Sora groggily opened his eyes, finding himself sprawled atop of a familiar figure. "Ah, sorry!", he breathed, scrambling to roll to Riku's side. Sighing from the expended energy, he hazarded a glance at the silver boy's face.
His breath caught when he noticed that Riku hadn't yet awoken.
"Riku, no," Sora uttered, moving forward for a closer look. "Please, wake up," he begged, moving his forehead against the pale boy's. He closed his eyes and nuzzled roughly, hoping to rouse him.
"Uh," he heard and his eyes snapped open.
Riku was staring at him.
Sora shrunk back. "Um," he chuckled nervously. "Good morning," he supplied, forcing an impossibly-wide grin to his features.
Riku squinted, but he didn't question the action. "G," he tried, putting a hand over his throat. "Good," he tried again, pleased with his success. "Good morning."
"You can talk!", Sora beamed, moving to practically tackle him.
Riku laughed breathily, pushing away his cuddling advances. "That tickles, stop," he breathed, playfully admonishing the younger boy who didn't let up.
"Then, that means," Riku wondered aloud as Sora moved back to regard his words. "That wasn't a dream?" His pulse quickened as he tried to forget the repercussions.
Sora smiled as he watched Riku's pale cheeks redden and flush. "Yep," he smirked. "We did it!"
"We?", Riku asked quizzically. "I don't remember doing anything. It was you who-"
"Saved you?", Sora grinned.
Riku's pulse hastened, but he forced his mouth into a coy smirk. "From myself," he added with mock drama.
Sora pushed against his shoulder, giggling all the while. "Don't say it like that," he instructed.
Riku couldn't help but chuckle from the younger boy's reaction, but his breathing stalled when he heard Sora's tone lower. "But, really, Riku," the younger boy whispered, quiet but resolute.
"You shouldn't belittle your actions," he declared.
The silver boy stared at him helplessly.
"Because, like I said," Sora continued on, his features forming a sweet smile. "I couldn't have done it alone."
"What do you mean?", Riku questioned, his eyes flitting away under the younger boy's praise.
"No matter how willing I was to hear how you felt," Sora clarified gently. "You had to be the one to tell me."
The silver boy's eyes shot to search the other boy's kind eyes. "Sora," he uttered, helpless.
"Yes, Riku?", the younger boy smiled.
"I'm sorry," the Riku muttered, pulling Sora into a hug as he buried his face into the crane of his neck.
The younger boy chuckled, silver hair tickling his skin. "What do you have to be sorry for, silly?"
"I wasn't going to tell you, probably ever," Riku confessed, muffled against him. "I thought you'd turn away from me," he sighed. "I doubted you, and for that, I'm sorry."
Sora's hands cupped the sides of Riku's face, gently moving him within eyeshot.
The pale boy's eyes were terrified from the vulnerability this action caused, so Sora's thumb stroked his cheek reassuringly. "You should be sorry only for denying your heart," he stated sweetly.
Riku looked down, unable to think of anything to say.
"And I'm sorry for not noticing the real you sooner," Sora offered sadly.
"No, I," Riku interjected, facing him anew, but Sora shook his head.
"Riku, could you do me a favor?", the younger boy asked.
The older boy stared at him, unsure. "Okay," he agreed obediently.
"Could you pretend for a bit that you can't talk?", Sora asked, glancing at him sheepishly.
Riku blinked. "Why?"
The younger boy puffed out his cheeks. "Starting two seconds ago."
Riku's mouth snapped closed, suddenly conscious of the action. Hesitantly, he nodded.
The younger boy beamed at him. "Okay, now, tell me what you want to with your actions," he directed.
Riku stared blankly, self-conscious. What I want to tell you, he echoed dreamily. He closed his eyes, focusing on the gentle strokes Sora was administering to his face.
He opened his eyes again, and found Sora watching intently.
His heart skipped, nothing to protect himself with. Swiftly, he reached out a hand to obscure the other's watchful gaze.
"Hey!", Sora cried, unable to see. "This wasn't part of the agreement," he pouted.
You didn't specify, so, the silver boy smirked, glad for the reprieve. He inhaled, focusing again on what exactly he wanted to convey.
You didn't look away from my feelings, but, he struggled. There's no way that you could ever feel the same way.
His eyes searched the reddening, hesitant expression of the boy whose hands still held his face.
I guess that doesn't matter. You asked me show you how I feel with actions, so I'll do it.
Slowly, his gaze dropped to the mess of lines that was Sora's mouth. Before he knew what was happening, his head craned forward.
"Ri, Riku?", the younger boy called out, quiet and unsure, feeling the other's movements beneath his hands.
The silver boy stopped mere inches away from the other's lips, exhaling softly and frowning when he saw how the boy beside him jolted slightly in response.
Riku gulped, hoping it was just a flustered reaction. Don't worry, he thought sadly. I would never do something like that, if you didn't want me to. But, he calmed his mind.
More than anything, I don't want to say or do things I don't mean. Not around you. He breathed in and before he could have time to regret his decision, closed his eyes and removed the hand obscuring Sora's vision. Not anymore.
I trust you, he resolved, trying to calm his mind long enough for the other boy to give his decision.
Sora stared wide-eyed at his best friend's close proximity. He had known something of the sort was happening: a combination of his moving hands and the breath he felt, even now, against him.
But seeing made it feel real.
His heart wouldn't stop pounding.
His eyes wandered across the other boy's pale face, noticing a slight furrow deepening between his brows.
Sora felt comforted by the older boy's expression. You're scared, too, he smiled.
Suddenly, he was very aware of how much time had passed since the other boy had begun this action.
I'm making him wait, Sora panicked. But, his eyes dropped. What should I do in this situation?
He looked back at the boy in front of him, noting how his face was shaking softly beneath his touch, and couldn't stifle his widening grin.
You really are more honest without words.
A puff of air escaped Sora's lips as a slight chuckle rose from within him, causing the silver boy to shiver.
I guess, this time, it's me who's thinking too much, Sora chided himself. I have to let my heart guide my actions.
He breathed in.
More than anything, I want-
His head craned forward automatically as his hands shakily pulled the silver boy's face towards his own.
I want to be with you, Sora thought, closing his eyes as their lips connected.
It was a first kiss in all regards: stoic and hesitant with closed lips messily pressed against one another. The two didn't move for long moments, breath held as they waited for the other's reactions.
Finally, Riku broke the action, pressing his forehead against the younger boy's as his eyes opened.
Tentatively, Sora's eyes squinted open to search the other's.
The silver boy saw his flush face, eyebrows furrowed, but not a sign of fear. If anything, he could have sworn what he saw in the other boy's expression was longing.
Is this really happening?, he caught himself wondering, unable and unwilling to contain the smile playing across his features.
Tentatively, his hands moved to cradle the back of Sora's head, fingers interlinking between the locks. His eyes closed.
You're everything I ever dreamed of.
Riku took a quick gulp of air as he moved to kiss him again.
Sora's hands fell to Riku's shoulders, clutching his shirt tightly as his eyes drifted closed.
Riku's actions were rougher this time, his mouth rhythmically moving against his own.
Sora's heart felt so pleasantly warm, and he resolved himself to return the action.
His movements were out of sync and clumsy, but they nonetheless caused Riku's motions to become more frantic.
Before long, the two had to pull away, panting for air and lowering their arms.
Riku tentatively glanced at the younger boy, his smile evident.
Sora chuckled between breaths. "We're not very good at this, huh?".
The older boy, never one to miss a chance at mischief, quickly barked back. "Speak for yourself."
"Huh?", the younger boy balked, moving his hands to pull at the edges of Riku's mouth gently. "Who's bad again?", he grinned mischievously.
The silver boy's laughter rang out from beneath his tormentor's motions and the younger boy couldn't help but chuckle with him.
Sora paused to catch his breath, exhausted from laughing, but made sure to keep his hands in place.
After long moments of silence, Sora tentatively glanced back at the older boy and his breath caught. Riku was staring at him, pale eyes gently shining, and even now, he was smiling softly.
When Riku noticed the younger boy's sheepish glance, he felt that familiar warmth in his chest. "Sora," he tried, finding a little difficulty in speaking with the other boy's fingers in his mouth. In the end, he decided he would speak anyway.
"Y, yes?", Sora replied quickly.
"I love you," Riku declared, tone serious and warm.
Sora forgot to breathe as his eyes widened. His thoughts raced, their frantic motions feeding into his limbs as he removed his fingers from within Riku's mouth. Just as quickly, he pressed them against the other's cheeks, making his face contort to suit his fancy.
"Sora," Riku tried, slightly annoyed from the joke he made of his actions.
"I love you too," Sora blurted out, hands lowering to wrap around Riku's shoulders as he hid his face against the older boy's neck.
The silver boy froze, trying to process what just transpired.
This is real, he told himself, arms wrapping around the younger boy's back as he squeezed him tightly.
Vaguely, he heard an "Ow" against him, causing him to lessen his grip.
More than anything at that moment, he wanted to see Sora's face. Riku pulled at him, but the younger boy wouldn't budge. "Sora?", he called.
"No," Sora stated, muffled against his neck. "I don't want to be seen right now."
"Why not?", Riku asked, playfully nuzzling his chin against Sora's brown tufts.
"I'm embarrassed," Sora admitted quietly.
"I'm embarrassed too, you know," Riku smiled. "This whole situation is terrifying."
Sora practically jumped up. "Don't be scared, Riku!", he called, worry knitting his brows.
The pale boy's surprised reaction soon melted into stifled laughter. "I'm not scared," he grinned.
"But, you just said this was terrifying," Sora replied, confusion lifting his tone. "I don't want you to be scared of me."
"I'm scared, but also, not scared. I can't explain it but," Riku breathed. "I like this feeling."
Sora stared as Riku took his hand and put it over his heart. "Can you feel that?", he asked nervously.
"Y, yeah," Sora added. "Your heart is going crazy," he whispered.
"It's because I'm so happy," Riku grinned. "Being here with you. I never thought, I never let myself think that this could happen."
Sora frowned. "Riku, I want you to do something for me."
"Yes?", the older boy asked, suddenly put on the spot.
"No matter what conclusions you jump to about how someone feels about you," Sora breathed. "I want you to try and connect with them."
"Try and connect?", Riku echoed, tilting his head.
"I'm saying, don't believe the bad things you tell yourself," the younger boy clarified. "Listen to them, their actions, their words. People like and want to be around you, so you have to see beyond yourself and believe what they see."
Riku couldn't speak, all words stolen away.
"Everyone cares about you so much," Sora asserted. "Okay?"
The older boy consciously reminded himself to nod.
"Good," Sora grinned, pulling the larger boy against him in an embrace, nuzzling playfully against the other boy's cheek.
"Sora," Riku uttered quietly.
"Hm?", he hummed happily.
"You're so amazing," Riku sighed.
"So are you," Sora piped back.
Riku couldn't help but smile. "I'll do my best to believe that," he offered resolutely.
"Good boy," Sora chuckled, petting the other's head in exaggerated motions.
"I'm not a dog," Riku reminded him flatly.
"Your bark's returned, so I'm pretty sure that makes you a-", he was cut off by the sudden feeling of his ear being bitten by a wild beast. "Ow!"
The two carried on with their playful antics well into the night.
The following morning, the sun's light roused Riku from his rest. For once, he wasn't sad to leave his dreams behind, finding Sora nestled in his arms.
"Sora," he breathed against his forehead, blowing against his bangs. "Wake up."
The other boy groaned vaguely, but he smiled as soon as he saw Riku. "What'll happen if I don't?"
"Then," Riku began, drawing out the sentiment as he thought of a sufficient punishment. "I won't talk to you today."
"Then, goodnight," Sora replied flatly, closing his eyes.
Riku bit his nose gently, causing Sora to cry out exaggeratedly. "I knew you were lying!", he exclaimed.
Riku let go, moving to get off the bed.
As he went into the bathroom to wash his face, he heard an annoyed growl from the bed behind him. "Seriously, Riku, who bites people!?" Not waiting for an answer, he continued his angry rant. "Dogs, that's who!"
Riku regarded him plainly as he splashed water against his face. "Then I guess I am a dog," he quipped.
Sora groggily got up, fussing with his erratic hair. "It's no fun if you just accept it," he mumbled.
Riku smirked as he patted his face dry with a towel. "I know."
When he entered the bedroom, Sora was already in a fresh set of clothes. "You do things a bit backwards," Riku remarked. "I usually wash and then change."
"Well, I had to change before you got back," Sora muttered, causing Riku to audibly choke.
"I'd leave the room if you were changing," Riku hastily added as he turned to hide his reddening face.
Sora chuckled, finally feeling as though he had the verbal upperhand. "I forgot, you don't have anything to change into," he wondered aloud.
"After you wash up, do you want to come with me to go pick some up?", Riku asked in what he hoped was a nonchalant voice.
"Of course," Sora grinned as he passed him to brush his teeth. "Oh, did you want to brush your teeth?"
Riku followed him into the bathroom, suddenly curious. "You have a spare toothbrush?"
Sora stared at him, toothbrush in hand. "No?", he replied, confusion unhidden.
Riku looked from the brush to Sora's mouth and then connected the dots, swiftly exiting the room before his flustered feelings could be seen. "No thanks!"
Sora shrugged, continuing to brush his teeth.
Once he finished, the two put on their shoes. Sora finished, conscious of how quiet Riku was being. He glanced at him, only to see Riku avert his gaze.
Opening the door, he turned to him, quick to smile, offering his hand. "Come on, Riku," he beamed hopefully.
The silver boy blinked, face vacant until he lost himself to grinning. "Yeah," he agreed, voice hushed.
He took his hand.
They walked side-by-side, the early morning filtering out the crowds of people. Riku did his best not to mind them, not to look, but he couldn't stifle the nagging worry rooted deep in his mind. He closed his eyes, lagging behind Sora.
The younger boy turned his head towards him, smile never faltering. "Riku?", he chirped, slowing his pace to match. "What's up? Tired?"
Riku shook his head and hurried his pace. "It's nothing, let's go," he smiled hollowly.
Sora made a mental note of it, deciding it best not to push it. Instead, he tightened the grip he had on Riku's hand and quickened his step. Let my heart reach you, he hoped.
Once they arrived at Riku's apartment, Sora noted the visible exhale sinking the silver boy's shoulders. The concern growing in his chest spurred him to follow the older boy to his room, stopped only by the terrified stare that Riku met him with.
Sora tilted his head.
"I'm going to change," Riku said with a mix of exasperation and what sounded to Sora like hope.
Sora's cheeks reddened with the realization of what this must look like. "Sorry," he offered curtly, closing the door between them.
Riku was frozen in place, eyes trained on the door between them for long moments. It wasn't like that, he chidded himself, turning heel to his closet. Rummaging his arms through the holes of a loose knit, his mind wandered further. Or maybe it was, but your reaction scared him off, he sighed. Understanding others is so difficult.
Opening the door gave way to an excited Sora, already back at the door, waiting. "Where do you want to go today, Riku?" he asked.
"Um," Riku tried. "I was thinking, maybe we should just," he trailed off. "Stay in?"
Sora huffed, moving himself behind the other boy. He pressed gently against his shoulders, pushing him forward. "You've been inside for too long lately," he reasoned. "Some sunshine will do you some good."
Riku groaned, pushing his hands against the door to stop Sora's forced steps. "I like being pale," he replied.
"There's something I really want to show you," Sora said sadly.
"This is manipulation," Riku growled.
"But my intentions are pure," Sora grinned, coming up beside him, hopeful eyes too bright and shining for Riku to ignore.
"Fine," Riku sighed, beaten again. He put his shoes back on and nearly exited the door immediately, stopping only when he felt a tug on his sweater.
He turned his head to see Sora's usual smile.
Without missing a beat, the younger boy took his hand, gripping it reassuringly.
Riku's thoughts frayed, their static overpowering his creeping anxiety. A flustered smile rose to his lips, happiness bubbling over.
Sora chuckled triumphantly, proud of receiving such a reaction. "Let's go!", he exclaimed.
The silver boy nodded and made sure to match his every step.
Time was approaching noon and the island town was growing in energy and bustle. The surge of crowds swelled into an uproar straight to the forefront of Riku's mind.
Strange, two boys holding hands, wrong. He searched the lines he heard for any trace of those sentiments.
Riku didn't realize he began to shake, but Sora did. "Hey," Sora called to him, snapping him out of concentration.
"Do you want to stop at a cafe for a bit? Maybe for a drink or food?", he asked cheerfully.
"I'm okay with whatever you want to do," Riku replied quickly, tone colder and more distant than intended.
"Then, let's stop for something," Sora declared, practically pulling the older boy into the nearest food establishment. The jerky movements kept Riku in a state of disorientation, but he was thankful for the reprieve.
The two overlooked a massive, open window. Sora always preferred spots like this, whereas Riku mostly shuffled himself in a corner hidden somewhere, far away from wandering glances. The silver boy's pulse quickened when he thought what it must look like, for them to sit together, before admonishing himself. They looked just the same as before, when they were friends. When we were… His mind wondered suddenly. Just what are we now?
The drinks arrived, snapping him from his stupor. "Two of our house blends, Starry Dream," a cool voice beneath a mop of stylish hair rang out. Sora was excitedly bounding up and down on his chair. "Mine's the one with the curly straw," he asserted protectively.
The server chuckled. "We put straws in both of them," they added.
Sora turned to Riku with a look of awe. "Riku, you're going to understand now." His voice sounded almost jealous, the older boy noted.
Riku looked around, unsure under what he felt was both of their gazes. "Understand what?", he eked out.
"How they change the experience," Sora remarked thoughtfully, nodding gravely for emphasis as the server set his drink before him.
The silver boy's breath spilled out in a fit of laughter. "Right," he tried between gasps for air. "You're right," he finished, breath calming.
"I'm glad you've been converted before even trying it," Sora huffed. He craned his head forward and took a deep slurp from the curly straw. The liquid meandered slowly and unnecessarily, Riku mused, through its chambers, finally ending at Sora's mouth. He tentatively moved forward and took a sip from his straw. The drink took its time reaching him, no doubt from the lax force he put behind the action. Vaguely, he took in the colorful sight as the light bounded off the contents. Finally, the flavor reached his tongue, and he swallowed happily.
He looked up to see Sora's face.
The 'tool' was theatrical, Riku decided, but none of that mattered, as it ended in his favorite smile.
"I've been converted," he grinned.
"I knew it," Sora beamed, reaching forward to overlay his hand on the other's.
Riku's skin jumped, and he couldn't stop his eyes from darting to take stock of the server's reaction.
They were smiling, but suddenly turned to leave.
Riku watched them as they left, while Sora's eyes never left his pale face. He bit his lip, the pit in his chest buried ever further.
Sora removed his hand, and Riku's sudden feeling of cold snapped him back to attention. His eyes searched Sora's expression as the younger boy shook his head, smiling all the same.
"Isn't it delicious?", Sora asked.
Riku looked down at his drink, the sun reflecting its shine on its surface.
"It's good," he remarked, forcing a smile. "Thanks for recommending it to me," he breathed.
When they moved to get up, Riku noted that Sora didn't take his hand as he had every other time that day. His heart squeezed, previous fears validated, and his breaths shook. Still, he steeled his expression and walked by his side.
"Where did you want to show me?", Riku asked as they left the cafe.
"It's a surprise," Sora grinned, averting his gaze for mischievous effect. "We'll be there soon," he promised.
Riku caught himself smiling, purposefully putting his worries at the back of his mind. That was when he saw her, and his body froze.
Sora, noticing his immediate absence, looked back towards him. "Riku?", he called, finding the pale boy's eyes set on something in the far-off distance. He turned his head to follow the line.
"Kairi," Sora stated excitedly.
Riku heard the tone and wanted nothing more than to take Sora's hand: to hold him in place. Anything so that he wouldn't leave his side for her like he always seemed to.
His hand reached towards the younger boy's back before he caught himself and pulled it back, fist clenched.
The boy in front of him, so close yet so distant in his eyes, suddenly turned around. "Riku, are you ready?", he asked with his usual grin. "It's Kairi."
Riku wasn't sure what kind of face he was making, but he'd hoped it was pleasant enough. It's not that I dislike Kairi, he thought bitterly. But I, he frowned, forgetting his ability of speech.
Riku looked down at the other boy and shook his head sadly.
Sora's head fell momentarily with worry, raising it a moment later with twice his usual virgor. "It's okay, Riku," he reassured him. "We can meet up with her later, when you're alright with it."
Riku perked up, his frown melting away to an expression of wonder. He never could get used to how kind Sora could be. Before he could speak or react, Sora took his hand and pulled him in the direction away from Kairi.
"Sora?", he called, unsure.
"I still have to show you something," Sora replied, sure that his answer would dispel all fear.
Sora made a rapid turn, with the two suddenly running down an alley, away from prying eyes.
"Is it okay if you don't show Kairi too?", Riku asked so quietly it was almost as though he didn't want to be heard.
Sora's grin widened. "It's only for you," he supplied sweetly.
"Wait," Riku called, heels digging into the cobbled rock beneath their shoes. Sora stumbled before righting himself. He turned back to eye Riku with confusion as the taller boy pulled something from his pocket.
It was a long, black sash.
"Riku," Sora grimaced from the memories associated with the piece of cloth. "Do you carry that everywhere with you?"
Riku regarded it plainly. "Looking at it helps to remind me," he stated simply, fastening the familiar binding over his eyes.
Sora stared as Riku suddenly looked so vulnerable, just like he had when he was sleeping. The recollection made his heart thrum.
Tentatively, Riku reached out his hand in Sora's remembered direction. Without missing a beat, Sora took it, tightly interlinking their fingers.
"Riku," he breathed. "Are you sure you're okay walking around like that?"
The silver boy nodded. "If you put this much thought into this," a slight smirk upturned his features. "I want to be surprised."
Sora's eyebrows furrowed as Riku's sentiment brought a smile to his lips. "Riku…"
Riku chuckled. "Anyway, lead the way."
Sora nodded, resolute in his tasked duty. "Yes, sir!"
They walked in silence: a decree from Riku, fearful of Sora accidentally revealing any telltale signs of where they were going. All the better, Sora thought, as it gave him all available resources to focus on getting Riku there without any mishaps. He was also careful to avoid any crowds, taking backways and shortcuts. He knew Riku would be happier that way.
The instances of stairs had made him wonder if such effort was really worth it, but happy all the same at the lengths Riku would go through for sentimentality.
You big softie, he grinned, guiding him along the sandy beach.
Riku breathed in gently, focusing on the other boy: his movements, the sound of his footsteps, the warmth of his hand. If he had this constant comfort and occupation of his thoughts during that long year, he would never have been lonely.
Vaguely, he registered that they were ascending up a slope.
He prided himself on matching the movements of the smaller boy and keeping his pace. If there was something he knew how to do, it was follow Sora.
Suddenly, the sound of the other boy's footsteps ceased, and Riku's movement with them. Before he had a chance to ask what was going on, he heard that breezy chuckle.
"You could tell I stopped, huh?", Sora breathed. "You're so amazing, Riku."
Sora let go of his hand, and Riku suddenly felt so alone. He wanted to touch him, to hold him. That desire bled through in him taking one step forward: towards where he heard that laugh.
"Whoa, whoa," Sora asserted, pushing against Riku's chest softly, halting his forward movements. "Don't move for a second," he reassured him.
Riku ceased all movements obediently, much to his chagrin. His skin jumped when he felt warm fingers brush against the sides of his face, but he held in the gasp, staying still.
The fingers traced the length of his blindfold, the friction against his scalp causing his breaths to deepen and his spine to tingle. Their journey continued until they found the knot he had tied, and then set themselves to undoing it tirelessly. The action was messy, and Riku had to bite back the pain as they tugged against his hair.
Finally, the sash loosened and fell away.
Sora looked up excitedly, only to sigh when he found Riku's eyes closed. "Riku," he called, collecting the blindfold in his hands and putting it in his pocket.
"Is it safe for me to look now?", Riku asked, feeling awkward and unaware on how to proceed.
Sora smiled, deciding to move behind him, placing his hands over Riku's eyes. The silver boy shuddered noticeably.
His surprised reaction caused Sora to laugh in amusement before he settled his breathing for the moment. He coughed, tilting Riku's head up slightly.
"You can look now," Sora breathed against Riku's ear, removing his hands.
Riku opened his eyes and took in the sight.
"This is," he began, looking around, but finding nothing out of the ordinary. "This is our old spot," he said, finding comfort in the familiar landscape. The sun was high in the sky and so warm, lighting the crystal blue sea out to the horizon.
Turning, he saw Sora take his usual seat on the horizontal tree trunk. Patting the spot next to him, Sora beamed.
Tentatively eyeing the spot, Riku moved towards it. He didn't usually get to sit next to Sora. It was always Kairi who had such an honor.
"Sit with me, Riku," Sora beckoned to him with a smile so warm it rivaled the sun. Riku sat down without another thought.
For long seconds he stared at Sora as he overlooked the ocean, taking in contented breaths in his relaxed position. Riku, meanwhile, felt only nervousness with his rigid posture.
"Sora," Riku called to him quietly. His resolve shrank further when Sora faced him with a contented look. "Um," he forced himself to continue. "What did you want to show me?"
A light of recognition lit in Sora's eyes, his mouth forming a surprised 'oh' before grinning again. "Sorry, Riku," he offered him. "I was enjoying this so much, I forgot for a second."
Riku tilted his head, unable to process any of what he was saying. Forgot? Ah, it's just me who feels this nervous, he admonished himself. He shook his head, trying to shake off the negative thoughts.
"All day," Sora continued, taking Riku's silence as his cue for an explanation. "I've noticed," Sora said quietly, head lowering and lungs empty from his dejected tone. "You haven't really touched me as much as you want to," he breathed, peeking up at the silver boy.
Riku gulped, looking away guiltily. "What do you mean?", he tried to say as apathetically as possible, but his pitch went up, betraying all cool pretenses.
Sora's heart fell, the empty feeling keeping his tone stark and colorless. "I'm sorry," he glanced away again. "I thought that, since you were always so quick to touch me when you couldn't speak," he stopped to breathe. "I thought that was what you wanted to do all the time now."
Riku's eyes snapped to the form of his most important person, shrinking from shame. He was sad because of him. "No, I," Riku blurted out before he'd formed a coherent thought. "I," he struggled, Sora not looking at him. Please.
Helplessly, Riku cupped Sora's face, thumbs burying their way into the edges of the sullen boy's mouth.
Sora looked up at him, confusion shining in his irises before Riku raised his thumbs, upturning Sora's features. "I," he tried again, breathing deep, removing his hands from the other boy's face, his own dejected and worn. "You're right," he agreed. "I keep lying to myself, denying myself. I'm," he paused, fearing the vulnerability of the final word.
"Afraid?", Sora smiled gently. When Riku didn't answer, he carried on. "I thought so," he uttered, thoughtfully brightening his expression. "That's why I brought you here."
Riku stared at him. "You're not upset at me?", he asked, voice hushed yet hopeful.
Sora waved off his concern. "Of course not, Riku. People don't change overnight," he stated simply. "And you've been afraid for so long," his eyebrows creased but his smile didn't waver. "So, this is the least I can do."
Riku's mouth formed a hard line. "But you're able to do it: to hold my hand in front of everyone despite it all," he said bitterly, angry at himself. "Even though I'm still so terrified."
Sora chuckled breathily, looking a little ashamed. "Actually," he looked away. "I'm only like that because I believe in your feelings."
"What?", Riku balked at him.
Sora couldn't meet his intense gaze, only peeking at him from his peripheral. "Well, if you have such feelings for me, there's no way they're anything to be hidden," he grinned.
Riku's mouth hung ajar, a quiet puff of air escaping his lips. "Sora," he tried, eyebrows creasing further. "I wish I could believe so much in others."
"Then, try it now," Sora breathed, his face hopeful. "Believe in me."
Riku's eyes darted around, feeling put on the spot. Under Sora's gaze, he took a deep breath, facing him again. "Okay," he declared, nodding in affirmation.
"Then, close your eyes," Sora instructed with a smile.
Obediently, Riku closed his eyes.
He heard shuffling as the trunk moved slightly, but he kept his curiosity in check.
"Okay," he heard a slightly panting Sora say. What caused him to become exhausted, he wondered.
Nonetheless, he opened his eyes, and his breath stopped.
Before him, Sora was smiling that same smile, but beyond that, there was something else: something blindingly yellow and pointed. He didn't want to let himself believe it, but there was nothing else such a distinct shape and color could be.
"A paopu fruit," Riku marveled barely above a whisper, his eyes darting timidly to Sora's. If I'm wrong, please, correct me, he begged.
"Riku," Sora began, pausing to inhale deeply. "You've been my best friend for almost all my life," he remarked fondly, glance never leaving the vulnerable boy before him. "Through everything that happened, we found each other again. Against all the odds, we always find each other."
Riku stared at him helplessly, fearing where all of this was going but wanting desperately to hear it all the same.
Sora looked down at the fruit between them and chuckled. "Honestly, we don't even need something like this." His eyes found Riku's again as his smile widened. "Our destinies have always been linked. But," he began, tone shaking slightly before inhaling and steeling his resolve. "Riku," he called, smile fading.
Riku read his expression, finding only determination in its wake.
"I want to share this promise with you. A new promise, and one I plan to keep," he breathed.
Riku nodded, or tried to. He wasn't sure of his success.
"Riku, I promise to find you, no matter where you may go, or what you think of yourself. I'll always try to show you that others would be lucky to know someone as amazing as you," he grinned as the silver boy looked on, dumbstruck.
"And I know even without you saying it, you'll always find me, too," Sora beamed. "Riku, I," he started again before being cut off by the torrent that Riku hadn't known he'd been holding back.
"Sora," he began helplessly. "I have always loved you. I never want to be without you. If I'm amazing, it's because you push me to try to be. So that I can be strong enough to be beside you, worthy enough," he panted between rushed words, feeling like nothing he could say would ever be enough. He closed his eyes. "I've always wanted to ask you, if you would be with someone like me, in a, in a," he stuttered. "In a romantic way. As a partner," he finished, tentatively glancing at the other boy's reaction.
Sora was grinning. Wider than he'd ever seen, and it drove his heart crazy to think that such a smile could be for him.
"Riku," Sora chuckled gently, facing him with the same determined eyes he'd shone earlier. "Did you really think I could say no?"
The silver boy's eyes widened, their corners burning slightly.
"Riku," Sora cooed, awakening him from his sweet dream with even sweeter words. "I want you for a lifetime, too," he beamed, before turning his tone to mock sternness. "So I don't want you to ever think twice, okay?"
Riku couldn't have contained his actions if he tried, not even checking the area for possible witnesses. His hands moved forward, one cupping Sora's cheek as the other curled gently around his shoulder. Just as quickly as Riku craned his face forward, Sora moved the paopu fruit between their faces.
Sora chuckled, reassuring the dejected silver boy. "Not before finishing the promise, Riku," he playfully admonished, smiling all the while.
Riku couldn't help but mirror his expression, and nodded. "Then, I promise to always be by your side." He took a bite of the corner closest to him.
"And I promise to always be by your side, in darkness and in light," Sora added, feeling proud of himself for his clever referencing. He took a bite of the other corner.
"If it's beside you, it'll always be the light," Riku quipped, even with a mouth full of food.
Sora's chews halted, a flustered blush covering his cheeks before he manually chomped. "Don't talk with your mouth full," he grinned.
Riku couldn't help but chuckle, swallowing his share. Not waiting for Sora, he moved his face towards him, savoring the look of surprise on the other boy's face before he kissed him.
Vaguely, Riku could feel the frown against him as the other boy still struggled to chew, but it didn't stop him. Feeling the other swallow, he broke the kiss, pressing his forehead against his sullen companion with a smirk.
"Why are you like this," Sora pouted, sticking out his tongue to emphasize his annoyance.
Riku stared down at the other boy's pink tongue, and quickly darted his tongue out to meet it, retracting it just as quickly.
Sora's look of surprise grew as he pushed Riku's laughing face away. "Riku! Did you just," he struggled, left dazed and confused.
Riku shrugged him off. "You offered me your toothbrush earlier. How is this different?"
"Ah," Sora realized, his expression softening. "That is true," he agreed.
Riku stared at him, dumbfounded. "No, like I said earlier, I don't get how that's the same," he stated, but trailed off when he saw the other boy pay his frustrations no mind.
Sora was back to contentedly overlooking the shore with the paopu set on his lap. Riku looked from him to the shore.
"So," Riku broke the silence without looking at the other boy. "What are we now?"
Sora turned to look at him. "Didn't we just agree?", he asked, tilting his head. "Partners for life," he grinned, glad that Riku hadn't been looking to notice his heated face.
Riku's head fell in embarrassment, reliving the cheesy things they had both said. "I," he stuttered. "I see."
Between them, the silver boy's hand slowly moved to touch Sora's, catching the smaller boy's attention. He smiled as he watched Riku look away, his fingers gently curling around the other's pale hand all the same. Sora shuffled, entwining their fingers as he darted forward to kiss Riku's cheek.
The pale boy was suddenly pink, and Sora didn't try to contain his amused laughter.
The two spent hours on that familiar shore, until the sea was tinted orange, reflecting the warmth and happiness of the two overlooking it.
Only they weren't paying it much mind at all, busy stealing glances at one another between sheepish grins and hushed laughter.
Sora sighed happily, relaxing his position and attempting to nonchalantly lean against the other boy. When he felt Riku's posture stiffen against his shoulder, he glanced up at the silver boy's face.
Once again, Riku looked as helpless as a child; like he wanted something he knew he could never have. But you can, Sora smiled sweetly, tilting his head into the nook of Riku's pale neck. Purposefully, he nuzzled, shuffling his hair against the other boy's skin.
Riku quickly erupted into a fit of muffled chuckles, his hand stifling it. Nonetheless, his posture relaxed, and Sora considered this a victory.
Tentatively, he felt Riku's arm shift and wrap around his side, pulling him closer.
Definitely victory, Sora mused. Little by little, I'll be there for you to open up.
Minutes passed, until the chill of night roused Sora from his comfortable spot.
"It's going to be dark soon," Sora stated sadly, knowing that the warmth of Riku's body wouldn't stand up to an island at night.
"Yeah," Riku sighed with a forced smirk, moving his hand up from Sora's back to ruffle his soft, brown tufts. "Want to stay at my place this time?"
"Yeah!", Sora perked up, smiling despite his inability to see with his bangs obscuring his vision. "Oh," he remembered, sitting up straight. "But your place doesn't have a kitchen, so we'll have to grab something on the way."
Riku removed his hand and slowly stood up, stretching his neglected legs. "I have a microwave," he coolly defended.
"That's not real food," Sora argued, stretching back and nearly falling off the tree.
Before he even realized what was happening, Riku's hand held him in place. He blinked, registering what almost transpired, before looking embarrassed. "Thanks, Riku," he grinned, hopping forward and onto the sand.
"No problem," he breathed with a smile. "I promised, after all."
"Nah," Sora grinned. "The promise wasn't anything to do with that. You've always done these sorts of things."
His eyes were tranquil as he looked up at his silver knight. "I mean it, thank you."
Riku's heart jumped, and he had to look away to steel his features with a cough. "I, um," he struggled.
"It's okay," Sora chuckled, amused by the other boy's bashful face. "You don't need words to tell me how you feel."
Riku's face turned to attention, eyebrows ever so slightly creased. "You really have to stop doing that," he uttered quietly.
"Stop what?", Sora beamed.
"Saying so many things that make my heart fall and fly and just," Riku muttered, his eyes darting around in awkwardness. "Feel so much."
"If you want me to stop talking, then feed me," Sora commanded with a tone of playful instruction.
Riku glanced at the smaller boy and quietly noted his shivering. You're cold.
"Yeah, let's go," the silver boy agreed, taking the first step but waiting before continuing forward.
"Okay," Sora exclaimed, walking beside him and linking their fingers.
The evening whittled down the number of people about, but Sora nonetheless glanced up to gauge Riku's reaction every few seconds. He hadn't realized it, but his look was grave and cautious.
Noticing this, Riku chuckled under his friend's gaze. I'm not, he caught himself thinking before pausing to give those thoughts substance.
"It's okay," he reassured him with a confident grin. "I'm not jumping to conclusions about what others are thinking."
Hearing that, Sora's expression softened to that of relief. He squeezed Riku's hand tighter and nodded.
It would be a long journey, but as long as it was one they hazarded together, learning and growing because of that...
Tomorrow will always be bright.