Soooo, this is my first fanfic so please don't be too harsh on me, I am still learning so please be patient . Please give me any tips on how I could improve this story but be reasonable. If I receive at least one review, I will continue with this story. I'll do the best I can on updating and thanks for reading! :D Okay, annnnyyyway, on to the story!
Disclaimer: I do not own Kingdom Hearts in any way. All rights go to their respective owners.
Chaper 1:
The paintbrush gently stroked the beige-tinted paper with the utmost care. Many colors experimented with the rough paper, as if the paintbrush had a mind of its own and created an image that I could not control. The dim light that came from the now rising sun gleamed through my art room window, shining on my painting. My hands worked diligently but not rushed, enjoying the masterpiece that they were creating. I actually felt at peace watching this picture that was slowly coming into view. It's not that I despised any form of art, it's just that, maybe I've only been painting what I think that the community would enjoy and not even thinking of how I felt about my own piece.
People always tell me that, "You have such a natural gift, Naminé!" or "Never stop practicing your talent!" You would think that an artist like me, or any artist for that matter, would enjoy the flattery of other people but… I don't really express any feeling. Sure I put on a smile and thank every person who has commented on my work, but I feel like I'm just putting on a show for them. Maybe that's all I'm worth.
My cell phone lightly vibrated in my faded blue jeans pocket, just enough for me to be startled. My hand reached in and flipped it open; 7:30 a.m. "Crap! I don't even have my paintings put together yet!" I yelled to myself as I frantically searched for the pieces that I would be presenting at the School of Arts. I was so deep in thought that I didn't have time to prepare, and I know that Prof. Lockheart has given me enough pardons for being late as is. Five minutes have passed and I somehow manage to gather everything I needed for today. I ruffled my blond hair to make it somewhat decent and I plummeted out my apartment door.
Of course, as soon as I take my first step outside, the sun's rays blinded my eyes. "For once, could it just rain out here?!" I yelled at no one in particular. Cursing under my breath I still managed to propel forward. I glanced at my watch, quarter till 8. At this rate, I'll never make it in time! A yellow car swiftly passed by that was closer to the city sidewalk then it should have been. I was about to turn around and yell at the reckless driver but then I realized something: Wasn't that a taxi? I've wasted all that time running when I could have taken a taxi? I swear I am so slow sometimes! I quickly paced to the busy intersection where most of the yellow vehicles would be at.
I was practically tripping on my black sneakers but at this point, I really don't care. I probably only have thirteen minutes to get to school on time. I made a sudden halt close to the corner of the street as soon as I saw a taxi ready to pass by. Here it goes, I thought cheerfully. "Hey! Taxi!" I yelled as I waved my hand towards the vehicle. The driver didn't even bother to slow down and I'm sure that he could at least hear my big mouth. This is ridiculous! I walked onto the road subconsciously, but could you blame me? This guy was starting to get on my nerves and I really needed to get to school. "Taxi!!!" I tried yelling once more. A loud honking noise came from behind me and I turned around slowly. A huge semi was coming straight towards me and I couldn't move. C'mon feet, move! I was a deer in headlights. I couldn't think, all I could do is stand here on the middle of the road.
"Naminé, look out!" A young boy's voice that probably could be heard over the traffic was coming from my side. I could hear his frantic footsteps coming towards me. I wanted to face him, to see who it was, but I was too frightened by the monstrous vehicle coming right at me. A strong force pushed me on to the sidewalk, painfully but just in time. I was so scared, but my breathing began to return to a normal pace. I looked up to see my hero, and I couldn't believe who it was.
"Roxas…?" He looked down to face me, fear and relief in his blue eyes. We have been friends pretty much since we were kids, and after we graduated from high school together, we sort of lost touch with one another. I told him that I would be going to art school starting in the fall and I'm sure that he told me that was moving to Destiny Islands but why is he still here?
"Are you alright?" his tone barely louder than a whisper, his eyes still locked on my face. His golden blond bangs covered his eyes but only just enough to where his blue irises were still visible. His skin tone was still a bit tan but not that noticeable. And he still wore the black and white checkered wristband that made for him on his 10th birthday. He hasn't changed one bit.
"Y-Yeah, I'm fine."
"You idiot! Do you even realize what could have happened if someone didn't do something?!" His tone got surprisingly harsh and loud, but his eyes still sincere.
"I'm sorry! It's just that, I didn't want to be late for school and… wait, why are you even here?"
He sighed heavily and managed to show a slight smile, but his eyebrows still furrowed. "Hello to you, too. I couldn't afford any of the homes on the island, so I decided to stay here and find work until I'm able to buy one. It may take a couple of years but it's worth it."
"It's good to see you again but, Roxas?"
"Hm?"
"You can let me go now," I said and slightly blushed from the embarrassing position that we were in. The way his right arm cradled my back and how his left hand sternly griped my shoulder was, well, extremely awkward. His face blushed madly with different shades of red and let me go immediately. He rubbed the back of his head and I giggled. He gave me the strangest look and I just smiled, he smiled back.
"S-so, do you need me to walk you to school?" he asked, his face still bright red.
"More like run, but that's okay, I'll just catch the next taxi. I'm probably late as is." He looked a little disappointed but still smiled at me.
"I guess I'll see you around then,"
"Yeah, see you," I said as I waved good bye to my dear friend.
"Bye," he said and waved back, too.
"Hey Roxas!"
"Yeah?" he asked as he swiftly turned around.
"Call me sometime. I know you know my cell number!"
"Y-yeah, I will!" and he turned around once again and jogged down the sidewalk.
~*~*~*~*~
The taxi swerved to the left lane and made a dead stop by the entrance of the art school. The auburn brick building towered marvelously over Twilight Town, in all of its three-story glory. It may not be the tallest building around but the width was remarkable. The endless rows of windows were a bit small for their own good but they were so old that I guess it really didn't matter. I guess you could say that it gave this old academy some value.
"Thank you so much for the ride!" I said anxiously and in a rushed tone. I slammed a twenty into his hand and I catapulted out the car door. I steadily climbed the short cement stairs and made my way through the doors. Alright, all I have to do is get to the end of the wide, gaping hallway, make a sharp turn to the right, climb the staircase, and go into the first door on the left, no biggie! But then, I just had to do it. I turned to face the clock on the wall. Only one minute to avoid my ultimate doom.
I raced down the tile pathway, not caring that my black sneakers were squeaking against the floor and probably distracting the other classes. I will not be late again! Almost running into the brick wall, I made a sharp turn just in time. I skipped every other step to save some time and I finally made it to the second floor. My heart was pounding faster than my feet stomping on the floor. Where is that door?! My eyes never looked away from the left wall, then I finally spotted the stained wooden door. My right hand desperately grabbed the silver knob and pulled roughly, but it wouldn't open!
"What the heck?!" I tried once more but still nothing. Why? It's always opened for me before, and Ms. Lockheart never locks her door! I never stopped pulling until… I plummeted forward. I fell flat on my face, laying there like a complete idiot. I looked up embarrassed and saw Ms. Lockheart, with one hand on the doorknob and the other resting on her hip, giving me the strangest expression.
"Have you ever tried pushing?" she said as she tucked a strand of her raven hair behind her ear.
"Oh, r-right," I said, trying to force a quirky smile.
"Well, at least you made here by eight this time," she said as she offered to help me up by lowering her hand. I gladly took it. "You know these artists have been waiting for quite some time to see you, right?"
"Yeah I know, sorry" I said with an apologetic smile. Okay, so maybe this really wasn't a class I was participating in… today anyway. Artists around the area have heard so much about my work that they wanted to see me (but mostly my art) in person. The dean organized the entire event in my homeroom, but Ms. Lockheart strongly rejected. She knows that I hate being involved in groups of people that I don't even know but I know that she secretly wanted the world to know of my work, this was just the first step. So here I am looking like a complete moron by falling on my face, about to show these people how artistic I really am.
"As you could already tell, this is Naminé. I'm sure that she's anxious to show you her unique works," she said as she placed a hand on my shoulder. She's such a good liar that it was almost scary.
"It's very nice to see all of you wonderful artists," I said, placing the rough pieces of paper with dried paint on Ms. Lockheart's desk, "Please come see." Like a moth to the flame, they practically swarmed the desk. By the look on their faces I could already tell that they were intrigued with the paintings. They talked amongst themselves, though I could barely hear what they were saying. All I knew that I was receiving compliments under their breath.
We ended up staying for the whole morning. The other artists turned out to be really nice people, and we discussed mostly art, of course. As soon as it hit noon, they had to leave but before they left the each complimented me. I said thank you to each individual and watched them walk out the door. I began to pack up my drawings and headed for the door.
"Bye Ms. Lockheart! See you on Monday!"
"Wait, Naminé. Do you have minute?" she said with concern in her eyes.
"Sure, what's up?" She looked out the window for a mere second and looked back at me.
"Well, I'm getting married to my boyfriend, Cloud Strife," she said with a slight smile planted on her beautifully framed face.
"Congratulations!" I said excitedly. I was so happy for her but yet, she still looked uncertain on how she should feel. I quickly calmed myself down.
"Yes, I'm happy, too, but we're moving to his home town, to Hollow Bastian." My heart began to sink. Please don't say what I think you're about to say. "I'm leaving tomorrow and… I won't be able to work here." No, not her. The only real friend, besides Roxas, that I talked to, that understood me, was leaving. My eyes began to swell up with tears but I did my best to hold them back.
"So, as a parting gift, I have something for you." She went behind her desk and revealed a slim black box tied shut with a single pink ribbon.
"Ms. Lockheart, you didn't have to-"
"Hey, stop calling me that. I told you to call me Tifa. You make me sound really old," she said and we both giggled under our hidden tears. "Open it."
I sniffled quietly and carefully untied the silk ribbon and removed the black lid. I swear if I didn't cover my mouth with my hand I might have started crying at this very moment. Inside the cardboard box was a set of pastels, brand new beauties.
"I thought you could experiment with something other than paint. It should be good for you." I ran up to her and hugged her tightly. I couldn't hold it in any longer, I began to sob right on her clothes, but she returned the embrace.
"Thank you… Tifa," I said trying to control my crying. She broke the embrace and got down to my level (me= 5'2, Tifa= 5'8).
"Take care of yourself. You're a good kid."
~*~*~*~*~
I couldn't' stop thinking about Tifa that evening. She was the only one who understood my feelings toward art. She listened to me, she's… my best friend. And yet, on the other hand, she's getting married Weddings are so wonderful, when two people who are absolutely perfect for each other and have a strong love that cannot be broken. I'm so glad that she has found herself the perfect man, someone who completes her. I'm kind of envious of her. I have never truly had a boyfriend before. I looked at the couch where I placed the box of pastels. I smiled and grabbed it.
My hands gently brushed the pastels in my sketchpad. I didn't know exactly what I was drawing, I just opened my mind and let the magic work through my fingers. I never realized how beautiful pastels were until I actually used them. They're so unique; I think I might like them better than paint!
I made some finishing touches and held the drawing out in front of me. It was a boy, and actually, it was pretty good if I do say so myself. I have never drawn an actual person before but for a first time drawing one, I liked it. The boy had humorous brown spikes that looked as if they would pop out of the paper. His blue eyes drew me in, like some sort of hypnosis. Even if they were fake, something so humane and kind flashed through to me. I placed my hand carefully on the paper in front of me.
"Sora…" I whispered. I don't know where that name even came from; all I knew was that I could just feel in my heart that it was the appropriate name for him. Still holding onto my sketchpad, I walked to my apartment window and looked to the sky. The stars gleamed brighter then the sun, an endless sky. I closed my eyes.
"Please… I don't want to be lonely anymore. I want someone to be with me, until the end." I reopened my eyes and looked at my drawing once more. I smiled and walked to the couch to place it there. I paced slowly to my room but before I opened my bedroom door, I looked back at the couch where Sora lied. I then slowly turned back around and turned off the lights.
Sorry if this chapter was kind of boring ^^', personally I really don't care for it. I know its rushed it in some places but I promise you that the next upcoming chapters will be a lot better, I'm just glad that I got this chapter done and out of the way lol. Thanks for reading! :D