Chapter 9

Thin beams of sunlight peered through the cracks in the brick of the worn lighthouse walls. Although dim, each ray sparkled and shimmered against the pool's surface as it lapped at Riku's feet. He coughed, shivering as his heavy eyes fluttered open. It took a moment for his eyes to adjust, everything was blurred with exhaustion. He moved to sit up, but found that he couldn't manage more than propping himself up on his elbows because something was keeping him there. Glancing down, his heart jumped, seeing Sora nearly laying on top of him, his head nuzzled against his chest.

Warmth crept up Riku's cheeks as he lifted his hand, hesitating to place it onto Sora, but settled for patting the spikes of his hair. The strands were smooth, lacing between Riku's fingers as he began brushing through his locks. Sora hummed, a soft smile spreading over his lips as he leaned into Riku's touch. The sight made Riku smile to himself, his heart swelling in his chest.

Leaning his head back, his eyes scanned over the tower above. Every cobweb, every piece of splintered wood, the cracks and erosion in the brick, it all was a blatant reminder that the lighthouse wasn't exactly the best place for anyone to recover. Sora was confined to the tiny pool in a strange, unfamiliar place. He hadn't felt or seen the sun's warmth in over a month, yet somehow he hadn't expressed a single complaint. Riku's hand paused in Sora's hair, his lips tipping into a frown.

He really was trapping Sora there. Even if his intentions were seemingly pure and well intentioned, Sora didn't have a choice but to wait there day in and day out… completely alone, isolated… It was no wonder his eyes lit up whenever him or Namine came to check up on him.

Sora murmured in his sleep, catching Riku's attention and bringing him out of his thoughts. His blue eyes fluttered open, the sight of them never failing to make Riku's breath catch. He pushed himself up with a yawn, his lips spreading into a bright, beaming smile when his eyes met with Riku's.

"Riku," he greeted, another yawn in his voice as he rubbed his eye.

"Good morning, Sora," Riku replied, about to remove his hand from Sora's hair before Sora gently grabbed his wrist as he lay back down on top of Riku.

"Keep go," Sora muttered sleepily, nuzzling back against Riku's chest.

Riku huffed with amusement, his lips spreading into a warm smile as he did as Sora's asked. Sora hummed in approval as Riku's fingers continued to brush through his hair.

"Riku, sleep good?" Sora asked, keeping his eyes closed.

"Yeah, for the most part." Riku admitted, tilting his head to the side as his eyes danced over Sora. "A little cold. A little wet."

"Wet…?" Sora repeated.

"Uh, yeah, the water." Riku splashed his fingertips on the water's surface, the sound catching Sora's attention as his head shot up.

"Oooh," Sora splashed his hand in the water, a spray of the salty liquid misting over Riku's already shivering body. "Wet water."

Riku chuckled, "Something like that."

The door to the lighthouse creaked, catching both of their attention.

"Namiinay," Sora pointed towards the door.

"You can tell from how we open the door?" Riku asked, "I'm kinda impressed."

As the words left his mouth, the door swung open, Namine stumbling backwards into the lighthouse from shoving the door open with her back. She regained her footing, turning around to face them and stopping short. Her eyes drifted over the two of them, before her gaze met with Riku's and she smiled.

"Good morning," she greeted them, carefully coming down the stairs, a paper bag stuffed with food in her arms.

"Morning!" Sora greeted, pushing off of Riku and splashing to the other edge of the pool. His tail flicked as he reached out for the food.

Namine giggled, reaching into the back and handing Sora a blueberry muffin, which had proved to be his favorite since being with them. He hummed in delight, leaning over the edge of the pool on his elbows and devouring the treat. Riku chuckled at his excitement as Namine placed the bag of goodies beside him and knelt down.

"How are you doing?" She asked, her voice soft and concerned.

Riku's smile faltered as his eyes downcast to the water. "I'm fine."

Namine sighed, bringing the back of her hand to his forehead. "Well, you don't feel like you got a fever from staying here all night. Although-" her smile grew into a smirk and a knowing look as she brought her hand back in her lap "I'm sure Sora helped keep you warm."

Riku huffed out a breath, the warmth on his cheeks darkening as he refused to give her assumption any reply.

"I'm about to head to the shop." She moved on, noticing Riku tense. "Are you coming?" When he shook his head, she sighed, "Riku-"

"I don't want Sora to be alone." He told her, his eyes falling on Sora excitedly finishing the muffin. "He's here alone almost every day. I can stay with him for at least one of them."

Namine followed his gaze, letting out a breath. "Alright… but, you should at least consider coming home tonight." Riku sighed heavily, and she clarified, "Not to stay at home, just… to pick up some things that might make it easier to stay here."

Riku looked over at her, "What sort of things do you think would make it easier?"

She shrugged, "I don't know… some clothes, blankets, pillows, maybe even some food in case either of you get hungry in the middle of the night."

"I… might be able to set up a bed on the next floor." He pointed out. "At least stay out of the water at night."

Namine smiled, "I would really appreciate that. Give me a piece of mind at the very least."

Riku laughed softly, looking over at her and noticing the exhaustion in her eyes. "Have trouble sleeping?"

She nodded, "Between the tension with Sephiroth and worrying about you here? I didn't get much sleep."

"Sorry," Riku's eyes drifted towards the water.

"It's alright." She assured him. "I'm glad you could be here with Sora." Standing up, she straightened out her dress. "Well, I'm off to the shop. I'll see you tonight?"

Riku looked up at her, nodding. "Yeah, I'll be ready."