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When Riku was 9, he discovered he had a crush on his best friend. There wasn't anything better to do then pretend he wasn't friends with him anymore. He didn't want to admit his true feelings nor did he want Sora to become even closer. What if he lost Sora? What if something happens to him— all because he got too close and he loved him.
When Riku was 10, he realized they could still be friends as long as he kept his distance. No more sleepovers or late night stargazing under the moonlight skies. He could have him at a distance and surely that would be okay.
Despite everything, Sora was still enthralled with Riku and everything he did. He did wonder why their friendship was different now, but he remembered the words of someone special reminding the boy that his friend was just scared of losing him.
When Riku was 11, he noticed Sora kept spending a lot of his time with the other islanders. What did they have that made Sora want to be with them instead of him? He could only watched helplessly as he laughed around with Kairi and Selphie while fighting against Tidus and Wakka.
Was he pushing him away after all?
At 12 years of age, Riku was scared. He was scared he was going to lose Sora. He kept having nightmares that his best friend and his long eternal crush would leave him like it's nothing. He watched him befriend others like it was nothing and whenever he tried, he couldn't get the same results.
At age 13, Riku followed Sora around like a lost puppy, but wouldn't admit how much he liked the other by his side. Together they would play games, compete, and make plans for the future. One day the two of them would leave the islands and go on adventures. It would be just the two of them. Sora even introduced him to the other islands and help him befriend the others too.
When Riku turned 14, Sora had decided that Kairi should know about their plans too. Instead of just the two of them, it was the two of them plus Kairi. He didn't know why Sora liked spending so much time with her but he agreed because how could he say no. Sora was his best friend and to him he was his entire world.
When Riku was 15, his nightmares and dreams came true. Lost in his own grief and blinded rage, he was manipulated and became the one thing he thought he feared. The whispers pulled at his fears and dark thoughts only consumed him. Sora was the only light that brought him out of the shadow and he promised he'll forever repent for all his crimes. Despite everything, Riku watched as suffering took over him as his best friend and eternal love slept for a year with no hope of ever waking up.
After Riku turned 16, he comes to terms with his darkness and his growing love for Sora which becomes stronger each day. He sacrificed too much of his self to save Sora, but wouldn't hesitate to do it if it means Sora would be alright. No later than a few months afterwards his fear became true and he loses Sora.
Sora had disappeared from his world and for the first time he was scared if he would ever see him again.
It's been over a year since that fateful day when Sora disappeared. The way he could only hug into Kairi and cry miserably after doing everything to guarantee he was safe, only for him to disappear just like that. Kairi was his only comfort, yet she knew something that could destroy or make Riku happy. If only Sora was here, it would be much easier. How is it after saving everyone, he couldn't be here? So Kairi put herself to sleep in order to search for a clue on her friend's disappearance and Riku has been alone ever since.
He traveled through the world of dreams to those sleeping worlds of the past, if only he could find him. If only Kairi could wake up. How could he do this alone without her support? He had Mickey and Terra too, but with both of his friends away, it just hurt too much. His hair started to even grow much longer like before.
Maybe the past would have a clue. If he talked to Sora before he left then maybe he'll know or maybe he didn't know that would have happened. However, he ended up in a farther past than he expected.
He landed in a world and blinked, it was just his home. Why was he here?
Then he heard a familiar voice and went to his knees. "No... No..." His hands went to his mouth as his figure fell. "This isn't my time at all."
In the distance there was a young boy whose laughter echoed across the island, grinning even if he wasn't ahead. Still he hope that one day he'll win the race. Before he could ask to race again, the other boy frowned impatiently. Despite all the happiness before, it led the two friend were arguing as if they were enemies. It made little sense and the first boy was left alone by his friend. He stood at the ground and lowered his head. He couldn't believe what his friend had said. "Come back..." The boy could only long for the other's presence.
Riku stared at the young boy and whispered the name he's been looking for, "Sora..," he widened his eyes. He was way younger than he wanted. Why did he come to a time where he was this much younger? How would Sora at this age even help him and why was he sent here? He followed his heart to Sora but this wasn't what he meant. He stared at the young boy and smiled. He just forgot how adorable he used to be. "I.. I miss you." Those were the only words he could only whisper, wiping his tears away.
The young Sora stared at Riku despite his own feelings of sadness, "But who are you?"
Riku paused and lifted up at him. He managed to give a weak smile as he tried to explain without saying anything too insane such as I'm from the future. "I'm a...friend, don't worry. Are you okay?" He didn't know exactly why Sora was feeling during this time, but he wouldn't be surprised if his younger self did something. Before Riku realized how he felt, he was unaware exactly how his actions had truly impacted anyone and sometimes he could be super awful. However despite that, Sora was always so happy to be around him and it made him at the time love him even more.
"My friend hates me! He said he doesn't wanna play anymore and he's too old to play swords!" The young Sora cried out, his hands trembling. Riku could only watch as the younger Sora's tears were pouring off his cheeks like a raincloud. It was such a precious thing, how this is what used to upset him, before he met any unlike any organization or other antagonist.
Riku didn't hesitate to put his arms around him. He kneeled down and whispered, "It's okay. Your friend is just very scared right now. He thinks he must act older and he isn't allowed to do these fun things he enjoys." Sora widened his eyes. "But I want you to remember, he really truly loves you so much that he is afraid to be near you sometimes. He's scared that he'll ruin everything. Can you be there for him even when he's done something stupid even when he realizes he is wrong?"
Sora's tears instantly dried by the future Riku's words, "Y-yeah I will be there for him. When you said all that...do you really think so?"
"I know so," Riki patted his head and smiled, "Let's keep this between us okay. Your friend may get jealous."
Sora could only laugh, "Yeah okay! See ya mister!" He ran off into the distance, probably to their houses. They always would have sleepovers a lot when they were younger.
Riku smiled as he watched him run off, "I really do miss you, Sora... Just please be safe, kay?"
Riku shut his eyes and hoped with all his heart, he would find Sora.