I Just Wanted Her To Be Happy Once In A While ) - Tumblr Posts

“ Don't laugh. ” [ for kairi! ]

►  ❪  MIXED BAG  ❫

         The wrong choice of words to make use of in this scenario  ( of all scenarios !! ), serving to achieve the opposite effect he desired. Manifesting as a wrench to work against him, they're taken to the trembling bolts barring delighted giggles behind raised brows and pinched grin, undoing the wobbling seal already straining to hold back more than the occasional giggle, allowing peals of ungraceful laughter to tumble forth. A sudden crescendo of glee, a rising wave of joy crashing against the sea's shore, stealing away air from lungs and reducing the shaking girl to heaving breaths.

         ❝ H-How do you —- ❞  Wheezes fought to find a place to be heard among the fit of amusement.  ❝ — ex-pect me n-not to ??  I can't — ❞  

         It's too much, a struggle to seek enough air to manage getting that much of a response. tapering off into few seconds of silence. It's still too much. It couldn't be contained within the hollows of her chest, stifled snickers bouncing around with fervour, steam compressed tighter and tighter, soon forcing its way up and the exhale of air pitched into another round of laughs. Tears began to seep in and blur vision. An arm rose to swipe at her eyes and clear them. She missed the mark entirely, motion almost sending her careening to the floor. Rather than meet the ground and kick up debris, Kairi stumbled into her friend, shoulder resting against arm as body slumped into his side, relying on his sturdy frame to keep her propped upright.

         Stars above, she hadn't laughed so hard or so freely in ages. The tense, acrid fog settled within her chest lifted, dispelled if even for this bright, shining moment. Maybe Riku knew in his own unique way, about the myriad of doubts / familiar frustrations / old wrenching aches plaguing her mind. Maybe this was a reminder that he was still here — not gone too far ahead yet / with her by her side / present and alive. Maybe this was all wishful thinking, spun up as a cooling balm to ease the burns left behind. Intentional or not, appreciation for the other sat warm in her heart all the same.

         It had slipped away under the cover of the fog  ( the feeling forgotten and abandoned )  but as she looked at Riku, Kairi remembered how it felt to be home.

         A hand brushed aside lingering tears while the other shifted between them, reaching for his. Only when she secured hold of it, when they're hand in hand, did she straighten up. ❝ It's not bad. I swear it's not. ❞  Head shaking, she squeezed his hand, smile a little lighter, easy and affectionate.  ❝ I know I'm laughing, but I mean it ! ❞