Chapter 9: Acceptance

Well the more I thought about it, the more it seemed that our little spying mission was a date.

So I tried not to think about it.

Sora fell asleep as soon as he sat down in the car. Really, the guy was knocked out. I reminded him to put on a seatbelt one second, and the next he's knocked out cold. He's a pretty heavy sleeper too: every red light I've hit, I've taken the opportunity to play with his hair. That's more fun than it sounds.

"Red light!" I said out loud. We weren't too far from the recreational center now. I flicked one of the many spikes on Sora's head. He didn't stir, so I gently blew on his hair, watching even more spikes bob back and forth. Ah, I was having a good day. Could you tell? I was entertaining myself with the hair of a sleeping boy. So there, it's either a good day, or I was extremely bored. And so far, being with Sora hadn't been boring.

Ugh. And this is how it gets back to the day. I don't think I've ever had so much fun with a guy ever. Like ever. Maybe he just made a great spying partner… I don't know. Well, I do, but that's not the reason. I mean, why would I enjoy being with a guy I kinda-maybe-sorta-like the whole day? Wouldn't that just be called torture or something? I'm no masochist; I wouldn't tempt myself like that.

Tempt myself to do what?

"Ugh, quit thinking, Kairi…" I needed to verbally reprimand myself. Stay on track, Kairi.

The light finally turned green, and soon I arrived at the rec center. Sora was still fast asleep when I pulled into a parking spot, so I was challenged with the decision to wake Sora up or to let him sleep.

Now let's see… do I trust the people on Destiny Islands? For the most part, yes. The fact that there's a seventeen year old guy sleeping in the passenger's seat greatly reduces the chance of any problem. Plus, I'm pretty sure Sora could fight off anyone— okay, maybe not everyone, but most people, if they try to take my car. I looked at Sora's sleeping form, assessing my odds and trying my luck.

The guy was more likely to be molested by a passing girl in his sleep rather than attacked by a car robber. I see it now: the poor kid wakes up and there's a strange girl on top of him, feeling him up.

Not that I've tried to or considered it myself. Just… you know, it was more likely for that to happen.

Right.

I got out of my car in complete confidence and made my way inside the recreational center. The kids' camp was on the first floor, on the western side of the building. The pool they had here was quite large, probably 50 meters or so in length. I arrived at the viewing window, standing next to one or two older siblings obviously waiting to pick their respective brother or sister up.

The kids were swimming back to the wall with their arms outstretched, holding what appeared to be kickboards. Vaan and Penelo were already done, as each of them was sitting on the side bleachers, the water dripping from their smiling faces. They were just so adorable. I will never get tired of saying it either.

The kids were excited to see me when I entered the locker room. Bad timing on my part as Vaan was standing stark naked with a huge smile on his face in the most private corner of the noisy locker room.

"Kairi! You're here!" the children exclaimed excitedly.

"Yep! Vaan, put your shorts back on, we'll change when we get home. Penny, do you have all your bags?" Vaan slipped his swimming trunks back on and threw the clothes he was going to change into back in his little bag. "Good. Now that everyone's fully clothed, we can get outta here…"

"Can we get milkshakes?" The cute little blond boy asked as we left the locker room.

"Vaan, I'll make us some strawberry milkshakes when we get home."

Penelo scrunched her face in disgust. "I don't like strawberry."

"Well Penny, what do you like?"

"Chocolate."

"I like chocolate too! Can you make chocolate milkshakes?"

We passed through the exit and made our way toward the car. To my relief, everything was okay. "Yeah, I can make chocolate. We'll all have chocolate milkshakes when we get home then, okay?"

"Yay!"

"Yes!" I watched them hop into the car, making sure they put on their seatbelts. I climbed into my own seat, checking up on the sleeping boy next to me. My gosh, he's been asleep for at least fifteen minutes now…

"Hey, why is Sora here?"

"Oh, Sora and I were out with some friends. Roxas. We were out with Roxas."

"Was Na—" Vaan was interrupted by his own yawn, "—né there?"

"Yeah. She was. They told me to tell you guys that they say hi too!"

"We'll say hi later. They should come to dinner." Already, the kids were slipping into a slumber. Well, that was fast. Maybe I was gonna have a quiet ride to the house again.


As expected, I was the only conscious person when we reached the Strife household. I sat in the driveway for a while, trying to give everyone a couple extra minutes of sleep. It wasn't long before I decided that everyone in the car wasn't worth the gas.

I mean, it was a lot more comfortable inside, so why not go down? Yeah. Comfort, real air conditioning, more room… sounds great.

"Pssst… Sora…" I poked his shoulder, hoping to get a reaction. I didn't. "Sora!" I called more forcefully, "you need to help me get the kids inside! They're asleep!"

"So'm I…" he mumbled. Ugh.

"Time to stop snoozin', you lazy bum!" He didn't seem to like that approach, as he turned away from me in his seat. I unbuckled his seatbelt for him and poked him again. "Just help me with the kids and you can go back to sleep inside, okay?" There. Much nicer and pretty sounding.

He actually got up without a word, though it definitely looked like he was still asleep, and he grabbed Vaan and all the stuff in the backseat. I took the little sister, and we made our way to the front door. After carefully putting the kids on the couch, a feat that Sora managed to accomplish much to my surprise, I returned to the car to bring down all of my own stuff. I came back inside to find Sora knocked out on the recliner.

That didn't take long.

So, what to do now that I have free time? I could start on those shakes, but that might wake everyone up. I could take a shower, but if one of the kids woke up… well, that might be a problem. So the only option left was to… hmm.

Play with Sora's hair.

Yeah. Let's do that one.

My phone vibrated on the table before I could make any movement toward Sora. Now who's getting in the way of my entertainment? I didn't even bother to check the phone as I picked it up. This better be important.

"Hello?"

"Kairi, it's Naminé. You busy right now?"

Kind of. "No, I'm not. Something wrong?" Because I want to get off the phone and resume the game I was playing in the car.

"Nothing's wrong. I just wanted to… talk." Judging by her tone of voice, I would have to guess that she was suspicious of something. "So I saw Sora downtown today and he told me you guys were there."

"And?"

"I don't know, you tell me."

Well what the hell is that supposed to mean? "Tell you what?"

"We're you and Sora on a… you know, date? From what Roxas told me—"

"Oh! Were you and Roxas on one of your little dates?"

"Kairi, it wasn't a date. Can't two friends hang out as they please?"

"Well that's what Sora and I were doing today too. It wasn't a date, and I don't know why you said it was."

"Kairi, I asked if it was a date. I never said that it was." Oh. Oops. "There's no need to get all defensive."

"I'm not being defensive!" I, admittedly, said defensively. What, was I just supposed to take that? I was not being defensive! At the current moment, yes, but not before!

"Are you hiding something from me, Kairi?" Whoa. Wait a second. Did she think she was just going to be able to seize control of this conversation just like that?

"Was there a reason why you called me, Naminé? I can hardly believe that you'd be wasting your time with me when Roxas is there with you."

"Well, Roxas is actually in the new bakery here in downtown. He's buying cupcakes, and I chose to wait outside."

"Are you perhaps embarrassed about something?" I hinted. Good thing she couldn't see me smiling right now.

"No. I just don't want to tempt myself with all the cookies and cupcakes and whatnot inside." Hmm. And I eat babies for breakfast. Get it? It's false.

"Poor guy. He's probably looking over his shoulder every four seconds to make sure you're still standing there."

"No he's— okay, he is, but so what?"

"Exactly, Naminé. Exactly. So, you called because?"

She sighed into the phone. I was finally going to get an answer. "We need to have a private conversation. I really have to discuss something with you. Do you mind if we stop by tonight? We'll bring you guys cupcakes and everything. "

Oh, well in that case, "Of course. I'm expecting something super important."

"It is… well, Roxas is paying now. He's gonna be outside soon, so yeah… thanks a bunch, Kairi. I'll see you soon."

"Yeah, we'll be waiting. Bye." With the last words of the conversation, I hung up the phone. I listed all the possibilities that could have called for such an urgent cry for help; each one of the items was somehow tied to Roxas. Did I lose the bet already? If I did, then I guess you could say it would be the first time I would be happy that I lost.

"Guess I'll just find out when they get here…" I said to myself. Sora stirred in his place but didn't wake up. I expected him to be out for at least another twenty minutes. And the kids would be out of it for another thirty. The call ruined my mood to play the "Play With Sora's Hair Game," and I once again found myself with nothing to do. Maybe I could take a shower…

My phone buzzed in my hand, urging me to answer. I checked the caller ID and saw a surprising name. Opening the device, I asked into the receiver, "Riku?"

"Hey Kairi. What's up?"

"N-nothing. Everything's fine. I've been home for about five or ten minutes, I think. Why, something the matter? Don't you have work?"

"Yeah, but I'm on my first break. The crowd finally slowed down, but it should pick up again in an hour and a half. I have fifteen minutes to recuperate and get ready for another grueling service."

"Oh…" I didn't know what to say. Riku never called me on his breaks. At least, I didn't remember him doing so. "Was there anything you needed or something? 'Cause Roxas and Naminé are coming by later for dinner, and you could always join us."

"Oh, tempting offer, but I'm working 'til closing. And can't a guy just talk with a friend on break? I don't really wanna talk with my co-workers after having to pick up for their slack."

"Don't worry then, I got time on my hands." I'm only missing a shower. "So… what's up?"

"Didn't catch you guys around lunch today." Oh, that's right! He told us to come by. "I assumed you guys forgot."

"Yeah, I did! Sorry Riku, it completely slipped my mind!"

"Don't apologize; it was less work for me!" He sounded like he was trying to make a joke out of it. I knew better. "So… uh, what'd you guys do for lunch then?"

"We were downtown together, so we decided to try one of the restaurants there." Well, I picked the place, but yeah. "We just had a small lunch before shopping a little bit."

"Oh. So you guys spent the whole day together?" The question had many heavy implications.

"Er, yeah… but it wasn't a date, if that's what you were insinuating."

"I wasn't. I'm not that nosy, Kairi." Silence took over the conversation after he said that. "Er, sorry to bother you, I guess. I'll talk to you later, okay?"

"Yeah, sure. See you later, Riku."

"Bye." And with that, the strange conversation ended. Was it that strange for me to spend the day with Sora? It seemed like everyone was eager to know about my life all of a sudden. And sure, Sora was a great guy to hang out with, and he was cute too, but why did everyone make assumptions that we suddenly had something going?

Can I just be friends with a guy who I've known for a few days without reeling in all this attention and criticism?


The shower I had taken helped clear my mind of all thoughts, and I was somewhat relieved to see everyone still asleep. I changed into a more comfortable outfit, donning a pair of shorts and a t-shirt. Not to mention I got to use my newly-bought lotion. Highlight of my day.

I made sure to go about as quietly as possible, making it as far the kitchen without making a significant noise. I looked around, wondering what I was going to do with dinner tonight. Okay, here's a Kairi confession from the heart: I can't cook for my life. I'm kind of dangerous in the kitchen, a liability of sorts. Think back if you don't believe me: I didn't cook for the kids the first night; the boys made the meals for the second night, and last night we had pizza delivered. See how I've managed to dodge such a duty?

And now you're questioning my competency as a babysitter.

"There's gotta be something in here with directions. Something I can make…" And that was the extent of my cooking ability. If there were directions, chances are I could probably make it.

Well, I take that back. The last attempt at pancakes failed miserably. That's a story I try to forget.

"Why don't we settle with macaroni and cheese for tonight?" I jumped when a voice sleepily answered my earlier question.

"Sora? Jeez, you scared me!" I turned to him, looking him up and down. "Did you just wake up?"

"Just in time to answer your question, yeah…" he yawned, stretching his arms out and over his head. "What time is it? How long was I out?"

"Almost an hour and a half total. Do you remember me asking for your help with the kids?"

"You did?"

"Guess not…" I shrugged, laughing to myself. So he wasn't really awake after all. I pulled three boxes of Sora's suggested meal and straightened up. This would do.

"Did you change or something?" It sounded like an attempt at conversation rather than a yes-or-no question. So I answered, "Yup. Took a shower while you guys were sleeping." I grabbed a few boxes from the pantry and turned to Sora. "Do you think three is enough?"

"No. You'd be better off with four. Roxas and I could easily finish two boxes, and two boxes split between you four seems like enough too."

Hmm. "Funny… I don't remember telling you Roxas and Naminé were coming over. Were you eavesdropping?"

He laughed at the accusation, walking in my direction with a phone in hand. "Roxas sent me a text, telling me they were heading over. I blame it for waking me up. It vibrated violently in my butt pocket."

I couldn't stop a smile from forming on my face. "Sounds like the ideal way to reenter the world of the living."

"Yup. Nothing can pull you back like a vibrating— nevermind." We shared a laugh, and the sound of his sent a warm feeling throughout my body. The feeling of happiness really suited Sora. "Hmm." He leaned toward me for a brief second before pulling away.

"What?"

"You smell like the lotion you just bought. Cherry something?"

"Almond." I smiled. "It obviously doesn't appeal to you." I walked away, opening a cupboard and pulling out a large pot.

"Now why do you say that?"

"Because you would've complimented me like a normal gentleman would." I chastised. He knew full-well that I was kidding around, his large grin matching my own smile. "You would've said something like 'Kairi, you have a wonderful aroma about you' or 'Kairi…' well, finish the compliment with something cheesy."

"So you would rather I just blatantly state 'Hey Kairi, you smell really good'?" His smile was a confident, mocking taunt.

"Now that I think about it…" Should I give him the satisfaction of victory? Yes, I would have been unsettled if he blatantly said that, but he didn't have to know that. "Yeah. I would've liked for you to say that instead of 'Kairi, you smell.'"

The last bit got him emotional. "I didn't say that! I just said that you smelled like the lotion you just bought!"

"Same thing." I teased. Ha, I got him going now. "But I get it. You don't like it. But you know what? I'm going to keep on using it anyway, whether you like it or not!"

He was suddenly right in front of me, his hands on the box of macaroni. "Kairi, I never said I didn't like it! In fact, I think it smells really really good, and that you should wear it all the time!"

"You think I should wear my lotion?" I forcefully tried to take the box out of his hands. Fail.

"Kairi…" he almost whined. Could I classify as a sadist? I was getting so much enjoyment out of this.

"So you think it's good?"

"I think it's great." He turned on the stove after I placed the pot full of water on top.

"And you like the smell of it?"

"Kairi, you have a wonderful aroma about you." He quoted. It almost sounded sarcastic, but his goofy grin was enough communicate his real sincerity.

"Now you're just saying that."

"Only to make you happy."

Wait, what? "Or to get on… you're just trying to get on my good side."

"Aww, c'mon Kairi!" Sora crossed his arms, a smirk playing at his lips. "Is it really that farfetched for me to want my friends to be happy?"

I felt as if there were some sort of power shift in the conversation. Suddenly I felt like I was the vulnerable one. I looked at the person in front of me and cursed his charm. People like him shouldn't be allowed to speak at times.

"Yes, because everyone has an ulterior motive. What do you want from me?" You know, besides getting in my pants.

He chuckled, shaking his head. "You are so incredibly paranoid. How about I get your trust for a start?"

"See? I knew you wanted something." I stuck my tongue out at him.

"Kairi!" he half-laughed, half-whined. "Don't be so difficult—"

"I'm a girl, I'm not difficult."

He paused, letting the statement run through his head. "…Well, I'd have to strongly disagree with that statement, since the two mean the same thing."

"Sora!"

"What!" he rubbed his shoulder where I had smacked him, "just voicing my point of view! And the word girl to me is the same as difficult, confusing, incomprehensible, and any other word under the category of 'not so easy to understand.' And!" he raised his arms in defense when I raised my hand again. "It applies to every girl!"

He quickly ran to the other side of the counter, laughing when I missed his body. Damn. "Why you! I am not difficult! And I do believe I am making myself very clear! What is so confusing about girls anyway?"

"Well for starters, you bleed every month and don't die." I couldn't help but laugh with him. "Kidding, kidding! But before I answer your question, why don't you answer mine?"

He had a question? "Er, what was it exactly?"

"Do you not trust me? I really didn't have an ulterior motive." The conversation was getting serious again.

"I trust you, Sora. But I find it hard to believe that you would genuinely do things for the sole purpose of making me happy."

"Why is that so hard to believe?"

"Because…" I don't think you like me enough to do that. "Just because."

"Kairi, there has to be a reason."

"Because… we've only known each other for so long. What, three or four days, right?" But apparently I didn't need more than that to feel this way about you. "But…"

"I get it." He said simply. I locked my eyes with him, searching for anything. Pure sincerity and understanding. His blue eyes were hidden away by his laughter, obscured by his happy expression. "Guess I'll have to work for that trust then, huh? To make you realize that I'll do what it takes to make you happy without something in return."

It was those very things that had me melting like chocolate in Sora's hands. Those small things that just made me feel something new in my heart. I smiled effortlessly, wondering if I would ever be able to top his happiness. Maybe if I hung around him long enough he'd rub off on me. "Sora…"

The knocking at the door stole our attention. "I'll get it." We said at the same time. And then laughed at the same time. And then laughed again at the same time.

"Wow, that was weird…"

"You're telling me…" I opened the door to reveal Roxas and Naminé, the latter holding a bag and a box tied with a red ribbon.

"Ooh! The cupcakes!" I immediately took the heavy box off my friend's hands. I know, I know, I'm such a saint.

"Well hello to you too!" Roxas sarcastically greeted, pulling Naminé inside with him. "Why are you two so happy and smiley? It's suspicious…"

Heeding Roxas's words, I looked at Sora. "Hmm. You're right. Sora, wipe that smile off your face. It's disgusting." He obeyed, his smile disappearing in the next second. "Wow. Good job."

"Thanks!" he smiled widely, breaking the act. "What's in the box?"

"Cupcakes! There's half a dozen, so that's one for each of us." Naminé informed him. "What are you guys up to?"

"Oh, we were just…" Oops. Forgot about that. "Sora!"

"Yeah, I know!" he was already in the kitchen when I turned around. "It's all good! It was about to boil over though!"

"Kairi, only you would fail at boiling water." Roxas sighed with a condescending smile.

"Roxas, don't be mean to Kairi. Go help Sora with the food. What was it that you were cooking?"

"Just macaroni and cheese." I answered. Roxas took the cupcakes from me and headed into the kitchen without a word of resistance. Naminé had such power over the guy. "So, what'd you want to talk about? And what's in the box?"

"Upstairs. And it's something I bought."

"You actually bought something?!" she smiled sheepishly as we walked up the stairs. "Wasn't the plan to try stuff on or something?"

"Kairi, that is a lot worse than what I bought, in my opinion. I even got you something, so you should be excited!"

"Oh, joy. Just what I wanted to hear." We entered my room and closed the door, securing a private spot for the important talk. "So tell me what's on your mind. Wait, nevermind. I wanna see what you got."

"Of course. This one's for you." She threw a white shirt in my direction. I caught it, observing the product. "Yes, it's normal, and it was on sale. Go figure. The regular clothing in there isn't too bad."

"Thanks, but is there a reason why you bought me a white t-shirt?"

"You didn't hear?" Naminé looked at me quizzically. "We're going to the beach. The whole group. Dress code is jeans and a white t-shirt."

"Dress code?"

"Yeah. We'll be taking pictures, so that's what the occasion calls for. Isn't it exciting?"

"Sure… though I still don't see why you'd get me this for that occasion. I have a ton of white t-shirts."

"Not a new one, and certainly not one this comfortable. Trust me, just take the gift. I'll force you to wear it if I have to."

"Fine, fine!" I tossed the shirt onto the nightstand. I'll get it later. "So, are you gonna show me what you bought for yourself?"

"It's nothing. Not nearly as important as what I want to talk about."

"Well if it's not too important, then it won't take long!" I snatched the bag from her lap and pulled out its contents. "Is this a night dress? And it's all silk!"

"Kairi!" she reached for it, but I held it out of her range. I let it unfold and took a good look at it. Wow, this was risqué. Not only was it that, but it was also sexy. "Why did I bring the whole bag down?" Naminé whined, burying her face in one of my pillows.

"Wow. I never knew you had it in you. What did Roxas think when he saw this?"

"Hef…" Naminé muttered something incoherent into her pillow.

"What did he say?" I asked tauntingly. She didn't answer. "It looks just like your favorite dress only… silkier and loose and… shorter? Naminé, does this even cover your whole butt?"

"Kairi!" a red-faced Naminé angrily groaned under the pillow. "Of course it does! It fits, okay?!"

"Sheesh, I'm kidding! I like it. And I'm sure Roxas does too."

"Ugh!" she tried to take her nightgown back, but my reflexes were better. Sorry, but an athlete beats an artist in this field, hon. "Just give it back so I can return it already."

"What?!" Like hell she was going to do that! "This thing is so darn amazing! You just have to keep it! And definitely wear this tonight. It'll increase your… chances."

"Oh, and what chances would that be?" She took the offered nightgown and stuffed it back in the bag, "Do tell, Kairi, what chances I'm increasing."

"Why, the chances of whatever you wish Roxas would do to you every night."

"Kairi!"

"What?" You asked for it. "Don't deny it."

"Why did I even come here? I'm leaving." I didn't even let her take a step away from the bed. She shot me an agitated look and buried her face in another pillow. "I hate you."

"I know. Now really, I know you didn't come here to discuss how hot heavy you wish the relationship was…"

"What relationship…" The words were muffled by her pillow. "You say that as if there was something already in existence."

Oh no. It was one of those conversations. "Naminé…"

"I'm giving up. To me it seems like I'm after something that will never be in my reach." She uncovered her face, showing me her sad smile. "This chase is futile, isn't it?"

"Why do you say that?" I needed to know what was going on before I let her do this. Why the sudden change?

"Kairi, he didn't even react." She laughed forcefully, sighing as she gripped a pillow. "When he and Sora walked in— oh, I know he told you, but I really was putting that thing back—"

"Okay, Naminé. I believe you. But that is probably the least important thing you have to say to me." I teased, earning a chuckle for my efforts.

"Yeah. As I was saying, Roxas didn't even react. To anything." She turned a bit, facing me completely. "It was awkward at first, and then it was like he completely shut down."

"Maybe he was trying to do that. You know, so it wouldn't be awkward."

"He didn't even smile. Ugh, what a horrible idea. He probably thinks I'm some kind of slut now."

"Naminé!" What was with the self-deprecation? "Don't say that! Roxas knows you're not. You have too much self-respect."

"I don't think he thinks that way anymore, which is why I should probably give up. If he doesn't find me attractive at all, is there any chance of him… you know, asking me out?"

"Naminé what has gotten into you? You're so down!" I pulled her up, forcing her to sit straight. "Did something happen between you two? Tell me."

"Nothing happened, which is why I guess I'm kinda miffed." She shrugged, running her hand through her hair. "I was hoping for something. Just like every time, I always hope he does something. But it hasn't happened, and I'm out of ideas—" she gave me a hard look before saying, "logical ideas. I don't want any of that stuff concerning jealousy and whatnot. I don't want to destroy what I have with him… what I'll have with him for the rest of my life."

"Oh, you need to be quiet!" I poked her sides, forcing a smile out of her. "You really need to lighten up. Have you been watching sappy romance movies again? Oh. I know what you were doing. You were watching old couples in the park and daydreaming, wondering what that future with Roxas would be like!"

"Kairi, just shut up. I'm trying to be depressed here and you're ruining it." Her smile, coupled with her monotone voice, made me laugh.

"And I'm trying to cheer you up. And it's working, so I win!" I poked her sides again, making her jerk in all directions.

"Kairi, stop!"

"Only if you promise to stop being so depressed! Because sorry, Naminé, but you can't pull it off like Eeyore can."

She laughed. I'm glad someone found my jokes funny. "Okay, okay, I'll stop now…"

"Oh. I almost forgot. You're not really giving up on Roxas, are you?"

She shook her head, her gaze slowly falling upon me. "I somewhat want to, but I can't. The stupid boy's become so ingrained in my life that I wouldn't be able to live without him."

Awwww! "How cute! You're so sappy!"

"Ugh, it's time to invest in a new confidante." We shared a laugh after I smashed a pillow against her face. I always got the last hit in. "So Kairi, I can't thank you enough—"

"We've had to have had this conversation a thousand times before. You don't have to thank me."

"Would you prefer that I skip to the end then?"

There was more? "What did you have in mind? I figured this would be the end of our little conversation."

"Not quite. You still haven't spoken."

Okay, now I was confused. "Spoken about what?"

"Don't be silly, Kairi. How are things on your end? It's okay, you can tell me. In fact, I know you will."

What was she talking about? My end…?

Oh. Oh.

"Naminé, I don't know what you're talking about."

"Need I repeat myself?" She sat up and crossed her legs, her head resting on her hand.

"I have no idea what you mean by 'my end,' Naminé." I refused to make eye contact with her. I still had a chance.

"Talk."

Okay. She wasn't giving up. I thought by now she would have given in. Note this moment, it was one of the few times Kairi would ever be wrong.

Kidding.

"Do I have to? If I play dumb a little longer, will you let up?"

"No."

I grumpily sat in silence for a few seconds, hoping she would magically break under it. She continued to wait, so I started, "It's getting bad, and it's happening so fast too."

She looked up at me in surprise, probably because I actually decided to indulge. "What happened?"

"Well, nothing really." Yeah, that's kinda-sorta-maybe a blatant lie. "I can't lie anymore and say that there's no attraction," understatement, "but I'm… scared." I let out a breath I didn't even know I was holding. The last one was as truthful as I could get.

"Kairi, this would be a lot easier if you told me the whole truth."

"Naminé, that was—" Obviously skeptical yet still discrete, Naminé merely looked on calmly. "Okay. Fine. The truth? I thought I was going melt about thirty seconds before you guys rang the doorbell. It's actually kind of disgusting that he's anything and everything I look for in a guy. Which includes his looks. Sure, I always thought he looked cute," Naminé tilted her head, her lips curving into a knowing smile, "Ugh! Naminé! Fine, I think he's hot. Yes, I said it."

"Really?"

"What do you want me to say?!" I said exasperatedly. "If it'll make you stop with that look of yours, then yes, I would prefer that he never wore a shirt."

Apparently Naminé found something funny about that statement. She was bent over laughing. "That… wasn't my question, but thank you for that piece of information!"

"Naminé, will you quit laughing already?" I love this girl to death, but please, someone shoot her now. Or hang her upside down.

"I'm t-trying, okay?" She looked up at me through her almost-teary eyes. "Aww, you're blushing! So cute!"

"Confidante my ass. I'm leaving." Just what I needed, someone to laugh at me as I admit that there's a boy in this world that I'm powerless to resist.

"No! Kairi, stay!" She grabbed my arm weakly. Probably because she was still laughing. "I'll s-stop, I'll stop. Just give me a minute…" she began to breathe slower, gulping in large amounts of air.

"You look quite ridiculous right now."

"Thanks." She blew the comment off with such nonchalance it was a bit annoying. She definitely picked that up from Roxas. "So, we left on you being attracted to Sora… and that you'd prefer that—"

"Okay, Naminé!"

"—walks around shirtless!" she kept on giggling. After about five seconds of her being unable to stop, I leapt across the bed and began strangling her.

No, just kidding. But I wanted to. Oh so bad.

"Why do I even bother?"

"Oh, I love you Kairi. Really, I do. It's just… this is the first time I've seen you like this!"

I crossed my arms and fell back onto the bed. "Like what?"

"Head over heels for a guy." Well, I knew that she would say that. I was just hoping that wasn't going to be the case. I really didn't want this to happen.

"So what now, am I infected or something?"

"You say that as if it's a bad thing!" Well you say it as if it were a good thing. I for one like to be and remain in control. "It's wonderful, Kairi. Who knew two of my friends would be the perfect match for each other?"

"You can stop talking now." And she actually did. She just sat there, smiling at me. Probably making fun of me in her head. "I know that look of yours. You have something to say, but you think I won't like it."

"You know me well." She giggled again, rubbing her knees in a thoughtful manner. "I… I'm actually jealous of you, Kairi. Of course, not to the point where it's getting at our friendship, but… I really wish I had what you have right now."

"And that would be?"

"A relationship that actually has a chance of getting somewhere."

Oh great, not this again. Not self-pity mode. "Naminé, please, I thought we went over this…"

"Just listen to me, Kairi." She held her hands up, asking for permission to continue. "Think about it. You've known Sora for such a small amount of time, and yet you feel the way you do already."

"But I'm not in love with him, Naminé. You're still on a completely different level with Roxas."

"But at least something is happening, right?" she was still smiling, and for once, I couldn't tell whether or not it was a happy smile or a sad one. "You've changed a lot, Kairi. You've changed so much in such a short amount of time that it's actually admirable."

"Naminé, I haven't changed. I'm still me."

"Yes, you are, but you're different. He's changed you." She paused, waiting for the confused expression to spread across my face. I didn't have to tell her that she needed to continue. "Well for one, you're glowing these days. Roxas noticed it too: you were practically radiating with happiness when you answered the door! And it was so obvious— to us, at least— that your mood was all in thanks to Sora. Second, you're just as infectious as he is with that smile. You normally try to understand people's moods, not try to eliminate their sad ones."

"So you're saying that Sora's rubbed off on me or something?"

"I'm saying that you've become so much happier, and you even look healthier, with Sora around. So yes, I guess you could say that he's rubbing off on you."

"Great." I was about to complain about the whole thing, but someone knocked at the door.

"Naminé? Kairi?" Roxas called from outside. He opened the door and peeked inside. "What are you two doing here? And are you insane?" He was referring to me, "Do you know how long macaroni takes to cook? Moreover, do you know what time it is? I'd prefer to eat my dinner later, not an hour early."

He had quite a condescending look on his face. The nerve of this guy! "Excuse me for cooking you dinner."

"Well, it's actually Sora that's— okay." Naminé quit speaking after I shot her a glare. Good girl.

"I know you want to leave a little time to make a completely new dinner in case you fail, but— ow! Stop! Okay, I'm sorry!" My hand was stinging, but that felt good. Roxas rubbed his face. And arm. I probably didn't hit hard enough.

Well, at least Naminé found it funny. All giggling aside, she asked our newly arrived friend, "Is there a reason you came up here? We were talking."

"I assumed as much."

"You weren't listening?" Like he was going to tell the truth if he was.

"I swear, I just came up to tell you that Sora misses Kairi." He dodged my next slap, running into the room and diving onto the bed. He nearly tackled Naminé in the process, but he was now safely hiding behind her. "Why is she so violent? Make her stop!"

Naminé took Roxas's hands in her own, intertwining her fingers with his. If she weren't holding hands with the Devil, then it probably would've looked a lot cuter to me. "You keep antagonizing her. It's only natural."

"Yeah, but when she hits people it actually hurts!"

"Oh, enough already." I appreciated the backhanded compliment, but please. "Where are the kids? And where's Sora?" I turned around and –

"Right here." The voice was so close I jumped, almost falling in shock. Thanks to all the luck in the world, it just so turned out the perpetrator was the one to catch me. "Here I am once again, catching you when you fall." His hand steadily held my back, while the other was gripping my elbow securely."What would you do without me?"

"Well apparently I'd die." Fall to my doom, something of that sort.

"Awwwwww!" Namine's cooing quickly destroyed the bubble I had been wrapped up in. "Eep! Did I say that out loud? Sorry!" She covered her mouth with her hands. As if that'd fix anything. She kinda destroyed my happy moment.

"I think I'm gonna go downstairs and wake up the kids. I'd prefer they sleep tonight."

"I'll go with you." His hands dropped to his sides once again. "Besides, I don't want to be left in a room with just those two."

"Hey!" Roxas protested.

We both ignored his cries and made our way out of the room. "Good idea. I've played the third wheel many times before; it's not fun at all."

Roxas yelled something, though I had already tuned that out. I flashed a quick smile and winked at Naminé, who had suddenly wrapped herself up in Roxas's arms.

I didn't know whether or not to be relieved or annoyed that I didn't have to worry about something naughty happening.

Though, once again, a small part of me was hoping I'd be losing the bet.


"And then—"

"And then she pushed him into the pool!"

"I was going to tell Kairi the story!"

"You were taking too long!"

"Hey, hey, let's all just calm down now!" I tried to ease the tension between the two siblings who decided to tell me about Vaan's race with another girl at camp. Another one of those 'boys are better than girls' races. Vaan was growling (though it sounded more like whining, but such a cute kid does not do something that annoying! Heavens no!) as I rubbed his back in an effort to sooth his anger.

"But I was telling the story!"

"Nyah nyah nyah nyah nyah!" Penny decided it was an appropriate time to blow a raspberry. Vaan didn't take it well.

"Okay, that's enough guys. Do you want me to call your Dad and tell them that you're being bad?" The two, as angry as they appeared to be at each other, silently came upon a truce. I hung their towels on the door and led them out of the bathroom. "Good. Now Penny, tell Vaan that you're sorry."

"Sorry for telling Kairi your story…" She mumbled. Well, I meant for it to be an apology for blowing a raspberry, but it seemed that Vaan took more offense to the story-stealing.

Vaan finally uncrossed his arms, "It's okay." It didn't sound convincing, but I was sure that it was going to be put in the past very fast.

"Thanks guys." I gave each of their shoulders a light squeeze. "Let's go downstairs, dinner should be ready soon."

I led the kids into the kitchen to find Sora and Naminé cooking together. Roxas was texting someone at the table.

"Is the food done yet?"

"Almost!" Sora answered as he poured the powdered cheese in. "Just gotta add all this stuff and we're good to go. Do you like your cheese milky and creamy?"

"I do!" Roxas chimed. Sora looked to me, and I could only offer him a shrug. Why not? He poured a good amount of milk straight into the pot. Naminé handed all of us plates, and seemingly from nowhere, produced a plate of bread rolls.

"Are you guys ready for some macaroni?" Naminé asked the two kids, who responded with enthusiastic nods and shouts. "Okay! Calm down, it's coming."

"It's right here, and it's super hot too!"

"Ugh, finally." Roxas tucked his cell phone into his pocket. He was the first to grab the serving spoon in the pot. "Kids first, then me. Feel free to fight after what's left."

"How kind of you to put us right behind you." May I kiss your hand now?

"Roxas, that's not nice. Whatever happened to ladies first?" Naminé calmly questioned her companion. He gave her a defeated look before mumbling about etiquette and chivalry.

The dinner conversation was very light, with all of us listening to Vaan's story about his race (Penelo knew very well not to interrupt this time). Roxas and Sora gave him a high five for 'showing that girl that boys are better'.


Naminé and Roxas left shortly after dinner, leaving me with the kids and Sora again. We all sat in the living room watching a The Lion King, all the while sipping on chocolate milkshakes that I made all by myself. Sora and I both thought it was a decent substitute for strawberry ice cream.

Before anyone asks, Sora was indeed sitting next to me. I had no complaints. He'd turn to me at every song and sing it, as off-key as it was, with as much enthusiasm as the kids. What was surprising to me was that he knew all the words. He even looked at me on a few occasions and mouthed the lines he had memorized. He definitely watched this movie too many times.

The movie was interrupted when Miss Lockhart called my cell phone. It was already that time of day again. Sora lowered the volume, getting the kids' attention.

"Hello?" my coach's voice sounded over the speakerphone.

"Mommy!" The kids screamed as they ran towards the phone.

"Hi Vaan, hi Penny! What are you two doing?"

"We're watching The Lion King again!"

"With Sora and Kairi and… and…"

"Chocolate milkshakes!"

Sora looked at me with an amused expression on his face. When Miss Lockhart found an opportunity to speak again, she told the kids to calm down. "Did you guys thank Kairi— it was Kairi who made the milkshakes, right?"

"Yup!" I chirped from behind the kids.

"Well then, did you guys thank her?"

"Yes!" the kids drawled out.

"Just making sure! I'm glad to see that you haven't forgotten your manners while Mommy and Daddy are gone."

"So what did you guys do today?" a masculine voice sounded over the phone. Sora laughed when I jumped at the sound of his voice.

Forgive me for not being able to get over the fact that my coach snagged that hot piece of—

Yeah.

"Daddy!" Ah, the guy was married and had two children. One less person on the list of available hot guys. "We're watching The Lion King!"

"Well I know that. How was camp?"

"I raced today!"

"And he won!"

I think their father did something funny because Miss Lockhart broke out laughing. "That's my boy. Who was it?"

"A girl who said that girls are better than boys!"

"Heh. Showed her, didn't y— ow!" There was a small exchange before he resumed, "Did you beat her so bad that she cried?" He asked in a rush. I now remember where I adopted my violent reactions from.

"Vaan, don't listen to your father. He's being immature right now."

"Aren't you two a bit too old to be flirting?" Sora spoke up for the first time in the conversation.

"What's flirting?"

"Let's just say if a girl ever tries it on you she'll go home without any arms…" their mother mumbled into the phone. Cloud was yelling in the background "What?! No, I'm not kidding!"

"Mommy, did you win?" Penny innocently interjected. Thanks for bringing us back to topic.

"Yup! I'm on my way to the finals! It's going by quicker than expected. Can you believe it? Mommy and Daddy are gonna be home in three days!" Oh, that's right. I was halfway through my work week. "Just be good for Kairi for three more days, okay? Then we'll do a real family vacation."

"Where are we going?"

"To drop Sora off at Auntie Aerith's." I looked at Sora who wore a small, indecipherable smile. When he saw me, he merely shrugged. "Kairi? Kairi, you there?"

"Kairi!" the kids brought me back to the present.

"Oh yeah, I'm here!"

"Would you rather have a new skirt, or new shirt? I'm buying you something while I'm here. Lots of cute clothes."

"Miss Lockhart, you don't have to—"

"Fine, I'll get both. Sora, want anything?"

"Nope!"

"Okay. Well, I'm glad to see you're all getting along. Kairi, I won't have to pay you extra for babysitting a third child, will I?"

I laughed at Sora's offended expression. "No, you won't. Sora's been a good boy."

"Good…" She directed the conversation toward her kids, giving me time to think. So she was coming home in three more days, and then Sora was going to go home after. I was a little disappointed to realize just how limited my time with him would be. How long before they go on that vacation? Would I ever see Sora again?

"Something wrong?" His blue eyes suddenly found mine, and I stared into them with awe. Since when did they look so… amazing?

"No, it's nothing. Just thinking."

"About what?"

You. "Just… tomorrow. We're going to the beach with the group."

"Oh. Yeah." The conversation ended there as Miss Lockhart was once again calling for us.

"Well, Cloud and I are going now. You guys be good, all right? I love you Vaan, I love you Penny!"

"Love you too Mommy!" the twins chorused.

"Kairi, Sora, thanks for watching them. We'll talk again tomorrow, okay?"

"Yeah. Good bye, Miss Lockhart!"

"Good night everyone!" The kids gave their last good-byes and good nights before they hung up.

"Are you guys ready for bed?"

"Nope!" they answered plainly. I took their empty cups, which were quickly taken off my hands thanks to Sora.

"That's fine. We'll finish the movie, and then you guys can prepare for bed."

"Yes ma'am!"


Just when I thought things were finally going to calm down, a thunderstorm decided to drop by. The flashes and claps of thunder were hard to ignore: for me, at least. The kids seemed unaffected, as they slept like rocks even as the house slightly shook every now and then. I left their bedroom door open just in case they woke up confused.

And I was still awake. For the past hour, I'd been trying to fall asleep. Flinching every time the thunder roared outside didn't help my cause.

"This is ridiculous." I threw the covers off and grabbed a pillow, deciding that I needed to get up for a while. My meandering brought me right in front of the basement door, where I had previously wished Sora a good night.

Without a second thought, I opened the door and made my way down the stairs. Sora was laughing, telling someone that he was signing off. I found him sitting on a couch with a headset on, staring at the large television set displaying a scoreboard.

"Yeah, see you later, Riku. Tell Tidus and Wakka that they suck when they get back!" and on that friendly note, the screen went blue.

"Finished playing already?"

He turned around in surprise, taking the headset off. "Kairi? I thought you went to bed!"

"Couldn't sleep. There's a thunderstorm outside and it's keeping me up."

A grin slowly spread across his face. "Are you afraid of thunder?"

"Afraid? No!" his grin got wider, irritating me even more. "I'm serious. I'm not. I just find it a bit too distracting and I can't sleep."

"So why'd you come down here? It wasn't to avoid the sound of thunder, was it?"

What was with that teasing grin?! I wasn't afraid! "Well, excuse me for coming down here then. I thought maybe talking to a friend would help, but it's clear that you don't want me here."

"Kairi, you know I was kidding!" I ignored him and briskly walked up the stairs. "Kairi!" The door closed, cutting off the volume of his call. Serves him right. Now all I had to do was wait 'til he chased me.

And so I waited. And waited. And waited even more.

After about a minute or two of waiting, I got a little irked. Why wasn't he chasing me? He's done that before. Did I do something wrong this time?

"For the love of… ugh." Three seconds. If he doesn't open the door in three seconds, I'm going to do it myself. Three.

Two.

One.

The door stayed closed. Okay, so he wasn't coming. "Boys are so freaking stupid…" I opened the d—

"Whoa!" Was all I heard before a huge pile of pillows and cushions mauled my face off. From the pile, I saw Sora's spiky hair bouncing around. "Kairi? Is that you?"

"What the heck is all this for?!" I angrily tossed aside a pillow, my eyes meeting his cheery ones.

"We," he gathered as many cushions and pillows and blankets as he could in his arms, "Are making a pillow fort."

Oh, of course. A pillow fort. How unusual of me to never see that coming. Everyone makes pillow forts on stormy nights. "Huh? What pillow fort?"

"Oh please. You made one with the kids last night, right?"

"Keyword there being kids. Why do you want to make a fort all of a sudden?"

He looked at me as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. "Kairi, there's a thunderstorm out! Roxas, Naminé, Ven and I used to make these all the time when we were little!"

"How long ago was that? Twelve years?"

"Don't be a party pooper!" Well you just made me go after you. What kind of guy does that?! Guys should chase after the girls, not the other way around.

"I'm not being a party pooper; I'm…" exacting revenge. "Being practical."

"Miss Kairi, the practical thing to do at a time like this is make a pillow fort. Could you grab those? I don't think I can carry any more than this."

"No." He wasn't expecting that answer. Well that's what you get for not coming upstairs.

Nevertheless, he wore his smile and asked in the most childish and cheesiest voice ever, "Pleeeease?"

"Where do you plan on making this pillow fort anyway?" I made sure to sound as agitated as possible, but every bit of the genuine anger (if there was any to start) had melted away.

"I was thinking your room?"

Hmm. Out of context, that sounded like a wonderful idea.

"And why would I let you into my room?"

"Because deep down inside if you, you really want to make this pillow fort with me." Among other things, yes. So he knew. I gave up my resistance and picked up the rest of the pillows.

"You owe me an apology."

"For what?"

"…Nothing. Just go upstairs."


We stood at the doorway of my temporary room and admired our wonderful fort.

It.

Was.

Glorious.

I had never seen such a finer fort in my lifetime. I guess the creation before us was the result of two, well-trained fort builders. Simply put it was a masterpiece.

"Are you thinking what I'm thinking?" He turned to me with that irresistible smile of his.

"If you're thinking that we're amazing and the best pillow fort builders ever, then yes." He held out his hand for a high five, which I graciously returned.

We are so cool.

"You know, I kind of want to take a picture of this. That, or give me a little longer so I can burn this image into my mind."

"Take your time." I wanted to give him a huge hug for helping me make this work of art, but then it'd be awkward. So I chose instead to give him a nice pat on the shoulder. "I'll be in the fort. First one in gets to name it!" I crawled into the soft makeshift building as quickly as I could.

"Hey!" he protested. I was already lying down by the time he began crawling inside. "That wasn't fair!"

"Such is the story of life, Sora." He settled beside me, staring up at the thin sheet that simulated a roof. "I declare this fort to remain nameless."

"What?! You should've let me name it then!"

"Oh, so you have an idea?"

"Yeah! Let's name it Fort… Fart."

"That's disgusting." He laughed, so I threw my hand over his mouth.

"Are you trying to wake the kids? It's late, in case you haven't noticed."

He pulled my hand away and chuckled. "My bad. It totally slipped my mind."

"Yeah, don't got much room there, do you?" I laughed at my own joke, jerking when I felt him poke me in the side. "No! Not this again!"

"Okay. I'll stop when you hit the lights."

"What? I was here first! I've been inside lon— ack! Okay!" Stupid tickling. Against my preferences, I crawled out of the fort and turned the light off, though I made sure to leave one lamp on the other side of the room on. We didn't need any accidental contact in the dark. I made my way inside, plopping down in my previous spot. We stared at the sheet that hung above, filtering the lamplight and casting a low, comfortable ambience inside. The rain's constant tapping on the window would've made the whole room feel calmer had it not been for the flashes and crashes of lightning and thunder.

"So you're really not afraid of thunder and lightning, huh?" The question came casually and sounded more like a confirmation to oneself.

"Yeah. I'm not really afraid of anything… well, if we're talking paralyzed by fear. Lots of things scare me, but not to the point where I simply can't stand it."

"Not even bugs? Or rodents?"

I forgot about those. "Well, now that you mention it, I can't stand bugs. I think I'd cry if I were surrounded by cockroaches." A chill ran up my spine at the thought. "Ugh. I don't even wanna think about it!"

"Yeah, bugs are pretty disgusting." He grinned, an action I would've missed had I not been so attuned to it. Scary, isn't it? I could barely see in front of me yet I could make out his smile perfectly clear.

"What about you? Does anything just paralyze you with fear?"

He was silent in his thinking for a while. Then, in a low voice, he told me, "I would have to say needles. Like the ones that doctors give you. I have no problem whatsoever with sewing needles, but getting shots are…" he rubbed his arms, making me giggle, "Ew, it's not funny. Getting shots is scary!"

"Shots aren't funny, I know… but you are. At least your reactions."

"Forgive me for failing to cope with the idea of letting some stab me."

"Oh please, it's not stabbing!"

"That's your opinion. What I know is fact."

I giggled yet again, this time ruffling his spiky hair. "Aww, little Sora's afraid of the doctor's office!"

He laughed, swatting my hand away. "Yeah yeah, rub it in, why don't you…"

A silence fell upon us yet again, the thunder occasionally reverberating throughout the house. "Sora, what would you say is unusual about you?"

He turned his charming face in my direction. If it wouldn't be weird, I would've reached out to caress it. "What do you mean?"

"Just tell me something about you. Maybe I'll fall asleep."

"Now what's that supposed to mean?" he asked in mock-offense.

"Fine. I'll start. Follow my example. Let's see… wait, nevermind. I'll just ask you a question. Have you ever seen snow before?"

"Uh, yeah? Who hasn't?"

"Well, if you would calmly look to your left, you'd see a girl who has never seen snow before." His eyes widened at my smile.

"You're kidding!"

"Well, I probably have seen snow before, because I did live in Radiant Garden for the first year of my life. But I don't think it counts when I don't remember."

"Wow. Never?"

"Like I said, if I did, it doesn't count. Now, your turn."

"Okay… How about this one. What did you want to be when you were little?"

"Haha." Memories of kindergarten came flooding back to me. "I wanted to be a professional tennis player. Who knew that'd actually become a potential career choice."

"Wow. Did you play tennis back then?"

"I didn't start playing for real until I was seven. Before that, it was kind of for fun. Then Miss Lockhart, who was so young at the time… how old was she? Twenty? Around that… she offered to give me lessons."

"How'd that come about?"

"She spoke with my mom, who she met at the hospital."

He found it just as peculiar as I did and chuckled. "Funny how things turn out…" he resumed staring at the sheet above us.

"What about you? Did you want to become an astronaut like every other kid? Perhaps a fireman?"

"No, I… I actually wanted to be a lion." He looked at me seriously, and we broke out into loud laughter. A roar of thunder reminded us to quiet down when it buried our voices.

"Wow. What did everyone tell you?"

"That it would never happen. I remember crying about it when the teacher told me to pick something else! Ha ha!"

"Aww, you poor thing!" I propped myself up on an elbow and looked at him. He looked awfully delectable when he was just lying there with that smile on his face. "So when did you ditch that dream?"

His smile grew even wider. "Who said I did?" he asked with a laugh. We shared the moment in quiet laughter.

"Kairi, if there's anything, what would you say is your most shallow preference? In terms of dating guys, I mean."

"I thought about this before!" Ignoring the fact that this could possibly give me away, grabbed the pillow I had just been lying on and hugged it. "I don't think I could get along with a guy who wasn't funny. I don't know. A guy's sense of humor is so important to me it's a bit… shallow. I think."

"Kairi, I don't think I've ever met a girl who dated a guy that couldn't make her laugh."

"Well, you asked, I answered. I guess that means I'm pretty open, doesn't it?"

"Keep telling yourself that." That earned him a nice poke in the side. He almost knocked a wall down in his flailing.

"So, Mr. Perfect, do you have any shallow preferences?"

"I think… well, I don't think I could ever date a blonde. Weird, huh? Blond is usually the color associated with beauty, but… yeah. I don't think I could."

Well, I'm glad I'm not blond then. "That is incredibly shallow, Sora."

"I know. But what can I do about it now?" He folded his hands behind his head, causing the sleeves of his shirt to hike up. My eyes instantly locked onto his biceps. "Next question then. Do you sleep with a stuffed animal?"

"Nope. Why, are you about to tell me you do?"

"Nope! I don't: I was just asking." He yawned, turning away slightly. "You ask me a question now."

"Okay. Did you ever collect anything when you were little?"

"Trading cards. Who didn't?" I nodded. Everyone put hundreds of dollars into the stuff. "What about you?"

"Well, this is gonna sound really weird…"

"Go on." He urged, tucking a hand underneath one of his pillows.

"I used to… well I guess I still do… collect the little wipes that restaurants give you after you're done eating." I nervously giggled at the embarrassing habit.

To my surprise, he shot up from his spot. "Whoa! You do that too?!" I didn't expect that either. "I always stash the extra ones! And sometimes I just take it all so no one can use it."

It was a weird thing to have in common, but I found it quite cute of him. "You can't be serious. Who in the world does that?"

He pointed to himself with his thumb, "You and I for one! Wow, that totally slipped my mind! But I do collect those. I got a whole container of 'em at home from different restaurants!"

"Ugh! I have to show you my collection now! I bet I have way more than you!" I challenged.

"Are you kidding me? I've been collecting those since forever!" He plopped down on his pillows again and covered his eyes. "I never thought I'd find so much in common with you."

The statement had me stunned, and suddenly my tongue felt like mush in my mouth. "Uh…"

"Oh, sorry, I didn't just insult you did I? You probably thought I was already an idiot, and me saying that—"

"N-no!" The temperature in the fort seemed to spike. "It's— it's nice to have such strange things in common with a friend. The things you never expect anyone to accept gracefully are the ones that you're most excited for when you find a person who does the same thing."

He looked into my eyes with that hypnotic cerulean gaze. I felt the sudden urge to crawl into his arms, cuddle against him, and fall into s peaceful sleep. "Yeah… I guess you're right. Those are the things that bring people together…" he folded his hands behind his head and stared upward. "For us, it's those little wipes given away at restaurants!"

I mirrored his actions, falling into my place just inches beside him. "Yeah," I giggled, "just for us."


I can't remember the point when reality became a dream. One moment we were talking about ourselves, and the next we were sleeping. My slip into slumber was the smoothest transition ever. In one part of my mind, I fell asleep inside that fort we built; in the other, Sora held me in his arms at some point in the night before laying me in bed. Nevertheless, I hoped that in the morning I'd see Sora in my room to confirm that the night was, in some strange way or another, a reality.


RE: This chapter is dedicated to everyone who took the time to encourage me, put me back on track, and urge me to update: Electron Beam, Dragonsdeathangel, Princess of blah blah blah, True-Light-San, Tayt63, ShadowSpooky, Tinaalovesmints, Fanfiction Fanatiction, SilverClock, Lebrezie, dearlybelovedangel, Black-Dax, kingdommad, Aldergrace, EloquentDisaster, kikofreako, sillysally, Dynasty021, SecretAgent99, sashu, Blood Seraph, Quietly Frag1le, mookie muffin, mattjesse, xXlil'eveXx, young gun kid, KHGamegirl, Rebel-chan, and DtR. You guys rock. Thanks for sticking around for me and letting me know that a small group of people actually enjoy my writing :-P

To those who have been adding both me and M&M to their alerts and/or favorites list: I apologize for not thanking you last chapter! Double thanks for your support. Thank you.

Take care everyone, I'll see you around!