||Home Is Where The Heart Lies|| 6 [Shopping and A Hot Date]

Dedications go out to XxXsaxoRikuXxX and Airheaded.Enchantress for all their support! I luvs you two!!! *tackleglomphuggle*




“Mmm.” Alex moaned. She blinked her eyes a few times to help them open, but when she did, her surroundings didn't look familiar. It was like waking up on Destiny Islands all over again, except in a different room. Whose house was this?

Alex decided to get up and evaluate her surroundings and figure out where she was this time. But when she tried to get up, she found a weight was preventing her from getting up. When Alex looked she found an arm draped over her waist, which she discovered belonged to a certain silver-haired teen named Riku.

After a moment of panic, she remembered the 'accident' that had taken place the previous night; when she found out that she was a vampire. Alex began to tremble, causing the form behind her to stir into consciousness.

“Good morning.” Riku said sleepily. Alex turned over to face him and he noticed the look in her eyes. “Hey, you alright?”

“N--” She began, wanting to explain and ask for his opinion, but something held her back.

He might not understand. I mean, yeah I told him about the meteor rocks and how they can affect a person's DNA by giving them inhuman powers, but a vampire? Even Riku, having visited different worlds, may not think that possible. Even if he did believe me, who knows what his reaction will be. I guess I had better keep this to myself for awhile.

“Yeah,” Said Alex. “I'm fine, just tired still. Um, I don't really remember coming here last night. Can you explain to me why I'm in your room, in your bed, with you?” Just thinking of what she just said made Alex's cheeks turn red.

Riku shrugged. “I don't know, so far I've guessed that you had some sort of accident, which accounts for you being so shaken up, and after that you decided to get to the closest house where you know someone, which happens to be mine. When I opened the door last night, you were just about unconscious and saying things that didn't make much sense. Can you explain that for me?” He gave her a concerned look.

“Well,” She began. “As I said, I don't really remember.”

It's better to just stick to not remembering, or the truth could come out sooner.

“I remember you leaving the island yesterday, and then I decided to go for a walk. Next thing I know, I'm waking up here next to you.”

Riku thought about this for a moment and then nodded, though he didn't look completely convinced. “Okay, well, just give yourself some time, you probably just hit your head or something. Your memory will come back eventually. In the meantime, you should probably rest some more.” He yawned. “And I probably will too, it's still pretty early in the morning.” Riku laid his head back down on the pillow and moved his other arm so that they both wrapped around Alex's waist, also tightening his grip and pulling her closer. Now content, he closed his eyes to go to sleep, but couldn't help but smile some. Alex was still blushing at the fact that she was in his room, and was laying in a bed with Riku. But somehow, it all seemed so natural, and the feeling of him being so near made her body relax. Cuddling up closer, she buried her head in his neck and fell back asleep.


Noontime

Alex and Riku walked down the stairs into the kitchen, still somewhat asleep. Both of his parents had already gone to work and Sora and Kairi were at school, so it would just be them two for the next few hours.

Being the kind gentleman that he is, Riku decided to make lunch, which was limited to peanut butter and fluff sandwiches since he couldn't really cook. Afterward, he ventured into the living room and sat himself onto the couch where Alex was, flipping through the channels, and handed her a sandwich. Hesitantly, she took it and slowly began nibbling on it. Minutes later after scanning all the channels, she declared that there was nothing decent to watch.

“Well, we could always get a movie off of pay-per-view.” Suggested Riku. “They usually have something good. Here, hand me the remote and I'll find something that we will both like.” He took the remote from her hand and quickly scanned the movies, selecting 30 Days of Night. It was a movie about vampires.

Wow, just great, something to make me feel better about myself.

They sat there just watching this movie, not that Alex payed much attention to it. After the first, oh, 20 or minutes or so, she had buried her face in his arm, not able to watch these people give vampires a bad name. Riku, thinking that she was afraid, just smirked and casually moved his arm around her shoulders, scooting closer.

After awhile, Alex couldn't take it anymore. She got up, and walked over to the door, placing her hand on the knob, but not turning it. Her forehead was now resting on the door and she took a deep breath. Riku walked up behind her and placed a hand on her shoulder, sensing that something was bothering her. “Hey, you alright?” He asked, concerned.

“Y-yeah, I'm fine. I just need to go back to Kairi's house and take a shower, get some clean clothes on.” Her hair was quite a mess, clothes also. There were patches of dirt clinging to spots on her jeans where they rubbed on the ground and random pieces of hair were sticking up. “Bye Riku.”

“Bye, I'll see you later.” He seemed a little disappointed that Alex was leaving, but understood that it was for the best.


Alex stumbled through the front door of Kairi's house. She had never been the most graceful person. Looking up at the clock she estimated that she had at least 1 ½ hours until school was over, just enough time to take a shower and get dressed.

She walked up the stairs, through her room, and into her personal bathroom. Starting the hot shower, Alex stripped off her dirty clothes and stepped in. Instantly her muscles relaxed and she felt so much cleaner. It also helped her to think clearer.

I feel so bad for leaving Riku like that, but I'll make it up to him on our date tonight. But how am I going to be in this relationship and have to constantly lie to him? From what I know of vampires, they have to feed pretty often, otherwise judging on what happened last night, they loose control and attack one of the first things they see. I can't live this way. What am I going to do? I really wish that I was in Smallville right now, Clark might know what to do. He deals with this kind of thing all the time. I don't think that it's possible to call from a different world, but...........there has to be some way to contact him. Wait, Kairi said something about a gummi ship still being on Destiny Islands, hidden so that it can't be found by curious people, and that it has a communication system in it.

“Enough thinking for awhile, time to get dressed.” Alex got out of the shower and dried off, wrapping the towel around herself. She went back into the room and grabbed the school uniform, that being the only pair of clothes she had left. The sound of an opening door could be heard from downstairs. Kairi had come home.

Alex rushed out the door and stepped halfway down the stairs, peering over the rail to see Kairi. “Hey, Kairi.” She greeted.

“Oh, hey. How are you feeling? Sora and I got a call this morning that you and Riku weren't coming to school today. Something about you not feeling too well and Riku taking care of you. And you didn't come home last night, but instead ended up over at his house. How did that happen? And why are you wearing your school clothes?” Kairi asked curiously.

“Um, well, I don't exactly remember how I got there, it's kinda blurry. And, um......I'm wearing my uniform cause the other clothes that you gave me are dirty, and this is all I have to wear.”

Kairi sighed. “Looks like we're going to have to go shopping now. Just give me a few minutes to change and then we can go.” Her attitude didn't sound so disappointed. it must be a relief for her to have another girl to spend quality time with. You know, like shop, tell secrets, have sleepovers, that sort of stuff.

A few minutes later, Kairi came rushing down the stairs with her purse slung over her shoulder, ready to go. “Alright, let's go. I'm going to give you a makeover. And no, you don't have any say in this.


At The Mall


“Okay now,” Said Kairi. “Try on this outfit, it's really cute.” She shoved yet another set of clothes into Alex's arms. Kairi seemed to really be enjoying this.

Alex wasn't so thrilled. “How much longer are we going to be here?” She was pushed back into the changing room before she could protest more. “I mean, all I need is a few pairs of jeans and shirts, not an entire closet of stuff I'll never wear.” She changed anyway, not that she had a choice.

“Because, this is more fun. Plus we can find a style that suits you better than 'farm girl' and get you a cute outfit for your date tomorrow. I believe Riku has something special planned, not that he'll give me all the details.” She paused and sighed. “That boy, you really have got him acting strangely. But it's cute, in a way. And funny. His cheeks turn pink whenever I bring up your name and tease him. Hahaha.”

“Oh come on Kairi, leave Riku alone.” Alex said. She heard footsteps as she was changing.

“So, do you think he's cute?” Kairi asked randomly.

“Well,” She stuttered, unsure she should pour out all of her inner feelings in public. “Yeah, I do. He's really sweet too.”

“Really? You think I'm sweet?” Came an unmistakable voice. Apparently Kairi had told him where they were while Alex was changing.

Alex cracked open the door and peered through, spying Kairi, Riku, and Sora. “Come on Alex, could you take any longer?” Kairi complained. She noticed Alex peering out, and decided that she was done changing, opened the door and grabbed her hand, dragging her out. “Okay, now this outfit suits you, am I right? What do you think Riku?”





“You look terrific, Alex.” He smiled.

“Yeah, you do!” Sora added.

She half-smiled. “Thanks guys, but are you sure? I feel kind of weird........” Alex tugged the skirt a bit downwards, frowning at how revealing it was.

Kairi just ignored the comment with a wave of her hand. “You'll get used to it. Now, let's go pay for these clothes.

Later That Night


After leaving the mall, the group decided to split up and head home to finish homework before ti got too late. But Alex and Riku, who had not attended school that day, were getting ready for their first date.

Alex immediately changed into her new outfit and put away the other new ones. While in the bathroom, she brushed her hair, and even put on some makeup that Kairi had insisted that she buy. Feeling somewhat prepared, she left the room and went downstairs to wait for Riku.

Luckily, it was only a few minutes before he showed up. Practically jumping out of her seat, Alex waltzed over to the door. The butterflies in her stomach began acting up as she opened the front door and saw Riku. He was wearing his regular outfit, but was holding a small bouquet of roses in his hands.

“These are for you.” He said, handing them to her.

She was surprised. Alex never expected him to be this much of a gentleman. “Wow Riku, they're beautiful. Thank you.” She took them and inhaled their sweet aroma. “Just a minute and I'll put them in a vase of water.” Alex dashed off and quickly skimmed the cupboards, finding just what she was looking for.

Rushing back to the doorway, she found Riku still waiting outside the doorway. He saw Alex approach and held out his hand for her to take. They began walking towards the beach.

As soon as they got close enough, Riku changed direction and led her to a small picnic he had set up just for the two of them. A blanked had been laid out to sit on, the basket was sitting next to the blanket, food still inside, and a candle had been set in the center, giving off a faint glow of light. A perfectly romantic dinner overlooking the beach at sunset. Absolutely amazing.

“Riku, you planned all this?” Alex was awed at how he had done this for her. For the two of them.

“Yeah, do you like it? I thought it might be nice, just having a quiet picnic, instead of being in a crowded restaurant.” He sat down, and so did she.

She laughed. “Are you kidding? I love it. This has to be the sweetest thing anyone has ever done for me.” Alex jumped up and crashed into him, wrapping her arms around his neck in an embrace. Riku seemed startled, but caught on and wrapped his arms around her waist, smiling. After a few moments, they let go and began digging through the picnic basket.

Alex, being a vampire now, was not all that hungry. But she could not just tell Riku this, so she just ate anyway. The food didn't taste so bad, but she refused a drink, clearly remembering the last one she had. It still made her shiver.

The two just sat there for most of the evening, just talking and joking around. Sometime during the conversation, Alex and Riku had scooted closer to each other, and ended up laying down on the sand: her head resting on his chest, and his arms wrapped securely around her middle. Riku was now pointing out the different worlds.

He pointed upwards toward a star. “There is Deep Jungle, and the Pride Lands, and over there is Radiant Garden.” How he knew which one was which, Alex could never guess.

A question popped into her mind. “Hey Riku.”

“Hm?”

“Do you know which one is my world?”

He looked over at Alex. “No, I don't. But I've been thinking about your world, and I think it's a lot farther away than the worlds Sora and I have been to. That would explain why we had never seen or heard of it.”

“Oh, okay.” Silence filled the air.

I guess what he says makes sense, but if it's so far away, how did I end up here instead of some other place? Was it meant to be? Or was it just luck? Maybe I'll never know.