Disclaimer: We do not own KH.

a/n: Alrighty, here we go! The new installment!!!

a/n2: Yeah, took me a while to get it all together. I wasn't sure how I was supposed to-

a/n: Ah, ah, ah! No giving away anything!

a/n2: ...

a/n: Hehe. Anyways, Happy Readings friends!!!

Ahiro's POV:

I didn't dream, and the next thing I knew, I was suddenly awake. Tidus was still asleep, his arm wrapped around me loosely. Riku was sitting in the seat across, his head resting against the window as he slept. But, Sora wasn't there. I looked around and saw that most of everyone else had settled into their seats, the majority fast asleep. He wasn't anywhere. I raked my eyes over the seats again and didn't see him.

I decided to go look for him. He was obviously the only one of my friends that was awake. I carefully moved Tidus' warm arm and slipped out into the aisle. I asked around and a group that was playing cards said they had seen him heading up to the bow. I thanked them and made my way there. I noticed the sun was reaching its high point in the sky, dark clouds moving in to cover it.

The captain's voice came over the speakers just then and said, "Looks like we're going to be going over some rough waters in a bit, nothing to worry about. We'll be arriving in about forty five minutes."

I noted dimly that the waters were starting to look rougher, the dark waves churning. I had just made it to the bow when the boat started rocking, the waves crashing against the ship, sending spray up into the air. I squinted and caught sight of Sora. He looked upset, and I was about to step forward, but I suddenly heard that someone else was with him. I stole a quick glance around the corner and saw that it was Kairi, her bright hair whipping around covering half of her face. She looked upset too. I decided not to butt in, but just as I was starting to back away, I heard a snippet of their conversation.

"What do you mean? Why won't you take me back?" she said tearfully. "Is it because you're hanging around those freshman friends of yours? I bet it's that Ahiro isn't it, encouraging you not to take me back."

Why would she bring me up? I didn't even think she knew me.

Sora came back quickly with, "I already told you why I can't take you back. And no way is it because people told me to. I made the decision on my own. Don't bring them into this, especially not Ahiro. He's a really great guy, and I won't let you say anything bad about him, Kai!"

Tears fell from her eyes steadily, and the next things they said were very quiet so I couldn't hear what it was she said. It was heated though. I continued to watch, mesmerized. I knew I shouldn't be eavesdropping, but I couldn't help it. Once I'd started I couldn't turn back. Suddenly, Sora bolted. I watched as he tore down the other side of the boat as fast as he could, a hand clamped over his mouth. Was he crying? I couldn't tell.

I wanted to run after him, but I didn't want to be caught eavesdropping, so I waited a moment. The boat was rocking fiercely, and I stumbled a few times trying to make my way over to Kairi, who had turned to look out at the crashing waves. Finally I came up behind her and asked, "Um, Kairi…isn't it?"

She turned to me, her eyes immediately fixing on my own. She was extremely pretty, her creamy skin almost glowing with how perfect it was. I suddenly felt nervous and intimidated. Her eyes were still sparkling with tears, and when she said, "Yes, what is it?" her voice was still a bit shaky.

I asked quietly, "Have you seen Sora around?"

I saw a flash of pain run through her deep blue eyes for a moment, and she seemed to deflate. She mumbled, "He said he had to go to the bathroom..."

"Oh…thank you." I muttered, averting my gaze from hers which had not stopped starring. I hurriedly made my way in the direction that Sora had gone, throwing furtive glances back over my shoulder. I felt kinda sorry for her. There was that look in her eyes that really made a person feel her emotions.

But I had to check and see if Sora was alright. I didn't want him to be upset during our trip; I worked too hard to make it perfect.

The first bathroom I came to, I quickly ducked inside and called out softly, "Sora? Are you in here?"

I heard a small moan coming from one of the stalls, and I shuffled over to it tentatively. Carefully I pushed on the door, testing to see if he was in the first one. It swung open easily, to reveal Sora crouched over the toilet, a slight green tinge to his complexion. He gazed up at me blearily for a moment, and then recognized me. I knelt down next to him swiftly just as another wave rocked the boat, triggering his nausea, and tried holding him as he bent over the toilet.

"Oh, Sora…" I breathed, brushing his hair back from his clammy forehead. I waited with him while he clutched his stomach, whispering soothing words. Finally, I decided that I needed to find him some medicine. He was only dry-heaving now, anyways.

"Hey," I asked getting his attention. "Sora, you're gonna have to help me with getting you up to find medicine, okay? I can't carry you by myself."

He just nodded, his sky-blue eyes gazing up into my own gratefully. My stomach did a little flip-flop, but it was just another wave. I started moving him so he had one arm slung over my shoulder, the other clutching at my hand that was holding on to his side. He was heavy, but we made our way slowly along the deck, occasionally having to stop so he could lean over the side. Finally we reached a first aid kit mounted on the wall. I sighed in relief and immediately started searching for sea-sickness drugs.

He started feeling better after a while, the green slowly going away to be replaced with pink. He muttered, "Thanks…sorry you had to mess with that."

"Don't be stupid. That's what friends are for, right?"

He just stared at me and smiled. I hadn't noticed this before, but when he smiles, his eyes crinkle the tiniest bit at the corners. Wait, what the hell?! Like I care! My stomach did that little flip-flop thing again, but we weren't hitting any waves at the moment. What was going on with me? Was I getting sick again?

I just shook my head and turned, making my way back to my seat, completely forgetting that Sora was still a little sick. I was too caught up in my own thoughts. He came in shortly after me, breathing heavily, and glaring. Tidus had woken up and he asked, "Are you feeling alright?"

"Y-yeah," I said shakily. "I guess the boat's getting to me too…"

"Too?" he asked quizzically, and then caught sight of Sora. "Oh…"

The last of the trip was spent in awkward silence. Or maybe I just thought it was awkward. This friendship business was proving to be harder than I ever thought it would be. Thankfully, the captain's voice came back over the speakers, waking up a majority of the kids. He was telling us to have a pleasant visit, and make sure to disembark safely. And when the boat moored, everyone stood up simultaneously, taking up their belongings as they tried to cram into the narrow exit. I got lost in the throng, getting separated from Tidus and Sora and Riku.

When I stepped out, I saw the storm that the weathermen had said was going to miss, could in fact be clearly seen way off in the distance. In fact, the wind had already started picking up, and I drew my coat up closer to my throat. A light splattering of rain was also coming down, so kids held their backpacks or jackets over their heads and tried to move hurriedly up to the small cabin on the edge of the woods.

I had a bunch of papers that I needed to give to the teachers before everyone got up there, though (schedules). And I was just about to try shifting my things around to get a better grip on them, when I felt the light pattering of rain against my skin stop. I looked up and saw Sora grinning down at me, holding his jacket over the both of us. I smiled appreciatively and rearranged everything.

"What'cha got there, Ahiro? Homework?" he asked peering at the papers.

He tossed the jacket over my head, blinding me, and made a grab at them. I cried out and attempted to untangle myself while still clutching the papers, but without hands or sight to do it, it didn't work too well. Suddenly, I felt his arms wrap around my shoulders and he said quickly, "Hey, you're heading for the water, Ahiro!"

I would have stopped even if he hadn't said anything. His arms wrapping tightly around my chest was enough to freeze me right to the damp wooden dock. I thought that he might even be able to hear my heart beating wildly underneath my coat. I guess I had gone temporarily deaf too, because he had turned me around and lifted up a corner of the jacket to peer into my eyes. He asked softly, "You okay? I was just joking."

Our noses would be touching if I took a half step forward. I let out a small squeak, which he enjoyably made a face at, then quickly cleared my throat and brushed past him, calling back in the most serious voice I could conjure up, "Nothing's wrong."

"You sure? You can tell me if there is, you know."

"I know…" I said softly, trying to think of an excuse for my weird unwelcome reaction. "I just have to get these papers to someone, before we get to the cabin."

"Oh well listen, why don't you let me deliver those!" he exclaimed, coming up beside me.

My heart rate was calming slightly, the uncomfortable feelings slowly falling away. Thank goodness. I bet I was just still feeling the effects of that fever I had. So, thinking it would be a good idea to rest, I gave in and told him who they were for. But I insisted on a trade-off. I took his backpack and started on my search for Riku and Tidus. Sora left me his jacket too. It smelled nice. I always like that smell.

However, at that moment, I felt someone come up behind me and grab me around the middle, hoisting me in the air. Then I was thrown over said person's shoulder, my bags dropping to the ground. I struggled and swore, but when I heard the person's laugh I stopped. It was Riku.

"C'mon! Let me down Riku!" I yelled blushing as people turned to look at what the ruckus was.

"Alright…" he chuckled, a small smile playing across his lips.

"Have you seen Tidus?" I asked as he placed me back on the ground.

"Yeah, he said that he and Selphie were going to go find some of their friends and get the sleeping arrangements down."

I felt a little dejected, but pushed it aside and said to myself: he's got other friends too. Let him have fun on his class trip, and you'll have fun on yours. Besides, you'll probably see him a ton. It is an island after all.

Riku pointed to the extra bag lying at my feet and raised a brow in question. I just shrugged, "It's Sora's, and he's doing something for me."

He didn't say anything, just bent over and slipped the bag onto his shoulder and said, "You, Sora, and I are sharing a tent, right?"

I nodded. Sora showed up then, beaming over at us. And after Sora had taken his bag back, we made our way up the small hill to the little flat expanse of land that was our camping grounds, and started setting up. It was still sprinkling rain on all of us as we tried desperately to figure out how to put Riku's tent together. It was getting dark out too, almost dinner time. We stopped working for a moment when we heard Sora's infamous stomach growl loudly.

He grinned sheepishly and said, "Looks like its dinner time, huh?"

Dinner was announced just as we got finished, all three of our stomachs growling ferociously. Our class had a few activities that were planned after. Just quick little ice breaker, start off the trip kinda things. They were optional. I chose not to participate. I just watched. Sora, I noticed, was definitely enjoying the games.

I smiled involuntarily, watching as he sat laughing with a few of the other kids.

"Tired?" Riku asked, sitting down next to me.

"Mn-hmn…" I yawned, stretching my arms as much as they could above my head. "You?"

"I'm getting there…"

We sat in silence for a while, watching the festivities pass around us.

"Riku…do you think Sora's really as alright with Kairi being here as he makes it seem?" I asked thoughtfully, watching as he horsed around carelessly with his team members.

Riku seemed to think for a moment, choosing his words carefully, "Knowing Sora, he's pushing it all to the back of his mind. That's his only flaw, I think. He doesn't know it's okay to get upset sometimes."

I felt my heart thud a little harder against my chest, and I snuck a glance up at Riku staring over at our friend. He really gets people. I just grunted in agreement and said that I was going to head off to bed.

When I had lain down, I started thinking again. Not really about anything in particular. It was that silent thoughtful doze you get into sometimes. The rain pattering softly against the tent lulled me slowly into the grip of sleep, and before I knew it, I was dreaming.

When I woke up, I noticed that it was still dark out. I blinked up blearily at the shadowy figure leaning precariously over me, and recognized that it was Sora. I asked sleepily, "What's up? What's the matter?"

He bit his lip, and I narrowed my eyes glaring up at him. I growled, "You had better have woken me up for a reason."

He nodded hurriedly and exclaimed, "I did. It's just that I feel like an idiot."

I raised an eyebrow, and he continued, "I just realized that I forgot my pillow on the boat, and all the chaperones already went to sleep."

"Yeah?" I asked still half asleep.

"I was wondering if we could share, just for tonight?" he asked, fidgeting uncomfortably.

I had enough numbed sense to feel embarrassed, and I asked incredulously, "Why not share with Riku?"

"He's already asleep, and no one can get him up until he decides to. That and you're in the middle."

I glanced around, and found his reasons to be true.

"Fine…" I mumbled, not being able to keep my eyes open any longer. I scooted the pillow over so more space was available, and felt him slide neatly beside me. That fluttering feeling I'd been getting in my chest barely registered in my mind, I was so sleepy. But being so tired couldn't cover up what happened next.

Sora turned to his side facing me, got close, and ended up resting his head against mine wrapping a loose arm around my shoulder. My eyes flew open in shock, and saw him starring right back at me. He just mumbled, "So we can fit."

I stayed quiet, afraid that my voice would crack too badly if I were to yell at him. I thought I was going to explode from embarrassment; my heart was beating so fast. He then closed his eyes and let out a sigh, whispering, "G'night…"

"Night." I squeaked.

I lay there petrified for at least fifteen minutes, watching as his eyes slowly smoothed, and his lips relaxed. Sleep finally consumed him and I calmed. I should have punched him off, the bastard. But the whole time I couldn't bring myself to do it. I know it was really weird, because we're best friends, but a small part of me felt just a little thrilled. I shuddered and focused my eyes on him again.

His eyelashes were long, long enough to brush the skin just under his eyes lightly. My heart quickened as I felt his arm tighten its hold around my middle in sleep. What was going on? I thought horrified. I feel like I want to touch him…but isn't that weird for friends?

Before I would let myself dive any further into that thorn nest of questions, I turned to my other side, shoving his arm away, and closed my eyes trying to get him out of my head. I did need some sleep for the next day, after all.

When I woke up, the others were still asleep, so I decided to go out and get the activities organized with the rest of the student council. The sky was still dark with grey storm clouds, no sign of the morning sun anywhere. I wondered, as I trudged through the cold, where Tidus might be right now; probably still asleep.

It was another 20 minutes after I started setting up before anyone else started showing up. The plan for today was a hike and a picnic battle. Then, if the water was calm enough, we might even have the time to swim. The water would still be a little warm, but I wasn't planning on swimming because of the wind chill factor. That would not be a pleasant walk back.

The day was fun. Everyone seemed to enjoy the activities. I didn't really care too much, only because I was still tired. Maybe I was getting sick again. When our class came back to the camping ground I was so relieved to see our tents. Only a little further and I would be able to take my long awaited nap.

We were just coming around the turn in the trail, the tops of the tents sitting placidly in the distance, when I saw a small hole in the side of the mountain. I felt shivers run rapidly up and down my spine as I heard the wind create a loud moaning sound as it rushed in. I kept my eye on it as we trudged by, but Sora glomped me just then, so I forgot about it shortly after I made it to the cabin for dinner.

I ate quickly, thinking I could go try and find Tidus as long as we had a break. My nap could wait. I wanted to be held in his arms first. I bade Sora and Riku goodbye as I dashed off, hearing them complaining about not eating properly as I went. Grinning, I pressed on.

I finally figured out where he was by asking this upperclassman named Wakka. He told me that he had walked up the beach a ways, talking with someone. I didn't exactly want to butt in, but then again I hadn't talked with him in a long time.

Making my way along the beach was nice, it gave me the chance to space-out and really appreciate the area. It was a while before I caught sight of him. He was standing with a girl down by the water on the rocks. They were so close to the edge, I could see the wild water splashing up against their shoes. Slowly, I started climbing down to them, the slippery rocks proving to be difficult to hold on to.

When I was a few feet away, I straightened to call out and let them know I was there, but stopped mid-breath. Tidus leaned in to the girl, as she said clearly, "I really like you Tidus…"

Pausing for a moment, he stared down at her in confusion. Then, slowly he placed an unsure arm around her shoulder and akwardly rested his head against hers. He muttered, "I…think I like you too."

"But, you're in a relationship!" she continued sadly, turning her gaze onto the thrashing waters, taking a step away. He took up her chin, turning her back to look at him, and mumbled, "I'm not sure why I'm with him exactly. I really do like him, but I have the feeling that we aren't going to go anywhere with it. It's just an experiment, it doesn't mean anything."

Don't be scared…
The power within you…
Don't be afraid.

I choked, and only then did they notice me standing just behind them. The wind brushed my hair into my eyes, hiding my tears, which I was grateful for. My hands balled into fists, and I refused to look at them. I hadn't meant anything?

"Ahiro!" he exclaimed astonished. He couldn't continue with any kind of excuse though, and ended up starring horrified over at me. The girl who I now recognized from before had an identical expression, her hair bouncing around her fair face.

Tears were threatening to fall, and I didn't want to give them the satisfaction of seeing them, so I forced them back and focused on Tidus. I whispered, barely audibly over the wind, "I don't think we should be together anymore…"

A look of stabbing pain ran through both of them, and I turned to climb back up the way I came. It couldn't happen fast enough. Desperately, I scrambled up and started sprinting away, the forbidden tears back again. Why would he do that? He was such a nice guy! So why would he hurt me like that, and sneak around behind my back? It made no sense. He should've just told me what he was feeling, that bastard. I got the sudden urge to turn back and punch him, but thought again, it's not worth it.

Now I stood stock still, only a few yards away from the camping area, my heart thudding wildly. He didn't want to go out with me anymore because I was naïve enough to think that a guy like him really would think of me as something special. I was the gullible kid to screw around with. I didn't mean anything.

The conversation I had overheard ran through my mind once again, the images too vivid and painful for my liking. I wrapped my arms around myself and felt my body shaking violently, my head splitting from a headache. He had been my first relationship, my first boyfriend, my first…kiss. I'd never get those firsts back. I couldn't hold back the tears any longer. The dam holding them back was finally broken, and I wept violently, crouching down and putting my head against my knees.

It was another hour before I was able to stop. The clouds that had been reported to miss us were now bearing down over the island. The sun had disappeared behind the great billowing black clouds, casting everything in shadow. Standing, I slowly trudged back to the tent, feeling each heavy step. Lying down on my sleeping bag after everything that had happened today, proved to be the most luxurious, wonderful feeling I had ever experienced; I fell asleep almost instantly.

Later, I woke up to see Riku and Sora both asleep around me, the light pattering of rain against the fabric of the tent the only sound. I would have to tell them what happened tomorrow. Falling back against my pillow I listened to the soothing sounds of the rain and wind until I had drifted back into the dream world once again.

The next day, the storm had completely settled over us. I noticed as I stepped out the tent onto the ground that it had turned to mud, my foot sinking slightly into it. The others were still asleep, but I didn't feel like waking them, so I went to the cabin with breakfast on my mind. As soon as I stepped inside and smelled the food, I immediately lost my appetite. I just couldn't get my mind off of what happened. So, I ended up trying to read a bit, and just like the food, I couldn't do it.

I ended up putting my head down on the table, trying to force it from my mind. This was harder than I thought it would be. I was stupid for going through with it in the first place. It's my entire fault for actually trusting my feelings enough to let go. I should have taken the offer of moving up a year in school, that way I never would've met Sora and Riku and none of this would've happened.

I sat there for over thirty minutes, trying my hardest to force down my thoughts. But it couldn't be helped. I kept circling back and back to it. I got so frustrated, that I slammed my fists on the table, to the surprise of the kids around me. I blushed, and got up, intending to leave. Before I made it two feet though, I came face to face with Sora.

"What's up Ahiro?" He asked apprehensively, noting the tortured look behind my eyes.

He still didn't know what happened. I wanted to tell him. Very much so, but the eyes of everyone and even his were piercing right through my normally solid soul. I crumbled in front of him. The tears came again, and I hurriedly covered my face, pushing past him into the rain. I ended up running straight into Riku as soon as I got outside, but didn't pause.

I needed to run as far away as I could for the moment. I didn't want anyone to see me weak.

About thirty minutes later, I heard the crunching of shoes against the gravel of the path to my right. I looked up, hurriedly wiping at my eyes. I gazed up into the brilliant blue eyes of Kairi, the last person I thought I'd see. She slowly made her way to the spot of grass next to me overlooking the ocean and sat down.

It was silent for a moment while she caught her breath, the rain slowly drenching her. When she cleared her throat, I glanced over at her and saw her hair flattened to the sides of her head by rain, hanging down by her Elvin face. She mumbled in a sweet, clear voice, "I'm sorry about what happened. I heard from Selphie."

At the mention of that girl's voice, I blanched, feeling the fire erupt again. She continued, "I know how much they hurt you, and I told them exactly how terrible what they did was. They're not my friends anymore."

I nodded. That made me feel probably one percent better. Then she proceeded to place her arm around my shoulders and tug me in so we were huddled together. I didn't cry anymore. I had let the last of them escape. We just sat, two new friends in a cold stormy place.

When we were walking back, I asked her, "Why did you come looking for me?"

She blushed and said in a small voice, "Ever since I saw you that day getting onto the boat with Sora and Riku, I knew you were a good person. I was hoping actually…that we could be friends?"

"S-sure." I stuttered.

"That's good..."

a/n: OOOOOOOHHHHHHH!!!!! This is so dramatic!!! I wonder what'll happen, next!!!

a/n2: Yeah. I know the breakup and the whole sneaking around his back part wasn't that great, but I was a little stuck on how to go about it, so...

a/n: Tis alright! I thought it was fine!!!

a/n2: Thanks.

a/n: No problemo! Well, please come back for the new chappie, comming soon!!!