Disclaimer": not mine

Chapter 7

Sora blinked dazedly up at the figure leaning over him. "Riku," he murmured, smiling at him.

"Sora…" Riku sounded utterly relieved. Why would he have been…oh, the memories flooded back.

He reached up a hand to stroke a wet cheek, Riku pressing into this touch. "I'm okay," he promised. "Legs are a little achy but I expected that."

Riku closed his eyes, pulling him up and holding him against his chest, nuzzling at him. Sora lifted his hands to run through long silver hair, trying to comfort him. Riku had been just as scared as he was of trying that, had been scared he wouldn't be able to bring him out of it, but he had, just like Sora had trusted he would. Riku opened his eyes again, just looking at him, Sora barely able to feel his presence, and he reached for him, not liking to feel almost alone.

Riku's eyes widened and then he was right there, a gentle presence in Sora's mind, and he relaxed, everything feeling right again. "Sorry," Riku murmured, nuzzling again.

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Riku had pulled back as much as he safely could but Sora's reaction had proven that was a bad move, his mind reaching desperately for Riku's, heart speeding up, body tensing. As soon as Riku had shifted back though, Sora had relaxed. He really was bound to him for life. He hated that Sora was so reliant on him, he'd been so strong and independent but still so kind and gentle. He still was, but now he was looking to Riku for everything, and Riku knew Sora didn't even realise he was doing it most of the time. Maybe when he was finished healing it would be better too?

He heard Sora's stomach growl and laughed, even as Sora blushed slightly at the noise. He had been gone for hours after all. Riku grabbed the fished he'd grabbed from the cove while Sora was in the house so he gave Sora one before tearing into his own, and then another and another. He was really hungry.

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Roxas surfaced and blinked in shock. Sora was walking! Very slowly and shakily but he was on his feet and moving. He trilled happily and they both looked over to see him and Axel. Sora smiled and said something, speaking slowly and Roxas was sure he heard his name.

Riku smiled. "Sora says hi."

"He's walking?" Axel asked as they swam over.

"Yeah, he uh…" Riku glanced at Sora as if reassuring himself of something. "He needed things from the house but crawling there would have taken forever and exhausted him so… I made him walk," he admitted, and then Sora was kneeling down, gently touching Riku's hair, obviously sensing his distress. "It was Sora's idea to try walking now, something about how forcing his body to do it may have made it easier and I guess he was right."

"Riku…you know it's going to happen right?" Axel asked carefully, and Riku looked at him in confusion. Axel grimaced slightly, obviously not wanting to explain. "During your season, you won't be able to keep your minds apart, he'll end up like that again. And…I don't know if you'll be able to bring him out."

Riku blanched, drawing back. "No, no," he shook his head in denial, and Roxas felt sick.

He liked Sora, even if they could only really communicate through Riku. He could have hated them for what they'd done to him, refused to go near them, and yet he'd accepted them so quickly. Having him become a mindless slave was not something any of them wanted at all, but what could they do? He doubted Riku would be able to seek out anyone else. Roxas guessed he could try and get Riku to focus on him when the time came, but would that matter? He'd still lose all ability to focus, to work on keeping them separate. Wouldn't it be better to have what tie with Sora that he could before Sora succumbed?

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Sora saw Riku blanch white which looked really bd with his already light colouring. He could feel his terror and horror and dropped into the water, getting into his lap to hug him. Riku wrapped his arms around him, clinging on, and Sora wasn't sure he wanted to know what was wrong.

"I'm here Riku, talk to me, please," he whispered, hands running through tangled locks, he needed to brush it for him.

"Sora…" there was grief and pain in his mental voice.

"It's okay, we're okay," he pressed a soft kiss to Riku's cheek.

Riku shook his head, nuzzling at him, trembling. "We won't be…if you're with me for my time. I won't be able to keep the division up," Riku explained, and Sora frowned in confusion before working out what he meant.

"But you can bring me out of it after."

"After so long? You haven't been under that long, not without being switched and that killed you."

Oh. Riku didn't know if he could bring him out after days, that made sense he guessed. There was a chance that he could, but there was no way to know. "So what do we do?" he asked shakily.

"Sora, even if I went to someone else…" Riku licked his lips, obviously nervous. "I have to concentrate to some degree to keep us apart. Once it starts, I, I won't be able to."

Sora swallowed, if Riku was totally overwhelmed by instinct for several days he wouldn't even think of keeping them separate. Which meant no matter what they did, his days as a real person could be numbered.

"I'm sorry Sora, I'm so sorry. It's all my fault, if he hadn't seen us together there would have been no reason to come into the cove. You would have been safe if I'd left," Riku's voice was grief stricken.

"Riku I live on a beach; the risk has always been there. No matter what happens, I could never regret saving you. If…if you can't wake me after, then at least I know I'll be safe with you."

"Sora…"

"It'll be okay, somehow." He smiled at Riku. He knew his Siren could feel his fear, who wouldn't be scared? But it was Riku, he knew Riku would do everything he could to bring him back, to keep him safe. He trusted him.

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"I'm fine Kairi," Sora laughed.

Kairi listened, smiling softly at how happy he was now. Who would have imagined it would take befriending and saving a Siren for him to be so content? "Are you sure you aren't turning into a giant prune from so much time in the water?" she teased, and he laughed again.

"I'm not, promise."

"I miss you," she admitted softly. Sure, they went months without seeing each other, they were busy these days, but she'd never gone over six months without him showing up on her doorstep.

"I miss you too Kairi," he admitted. "How's class?"

"Ugh, don't ask." They chatted for almost an hour before saying goodbye.

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Sora blinked and looked back at Axel, eyes widening as he realised he wasn't seeing things. His stomach wasn't as flat as it had been. Axel caught him looking and titled his head before looking down, a hand resting over his abdomen protectively, before he held his other hand out to Sora in offering. Sora took it, letting him press his hand to the same place, finding the area very firm to the touch.

He'd noticed Riku's appetite had increased a lot, and he was sleeping nearby, he was tired a lot…the same signs Roxas had shown. Which meant soon he'd be in the same condition as Axel, probably before he gave birth, which was kind of annoying, he'd like to witness the whole process so he'd know what was coming. Then again, there was a very good chance he'd never be aware of it, would never meet the children…pups that his body would nurture.

He didn't want to disappear, to have his mind overwhelmed by Riku, to be like he had on the walk to and from his house which he didn't remember anything from. If it happened, he'd never remember anything ever again, he'd never think or feel...he'd be a mindless puppet, utterly devoted to Riku without knowing who Riku was to him. It'd kill Riku to have him be like that forever.

Even with the risks, he still wanted to be with Riku, besides, it wouldn't matter since it was dependant on Riku being able to keep them apart.

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Roxas carefully touched Axel's stomach, amazed to see the proof that he was carrying his pups. Sure, he'd known it would happen, it was the whole point to having a season, but seeing it with his own eyes was so different. He'd seen others go through it, had seen newborn pups, but it had just never all come together in his head the way it did now. He felt a strong need to defend Axel, to keep him safe from everything, and he'd seen that in others when he was a pup. It was good Riku was still one, it made things easier…which meant it could get complicated once Sora was with pup too and they were both feeling overprotective.

Axel wrapped an arm around him, pulling him closer to nuzzle, and Roxas relaxed. They were safe in the cave, there was no danger…stupid instincts. Axel chuckled as if he knew what he was thinking and Roxas stuck his tongue out at him.

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Axel leant back against the rocks, watching Riku and Sora. They were so sweet together, he really needed to find Aqua but there was no way Roxas would let him leave in his condition. The cave would be a great place for the pups who would remain with them but the others might need help finding the tunnel out to the cove and then out to see. They couldn't all stay, not in the one pod, not when there was only one other pair.

Sora seemed fascinated by it all, no longer afraid, which was good. And he didn't set of Roxas' protective instincts either so Axel let him feel whenever he wanted. It had been strange hearing of how humans had young, getting kicked by the pups didn't sound very fun, especially if they hit an organ! There was no movement at all within him, which had worried Sora until it had been explained.

He'd never thought he'd spend so much time around a human but Sora was different to any other he'd ever seen. And with how little Riku tried to influence him, it was the mostly the real Sora they knew…a human who they could have trusted without being under their spell. He hated his part in it now that he knew him, especially when it meant they might lose him soon. Teaching him and even Riku was good practice for the pups, Riku was a good indicator of just how much the young learnt from their pod without ever realising it.

Maybe now that they'd kind of made their own pod…he should consider an actual mate of his own? He'd really enjoyed his time with Roxas but they both knew they weren't suited as mates now. Not that Axel had ever seriously considered Roxas for the role. No, he was very sure Roxas and Xion would make great mates. There'd been a time years ago that he'd thought Saïx…but that would have ended very badly. He'd find whoever it was one day, that he was certain of.

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It wasn't easy, finding people willing to do the work he needed but his scientists were hardly equipped to do it themselves. His test subject was long gone and he had to have another, it was as simple as that. The younger the better in order to train it to be obedient and not struggle when they performed tests or took samples. He'd heard good things about this Barbossa and his crew though, they did their work and didn't ask questions so long as the pay was right.

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Sora grinned as he slumped down on the rocks, barely out of breath at all. His legs still ached on and off and occasionally he'd get some numbness but he could walk! Tomorrow he was going back to the house to check on things, actually wash those sheets…or maybe just throw them out after so long.

He looked over the edge, seeing Riku curled up asleep on the ledge, frowning. He seemed to be going through the eating and sleeping stage for a lot longer than Roxas had, was that normal? Not that he should complain, he got to see more of what a Siren pregnancy was like with Axel who had a definite baby bump now, but it also meant he got more time. Was Riku maybe somehow fighting his own biology to give him that time and that was why he was even more tired than Roxas had been?

He looked over at where Axel was lounging and saw the concern in his eyes too. Maybe it was just because of everything Riku had been through, maybe his body was still playing catch up.

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Xigbar was relieved when they found a good area for their pod, far from where they'd left the others behind. He just wanted the move over and done with now. he knew he was in for a lot of taunting over the source of his newest scars but he didn't really care, it was his fault for grabbing the pup and not letting go when it became obvious he had a claim on the cove and its resident human. The pup had guts, that was for sure.

Still, the sooner they got back, the quicker he could send Xion on her way to Roxas. Let the pups be happy together without the pressure Xemnas would put on them to behave in certain ways. No, those two definitely weren't meant for their group. And he wouldn't mind a nice long break from Saïx's presence either. It was his fault they'd been in that cove to begin with.

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Sora kissed a sleepy Riku before walking out of the cave, actually wearing clothing for the first time in ages. He headed up to his house and went inside, wrinkling his nose at the smell of a house that had been shut up for too long. He opened all the windows and plugged his phone in to charge before going to deal with the mess in the bathroom, after checking the bedroom was still ready for use, the water bottles and food still good to go.

He picked up a photo of the old gang from school, smiling fondly at the image. Wakka had Tidus mushed down, hand on his head as Tidus flailed wildly, Selphie mid jump onto Wakka's back as Kairi and Sora held each other up, laughing too hard to do anything. That had been a fun day. It was sad to think he'd probably never see any of them again. Even if Riku could bring him round after, it was one thing to fool Kairi on the phone but he didn't think he could leave the area without Riku and them coming to his home was just asking for trouble.

He shook his head and went into the bathroom, emptying the stagnant water from the bath, yuk. He grimaced as he picked up the bedding and threw it in the washing machine, putting on a long cycle with hot water and plenty of detergent. He opened the attic access carefully, getting down the boxes from when he'd first moved in and began packing his personal belongings. There was no point in leaving them out in the house to just gather dust. He doubted anyone else would ever try and claim the house, not with Siren's in the cove, but if anyone ever did enter, he didn't want them to see his things, or worse take them.

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Riku hungrily ate the fish, he could feel Sora in the house nearby and he didn't like the distance but he wouldn't smother him. He was enjoying being able to walk and seemed to be content enough with whatever he was doing there. He shifted, not quite able to get comfortable as he ate, a weird feeling slowly growing. He finished the fish and shifted again, not realising Axel was watching him knowingly.

"Riku," the redhead called, and he looked over at him. "Go to Sora."

He frowned, go to Sora? That wasn't possible, Sora was on land. He pressed a hand to his stomach, it felt weird, kind of twisty, like something fluttering inside…butterflies, Sora would call it butterflies in his stomach but why? He jerked at a touch, hissing in warning, and Axel held his hands up.

"Easy Riku," he called softly, shifting to make his abdomen more obvious and Riku felt the aggression drain away at the sight. Axel didn't want him, it was okay. "I'm going to help you out onto the ground and then you can go to Sora, alright? Go to Sora, got it memorised?"

Go to Sora…yes, he needed Sora.

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Sora paused, feeling dizzy for a second, shaking his head. He closed his eyes for a moment, breathing deeply and it passed. He opened his eyes again and sealed the last box, that was his life all packed up. The cottage felt strange without all his things in it but he felt better with his personal stuff out of sight.

He shivered suddenly but he wasn't cold, no…he felt warm, too warm. Riku…he needed Riku…he stumbled up to his feet, suddenly feeling…oh, it wasn't him feeling that, it was Riku, which meant… Sora swallowed, leaning against the door, taking a shaky breath. Looked like it had been a god idea to pack up today then. He reached for the front door and opened it, seeing a figure staggering towards the house, one leg dragging a bit…long silver hair shining in the sun.

"Riku," he whispered. Sora didn't hesitate, he walked outside and onto the beach as fast as he could towards Riku.

As soon as he reached him, he wrapped an arm around his waist to help support him and then Riku was pressing against, making noises he couldn't understand but didn't really need to. He didn't seem fully aware of what was going on but Riku had warned him of that, translating for Axel anyway. It had been nice of the Siren to warn him about what he was in for.

"It's okay, I've got you," he pressed a soft kiss to the side of Riku's mouth, not wanting to start something on the beach when it was unlikely Riku would want to move if they did.

He got Riku moving towards the house, coaxing him along, wishing he hadn't been on his feet so much now that he was having to also support Riku's weight. He got them inside though, staggering into the bedroom to fall onto the bed together.

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Axel stared towards the cave exit, hoping Riku made it okay, he had been dragging the leg where the wound had appeared. He was worried about them, if Sora would ever be himself again and how Riku would handle it if he wasn't. An arm wrapped around him, and he turned his head, letting Roxas nuzzle at him. He knew Roxas' behaviour was because he was carrying his pups, they were friends, not mates after all. They'd been friends before and would be friends once it was all over.

TBC…