4th ♥ Plantfection [Audio]

[lightyourway]

So, is there a doctor here?

I think I need some help.

[And she does not really want to elaborate.]

Comments

[Commentlog]

[heroinwait]

[WELP, THIS SEEMS AWKWARD ENOUGH. Upon finding Kairi's note to him, Riku had rushed right over to the infirmary, only to find that... she wasn't there. It hadn't been -too- difficult to find her (and Xanth), not with how slowly they'd been moving at first. He'd been just about to make his presence known when he heard Kairi ask about Naminé.

And he listens.

But very quickly he realizes what Xanth means--and suddenly things have become very, very awkward.

So Riku strides forward now, pretending as though he hasn't heard a thing as he walks toward them.]

There you are.

[He shakes his head at Kairi, giving her a pointed look in spite of the blindfold.]

Shouldn't you be in the infirmary still? Or are you already breaking out?

[Commentlog]

[stillseecracks]

[Xanth very nearly asks what the hell this even is, but he can tell Kairi's upset by this. Better to leave the topic for some other day, or at least until she's fallen asleep.]

D-Don't worry, [he adds,] we--we'll-- k-keep you s-safe.

[Though what there is to fear here besides the darkness itself, Xanth doesn't know...]

[Commentlog]

[lightyourway]

[Kairi doesn't really have the energy to protest any more. She allows herself the be carried, still and quiet.

Actually, she's more asleep than not.]

[Commentlog]

[heroinwait]

[Riku can't help but be a little bit relieved when it seems as though Kairi's fallen back asleep. At least this way he doesn't have to worry about her trying to squirm away and run off on her own.

Their trip through the space inbetween isn't a long one--within just a few seconds Riku can see the other end opening up for them. But they've still got a short ways to go before they get there.

Riku glances over to Xanth.]

...has she been like this the entire time?

[Commentlog]

[stillseecracks]

[Xanth lets out a sigh when Kairi relaxes. He has to be extra careful now, as she's got no grip, but at least she's not squirming.]

Y--Yeah. The-- th-the doctor h-had to... o-operate, and, I-I guess she-- sh-she gave Kairi-- s-something. I-I don't-- know what.

[Commentlog]

[heroinwait]

Whatever it was, I'll bet she probably shouldn't have been up and moving so soon after.

[He doesn't blame Xanth for that.

Riku's walking just a step behind, keeping his eye on Kairi as they go. He's not going to let her fall, either.]

That's Kairi for you, though.

[Commentlog]

[stillseecracks]

Y-Yeah. S--Stubborn as-- as she could p-possibly be...

[But he says it almost fondly. Kairi is stubborn, yes, and that's what makes her Kairi.]

I--I think-- she'll be o-okay, a-after it... w-wears off.

[Commentlog]

[heroinwait]

That's right.

[He can hear the fondness in Xanth's voice, and he knows that Xanth cares about Kairi. Cares about her a -lot-.

Loves, maybe.]

That's probably part my fault. Sora and I never told her no when we were growing up.

[Maybe they should've. Then maybe she wouldn't have him twisted around her little finger so well.]

Yeah, Kairi'll bounce back.

[Commentlog]

[lightyourway]

[Still clinging to Xanth's back, Kairi stirs.]

Mphnot.

[Yeah, she clearly has no idea what's going on.]

Re: [Commentlog]

[stillseecracks]

[Xanth fights the urge to look back at Riku, biting his lip instead. Never before had Xanth ever heard Riku speak so casually to him. Riku admitted fault. Granted, it's something trivial, but... this is truly bizarre.

But when Kairi stirs and mumbles, a lopsided smile is brought back to Xanth's face.]

Y-Yeah. I-I don't know when, th-though...

[Commentlog]

[heroinwait]

She just needs sleep.

[Of that, Riku actually sounds certain.

By this time they've reached the second portal, this time a bright white as opposed to the dark one that had originally brought them there. Riku nods to it, gesturing Xanth onwards.

Once they're through, they'll find themselves standing right outside of Kairi's door.]

[Commentlog]

[lightyourway]

[It's a shame Kairi is not lucid enough to provide them with the key. She probably doesn't even remember where it is.

They're going to have to try and find it or put her somewhere else.]

[Commentlog]

[stillseecracks]

[Xanth steps into the light and out of the portal. The shifting of spaces is weird, definitely something he would have to get used to, but here they are.

But the doors are locked.]

U-Um.

I-- I-I don't-- know where sh-she keeps her k--key.

[And even if he could, he was certainly not about to go rummaging through her pockets.]

[Commentlog]

[heroinwait]

[For the briefest of moments, the admission is odd. That hadn't been something Riku had ever bothered thinking of.

But then he nods once, turning.]

She can sleep in my room. It's right down here.

[And he'll just be leading the way now, sound good Xanth?]

[Commentlog]

[stillseecracks]

[Not so good, actually. Xanth would rather Kairi not stay with Riku - but only for selfish reasons. Riku hasn't proven himself anything but neutral, but one cannot undo months of distrust in just a few conversations.

But it's not Riku's fault. Not this Riku.

Xanth crushes those spiteful feelings down.]

S--Sure.

[And so he follows.]

[Commentlog]

[heroinwait]

[Going to Riku's room means that he can have his key out by the time they reach his door, can prop the door open and step inside first, heading for the bed. His room is simple; aside from grabbing a couple extra blankets, everything is precisely as it was when he arrived.

Riku pulls the top blanket off the bed, leaving the rest of them lay. Then he steps back, waiting for Xanth to follow.]

Right in here.