Disclaimer: I don't own Kingdom Hearts.

Chapter 8 – Lovers


People started arriving at the castle for the party around 6:30. Terra groaned when he saw them out his window and realized it was as good a time as any to get changed into his new clothes.

After three minutes, he was ready. Terra was now dressed in black pants and a long-sleeved navy shirt with a high collar. He pulled on a pair of high black boots. Red bands adorned the shirt at the wrists. He looked himself over and decided it wasn't too bad. At least he wasn't stuck in a dress like Aqua.

Speaking of Aqua…

Terra went to find the water maiden and go down to the party with her. He passed two servant girls in the corridor, who gawked at him when his back was turned. But when they saw that he was knocking on Aqua's door, they grumbled and left.

"Aqua, are you ready?" Terra called.

"In a second," she replied. "Stupid dress…"

"Is it really that bad?" Terra cautiously asked.

"Getting into it is what's bad. I can do it, it's just annoying."

"Well, I'm here when you're ready."

"I'm coming out now."

The doorknob turned and Terra's jaw almost fell off its hinges when he saw Aqua.

She wore a long, flowing, blue, halter dress just a few shades darker than her hair. A dark blue sash was tied around her waist in a neat bow on her back. Wristbands (1) of the same color extended all the way to her elbows. She stared at the floor uncomfortably, as if going to a party was the last thing she wanted to do, which it was.

She looked beautiful.

"Uh… uh… Are you ready?" Terra stuttered. Aqua didn't meet his gaze.

"Yes," she said. She closed her door and grabbed his wrist. "Let's go."

She started walking and pulled Terra along with her.

"Are you okay?" the earth knight asked her.

"I'm fine," she lied, releasing her friend's hand.

The truth was, Aqua was incredibly nervous at the moment. And it had started the instant she'd kissed Terra the day before. She had no idea why she'd done it. But when Terra had offered to dance with her to keep her away from Caelum, she'd felt something reassuring flow through her, saying that Terra was being completely honest with her.

Terra would put his pride on the line. For her. By dancing.

Aqua had thought his offer was strange since she had never seen Terra even move a muscle when music was on, other than his legs to walk away.

He'd looked unsure about it at first, but when she asked if he really meant that, Aqua saw a look in his eyes that just told her to believe him. And to thank him, she had kissed him.

Once she moved her lips from his cheek, Aqua's face lit up like a sunrise and she'd hurried away. She had been thankful that Terra didn't follow her, for she had to be alone and ponder her feelings.

After a few sleepless hours that night, Aqua had decided that all the strange feelings she'd had towards Terra for the past few years was her Light reacting in her heart.

But what she didn't know was if Terra felt the same. He probably did. He always acted angry and jealous when Caelum came into the room, showing the prince nothing but hostility. And the water maiden knew Caelum liked her, but the very thought of it just disgusted her.

Aqua knew that Terra was the one who was special to her. He had a place in her heart that no one else would ever have.

"You don't seem fine," Terra said.

"Uh… what?" Aqua replied, snapping out of her thoughts.

"I said you don't seem fine," he repeated.

"I just… have a lot on my mind right now," Aqua stated flatly.

"I can tell."

"How?"

"Because you won't look me in the eye."

At that comment, Aqua turned around, finally looking at Terra. Her heart stopped. He looked so handsome dressed like he was. She blushed blood red.

"Are you okay?" Terra asked. "Your face is all red."

"I-I'm fine!" She covered her cheeks and turned away from Terra.

He figured that Aqua's face was red for similar reasons of what he thought when he saw her in her dress. But he held his tongue.

"Just nervous," the girl added.

"Don't worry about it," Terra said. He spotted a nearby vase full of white and red flowers. He went over and plucked a white one from the bouquet. Aqua watched as Terra gently placed the blossom behind her right ear.

"Perfect," he whispered.

"Thanks…" Aqua smiled at him.

"Are you ready now?" Terra asked, staring into her eyes.

"As I'll ever be." She nodded. Terra offered her his hand and she took it. They both felt a strange warmth pass through their hands when they touched.

Full of confidence with the other next to them, they entered the throne room.


The throne room, always used for grand parties, was decorated extravagantly. Red and blue banners hung from the ceiling. Curtains of the same color draped down from the window hangings. Vases of white and red flowers were between every window.

People were everywhere, dressed in formal clothing. Women in dresses, men in robes or clothes similar to Terra. A band played music at a slow pace. Some people danced to it, but most were just standing around talking.

Nox and Caelum were up at the thrones, which stood higher than the rest of the room on a raised platform. Nox sitting in the center of Caelum's, on his left, and an empty throne, the one for the queen. Eraqus stood near the empty throne, not looking any different than normal. He'd told his students that he always dressed formally a long time ago. The new Keyblade Masters approached their Master and the king and prince.

"Terra, Aqua, come here!" the king said, spotting them. Caelum's gaze settled on Aqua and Terra glared at him.

"Aqua… you look stunning," Caelum said.

"Thanks." She just stared over the prince's head, which he didn't notice. "And happy birthday," she added. Caelum smiled at her, Aqua didn't see.

"You seem distracted, my dear," King Nox said. "Is something wrong?"

"Just a lot on my mind."

"Well, I hope it clears up in time. Because tonight is very important," Eraqus announced to them.

"Yes, very important," Nox agreed. "And now that we have all three guests of honor here, we can get to the announcements. Should we do Terra and Aqua first or Caelum?"

"Your son should go first," Eraqus said. "It is his birthday after all."

"Right then," Nox said. "You'll do your apprentices?"

"Technically, they aren't really apprentices anymore," Eraqus smiled at his students. "But yes. I will announce their new status as Keyblade Masters."

Nox stood up and walked to the edge of the platform, raising his hands for silence and the music stopped, everyone turned their attention to the king.

Nox cleared his throat and said, "Welcome, guests. I am glad to see so many have come out tonight. But I have more news than probably what you're expecting."

Murmurs broke out amongst the people. Terra caught words in there like 'news' and 'what'. He didn't care nor pay attention. He just stared straight ahead. Aqua clutched his wrist.

He looked into her eyes, seeing she was still nervous. He bent down to her ear and whispered, "It's okay. Don't worry. I'm here."

A slow blink, and Aqua released her grip. She gave him a tiny smile.

Caelum glared at Terra and was ignored.

"Settle down, please," Nox said, waving his hands. "Before I announce this other news. I first wish for us to wish my son a 'Happy Birthday'. Come forward, Caelum."

The prince stepped to his father's side and bowed to Seaside Haven's people.

"Happy Birthday, Your Highness," the people's voices rang out. Some applauded, some raised their glasses. Only Eraqus, Terra, and Aqua were silent, something the prince noted, but decided wasn't important.

"And now, for a special announcement from Seaside Haven's resident Keyblade Master Eraqus," the king said. Eraqus stepped forward and the king and prince returned to their thrones.

"Greetings," Eraqus said. "As you all know, it is formally announced to this city when a Keyblade wielder obtains the rank of Master. And you all have the right to know of the two apprentices I have trained for over the last ten years. As of yesterday morning, their training has truly paid off and they have successfully earned the ranks of Keyblade Masters. Please step forward, Terra and Aqua."

The two new Keyblade Masters stepped forward to many gasps and wide eyes. They'd known about the strange boy and girl who often went into the city together, but were seldom seen. But they'd never assumed they were Eraqus's trainees.

"Terra is a Master of physical battle," Eraqus explained. "Many would do well to fear his Keyblade. Aqua is a Master of magic. Her talent is both a stunning and deadly sight to behold. And I deem them both fully worthy of their new rank."

Terra and Aqua were both silent. Listening to their Master's praise was enough, but being stared at by all these people was just crazy.

"I also offer my full congratulations to the Keyblade Masters," King Nox added. "Now, let's continue the party. Have fun, everybody."

The festivities picked up again. Terra and Aqua went off to get a drink from the punch bowl, not because of thirst, but to get away from Caelum, who had jumped up the instant the announcements were done and looked over at Aqua. She had grabbed Terra and moved away as fast as she could.

"Are you really thirsty?" Terra asked once they reached the punch bowl.

"No, I just want to get away from Caelum," she hissed.

"Then, it's time I live up to my promise," Terra said.

"Huh?"

Terra tucked his left hand behind his back and politely bowed, offering Aqua his hand. "Aqua, would you like to dance?" he asked, his voice full of confidence.

The girl was still stunned that Terra would actually offer to dance with her. But now they were at the point where he formally asked her.

She placed her hand gently in his and smiled. "I'd love to, Terra," Aqua said.

The knight led his maiden to the dance floor and they stood somewhere near the edge. Aqua placed her right hand into Terra's left and her left hand on his shoulder. He placed his right hand on Aqua's waist and they started slowly swaying in time to the music.


Up at the thrones, Caelum scowled at Terra dancing with Aqua. The prince had wanted to be the first one to dance with her, but seeing how Aqua had moved away earlier, he decided to wait for a few minutes before asking her to dance.

Once he saw Terra ask the beautiful girl to dance, Caelum's half good-half bad mood had turned all bad. And his father wasn't helping matters.

"Caelum, leave Terra and Aqua alone," Nox said. "They have a bond together I can see runs very deep."

"Father, I was hoping to ask Aqua to dance because I want to tell her that I love her," Caelum protested.

"I hate to rain on your parade, and more so disappoint you on your birthday, but it's quite obvious she doesn't feel the same."

"How can you say that to your own son?" The prince glared at his father, not understanding how he could be so negative towards his love for the maiden Keyblade Master.

"Caelum, you don't understand how true love works," Nox said.

"True love?" Caelum scoffed.

"Don't scoff at such a wonderful thing," the king responded. "I knew how wonderful true love felt the instant I met your mother. And when you were born, it showed me the ultimate bond of love. And when she passed, a part of my heart shattered. Therefore, I want to make sure all my people have a chance to find true love for themselves. I wish for you to find it as well. But I can clearly see it is not with Aqua."

Nox returned his attention to the festivities, leaving Caelum to sulk and scheme.

As he swirled the liquid in his goblet, Caelum plotted to make sure that Aqua would be his. And he would do whatever it took to get Terra out of his way.


On the dance floor, Terra and Aqua were lost in the music as they gently danced. Terra raised his arm and Aqua gracefully spun through the arc their arms formed, then reverse twirled and her hand came back to rest on his shoulder.

She smiled at him. Aqua felt safe knowing Terra was right there with her. Keeping her safe from a prince they both disliked. She didn't even mind when Terra's hand wrapped itself completely around her waist, pulling her as close to him as possible.

Terra glanced down at her when he pulled her closer. She rested her head on his chest, clearly listening to his heartbeat. He smiled, feeling her own heart beat against him. Almost like a steady drum, keeping a better beat for the music than the actual drummer in the band.

"Feeling okay?" he asked.

"Just fine," Aqua replied.

"You do seem much better than before," her friend noted.

She leaned up to his ear and whispered, "Well, I was nervous because I really didn't want to dance with the jerk who stalks me."

Terra smirked at her comment. Caelum did seem to stalk her. But she had nothing to fear. The earth knight wouldn't let his obvious rival do anything to take Aqua from him. He'd protect her no matter what.

The song ended and Terra loosened his grip on Aqua. And she backed up.

Neither of them noticed how many people were staring at them. The two Keyblade Masters dancing together… It was as if… Maybe…

"Aqua, do you think… we could talk outside for a minute?" Terra asked sheepishly. If he was going to tell her how he felt, he would do it now.

"Sure," was Aqua's reply.

Making sure Eraqus and, more importantly, Caelum weren't watching, the earth knight took her hand and led Aqua to entrance to the courtyard. They walked up to the fountain and the water maiden sat on the edge.

"So, what is it?" she asked.

This was his chance. It was now or never.

"Aqua, I want to tell you something," Terra said.

"What is it?" she asked.

Terra cleared his throat before saying, "For some reason… whenever I'm near you, something lights up in my chest. My heart beats erratically, I feel heat rise in my cheeks, and I had no idea what it meant…" He paused. "Until recently."

"What do you think it is, Terra?" Aqua asked. She desperately wanted to know because of her own similar symptoms whenever she was around her friend.

"I need to explain more first. I'm sure you've noticed when we're near Caelum, I get angry and jealous. I don't want him to… to…"

"What, Terra?"

"I don't want him to take you from me," he whispered, barely loud enough for Aqua to hear him. He kneeled down to her eye level and touched her cheek. She relished his gentle touch as he admired the softness of her skin.

"Terra…" she whispered.

"Aqua, I think I'm in love with you," Terra said.

Aqua gasped, her eyes widened, and her heart stopped. Terra loved her?

His words helped her realize how similar her symptoms were to his. Her heart started beating again and she caressed Terra's cheeks and pulled him closer to her. Their lips met in a sweet kiss.

The instant they touched, their faces flushed. Their eyes closed and they melted into the affection they shared with the other. Terra's hand that wasn't already holding Aqua moved to her shoulder. Her thumbs rubbed his cheeks and her other fingers curled into the hair behind his ears. They broke their kiss, only their foreheads still touching.

"I love you, Terra," Aqua whispered.

"For how long?" he asked.

"Since that day at the street festival," she said. "When I was pulled in to dance with those performers. Remember I was blushing so much?"

"How could I not?" Terra teased. "You looked beautiful. You still do."

She giggled. "And you look like a handsome knight. I've loved you since before that day, but that was when my feelings truly started to bloom. What about you?"

Terra stood up and sat next to her on the fountain. He held her hands in his lap. "I've been in love with you for so long, I can't remember when my feelings first appeared. But I couldn't tell you because of what Master Eraqus told us years ago," he said, pulling the water maiden closer to him. "'A Keyblade's chosen one must not get too close to someone else. Because if they happen to fall in love with someone, their heart will become so attached they will put that one person above all other people. They would give a whole world or even the whole universe for that one person'," Terra recited perfectly.

"If Eraqus finds out…"

"Then, we won't let him."

"How are we going to keep something this big hidden from him?" Aqua pleaded.

"We'll hide it from everyone," Terra said. "And when we can find an opportunity, we'll go to another world together. No one will keep us apart. It'll be only us."

"Terra…" Aqua sighed.

"Aqua…"

They lost their voices in another kiss. Terra pulled Aqua into his embrace and she caressed her lover. Sweet bliss engulfed them as their emotions poured into the other.

Terra broke the kiss and held the girl close to him. "I promise, I won't let anything happen to you, Aqua," he whispered.

"Huh?"

"I won't let anything separate us. Not only do we have to keep it secret from Eraqus, but Caelum as well. I will not let him take you from me, please remember that."

"I will, my sweet knight," Aqua promised.

They didn't return to the party. They simply stayed in the dark courtyard, starting another dance and losing themselves in each other's presence.


(1)- Does anyone know why 'wristbands' is considered one whole word? I thought it was two until my Word spell check showed me it wasn't.

Phew! That was one LONG chapter! Don't expect too many long ones like this and not any time soon.

Why is the big kiss scene always my favorite part? Oh yeah… because Terra and Aqua are perfect together!

And yeah, I wanted King Nox to be a true romantic to contrast him with his son. It also adds some tension.

Anyway, what did you guys think?

Also, here's a link to the picture that gave me the idea for this Fanfiction. The Terra and Aqua segment anyway. Just alter the colors on Terra's outfit in the picture to what is said above. Also, picture the Organization boots if you have to in the case of that. It's what I picture.

(http:/rinounahearts(.)deviantart(.)com(/#/d2ow60x)

Remove the parentheses.