Disclaimer: Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep and related characters belong to Square Enix & Tetsuya Nomura.
A/N: Now for the next installement of My Sanctuary! Thanks so much for reading. Co-authored with DaQiao17. Please review!
Warning: Contains Minor Swearing, Abuse, and Violence.
-xWhitexWindx
My Sanctuary
Aqua leaned in her chair from typing the last few sentences of her paper. Sure it wasn't due for another day, but it was really the only homework she had to do. Sometimes being a senior was a little boring.
She stretched her arms above her head as she got up to get changed into her pajamas. Passing by the window of her room, she looked up at the castle that she had a perfect view of, thinking of Vanitas. There was something off about the castle, a feeling both her and her mother held. For a few years now the activity of Heartless had increased, making her life harder as a high school student, but she was a Keyblade Master and it was her responsibility.
Thankfully, Ventus had offered to take the shift for tonight so she could get ready for Kairi's party tomorrow without being sleep deprived. Aqua just hoped Ven didn't get himself in over his head. At least she knew he could call in Terra at anytime.
"Sissy...? Will you tuck me in...?" Kairi's soft voice was heard from the doorway, poking her head in and looking around her sister's room.
Aqua smiled as she turned to her sister, "Of course. Come on, munchkin."
Kairi ran forward, taking her sleeve-covered hand and reached up to take Aqua's. They were very close, despite the age difference, and Kairi was attached to Aqua whenever she was home. There were some nights she hated to see her go on her patrols, but she always wished her good luck and sometimes tried to stay up for her. Aqua always tucked her in.
"Did you have a good birthday?"
"Mmhm! I'm excited about my party tomorrow!"
Kairi pushed open the door to her room next door, it was decorated in soft shades of white, pink, and lavender with floral decorations. Her sheets had pink stars on them and she crawled into her bed, hugging her Moogle plush toy close as she waited to be tucked in.
Aqua leaned forward and gave Kairi a kiss upon her forehead as she tucked the blankets in around her. "Sleep tight Kairi, I'll see you in the morning."
Kairi smiled sleepily as she snuggled under her blankets. "Night, Aqua."
As Aqua started to walk back into her room her eyes fell upon an old photo of two little toddler girls, one with red hair and the other blond. Aqua smiled pressing her fingers to her lips and then to the image of the blond girl.
"Goodnight, Naminé… wherever you are."
Everything in this room was white, save the bright splashes of color from the drawings that were taped to the walls. Hidden underneath the white covers, a small stock of platinum blond hair could be seen. Foggy blue eyes peered over the tops of the sheets, watching the doorway.
It had been about an hour since the sounds of mad laughter of her 'brother' had stopped. He didn't scream anymore during his punishments - simply laughed. He knew that if he didn't show pain then Xehanort wouldn't get the satisfaction he wanted by beating him.
Sure enough, the door opened a crack, and the limp figure winced his way inside. Naminé sprung from the sheets, small and dainty feet touching the cold floor as she crossed the room just as Vanitas collapsed to his knees, clutching his busted ribcage and wiping the blood from his chin.
"Hey, witchy. You should be in bed. It's way passed your bedtime."
All he could manage was a hoarse whisper, before he gave a violent cough, one that sent his entire body jerking and spasming in pain. Naminé shook her head before she slowly crouched down, her little white dress barely going passed her knobby knees, and her scrawny fingers brushed his bangs away from his face. Half-mast gold irises stared into her blue - her orbs that were very far away, showing she wasn't all there.
She barely spoke anymore, but she was there enough to know that Vanitas was the only person who wasn't out to hurt her. He protected her in his own way - taking beatings that would've been meant for her whenever she lost control of her magic.
Pressing her small forehead to his, Vanitas ground his teeth as she pressed her small hands to his chest, mending his ribs the internal organs that had been damaged.
Soon, he could breathe normally without agony sweeping over him. Naminé pulled back slowly, the skin of her lips broken from where she had been chewing on them in nervous habit, them parting as she finally spoke.
"Are you okay?"
She gave a squeak and flushed red as his hand brushed the back of her head, ruffling her hair. She blinked in surprise - he hadn't ever really been affectionate toward her. He was protective and sometimes took the blame, but never had he openly showed that he remotely cared for her existence.
It was a pleasant feeling to have.
"I'm alright, witchy. By the way, you're seven now. It's your birthday."
"Birthday...? It's my...day of birth...?"
He nodded, "I got you something..."
She tipped her head to the side, sitting on the cold floor with her legs angled, looking up at him as Vanitas pulled out a bundle from underneath the back of his shirt. Naminé gave a soft gasp at the make-shift little doll, looking like it had been made out of an old flour sack, and fashioned to look like her. It had yellow yarn for hair and black buttons for eyes, a piece of white cloth that resembled a dress like hers. Blue eyes looked at the doll and then back at him.
"It's a friend, for when I'm not here."
"Dolly..."
She reached her frail arms and took it slowly, cradling it to her chest and actually smiling as she nuzzled the top of it. Vanitas felt a whisper of a smile cross his lips, before he heard the sound of footsteps.
"I need to go, before they find me. Go to sleep, witchy. Tomorrow, I want you to draw me a picture of you and your imaginary friend, okay?"
"You mean Kairi?"
Gold eyes closed as he picked her up by her arm and quickly carried her to the bed, setting her on the edge. "Yes. Now go to sleep."
Naminé nodded and crawled under her covers, clutching the doll close as she watched Vanitas disappear out of the room. A few minutes later, she saw that Ienzo, one of the many assistants who was only a year older than her had appeared. He watched for a long moment before shutting the door to her little white room.
"...Vani...cares...for me..."
It was the best birthday present ever.
Aqua yawned tiredly as she was putting the last finishing touches on the cake for Kairi's party. She had gotten up early to make breakfast and had since then been making a cake and preparing snacks. It was a quarter to two and already a few people had arrived. They had been led to the backyard by her mother and sister. She could hear the shrieks and laughter of some of the children.
She was beat already, but the day was only halfway over, plus she had the midnight patrol shift tonight. Placing the last frosting rose on the cake, Aqua started to gather up some of the snack bowls full of chips-and-dip.
"Looking good, Aqua!"
That chipper tone caused the blunette to turn, smiling as she saw a boy only a year younger than her. His honey blond hair was spiked in a wild fashion, but was neat at the same time. Wind-swept she would describe it, and his eyes were as blue as the skies.
"Ven! Hey, glad you could make it. I see you brought your little cousin with you." Aqua turned and smiled, kneeling down to smile at the brunette boy clinging to the belt-loop of Ven's khaki's, wearing a red-trimmed white t-shirt, red shorts, and sandals. "How long are you staying here, Sora?"
The boy of seven blinked, his eyes and face the spitting image of Ven's, before he gave a goofy grin. "As long as I want! Can I go see Kairi?" An adorable blush crossed his tan cheeks.
Aqua smiled kindly, "Of course! She's out back with some of her friends. Why don't you go on ahead?"
Sora grinned before taking off out the back door of the kitchen. Ventus chuckled at his little cousin's antics. "Need any help?"
"Help would be nice. Grab the plates of sandwiches, will you?" Aqua led the blond boy outside to the table placed to the side of the backyard. "How was your patrol last night?"
"All Heartless accounted for and defeated, Captain!" Ven even gave her a goofy little salute. "Actually, the activity wasn't that bad last night. Half the amount we've usually had. It was strange, but Terra and Master Eraqus say it's something to be relieved about."
Aqua looked unconvinced. "I suppose, but such a large number doesn't disappear over one night.
"That's what I said, but you know how Terra is. He uses brawn over brains." Ven gave a small sigh as he carried the plate, looking over at the group of kids playing in the inflatable playhouse. "How's Kairi?"
"She's great. Having lots of fun apparently." Aqua watched as Kairi, Sora and a few others were playing tag as they placed the food on the table. "Ven...have you ever noticed anything strange about the castle?"
He folded his arms behind his head, leaning against the wall as he glanced toward the direction of the castle over the back wall. "Like how there's been more and more Heartless activity and less activity from Lord Ansem?"
"You've noticed it too?" Aqua headed back into the house to bring out the cake. She turned towards Ven, a thoughtful look on her face. "Yesterday...I met a boy. He said his name was Vanitas and that he lived in the castle. He also said he had a little sister about the same age as Kairi but...I've never seen either before until yesterday."
"I only know of Ienzo living there, but he's like eight. Lord Ansem takes care of him. I don't know of any other kids, let alone a teenager living there." Ven frowned. "Maybe you should ask Terra or Master Eraqus? Keep in mind I haven't lived here as long as you guys..."
"Don't tell Terra or Master Eraqus but I think I might check the castle out tonight on patrol. Something isn't right and I'm going to at least get some type of evidence before going to them." Aqua had a determined look in her blue eyes. Vanitas didn't act like any normal teenager, let alone a human being, and if he's lived in that castle for as long as he said he has, then something wasn't right.
Ventus shifted awkwardly, eyes glancing toward the gate warily as if expecting their Master or the Master's son to appear. "I want to go with you then. I don't like deceiving Terra or the Master, but if you really feel we should check it out, then let me come with you. That way we can share the blame."
"Alright. Meet me at the side of the wall leading into the gardens. There'll be fewer guards there." Aqua smiled as she placed the cake onto the table outside. "Now enough serious talk! How about we join the kids in a round of tag?"
Ven nodded before springing into the group of kids. The sound of cheerful laughter filled the air. Kairi and Sora eagerly grabbed Aqua, pulling her toward where the other children had dog-piled on Ven.
A mountain of gifts was on the table closest to the back gate, which had opened a crack. The sleeve of a red hoodie was seen, and then a hand slipping what appeared to be a card on the table. Vanitas hesitated, simply watching and feeling a strange tightening in his chest as his golden eyes landed on the sisters.
Feeling eyes on her, Aqua looked up cautiously and made sure it wasn't an enemy, but upon seeing the dark-haired boy from last night she relaxed and smiled at him. Making an excuse to Ven and the kids, she made her way over.
"Stopping by for a minute, Vanitas?"
He cursed that he had stalled inwardly before looking at her, "I couldn't bring her with me...I'm not supposed to leave the grounds. My sister...made her a card though... for their birthday."
"It's fine. At least you made an appearance and a card, silly." Aqua crossed her arms over her chest, unsure what to say now. "Are you...leaving now?"
Those gold eyes actually looked sad, "Yeah. But don't you worry about me, Mousey. They think I'm running an errand for creepy Even, so I made a detour." Vanitas awkwardly rubbed his arm. "I'm sorry I couldn't bring Naminé."
"It's okay. I'm sure they'll get to meet someday." Aqua leaned forward slightly. "I actually have something for you, since you showed up." She stepped a little closer and stage whispered, "If you're a good boy and close your eyes I'll give it you!"
He grimaced and pulled back, "I don't trust anyone who tells me to close my eyes."
He had been jabbed and beaten enough to know that. Still, she looked tempting. Maybe she would even give him a kiss! A grin appearing at the thought, Vanitas decided to test her.
"Alright, but this better not be something weird... otherwise we're going to play a penalty game."
She looked at him with a weird expression. "Penalty ga-? Do I even want to know?" She shrugged it off. "Now close your eyes, it'll only take a second."
"Damn, and here I thought you liked me."
Teasingly, he poked her cheek before closing his eyes.
Aqua studied his face for a moment. He really was a handsome boy, but she could also see how life had taken its toll on him. Taking a breath, Aqua gathered up her courage before she leaned forward and brushed her lips against his right cheek lightly. She lingered for only a second before she pulled back and blushed lightly.
"There. Now you can open them."
Slowly, he opened his eyes, before taking a step back and looking at her. Then he brought his fingers to his cheek, feeling it burn once more. He really hated this embarrassment thing. It was starting to tick him off.
"Take care, Vanitas, and thanks again for stopping by."
Her smile was wistful, she wished he could stay just a bit longer. She didn't know what it was about him, but she liked being around him, even if he was a little gruff and mean sometimes.
"Why did you...do that...?" Vanitas looked away from her, his voice soft.
"Because...it felt right."
"Don't fall for me, Mousey."
He then turned and ran out of the backyard.
Aqua smiled dispassionately, one hand propped against her hip, "Too bad the heart doesn't see reason. We'll see if that happens, won't we Vanitas?"
There was the sound of Kairi shrieking a familiar name, before the blunette turned to see that her Master had arrived. He had a scar along the side of his face, and his black hair was tied back, following close behind his foster son and her best friend since she was small, Terra.
Terra was a handsome boy, two years her senior, and was burly in build. His hair was as brown as the earth and his eyes were a deep cobalt shade. He immediately scanned the backyard and spotted her, raising a tan hand to wave.
"Yo, Aqua! Whatcha doin' hiding over there? You're missing the party!"
Aqua huffed as she made her way over to the brunette, "I'm not hiding, but you're late!"
"Sorry. Heh. Had to pick up Riku from Lightning."
Standing beside him was a bored looking youth, only a year older than Kairi. His hair was a platinum shade and his eyes were teal. He was the son of Snow and Serah Villiers, who were residents of Destiny Islands, but he lived with his aunt Lightning for some reason, along with Hope - a boy that Lightning was raising and one of Ven's closest friends.
"Riku! RIKU! RIIIIIKUUUU!"
"Geez, Sora, you just saw me yesterday!" Riku grumbled, being glomped by the brunette and the redhead.
Aqua chuckled in amusement, "Just means they love you lots, Riku." She glanced around, seeing all that had been invited had arrived and were accounted for. "Now who wants cake and ice cream?"
"WE DO!" the children, and Ven, all cheered.
Aqua chuckled as she made her way to the cake, where her mother was lighting the candles, "First we have to sing 'Happy Birthday' to Kairi!"
Kairi ran over to stand in front of her cake, where her mother picked her up and placed her on a chair so she could blow out the candles better.
"Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday, dear Kairi, happy birthday to you!"
Aqua helped her mother cut the cake and distribute the treat along with some ice cream among the children and guests.
"Aqua, dear? Where's Vanitas and his little sister?"
"Oh, he dropped by earlier to say he and his sister couldn't make it, but he did leave Kairi a card that his sister drew."
"Oh?" Her mother glanced around, "It's a shame. I was looking forward to him trying the cake. I'm curious, Aqua, did he perhaps tell you his sister's name?"
"Yes, actually. He said that it was Nami-"
She cut herself off, her eyes widening as her mind conjured the photograph of Kairi and her twin.
"...Naminé..."
A/N: Much thanks to VizzyBruv for the review! Please review guys! :D
-xWhitexWindx