I'm backkk! Since it took me a while to come up with this chapter, I decided to make it extra-long :)
And I don't know if I'm going to be able to upload soon, becuase I'm going away to sleepaway camp from July 18th to August 9th, so I'll try to get another chapter up, but I don't know if I can because things are really hectic right now.
Since this may be the last chapter for a while (aka until I get back from camp), I suggest that you take your time reading it :P
And a special thanks to The Cute one who reveiwed 3 times already (and this story only has 3 reviews so far)! :)))
Chapter 8
Leon heard Melody from her room, and he knocked on her door. "Serena, are you okay? You're usually still asleep at this time…" It was now five-thirty in the morning.
"I know, I know. Hey, Leon, when can I tell everyone that my name is really Melody Kneller?"
"Well," Leon started, "the reason why we moved from here in the first place was because you told me that you wanted to start all over, right? And you didn't tell me exactly what it was," said Leon, giving Melody a look that said: 'You ARE going to tell me at some point, right?' "Well, I didn't only give you a new name for that reason …" He paused, hesitating.
She nodded. "Go on, I can take it."
Leon stiffened. "See, at the time, there were rumors – no, maybe even a prophecy – well, either way, it spread through the island that the last keyblade bearer, the Music Maestro, was written in the prophecy, written in stone. You were young, and I didn't want you to be smothered with attention or fame; and, with a name like Melody, it'd be pretty obvious. Well, that is, if you really are the last keyblade bearer," he added.
There was a long moment of silence in which Melody thought about telling Leon that she was the last keyblade bearer. "I see," she said, "but when can I tell people my real name?!"
"Well, you're not a little kid anymore, Mel," said Leon, "so it's really up to you."
"What, and you couldn't have told me this before?!"
"Well, I was waiting until you'd ask," said Leon, with a now crooked smile.
'Huh? Since when is Leon so … devious?!' thought Melody, utterly bewildered.
"Get some sleep, Mel. I can tell by your facial expression that you need it," he said, smirking with a low chuckle.
"My dear, dear brother … what happened to you?" Melody said. Her voice became heavier, "Did you bump into your ex-girlfriend again?!"
Leon's face became stony. "Melody Kneller," he screamed, "that is none of your business! Now goodnight!"
Melody still couldn't fall asleep. There was a problem…
… this problem was named Riku. He was the reason she moved from Destiny Islands in the first place. He was the reason she wanted to "start over". He was the reason she changed her name. And, lastly, he was the reason why she is so hesitant to say "I love you, too" (with the exception of her brother Leon, but they never ever get all mushy).
And now the question was: how was sweet, innocent Melody going to act towards Riku? What was she going to get?
Revenge.
Later on that day, Melody called Sora and told him to meet her at the shore. She told him that she had to tell him something urgent, and that, no, it couldn't wait.
When Sora arrived, they hugged for a second, and then he asked, "Serena, what's wrong?"
Melody said, "You should sit down. It might take a while…" Sora nodded, and sat down. "Okay, so what you said last night, about me knowing Riku from somewhere before—"
"Oh, please don't be mad at me. I was just fed up that—"
"Sora, why would I be mad? I wanted to thank you! So thank you," she said smiling. When she saw his puzzled expression, she continued. "Last night I had the weirdest dream – more like flashbacks, put together – and it made my past clear." Serena explained basically everything – how she and Sora were such great friends, the promise they made, how Melody was introduced to everyone, the first time Riku talked to her (which was the flashback of him asking her what she likes to do), and so on … but Melody left out the part where Riku broke her heart.
"You remember now! But … how did you forget all of this? No offense, but I would've thought you'd remember something…"
"Because I chose to forget," Melody murmured.
But Sora heard. "Huh? Why?" He was so very, very confused.
"Remember I told you that I actually wanted to move before? I wanted to move, I chose to forget, and I wanted to start anew. I don't want to talk anymore of this." She paused. "Not now, not ever," Melody added.
"Okay, okay!" Sora raised his hands up in defense. "I was just asking."
"Well, I have some more news – remember how I told you that you have to know me as Serena and not Melody?" Sora nodded. "Well, you can call me Melody now! But just wait until I tell Kairi and Hayner first, so that it won't be totally weird."
"Okay, awesome! Melody. Mel." He said. "Feels like it was just last week…"
Melody called Hayner and told him her real name, and that he could call her that now, too – just as long as he tells everyone else (Roxas, Pence, Olette). Melody and Hayner decided to meet up some time soon, too.
Now all Melody had to do was tell Kairi – she didn't really care about Riku now.
Yes, she still loves him. She didn't deny it – she just simply ignored it. Denying and ignoring are two totally different actions. To deny is to reject something that is true and to ignore something is to pretend it's not there. You could not deny something, and yet ignore it.
Melody called Kairi and explained to her everything – almost exactly what she said to Sora. And Kairi remembered the little version of Melody, or "Mel".
A few days passed by, and Melody was able to avoid Riku successfully. She didn't know what to do – would she really take revenge? Would she just be distant? Or would she simply just pretend that he never broke her heart, like it never happened?
No, she wouldn't pretend. No, she won't really take revenge. But, maybe, just maybe, she'll be distant. 'If only I had someone to talk to about this,' thought Melody. 'I CAN'T tell Leon, and I don't want to tell Sora or Kairi. Not even Sora knows…' Little Melody never really thought of ever telling a soul about what happened between her and Riku some years ago – but she had to spill the beans sooner or later.
She would crack, eventually…
…Or sooner than she thought she would.
By now, Riku was very confused and upset at why he hadn't seen Serena such a long time – more like, a few days. He went over to Sora's house to ask him and see what was going on.
Riku was standing in front of the door to Sora's room, about to knock, when he heard Serena's voice saying, "You know, Sora, it's good to be back home. It's just like when we used to hang out."
Riku froze. 'Huh? They used to hang out?!' Thought Riku, bewildered. Then, Sora said, "I know! You don't know how empty this island was without you. It wasn't as much fun!"
"Aw, thanks, Sora. You're so sweet." She paused. "Just remember, Sora, don't tell Riku—"
Riku burst through the door, his nostrils flaring slightly. "Yeah? Don't tell Riku what?"
This was the first time Melody ever looked at Riku after she remembered that he was the boy who broke her heart. She quickly got up and said, "You know what, I would have had to go soon anyway." She turned to Sora. "Bye, Sora. I'll see you soon."
Melody attempted to walk out through the door, but Riku blocked her. "Serena, what's going on?! Why are you avoiding me?" he said, looking her in the eye.
'How stupid am I? How could I NOT have recognized those eyes from before?' thought Melody, staring into his blue-green eyes. She'd never seen a pair of eyes that looked even close to Riku's. 'No, he broke my heart before. I can't trust him, not with anything!' "I don't have to explain myself to you, Riku. Now get out of my way, I have to be somewhere." Just saying his name made her cringe inside.
Riku got closer to her, his face only four inches from hers. He said through gritted teeth, "I'm not moving until you tell me the truth!"
Sora got up. 'What in the world is going on?! I'm sure Melody has a good reason for this, though, so here goes…' thought Sora. "Riku," said Sora, with more authority in his voice that anyone would have thought for him to have, "leave Serena alone!"
Melody mouthed to Sora: "Thank you, thank you, thank you!" Sora just smiled back at Melody.
Riku put his hands up in defense and said with a stony face, "Fine. I'm out of here."
As soon as Riku left, Melody threw herself at Sora, hugging him. Sora was surprised. "What's this for, Melody?"
She smiled. "Sora, thank you so much for sticking up for me. It really means a lot." She added, "And, also, thank you for not telling Riku that my real name is Melody."
Sora smiled his cheesy, trademark smile. "Anytime." He paused. "Mel, you know you're still my best friend in the whole world, right? That's why I stood up for you. We are better friends than Riku and I are. Which is saying a lot."
She hugged Sora again. "You're still my best friend in the whole world, too." She paused, and then added, "No, I take that back. You're the best brother in the whole world."
Sora smiled again. "You're like my sibling, too, y'know. Like the sister I never had."
That night, Melody got a phone call from Hayner, and they decided that Hayner would meet Melody tomorrow at Destiny Islands. Melody wanted to come over to Twilight Town to see Olette, Roxas, and Pence as well, but it was more convenient if Hayner came over because his mom was going to the mall at Destiny Islands anyway.
The next morning, Hayner slowly crept into Melody's room. She was still asleep, but Hayner just sat next to the bed stand, petting her hair gently.
Melody awoke slowly. "Hayner…?" she mumbled sleepily.
Hayner looked up at Melody's sleepy face. "Yeah?"
Melody was awake. "Hayner! You're here!" she said, jumping out of her bed to hug him.
Hayner kissed her cheek. He smiled, saying, "State the obvious."
Melody laughed. "Look, again, I'm sorry that I couldn't have told you my real name earlier—"
"Melody, that's okay, I understand perfectly. And, I'm not just saying that," he added, "I really mean it."
Melody smiled. "Okay, thanks. For the record, if you want, you can call me Mel. That's what my some of my friends call me." She paused. "Oh, but call me Serena in front of Riku, and Riku only."
"Sounds good to me. But, if you don't mind me asking, why call you Serena in front of Riku only?"
"Well, to be honest, we're not as … close … as we used to be. And I don't want him to know, for personal reasons."
Melody and Hayner decided to go to the Shake Shack later on, which was a little restaurant-shack, whose specialty was milkshakes, fries, and burgers – basically, all the fatty foods.
While Hayner and Melody were at the Shake Shack, Riku couldn't help but spy on them. Maybe then he could find out what had been bothering Melody, who he still knew as Serena. Riku hid behind a bush listening to Hayner and Melody's conversation:
"I'm so glad we were able to see each other to day," said Melody, smiling.
"Me too." Hayner hesitated. "Mel, if you don't mind me asking, what went down between you and Riku?"
Riku froze. 'Why in the world did Hayner call Serena "Mel"? And what did "go down" between Serena and I?' he thought.
"Well, Hayner—" 'This is it,' thought Riku, 'I'm finally going to find out why Serena's mad at me!' But, just then, Riku sneezed.
Melody jumped out of her seat, and so did Hayner. Riku tried to hide into the bush a little more, knowing that if he ran away, he'd be seen for sure. Hayner couldn't see Riku, but Melody saw him more clearly than before.
"Riku!" She screamed.
Riku jumped up, fear written all over his face. The way she said his name was so familiar …
"You better run!" said Melody, her drink still in her hand. Riku ran, but just as Melody was about to run after him, Hayner held her back.
Melody gave Hayner a glare that only lasted a second, and then she said, "You're right. I shouldn't run after him. It's not worth it, and I want to spend as much time that I possibly can with you."
Hayner smiled. "I'm glad you see it that way."
Melody sneered. "Looks like we have a spy among us…"
Riku ran off, all the way to his favorite paupou tree, not daring to look behind. It wasn't until he reached the tree that he realized that Serena wasn't running after him. Riku climbed up to one of the lower, sturdier tree branches and sat down, thinking, 'But why did Hayner call Serena "Mel"? Her name is Serena, isn't it?' He thought. But then, a new thought came to mind. 'Maybe her name isn't Serena. I told Sora that I somehow knew her from before!' His brain stopped thinking for a second. 'Oh gosh! How stupid am I?! THE KINGS RIDDLE:
'A friend from the past shall return;
Though you may not remember her,
However much you yearn.
Just remember, 'tis music she does prefer,
She is a keyblade wielder too,
So, just know,
She might as well join your crew'!
'Seriously,' thought Riku, 'how could I have missed that? …but from where do I know her from?'
Riku's Flashback(s):
Younger versions of Riku, Sora, and Kairi were walking through the beach in Destiny Islands, when Kairi claimed she saw a familiar-looking girl. She had brown eyes and brown-blonde hair. They ran up to her.
"Hey," said Kairi. "I've seen you before, haven't I?"
"Yeah, I think we're in the same kindergarten class," said the girl with brown-blonde hair.
"Cool! Well, my name is Kairi. These are my friends, Sora and Riku."
"Hey, Kairi, Sora, Riku. My name is Melody."
"Hey, do you want to hang out with us?" asked Sora.
"Sure," said Melody.
"Awesome!" said Riku.
Melody smiled at Riku. Kairi and Sora exchanged glances, smiling, too.
Four little kids were sitting at the edge of the dock; two girls, two boys. Kairi was having a conversation with Sora, so that left Riku to talk to Melody.
"So," Riku said, thinking of what to talk about.
Melody looked into his eyes. "What?"
"What's your favorite thing to do?" Riku said, intimidated by her eyes.
Surprised by his question, she said, "Um, I don't know. I like to be with you guys, I guess. Oh, and I love listening to music."
Riku smiled. "What kind of music?"
"Oh, you know, like Coldplay, Green Day, Linkin Park, Matchbox 20, but that's only a few," said Melody, now grinning. (A/n: those are my favorite bands :D) "What about you?"
Riku smiled. "I like listening to the same kind of music as you do."
Melody and Riku were walking to kindergarten together, since they lived right next to each other.
"Mel?" Riku asked. Melody looked at Riku and nodded. Riku continued, "I know you and Sora are the best-est friends in our little group, but I want to be really good friends with you, too."
Melody's face fell. "Oh," she said. "Cool." She paused. "If you really want to be … friends … with me, that's fine. You don't need my permission, or anything."
Riku caught on, he now knew why her face fell. "Well," said Riku, hesitating. He didn't want to tell her his feelings for her right now, did he?! "Well, maybe it's best that we're not really good friends." He smiled. "Maybe it's best that you and Sora are best friends, and we … we'll be closer, but not friends." 'Did I just say that?' thought Riku, traumatized.
Melody looked at him gratefully and smiled. "I agree."
Riku sighed a sigh of relief as they reached the class. "Well, I'll talk to you after school," he said.
"Okay," said Melody. "Bye!"
Riku was about to leave, but then Melody hugged him. Riku hugged back instantly. Melody couldn't see, but through the hug, Riku was smiling.
It was a nice, sunny day in Destiny Islands. Riku knew that today was the day – that if he didn't tell Melody know, he'd either explode, or never end up telling her.
He entered her house and called, "Hey, you there?"
"Yeah, I'm in my room!" Riku heard Melody's familiar voice say. To him, even though he was so young, Melody's voice sounded like an angel.
"Hi," said Riku hastily.
"Hey, you said you had to tell me something. Is everything okay?" Melody said, worried.
"What I have to say is … I love you." Riku said, anticipating her reaction. 'Did I really just say that?!' thought Riku.
She jumped up and hugged Riku. "I love you, too!"
Riku was surprised, but hugged Melody back, and stopped holding his breath. 'Thank you, thank you, thank you!' he thought happily.
A few hours after that, Riku was walking happily through the beach, thinking of what happened earlier on that day.
Suddenly, Selphie came up to him.(A/n: this is the moment you've all been waiting for! :S)
"Um… hi?" said Riku. He never really liked Selphie, he just pretended to so that she would stop bothering him all the time.
"Hey, Riku!" she said a little too excited.
Riku sighed, annoyed. "Look, Selph, what do you want this time?!"
She looked slightly hurt, but decided to say it anyway. She mumbled something that Riku couldn't hear, and then said, "…and I just wanted to let you know that I love you, too," Selphie said to Riku.
Riku saw a blur that looked like Melody run away, and was about to run after her, but Selphie stopped him. "Riku?" she said. "Did you hear me? I said I love you too!"
Riku turned to Selphie, his eyes on fire, his nostrils flaring, and his face was stony. "Selphie, what the heck? I don't love you! I never will love you! I never even said I loved you!"
Selphie frowned. "But Tiddus and Wakka came to me and told me that you said—"
Riku threw his hands up. "Then that was just Tiddus and Wakka! I never said anything like that. I don't feel that way about you, Selphie. I never have, and I never will. I love someone else, not you."
Selphie's face fell. 'So he loves someone else, huh?' she thought. 'We'll just see about that…'
Selphie turned around to leave, and Riku called, "Sorry, Selphie."
Riku hadn't seen Melody around for a few days now, and he was starting to get awfully anxious. He went over to Sora's house to see if he knew anything about this.
"So, Sora, where is she?" Riku asked.
"Where's who?" said Sora, playing dumb.
"Oh, you know who I'm talking about! Where is she?!" asked Riku.
"No, you know what, I don't know what you're talking about." Said Sora firmly, through gritted teeth.
"Sora, I love her! I have the right to know what happened to Melody!" said Riku, who stopped breathing.
There was a moment of silence in the room.
Sora sighed. "Alright, alright! Jeez." He held up a note, with Melody's handwriting. "She doesn't want to talk to you ever again, Riku." Riku's face fell. "I'm really sorry." Sora sighed again. "There's more bad news…"
"What could be worse, Sora?" said Riku.
"Melody … she …"
"JUST SPIT IT OUT!" said Riku.
Sora looked startled. "Well, she moved to a different town, Ri—"
Riku looked furious. "NO! No, you're lying! She does want to talk to me again! She didn't move!" yelled Riku, going crazy. He stormed out of Sora's house, running to go to Melody's house. He knocked on the door like crazy, but no one answered. He tried to open it, and the door opened.
"Melody!" He called. "Melody, I know you're here! This isn't funny!"
He stopped in his tracks, breathless. There was a note on the floor, which was addressed to him:
'Riku,
I CANNOT BELIEVE YOU LIED TO ME ABOUT LOVING ME! NOT ONLY THAT, BUT THEN YOU GO TELL SELPHIE THAT YOU LOVE HER?! What the heck, Riku!
Basically, Riku, I don't love you anymore…
I HATE YOU! YOU SUCK! You should DIE!
—Melody Kneller
PS: Oh, and DON'T go looking for me. You won't find me, I PROMISE.
PPS: I KNOW WHERE YOU LIVE! (A/n: lmao!) Ha, but you don't know where I live!' (A/n: it looks like somebody had a little bit of a temper problem when she was younger...)
If Riku wasn't heartbroken before, he sure was now. 'She said I should die…' he thought. 'Maybe that's not such a bad idea.'
Ever since that day, Riku was never the same. He was never as sensitive or as straight up about his emotions…
…In fact, he always tried to hide them. And his ego was hurt very, very badly. It may not seem like it, since his trademark smile is really a smirk, but he tries not to show it.
"Oh my goodness…" said Sora. "You're her, aren't you? You're Mel—"
"Serena's" eyes widened. She rushed over to Sora, and covered his mouth with her hand. "Sorry guys, I need to borrow Sora for a second…."
Riku was standing in front of the door to Sora's room, about to knock, when he heard Serena's voice saying, "You know, Sora, it's good to be back home. It's just like when we used to hang out."
Riku froze. 'Huh? They used to hang out?!' Thought Riku, bewildered. Then, Sora said, "I know! You don't know how empty this island was without you. It wasn't as much fun!"
"Aw, thanks, Sora. You're so sweet." She paused. "Just remember, Sora, don't tell Riku—"
Riku burst through the door, his nostrils flaring slightly. "Yeah? Don't tell Riku what?"
She quickly got up and said, "You know what, I would have had to go soon anyway." 'Yeah, right,' thought Riku. She turned to Sora. "Bye, Sora. I'll see you soon."
Serena attempted to walk out through the door, but Riku blocked her. "Serena, what's going on?! Why are you avoiding me?" he said, looking her in the eye.
Serena looked into Riku's eyes for quite a while, and Riku thought she was actually going to tell him what was going on, when she said, "I don't have to explain myself to you, Riku. Now get out of my way, I have to be somewhere."
Riku got closer to her. He said through gritted teeth, "I'm not moving until you tell me the truth!"
Sora got up. "Riku," said Sora, with more authority in his voice that anyone would have thought for him to have, "leave Serena alone!"
Riku put his hands up in defense and said with a stony face, "Fine. I'm out of here."
Riku saw that Serena and Hayner were going to the Shake Shack, and decided to spy on them. He hid behind a bush, so he could hear their conversation:
"I'm so glad we were able to see each other to day," said Serena, smiling.
"Me too." Hayner hesitated. "Mel, if you don't mind me asking, what went down between you and Riku?"
Riku froze. 'Why in the world did Hayner call Serena "Mel"? And what did "go down" between Serena and I?' thought Riku.
"Well, Hayner—" 'This is it,' thought Riku, 'I'm finally going to find out why Serena's mad at me!' But, just then, Riku sneezed. 'Smooth!' he thought sarcastically.
Serena jumped out of her seat, and so did Hayner. Riku tried to hide into the bush a little more, knowing that if he ran away, he'd be seen for sure. Hayner couldn't see Riku, but Serena saw him more clearly than ever before.
"Riku!" She screamed.
Riku jumped up, fear written all over his face. The way she said his name was so familiar … 'Hmm, Serena said my name the way she used to when she was mad…' thought Riku.
"You better run!" said Serena, her drink still in her hand. Riku ran, but just as Serena was about to run after him, Hayner held her back.
Riku ran off, all the way to his favorite paupou tree, not daring to look behind. It wasn't until he reached the tree that he realized that Serena wasn't running after him. Riku climbed up to one of the lower, sturdier tree branches and sat down, thinking, 'But why did Hayner call Serena "Mel"? Her name is Serena, isn't it?'
End of Flashbacks.
Riku was now fully awake, and out of his dreamy state. He realized he was lying down. He sat up rapidly, panting, with a cold sweat on his face, and whispered, "Serena is Melody?!" Saying Melody's name again felt so weird!
Riku couldn't fall asleep that night.
The next morning, Melody awoke to the smell of her favorite breakfast – chocolate chip pancakes. She walked sleepily down the stairs to the kitchen and said, "You're making pancakes? What's the occasion?"
Leon looked up, a wide grin visible on his face. "I have some good news for you!" he exclaimed.
"Oh, really?" said Melody. Anything could help boost her mood – ever since Riku spied on her and Hayner, she got paranoid. What if Riku found out her real name? "Any news right now is good," she murmured as she took a bite of the pancakes. "Mmm… Leon, you make mean chocolate chip pancakes!"
He laughed. "I know." Leon paused. "The good news is…. Well, you know how you always complain about moving so much? We can finally stay here for good!"
Melody's jaw dropped, and so did her fork.
"My job said that they're done moving me around," he explained. "And, since this is your hometown, I thought that it would be a perfect opportunity to stay." Leon smiled.
Melody didn't know how to react – on one hand, she was ecstatic to be able to see her best friend Sora everyday, and her friend Kairi, but on the other hand, how would she be able to avoid Riku for so long? Melody figured that she'd find a way to avoid Riku, and just focused on being happy right now. "You're kidding! That's awesome!" she said.
And then Melody did something she hadn't done since she was a little girl – she ran up to Leon, hugged him, and gave him a kiss on the cheek. "Gee, Mel," said Leon, "you haven't done that in a while…"
"I know. I'm sorry I would always make a big deal out of everything that involved moving. It was me who started the whole moving thing. Moving just got kind of old after a while, y'know?"
Leon nodded.
Melody sighed, in a dreamy state. "I just can't believe it," she said slowly, softly. "We're here to stay, at last…"
As you can imagine, Melody wanted to tell Sora this news as soon as possible. Once she was done eating her food, she ran over to his house to tell him the good news.
Sora's reaction was nothing less than expected. He stepped closer to Melody and said, "Now we really can always be there for each other, like we promised…"
Melody was shocked. "You … you remember that?!"
Sora nodded, and Melody hugged him. "Well, since we're talking about the past," Melody started, "I should tell you something that happened to me…. Sora, it was the reason why I wanted to move in the first place…" 'Here goes nothing,' thought Melody.
Only a few hours afterwards, Riku came running to Sora's house. (A/n: wow, Sora's popular :P)
"SORA!" Riku called. "It's important!"
Sora opened the door to his room. "Is it?"
"Uh, yeah. I found out why M—Serena isn't talking to me!"
'Shitake mushrooms!' thought Sora. 'He knows that her real name is Melody! How'd he find out?!' "Riku, why were you about to call Serena a name that started with the letter M?" Sora asked, playing dumb. Playing dumb was easy for him most of the time, which is probably because everyone underestimated his intelligence. A/n: how sad is that? :(
"Sora, Serena's real name isn't Serena Anholts… it's Melody Kneller! Don't you remember Mel? She was yourbest friend!"
Sora put his one of his hands on Riku's shoulder. "Man, I'm sorry to be the one to tell you this, but Mel is never coming back to Destiny Islands."
"Oh really?" said Riku, arching one of his eyebrows. "Then how come Hayner called Serena 'Mel'? And how do you know Melody is never coming back?!"
"Nickname," said Sora. "And I know Melody isn't coming back because she confides in me. We're best friends, remember? She's never coming back, Riku. Face it. She said she never wants to see your face again." Okay, so Sora made the last sentence up. So what?
Riku's face fell. "Are … are you sure?"
Sora nodded. "Yeah," he said weakly. He didn't like hurting Riku, who happened to be his second best friend. "Yeah!" he said now, more strongly. Although he didn't like hurting Riku, he had to protect Melody. "I mean, Riku, if you were Melody, would you ever want to see yourself again?"
Riku sighed. "You're right. What are the chances that Serena is Melody, anyway?"
What Sora didn't know was that Riku, too, was playing dumb. Riku really did know that Serena is Melody. However, Sora had a slight clue that he didn't totally persuade Riku that Serena isn't Melody.
What Riku didn't know was that Sora warned Melody that Riku might know her real name. Sora also told Melody to keep a low profile around Riku now.
There was a lot going on in Melody's life right now. Not only was she trying to avoid Riku, which was so impractical since his house is right next to hers, but lately Hayner has become more distant.
Melody decided once and for all to find out what was going on. So … she decided to make a surprise trip to Twilight Town. Leon wouldn't let her go by herself, so Kairi went with her.
"You know, Mel, I'm glad we finally get so spend some time together."
Melody smiled. "Me too. I always spend time with Sora, so I never really have time to spend with anyone else. But, it's nice spending time with you, like old times."
They arrived at Twilight Town in the late afternoon, and Melody first showed Kairi around. "That's the mall," said Melody pointing to a big building. "That's the pharmacy." Melody pointed to a smaller building. "That's where I used to live." She paused, until they reached the place. "And that's where the gang and I used to hang out. I wonder if they're in there right now…. Let's check."
Kairi nodded. "I hear voices," she said.
Sure enough, Melody heard four familiar voices. She entered, and said with a smile, "Hey guys! Miss me?"
"Se—Melody!" said Olette. Melody told Hayner to tell everyone her real name, which he did, but they were so used to calling her Serena.
"Hey Olette! Everyone, this is my friend Kairi from Destiny Islands."
Roxas got up. "Hey, Kairi. Have I seen you before?"
Kairi nodded. "I'm related to Namine, remember? Just like you're related to Sora…" Kairi said, hoping he'd catch the hint. She didn't want everyone to know that she and Sora had nobodies…. Although, Melody knew by now.
Roxas caught on. "Oh yeah! I remember you now. When you get back, can you tell Sora I say hi?"
Kairi nodded.
"Hey, where's Hayner?" asked Melody.
Pence hesitated. "He's … well, Melody, lately he's been a little far-off. He likes to be alone now…. So he's at his house."
Melody's face fell. "Well, I'm going to visit him." She turned to Kairi. "Do you mind? You could spend time with Olette, Roxas, and Pence while I'm gone. I just really need to speak to Hayner."
Kairi nodded and gave a warm smile. "I understand completely. Take your time."
Melody hugged Kairi as a thank you, and waved good-bye to everyone else. She started making her way to Hayner's house.
…And there she was. It was a fairly big, white house with olive green window shades and borders. She approached the door, hesitating. The kitchen lights were off, which meant Hayner's parents were still at work. Hayner must be the only one home. She wondered how he would react…
She knocked on the door – no answer. She tried again – still no answer. She tried again, and then she heard Hayner's voice saying, "No one's home!"
Melody sighed, and knocked harshly. "Hayner! Open up! It' s M—" but Hayner was already at the door.
"Mel?" he asked, confused.
"Hmm?"
They stood there for a moment, Hayner's face still looking confused.
"Um, can I come in now?" Melody asked.
"Oh. Right. Sorry."
She entered his house, and they both took a seat on the couch in the living room. "Look, Hayner, I'm just going to get to the point." She paused. "You've been acting a little weird lately – is everything alright?" When there still was silence, Melody added, "You know you can tell me anything."
Hayner sighed. "I know, and I'm sorry I've been like this. It's just that … well, to be truthful, Mel, this isn't working for me."
"Huh? What's not working for you?"
He grabbed Melody's hand and squeezed it. "This."
There was silence in the room, and all Hayner could hear was Melody's breathing. "Oh," she said. "That."
"Yeah. I mean, the relationship is working for me! But the long-distance part of the relationship isn't…. I'm really sorry, Mel."
She smiled, covering up the hurt. "That's okay, Hayner. I need some time to myself now anyway…" '(I need some time to myself now anyway …) Since I found out that Riku was the guy …' added Melody in her head. It was true – she needed time to rethink the past.
Hayner smiled slightly, glad that Melody wasn't making a big deal out of this. "Well, we can still be friends, right?"
Melody nodded. "Right. But Hayner, as my friend, just tell me – why have you been so distant lately?"
He looked down, so that the topic would be easier for him to talk about. "My parents are getting a divorce," he whispered. "But I haven't told anyone yet," he added.
"Aw, Hayner, I'm so sorry!" Melody hugged him in a friendly way.
As Melody was pulling away from the hug, Hayner just held on tighter. "You know, Mel, just because the long distance thing doesn't work out for me, doesn't mean I don't love you…"
Melody's jaw dropped. "Um, wow …" she said, slowly, not knowing how to respond. "Hayner, I love you too," she said, quickly, "but I think we should just pretend that we never went out. It'll be easier for the both of us, trust me."
Hayner sighed and let go of Melody. "You're right."
Melody smirked. "As always."
A/n: I know, I know, it seemed like Hayner and Mel would stay together, but I had to break them up somehow for this story to move on.
