A/N: Alright, first chapter of a new fic. Very basic stuff here to introduce the storyline, centers around Kairi, Sora and Riku the most, but Axel and Roxas are definitely going to be in there quite a bit. Read and review, I've typed up the next 2 chapters already and will probably post them next week.

"Hey Kairi," a voice from behind said.

"Hey Sora," Kairi said before spinning around to face him, "What's up?"

"Just wondering if you had a partner for that social studies project yet," Sora said in what would've been an oh-so-casual voice if it weren't for the eager look on his face, "We make a great team."

"Riku already asked to be my partner," Kairi said as Soras' face fell, "And I told him I would."

"It's okay," Sora said in a forced cheerful voice, "Maybe I'll ask Namine then."

"She said something about working with Rikku on it I think," Kairi said, "How about Yuffie?"

"She's working with Yuna," Sora said darkly, no longer able to pretend to be cheerful, "I'll just work with whoever's left."

They sat down in their usual seats; with Kairi in the middle, Riku on her left and Sora on her right.

The ball rang as Mrs. Fox entered the room, not quite late but unlike most teachers not early. Not that Mrs. Fox was similar to other teachers very often; she was kind of like a more grown up version of Rikku.

"First day to start working on your project," Mrs. Fox announced, "Everyone get with your partner."

There was a scrambling of feet as desks were moved, most of the class hurrying to sit next to their partner.

Sora looked around; trying to find someone else he knew that he could work with.

Leon had partnered up with Cloud like always. Everyone seemed to have a partner, whether he knew them or not. There was only one person he saw without a partner…. crap, it was-

"Axel," Mrs. Fox said sharply, "I take it you don't have a partner then?"

"Guess not," Axel said, not looking particularly concerned.

"You'll be working with Sora then," Mrs. Fox said as Axel nodded, "Unless of course, Sora has a partner that's just missing today?"

"No ma'am," Sora said with a sigh.

'It's not like there's anything wrong with working with Axel,' Sora thought, 'At least it's someone I know. But he's just such a slacker!'

As Sora thought, Axel shuffled over a few desks and sat next to him.

"I guess we're partners," Axel said as he stretched his feet out onto the desk in front of him and rested his head in his hands.

"Yup," Sora said, ignoring the feeling of impending doom blossoming in the pit of his stomach, "So where do you want to do our project on?"

"I dunno," Axel shrugged, "Mexico?"

Sora sighed, "A place in Europe, Ax."

"Ax?" Axel asked, a look of surprise washing over him, "When did that happen?"

"If it bothers you I won't call you that," Sora said turning a bit red as he wished over and over again that he hadn't tried out the nick name.

"Doesn't matter," Axel shrugged again, "Back on topic though, where do you want to do this project on?"

"I thought it might be cool to do it on England," Sora said, glad at the change of subject.

"Sure," Axel said as he straightened up, "Is that in Europe though?"

Sora sighed at the stupidity of his partner, but the bell rang before he had to answer the stupid question.

Sora scribbled something down on a scrap piece of paper before handing it to Axel.

"Come to my house after school," Sora said as he walked to the door, "We can work on the project."

-----

Riku flipped through his textbook, looking for some basic information for their project on Ireland.

"Do you want something to drink?" he asked, looking up from his book.

"Sure," Kairi said smiling sweetly, "Water would be good."

Riku nodded and walked into the kitchen.

'I really should stop doing this…' Kairi though, 'It's so obvious that Riku and Sora both like me. I should choose between them. Stop teasing them, stop leading them both on like this…'

Kairis' thoughts were interrupted as Riku returned to the living room carrying two tall glasses of ice water.

"Thanks," Kairi said as she gratefully accepted the glass and gave Riku a quick kiss on the cheek.

Riku blushed deep red that could rival a tomato as he returned to his previous spot on the couch, flipping through his textbook again.

'But not yet,' Kairi thought grinning to herself, 'This is way too much fun to stop.'