lea’s steps falter as his eyes catch a flash of silver hair not too far ahead ----- logically he knows he’s not the only one that frequents this spot, no matter how secluded it is, but that doesn’t mean he expected to find riku here. they’ve not really spoken much ever since the other man’s return with kairi in tow, too many changes going on all around them to find a moment to breathe and just be ----- yet lea’s been watching him nevertheless, consciously and subconsciously keeping an eye out and what he’s seen …
well, he won’t be called an expert on the matter of the heart by anyone in any means, but he’s not ignorant to what loss and grief looks like in a person. sora’s still there with them every day just by the way riku and kairi keep looking for him, even if they don’t mean to. lea recalls doing the same back when he was axel right after roxas had left the organization: it’s astounding how many memories linger even in the things you don’t expect them to linger.
briefly, he debates turning and going, leaving riku to his solitude. but the other man shifts, head turning just a little and lea knows he’s been heard. nothing for it, then. he straightens his shoulders as if preparing for battle and closes the distance between them in decisive strides, coming to a halt the moment he’s within line of sight. “ mind if i join? “ he indicates the empty spot beside him with a wave of his hand. “ i got, uh, some ice cream, if y’ want--- “ // @intodawn













