A.N. – because it is long overdue: an insanely big round of applause to Kiryn for the reviews! And to you readers as well; whoever and wherever you are :) Without much further ado – on to the fic!
Riku had willingly chosen to blind himself. Wait, that didn't come out as planned – Riku had willingly chosen to tie a blindfold on. Same difference really… but it made a bit more sense without the implications of taking a blade to his face or something.
This blindfold was most of the reason that his current companion was eyeing him with an unusual frequency. Being a marionette, Riku would assume that Xion would be less mystified by this.
Being a manifestation of darkness, Riku doubted that Xion would understand the reasons behind it anyways. Still, he felt something under her gaze. Discomfort and annoyance and…
Xion looked too much like Kairi, or Sora even, right now. It hurt, to see a replica of those so dear to him staring at Riku like he was, he was…
Twisted, that was it. Dark and no one to boot.
It made just one more reason to keep himself blind – or almost blind, light kept filtering through anyways.
Just to avoid that darkened wonder in Xion's eyes.
Riku can't believe what little he sees later on. Tame Xion, grinning ever so wildly (like his best friend did long ago), or black locks of hair blinking back and forth to deep red.
Xion, lying prone on the ground, mumbling out in what seems too much like pain. Or clinging desperately to Riku – back to someone she was never supposed to know. And Riku just trying to bring her back to him – no, to Sora, because Xion should be there. Not almost draped over him, sending Riku's heart racing out towards…
I'll be shutting up now.
If it hurt previously, when it was just a pair of shadows gazing confused at him…
Riku couldn't bear to see just how faded Xion was becoming – the black of the blindfold did wonders for him.
But it does little when Xion places her hands on his, entwining fingers that are light as air. Or the laugh that sounds too much like someone else's.
Even not-quite blind, Riku just wants Xion to sound like Xion. Be Xion…
And stay by his side, like now.