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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[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.]

[There's always been something of a size difference between them, but somehow this world has made it more noticable. He doesn't mind it though. Sora's got more than enough light and spirit and warmth and energy to make up for it anyways. He's always managed to lift up and light Riku's mood and heart.]

Yeah... it's a promise.

[Said with a smile. The kisses are so light and gentle and with each one, he feels his face getting warmer. There is a tiny bit of shyness there, with the cat wondering how he can still be so lucky to have such precious, wonderful people in his life to this day, but he doesn't mind it. Very little is going to dampen this feeling.

...Though as Sora's kisses travel closer to his mouth, the purring does momentarily stop and there's more than just a small flicker of worry that flares up. They trust each other, always have, but they're also quite different. Even if he's aware of them, Riku would rather not spook Sora with his fangs and sharp teeth being so close.

The feeling lingers but the affection is so contagious, and his purring starts up yet again. Its another cheek nuzzle and nudge against him until Riku feels brave enough to plant a small and delicate kiss on Sora's forehead.]

[He is so so aware of how much bigger Riku is growing to be. As the type of cat turnskin that he is it's pretty typical. Riku's body has always been quite bulky but he's gained even more muscle and a certain sort of cat-like grace that Sora can't help but admire. As a rabbit, Sora seems to be the complete opposite. He's getting smaller and a little round. It makes him pout but there isn't much he can do about that.

His eyes open when Riku's purring pauses and he stares at Riku with half-lidded eyes. When the purring begins again Sora feels a flutter of something in his heart and a burning across his cheeks when Riku kisses his brow.

... Not that he doesn't appreciate the affection but he wishes there was something a little more. Sora's eyes flicker with a little heat as he stares at Riku with curiosity. He tugs on Riku's hair and pushes him a little as if demanding it.

He can't help it. A rabbit is a little pushy about affection. He wants... a kiss.

Would that be weird?]

[Their sizes are creating a bit of a difference between them, but seeing Sora change in such a way has at least stopped Riku's barrage of height jokes. Besides, size doesn't matter. His bondmate could shrink to the size of a fae and he would still stand by him and love him no matter what.

The flutter is noticeable via their bond, and Riku tilts his head at Sora with wide eyes and alert ears. He... messed up, didn't he? Even without words, he can tell there's something else. Something his hesitation maybe prevented.

That the puca wants more.

His ears lower as his hair is grabbed, tail lightly curling around Sora's smaller thigh. He's not the best at affection all the time, but this is Sora and despite their bodies and changes, they are still them, aren't they?

With that thought powering him and his loud purring, Riku nuzzles a hand holding onto some of his hair and brings down the paw that was rubbing the rabbit ears. Pressing Sora closer to his body, the cat rolls onto his back and through the motion...

He takes a dive and gives the bunny what he wants. With a paw for support for his rabbit, he plants a kiss on his lips, tender but a little playful, cheeks red hot all the whole.]

...Better?

[Sora's ears seem to quiver the moment that the cat rolls onto his back and Sora flops down with him. Flowers and powder flutter into the air with a small whoosh that tickles his nose but all Sora cares about in that exact moment is the way that the fur feels against his leg and the way Riku holds him so close.

And the gentle sweet kiss- Sora shivers when lips press against lips and his little bunny tail seems to twitch as he shifts closer. It can't help wanting to kiss Riku these days. It just feels so good and his heart swells whenever it happens. Some might think it's odd to kiss a best friend like this but Sora's bond with Riku has sort of elevated certain things and feelings.

His cheeks are also pink and his eyes a little hazy when they part lips and Sora murmurs happily.]

That's way better, Riku. I think I need just one more.

[So demanding...]

[The crushed flowers and pollen make the fur on his back twitch, but the mostly human skin of Riku's still very bare chest is still as can be under Sora's body.

He feels both the rabbit's shiver and the burning swelling of desire through the bond. His own lips still burn with the warmth that Sora's left him with, even after they parted, and his smell and taste is so sweet

His gaze is a bit blurry as Riku looks up at the smaller boy atop him. There aren't tears in his eyes, but it's so hazy and warm being like this. The attention they're both giving and receiving is euphoric.]

Mmm... [Riku leans his head upward to bump and nudge and nuzzle his companion even more, a few gentle feline vocalizations even escaping his mouth. While his human mind and heart struggle with showing affection, the more cat-like instincts kick in, and his words are lengthened but not slurred or unintelligible.]

Bossy bunny...

[The tail tightens just for a moment against Sora's leg, playful and nonthreatening and Riku brings his hands up to better support Sora's smaller frame. Another nuzzle, forehead against forehead, and his lips just brush lightly against the puca's before pulling back with a coy smirk.

A tease. It's not going to be that easy, little rabbit.]

Edited 2020-05-14 02:27 (UTC)

[Since the first time that Riku purred around him Sora has been in love with the sound. That gentle cat-like sound that erupts from Riku's lips and the rumble of his chest makes Sora feel wonderful. It's so weird to think that Riku's noises are something that makes him so happy. But he really can't help the happy and content smile get gets when he hears it. Sora's own voice chitters gently with a bunny-like squeak as he boops his nose gently against Riku's.]

It's just one more!

[That breath so soft and teasing against his lips. If Riku is going to tease him or make him work for it? Well- He can do that. This time Sora closes the gap between them and he kisses Riku sweetly and lingers there.

His heart pitter-patters happily. Riku. His bondmate. He can't get enough of knowing that. Sometimes he wonders if it is the bond that makes Sora feel so head-over-heels for Riku or if the feelings were always there...]

Edited 2020-05-17 19:12 (UTC)

[At least Riku takes comfort knowing that the purring doesn't bother a few people. It was jarring when he first started to emit the sound, an painless but uncomfortable change in his mind, and it's taken him a while to relax about it. But when he's around Sora, feeling that gentle love and acceptance for it that bleeds through, it has helped Riku accept it himself.

Besides, those little chitterings and squeaks coming out of Sora? Those are adorable, and a strange laugh-purr combination tunes out of his mouth at the nose boop.]

Really? You're so greedy...

[He's noticed that. Since becoming part rabbit, Sora has been a little clingy. Not that he minds. Given what they've all had to deal with, Riku has been keeping himself close to the other boy. The bond has deepened some things in some ways and just made that desire much stronger. Riku has always admired and loved Sora, but he's never been good at displaying those feelings. This world and even these changes have made that a little easier.

The kiss tastes so sweet and light, and Riku inhales the bunny's scent as if it was ecstasy, making his purr much louder. His tail releases Sora's thigh, falling limp beside them, and the feline nudges and headbumps Sora a little more.]

Bettteeeeer...

[His eyes close constantly as he raises his head to bumps noses this time, ears tipped downward as if it was a vulnerable display of affection. Inhaling his scent again, his lips search for Sora's brushing against them gently but not pulling back this time.

His tail starts to gently thump against the ground in bliss and excitement.]

Maybe a little, I dunno.

[Sora doesn't quite admit to being greedy but he knows that he is. Whatever feelings he had for Riku before really has flourished and gotten stronger since they've bonded. Sora can feel flickers in Riku's energy, the moods he gets when he's feeling Kairi's magic. It's usually not a good idea for two monsters to bond because of the feedback but to Sora it's only made things so much stronger.

That's why he's so greedy about getting kisses and touches from Riku. To feel that flourish in their bond intensify when Riku purrs and reacts to him. It makes his heart sing in a lot of different ways. It makes Sora's ears twitch and his smile fond when he nuzzles Riku gently with his nose.]

At this rate we're gonna end up sleeping right here.

[Not that he's really complaining... Riku is the best sort of pillow. And he smells good, his fur so soft under Sora's fingers when he reaches up to fiddle with one cat-like ear.]

[Even if it's a sheepish admission and Riku was half-teasing earlier, it makes him lightly laugh all the same. They've always been close to one another, and close to Kairi, the connections their hearts have made transcending what's possible. But this magic and the emotions he feels from his bondmate, do more than just reinforce what they already know. It keeps his heart still and strong, despite what's happened to him physically.

Monster or not, Riku would still find a way to make a bond with Sora somehow. He isn't about to lose him again to anything, even if would ho feral in the process.

As Sora nuzzles, Riku plants a small and tender kiss on both of the corners of his mouth and even one on the tip of his cute twitchy nose.]

That's fine with me. I'm comfy here...

[And a little tired. The physical effects of shifting forms are still there and he's still feeling them, but this is too nice to stop. He's so warm and content like this, holding onto what has always been to him a ball of sunshine and light in his hands. Sora could never be seen as anything else, even if he's turning into a rabbit.

A very meow-like sound comes out of his throat at the touch. This time, his ear doesn't flick away and in fact, Riku leans into those fingers. Sora's so gentle and kind to him, and the gentle thudding of his tail against the ground and the purr in his chest just emphasizes his trust in him.

With anyone else, he might be embarrassed that he just meowed. But right now? He couldn't care less.]

[And just like that the atmosphere between them becomes content and sleepy. Sora lets out a small happy noise as he curls up nice and close to Riku's body, fingers still splaying over ears and fur in a gentle and affectionate manner. They can sleep right here, curled up against one another for warmth and comfort, under the beautiful twinkling stars.]

Me too.. [Sora yawns sleepily as he listens to the soft noise of Riku's tail bapping against the ground. It's comforting.] You're a good giant pillow.

[Their bond is strong and he hopes it stays that way. In this world where being connected with others means life or death... Well, they've always been a little like that. Reliant in ways that probably mean more than just friendship or companionship. Sora knows he loves Riku. That's just how it is.]

G'night, Riku.

[As Sora's fingers rub and caress his ears, Riku's eyes slowly shut. The short velvety fur tickles his chest as they get close and his hands find their way around Sora's body, making sure he isn't far from him.

A light laugh and he nuzzles Sora's smaller should a bit more then brushes his lips over the brunette's in a soft kiss. His voice is soft and sleepy, melding with the rumble in his chest.] Glad I could be of service.

[His tail slows its movement, eventually curling around their combined bodies protectively as he turns to Sora and opens his eyes. He isn't always great with words and conveying how he feels. Riku's been getting better! But he's also thankful that the bond between them helps in that regard. Receiving warm emotions from Sora has never been a problem, but coming from him? That's a different story.

He tugs the rabbit a little closer, nudging forehead against forehead. Eyes deep and full of love and admiration before they close again.]

...Goodnight, Sora.

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