k3y2myh34rt

[k3y2myh34rt]

Groaning, the brunette rose upon his hands and knees, shaking his head. He turned around to face whoever he ran into; the bruising that head developed upon his forehead quickly fading to an unnatural degree as he rubbed his nose and laughed sheepishly.

"Uh...yeah, I'm good. Sorry about that... was focused on getting somewhere."

His gaze now fully acknowledging them as he asked, "Are you okay?"

@stormingginger

Wherever Sora was running to, it wasn't known. He just was in a hurry to get somewhere. So much so, he didn't even see the person that emerged in front of him, and by the time he did, he found himself running into them, then tumbling face first into concrete...

It was...not the best evening for the brunette in all honesty....

[k3y2myh34rt]

Riku...

The name rolled around in his head as a pleasant sigh left him. He could feel his heart flutter --weird.

He shifted almost uncomfortably in his seat as he silently pondered over why he was feeling the way he was. He'd nod almost absently at Riku's mention of being new to the area too. "Man, it was pretty confusing for me at first ... but my roommate helped me find my away around this city."

His eyes then, shot upward contemplatively as Riku posed his question. Rubbing his chin, his eyes squinted slightly, as he took another sip from his straw afterward.

"Uh ... well, I guess I like to relax after work. Sit back, watch some TV, or play video games with my roomates ..." he paused, eyes falling back onto Riku as he laughed, "Cooking's kinda fun, even if I can't eat half the stuff my roomie makes. I just ... think it's a nice way to get people together, y'know?"

He fell silent a moment, tapping his clawed nails along his cup as nodded softly, then closed his eyes and flashed one of his bright smiles at Riku before reaching up to rub the back of his neck again. "I also uh... exercise. I like going out for a jog, or run ... and do a little parkour here and there ..."

More like fighting monsters ... but he can't know that.

He opened his eyes, bringing his hand to his cup again as he leaned forward, offering a soft, yet curious look to Riku as he peered into his eyes. Very pretty.

"What about you?"

)○( ║ "That makes two of us," Riku agrees. "I'm not fluent in the language either." Despite Yae-san's praise in his attempts at learning and her guidance, he's yet to go beyond everyday phrases to hold any form of conversation. It's a relief that he can speak this freely with Sora.

"You can call me Riku, if you prefer," he says.

I'd greatly prefer it. I miss hearing you say my name.

"And I'm new to the..." He can't help the soft stir of his hand in the air trying to find the right word. City? Country? Planet? This solar system?

"Uhm... area," he settles on the word. "It feels like every day since I've moved here I've been exposed to so many new things." A truth here, and without the guidance of his cellular device from his benefactors, he'd have been lost far more often than he'd care to admit.

"What are the things you like to do?" Riku asks, drawing his milkshake closer to him to begin sipping more of it down. A casual enough question, right? Maybe a glimpse into how long Sora has survived in this overwhelming city.

[k3y2myh34rt]

@stormingginger

Wherever Sora was running to, it wasn't known. He just was in a hurry to get somewhere. So much so, he didn't even see the person that emerged in front of him, and by the time he did, he found himself running into them, then tumbling face first into concrete...

It was...not the best evening for the brunette in all honesty....

[k3y2myh34rt]

Send a word and "+ HC" and I will write a headcanon for my muse based on the word(s) sent!

[k3y2myh34rt]

[[ I didn't realize some of my links weren't working...fuuuck....]]]

[k3y2myh34rt]

STARTER CALL

If we’re mutuals, like or comment on this post for a basic starter from me. If you’re a multi-muse, let me know which muse you want Sora to interact with.

[k3y2myh34rt]

INTERACTION CALL

Like this if we’re mutuals and you’re fine with me sending asks and memes and/or any form of interaction between our muses and I’ll be sure to do so. 

[k3y2myh34rt]

There was an audible slurp while Sora watched him. A tiny smile encompassing his features as he noted the other's blush.

'Super cute..' he mused, tilting his head slightly as a smirk grew upon his face. If one were watching his gaze, they'd note the shift from blue to purple as he almost cracked a flirty joke as if it was something casual. But just as that purple faded back to blue within seconds, so did the realization of what he'd almost done.

A little mortified, Sora stopped sucking on his straw as he set the cup down. He didn't fully know this guy, and yet he felt like he did...

"Ah? Yeah, it's Sora, " he admitted, scratching his cheek as he flashed a toothy grin which exposed his fangs. They weren't large, but certainly noticeable. He... still hadn't picked a last name to go by, hadn't he? Honestly, he couldn't think of one, which made interactions like this pretty awkward. He didn't come from this place, he knew that much since the local language was so unfamiliar to him. He only remembered waking up, in the middle of the scramble, with little to no memory of who or what he was. He just knew he was Sora, and that was that. And he carried on just... being Sora.

However, hearing the other's name gave the brunette a pause as something lurched within his heart. He didn't know how to explain it other than a sudden sense of longing... like a missing part of himself had been... found. It was weird...

So weird, he tried ignoring it.

"Well, it's nice meeting ya Natsumi-ku-- uh san. Heh, I'm still getting used to the language.." he said, taking another anxious sip as he attempted to change topics.

"Sooo, anything you wanna talk about? Ask? Maybe even figure out somethin' to do if you want? I'm open to a lot!"

)○( ║ He flicks his gaze away at the gentle napkin whap of the other, trying not to chuckle as well at Sora's reprimanding. It almost made him begin to wonder just how many were involved in their little get together of theirs. He uses the pause between them to slip his straw into his given milkshake; strawberry as well, like last time. Riku appreciated that, for at least he'd be able to enjoy it more fully today.

At the question, Riku paused while his eyes widened at the realization, gaze thankfully pointed at his milkshake.

Of course Sora wouldn't know his name! They've 'just met'!

Did he not give his name first? Even before inviting Sora?

And Sora still agreed to this date regardless?

With no mask on, his embarrassed blush blossoms on full display across his cheeks.

Could he foolishly had forgotten something as simple as that? His eyes dart slightly as they scan through their interactions and nope, not a single introduction from him, formal or casual.

Fuck.

"It's Ri--," he answers, but flinches slightly as he stops to quickly correct himself. "Natsumi Riku." This culture usually introduced with surnames first...

"And yours is Sora, right? Forgive me, but I read so off your name tag the other day..." He adds, finally looking up and lightly scratching the side of his neck.

[k3y2myh34rt]

"-- And then I got stuck in the middle of a clustered crowd that was friggin' impossible to get through -- I mentioned that before, right? Anyway, the point is I--"

Sora abruptly cut off when he felt the cool touch of the other's hand upon his, forcing the brunette's eyes to face downward at the display as a deep crimson stained his cheeks once more. He found it impossible to move or speak just then. He could only stare, barely making out the stranger's words, yet only focused on the tone of his voice. It was...calming... unusually so, with the way it--

The way it what? He wasn't sure... but that strange nostalgic feeling was blooming in the back of his mind again as something stirred within. A sense that was cut short when Shoka set their shakes on the table.

"Drink up..." she paused, eyes instatly fixed on Sora before she plucked a napkin from her tray and lightly whapped him on the head with it, "Well say something! Don't just gawk like a moron on your date!"

With that, she was off, not allowing Sora a chance to retort back as smirk formed upon her lips. One Sora would've bristled at if he caught it in time. Instead, he groaned, leaning back into the cushions of their booth as he slumped a bit.

"I'd say sorry again, but I'm sure you're sick of hearing them... A-anyway," he trailed off, leaning forward to rest an elbows on the table whilst rubbing the back of his neck, "Um... I could say the same... yeah."

His blue eyes timidly flitted across the store, observing Shoka catering to a couple for a moment as he tried to quell the anxiety building up inside.

'Why am I so nervous? It's just a meet up...' he mused to himself while idly tapping his light blue nails onto the table. His cerulean hues tearing away from the scene to regard the being in front of him silently. His eyes narrowing slightly before he tilted his head and flashed him a sheepish grin, "I don't think I ever got your name... What was it?"

With that, he poked the straw into his sugary drink, then brought it to his lips to take a sip. Mmmm, strawberry... one of his favorites. Maybe there was a hint of banana in there too...

)○( ║ Riku unfortunately didn't come across Sora on his way to the chain restaurant, and couldn't help but frown a little under his face mask when he didn't see familiar brown spiky hair at any tables either. Before he could ask, a waitress with tied-back, long black hair and cropped bangs greeted him and seated him in a booth towards a more secluded corner of the establishment. He informed Shoka -having read her name tag- that he was expecting another for company, and she nodded as if she already knew.

Of course she would know, he figured. He had seen Sora speaking with her a couple times, so they had to be friends if not close co-workers, right?

It was a good ten or fifteen minutes of waiting, but it didn't feel as long as Riku was swimming through questions in his mind.

How long has Sora been fighting these creatures? Does he know what they are?

How could he not have noticed before? Did his particular benefactor group know about Sora?

Should he even mention the fight? Or maybe it's better to follow the questions Yae-san suggested...

The ice water he was served earlier was halfway gone by the time he turned to look at the crash of the front doors opening and seeing a familiar form nearly fall to the floor. He exhaled a breath of relief, turning back in his seat and clearing the creeping doubt of ever considering Sora wouldn't have joined him today, or any of the other reasons anxiety attempted to spin in his head.

Riku is glad that Sora had immediately started rambling miles-a-minute when he slid into their booth. It eliminated the effort to remember one of the 'ice breaks' Yae-san had drilled him about for conversation, and it also gave the man time to process a couple of things:

One, how the added lines of black and shadows around his eyes made Sora's eyes impossibly more striking and

Two, how unprepared he was when his gaze flicked to the deep plunge of that v-neck fishnet shirt and

Three, willing away the tinge of heat he knew was across his cheeks after particular thoughts threatened to break free from just the display of skin. Luckily his face mask kept his blush hidden while trying to remember his rehearsed questions, already slipping from his thoughts like sand falling through his fingers.

At the umpteenth apology from Sora-- Riku had no idea what the count was when he was refocused again-- he removes his face mask and reaches across the table to gently take one of the brunet's hand in his own for a pause.

"It's okay," he says, giving a soft smile in assurance. "My train here was delayed because of the accident too. I was worried that I'd be too late to meet you... I didn't want to give you an ill impression of me after I had invited you." He admits this but doesn't draw his hand back just yet.

"I'm honestly very happy that you still wanted to meet with me despite all the trouble." His fingers relax to a feather-light hold, giving the other a chance to pull away if he chose to, but still wanting to prolong the touch of Sora's warmth against his cooler skin.

The contact is broken only a second before Shoka appears at their table, having heard her oncoming footsteps beforehand. Riku simply lets his hand rest on the surface of the table.

Right, right... we're both here for milkshakes.

Simply incredible how quickly he had forgotten about that.

[k3y2myh34rt]

Consumed by the chaos of battle, Sora barely took notice of the newcomer as he aimed for the creature's feet. A vicious array of slash attacks unleashed upon the poor theropod's feet as his metallic coated claws sliced into inky flesh. However, there was a faint shiver in his ears as a flash of light appeared above him, and with that came a god awful cry that pierced his ears. Forcing Sora to look up as the thing began to fall. With a gasp, the grey furred creature did a back flip to avoid getting crushed by the massive beast as he landed perfectly onto his feet. His eyes glowing a deep red as he snarled, and dark plumes of energy rose from his form, darkening his fur coat and mane....

Lost in a momentary haze of bloodlust until he heard a ring that forced his head to shoot in the direction it came. His yes narrowing as he noticed a faint shadow disappear before his eyes. He remained still, tail flicking about for a moment or two before forcefully shaking his head to snap himself out of his own revere before taking off.

There was no time for dilly-dallying! He had places to go and people to meet!

----------

There was a sudden crash as the doors to the restaurant swung open, unveiling a disgruntled Sora as he practically tripped over himself upon entering. Luckily, he caught himself-- still pretty damn embarrassing though.

"Sora!"

'Crap!crap!crap!' he mentally panicked as he rested his hands on his knees while panting to catch his breath. His head was bowed but he could he the familiar footsteps of Shoka approaching him. It was over...so much for living to 90--

"About damn time! What took you so long?" she said with an infuriated huff as she crossed her arms over her chest and jutted a hip out; foot tapping on tile flooring as she glowered at him.

"Car accident...it was a mess... " he admitted, finally looking up at Shoka. He chuckled nervously, slapping his hands together as he gave her a slight bow in apology, "I am truly sorry. I'm here now at least..."

Shoka only rolled her eyes at him whilst shaking her head. "Where is he?" he asked, to which she responded by tossing her thumb over her shoulder to point at the silver haired man sitting at a booth behind her. Sora whispered a rushed thanks before carefully moving around her as he jogged up to the foreigner. Shoka watched, frown etched on her features as her gaze followed Sora. Then she went into the back of the counter to do her duties as an employee.

Meanwhile, Sora approached the guy, noting his features as he scratched the back of his head. Sora was wearing a black hoodie, with a fishnet shirt underneath and a pair of black pants that had metal studs, zippers and belts decorated all over, with several pockets scatters here and there. Some streetwear with a punk edge to it.

"H-hey...really sorry man!" he began as he took his seat, then started to explain, "There was this accident and I got stuck--"

He rambled on, uttering various apologies in-between as nervousness hit him.

)○( ║ He had just arrived at the bottom of Spain Hill's curved street before his phone chimed with an alert from his jacket pocket, a frown already on his lips when he sees the 'Unknown' moniker in the notification. He flips open the device to read the full message. A street map of Shibuya expands over the main screen; a simplified satellite grid with major transportation lines over a black background. A zone labeled "Expressway Underpass" pulses once in color before the map zooms in further. A more precise location is marked with a blinking circle and crosshair symbol as a text window appears above it.

NOISE BREACH DETECTED Threat Level: HIGH Location: x5.6xx, x19.7xx Eliminate Target

His gaze narrows on the location as he gives a small huff of breath from his nose in annoyance.

Of all fucking times to interrupt his day...

As the device in his hand is folded to close the screen, the entirety of his body fades from view of passersby, as if the opacity of his form was shifted into the single digits with the slide of a scale; his shadow only a shade darker than his form. Though nearly invisible as light filtered through his form, this didn't mean that he was physically permeable, and so he has to side-step out of a person's path before he takes off.

His peripheral sight is blurred as he sprints across the city, dodging thicker crowds of people by leaping across and onto vehicles in the streets. He tries not to land too rough on the hoods to dent or make too loud of a thump after the first compact van was startled to brake hard.

His pace quickens when he hears a roar and crashing echo as he nears the target's location, eyes wide when he sees a colorful bi-pedal creature both prehistoric in form and in large size rampaging in the distance. He makes a leap up a stairway, leading to a walkway that stretched above the street below, giving him a vantage-point to assess the giant creature.

His eyes widened when he realized the 'rex' was already engaged in combat, watching a second brownish creature sent tumbling to the debris-covered ground with a thrash of it's giant head. That someone or something had beaten Riku to the target, and by the look of the gashes across the rex's body and limp in it's gait, the contender worn it down considerably.

Riku takes advantage of the rex's focus on this opponent, where just as the charge from the other began for the injured foot, he kicks off from his vantage point in a burst of speed to assist in a simultaneous strike. Two flashes of light occur: one when a large, key-shaped weapon appeared in his grip, and the next a split second after slashing through the vital point of the rex's neck.

It's large body collapses and shakes the ground on impact, giving one last groan before it's brightly-colored body is overcome in black and white static before dissolving into nothing. The only evidence of it's existence being left in the surrounding destruction of the landscape.

Riku stands from where he knelt on the ground after his landing, exhaling a long breath though he had barely exerted any energy from both traveling here and for this encounter. He lets his weapon disappear with a smaller flash of light before turning to survey the rest of the area and find the other companion to thank, eyes landing on the brown, four-legged creature with both an unmistakable hairstyle and keyblade.

Before he could say or ask anything, a chime rang from his pocket once more, most likely a notification of success. It startled him, and the sound seemingly coming from nowhere would be suspicious to others since he was still cloaked from the naked-eye.

Riku decides to save his questions for later and retreats to the shadows of the underpass, only dispelling his cloaking once he comes out the other side back to the Scramble where he already sees the local authorities block off access to the streets where the fight took place.

Well, least both he and Sora had very valid reasons to be late to their 'date'...

He decides to take a steady pace to give Sora a bit of time to catch up, and he can't help but let his gaze flicker to any dogs that walk past him.

[k3y2myh34rt]

Taka! Taka! Tak--

Rain soon drizzled across the streets as paws and claws beat against the earth in urgency. Small was the brown Shiba compared to the colossal mass of shadows which loomed over him; their hisses licking against focused ears as their unblicking yellow eyes peer deep within him. It's an eerie, vulnerable feeling that unsettles those that witness the existence of these creatures. For this hound though, it brought on another emotion-- the thrill of the hunt.

With a howl, a beam of light surrounds the canine, suddenly forming a massive key in the jaws of the mutt as he sped forth, then leapt onto a trash can and up into the air. The strangely agile canid twisting it's body around in degrees thought impossible as it sliced through the legion of shadows in flurried strikes. Determination present in those blue eyes as he fought the darkness, tossing the bladed key up briefly to catch the keychain at the end into his jaws and spun around to form a drill of light which pierced right through them.

Their fading hisses gone with the particles of mist that they all burst into when the light tore into them. Landing on the ground with feline grace, the dog poised for another attack as he held the key in his maw, waiting for more to come, only to see various hearts pop and fade into the sky. After a moment's respite, the hound let out a chuff as light flashed as the blade vanished.

Soon after, he could feel the energy of a barrier release as his ears vibrated, sensing the frequencies scatter as one realm faded into the next. The citizens that were frozen now moved with liveliness across the scramble. A sigh of relief escaped what appeared to be a canid, but tensed as hands were suddenly upon him-- ruffling the scruff of his neck. A second of unease was replaced with a happy doggy smile as his tongue lulled while he received coos of praise from children and adults alike. His curled tail wagged happily, and while the citizens of this city were oblivious to the dangers that lurked within the second realm, he still took their praises in as if for a job well done.

He honestly should've anticipated enemy activity on his day off, but prior to this fight, Sora's mind was only focused on one thing, and that was meeting this guy...for a meet up! Definitely not a date!

-------

Earlier that day....

"Honestly, you three are getting too hung up over this, don't ya think?" Sora said, staring at himself in the mirror as Strelitzia fussed with the collar of his shirt. Meanwhile, Nagi adjusted her glasses as she looked over his outfit in their reflection, and Shoka was in the far corner of their living room, nose buried into her phone as she idly listened to the conversation. "If it's a date, you need to look good, Sora. It'd be rude to walk in wearing indecent attire...." Strelitzia responded by fluffing the arms of his hoodie some, which earned an exasperated sigh from the brunette. Nagi in turn, tossed a glance at Shoka, "What do you think?"

For once that day, the cat coated woman looked up from her phone to glance at Sora, then said, "I think his tripp styled pants would match his jacket a little better. And not the skin tight ones.... the more baggier ones with belts and chains on it..."

Strelitzia gave Shoka a bit of an odd look that made Sora blink before the girl responded with a shrug, then wondered off to grab said pants from his room.

"Honestly, my dear Sora while most of your garb is currently fashionable, I think a shirt far more enticing would be pleasing to the eye of the one which seeks your heart..." Nagi commented with a smirk, "Why not that fishnet one with the low 'v' design that exposes a good portion of your pectorals."

"Oh my god, are you serious? It's JUST a gathering! A meet up!" Sora nearly hissed in frustration as he flailed his arms about before crossing them over his chest as he wore a pout.

Nagi only sighed, crossing her arms as she shook her head, "Our deductions conclude otherwise, but if I may: I think it is imperative that we ensure your success, for you, yourself have a tendency to... make questionable actions for yourself...to put simply."

Sora could only stare with a baffled look on his face before groaning as he slapped the palm of his hands onto his face.

"Anyway..." Shoka began as she made her way beside Sora and said, "listen knucklehead, Nagi's kinda right. And if you end up late, I'm kicking your ass. Got it?"

Sora eyed Shoka nervously, giving her a subtle nod, " A-affirmative..."

"Found the pants!"

-------

And it was due to Shoka's earlier threat that the brunette decided that he'd be able to reach his destination quicker on four feet instead of two! Unfortunately, he should've factored in all the attention he'd get as he traversed the streets in his canine form, just trotting along carelessly as he received unfiltered attention from those passing by.

A crash abruptly catches the attention of all as they pause their actions to look on, seeing the destruction caused by a car flying right into a nearby building. Shattered glass and cement flying everywhere as plumes of smoke rose to the sky...but everyone's attention would soon fall onto the monstrous creature which took a step out onto the scene. A theropod-like shadowy being with golden eyes that stood as around the same hot as some of the towers that surrounded the area. The creature glared as a roar ripped out of it; its skull-like face adding to the fear it instilled in the people as everyone in the scramble panicked.

"Shit!" he cursed as the rex charged forth, attacking some of the townspeople with it's massive jaws. It was rare for these entities to enter the physical realm, as they were mostly found in the other. However, their danger was still a problem since their influence could also affect the physical realm despite being in an alternate dimension. This thing though, was powerful enough to break free, allowing others to see it... and giving it the power to consume anything it seeks to eat.

With fur bristling, the primal dance between light and darkness began gain as light filled the dog's entire body until metal coated his fangs and claws. He sped toward the creature, jumping from car roof to car roof until he latched onto the creature's tail; biting it with his fangs as a stinging sensation bled through the tyrannosaur. Hissing the beat swung around, slamming the shiba into a nearby building, crushing the canid as it coughed and sputtered before dropping down along with debris. Despite the pain, Sora got up, his blue eyes now red with fury as his canine body grew bigger. His brown fur tinged a darker gray as his frame became more feline in appearance--almost cheetah or panther-like. His snout was broader, almost a mesh between a wolf and a lion as he had a mane. After taking this form he obtained a speed boost, zooming across the battlefield in a confusing array of light that caused his opponent to stumble about, looking this way and that until he suddenly dropped down from the sky clawed up the creature's face in a nasty fury of strikes.

The creature shrieked in pain, fighting desperately to knock the creature off that was leaving deep gashes onto it's face. Heated gashes powered by the light...to some degree. That light turning from a white to red hue the more he attacked. As the fight went on, a sudden ringing was sounded from the collar adorned around his neck... but he was too focused on the fight to pick up. At least, not until the creature bucked him off, causing him to fly down and tumble across broken concrete. The rocking and tumbling against debris allowing him to accidentally answer the call as an ear flicked and a slur of angered, yet concerned shouts flooded his sensitive ears.

"SORA WHERE ARE YOU?! YOU'RE GOING TO BE LATE!"

There was a grunt as he got up, his vision blurred as he peered up at his opponent that still stood tall despite the stagger in it's walk.

"I know... an - an accident happened! I'll be there!" he growled in frustration before swiping his forepaw over his collar to shut out the noises so he could focus. His narrowed, he looked around. He had to think of a way to take this guy out quick...and then, as he saw the limp in their walk, an idea came to mind. His claws and teeth lighting up to reform the keyblade as he charged forward, aiming directly at it injured foot-- for the bigger they are, the harder they fall!

)○( ║ And so Riku tells Yae about his encounter with Sora, sans certain internal details. She listens intently while they walk home, nodding and asking the occasional question. Their conversation continues inside her home after she invites him in for dinner, for "milkshakes aren't a meal," which earns her an apologetic shrug from Riku.

"So your Sora has no memory of you at all?" Yae asks as she flips fillets of mackerel cooking on a small stove-top grill.

Riku is secretly glad her attention is on the fish, unable to hide the small blush that appears at 'your'. "That's what it seems," he replies while filling their bowls with servings of rice. "I know it's him though, but I don't know where to begin to help him remember." He gives a sigh before going quiet as he continues to fill their table settings with other prepared side dishes.

"Maybe instead of focusing on bringing back the old so soon, you focus on the new," she suggests.

"In what way?"

"Well, simply getting to know your friend again. Instead of struggling to start an old fire, kindle a new one. And perhaps he might remember along the way, or not."

Riku frowns a little at that, already disliking the latter option. "And if not?"

"You'd have more room for new memories and better times with him, ne?" She looks to him and gives a little knowing smile that says 'you know I'm right', a smile Riku could swear was fox-like.

"True," he agrees, though his tone is still apprehensive. It wouldn't be like getting to know the Sora from his past all over again, would it? Who knows what Sora would be like in this world, having all these new 'human habits,' let alone befriending Sora and having to kindle feelings again and-

"-san... Natsumi-san... Riku-kun."

At his name, Riku's gaze finally caught the cooking tongs gently waving in his peripheral. He blinks back to attention. "S-Sumimasen Yae-san, I-I..." he stammers.

"Daijōbu desu," Yae assures him. "And I apologize for using your given name like that. You were so lost in that storm cloud of yours that I didn't know how to bring you out of it."

Storm cloud huh? More like a typhoon.

"I don't mind... I prefer it a little more than my surname to be honest," he admits. He hadn't gotten used to having a surname at all, let alone being addressed everywhere he went by it.

"You foreigners..." she sighs. "I'll make the exception for you." She sets down plated fish for each of them, Riku's serving considerably larger than hers. He's been swatted at before for attempting to sneak some of his portions onto her plate, making it clear that she didn't need to eat nearly as much as a tall grown man. Plus, she purposely left off most of her usual seasonings for his fish, knowing his diet sensitivities.

After pouring bowls of miso soup, seating themselves, and a simultaneous "itadakimasu" from the two of them, they both began their meals.

"So I'd like to ask," Yae-san speaks up again after a time, chuckling a little at Riku's round cheeks stuffed with food. "How are you going to meet up with Sora again? You can't just show up to his workplace every day, it isn't polite."

Riku swallows his mouthful with a slurp of soup. "I won't be doing that, don't worry. He agreed to join me on Saturday for milkshakes together."

Yae looks up from her dish. "You already have a date planned with him?"

"Date?" he blinks, confused.

She mutters a string of words so quickly under her breath Riku is unable to catch them, his head tilting in confusion when she starts chuckling at the end.

"You and my son are too much alike sometimes," she says, exasperated but still smiling. "So worried about getting lost when the signs and path are right in front of you."

═ ═ ═ ═ ═ ═

“Shibuya. Shibuya…”

It was a quarter to noon on his new wrist-watch when Riku arrived in Shibuya again, walking with more haste to leave the train platform than he had previously. He knew it wouldn't take long to get to Spain Hill from the station, but he didn't want to spare any chance to be late either. Yae-san had made such a fuss over his appearance earlier this morning despite already helping him shop and choose his attire the day before.

"If you want to help him remember you, dress in something more familiar to when you two were together..."

She told him that there would be a severe lack of clothing stores that would sell the garb he described as 'tribal-inspired' or otherwise having 'outlandish' design, but she was pleased (as well as the rest of the female store assistants) with the middle-ground they found in the department stores in Shinjuku.

He sported a dark grey, hooded shirt under a short leather jacket on top of black jeans, and tall combat-style boots with thick soles that gave him another inch of height that he definitely didn't need. His hair remained the same, but he still had to duck slightly to avoid it brushing some low ceilings in some of the underground exit tunnels. He almost turned down wearing a time-piece but Yae had insisted that he wear an accessory. Luckily it didn't take too much time to learn to read the small analog face among the other intricate silver details within it's deep blue background.

There was far-busier foot traffic in the city this time around as he made his way to the Scramble Crossing, with more local people and groups of visiting tourists out and about. Contrary to before, he seemed to stand out less when he was among them, which gave him a small bit of relief from the lack of stares he usually received.

He wondered briefly if he should keep an eye out for Sora, or perhaps the other was already at the restaurant? He tugs his face mask down below his nose, but at the first sniff he pulls it back on. There were just far too many scents this time surrounding him and no wind to carry them towards or away from him. He would just have to trust that Sora was on his way like Riku was.

[k3y2myh34rt]

Ever since the incident with 'the foreigner' work had been... a bit high energy. He'd get questioned by Rika on how to strike some points with the new guy, while he'd occasionally overhear his female co-workers whisper about him as they snuck glances his way. He'd groan, and wish for work to end sooner so he could end his suffering. Thankfully, Shoka was their to soak up some of the bad vibes and keep him company, even if she wasn't exactly the nicest person to talk to. It was due to this fact, however, that he stuck near her to avoid some of his coworkers for the day....

------

The screech of wheels reaches various ears as the bus stopped. A suited office worker soon shuffled out of his seat, suitcase in one hand and cell phone in the other as he discussed business plans with his fellow partner. Sora watched, all this take place with a blank look on his face. Beside him was Shoka; the two no longer wearing their work clothes. Instead, they donned their casual, Sora in a hoodie with a few belts wrapped around his waist and pants, while Shoka wore a cat hoodie... One Sora often kept forgetting the name to, but it was some mascot for a popular clothing brand. She was sitting there, leaning her head against the window as she fiddled with her phone, to which Sora took a moment to observe as he noted the dancing Chocobo with a happy heart floating over it's head. She was playing FanGo, from what he could see.

Her eyes slid over, noting Sora was looking as she said with a faint smirk, "So, how do you feel about your date?"

To that, Sora let out an indignant huff and looked away instantly, "I told you, it's NOT a date."

Shoka rolled her eyes with a snort before shaking her head, "You're a good kid, but I swear you're a huge dunce sometimes." "H-hey! Not nice! I'm telling you man, he just wants to hang out and talk... nothing like that!"

Shoka took a moment to scrutinize Sora beneath the hood of her hoodie, then snorted, "Sure, we'll see about that when he starts asking you to come over to his house..."

With that she returned to her game, feeding her pet Chocobo. Sora frowned, then averted his gaze toward the window as he watched urban towers pass by.

'How long have I been here now? A year?' he mused silently as he watched the glow of the sun start fading in the sky. Indeed, it had been nearly a year or longer since he woke up in this unfamiliar city. He didn't remember much about his life prior, as much of it was either blank, or came in a haze. He does remember the first person he met, Strelitzia, who was now his roommate. Then later, Nagi, followed by Shoka came to live in the apartment with them. He was the only boy in a place full of girls, but this fact didn't bother him too much. Sora, luckily, was very approachable and friendly; very easy to get along with in most cases. And it was due to that friendliness that he was quick to get accustomed to his new surroundings. He was the sort that was constantly on the go, preferring to learn as he went than think things through first. He'll learn about stuff later.

As he watched the buildings above he caught the glimpse of several hooded figures atop one of the buildings before they vanished from sight. There was a faint ringing in his ears as his pupils thinned once again. His hair bristling as a low growl emitted from his throat. One Shoka barely caught as she quickly glanced at him.

-------

Twenty minutes had gone by when the door to there apartment opened up with Shoka walking in, followed by Sora, who closed the door behind him. The young woman slipped her shoes off, then made her way toward the living room to set her bag on the couch beside a lazing Nagi. Nagi's gaze shifted from her game to the bag, then her textbook that was laid out beside her on the couch. There's a slight frown on her face, but she said nothing as she went back to playing her video game.

"We're home!" Sora exclaimed as he wandered into the kitchen where Strelitzia was, cutting up a pair of green onions on her cutting board. Sora took a few sniffs, then licked his lips, "Whatchya makin'?"

Streliitzia gave him a sweet smile as she answered softly, "Just some simple Miso. So, how was work today?"

Sora blinked, opening his mouth with a broad smile before Shoka interrupted him, "A guy asked him out, and he said yes without thinking about it."

To that Sora whipped his head around with a frown, then crossed his arms as he huffed, "I told you, it's not a date!"

Strelitzia quietly looked between the two before covering her mouth to giggle.

"Sure, sure, anyway, gonna take a shower. You three can talk it out..." with that, she wandered down the hall and disappeared into the bathroom.

Meanwhile, Nagi was peeking her head over the couch, having paused her game sometime during the conversation.

"So, who's this... guy, she speaks of?" she questioned, adjusting her glasses as her eyes met Sora's once he faced her. He gave a lazy shrug, just before fully turning his body around and waved his arms around animatedly.

"I never got his name, but he was like... huuuuge. Super tall, and had this silver hair that was spiked up a bit in the back... his eyes though... his eyes... they were unique. An aqua-green sort of color... " he trailed off... thinking about how strange that was. Even stranger that they still rang familiar to him in some sense, "Anyway, uh, I said he was tall, yeah? So, I helped him out, and he wanted to thank me for it by hanging out..."

Nagi gave a quiet nod before narrowing her eyes, "Alright. Well, if you weren't blushing, or staring off like you were, I'd be inclined to beleive you on the 'hanging out' thing. That and Shoka seemed pretty convinced..."

Sora placed both hands on his hips as he frowned, cheeks absolutely red while catching the second set of giggles from Strelitzia.

"You know she's making fun of me, right?"

"Mhm, so, in what way does he want to hang out? Get a couple of beers while you two discuss baseball, or ...you and him eating together...alone?"

Sora grew quiet and sheepish as he answered, "Uh...eat together...alone...I think..."

He scratched his head as silence fell over the three of them, until it was broken by Nagi as he threw a pillow at him. "That's a date you dork!"

-------

Later that night, Sora was lounged on the couch, eyes heavy as he was watching some weird romance anime on his television screen. A sigh left him as his gaze scanned the darkened room, then rose up to the window to stare at the moon, who's light shone through onto him. His pupils dilated, staring silently before he drifted off into a deep slumber. Swept away to a land within his mind's memory as he trotted across fields speckled with glowing flowers that lit up beneath the blood-red haze of twilight. As his shadowed figure moved through the flora with a panther's grace, several small glowing creatures flew out of the grass like swarms of fireflies. He drew closer to a darkened place with alien trees looming over him... drawing him deeper into unmarked territory... where darkness made its stay...his home.

)○( ║ It took a good few minutes to get his breathing within normal levels after the effort it took to subdue the urges that nearly burst out of him in a restaurant full of people. He refused to let himself have any remote thoughts or imagination of Sora's lips moving closer to his own, nor what he would have devoured if that sweet, warm, red taste of blood ever met his tongue. He tugs his face mask back over his nose and mouth again in an attempt to further block any more temptation.

He suppresses the frustrated growl in his throat from having denied himself from seizing the moment, and instead offers the fact that he would be able to see Sora again that upcoming weekend. It was only a few days away, and there would (hopefully) be less interruptions.

And also, he found Sora. His beloved Sora. Today. That enough is a victory alone despite the months of searching in such a populated city on this strange planet...

There is much for Riku to think over in the time between his return back to his apartment in Tokyo and the days leading up to meeting with Sora on Saturday. So many questions...

Of all places, why did Sora end up at a burger joint?

How had Sora been able to survive here? How long has he been in Shibuya?

Why is Sora bleeding? What is making him sick?

Does Sora remember who... or rather, what he is?

Would Sora remember Riku and the life they had?

Or the love they shared?

He blinks away the pin-pricks at the corners of his eyes, recollecting himself and seeing he was only the few long blocks away from his apartment building. His trip through the Scramble and getting on the train home hadn't registered to him at all while he was swimming in his thoughts.

"Natsumi-san? Anata desu ka?"

Riku turns to the sound of the voice who called his surname, seeing an elderly woman squinting in his direction with bags of groceries hanging from her hands. He tugs off his face mask and sees her expression brighten with recognition.

"Hai, soudesu. Konbanwa Yae-san," Riku greets with a short bow as he joins her. He extends his hands to take her bags for her, an offer she accepts with a smile before walking alongside him. Her small home was on the same street as his apartment building, and Riku would always pass by her place whenever he needed to go into town or to the train station. He was eternally grateful for both her company and her guidance when he first moved into the area, and helping her in ways like this was the least he could do to repay her kindness.

"You look sad," she says, getting straight to the point and catching him off guard per usual. "No luck again today?"

In previous conversations, he had confessed that he was looking for his 'best friend' from long ago and only had small leads to go on to where he was 'overseas'. Of course, Yae-san thought the foreigner was insane for going on such a man-hunt for a person, but the retired school-teacher respected his perseverance nonetheless.

"Actually, I did find him," he replies, which the woman's eyes widen in surprise. "But... Sora doesn't remember me."

[k3y2myh34rt]

His eyes flick to those canines and within that moment, that same primal urge from earlier rose up again, making his eyes completely turn crimson before switching back to blue after blinking. Exhaling a quivering breath, he felt as if he were drowning in a pool of emotions he hadn't fully understood just yet. But he reacted by leaning forward to attempt... something... what? He wasn't sure, he just was drawing closer as he watched the man sign the receipt.

It was then, he glanced at the sheet he'd scribbled on, brows scrunched as he noted the mysterious symbols that were alien, yet again... oddly familiar...

What in the hell was up with this guy....?

He was drawn out of his musings when the other pointed out blood, and instantly his hand shot up to his upper lip. Sure enough, there was blood smudged onto his fingertips; an unnaturally dark crimson, almost black.

"Shit..." he cursed, bowing his head to search for the handkerchief before looking up to see...the man was already out the door. Sora stared, a little bewildered with the cloth hanging from his hands. He barely registered Rika scurrying up to him, nor her questions as he peered on in a dazed state....

He never got that guy's name.

)○( ║ The taller man indulged himself in the moment despite Sora's gaze flickering as they searched some unknown, far-off expanse between them. At the sound of another squeal, Riku only drew away enough to break the contact their foreheads had, still keeping close to hear Sora's response.

He couldn't help the corner of his mouth quirking into a smirk when he saw so much red bloom across Sora's cheeks. "I'll return on Saturday then," he replies, lips spreading into a smile that exposed some of the length of his canines.

The expression returns to a neutral state at the second shout but he doesn't follow Sora's look, instead taking the moment of broken eye contact to retrieve his card and sign the receipt with a scrawl of symbols that hardly suggested a human name. He makes a mental note to return to reviewing this 'signature' practice later as he tucks the card back into his pocket. As Sora fixates on him again, Riku's own hues lock onto the return of more blood on the brunet's upper lip.

Again...?

His eyes narrow, pupils dilating once more as he's internally fighting certain temptations. With a heated exhale, a gloved hand comes up again but this time indicates to the same spot on his own nose with a tap.

"You're bleeding," he tells Sora outright. His hand returns to his pocket before briefly remembering earlier events. "I believe you should still have my handkerchief."

The moment the other looks away to retrieve the article is when Riku takes his leave, already outside and a distance away before the door closes on its hinges.

[k3y2myh34rt]

That card was real interesting. Unfortunately, the little incident he'd just experienced didn't allow him the chance to catch the foreigner's name. However, what did capture his attention, was the question, followed by the gentle touch of foreheads touching... and the unveiling of his own mask.

His blue eyes widening, quivering faintly like the shudder that coursed through his body. Then, he froze, like a deer in headlights before visions flashed before his mind's eye like a crack of lightning. Images of nebulous skies painting a vast sea of darkness; speckled with diamond dust as two celestial forms danced through the heavens. Then various images of pleasing scenes, two silhouettes resting at the beach, watching the moon rise in the sky, and another of a shadow fighting and tearing at something-- just numerous images that were too fast to catch fully before a squeal behind him shattered the moment.

Blinking furiously, he lifted a shaky hand to snatch up the receipt that was printed out. Then licked his lips, cheeks flushed a deep red as he finally answered, "Noon on the weekends... a-and sure..." 'Jesus Sora, get a grip, you just MET this man-- right?'

His eyes narrowed as he silently questioned this before a second shout made him turn his head to see Rika in the far corner, surrounded by other co-workers just... staring at the two curiously. However, they all dispersed once his eyes fell upon them. His eyes fixate on the stranger again, taking in his facial features...especially his eyes... he seemed so familiar...but how? He felt a trickle of something wet crawling down his nose, but was too in shock...possibly somewhat delirious as well, to fully notice the nose bleed once again.

)○( ║ He follows Sora through to the register, his movement fluid as he makes his way around customers as well. A simple black card is already between his gloved fingers and being placed upon the payment tray, regardless of the total. The card didn't display any bank brand and only held the standard credit network logo, EMV chip, necessary credit card number and expiration date, and the name "RIKU NATSUMI" in embossed silver letters.

Riku catches the very brief change in Sora's expression, head tilting a fraction from concern at the wince of pain. Just what exactly could be ailing him? And more importantly, how could Riku help him?

Baby steps... You just found him... And just stealing him away is going to stay a daydream than become a reality for now.

"When would be a better time to enjoy a milkshake here?" He speaks, before tugging his mask under his chin and leaning closer to add:

"And... perhaps with your company," he says more quietly. "I appreciate you coming to my rescue earlier."

[k3y2myh34rt]

Sora's eyes followed the other male, widening as he stood up. He was so friggin' tall, it almost made the brunette jealous that he was so much taller than him. Anyway, he gave a small nod, "Alright, follow me then."

And with that, Sora pulled himself out of his seat, and waded through servers and customers to reach the front counter. Then proceeded to ring up the other's bill. He took another quick glance, and grew a little...sad? He didn't know why, but the thought of him leaving made his heart ache suddenly... and that was when a dull buzzing, accompanied with an ache rose from the depths of his head, causing him to wince. Then, reality seemed to distort around him for a second as the taller one's image shifted ...to him with much longer hair...and different attire that he didn't quite grasp because it was such a fleeting moment; coming as soon as it went.

Sora blinked, brows furrowed before he hummed softly before saying, "You're total is going to be..."

)○( ║ Riku was relieved to see Sora heading over but gave a quizzical tilt of his head when he slid into the booth instead. His eyes widened at the sudden aggressive display, catching the lengthened fangs and subtle glow of pupils that startled the girls into silence.

Yes, this was definitely His Sora and his brand of Protection.

The display brought such a warm feeling in Riku's chest, grinning under his mask and giving a small chuckle. At the mention that he could take the rest of his shake home, he shook his head.

"I appreciate the offer to take the rest of it, but I'm afraid it'd be melted by the time I return home. I did enjoy it though, truly." Riku says before moving to slide out of the booth and stand. "I'd like to come back under 'better circumstances'," he admits. "But for now, I'd settle my bill please."

The best time would probably be whenever those girls were still in school, or during later hours, but who's to say if that would be the same time Sora was working?

[k3y2myh34rt]

While work was far more important... Sora just found himself staring... noting the little wave. However, that wasn't really what caught his attention though. It was the girls... and how uncomfortable the man looked. He didn't know why, but he felt the rush of a protective urge overtaking him, and before he knew it, he made a beeline in the man's direction and slipped right into the booth in front of him. His brows furrowed and gaze not the usual blue, but ringed with purple around his pupils. He looked, pretty irritated honestly, and even more so when he directed his gaze at the girls and snarled; baring his teeth.... Did his fangs get longer? He didn't really notice if they did or not.

Instead he huffed, returning his attention to the guy before him as his grumpy demeanor brightened suddenly. With a sweet smile and deep blue eyes, Sora proceeded to speak, "Sorry about them. We normally don't attract that sort of activity...nor strangers like yourself. If you'd like, I can help you over the counter with your bill and you can take that home with you."

With that he gestured his head to the front counter where the cashier register sat on the left of the chocobo settled by the bell.

)○( ║ There was only so much enjoyment Riku could get out of his dessert before he had to actually work to keep his face neutral of the disdain he had for the spectacle he became. The tick of an eyebrow was the only tell of the flinch he felt at the sudden shriek from a few tables away.

Fuck... They found me.

It was same pair of girls that had tried to follow him earlier and it looked like they had brought more of their friends to eat together. There were audible 'clicks' of camera apps in their poor attempts to sneak pictures of him, which only soured his mood more. He looks at his half-eaten dessert and quickly glances around for any other booths or tables he could move to that were out of eyesight of the gaggle of girls, but there just weren't any.

How fucking unfortunate.

With a heavy sigh, he wipes his mouth with a napkin and slips on his face mask again, hiding his pout. As much as he didn't want to abandon the rest of his milkshake, he had to get out of there.

Riku attempts to catch Sora's eye, raising a gloved hand in a small wave for his attention. Just needed to get the check to pay up at the front and get the hell out of there, hopefully before the girls get the idea to abandon their meals to follow him.

His chest already began to ache at the thought of leaving Sora so soon after finding him, but at the very least knew where he could find him again.