A/N: Written for the "Ink" challenge at the LJ comm khdrabble. Go there.
Disclaimer: Kingdom Hearts is not mine. I'm not even Japanese.
Not Exactly
"You look really good in that dress, Kairi!" Sora exclaimed, making Kairi's cheeks explode crimson beneath the pale powder on her face.
"I think it's called a kimono," Riku said matter-of-factly as Mulan handed him a bowl of rice and a pair of chopsticks.
"Do they call it a kimono in China?" asked Sora.
Riku stared at him. "I don't know."
Kairi's flush became one of annoyance at the turn of the conversation.
"Thank you for noticing, Sora," she interrupted. "I appreciate the compliment."
"You're welcome!" Sora said around a mouthful of rice. "You look really cute!"
Mulan giggled, and Kairi tried not to notice how hot her face was.
"So what did the matchmaker have to say?" asked Riku.
"That I'm too good for any man to deserve me," Kairi said jokingly, her scarlet-painted lips curving upwards on the ends.
Mulan quirked an eyebrow at her and grinned, because that was not exactly what the matchmaker had said. The older woman had actually informed Kairi that she didn't need help with relationships at all, considering the way those two silly boys fawned so obviously over her. That had left Kairi feeling very smug, but she wasn't about to admit that to anyone.
"I remember you were always good in school, Kairi, but I'm surprised you managed to memorize all those lines and things in just one night!" Sora said.
Kairi sighed. "Not exactly."
"She had some help," Mulan said.
Kairi shot her a look. "You're right," she said quickly. "I couldn't have done it without you!"
Mulan burst into hysterical laughter. Sora stared, lost. Riku hid his grin behind his rice bowl and pretended he hadn't noticed the way Kairi pulled her sleeve down a little further, covering the smeared lines of ink that trailed all the way up her forearm.