Hello everyone, seiji here back with another fanfiction story and this will be my 2nd kingdom hearts fanfic. also this will be the first of 3 stories I have planned in addition to the Sora and Kairi mission. think of this story as part of the KH fanfiction trilogy I will be doing, each one featuring a different shipping pair. this story will be centered around the Ventus and Aqua pairing, which I've recently got into. oh and each of these stories, including of course my sora x kairi one, take place after KH3 and they are will be intertwined in some way. as to how, you'll just have to read each story to find out. ok, hope you enjoy~

It has been several days since the events at the keyblade graveyard where Xehanort's attempt to open the gate to kingdom hearts and bring about destruction to the world was once again thwarted by Sora and the warriors of light. in the course of the keyblade war that took place there the 3 lost keyblade wielders Ventus, Aqua, and Terra were reunited after 10 long years of separation and joined in the fight that saw light ultimately triumph over darkness. during the final minutes of battle the trio were briefly reunited with the spirit of their old keyblade mentor, Master Eraqus, who's death at the hands of Xehanort a decade ago was finally avenged. after the battle was over and the realm of light was finally free from Xehanort's wicked influence for good Ventus, Aqua, and Terra, along with Sora and his friends all got together at destiny islands and a massive celebration was held that lasted a full day. soon after the trio returned to their old home, the land of departure, in hopes of getting back to their old lives. of course after 10 years of being apart they had a lot of catching up to do, and the three of them have never been closer then they are now. as this dark chapter of their story closes a new chapter opens and a new beginning starts. for one of the three though, Ventus, a new dilemma was about to present itself...

It was a calm and sunny day at the land of departure, home to the three keyblade wielders Ventus, Aqua, and Terra. back when they were training under Master Eraqus all of them lived under one roof, but nowadays each of them have their own designated living quarters, not too far apart from each other though. Ventus, having just woken up after a good night's sleep, is standing in the bedroom of his small house looking out the window.

"ah, another nice day" says Ventus smiling as he admires the view from his second floor room
"having been asleep for so many years really makes you appreciate seeing the sun rise and feeling the calm breeze against your face. hehe"

After taking in the scenery for a few seconds he turns away from the window and stands in the center of the room, deep in thought.

"it's been a couple days now since I've woken from my slumber, since me Aqua and Terra have got back together... since Xehanort's defeat at keyblade graveyard. a lot has happened over the years that the three of us have been apart, but I'm glad I came back when I did. I'm glad we were able to reunite, join up with the other keyblade wielders, and stop Master Xehanort once and for all. hope after all of that, Master Eraqus can finally rest in peace..." he says to himself while glancing over at a picture of Master Eraqus he has placed in his room.
"it's been real fun, hanging out with Sora and the others back at destiny islands after the keyblade war. plus Aqua, Terra and I got to reconnect since being apart these past 10 years. still, there's one thing I haven't been able to do... one thing I just can't bring myself to do... no matter how much I want to, how much I need to...there's one thing I still haven't done... and that is... tell her... how I really feel..."

Ventus then turns and steps near a small dresser drawer, looking down at a picture of Aqua in a small frame.

"the truth is, I... I... I love Aqua! agh! I can hardly contain these feelings anymore!... I..!" he says as he picks up the picture and looks at it
"I love you, Aqua! more than you could ever know!... don't you see... how my heart yearns for you, Aqua? you're so beautiful and kind, smart and strong. truth be told, I've always admired her, since we first started training under Master Eraqus. I fell for her... hard... even back then, and now here, 10 years of us being apart has made my fondness of her grow even more. when I finally woke up after Sora returned my heart to me, and I saw you fighting for me against Vanitas... then afterwards when you got close to me... honestly, I fought the urge to just hold you and never let go. oh Aqua... *sigh*.. I know you just think of me as a friend, a companion who trained under master... I know you don't feel for me the way I feel for you. after all, you're perfect. you're a keyblade master, you were master's favorite, and you're beautiful. I'll bet any guy would kill to have you Aqua... and I just don't measure up..."

He closes his eyes, inhales and exhales deeply then puts the picture of Aqua back down on the dresser.

"but I'm not giving up! I'll find a way to get you to see me in that light Aqua! I promise you, no matter what it takes, I will win you over! only problem is... I have no idea how. damnit!... wait... that's it! I do know a way... I have to be on the same level as her, and the best way to do that... is to become a keyblade master! so that's what I'll do!"

After his inner monologue Ventus excitedly changes out of his bed clothes and into his usual clothing. then before stepping out he stops in front of the mirror to look at his reflection. as he does he confidently places his fist on his chest.

"just you wait, Aqua! I'm gonna become a keyblade master, and then, I'll tell you how I truly feel about you!"

End of Chapter 1~