ext_66841 ([identity profile] tabitha-dornoc.livejournal.com) wrote in [community profile] kh_drabble2006-04-15 02:28 pm

(no subject)

New to community. New to drabbles. Not new to the KH love. Only slightly terrified.

Challenge: [059] Laughter
Title: Safely Away
Word Count: 223
Notes: Set between CoM and KHII


He had never heard Riku laugh.

The realization struck him, without provocation, on a day like any other. If he had been thinking about Home, or Light, or Minnie (who was a combination of Home and Light) the insight might have made sense. But no.

He spent days afterwards watching for it; attempting to pull it from Riku's heart. In the week he spent observing Riku he catalogued almost all of his expressions. New ones he wouldn't have caught had he not been so thorough.

But no laugh. The emotions that create laughter were present, so he knew Riku was capable...

Yet amusement was shown through a small upturn of his mouth. Pleasant surprise with a raise of eyebrows. Joy with a twitching of fingers and a conscious effort not to smile.

It was seven full days of the silliest jokes, stories, and memories he could think of before the answer came to him.

Riku's laughter wasn't suppressed deep in his heart, trapped in his throat, or buried behind his careful face. It wasn't with him at all; not present for him to unlock, even if he did have the key.

Riku's laughter was being sheltered, far away, in an old mansion with endless floors. Sleeping. Anxiously guarded by a small witch that was slowly, ever slowly, trying to piece it back together.

[identity profile] marrow.livejournal.com 2006-04-15 11:21 pm (UTC)(link)
X3 I'm glad. I think you did a perfect job! :D

You're welcome!