to have more of it growing in his stomach.

Riku pulled back and Sora whimpered again; the other boy just smiled, “Make up your mind.”

“Your mean…I’m new at this…” Sora tried to control the rising blush on his face.

“Really?” Riku leaned in again, “Thought Leon would have taught you…I guess I should be grateful he didn’t.” He captured Sora’s lips again, and they both feel back until the shorter one was against the door again. They picked up again, this time faster than last, Riku’s own need for Sora growing, and probably would have kept on doing so, had not someone pushed on the door they were up against.

Riku pulled back, and Sora pushed him even farther away just out of embarrassment and turned to see the person in the doorway.

“Sorry…” The blonde said, “I was able to come early…If I had known you weren’t alone, I’d let you two carry on.”

“Arg! NAMINÉ! You have the worst timing!” Riku crossed his arms.

“I said I was sorry…I wanted to knock…but there was a groan and a thud…” She looked at Sora’s lowered blushing face, “I guess now I know why.” She walked in and locked the door. “Besides Riku, if you really wanted alone time…you should have locked the door first.”

Riku snorted, but Sora tried to compose himself. “So…uh…why are you here early?”

“Didn’t have to go to the flower shop. Turns Axel had plans and got the day off to hang out with is friends. Some place called…um…Be-be-be-something Beach. So I don’t have to water the plants today.”

Riku sighed, “I know that place…it’s were all the college kids and seniors hang out. Guess I’ll get to go this year.”

“With you’re grades they let you be a senior?” Sora asked.

“Hey! How can you say that!”

He shrugged, “You just don’t strike me as the passing type.”

Riku grumbled, but Naminé just giggled, “Look, Riku, if want…I can just…uh…go for a walk for a while…”

“Really?!”

“No!” Sora shook his head. “Come Naminé let’s pick a movie to watch.”

“But Sor-a.” Riku whined, but he followed the other two none the less. They ended up watching some old Disney movies, and while things like ‘Sleeping Beauty’ and ‘Aladdin’ kept Naminé and Sora happy, Riku felt gypped.

“Come on, cheer up Riku.”

“Easy for you to say…” He slumped in his chair. “Could we at least have some popcorn if I can’t snack on Sora?”

Naminé laughed a little, but Sora frowned and got up to get some popcorn.

“So…you on probation or something?”

“Nah, my mom’s just a heavy sleeper. And Touya doesn’t care as long as I don’t lie to him.”

“I see…so…” she looked around, “Planning to make a scene?”

“…Maybe.”

“Typical. Do you really think he’s that much of a threat? You and Sora are definitely an item.”

“That’s not what matters. What matters is that they still have feelings for each other.” He sat of up, “I’ve seen girls around school Naminé. They say they’re ready to move on and all, but as soon as there ex so much as blinks at them, they get back with him. I don’t want to be the rebound guy…”

“Well! Did it ever occur to you I’m no girl!” Naminé and Riku turned around to see Sora standing with a large bowl of popcorn, and a scowl on his face.

“I never said you were. It was just an example.”

Sora walked over and shoved the bowl in his arms, “I thought you came over to see me! Well if you’re so concerned I’m going to cheat then you can sit back and watch! And when nothing happens I want you to shove that bowl up your cocky little ass and go home!” He turned around a disappeared p the stairs.

Riku flicked a piece of popcorn off the pile, “If nothing else…he sure acts like a girl.”

Naminé stood up, “Wait here, I’ll see if I can’t calm him down.”

Riku sighed and nodded at her. He slowly picked popcorn off the pile while Naminé went up stairs to Sora’s room. Once there she knocked on the door, and slowly pushed it open.

“Sora…? You ok?” The boy was sitting on his bed holding his crown charm with a blank look on his face. Naminé came in and shut the door before sitting down with him. “Hey…cheer up. Remember what I said…he’s just competitive.”

“Well he doesn’t have to be!” Sora let go of the charm. “He should know by now I’m not going to cheat on him. I even wrote a letter home breaking it off with Leon for him! What’s his problem?”

Naminé sighed and pat Sora on the back, “You have to understand…Seme’s are…territorial. They see every man as a threat.”

“….Semes?” Sora looked at her confused.

“Yea, semes. That’s what Riku is. A dominant male. He needs to constantly feel in charge. If anyone rises up, he puts them down, if another guy comes along and posses a threat, he becomes hostile. It’s like a dog when someone new comes in the yard.”

“Whoa…wait, what…” Sora grabbed his head. “Too many analogies…”

Naminé giggled and hugged Sora. “What I’m saying is, its not that he doesn’t trust you. It’s that he doesn’t trust Leon. And I’m sure Leon doesn’t trust him. They’re two semes after the same uke; and only one person can get what they want.”

“…uke…” Sora pointed to himself, “Me?”

“Yep, a sub male. They, uh, girl of the relationship, sort of speak.”

“…OH! Naminé is that what you’re talking about! AH!” Sora jumped up, “How can you say that!”

“…well, you have got a wardrobe full of girls clothes…and, you’re not exactly the one putting Riku in awkward situations. So yea, you’re an uke.”

Sora crossed his arms. “How can you say that! We’ve only kissed…”

“And Riku was in charge of the whole process wasn’t he?”

“…”

Naminé raised any eyebrow, “See. Uke.” She pointed to him and Sora sighed.

“Let’s stick to the problem at hand…”

“Right! Now…Leon and the others are coming over, meaning Riku and Leon are gonna make a scene. We have to do our best to make sure they don’t.”

“And how do you propose that.”

“Simple, tell Leon, up front, that you’re with Riku now.”

Sora bit his lip. “I don’t…know…”

Naminé sighed, “If you don’t, he’ll still think there’s a chance.” She stood up. “Don’t worry Sora, I’ll help you practice.”


Riku sat in his place on the couch and flicked popcorn into his mouth. He was half wondering what was taking so long, and half wondering how long he could flip popcorn before he missed. Eventually there was a knock at the door. He sat still and looked over the couch.

“Hey Sora! The door!” The boy didn’t respond, but the knocking proceeded. Riku grumbled about having to stop his game and got up to answer. He opened the door and looked up into storm eyes and shoulder length dark brown hair. There was a moment of silence before he slammed the door in the other boys face and locked it.

He walked back tot eh couch and listened to Leon pound on the door like a man possessed.

“Open this door! Open it right now!”

“Sorry, I forgot I don’t live here! Can’t invite people in!”

“Hey punk!” A girl yelled from the other side of the door, “Open up or else!”

“Or else what?” Riku mumbled to no one in particular.


Leon backed up from the door and frowned. “Ok…plan ‘B’.”

“There’s a plan ‘A’?” Cloud asked looking doubtful.

Leon walked off the porch and looked up, “Yuffie. It’s time to prove just how much a ninja you are.”

Yuffie smile, but Aerith frowned. “Leon, we could just wait for Sora…”

“Cloud, give Yuffie a boost onto the roof ok?”

Cloud shrugged. “Just as long as we’re clear, when the cops come, I had NOTHING to do with this.”

“Just do it, Cloud.” Leon crossed his arms. Cloud knelt on one knee and laced his hands together palms up, Yuffie placed one foot on his hands. The two positioned themselves so Yuffie was facing the porch and Cloud was facing away. On the count of three, he hurled her upward with all his might and she landed, a little clumsily, on the roof of the porch.

“There, simple.”

“Easy for you to say…” Cloud shook out his hands. “Yuffie needs to lay off the snacks.”

“I heard that, Cloud!”

“Yuffie, just find away in, or at least Sora, please.” The girl nodded and proceeded to walk along the roof. After a quick inspection, she realized none of the windows were open; however there was a small ledge that wrapped around the house. Pressing her body close to the wall, she made her way around to the back.


“Naminé this is pointless…nothing I do is going to make you…Leon,” the boy sighed and sat down.

“Ah well….” She started pacing trying to think up an answer. “You’re going to have to tell him sometime.”

“I know bu-” Sora was cut off by a knocking sound. Both he and Naminé turned to the door, which caused the knocking to come louder and with shouting. Sora turned his head and spazed when he saw Yuffie outside his window. He quickly got up and opened it for her.

“Yuffie! What are you doing?”

“Sorry,” she brushed herself off, “Leon sent me to find you. Riku won’t let us in.”

“…” Sora narrowed his eyes and twisted his lips a bit. Naminé sighed and decided to give up. The burnet turned around and marched out the door. He stormed down stairs and past the couch. Riku sat up and watched him go. He then turned to Naminé.

“What’s with-” He cut off his sentence when he saw Yuffie behind her, both girls giving him an angry look. He just sheepishly sank back into the couch while Sora let the others in.

“Good going, Riku.” Naminé leaned over the couch. “Now…you we two were set…why do you have to let pride get in the way?”

“Because…it’s his ex…no one said I had to be nice.”

“Typical Seme answer.” Naminé and Riku looked over at Aerith who just shrugged. “It’s true.” She smiled, “But still its no reason to lock us all out.”

“Yea, really, Riku. Be more mature.” Sora glared at him a little, at which the silver haired teen turned around and snorted.

Naminé rolled her eyes and chose to get into a conversation with Sora’s friends, “So, aren’t you guys supposed to come in the afternoon?”

“It’s twelve thirty.” Leon said.

“Oh.”

“Leave it to Leon to drag us out of the hotel three minutes to twelve…” Cloud found a seta in a chair close to the couch.

“Yea! He just couldn’t wait it see you again,” Yuffie ruffled Sora’s hair. Leon didn’t say anything.

Sora just blushed a little, “W-well, why don’t I show you guys the house, ok?”

“Sounds like a plan.”

“I’m good here,” Cloud waved them off and sunk deeper into his cushioned seat. Sora led Aerith, Yuffie, and Leon through the house; Riku, Naminé and Cloud sat and watched TV.

“…So…Riku is it?” He turned his head toward Cloud, “I guess you and the little girl there are the ones we have to thank for being there for Sora right?”

“That’s right.” Naminé nodded.

“What’d you care?” Riku bit back at him, “You’re al just here to take him away.” Naminé rolled her eyes.

“Correction. We’re here because Sora’s our friend. We’re concerned. Checking up on him is our first intention. Now for me, that’s my only thought…anyone else…”

“Like, say, LEON.” Riku glared at him.

“Riku, relax. If you carry on like this, Sora’s gonna get very angry with you.”


“I already am.” The brunet walked back in with his friends, and glared at his boyfriend. Huh? Even when angry with him, Sora still found himself thinking of Riku as an official boyfriend.

Aerith sat on the ground next to Cloud, while Yuffie sat on the back of the couch, Leon sat down, oddly enough next to Riku, though he didn’t look at him. Cloud gave Leon a suspicious look, before looking over at Sora.

“…Look, Sora-”

“No, you look.” He pointed at Riku, “There is absolutely no reason for you to be an ass. I guess I can see where you’re coming from, but I’m more upset that you don’t trust me and my friends, than I am about you ego. So I want you to stop.”

“But-”

“Got it?”

“…fine….” Riku shove and hand full of popcorn in his mouth, he was sure he heard Leon snicker a bit.