Shorties

Walmart wasn't exactly Sora's favorite place to shop on a good day. It was crowded and noisy, and always seemed to be frequented by the strangest of characters. Not that he minded other people, he'd always had an open heart and mind, but some people just took things too far, and they always seemed to do it at Walmart. So he usually shopped elsewhere, unless he couldn't avoid it.

Unfortunately, he couldn't avoid it on Black Friday, which, in retrospect, was probably one of the worst ideas he'd ever had. But his little brother had practically begged for the little green Yarn Yoshi amiibo, and Sora couldn't deny Ven anything.

It was amazing how quickly the thing had become scarce. He'd checked online that morning, but it had mysteriously vanished from the internet, save in ridiculously expensive eBay auctions. The local Game Stop had been his next course of action, but that had proven fruitless, even after the associate checked the inventory at the store the next town over. He'd called Target, to avoid the crowds, only to be informed that they had sold out, too. His final resort, Walmart, determined that there might still be a few left, but they couldn't hold any for him.

He'd rushed to Walmart, all but running to the electronics section, and there, glimpsed between the other milling, frantic customers, he saw the plush green and white dinosaur. Sora's face lit up in a triumphant grin as he ducked through the crowd, giving cheerful "excuse me's" as he went. Ven was going to be so happy at Christmas!

Except, as Sora reached out to claim the package, another hand closed around it, fingers bumping into his own.

Normally, Sora would be the first to let go and apologize, avoid conflict, and make nice. But today was an exception. He'd run the gauntlet for his prize, and he needed it. So, smile fixed in place, he turned to the owner of the hand, which had also failed to retreat. "I'm sorry, but I saw it first."

The aquamarine eyes that turned to him flashed, a scowl set on his face. "There's no way to prove it. Anyway, I grabbed it first." Sora's smile slipped, and they stared each other down, both refusing to release their grip on the prize. A few passerby stopped to stare, but then hurried on their way again, shuddering at the intensity between the two young men as they took stock of each other's will.

The stranger broke eye contact first, eyes flicking to the side quickly, then back at Sora, giving the brunette a quick once-over. His lips stretched into a smirk, and Sora had a moment of wondering whether he liked that or not, when the stranger murmured, "I have an idea."

Hyper-focused, Sora asked, "What's that?"

"I'll let you have it, on a condition." Sora quirked an eyebrow in question. "You buy me a coffee at Starbucks after you check out."

Sora blinked. "Uhm."

"It's a pretty good deal, right? Obviously this is really important to you."

"That's it? You're serious?"

"Yeah. We'll shake on it."

"Okay," Sora mumbled, still surprised at the turn of events. He'd worried for a minute that he'd have to brawl for his prize.

"Good," he smiled. The stranger disentangled his hand from Sora's to offer it for a handshake.

Sora immediately tucked the amiibo under his arm and accepted it. "Thanks, my kid brother is going to love me!"

With a chuckle, the silver-haired stranger snatched the other amiibo from the shelf. The one he'd glimpsed hiding behind the first one. "Good."

"Wait—wait! There was another one?"

"Yeah, you didn't see it?" The tone was light and teasing.

"Well…no. But you tricked me!"

"Oh, come on, coffee's not that bad." Sora pouted. "I'm Riku, by the way."

Grumbling a little, Sora started making his way towards the check-out.

Riku trailed after him. "Hey, we shook! A deal's a deal!" He caught the brunette's shoulder. "At least tell me your name."

Sora's face softened at the hopeful look in Riku's eyes. "It's Sora."