afterthought | I'm in love with the shape of you; We push and pull like a magnet do

I'm in love with the shape of you; We push and pull like a magnet do

[So this was the Wilde, huh? Riku's been studying some of the maps and researching the areas surrounding the city as a way to get familiar with this world. It's given him something to do, and since he can't study half of the material in the libraries and areas of the Coven (that is, if they'll even let him in) and has been dealing with the affects this world has been having on his body, it's also been a welcome distraction. Something to get through the pain and the new urges coursing through his being.

And above all, he's just been curious. Plain and simple. A part of it, he attributes to restlessness. After all, when's the last time he's spent more than a month on one single world? The past few years, he's been going from place to place, combating Heartless, the battles against Xehanort and checking in on the balance of the worlds, and of course his friends. Being in one spot suddenly felt confining.

So coming out here into the Wilde and getting to stretch his new legs and senses felt like a welcome reprieve. And coming out with Sora felt even better. Despite all the worlds and adventures they've had, how many have they been able to do together? Not many, so taking on this quest seemed like a grand opportunity. It didn't even seem all that complicated compared to what they've been through. Find a manticore and bring back a sample of it's venom. Simple enough, right?

Except finding the damned creature was the main challenge. Riku tried to get as much information from the apothecary owner as possible, even right down to the scent of the beast. But there wasn't too much to go on. His nose hasn't been able to catch the acrid and decayed smell that was described to him so far.

He huffs, long and thick snow leopard tail swaying with mild annoyance, and ears folding back. It's still relatively early in their search, but after finding all the warnings about the Wilde and the infections, he doesn't want to chance that any harm comes to Sora, especially after just finding him again. Plus, if they lose daylight (and Riku's guessing they probably will soon)...

Well, he doesn't quite want to think about that just yet. He needs to keep Sora safe.

He turns to his partner, ears relaxing.]

You feeling okay?

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Sora's ears twitch. There's a flicker of affection across their bond when Riku says he'll protect him because it makes Sora's nerve ease slightly. He might have been brave before but as a puca his nerves have become a lot jumpier with time. Rabbits are primarily prey-animals and snacks for creatures higher on the food chain after all. And that's why Sora's breezy affection for Riku can be felt across their bond. Nothing like being a rabbit with a cat for a protector.

But that doesn't mean Sora can't fight. He won't back down either and he'll do his part to fight and protect as well.

The rumbling continues and soon the sickening smell of dark magic gets worse. Black sludge starts to seep across what's left of the ground, eating at the tree trunks like acid. Then something growls loudly and Sora can hear the swishing of a massive tail.]

It's there! We better get it first before it gets us! Let's get the jump on it!

[The little spark of affection only burns his protective drive even more. Under different circumstances, Riku would feel likewise, his own little trail of affection being transferred over. But now isn't the time, and he needs to be strong for Sora.

The thick scent and sight of the decay creeping up the trees illicit a hiss out of Riku, his ears pinning back. They're going to have to be careful not to get infected from the Cwyld. Without a healer with them, they'll have to avoid any severe injuries at all costs.

Not that Riku is thinking precisely about that at the moment. As cautious and careful and prepared as he is, the monster instincts are already bleeding through again. A threat is coming and his packmate could be in trouble. His own growl grows in tandem with the creature's, and his claws and fangs extend and lengthen, tail thrashing about.]

Yeah. [Riku's already moving forward, darting and weaving past the last few trees as fast (and somehow just as quietly) as his paws will let him.] Stay behind me!

[The creature isn't far at all, snarling at the air with sharp fangs and countless teeth. It's body and head are largely leonine, attached to thick scaled legs and equally thick claws. A long, segmented scorpion tail whips behind it, wielding a sickle-like barb. The infection is practically pouring off it's blackened body, landing in heaps and puddles on the ground with every movement.

Riku closes the gap on all fours, adrenaline pumping through his muscles and negating any pain that might come from his limbs lengthening, and climbs up a tree with ease. Reaching one of the higher branches that can actually support his weight, the cat leaps off it with his claws outstretched, planting them square on the beasts back as he lands.]

[It's sometimes a surprise to Sora just how much they've changed. The way Riku's body moves as he hisses out his words and leaps into action. Sora can't help but watch his bondmate for a second, eyes roaming over the contours of his body even as he leaps up that tree to attack. In the middle of a dire situation and Sora can't help but think about how cool Riku looks... This rabbit's head is empty--]

Ahh...! Riku!

[He quickly shakes his head, ears flopping as he does so. Now's not the time to be ogling Riku! They've got work to do!]

Be careful!

[But it's not like Sora's going stand here and let Riku do all the work. Just as Riku leaps from his tree the creature roars and tries to pivot up at Riku. Doing so exposes the monster's neck and Sora bolts forward with surprising speed. He lets out a high pitched rabbit-like yip as he attacks that neck area with his own rabbit claws. They're not as good as a cat's but they're still pretty sharp. Sora makes contact and black blood spurts from that new wound.

The creature howls and that scorpion tail swishes angrily, black spots of cwyld spouting from it like poison.]

[At least Sora has had the experience of being shrunken, morphed, turned into a toy or a different shape all together. Riku has had his share of form changes, but they're only a fraction of what his best friend has experienced. The fangs and the fur had been a little concerning when they first came in, with Riku's apprehension only being compounded by the full moons.

But now, with the instincts and mental changes so close to the surface, it doesn't feel so weird at all unless he thinks about it.

Claws dig tightly into the creature's skin as Riku is hell bent on not letting go as it thrashes around, hissing and spitting and snapping all the while. He can feel the blood pooling around his fingertips, staining his fur. But he takes a chance and brings one paw up to strike at its face, or at least what he can reach.]

Watch out! [Riku, you should talk. He'll be lucky if he comes out if this tussle without a single bit of cwyld on him.] Go for the eyes!!

[It comes out as a half-growl as Riku continues to shift form while riding the creature. Fur spreads all along his body, a muzzle pushes through and he seems to be gaining more bulk and muscle. There are still some human traits there, but his body is becoming far more feline by the second.

The thrashing keeps him from actually making contact with the eyes and face, but that's not going to stop him. If he can keep it distracted enough by just clawing at it, maybe the speedy bunny will have better luck.]

[Sora can feel the way Riku's body fills with adrenaline from the connection of their bond. It fuels Sora too, a weird feedback loop of bravery and fighting instincts that floods his nerves. Most people say that monster-monster bonds are dangerous because of this. Instincts that can flood to the other partner can cause some feral tendencies in both of them.

That's why Sora doesn't say anything except for another shout as he hops effortlessly up to the creatures face. His muscles tense and he crunches right into the scorpion's face with his teeth and gouges out one eye. ... not tasty.

In return the creature howls and shakes its head violently. Poisonous acid spits from its tail spewing dark cwyld all over the place. And it splatters up on Sora as well, stinging him like a shower of burns.]

Arrgghh!!

[And just as there's feedback from Riku, so to does he get it from the Puca. Seconds after Sora shouts out, Riku viciously snarls, claws slashing and slicing at the creatures back and neck, fueled by little more than Sora's pain and his own anger.

How dare this thing hurt his best friend!

Pack instinct running wild through him, Riku's determined to keep Sora safe as much as possible. While getting the job done of course. The feline kicks off the creature's back, causing it to spit and hiss as Riku tries to do as much damage as he can with his claws while dismounting. Using the strength in all four of his limbs, he leaps to the beast's behind and bites onto the middle of its tail.

There's a sickening crunch as his fangs sink into the carapace and the creature howls in pain. Riku was hoping to bite it clean off, but the creature was still bigger than him, even in this form. His lips and jaws barely wrap fully around the tail. It tries desperately to use the limb to throw him off, but Riku's digging all his paws into the ground, determined to use whatever strength he's got to pin down the stinger and not let go.

Even as the acid splashes over him, burning through his thick fur and the tattered remains of his clothes. If he can just keep this away from Sora or get rid of it, they'll stand a better chance of not getting infected themselves.]

[It's a messy job out in the wildes. Killing creatures like this before they get too close to the city is important. But boy, is it messy. Sora can feel each little prick of acid that touches Riku through their adrenaline-fuelled bond and his own little splashes of burns sting like heck too.

But the creature itself seems to waver and weaken with Riku's attack, clamouring over onto one side as it kicks up and tries to sting Riku with its tail. But it's so damaged now that all is can do is collapse onto the ground with a howling snarl.

It's not going to last much longer. Sora takes the opportunity to leap up shove his claws into the creature's neck. He pulls and scratches until all that's left is a mass of dead cwyld.]

Riku...?

[Sora wobbles backwards and falls onto his butt in exhaustion. His nerves are on fire. His shoulders are shaking with adrenaline and more. His ears swivelling to hear of anything else the creature might do. But it seems to be done. It's dead.]

[Despite its trashing, Riku is steadfast, keeping his jaw clamped firmly on that tail and squeezing when he finds the strength. More acidic ooze splashes out of the tail, but the stinger never seems to be able to find a body to poison.

Even as it falls to the ground, Riku can feel the strength leaving its body as the bond tethering him to Sora picks up the rabbit's ferocity as he tears into its neck. An ear perks up at his own name, but the feline still holds onto the tail in his mouth, stunned by the adrenaline rush and cautious over whether the beast was actually dead.

But its body was growing colder and the taste of its blood in Riku's mouth was getting to be a bit much. Metallic, yet it started to sting his tongue and that's when he let's go. Riku's face and muzzle are a complete mess, his pale fur stained by its blood, and he's doing his best to resist licking the stuff off.

He struggling to get the taste out of his mouth, his tongue flicking in and out of his mouth, as he pads his way over to Sora, keeping his ears on the bunny and his eyes on the creature. You can never be too careful...]

You okay...?

[It comes out in a rumble and he noses Sora gently, minding the tall ears. He knows the answer, feeling the burn of exhaustion and the sting of he wounds from Sora. But still, careful eyes tearing themselves away from the carcass to give his friend a once over. Battered, and the sight of the singed spots of fur make his hackles rise, but he's okay. They're both okay.

Another gentle nudge as Riku plants his nose on the crown of Sora's head, his nest of spikes making him huff lightly, and he moves to the other side of his friend to sitting on his haunches. He still hasn't shifted back into his usual form. As tired as he is, Riku would rather stay looking like this for as long as he can right now. The exhaustion that comes with changing out of this form tends to hit him like truck, hard and fast.]

Good job, bunny.

[Sora is glad when everything is over because despite being who he usually is as a rabbit he's much more averse to fighting these days. He'll do it and fight hard when he has to but when it comes down to it all he really dislikes having to get blood and gunk on himself. Rabbit nerves make it hard for him to want to fight anything.

So when it's finally done Sora lets out a tired noise. His rabbit ears twitch and swivel when Riku comes into view again. He can smell the blood in the air and is glad that he can't seem to detect any of Riku's blood. So that means he's not hurt badly.]

Riku. Riku. You're okay.

[The bond flourishes with affection as soon as Riku comes close to nudge and nuzzle his hair. He shuts his eyes and grabs onto Riku like a greedy little thing, holding to him and sticking his nose to Riku's chest. He inhales unabashedly, enjoying the smell of Riku's fur and skin.]

You did good too, Riku.

[Only Riku can get away with calling him bunny like that.]

I'm glad it's done...! What a pain...

[Neither of them are majorly injured and it's such a relief to Riku. The burns stung and hurt, but if that's all they have to handle at the end of this, well then he'd consider them lucky.

He fumbles a little, moving an forelimbs out of the way both to give Sora some more room and also to wrap that very same limb and paw around his friend, embracing him. It's the best he can do in this body, though Sora is sure to hear and feel the rumble of a purr starting in his chest, increasing that sunny gentle warmth of their bond.

Sometimes these changes and this bond are a bit of a curse. Physical affection has never been his strongest trait but it's become increasingly familiar and easier for him here.]

Thanks. You can choose the next job though.

[He laughs, the rumbling mixing in with his voice. But taking one last look at the body before them...]

We should get going, and find somewhere safer for the time being. I packed some healing charms, so we should get you cleaned up and looked at before we head back.

[Never mind that Riku looks like a complete mess himself. Matted and stained fur, sporting his own burns, and he could really use a source of water right now to rinse his mouth out. Bleh.]

Heh. We'll, I might pick gardening as our next job together so you better be prepared to get your hands dirty with actual dirt.

[And at least it's not dirty with cwyld gunk. Like they are right now... Sora fusses, one ear twitching annoyingly at the black sticky stuff stuck in his fur. He tugs at his shirt and then winces when he moves the wrong way and makes a stinging burn hurt.]

It's getting late so it might be good if we find somewhere to sleep for the night too. We can head back in the morning, right?

[Sora then starts to strip off his shirt. Healing charms, yes please...]

Ew, dirt.

[He may actually stick his cat-like tongue out at that suggestion, voice dripping with sarcasm. It's not as if Riku has been adverse or dislikes the idea of getting dirty. As a kid, he often ended up just as dirty and filthy as Sora. It doesn't bother him here much either, at least until the need to get clean hits him hard. Stupid feline instincts.

It's hard to resist the urge to try and clean himself up now. As he let's Sora go and moves to give him more room and some privacy, Riku winces at the burns and sticky black gunk that sting as he moves. He lowers himself onto his belly and rests his head on top of his paws, ears pinned back as Sora's exhaustion and hurt transfers through the bond.]

You'll have to grab the charms. They're in the side pocket in a pouch.

[And should he find it, there will be two small bronze medallions inscribed with runes and tied with rattail cords so that they can be worn as necklaces. They aren't the strongest charms out there, progressively healing over time, but they should do the trick for now.

Miraculously, the bag is in perfect shape, still strapped to Riku's shifted body. It took time and budgeting for him to afford a pack that was so heavily charmed. Enchanted to hold more items than it should and to adapt to his body changes was worth it though, especially when Riku had little time considering involuntary shifting or sticky fingers if he managed to get it off his back before his body could shred it.

Tail slowly trailing back and forth on the ground, he does look back at Sora with concern. He's far less worried about his own issues and the idea that he won't have enough energy to make it back, and more worried about Sora's own well being.]

We can... if you're sure you want to. [An ear flicks in annoyance. Riku came prepared to spend extra time out here, but hunting this beast took longer than he expected.] We just need to find somewhere safe first. Like a cave or a den or something.

[Which might be a mission in itself. There's a lot of dangers out here and who knows what the nights are like.

Riku goes quiet as he tilts his head.]

Getting awfully fuzzy now, aren't you?

[That is something that Sora doesn't envy about turnskins. That ability to change so fully into the animal they represent is kind of funny. Riku looks like he's making himself into a loaf of bread. Sora much likes staying mostly human-shaped aside from the added rabbit appendages.

He gives a quick nod as he moves over to Riku's pack. He tugs through it for a moment before he retrieves the healing charms they brought with them courtesy of Kairi. He sits down and cracks one open to let the magic pour over one of his worse burns with a wince.

Then he reaches out and runs a hand over Riku's head, scratching gently at those fuzzy kitty ears.]

Says you, have you looked in the mirror lately? I'm surprised you're not coughing up furballs all the time.

[Sora snickers playfully.]

[He resents being compared to a loaf of bread, thank you very much.

Though he can't blame anyone for thinking that way. As comfortable as he's become in this form, he's never quite been in this sort of a situation before. Missing thumbs and other human features strikes him at times, especially when the cat habits come through.

Riku stays still as his partner rummages around, sighing as his eyes shut halfway. The burns still sting and ache, a few particularly bad ones on a forearm, his flank and a side of his chest, but he's happy enough wait until later.

Especially since Sora decides to attack his ears like that. They flick and move out of the way initially, but Sora's touch is so gentle. Those half-lidded eyes close all the way, and the rumble in his chest returns. He pretty much forgets about a burn located close to an ear.

Damnit, it feels really good. Riku finds himself leaning into scritches, unable to help himself.]

Don't go there... [His words slur a little, one eye opening just enough to glare at his bondmate. His tail whips around to gently bap Sora's back.] I'll start leaving them on your bed if that ever happens.

[Urgh, why did he have to turn into a cat of all things. It's so embarrassing.]

Ew.

[Sora chuckles lightly. He notes the way Riku's ears flick and he smiles. He makes sure to take a second healing charm out of the bag and starts to snap it to apply the healing properties to Riku's wounds too. He starts with the back with careful and affectionate fingers.]

Even after I patch you up you'd do that to me?

[Then he starts on Riku's shoulder and then his particularly badly burned arm.]

Come here, lemme see that arm of yours. Geeze.

You started it. [It rumbles out of him along with a laugh. Truth be told, he's never thought about those kinds of possibilities before. The transformations have all messed up their behaviours and mannerisms at least a little, but there's some things that Riku would rather not deal with.]

Yeah, of course. You're first on the list for hairball torture since you're the one that brought it up.

[As the gentle ear rubs stop, he lifts his head to looks back at Sora. There's still gentle affection passing through their bond, like a warm pulsating light, but there's also something else from Riku. Like a small twinge of regret on his end.

Because while the healing magic feels cooling and soothing to his burns, he was fine with handling it later. Getting Sora to safety is more important right now.

Still... the cat relents after a quiet moment of consideration, giving his paw to Sora. There's a smattering of burns along it, blackened skin where soft fur once was. This is what he gets for targeting the tail of the beast.]

...It's okay. It doesn't hurt that much. [Liar, but at least he can walk on it without much trouble. The purring fades and he sighs, tail flicking up just a little.]

Yeah, you say that now.

[Sora can feel that slight little flicker of regret. It makes Sora give the turnskin a bit of a look before he gently takes that paw and starts to pour the healing magic over the burn wounds there. The magic crackles and sparkles over the paw like oil falling over a watery surface.]

You take care of me all the time so let me do it for once.

[Of course they both take care of each other but Sora can't help but sound soft but reprimanding.]

Once we've got most of these patched up we'll go find somewhere nice to camp out. [He grins.] There, how's that feel?

[Sometimes the bond is more of
a curse than a boon. Particularly when something he doesn't want known is transferred over. Sora's look is a knowing one and Riku dips his head upon seeing it, ears flattened. He knows he can be an absolute mess himself, ignoring self care for the needs of others.

The magic feels nice and cool and soothing on his skin, and Riku breathes out a relieved sigh. The burns don't look any better at the moment and the fur isn't coming back yet, but it no longer stings or feels tight.]

That's cause I'm not a total trouble magnet like you.

[A bit of light ribbing, covered in affection for the Puca. Since finding him again after so long, after literally no sign of his best friend on any known world, Riku's been determined to keep Sora safe and in one spot as much as he can. A desire that only has been amplified by the changes. Even though he has Riku's complete trust and faith, the older teen doesn't want to lose him again.

Ever.

So he'll take the reprimand, knowing that it's a mutual feeling.]

...Better. [Keeping his paw in Sora's lap, he kneads the teen a little.] Nice is going to be hard to find out here, you know. But we'll find a place... with some sweet grass for you.

[He might go back to nosing Sora a little.] Do you feeling any better?

[The bond really does let certain emotions and feelings flicker between them in this weird loop. He can only smile when he feels Riku's sure awkwardness. The way he still beats himself up sometimes when he thinks about the past. If Sora has anything to do with it he won't let Riku keep those thoughts for long.

He leans forward and boops his forehead gently against Riku's temple and gives him a gentle nuzzle.]

I like to think I'm just professionally Lucky.

[All that trouble he attracts and yet he still makes it out okay every single time. If that isn't luck than what is it?]

I wanna find a place with sweetgrass and flowers. We'll find it. Like I said, I'm feeling lucky.

[Sora then tugs on Riku. It's time to go.]

[He's gotten better. After achieving mastery status and getting through the war, Riku's gotten much better at handling himself and his past issues. But the problem about trauma is that it's still there, still stuck in the back of his mind. But progress isn't always made by taking big steps.

The ears relax as he gently chuckles at the boop, Sora's affection washing a sense of calm over him. It's time like this where he's grateful for the bond, and so long as his precious friends are safe and happy, that's enough for him.]

Thats one way of putting it. [Knowing what Sora's been through unlucky might suit him better. But Riku doesn't dwell on it. In many ways, Sora is absolutely good luck.] Maybe thats why you turned into a bunny here. Rabbits feet are good luck charms, just like you.

[It's true. Sora always does come out of it okay. But Riku's always concerned over his limits. Worried that he'll break and crumble under the pressure.

His tail flicks some more, clearly happy wags as he gets to his feet.] Doubt there's a lot of flowers here, but you can pig out on grass all you want. [He pads around to gently headbutt Sora's back.]

Come on, cottontail. You can get on my back if you're tired.

Hey! Don't call me Cottontail! Riku!

[Now that Sora isn't being attacked by scorpion shaped cwyld monsters he can properly retort to that little nickname. He helps Riku with a huff and then starts off through the trees.]

I'm okay with walking, you can ride on my back if you really need to, though!

[He laughs and waves Riku to follow.

Eventually, they do find an appropriate camping spot and it's right when the sun starts setting into the ground. It's getting darker and the sky is orange and red. The spot they find is a nice and safe-looking alcove of trees with some fresh running water nearby. Sora sniffs the air before dropping his pack.]

Hmmm...! This should be okay? Do you know how to start a fire, Riku?

Come on. You have a cottontail. What's wrong with that?

[That rightfully get a laugh out of him. Sora's always been cute to him, and the rabbit features just amplifies it. Besides, if Sora calls him kitty, it's all fair game in the nickname department.

He bashfully dips his head as they start. His arm is still nasty looking, but it doesn't seem to impede his ability to walk.]

I don't think a piggyback when I'm like this is a great idea. [What with the lack of opposable thumbs and limited range of movement. But the sentiment is appreciated and there's an obvious smile in his voice.] I'll be okay, but... thanks Sora.

[He just takes his time, an even pace as he follows. Truth be told, the exhaustion is starting to set in already and he's not sure how much longer he'll be able to hold this shifted body.

So there's quite a bit of relief when they do find it, and as Sora spends some time sniffing the air, Riku moseys around the area checking out the scents. It's a fairly protected little spot and at most, there's the scent of small animals, birds and maybe the occasional wisp of magic and monster. Nothing that screams threatening in his mind.]

Smells alright to me. [Already he can feel his body getting ready to change, small patches of fur shedding off his skin as he turns to Sora.]

Sort of. It's been a while... [Look, when you spend the past few years of your life around magic, you tend to use that as a shortcut for things like this.] Look for some dry branches, wood, grass or leaves. We'll use the grass or leaves as a fire starter.

I'll, uh... I can help you in a bit with it, okay?

[His voice is uncertain and anxious as he turns around to where they just came from and gets a little bit of distance between them. As much as shifting forms has become sort of second nature to him, Riku's never sure if coming out of his animal form in front of Sora and the others is a good thing. Without the adrenaline rush, it's a painful process at worst and a highly uncomfortable one at best. And he's certain that watching it happen isn't any easier either.

So he'll slip away momentarily, but not too far and not for too long.]

[Sora watches Riku as he idly starts to go through their things. He gets the tinder and magic starter and then starts to prepare to get their cozy fire started. He looks a little more concerned when Riku mutters that he'll be back in a moment. He knows it's Riku changing back and that it might hurt him when he does. Sora wishes that sort of hurt didn't come with changing. He wishes he could help...

His eyes linger on Riku's back as he leaves. Wondering what it would look like to see it change back to Riku's smooth human skin and muscles.]

Uh, okay! I'll be right here, Riku!

[He frowns and looks away. He moves to get the fire started so at least it'll start to feel warmer here by the time Riku returns.]

[Maybe one day, Riku will feel more comfortable about changing forms in front of Sora. After all, they share a bond and countless secrets. Their history going back further than Riku could remember.

But the pain that comes with it and the likely uncomfortable sight that comes with it, is something Riku's still trying to deal with himself and sometimes old habits die hard. And that's why he eventually stops, letting his bones creak and body change to a more humanoid form, refraining from calling out as he usually does when his friends are around.

And the exhaustion hits almost instantly. For a few moments, he's just on his hands and knees, letting his body settle down and the breeze float over his spotted skin and fur. Eventually, he gets up and heads back to the little camp they've claimed, ears downward and the smell of burning woods hitting his nose. A warm fire sounds about nice right now.

Riku dumps his pack right behind Sora's and trudges his tired body to the water, cleaning his paw-like hands and face and even rinse his mouth out a little. It's not as good as a real shower, but it'll do for now.]

...Sorry about that. [He's sheepish and apologetic for sure, but he doesn't want to concern Sora that much. Though the bond likely works against him in a case like this.

He plops down near the fire, tail curled beside him and not at all bothered by the state of his clothing right now. The few remnants of his shirt hang at the waist and his pants have unfortunately become severely tattered and stained shorts. There are spares in his bag, a constant requirement, but he's not budging to get them any time soon.][A sly smirk.] Guess you didn't need my help after all.

[Riku might think he has total privacy when he hides away to change but the bond also trickles some of the pain and discomfort that Riku goes through over to him. Sora sits there with a shiver in his shoulders as his rabbit ears twitch and he feels almost as awful as Riku might right now. He bares it wordlessly and when Riku returns he smiles all the same.]

Geeze, Riku. You look like crap.

[He teases playfully about the clothing all tattered and ripped. But he's already moving to go through their things to at least retrieve some clean clothing for Riku to wear. He glances over his shoulder at the other boy.]

Luckily I found the fire starter that Kairi packed us, too. Are you impressed?

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