Hinata leaned her head back against the couch, letting out a long breath as she stared up at the ceiling. Everyone was finally gone, everything was finally quiet. Her eyes slid shut, her arms wrapping around her knees against her chest. Part of her relished in the silence, to have a moment truly to herself without needing to keep up appearances for others. The other part of her though, it hated the fact that without the others her anxiety was free to run rampant through her thoughts.
There was no escape from everything happening around them. Never a moment to truly rest, to feel at peace. There was always something right around the corner, just waiting for them. The reality of it weighed on Hinata's heart. With the others, she could distract herself from it, but alone… that's all she could think about.
She had lost too much, been through things she'd do nearly anything to forget, and after it all, she was still expected to go through so much more. With a groan, she slung her head forward and buried her face between her knees.
The cushion of the couch deepened from the weight of someone sitting down. Hinata's grip tightened around her legs. She knew it was Riku without having to lift her head to see for herself. He had this way of finding her when she needed him most. And even though she knew deep down she needed him, she wasn't sure she wanted to face him.
A warm, soft hand met on her shoulder. The touch was familiar. A silent way for Riku to let her know that he was there for her. Sometimes that was all she needed. Hinata let out a breath, her heart tightening along with Riku's grip giving her a comforting squeeze.
"I've got you," he muttered, his voice soft and nearly inaudible for anyone other than Hinata. His hand slid to her back, tracing circles over her tense muscles.
She swallowed, nodding, "I-I know…"
They stayed like that. The room silent, spare for their breaths and the occasional hum from Hinata when Riku would find a sensitive spot along her back. Seconds passed, then minutes. Riku moved to sit behind Hinata, using both of his hands to massage and rub her back. Her arms loosened around herself, her head laying on its side as she looked out at the disheveled living room. Thoughts swirled through her mind, distracting her until a soft kiss placed to the back of her neck brought her back to reality.
She shifted her weight, leaning further back against Riku and making him hum. "Thank you…" She broke the silence, reaching back her hand to brush her fingers along his cheek.
Riku's arms wrapped around her, holding her close to his chest. He leaned into her touch, kissing her palm. "I'll always be here for you." He reminded her.
The corners of her lips tipped into a smile as she nodded. "I know. I'm honored the Keyblade Master can make personal time for me."
Riku huffed in amusement, grabbing her hand against his face as he continued to kiss her hand. "Yeah, well you had me long before I became anyone's Master."
"True," she admitted, her smile growing as her heart fluttered with each meeting of his warm lips against her skin. "Do you have anywhere you need to be?"
"Not anytime soon," he told her, releasing her hand and wrapping his arms back around her.
She let out a contented hum, allowing herself to melt in his arms. "I wish we could run away."
A chuckle rumbled in Riku's chest. "Yeah?" He asked, leaning his head against her shoulder.
"Yeah," she sighed, leaning her head back, able to see the glass paned window against the wall behind the couch. A cascade of stars swirled in the sky around the glowing moon. The sight caused Hinata's heart to tighten. "I wish we could do what we always said we would."
Riku paused, his arms tightening around her. "Yeah…?" He repeated, the tone softer than before.
Hinata nodded. "Do you remember?"
"Of course I do," he kissed her shoulder. "When this was all over-"
"We'd pick a star," Hinata finished for him, her eyes dancing over the sky. "Then we'd go there without telling anyone and just…" Her voice trailed off, her gaze diverting from the window.
"Just live, not tell anyone who we are, why we're there." Riku continued.
"Only for a little while." Hinata added, the corner of her lips tipping up in amusement as that was usually Riku's addition to the plan. "Just so we can see what it's like…"
Riku took in a long breath, lifting his head from her shoulder and leaning it back against the couch to look at the stars. "We'll get there. I know we will."
Hinata hummed, running her hands along his arms as she rested her head against his chest. His heart beat against her ear, resonating through her. It was strong. The sound of it was familiar, comforting. It served as her foundation on the days that were harder than others. In that moment, it beat with hope.
"I trust you," she whispered, her eyes sliding shut as she listened to his heart.
"Don't fall asleep," Riku warned her, "I'd rather not sleep on the couch again."
Hinata's eyes fluttered open, the tranquility of the moment breaking as she sat up. "I wasn't going to."
Riku hummed, running his hand through her hair. "I know you too well to believe that."
A soft laugh slipped past her lips. "Yeah, I suppose you're right." She looked back at him over her shoulder, noticing his eyes focused on the stars. "Should we head to bed then?"
His gaze left the stars to meet with hers. There was a weariness in his eyes. It had been gradually growing since he had become a Master. Hinata hardly had a moment to rest, but Riku had even less time. There was no rest to be had when the worlds were on fire.
Hinata's eyes danced over his face, taking in the growing wrinkles and the exhaustion prevalent in every part of him. Every night, he was there for her. Every morning he kissed her before he had to leave. Everything he did was for others.
Grabbing his wrists, she pulled his arms away from her and moved to turn around. Riku remained silent, his brow quirking up when Hinata settled back in her seat, but facing him. Her hands laced in his hair, fingers brushing through his short locks as her eyes danced over him.
"Something on your mind?" He asked, with a soft laugh.
She smirked, her eyes darting towards the window and the sky. "A little bit."
"And what's that?" He asked, leaning forward and meeting his lips along her jawline. "
Her lips parted, her hands tightening in his hair as she questioned whether or not to even say her original plan anymore. Riku hummed, his arms wrapping around her back, ready to take the lead and carry her to bed.
"L-Let's go outside." Hinata stammered, forcing the words out.
Riku paused, giving one last kiss to her jaw before pulling back to look in her eyes. "Outside?" He repeated.
Hinata nodded, "Take a walk, star gaze, that sort of thing."
He blinked, his eyes downcasting as he thought over her suggestion.
"We haven't taken a night to destress and relax in a while." She continued, brushing back his hair from his face. "It's just been-" Her voice faded as she let out a breath and shook her head. "Meetings and missions all day, every day, with our only rest being the few minutes we manage to share before bed. And… I know that we're both exhausted -you especially- but, when's the last time we took a night for ourselves?"
Riku's hands rubbed against her back as he considered her words. The slightest smile curved the corner of his lips as he brought his gaze up to hers. "That sounds great."
Hinata's uncertain smile grew into a grin as she leaned forward and met their lips together. Riku chuckled, kissing her back for a moment, before she broke the lock and stood up. She straightened out her clothes before holding out her hand for him. He took it without hesitation, standing and wrapping his arm around her back to pull her close and finish the kiss she had started. She brought her hands to the sides of his face, humming as she kissed him back.
"Let's go," he murmured against her lips as the kiss broke.
She grinned back at him, an excitement fluttering in her chest that hadn't existed in months. Riku smirked in return, leading the way to the door to leave their responsibilities behind. Even if it was only for a night.
**Author's Note: Just something random and short that I wrote tonight. Also wanted to let everyone that does read this that I'm doing alright! I've just been incredibly busy with the Kingdom Hearts Imagine Blog (it's Lucky0Stars) on Tumblr. I HAVE been working on the next chapter of The Forgotten Traveler though! I'm hoping to get it out this month.
I went through a spell of feeling down about it. Obviously a lot of anxiety, which I think is what really inspired this little one shot. I've been doubting my story, Hinata, myself, really just everything lately. But, I've also had some amazing friends and support that have been encouraging me to get back and to rebuild my confidence.
So I wanted to take a moment to thank everyone that's stuck with me these past few years. I know that my writing, my story, and everything in between isn't perfect, but it's still mine. And the fact that I can have anyone be interested in something this dear to my heart is incredible. So thank you.
I hope everyone enjoys this and I hope to see you all again soon with the next chapter of The Forgotten Traveler. Have a wonderful week!**