Hey there! Skaterstar57 here, attempting to write a KH Christmas story... Yeah, I probably failed. X-X Heh. Well, I hope to finish this off by Christmas-that probably won't be happening. -Sigh- Ah well. I can dream, right?

Summary: Riku's mom signs him up to help out with an orphanage around the Christmas holiday. Riku groans at the idea. He doesn't want to –i-help-i- them, but he doesn't have an option.

Disclaimer: Me? Own Kingdom Hearts? Hah! –Goes in corner to weep-

Warning: This fic will contain shonen-ai (boyxboy love). If you do not care for boyxboy love, I suggest you leave. This fic will also contain language.

Reviews: They make me write faster. So if you want to see the second chapter sooner, you should probably review... Come on-it would make me oh so happy. :)

A/N: Woo. This is my lame attempt at a Christmas fic. I already have a few chapters written out...but I haven't read through them yet. But hopefully updates will be quick-especially if I want to finish this fic off by Christmas. Also, for all who read my other story, "I'll Be There for You", I'm trying to update either tonight or tomorrow. I know it's been a while...so you can like, shoot me if you want to. ...Wait, if you shoot me, I'd be dead, and then I couldn't update, so it would kind of lose the point. Meh. Oh, and I know you don't get winter break as early as Riku does in this fic...let's just say it's for convenience for this story. XD

This first chapter's more of a set up-the story gets more interesting as it goes along! All right, enough of my rambling, on with the story!

An Unexpected Gift - Chapter 1. A Very Sucky December

-o-

"Our brightest blazes of gladness are commonly kindled by unexpected sparks. - Samuel Johnson

It was November 30th, and it was snowing outside...

"Mom! How could you do this to me?"

And all was calm outside...

"It's for your own good!"

...and inside the Sugisaki household.

"It is not!"

Yes, quite calm.

"Yes, it is!" Mrs. Sugisaki insisted.

-Whistles- Could this get any more awkward?

The silver-haired boy crossed his arms. "I hate you."

"I hate you, too, sweetie pie." She smiled widely.

Riku Sugisaki, her son, groaned.

"I'm telling you. It will be good for you, Riku. It's nice to give to other people. It is the season of giving, after all." She smirked.

He stared up at her, narrowing his eyes.

"Come on, helping out with an orphanage isn't as bad as you think!"

"Yes, it is," he insisted.

She sighed. "I see you'll never see the light, Riku. Oh well. Whether you like it or not, you're helping out with that orphanage. End of discussion."

Riku continued to give her his death glare, but groaned and fell back onto their couch as he gave up. "FINE! I'll help out with the fucking orphanage!"

1..

2...

3...

"OWW! Leggo of my ear!" Riku whined.

"Not a chance," said Riku's mother. She then proceeded to walk with Riku, still relentlessly pulling his ear, and dragged him up the stairs to his bedroom. She opened the door and tossed him inside. "I'm glad you've decided to help, Riku. But you need to learn to stop swearing so much!" With that, she slammed the door shut, the smirk still intact on her face.

"I learned it from you," he muttered under his breath.

"I heard that!" came the sing-song voice from the hall...or was it Hell?

Riku groaned and grabbed his pillow and attempted to drain out the horrid voice. She had no right! No right, whatsoever! He growled. Gosh, how could she do this to him? Christmas break was starting next week, and what did she have to do? Sign him up to help out at an orphanage! He'd lose all his free time...

"Just peachy, Mom," he grumbled into the pillow. He sighed and threw the pillow at a wall. "I wanted my free time." He frowned. He then grabbed his phone and dialed the number of his best friend, Axel.

"Come on, Riku. It's not that bad."

"Yes, it IS! How many fucking times do I have to say that, damn it?"

"Guh-eeze, touchy."

"Shut your mouth, Axel."

The redhead sighed on the other line. "Really, Riku, you'll have to learn to deal with it."

"It's not like you have to deal with it," grumbled Riku.

Axel grinned. "Cheer up. You may end up liki—"

Riku glared at no one, burning a hole in the wall. "I will NOT end up liking it. End. Of. Discussion."

"Fuh-ine. Come on, I'll come by your house tomorrow after school; I'll make sure you have fun. But wouldn't anyone have fun when they're best friends with the sexiest man alive?"

Riku rolled his eyes, but he chuckled too. "You're so cocky, Axel."

"Learned it from you, Riku."

Riku laughed fully this time. He smiled. "Okay, I'll see you tomorrow, Axel."

"Sure thing," he said before hanging up.

Riku closed his cell phone and then sighed. He heard his mom call out, "Dinner's ready!" but he wasn't that sure if he was really hungry. She sang out again, "It's chicken tonight!" (1)

Riku sped out of his room like a light and ran down the stairs

Okay, it was now December 1st...the first day of December. Everyone loved December, right? It meant you got free time, got to spend time with your wonderful (yeah right,) family, and it meant Christmas was on its way. What could possibly go wrong in December?

For Riku Sugisaki...everything

First of all, the last day of school was...to quote Riku, "Fucking miserable." Yeah...nice. Okay, moving on...

Riku was of course one of the top boys in the school; he was rich, good looking, and smart to boot. What more could someone ask for? (Riku: Free time...Miss Star: Stay out of this! -Pushes-) Ahem...

Anyway, all the girls (and some guys) were completely in love with Riku. So he got quite a bit of attention, he had some great friends (Riku: More like stupid friends... Miss Star: I said stay out of this!)

Riku was great at sports, too. Did I forget to mention that? He could do anything, basically. Football, soccer, basketball, baseball, and blitzball. Ah, blitzball. Riku's favorite and best sport. He was the captain of the team, of course. Other star players were his friends, as well: Axel, Tidus, Wakka..

How could Riku's last day at school possibly be horrid? Well, I don't want to go into it too much. Too embarrassing, you know. But I will give you a few hints:

Fangirl mobs.

Food fights ruining silver hair.

Dumbass teacher giving him too many damn detentions.

And most of all—that dumb Axel.

Yes, almost everything that happened at school today was Axel's damn fault. He had told all the girls where Riku was hiding, so they could attempt to snatch him up. He started the stinkin' food fight during lunch today. And he had gotten him in trouble with the teacher.

So now, Riku was grumbling as he walked home to school. It was quite chilly outside, and he was glad his mom had insisted he wear his coat today. He was wearing his scarf, too. He loved his scarf so much. If it was cold outside, he didn't feel complete without it. Plain and simple.

Riku continued to grumble as he walked up the still snowy steps to his house. He opened the door, and was immediately glomped. "Riku! I heard you're helping out with the orphanage, huh?" squealed a WAY too hyper voice.

Riku groaned from his position on the ground.

Selphie Tilmitt + sugar = bad consequences. VERY bad consequences. Riku was about to growl at her when a sing-song voice called out, "Did you have a good day at school today, honey?"

Riku groaned and fell back onto his head. "Ow."

Once Riku finally managed to pry himself from Selphie's arms, he called Tidus and tricked him to come over. Selphie saw him, locked her arms around him instead, and left giggling. Riku was thoroughly relieved

Riku was lying down on the couch, nearly asleep, since he was thoroughly exhausted from the absolutely hideous day at school. His eyes slowly closed; he was fully prepared to slip into sweet, sweet dreamland...

"So, Riku, since today's Friday, you're going to work at the orphanage tomorrow. Remember, you're not getting paid for this," a stupid voice startled Riku from his near-sleep.

"Whatever," he mumbled, attempting to go to dreamland once more.

"Riku, did you HEAR ME? I said you're going to help with the orphanage TOMORROW not Monday!" she repeated, only louder this time.

"Yeah, yeah, whatever."

1...

2...

3...

Riku's eyes snapped wide open, the words finally registering in his brain. "WHAT?" he screeched.

"You heard me," she said blissfully and began to walk away. He grabbed onto the back of her shirt. She smirked. "And by the way, you aren't getting paid for this, either."

His eyes widened. "Just great! I hate you all! You, Axel, Selphie, Tidus, children...EVERYONE!"

"That's very nice, dear."

"Will you listen to me, woman?"

Riku was snatched up by the collar of his shirt and held up in the air. "What did you call me?"

"Err...uhh..." The grip tightened. "Mother dearest?"

Riku was dropped to the ground. "That's what I thought you said."

Riku rubbed his head before deciding he needed peace and quiet. Where did he go to? His room, of course. Well, he made it to the stairs before the door flew open, letting in a chilly wind.

"I am here to bring Christmas cheer!" came the voice from the door.

Riku's eyes widened as his mouth was left agape. "No...it couldn't be..." He then closed his eyes and gulped.

"Sephy? Is that you?" Riku's mother called from the kitchen.

"Yes, it is I, Mother. I am staying here until Christmas, if you don't mind."

Riku turned around slowly, twitching. "I mind!"

"Oh, Riku, DARLING! How have you been? My, you've grown since I last saw you, haven't you? Your hair's longer, too. You're looking more and more like me every day.

Riku grumbled curses under his breath, seriously considering cutting off all his silver hair.

"Of course you can, Sephy!" Mrs. Sugisaki came out from the kitchen, apron and all. A huge smile was on her face. Riku knew it meant: "Sephy and I are going to have so much fun torturing you during your time off." He groaned again.

"Aww, why the sad face, Ri? You know how much you mean to me," said Sephiroth blissfully.

"Sure I do," he muttered. "And you know how much you mean to me, right?" He smirked.

"So," started Mrs. Sugisaki, "is Vincent going to be coming as well?"

"Oh, gah, please no," Riku prayed.

"Sadly he isn't going to make it here until Christmas Eve. He's spending time with his family now."

"Oh, well, that's nice, Sephy. But I'm sorry you won't be able to spend more time with Riku. He's going to be helping out with an orphanage."

"Really? Why Riku, I think that's quite splendid of you to help those in need during your time off. They are so in need of your tender, loving care that only you can provide!"

"Do you have to over dramatize everything?"

"Yes," he answered.

"Oh my gosh. He admits it." Riku knew a headache was coming on. A big one.

A timer in the kitchen began to beep over and over again. Mrs. Sugisaki quickly sat up. "That's dinner, boys; it will be ready soon. Why don't you...try to catch up while I'm gone." As she walked away, she grinned at Riku mischievously. Riku felt like dying, but before doing that, he wanted to kill two certain silver-haired people. Two close silver-haired people.

"So, Riku, how'd Mom get you to sign up for that orphanage?" Sephiroth asked.

Riku arched an eyebrow. "You're acting normal?"

"It's fun, sometimes. Yes."

Riku coughed. "Well, she didn't tell me she was going to. But now she's forcing me to," he explained.

"I see. Exactly what she did to me when I was younger... Hmm. Anyway, Riku, don't get down too badly. You may find that things aren't always exactly what they seem. Really."

Riku sighed and leaned back on the couch. "I guess you're right. I'll just miss my free time, that's all."

Sephiroth took off his coat and hung it in the closet. He walked back to Riku and sat down on the couch beside him. "I know the feeling," he said.

Just then, their mother decided to barge through the door, yelling, "Dinner's ready, my darlings!"

"Oh, goody!" Sephiroth jumped up and ran to the dining room.

"Great, the old Seph's back," Riku groaned.

Dinner was as great as always. After all, their mother used to be a chef, before their dad had died, anyway. She decided she wanted to have a closer look on her darling boys, so she decided to give up her job and stay home. How could she afford it? Quite simple, really. They were rich.

Filthy, stinkin' rich. (Riku: I am not filthy, nor do I stink. Miss Star: I said get out! Stay out of the damn story, already! Riku: So you're calling your own fic 'damn story' now? Miss Star: SHUT UP! Riku: Fine! -Crosses arms-)

Ahem. As I was saying, they were rich, very rich. Another reason why all the girls at school loved Riku. Everyone loved the rich, because they wanted to be rich. (Isn't that how all people think, after all?) And I guess you could say, for lack of a better term, that Riku was sort of stuck-up, as well. Another reason why he didn't exactly want to help out with the orphanage. He considered them to be so opposite of himself. He was rich. He knew it wasn't right for him to think this way (somewhere in the back of his mind), but he didn't, and he simple stated that he could not help his own thoughts.

Riku yawned as he lay down on his bed. He grabbed his blue pillow and held on to it tightly, before a quiet knock at the door began to bother him.

"Go away," he mumbled. "I'm tired."

"Riku, I came here to say I'm sorry."

Riku's eyes snapped open. "Axel, you bastard!" He stood up and ran to the door, he then proceeded to chase the redhead who was running for his now endangered life.

"Riku, don't kill your best friend," his mother warned.

"This stinkin' bastard? He is NOT my friend, Mom!"

She shrugged his shoulders. "You still can't kill him, dear."

"Why not?" he shouted.

She set down her cup of tea and flashed her sky blue eyes at him dangerously. "Because I said so."

Riku began to quiver. He then patted Axel on the back (a bit harder than Axel would have liked, truth be told), then brought him up the stairs and walked down the hall, back to where his room was. He threw Axel in and closed the door behind them. "Go ahead. Apologize."

Axel grumbled under his breath. "I'm sorry for how I acted at school today and got you in so much trouble because of it."

Riku nodded his head. "Hmph. Thanks for the apology, Axel."

Axel's emerald eyes lit up and he looked up at Riku. "Was it true that I heard Sephy's voice down there?"

Axel had a hand around his throat suddenly. "If you mention that name again, I will kill you," he threatened.

"Guh-eez." Axel shook his head. "Fine. I won't. Sheesh." The hand around his neck let go. Axel rubbed his sore neck. "So, Riku, when do you have to help out with the orphanage, anyway?"

"Tomorrow," he mumbled. "I thought I wouldn't have to start until Monday. This sucks," he complained.

Axel grinned. "Come on, Riku. It'll be nice to give to others."

"I don't see you giving," Riku pointed out.

Axel smirked evilly. "Oh, I am. I'm giving mysel—"

"Shut your mouth," he warned.

Axel arched an eyebrow. "Do you really hate me that much?"

"Yes."

He sighed. "Must you always be so cruel?"

"Yes."

Axel sighed once more. "Am I still your best friend?"

"Yes."

"Goody!" Axel cheered while pumping a fist in the air.

"That doesn't mean I like you, though."

Axel let his hand fall. "You really are mean, Ri."

"Don't call me that!" he snapped. "It's bad enough Sephiroth calls me that."

"Aww, but it sounds so cute." Axel gave Riku puppy dog eyes.

Riku grimaced. "You're such a freak, Axel."

"Don't I know it."

Riku smacked a hand to his head. "You admit it," he said as he shook his head.

"'Course I do. Just like you admit that you're cocky."

"I do?" he asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Yes, I decided long ago that you are cocky and admit it. Otherwise you wouldn't go about the way you do, Ri."

"What do you mean "the way I go about"? And don't call me that!" Riku shouted.

"Oh, maybe I should get Sephy and Selphie to come over. Maybe we can all have a tea par—"

I am sorry about how it cut off there for you. It was far too violent for our eyes to see. Never get Riku angry. Ever. Ahem, it was now nighttime. The sky was completely dark, except for the stars and bright moon that decided to come out to keep us company.

The air was cold, and there was some snow left that hadn't melted yet. Mainly on the stairs and rooftops. And where was our little hero, Riku? On the roof, actually-the snowy roof with his special, blue scarf. He exhaled, seeing his breath float into the air as if it were smoke. He walked over to where he kept a blanket for himself. He picked it up and flung the snow off of it. He then placed it back down in place.

He lay down on the blanket, and then began to look up at the stars. His aquamarine eyes blinked several times, his thoughts wondering to how something so beautiful could even exist on this cruel earth. The breath hitched in his throat as he saw a shooting star. Now that was an incredible sight. Simply...stunning. Words could not describe how wondrous and beautiful it was, even if the words tried with all their might.

Riku let out a soft sigh and crossed his arms behind his head, his silver hair falling around his pale face. It was funny, whenever he was up here, he felt very calm and relaxed. Real life just sped by so fast and was so loud sometimes, it was really hard to keep track. Up here...you didn't really have to worry about anything.

He saw a particularly bright star. He stared at it intensely, wondering why it was brighter than the rest.

"Why do others get to shine while others stay in the shadows?" he asked quietly. His questioned remained unanswered.

It got colder, and he wrapped his dark blue scarf tighter around his neck. He shivered slightly. It was marvelously beautiful, but very cold, too. He smiled, not wanting to go back inside just yet. He heard footsteps; he knew to whom they belonged. Before they got to even speak, he said, "Just one more minute, Mom."

She smiled. "Of course."

Riku smiled as he heard her footsteps fade. She came out here whenever he came out here. Sometimes she would even join him and they would get in some really fantastic conversations. Like...it seemed like they really connected up here. Maybe it was because Riku let himself be free whenever he was on this roof? Why did he feel free? He just did, really.

Maybe...it was because it was so calm and quiet; no one else was usually around. No school, no fangirls, no teachers, no Axel, no Sephiroth, no noise. Absolutely nothing. Well...except for the beauty of the stars, of course. With one last small smile, Riku stood up and picked up his blanket. It was getting awfully cold after all, and he didn't want her to freeze.

Yes, her.

Riku walked down the stairs and let the wooden door fall down as he entered his room. It was quite convenient how his room was connected to the stairs to the roof. Especially since he was the main one that went up there.

Riku was seventeen years old, his brother twenty-two, and their mother actually wasn't that much older than they. And she certainly looked their age, as well. So Riku and Sephiroth were five years apart...not that much of a difference, really. But to Riku, it was a huge difference.

Before deciding to go to bed, Riku opened his door a crack, and listened. There were no noises. He opened the door and went out, and walked down the lengthy hall. He thought he heard noises; he ceased movement. The noises stopped. He began to walk further down the hall until he got to the staircase. He heard the noises again. His ears perked up when he heard his name.

"Mother, how do you handle Riku?" he heard a voice ask.

"Sephiroth," Riku muttered. "What is that bastard up to now?"

"A better question would be how did I handle you, Sephy," he heard another say.

Riku grinned. "Right on the target, Mom."

"You know what I mean," Sephiroth persisted.

She sighed. "Yes...yes I do. Honestly, I don't what I am going to do, Seph. It's just like...the little boy I used to know, and the one who I raised, is slowly slipping away before my own eyes. And I can't even do anything about it. I signed him up to help out with the orphanage, hoping it would help him to grasp the greater things in life better. But he's just so—"

Riku turned his head away, wishing what he was hearing wasn't coming from his own mother's mouth.

"—Riku-like," she finished.

Sephiroth stopped making the braid in his hair and stared at his mother with those intense aquamarine eyes he had, which were just like Riku's, by the way. "What do you mean?"

"I mean, even though Riku may not have turned out how I thought he would, I honestly wouldn't change him for the whole world," she smiled brightly as she answered.

Sephiroth returned the smile. "You are so wise, Mother."

Riku turned his head away, his eyes slightly moist. He pursed his lips and then stood up, heading back to his room. "Thank you, Mom." He walked back down the hall silently, forcing the tears not to fall. He wouldn't cry. He would not cry!

Once he got to his room, he closed the door softly behind him. Even though he didn't want it to happen, a tear slipped out. And soon, more tears fell silently and hit the hard, cold ground. For most of the reason, he didn't even know why he was crying so much. It could have been about what his mother had said, but no...that wasn't the entire reason. Partially, yes, but not entirely.

Maybe it was because he was sad how his life had turned out... But why would he think that? Anyone in their right mind would give anything to be Riku Sugisaki! He was popular, hot, smart, rich, who wouldn't want to be him? Everyone did. Except for Riku himself.

His head was covered with a pillow, hoping that maybe it would make the tears go away. But for some peculiar reason, they just wouldn't stop. Riku had rarely ever cried in his entire life, but when he did, he just couldn't stop. That's how it was sometimes, though. Well, his mother always said that, anyway.

"Riku, don't worry. Go ahead and cry. It's all right. Sometimes it's just better to cry it out, y'know? I mean, isn't it better to let it out in a big cry, then keep all that sadness bottled up inside?" (2)

Riku heard the door crack open. He prayed with all his might that it wasn't that damn Sephiroth... And when he heard those quiet footsteps, that seemed as if they were gliding on air, he knew for sure that it was not

"Why are you crying?" she asked.

Riku did not answer her; he only continued to cry. Her frown deepened as she walked over to the crying boy and wrapped her arms around him. "Riku, you and Sephiroth are all I have. And I love you with all my heart, I have never, ever been more proud of you in my life."

Riku continued to cry, but managed to speak. "I'm sorry I'm such a disappointment to you. No one could ever want someone like me for a son. I'm so haughty and arrogant and cocky." It was like he was completely blocking out the words his mother had just spoken.

"I do," she said, attempting a smile. She tugged on his arm, wanting to see his face. He turned around, tears filling his aquamarine eyes. Her smiled deepened. "Go ahead and cry it out, Ri. It's just better to cry it out sometimes. Believe me, I know."

He threw his arms around her as he cried out, "Mom!" He had never loved her so much in his life. The same for she. He continued to cry, until all the tears were gone. Once she wiped his face, she walked over to the door and smiled.

"You better get to sleep now, you have a big day tomorrow."

Riku groaned. She smirked. "Don't just think because of this you're going to get out of volunteering." She opened the door and was almost fully gone when a soft voice called her back. "Yes?"

Riku mumbled an answer, and she smiled. "Of course." She shut the door and walked back to where her son lay. She slipped off her shoes and joined him in his bed. He turned to her and smiled sadly. She smiled back warmly, ruffling his hair.

"Once upon a time there was a boy who lived completely alone in a dark castle. He had been banished there by the wicked Queen. He thought he was simply a poor servant, who deserved no better. But in reality, he was the Prince to the kingdom, and she was just an old witch. One day, a fairy slipped in through..."

Riku's mother was simply the best storyteller in the whole world. End of discussion. She never used old stories, made by other people. She always made up her own unique ones. And she always remembered them, word for word, too. Riku was simply amazed, in all honesty.

Sadly, before Riku's mother had even finished the story yesterday, he had fallen asleep. She had kissed his forehead gingerly before silently leaving. She had smiled warmly down at her second child, with the utmost love anyone could even posses.

But now, she had gotten rid of her sensitive side, and decided Riku needed a big wake-up call to send him off on his grand volunteering day. If he slept for much longer, after all, he would have to miss breakfast to make it in time to get to the orphanage.

How did she wake him up?

It is rather brutal, in all honesty. But I have skipped enough of this little story, so I shall tell you it, anyway.

So, she had gotten a whole box of string, duct tape, pulled out a cream pie, gotten a drum and two wooden spoons, a CD player with one of Guns n' Roses' CD's on the highest volume, and lastly, a bucket of ice cold water.

It was rather painful to explain her plan, but I have already promised to tell you. Let the madness begin.

Riku was lying there, sleeping tranquilly as his mother tiptoed in with a box of string and duct tape. First, she tied Riku's hands together, and then did the same with his feet. And of course, she then taped his mouth. She then ran to go get the cream pie, CD player, drum, spoons, and water. She set them by the side of his bed. First, she set the pie on the left side of his bed. She then turned on the CD player, but as she did this with one hand, she picked up the water with the other hand.

As she turned on the CD and poured the water over Riku's body, she yelled, "Wake up, my sweet darling!" She then grabbed the drum and spoons, and began banging and banging and banging. She grinned like a little child; so excited about what was about to happen.

Riku's eyes snapped open and he sat up quickly. Undeniable rage was filled in his eyes; and that rage was only for one person on the entire planet: Kazumi Sugisaki. He attempted to scream her name and how he was going to kill her, as he watched her there, continuing to beat the drum. That's when he then realized tape was covering his mouth. His eyes narrowed further.

He turned his tied feet to the left of his bed, and struggled to hop out. He smirked once he landed, until he realized what he had landed in. His eyes widened, and you could hear the muffled scream coming from under the tape. His mother fell to the floor, laughing uncontrollably.

Riku continued to screech at her, but every one of his cries remained unheard because of that stupid tape. She is soooo dead when I manage to get out of this, he thought with sweet revenge on his mind. He hopped up out of the pie, and continued to hop to the open door. Thank goodness she had left it open.

He continued to hop down the hallway, getting cream pie and droplets of water all over their nice carpet. Riku didn't care if his mother had to buy a new carpet; it was her own damn fault for this, after all. He made it all the way down the hall, and once he made it to the stairs, his eyes widened. I would DIE if I went down there, he thought with a grimace. He then heard his saving grace.

"Oh, Riku!There you are!"

Riku turned to his brother with the utmost fake affection any one person could ever have-his eyes were practically bleeding it. He smiled under the tape that covered his mouth. I hate you with all my guts, but get me out of this fucking disaster, he thought.

"Riku, you need my help?" Sephiroth asked with a raised eyebrow. Riku nodded his head. Sephiroth then went over and untied Riku's hands. Riku instantly untied his feet with his now free hands and then ripped the tape off his mouth.

"She is so dead!" He then began to run back to his room, only to be pulled back by a lock of his silver hair. His eyes grew very dark as he turned around to see his cruel, cruel brother.

"What the hell are you doing?" screeched Riku.

"Helping Mom live," he answered.

Riku was silent as he fumed. Soon, his anger meter had gone down from ten to six. He gritted his teeth. "Will you let go of my hair?" he asked, still trying to keep his temper down.

"Oh, but, Riku, it's so much fun!" Sephiroth still let go, anyway. Riku was beginning to sneak off to kill his mother, until Sephiroth said, "Go and eat your breakfast, you'll be late for work!"

"Work," Riku scoffed. But he did turn around and began to trudge down the stairs. "They'll pay. Oh, they'll pay."

Riku silently fumed as he stuffed pancakes into his mouth, although his anger meter had now dropped down to a four. Although, if his mother or Sephiroth came around him, that level had a high chance of rising. And on top of all this...he still had to help out with the orphanage! He thought that after he and his mother had gotten along so well last night, that maybe she would let him off the hook, but that simply was not the case.

He sighed before he grabbed the pitcher of orange juice and poured himself another glass. The white door swung open to reveal...Axel! Riku hung his head. He began muttering, "Do not get angry. Do not get angry. Do NOT get angry!"

"Yo, Riku, I thought I'd drop by before you got shipped out," said Axel as he grinned.

"What are you really here for, Axel?" asked Riku.

Axel raised an eyebrow. "What on earth are you talking about, dearest Riku?"

Riku sighed. "You know what I mean."

"No, not really," Axel corrected. He laughed. "Okay, okay. I just wanted to tell you you wouldn't be alone in this whole 'help the orphanage thing or my mom will kill me' thing."

Riku furrowed his brows together. "What do you mean?"

"What I mean is, is that my Mom apparently signed me up for it, too. But I don't have to help out 'til next Monday."

Riku's ears perked up at this. "You mean you're going to be helping out at the same orphanage as I am?"

"No, a different one," Axel answered.

"Thank you, God," said Riku as he looked to the ceiling.

Axel punched him slightly on his arm. "You don't have to be so mean about it, Ri."

"I know, but you just made my life a hell of a lot easier. And don't call me that." Riku stood up and patted Axel on the back. "I thank you for that, Axel," he said before heading to the door.

Axel grinned as the door swung back as Riku exited. "No problem, Riku."

Riku was just about to head out the door when a bag was flung down from the top of the stairs. He turned around and stared at it.

"What's my backpack doing here?" he asked.

"You'll need it," she answered.

Riku raised an eyebrow, worrying about what else his mother had planned for him. "Why?"

"Because, Riku dear," she started out in a sweet voice, "you are going to be living in the orphanage."

Riku arched an eyebrow. "Are you putting me up for adoption?"

"No—"

"Then how the hell could you do this to me?"

"Riku, it would be easier for to help out if you—"

She stopped speaking when she heard the door slam shut. The backpack was gone. She smirked as she crossed her arms. She chuckled and then shook her head. "He'll never learn," she said before she walked away, to go pick on her other son.

Riku was not silently fuming as he walked down the street, backpack slung on his left shoulder, he was doing quite loudly, to be honest. He threw his hands up in the air, and muttered curses. People stared; he didn't care. Well...maybe a little bit...

"What the hell are you staring at?"

Everyone quickly turned their heads away. Riku resumed ranting as he continued to walk down the icy sidewalk. Riku thought maybe it wouldn't be that bad to help out with the orphanage, after thinking over it for quite some time...but to live there! ARGH! Yes, he knew he shouldn't, but he still couldn't help about thinking how poor it must be there; nothing like his own, comfortable house. He didn't want to be some snot-faced brat, but he honestly couldn't get it out of his thoughts.

Riku felt like such a terrible person; he was nothing like his Mom or his Dad at all...

Riku shuffled his feet as he watched his father scribble on different papers. Mr. Sugisaki looked up from his paper and took off his glasses. He smiled. "What is it, Riku?"

"I just missed you, Daddy," the small boy answered. He continued to shuffle his feet back and forth as he looked down at the ground.

"Come here," said Mr. Sugisaki as he held out his arms.

Riku slowly looked up. He smiled and ran to his father, leaping into his lap and throwing his arms around him. "I love you, Daddy!"

The man laughed and smiled. "Easy there, Ri."

...and he never could be someone as good as they.

Riku continued to walk down the sidewalk, when he suddenly felt like something was missing... He furrowed his brows together. Another cold wind blew across, and he noticed his neck was very, very cold...

His eyes widened. "Gack! My scarf!" He threw his backpack off his shoulder as he felt like he was going to hyperventilate. "Where is it?" He then knelt down and began to search through his backpack like mad. He had pulled everything out. And it wasn't anywhere...

"Riku! Riku!" he heard a voice call. He slowly turned his head around. "You forgot your special scarf!"

It was his mom. She was completely out of breath, and her silver hair was blowing wildly in the wind. She finally caught up with Riku, and knelt down beside him. "I'm sorry I forgot to tell you, Riku. I hope you weren't too cold."

Riku kept his head looking down at the ground, but grabbed his mother's hands and held onto the scarf. "Thanks for everything, Mom."

She patted his hand and let the scarf slip into his hands. She then stood up, and walked away, waving goodbye. But before completely out of sight, turned around and yelled, "Don't get killed by the little kids at the orphanage, Riku!" And then she was out of sight.

Riku groaned again, his mother giving him another reason to hate volunteering. But he quickly wrapped his scarf around his neck, instantly feeling warm again. That was a close call, he thought. He put all the contents back into his backpack, blushing as he stuffed in his boxers. He zipped it up and then threw it over his left shoulder again.

He put his hands in his pockets and continued to walk down the sidewalk. His anger meter had now dropped down to a three. Which, a few moments ago, it was at a seven. Quite an impressive drop, if I do say so myself.

He saw the orphanage wasn't that far ahead. He sighed in relief. Not because he was glad he had found it, but he was glad to be out of the bitter cold. He looked at his watch; it was 10:54. His Mom told him he was supposed to be there by 11:00, he was right on time.

A brutal wind blew by, blowing his scarf viciously. Riku closed his eyes and breathed in the beautiful air. He let out a soft sigh. He opened his eyes, took a few more steps, he turned to his right, and there it was. The orphanage.

Riku gulped when he looked at it. It was even worse than he had expected. The whole appearance...was absolutely dreadful. The building was the ugliest shade of brown he had ever seen. A few of the windows had cracks-and they were taped badly to try and keep the wind out, apparently. And then there was the door—the door he would have to enter in a few moments.

He looked down at his watch again, it was 10:59. Riku gulped again. He gripped the strap of his backpack tighter. He clenched his eyes shut and began to walk up the small set of stairs. Each step seemed to take him an hour. Once all the way up, he slowly stretched out his hand and knocked on the door.

A moment later, a spiky-haired blond opened the old door. He looked Riku up and down. "Riku Sugisaki?"

Riku slowly nodded his head, gulping again.

The blond smiled. He opened the door and motioned for Riku to follow. "Follow me."

"A-all right," said Riku before he followed the blond in timidly.

This was the start...of a very sucky December.

1 - Chicken is like my favorite food—and that is my reaction to it. –Laugh- So I made Riku be the same.

2 Meh. I always say that to people—because I always feel that way. That whole scene really sucked, though, hope you all don't hate me for it. T-T

Next chapter: Riku meets the children in the orphanage, including the "special" one, Tarzan gets a tan, and Riku is forced to play hide and go seek.

When I was writing this, I kept imagining Sephy as Ayame from Fruits Basket. Haha. I even made him braid his hair. xD Well, please review, and tune in next time on AUG! (Hehe. That's the beginning of my birth month-August.)