Where is this...?

[artbyemptywitch]

Oh.









Is that you? Why? And why did you choose this name again? I thought you hated it...

Comments

[artbyemptywitch]

They enjoyed it. It was the only reason I was chosen.

Even when I managed to find someone or somewhere safe, it didn't mean anything, because in truth they would always find a way to turn the situation upside it's head and welcome more danger into my life.

[shadowedheart]

[ While Riku may have a penchant for keeping his cool and emotions in check a good chunk of the time, this has him feeling a lot of things and it shows with the expression on his face. ]

The only reason you were chosen.

[ That doesn't sit right with him at all. ]

So this is what we are to a lot of them I guess. A puppet.

[ It's... ironic. For their world especially. ]

[artbyemptywitch]

[She's noticed his change in demeanor this time.]

I don't have good memories of the things they've done to me. But at least there were moments I could smile around everyone. It wasn't relentless, but I'm not defending them either.

What matters most now is that they've stopped... [Her expression reads hinted uncertainty.]

[shadowedheart]

[ The thought of Naminé not having good memories of her time around before... Riku's jaw clenches for a moment before he sighs; there's nothing he can do. ]

Let's hope so.

[ Or else? Maybe. ]

I'm sorry, Naminé.

[artbyemptywitch]

It's not your fault, Riku. You don't have to apologize.

You're doing well at least, right?

[shadowedheart]

[ He's still feels sorry that he couldn't be there to protect her. Again and again he never seems to be. ]

Yeah. So far so good.

[artbyemptywitch]

If they ever do send me anywhere, it would be nice to see you there as well.

[She's started up another sketch as she speaks, seems inspiration struck her, or perhaps it was something else?]

[shadowedheart]

It would be nice to see you, too.

[ As he gives a glance to her sketching. ]

You're not drawing me are you?

[artbyemptywitch]

[ Ack! He was sharp... ]

Ah-yes, but there's more to it. Or at least there will be.

[She already had a bit of him drawn.]

[shadowedheart]

Wouldn't you rather draw someone else?

[ He can't be that interesting to draw. ]

[artbyemptywitch]

Not right now. I want to draw you.

[A beat.]

Should I stop?

[shadowedheart]

Well, you've already started so.

[artbyemptywitch]

I hope you like it.

[She doesn't take too long to finish the image. A couple of moments at best, with light humming to accompany them. Eventually she stops, a bright smile on her face. The image is the both of them holding hands. She gives a slightly proud look to him, almost wordlessly asking his approval. She tried her best to break old habits, but her silent self was partially showing through.]

[shadowedheart]

[ When she finishes up, Riku glances to the images she's sketched and, while he shouldn't feel surprised with what he sees, he is and it shows with how he stares to the image with... embarrassment? But, it's fleeting, thankfully, eyes closing and a smile touching gently at his lips. ]

You still got it.

[ A talent for such a thing. ]

I like it.

[artbyemptywitch]

[She gave a relieved smile. Thank goodness.]

Thank you showing up, Riku. I feel safer with you around.

[shadowedheart]

I'd like to hope so.

[ And he gives her a bit of a smile. ]

[artbyemptywitch]

And it's nice to see your smile too!

[She really meant that just as much. Riku is always so composed. It's nice to see a smile on that stoic face of his.]

[shadowedheart]

[ Don't call him out like this, Naminé. ]

Yours is a lot better. But... thanks.

1/2

[artbyemptywitch]

[artbyemptywitch]

...Now I don't want to leave.

This is all I've wanted anyway. To talk to my friends.

[A beat.]

Is that bad?

[shadowedheart]

[ Riku stares to Naminé for a long moment, seeming almost confused until she continues with her train of thought and it causes him to glance down for a moment. ]

No. I don't think it is.

[ Pausing. ]

It's nice to see others.

[artbyemptywitch]

[Wordlessly, the nobody approaches Riku and slowly just reached over. Her soft hand stroked a tad at his wrist before moving down his palm and taking his hand into her own. She held her sketchbook tightly to her chest. She was clearly conflicted.]

[shadowedheart]

[ Naminé's touch is soft and gentle, things that Riku doesn't consider himself to be. To reach for him, to not be afraid of the darkness he harbors deep within his heart and the wrongdoings he's done in the name of jealousy and things that he thought were right... it has him stand there in silence and, only after a moment does he lace his fingers with her and gives her hand a gentle squeeze.

There might even be just the tiniest of smiles tugging at the corners of his lips. ]

[artbyemptywitch]

[She would step slightly closer. To be honest the nobodies weren't completely separated from the dark. But the more important factor to her was what he looks to do with his future. Though her main thoughts were more on what she wanted right now. It kind of scared her what the repercussions could be, the shivers in her grip gave off that much. But his squeezing calmed her down.]

I want to stay.

[shadowedheart]

[ Silence has never really bothered Riku. In fact, more often than not, he finds comfort within it as opposed to being surrounded by countless others with their laughter and chattering. To be like this doesn't feel lonely to him. It's to not have certain others in his life that he finds lonely and in this moment, right here with Naminé, he doesn't feel lonely. ]

Then stay.