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Games » Kingdom Hearts » Complexes
The Glass Slipper
Author of 18 Stories
Rated: M - English - Romance - Riku & Sora - Reviews: 430 - Updated: 08-02-10 - Published: 07-14-06 - id:3044365

Author's note: Okay, I really, really shouldn't be starting a new story. But my other one is giving me issues. And I can totally handle two stories at once. Haha...

Warning: Very typical RikuSora fic. Sora's all shy and innocent. Riku's all corrupted and predatory. It happens at school. There's some angst...Yeah, the clichés go ever on. But, there, I've warned you all. Read at the risk of your own boredom. This is a fairly self-indulgent story for me. Everyone deserves to be able to write the RikuSora at college fic at least once in their life!

Disclaimer: I don't own anything.


Complexes

Chapter One: Flick and Flutter

"This one's mine," I whispered to Namine, my gaze set on the youthful features of a hesitant brunette. There was something about the shy way he entered the student lounge, with modesty that utterly defied his effortless good looks, that made my breath catch. His hair, eyes, lips, body. It was all perfectly formed. Somehow luminous, even from this distance. Still, he carried himself with a degree of insecurity that made it painfully obvious he had no idea how attractive he was. His quiet presence made me wonder how the air about him could possibly glow as I swear it did.

Namine followed the direction of my eyes, then hissed, "Riku, no way! He looks completely lost. There's no chance Leon will give him to you. He needs someone to watch over him who can be trusted. You obviously just want to corrupt him."

"I am the picture of trustworthiness," I feigned insult. "And Leon loves me. You just want him for yourself."

"Well," Namine began, her voice full of indignation, "I'd be good for him. You'd be nothing but trouble."

Namine was probably right, but I didn't try to fight the pull his gracefully-curved form had on my eyes. He stood there, looking utterly out of his element, and surveyed the room, knowing he should make eye contact with someone, but not really wanting to. Nervously, he hitched up the shoulder strap of what was very apparently a brand new bag. His clothes looked slightly overlarge, but the fabric was every bit as crisp as the nylon of his backpack. One wash and they would probably fit him in the most becoming ways.

"Maybe," I said, tossing Namine a devious look as I stood, "a little trouble is just what he needs to help him loosen up."

Distantly I heard her admonishments as she folded her arms across her chest, expression set in an offended pout. The circumstances were familiar to both us, but the feelings surrounding what I was about to do were more different than Namine could have possibly guessed. In the past, when she had questioned my ability to get with someone, I had approached the person with confidence and given them whatever line had been running through my head that day. It was almost too easy. Done without hesitation or doubt.

But as I approached the silent, searching boy, I felt my stomach flutter atypically. I had no lines for him. He looked far too innocent to respond in kind to anything overtly sexual, and overtly sexual was what I did best. I could pull off innuendo with almost equal skill, but that was likely to be lost on him. There was absolutely no way to tell him how beautiful I thought him to be without coming on much too strong. His stare was so evasive, even as I neared, that I couldn't possibly predict how he would react if I tried anything.

"Hi," I finally said lamely, swearing I could hear Namine snicker, even from this distance.

"Uh, hi." The response was somewhat uncertain, but the relief that graced his soft, soft, indigo eyes put me at ease. Thick eyelashes veiled that deep blue coyly. The sight was more stunning than I had imagined.

"I'm Riku," I reached out my hand, determined to shake his firmly, like a good little business student. I really hope my grip felt solid in his, because I know the contact made my insides feel anything but.

He smiled in a way that only intensified the melting sensation, "Sora."

"Sora," I repeated the name aloud, unintentionally. I couldn't help it. Sora. It suited him in the most exquisite way. It was so easy to say, felt absolutely wonderful on my lips.

He looked away, an action that told me he had definitely caught me musing, but he wasn't about to say anything about it. "Yeah, it's girly, I know."

I shrugged, "It's a nice name. Was there something I could help you with, Sora?" I finished with careful emphasis, desperately wanting him to notice how great his name sounded coming from my mouth. Wow. This kid was really affecting me. I didn't usually worry about getting attention, it happened regardless.

"I'm looking for Leon..." he trailed off nervously, as if unsure of this information. "I don't suppose you'd know which office is his?"

His gaze was avoidant again, only now more out of disorientation than shyness. I couldn't blame him. The signs always said "Business Students Association Lounge, 2nd Floor, Business Building."

But what the BSA Lounge really amounted to, was a couple of oversized, wooden tables and a few computers in the middle of a square of offices for different clubs. It was generally so crowded with students checking their e-mail or using the microwave that you couldn't hear yourself think.

"You're here for FLC, right?" I asked, struggling with a smirk. Not that I found Sora's search for companionship at an overwhelmingly large university amusing. It was just the acronym. First-Year Learning Communities. FLC. Pronounced "flicks." This institution was supposed to house some of the country's greatest minds, and all it could come up with to help kids feel like they belong was good, old "flicks".

But Sora seemed to think it was a good idea. The relief showed even more strongly on his handsome features now, "Yeah, that's right."

"Well, that's Leon's office over there, but Namine and I are FLC leaders and you can sign up with us today."

"Really?"

The way he posed the question made me feel like I'd just promised to buy a five-year-old ice cream. He was completely adorable. Shy, but somehow still so eager. A very enticing combination.

"Of course," I answered, already leading him to the table and an introduction with Namine.

If she was annoyed by my antics, she didn't let it show. Only reached out to shake Sora's hand immediately, "I'm Namine. Welcome to the U of T. I trust Riku didn't scare you away from our little program too much. He can come on a little strong, only because he's so enthusiastic about what we're doing here."

My mouth flew open scornfully from behind Sora, earning a self-satisfied smirk from Namine.

"Oh, no. He was lovely to meet," came Sora's voice. "I think I'll like this very much, FLC I mean."

Namine's smirk turned into a furtive smile that was laced with something that looked strangely like approval, "Great. You know how the program works right Sora?"

Sora nodded and Namine looked at me as if to say, "You can take it from here."

I handed Sora a form and said, "All we need from you is your name, major, e-mail and a phone number. We'll contact you by the end of the week once we've set up the groups."

It felt like I should say more. I wanted to, go beyond the usual spiel with Sora, but his eyes were locked on the sign-up sheet, the very tip of his tongue showing through a part in his pink lips. The sight was delicious. God, he's adorable when he's concentrating.

"Uh," he looked up sheepishly, nearly catching my stare. "I don't think I've ever used my U of T e-mail address. I'm not sure what it is."

"Don't worry about it," Namine told him, sympathetically. "We'll be sure to call you."

"Or you could always give us the embarrassing Hotmail address you set up in grade seven."

He smiled and I realized how much I loved making him do so, "No way. I choose the phone call."

"That's not funny Riku," Namine scolded at the sight of a wide grin on my face. "How would you like it if I told Sora your old e-mail?"

"You wouldn't!" I begged.

She turned to Sora, "Let's just say, Riku thought he was really something special in those days. You'll have to try to get it out of him sometime."

"Definitely."

"What is this? I introduce you two and you're already plotting against me."

Sora giggled again, clearly loving the unquestioning way he was included in the teasing. I could tell Namine was enjoying his company as much as I was and we both would have been content to make him feel welcome for quite a while longer, but two girls were standing behind him now. They were whispering to each other as if this was still high school and I resented them deeply for it. FLC was to help new students meet friends. Those two clearly already had at least one friend. That was plenty. Damn socialites.

Sora looked behind him as the two broke into a fit of laughter. "Sorry, I'll get going," he mumbled as he turned back to me.

"It's okay, it's nice talking to you," I told him sincerely.

"Yeah, you guys too. Uh, before I go though, do either of you know where the Fine Arts Building is?" he asked with an apologetic expression fixed across his boyish features.

"Sure do. Maybe Riku could show you. He did his pre-professional year in Arts, didn't you Riku?" Namine asked with pointed disdain. Before being admitted to the Business faculty, students were required to take their first year in either Arts or Science. Your GPA from this then determined your acceptance. The Science students constantly proclaimed the Arts students had taken the easy way out. Really though, taking a year of French, anthropology, and music was just common sense.

"You're just bitter because you spent nine hours a week in a lab and now we're both in Business as equals."

"Just show Sora where FAB is," she handed me a map of the campus.

"It's not too hard to find," I said, pulling Sora to the side as Namine began a conversation with the other students. He stiffened at my touch. It was barely detectable, but I felt it. Motionlessly he stared at my hand on his shoulder, following the touch even as I withdrew it.

"Sorry," I said.

"'S okay," he answered with a shrug.

"So, FAB is south of here. You know where the entrance to the subway is? If you're coming out of there, it's just to your right. You can't miss it. It's pretty much the nicest building on campus. It's brick with these vines growing on it. They turn the most amazing colours in autumn. It's one of my -" I cut myself off suddenly. "Sorry, I don't know why I'm telling you all this. You obviously have somewhere to go."

"Uh yeah, sorry," Sora said genuinely, shoulders heaving slightly as he adjusted the position of his backpack. "Thanks though. I definitely won't forget where it is now. I swear I've been looking for it all day."

"I'll see you around, Sora."

"Yeah, later."

I would have watched him leave, but the sprightly face of a brown-haired girl was level with mine an instant after Sora stepped away. I could hear Namine groan very quietly before saying, "And this is Riku."

"Riku, that's a nice name. So different. What does it mean?"

"Uh, not sure," I answered, unimpressed by her lack of subtlety. What does your name mean? As if I haven't heard that one before.

"Oh, well, I'm Selphie and this Kairi."

The girl at her elbow smiled with a reluctance that clearly made her embarrassment at her friend's actions evident. Maybe this one wasn't so bad. Something about her reminded me of Sora. She smiled slyly, as if to tell me she knew exactly what my name meant, but didn't want to let Selphie in on the secret.

"Hi Kairi. It's nice to meet you."

She nodded and shoved the sign-up sheet into her friend's stomach, "It's nice to meet you too. We'll just sit over there while we fill this out, okay?"

Incredibly glad for their absence I immediately turned to Namine and posed the question I'd being dying to ask since Sora left, "So, what do you think?"

"At first I thought straight," she admitted, eyes cast upwards, thoughtfully, "but his stare did seem to linger on you a little too long..."

I grinned broadly, "Really?"

Rather than answer, she giggled at me, "Look at you! Since when have you ever doubted anyone's desire for you? Usually it's me, reminding you, that not everyone who happens to look is checking you out."

"Well mostly they are," I huffed. "You saw that Selphie girl."

Namine rolled her eyes, "First-years. They don't know any better. Her friend seems really nice though."

"Yeah, I might get her number. This thing with Sora could take a while."

"Riku you're horrible! I can't believe I thought for even a second that you might be starting to change. You are an incurable sex fiend."

I shrugged, "You never know. I may change my womanizing ways, if Sora is half as good in bed as he looks like he should be."

"Riku!" Namine was furiously beating me with a spare clipboard now.

"Stop it," I ordered from under her barrage. "I was just kidding!"

"Play nice with the first-years Riku," she warned. "Especially Sora."

"I will," I said, in all honesty. No matter what happened with Sora, I knew I didn't ever want to see him sad. He had the most petulant, most affecting eyes as it was. He looked much too nice to ever hurt.


"When do we get our groups?" I asked, leisurely folding the length of my body into the chair beside Leon's desk.

My (thankfully) former finance professor looked at me with a raised eyebrow, "You know, for someone who only signed up for this project because he had no volunteer experience what-so-ever on his resume, you sure are showing a lot of interest in it."

"Well, I did choose this over the numerous other attractive volunteer positions on campus."

"Who did you meet at sign-up?" Leon removed his hands from their station over his keyboard, granting me more of his sparingly-given attention. I inwardly cursed the way he knew what I was thinking. Had I really spent that much time in his office, asking for help with dividends and stock options? Probably. We developed a strangely open relationship last semester, in spite of the C+ he gave me.

"Uh, I didn't meet anyone," I said evasively. "Tidus and Namine are curious too. We all are. No one wants the ugly team."

He scowled, "I highly doubt there will be an ugly team. And even if there is, I would hope that all my FLC leaders would conduct themselves with compassion and respect."

"Okay, okay. You know I'm kidding right?"

"Yeah, even you're not that superficial."

"I'm not superficial at all," I protested. "I have lots of ugly friends."

"Really now?"

Fuck. How does he always get me to dig myself in deeper? Even last year, every time I came to him for help, he always managed to make me confess to skipping Tuesday's class or not doing the practice problems. Damn Leon.

"Whatever. You know I'm not a jerk."

Leon shrugged, "That only thing I'm sure of right now, is that you have some vulnerable little first-year in mind for your morally bankrupt purposes."

"It's not that. He's just a really nice kid. I'd like to get to know him better."

"What's his name?"

"Sora."

"Sora, hey? Sounds far too sweet and innocent for me to entrust him to the likes of you."

" Leon, stop fooling around. I'm being serious. You're the one who told me I might meet someone I like doing this. You owe me."

"What's so special about this kid?"

"I..."

I was stuck for words. In truth, I just met him yesterday. Briefly at that. The only reason I knew his major was because I read his FLC form. Psychology. It was perfect. All emotion and uncertainty, like him. And there was nothing like a little Freudian developmental theory to open a kid's eyes to humanity's most depraved urges. Apparently, all I needed to know was that he was adorably shy and modest, and possessed the most perfectly angelic features I had ever seen.

"That good, huh?" Leon asked, catching the stupid grin on my face.

" Leon, I swear, if you put Sora in my group, you won't regret it. I'll even forgive you for nearly failing me last year."

"I better not regret this. And you, had better not tell anyone about my little favour. I don't need the whole lot of you running to me with your silly crushes and unrequited fantasies."

"Yeah, no problem. I won't tell a soul."

"And Riku," he said as I stood and turned to leave.

I looked over my shoulder, "Yeah?"

"Play nice with the first-years."

"Why is everyone saying that to me?" I exclaimed in mock frustration. I always play nice...


End notes: Aw, university is all about the acronyms. I guess if this had to be a real university, the T would stand for Toronto, since I've been there and my cousin told me about its whole "flicks" thing. But I can't really picture everyone in TO, so just use your imagination.

What do you guys think? Is this whole concept too overdone to be interesting? Should I take this in a new direction? I definitely do intend to develop the characters a little more. I will try to make their backgrounds a little more original, I promise!

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