Once upon a time, there was a beautiful princess. She was beautiful, gazing out of her window every morning. Living in the highest tower of a castle had its disadvantages, and even more so when it was guarded by a nasty old dragon. No matter how had she tried, the princess could never find a way out, the door was locked securely. And even if she did get past the door, the dragon would never let her by. So she is back to looking out the small window, dreaming of the day she will have freedom, if it will ever come.

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Pixie stirred to a shrill voice calling her name. "Pixie, Pixie! Wake up, it's time for breakfast. So hurry up and make some, I'm hungry!" It was her foster mom, Heidi. Every morning, Pixie was expected to make breakfast before leaving for school. You would think it would be the other way around, Heidi being the "mom." But no, she was just lazy and only concerned for herself, which could be why she wasn't married.

Lifting her head, Pixie realized that she had fallen asleep in front of the computer doing her homework.....again. She packed up all of her books and school supplies into her bag and headed downstairs to cook the morning meal, which usually consisted of eggs, pancakes, and toast because it didn't take very long. Right before finishing, Heidi's daughter, Sarah, came down the stairs, still rubbing sleep from her eyes. Right away she noticed the smell of fresh-made food and helped herself. Pixie made Heidi a plate before getting her own food and brought it out to her. She was outside laying on a lawn chair next to the pool tanning. "It's about time. Now hurry up and get to school, if you're late again I'll ground you for a month." was all she said before digging into the food. Not very nice, huh?

With a sigh, she rushed back inside to get the good bathroom before Sarah, but no luck. She must have scarfed down her food and had her stuff already ready because the door was already shut. So now she was stuck with the small one. Great.

She went back up to the attic, which also happened to be her bedroom. It wasn't too bad, it had plenty of space, a comfy bed, and she got to have a desk and a laptop, but there was also a bunch of junk everywhere like boxes and old trunks covered in a layer of dust. But home sweet home I guess, at least that's what Pixie always told herself. It could always be worse, she could still be in the orphanage.

Pixie banished such thoughts from her mind and quickly picked out some clothes to wear to school: dark blue skinny jeans, a white tank top, a black tie with a skull at the bottom, and a black and white baseball cap with a large skull on the front. She walked back down the attic stairs and into the bathroom to get ready for school.

Thirty minutes later she walked out the bathroom door and checked to see what time it was. 8:00! She had to walk to school because Heidi refused to buy her a car, so she was going to be late! And there was no catching the bus, that had gone by awhile ago.

"Damn." she said. "I can't be late! Heidi will kill me!" As fast as her legs would take her, Pixie ran down the stairs and out the door, grabbing her bag along the way.

After running about half a mile, she was slowing down; the school was just too far away. She just wasn't going to make it. That's when John came. He was her best friend since kindergarten. And now he was going to be her savior......again.

John slowed the car. "Hey Pix, you need a ride?" He called over the radio. "I don't think Heidi would like you being late for school again."

She hopped in. "No, she would be furious. And thanks for the ride."

"Hey, no problem. Anything for a friend."

Minutes later they arrived in the school parking lot, and just in time too; the bell would be ringing any minute. John found a parking place and was about to pull in, but another car, a silver mercedes, pulled in front of them, and out stepped the most popular people in school: Sora, Kairi, and Riku. Ever since they had gotten back from their adventure they had been constantly swarmed with people, especially Riku. He had a fan club, and most girls in school were part of it, and Pixie was proud not to be so obsessed. Though she would be lying if she said that she had never had a crush on the famous Riku. When they were kids, before their adventure, she and Riku used to be friends, and she had the biggest crush on him then. But after he disappeared, he heart broke. He had left her behind with her step-mom, and Riku knew how much she hated Heidi. And after he came back, he never thought to come and see her, not even a simple hello! So she moved on, and barricaded her heart with a stone wall nobody could penetrate.

"Ugh, great, just what we need. Now I have to go and look for a different spot!" John complained.

The three populars heard him and looked in their direction. Sora, the spikey haired brunette smiled apologetically. "Sorry dude! Didn't mean to take your spot."

"Meh, it's ok," He shrugged. "There's gotta be another one here somewhere."

Riku pointed over to his left and spoke, his voice as smooth as silk. "I think I see one over there that's free."

"Thanks."

"No problem."

John backed up and turned the car, driving past Riku, Sora, and Kairi. They smiled and waved; well, at least Sora and Kairi did, Riku was just......wait, what? He was staring at Pixie.....but why?

Oh god, he's looking at me, but why? I'm nothing to look at. Just you're ordinary Plain Jane. Stop looking here!

Their eyes locked as they continued to pass, time now seeming to pass much slower. All Angel noticed was Riku and herself, her mind lost. She saw something in his eyes. What was it?

The car came to a sudden halt. "Sorry." John apologized. "But the bell is gonna ring in like---"

RRIINNGG!!!!!

"Too late."

"Oh no, no no no. I can't be late!" Pixie panicked. She hopped over the door and quickly ran into the building, through the disappearing crowd, all the way to homeroom. And just in time for the announcements.

Lunch

"Phew, what a day." John and Pixie were sitting at a picnic table outside in the shade for lunch. "And man am I hungry." He began digging into the food on his tray.

"Uh John, I don't feel comfortable sitting out here like this." She fidgeted in her seat.

He scoffed. "Puh-lease. You spend too much time inside at lunch sitting in that corner, trying to avoid being seen. Enjoy life, and soak up some sun for a change. You're really pale, the sun will do you good."

"Thank you Dr. Phil. And you're right about the getting out enough part, but what am I supposed to do? I have school, homework, a job, and in between that Heidi has me busy, like she doesn't want me to ever stop!"

"I know, and I'm sorry there isn't much I can do. But look at the bright side, things could be worse."

And they were about to. A small clique of girlie-girls was walking over to that exact spot while they spoke, and it didn't look like they had anything pleasant in mind.

"Hey losers." Said the leader. "You're in our spot, so move." The other girls laughed.

John and Pixie looked at each other, and then back to the group. "Why should we? We were here first." She spoke back. "And last I knew, students were free to sit wherever they wanted. No reservations or exceptions just because your daddy is rich." That earned her the evil eye.

"Um, FYI dork, we rule this school, so you do what we tell you. So move it or things will get---"

"Will get what?" Another voice said. The girls whipped around, ready to attack, only to come face-to- face with Mr. Popularity himself. "Are they bothering you?"

"Yes, they're in out seat."

He glared at the clique. "Not you, her. Are they bothering you Pixie?"

They just sat there, dumbfounded and lost for words. But she found them again. "Yes."

"All right then. If I ever catch you girls bothering them again, there will be trouble. Am I understood?" Riku gave them a stern look, just enough to frighten them a bit.

"Y-yes, Riku-San." One was able to stutter. They hurriedly walked away, whispering to each other. Soon enough this was going to be the talk of his little fan club. Just what Pixie wanted, to be talked about behind her back. Not.

She looked over to Riku, Curious as to why he had done that. "Why----"

He cut her off, already knowing what she was going to ask. "I thought you could use some help, they do get out of hand sometimes." Riku shuttered. "Trust me on that. Besides, I wanted to come and see you, it's been a long time since we've hung out together."

"Yeah, I suppose it has......." She trailed off, calculating how long it had been since the last time they had spent time together.

John cleared his throat. "Ahem. Well, if you'll excuse me, I think that you two deserve some time alone." He picked up his belongings, waved to Pixie, and walked off before she could protest.

Great, just what I need, alone time with Riku. Gah, what am I supposed to do? Or say? It's been so long.....

"So," He began. "How have you been?"

After School

Pixie was now on her way back home, though she wouldn't be there for long. She had to go be to work directly after school. Heidi had forced her to get a job as soon as she was able, and the only available place was at the local cafe. She was a waitress, serving coffee, croissants, assorted deserts, and other various foods.

Finally reaching her house, Pixie pushed open the door and tossed her schoolbag into the nearest corner. She climbed the stairs up to her room, grabbed her work clothes, and changed into them. Hurrying, she vaulted back down the stairs and out the door, where a car was waiting for her.

"Order up!" The cook called, ringing the bell. She rushed over to the counter and grabbed the two plates, careful not to spill them, which she had already done today. Twice.

It wasn't her fault. Well, yeah it was, since she was the one that had dropped them. But Riku had been on her mind since lunch, and the thoughts just wouldn't leave her alone. So she had taken to blaming him instead of herself.

She managed to serve the customer without spilling the food, (Thank God!) but still had others that were waiting to have their orders taken. Letting out an exasperated sigh, she dug out her order booklet and made her way over to the customer in the corner. He was reading a newspaper, so it was difficult to see his face.

"Excuse me, may I take your order?" She asked.

The man flipped the page. "Two glasses of orange juice please." That voice.......

"Riku?"

She heard him chuckle as he folded the paper and placed it on the table. Indeed, it was Riku. "What? I'm not allowed to come here? I thought this was a public diner." He joked.

"I never said that. It's just odd to see you here. And why do you want two glasses of orange juice?" She was puzzled.

"Someone will be joining me."

"Okay." Said Pixie. Just give me a minute and I'll get your drinks." She hurried off and quickly grabbed a couple of glasses, filling them with orange juice, and walked back over to his table. "Here you are."

"Thank you. Here." Riku pushed one of the glasses in her direction. "Sit, and we can talk." She began to protest, but he gave her the most cute and innocent look he could muster. "Please?"

There wasn't any saying no to that face. "Alright." She gave in, then turned and yelled to a fellow waitress, who was also her boss. "Hey Karen, I'm gonna take my break now."

" 'Kay kid." Karen replied, glancing over in her direction. She seemed surprised when she saw Riku, and a small smile graced her lips when she turned her head.

Now, back to Pixie and Riku. Angel had sat down in the seat across from Riku. "So," She began. "Why are you here?"

"Well, I was wondering if........well, there's this party tonight, and............" He seemed a bit nervous. Wait, nervous? Since when did Mr. Popular get nervous?

Riku paused his sentence and took a deep breath. "I would like it if you would accompany me to the party tonight." There, he had said it, and she wasn't believing it.

"Wait a minute. You want me, an unpopular outcast, to accompany you, the most popular guy at school, to a party? Am I getting this right?"

"Yeah, is there something wrong with that? Maybe I just shouldn't have asked. I guess that you don't wanna go---" He said, starting to get up.

She stopped him. "No, I never said that! It's just that, well, I've never been invited to a party before." Pixie confessed.

"Really?" Riku couldn't believe his ears. "So, will you go with me? I don't wanna show up alone."

"Riku, I would love to. But......." She trailed off.

"But?"

"I have to work."

"Oh." He sounded really disappointed.

"I'm so sorry. But Heidi would kill me if she found out that I left work early. And I need the money. She refused to pay for my college tuition."

He shook he head. "It's okay, I understand. This is really important to you. But if you change your mind, or can get out early, the party is at Kairi's house, and it's a costume party. I hope that you do change your mind." Riku stood and handed her some money he dug out of his pocket. "Keep the change." And with that, he left.

Karen came over and stood next to Pixie, who was staring at the door. "So, who was that handsome boy, hm?"

She snapped out of it, stuffed the money into her pocket, and picked up the two glasses. "Riku."

"What did he want?"

She walked over to the kitchen and put the glasses into the dishwasher. Karen followed. "He wanted to know if I would go to a costume party with him."

"And you said no?"

"Yep."

"Why? You could have gone!" Karen was surprised.

Pixie turned around. "I really did want to go, and it wasn't easy to say no, but I had to. Heidi would have killed me if I left."

Karen dragged her back into the diner and to the nearest booth. "Alright kid, explain. You and Riku, from the beginning. And don't leave anything out." And so, Pixie began her lengthy story of how they had been friends since they were little, and how close they got. But when they got older, they slowly drifted apart and stopped talking altogether right before he mysteriously disappeared. It was over a year before he came back, and since then he became the most popular guy in school; the one all the girls want. She just continued to live life without him, until that afternoon, when he had come up to her during lunch and started a conversation.

"What I don't get is why he's deciding to talk to me now, after all these years." She seemed genuinely puzzled, and it made Karen chuckle.

"You're a smart kid, I'll give you that, but when it comes to the obvious, you're clueless."

"What do you mean?"

"See?" She said. "Anyone could tell you why, but I'm not going to. Instead," Karen took her by the arm. "I'm gonna take you costume shopping. You're going to that party. If anyone deserves to go, it's you." They were now heading in the direction of the door, Pixie having no say in the matter. "Hey Antoine," She yelled. "We're going to the store. Be back later."

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The princess, still locked inside the tower, spent day after day, attempting to keep herself occupied, and looking out her window. Waiting. Her friend, who sometimes visited the tower when the dragon was away hunting, tried her best to free her. And one day, she had a plan. A plan, that would bring the princess her prince.

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At The Home of Karen Anderson

3 Hours Later

"Are you sure about this?" She questioned.

"Of course, sweetie. You are going to look wonderful, just like a fairy princess."

She groaned. "Great, I get to look like a little kid."

Karen had taken Pixie straight to her house from the cafe. There was no way she was going to let her miss this event, especially when she had the perfect costume sitting right at home.

She stepped out of the bathroom. Karen's mouth dropped. " Wow, you look beautiful, and so grown up. That boy Riku is gonna faint when he sees you. And that ain't no lie."

/image/anime girl fairy/thestarseye/RAIN_by_Zoo_?o=102

"Yeah, right." She turned to go back into the bathroom.

"Hey, where do you think you're going?"

Pixie turned. "To change. This is nice, but come on, I can't go through with this. We really should be getting back to the cafe. Heidi will kill me if she finds out. Thanks, but I can't."

Karen's hand reached out and stopped her, pulling her back. "Oh, no. Look, you are a beautiful, talented, and hard-working young lady who deserves a night off. And a handsome man. Now you are going whether you like it or not." Her decision was final; Pixie was going to the party.

The Party

Everyone in the room was moving to the beat, bodies swaying to and fro. Each one was dressed in a unique costume; no two alike. The place was packed.

Decorations and lights hung from the ceiling, and lights flashed from their spots on the DJ booth. A table was set up near the south wall covered in assorted food and drinks. Tidus, Wakka, ans Selphie knew how to throw a party.

But when she knocked and someone opened the door, everyone turned their attention from what they were doing onto her. They were awed, especially Riku.

*****************************************************

The princess's friend decided that while the dragon was away, she could make her escape. Of course, the princess was worried that she would be caught and punished, but she was left with little choice. And now, she was gone and about to meet her prince.

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"Pixie?" Riku questioned, not believing his eyes. "Is it really you? I thought---"

She cut him off. "Yeah, but Karen, the girl who works with me at the cafe gave me no choice but to come. She said that I should forget about Heidi and get out and have fun for once."

"Well, I can't argue with her. Wow, um, you look amazing." He blushed a bit, scratching the back of his neck nervously.

"Thanks, you look great too." Riku was dressed up as a prince.

Gently, he took her by the hand and led her to the dance floor. They began to dance, each perfectly in tune with the other's movements. When the 3rd song ended, they walked over to the food table to grab a drink.

"Hey," She said. "Since when could you dance? I remember when we were kids that you always refused to dance with Kairi and I." Pixie gave him a sly look.

He shrugged. "I dunno, but I guess all those times you two bullied me into joining you paid off. So I have you to thank." The next song blasted through the speakers so loud you could feel it vibrating the floor. More people were crowding the dance floor. "Hey, do you want to go outside? It's getting a little crowded in here."

"Sure. Some fresh air would be nice." Riku lead her out the door through the crowd. They were now in the garden at the back of the house.

Pixie walked over to the stone bench and sat down, closing her eyes and leaning her head back, taking in deep breaths of sweet air. Riku came and sat down next to her, moving closer so that the space between them was barely visible. Pixie, now aware of how close he was, opened her eyes and turned to face him. "Riku, why---"

She was cut off by the sensation of his soft lips gently brushing hers, and his warm breath against her bare skin. Instantly, her heart beat ten times faster than normal, and she kissed him back passionately. What seemed like hours was only minutes as they stayed like that, each moment as wonderful as the next. When they broke apart, Riku leaned his forehead against hers and wrapped his arms securely around her.

"I love you Pixie, I always have. And I'm sorry I haven't been there these past few years. But I promise that I will be here from now on. Sound good?" His eyes showed how truly sorry he was, and that he meant what he was saying.

Pixie smiled warmly. "Sounds wonderful." And he kissed her again.