[ He's not shutting you out, Sora. He's trying to explain, as difficult as it is. ]
You think I'm not?
[ A brow raises at that and gives Sora a rather questionable look before he sighs, shaking his head, lifting some fingers to pinch at Sora's ear. ]
Look, I get it. You don't want me around Vanitas because he's darkness and my darkness seems to react weirdly to it. Light dispels the dark and all that, I get it. You don't want me to get hurt.
[ Pausing, Riku glances down to his hands and the marks that run across his arms under his sleeve. ]
But this is twice something has happened to Naminé, Sora. I said I would protect her, that I wouldn't let anything happen to her. I even tried to stupidly teach her how to use her Keyblade. Can't you see how that might upset me? Even if you claim it's not my fault, why wouldn't I think that?
[Sora winces slightly when his ear is pinched and he lets go of Riku to look down at those hands too. Something in his heart aches.]
... I'm sorry, Riku. It just feels like you've been holding your breath since you got here and I didn't want to give you another reason to hold it even longer.
[ Gently, a hand comes up to touch at the crown of Sora's head and, rather than tug on his hair, fingers softly come to brush through the strands instead. ]
You're the hero, Sora.
[ He says that softly, not bitterly. ]
I can only do so much.
[ Even if it's not really much at all. ]
Tch.
[ Looking away for a moment, Riku sighs before he drops his forehead against the crown of Sora's head. ]
I'm sorry I'm not the Riku you know... I wouldn't blame you if you missed him.
[ Because he knows he's not exactly the brightest light here with him, let alone with anyone. ]
[Familiar fingers in his hair. It's always a little thing that he's appreciated. Especially after little 'fights' like this.]
Rely on me too, then. Next time, we'll do it together.
[He returns softly, head ducking down as he says so. Riku said once-- Before they faced off against Xemnas together-- 'You lead.']
I don't miss him. [He says with with a slight smile starting,] Because you're right here. You're just taking a different route to catch up with me this time.
[And even with all this happening between them, he still believes Riku will get there someday.]
[ Lips quirk up into what might be a bit of a smile but Sora is unable to see what with Riku resting his head atop his and all. ]
So sappy.
[ Though despite his not being able to see Sora from this angle, the gentle warmth that lingers in his voice is noticeable. Even if he may playfully deny it. ]
Things will be ok, Sora. You'll see.
[ Ok with him and his darkness he means... he hopes. ]
Sometimes you need a jolt of sappy so your face doesn't stay permanently grumpy. What would you do without me?
[ Kidding, kidding~!
Sora's hands wander up to Riku's hand, fingers touching over the back of it and up towards some of the dark marks across his skin up his wrist and forearm.]
How can I with you here reminding me not to every hour on the hour?
[ Teasing, if even gently, Riku pulls back then but allows Sora to touch and hold his wrist or forearm if it's what he wants, not meaning to move away from the mattress. ]
[ The gentle touch of love can be felt through the flickering light against his skin but rather than say anything about it, he simply smiles a little to himself. ]
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Sora continues to destroy Riku's hair as much as he can before fingers come to poke his cheek. Poke-poke-poke.]
Says me. Your best friend! So, by order of this decree, you're not allowed to hang up on me ever again or shrug off stuff if I don't understand!
[Please just... stop shutting him out.]
Riku. I'm trying.
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You think I'm not?
[ A brow raises at that and gives Sora a rather questionable look before he sighs, shaking his head, lifting some fingers to pinch at Sora's ear. ]
Look, I get it. You don't want me around Vanitas because he's darkness and my darkness seems to react weirdly to it. Light dispels the dark and all that, I get it. You don't want me to get hurt.
[ Pausing, Riku glances down to his hands and the marks that run across his arms under his sleeve. ]
But this is twice something has happened to Naminé, Sora. I said I would protect her, that I wouldn't let anything happen to her. I even tried to stupidly teach her how to use her Keyblade. Can't you see how that might upset me? Even if you claim it's not my fault, why wouldn't I think that?
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... I'm sorry, Riku. It just feels like you've been holding your breath since you got here and I didn't want to give you another reason to hold it even longer.
[ ... But it seems like he did anyway.]
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You're the hero, Sora.
[ He says that softly, not bitterly. ]
I can only do so much.
[ Even if it's not really much at all. ]
Tch.
[ Looking away for a moment, Riku sighs before he drops his forehead against the crown of Sora's head. ]
I'm sorry I'm not the Riku you know... I wouldn't blame you if you missed him.
[ Because he knows he's not exactly the brightest light here with him, let alone with anyone. ]
But that doesn't mean I care for you any less.
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Rely on me too, then. Next time, we'll do it together.
[He returns softly, head ducking down as he says so. Riku said once-- Before they faced off against Xemnas together-- 'You lead.']
I don't miss him. [He says with with a slight smile starting,] Because you're right here. You're just taking a different route to catch up with me this time.
[And even with all this happening between them, he still believes Riku will get there someday.]
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So sappy.
[ Though despite his not being able to see Sora from this angle, the gentle warmth that lingers in his voice is noticeable. Even if he may playfully deny it. ]
Things will be ok, Sora. You'll see.
[ Ok with him and his darkness he means... he hopes. ]
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Sometimes you need a jolt of sappy so your face doesn't stay permanently grumpy. What would you do without me?
[ Kidding, kidding~!
Sora's hands wander up to Riku's hand, fingers touching over the back of it and up towards some of the dark marks across his skin up his wrist and forearm.]
You can do it, Riku. Don't give up.
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[ Teasing, if even gently, Riku pulls back then but allows Sora to touch and hold his wrist or forearm if it's what he wants, not meaning to move away from the mattress. ]
I'm lucky to have you.
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[It seems Sora's forgotten all about his previous anger with Riku hanging up on him. Apologies have been accepted. Things have been said.
His fingers flicker the light feeling of hope over Riku's skin. Maybe speckled with spots of love if Riku knows how to look for it.]
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[ The gentle touch of love can be felt through the flickering light against his skin but rather than say anything about it, he simply smiles a little to himself. ]
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[He threatens this with a bit of a snicker. He could be here all day.]
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[ Teasing? Maybe just a little. ]
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Fine, they're my secrets.
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[ Is that a possible threat? It could be... ]
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[Sora jumps to his feet because there will be no repeat of that last tickle attack! Don't make him cast a spell on you, Riku!]
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[ Is it, Sora? Is it? ]
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I won't hold back this time! So don't even think about it!
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you mean give him a hickey?]With those noodle arms? I'm really scared.