A/N: Ok, time for another chapter for your entertainment! Enjoy!

Disclaimer! I do not own Sora, Riku or Kingdom Hearts! Right now it'd be really nice though... I have a feeling I could depend on Sora to take care of me while I have a cold sniff (

Dearly Beloved

Chapter 5: Differences

Sora trod along the halls of the school quietly and slowly. He was in no rush to go see Riku today.

The first thing Sora did when he got home was call his father at the office.

"Hello?"

"Hey Dad."

"Sora? What's wrong?"

"Nothing. When are you coming home?"

"Actually I was just about to wrap here. I should be home within the hour. Why?"

"I... just wanted to talk..."

"Are you ok Sora?"

"Yeah Dad... I'll see you when you get home."

"Ok... See you soon Sora..."

"Later."

As soon as his father walked in the door, Sora was there, hugging him, clutching the back of his suit jacket tightly. Not used to such affection from his teenage son, his father just held him, rubbing his back in a soothing manner. When they got out of the walkway, they sat down and Sora explained the story Riku had told him. After explaining everything, they both sat back, Sora wiping away small tears that had trailed down his face. Sora's mother walked in the door not too long after and seeing both her men so serious, became concerned. When Sora explained again, she dropped her things and held him, caressing his cheek softly. Sora sighed into her embrace.

"I really love you guys..."

While it seemed to bring his family a little bit closer, Sora couldn't be sure what Riku's story would do to their relationship. He knew his crush on Riku was getting to be a bit too much. He was afraid for today. What if Riku was suddenly ashamed about spilling his guts to Sora? What if he wanted him to go away? Sora didn't think he could take that.

Finally Sora turned down the hall in which the music room lay. Instead of the piano being played, Sora could have sworn he heard the sound of a feminine giggle. He rounded the door to the music room and got the shock of his life.

Riku was on the floor, sprawled on top of a girl Sora had never seen before. His hands were running up and down her sides and the girl couldn't stop giggling, tears in her eyes. Sora stood there for a full minute before either of them realized he was there. The girl pointed at him and Riku whipped his head around. As he spotted Sora, a crimson blush stained his cheeks and he sat up, removing himself from the girl's body.

"Oh, hey Sora. This is-"

"Kairi! Mighty nice to meet you Sora! I've heard so much about you!"

The girl stood up and brushed herself off. She wasn't wearing their uniform he noticed. Instead she was clad in a short pink dress, silver zippers all over the garment, including one that ran down the very front of the dress, showing a white shirt that she wore underneath. Her hair was a bright red, cut short and stylish up to her shoulders. Her eyes were a dark blue color, bright with excitement. Sora had to admit to himself that she was rather pretty. He could understand why guys would be falling over themselves for her. He put out his hand for her, but she ignored it and jumped into his arms, hugging him like she'd known him all her life.

"She's my cousin. She's visiting my family for the next couple of weeks."

Kairi turned and slapped his shoulder in a playful manner.

"Riku, why do you always tell people that? I'm not his real cousin Sora - our moms are best friends and we've been together since childhood. I just had to hear him play today - it's been simply forever since he played for me."

Sora's heart fell. He had been secretly hoping that Riku only played for him. Now that he knew differently, Sora wasn't sure what to say to her. She seemed to be a nice girl, but something in Sora couldn't like her just yet. She turned her bright smile on Riku nodded towards the piano.

"Play it. You know the one."

Riku smiled at her and sat down, playing the beginning notes of a song that Sora knew very well. It was the ending song to Final Fantasy 9, 'Melodies of Life'. The song had always been stuck in his head as a song of happy endings. It was quite romantic in its own way - speaking of a lost love remembered for all of time. It always touched him, this song. Suddenly, as the song reached the chorus, Kairi lifted her head and began to sing.

"'A voice from the past, joining yours and mine. Adding up the layers of harmony...'"

Sora stared at her dumbfounded as he listened to her sing. Her voice was wonderful. As the song continued, she sung louder and stronger. It seemed that as she sung, her voice took control of Riku and he played louder as well, getting into it. They complemented each other so well that Sora was honestly moved. They made quite the musical duo. When Riku played out the final notes of the song, Sora couldn't help but clap. He smiled softly at Riku, and then turned to Kairi, who beamed at him.

"You were wonderful. You have such a beautiful voice Kairi..."

"Thank you Sora! I've been telling Riku all these years that we should go into business together, but he simply won't listen."

She turned to Riku and smacked his forehead, causing him to grimace up at her.

"See? Sora thinks we're good! Why not listen to him?"

Riku stuck out his tongue at her and as they continued to argue, Sora smiled to himself. As much as he feared her relationship with Riku, Sora couldn't help but like Kairi. She had an air about her that brought happiness wherever it went. He laughed casually and joined in on the argument, taking Kairi's side.

For some reason he wasn't as threatened as he thought he should be. And it was a comforting thought.

-----------

Ok, short chapter, sorry sorry. But yay, more to come soon! R&R please!