Heart of Darkness

A/N: Hello, thank you for even considering reading this because to be honest the title is cheesy and over used. I tend to make grammar mistakes so sorry. This is my 4th fic ever so wish me luck or something? This is set in pretty much the normal KH universe so there may be plot spoilers for BBS. This is BL so if you don't like manmance leave. It might become yaoi later so it's M plus there's cussing and violence and maybe rape… Ok enjoy or not, your choice.

I do NOT own ANY of these characters, SQUARE ENIX and DISNEY do though but if you didn't already know that then well you're on the wrong site my friend.

Chapter 1: A gift received

Whenever I look at him smile I can't help but smile too. His blue eyes always seem to draw me in, those eyes that reflect the purity in his heart.

The day I met Ventus was special to say the least, he seemed broken and soulless but as time passed I could tell that with Aqua, Master Eraqus, and my help he began to heal, he began to smile. I fell in love with that smile but such love was sinful and I buried it deep inside. Yet it still flows into everything I do, my forbidden desires gave birth to an obsession to protect him. I then started to crave power for that sole purpose. This knew desire hid the one deeper inside, hid the truth from the Master's eyes. That's what I wanted wasn't it, to hide how I truly felt about the younger key bearer?

It was on the day I realized my feelings for Ven that the darkness inside my heart was truly born.

Sometimes I ask myself: "How can darkness be born from love?" I still don't know the answer but someday I will find it and when I do maybe I'll tell Ventus how I feel. But for now we're just friends, Ventus, Aqua, and I, that and today is the day we all are suppose to go to town for a well deserved brake.

"Terra!" I turn to find Ventus sprinting toward me with Aqua towing not far behind.

"Ven, Aqua, are you two ready to go?" I smile and they return the expression as they reach me.

"Yeah! I want to get Master Eraqus something extra special for his birthday." Ventus pumps his fist toward the sky.

Aqua turns toward him with a raised brow, "And what are you planning on getting him?"

Ventus looks down at the ground and frowns. I can tell he didn't think it. "Err… uh… I don't know."

"Here's an idea, why don't we all combine our munny to buy him something from all of us." I look at Aqua she was always the smart one and if anyone had a better idea it was her.

"Well that seems like fairly reasonable plan, but what exactly are we getting him?" she crosses her arms and gives me that look that makes me feel dumb and slightly nervous.

We all plastered on our thinking caps, what did the Master like?

"How about a new pair of shoes?" Ventus suggests.

Aqua giggles, "I don't think the Master cares for footwear Ven."

"Then how about we get the old man a new haircut? He really needs one." I suggest sarcastically.

A voice comes from behind me, "Who needs a new hair cut?"

I spin around and step back, "Certainly not you Master!"

"Well then, weren't you three planning on going into town for the day or have you decided to stay here and train some more instead?" He looks between the three of us with a raised brow.

"No sir, we were just about to leave." Aqua answers.

"Very well, have a good day." We all bow and he turns and leaves.

"Why don't we decide on a gift once we get there? I'm sure we'll find something that's just right for him." Aqua suggests.

"Good idea," Ven and I both agreed.

0~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~0~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~0

It was about midday and we all sat at a table inside of a restaurant waiting for the waiter to return with our drinks.

I sighed, "I didn't see a single thing in any of the twenty seven stores we visited that would be suitable as a gift to his Elderness."

"You shouldn't refer to Master Eraqus as his Elderness." Aqua scolded.

"Why not? We can't just call him Master all the time. We've known him long enough to give him a nickname though I refer to just about every old man I've ever meet as Elderness." I leaned back in my seat as I spotted the waiter coming our way. He was around our age with oddly styled red hair and green eyes. He was rather handsome to say the least thought the sun glasses on his forehead made him look a little dorky.

"Here's your Vault," he placed the glass in front of me. "Your orange soda," he placed the drink in front of Ven. "And your water sweet cheeks." He placed the glass in front of Aqua whom ignored the nickname.

"Thank you," she picked up the straw he had placed on the table and stripped it of its paper wrapper before placing it in her drink and sipping away.

"Are you ready to order or would you rather you and me get out of here and- Ow! Hey I was talking to the lady here!" The waiter glared at me.

I sat back in my chair, "Well our friend here isn't interested so just take our orders already so we can get on with our lives."

He grumbled before he refocused back to doing his job, "What do ya' want?"

"I'd like a steak special," I handed over my menu.

Aqua smiled politely, "I'd like the eastern scallops please."

"Can I have this?" Ven pointed out something on the menu and the waiter leaned over to look.

"Uh, that's the kids menu, not that you don't look like a kid, but it's only twelve and under." The red head adjusted the sunglasses on his head. "Although I could make an exception just this one time since your friend here is so polite and beautiful." He glanced toward Aqua.

"Really? Thanks!" Ventus handed over his menu and the waiter left.

"So what did you order?" I asked, leaning over the table.

"The three cheese macaroni special." How could he be so cute? I almost feel like a pedophile but I haven't done anything to him yet and there isn't that many years between us…

"Don't you ever get bored with cheese?" Aqua asked with a slight chuckle.

"No way, cheese is amazing. Don't you agree Terra?" Ven leaned over, getting into my personal space and placing his small hands on my thigh. I clenched my teeth as butterflies filled my stomach. It's not that I didn't like it, him being so close, it's just I didn't know if I could control myself. He was tempting me.

I'm sure he wasn't doing it on purpose though, "Yeah, cheese is very amazing." Like your lips right now. "I could eat it all day everyday." I could eat you all day everyday if you aren't careful.

"See Aqua, we both agree that cheese is awesome," he leaned back in his chair, removing his soft hands from my leg. A small noise escaped my lips out of disappointment and I hoped desperately that no one noticed.

Aqua did, of course she did, and I think she's known for awhile now about my feelings actually. I bit my lower lip as she gave me a wary look. It was as if she was trying to talk to me with her mind, I'd imagine she would be saying "Don't do anything you'll regret."

I nodded in response and we returned our gaze to our younger friend. He smiled back but wasn't sure what to say as he opened his cute little mouth. He really was cute, did I mention that yet?

"Uh Ventus…" Aqua smiled but worry leaked from her eyes.

"Yeah?" Ventus raised a brow.

"Why don't we split up again but this time you and I can stick together? I'm sure Terra can handle himself. You have the attention span of a fly and I can't seem to spot something that fits the master's tastes." Damn you Aqua, you think I would want to put the moves on him here? Bitch…

"Well if Terra's ok with it? I don't want you to feel left out." He turned to me with his glistening gaze. He's worried about me? Of course he is, he's a good person. How could I ever say no to that face?

"I'm ok with it." I wasn't but I didn't want Aqua to feel the need to wedge between us even more.

"So, it's settled. Ven and I take the south end of town and you Terra can take the north that should mean we've searched every store in town by the time we meet up again." Aqua smiled triumphantly as she continued sipping up her water.

0~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~0~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~0

Lunch was finally over and I felt refreshed. We split up and agreed to meet at the gardens when all was over and done with. I made my way north and spotted the first store to my left. The bell rung as I opened the door, everything was an antique, jackpot. I searched the shelves of odd trinkets until I laid my eyes upon a sword mounted on the wall. Smiling I looked for a price tag, there was none.

"Hey, how much is this?" I called to the shopkeeper but saw no one.

"3000munny." A voice resembling a squeaker toy answered.

"Where are you?" I asked I couldn't see anyone.

"In front of you." I looked down to see a talking duck, wearing clothes.

What the fuck?

I mean where's the fudge?

"Um, can I reserve this and come back later with more munny?" I asked the oversized bird.

"Sure," he quacked. "Just don't go stealing anything."

"I won't sir. Thank you." I bowed and rushed back and out the door. What luck, I had already found the perfect present for Eraqus that would leave time for an actual break later. Plus, Ven and Aqua are together so they should be easier to find and the present was within our budget.

Now I just have to find those two. I made my way back south in a sprint, only stopping every once in awhile to look around and peer into shops. After fifteen minutes I stopped to take a breather. Where were they? This town is not that big and I've already searched more than half of the southern stores. Maybe I missed them? I should turn back.

I turned and bumped straight into… "Ven?"

He smiled and nodded, "That is my name, Terra." I couldn't help but notice it was weird how he said my name with a certain seductive tone to it or was that just the heat getting to me?

"Ven, where'd Aqua go? I've been looking everywhere for you two. I found the perfect gift for his Elderness."

Ventus giggled, it was a slightly deviant one, and maybe that was also just the heat? "Terra, you're funny. Here let me take you to where I left her, she's probably wondering where I went."

He took my hand and laced his fingers between mine, I couldn't help but blush. He pulled me through the crowd. He was actually very strong for his small size, and into a café. I looked around and didn't see her.

"Where's Aqua?" I asked.

He squeezed my hand and continued to lead me toward the back without a word. Something was wrong, but I couldn't put my finger on it. We reached the family restroom and he literally flung me into the room and I almost tripped and fell on my face but caught my balance on the sink.

"Ven what are you-" I heard a click behind me and turned around. Ventus had locked the door, his grin was mischievous and sexy unlike his usual sweet and innocent smile. There was definitely something different about him, almost like he was someone else.

"Ven?" My voice was shaky I felt my legs shake. Why was I shaking? I had imagined many scenarios like this before only our role were reversed and I felt… weak.

He moved towards me with a seductive strut and I moved from the sink to the wall to get a little bit farther from him. Why was I running? My body was acting on its own. Finally he had me cornered to the wall and he came in close and took my face within his hands, stood on his toes, and pressed his soft lips against mine.

It was rough from the get go, not the way I imagined it at all in my mind. I tried to pull away but he slid his arms around my neck and pulled me down. Ventus parted my lips forcefully using his own and slid his tongue into my mouth with unexpected speed and precision. Our tongues danced, his leading the way, and I was caught in the passion.

Instead of resisting I pulled his closer to me with one hand and ran my fingers through his silky blonde hair with the other. Heat was running through me into my lower regions and my heart was beating in a heavy tempo. Ven ran his hand down my chest, tracing my abs, before sliding his finger down to my crotch.

I yelped out of surprise, releasing his small body from my arms and pushing him away by his shoulders, "What do you think you are doing?" I breathed heavily.

"What's wrong Terra? I thought you wanted this. I thought you wanted me." Ventus grinned as he licked his lips as if to savor my flavor. I shuttered, this wasn't the Ventus I fell in love with. This couldn't be the same sweet and caring boy whose smile always brought me to heaven or could it? The person before me, his smile made shivers of fear run down my spine.

"You're not Ven." I declared, voicing how I felt.

His expression softened and he gently grazed the tips of his fingers on my cheek. Suddenly he looked like the old Ven, filled with kindness and concern and love. "I want you Terra. I want your heart to belong only to me. I am Ventus."

I instantly melted. I loosened my grip and dropped my arms to my sides. I wasn't sure who was standing before me at the moment. Was it really Ventus?

Ven slowly drew closer and planted his lips over mine, this time he was gentle and loving. My arms curled around his back, bringing him closer to me. His small body was warm to touch and I ran my hand over his back. This time I slid my tongue into his mouth and rubbed against every surface I could find. He ran his fingers through my dark brown hair and we looked into each others blue eyes, glazed over with passion. This was how I had imagined us before this is how I thought kissing him would be like. Except for the family bathroom bit, I usually imagined my room or his.

So what was that before?

We parted lips for a moment and he spoke between hot breaths, "Terra." Before ours lips sought each other out again. I ran my hand down his back cupping his tiny buttock in my large hand. "Terra!" He cried as we began grinding or hips together. Saliva was running from his mouth and I licked it up, tracing my tongue over his jaw bone and up through to the ear. I nibbled the lobe and he gasped out of pleasure, grasping tightly onto the back of my head. I ran kisses down his neck and yanked at his shirt collar so as to reveal more skin. I ran the length of my tongue over the collar bone, leaving a trail of saliva behind. I pulled away and grabbed his shoulder, maneuvering him against the wall. I pinned his hands above his head and looked over his face.

His skin was flushed with heat, his lips were wet and parted, and his eyes were… yellow? I blinked a few times and they were blue again.

"Is something wrong Terra?" Ven moved his body, making it obvious he wanted more. I smashed my lips against his and unclipped his chest belt and his jacket before flinging them to the floor, the strange event forgotten. Next he unbuttoned his grey vest (so many layers) and pulled off his turtle neck forcing us to part lips but only for a moment. Now I was faced with his bare chest and I couldn't resist bending down to pleasure his nipples with my tongue. He ran his finger through my mane, groaning in pleasure as I nibbled on his pink flesh. I ran my long tongue over his abs, tracing his adorable muscles with saliva.

He began to remove the armor strapped to my shoulder and I paused, retracting my tongue. Where was Ven's armor?

"Is something wrong? You keep hesitating, and it's driving me crazy." Ven gave a devilish grin. I stood and took a few steps back.

He wasn't Ven.

"Who are you?" I demanded.

The stranger before me pouted, "I'm Ventus."

"You're lying!" I growled at the top my lunges and he jumped with shock.

His eyes went from blue to gold and his hair went from blonde to black. He straightened his poster with a vile grin. "I'm Vanitas."

"Why do you look like Ven?" I asked.

"I may look like that weakling but I'm better than him in everyway. Why don't you give up on him? I am all you need and more." Vanitas took a step closer.

"Chya right, what makes you think I'd actually agree to that?" I tightened my loosened shoulder armor.

"We were making out only two minutes ago. You can't deny that you liked it that you wanted to go all the way. Besides, I understand you Terra." He said my name with purpose, as if he liked saying it.

"I…" I thought he was Ventus. No I knew something was off from the beginning. "You don't understand me. How can a trickster like you possibly understand love?"

Sadness leaked over his features for a moment before he returned to his usual smug grin. He chuckled, "I understand because the darkness in your heart calls out to me. It's hard to resist since its screams are so loud. In the end I guess you can say I desire to tame those screams so that they belong to me. The darkness in your heart makes such beautiful sounds that I can't resist the temptation."

The psychopath pretending to be Ventus, toying with my emotions, and spouting nothing but lies, I wanted to kill the bastard but… How dare he play with my heart and use me! How dare he kiss me, touch me, making me think he was the one I loved!

I clenched my fists, the anger passing through my nerves, the hatred seeping through my bared teeth, "Shut up you fake! I can't believe I was so easily fooled. You don't know anything about me so don't even try that bull shit on me! I love Ventus. Every part of my heart belongs to him. If I ever see you again I'll kill you!"

Without wasting another second I unlocked the door and ran aimlessly. I used my breathing exercises to cool myself down as I ran. I didn't want them to see me like this before we met up again. I wasn't ready to look at Ven just yet.

Vanitas. He's looked exactly like Ven only with black hair and golden eyes. Hadn't I seen eyes like them before? What was he? He could easily change his features at will so why choose to pretend to be Ven and seduce me? Nothing made sense. Nothing that had to do with the situation did.

"Terra!" I stopped as Aqua ran up to me with a smile on her face, Ventus was right behind her. Ventus… "We weren't expecting to see you here. Did you get lonely without us?"

I pulled a fake smile, "Like I would ever miss a nerd like you."

"What about me?" Ven grinned with all his teeth and pointed to himself.

"I missed you and those pearly whites. I could use a portable mirror right now," I tugged at his mouth playfully, laughing at his pained expression.

"Stat dat!" He protested as I pulled on his mouth and I looked into his teeth. I really could see my reflection.

"Well I'll be damned, you brush your teeth."

He smacked me away and escaped, rubbing his cheek, "Of course I do you jerk!"

Aqua giggled, "You two are just like brothers. I'm jealous."

Brothers? Seriously Aqua you really know how to shoot my hopes down. Wait jealous, jealous of what? I wish I was a girl or Ven was at least then our love could be… my love could be acceptable.

"Aqua," Ven whimpered still rubbing his cheeks.

"So Terra, why are you here and not out looking for a gift for the master?" she interrogated, ignoring our smaller friend's moans.

I smiled triumphantly, "Actually I found one at an antique shop about thirty minutes. I said I'd come back with more munny seeing as we each have a portion and I couldn't afford it on my own."

She patted my shoulder, "Good work you aren't just a lump of muscles after all."

"Hey what's that supposed to mean?" I raised a brow, "I have a brain it's just not as well formed as yours. My eyesight is 50/50 so of course I found the perfect gift."

"I think you mean 20/20 and I know you have brain Terra, it is a muscle." She turned and started to walk away.

"It is?" I mumbled before stumbling after her. "Hey wait you don't know where the store is!"

"Then by all means lead the way," she smiled, like a boy. I swear if she didn't have those balloons on her chest I'd peg her for one of us.

Then I noticed the other one of us wasn't following, I looked back to see him staring into an alleyway. I ran back to him and followed the path of his gaze. Nothing.

"Ven?" I grasped his shoulder and he jumped a centimeter into the air. He glanced dazedly at me with a blank expression. "Ven is something wrong?"

He seemed to search my eyes before dropping his gaze toward the ground. "I thought I saw… never mind."

Worry ran over my face, "What is it? You can tell me."

"I thought I saw… me. But it was probably just a reflection, a trick of the eye." I don't think he really believed his own words.

Did he see Vanitas? Damn it, just when I had completely forgotten about the bastard.

I plastered on a fake smile for Ven, "Yeah, it was probably just the heat working its magic on the windows. Do you feel dizzy? Want me to carry you?"

Where did that come from? Was that my concern or devious perverted side talking?

He flushed a rosy color, his adorably long lashes grazing his cheeks, "I-I'm fine. Thank you though, Terra."

"Hey don't mention it little buddy. Just tell me when you need anything and I'll get it for you." I thumbed his shoulder tenderly.

Aqua almost literally jumped in between us forcing me to let go of the blonde, "Hey you two, is something up?"

"No, nothings wrong," Ventus spoke with a monotone it was too obvious something was wrong.

He began walking and I pulled next to him to lead the way and Aqua came on his other side. We shared a concerned glance. Ventus hadn't been like this since we first met him.

We decided it was best not to pester and bombard him on something he obviously did not want to talk about so we made our way to the antique store in total awkward silence.

"You're back," the estranged duck quacked.

"Uh, yes, and with munny for the sword," I turned toward the blue haired female. Her expression consisted of a raised eyebrow and an expectant half smile. "But first could my friend take a close look at it."

"Sure," the creature hobbled over to the front desk and pulled out a long box from under the counter.

He placed it in front of Aqua on the counter, struggling to open the box. Aqua gasped as she picked up the masterpiece and examined it.

"Terra, this is incredible! How on earth did I miss spotting something like this?" Aqua unsheathed it slightly with awe.

I turned toward Ven to gage his expression but he was still lost completely within himself. Did he really see Vanitas? What did Vanitas do to make him like this?

"Terra, Ven, your munny please," Aqua held out her hand, I pulled out my pouch and placed it on her palm before she snatched it away.

I turned to Ven, he was just standing there with a blank expression. I placed my hands on his shoulder and leaned down to look into his face, he didn't look at me. I shook him a little, gently, "Ven are you in there?" No response. "Ven!"

He snapped back to us, light returning to his eyes. He gazed up at me and looked around, absorbing his surroundings. "What happened? When did we get here?"

Aqua tapped him on the noggin with her knuckles, "Earth to space cadet, we're buying a gift for Master Eraqus and I need you to forfeit your munny."

"Oh," he reached into his pocket, still a little dazed, and gave her his munny pouch.

"Thanks," Aqua took the bag and began haggling.

I guided the smaller boy outside and guided him to a place to sit just across the street. I knelt down and gazed up at him, my hand on his shoulders. "Ventus, could you please tell me what's been bothering you. I haven't seen you like this since… in a long time."

"Terra," he whispered my name and gazed deeply into me with his beautiful azure eyes. Pain was obvious on his face and I felt the need to him embrace him, to dry any tears that he may shed, but I couldn't, I mustn't. "Terra I want to ask you something."

"Sure, ask me anything." I furrowed my brows.

"Do you love someone?" He scanned my expression.

My mouth fell agape. Did he know about my feelings? So this wasn't about Vanitas after all… "Yes." I answered honestly. I love you, if only I could say that too.

"How much do you love them?" he asked. I couldn't tell if he was sad or relieved.

I tightened my grip on his shoulders, "More than anything else and greater still."

"Do you think the person I love would feel the same?" his expression seemed pained.

I offered him a comforting smile, "I'm sure whoever it is you're talking about couldn't choose anyone else over you."

Who do you love Ven?

"What if they did?" he looked away, flush hitting his cheeks hard.

"If they don't love you back then the only thing you can hope for is to… tickle them till they're blue!" I reached toward his ribcage and began to frantically attack his sides.

He was laughing uncontrollably as he tried to get away, "Terra! Ha ha, stop! Please!" I stopped and slid next to him ruffling his hair.

"Sorry Ven, I think you're too young to be worrying about the stresses of romance. Did you fall for some random shop keeper girl, maybe one of the waitresses at the café?" I leaned in with a mischievous grin.

Ven was smiling like his old self again, "No, it's not like that."

"Is it a guy?" I raised a brow.

He flashed a deep shade of red, either I was right on the dot or he's really pissed. "No it's not like that!"

"So is it like a friendship sort of love we're talking about, family?" I interrogated.

He sighed, "No it might be just hormones or something… I can't stop thinking about…" he trailed off. "Maybe you're right, I'm too young."

"Venny, don't worry. I'm sure this girl loves you back," I patted his shoulder.

Why am I playing the big brother role again? Maybe Aqua was right and we could only ever be like brothers. Nothing more…

"Who says it's a girl?" he teased.

"Could be genderless? I think there's a technical term for that." I gently jabbed him in the arm.

"I'm very sure that's not the case," he rubbed his forearm.

I shrugged, "Well you can never really tell anymore with all these pretty boys with long flowing hair walking around."

Ven raised his brow he was so adorable trying to act all cool, "You have something against long flowing hair?"

"You could say it's an old foe of mine," I stood up.

He rose too, "You got fooled didn't you?"

"I thought he was a girl I grumbled," I reminisced about a time long ago when I was in town and I saw this young beautiful woman walking passed me. Unfortunately only the first two observations were correct.

I love Ventus but I'm not gay. Being romantically or sexually interested are two completely different things.

"I'm going to go to the restroom. You two can meet me at the gardens," Ventus was smiling like nothing happened I couldn't help but feel happy.

"Sure," I grinned before he left to relieve himself and it wasn't long before Aqua exited the shop with the sword.

"I got the price down to 1500 munny." She announced.

"You haggling demon, no wonder women love to shop." I rolled my eyes.

"Where's Ven? Is he ok? You didn't try anything did you?" She interrogated.

"Bathroom, yes, and good god woman do you not trust anyone let alone your oldest and dearest friend?"

"Oldest? Dearest? Ha, you sure are," she jabbed me in the arm.

"He's going to catch up with us at the gardens. We should wait for Ven there." I started walking.

"So what was wrong?" Aqua asked.

"Uh, oh, um, well he wanted to ask about love because he likes someone." Even I thought that came out horribly messy. I'm the king of messy.

"Oh, is that all?" She blew her hair out of her face.

"Is that all! I know you know by now that I… well you know and well I just wish I knew who it was he was referring to." I blushed and rubbed the back of my neck. That was probably the first time I told someone, well not really told, but referred to my forbidden love with anyone.

"Well we're his two best friends and he doesn't leave the castle very often plus he has amnesia from before he came to us so it's most likely one of us." She stated easily. "Or Eraqus but that's just ridiculous."

"Not to mention sick," I stuck my tongue out at the thought of the old geezer getting it on with anyone let alone Ven.

"Terra, I think it's more likely you," Aqua said so quietly I almost didn't hear it.

My heart skipped a beat, Ventus might like… me? That would be a dream come true but it's… taboo. I laughed nervously, "Aqua you are such a kidder. There's no way he likes me."

There's no way he could love someone like me. We are like brothers, or least that's how it is now but… I love him but… He shouldn't love me back, I don't deserve it. I want to protect him. A love that's taboo would only be accompanied by pain and it wouldn't be accepted. A love like that is toxic and will surely bring about darkness.

"I'm all you need and more… I understand you Terra… the darkness in your heart calls out to me… I can't resist the temptation." Vanitas's words echoed in my head.

"Terra," I was pulled back into reality by Aqua. "Ventus looks at you differently compared to the master and I. You mean more to him because you were the one who pulled him into the light. I've seen the way you two look at each other and… it's like you couldn't be happier with anyone else."

I couldn't deny he made me happy just by being close. "But isn't it taboo? I thought the love between men was considered wrong and sinful?"

Aqua slammed her fist into my arm man that girl had an arm. "Don't be so old fashioned, it's getting really popular nowadays."

"Seriously, gay relationships are, in?" the thought frightened me, I was happy, but frightened.

"They aren't 'in' they're just not fire and brim stone out. This generation is more tolerable to change." She smiled. "I'm sure Master Eraqus wouldn't think any less of you."

"Oh right, Master…" I'd almost forgotten that today was for him. Why did today have to be so dramatic?

"Even if it's not you and it's me, I'll turn him down," Aqua looked away.

"You don't have to that for me I won't get jealous if it's you," I insisted. I'd probably get jealous but I wouldn't ruin their happiness just because I was rejected.

"Actually, I only view Ven as a brother," Aqua half smiled.

"Then why were you being territorial earlier," I narrowed my eyes at my blue haired friend.

"I was sabotaging the enemy's chances," she admitted. She didn't even like him and she was getting in the way? Bitch…

"I'm your enemy?"

She didn't reply only giggled and ran ahead as we reached the gardens. Barely anyone was there and the place was huge. You could see the castle from there, the castle of Ansem the Wise. There were rumors I had heard about him searching for apprentices but I couldn't be sure what for.

The flowers were beautiful and the brickwork was nice but I was absolutely bored just watching Aqua look at the plants like they were the greatest things in the world. I suppose this shows she's more of a girl than I thought but hey guys can like flowers too it's just I don't see how she can be so fascinated by a stupid flower. I mean I'm here, aren't I more interesting than them? She could at least talk to me. God damn it I'm so bored without Ven.

I found a nice wall near the road leading back from whence we came since that's where Ventus was most likely to arrive from, assuming he didn't get lost. After twenty minutes I was beginning to think that might be the case when the little bundle of energy came bounding towards the gardens.

"Sorry I'm late," he heaved as he leaned on his knees. "I… I got lost… big town."

I ruffled his blonde spikes, "I was beginning to wonder if we might have to call up a search party. Are you tired? Need me to carry you?"

He pouted and pushed my arm away, "I'm fine."

Aqua held the box containing our gift and held it out to me, "Here tough guy, it's your turn since you really want to carry something so badly."

I groaned and took the present from her. She was being a real bitch today.

"So, Ven feeling any better?" Aqua asked our younger friend.

"I'm fine Aqua, there was nothing wrong to begin with." Ven gave a toothy smile and walked a few steps farther into the gardens. "Oh, wow, they're beautiful!"

I take back what I said about flowers being stupid, they are amazing, best plants in the universe, except the ones that try to kill me, though they're my favorites. Not to mention they smell nice, no wonder they use them in perfume, air fresheners, and candles. I've heard about ones that smell terrible but I can only imagine them being useful to scare away unwelcomed visitors.

Ventus ran down the slope and got up and close like Aqua had done earlier. I felt a laugh rise up in my chest but suppressed it. Ven and Aqua had more in common than Ventus does with me. I think they'd be good for each other, that's why Ven is more likely to love her right? To him I'm like an older brother and that's all. My love can never be returned. But I will protect him, both of them because that's all I can do.

I need power.

"Terra!"

I snapped back to reality, "Oh, Aqua, are we leaving?"

"Yeah the sun's starting to set."

"Already? I guess it's been a long day." I sighed. So much happened with Ven and Vanitas today I really needed a nap.

"Hey Terra!" Ventus came up to me with a handful of flowers in his hands.

"I don't think you're allowed to pick the flowers Ven," Aqua chuckled.

Ven just pouted at her before smiling again and holding out the flowers to me, "These are for you for earlier. Thank you."

I one handed the box with a blush on my face and took the bundle with my free hand. I brought the flowers up to my face and took a whiff. "They smell nice thank you."

His smile widened as he began walking away. A warm wave welled up in my chest as we began to follow him. These flowers in my hand were for me from the one I love. Does Ven really like me or did he sense that I was sad? Either way I'm really happy he gave me something even if it's just a few flowers that will die in a few weeks.

I felt so warm inside as we made our way home and when we were almost out of town I took another whiff of the plants. There was the faintest scent that I knew could only by identified as Ventus. He does smell like flowers but he also as another quirk to his fragrance that reminds me of a stormy breeze, unique to him. A grin curled up on my face and I gave a gleeful sigh just before a cold chill ran down my spine. I quickly turned around half expecting to see an enemy of sorts staring back at me but there was nothing there.

I continued walking, catching up with them easily. The sky was a beautiful array of warm colors as the sun hovered just above the horizon. When we reached home it was completely dark and thousands of stars were in the black sea above. Aqua had taken the gift to wrap and hide it and Ven had returned to his room. I was lying down outside on the ground looking at the flowers which were already beginning to wilt.

What had happened today? Why did Vanitas trick me into thinking he was Ven? How did he even know I love Ventus? How was I fooled so easily? Why am I still thinking about that double ganger?

I groaned and palmed myself in the face with my free hand. How is it that I can't just forget about him? I can't believe I kissed him and touched him. I feel so ashamed I shouldn't have done those things even if it was Ventus. Now I can sense the darkness within, hear it become restless, but I can't let it take over. I can't hate this Vanitas or feel guilty because those negative emotions only fuel the darkness. Things happen, ok the events of today were weird, but no one is to be blamed. I'll just have to hope I never see that black haired freak ever again. His lips were soft, he looked almost exactly like Ventus, and he said those things to me. Who is he exactly, Ven's long, lost, evil twin or something?

Why do I care?

A/N: Wow that took a long sit down or two to write. Now if only I could do this my stories more often then I might actually have something to publish… Anyway, thanks for reading the first chapter to my newest KH fanfiction, I actually have another that's not that popular because it's all OCs and you know how everyone just totally hate OCs. I think I made everyone in character though Aqua is probably a little OOC. Please REVIEW! REVIEW! REVIEW! I've never written a heated scene before so please give me some advice. If you have suggestions for the future don't hesitate to tell. Also please don't kill me.