-1I've kept you waiting waaayyy to long. I've kept everyone waiting waaaaayyyy too long! I'm so sorry!
She blinked.
He stared.
She blinks again.
Then Riku laughs.
"Damn! It took me forever to get one of those down on my own and now here it is! Falling right into my err… our hands." his outburst died down as it dawned on him. A paupou, the legendary fruit, had given itself to them to share of its own…. Will.
"It's um… pretty big isn't it Riku?" Kairi said fingering it with her free hand carefully.
"Heh heh um ya! I guess its just our lucky day!" he replys raising his arm to the back of his neck and laughing nervously. Kairi looked up at him strangely.
"Riku your so different. Before you left you were always monotone and kind of… scary." She said hoping he wouldn't be mad. Riku's face became as serious as it usually was.
"I had to give up anger and hatred Kairi. If I ever feel those emotions fully again… people will get hurt. Did… anyone ever tell you what happened when you were asleep?"
She nodded hesitantly and picked up the paupou holding it to her chest.
"Yes, but I don't care. You were tricked and used because you love- cared about me." She did a good job covering up her mistake but he still heard it.
"Kari…"
"No Riku I don't want to ruin this day! Lets just eat the fruit ok?" she said looking him full in the face.
"Ok." He agreed dumbly, shaken by her sudden outburst.
"And besides," she said folding her hands on her lap. " I wouldn't mind being connected with you forever… Sora too!" the last part she said in a rushed tone.
He smiles slightly before tearing off a piece of the bright yellow fruit. Widening his smile he stuffs it into her mouth. She squeaks surprised before growling at him. He fakes being scared as he jumps off the branch and begins to run at a slow pace. She hurtles herself off the branch and tackles him laughing loudly. He goes down with a surprised yell and begins to wrestle her on the ground. They kick up sand creating a small dust cloud as they roll down the stairs and onto the beach. Kairi pulls away suddenly to spit sand out of her mouth but is soon on top of him again tickling his neck.
"No Kairi no! bad Kairi!" He gasps as she exploits his one weakness.
"I'm not a dog!" She replies laughing.
He flips himself up suddenly and pushes her onto her back.
"Now sit!" He says breathing heavily. She does the same as he rolls of her and onto the beach. "And stay."
The two teens sit quietly as the surf comes up onto the beach slightly cleaning their sandy arms and legs. Kairi feels Riku move beside her so she turns her head to look at him. He stares her fully in the face and moves a little closer. When their arms touch her face goes a little red causing him to smile wider.
"What??" she replies embarrassed and exasperated. Kairi sits up and tries to move out of the uncomfortable situation but Riku catches her arm.
"Stay…" he whispers.
She turns and looks down at him. Time stops.
"You two lovebirds do realize you left a perfectly good paupou fruit sitting there ya?"