sock boy

Flinching slightly, Naminé frowned at the other’s response. She knew it’d take a while for Riku to calm down around her, but she hated being treated like she was above him.

“I wish that you would…treat me lik a normal girl. Not like a princess, or your boss, just…a girl. Okay? Please?”

The tiny blonde was practically pleading now, staring at Riku as she waited for a response. She hoped this servant wouldn’t get scared of her and leave like the others had done. So many had hated the way that she wanted a friend, and had left, saying that friendship isn’t what they’d signed up for. Of course, from what she’d heard, Riku couldn’t leave, he’d been sold to them… but she didn’t want him uncomfortable. Didn’t want him unhappy…

“If…if you think you can’t do it, tell me, I’ll… I won’t hold it against you, okay?”

Riku swallowed heavily, shifting in his seat beside her. Clearly did he appear uncomfortable, running his fingers through his hair. The values that had been embedded in his mind since he was but a babe were causing him to stutter and suffer clearly, now. 

What was he to do? This was against everything he was taught, but the lady requested otherwise...he could not refuse.

Sheepishly did he smile, and allowed his shoulders to loosen, licking his dry lips briefly. A weak little smile, and he nodded, folding his hands in his lap.

“If that’s what you want.”

Not that there wasn’t much of a choice, but the idea sounded...strangely lovely. It was quaint. Maybe it would allow him safety while he was here. Despite being forced here, why not be comfortable while here?

He sat a bit awkwardly on the fine, soft bed, swallowing and looking back down at her, standing much taller than her. The young boy couldn’t help it, feeling almost afraid, nervous, as if he were about to be sentenced. Being around the queen frightened him. What if he messed up?

With one cover, Erika Schenk is shattering stereotypes about fat and fitness 

“You don’t need to be scared of me, you’re twice my size. Besides, I’d much rather you just be my friend… don’t tell the guards though, they’re not as friendly. They’ll warm up to you, Lexaeus is just a big softy when he drops his rough tough facade.”

“I’m not scared...” he muttered softly, yet that was a complete lie. He was terrified here. Sold by his family when they could no longer afford to feed him, and thrown at the mercy of the castle. Well aware that his every move would be watched, lest he be tortured or killed, he was fearful and oh so afraid. Of her.

A sharp swallow, looking at her with a pitiful look after a moment, before trying to steel himself again. Don’t show emotions to the princess, is what he was taught. He was meaningless.

It was easy for her to say that he didn’t have to serve her, and that respect should be earned...she had everyone’s respect by birth, and he had no respect by birth. He was nothing.

Frowning a bit, he looked back to her. “I am your property now. I live to serve you, however you need me to.”

“You’re gray too!”

It’s probably talking about his hair.

“I am not!” he scoffed slightly, as if offended.

“That’s enough, Lexaeus. Thank you though, I’ll call you if I need anything… I can take it from here.”

Servant… she hated that word. It was so degrading, felt almost dirty in her mouth. Why would she be above these people just because of the family she was born into? Watching as Lexaeus walked out of the room, she waited until the door was closed before stepping forward with a smile and giving Riku a silly bow.

His hands rubbed at his arms, and he tilted his head slightly at her. Why was she bowing to him? That didn’t make sense. He was just dirt compared to her--why was she bowing? It was degrading to bow to a filthy child such as him.

Swallowing again, he blinked at her, and gave a soft chuckle in amusement and nervousness, shifting a bit nervously as he looked at her. Frightened, almost.

Ask Box Only, No Anons

Riku Appreciation Week Day 1: Favorite Appearance