I had loved her first.
That's right. I'd been the first to see her, the first to befriend her, the first to swear to always protect her…and the first to fall in love with her. I just kept it hidden, because he was in love with her too. And I couldn't hurt him. Best friends don't do that, right? And that's what we were.
So I stayed quiet. I became best friends with her too, and the three of us were always together. But it hurt, watching them…
Because she had fallen in love with him.
And then came that night.
"Riku?" she asked, her voice soft, her hand a barely perceptible pressure on his arm. Riku started, turning to stare at her with his sky blue eyes. "You okay?" Her purple eyes stared back, unafraid, and filled with concern. Riku sighed. Why'd she have to be so gosh danged sweet?
He turned back to stare at the sky, nodding. "I'm fine, Kairi. Thanks." he forced a smile in her direction, and it was Kairi's turn to sigh.
"No, you're not, Riku. You hardly eat, and we never see you anymore. You weren't at the inn at all last night, and it was pure luck I found you today. Sora's worried sick about you!"
Riku's eyes dimmed, and he stared hard at a cloud. "I'm fine."
I hurt her. I turned to the darkness. I didn't mean to, but it still hurt her.
And him, of course.
And then I tried to save her.
And I hurt him more.
And I couldn't do anything.
I hurt her!
And in the end, he saved her…
I was useless…
Just a tool…
How can they talk to me after that?!
"Riku…" said Kairi softly, stepping back slowly. His eyes had gone blank, and there was a look of hatred on his face.
He saved me too.
He can protect her better than I can.
But he didn't…
He fell asleep…
And I had to keep her safe…
But it didn't work!
"Riku! Riku, please!" said Kairi. "Come back!"
She was captured…
Imprisoned…
Because I was too stupid to help her…
And in the end, he saved her again…
But…she saw through my disguise…
She knew it was me…
Kairi stepped forward, flinging her arms around Riku's back.
But I hurt her!
I put her in danger!
I'm useless…
I hurt her!
How can they stand to look at me?!
"Riku, please, come back!" Kairi said against his back. "I love you!"
Riku froze. "Wha-" he asked.
"I said, I love you!" said Kairi.
"Don't say that!" said Riku, whirling around and gripping her arms. "I hurt you before, I don't want to do it again!" There was a look of wild panic in his eyes.
"Riku, what are you talking about?" asked Kairi. "You saved my life! You turned to the dark to keep me safe, and you helped Maleficent to try to find me a heart! She manipulated you, and it wasn't your fault! And you kept me safe while Sora slept! When I was captured you came for me, turning to the dark again! You haven't hurt me! You've saved me! And I love you!"
Riku stared at Kairi, straight into her eyes. She honestly believed it, he thought in amazement. And maybe…maybe she was right…
Riku suddenly leaned forward and kissed Kairi, wrapping his arms around her.
Maybe….maybe it just depends on how you look at things.
From behind the bushes, Sora grinned. He stepped out, and spoke, laughing at the looks of shock on Riku and Kairi's faces. "Well, it's about time!" he said.
