Disclaimer: Kingdom Hearts and related characters belong to Square Enix and Tetsuya Nomura. Reviews would be appreciated. Contains hints of Namiku, Sokai, Haylette, Rokushi, Vanqua, Terqua, and Venfuu. Slightly AU.


Longing For Yesterday
Chapter 7: Lilium

I awoke shortly before eleven, to the feeling of the train lurching as it came to a stop. Confused, I rubbed my eyes with my fist before I felt a hand brush against the small of my back, another steadying me before I turned to see it was Riku. I then glanced over my shoulder, looking through the windows at the platform of the train station.

We had finally arrived to Archeonus.

Terra barked orders for the students to stop pushing and grab their belongings in an orderly conduct, while Ven and Aqua closed their eyes and exchanged knowing smiles. Vanitas simply made a rude hand-gesture and stuck his tongue out, vibrant red headphones around his neck as he slung his studded black leather bag over his shoulder. Larxene followed behind him, the two the first off the train, followed closely by Seifer and Rai. Fuu took her time getting her bag, patiently waiting to step off.

I took off the headphones, giving a shy word of thanks to my companion, before Riku and I ended up behind her. The silverette turned slightly, visible crimson orb locking on me. Her lips parted as she spoke.

"Safe?"

I blinked, "Yes."

"…Rage." She indicated toward Larxene.

"Are you fighting…?"

She nodded and then stated, "Indecent conduct."

Riku nodded, "Understood. Thank you, Fuu. We appreciate you sticking up for Naminé."

"Friend," Fuu stated, before she caught me off-guard, patting me on the head.

With that said, I watched as the older girl turned and followed Paine off the train. Ven decided to step off with her, the two having a conversation off to the side as Aqua and Terra did role call - though it seemed that Ven was doing most of the talking, Fuu stoically listening, but her gaze was betraying every emotion. She seemed happiest when talking to our student teacher.

I was still stunned by her declaration of friendship in regards to me.

Maybe in the end, Fuu had been as much of a victim as I had been when it came to Larxene. I glanced at the savage nymph, actually pitying her. She was so angry and ruthless, with such a disregard for her own existence along with the existence of the people and things around her. It was as if she was trapped in a world of black and white, unable to see the shades of gray inbetween, growing steadily into vibrant colors.

Perhaps she, too, was a victim in some twisted sense.

"Naminé,"

I felt the warmth of fingers brushing mine, before they snaked through the spaces between them. I looked down at where my hand was suddenly entwined with another, before looking up at Riku, and then back down at our hands.

That's when my face turned bright red, and I hid my face behind my hair, like it was a curtain. A soft chuckle reached my ears, before I felt a warm whisper against the one closest to him, his voice causing that strange chill to run down my spine.

"You're so adorable."

I swear, steam was about to come out of my ears, I was blushing so badly.

Riku tugged lightly on my hand, causing my feet to move forward. The group was leaving the platform now - everyone having been accounted for. The group itself was walking in groups of two or three, with Terra and Aqua leading the way, and Ven and Fuu walking in the back. Seifer and Rai were towards the middle, taking their roles as the disciplinary committee of Destiny Academy quite seriously, and making sure no one wondered off on their own or tried to cause a ruckus.

Honestly, the only ones they had to worry about were Larxene and Vanitas.

With the latter currently tormenting any females he was remotely attracted to - his current target Master Aqua. He kept hitting on her, ignoring the jealous and scary glares that Terra kept sending at him. I found observing my classmates helped me control the embarrassment that continued to assault me, due to the fact that Riku was holding my hand without the slightest care in the world.

And, of course, Sora and Roxas just noticed and are teasing…

Deciding to not let them get to me, I returned the grip on Riku's hand, trying to keep my head held high and tame my blush. I managed to ease the nerves in my stomach, finding my inner calm, as Aqua had taught me.

It was then just how comfortable I realized I felt, walking beside him, holding hands like this. There really wasn't anything to be embarrassed about - Riku and I were friends.

Sora and Kairi held hands all the time - but of course, they eventually ended up dating.

Roxas and Xion did too!

…also now dating…

Ah, geez… no wonder they keep teasing us…d-do Riku and I-I really…l-look like a c-couple?

"Hey, you guys, this isn't a leisurely stroll along the beach~" Lea teased, snickering as he ran his fingers through his crimson spikes. "Move it!"

Riku rolled his eyes before ignoring the redhead that Roxas was currently pushing to keep up.

We had just reached the main district of the village. The buildings were all close-knit and styled the same, two-stories, slanted roofing that were covered in black shingles and were made of redwood. Banners written in black ink hung over the entrances of stores and businesses. The entire area was a valley surrounded by evergreen forests and mountains. The town held an air of tranquility, bustling with residents as they shopped and chatted in the streets, wearing strange clothing that made us stand out.

Xion - who was quite possibly as socially awkward as I was - simple tugged her black cap down further over her eyes, especially as Lea's loud voice and taunting - not to mention his appearance - was getting some of the locals to stare at us. My eyes quickly traveled to my shoes as well, a little nervous by the stares, and subconsciously I moved closer to the warmth of the person beside me.

I heard him give another soft chuckle, before I felt his arm going around my shoulder, drawing me close to him. I folded my hands in front of me, shyly daring to glance up the inches that separated us, only to see that small smile on his lips and his eyes smiling even more.

Up ahead, Aqua was giving a history lesson about the town. Not many of us were paying much attention (I was at least trying, but it was hard with all the staring and the way my heart was pounding). Olette and Garnet were the only ones who seemed to be hanging onto Aqua's every word, while the rest of the students (including Terra) were more interested in just looking around.

The roads were actually cobblestone, and we crossed over a large bridge that went over a stream. Many bright and colorfully scaled fish swam about, glistening in the sunlight. Aqua stopped to explain that the path to the right lead to the Temples of Aeon - where the twelve guardian temples of the fayth rested, where the locals prayed. Yuna excitedly explained about them - considering she was the daughter of the infamous High Summoner, Braska and she too was a summoner. The dual-eyed girl surprisingly had most of the students attention on her, especially Tidus' and her cousin Rikku's.

My Riku (was it okay to call him that?) glanced at the water, having released me to lean against the railing. I glanced down as well, looking at our reflection. A soft smile crossed my lips - I looked genuinely happy.

No longer was I just a shadow.

"You're smiling."

"So are you," I found myself teasing him, my smile broadening as I turned to look at his face.

Riku leaned his cheek against his palm, just looking at me. I quickly fought the blush trying to creep up my neck and flood my face again. He smirked as he took his free hand, idly playing with a strand of my hair.

"I like it when you smile."

"I-I…um…t-thank you?"

I suddenly felt a hand against the back of my head, "Dammit, just kiss already! You're driving us crazy!"

"Lea! No!" Roxas shouted.

My eyes widened as time stopped, the flock of doves that had been nestled in the cherry blossom tree that hovered over the stream flying above the bridge, feathers drifting through the air and cascading to the water, rippling it. In our reflection, it captured a moment that shouldn't have happened.

His lips on my lips, our mouths being pressed together due to Lea's hands on the back of our heads. Wide teals orbs were locked on mine, fair cheeks stained as pink as the blossoms mingling with the feathers in the rippling stream beneath us.

The moment Hayner and Sora yanked the crafty devil off us, I whirled and clamped my hand over my mouth, my lips tingling in a way I didn't comprehend. I wasn't exactly sure what had just happened - or why exactly it made me feel so…strange inside.

"Lea…you have ten seconds."

I squeaked as I felt the redhead brush against me, quickly taking off. I dared to peek over my shoulder, at where Riku was raking his fingers through his bangs, eyes closed and an irritable expression etched on his blushing face. I heard giggling, turning and feeling horrified that all eyes were on us, including the blue orbs of our instructors.

"Um…guys…save the PDA for spare time." Terra cleared his throat awkwardly.

"I can't believe Lea did that…" Xion groaned, hiding her face in her hands.

Roxas was sending death glares in the direction of the inn, where Lea had vanished. "I'm going to kill him. That's still my baby sis."

"Mine too, bro!" Sora agreed, arms crossed.

I'm going to die of embarrassment…

"Nami, are you okay?" Olette asked.

"I...uh...I...um..."

Standing there, stammering, my heart pounding as blood rushed through my eardrums, feeling the world spinning around me as all eyes locked on me...

"I-I h-have t-to g-go!"

I did the first thing I could think of.

I took off running.

-;-

I couldn't escape, no matter how much I wanted to.

Eventually, I would have to face Riku. Even worse, I had to face my classmates.

The inn had room for four people to a room - so I was stuck in a room with three other girls. Luckily for me, one of them was Olette. The other two were Xion and Garnet. They had the respect to not say anything about what had happened at the bridge, leaving me to lie on the bed I was sharing with Olette, my face buried into the pillow as I groaned and simply wanted to die.

Of course, life was cruel and wouldn't give me that sweet liberation just yet.

"Nami, it'll be okay…" Olette said softly, rubbing my back.

"No it won't!" I whined, my voice muffled.

"C'mon, you have to ate least try and eat something…" Garnet coaxed.

I turned my face, pouting as the long-haired princess held out a tray of fruit that they had saved me from the lunch the rest of my classmates had gone to eat. I, of course, remained hiding in my room. I didn't want to face Riku - or Lea for that matter. I was plotting evil things to do to the redhead in retaliation once my humiliation finally died down.

If only Xion would give me back my sketchbook…

Nope. My brother's girlfriend was stubborn and had even gone to the means of sitting on it, as if reading my mind and knowing the colorful ways I had ended her best friend's life many a-time in my innocent little head.

"Not hungry…" I muttered.

Of course, my stomach decided to growl loudly.

Sold out by my own organs. Lovely.

"Yes you are, silly." Olette wormed her arms underneath my tummy and pulled me into her lap. "Quick, Garnet, feed her!"

"Knock it off!" I squirmed free and flopped back onto my stomach, hugging the pillow, "I'm not a little kid!"

"You're pouting like one." Xion replied dryly.

I attempted to glare at her, "Just give me my sketchbook already so I can make Lea suffer!"

Xion crossed her arms and legs, "Heck no. Lea was in the wrong and way out of line for making Riku and you kiss, but grow up, Naminé. It's not the end of the world. How long have you known Riku?"

"Um…almost three years…"

"How long have you had feelings for him?"

"…I dunno…"

Xion rolled her eyes, "You're as obvious as Olette is with Hayner."

"Hey!"

"It's true!" Xion quickly defended herself. "And Garnet with Zidane."

The princess turned red as she quickly turned away to examine some of the paintings of our room, listening to the sounds of Kairi, Selphie, Yuna, and Rikku on the other side of the wall. I could hear Larxene and Yuffie arguing, and the sound of Paine addressing Fuu in the room on the other side.

I had the feeling that would be the last time Terra let Ven pick the rooming from drawing names out of a hat.

"What's so bad about a kiss anyway?" Xion asked me, her tone softening.

Garnet piped up, "Perhaps it's because they aren't a couple."

Olette nodded in agreement, "Yeah, that's something you should do only if you've been dating or going steady for awhile."

"Not always," Xion bit her lip. "Roxas kissed me a few times before we even decided to be boyfriend and girlfriend. It's just whatever feels natural between two people."

I groaned, pulling the pillow over my head. "I don't want to talk about this anymore!"

Xion sighed and then I felt the bed shift, her arms wrapping around me as she cuddled next to me. Olette cuddled on the other side and I finally unearthed myself, squirming onto my back and letting them hug me. Xion's cheek was resting on my shoulder and I turned my face to bury it in Olette's chest, her own cheek resting on the crown of my head as she stroked my hair in a comforting way. I felt the bed shift again, glancing to see that Garnet had joined us and was rubbing my legs, which she had pulled into her lap as she leaned against Olette.

"I do this with Eiko whenever she's not feeling well or is down. Don't worry, it'll be alright. We're all here for you." Garnet said sweetly.

I looked around the room at them, finding myself actually smiling. "I'm glad."

"We love you, Nami." Olette smiled. "More than you realize."

Xion agreed, "You understood me when no one else did…I consider you one of my closest friends."

"I also care for you, Naminé. Who else can I discuss Lord Avon's amazing plays with?" Garnet gave a giggle, closing her chocolate brown eyes.

I closed my eyes.

"Thank you."

-;-

A/N: I couldn't resist! XD I had so many reviewers cursing Larxene's interfernce last chappie :) So, at this rate, the field trip may last a bit longer than originally planned! Can't wait to see what you guys thought of this! (As for those who don't know, Zidane and Garnet are both from Final Fantasy IX. It was one of my favorites in the series and I thought it would be nice to include them in this fic). Review please!

-Win

Musical Inspiration: Lilium - Elfen Lied (DO NOT WATCH THAT ANIME.)