(artwork by the incredible @chibijirachiwish)
**Aicaya Ch14 ~ SoRiku Mermaid AU**
Riku looked up at the sky as he followed after Namine along the dirt road. Gloomy clouds swirled overhead, rumbling with distant thunder and masking the songs of the morning birds. He still couldn’t believe that he was going along to the shop again. Two weeks had passed since Aerith began showing up at the shop with Sephiroth and every day, Namine was insisting that Riku come back to see it for himself. According to her, Aerith had initiated a change in Sephiroth. He was softer, kinder, and everything that Riku couldn’t quite believe.
“Good morning!” Aerith’s sweet voice brought Riku’s attention back forward to see her standing in the front garden outside of the shop.
It was as if the somber overcast of the oncoming storm had no effect on her. Her curls were tied back, falling over her green apron speckled with embroidered white daisies. If Riku hadn’t been so against her budding relationship with his brother, he would have said she belonged there.
Instead, he strained a smile, allowing Namine to talk back to her as he followed behind.
“I’m so glad you came to visit, Riku.” Aerith looked at him after exchanging greetings with Namine.
Riku tensed, “Uh, yeah… figured I’d see how everything was going.”
“Is Sephiroth inside?” Namine cut in, grabbing Riku’s arm to pull him past the gate.
“Yes!” Aerith stepped back, allowing the siblings to pass as she took off her gardening gloves. “Also, Riku, I hope the Acaiya book has been helpful to you.”
Riku blinked, stopping midstep. A flash of worry panged in his chest that she knew the truth about Sora and Kairi, but looking back at her, she merely waited for his reply with a polite smile. Letting out a slight breath of relief, he nodded. “Yeah, it’s been great. Thank you.”
“Of course,” her smile grew as Namine tugged on Riku’s arm. With a soft giggle, she motioned towards Namine. “I’ll let you two get inside.”
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