[ He rubs the bridge of his nose slightly. Responding to his frustration, Raichu curls tighter. ]

Riku...we're all they have. They stay in their ball unless we let them out, or they break out. They don't have a life outside of the one we give them. They depend on us not just to take care of them, but to lead them as well. You may not think of them as your friends, but I can guarantee you're the most important thing they have.

[ He pauses, tugging Raichu down from his shoulders; she lets herself slide easily into his lap, like a cat. Her tail flicks idly against Riku's knee, but whether she's listening to what's being said is difficult to tell. Leon gently rubs along her spine. His tone is...surprisingly calmer than one might expect. Resigned, maybe, like he isn't expecting much. ]

Knowing that, if you want to keep treating them the way you do, then that's your choice; just know that it's likely to have consequences.