I have been told that this is supposed to be a happy song. I disagree wholeheartedly.

Title: Dog Days Are Over
Characters: Sora/Riku
Song: "Dog Days Are Over" by Florence and the Machine

Riku was tense even in his sleep. He'd been calmer since they returned from within the darkness, less angry and impulsive, more passive and level headed, but even in his serenity he held his shoulders in a tight line, aquamarine eyes constantly alert. Even sleeping, here in his own bed, completely unaware of the fact that anyone was in his room, Riku slept with stiff arms and clenched fists, right hand ready to summon Way to the Dawn.

Sora was certain that his mere presence in Riku's bedroom would have the older boy leaping bolt upright in seconds, keyblade pressed against his neck before Riku was even consciously aware of being awake, but for some reason the silver haired teen remained motionless on his bed. Sora liked to tell himself that it was because Riku was so comfortable with him that even his subconscious wasn't disturbed by Sora's presence. Realistically, Riku was probably just a heavier sleeper than Sora gave him credit for.

Still, it was with an over-exaggerated amount of caution that Sora crept closer to the narrow twin bed, nervously leaning forward to hover over his best friend. Up close, just looking at his face, Riku looked almost peaceful. Silver hair spilling over a soft white pillow, spiky bangs draped messily over his eyes, barely dusting his cheeks. Riku was always beautiful, and Sora had known that since before he was even aware that he knew it, but here draped across his bed, half-hidden in shadow, deadly even in his sleep, Riku was ethereal.

"There's a gummi ship outside," Sora whispered. "Donald and Goofy are on it, waiting for me to go with them to Radiant Gardens. I know you wanted to come, but..."

Riku's breathing hadn't changed, he hadn't so much as twitched at the sound of Sora's voice, which gave Sora enough confidence to reach down and gently brush the hair off Riku's face, fingers ghosting over his pale skin.

"If you come with me, I could lose you again. I can't lose you again, Ri. Once was awful, twice nearly destroyed me...I refuse to go through it again. If you're here you can't get lost. If you're here I know where you are, know that you'll still be here when I come home again."

It was only because Riku was asleep, only because Riku had apparently proven that he was such a deep sleeper that he wouldn't wake up, that Sora had no fear about leaning forward to close the rest of the distance between them, pressing a careful kiss against the older boy's brow.

"I can't bring you with me, Riku. I have to leave you behind. You'll give me something to come home to."

Riku waited until after Sora had slipped back out the window before opening his eyes, aquamarine eyes wide as he stared at the ceiling.