[ Riku's not about to ask Ventus what he saw in this nightmare of his, not wanting him to have to relive it if it's bothered him to the point of seeking comfort within an embrace like this. So, instead, he lays there with him, the pads of his fingers gently drawing circles against the small of his back before he swallows again and chances a glance down to the blond. ]

Sora would get upset sometimes when we were kids.

[ His voice is soft as he speaks, his touch still gentle. ]

Sometimes I would think he was being a baby. [ He smiles a little to himself at the thought. ] But whenever we were like this in bed, it seemed to make him feel better. I guess because... he thought that I was so strong that I could protect him from anything. Even the bad thoughts.

[ It's funny now to think back on it all when, well... considering how things are now. ]

I never really knew what to say even back then. But I guess I just felt that... if I was there with him, if I could show him that he wasn't alone... maybe that would be enough and make up for my lack of anything to say.