something-shot;; sokai

I do not own.

once again, all who reviewed deserve a batch of freshly baked cookies :)

sorry for the lateness!

enjoy.

- - - - - - - -

B L O S S O M

fracturedinsight

- - - - - - - -

"Olette?" Kairi asked, trying to distract her eyes from floating back to Riku and Tifa. "What do you mean?"

Olette shrugged. "You're not the only one who likes someone who doesn't like you back."

Kairi raised an eyebrow. "I'm sure. But what does that have to do with anything?"

Olette sighed deeply, and Namine noticed a red rim bordering her usually so bright emerald eyes, which now held no spark. "Did something happen, Olette?" she asked with deep concern.

Another sigh emitted Olette's lips. "No…yes…it really doesn't matter."

"It matters to me!" Namine pressed, hating to see her friend so down. Olette merely shook her head sadly in response.

"Nah…it doesn't matter anymore, honestly. What's done is done. I can't force people's feelings to change." Olette shot a very direct look at Kairi, causing her to squirm uncomfortably.

"What are you looking at me for?" Kairi demanded self-consciously. "I didn't do anything wrong. I mean, I'm the victim here!"

Olette scoffed. "The victim? How are you the victim?"

Kairi sniffed. "I like Riku, and I've practically devoted my life to him, but he just goes off with Tifa! Do you have any ideas how horrible that feels?"

Olette nodded. "Yes, actually. Yes, I do."

"Care to explain?" Kairi asked nonchalantly.

Olette glared at her coolly. "No, actually, I think I'll pass."

The two girls were lost in each others eyes for a few moments, each trying to delve deeper into the others' soul to find her true feelings; neither were successful.

Namine cleared her throat nervously, interrupting the stretched silence, which was beginning to feel awkward.

"So…" she broke the uncomfortable silence. "Who's up for an ice cream?"

Kairi shot her a look. "Do I look like I want an ice cream?"

Olette merely shook her head quietly. "No, thanks, I think I'll just go home."

Namine looked at her concernedly. "Okay, if you're sure." She reached over to embrace her friend. "Bye, Olly."

The sad girl gave her a small wave, before turning and heading slowly down the street. Namine watched after her.

"Poor thing," she murmured. "I wonder what's up."

"Yeah…" Kairi mumbled. "Now, help me decide how to break Riku and Tifa up!"

Namine shot her a look of exasperation. "Kairi, do you ever stop thinking about yourself?" she snapped, out of character. "You can be so selfish sometimes, you know!"

Kairi's bottom lip jutted out. "Gee, thanks for being such a supportive friend, Nam," she muttered.

Namine immediately softened; she was one of those people who lived to please others, and couldn't stand it when someone was mad at her.

"Sorry, Kairi, I didn't mean it like that," she apologized instantly, putting an arm around the moody redhead. "I just meant that Olette is also very upset about something, so I'm worried. And I don't think breaking Riku and Tifa up would be the best thing to do…if you truly like him, you should want him to be happy, right?"

Kairi considered. "I guess…but, he has no idea how I feel! It's not fair on him…who knows, maybe he does like me but didn't realise I felt the same and so went out with Tifa? Shouldn't I at least tell him so that he can choose for himself?"

Namine hesitated. "I'm…I'm not sure that's the best idea," she commented kindly, subtly trying to lead the obstinate redhead away. "Maybe you should try and find someone else, and leave Riku to find out for his self."

"But…but what if it's too late then!" Kairi wailed, ever the drama queen.

Namine sighed. "If it's meant to be, it'll happen," she assured wisely, squeezing her shoulders. "I mean, you don't want to seem too desperate now, do you? Guys never like that."

Kairi's eyes narrowed. "Actually, if I remember correctly, weren't you the one who told Roxas how you felt first?"

A blush grazed Namine's pale cheeks. "W-well, yeah," she stuttered, "But that was different. Roxas was shy and I knew for sure how he felt. Riku isn't exactly timid."

Kairi scowled. "What, so you're saying Riku obviously doesn't like me, because if he did he would have done something ages ago?"

"Um," Namine deliberated. "Something like that, just not so-,"

"Fine," Kairi snapped, interrupting the flaxen girl. "I'll prove it to you! I'll tell Riku how I feel, and then laugh in your face when he asks me out!"

A sad expression crossed over Namine's face; she didn't want to see her best friend get hurt. "Kairi…"

But the stubborn girl had made her decision, and there was no budging her now. She held up a palm to silence Namine. "No! I'm doing it! Right now!"

With that, she turned on her heel and headed over to where Riku and Tifa were conversing privately, a determined expression on her face, leaving Namine to watch silently, praying for the best.

"Hi Riku," Kairi greeted cheerfully, causing the silver-haired teen to look up incredulously from where he was whispering gently into the older girl's ear.

"Kairi?" he asked, raising an eyebrow. Said girl smiled happily, oblivious to Riku's tone and the glares Tifa was shooting her.

"I was wondering if I could talk to you for a second?" she asked politely, twiddling her fingers.

"Um, well…" Riku hesitated, exchanging a look with Tifa, "I'm kinda busy right now, as you can see."

"Yes, well, I was hoping I could just borrow a moment of your time," the fifteen year old persisted, her smile never faltering.

Riku sighed, shooting Tifa an apologetic look. "Fine. What?"

"Uh…" Kairi stammered, "I was wondering if I could talk to you…in private?"

Riku quirked an eyebrow, glancing at Tifa. "Whatever you want to say to me you can say in front of Tifa," he retorted, said girl nodding along.

Kairi shut her eyes for a moment. "Oh…really? Uh, are you sure?" Kairi asked; she didn't want to be there when Riku dumped Tifa! That would be harsh.

Riku nodded firmly. "Yeah, sure. Now shoot; we have a film to catch in ten minutes."

"Oh! Right, okay," Kairi agreed. "Well, see, the thing is…" she took a deep breath, unsure of how to say it, "I…I like you, Riku."

Riku smiled, leaning forward to ruffle her hair. "Aw, thanks chuck, I like you too."

Kairi shook her head determinedly. "No! Not like that! I mean, you know…I like you."

There was a slight pause whilst Kairi waited for the magical moment that would turn her world around; but it never came. All that persisted was the awkward silence, broken by the amused giggles of Tifa.

"Oh…gee, I-I don't know what to say," Riku shrugged, shooting a smirk at Tifa as he wrapped his arm around her. "I'm very flattered, but see, I already have a girlfriend," he explained, as kindly as he good.

"Oh…" Kairi whispered. "I know, but I was thinking that maybe you could…you know…"

Tifa burst into peals of laughter, resting her head on Riku's chest. "What? You thought Riku would break up with me for a kid like you? Dream on, girl!"

Kairi felt her face burn red, and looked over to Riku for support. His face held an apologetic look, but she could tell he was fighting to keep a smile off his face.

"S-sorry for bothering you," Kairi murmured in a small voice, not daring to look up for fear the tears burning at her eyes would spill out. Turning around, she blindly walked away, biting her lip.

She quickened her pace, eager to get away from the scrutinizing eyes of the two lovers. She had thought Namine would still be around, but thankfully she seemed to have wandered off – Kairi wasn't ready to face that embarrassment just yet.

As she rounded the corner, she was surprised to see Olette there, leant casually against a streetlamp, head bent over. As the brunette heard Kairi's approaching footsteps, she quickly looked up.

"Hey," she called out, "How'd it go with Riku?"

Kairi continued walking past her, acting as if she hadn't heard the question.

"Hey, Kairi!" Olette repeated, following her. "Are you okay?"

Kairi halted, and inhaled deeply before twisting to face the emerald eyes.

"No, I'm not okay," Kairi cried, "He doesn't like me! He likes Tifa!"

Olette pressed her lips together. "Hate to say it, but I told you so."

Kairi rolled her eyes. "Shut up," she muttered. As she was about to turn around and stalk off, she paused, looking to Olette again. "Hey, what was up with you before?"

Olette shrugged nimbly. "Same stuff as you."

Kairi's eyes widened. "What? You told someone you like them and they rejected you? Who? Is it Roxas? It is! Its Roxas isn't it! That was stupid of you, you know he's going out with Namine so-,"

"Kairi!" Olette interrupted hastily. "Firstly, no, it's not Roxas. Secondly, if it was, you are such a hypocrite! You knew Riku was dating Tifa!"

Kairi hesitated for a moment, realising she was right. "Oh," she mumbled, chewing her lip.

"Exactly," Olette retorted.

"Well…who was it then?" Kairi persisted.

Olette sighed heavily. "I'm…I'm not sure I should tell you."

"Why?" Kairi enquired. "Come on, you know who I liked!"

"Because I don't want to," Olette said simply. "And come on Kairi, everyone knew you liked Riku!"

Kairi shrugged, unable to deny the statement. "Yeah, yeah," she dismissed. "But come on, Olly; that is so unfair! You've got to tell me!"

Olette gaped. "Unfair? You think that's unfair? How about the fact that you have this amazing guy who's completely in love with you and you barely even notice him! And even if you did know, you'd ignore it anyway and just take it for granted, because you've only got your eyes on Riku and won't give anyone else a chance! And all this time, this guy's been so kind to you and going out of his way to make you happy in hopes that you'll notice, and yet you don't. You never do. Now that's unfair."

Kairi raised an eyebrow. "Huh?"

Olette sighed deeply. "Come on, Kairi. Namine explained everything to me; what happened between you and Sora, and then how she had tried to tell you how Sora felt. Naturally though, you just completely dismissed this, with no regards for his feelings!"

"But he doesn't feel anything for me!" Kairi burst out. "You know, other than in a friend way. We've known each other since, like, forever, and he's always been my best friend! It's not like it's ever awkward between us or anything; we're just so comfortable around each other and can talk about anything. That doesn't sound like he has a crush on me to me!"

Olette shook her head in exasperation. "Kairi, you've got it all wrong. Yeah, you're obviously comfortable around each other because you've known each other, as you said, 'since, like, forever'. And it's not awkward for you – because you have no idea how he feels! Maybe if you actually took more notice of him once on a while you'd see how he constantly stutters and blushes around you, and lights up when you merely look at him!" she spat out bitterly. Kairi raised an eyebrow, confused as to her behaviour.

"He…he does?"

"Yes!" Olette cried, raising her hands. "Just accept it, Kairi! And I hope you realise how lucky you are that you're fortunate enough to have someone like Sora like you!"

"It's Sora you like, isn't it?" Kairi gasped, all the pieces finally falling together.

"What does it matter now?" Olette asked lowly. "It doesn't make any difference. I hope you're happy."

Kairi watched sadly as the brunette walked away from her, her heart thudding loudly in the chest.

Olette turned back a moment later. "Oh, and one more thing. Just remember; he's not always going to be around. I'd get your feelings for him straight – who knows, he might change his mind about who he likes."

Kairi gulped. "What do you mean?"

"Just that I'm not going to wait around," Olette warned. "I like him, and I'm planning on letting him know that very soon." With that said, she turned and flounced away, brunette curls bouncing around her shoulders.

Some of the things Olette had said had struck a chord deep inside Kairi; she suddenly realised the consequences of her actions, and realised with a grimace that both her and Namine had been right – she was acting selfish.

As Kairi quickly headed to Namine's house, all thoughts of the silver-haired teen were forgotten.

"What?" Namine choked, struggling to inhale. "You – you can't be serious!"

Namine's mother shook her head sombrely. "I wish I wasn't…" she murmured despondently. "But it's true. I spoke to Aya about an hour ago."

Namine frowned. "But…it's all so sudden!" she wailed. "Since when? What? How?"

Mari shrugged desolately. "Aya's told me about it before, when it first became a problem…but she hadn't mentioned it for a while, so I figured things were alright…looks like I was wrong."

Namine felt tears brim under her pale lavender eyelids. "But…it isn't fair," Namine whispered dejectedly, closing her eyes briefly.

"No," Mari agreed forlornly. "It really isn't."

A sudden knock on the door caught both of their attentions. Mari stood from the sofa, sighing as she went to answer the door. When she came back, Aya accompanied her, hazel eyes filled with regret.

"Mrs Izumi!" Namine gasped, immediately standing. "How are you?"

Aya gave a small smile, reaching out to brush strays of cinnamon hair from her face. "I'm doing okay," she assured the blond. "What about you?"

"Never mind me," Namine dismissed, "What about Sora? How is he?"

"He's…" Aya hesitated. "He's trying to get along with things as normally as he can. He doesn't want this to affect his life too much."

Namine chuckled bitterly. "Sounds like him!"

"Yes," Aya agreed, eyes glazing as she thought of her son. "We would appreciate it if you didn't tell anyone else…it's hard enough as it is. Not even Roxas."

Namine nodded furtively. "Of course!" she said sincerely. "I promise!"

Aya's eyes softened. "Thank you, Namine," she said gently. Namine smiled lightly in response.

As yet another knock on the door rang through the house, Mari led her childhood best friend though to the kitchen to discuss more privately, Namine going to answer the door.

"Kairi?" she questioned as she saw the redhead standing before her. She frowned at her; tears streaked her face and yet she did not look all that sad; her expression was a mixture of happiness and confusion – it seemed undecided as it flitted from one to another. "What are you doing here?"

"Well, you just disappeared! Where did you go, anyway?" Kairi pressed, hands on hips.

"Oh," Namine bit her lip. "My Mom called."

"Why?" Kairi asked, brow creasing.

"She needed me to pick something up from the market," Namine lied swiftly, rolling her eyes to match her statement. Kairi giggled.

"Oh. Well whatever. Come on, I need to tell you what happened!" Kairi enthused, grabbing Namine's hand and walking in through the door.

"Wait!" Namine cried. "We should go out…it's such nice weather, it would be a shame!"

"Namine," Kairi began, quirking an eyebrow, "We live on an island. Nice weather is sort of a given."

Namine waved her hand, dismissing the comment. "Whatever," she retorted, grasping Kairi's arm and dragging her out of the house, the door slamming behind them.

"Uh…okay," Kairi muttered, eyeing the blond strangely as she followed her through the yard.

The two walked in a quick silence for a few minutes until they reached a secluded bench, hidden in the depths of a large, overgrown willow tree. They both automatically sat on it, still in silence.

Kairi shot Namine a glance, wondering why she wasn't immediately interrogating her; it was very unlike the blond.

"Nam…you okay?" Kairi wondered, noticing how distracted and distant her best friend seemed.

"Huh?" Namine snapped out of her reverie, glancing at the redhead. "Oh…yeah, I'm fine." She frowned, causing any belief Kairi held for the final statement to evaporate.

"You sure?"

Namine nodded, pressing her lips into a forced smile. "Yeah, yeah. Now, spill!" she ordered with feigned enthusiasm.

Kairi complied after a moments hesitation, making a mental note to ask Namine again later if she were okay. "Well…I told Riku," she began.

Namine rolled her eyes. "You did?" she groaned. "And?"

"He – well…oh, you were right!" Kairi admitted in a wail. "He doesn't like me…he thinks of me as a stupid girl. I should have just left him and Tifa alone!"

Namine raised an eyebrow. "Wow…you're admitting I was right? That's a first!"

Kairi glowered for a moment, before giving it up with a sigh, knowing her friend held a good point. "I was stupid, I know," Kairi confessed, "But it's not my fault. I was blind! I thought Riku was right for me…I can see know that he's most definitely not."

Namine smiled sympathetically, reaching over to wrap an arm around Kairi. "Sorry," she said automatically.

Kairi chuckled. "Yeah. Anyway…I ran into Olette again after. And she kind of told me the same thing you did…you know, about Sora liking me. And she also told me something else…turns out she likes Sora!"

Namine's blue eyes widened. "Seriously? Olette likes Sora? Wow…" Kairi shrugged. "Listen, about the whole Sora thing…sorry for like forcing it all upon you. Maybe its better that you don't like him anyway."

Kairi bit her lip. "See, that's the thing…"

Namine gulped. Uh-oh. "What?"

Kairi inhaled deeply. "See…I think I might have sort of been in denial before…all that stuff I said about Sora being immature and everything…well, yeah, I did mean it, but not as an insult…I like all those things about him. I mean, I'm like that as well! He's the only one I can get along with like that!"

Namine smiled nervously. "Exactly! That's why he's one of your best friends!"

Kairi shut her eyes briefly, hiding her violet orbs. "Yes, but…I think, see, that maybe I like him as a little more than just friends…" she admitted, her voice coming out as a barely a whisper.

"Really?" Namine asked through thin lips, unsure whether to be happy or not. There were a few moments of silence. "Well, that's great!"

Kairi's face immediately lit up. "Really? You think?" Namine nodded eagerly. "Great! I should go tell him straight away!"

Kairi hastily sprang up from the bench, a look of newfound determination fresh upon her face, her violet eyes hazy with nerves.

"Wait!" Namine deliberated; Kairi sat back down, motioning for Namine to continue. "Maybe…maybe you should wait a while." Kairi opened her mouth to protest, but Namine hurried on. "I mean, this is what you were like with Riku, remember? And see how that turned out? Maybe you should wait a little, make sure you're sure…"

Kairi brought a hand to her mouth and sighed out deeply. "Yeah…I guess. But, Namine, it feels…so right, you know?"

Namine gazed at her sadly. "Yeah, I know."

Kairi gave a small smile. "It's like I can suddenly see…looking back on everything, it all just seems so meant to be…I don't know why I didn't see it back then, but he's just so perfect for me."

"What do you mean?" Namine queried, desperate to keep her for as long as possible.

"Like…" Kairi began. "All those times when he was so nice to me…they just went by unnoticed, but now, I can see them for what they really were…his way of showing his love for me."

Namine nodded unhappily. "Yep, that's right."

Kairi frowned. "What's up with you? I thought you'd be really happy!"

Namine looked up. "I am!" she denied.

Kairi scoffed. "No you are not! Now come on; spill! What's wrong?"

Namine shook her head. "Really, it doesn't matter." She took a deep breath. "Okay, you know what, you're right. You two are perfect for each other. And you should – should go tell him how you feel! Now, before it's too late!"

"Too late? What do you mean?" Kairi asked.

Namine shrugged casually. "I dunno…just in case…I mean, you said Olette likes him – get to him before anyone else does!"

Kairi nodded determinedly. "You're right! I will!"

Once more, she leaped up from the bench, eyes blazing bravely, setting off towards Sora's house – and this time, Namine didn't stop her.

Kairi hurried frantically through the narrow, sunlit streets, swerving between passerby's, muttering quick apologies.

Never before had she felt so certain of anything. At that moment, nothing could make her happier than the thought of her and Sora together. She couldn't understand why she had been so oblivious to this before.

She supposed it was because liking Riku made sense. He was the perfect example, the pride an joy, the one everyone looked up to…a classic Prince Charming, knight in shining armour sort of guy.

He had the looks, he had the charm, he had the strength. He was the sort of guy girls fell over there feet for.

So really, she should have known that it was merely infatuation – what was it that made her think her feelings for him were so different to those of any of the other million or so girls?

And then there was Sora; her best friend Sora. The one with whom she had clicked with immediately since meeting him aged seven. The one who her first best friend Namine had introduced her to. (Namine's and Sora's mothers were best friends, meaning the two knew each other since birth).

Sora was a gangly, awkward child back then, skinny, with too much hair for his round face. His toothy grin was childish and silly, and his jokes were annoying and immature.

But he had grown since back then; Kairi had just been too focused on Riku to notice. But now that she truly thought about it, Sora was in fact every bit of a Prince Charming as Riku was.

His spiky brown locks, pictured vividly now in Kairi's eyes, made her just want to reach out and run her hand through them softly. His crystal eyes were the brightest blue she had ever seen, and she wanted nothing more than to gaze in them all day long. His cheesy smile was both childish and amiable, showing that boyish charm only he could pull off in such a way. And his perfect body, etched oh so clearly in her memory, made her goggle eyed and weak at the knees.

And his immaturity wasn't annoying – it wasn't immature in the way a six year old boy may be. It was more that he hadn't let himself be completely taken over by the seriousness of teen life, and had instead held onto an aspect of his childhood, making him fun and delightful company.

And his jokes were funny – how could she have ever thought them stupid? No one else could make her laugh quite as much as he could; she admired him for his bravery to pull of such stunts. Yes, she decided, he was brave. Not stupid, but brave.

Okay, so maybe he wasn't quite the perfect guy…but he was perfect for her.

Kairi criticized herself for being so hypocritical as to call him immature and annoying and silly, when that was everything she herself was. Countless times had she come up with crazy ideas most would only laugh at; only Sora ever listened to her fully and gave her a chance – or at least humoured her with playing around with her ideas for a bit.

The next time Kairi looked up, she realised she was on Sora's street.

Her eyes widened in alarm as she felt a torrent of crazed butterflies flutter wildly through her stomach; the sudden violent attack brought about a heavy dizziness that she couldn't quite place. The heavy beating of her heart pounding through her chest made it difficult for her to breathe straight; and when her breaths did come, they were sharp and jagged.

She was scared.

This alone proved to her how much she must have liked him. When she went to confess to Riku, she wasn't met with any of these feelings; she realised with a start that it must have been because deep inside, she had known all along that she hadn't really wanted Riku to requite her feelings.

Kairi could have almost hit herself for being so stupid and naïve. Now she understood what Namine and Olette were going on about; she only hoped she wasn't too late.

Smirking, she reached into her side bad and pulled out an old receipt and a pen, leaning against the wall to someone's house, beginning to scribble wildly on the scrap paper.

Within minutes, she was done. Satisfied, she brought the paper up, cringing as she read over the clichéd cheesiness. Although others would shake their heads in shame at her rubbish attempts at poetry, she knew he would love it.

Holding the paper tightly in her sweating hand, she shakily approached his house, taking deep breaths as she walked through to his front door.

Squeezing her eyes shut momentarily to calm herself, she raised a trembling hand and knocked weakly on the door, counting seconds in her mind. She sent a quick prayer to the heavens as she heard footsteps approaching the door.

A tired looking Sora answered, his face pale but his blue eyes bright. Kairi smiled, dazzling him for a moment, taking a moment to absorb his presence with her newfound feelings.

"Kairi," he breathed, looking surprised. Kairi was at first confused, but then she realised that he was probably still upset; she cursed herself inwardly at forgetting the previous events – of course, so that's why he got so hurt!

"H-hey Sora!" Kairi stuttered nervously, hands wringing nervously behind her back. Sora raised an eyebrow; since when did Kairi stutter?

"What – what are you doing here?" he asked, eyes tracing over her petite frame. She blushed lightly, causing him to frown further – how very unlike herself she was being!

"I…I just came to tell you something…" Kairi began waveringly, surprised at how frail her voice sounded. She gulped. Pull yourself together, girl!

"Oh…"

"Sora, who is it?" a girl's voice sounded from behind him. Kairi peered around his frame curiously, her heart sinking into the pits of her stomach as she spied the emerald-eyed brunette.

"Olette?" she questioned, eyes narrowing.

Olette's eyes widened. "Kairi! Wh-what are you doing here?"

Kairi shrugged. "I could ask you the same thing!"

Sora looked from girl to girl; the tension between them was evident, and he couldn't help but get the feeling that it was something to do with him. But why should Kairi care for him? She liked Riku, right?

Olette blushed. "I…I was just telling Sora something…"

Kairi's jaw hardened. "What?"

Olette smiled weakly. "Remember what we were talking about before…?"

Kairi wouldn't have though it to be possible, but it seemed as if her heart started beating even louder and faster in her chest, blocking out any other noise. Unexpected tears clouded her vision, her breathing accelerating.

"Well," she choked out, struggling to keep her voice level, "I hope you two are very happy."

Her lips pressing together tightly to restrain all the emotion that threatened to escape, Kairi turned sharply on her feet, arms fallin to her sides as she turned to hurry out on to the street, the paper that had been scrunched tightly in her hand falling to the ground.

As Sora watched the redhead escape, Olette watched guiltily after her, saying something to the captured boy, who made no response.

For at that moment, the only thing he could hear, the only thing that held any importance to him was the echo of Kairi's restrained sob sounding over and over in his ears.

- - - - - -

end of chapter.

- - - - - -

sorry again for the late update...

review lots and lots and maybe nex time i'll be much faster :D

please please please!

if you do, you have no idea how much you mean to me :3

reviewers get...hmmm, a free wish! anything they want! xD

thanks!!