Chapter 1

It's only been a month since Riku and I came back from the darkness. Living here with Kairi, Selphie, Tidus, and all the others is great. Even if it is really different from how I lived before, it isn't so bad. School is a drag though… and I miss being close to Riku. We've drifted apart. Although I suppose it is my fault… I fell back into routine so easily, made new friends, and revived old friendships. I guess I left him behind. Sometimes, like now I feel guilty about it.

But that only because he's on our island sulking again! I wish he'd stop doing that. "Hey Riku!" I shouted, running over to him. He only grunted. He didn't even turn around! It's no wonder I hang out with Kairi and the others more; he should expect it, acting all glum like this. Oh well. I'm sure he'll get over it. For now, I'll just…

I pounced on him, falling over him and pushing him into the water. He practically growled at me in his moody way and pinned me down to the sand. Only then did I notice the grin on his face. I grinned back at him, trying to turn the wrestling match in my favor. Finally I located a weakness in his defense. I know it was playing dirty, below the belt quite literally, but that's just too bad. He flipped over on his back, yowling in pain (and quite un-Riku like!) in just the submissive position I like. I pinned his hands above his head and counted as loud as I could to ten. In my elation, I didn't notice the strange look on his face. I giggled down at him, flaunting my victory. He took me by surprise and switched our positions.

Just then, Kairi ran up the beach yelling something at us in her high-pitched voice. "Ooh, what are you guys doing? All wet and sandy. Tee hee!" Riku immediately got off of me, ending the game. Damn Kairi, coming in at the wrong moment. Just when I finally got some time with Riku. And I couldn't be sure, but I thought I saw a cute little blush grace his cheeks. "Hey Sora, you wanna come to the movies with me and some friends later?" she giggled and batted her eyes at me. Ugh. What a girl. "Oh, and you can come if you like, Riku." The change in her voice was amazing. It went from flirty to flat, almost dead, when she talked to Riku. I know she didn't like him too much, but really… she shouldn't be mean like that. I gave her a look.

"Sorry, Kairi. I've got to clean my room tonight. It's been a mess for waaay to long now." I have no idea what she would try at the movie, although it would defiantly be suspicious. I know she likes me, but I don't think I like her like that. Then again, she did have a figure. And hormones sometimes kicked in at the most inconvenient times.

I ignored her crestfallen look. "Well, I guess we can just hang out now." She glanced at Riku. "All of us." Riku had been silent all this time. It was disappointing. I never noticed how quiet he was around other people before, but the difference is undeniable. It bothers me.

A few hours later, Selphie and Tidus had come and left along with Kairi. Riku had tried to slip away from us a few times, but despite the fact that his presence made everyone uncomfortable, I made sure he stayed. I guess it's a little selfish to do that, but oh well. I wanted to have a chance to talk to him. And here it was. "So, Riku, do you wanna come over?"

"I thought you had to clean your room," he said sullenly. Apparently he hadn't enjoyed how we had spent the last few hours.

"Well, yea but… you know, you should clean it since I won." I smiled at him teasingly.

"You aren't doing a very good job of convincing me to come over, but okay." He chuckled. "Why aren't you going to the movies with Kairi? It's pretty obvious she was dying for you to go." I made a face at him, displaying my displeasure at the thought.

"Eh. She can live without me for one night. And anyway, I wanted to spend time with you."

"Psh. You wanted to spend time making me your slave." For some odd reason, this didn't seem like such a bad idea. Of course, if Riku really was my slave, he certainly would be doing things other than cleaning my room…

Riku saw the look on my face and groaned. "Oh great. So you DO want to make me your slave." He seemed to enjoy the idea as much as I did. "Lets go then." He stood and walked down to the beach. I ran after him, exited that I would actually get to spend a night alone with Riku.