Author's Note: Third chapter, up! I thank all of you for taking the time to read and review, it means a lot to me that you would consider my story worth your time. :)

Disclaimer: Kingdom Hearts is not mine.

Chapter 3: Pride & Prejudice

"You know, Kairi…" Selphie began, nudging her somewhat, "I'm starting to wonder where you're plan in the coffee shop has gone."

So do I…she thought, but didn't reply.

Instead, she merely stared down at the musical notes before her, touching them gently. She couldn't bring herself to sing right now, no matter how hard she tried. The voice was there…it just couldn't come out. The redhead moved her gaze slowly upward, noticing Sora sitting right across from her, his voice traveling across the song like a wisp of silk in mud. He didn't glance up at her, but she knew that he noticed her looking at him. He hadn't even given her a single fleeting look since their last confrontation, and she was almost glad that he didn't.

Kairi finally brought herself to look down again, trying to distract her mind, but her heart hurt. She had to finally admit it, if only to herself.

"I'd figure you'd be the first to jump and bite."

"You think I'll let you play that joke on me?"

"If you're to try anything, you'll be sorry."

What did she do to him in the first place? She wasn't even that harsh on him when they first met…which kinda reminded her of that time. Looking back, he wasn't really so mean either, but as the years went on and the prejudice of the students continued to beat down on him while they praised her…she supposed she understood. Then how could she show him? How could she prove she was better than that…? Maybe, just maybe…she would have to convince the people, too.

"Kairi," the teacher suddenly said, snapping her out of her trance, "Please pay attention. You've been staring off into nothing the whole first half."

"Sorry…" she replied, shrugging her shoulders, "I just feel rather bored with the hip-hop remix of Mary's Little Lamb and a bunch of old people for singers."

"Hey, now," Mr. Montgomery began, even as the kids went into irritation at her comment, "Don't make such remarks. They're fine singers, for their age and level—"

"Which is what? Negative 10?" the redhead scoffed with the flip of her hair.

That certainly got their attention. It was Kairi-to-be-a-bitch day, anyways, and she didn't feel the least bit regretful. Well, except for Naminé's sudden and very pitiful expression. At this, Kairi jerked somewhat before saying, "Except for blondie over there. She at least knows what she's doing, unlike some of these slackers…make the rest of 'em empty their pockets, though, tech, and I bet they've all got their little stash."

"What?" Demyx snarled, getting to his feet.

"Oh, sit down before you make an idiot yourself again," Kairi continued, practically feeling the burning rage of the other students.

"Why you—!" he began, advancing towards her.

"Demyx, please," Montgomery began, but was only shrugged off by the blond.

"Shuddup! Did you hear what she said? She deserves a good beating," he snapped, rolling up his sleeves.

The redhead sighed, getting to her feet as she crossed her arms, "I've been wanting to kick something's ass lately, and you're more than the perfect choice."

When Demyx heard that, he growled and glowered at her, raising his fist in a menacing manner. It would be pretty threatening if it weren't so slow…to which she was swiftly able to unravel her arms and hit him directly on the side, getting the wind knocked out of him. He gasped and fell back, right into a row of metal stands that made him fall unconscious when his head contacted with them. The teacher's eyes went wide at this and he glanced back at her, his mouth somewhat open.

"Don't give me that look, he was asking for it," she said, rolling her eyes.

"Ask for this!" someone suddenly remarked and Kairi side stepped just in time to dodge a kick.

"How rude indeed," she said, sticking out her tongue, "You'll need to try harder than that."

The boy didn't even respond before he went after her again, charging directly for her stomach. She pushed off the ground and brought her foot on his shoulder, leaping from it. It didn't take her very far, naturally, but it brought the moron down in a second and made her satisfied. Except for the fact that he was coming after her again. She growled at this point, standing her ground as he met her, Kairi spun her ankle and brought a fist to his ear. Finally, he went down with a cry and she covered him, punching him in the nose.

However, everything was put to a stop when she was lifted off of the ground and thrown over a shoulder. She gasped before realizing it was guess-who: Sora. From that, she growled and began to struggle, attempting to kick him in the gut. A small pinch in the back of her calf, though, was enough to make her halt and flop over. All went quiet as he brought her out to the hall and placed her on the floor, her limbs limp. She was just so disgusted with everything and everyone, she honestly couldn't have helped herself if she tried.

"Good grief," Sora then remarked, ruffling his hair a bit.

"Oh, I don't need to hear it from you," she said, squeezing her eyes shut.

"I'm not the one punching people in the stomach," he replied as he sat himself next to her, "Though I do have a knack for pissing people off real easy."

"…" Kairi said nothing, suddenly feeling very pitiful of herself. All she knew was how to execute violence and nothing else…despite the fact that she hated male dominance, why did she feel so unsatisfied at the result of what just happened? The redhead brought her knees to her chest, and with a sigh plopped her chin down on their crown. "You obviously handle it better than I do," she replied, scratching the back of her head.

"Not by much," he responded, putting his hands behind his head.

"I have a hard time believing that," she said.

"Then you must not really know me either," he continued and it gained him a glare.

"And I've been sooooo refusing to try to get to know you," she replied lowly with the shake of her head.

Sora snorted, scratching his cheek a bit. "Why did you say that thing about Naminé…?" he suddenly asked after a short pause.

"Excuse me?" Kairi said, putting a hand against her heart in an offensive manner.

"Why did you say that thing about Naminé?" Sora repeated, as if there was nothing to the question.

"Because she's my friend, that's why!" Kairi snapped back, curling her hand into a fist.

"Selphie's also your friend," he stated, making her jerk.

"Yeah, well, Selphie knows when I get like that and so she understands," the redhead said, ducking her head behind folded arms.

"…Thanks," he suddenly remarked, surprising her enough to make her look up.

"What?" she said, unbelieving of what she heard.

He sighed somewhat, scratching the back of his head before he turned to her and said, "Thanks…I thought she was about to cry."

"…" Kairi said nothing for a moment before nodding, adding, "So did I…I got kinda freaked out there for a moment…she's real sensitive, isn't she?"

"Yeah, she is," he replied, folding his legs, "So thanks."

"…" she bit down on her lip before she replied, "Yeah…you're welcome…"

…

Silence fell between them, but Kairi felt a bit better, knowing that at least making someone's day made up for ruining two. She sighed, then, and let her head fall back against the wall. Fatigue seemed to suddenly weigh down on her like chains, and she really didn't feel like moving at all. She didn't want to deal with anyone, or anything. Sora was lucky he was still alive…after pulling a maneuver off like that.

"I should bust your head in, though," the redhead suddenly said, without really thinking about it, "For picking me up like that. And then pinching me. I could sue you for sexual assault."

Sora whirled to give her a surprised look, saying, "Me? I don't think you would've backed off from any of those guys unless I took what action necessary, and that was it. What did you expect me to say? 'C'mere, Kairi, c'mere! Look, a treat!'."

He then gave her a dropped expression after that and she flared. "I am no dog, Spikyhead! I am actually the most mature here, in this school, believe it or not! So show some respect!"

"…Respect…?" he murmured, leaning into her somewhat, "I have been called a freak, murderer, warlock, and other assortment of names and I should show you, the most popular and controlling queen bee I've ever seen, some respect? Before you say anything, just imagine putting your life in my shoes for a day. That's all you'd need and you'd probably kill yourself."

"Hah! You underestimate me, Sora," she scoffed, rising to her feet as the boy did, adding, "I know who these people are. I know how to deal with them. If I woke up in your body tomorrow, everybody would be under my control by the day's end."

"Is that how you're content with life? Everyone being under your control?" he then began, the fierce eyes playing over her again. Dangerous. Angry. Defiant. The very thing to make her jump on him.

"And if I said yes?" Kairi asked, a smooth and clever smile hovering over her lips.

"I would say you're as much of a coward as the man you proclaim yourself to hate so much…what was his name? Oh, yeah, Ansem," he snapped, and suddenly drew the line.

The redhead growled, lowly, not at Sora himself but at the fact that he drew a conclusion that she were so similar to that idiot Ansem. She wasn't. She never would be! How dare he say such a thing! Fury suddenly boiled in her veins, so much that she couldn't even speak. Her fist trembled as she felt the very devil laughing in her face, mocking her. The very pizza-faced prick that believed…argh! She couldn't even stand it!

"GRAH!" she cried as she lunged for him, hands clasping themselves on his collar. "That's it, you asked for it!"

"And I'm supposed to be afraid?" he growled as he was pushed back, "I know why you hate him so much! Because you two are practically made for each other! Look at you! You're behavior's the exact same thing! You cherish friends for a moment, then turn your backs on them just the moment they need you the most!"

Kairi was so furious, she couldn't even brings the words to say anything back to him. A fire burned in her soul, so strong that fists now beat at his face, the beautifully carved face she could never get enough of. The strong line of his jaw, the sensual mouth that she desired to press her lips against, the sapphire gems of eyes…he caught her wrist and swung her around, attempting to restrain her, yet she whirled her slender leg about just in time to catch him in the stomach. He coughed, releasing her and bent over in gasps. Snarling, the girl then snatched the back of his collar and shoved him out of the back door.

"You'll wish you've never even been born…" she whispered, not expecting such a line to come out of her mouth. Especially not for him. Not for such an angel.

"I'm not under your control," he then stated, rising to his feet again, "Beat me as many times as you wish. You think I haven't felt pain before?"

"Ye-a!" Kairi cried before even consuming what the brunet had said, throwing a punch to his chest. He blocked it, easily, but she had slammed her head against his in that moment. Falling back into a thick garden that surrounded the school, he dropped behind some bushed that completely covered him. Dazed, he collapsed again and she gripped his neck, forcing him onto his back to which she attempted to strangle him.

Yet he didn't move. He didn't try to stop her.

Cobalt eyes, wonderfully determined and destructive to her own sensitive heart, stared up at her in sheer resistance. She'd never take him. Never. Snarling, she pressed both thumbs inward on his soft throat until a bruise appeared.

"Never…" he whispered, before catching her arms.

Suddenly, places were switched and he was on top of her, had her by the wrists, held by one hand above her. Like a sacrifice, completely exposed and in the position she was, didn't have the strength to lift him off of her. Thank goodness a thick garden was placed around the premises, along with trees and other things, or else she might've really been in trouble. They were closed in and sheltered, where he was now the one with all the cards in his hands.

The brunet was now rubbing his neck in a sore manner, his eyes squeezed shut before he brought his attention to her.

"You're not very quick, are you? I've heard that you wanted me to go to Homecoming with you, and guess what?" he said, lowering himself so much that they were only inches apart, "I'm. Not. Going. And there's nothing you can do or say that will make me!"

"So you think," Kairi murmured, then lifted her head.

She brought her lips to his, opening his mouth with her teeth. Even when hearing his sharp intake of breath, even from feeling him jerk, she let her tongue explore the inner caverns of his mouth. Warm. Light. Sweet. She moved in deeper, loving the feel of his softness. At last. She had been craving it so since she had first met the boy. He had released her almost immediately, and the redhead swiftly moved her hands on both of his cheeks. They were hot as well…he was embarrassed beyond belief. They rose together, the girl's intentions becoming stronger the more the kiss went on.

Unfortunately, it wasn't that long.

Sora suddenly flew back, blushing so hard his entire face easily resembled strawberries. He stared at her with a wild look, the same as he had done just a few days ago, and Kairi smiled as a response. He then cast his gaze down and jumped to his feet, bolting back into the building without another word. The young woman paused a moment before snorting and grinning to herself, knowing that she had won him over.

Yes, finally.

He was hers.

Now, there was only a few more things to be done before he became popular. Coach William was the top on her list. She would get that boy on the soccer team, no matter what it took.

--

"I'll be back by curfew," Kairi called to the kitchen, buttoning up her jacket by the chill October weather.

"I'll believe that one when I see it," her father retorted, making her roll her eyes.

"Good thing you're gone most of the time," she grumbled, throwing on a scarf as an extra. It seemed a bit windy today, therefore she took no short when it came to being warm. Except with the black skirt and tights, which was a little under-dressed. But she couldn't help herself. She had an obligation to looking proper when going out with her friends. Not like a slut, mind you, but one that when a person would walk by, they knew that she was the leader.

"I'll keep my cell phone, as always," Kairi said, just as she was walking out the door. She closed it before her father could reply, dashing out to her car and pulling out the keys. At least her dad was rich, that way she could have the finest. And the finest she had.

While pulling out the driveway and making up to the gate, she stopped short at something blocking her path in the road. An animal, perhaps? The shadow seemed to linger for a moment, not being revealed by the headlights of the car, or the lamps beside the street…odd. However, bright golden eyes stared up at her without emotion or surprise. Slowly, it began to inch towards the automobile without so much as a growl or any sound an animal would usually make.

Without fear, Kairi opened the door to go and investigate, when it leaped and vanished before her very eyes. She halted at this, but still pondered what it was. A bird…? A cat…? No, it had been too large. She really couldn't tell what it could've possibly been…

--

"You really shouldn't have punched Ansem like that last night," Yuna murmured, sighing as she stirred her coffee.

"Why not? He was being a dick," Kairi snapped, hating and loving her friend's accepting and sweet nature at the same time. She was like an angel, and it made the redhead look like the devil in the flesh.

"You shouldn't use words like that…besides, he just wanted to go to the movies with you," she said quietly, taking a sip with gentle eyes.

"And probably would've tried to get into my pants in the previews…listen, Yuna, you're lucky you have Tidus, but I have to watch out for idiots like Ansem. Tidus might be a moron, but he's at least innocent. That prick is like the anti-Christ. I can't stand him!" she growled as she swallowed her own beverage, four large gulps and it was gone.

Selphie had been absent at school today—she had even called Kairi in the morning just to tell her how sick she was from last night's meal. Not her fault that she had to order the fish and not the steak.

Nevertheless, Kairi was left with Yuna by her side with coffee today, since Naminé couldn't make it. The blonde and the redhead had been practically glued to each other since the day started. They were in all the same classes anyways, so it didn't matter much. As it went, Kairi actually didn't mind so much…they had talked a lot, and she was getting to know the little one like a new family member. Another new addition would be coming soon, and Naminé was the key. "Besides…I have my attention on someone else," the redhead finished, blushing a bit at what happened the previous day.

If only the kiss had lasted longer…

"…?" Yuna gave her a questioning gaze, but said nothing. Smart on her part. No doubt the young woman would go off if she had asked.

"Say, Yuna…can you do me a favor?" Kairi then began, leaning over the table a bit.

"What would you like, Kairi?" she responded, smiling brightly.

"I know that your boyfriend Tidus is on the soccer team, and I have a new recruit for you guys," she began, wagging her finger a bit.

"You do? Oh, how wonderful! What's his name?" she asked, thoroughly interested. She always was. That's why everyone loved her.

"His name is Sora," Kairi stated flatly, even by the girl's shocked expression.

"Oh, Kairi, I don't know…I would love to ask, but…" she began, a worrisome look now weighing in.

"Just trust me, 'kay? I'm rather disgusted by how people treat him now anyways," she said, grinning.

The brunette paused for a moment before smiling again, a sweet sister's smile, and nodding. "Of course, Kairi…I'll give them my best regards for Sora's abilities," she replied, taking another sip and crossing her legs. "He will be on the soccer team."

--

A/N: Read and review, please.