Hey Guys! Hope you guys are liking the story so far, can't wait for more! Well, this is the new chapter! Thanks and God Bless!
Protector of the Heart
Chapter 4
*Sora*
We walked up towards the front door while Coach Yuffie opened it with a warm smile. We walked towards the locker room, Naminè going on ahead to get a seat. I sighed as we, yet again, stopped at the separation of locker rooms. Kairi took a step towards hers but turned towards me. Her long flowing red hair slowed to her shoulders.
"Naminè really does like Riku…she just doesn't know it yet" She said with a soft look towards the pool entrance.
"I think they'd be good for each other, I just wish they'd see it." I shook my head.
"Naminè is just stubborn" Kairi smiled rolling her eyes. She had a beautiful smile.
"I'll see you Sora" Kairi flipped her long beautiful fingers waved as she walked through her door.
I sat down on the little wooden bench preparing myself for the meet. I cracked my knuckles nervously as I heard a chuckle.
"Come on Sora, what do you have to be worried about?" Beat asked with his blonde hair all astray.i noticed his usual pitch black skycap poking out of his little locker.
"A lot actually" I sighed looking at his muscled arms and noticing my limp noodle excuse for arms. I really needed to work out… "One mistake and it's all downhil" l I rubbed my eyes feeling the weight on my shoulders sulk.
"Please, you're always worried and you always end up winning. Just relax and think about what makes you happy" Beat shrugged tossing his towel over his large shoulder.
I smiled up at him and thanked him. He smacked me on the back knocking the wind out of me. Something that Riku did on occasion when he forgot how strong he could be. I got up and walked out after him. This meet I'll take his advice. I'll think of what makes me happy…I'll think of Kairi…
*KAIRI*
I stepped out with Ryme as Sora and Beat walked towards us. Beat ruffled Ryme's hair as she giggled and skipped towards the metal bench that the team sat on. Beat smiled at me and said a good luck before following his adorable little sister. I smiled at Sora as we stood by the door for a moment.
"Hey…are we late?" I heard a familiar voice ask.
"Dad!" I giggled in surprise as a tall figure looked down at me. His brilliant red hair glistened like mine. He smiled and hugged me tightly. He almost had me off my feet. I giggled as he set me back down. His bright green eyes glistened with excitement.
"Roxas!" Sora smiled excitedly at his older brother. I had heard of him, but never seen him.
He was like an older version of Sora. His spiky hair was dirty blonde though, but he had the same brilliant blue eyes. His eyes were filled with doubt and concern as he stiffened with Sora's hug. He relaxed and hugged him back though. My father smiled and grabbed Roxas shoulder leading him towards the metal benches throwing us good lucks as they went. They were probably five years apart in age. My father being the elder. Sora told me that my father had done a lot for Roxas; he helped Roxas ease up a little. He was less sad when he came home.
"Wow…they really came" I whispered in disbelief.
Sora knit his dark eyebrows together, "Why wouldn't they?"
I shrugged under his intense gaze. He normally always wore a goofy smile, I had never thought of him actually being serious about anything. We jumped at the whistle. Sora rolled his eyes and lead the way towards the team bench. I spotted Nami in the bleachers. She was sitting with Selphie on one side and my father on the other. Monsieur Gaston sat two rows in front of them. He smiled as we took our places.
I looked across the pool at South Radiant Garden. I had heard about them on the news the other day. They were supposed to be really good. They had gotten this really good swimmer named Hayner. His father was a traveling soldier with some sort of peace operation. I knew that many of the Radiant Garden schools were arguing over which school he would be attending. I looked over at him; he had a white ear bud in his ear listening to an iPod. His lips moved along with the music as he air drummed.
"This is who we're going up against?" Beat asked with a laugh.
"Hey, I heard that they were really good" I said still looking at Hayner.
"We can take them" Sora said easily stretching.
"Oh really?" I asked incredulously looking into his relaxed eyes.
"Yes. We can and will" Sora said with such authority that I had no right to dispute with him. Wow…something must have really changed him…I liked it…
The first race started, Ryme was going up against one of the younger girls from SRG. I felt the excitement build as we stood and cheered for our newest member. I smiled as I walked towards the water fountain near the opposite team. I waited for some to finish before me, they turned around and it was Hayner.
"Hey…your Naminè's Friend right?" He asked whipping his dripping mouth.
I felt myself scrunch, "Yes…how do you know Nami?"
"I knew her from Kindergarten. We were in the same class. I flicked paint at her all the time" Hayner shrugged his shoulders. I noticed he was handsome with his dirty blond streaks and dark brown eyes. Ugh, I hoped he wouldn't try to hit on her. She had a thing for bad boys, though she won't admit it.
"Hayner?" I heard a soft voice behind me ask. I turned to see Nami smiling.
"Hey Naminè!" Hayner smiled waving at her. Well this was weird…
"I can't believe it! How many years has it been?" Namine asked giggling at Hayner. Naminè was giggling?
"Hey Kairi…Coach Yuffie wants you" I heard Sora behind me. Thank you Sora! I nodded before giving Naminè a curious look. She mouthed "Later" and talked with Hayner again.
"What was that?" Sora asked sounding as confused as I was.
"I honestly don't know" I said looking back at them as we walked away. Hayner was telling her something, and she laughed.
"Good Kairi…I need you to go for Ryme. She pulled a leg muscle on the last lap." Coach Yuffie said looking over at Ryme who was briefly holding back tears. Beat was right beside her holding fast onto her hand. He laid a loving hand on the top of her head.
"Yes Coach" I walked over towards Ryme and gave her a small hug.I had gotten tons of leg muscles pulled, and it hurts like crazy. She gave me a small smile but grimaced from the pain. I gave her and beat a sympathetic look before pulling my goggles and swim cap on.
"Go Kairi!" I heard a few voices yell. I smiled and waved at my father and Selphie. Naminè was still at the fountain talking with Hayner. Boy, I didn't like that.
"You ready pretty girl?" A girl from the other team sneered.
"Nice insult, is that the best you could come up with?" I asked rolling my eyes. Too bad she couldn't see from my goggles.
I breathed in and focused on the noise around me. It was that one little sound in the area that sent electricity through me. I jumped at the whistle and swam with all my might. My hands hit the wall in a flash and I was on my way back with the other girl at my heels. I pushed with all the force I could muster. Memories flew through my mind, of Sora eating, and smiling, and how he would get excited about his brother. I smiled to myself as my hands felt the beginning wall again. The noise was deafening as I jumped out of the light blue water. I jumped as everyone from the team hugged me. Sora wrapped my towel around me and squeezed my shoulders.
"Great job you little mermaid" He whispered.
"Thank you" I smiled as I looked up in his bright blue eyes; I quickly looked at the crowd before Sora caught me staring again. The girl I had been up against kicked a water bottle over and ended up hitting her foot on the metal bench. She howled in pain and threw me several dirty looks.
"Great job Heart!" Coach Yuffie smiled at me as I passed to get to the team bench.
I felt a sudden hand on my shoulder as I turned to see Monsieur Gaston smiling down at me. I smiled back and he walked back towards his seat. I wrapped my towel around me feeling something in my bathing suit strap. I yelled to Coach that I needed to go to the bathroom. She nodded as I was already on my way. I walked towards the mirror and turned around; I saw a little white piece of paper stuck inside my wet bathing suit. How odd…
I reached behind and quickly took it out. I strode towards the stall as I heard the bathroom door open. I sat down and softly unfolded the water marked letter. I gasped as I sat the signature of Monsieur Gaston. It read:
Miss Heart,
I hope you don't find this as an intrusion but I was wondering of you could by chance meet me behind Xalden's. I live in an apartment above it. I'll meet you at the back door after the meet. Take as long as you need. Please…don't let anyone know, I just want to discuss our French lessons. When you see me, nod at me and let me know… I'll be waiting.
Monsieur Gaston.
I folded the water stained note and tucked it in my towel. I looked out at the mirror and saw my brilliant red hair wetly attached towards the nape of my neck. It stuck out crazily as I tried to run my finger through it. To no avail, I finally decided that it would have to do. I tried to calm the flutters in my stomach as I walked towards the bench again. I searched for Gaston's face in the crowd as I sat down. He lifted a dark eyebrow slightly at me. I took a breath and did a slight nod…What was I getting myself into?
Author's Note: Next, Sora I gets his chance at the final race of the meet! And Kairi tries to ditch and meet the new teacher! Lets see if Nami and Sora will let that happen ;)
