B a r e l y Legal
This was it. Today was my birthday. It was August 29th, a Saturday.
I groaned, rolling over onto my back. I was currently trying to use up as much of the morning as I could by just laying in bed. I noticed my clock announcing it was 10 o'clock in neon green. I guess I used up some time.
"Good morning, birthday girl!" Kairi busted through the door. She walked over and sat on the edge of my bed. I just rolled back over to face the wall. "Don't be grumpy, it's your birthday." 'Yea, I know.'
I turned to look at her, she looked so happy. I guess I should be too, I was just afraid of what kind of things she had planned. Okay, I'll be good. I slowly sat up before actually getting up.
"Well, now that you're up, let's have breakfast." She grabbed my wrist and dragged me downstairs. I took note that there wasn't any decorations save for the lone balloon tied to my usual chair at the table. That was excusable. Along with my balloon, a huge pile of pancakes sat waiting for me. And not just any pancakes, they were chocolate chip and covered with chocolate sauce and bananas. It was that meal you could get at that restaurant. You know? The one with the rooster and the brownies. Anyways, I got it before and they were amazing, but I don't think they serve it anymore. I guess Kairi could pull some strings since I knew she didn't make them.
"Aww, thanks, Kai." I hugged her before going over and starting to eat. Kairi soon joined me.
"Do you want your present now, or later?" 'Is never a choice? I know I sound rude, but Kairi was known for going overboard on birthday presents.'
"Later."
"Too bad. Here you go." I think Roxas rubbed off on her when they were dating. Wait, that sounded weird, never mind. She proceeded to pick up a little blue and white polka-dot wrapped box that I didn't notice was sitting on the chair beside her. There were only so many things that could be in that box.
I took it from her after wiping my hands and attempted to lift off the lid. Apparently only coordinated people could do that because Kairi took it back, took the top off, and handed it back. I'm going to blame that on that its morning and I'm full of pancake.
"Oh my…." I pulled out a fancy new iPod touch. This must have been so expensive.
"Well you told me to keep it small, so I did. I mean, I wanted to get you a car or something, but Sora didn't think that was a good idea. And you did say your old one broke." Well then I guess this was a good gift, given what she just said. "There's more." I looked back into the box to see a $100 iTunes gift card. Of course…
"Thank you so much, Kai!" I pulled her into a hug. "Now I'll have to top this come January." She hugged me back.
"Yea, yea. I'm amazing." I laughed, pulling back to further examine my newest technology. This was way better than the second generation nano.
I finished eating my breakfast and went back upstairs to get dressed. I went into my bathroom to brush my teeth first and once I was done I turned around to see Kairi.
"Yes?"
She looked me up and down, back out to my room, and then back to me. "Never mind, I'll tell you later." And with that she walked out. 'Okay then…? I hope this isn't the crazy thing coming up.' Something told me I was wrong.
I went back out to my room and rummaged through my closet before settling on my outfit. I chose a white cami, my usual gray sweats, and pulled my hair into a loose ponytail. Nothing special.
I walked downstairs to see that Kairi chose to sit back at the table. "So what did you want to do today? Movie? It's your birthday." She looked up to see me. "I'd rather not just bum around all day."
'Aww, shoot.' "Fine. How about we go see a movie?"
"Awesome."
~*~
It was now 5:00 in the evening. The movie was good and now we were just sitting around the apartment. Kairi and I had a late lunch so I didn't bother with trying to plan dinner.
"Okay, get dressed."
"I am dressed." Before the movie, Kairi made me put jeans and at least a t-shirt on, even that was torture for her.
"Just…ughh… I'll go get clothes." Could this be the mysterious party she wasn't planning? Fine, I'll go along with it. I shouldn't be bothered by this after so many years. And I'll just cross my fingers Roxas isn't going to be there.
He hadn't even crossed my mind all day. He got over me telling him he was annoying and resumed his 'insult-and-annoy-coffee-girl' role the past few days.
"Okay, you can come up now!" I heard Kairi shout from my room. I hurried up the stairs and in said room to see her gesturing to the clothes she laid out on the bed. "Wear the swimsuit under the clothes. I'm going to go change too." She exited my room and went to hers. I shut the door after her and looked over to what she laid out.
She didn't really try masking what we were doing. It was obviously a pool party or something. Ok, I could deal with that. It could be very simple and still be fun. Then again, it was Kairi.
Okay, back to what I was changing into. I first noticed the white bikini on top. It was very plain, but a bikini nonetheless. Okay, I just won't get in… Next was a thin white short sleeved shirt. This was followed by a blue plaid button up over that. The sleeves were sewn to look like they were rolled up. It was pretty cute. There also was a pair of jean short-shorts. Way to make me feel uncomfortable, Kai. Oh well, I could deal, hopefully. I looked to see a pair of white and brown knee socks and beige UGGS sitting on the floor. I slid those on and began walking to Kairi's room.
I entered to see her putting the finishing touches on her hair with the straightener. She had on a dark red bikini and a jean mini skirt. The only thing covering her upper body, besides the suit, was a white zip-up hoodie. It was only zipped up to the pockets. She also wore dark red and white striped flip flops. She looked cute as well.
"Come over here, let's do your hair." I walked over and sat in her desk chair in front of her make-up station. "I'm just going to put it in a better ponytail since you're probably going to get wet." She pulled out what I had in and did it again. It too was messy, but cute in a way. Like it was tighter at the top and looser underneath, with a lot of loose hair along with my bangs hanging out. "There." She put some water-proof make-up on us both and we were ready.
~*~
I tapped my foot while listening to my snazzy new iPod on the way there. I couldn't take Kairi's babbling. After a while I realized we had driven past the hotel we normally went swimming at. We must be going to the beach instead. Beach parties were cool. And the fact that it was for me…wait, that made me nervous. I decided to look out the window, watching it slowly get darker.
It was around 8:30 when we got there. It was an hour and a half drive and we did mess at the apartment for a while. Plus traffic and Kairi's driving skills.
I looked at the sign when we got out of the car. "Welcome to Radiant Horizon Beach: where the party doesn't stop till the sun rises." Lame slogan. But this was supposedly the best beach around the city. You'd have to go to Destiny Islands for the best anywhere.
"So if you haven't figured it out, this is your fantastic surprise party." 'What surprise?' "And it's a surprise because you didn't know till today." 'Okay then.' "Follow me." I followed Kairi to the beach, which was hidden by some tall grasses and a fence.
And oh my, it was a sight to see. It looked like Kairi had invited the majority of the city. I was familiar with some of them. Not quite everyone. Too bad the family wasn't there, but mom already gave me birthday wishes from them and said she sent a card. I looked up to see a Happy Birthday sign and lots of balloons around the area.
Sora approached us. "Happy birthday, Nam." Yes, he was on nickname terms with me.
"Thanks, Sora." I gave him a small hug before other people began coming up to me. I was on autopilot the whole time, still looking at everything. Of course Kairi went crazy. There was a tiki hut set up with food and non-alcoholic drinks, couldn't risk that again, and a lot of wooden tables near that. There were tiki torches lining the beach and would be the provider of light in about half an hour. Then I noticed lights were hung around on various poles on the beach. And in the middle of everything was a giant fire pit, where some guys were starting it so it'd be nice for later. Everything was so amazing.
I turned to where I thought Kairi was to realize she was over at one of the tables with Sora and some others. I walked over to see those others were Aerith, Aqua, Ven, and some others I didn't know.
"This is really great, thanks, Kai." I managed to tell her between greeting more people. When I was hugging Aerith I noticed a big table with gifts and cards on it behind her. Wow…
"--This is my boyfriend, Cloud." I looked to see that Aerith was still talking to me. This guy was really tall. And he had ridiculously spiky blonde hair, even more so than Roxas.
Roxas. Where is he? Not that I want him here or anything.
~*~
I must've been spacing out because before I knew it, it was dark and the bonfire was raging. I also took notice music was blaring through speakers on the various poles. Currently it was "Summer Nights" by Rascal Flatts. Yes, I like country… some of it. But anyways, the song was very fitting. Before I knew it I was dancing to the music and was laughing away with Kairi. Some people were in the water, including Sora.
It was so much fun.
"So sorry I'm late."
I screamed once again, luckily this time it was masked by laughter and talking. I looked up to see Roxas standing there.
"Oh, it's just you." He was wearing black and white floral board shorts, a white t-shirt, and black sandals. His hair was in its usual unruly mess. It was actually… cute. I mean, not. Not at all. I blushed, finally realizing he was just staring at me. I should be getting used to this by now.
"I could just leave, but then again, the ladies would miss me."
"Of course they would." I rolled my eyes, walking over to a table. He followed me.
"So I guess it's your birthday."
"Really?" I shot him a glare.
"I was going to say happy birthday, but not now, miss sass." That was lame. "Whatever. Here." He handed me a blue envelope with my name written in messy scrawl on front.
"Umm… thanks." I took the envelope and went to open it.
"Wait. Open it later." He took it from me.
"Why? Is it embarrassing?"
"Yes. Aerith told me to be nice." He walked over and set it on the table before coming back over. Well then. Just as he was coming back, Kairi ran over.
"Nam! You have to get in. Sora's making me." She pleaded, taking my arm and attempting to get me up.
"I don't wanna."
"Why not? It's your birthday."
"Exactly. I should be able to do whatever I want." We argued like this for a while before Roxas decided to interrupt by taking his shirt off and setting it down with his sandals.
"Come on." He smirked, did what I assumed was a pose, and then ran over to the water, jumping in. I also took note he immediately started talking to Cloud. I guess they knew each other.
"Yea, what he said." I looked up at Kairi, whom was flashing me a winning smile and puppy dog eyes.
"Fine." I whined, getting up.
She gestured to her bag which was lying on the table. "Just put your clothes in there." I did so by taking off the two shirts and shorts. Good thing I was a cheerleader, so I was used to having to change in front of people. Not in that way…oh never mind. No one was really paying attention anyways. After that I slid off my boots and socks and set those on top of Roxas' shirt.
"Okay, let's go!" Kairi took my arm and we ran over to the water. It was so cold! At least the beach back at Destiny Islands had warm water.
"Kai, Nam, over here!" I looked to see that Sora was the one shouting. We went over to him, whom was now part of the group of Roxas, Cloud, Aerith, Ven, and Aqua. Couples, how great…
Everyone began talking and I was left out on my birthday so I just started observing everyone.
Kairi and Sora were splashing each other, Cloud had Aerith on his shoulders, as did Ven with Aqua. It was fun watching them play chicken. Then I saw Roxas. It looked like he was sitting down because only his nose and up was exposed above the water. He was such a creeper.
Then all of a sudden I felt someone pull me underwater and I came face to face with Roxas. Underwater. I immediately surfaced as did he, so I could shove him.
"You are such a jerk."
"Am I? You've never told me that before." I guess I did call him that a lot.
"Shut up." I resorted to splashing him. And he I. We probably looked like Sora and Kairi except not cute.
~*~
"You coming back to the fire?" Kairi asked me. We were both at the table, changing back into our dry clothes.
"S-sure." See, it was very cold and Kairi had her amazing boyfriend to lend her a sweatshirt. How sweet, right? No, because I was still cold. "But just a s-second. I'm going to g-get a d-drink."
"Okay." Oblivious little Kairi walked back over to the bonfire and I assume, found Sora to cuddle with.
I went over to the tiki bar to get another cup of pop since there was no hot chocolate. That would've been too easy. "T-thanks." I took my drink and was about done with it when Roxas showed up once more. This time he was bundled up in his own hoodie. It looked warm. I wish it was warm at night along the beach here like the Islands. This place was too…different sometimes. But then again, it might be just because I was still chilled from the cold water.
"You look cold." Well I was shivering like crazy.
"What g-gave you that idea?" I smarted him.
"Just the fact that you were stuttering. And shivering. You don't have any other clothes do you?" Of course he'd answer me seriously. Just to bother me. And, no I didn't. Kairi didn't warn me. And I was dumb enough to not think of it.
"Just go away." I turned, planning on going over to the fire.
"Wait."
"What is it this time?" This scene was all too familiar.
"You need a jacket?" I nodded. I could see where this was going. And despite how much I hated this guy, I could use something warm. He probably just asked because it was my birthday and Aerith wants him to be nice.
"Okay. Follow me." And so I did. All the way to the parking lot and to his little black car. So this was his 'actual' one. He got his keys out and opened the trunk. "I think I have an old one in here somewhere." His trunk was full of random guy stuff. And no, I'm not sure what I meant by that. I watched him dig into the very back to retrieve a gray hoodie with red writing. "Here. Give it back whenever." I noticed it read 'Nabradia' on the back with a giant '13' below it, before I put it on. I looked down to see what the front looked like. It said 'Twilight Town' across the top, 'Lions' on the bottom, and a picture of a lion with a football in its mouth in between. It was really soft too. I guess he played football back in high school. That's cool since I loved football. I looked up to see him staring at me again. Maybe he was thinking about how small I looked in it. Or not, since he looked almost sad. That was the look from the store a couple weeks ago. Oh no…
"Football player, eh?" I decided to start talking to forget about it. I had to quicken my pace to keep up with him. His solemn look was now gone, maybe he learned from the last time he was sad around me. He looked over and smiled.
"Yea. I was a beast." That smile turned to a smirk and he looked away. Of course…
"I was a cheerleader, you know…" For a second he was frowning before he looked at me and away again.
"Cool. Well, let's go find Kairi and Sora." I just noticed we were standing near the bonfire. I nodded once more before following him through the crowd of people and to the middle where Kairi and Sora were sitting on a fairly long log. I went over to sit by Kairi and Roxas sat on my other side.
"Hey, Kai." Kairi looked over and immediately noticed my sweatshirt. I thought she was going to say something embarrassing but she just looked back up to my face and smiled.
"Hey, Nam. It's a great night, isn't it?"
"It sure is."
"Now I bet you're glad I planned this." I just nodded. I was also pretty glad that after a while some people forgot it was my birthday party and ignored me. I was content with Kairi and Sora. And Roxas I guess.
"Well, we were just going to stay for another hour or so to fully dry off and absorb the atmosphere before heading back."
"Okay." I glanced at my cell phone, that I managed to not loose tonight, to see it was only 11:00. I'm surprised we weren't staying longer. Time must've gone slow; I actually thought it was later.
~*~
Suddenly I found myself back at the apartment. Sora and Roxas apparently found it necessary to come in for more visiting. Well, Sora I didn't mind, but Roxas was random. I think he just wanted some free snacks.
I was situated on the couch and Kairi and Sora were at the table doing who knows what. They had a big curtain and claimed I wasn't allowed looking. They were masters at surprises, that's a fact. Oh, and Roxas was sitting beside me on the couch. Gosh, there were chairs; he didn't have to sit next to me.
"Okay, we're ready!" Kairi shouted. And with that Roxas took my arm, pulling me up, and instantly covered my eyes with his hands.
"Stop it!" I was fighting his grip on my face. And I was losing.
"Just walk." He guided me over to where I thought was the table.
"Happy birthday." Kairi and Sora said whilst Roxas uncovered my eyes. My eyes were now glued on the beautiful cake sitting in front of me. I could tell it was one of those fancy custom ones. I guess this was why Roxas came over. Anyways, It was covered in green fondant and was just one little circle. The amazing part was all the intricate white flower design and polka dots. And on the top it had my name in blue. And it had two lone candles on top. It was so pretty. I turned and hugged Kairi, then Sora. I avoided Roxas.
"Thanks so much! I thought the gifts and party was enough. Now this, it's great." I said. Speaking of which, Kairi was going to have the gifts from the party delivered tomorrow morning. And yes, there was cake at the party, but it was nowhere near as amazing as this. I guess I forgot about it till now.
"You're welcome. Now make a wish." I closed my eyes. I wasn't sure what to wish for, even if it wouldn't come true. So many things rushed through my mind. Like getting a promotion and Kairi's store being done and successful. Even seeing my family. But everything just went back to Roxas. And I wasn't sure why. He wasn't anything special, he was just annoying. Just… Roxas.
Then I blew out the candles. 'I hope I wasn't being cliché just now. I really hate doing that.'
~*~
Sora and Roxas were long gone. Not so surprisingly, Roxas left right after he was done eating. It was chocolate, by the way, my favorite. After they left I went to take a quick shower, just to feel refreshed, since I would shower properly tomorrow, ermm…later today I guess. I was in my comfy sweatpants and back in Roxas' sweatshirt for some reason.
I thought I was about to go to sleep but I was sadly mistaken. And the reason I was sadly mistaken was that Kairi busted through my door and sat on my bed for the second time today.
"So what's up with you and Roxas?" Of course. She was obsessed with us being a 'thing'. "I was going to ask earlier about the hoodie, but decided not to."
"Nothing. I was just cold. I saw you were wearing Sora's."
"Well, we're dating, Nam. You and Roxas aren't."
"So?"
"I just thought it was something. You're the one that was laying here smelling it when I came in." I was not. At least I don't think so. "And you two seemed rather chummy. What did he get you?"
That was random. "A card I think. I didn't open it."
"Well, you will and you will come running to me shouting your love for him. He can be very sweet with his writing." I still found it awkward that they used to date.
"Oh shut up."
"Will you do one thing for me?"
"Is it about Roxas?"
"Yes." She smiled.
"Ughh… what is it?"
"Try to be nice. I can tell he's been trying to lately. And who knows, maybe you two will become pretty close friends. Or more." As soon as she said that she ran out my room, slamming the door.
'Why is everyone insisting on us having something going on? We hate each other. And I'm not going to be best friends with the guy unless he tries first. And none of that being nice for a day and going back to hating me like before.'
I rolled over, bringing the sleeves up to my face. 'It does smell good. Like cologne and shampoo. And something else... Sea salt? That's weird. Well I guess he's from Twilight Town, that must explain it. They were famous for being the birthplace of sea-salt ice-cream. I just know this since I have a cousin from there. It's a pretty small town.'
I just laid there, taking in the unique scent. He did say to return it 'whenever'. I guess since I'm practically stealing his clothes I might as well try to nice. Maybe.
Then I yawned. It was pretty late. 'Happy Birthday, Naminé.'
Disclaimer: I do not own Kingdom Hearts, Charm City Cakes, iPod/Apple, Kings Restaurant, "Summer Nights" by Rascal Flatts, or any other mentioned thing that's protected by a copyright. Or else I'd be one very happy girl.
So this chapter was really long since it's a birthday chapter! And I just couldn't stop writing. It was just too darn cute. And now I think I know what I'm going to do with the story... It's just going to be longer than I originally planned, but that's okay, right? Right. I love you guys! Especially reviewers. You know who you are.....ANYWAYS MORE RAMBLING ABOUT THIS CHAPTER. Yes, Namine's outfit is based on what that one girl on the "Summer Nights" video. Because that video pretty much inspired this chapter...I just love making Roxas shirtless, eh? It happens. And after they were 'swimming' they all just magically dried (just noticed that) or maybe they're just really damp. That's unattractive. But I still think I did any okay job with her birthday. Every aspect of it. I think. Well except Roxas going back to her place after and his card. That was random. As was the hoodie thing, but I couldn't resist! Too cute. And now that's one more thing I can play with in coming chapters.. And now you can wonder about Roxas' random sad moments. Once you find out you'll be like 'wow, that was obvious'...And yes, the cake was my homeade idea of a Charm City Cake since I love that show. Duff is a beast... And...And... I don't know.. Three cheers for fluff (mild/implied/Namine's thoughts)! No, that's lame.. Umm.. wish Namine a happy birthday in your review! Yes. That's it. Do it. I dare you. NOW YOU CAN'T SAY NO.
Thanks, GoldenSnitch07, you are a beast! I love you, deary! You and your awesome dust of awesomeness.
Since I always mention people at the bottom of each chapter I decided to make it a 'shout-out' thing. Because I always end up doing that. I'm going to try using someone different each chapter. So review if you want it! But don't ask, that would be a 'no'. And I'm still sad at lack of reviews, people! But I do treasure the ones I get. I must be doing something right.
This chapter's shout-out goes to Caitlyn-4479! Because I love your reviews, they make me smile (as does all our reviews).
Please review. No flames please. :)
