Distance

A Sora/Riku short story. Riku's been away for a year after finishing high school, and upon his return for the summer, Sora must own up to his feelings that have been hidden for a long time.

Warnings – This is R-rated, hence there will be guy/guy lovin', angsty themes etc. I will make an NC-17 version available after the story is completed, but will make it available to you by other legal means, i.e. .

Setting – Set three years after KH2, but without content from dream drop distance, 358/2 days, coded and birth by sleep. Sora is 18, Riku 19 and Kairi 18.

Prologue

Sora felt slightly empty and sad as Riku sported his usual cocky grin and patted Sora on the shoulder.

"Don't worry Sora, I'll be kicking your ass again before you know it." Riku chuckled, obviously referencing the many times he had beaten Sora sword fighting. It was something they had not really stopped enjoying, even though they were now in their late teens.

Sora swallowed his despondency and forced a playful smile. "I'm not worried! Next time I see you, you will be crying with defeat!"

Riku responded with a sceptical look and nodded towards Kairi. "Look after him, alright? He's still a baby."

Kairi giggled and punched Riku in the arm. "Of course. What would he do without me?"

Riku smirked, "yeah, exactly. Hey Sora, come over here for a sec would ya?"

Before Sora could react Riku dragged him away from Kairi and Riku's family and started to whisper in his ear.

"Hurry up and ask her out, for goodness sake."

"Wh…what?" Sora spluttered, a blush creeping over his cheeks.

"It's so obvious you like her, and have liked her for ages, since we were kids." Riku whispered and patted Sora on the shoulder again.

Sora couldn't respond. He had always liked Kairi. She was pretty, quite smart and he knew she would be very loving. However, he knew that he would never gather the courage to ask her out.

As the two walked back to the group, Sora still couldn't say anything. He wanted desperately to express to Riku how much he would miss him but the words just would not come out.

"What was that about?" Kairi asked with narrowed eyes as they returned.

Riku mussed up Sora's spiky brown hair. "Oh, just boy talk."

Sora was still blushing and speechless.

The intercom at the airport announced that Riku's flight was boarding and it felt to Sora like a nail had just been hammered into his own coffin.

"Well, that's me then." Riku gathered up his bags and hugged his family and Kairi goodbye. When it came to Sora, Sora felt especially nervous. He really did not want his best friend to leave him, as selfish as it sounded.

Riku's arms enclosed around Sora and Sora instantly returned the favour.

"Don't worry Sora, I'll miss you too." Riku said into his ear. "It's only a year, so I'll be back soon."

Sora could not help but let tears fall down his cheeks. Riku pulled away from him and wiped the tears on Sora's cheeks away with his thumb. "Cheer up, crybaby."

A typical pout formed on Sora's mouth and he giggled, half sad and half happy. Riku always knew how to lighten the mood.

"Get out of here." Sora muttered and pushed Riku away playfully.

As the plane lifted up off the runway, Sora felt a hand circle around his. Kairi stood smiling beside him.