Edit 03/26/05: Ok I've decided to make Sora 18, Riku 19, and Kairi 17 turning 18. It just makes more sense. I think it really doesn't make a difference since I barely bring up the ages in the actual story but whatever. In the direction the story was going, I really don't think it would have been believable. Nothing changes since they really weren't acting their ages anyway.
Chapter Four: Are You Chicken?
Kairi made a face at her reflection in the mirror. She held over her bare body various swimsuits that for some reason did not give her the image she wanted to see. Scattered on her bed lay various tropical outfits that had spent the last hour and a half being against her skin and then stripped off and tossed. What did she want? What was it she was looking for? Kairi threw the bathing suits on her bed in frustration, slipped on a long shirt and slippers, and stomped downstairs. Picking out what to wear had never given her such trouble.
She wasn't ugly; she had a nice body. She shouldn't have been embarassed of what they were going to say or what they were going to think. They didn't have much to choose from. Okay, so she wasn't that tan, and her arms and stomach weren't as toned as she would have liked. Her breasts weren't as large as Lulu's and her butt was not as...as firm as Yuna's but heck, the whole point of growing up with someone is that you weren't suppose to be that selfconscious. You were suppose to be comfortable with yourself and not worry about how other people saw you. That wasn't the real problem.
Kairi's eyes glanced at a picture of Sora four years ago.
He's changed so much.
She didn't want to fall behind.
Change was inevitable. She had to admit: Sora had gone from cute to heartthrob in a matter of months. She couldn't say half of that about herself. How could she feel alright with the fact that whom she liked was a major "man-candy" and she was still a naive and youthful little girl? Kairi didn't want to go from Girl Next Door to Backdoor Slut but she wanted a little edge. A little bit of seduction, a little bit of temptation. She wanted to make an impression. It had to be subtle, something that would be noticed but only if compared to the past. It had to be something like showing a little clevage or a little thigh. Something that would...
The hell am I thinking?
Kairi shook her head and rolled her eyes. And to think such an idea actually crossed her mind. He liked her, that she knew. Not to be conceded, but she was a sweet person, and she had always been there for him. He had done the same for her. But that day when he came back...It was just mind-boggling how much she had thought about him physically since then. So, in simple terms, she just wanted to impress him. She wanted to feel sexy. To feel that he liked her for more than just her personality. Was it horrible to think that way? She had to accept the facts though. Every woman, no matter what they say, wants to be admired for their body and their essence of sensuality at some point. Every woman, or at least a great majority, wants their guy to be envied by others because of them.
And her cutesy outfits and swimwear she had been wearing since she was 12 were not a great way to go about that.
The 17-year-old sat down and strummed her fingers on the hard surface of the kitchen table, contemplating her next course of action. A plan B, if you will. Her eyes averted to her cellphone that lay on the marble kitchen counter, blinking idly as if alerting her of its prescence. She knew who would help her. Kairi didn't want to think at what costs, but she would know what to do. Going from adorable to hot had been her area of experties. But she was NOT going to be tempted. She was NOT going to call Selphie.
Ding-Dong
"So! What seems to be the problem?"
Selphie lifted up her sunglasses and set them back atop of her head. She was smiling cheerfully but quickly frowned when she saw Kairi. She looked exhausted, annoyed, and completely hopeless. Not to mention that she was dressed in a shirt and slippers. They did have a beach party to go to today. Kairi motioned for Selphie to come in, and the emerald-eyed girl set down her belongings right next to the door, watching Kairi sit down on the last step on the stairs, interwine her hands, and bring her forefingers to her lips in deep thought.
"I don't even know where to begin,"
Selphie tilted her head in confusion.
"Geez, is it something that bad?"
Kairi snapped her head in Selphie's direction as if she had just noticed she was there. Blinking a few times, she moved her tongue around in her mouth and then stood up abrubtly.
"No, no! It's nothing like that!"
"So...what is it?"
Kairi took a deep breath. She was going to look so stupid saying this.
"Okay...I want a new look."
Selphie nodded knowingly and then eyed Kairi sarcastically.
"Oh I get it."
Kairi flushed. Dammit. It was a little obvious, wasn't it?
"This is about getting into Sora's pants, isn't it?"
Kairi felt the blood rush out of her face and she immediately covered her face, screaming. Selphie's laugher must have been contagious because Kairi found herself laughing, too. Selphie was good. Perhaps, however, everyone knew how she felt. It wasn't a contest at all. But even so, putting it like that was a little more vulgar than Kairi had wanted to put it. She would have been perfectly fine with 'wanting an edge' and 'being alluring' without the sex, thank you very much.
But, between friends, she didn't see the harm in saying so. It wasn't too far from the truth.
Selphie giggled some more and then ran ahead of Kairi to her room. If she was going to give Kairi a makeover then she needed to know what she was working with. It was a typical case. A soft light colored rug was matted on the floor with decorations mostly in purple and white. A few hints of yellow and pink here and there but nothing drastic. Selphie didn't see a lot of things that remained of Kairi's childhood but she did see a great deal of the like in her closet. Considering their limited amount of time Selphie began to search through the clothes, commenting aloud on them and tossing them aside unto the floor, the bed, the dresser, the door knob...Any place in the room.
"Hmm...Too school girl...Too tomboy...Too ugly...where did you get this?...Too conservative...Hmm..."
Selphie spun around after Kairi's room was in complete disarray and put her hands triumphantly on her waist. She looked around at what she had accomplished, which wasn't much, and thought for a moment. Selphie moved her head from side to side pondering on all the articles of clothing she had discarded all over the premises. She stepped around them, a hand to her chin detective style, and then looked at her watch. Kairi who had been staring at Selphie pace around in wonder, also looked at her watch. It was around 10:45am or so. The beach party wouldn't start until two. Even then someone was bound to show up late.
Before Kairi knew it, Selphie had thrown her an outfit that was very common for her. It wasn't the look she was looking for. Actually, Kairi was pretty sure that if she had tried by herself, she wouldn't have come up with this. It was just a skirt and a tanktop. Nothing too head-turning there. Selphie raced downstairs with a determined stride, looking back to make sure that Kairi would follow her.
"Hurry up and get dressed. We're going shopping!"
"So, tell me. What exactly are you looking for?"
Selphie finally asked the question as she and Kairi were rummaging through racks of swimsuits at the Sunrise Mall. It would help a great deal if she had some idea what to look for. Kairi took a minute to consider the question herself. She hadn't really thought about a particular outfit. Having no luck in the imagination department, Kairi stole a look at Selphie's clothes to see if she could see herself wearing something like it. What she saw would have to be tuned down a little before it went on her. A change like that would just be crazy.
The brunette was wearing a yellow halter with an open back, tied around her neck. It reached down to her middriff which really didn't matter because the cutoff shorts she was wearing were low rise, so her stomach was showing anyway. She didn't wear any jewelry except an anklet with dolphin ornaments. On her feet were flipflops matching her attire and on her back was a jean beach bag, bearly filled with anything. On top of her head where still her sunglasses, a little heart sticker on the lower left hand corner of the left lens. It was definately spunky, but not Kairi.
Kairi thought for a moment and figured that Selphie had probably only asked the question because she wanted her to think about it. And it had worked. She continued to reflect on the question as she aimlessly passed her hand through the racks. If she saw it then she'd know. But what did it look like?
Selphie had been trying her best to help. Kairi really couldn't complain. But they were going no where slow. Her friend's suggestions had been a little too liberal for her tastes. She had wanted a change but as previously stated, slutty wasn't on the agenda. And Selphie's options of a butterfly thong, an frontal open bra for 'easy access', and shorts that would ride so far up you'd feel violated, hadn't really helped that situation.
However, it was after two hours, that Kairi, without Selphie's help but definately with her compliments, was able to find an outfit that would be new, not sultry, and definately 'hot'.
"It's perfect!"
Kairi admired the mirror in front of her and sighed happily. This was a pretty suit that matched her well and she was glad to have finally found something. She wasn't planning on sleeping with him, she just wanted him to notice. And even then it wasn't fair to say that because he DID notice her. She didn't really know what she was trying to get at by buying this but she just wanted to look great for him. And doesn't everyone? Doesn't everyone want to look amazing for someone they like? Selphie grinned and poked Kairi in the stomach.
"Yup! Your plan to get him hot fo"
"You are SO DEAD!"
The sun shone brightly against the sands of Destiny Islands, illuminating the water to a blinding white and reflecting off the many bodies surrounding it's shores. Modern music blared on stereos and balls flew over volleyball nets and into the sea. Beverages of all kinds, from alcoholic to fountain, and foods from pizza to salad, were all being enjoyed and talked amongst. A cool breeze refreshed the inhabitants of the island and everyone was couldn't care less whether the future was coming or the past had gone. At Destiny Islands, time seemed to stand still and all that mattered was the present.
Sora made his way through the steaming sand to the small Tiki Bar near the boat docks. He wipped his brow with the back of his hand and passed his hands through his wild hair as the fans above spun swiftly and sprayed water in a mistlike fashion that rarely seemed to be felt. Everyone there was drinking or just standing in the shade because being out in the sun and not in the water was brutal. Sure, it was a beautiful day but it was really hot.
Hot.
Sora let out a deep breathe and looked behind his shoulder. Selphie was on top of Irvine's shoulder's, her hands gripping on to Yuna who was on Tidus's shoulders. He raised an eyebrow. What was that game called? It looked kind of stupid but he guessed that if his girlfriend had wanted to play, he'd be the first one to volunteer. What women did to guys was still a mystery to him. Wakka was playing Blitzball with a few other guys he really couldn't recognize from the distance and Lulu was sunbathing under a large beach umbrella. And next to her, was Kairi.
"How's is going, Sora?"
"Hey, Kairi!"
"Phew, it's kinda hot ain't it?"
"You want something to drink? I was just on my way..."
And here he was. Getting her a drink.
Yeah, he couldn't really think of something more eloquent to say. He had been thinking of getting something for himself but not at that moment. Actually, Riku thought he was going to meet him at the docks to meet his girlfriend. Riku would probably get suspiscious if he didn't show up. It'd be really rude on his part too but he had already told Kairi he would get her something so he might as well finish what he started.
He hadn't seen her in a bathing suit in like four years and he felt a little awkward to feel awkward in the first place. She had her hair in what would have been pigtails but they were wrapped into little buns behind her head. Nothing like Star Wars but it was cute. Her suit was a plaid blue top that was like any other one but for some reason it looked really good on her. He hadn't seen the other half because she had been wearing cutoff shorts that he could have sworn weren't hers.
"Can I help you?"
Sora turned his gaze to another gorgeous woman standing behind the counter. She had long raven hair in a ponytail, a white tank top, and a black skirt, her stomach in plain view. Sora tried to remember what Kairi had asked him for. He tried, he really did, but the fact that she was...very...vuluptuous didn't help. With much effort he tried to look as if he was really thinking hard, looked up away from the hostess and took a deep breath.
"Uh, yea. Lemme have a Virgin Paopu Daiquiri and just a regular coke for me."
"You want some whiskey in your coke?"
"Uh, sure. Why not?"
The hostess nodded and then walked to the other side of the counter. Sora let out the 'deep breath' he had sucked in and sighed as he turned around, leaning back on the counter.
"Man, you were so checking out that hottie. And since when do you drink, Sora?"
Crap.
Sora looked to his left and saw a laughing Riku gulping the last of his drink, whatever it was. He smirked and grabbed Sora's neck in a head lock and rubbed his fists hard against his scalp. Sora desperately tried to get out of Riku's trap, but no matter how much of a hero he was, Riku had his advantages at the moment.
"Give me a break, Riku. I'm already a little more than dazed at the moment."
"Cuz of Kairi?"
Sora gulped and glanced at Riku with a serious face, trying to think of something that wouldn't sound completely retarded. 'No WAY!' was definately not going to work. Riku kept on laughing seeing Sora's expression. It was priceless.
"Hey, relax. She's pretty hot,"
The bar hostess returned and Riku took the drinks, winking at her and making her smile. Riku did have a way with the ladies. Not that he didn't already know and boast about it.
"I thought you had a girlfriend,"
Riku handed Sora his drinks and raised his eyebrows.
"I do. She's behind the waterfall. Naked."
He turned around chuckling again as Sora stared at him like he was a god. Well, Riku thought he looked like a god. Sora's interpretation was more like, 'Are you SERIOUS?". He didn't envy Riku but damn, didn't he just meet this girl? Did anyone even know her? Sora shook his head and laughed. Somethings would never change. Without turning around, Riku continued to talk to Sora.
"You know, you should really pay attention to me. You could learn a few things,"
"Man, you are so full of it,"
Riku shrugged and Sora kept shaking his head in disbelief. They parted ways and Sora made his way back to the group, with the constant reoccurring thought that someone one could easily find Riku and what he was up to.
Kairi turned her head to see Sora walking back casually with two drinks in his hands. She smiled at the sand, thinking that it was very sweet of him to have even offered to get her something in the first place. Selphie had come down from atop of Irvine's shoulders and was reading a fashion magazine next to Kairi. Occasionally, she would nudge Kairi and show her outrageous outfits that would certainly attract lots of unwanted attention. Nobody knew where Irvine was but chances were, he was flirting with other girls. Whether it bothered Selphie or not, she didn't show it.
"Here you go. One Virgin Paopu Daiquiri for one beautiful lady. Sorry, Selph,"
Selphie hadn't been paying attention but she looked up from her reading and death glared Sora who had sat down next to Kairi's other side. Kairi was a deep shade of pink from the simple word and Sora, although no one could really tell, was killing himself for using one of Riku's lines. That was really cheesy. He couldn't take it back now and if he didn't know any better, he'd say Kairi was actually very flattered. He meant it, sure, but those words weren't his.
"Well, fine! I'll just leave you two lovebirds alone,"
Selphie's words were full of sarcasm, and she winked slyly at Kairi, who's shade of pink blended into a deep red rather instantly. She hadn't taken offense to Sora's statement but she was secretly happy that she had found a way to leave them alone. Either way, whether he said it or not, she would have thought of something sooner or later. It just seemed to work out better this way.
"S-sorry. Don't listen to her. She's kinda been...weird lately,"
Kairi stammered her statement quite suddenly and Sora wasn't about to make her feel more uncomfortable. Laughter always did break the ice. Not that there was any ice. There shouldn't have been. But for some reason, both were feeling a little cold.
"Lately? How about forever?"
Kairi giggled. Sora relaxed a little bit and took a sip of his spiked coke absent-mindedly. He made a face and winced once he swallowed. Smart-ass, you asked for whiskey remember? Sora glanced at Kairi who had been sipping her drink, enjoying it without the slighest idea that Sora had proved himself to be an idiot. She had been right to ask for it Virgin. No matter how she dressed or if she was a little more direct now, she was still innocent. And he liked that about her.
Sora looked at his glass and then tossed it's contents behind his shoulder.
Kairi tried not to show her disappointment about what he said. She didn't expect him to know that she wanted to be what Selphie said, but it was a little much for him. He probably thougth that she was uncomfortable with that comment. In truth, she was. But she would have been okay with him saying something else. She straigtened her smile against the straw. She would have been okay with him saying something like...
"Well, for what it's worth, I don't mind her saying so,"
She froze. Was he...serious? She hadn't really expected him to really say it. That was actually ten times better and more creative than what her mind could have ever come up with. Her heart felt like it was beating a hundred times per minute and she knew she should have said something. Should of? She was going to say it.
"Me neither,"
Kairi gulped as she felt Sora looking back at her. He had a strong gaze; he always had. She couldn't avoid him. She didn't want to avoid him. But the thought of this moment ending, she didn't want to risk it. There was a silence between them that none of them seemed to mind. Sora continued to look at Kairi, watching her eyes closed as if waiting for something bad to happen. He hated to see her act as if he was going to hurt her. He would never hurt her.
"Kairi?"
Sora couldn't help grin when he saw her face, looking a little bit confused and unsure of what had happened. He saw something immediately when she turned to face him that he hadn't seen before. The doors of oppurtunity opened and Sora saw the perfect chance to make her stop worrying that he was joking, or lying, or whatever. All he had to do was act normal and try to get her to laugh and let her guard down. He didn't want it to seem as if he had planned it, but sometimes things just work out that way.
"Kairi?...You have some of that daiquiri, right here,"
Sora used his thumb to wipe a edge of his lips to show her where she had it. Kairi rolled her eyes. Figures. Maybe he hadn't been lying, but he hadn't been serious either. At least she could be certain that he was still Sora. She just hoped that she hadn't looked stupid in return. She wiped her hand where she had thought he had been pointing out, but when she saw nothing, she gave him a questioning look.
"Is it off?"
"No. It's still there. Here, let me get it,"
It was quick, it was simple, and Sora was surprised he did it probably just as much as Kairi was. Sora leaned forward and kissed the edge of her lips swiftly, taking the daiquiri with him. He would have kissed her lips for real, but he didn't want to be so forward. Besides, who's first kiss is on the lips anyway? He had been tempted. It was Kairi after all. Saying that he had been just wanting to kiss her since he got back was a complete understatement. Sora was actually feeling pretty confident for the sole fact that not even Riku had showed him something like that. That had been totally him. One hundred percent.
Sora licked his lips and tasted the daiquiri which much to his liking was absolutely delicious. It coming from Kairi probably had something to do with it, he was sure.
Kairi's mouth was left agap when he pulled away. She hadn't even had time to close her eyes. It happened so suddenly that she didn't even think it happened. Was that just some fantasy her mind had played in front of her? Did Sora actually kiss her? She wasn't feeling so insecure now. That's it. Kairi wasn't even embarrassed anymore. Everything couldn't have been more perfect. She smiled widely and looked out into the beach.
"Hey Kairi, Sora! Come into the water! We're gonna start playing again!"
Everyone out at sea was waving at them and beckoning them to come and have fun, live a little. The idea that they might have seen them didn't even cross her mind. What did it matter anyway? It was only a matter of time before they would have found out about that and probably much more. Kairi saw Irvine carry Selphie and place her on his shoulder while Tidus and Wakka did the same with Yuna and Lulu, respectively. Riku was still no where to be found.
Kairi looked at Sora, mischeveously and grinned.
"Wanna play Chicken?"
"Sure,"
A/N: LOLZ OMG that was a really funny chapter. I was listening to all these rap songs to get me into the mood to write a chapter like this. Among them were "Slow Motion", "Overnight Celebrity" and all that other nonsense. Oh and the ultimate KH song is "Like That" by Houstan. lolz Don't ask, I am very weird. Normally I would hate rap but on rare occasions I like the beat. But at the end, with Kairi and Sora, "Let Go" by Frou Frou is awesome, too. Lemme comment on a few things. I'm trying to show at the end where he says yes to playing chicken that he is seeing her as a girlfriend. You see in the beginning he said he would only do it if his girlfriend asked? Well there she is...Um...Let's see...Oh I don't want you guys to think Sora is a drunk. I'm trying to portray that he's trying to act older than how he is. Even if he doesn't like it. Typical teenage syndrome. And the fact that he kissed her and took the daiquiri with it, no matter how gross it might appear or whatever, it's showing that he's not digusted by her and blah blah blah. Please Review because they mean the world to me! HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
