Disclaimer: I do not own the rights to the Kingdom Hearts Universe. I am not writing this for a profit. I am writing this to express my love for the game, the characters, and to deepen my writing abilities.

A/N: Inspired from a discussion on the LJ comm. Three's Company. The major issue that was brought out was Sora's responsibilities as the Key Blade bearer. A lot of people pointed out he wouldn't have time to hold a relationship, and that at some point he may have to leave behind his family and friends (including Riku and Kairi) and if so, for how long? So what kind of reasons would there be for Riku and Kairi staying behind? Here's one. . .

Dine 'N Dash (A collection of RikuxKairixSora drabbles)

By Tat

Theme: #24 One last cry
Food: #28 Cookies

"Daddy!"

A man with short silver hair lifted his head, folding his book into his lap, and giving the little girl bounding towards him his full attention. Her eyes gleamed in the sunlight, mimicking her own bright nature and her mass of curls bounced off her shoulder blades as she ran. When she was a foot away, arms stretched out, the man stood up, ten bent down accepting her embrace with they collided.

"What have you been up to?" He asked, releasing her from the hug.

"I baked cookies with my friend." The girl chirped, presenting a handkerchief bag bulging with treats. "I save some for you."

He patted her head, "thank you." He briefly turned his attention to the setting sun, and nudged her inside the house. "You better get ready for bed."

The child sighed exasperatedly, though she obeyed, scrambling inside and up the stairs.

"Don't forget to brush your teeth!"

"I know. . . I know. . ." She groaned in smart reply.
oOo
He unfortunately remembered it as if it were yesterday. He could still feel Kairi's delicate hands clasped around his calloused hand, grip tightening with each ragged breath. Her legs were spread apart and shaking in front of the doctor, who unlike the couple wasn't breaking a sweat.

"One more push." The doctor had announced. Kairi sucked in a breath and squeezed her eyes shut. Her bare feet slid off the table as she pushed, and returned to position thank to the doctor. The whole time she watched Riku with glassy eyes fringed with tears, gasping for more strength, then again from loosing it.

The doctor cheered that the baby had been delivered successfully but Kairi's legs continued to shiver, and her eye lids were drooping. She struggled to hold consciousness, digging her nails into Riku's hand, deepening his worries. "I wish . . .Sora was here."

"Yeah. . ." Riku simply said, eyes stinging with tears.

Though she was crying too, the new mother smiled, cupping his cheek, grip slowly relaxing. "but he'll be back. He always comes back." Her hands slackened, then fell on the table.
oOo
This morning he found himself sitting on the porch swing, and his book wide open at his feet. He wiped his eyes, and thoughts of the memory that slipped into his dreams, gathering his focus on the sunrise. The diversion worked, though temporarily, as a figure with distinct spiky hair walked through the morning mist, prompting Riku to stand up, suprised.

"Sora." He said in wonder, and the man raised his head up.

Catching sight of Riku, Sora's walk morphed from a jog to a run, his lips pulled back in a thrilled grin. Before Riku could prepare himself, Sora had already tackled him to the floor, and pressed his body against his into a strong hug. "Is Kairi awake!" Sora's blue eyes danced, then widened, remembering she had been pregnant before he had left. "Where's the kid? Is it a boy- a girl?" He asked excitedly, while Riku's smile drained. Sora noticed his boyfriend's frown and jumped off him, heart quickening, now knowing something had happened.

Riku licked his teeth, searching for pleasant words to mask the heavy news. "Kairi. She's. . ."