[ his ears and cheeks tinge red, and riku rolls his eyes, stumbling a little and sidestepping to knock lea back. ]

It's not my fault I'm around the house more often. It's almost like I have to listen to you, now. [ he's teasing. maybe. ]

At the time, I didn't think there was any help that he could give me. [ riku's smirk fades, and he looks down. ] He was always brimming under the surface, one step from taking over. That's not what it's like now, but... I didn't want anyone caught in the crossfire.