"You don't know? Even Kairi-" he starts to say, when the twist of grief in his chest cuts him off. Even Kairi had the occasional trouble, he meant to add, but maybe it never looked that way to Kairi, who could handle herself. Just to Riku, who, returning from a long period away from the islands, had realized he fit in even less than before. Kairi had grown and other islanders had noticed.

Maybe... he was just sensitive to the differences, the way time inevitably changes what was once as familiar and comfortable as a favorite pair of gloves. Knowing she's living with another girl - even if it's someone who has absolutely made him fluster, a secret he will take with him to his grave - settles him somewhat.

Only for a chuckle to tumble out of him in surprise as she asks him about pillow forts.

"Sure, I've even built them," Riku finds this easier to talk about than the prospect of explaining why it can be dangerous to invite guys to sleep over, "When I was ten. Come on, are you serious?"