Fabricated Affections {RepliRikuXVanitas/KH FanFiction}

Chapter 10: Hollow Bastion

Vanitas dragged the Replica to Hollow Bastion next where they could stock up on supplies as needed. Vanitas already had a pouch full of potions, but if they were caught those potions would likely mean nothing.

Vanitas glanced at his shattered mask and inevitably glared. There was no remorse coming from the boy of darkness from shattering it. Even if the entire journey was on a whim he wanted to leave that part of him behind and never look back. However, Riku still wasn't given permission to catch a glimpse of his entire face. Not yet. Vanitas couldn't fully trust him even if he had shown him kindness several times since they've met. That reassuring look in the Replica's eyes though, Vanitas felt that serene feeling all over again as he glanced at who was once his prisoner. A prisoner that attended to his wounds, a prisoner that gave him motivation to flee, a prisoner that brought him solace when he needed it-

"You good?"

Vanitas blinked his eyes and realized he was staring. Vanitas breathed out, quickly averting his gaze and staring ahead instead. A small secluded area behind Hollow Bastion's shop area was where Vanitas took them so they were able to subtly migrate into the worlds population. He could hear the chatter and laughter coming from the townsfolk, a sound he never thought he'd hear again. Hollow Bastion didn't get its name for no reason however, as the worlds situation wasn't always so peaceful which was how Vanitas knew to stock up on potions and other medical items. A hollow world filled with Heartless would certainly have what he needed.

"I'm fine." Vanitas finally mumbled. "Let's just get some stuff and we'll be on our way."

Vanitas shoved his hands inside his casual clothing pockets to hide a clenched fist. The Replica was just along for the journey with no sense of the future or what's to come and yet he came along anyway. As Vanitas began to retreat down the stairs towards the market he glanced over his shoulder to catch a glimpse of the Replica; his features were soft and a tender look rested on his face. Vanitas caught his eye and quickly turned away before he was staring once more. This Replica confused him and made him act out in ways Vanitas never knew he would, was it even safe to keep him around?

Vanitas forcefully kept his back facing Riku as he examined the products on display. He couldn't allow himself to glance at him or else he would be distracted. Vanitas plucked a Hi-Potion from the display area and immediately he sought for Riku's presence within the reflection of the glass. Vanitas clenched his teeth and his eyes widened with disappointment in himself at his behavior, and that thought alone angered him. He clenched his fist once more and shattered the bottle in the palm of his hand, stirring up a ruckus from those around.

"You'll have to pay for that!" The shopkeeper exclaimed.

Vanitas only looked down at the shattered mess in front of him, the green liquid mixing with crimson and dripping onto the stone ground. Vanitas felt his eye twitch as he glared down at the glass, flashes of black replacing the clear object. All he could think about was his mask he fractured just minutes ago, those flashes leading to the reason he wore the mask to begin with. Was this impulsive escape really a good idea? Especially with the Replica that distracted him so?

"Sorry about that!" Vanitas felt a gentle hand on his shoulder and beside him stood Riku, a polite grin on his face as he faced the shopkeeper. "We'll take responsibility."

Vanitas didn't have the energy to shrug the other off, and instead he gathered what remained of his focus and quickly gathered supplies and paid. He couldn't utter a word to Riku and simply handed the shopkeeper some munny and turning his back. The comforting warmth of Riku's hand slipped away from Vanitas' movement and Vanitas had to force himself to take a deep breath. If only that hand could have stayed just a while longer...