[033.] Reunion
Title: Reunion
Fandom: Kingdom Hearts
Claim: Cloud/Riku
Theme: [033.] Cold
Word Count: 3,607
Rating: PG-13
Summary: Riku is nervous. Yuffie talks a lot. Cloud doesn’t know what to do.
Disclaimer: Not a chance. They aren’t mine. I wish they were, but they aren’t. So that’s that.
Author’s Note: So, yes, I didn’t want to write the reunion until now because I’ve had this entire chapter in my head from start to finish since they first got split up. I’m so happy I can share it will all of you now and it isn’t just in my head. Hope you like it as much as I do.
“So when Sora defeated Ansem and closed the door to darkness, it made the worlds separate again?” said Riku.
“You got it,” said Mickey.
“Okay . . . and then Ansem was defeated. He released his hold on my body and it found its way back to my heart in the realm of darkness. Is that why I could help close the door?”
“Yep.”
“Okay . . . but I had to stay behind the door, right? To help close it so the worlds could be safe.”
“Exactly.”
“That’s what I thought. So . . . how did DiZ find me in the dark? How did he get me out of there?”
“I don’t know. He must’ve found a door to the light, but I don’t know how he did it.”
Riku sighed.
“So how are we going to cross the worlds? I know you said there’s always a way, but . . . if the worlds are restored and separated . . .”
“The worlds will make different paths. The secret in crossing them is to find those paths. The worlds belong together. A long time ago, the worlds were all connected by the light, but they’re separated now because of the darkness. That’s why there will always be a path between them.”
“Because of the light?”
“As long as the light exists, so will those paths. Closing the keyholes just made it harder.”
“I guess that’s a good thing considering the Heartless and everything.”
“You can bet the Heartless will find corridors of darkness to follow. If you’re up to it, that’s the way I plan to travel, too.”
“If I’m up to it?” Riku grinned. “I don’t fear the darkness, anymore. I can handle it. And hey . . . maybe as long as we look like part of the Organization, they’ll leave us alone.”
“I’m glad to hear that. So where to?”
Riku frowned.
“I’m not sure where he’ll be. He spent a lot of time between Traverse Town, Olympus Coliseum, and Hollow Bastion, though, so I guess those three places are the first to check. He was in Olympus Coliseum the most, though, so I guess we should try there, first, and if he isn’t there, we can go see his friends in Traverse Town. They might know where to look.”
“Sounds like a plan. Do you want to open a portal or should I?”
Riku smiled, held out his hand, and the two entered a corridor of darkness.
~*~
The corridors of darkness were not as overwhelming as before, not as dark with the light Riku found within himself to guide the way. Riku glanced down at Mickey many times as they walked. Mickey didn’t contain the same merger of light and darkness that Riku held within him, and he worried that maybe these hollow passageways of black would be overwhelming, but Mickey showed no concern. Perhaps having all that light made the corridors easier to navigate; his expression remained solid and focused. Maybe it was all that time he spent in the realm of darkness. Either way, it lifted his heart and Riku felt warmth settle there at the presence of another companion, at not having to go through this alone.
“I sense Olympus Coliseum this way,” said Mickey.
Riku nodded. A sense of light filled his senses, as if there were a thin veil between them and the outside world. The feeling grew stronger with every step Riku took as he trailed a little behind Mickey. They walked a little further through the fog, and Mickey circled a spot, staring at it. He held out a hand and opened a portal to the light. Riku grinned.
“After you,” said Mickey.
Sunlight beat upon him as he stepped out, and Riku squinted, allowing his eyes to adjust. Mickey stepped out beside him. The dark portal closed behind them with a familiar whoosh. Hard, grainy ground crackled as Riku took a few steps forward.
“It feels like forever since I’ve been here,” said Riku, as he looked around at his surroundings.
They stood on the path behind the Coliseum Arena. Thebes rose in the distance, a conglomeration of archaic buildings and ancient architecture.
“If he’s here, it’ll be this way,” said Riku, motioning toward Thebes. Mickey nodded, and the two started down the path.
“Why don’t you tell me about your boyfriend?”
“Well . . . okay, his name’s Cloud. And he’s . . .”
Riku tried to fight the smile creeping over his lips, but failed. Mickey looked up at him and laughed.
“And you like him a lot.”
“Yeah. I met him in Hollow Bastion. He was working for Hades; I was working for Maleficent. It wasn’t anything big at the time. We were just talking while he waited for Hades to come out of a meeting. By the time I saw him again he’d met Sora already and got fired for not killing him. He’s not really involved with the darkness or anything . . . I guess he’s kind of like me in a way. At any rate, I didn’t encounter a double in Castle Oblivion.”
“How’d ya get together?”
“He came to visit me after he got fired. Said he couldn’t stop thinking about me . . .”
The obnoxious smile crept over his lips again. Riku laughed.
“I guess it was just physical attraction at first. We both thought the other was pretty good-looking. Then he and I went off for a month on his Gummi Ship to look for Sora, we got to know each other, and by the end of it, I was crazy about him. We’ve been together ever since.
“I didn’t want Sora to know, and he still doesn’t, but I plan on telling him when I see him again. Just promise you won’t say anything. I want to do it myself.”
“Promise.”
“Thanks.” Riku shoved his hands in his pockets and sighed. “I’m a little scared to see him again.”
“Sora or Cloud?”
Riku laughed.
“Both, now that you mention it. I was thinking of Cloud, but yeah, Sora, too.”
“Why are you scared?”
“He really disapproved of my feud with Sora. Disapproved of my involvement with the darkness. I don’t even know how long I’ve been gone. For all I know he’s just given up on me, or doesn’t like me anymore. I mean . . . I don’t know. What if what I’ve done is too much? What if I’ve gone too far?”
“If he really loves you, you have nothing to be worried about.”
“That’s just the thing. What if he doesn’t?”
“If he doesn’t really love you or doesn’t stand by you, he’s not the one for you.”
“But I want him to be the one for me.”
Riku and Mickey stopped in front of the hotel. Riku sighed.
“This is where he was staying.”
“Go see if he’s still here.”
Riku nodded.
“I’ll be back.”
Riku pushed open the door to the hotel and walked into the lobby. People milled around the area, and he weaved through them to the desk. A short, round woman sat there; Riku walked over to her and flashed a smile.
“Hi. I was wondering if Cloud Strife is still checked in.”
The woman’s eyes roved over the computer screen. She shook her head.
“There’s no one under that name.”
“Could you tell me when he checked out?”
“We can’t give out that kind of information.”
Riku smiled.
“I understand that. The only thing is that he’s my brother, and our mom is really sick. This is the last place I knew he was staying, and I really have to find him. That kind of information would help me out a lot.”
She stared. Riku leaned on the counter and let his smile fall a bit.
“I don’t want to put your job in jeopardy. Mom’s just . . . we don’t think she’s going to make it, and she wants to see him before she passes. I’d hate to be such a bother, but it would mean so much to me if you could tell me when he checked out.”
Her stare softened a little. Riku smiled again.
“Please?”
“Oh, all right, just don’t tell anyone I gave you this information.”
“Oh, I won’t, ma’am. Thank you so much. I really appreciate it.”
A light blush flushed to her cheeks as she clicked around on the computer. Riku’s heart pounded as she searched.
“What’s the last name?”
“Strife.”
“He checked out about three weeks ago.”
“Three weeks?” Riku rolled his eyes. “All right. Thank you very much.”
“Your brother doesn’t keep in contact often, does he?”
“He’s the solitary one in the family. I wouldn’t even bother looking except it means so much to my mother.”
“Good luck finding him. I’m so sorry to hear about your mother.”
“Thank you. You’ve been a great help.”
“Anything to help such a devoted son.”
“You have a nice day, ma’am.”
“The same to you, dear.”
Riku flashed a smile one last time before turning away and walking back toward the doors.
“How’d it go?” said Mickey.
“He checked out last month.”
“Traverse Town?”
“Traverse Town.”
~*~
Riku shivered and pulled the black cloak tighter around his shoulders. Traverse Town provided one answer to his many questions; it was the end of October. Growing up on the Islands, Riku was accustomed to October meaning back to school barbeques and a less crowded beach. Here in Traverse Town, it was freezing.
“Does is snow around here?” Riku said.
Mickey nodded.
“Sure. Why?”
“I’ve never seen snow before. Is it always cold like this?”
“It gets colder, especially in Hollow Bastion.”
The weather reflected how he felt. The house Riku once saw Cloud’s friends in was vacant. Anyone in town who knew or remember Leon, Yuffie, Aerith, and Cid all told him they left Traverse Town over a month ago. On his way to the shop where he’d met Cid, he even ran into Geppetto and Pinocchio.
“Oh . . .” said Riku. “Hey, Pinocchio.”
“Hi ya!” said Mickey.
“Your Majesty,” said Gepetto.
“Hi!” said Pinocchio. “What are you doing here?”
“Looking for Leon, Aerith, Yuffie, Cid, or Cloud. Just heard they left, though, from the lady in the café.”
“They moved a little over a month ago,” said Gepetto.
“Have you heard from Jiminy, Your Majesty?” said Pinocchio.
“He’s just fine,” said Mickey.
“Um . . . Gepetto?” said Riku. The old man’s eyes fell on him. Riku shuffled his feet and allowed his eyes to fall to Mickey before returning them to Gepetto. “I just wanted to say that I’m sorry about everything that happened in Monstro. I . . . I wasn’t . . .”
“Oh, that? It’s all right.”
“I really didn’t . . .”
“Don’t bother about it.”
Riku smiled.
“Thank you.”
“Well, we gotta get going,” said Mickey. “It was good seeing ya both.”
“And you, too, Your Majesty,” said Gepetto. “You behave yourself.”
Riku rolled his eyes and grinned.
“I will.”
They walked toward the doors to the Third District. Riku looked over his shoulder as Pinocchio and Gepetto disappeared inside.
“No Cloud . . .” said Riku. “No Leon. No nothing. I’m starting to lose hope.”
“We’ll find him. We still have Hollow Bastion. Don’t give up. Your heart overcame the darkness. This is nothing after that.”
“You’re right. I know. It’s just . . . it’s been so long . . .”
“Hollow Bastion, then?”
“Let’s do it.”
~*~
Riku’s heart felt tight in his chest as the gravel crunched beneath his feet. The town looked so much like it had when he last crossed it, and yet nothing like before. Homes were built; the streets were cleaned off. People walked across the town, chatting, and carrying various goods in their arms. One man sat on a cement ledge that wrapped around the town with a brown paper bag beside him, eating a sandwich. Two men walked out to the field carrying gray metal toolboxes.
“It’s changed so much,” said Riku. “Is this what happened after Maleficent was gone?”
“Looks like there’s a lot of work being done,” said Mickey.
“Looks like we’ve got a new one,” said a girl. “Hi.”
Riku glanced over to where two girls stood packing paper bags with drinks, sandwiches, and carrot sticks. One he didn’t recognize, with long, dark hair and dressed mostly in black. The other Riku knew on sight. His heart swelled.
“Yeah, I haven’t seen you before. I’m Yuffie. You’re new, right? Just arrived?”
“Yeah. I’m . . .”
“I know you must be wondering what happened to Hollow Bastion to make it look this way, right?”
“Well . . .”
“You see, there was a huge fire that burned down the entire town. Everyone was taken to a safe place out beyond the field . . .”
“What are you talking about?”
“The fire,” said the other girl. “Hi, I’m Tifa.”
“You’re Tifa . . .”
“Yes. There was a fire, and . . .”
“When was there a fire?”
“About nine years ago, and it was so out of control that it burned the entire village down,” said Yuffie. “Just as it was ready to be rebuilt, a huge quake cut through and destroyed what was left.”
“I thought the Heartless did that.”
Yuffie paused and then grinned.
“Oh, good. You know about that, huh? That saves me a lot of trouble.”
“Yuffie, what are you doing to that poor kid?”
Riku looked away from Yuffie to see Leon approach.
“She’s not letting me speak,” said Riku. “That’s about it.”
“Yuffie never lets anyone speak.”
“He’s a new arrival,” said Yuffie. “Already knows about the Heartless, though, so that helps. Don’t worry. We’ll help you find your family, and if they died in the fire . . . I mean, if they . . .”
“You see? My name’s Leon. Nice to meet you.”
Leon extended his hand. Riku stared. Beside him, Mickey laughed.
“I know you’re Leon. That’s what I’ve been trying to tell Yuffie. I know who you are, and I’m not looking for my family. I’m . . .”
“How do you know who we are?” said Yuffie. “I don’t think I know you. Tifa, do you know him?”
“Never seen him before in my life,” said Tifa.
“Riku. I’m Riku.”
“Sora’s friend, Riku?” said Yuffie. “That Riku?”
“Riku . . .” said Leon. “You’re . . .”
Riku sighed.
“Yes. I’m Riku. I’m looking for . . .”
“Sora’s not here,” said Yuffie. Riku sighed and rolled his eyes. Leon laughed. “We haven’t seen him in ages. Not since the Hades Cup, really.”
“Is he here?” said Riku, turning his eyes to Leon. Leon nodded.
“Yep.”
“No, he isn’t. Didn’t you hear what I just said?” said Yuffie.
“He’s not looking for Sora,” said Leon. “He’s looking for Cloud.”
Yuffie and Tifa stared at each other. Riku huffed.
“Yes. I’m Riku. I’m looking for Cloud. This is King Mickey.” Riku motioned to Mickey, standing beside him.
“Hi,” said Mickey.
“Hi,” said Leon. “I guess you want me to take you to Cloud, huh?”
“That would be great.”
“Wait . . .” said Yuffie. “Why are you looking for Cloud?”
Riku grinned.
“He kept it quiet all this time? I’m almost impressed.”
“As quiet as Cloud can keep it,” said Leon.
“You’re his boyfriend, aren’t you?” said Tifa.
“Yeah. I am.”
“And you owe Cloud an apology,” said Leon. “I told you he’d be back.”
“I’m lost,” said Riku.
“Don’t worry about it. I’m sure Cloud will fill you in.”
“Wait . . . Does he . . . I mean . . .”
Leon smiled.
“He’s still waiting on you, yeah.”
“I told you everything would work out, didn’t I?” said Mickey.
“Cloud’s painting,” said Leon. “Come on. I’ll take you to him.”
“Aerith just left to take him his lunch,” said Tifa. “And coffee.”
“He’s going to be so happy to see you. He’s been moody ever since you disappeared. He’s been especially moody today, though. I woke him at five this morning and had him painting by six-thirty.”
“Cloud isn’t a morning person.”
“Wait . . . you’re Sora’s friend, Riku, though,” said Yuffie. Riku nodded. “And you’re dating Cloud?”
Riku laughed.
“Yeah. I made him promise not to say anything so that Sora wouldn’t find out since we were in that stupid fight.”
“You sound a lot different about Sora now,” said Leon.
“Well, the last time I talked to you or Cloud I still hadn’t gotten possessed or gone to the world of darkness or anything.”
“That’s why Cloud couldn’t say anything?” said Yuffie. “You were afraid we’d say something to Sora?”
“I was worried something would slip, but I don’t really care now. All I ask is that I can tell him myself, because he still doesn’t know I’m gay.”
“My lips are sealed.”
“I somehow doubt that.”
Leon laughed.
“Cloud was right about you.”
“What about me?”
“That we’d get along.”
“Why’s that?”
“Because you’ve already commented on Yuffie’s inability to keep her mouth shut and you’ve been here less than ten minutes.”
“She wouldn’t let me talk. She just started going off about fires and destruction and never even let me say my name or anything.”
“That’s Yuffie.”
“It’s annoying.”
“That’s Yuffie.”
“Hey! You two are worse than you and Cloud,” said Yuffie.
“Actually,” said Tifa, “I think it’s about the same. No wonder Cloud likes you.”
“Great, that’s just what we need. Another one of those two moody jerks.”
“I’m not a jerk,” said Riku.
“As for moody . . .” said Leon.
“Yeah, right.”
“Yeah, you’ll fit right in. So, Yuffie, where’s Cloud working?”
“Right here,” she said.
They stopped in front of a house and Leon ran up the stairs to the door.
“I’m going to go get him. You can wait out here unless you want to have your reunion with a bunch of women Cloud wants to beat. Then again, I think he might need a warning for this . . .”
“Sounds good,” said Riku.
Riku shifted and crossed his arms over his chest as Leon disappeared into the house.
“Are you nervous or something?” said Yuffie.
“You don’t have to be. He’s crazy about you,” said Tifa.
“It’s just been so long . . .” said Riku.
“A little over a month, right?”
Riku nodded.
“That’s what I hear.”
“That’s not that long.”
“That’s not what you said a couple nights ago,” said Yuffie.
“It’s not that long to be apart. It is long when it comes to the Heartless.”
The door to the house flung open. Riku stared.
“Are you going to go say hi or make out or something?” said Leon, coming up behind Cloud.
“You’re here . . .”
Riku smiled.
“Just as articulate as ever.”
As Cloud’s smile pulled across his face, Riku felt his heart lift. He took a step forward.
“I didn’t think I was ever going to see you again.”
“I was worried, too.”
“I don’t know what to do.”
“You could kiss me and then we’ll just go from there.”
“At least get out of the doorway,” said Tifa.
Cloud laughed and stepped from the door. He crossed the porch, walked down the stairs, and strode over to Riku. His hand reached out and Riku closed his eyes, leaning into the touch as Cloud brushed his fingers along his cheek.
“I didn’t think I was ever going to hear your voice again,” said Riku.
“I’m so glad you’re here.”
“I have so much to tell you.”
“I have a lot to tell you, too.”
“Don’t make me do all the work, Cloud.”
Riku opened his eyes and smiled. Cloud laughed.
“You have the most beautiful eyes I’ve ever seen.”
“So you’ve told me.”
Riku’s eyes shut as Cloud touched their lips together for a brief second, moved back, and then pushed forward again. Riku’s head spun as a light, dizzy feeling spread through his body and permeated to his fingertips. He brought a hand up and tangled it within Cloud’s hair, took a step closer, and pressed his hips forward. An arm snaked around his back and pulled.
“I missed you so much,” said Riku.
“I missed you, too.”
“Uh . . . Cloud?” said Leon.
Cloud pulled back and turned his head to Leon.
“What?”
“Why don’t you take today and tomorrow off or something? Catch up. Any objections?”
“Nope,” said Tifa, covering her smile.
“Not at all,” said Yuffie.
“I think that’s a great idea,” said Aerith.
Cloud groaned.
“I hate you all.”
“Get your sex and stories out before tonight. I’m coming home later,” said Leon.
“And we need to properly meet Riku,” said Tifa.
“And I want to stare at how cute you two are some more,” said Yuffie.
“And Aerith will keep me from killing you all,” said Cloud. “Riku, these are my friends. I have off. We’re going to my house.”
Riku smiled.
“Do we really get to have sex?”
“It’s been over a month. What do you think?”
“I could probably use a cigarette. I haven’t had once since I lost my body.”
Cloud laughed.
“We’ll pick some up on the way back.”
“I’ll just stay here,” said Mickey.
“You sure?” said Riku.
Mickey nodded.
“I’ll help out around here. No problem.”
“You could paint,” said Leon.
Cloud waved a hand.
“Better him than me. Now let’s get out of here. We have a lot to discuss and I’m not waiting around for Leon to change his mind.”
“Right behind you.”
( Prompt Table) for previous installments. 033/100 Completed.
Fandom: Kingdom Hearts
Claim: Cloud/Riku
Theme: [033.] Cold
Word Count: 3,607
Rating: PG-13
Summary: Riku is nervous. Yuffie talks a lot. Cloud doesn’t know what to do.
Disclaimer: Not a chance. They aren’t mine. I wish they were, but they aren’t. So that’s that.
Author’s Note: So, yes, I didn’t want to write the reunion until now because I’ve had this entire chapter in my head from start to finish since they first got split up. I’m so happy I can share it will all of you now and it isn’t just in my head. Hope you like it as much as I do.
“So when Sora defeated Ansem and closed the door to darkness, it made the worlds separate again?” said Riku.
“You got it,” said Mickey.
“Okay . . . and then Ansem was defeated. He released his hold on my body and it found its way back to my heart in the realm of darkness. Is that why I could help close the door?”
“Yep.”
“Okay . . . but I had to stay behind the door, right? To help close it so the worlds could be safe.”
“Exactly.”
“That’s what I thought. So . . . how did DiZ find me in the dark? How did he get me out of there?”
“I don’t know. He must’ve found a door to the light, but I don’t know how he did it.”
Riku sighed.
“So how are we going to cross the worlds? I know you said there’s always a way, but . . . if the worlds are restored and separated . . .”
“The worlds will make different paths. The secret in crossing them is to find those paths. The worlds belong together. A long time ago, the worlds were all connected by the light, but they’re separated now because of the darkness. That’s why there will always be a path between them.”
“Because of the light?”
“As long as the light exists, so will those paths. Closing the keyholes just made it harder.”
“I guess that’s a good thing considering the Heartless and everything.”
“You can bet the Heartless will find corridors of darkness to follow. If you’re up to it, that’s the way I plan to travel, too.”
“If I’m up to it?” Riku grinned. “I don’t fear the darkness, anymore. I can handle it. And hey . . . maybe as long as we look like part of the Organization, they’ll leave us alone.”
“I’m glad to hear that. So where to?”
Riku frowned.
“I’m not sure where he’ll be. He spent a lot of time between Traverse Town, Olympus Coliseum, and Hollow Bastion, though, so I guess those three places are the first to check. He was in Olympus Coliseum the most, though, so I guess we should try there, first, and if he isn’t there, we can go see his friends in Traverse Town. They might know where to look.”
“Sounds like a plan. Do you want to open a portal or should I?”
Riku smiled, held out his hand, and the two entered a corridor of darkness.
~*~
The corridors of darkness were not as overwhelming as before, not as dark with the light Riku found within himself to guide the way. Riku glanced down at Mickey many times as they walked. Mickey didn’t contain the same merger of light and darkness that Riku held within him, and he worried that maybe these hollow passageways of black would be overwhelming, but Mickey showed no concern. Perhaps having all that light made the corridors easier to navigate; his expression remained solid and focused. Maybe it was all that time he spent in the realm of darkness. Either way, it lifted his heart and Riku felt warmth settle there at the presence of another companion, at not having to go through this alone.
“I sense Olympus Coliseum this way,” said Mickey.
Riku nodded. A sense of light filled his senses, as if there were a thin veil between them and the outside world. The feeling grew stronger with every step Riku took as he trailed a little behind Mickey. They walked a little further through the fog, and Mickey circled a spot, staring at it. He held out a hand and opened a portal to the light. Riku grinned.
“After you,” said Mickey.
Sunlight beat upon him as he stepped out, and Riku squinted, allowing his eyes to adjust. Mickey stepped out beside him. The dark portal closed behind them with a familiar whoosh. Hard, grainy ground crackled as Riku took a few steps forward.
“It feels like forever since I’ve been here,” said Riku, as he looked around at his surroundings.
They stood on the path behind the Coliseum Arena. Thebes rose in the distance, a conglomeration of archaic buildings and ancient architecture.
“If he’s here, it’ll be this way,” said Riku, motioning toward Thebes. Mickey nodded, and the two started down the path.
“Why don’t you tell me about your boyfriend?”
“Well . . . okay, his name’s Cloud. And he’s . . .”
Riku tried to fight the smile creeping over his lips, but failed. Mickey looked up at him and laughed.
“And you like him a lot.”
“Yeah. I met him in Hollow Bastion. He was working for Hades; I was working for Maleficent. It wasn’t anything big at the time. We were just talking while he waited for Hades to come out of a meeting. By the time I saw him again he’d met Sora already and got fired for not killing him. He’s not really involved with the darkness or anything . . . I guess he’s kind of like me in a way. At any rate, I didn’t encounter a double in Castle Oblivion.”
“How’d ya get together?”
“He came to visit me after he got fired. Said he couldn’t stop thinking about me . . .”
The obnoxious smile crept over his lips again. Riku laughed.
“I guess it was just physical attraction at first. We both thought the other was pretty good-looking. Then he and I went off for a month on his Gummi Ship to look for Sora, we got to know each other, and by the end of it, I was crazy about him. We’ve been together ever since.
“I didn’t want Sora to know, and he still doesn’t, but I plan on telling him when I see him again. Just promise you won’t say anything. I want to do it myself.”
“Promise.”
“Thanks.” Riku shoved his hands in his pockets and sighed. “I’m a little scared to see him again.”
“Sora or Cloud?”
Riku laughed.
“Both, now that you mention it. I was thinking of Cloud, but yeah, Sora, too.”
“Why are you scared?”
“He really disapproved of my feud with Sora. Disapproved of my involvement with the darkness. I don’t even know how long I’ve been gone. For all I know he’s just given up on me, or doesn’t like me anymore. I mean . . . I don’t know. What if what I’ve done is too much? What if I’ve gone too far?”
“If he really loves you, you have nothing to be worried about.”
“That’s just the thing. What if he doesn’t?”
“If he doesn’t really love you or doesn’t stand by you, he’s not the one for you.”
“But I want him to be the one for me.”
Riku and Mickey stopped in front of the hotel. Riku sighed.
“This is where he was staying.”
“Go see if he’s still here.”
Riku nodded.
“I’ll be back.”
Riku pushed open the door to the hotel and walked into the lobby. People milled around the area, and he weaved through them to the desk. A short, round woman sat there; Riku walked over to her and flashed a smile.
“Hi. I was wondering if Cloud Strife is still checked in.”
The woman’s eyes roved over the computer screen. She shook her head.
“There’s no one under that name.”
“Could you tell me when he checked out?”
“We can’t give out that kind of information.”
Riku smiled.
“I understand that. The only thing is that he’s my brother, and our mom is really sick. This is the last place I knew he was staying, and I really have to find him. That kind of information would help me out a lot.”
She stared. Riku leaned on the counter and let his smile fall a bit.
“I don’t want to put your job in jeopardy. Mom’s just . . . we don’t think she’s going to make it, and she wants to see him before she passes. I’d hate to be such a bother, but it would mean so much to me if you could tell me when he checked out.”
Her stare softened a little. Riku smiled again.
“Please?”
“Oh, all right, just don’t tell anyone I gave you this information.”
“Oh, I won’t, ma’am. Thank you so much. I really appreciate it.”
A light blush flushed to her cheeks as she clicked around on the computer. Riku’s heart pounded as she searched.
“What’s the last name?”
“Strife.”
“He checked out about three weeks ago.”
“Three weeks?” Riku rolled his eyes. “All right. Thank you very much.”
“Your brother doesn’t keep in contact often, does he?”
“He’s the solitary one in the family. I wouldn’t even bother looking except it means so much to my mother.”
“Good luck finding him. I’m so sorry to hear about your mother.”
“Thank you. You’ve been a great help.”
“Anything to help such a devoted son.”
“You have a nice day, ma’am.”
“The same to you, dear.”
Riku flashed a smile one last time before turning away and walking back toward the doors.
“How’d it go?” said Mickey.
“He checked out last month.”
“Traverse Town?”
“Traverse Town.”
~*~
Riku shivered and pulled the black cloak tighter around his shoulders. Traverse Town provided one answer to his many questions; it was the end of October. Growing up on the Islands, Riku was accustomed to October meaning back to school barbeques and a less crowded beach. Here in Traverse Town, it was freezing.
“Does is snow around here?” Riku said.
Mickey nodded.
“Sure. Why?”
“I’ve never seen snow before. Is it always cold like this?”
“It gets colder, especially in Hollow Bastion.”
The weather reflected how he felt. The house Riku once saw Cloud’s friends in was vacant. Anyone in town who knew or remember Leon, Yuffie, Aerith, and Cid all told him they left Traverse Town over a month ago. On his way to the shop where he’d met Cid, he even ran into Geppetto and Pinocchio.
“Oh . . .” said Riku. “Hey, Pinocchio.”
“Hi ya!” said Mickey.
“Your Majesty,” said Gepetto.
“Hi!” said Pinocchio. “What are you doing here?”
“Looking for Leon, Aerith, Yuffie, Cid, or Cloud. Just heard they left, though, from the lady in the café.”
“They moved a little over a month ago,” said Gepetto.
“Have you heard from Jiminy, Your Majesty?” said Pinocchio.
“He’s just fine,” said Mickey.
“Um . . . Gepetto?” said Riku. The old man’s eyes fell on him. Riku shuffled his feet and allowed his eyes to fall to Mickey before returning them to Gepetto. “I just wanted to say that I’m sorry about everything that happened in Monstro. I . . . I wasn’t . . .”
“Oh, that? It’s all right.”
“I really didn’t . . .”
“Don’t bother about it.”
Riku smiled.
“Thank you.”
“Well, we gotta get going,” said Mickey. “It was good seeing ya both.”
“And you, too, Your Majesty,” said Gepetto. “You behave yourself.”
Riku rolled his eyes and grinned.
“I will.”
They walked toward the doors to the Third District. Riku looked over his shoulder as Pinocchio and Gepetto disappeared inside.
“No Cloud . . .” said Riku. “No Leon. No nothing. I’m starting to lose hope.”
“We’ll find him. We still have Hollow Bastion. Don’t give up. Your heart overcame the darkness. This is nothing after that.”
“You’re right. I know. It’s just . . . it’s been so long . . .”
“Hollow Bastion, then?”
“Let’s do it.”
~*~
Riku’s heart felt tight in his chest as the gravel crunched beneath his feet. The town looked so much like it had when he last crossed it, and yet nothing like before. Homes were built; the streets were cleaned off. People walked across the town, chatting, and carrying various goods in their arms. One man sat on a cement ledge that wrapped around the town with a brown paper bag beside him, eating a sandwich. Two men walked out to the field carrying gray metal toolboxes.
“It’s changed so much,” said Riku. “Is this what happened after Maleficent was gone?”
“Looks like there’s a lot of work being done,” said Mickey.
“Looks like we’ve got a new one,” said a girl. “Hi.”
Riku glanced over to where two girls stood packing paper bags with drinks, sandwiches, and carrot sticks. One he didn’t recognize, with long, dark hair and dressed mostly in black. The other Riku knew on sight. His heart swelled.
“Yeah, I haven’t seen you before. I’m Yuffie. You’re new, right? Just arrived?”
“Yeah. I’m . . .”
“I know you must be wondering what happened to Hollow Bastion to make it look this way, right?”
“Well . . .”
“You see, there was a huge fire that burned down the entire town. Everyone was taken to a safe place out beyond the field . . .”
“What are you talking about?”
“The fire,” said the other girl. “Hi, I’m Tifa.”
“You’re Tifa . . .”
“Yes. There was a fire, and . . .”
“When was there a fire?”
“About nine years ago, and it was so out of control that it burned the entire village down,” said Yuffie. “Just as it was ready to be rebuilt, a huge quake cut through and destroyed what was left.”
“I thought the Heartless did that.”
Yuffie paused and then grinned.
“Oh, good. You know about that, huh? That saves me a lot of trouble.”
“Yuffie, what are you doing to that poor kid?”
Riku looked away from Yuffie to see Leon approach.
“She’s not letting me speak,” said Riku. “That’s about it.”
“Yuffie never lets anyone speak.”
“He’s a new arrival,” said Yuffie. “Already knows about the Heartless, though, so that helps. Don’t worry. We’ll help you find your family, and if they died in the fire . . . I mean, if they . . .”
“You see? My name’s Leon. Nice to meet you.”
Leon extended his hand. Riku stared. Beside him, Mickey laughed.
“I know you’re Leon. That’s what I’ve been trying to tell Yuffie. I know who you are, and I’m not looking for my family. I’m . . .”
“How do you know who we are?” said Yuffie. “I don’t think I know you. Tifa, do you know him?”
“Never seen him before in my life,” said Tifa.
“Riku. I’m Riku.”
“Sora’s friend, Riku?” said Yuffie. “That Riku?”
“Riku . . .” said Leon. “You’re . . .”
Riku sighed.
“Yes. I’m Riku. I’m looking for . . .”
“Sora’s not here,” said Yuffie. Riku sighed and rolled his eyes. Leon laughed. “We haven’t seen him in ages. Not since the Hades Cup, really.”
“Is he here?” said Riku, turning his eyes to Leon. Leon nodded.
“Yep.”
“No, he isn’t. Didn’t you hear what I just said?” said Yuffie.
“He’s not looking for Sora,” said Leon. “He’s looking for Cloud.”
Yuffie and Tifa stared at each other. Riku huffed.
“Yes. I’m Riku. I’m looking for Cloud. This is King Mickey.” Riku motioned to Mickey, standing beside him.
“Hi,” said Mickey.
“Hi,” said Leon. “I guess you want me to take you to Cloud, huh?”
“That would be great.”
“Wait . . .” said Yuffie. “Why are you looking for Cloud?”
Riku grinned.
“He kept it quiet all this time? I’m almost impressed.”
“As quiet as Cloud can keep it,” said Leon.
“You’re his boyfriend, aren’t you?” said Tifa.
“Yeah. I am.”
“And you owe Cloud an apology,” said Leon. “I told you he’d be back.”
“I’m lost,” said Riku.
“Don’t worry about it. I’m sure Cloud will fill you in.”
“Wait . . . Does he . . . I mean . . .”
Leon smiled.
“He’s still waiting on you, yeah.”
“I told you everything would work out, didn’t I?” said Mickey.
“Cloud’s painting,” said Leon. “Come on. I’ll take you to him.”
“Aerith just left to take him his lunch,” said Tifa. “And coffee.”
“He’s going to be so happy to see you. He’s been moody ever since you disappeared. He’s been especially moody today, though. I woke him at five this morning and had him painting by six-thirty.”
“Cloud isn’t a morning person.”
“Wait . . . you’re Sora’s friend, Riku, though,” said Yuffie. Riku nodded. “And you’re dating Cloud?”
Riku laughed.
“Yeah. I made him promise not to say anything so that Sora wouldn’t find out since we were in that stupid fight.”
“You sound a lot different about Sora now,” said Leon.
“Well, the last time I talked to you or Cloud I still hadn’t gotten possessed or gone to the world of darkness or anything.”
“That’s why Cloud couldn’t say anything?” said Yuffie. “You were afraid we’d say something to Sora?”
“I was worried something would slip, but I don’t really care now. All I ask is that I can tell him myself, because he still doesn’t know I’m gay.”
“My lips are sealed.”
“I somehow doubt that.”
Leon laughed.
“Cloud was right about you.”
“What about me?”
“That we’d get along.”
“Why’s that?”
“Because you’ve already commented on Yuffie’s inability to keep her mouth shut and you’ve been here less than ten minutes.”
“She wouldn’t let me talk. She just started going off about fires and destruction and never even let me say my name or anything.”
“That’s Yuffie.”
“It’s annoying.”
“That’s Yuffie.”
“Hey! You two are worse than you and Cloud,” said Yuffie.
“Actually,” said Tifa, “I think it’s about the same. No wonder Cloud likes you.”
“Great, that’s just what we need. Another one of those two moody jerks.”
“I’m not a jerk,” said Riku.
“As for moody . . .” said Leon.
“Yeah, right.”
“Yeah, you’ll fit right in. So, Yuffie, where’s Cloud working?”
“Right here,” she said.
They stopped in front of a house and Leon ran up the stairs to the door.
“I’m going to go get him. You can wait out here unless you want to have your reunion with a bunch of women Cloud wants to beat. Then again, I think he might need a warning for this . . .”
“Sounds good,” said Riku.
Riku shifted and crossed his arms over his chest as Leon disappeared into the house.
“Are you nervous or something?” said Yuffie.
“You don’t have to be. He’s crazy about you,” said Tifa.
“It’s just been so long . . .” said Riku.
“A little over a month, right?”
Riku nodded.
“That’s what I hear.”
“That’s not that long.”
“That’s not what you said a couple nights ago,” said Yuffie.
“It’s not that long to be apart. It is long when it comes to the Heartless.”
The door to the house flung open. Riku stared.
“Are you going to go say hi or make out or something?” said Leon, coming up behind Cloud.
“You’re here . . .”
Riku smiled.
“Just as articulate as ever.”
As Cloud’s smile pulled across his face, Riku felt his heart lift. He took a step forward.
“I didn’t think I was ever going to see you again.”
“I was worried, too.”
“I don’t know what to do.”
“You could kiss me and then we’ll just go from there.”
“At least get out of the doorway,” said Tifa.
Cloud laughed and stepped from the door. He crossed the porch, walked down the stairs, and strode over to Riku. His hand reached out and Riku closed his eyes, leaning into the touch as Cloud brushed his fingers along his cheek.
“I didn’t think I was ever going to hear your voice again,” said Riku.
“I’m so glad you’re here.”
“I have so much to tell you.”
“I have a lot to tell you, too.”
“Don’t make me do all the work, Cloud.”
Riku opened his eyes and smiled. Cloud laughed.
“You have the most beautiful eyes I’ve ever seen.”
“So you’ve told me.”
Riku’s eyes shut as Cloud touched their lips together for a brief second, moved back, and then pushed forward again. Riku’s head spun as a light, dizzy feeling spread through his body and permeated to his fingertips. He brought a hand up and tangled it within Cloud’s hair, took a step closer, and pressed his hips forward. An arm snaked around his back and pulled.
“I missed you so much,” said Riku.
“I missed you, too.”
“Uh . . . Cloud?” said Leon.
Cloud pulled back and turned his head to Leon.
“What?”
“Why don’t you take today and tomorrow off or something? Catch up. Any objections?”
“Nope,” said Tifa, covering her smile.
“Not at all,” said Yuffie.
“I think that’s a great idea,” said Aerith.
Cloud groaned.
“I hate you all.”
“Get your sex and stories out before tonight. I’m coming home later,” said Leon.
“And we need to properly meet Riku,” said Tifa.
“And I want to stare at how cute you two are some more,” said Yuffie.
“And Aerith will keep me from killing you all,” said Cloud. “Riku, these are my friends. I have off. We’re going to my house.”
Riku smiled.
“Do we really get to have sex?”
“It’s been over a month. What do you think?”
“I could probably use a cigarette. I haven’t had once since I lost my body.”
Cloud laughed.
“We’ll pick some up on the way back.”
“I’ll just stay here,” said Mickey.
“You sure?” said Riku.
Mickey nodded.
“I’ll help out around here. No problem.”
“You could paint,” said Leon.
Cloud waved a hand.
“Better him than me. Now let’s get out of here. We have a lot to discuss and I’m not waiting around for Leon to change his mind.”
“Right behind you.”
( Prompt Table) for previous installments. 033/100 Completed.