[Riku definitely doesn't know everything. He used to pretend he did, and as a precocious kid, there was a time when he was somewhat convinced that was true. If it wasn't, then he wouldn't be able to make claims about the outside world. He wouldn't be able to lead his two friends on that expedition, hoping to see the worlds that would grant him the strength to protect his friends.
But he can be trusted not to purposely cause Sora problems. That much is for sure.
He'd like to say he's not interested, but the food he picked up along the way smells pretty good. It isn't like anything they grew up with on the Islands—there was a lot of fish—but there's something about it that reminds him of home anyway.]
Sure, let me have a bite. Is anything from last night coming back to you? [As he asks his question, he extends his hand to take the container from Sora.]
I'd like to say that it's not any deeper than trying to one up Lea, but if anyone would know that's not it, it's you.
[Only it was less doing—and more Riku thinking he had it handled. It was arrogant and a little cocky, drawn up feelings that he acted upon so he could convince himself it was fine.]
[ Sora's more than happy to hand over the container so Riku can try it for himself, but his grin is quick to shift into a thoughtful frown as he tries a little harder to remember what the hell landed him in his current position. ]
Not really. I mean, there's bits and pieces, but it's all really vague. Kinda like trying to stare through murky waters, trying to make out what's on the bottom but it's not clear enough to see. I remember hanging out with everyone, did I get separated? I don't know when, but I remember Lea, and getting the ice cream, and him telling me these awesome brownies would be real game changers, and then things kinda just black out from there.
[ Sora sighs, mildly frustrated at the lack of memory, but, does it really even matter? He's here now, Riku's here, and as far as he knows, everyone else is safe and no one got hurt. Mildly throbbing migraine aside, he'd still count it as a good night. ]
Well, I guess all that really matters is I remember having fun.
[ His smile is back full force as he brushes the matter off as unimportant, and decides to finally reach for the rest of his clothes to finish getting dressed before he forgets he's only in a shirt and boxers. ]
[ It hasn't entirely passed Sora's notice that he's been kept away from Riku and the King's duties, and while he knows that he still has a long way to go when it comes to regaining his strength, he can't deny that it stings a little.
At least there have been other people he's been able to help in the worlds he's visited alongside Donald and Goofy, but knowing that Aqua and everyone else is still waiting on them is tough.
So the fact that Riku's even hinting that they might be in need of help is something he latches onto. ]
[ at least, not about these things. though between the two of them, riku's probably gotten better at it over time. there's something not quite like jealousy, not quite like envy, that clings to him; some leftover bitterness and resentment at seeing the kind of growth he never had. the kind of growth that maybe he never will have. ]
i just thought you'd have grown out of that competitive streak
Edited (i thought there would be but there really wasn't akjsldf) 2019-02-18 11:16 (UTC)
[ There was probably no point in asking, since there was no chance Sora ever heard of that stuff, anyway. They definitely don't have drinks like that on the islands. Or Sora is painfully naive, dealer's choice. ]
Vodka and absinthe, huh? I think I'll stick with soda and ice cream.
[ lbr though, he'd drink straight chlorine if he was dared to. Anyway, guess who FINALLY made it to Yen Sid's world? Sora is, as always, subtle in his arrival. Shouting Riku's name and waving as he runs down the beach. Way subtle. ]
[The brownies. Sure, Lea's definitely goaded Riku into doing some stupid things before, but he knew that those "game changers" wouldn't be helping him in any way. And as far as he knows, they're not something anyone could easily come back from. When Riku got that same offer? He definitely waved it off. ... Of course, that was around when Sora wandered off.
It's really beginning to add up.]
Hey, if it helps, I don't think you're gonna get sick. It was less the drinking and more the brownies. [Lea always had a trickster side to him. He wouldn't do it to hurt anyone, but he knows how to have a good time. Unfortunately? That also means that the rest of them sometimes have to come up with "find Sora soon" plans, like the one that led to this very conversation.
He takes a couple more bites of chicken, letting it sit in his mouth while he waits for Sora to get dressed. It ... is strange he ended up without his clothes?]
Maybe we can find a spell that can keep your clothes on no matter what for these occasions. I think that'll help when we all come out of it the next day.
[This turn of conversation is proof of why they've had to do that. It's not that they don't think Sora can help, but they need him to be ready to help. Learning about all the hearts inside has explained a lot, but ... it's worrying. To say the least.]
You had some help. [There's something light in his voice as he says that. He's sitting on the steps in the front, arms crossed over his stomach. It's not comfortable in the least, but he's managed to make it work for him. His back splays over the steps behind him. These steps are manageable, but he knows he can't go any further. The room starts tilting. Or the sky? Guess it's a sky here.]
Come sit down. I don't think I'm ready to go anywhere yet.
[As for the drinks themselves, they were new to Riku, too. And something green now means "toxic" in his mind. Which is unfortunate, because high potions are green. Very unfortunate.]
[Talking is definitely not their strong suit. Riku wonders if this is easier or harder. What things he can evade he can't, and what things he shouldn't evade he also can't just do. He remembers his frustration in coming across the Replica in the first place. It wasn't easy seeing all that nastiness on display, and he hadn't exactly been fair to him.]
Only when it doesn't matter.
[And frankly, this doesn't matter, unless it keeps happening. One thing's for sure: it won't.]
We both know just how hard it is to do things differently. You don't just wake up one day and stop thinking that way. And it gets harder once your thinking's messed up.
[Not that Lea would've known that. Take away the chokehold that Riku has on his self control, and a lot of mistakes could easily happen. That's what following his heart really means: not letting his mind and thoughts get away from him.]
Sometimes, it's trusting that it's okay if you did mess up, too. Sora knows that better than anyone.
[ Maybe it's teasing because okay, Riku did tell him where to go, but Sora laughs like he's in on the joke this time. It's just hard to feel embarrassed over helping each other out. Which... wow, Riku wasn't kidding, was he? Sora's not the only one who's needing help tonight. Riku looks like he's about to fall over. If Sora didn't already know the cause, he'd be worried. ...Well, more worried. ]
When you're feeling better, we'll go.
[ He agrees with a nod. Maybe all those stairs aren't the best idea, but Riku had to've come here for a reason. And Sora doesn't mind waiting with him until he's ready to try for more than just the bottom couple of steps, however long it takes. With a huff, Sora drops to sitting beside Riku on the steps. It's awkward for sure, but Sora could get comfortable just about anywhere. He's settling back, arms behind his head, looking at the swirl of galaxies in the night sky when he sits up with a bolt. ]
Oh yeah! I almost forgot. Here.
[ He digs two sodas out of his back pockets, and offers one to Riku with a grin. It may not be an elixir, but at least this liquid is clear? ]
[At least Riku got the worst of it out of the way before he started blearily sending texts. He presses an elbow lightly against the stairs and foists himself forward. Nausea stirs in his stomach, but not enough to make him feel like he's on a boat in the middle of the sea (at least how he's pretty sure a lot of people feel when they complain about seasickness).
Why is he here?
Instinct told him that this was the place to get guidance. To come back down. The sense of it worked, right until he got here and ... got sick. And started to sober up. Now he kinda wishes he was sitting on the beach back home. That'd be something.
He takes the soda from Sora, opening it up. He sniffs it, pleased. It's coconut-flavored—his favorite.] Thanks. This should help. [Besides, he's already tried casting esuna on himself. Strangely enough, it didn't work.]
You think Master Yen-Sid knows we're out here? [He tilts his gaze up and back toward the tower behind them.]
[ Magic's great! When it works. Sora's had so much bad luck with it though, he puts more stock in the tangible kind of fixes. Like smacking something with his keyblade. Or talking to a friend, and watching the sky. That always makes him feel better. He pops his own soda, but doesn't drink, distracted by the question. He leans back and looks up up up at the window far up the tower. There's a light inside, but no way to tell if anyone's in there. ]
Hmm... I don't know. Probably?
[ Sometimes it feels like everyone knows what he's doing. But Riku probably doesn't feel that way. He always take the darker roads that are easier to hide in, and harder to find. ]
[ If it was just the brownies, then that answers a few questions of his own. He's gotten blackout drunk once, maybe twice before, but after each time, he was always bright eyed and bushy tailed as if nothing had happened the night before. Actually waking up feeling absolutely awful had been alarming in itself, but, he does vaguely remember the term "cross-faded" being a very, very bad thing. So he'll just have to avoid that in the future. ]
And yeah, it was kind of cold, but it always could have been worse. I might've gotten hot last night? Or maybe swimming, there is a lot of water in this area. In that case, would it have to be a spell that makes it so I can't even take off my own clothes if I try?
[ The fact that Sora's putting any real thought into the concept in itself should be concerning to anyone who didn't know him. ]
A spell that Sora-proofs your clothes ... [That is what it comes down to, doesn't it? Riku smirks at the idea. It's not like he's using this as an opportunity to mock Sora, but the opportunity is there and waiting for him. Sora-proofing. Wow, he's good. It's likely that Sora did get hot or went swimming. Given that they grew up on the islands, it'd be nothing new for them.]
We'll see what we can find. Otherwise, I'll have to keep an eye on you—the right way next time.
[All of this came down to Sora duty and Riku failing at it. Right? Not that he's beating himself up all too badly. He knows that some (most) of this was out of his control, and he won't resent Sora for it, either. These things happen.
And ... compared to the rest of their lives? These are good thing to have happen.]
Yeah, you're probably right. [If nothing else, Riku's time of working with DiZ—Ansem—taught him how to really take advantage of those darker roads. But they also removed accountability. He's good at them, sharp enough to know when they're the right idea—but they can also give way to excuses. That's why Darkness itself is so complicated.
It's Riku's overwhelming need to be responsible that gets him now. Part of it is guilt. Part of it is just ... how he's always felt. What's built into that need to go outside, get power and strength, and protect his friends. Who else if not him? (Though, of course, he's learned the answer to that many times over. It doesn't shake his need to do something.)]
At least we know the King's had a few mishaps of his own. [Not that it bypasses the problem. It's just ... way to help Riku put it into perspective and not feel like he's done something horribly erroneous. Yeah, he's a kid, but—
But.
He takes a sip, allowing the fizziness from the drink to settle his stomach. Nice as always.]
Well. Anyway. Next time we're having a party, let's make sure none of us can summon our keyblades and head out. [Riku adds this as an afterthought, a way to keep things from hanging on his hopes of not looking ... bad. Irresponsible. Unmaster-like.]
[ A lot of that Sora can understand and relate to. That's something he and Riku have always had in common, after all. They really want to help people, to protect their friends. And that's why they get a little leeway for being irresponsible, or messing up sometimes, Sora thinks. It's not like they aren't trying their best. Even the strongest, most responsible people need to relax and have fun now and then. Like King Mickey has! Sora nods in agreement, before realizing he has no idea what Riku's talking about. ]
...Uh?
[ Wait, even the King's had bad days? It sure doesn't feel like it from where Sora's standing. But then, he's spent a lot less time with him than Riku has, so it must be true. Donald and Goofy are huge liars. (Or just blind to King Mickey's faults, whatever they are.) Anyway, Riku's right that keyblades and parties really don't mix. At least he can agree with that. ]
Yeah, that's probably a good idea.
[ But that's not really all Riku's talking about, is it? He seriously thinks Master Yen Sid is going to judge him for having fun at a party? Sora drinks his soda and looks at the sky, but the bubbly feeling isn't just from the soda, and he knows it's not going to go away until he says it, so. Might as well. He links his hands behind his head and leans back on them, trading looks between all the millions of stars and what he can see of Riku's profile through his hair. ]
But, you know? I think I get why Lea gave you that drink. When's the last time you stopped and relaxed for even a second? Riku, you need a break!
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
heartsdestiny
[Riku definitely doesn't know everything. He used to pretend he did, and as a precocious kid, there was a time when he was somewhat convinced that was true. If it wasn't, then he wouldn't be able to make claims about the outside world. He wouldn't be able to lead his two friends on that expedition, hoping to see the worlds that would grant him the strength to protect his friends.
But he can be trusted not to purposely cause Sora problems. That much is for sure.
He'd like to say he's not interested, but the food he picked up along the way smells pretty good. It isn't like anything they grew up with on the Islands—there was a lot of fish—but there's something about it that reminds him of home anyway.]
Sure, let me have a bite. Is anything from last night coming back to you? [As he asks his question, he extends his hand to take the container from Sora.]
princessascended
I wonder if there's a way to get it talking. It's definitely animated.
[He debates sending this, but then decides it's fine. Kairi is Kairi.]
And a little cute. For a former hunk of meat.
lighthearted
[More than anything, he knows better than to give Sora the idea that they need his help. They've been trying to make him think otherwise for a while.]
What'll you do if I tell you we're not?
[Might as well call it what it is.]
replicates
I'd like to say that it's not any deeper than trying to one up Lea, but if anyone would know that's not it, it's you.
[Only it was less doing—and more Riku thinking he had it handled. It was arrogant and a little cocky, drawn up feelings that he acted upon so he could convince himself it was fine.]
Not that it makes it any easier to talk about.
dualikey
[Definitely regret.]
Final verdict: your shoes are definitely funnier than bowling shoes.
heartsreturn
Cheap vodka.
[Lea's words, not his.]
It's deceptive because it's clear.
The really bad stuff was called "absinthe." It looked a little like a sweet juice. But it was way worse. Not just the taste, but everything about it.
[No point in bragging about it.]
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[It's alive. Aliiiiiiiive!]
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Not really. I mean, there's bits and pieces, but it's all really vague. Kinda like trying to stare through murky waters, trying to make out what's on the bottom but it's not clear enough to see. I remember hanging out with everyone, did I get separated? I don't know when, but I remember Lea, and getting the ice cream, and him telling me these awesome brownies would be real game changers, and then things kinda just black out from there.
[ Sora sighs, mildly frustrated at the lack of memory, but, does it really even matter? He's here now, Riku's here, and as far as he knows, everyone else is safe and no one got hurt. Mildly throbbing migraine aside, he'd still count it as a good night. ]
Well, I guess all that really matters is I remember having fun.
[ His smile is back full force as he brushes the matter off as unimportant, and decides to finally reach for the rest of his clothes to finish getting dressed before he forgets he's only in a shirt and boxers. ]
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At least there have been other people he's been able to help in the worlds he's visited alongside Donald and Goofy, but knowing that Aqua and everyone else is still waiting on them is tough.
So the fact that Riku's even hinting that they might be in need of help is something he latches onto. ]
i would com join you as soon as i could!
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do you think i put the fairies under f for fairies or g for good?
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[ at least, not about these things. though between the two of them, riku's probably gotten better at it over time. there's something not quite like jealousy, not quite like envy, that clings to him; some leftover bitterness and resentment at seeing the kind of growth he never had. the kind of growth that maybe he never will have. ]
i just thought you'd have grown out of that competitive streak
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Or Sora is painfully naive, dealer's choice.]Vodka and absinthe, huh? I think I'll stick with soda and ice cream.
[ lbr though, he'd drink straight chlorine if he was dared to. Anyway, guess who FINALLY made it to Yen Sid's world? Sora is, as always, subtle in his arrival. Shouting Riku's name and waving as he runs down the beach. Way subtle. ]
Riku, hey! Told you I'd find you.
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But I'd like to think I'm a lot nicer than him. I'll pass on the god complex.
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It's really beginning to add up.]
Hey, if it helps, I don't think you're gonna get sick. It was less the drinking and more the brownies. [Lea always had a trickster side to him. He wouldn't do it to hurt anyone, but he knows how to have a good time. Unfortunately? That also means that the rest of them sometimes have to come up with "find Sora soon" plans, like the one that led to this very conversation.
He takes a couple more bites of chicken, letting it sit in his mouth while he waits for Sora to get dressed. It ... is strange he ended up without his clothes?]
Maybe we can find a spell that can keep your clothes on no matter what for these occasions. I think that'll help when we all come out of it the next day.
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We've got it covered. I'm still talking to you.
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Come sit down. I don't think I'm ready to go anywhere yet.
[As for the drinks themselves, they were new to Riku, too. And something green now means "toxic" in his mind. Which is unfortunate, because high potions are green. Very unfortunate.]
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Only when it doesn't matter.
[And frankly, this doesn't matter, unless it keeps happening. One thing's for sure: it won't.]
We both know just how hard it is to do things differently. You don't just wake up one day and stop thinking that way. And it gets harder once your thinking's messed up.
[Not that Lea would've known that. Take away the chokehold that Riku has on his self control, and a lot of mistakes could easily happen. That's what following his heart really means: not letting his mind and thoughts get away from him.]
Sometimes, it's trusting that it's okay if you did mess up, too. Sora knows that better than anyone.
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i'm telling the good fairies you think their shoes are dumb
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[ Maybe it's teasing because okay, Riku did tell him where to go, but Sora laughs like he's in on the joke this time. It's just hard to feel embarrassed over helping each other out. Which... wow, Riku wasn't kidding, was he? Sora's not the only one who's needing help tonight. Riku looks like he's about to fall over. If Sora didn't already know the cause, he'd be worried. ...Well, more worried. ]
When you're feeling better, we'll go.
[ He agrees with a nod. Maybe all those stairs aren't the best idea, but Riku had to've come here for a reason. And Sora doesn't mind waiting with him until he's ready to try for more than just the bottom couple of steps, however long it takes. With a huff, Sora drops to sitting beside Riku on the steps. It's awkward for sure, but Sora could get comfortable just about anywhere. He's settling back, arms behind his head, looking at the swirl of galaxies in the night sky when he sits up with a bolt. ]
Oh yeah! I almost forgot. Here.
[ He digs two sodas out of his back pockets, and offers one to Riku with a grin. It may not be an elixir, but at least this liquid is clear? ]
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Why is he here?
Instinct told him that this was the place to get guidance. To come back down. The sense of it worked, right until he got here and ... got sick. And started to sober up. Now he kinda wishes he was sitting on the beach back home. That'd be something.
He takes the soda from Sora, opening it up. He sniffs it, pleased. It's coconut-flavored—his favorite.] Thanks. This should help. [Besides, he's already tried casting esuna on himself. Strangely enough, it didn't work.]
You think Master Yen-Sid knows we're out here? [He tilts his gaze up and back toward the tower behind them.]
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Hmm... I don't know. Probably?
[ Sometimes it feels like everyone knows what he's doing. But Riku probably doesn't feel that way. He always take the darker roads that are easier to hide in, and harder to find. ]
He kind of knows everything.
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Anyway, I'll come have a look at it. We'll see what we want to do with it, if anything, alright?
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you know you're making it REALLY hard to tease you
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[ If it was just the brownies, then that answers a few questions of his own. He's gotten blackout drunk once, maybe twice before, but after each time, he was always bright eyed and bushy tailed as if nothing had happened the night before. Actually waking up feeling absolutely awful had been alarming in itself, but, he does vaguely remember the term "cross-faded" being a very, very bad thing. So he'll just have to avoid that in the future. ]
And yeah, it was kind of cold, but it always could have been worse. I might've gotten hot last night? Or maybe swimming, there is a lot of water in this area. In that case, would it have to be a spell that makes it so I can't even take off my own clothes if I try?
[ The fact that Sora's putting any real thought into the concept in itself should be concerning to anyone who didn't know him. ]
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I'll think up a name while we're waiting.
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We'll see what we can find. Otherwise, I'll have to keep an eye on you—the right way next time.
[All of this came down to Sora duty and Riku failing at it. Right? Not that he's beating himself up all too badly. He knows that some (most) of this was out of his control, and he won't resent Sora for it, either. These things happen.
And ... compared to the rest of their lives? These are good thing to have happen.]
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It's Riku's overwhelming need to be responsible that gets him now. Part of it is guilt. Part of it is just ... how he's always felt. What's built into that need to go outside, get power and strength, and protect his friends. Who else if not him? (Though, of course, he's learned the answer to that many times over. It doesn't shake his need to do something.)]
At least we know the King's had a few mishaps of his own. [Not that it bypasses the problem. It's just ... way to help Riku put it into perspective and not feel like he's done something horribly erroneous. Yeah, he's a kid, but—
But.
He takes a sip, allowing the fizziness from the drink to settle his stomach. Nice as always.]
Well. Anyway. Next time we're having a party, let's make sure none of us can summon our keyblades and head out. [Riku adds this as an afterthought, a way to keep things from hanging on his hopes of not looking ... bad. Irresponsible. Unmaster-like.]
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donald and goofy want my hlp with somthing, so i'll txt you latr
b saf, okay?
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[She tracks him down as quickly as she can, fascinated by this whole "living burger" idea.
Once she finds him, she runs over eagerly, waving cheerfully at him.]
Riku! Where's the little thing?
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...Uh?
[ Wait, even the King's had bad days? It sure doesn't feel like it from where Sora's standing. But then, he's spent a lot less time with him than Riku has, so it must be true. Donald and Goofy are huge liars. (Or just blind to King Mickey's faults, whatever they are.) Anyway, Riku's right that keyblades and parties really don't mix. At least he can agree with that. ]
Yeah, that's probably a good idea.
[ But that's not really all Riku's talking about, is it? He seriously thinks Master Yen Sid is going to judge him for having fun at a party? Sora drinks his soda and looks at the sky, but the bubbly feeling isn't just from the soda, and he knows it's not going to go away until he says it, so. Might as well. He links his hands behind his head and leans back on them, trading looks between all the millions of stars and what he can see of Riku's profile through his hair. ]
But, you know? I think I get why Lea gave you that drink. When's the last time you stopped and relaxed for even a second? Riku, you need a break!
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[Riku is always safe, Sora.]