[ Sora decided to have his book adventure during the day and chose the wrong fucking book to try. He never knew there was another version of The Little Mermaid and never knew how heartbreaking it was.

Wiping away the tears and immediately heading to find Riku to share. It's really, really great being able to walk around without feeling like you're walking on knives and broken glass.

Heading for his room and checking the door first. If it's unlocked, he's just going right in, but if not, then he's knocking. ]

Hey, Riku!

[ Guess which numbnuts forgot to keep his door unlocked?

It's him. ]

Hey, Sora.

[ Riku is sitting on the bed with a book in his hands, his eyebrows creased in thought, but he'll put it to the side. His gaze is intent on the brunet...by the by, are the other's eyes red from crying or nah? ]

Felt like dropping by for a visit?

[ He'll give him shit for it later. Closing the door behind him, and pausing for a moment before clicking the lock. ]

I wanted to talk to you about something.

[ Lingering at the door for a little longer, before he turns to look at his best friend. It's tempting to just go over there to hug him. ]

Did you know that there's another version of the Little Mermaid?

[ He feels tempted to rise and draw the brunet into his arms.

...They're really hopeless, aren't they? ]

No, I didn't. What made you bring that up?

[ So hopeless. He's still not moving. Next to the door is his home now. Dora and Door. ]

You know how everyone keeps going inside of books? I went into the other Little Mermaid earlier. It doesn't end happily for her, Riku.

[ He immediately rises to his feet and in the next moment, Riku's crossing the room immediately so he can bring his arms around Sora on a movement that's more impulse or anything. ]

...Did you get hurt?

[ He doesn't know what exactly happened but he's definitely concerned. ]

Don't go inside any more books.

[ He'll lean against him. ]

I'm okay, Riku. I just turned into seafoam in the end. Well, the mermaid did.

[ Let's skip sharing about the feet or the tongue part. ]

If she didn't marry the prince, she would die. He winds up falling for someone else...

[ Reaching up, tempting to just grab on, but he'll push Riku lightly. ]

It made me think about the choice I made back in our world. And what's at stake here.

That's all?

[ Riku isn't dumb, he knows how Sora is by now. Don't mind if he just...lightly pats at his back a little. ]

...Sora, don't think you have to give yourself up again. This situation is completely different from the one we faced back in our world, and even the Foundation.

[ He can feel his heart race.

He wanted to protect Sora, and at times like these he couldn't help but feel apprehension at what the brunet might do if he thought it'd help, so even if the other pushes him lightly, Riku's grip tightens a little. Without thinking, he even pulls him a little closer... ]

[ Riku might be a little dumb. ]

That's not all.

[ Being close to Riku has always spurred him on or given him the strength to keep going. He's been there for him and saved him countless times. Each pat just fortifies that.

And he deserves to know the truth. It's just like what Takumi said they don't know how much time or what will happen here. As much as he believes that Riku will pull through... that he needs to believe it that Riku will make it, he could end up like Karen. They both could. ]

I mean you. You're my best friend and I don't want to keep secrets from you.

[ Okay, he really might be kind of dumb too. ]

Then...can you tell me?

[ His patting turned into gentle backrubs, his voice gentle, soothing; not even accusatory. He just wants to know so he can be there to comfort him, like he is right now, but even moreso if it's even possible. ]

[ It's okay, cause Sora might be a little dumb too...

He already knows Riku won't treat him differently. They've been through so much together, and Riku was there by his side while his memories were linked. He's been by his side through all of these months here in this crappy world, too. It's just he never really wanted to examine these feelings because he's been lucky enough with what they have. ]

Even though it hurt, she would rather the guy that she loves be alive and happy. So, I wanted you to know that no matter what, I want you to make it out of here, Riku. I want you to be happy even if it's without me.

[ Sora is just dumb enough to forget the confession part in the whole assuming Riku will just fall for someone eventually and wanting him to live through all of this shit ]

What are you talking about? I can't be happy if I'm not with you -

[ Frick. Oh well, he'll just continue as is. ]

- if you're not by my side. I need you with me.

[ Subconsciously, he's holding Sora closer to him now, and the raw emotion shows on his face, but mostly centered in his eyes which are focused tightly on the face of his best friend. ]

It wouldn't be the same. You mean too much to me.

[ There's a moment of hope at the words. With you, but again he reminds himself it's just friendship. Riku only sees him as his best friend. He wouldn't change that, but...

There was a moment where he was hoping a little.

Riku's eyes never could lie. Meeting his look with one of his own. Putting his hand against his best friend's chest before turning it around to tap him over his heart with his knuckles. Something more normal and less... whatever this was. ]

You mean too much to me, too. I'm really glad that you're here with me, Riku.

[ He just knows he probably a little in love with his best friend, and like the Mermaid, wants him happy and alive. ]

You're my strength here. I feel like with you at my side, I can do anything.