Fabricated Affections {RepliRikuXVanitas/KH FanFiction}

Chapter 17: Gummi Ship

Riku and Vanitas had returned to Hollow Bastion shortly after the sun vanished on the beach. Their clothes were dry by that time and the boys quickly ensured to dress before returning to the world. Riku slept like a log that night after that long day of swimming, and before he woke up the next morning he dreamed of those fun beach moments with Vanitas. Upon awaking Riku clenched his pillow tighter and wished he could go back in the dream. That was one of his first real, positive memories he made in his life. He never wanted it to end, he wanted to swim in the ocean with Vanitas forever.

But alas a hand grabbed the blanket from his back and tore it from him, leaving him exposed to the cold air. Riku groaned, flipping onto his back and rubbing an eye as he stared up at the Prince of darkness who towered above him.

Vanitas had his hands on his hips, looking down at Riku an amused smirk. Riku was surprised he didn't wear the mask. "Not so fun now is it?" He said, referring to the other morning when Riku was the one tearing the blanket away.

Riku scoffed. He yawned loudly and sat up. "Yeah yeah. Is the ship ready?"

"Yeah. I checked just now."

Riku's eyes lit up and suddenly he could feel a burst of energy. The excitement of the news had him bounce to his feet, smoothing out his hair and clothes. He was mindful of Vanitas' stare but chose to ignore those narrowing eyes as they watched him prepare for the day. Only moments later Vanitas scoffed and began to walk towards his nightstand, grabbing the mask that rested on top. Riku was disappointed that Vanitas chose to cover up his face again, but enjoyed even the brief amount of time he decided to tear the mask away. Riku smiled warmly to himself and memorized every one of Vanitas' facial features before the mask covered them, and then Riku looked away. He lazily tidied up the beds that were still pushed together and gave Vanitas a curt nod, signaling he was officially ready to depart.

Vanitas responded back with an emotionless blink and before Riku could take another breath he has fallen into a corridor created beneath his feet, leading him straight into the Gummi Hangar. Riku wasn't expecting to transition in such a way and he found himself tumbling onto his back as he wasn't prepared. Vanitas followed closely behind, landing gracefully on his feet. Riku could hear him snickering from under the mask, but despite his laugh he extended an arm and offered Riku assistance.

"Sorry. Couldn't help myself." Vanitas said.

Riku clapped his hands against the others. "You're the worst."

"Oh hey guys!" Sora's voice could be heard at the top of the stairs, gathering their attention. As Riku was propped to his feet Sora began waving them over with a goofy grin on his face. "Chip and Dale are almost done! Just adding some finishing touches."

Riku could hear the sounds of machines whirring and metal clashing right above his head. He looked upwards and could see the bottom of the ship significantly high up and towering above him. Subtly but swiftly he advanced towards the stairs so he wasn't standing directly underneath such a machine.

Vanitas didn't move and Riku could feel the attitude radiating off of him like heat. Vanitas sourly stood in his spot all but glaring at Sora while Riku approached. Riku ignored his behavior as he was getting used to the others typical sourness and focused on chatting with Sora. The young Keyblade Wielder waited patiently for Riku's approach before he was able to ramble again.

"Riku is helping Chip and Dale and once they're ready you can take off!" Sora bounced on the heels of his feet excitedly. "Do you know how to drive a ship? I can teach you!"

Riku thoughtfully hummed to himself as he sorted through those fake memories. It wasn't often the original used a ship as he used to simply use a corridor of darkness or travel with Maleficent. However for some reason Riku had a vague memory of the function of a Gummi Ship and how to navigate and without taking a second thought he nodded to Sora's question.