itsjustagamerp | 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.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

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.

Twenty-sixth Link

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

Okay!

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no subject

Wrap-up once plans are finished?

Sounds good. ONTO THE MAIN FLUFF