itsjustagamerp | Twenty-sixth Link

Entry tags:

namine,
riku

Twenty-sixth Link

Characters: Namine, Riku
Content: Making up in the aftermath of this. Namine decides Riku's been hiding for long enough.
Location: Changes, mostly Namine's room or the Theatrical deck.
Time of Day: Afternoon, a few days after everyone's back
Warnings: Sap, angst, fluff.

Normally, Namine would never wish for memories to fade. Each link in the chain was important, and while she knew they couldn't always remain bright and easily recalled, she wasn't normally one to wish for that process to happen more quickly or slowly than it would naturally. Their most recent adventures in the mirror universe were making her rethinking her opinion at the moment.

While Riku hadn't said as much (and probably wouldn't, especially over Cambot), given that she remembered what had happened, and Sora obviously did as well, she could guess he remembered what his mirrored self had done and was upset by it. A quick glance at his conversation with Sora had confirmed that suspicion. While it was true that what had happened scared her, she wasn't scared of Riku. In many ways she'd been more worried about something happening that the real Riku would regret. Unfortunately, that had happened, and while she would have spared him the pain of remembering if she could (because that wasn't him), she couldn't.

The least she could do was try to reassure him somehow, but she wasn't sure how to approach this. Going about it the wrong way would just drive him further away; she wasn't discounting the possibility of him keeping her at a distance 'for her own good'. Words had never served her well, either...

Apparently it was time to see if a picture conversation might be a good way to start things. She could at least let him know she was worried. Deciding to keep it simple, she drew him, looking upset with a thought bubble showing a small picture of what had happened. Beside him she placed herself, one hand on his arm and looking worried.

After some thought, she found another paper. This one she covered with pictures of them together throughout the whole time they'd known each other--even when he was using Ansem's form. She hadn't been afraid of him then, she wasn't about the be now.

She slid the two drawings under his door at the usual time, about a day after they'd arrived back on the Satellite.

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Allowing the hug was a good sign. Returning it was even better. It looked like this wouldn't be as difficult as Namine had feared. She felt a tension she hadn't even realized was there drain from her as she shifted to get more comfortable. In all honesty, the hug was to reassure her as much as it was him. If he'd pulled away because of what had happened...Fortunately, that wasn't the case.

It also meant that he could probably feel the slight shudder that went through her after he rephrased his question. If she said not at all, he'd know it was a lie. If she tried to brush it off....well, that would be as bad as lying in a way. So how to phrase the truth in a way that wouldn't make him more upset? "Not any more than some others have. Just some bruises, and I was scared."

The manner of hurt hadn't been the same, but she could safely say that the amount was. It was just that now, she was more aware of her potential to feel any pain that was felt by the heart.

Riku had returned the hug in large part because he didn't want to let her go. Though on some level he did wonder if he was more harm than good to her, potentially. Even then, he still couldn't quite let her go, and he felt some guilt over that selfishness. Holding her, and her wanting to be held was proof he hadn't lost her, which held a large degree of relief.

The statement about being scared didn't phase Riku in the way it normally might have. While he might've pointed out that was further proof of her having a heart normally, to Riku at the moment, Namine was just like any girl, but to him, very special. Right now, she wasn't a Nobody, but somebody to be protected, be it from fear or injury. At her shudder he gently ran his hand over her back, trying to comfort her.

Regardless, however, the answer held pain. Riku was never one to run from his problems, facing them head-on, despite what lay ahead. He responded to her by holding her a little tighter and bringing his head down further in a very protective embrace. With a swallow, Riku spoke quietly to her. "Then I'm... I'm sorry. I'm... so. So sorry."

It was very very rare to hear an apology from Riku, and it sounded like it was an alien word on his tongue, even if it was sincere. For him, actions spoke louder than words, and while he rarely said he was sorry, he would certainly act with regret, shame, and the drive to make amends. The flowers he'd lost sleep and meals to were that gesture, but with them incomplete and her willingness to forgive him even after he'd managed to worry her, it seemed like the only appropriate option.

And while he'd felt that shudder, she could also feel his body tense.

Namine wasn't one to blame him for any selfishness. She was the one who had come looking for him even knowing that, in a way, she was at the heart of the problem. Someday, though, they would have to have the conversation about how Riku couldn't protect her from every bad thing, and that was okay. Now wasn't the time, but at some point they should discuss it.

It wasn't that she didn't appreciate the fact that he wanted to protect her. Quite the opposite, in fact. But she also knew enough to know that most things in life came with some risk, Some more than others, yes, and she hoped her judgement was good enough that she didn't take unnecessary chances. However, the fact remained that sometimes she might get hurt. It was part of life. The best protection Riku could offer sometimes might be in softening the blow, or offering comfort in the aftermath.

Which was something like what he was doing now. Namine shifted to get more comfortable as she felt his arms tighten around her, and didn't miss it when he tensed. If she could have spared him the pain her answer brought, she would have, but she knew he'd rather know the truth. "Apology accepted, but you don't have to apologize for something you didn't do."

She knew how rare verbal apologies were from him; Riku was definitely one to communicate more through actions than words. The flowers were more than enough, though she'd accept both. Even if, as she'd said, he shouldn't feel responsible for something he hadn't done. It was the least she could do.

And someday Riku would have to discuss with her that simple presence wasn't enough to be the cause of any problem.

"I know. ...But it needed to be said. You deserved it. You're too important to me to lose." His chest swelled with a deep breath that escaped as a sigh of relief. He finally pulled away, but kept a hand on her arm.

After a moment of (somewhat awkward) silence he spoke up again. "...Should I deliver the flowers when they're done? ...Or would you like to come in?" Provided, of course, he cleared a path for the poor girl to walk.

There were so many things to talk about. They'd eventually get to them, one by one.

Some things did need to be said. For example, Namine occasionally needed reminders that she was important--she wasn't used to hearing that fact stated so openly. For a moment she went very still in surprise, then relaxed against him again. It would take a lot more than what had happened to drive her away. "You won't."

The subject change was a suprise, but welcome. "Why don't we wait until they're finished? You can let me know when they're ready."

As soon as he realizes she needs those reminders, Riku will be glad to offer them up as much as needed. Knowing that she had a heart, he simply wanted her to be happy.

His own heart, however, fluttered slightly when she leaned on him again. Her response was the most encouragement he could have possibly hoped for. As such, he finally smiled again. Rather than feeling he needed to shield her, he much more gently wrapped his arms around her, humming slightly as he ran a thumb back and forth across her shoulder blade. Riku closed his eyes, feeling like a heavy load had been lifted from his chest.

"Fair enough. ...I'll probably see you this evening then? Maybe grab a bite to eat?" He ran a thumb across his chin. Yes, and he'd need to make sure he wasn't a mess. ...And probably grab an hour's nap somewhere in there so she wouldn't worry.

If Riku ever did find out, it would probably mostly be by observation or direct questioning. Namine didn't like to be a burden, so it wasn't something she'd talk about much voluntarily.

That said, he was spoiling her with attention so much that he might never have a chance to make the connection if he kept it up. She shifted to stay close as he put his arm around her, feeling the last of a tension she hadn't realized was there draining from her. The real Riku was back, and he wasn't going to push her away. Which didn't mean that they could stay like this forever.

"That would be nice. What time were you thinking?" A nap would be a good idea for both of them; now that she'd relaxed, she was suddenly having to fight back the urge to yawn. They could both rest, and meet again later.

Though they couldn't stay like that forever, they could at least remain in each other's close company for the duration of their planning, however short that may be.

"Maybe six?" That was dinnertime anyway. It never took Riku too long to spruce himself up. Five minutes, maybe a little more if both deck bathrooms were in use. That would give him plenty of time to finish the flowers, sleep, comb his hair, shave, and change into clothes that didn't smell so sweet.

Next time he tried to scent fake flowers with extract from the cafeteria deck, he'd be sure not to spill it on himself...

That they could.

"Okay. I'll see you then." Namine herself usually didn't need much time to prepare, either. Then again, not many of them here were the type to spend a lot of time preening in the bathroom. Which was a good thing, considering how few bathrooms there were.

"You got it." With a little reluctance, Riku broke away, his hand running down the back of her arm until it caught her fingertips. He held her hand a moment, looking a lot better than he did when he first opened the door. While weary, he didn't look outright haggard. Though still unwinding, he no longer seemed haunted. Riku gave her an admiring and thankful smile before finally letting go, heading back into his room.

Slowly Riku made his way to the corner he'd been working. It was so close to completion... But now that he was finally relaxing, he found he lacked energy and it was harder to focus. He wanted it to be the best he could make it.

Riku turned around and went to his night stand. Thirty minutes. Yeah, he could will himself to get up in thirty for her. Riku set his alarm clock and stood next to his bed. Man, did it look nice. He fell face forward into the soft embrace of blankets and bedsheets, laying with his legs hanging off the bed. Slowly he felt his body melt into a solid lump as he fell asleep that way.

He would indeed get up in 30 minutes. And naturally go back to sleep for a while in a more comfortable position as soon as he was done.

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Twenty-sixth Link

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Sorry so short, it's all I could come up with!

No prob, it's winding down after all. Will tag the other one tomorrow, tag brain fading fast. >_<

Okay!

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Wrap-up once plans are finished?

Sounds good. ONTO THE MAIN FLUFF