History HoYay / KingdomHearts

* In the novelization of ''[=KH3=]'', there's a [[https://www.tumblr.com/lilyginnyblackv2/622082880123879424/kh3-novel-vol-3-intermission-twilight-kairi scene]] where Kairi puts on her new outfit from Yen Sid and looks in the mirror. After thinking about how Riku has gotten a haircut, Kairi wonders if Sora would like ''her'' hair better [[{{Bifauxnen}} shorter]]. She then decides to cut it to shoulder length.

* The KH character files state that part of why Riku gives into the darkness is because of his [[https://64.media.tumblr.com/ec65f7bcd20823a8edd696aae4b69ab5/fb1f5ccfebcebdc9-47/s540x810/5517cde9ad18fdcd6946a5575cf840ef879d46fe.pnj 'complex feelings towards Sora']]. That's... [[CannotSpitItOut one way to put it]]. The other part is his 'impatience to save Kairi'- with no mention of any such feelings toward her.

* Nomura stated in the [[https://www.khinsider.com/news/Kingdom-Hearts-II-Ultimania-Main-Nomura-Interview-2553 KH2 Ultimania]] that the opening theme song, Sanctuary (Passion in Japanese), was written with the theme of Sora and Riku's reunion in mind. Which adds a whole new meaning to the (infamous) backwards lyrics, [[CanNotSpitItOut "I need more affection than you know"]]...

* Both the ''[=KH2=]'' and ''DDD'' novels have [[https://blowingoffsteam2.tumblr.com/post/189047990449/gee-riku-dont-you-have-a-jiminy-like-i-do a couple lines]] that seem to imply Riku is [[CannotSpitItOut keeping something hidden from Sora]].

* Also in the first game, Riku gets [[FaceHeelTurn pretty mad]] when he thinks Sora has "dumped" him for Donald and Goofy, his new comrades.
** In fact Maleficent is able to persuade Riku into working for her and corrupt him and his heart because she wrongfully convinced him that Sora no longer cares for him and Kairi.

** When Sora calls out for Riku after the second battle with the Parasite Cage, the staging of the scene is identical to when Aladdin called out for Jasmine after defeating Jafar in Agrabah: the Hero frantically calling out for their LoveInterest as the room collapses around them while their allies drag them to safety.

* Riku may have had mild feelings for Kairi but he sure spends a lot of time focusing on Sora in the first game almost to the point of obsession, to say nothing of Sora’s focus on him and his constantly calling out for Riku while also having feelings for Kairi. His moments in this game of getting back at Sora seems to go hand in hand with him saving Kairi.
** Honestly, at times it really feels like Riku was jealous of Kairi stealing Sora's attention (as the two boys were already best friends before meeting her), and so he twisted those feelings into a weird desire for Kairi romantically, just to spite Sora and make ''him'' jealous in return.

** Sora and Donald bicker LikeAnOldMarriedCouple a bit in the Deep Jungle world, going as far as holding hands gleefully upon reuniting, and then realizing what they’re doing before giving each other the silent treatment.

** Ansem has a bit with Sora as well. He lures Sora to him to fight in the end by briefly taking on Riku’s form, and looks angry and disappointed that Sora doesn’t see things his way about the darkness in people’s hearts. During the battle he can have his heartless take a swipe at Sora or restrain him while approaching and saying “Submit!” or “Come, open your heart!”

* There's ''this'' exchange from ''Re:Chain of Memories'' which screams NoYay like a banshee.
-->'''Ansem:''' Riku... I can see your heart... \\
'''Riku:''' No...it's not. Darkness this foul could only...only be-- \\
'''Ansem:''' That's it, remember me... Let me drift into your heart... \\
'''Riku:''' Ansem! \\
'''Ansem:''' You called out my name. You have been thinking about me... You're afraid of the darkness I command. Good... The more you think of me, the closer my return draws. And when I have awoken, I will take hold... Your heart will be mine!

** Taken one step further in the novel adaptation, which heavily implies that reason that both Sora and Repliku remember the promise they made to Naminé on the night of the meteor shower was because the real memory was Riku making the promise 'to Sora'.
*** The [[https://blowingoffsteam2.tumblr.com/post/633789962281762816/the-necklace-theory-masterpost necklace theory]] is a popular fan theory revolving around the meteor shower promise. It postulates that, instead of Sora/”Riku” promising to protect Naminé and being given her star charm in return on the night of the meteor shower, Riku swore to protect Sora and gave him his iconic crown necklace. And now we have solid evidence that Sora’s necklace might really ''have'' been a gift from Riku after all. In the [[https://href.li/?https://www.khinsider.com/news/A-Look-Back-KINGDOM-HEARTS-Ultimania-Gallery-Comments-Part-1-15519 KH1 Ultimania]], it says that during development, Sora was originally meant to be given the keychain for Oblivion by Riku, in the same vein of Kairi giving you her wayfinder for Oathkeeper. It goes on to state that that's why Oblivion's keychain is a black version of Sora's necklace- the implication here being that, somehow, Riku is connected to the piece of jewelry.
*** There's very heavy subtext in the original dialogue of the game, thanks to [[UsefulNotes/JapanesePronouns specific pronoun use]], that the person most special to Sora that Naminé is replacing in his memories isn't in fact Kairi, but Riku. When Sora [[https://youtu.be/LpQMENDrDto?t=2285 meets the other kids]] in his memory of the Destiny Islands, the pronoun they use for his 'special person' is '''''aitsu''''' (アイツ). The pronoun is casual and gender neutral but more masculine leaning (think of referring to someone as 'guy', regardless of gender), and it's generally considered rude/insulting to use the pronoun towards a girl. When Sora realizes Naminé has been tampering with his memories, she uses [[https://youtu.be/LpQMENDrDto?t=2330 neutral pronouns]] to describe the person most special to him. However, in both Japanese and English, Sora ''assumes'' she means Kairi. But the full extent of Sora's misunderstanding is [[LostInTranslation all but lost in the English translation]], as it translates '''''aitsu''''' to [[HideYourGays feminine pronouns.]] In fact, the last time Sora sees the Riku Replica, he [[https://youtu.be/LpQMENDrDto?t=2514 refers to him]] by '''''aitsu''''' in Japanese, but in English, just calls out his name instead. There is an attempt in the English translation of the ''Chain of Memories'' novel to rectify this at least, as the subtext from the game is mostly preserved, while also going further and implying that the memory of the meteor shower promise Naminé tampers with was actually between Sora and Riku, as stated above. You can read about it in more detail [[https://twitter.com/SorikuUltimania/status/1511541035381448709 here.]] Sora also uses '''''aitsu''''' to refer to Riku in ''[=KH2=]'', when he sees him at the top of the mountain in The Land of Dragons. This time, it's translated more accurately to [[https://thefreshprinceofjunes.tumblr.com/post/705573353717727232/so-i-was-watching-this-very-silly-model-swap-video "That guy..."]]
*** If the meteor shower promise really happened, it can be argued that the whole reason for Repliku's (continued) devotion to Naminé in the first place is because of Naminé replacing Sora with herself in that memory. Naminé made herself Repliku’s Sora, and Sora's Riku- which means Sora is Riku's most precious person just as much as the subtext implies Riku is Sora's. The scene at the end of ''[=KH3=]'' in Radiant Garden [[spoiler: with Riku taking Namine's hand, [[https://www.khinsider.com/news/Kingdom-Hearts-3-Ultimania-Scenario-Mysteries-Interview-Translated-14746 which Nomura confirmed he does on behalf of Repliku]],]] even mirrors Riku reaching out for Sora's hand in the intro of ''[=KH1=]''.
** Also, if one thinks about how the subplots of the Disney worlds in Chain of Memories are Namine's attempt to warn Sora about her role in manipulating his memories, the Hollow Bastion segment parallels [[https://twitter.com/Scherzodelcuore/status/1125075656205901826 Sora and "Riku"]] with [[WesternAnimation/BeautyAndTheBeast Beauty and the Beast]].
** Meanwhile, Sora and the "real" Riku are [[https://thefreshprinceofjunes.tumblr.com/post/712443136826327040/i-have-the-second-text-bubble-scene-from-this-post directly paralleled with Aladdin and Jasmine]] in the [[WesternAnimation/{{Aladdin}} Agrabah]] segment.

* Everything else seems to pale in comparison to Axel and Roxas' subtext-that-might-as-well-be-text in ''Kingdom Hearts II'' and ''358/2 Days'' (very chiefly on Axel's part in both cases, as Roxas is shown to be too naive to fully grasp the idea of love). Axel will do anything to save Roxas in ''[=KH2=]'', even going against the Organization and performing a suicide attack to save him.
** Not just that--Axel by all accounts goes completely bonkers when he realizes Roxas doesn't remember him in the Twilight Town simulation.
** In the novels Axel was planning on burning down the mansion he and Roxas fought in so that they would [[TogetherInDeath die together]] rather than be separated again. He ultimately couldn't go through with it, but ''still''.
** One of the bonus scenes in the Japanese-only Kingdom Hearts 2: Final Mix, in which Axel and Roxas' spirits meet up one last time on the clock tower after Axel's death, where Axel questions the fact that they're not supposed to have hearts, and seems absolutely heartbroken that this will be the last time he can ever see Roxas. When they say goodbye for the last time, Axel addresses Roxas by the Japanese word for partner, and a single tear falls from his eyes.
--->'''Sora:''' Axel? What were you trying to do?\\
'''Axel:''' I wanted to see Roxas. He was the only one I liked. He made me feel...like I had a heart.
** Roxas reaction to Sora indirectly being the reason for Axels death, because Axel died to save Sora, is to attack Sora furiously with the intent to kill in a major battle. He even seems angry that Axel basically picked Sora over him.
** Or how about this one:
--->'''Roxas:''' No one would miss me.\\
'''Axel:''' That's not true! (quietly) I would...
** To say nothing of the fact that the first thing Axel does when he's realized that Roxas has become Sora is to track down Kairi and kidnap her, complete with very loaded dialogue. It's strongly implied by Axel's last words that he was planning on using Kairi to transform Sora into a Heartless, and thus release Roxas again.
--->'''Axel:''' We've got something in common, Kairi. You and I both miss someone we care about.
* Axel gets some with Sora even. He gives his life to save Sora and he says as he’s dying that Roxas made him feel like he had a heart and he liked him and that Sora kind of makes him feel that way as well.
* Then there's the hintings of Axel having some kind of deep relationship with Saïx before they both become Nobodies. The first few times Saïx appear, he mentions Axel to some degree, often mocking him for his betrayal.
* Like in the original film ''WesternAnimation/{{The Lion King|1994}}'', Timon and Pumbaa live together and even raise Simba together.
** Upon seeing Sora again Simba tackle hugs and nuzzles Sora with affection. Sora also used ToughLove to encourage Simba to take up the mantle of king when the latter was doubting himself.
* Sora is tackle hugged and nuzzled by Donald and Goofy in the ending sequence. And Mickey jumps in Riku’s arms who spins him in the air and hugs him.
** Donald acknowledges that Sora’s lion form when in the Pride lands is cute, saying Kairi would probably think so as well.
* Demyx has a SissyVillain vibe, playfully banters with Sora during their fight, calls Sora a “traitor” with a catty look, has a limit battle with him where the two stand back to back and dance with their bishonen looks making them look like members of a boy band, and he is initially hesitant to fight Sora, resulting in the other organization members to be surprised he’s acting like he has a conscious.
* Some fans had fun with the scene where Saix orders Sora to show him how important Kairi is to him and Sora kneels/bows in front of him begging him to let him see Kairi.

** Furthermore, when he finds Kairi just a few scenes earlier he acts as if just found an old friend; despite the fact she was lost just like Riku at this point (admittedly, he did at least ''know'' she was alive for a fact, unlike with Riku). While the two exchange a somewhat intimate hug, ''Kairi'' is the one who has to initiate it.
** There's also the fact that when he cries at the end of his second visit to Land of Dragons, it's because seeing Mulan and Shang together makes him think of Riku. (Something which is made [[https://blowingoffsteam2.tumblr.com/post/172905469899/as-sora-looked-at-them-together-he-noticed even more explicit]] in the novels).
*** Speaking of the ''[=KH2=]'' novels, there's a scene exclusive to them where Axel asks Riku what Sora really ''is'' to him, and Riku is [[ArmorPiercingQuestion so taken aback by the question,]] Naminé has to answer for him that they're best friends. [[https://i.imgur.com/cyiiHOv.jpg Yes, really.]] And immediately preceding that bit of dialogue is Axel commenting on how happy Riku has become after seeing Sora in The Land of Dragons.
** The two exchange some pretty bubbly praise for each other while wandering around in the Realm of Darkness.
** When Riku is too weak to stand after defeating Xemnas, Sora supports him, with his hand much closer to Riku's rear than is necessary.
** The opening of Kingdom Hearts 2 has Sora sleeping next to and holding hands with both Kairi ''and'' Riku.
** Not to mention the [[https://youtu.be/_jHLDXyvxCM parallels]] between Riku/Sora and Beast/Belle...
*** There's [[https://daisukemotomiya.tumblr.com/post/701535923188498432/of-course-it-was-you-youre-the-one-whowho more than a few parallels]] between them and [[Franchise/TheLittleMermaid Ariel/Eric]] as well.
** Or how insistent Riku was to spare Sora the sight of him in Ansem’s form.
*** Heck, just the fact that Riku was willing to give up his normal form [[ShapeshifterModeLock (possibly forever)]] if it meant he could save Sora shows the extent of his devotion.
----> '''Ansem the Wise:''' If that was what it took to awaken his friend, [[RoaringRampageOfRescue he was ready to live in darkness.]]
** Nomura has stated in the [[https://www.khinsider.com/news/Kingdom-Hearts-II-Ultimania-Main-Nomura-Interview-2553 KH2 Ultimania]] that the opening theme song, Sanctuary (Passion in Japanese), was written with the theme of Sora and Riku's reunion in mind. Which adds a whole new meaning to the (infamous) backwards lyrics, [[CanNotSpitItOut "I need more affection than you know"]]...
* There's even some mild HoYay between Setzer and Roxas at the beginning of ''VideoGame/KingdomHeartsII''.
** And a bit between Setzer and Sora during their battle where he playfully banters/teases Sora while doing a hair flip making it seem like he’s flirting with him.

** Hayner shows some concern for Sora when he shows up in Twilight town out of nowhere, decides to help Sora with the others and Sora gets tearful when he thinks he won’t see Hayner or the others again.

*** Outside of combat Goofy comments on how Jack and Sora are kind of alike and the two simultaneously say “Are not!” before laughing at each other.

** Ven and Zack also have a couple moments [[https://thumbs.gfycat.com/GraveUnsightlyDavidstiger-size_restricted.gif together.]]

** Some of Mickey's comments add to this:
--->'''Mickey:''' Riku and Sora. The Sound Ideas you set free joined together. And when they did, they made a great and powerful harmony.
--->'''Mickey:''' It’s like each of you is holding on to a little part of the other.
*** So what song did Sora and Riku's Sound Ideas combine to make? That also plays during Riku's speech before he dives back into Sora's heart? Why, [[https://youtu.be/iym339fh6wQ?t=1756 Dearly Beloved,]] [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=viZQfMQU5cY&t=14186s of course.]]
** Let's face it, 3D ''really'' played up Sora and Riku's "bromance" for all it was worth. Especially Riku's speech before he [[ActOfTrueLove dives into Sora's heart to awaken him]]. The examples in earlier games can be chalked up to PlatonicWritingRomanticReading, but this time it feels like they ''knew'' what they were doing here.
*** There's also a slightly different meaning to some of what Riku says during the aforementioned speech in Japanese; instead of "I'm doing it for me, too." he says, [[https://twitter.com/koisuru_mijinko/status/1187955188008546304 "I have to be the one."]] A more word-for-word translation is "It won’t work. / [[ThePowerofLove He won’t wake unless I go."]] Meanwhile, "He needs me." is [[https://twitter.com/koisuru_mijinko/status/1187956613463719941 "I WANT to go."]] It's more or less [[https://twitter.com/koisuru_mijinko/status/1187953532353146880 a direct parallel]] to what [[https://twitter.com/steamwhistler2/status/1187898294267191296 Prince Phillip says about Aurora]] in ''BBS''.
** From Riku's visit to The Castle That Never Was on, the game is basically just his {{Roaring Rampage Of Rescue}} to save Sora from becoming Xehanort's vessel.
** In the very first world they visit, Riku reaches out to touch the hologram Sora's face. He could have touched anywhere else to see whether it was real, but he chose to try and touch Sora's ''cheek''.
** Riku is a Dream Eater for Sora. How do you make Dream Eaters stronger? By petting and...ahem...rubbing them.
** Sora and Riku's joint Reality Shift is a merged rainbow-colored Keyblade....with a heart at the tip of the blade and a paopu fruit as the handle's charm.
** Who does Sora call out to when Young Xehanort is telling him just how badly things have been screwed up? When he's fading into darkness and about to be used as the thirteenth dark vessel? Riku.
** When Riku wakes up, Sora is so overjoyed to see he's okay that he [[TheGlomp tackles]] Riku with a two-part hug that lasts at least 10 seconds.
*** Similarly, when Riku is declared a keyblade master Sora is completely ''ecstatic'', throwing an arm around his shoulder (as seen in the page image) and saying that he knew Riku could do it. Goofy even says Sora is acting like ''he's'' the one who passed.
** During Riku's first visit to Traverse Town, we get this interesting bit of conversation:
--->'''Beat:''' I just... wanna protect the one person who matters.
--->'''Riku:''' [[{{Protectorate}} I know the feeling.]]
* Lea's first thought after he wakes up is understandably "Where...what happened to me?" His second thought, though, is "Roxas?" Priorities, everyone.
** Not to mention that before he woke up Lea was dreaming about Roxas. And that everything he's doing for the heroes is really for Roxas.
* Young Xehanort seems quite amused/pleased at the thought of Sora thinking he is part of Sora's dream, and right before Sora falls into a coma from submitting to the darkness he leans in rather suggestively... Heck, that scene has creepy tones in general.
** Young Xehanort kept following Sora all throughout the dreams, he even wanted Sora to be his new vessel so much that he beat up Riku really badly.

** Less so, but Joshua subtly flirts with Sora as well and asks for his help, asking him if he can count on him. He also says he is starting to be like Neku more everyday, who he definitely holds affection for.

** Also, while a lot of fans seem to think Don't Think Twice is about Sora and Kairi, it's worth mentioning that the Japanese version, Chikai, has the lines, "Light flows in from the opened door / I want to stay by your side forever after this too". [[https://youtu.be/im5tc4fcg5w?t=103 What does that]] [[https://youtu.be/o-HFxnjD7jw?t=55 evoke imagery]] [[https://youtu.be/EwmgBfCJKC0?t=491 of?]]
---> '''Riku:''' Do you remember before? We stood facing each other on opposite sides of that door. Now we stand side-by-side. [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YzO4xqY6dc0&t=598s Let’s go home together this time.]]
*** And the line "Let's dance, our heartbeats becoming one" sounds [[https://youtu.be/iym339fh6wQ?t=1855 eerily similiar]] to one of Mickey's infamous remarks about Sora and Riku in ''DDD''...
* Hayner becomes instantly infatuated with Roxas when he learns of him, being very insistent on bringing him back and planning on taking him to the beach. The whole thing comes off as puppy love.
* Near the end of [[Franchise/ToyStory Toy Box]] storyline, Young Xehanort keeps the group away from the Darkness-caged Buzz and proceeds to use him as an example of the Darkness inside one’s Heart. This makes Woody '''''livid''''', and then he delivers a rather epic ShutUpHannibal towards Young Xehanort in response.
* During the [[WesternAnimation/BigHero6 San Fransokyo]] storyline. Sora introduces himself, Donald, and Goofy as “Keyblade Hero 3” while making awkward poses. Baymax notices that they were exhibiting weird muscle contractions and offers to give each of them a hug while warming them with his internal heat source. Baymax is a robot but the context of this situation makes it sound more [[MySensorsIndicateYouWantToTapThat suggestive]] than it actually is.
* After Hiro gets the first Baymax model back and frees it from the control of Organization XIII, Sora begs Hiro to let him keep one of the Baymaxes since Hiro now has two of them, which Hiro repeatedly declines.

--->'''Sora:''' [smiling] If anyone can help her, it's you.

*** And now we have some insight from the character files as to whether or not Sora and Riku actually ''do'' see themselves as brothers. [[https://lilyginnyblackv2.tumblr.com/post/611490139845345280/character-files-arendelle-story-english The former]] (directly in comparison to Anna and Elsa) says he doesn't know for certain, while [[https://lilyginnyblackv2.tumblr.com/post/611091778559442944/kingdom-hearts-character-files-rikus-story the latter]] says at some unknown point he stopped trying to be Sora's older brother and became [[TheNotLoveInterest something else,]] also unknown.
*** Also, it should be noted that one of the big twists in Frozen was that Anna wasn't dethawed by her love interest, but by her love of someone else she was close with. Sora even thinks about the moment when traveling through the tunnel of light with Kairi. If we look at this in comparison to Sora, Riku, and Kairi, in regards to the ending of ''III'', then it shouldn't be Kairi (aka the love interest) who brings Sora back to life, but ''Riku''. Adding even more fuel to the fire is Sora being frozen solid if you lose the Yozora fight in Re:Mind, just like Anna was.
*** Adding to the [[PlatonicWritingRomanticReading strange Frozen subtext]] is Sora thinking about Elsa and Anna when he's in the light tunnel with Kairi, alongside OfficialCouple Rapunzel and Eugene. If, as others have speculated, he was imagining these pairs in comparison to himself and Kairi (romantically), then drawing a parallel between them and the sisters has some... [[IncestSubtext unfortunate implications.]] [[note]] Unless, of course, you subscribe to the theory that Sora was actually following ''Riku's'' light back. Only then does the comparison make sense. [[/note]]
** Another comparison is made between Eugene and Rapunzel, an official couple in the game and movie canon, and [[https://blowingoffsteam2.tumblr.com/post/186608341724/goofy-is-very-perceptive Riku and Sora]].
*** And ''another'' comparison between Riku and Sora and an official Disney couple, [[https://blowingoffsteam2.tumblr.com/post/182775171769/so-i-do-ship-soriku-but-i-am-also-oblivious-as Herc and Megara.]] [[LostinTranslation In Japanese, anyway.]]
*** And ''yet another'' comparison to [[https://daylighteclipsed.tumblr.com/post/674679156749041664 Eugene and Rapunzel]] (albeit from ''DDD''). At this point, it's starting to seem [[HomoeroticSubtext intentional.]]

** For anyone at home who missed it, the Reality Shift Keyblade (officially just referred to as the Combined Keyblade while [[FanNickname fanon]] refers to it as the Gayblade) is a rainbow-colored keyblade made from both Sora and Riku's powers (Riku's is the blue half while Sora's is the yellow). When combined the blades form a ''heart'' at the blade and it bares a dangly ''Paopu fruit'' for the keychain- with ''Dearly Beloved'' as its {{leitmotif}}!

*** Continuing from the Elsa and Anna parallels above, '''''taisetsu''''' (precious/cherished) is once again used during a scene with Sora and Riku. [[https://imgur.com/a/ITX0glE In Japanese, Sora says "You really cherish Elsa...", and then thinks to himself, "It's the same as when Riku disappeared before. It's surely because he cherishes me that he wouldn't let us be together.”]] Keep in mind that, as stated above, '''''taisetsu''''' has now been translated ''twice'' to 'love' in English... [[HideYourGays except for when it comes to how Riku feels about Sora.]]
* More of Ventus and Vanitas. In [[WesternAnimation/MonstersInc Monstropolis]], Vanitas acts like a complete {{Yandere}} towards Ven by taunting and insulting him like a possessive and abusive stalker/ex-boyfriend who found where their object of desire was hiding, demanding Ventus to be returned to him, and getting so distracted trying to rip Ven's heart out of Sora that [[MemeticMutation he fails to sense Sulley's ambush]]. Vanitas even calls him “Venty-Wenty” in a rather playful manner at the Land of Departure.
* Saïx peacefully disintegrates in Lea’s arms after admitting to his old friend that he was jealous of Roxas and Xion. And then they call each other by their own original names. The Ho Yay between them in this game is ''so'' blatant that a good many fans have [[AbandonShipping dropped Axel/Roxas altogether]] in favor of Axel/Saïx.
* When Ansem is finally defeated, Riku says that he will miss him. Ansem's parting words to Riku almost come across as encouraging: "What? It is time to move on, boy... There is more to seek... so go forth now, and seek it..."
* As Master Xehanort tries to fight back even after Sora defeats him, Master Eraqus’ Heart appears from inside Terra and tells his old friend to stop. After Eraqus has some parting words with his apprentices, he carries the dying Master Xehanort by arms. Then, their appearances change to their younger selves, and they share a look at each other’s face before they ascend to Kingdom Hearts as glowing balls of light.
* In the video game store at Galaxy Toys, Sora sees Yozora (the character Rex thinks he's a toy of) for the first time and says, "Well, I never looked this good." And... Yozora looks exactly like Riku. Which Sora acknowledges himself in a [[https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DzkYkyaXgAAee8a.png social media post.]]
** As it turns out, in Japanese, Donald actually says [[https://docs.google.com/document/d/1LVLG-xP5Ch3-Tg6MAAGfj6Rqt6jARWTM3sqzkQNhkHU/edit?usp=sharing "Very good-looking, huh."]] after Goofy says Yozora looks like Riku. Given the context, he's basically teasing Sora about saying someone who looks like Riku is good-looking. But, once again, it seems to have been [[HideYourGays mistranslated]] as "Must be him!" in English.
** In the original Japanese text of the aforementioned social media post, Sora says he feels a connection to Yozora ''because'' [[https://twitter.com/isleofji/status/1636828150448439305 he looks like Riku.]]

---> '''Sora:''' Yeah, all right. But be safe. No reckless stunts!
---> '''Riku:''' [chuckles] Yes, sir.
** In Japanese, Sora actually says 「でも 無理しないで 何かあったら呼んでくれよ」, which translates to, “But don't overdo it. '''Call me if anything happens.'''” As stated above, calling Sora for help [[SayMyName (by simply uttering his name)]] is exactly what Riku does when he gets overwhelmed by the Demon Tide in the Realm of Darkness, during the [[MemeticMutation infamous]] "Press △ to Sora" scene. After all, Goofy ''did'' say [[CallOnMe Sora always listens to Riku.]]
* After Aqua is rescued from the Realm of Darkness everyone goes to wrap her in a group hug as she begins to cry from joy and relief... except Riku, who puts one hand on her shoulder and the other ''in Sora's hair.''
** Not to mention that Sora himself has one hand on Goofy's shoulder, and the other on [[https://youtu.be/Jx56YilTKBs?t=412 Riku's waist.]]

** Sora can dance with both girls and guys in the Tangled universe.

* In ''VideoGame/KingdomHeartsX'', Strelitzia’s obsession with the Player doesn’t change even if they’re female.
** In a flashback (or dream), Lauriam teases Strelitzia about having a crush on Player regardless of Player's gender.
** Also, Strelitzia's [[FriendlessBackground closest thing to a friend]] (and vice-versa) was Elrena, her mission partner. Elrena is surprised when Lauriam says that Strelitzia mentioned her fairly frequently, and it seems to touch her enough to get her more invested in searching for Strelitzia's whereabouts, even calling out her name in emotional distress when she sees a hologram of her [[spoiler: right before her death]] play before her eyes.
** ''χ'' also gives the players [[https://mobile.twitter.com/mickeyriku69/status/1374998019574206464 yet another scene]] very clearly paralleling Belle and the Beast (now the Prince) with Sora and Riku- which was, [[https://mobile.twitter.com/mickeyriku69/status/1374998031825829890 of course]], once again [[HideYourGays left out of the English translation]], despite [[https://twitter.com/mickeyriku69/status/1374998025131671554 "We'll go together"]] being prominent ArcWords of the series.
---> '''Belle:''' There are various worlds inside this book that sound wonderful.
---> '''Belle:''' One day I'd really love to visit them.
--->'''Beast/The Prince:''' That's right. [[OfficialCouple We'll go together.]]

*** So what song did Sora and Riku's Sound Ideas combine to make? That also playes during Riku's speech before he dives back into Sora's heart? Why, [[https://youtu.be/iym339fh6wQ?t=1756 Dearly Beloved,]] [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=viZQfMQU5cY&t=14186s of course.]]

*** So what song did Sora and Riku's Sound Ideas combine to make? That also played during Riku's speech before he dives back into Sora's heart? Why, [[https://youtu.be/iym339fh6wQ?t=1756 Dearly Beloved,]] [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=viZQfMQU5cY&t=14186s of course.]]

** Let's face it, 3D ''really'' played up Sora and Riku's "bromance" for all it was worth. Especially Riku's speech before he dives into Sora's dream the second time. The examples in earlier games can be chalked up to PlatonicWritingRomanticReading, but this time it feels like they ''knew'' what they were doing here.

-->'''Esmeralda:''' Judge Frollo has been hunting us for years. [[DoesThisRemindYouOfAnything We [Romani] are guilty of nothing but loving our freedom, yet Frollo hates whatever he can't control.]]

** ''χ'' also gives the players [[https://mobile.twitter.com/mickeyriku69/status/1374998019574206464 yet another scene]] very clearly paralleling Belle and the Beast (now the Prince) with Sora and Riku- which was, [[https://mobile.twitter.com/mickeyriku69/status/1374998031825829890 of course]], once again [[HideYourGays left out of the English translation.]]

--->'''Beast/The Prince:''' That's right. [[ArcWords We'll go together.]]

* In the novelization of ''VideoGame/KingdomHearts358DaysOver2'', it's implied that when Riku finds Xion on the Destiny Islands, he [[AppearanceIsInTheEyeOfTheBeholder sees her]] very briefly as Sora.

** Riku also initially mistakes her for Sora when he dives into Sora's heart at the end of ''DDD''.

** When Riku wakes up, Sora is so overjoyed to see he's okay that he tackles Riku with a two-part hug that lasts at least 10 seconds.
*** Similarly, when Riku is declared a keyblade master Sora is completely ''ecstatic'', throwing an arm around his shoulder and saying that he knew Riku could do it. Goofy even says Sora is acting like ''he's'' the one who passed.

** For anyone at home who missed it, the Reality Shift Keyblade (officially just referred to as the Combined Keyblade while [[FanNickname fanon]] refers to it as the Gayblade), pictured above, is a rainbow-colored keyblade made from both Sora and Riku's powers (Riku's is the blue half while Sora's is the yellow). When combined the blades form a ''heart'' at the blade and it bares a dangly ''Paopu fruit'' for the keychain- with ''Dearly Beloved'' as its {{leitmotif}}!

[-[[caption-width-right:350:"It's like each of you is holding on to a little part of the other. Your hearts are always in tune, so they're free to sing."]]-]

[[caption-width-right:350:"It's like each of you is holding on to a little part of the other. Your hearts are always in tune, so they're free to sing."]]

[[quoteright:350:[[VideoGame/KingdomHeartsIII https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/kh3_paopu_9.png]]]]
[[caption-width-right:350: Remember when Sora and Riku clashed over sharing a paopu fruit with Kairi in the first game? [[HomoeroticSubtext Yeah, well...]] ]]

* In the early part of the game, there's a scene in which Riku hands Sora a paopu fruit and explains to him that when two people share such a thing it entwines their destinies. He finishes this with: "Come on, I ''know'' you want to try it." Kairi's name is not mentioned at all in this scene, so if you take it out of context it comes across [[PlatonicWritingRomanticReading as Riku asking Sora to share a paopu fruit with him. Erm...]]

[[folder: ''Kingdom Hearts'']]

[[folder: ''Chain of Memories'']]

[[folder: ''Kingdom Hearts II'']]

[[folder: ''Birth By Sleep'']]

[[folder: ''Dream Drop Distance'']]

[[folder: ''Kingdom Hearts III'' - '''ALL SPOILERS ARE UNMARKED''']]

[[folder: Other]]

* In a similiar vein, towards the beginning of Riku's visit to La Cité des Cloches, he asks Quasimodo if it was really Frollo keeping him from leaving the cathedral, or if it was his own self holding him back. Later, after Quasimodo thanks him for the advice, Riku admits that he was speaking from personal experience. Phoebus responds by saying he probably still keeps a lot inside, and Esmeralda reassures Riku that everyone does that sometimes. She then follows up with, [[ClosetGay "There are just some things we need to keep separate from the world at large, at least until we have time to figure them out."]] Which sounds very much like something you'd say to a queer person upset with themself for not coming out yet.

*** Continuing from the Elsa and Anna parallels above, '''''taisetsu''''' (precious/cherished) is once again used during a scene with Sora and Riku. [[https://imgur.com/a/ITX0glE In Japanese, Sora says "You really cherish Elsa...", and then thinks to himself, "It's the same as when Riku disappeared before. It's surely because he cherishes me that he wouldn't let us be together.”]] Keep in mind that, as stated above, '''''taisetsu''''' has now been translated ''twice'' to 'love' in English.

* Probably the biggest amount of consistent HoYay, (throughout the Re: Chain Of Memories, and with the most questionable dialogue,) was between Sora and Replica Riku. [[FanNickname Repliku]] kept acting like some sort of heart broken lover in regards to Sora, using phrases like, ''"You never cared about me!"'' and ''"You're only ever worried about '''her'''!"'' It's a big {{Flanderization}} of Riku's relationship with Sora in the first game. The pinnacle of this pure Yaoi Fodder was this little exchange.

*** There's [[https://daisukemotomiya.tumblr.com/post/701535923188498432/of-course-it-was-you-youre-the-one-whowho more than a few parallels]] between them and [[WesternAnimation/TheLittleMermaid Ariel/Eric]] as well.

* In the beginning when Kairi is struggling to remember Sora and collapses, Selphie (who had been walking to school with her) bends down to check if she’s alright and helps her up.

* Pete refers to Sora’s lion form in the Pride Lands as “cute”. And in the early Disney designed world (with a non evil Pete) good!Pete is kind to Sora somewhat and Sora does his best to help Pete.

* Aqua in manages to have this with Cinderella, by taking the man's place in the scene where, in the movie, the Duke takes her hand and guides her to a chair. Then by shielding her with her body when they're attacked. Then by helping her up with a lingering hand on her ass. [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjDZQZeo2H8 Watch 2:06, and from 4:03 to 4:25 if you don't believe me.]]

* In the novelization of ''[=KH3=]'', there's a [[https://www.tumblr.com/lilyginnyblackv2/622082880123879424/kh3-novel-vol-3-intermission-twilight-kairi scene]] where Kairi puts on her new outfit from Yen Sid and looks in the mirror. After thinking about how Riku has gotten a haircut, Kairi wonders if Sora would like ''her'' hair better shorter. She then decides to cut it to shoulder length.

* In a similiar vein, during Riku's visit to La Cité des Cloches, he asks Quasimodo if it was really Frollo keeping him from leaving the cathedral, or if it was his own self holding him back. Later, after Quasimodo thanks him for the advice, Riku admits that he was speaking from personal experience. Phoebus responds by saying he probably still keeps a lot inside, and Esmeralda reassures Riku that everyone does that sometimes. She then follows up with, [[ClosetGay "There are just some things we need to keep separate from the world at large, at least until we have time to figure them out."]] Which sounds very much like something you'd say to a queer person upset with themself for not coming out yet.