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?

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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?

[If he could find some way to block the bond during times like this, Riku would be more than grateful. Hiding away truly does very little in cases like these, but it still gives Riku a little bit of peace of mind.

His shoulders sag as his ears perk up and he shoots a mock glare at the rabbit. But there's hardly any malice in him, and Sora's not wrong by any means.]

Gee, thanks. [He shifts his body, propping up his elbows with his furry knees, tail flicking playfully around.] It's an occupational hazard.

[There is a surge of pride and affection in his heart. Not even for just Sora, but their witch partner too. Of course he's impressed. The fire is starting to grow and the heat feels comforting.]

'Course I am... of Kairi. And maaaaaaybe you... [A little tease, as his now cat-like eyes shine mischievously in the light.]

...Even when we're far away from her, she's trying to take care of us.

[Sora smiles fondly when he feels Riku's reaction, his own long rabbit ears giving a soft twitch as he thinks of Kairi too. Their little witch is a smart one and she thinks of all the things her boys don't think of. They'd be so lost without her, truly.

And please, Riku. He knows you are proud of him too.] Just admit it, you love us.

[He can FEEL it.]

We should bring her back a gift or something, huh?

[It's true. Especially in this world, they'd be far worse off without Kairi. She's the glue that keeps them being them, and Riku's just a little relieved that she wouldnt have to go through the kinds of changes they're experiencing.]

Maybe... [He can't deny it, and there is some pride in how he looks at Sora. But teasing the heck out of his best friend has been his life's work and he's not about to stop in this place.] ...Maybe not when you try to use my tail as a pillow. But like... 75% of the time.

[Riku starts rummaging around in the other pack, but unlike Sora, he's not looking for clothes. Even with his skin mostly exposed, he's not too cold. The thick fur covering his shoulders and spreading down his back and arms help in keeping some heat in.

He pulls out a small package, neatly wrapped in wax paper with a few runes scribbled on it. The magic does nothing to mask the smell of salmon inside it, and Riku pulls out a few slices for him to nibble on.

He really should wait until Sora starts already, but he's usually starving in addition to being dead tired.]

It's a good idea, but I'm not sure that we'd be able to find something nice for her in a place like this. Unless... you had something in mind?

[He doesn't mind that Riku begins to eat even if the smell of salmon does make Sora's nose twitch in dislike. He can't handle the smell of most meats these days but he knows Riku has to eat what he has to eat. Sora is just happy Riku hasn't got a taste for wild game like rabbit. Sora himself goes into his pack and pulls out some packed vegetables that were freshly packaged for him that morning. Tomatoes, radishes, slices of cucumber and sweet apple slices. It'll go nicely with the fresh grass he might snack on later.

With that Sora moves to go sit right next to Riku. His arm brushing up close to Riku's arm nice and cozy. He still feels the desire to be close and touching his bondmate right now. And he rests his cheek on Riku's shoulder.]

I don't know...! Maybe some nice rare wildflowers or herbs that she could use for potion making. Something like that? Just something.

[Sora beings to nibble on his rations just like a rabbit might with a twitchy nose.]

[Funny how their preferences have now reversed. Riku's always had more healthy diet compared to Sora's junk food snacking habits. While he can still stomach a few greens now, the turnskin's diet has definitely shifted to more meat. At least his taste for fish hasn't changed much.

Though he does feel Sora's dislike drifting through, making him shift his packaged meal so that it's on the other side of him as Sora sits down. One small apologetic glance later, and Riku smiles softly at the warm body beside him.]

You know well have to pick twice as much because someone can't keep their snacking in check. [And to prove his point, that long tail whirls around Sora's waist to gently bap against his tummy before it rests there, gently wrapped against the bunny's hip and sitting his lap.

Gosh, it's cute how he eats like a rabbit too now. Riku can't help but think it as he nibbles on another piece of fish himself.] Not a bad idea though. There should be enough time in the morning to look around for something for her.

[Too bad neither of them are witches and know what's could be the best for her.]

[The fuzzy tail wrapping around him makes him blush and chuckle. He loves that tail so much and he can't help but run one hand along the soft silvery fur. Riku's fur is always so nice to the touch. Sora nuzzles Riku's shoulder in appreciation.]

I'll be good this time! I promise! [Heheh.] It's not my fault that some of the wild herbs out here are really super tasty.

[He continues to munch on his dinner.]

But I think that'll be really nice. She did so much work for us, you know?

[That makes one of them. Riku was accidentally slammed it into doors so much at first that for a time, he hated the damned thing. But it was fun to use as a tool to tease Sora with, and his gentle strokes feel so nice. Riku's ears relax and lower, one bumping against one of Sora's tall ones, and the tail curls with each touch.

His cheeks flush just a little at the affectionate gestures but Riku doesn't shy away, nuzzling the puca just a little too.]

Uh huh... [That's definitely one sly, disbelieving look he gives Sora.] Your mom would flip to hear those words coming out of your mouth.

[Mind you, Riku's had a taste of cat grass... out of curiousity.

His teasing tone fades away to something softer.] Yeah, helping us get ready for this mission and all. [He looks away and down just a little moment.] We'd probably lose ourselves here without her.

[Riku would do his best to take care of Sora if that was the case, but without her sweet, warm and beautiful magic, going feral would be a real fear for him.]

What I wouldn't do to see the look on her face if she knew my eating habits now...!

[Sora laughs at the though. Sora's always been a typical fussy eater when it came to things like carrots and greens. But now that his body has changed so much he doesn't mind them at all. Prefers them now! And his mother would have a field day with it...

But he lets that topic go in favour of nuzzling Riku again. The soft fur on his fingers is sweet and soft to play with and Sora feels like he wants to curl up against Riku pretty soon. He lets out a sleepy yawn and finishes his meagre dinner.]

Riku, do you like being bonded with the both of us?

[There's something nostalgic in the way Riku joins in the laughter, distant and soft. Being with Sora and Kairi always felt like home no matter where they were. But somehow talking about it reminds him of all those lackadaisy, simple years they've spent together on the islands.

The nuzzling bunny at his side grounds him though. Riku dwells on the past too much, even now, that it's a benefit to have his best friends around. His cheeks still flush at all the affectionate gestures, and while Sora's always been a physical person, he's grown into even more touchy in this world.

The tail lightly curls around the puca's hand. There's not many that he'd let touch his tail like this, but Sora is one of the lucky few.]

Huh? [Riku tilts his head as he looks down, giving him a curious look. Is this a trick question or something? What does he mean?]

Well... ye-yeah. [In true Riku fashion, he sounds unsure, but the bond makes up for it with a strong, gentle and steadfast yes. He's gotten better at properly articulating himself and some of his feelings, but there are times when he falters.

He closes his eyes for a moment, this time his voice more certain and firm.] Of course I do. If you guys weren't here, I dunno who I'd bond to. Besides, you need someone to keep an eye on you two and make sure you stay in one spot.

[He's gotten over his apprehension about the bonds and some of his worry about being bonded to them both. Silly worries for sure, given how far he's come, but it is still there in the back of his mind at times.]

...Why do you ask? Do you not like it?

[Watching Riku's telltale reacts makes something flutter in Sora's heart. It's guilty but Sora sort of takes pleasure in getting to see Riku blush and struggle sometimes with saying what he wants to say. That's probably why Sora throws such curveballs at him sometimes. Both wanting to see those reactions but also for being genuinely curious.]

You would be pretty helpless without us.

[But his voice is soft and gentle. He just wanted to hear Riku say it and there's no real reason why he brings it up like he does. Just for causing his bondmate a little flash of worried panic Sora moves his hands and puts them on Riku's cheeks and tugs him close.]

But we'd be pretty helpless without you. I'd be ... lonely.

[Sora chuckles lightly under his breath. Bunnies can die from loneliness, did Riku know that?

With that gentle note Sora carefully leans forward and presses a kiss to Riku's cheek. Loving and sweet.]

[You are cruel to your cat sometimes, Sora. He know that Riku doesn't always listen to his heart as well or as easily as Sora can.

The comment directed at him makes Riku frown a little, looking a little challenging if anything. But it doesn't last long. Sora's palms feel cool against the rising heat in Riku's cheeks, his ears tilting forward with alertness and the tiny spots on his cheeks doing nothing to hide the pink tinge.

And the gentle kiss... maybe it's a good thing that Sora's not holding onto his tail anymore. It quickly flicks out of the rabbit's lap, the entirety of it puffed out, with more fur spreading down his arms and back and standing on end. He's not scared, but it envokes such an emotional reaction for such an emotional gesture that Riku can't control his body from reacting in such a feline way.]

You... [When his brain finally reboots itself, he chuckles quietly.] You who makes friends within five seconds of knowing someone? You could never be lonely, Sora.

[A small tease, given that they've both seen each other at their worst and lowest. Knowing that Sora draws so much strength from his friends, loneliness is a big fear for him.

Riku finds himself reaching his arms around him, seemingly folding himself around Sora into a hug. Tilting his head downward, he nudges and nuzzles his forehead into the fuzzy spikes of hair. One hand wraps itself around his shoulders and the other reaches up and with the developing paw pads on his fingers, gently caresses a velvety tall ear.]

You'll never be alone.

[Sora chuckles happily and playfully as Riku nuzzles himself into his brunette hair. He snuggles tightly into the hug and feels the flourish of good flutter emotions from the both of them start to flicker across their strong bond.]

It's a different kind of loneliness. With you around, you know? A Riku feeling.

[He grins and wiggles affectionately. Keep touching his ears!!]

But when you're here everything is alright.

[As Sora snuggles more into him, Riku pulls the puca even more into his chest and lap. The affection they're both emitting makes him start to purr again, and there's a slight content smile on his face.]

A 'me' feeling, huh? [He laughs, the sound melding with the purr in his chest. To hear such a thing exists makes him red yet again, but he understands.

Because there's a Sora feeling too...]

Silly bunny... [He nuzzles some more, closing his eyes for a moment as his fingers continue to rub the rabbit ears and run up and down the edges. His tail curls around their bodies again and with the warm bond and even warmer fuzzy rabbit in his arms, Riku hardly feels cold.]

I'm always with you, you know that. And I'll always find you. No matter where you are.

[It's so warm. Sometimes he feels so small in Riku's arms but being here makes him feel so warm and incredibly safe. There is nothing else in the world that gives him this steady, grounding feeling. Sora's ears twitch with the gentle affection and he shivers softly against the other boy. He wants to nuzzle so close and inhale the smell of Riku's bare skin.]

No matter what. I'd find you too, you know. It's a promise.

[Sora gently nuzzle into Riku and before he can hold himself back he presses more kisses to Riku's cheeks. Getting so close as to press one even to the corner of Riku's lips. An affectionate bunny is a happy bunny and he fully trusts his carnivorous bondmate.]

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