[037.] New Beginnings
Title: New Beginnings
Fandom: Kingdom Hearts
Claim: Cloud/Riku
Theme: [037.] Soft
Word Count: 2,704
Rating: R for multiple use of that bad ‘f-word’
Summary: So much can change in a year. Leon wishes Riku luck that this year may be better than the last.
Disclaimer: I honestly really don’t own any of this stuff. I have no authorization to use it, either; I just do because I’m a bad girl like that.
Author’s Note: My space bar is squeaking. I just want you to think about what that sounds like when typing a prompt. Kay? Thanks. (NOTE: It’s more amusing than annoying.)
Riku had a habit of taking care of things. Whether he was required to step in and lend a hand or not, Riku made himself a part of the solution to every problem. In school, this always made him the leader of the group and a meticulous student. At home, he picked up after himself and was the first to help out when his mother or father wouldn’t be around. With his friends, he had the ideas, the schemes, and the plans to go about achieving it all.
Riku had a tendency to go above and beyond expectations. He was never content with being normal or average; there always had to be something bigger and better to achieve. In school, this always made his marks higher than most of his class, and led to many tutoring sessions with Sora. At home, he was particular about his chores, and never finished anything until displayed his best effort. With his friends, he was always around to lend an ear or a hand.
Riku never settled. He had big goals, and often made plans on the best ways to accomplish them. In school, his teachers named him among their most hard-working and ambitious students. At home, his parents encouraged every step, promising things would work out in the end. With his friends, they pushed each other, demanding their limits expand, and to dream beyond all average possibilities.
Sora called him crazy. Kairi said that it was as if he never stopped thinking. Ayumi worried that he’d burn out one day. Wakka wondered where he got the energy. Selphie just couldn’t understand. Tidus swore nothing fazed him.
On days like these, Riku wondered just how much he had changed or if through this entire Heartless experience, he’d stayed just the same after all.
“You’re a little early,” said Riku, setting the over timer. He sat down at the counter and lit a cigarette.
“Just finished the wiring over at the orphanage,” said Leon. “Cid went to check up on Aerith and Yuffie. Don’t worry. They’ll be back.”
Riku chuckled. He watched as Leon slipped out of his jacket and sat across from him, lighting a cigarette of his own.
“That’s a relief. I thought I might not get the pleasure of Yuffie’s company today.”
Leon snorted.
“No such luck. How was Cloud’s disposition today when you left him?”
“All right. Begged me not to leave him, but he does that every day.”
Riku shrugged. Leon frowned and flicked his ash into the tray.
“What’s up? You seem down today.”
Riku sighed. It’d been a little over a week since he’d arrived in Hollow Bastion-well into November. It was colder than usual, at least to Riku, though Cloud often complained of the unusually warm weather for this time of year. He spent his mornings and afternoons painting with Cloud, laughing, bantering, and simply enjoying his company. Riku left early in the evening to start dinner, which was finished by the time everyone returned. Sunday was the day off, and Riku spent that first Sunday with Leon and Cloud doing nothing. Two days ago, construction finished on the orphanage, and now that the power and plumbing were taken care of, Cloud and he were scheduled to start painting there tomorrow.
Nine days in Hollow Bastion. He’d spent nine days here already. By day five, he and Leon already struck up a friendship. Riku liked Leon; he was easy to talk to, laid-back, and never tried to bullshit him. Riku appreciated his blunt honesty and odd sense of humor so much that by day nine, being alone with Leon was comfortable. His statement, however, made Riku shift.
“Am I that easy to read?”
“Not really. If you were Cloud, I’d know what was bothering you, too.”
Riku shrugged.
“It’s nothing, really. Just thinking a lot about home, my friends, family . . .”
“Are you forgetting yet?”
“Can’t remember what he looks like anymore, but I still know Sora’s name. Don’t know when that’s going to go next. Mickey told you?”
“Told us all, yeah. Something about Sora sleeping in a pod and it has to do with memories, but I don’t even remember much of that, anymore.”
“Yeah. Me either.”
“That’s not what’s bothering you, though.”
Riku sighed again. He flicked his cigarette.
“No.”
“And I don’t think it’s Ansem, either, or Destiny Islands . . .”
Riku shook his head.
“It’s nothing, really. Just thinking about me, I guess. The way I used to be. How I am now. If I’ve changed, or if maybe . . . You know, with the darkness . . . I don’t know. It wasn’t darkness that was my enemy. It was my heart being so damn weak . . . And I think I’ve changed, but maybe I’m just like I was before I gave into the darkness . . . Or maybe I’m stronger because of it. I don’t know. I told you it was nothing.”
“And what provoked this?”
“. . . Huh?”
“Thoughts like that aren’t usually unprovoked. Something reminds you . . . makes you think about it. Don’t tell me you hate painting even more than Cloud does.”
Riku laughed.
“No. It’s not that.”
“So it was provoked, then . . .”
Riku rolled his eyes.
“You tricked me.”
“Well it’s obvious that something made you think about it. You were very resolved when you got here, and the longer you’ve been around, the more it’s dwindled, but you don’t seem depressed or like you’re giving up. It just seems like you’ve been thinking a lot, and it’s got you a little down.”
“Yeah, I guess . . .”
“I just can’t tell if you’re feeling insecure about yourself or if it’s something else . . .”
“No. I’m secure with where I’m going, and I’m looking forward to helping Sora against that Organization XIII when he wakes up, but until then . . . I just need to wait. Maybe gather some information so I have something to contribute when he wakes up. I’m just not sure what I’m going to do yet.”
“So if that’s not why you’re down . . .”
“It’s just one of those days, you know?”
“Not exactly. What happened?”
Riku sighed.
“You’re just going to keep at me until I tell you, huh?”
“Yep. Have another cigarette. I can tell you need it.”
Riku laughed.
“Nicotine is my crutch.”
“Mine, too. Go ahead. Continue. What’s got you thinking about everything?”
Riku sighed.
“It’s been a long time since I’ve seen home, you know? Kairi’s back on Destiny Islands, my friends, my family . . . The world is restored. They’re all going to school, living normal lives . . . So much has changed in a year.”
Leon nodded.
“A year is a long time.”
“I know. It’s not even a year since this all started-it’s getting close, but . . . I don’t know. I really thought I’d be home by now. I never really thought I’d be gone forever, even when I opened the door. I didn’t think I’d be alone this long.”
“Cloud will be pleased to hear you think you’re alone.”
Riku shook his head.
“I know I have Cloud, and I think I have you, now-”
Leon nodded.
“You do.”
“I just . . .” Riku huffed. “Last year at this time I was going to school, talking about adventures, and spending almost every day at the beach. I don’t think about what I’d be doing if I were home most of the time, but . . .”
“But?”
“But I’m sixteen. If I were home . . .”
“I thought you were fifteen,” said Leon, frowning. He lit a cigarette. “I should let Cloud know he’s misinformed about your age.”
Riku laughed.
“I was fifteen. It’s my birthday.”
Leon cocked an eyebrow, and then nodded.
“Ah. It’s one of those days.”
Riku nodded.
“Yeah.”
“One of those important, memorable holiday-type days that bring back a lot of memories and make you think about how much has changed in a year.”
Riku nodded.
“That’s right.”
“Probably the first of those important, memorable holiday-type days that you’ve ever spent without your family and friends.”
“Yep.”
“And if you were home and none of this had ever happened, you’d be getting presents, eating cake, and doing all that normal stuff instead of waiting for Yuffie to annoy you and listening to Cid’s plans on the town defense mechanism.”
“Right.”
Leon fished in his pocket and threw an unopened cigarette pack at Riku.
“Happy Birthday, kid.”
Riku laughed, taking the pack, and shook his head.
“Thanks, Leon.”
“Don’t sound so ungrateful. I got you a present and everything.”
“What if I only smoke menthol?”
“Then I’ll just take it back.”
“Fuck off. It’s my birthday present. You can’t take it back.”
“Does Cloud know?”
Riku shook his head.
“Nah. I didn’t want him to make a big deal out of it. I mean, I figured I’d tell him tonight or something . . . I can’t stay fifteen forever. He’d start to wonder. I just . . .”
“Birthdays are uncomfortable. I know. Everyone gets all excited about you being a whole year older, and fusses over you, and all you can do is pretend to smile at the crappy gifts and say thanks. I know you didn’t do that with me, though. I got you an awesome present.”
“Yeah, you did.”
“Cloud does make a big deal out of birthdays, though, just for the record. He’ll be crushed you didn’t tell him earlier. Prepare for him to try and make up for it Sunday.”
“Are you serious?”
“Yes. Ever since we were kids at the orphanage. Aerith always threw little birthday parties for the younger kids, and she always got Cloud in on it, so he considers himself something of a birthday specialist. Christmas is my holiday.”
“You? Christmas?”
“I can be jolly. It just happens once a year.”
“Did you actually just use the word ‘jolly’?”
“Okay, so maybe I’m not jolly, but I enjoy the season and all of its festivities.”
“Let me guess-Aerith mostly handles that one, too.”
Leon hesitated, and then nodded.
“Yeah. Yeah, she does. I help, though.”
“Why is it that now I’m dreading the Christmas season with your gang of friends a little bit?”
“I want you to know that I take that personally.”
“Is Cloud really going to be crushed?”
“He’ll feel bad, yes, and then he’ll be moody until Sunday comes and he can make it up to you. Let him do it. It’ll stop the moodiness.”
Riku sighed, and then nodded.
“Yeah. Okay.”
“Hey, Riku?”
“Yeah?”
“For what it’s worth, I think you’re probably stronger because of the darkness, but I doubt you’ve changed much. We never lose who we really are; we evolve into something better through our struggles.”
“Get that from Aerith, too?”
“Yes, but it’s appropriate in the situation, and it’s something I truly believe. May sixteen work out better for you than fifteen did.”
Riku put out his cigarette, smiled, and stood up as the oven timer went off. Leon walked over to the couch, grabbed his jacket, and slung it back over his shoulders.
“I have to go to the market. Someone stole my spare cigarettes.”
“Fuck you.”
“Watch your language. I know you’re sixteen, now, and think you’re a big grownup, but you’re still a little boy.”
“Hey, Leon?”
“Yeah?”
“Thanks a lot. You know . . . for what you said earlier.”
Leon shrugged.
“No problem.”
~*~
Ayumi would have been proud if Riku could call her now and recount the details of everything that had happened since he disappeared. The lecture on the tip of her tongue would have dissipated by the time he reached the present, and though she’d reprimand him for his behavior, Riku was sure that she’d sing his praises in the end. She would say that she worried for him, but was so proud that he overcame his obstacles and refused to give up. Ayumi might even say that this was the Riku she knew and loved, the one she missed right before his departure when his grades started to slip, and they started to fight.
Kairi would assert that they would always be friends, and that maybe Riku had changed, but it was part of growing up. Her kind nature and cheerful disposition would brighten her face into a smile, and Kairi would change the subject, never one to allow Riku’s brooding to continue.
Selphie would tell Riku he was so cute when he worried. Wakka would wonder why Riku always thought such depressing things. Tidus would say Riku had gone soft, and needed to stop moping so much. Sora . . . Riku couldn’t even picture what Sora would do, anymore.
It wasn’t exactly a miserable thought, either, to think that he had changed, or that maybe he was the same person all along. No matter which it was, he was still Riku at heart, and whoever this person was now couldn’t really compare to the person he was a year ago. In the end, what really mattered was how Riku felt about himself.
Riku was washing his hands in the bathroom sink when he heard the door open, loud voices, and then the door closing. He dried his hands off on a towel and left the bathroom to find Cloud, Leon, Yuffie, Aerith, Cid, Tifa, Mickey, and Merlin in the living room. Riku frowned.
“Mickey? Merlin? I wasn’t expecting you.”
“You little punk,” said Yuffie. She walked forward and poked Riku in the chest. “Why didn’t you tell us it was your birthday?”
“Yeah,” said Cloud. “I’d like to know when my boyfriend turns sixteen, you know.”
“Because it sounds so much better than fifteen,” said Tifa. “Pedophile.”
“You shut up. It does sound better.”
Riku raised his eyebrows. Leon shrugged.
“I lied,” said Leon. “Cloud takes care of Christmas. I’m on birthday duty.”
“We got you a cake,” said Yuffie.
“It says ‘Happy Birthday, Tommy.’ I’d apologize, but you didn’t give us much notice,” said Tifa.
“So just pretend you’re Tommy for the evening.”
“Or at least when we cut the cake.”
“Or he could pretend it says his name,” said Cid.
“Or we could wipe off the icing and put Riku’s name on, instead,” said Cloud.
“With what?” said Leon. “We don’t regularly keep icing in the house.”
“Okay, then we could just wipe off the icing and let the cake be nameless.”
“As long as you don’t use your fingers, I don’t care what you do.”
“Leon?” said Riku. “Did you miss that part of our conversation about not making a big deal out of it?”
“Are you serious?” said Yuffie. “We make a big deal out of everything.”
“Yeah,” said Cloud. “As soon as Yuffie heard the word ‘birthday,’ she tried to run off and buy streamers.”
“I almost got balloons, but Tifa took them away from me.”
“What’s wrong with balloons?” said Riku.
“Babe, think: Yuffie on helium,” said Cloud.
Riku bit his lip and nodded.
“Ah. I see. Are you mad I didn’t tell you?”
Cloud shrugged and crossed the room. He wrapped his arms around Riku’s waist and kissed his forehead.
“I was a little hurt, I guess, that you’d tell Leon and not me, but then he told me about your conversation, and I forgave you.”
“He does have plans for you both on Sunday, though,” said Leon. “I hope you took me seriously when I said to expect them.”
“Are we going to let the festivities begin or what?” said Yuffie, pulling confetti out of a brown-paper shopping bag.
“Where did you get that?” said Tifa.
“When you were taking the balloons back.”
Riku laughed.
“Better than moping?” said Cloud.
Riku leaned his head against Cloud’s shoulder and nodded.
“I should know better by now than to try and pull anything over on you people.”
“You’re having a good time. Admit it.”
Riku smiled.
“Yeah, all right. You got me.”
Cloud ran his hand over the top of Riku’s head, and pressed a kiss to his hairline.
“Happy sixteenth.”
( Prompt Table) for previous installments. 037/100 Complete.
Fandom: Kingdom Hearts
Claim: Cloud/Riku
Theme: [037.] Soft
Word Count: 2,704
Rating: R for multiple use of that bad ‘f-word’
Summary: So much can change in a year. Leon wishes Riku luck that this year may be better than the last.
Disclaimer: I honestly really don’t own any of this stuff. I have no authorization to use it, either; I just do because I’m a bad girl like that.
Author’s Note: My space bar is squeaking. I just want you to think about what that sounds like when typing a prompt. Kay? Thanks. (NOTE: It’s more amusing than annoying.)
Riku had a habit of taking care of things. Whether he was required to step in and lend a hand or not, Riku made himself a part of the solution to every problem. In school, this always made him the leader of the group and a meticulous student. At home, he picked up after himself and was the first to help out when his mother or father wouldn’t be around. With his friends, he had the ideas, the schemes, and the plans to go about achieving it all.
Riku had a tendency to go above and beyond expectations. He was never content with being normal or average; there always had to be something bigger and better to achieve. In school, this always made his marks higher than most of his class, and led to many tutoring sessions with Sora. At home, he was particular about his chores, and never finished anything until displayed his best effort. With his friends, he was always around to lend an ear or a hand.
Riku never settled. He had big goals, and often made plans on the best ways to accomplish them. In school, his teachers named him among their most hard-working and ambitious students. At home, his parents encouraged every step, promising things would work out in the end. With his friends, they pushed each other, demanding their limits expand, and to dream beyond all average possibilities.
Sora called him crazy. Kairi said that it was as if he never stopped thinking. Ayumi worried that he’d burn out one day. Wakka wondered where he got the energy. Selphie just couldn’t understand. Tidus swore nothing fazed him.
On days like these, Riku wondered just how much he had changed or if through this entire Heartless experience, he’d stayed just the same after all.
“You’re a little early,” said Riku, setting the over timer. He sat down at the counter and lit a cigarette.
“Just finished the wiring over at the orphanage,” said Leon. “Cid went to check up on Aerith and Yuffie. Don’t worry. They’ll be back.”
Riku chuckled. He watched as Leon slipped out of his jacket and sat across from him, lighting a cigarette of his own.
“That’s a relief. I thought I might not get the pleasure of Yuffie’s company today.”
Leon snorted.
“No such luck. How was Cloud’s disposition today when you left him?”
“All right. Begged me not to leave him, but he does that every day.”
Riku shrugged. Leon frowned and flicked his ash into the tray.
“What’s up? You seem down today.”
Riku sighed. It’d been a little over a week since he’d arrived in Hollow Bastion-well into November. It was colder than usual, at least to Riku, though Cloud often complained of the unusually warm weather for this time of year. He spent his mornings and afternoons painting with Cloud, laughing, bantering, and simply enjoying his company. Riku left early in the evening to start dinner, which was finished by the time everyone returned. Sunday was the day off, and Riku spent that first Sunday with Leon and Cloud doing nothing. Two days ago, construction finished on the orphanage, and now that the power and plumbing were taken care of, Cloud and he were scheduled to start painting there tomorrow.
Nine days in Hollow Bastion. He’d spent nine days here already. By day five, he and Leon already struck up a friendship. Riku liked Leon; he was easy to talk to, laid-back, and never tried to bullshit him. Riku appreciated his blunt honesty and odd sense of humor so much that by day nine, being alone with Leon was comfortable. His statement, however, made Riku shift.
“Am I that easy to read?”
“Not really. If you were Cloud, I’d know what was bothering you, too.”
Riku shrugged.
“It’s nothing, really. Just thinking a lot about home, my friends, family . . .”
“Are you forgetting yet?”
“Can’t remember what he looks like anymore, but I still know Sora’s name. Don’t know when that’s going to go next. Mickey told you?”
“Told us all, yeah. Something about Sora sleeping in a pod and it has to do with memories, but I don’t even remember much of that, anymore.”
“Yeah. Me either.”
“That’s not what’s bothering you, though.”
Riku sighed again. He flicked his cigarette.
“No.”
“And I don’t think it’s Ansem, either, or Destiny Islands . . .”
Riku shook his head.
“It’s nothing, really. Just thinking about me, I guess. The way I used to be. How I am now. If I’ve changed, or if maybe . . . You know, with the darkness . . . I don’t know. It wasn’t darkness that was my enemy. It was my heart being so damn weak . . . And I think I’ve changed, but maybe I’m just like I was before I gave into the darkness . . . Or maybe I’m stronger because of it. I don’t know. I told you it was nothing.”
“And what provoked this?”
“. . . Huh?”
“Thoughts like that aren’t usually unprovoked. Something reminds you . . . makes you think about it. Don’t tell me you hate painting even more than Cloud does.”
Riku laughed.
“No. It’s not that.”
“So it was provoked, then . . .”
Riku rolled his eyes.
“You tricked me.”
“Well it’s obvious that something made you think about it. You were very resolved when you got here, and the longer you’ve been around, the more it’s dwindled, but you don’t seem depressed or like you’re giving up. It just seems like you’ve been thinking a lot, and it’s got you a little down.”
“Yeah, I guess . . .”
“I just can’t tell if you’re feeling insecure about yourself or if it’s something else . . .”
“No. I’m secure with where I’m going, and I’m looking forward to helping Sora against that Organization XIII when he wakes up, but until then . . . I just need to wait. Maybe gather some information so I have something to contribute when he wakes up. I’m just not sure what I’m going to do yet.”
“So if that’s not why you’re down . . .”
“It’s just one of those days, you know?”
“Not exactly. What happened?”
Riku sighed.
“You’re just going to keep at me until I tell you, huh?”
“Yep. Have another cigarette. I can tell you need it.”
Riku laughed.
“Nicotine is my crutch.”
“Mine, too. Go ahead. Continue. What’s got you thinking about everything?”
Riku sighed.
“It’s been a long time since I’ve seen home, you know? Kairi’s back on Destiny Islands, my friends, my family . . . The world is restored. They’re all going to school, living normal lives . . . So much has changed in a year.”
Leon nodded.
“A year is a long time.”
“I know. It’s not even a year since this all started-it’s getting close, but . . . I don’t know. I really thought I’d be home by now. I never really thought I’d be gone forever, even when I opened the door. I didn’t think I’d be alone this long.”
“Cloud will be pleased to hear you think you’re alone.”
Riku shook his head.
“I know I have Cloud, and I think I have you, now-”
Leon nodded.
“You do.”
“I just . . .” Riku huffed. “Last year at this time I was going to school, talking about adventures, and spending almost every day at the beach. I don’t think about what I’d be doing if I were home most of the time, but . . .”
“But?”
“But I’m sixteen. If I were home . . .”
“I thought you were fifteen,” said Leon, frowning. He lit a cigarette. “I should let Cloud know he’s misinformed about your age.”
Riku laughed.
“I was fifteen. It’s my birthday.”
Leon cocked an eyebrow, and then nodded.
“Ah. It’s one of those days.”
Riku nodded.
“Yeah.”
“One of those important, memorable holiday-type days that bring back a lot of memories and make you think about how much has changed in a year.”
Riku nodded.
“That’s right.”
“Probably the first of those important, memorable holiday-type days that you’ve ever spent without your family and friends.”
“Yep.”
“And if you were home and none of this had ever happened, you’d be getting presents, eating cake, and doing all that normal stuff instead of waiting for Yuffie to annoy you and listening to Cid’s plans on the town defense mechanism.”
“Right.”
Leon fished in his pocket and threw an unopened cigarette pack at Riku.
“Happy Birthday, kid.”
Riku laughed, taking the pack, and shook his head.
“Thanks, Leon.”
“Don’t sound so ungrateful. I got you a present and everything.”
“What if I only smoke menthol?”
“Then I’ll just take it back.”
“Fuck off. It’s my birthday present. You can’t take it back.”
“Does Cloud know?”
Riku shook his head.
“Nah. I didn’t want him to make a big deal out of it. I mean, I figured I’d tell him tonight or something . . . I can’t stay fifteen forever. He’d start to wonder. I just . . .”
“Birthdays are uncomfortable. I know. Everyone gets all excited about you being a whole year older, and fusses over you, and all you can do is pretend to smile at the crappy gifts and say thanks. I know you didn’t do that with me, though. I got you an awesome present.”
“Yeah, you did.”
“Cloud does make a big deal out of birthdays, though, just for the record. He’ll be crushed you didn’t tell him earlier. Prepare for him to try and make up for it Sunday.”
“Are you serious?”
“Yes. Ever since we were kids at the orphanage. Aerith always threw little birthday parties for the younger kids, and she always got Cloud in on it, so he considers himself something of a birthday specialist. Christmas is my holiday.”
“You? Christmas?”
“I can be jolly. It just happens once a year.”
“Did you actually just use the word ‘jolly’?”
“Okay, so maybe I’m not jolly, but I enjoy the season and all of its festivities.”
“Let me guess-Aerith mostly handles that one, too.”
Leon hesitated, and then nodded.
“Yeah. Yeah, she does. I help, though.”
“Why is it that now I’m dreading the Christmas season with your gang of friends a little bit?”
“I want you to know that I take that personally.”
“Is Cloud really going to be crushed?”
“He’ll feel bad, yes, and then he’ll be moody until Sunday comes and he can make it up to you. Let him do it. It’ll stop the moodiness.”
Riku sighed, and then nodded.
“Yeah. Okay.”
“Hey, Riku?”
“Yeah?”
“For what it’s worth, I think you’re probably stronger because of the darkness, but I doubt you’ve changed much. We never lose who we really are; we evolve into something better through our struggles.”
“Get that from Aerith, too?”
“Yes, but it’s appropriate in the situation, and it’s something I truly believe. May sixteen work out better for you than fifteen did.”
Riku put out his cigarette, smiled, and stood up as the oven timer went off. Leon walked over to the couch, grabbed his jacket, and slung it back over his shoulders.
“I have to go to the market. Someone stole my spare cigarettes.”
“Fuck you.”
“Watch your language. I know you’re sixteen, now, and think you’re a big grownup, but you’re still a little boy.”
“Hey, Leon?”
“Yeah?”
“Thanks a lot. You know . . . for what you said earlier.”
Leon shrugged.
“No problem.”
~*~
Ayumi would have been proud if Riku could call her now and recount the details of everything that had happened since he disappeared. The lecture on the tip of her tongue would have dissipated by the time he reached the present, and though she’d reprimand him for his behavior, Riku was sure that she’d sing his praises in the end. She would say that she worried for him, but was so proud that he overcame his obstacles and refused to give up. Ayumi might even say that this was the Riku she knew and loved, the one she missed right before his departure when his grades started to slip, and they started to fight.
Kairi would assert that they would always be friends, and that maybe Riku had changed, but it was part of growing up. Her kind nature and cheerful disposition would brighten her face into a smile, and Kairi would change the subject, never one to allow Riku’s brooding to continue.
Selphie would tell Riku he was so cute when he worried. Wakka would wonder why Riku always thought such depressing things. Tidus would say Riku had gone soft, and needed to stop moping so much. Sora . . . Riku couldn’t even picture what Sora would do, anymore.
It wasn’t exactly a miserable thought, either, to think that he had changed, or that maybe he was the same person all along. No matter which it was, he was still Riku at heart, and whoever this person was now couldn’t really compare to the person he was a year ago. In the end, what really mattered was how Riku felt about himself.
Riku was washing his hands in the bathroom sink when he heard the door open, loud voices, and then the door closing. He dried his hands off on a towel and left the bathroom to find Cloud, Leon, Yuffie, Aerith, Cid, Tifa, Mickey, and Merlin in the living room. Riku frowned.
“Mickey? Merlin? I wasn’t expecting you.”
“You little punk,” said Yuffie. She walked forward and poked Riku in the chest. “Why didn’t you tell us it was your birthday?”
“Yeah,” said Cloud. “I’d like to know when my boyfriend turns sixteen, you know.”
“Because it sounds so much better than fifteen,” said Tifa. “Pedophile.”
“You shut up. It does sound better.”
Riku raised his eyebrows. Leon shrugged.
“I lied,” said Leon. “Cloud takes care of Christmas. I’m on birthday duty.”
“We got you a cake,” said Yuffie.
“It says ‘Happy Birthday, Tommy.’ I’d apologize, but you didn’t give us much notice,” said Tifa.
“So just pretend you’re Tommy for the evening.”
“Or at least when we cut the cake.”
“Or he could pretend it says his name,” said Cid.
“Or we could wipe off the icing and put Riku’s name on, instead,” said Cloud.
“With what?” said Leon. “We don’t regularly keep icing in the house.”
“Okay, then we could just wipe off the icing and let the cake be nameless.”
“As long as you don’t use your fingers, I don’t care what you do.”
“Leon?” said Riku. “Did you miss that part of our conversation about not making a big deal out of it?”
“Are you serious?” said Yuffie. “We make a big deal out of everything.”
“Yeah,” said Cloud. “As soon as Yuffie heard the word ‘birthday,’ she tried to run off and buy streamers.”
“I almost got balloons, but Tifa took them away from me.”
“What’s wrong with balloons?” said Riku.
“Babe, think: Yuffie on helium,” said Cloud.
Riku bit his lip and nodded.
“Ah. I see. Are you mad I didn’t tell you?”
Cloud shrugged and crossed the room. He wrapped his arms around Riku’s waist and kissed his forehead.
“I was a little hurt, I guess, that you’d tell Leon and not me, but then he told me about your conversation, and I forgave you.”
“He does have plans for you both on Sunday, though,” said Leon. “I hope you took me seriously when I said to expect them.”
“Are we going to let the festivities begin or what?” said Yuffie, pulling confetti out of a brown-paper shopping bag.
“Where did you get that?” said Tifa.
“When you were taking the balloons back.”
Riku laughed.
“Better than moping?” said Cloud.
Riku leaned his head against Cloud’s shoulder and nodded.
“I should know better by now than to try and pull anything over on you people.”
“You’re having a good time. Admit it.”
Riku smiled.
“Yeah, all right. You got me.”
Cloud ran his hand over the top of Riku’s head, and pressed a kiss to his hairline.
“Happy sixteenth.”
( Prompt Table) for previous installments. 037/100 Complete.