Title: Beating Around the Bush
Fandom: Kingdom Hearts
Characters/Pairings: Riku, Xion; rocky frienship RikuShi
Rating: G
Warnings: Takes place during those days when Riku had Xion all to himself. Direct sequel to "Are You Listening?" because it happens the day after.
Disclaimer: I own nothing but the stories I write.
Summary: Xion wants the truth.
Word Count: 354
Submitted: 13 December 2011 (Even though I know he won't be reading this … HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ADING! PAG-IBIG KO SA IYO!)
Dedicated to Amatus.
.
They were walking into an item's shop when Xion popped the question.
"Did you hear anything last night?"
If it hadn't been for the blindfold on Riku's face, Xion would have seen his eyes widen. As it was, the Replica was only privy to her companion's usual poker face.
"Hear anything as in …?" He trailed off as he took a sweep of the store, crossing in front of Xion to get to the bottled restoratives on the far right wall.
"Well … just anything," replied Xion as she attempted to amble after the taller teen to belie the quiver she felt in the pit of her stomach.
Riku reached the shelf of Ethers, keeping his back to Xion as he browsed. "You don't snore."
"W-wha?" she sputtered. "That's not what I'm talking about."
"Then what are you talking about?"
Xion let her gaze level on the back of Riku's head, the quiver she felt coiling into a tight burning ball. "I think you know."
Under the weight of the girl's stare, Soul Eater's wielder sighed. "I'm not a mind reader. You're going to have to be clearer than that."
"About last night ..." began Xion, her gloved hands wringing together. "I know-err … Well, I ... It's not like I actually know for sure, but I …"
"You're rambling," stated Riku flatly as he picked up a Hi-Ether.
"I'm gathering my thoughts, Captain Obvious!"
"Hey! Keep it down over there!" cried the shopkeeper from his post behind the cash register.
Xion had the decency to look completely apologetic as she met the the man's gaze, and then went on to glare at Riku's still turned back.
"Were you awake last night or not?"
The recipient of the glare judged the weight of the magic restorative in his hand before placing it back on the shelf and picking up a regular sized bottle of Ether.
"Maybe."
Xion pouted and reached forward, purposely smacking into Riku's shoulder to grab the Hi-Ether he had put down. If she couldn't get the truth out of him, she might as well get even by spending his Munny.
.
The original draft was a lot more angsty. The second draft was less angsty, but it still left a bitter taste in my mouth. The third draft had a lot of the same elements as this one, but it too was very angsty. I needed some funny awkwardness because that's pretty much what I set up with what I implied in "Sleepless Touch."
Espionage247, thanks for the review. Your enjoyment of my stories is my enjoyment. Yes. I am that corny. I'm sorry. I hope this chapter was enjoyable, too.
Amatus, I hope this one-shot is to your liking. I tried to get the right flavor of awkward-sauce, but I'm not sure if I got it just right. Fatherly!Sora is fun to write. He's so loving and supportive, but just like Maes Hughes, he's ready to lay the beat down on suitors he deems unworthy of his little girl. Sorry, Riku, but this will not be the last of the evaluations. Haha … Xion is definitely the one who takes the initiative in their relationship. You can squee as much as you want, though I can't guarantee that it'll send the plot bunnies my way. I don't worry much about the Roxas in my head when I kidnap Naminé, but that's only because I continue to promise him that I'll write my multi-chaptered RokuNami fic one of these days.
RoseOfADifferentColor, aww … I'm so happy that I could double the love you have for "Just Go for It" by way of the sneak peek in the chapter prior. Oh Sora and his blunt ways. We all love him. And all is forgiven. Just make sure you get enough sleep to function and stay awake during the actual finals. Good luck!
Mirae-no-sekai, yup yup. Riku's one lucky guys, though let's hope he never crosses fatherly!Sora.
Knight-Dawn, yay! My stories are capable of warming people up. Hmm … Makes me wonder … Anyway, the last line came very naturally after I wrote the final draft. Fatherly!Sora is just awesome.
RikuShi Song of the Day: "Run With Wolves" by LiSA (aka "Girls Dead Monster" from Angel Beats). You can find the English translation of the lyrics online.
Next Time: It involves a bed. I don't think I can divulge anymore than that.
