Title: The Permanence of a Memory

Chapter 4: Closeness

Game: Kingdom Hearts, Final Fantasy 7: Advent Children

Author: Kat-chan8806

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The world seemed to stop as Riku and Kadaj discussed anything and everything that came to mind. It may sound cliche, but all they really wanted was a happy place to call their own, where they would be accepted. It is sometimes difficult for people with painful pasts to open up to others, but they realized, sitting under that tree in the middle of nowhere, that it is sometimes best to take chances. Though neither one wanted to admit it, there was something growing between them. Perhaps they did not even understand what it was, but they felt comfortable.

"We've lingered long enough. We should leave this place and continue our search." Kadaj stood as he said this and walked casually to the motorcycle.

Riku stood in protest. "We can't leave yet!"

"Why not? Why should we stay any longer?"

"You're always rushing things! Why can't we just relax!"

Kadaj looked at his companion with something akin to shock. "I thought you wanted to travel."

Riku crossed his arms. "I do want to travel. But why're you in such a hurry?"

Kadaj hesitated for a minute, then replied, "Why do you want to stay?"

"Why won't you give me a straight answer! I just want to spend more time with you!"

Kadaj actually laughed. "You don't have to worry about that. We're sharing our lives, remember?"

Riku sighed and sat back at the foot of the tree. "I know, but..."

"But what?" Kadaj held out his hand to Riku. "There's more to life than words and scenery. Don't you want an adventure?"

Riku looked up at Kadaj. "Of course I do. I live for action!" He took Kadaj's hand.

"Let's go then."

Kadaj pulled Riku to his feet and they once again climbed upon the motorcycle.

As they were riding along, Riku leaned close to Kadaj and they talked during the entire ride. Mostly, Riku talked and Kadaj would simply smile and say things like "I know" and other phrases of general agreement. Kadaj didn't even pay attention to half of what Riku was saying. He just liked hearing Riku's voice.

"...and then my boyfriend said--"

"Your wh-what!"

Riku laughed as Kadaj almost drove off the road. Kadaj looked back at Riku, who only laughed harder.

"I was just checking to see if you were listening, which you weren't. Lighten up!"

Kadaj simply sighed and turned back to the road.

"Oh, come on! Can't you take a joke?" Riku leaned over Kadaj's shoulder to get a look at his face.

"Of course I can, but you caught me off-guard!"

"Well, if you had been listening to me..." Riku's sentence trailed off in a fresh fit of laughter. "You should have seen your face!"

Kadaj smirked. "Well, I should have known you were joking. I bet you've never had a boyfriend in your life."

Riku stopped laughing immediately. "So what? I don't need anybody else! I'm fine by myself."

"Of course you are," Kadaj commented with sarcasm.

Riku glared at the back of Kadaj's head. "I could have a boyfriend if I wanted one..."

"Oh, don't sulk over it." Kadaj grinned and said in a mocking tone, "Can't you take a joke?"

Riku raised an eyebrow. "Of course I can, if it's funny."

Kadaj chuckled. "It was."

Riku put his head on Kadaj's shoulder. "You'll see. I'll get my boyfriend to beat you up."

Kadaj only smiled. "I don't think I'm afraid of Invisiboy."

The rest of the ride was spent in a playful argument about invisible boyfriends and hopeful silver-haired teens.

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A/N: Chappie 5 will be up soon, so don't worry. There's plenty of happiness and heartbreak ahead for R&K! Later!