Fabricated Affections {RepliRikuXVanitas/KH FanFiction}

Chapter 23: True Freedom

Riku could barely make out Xehanorts facial features as everything became one giant blur. Riku could physical see the darkness overtaking him as strands of black protruded from his peripheral vision as if they were swallowing everything in sight. He wanted to stay awake and fought so hard but to no avail. He struggled less and less as he felt his body growing weaker while he lost consciousness.

Riku sent a silent apology to Vanitas, an apology for not being better... For not being stronger. He could only hope that his Original and Sora would save the day instead for Riku couldn't.

The darkness closed in and Riku began to slip away from reality, that was until the grip released all the sudden. Without the hands tightening his throat Riku began spluttering into coughs, gasping for that air he was prevented just moments before. His own hands went to rub his sore throat as he finally regained his vision, and there before him he was greeted by the point of a dark blade. Riku continued coughing but focused on the weapon in front of him; a weapon drenched in blood.

Xehanort was gurgling now, blood dripping down his chin as it seemed like something pierced through his abdomen. Riku didn't dare move except his quivering breath and heaving chest, his eyes fixated on the blade before him. It was pulled from Xehanorts body with a nasty squish sound and in a blink Xehanort collapsed onto the ground with a splat. While panting, Riku's eyes darted up to observe what happened and once his eyes settled all he could feel was relief wash over him.

"V-Van..." He managed to choke out.

There Vanitas stood, his own gasping breaths heaving his chest as his blade clanged to the ground and echoed throughout the now silent room. It was as if he was in shock, his face still covered by the mask but broken enough that Riku could see his one wide, shaking eye. Riku noticed Vanitas looking down at his hands which were shaking as well, and in an instant Riku was on his feet. Ignoring his own pain he rushed towards the other, embracing him in a tight hug without a second thought.

"I-I... Killed..." Vanitas uttered. He didn't return the embrace.

Riku rested his chin on the others shoulder. He wanted to squeeze him harder but refrained due to his wounds, however he found himself tearing up and instead Riku satisfied his urge of affection by planting a gentle kiss on Vanitas' neck. "It's okay. Everything's okay."

"Xehanort is dead!" There was a cry shouted from one of the remaining Organization members, a cry that Riku chose to ignore.

"And you're next!" Sora called out.

Riku recognized the whoosh sound of a corridor opening and closing along with a quick familiar sound of a Keyblade being slammed into the ground. Both his original and Sora began to talk with disgust, the tones of their voices sounding urgent and displeased.

But Riku didn't care.

He loosened his grip on Vanitas just enough so he could position himself in front of him. Vanitas' gaze seemed glazed over; haunted. Riku frowned and used a gentle finger to caress the mask, asking unspoken permission to release Vanitas from that dreadful curse. Vanitas closed his eye as silent consent. Without any lingering Riku tore the mask off and tossed it carelessly to the side without removing his stare from Vanitas. Even with the mask removed he kept his eyes closed as his breath continued to quaver.

Riku brushed some loose hair from Vanitas' face, smearing blood away all the while. He couldn't imagine how much pain he was in. "You're safe. You won't ever have to deal with him again."

Vanitas finally opened his eyes and took a mere glance at Riku before his gaze drifted off to Xehanorts dead body. He looked frantic and scared as the color was drained from his face and his breathing became more rapid. Riku gently pinched the others chin with his forefinger and thumb, urging him to look back. Vanitas gulped down a lump and his gaze returned, there Riku could see clearly just how mortified he was.