fifteen.

[dawn_is_coming]

[Sora's looking for something---someone?---having made a hasty exit from Riku's room, where he woke up very adult and very naked. Awkward, yes, but at least he fits in Riku's pants, and can wear those until he gets back to his room]

Roxas? If you can hear me... [sighs, scrubbing his hands through his hair. He frowns at the Sphere]Everyone else

Comments

[dawnward]

.... [Riku isn't looking much better than Sora. their...situation when Sora woke up wasn't the best one]

At least get a shirt, Sora.

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[dawnward]

[he's balking at the thought of Sora doing that. it's obvious on his face. how hypocritical]

Then what does?

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[dawn_is_coming]

[bites the inside of his cheek, hard]

...You're gonna take this all on your shoulders, aren't you? You're gonna blame yourself. Say you're bad, that you're capable of doing this and I'm not.

You're gonna dig your hole a little deeper.

Just. Just don't.

I'll share the burden with you, if you'll let me. It's s'posed to be my fight.

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[dawnward]

I don't want this to be your fight. I never did.

I am bad, Sora. I never said I wasn't and I already came to terms with that.

I don't want you to share the burden, that's the whole point. Is it so wrong to try and spare you some of that?

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[dawn_is_coming]

I've heard stories of what you've done. The fights that you've been a part of---the worlds you helped end. I've got lots of little ears in the universe. So. So don't act like I don't know, okay?

I do. And if I thought you were really bad, I would've given up on you a long time ago, Riku.

Your heart's still good.

Spare me? [he laughs] But what about needing my help?

I didn't forget what you said to me when I was a kid. I'm gonna take a wild guess and say you didn't forget what I said, either.

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[dawnward]

... [doesn't know what to say to that. he does feel a little sick, though, stomach rolling painfully]

I don't need your help for this. Once I get him away from Vexen it'll be simpler. The problem right now is convincing him to leave his room.

[a slow, deep breath] I didn't forget.

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[dawn_is_coming]

If you didn't forget, then you know that I will help.

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[dawnward]

I don't want you to, Sora.

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[dawn_is_coming]

And I don't want you to do this, period. So we're even, I guess.

Let me do something.

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[dawnward]

Help Roxas. You're better at that than I am. He needs you.

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[dawn_is_coming]

I'd do that anyway. He's---he's my Nobody. I have to.

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[dawnward]

He's lucky to have you.

[more softly]

Don't take all of this the wrong way, Sora. I'm...grateful. That you'd do that much for me, ignore your own values...

It means a lot to me. But that's why I can't let you.

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[dawn_is_coming]

Yeah, well--- [deep breath, just say it] I've got your back, too.

I know. Just...do it quick and efficiently, okay? I don't want to drag this thing out. [he swallows visibly. This doesn't set well with him, but...it is necessary]

filter;

[dawnward]

I know.

[simply nods; of course Riku won't say that he's done this enough times by now to know how to do it correctly]