Disclaimer: blarghablargblargh.
Author's note: Here's the new chapter! I apologize that I'm still updating very slowly... but of course this story won't die! even if it IS super old. Can you guys believe I'm actually still working on it? Ha, I thank my phone, it's connected to my e-mail and I'm being sent all your PMS and reviews, so I just can't ignore it. I'm so glad there are still people out there that still want it to be updated, and I thank you guys for that. You guys are the best! I want to add more new characters to this story, so be prepared! (:
-»«-
First Love
-»«-
Chapter 10
An Unexpected Surprise
x3
It hadn't been too long now that Roxas and Namine began working on their project together. They'd already gotten quite a bit of information written down on a list, following the outline and being precise as best as they can. There were many times when conversation would fill in silence, because both blondes wouldn't have anything else to talk about; mostly, Namine can tell that Roxas was mainly trying to focus on their assignment. And for her, the assignment was her excuse to hide away her shyness. However, Roxas would make a few side comments that would make her smile, adding to reasons that allowed her to feel comfortable to be with him.
"Alright, so- the outline wants us to explain what the story is about," Roxas stated, reading off the instructions, "I have an idea of what the book is about, but since you've read it a few times, and I haven't yet..." He grinned, censured to the times he could have read it before. He ruffled the side of his messy spikes from habit, "Namine, how would you summarize it?"
Namine returned an understanding smile. She could remember many details in the book, and it was true that she knew the book well enough to at least explain the summary to him. "It's about a boy..." Namine started off, and her lips pursed together as she mused, trying her best to remember. It had been a while since she last read it. Roxas perused the flawless features on her face. She had his full attention as she began her explanation.
"A boy who found no meaning to live, because he lost many things in life. His father... sadly, was the only person he had left, but he hated and blamed him for all his losses. Everyone else who knew him only saw him as a delinquent, when deep down... no one really understood him," Her attention then rose from the book before her and straight to the boy listening across from her. His lucid expression was in awe by the words she spoke.
She continued, "Until he met a girl that changed his life... and changed him." She remembered that this was her favorite part of the book, and she unknowingly tilted her head, slightly, and a delicate smile etched at the corner of her rosy lips. "She'd taught him that there was more to life than just pain, guilt, hate or sorrow, and that life is more beautiful than he'd seen it to be."
Roxas saw a darling frown appear on the girls face, and it secretly tugged at his heartstrings, "But, once people found out they were lovers, no one supported their relationship and many things tore them apart. No one believed that the boy could change, and no one ever thought he could be good enough for her. He goes through lengths of trying to be with her, trying to prove himself because her loved her more than anything in the world... she was his reason to live. When all hope was lost, he turned to angels that would grant his desire to be with her, no matter what the consequences would be. And, well.." Namine giggled as she bit her lower lip, realizing that she was getting carried away. But the spiky-haired blonde looked to her, eagerly, wanting for her to continue.
Roxas chuckled when she teased, "You'd have to read it to find out what happens next, Roxas."
Namine had explained the story with such chaste; the way she described each part left him in complete captivation when she spoke so passionately about it. It was very admirable. He exhaled the breath that he held in for a short moment, and muttered, "Wow..." Namine tilted her head a little more than before, slightly addled by his response.
He gave such a reassuringly smile, "It sounds like a really good story."
"Yeah," She giggled, and shrugged lightly, "I love it, maybe a little too much."
"I mean, you make it sound... extraordinary?" His smile grew into a wide grin. Namine blushed, then she shook her head humbly. "No, really," He assured; his serious blue eyes looking back into her own, "I look forward to reading it. Thank you, Namine."
Roxas was so sincere whenever it came to the words he speaks, and each time she saw the glisten within his eyes, she could feel something in her chest stricken. And It was her heart. She still couldn't understand how he could easily make her feel this way.
"Y-You're welcome..."
A comfortable silence began to fill the air around them, but it had ceased after Roxas spoke again.
"Hey... Namine?"
She looked up to him with curious, cerulean orbs, "Yes?"
He tried to ask with subtle approach, mostly to hide his true curiosity, "Sorry for the random question, but... did it bother you when Kairi kept calling this a study-date? I mean, it's not. But would it have been weird to you, if it was?" Leaning back and ruffling his spikes, he chuckled shamefully for even asking. But for some reason, he wanted to know. That's because most girls he'd hang out with, always and most certainly made it obvious that they were hoping for it to be a 'date'. But with Namine Strife, it was different... she kept denying it to Kairi, as if she wouldn't want it to be.
Namine's eyes grew, slight surprise was seen in her expression from the sudden question. Her mind spun a bit as she thought about it, and wondered if she even knew how the answer it. She was too baffled, that her jaw hung as she tried to speak... she was unable to find the right words. He'd only look back at her with expectant eyes, trying to surmise her thoughts.
'No... not at all.' Say it... Namine. Her conscience told her, Say it to him...
"Um..." But something held her back. She couldn't admit it.
It wasn't long until a tune disrupted her thoughts and her awkward tension subsided. Fortunately, the disturbance allowed her to hide her blush as she immediately looked down to retrieve the phone in her pocket.
She read the caller-ID before answering. Speaking into her cell, " Cloud?" She could hear her worried, older brother on the other line, and he was wondering where she was because it was already getting late. Namine looked to the window, now noticing it was almost dark out. "Yes, sorry... I'm okay. I'm still at the restaurant."
Roxas' eyes gazed, and scanned her angelic face as she was too busy listening to what the other person on the line was saying. Then she would nod to herself and say, "Okay, I'll be home soon. See you in a bit." And then she hung up.
"You have to go?" He asked.
Namine nodded shyly, and apologetically, "Yes... I'm sorry. It's just... my brother can be... overprotective sometimes. He's not used to me being out too late..." she started to pack all her things into her bag.
"Oh, that's fine." Roxas said. He collected all of his things as well, just before he stood up and out from behind the table. He grinned, walking over to her side after picking up the book, "We'll just continue our homework session next time."
"Okay," She said, picking up her bag and pivoted to step out from the booth, but she was blocked in by Roxas.
He held the book out to her and asked, "Did you want to read it one more time, before I do? I don't mind if you want."
Namine looked to the book he held out for her to take, and then looked back up to him. She gave a soft smile and shook her head, hoping that her face wasn't as red as if felt (because he was standing so close to her again). "It-...It's okay. You can take it to read, Roxas. Let me know how you like it after, okay?" her voice was so fragile, yet soothing, it made his heart feel heavy.
He nodded and smiled, looking down at her one last time, "Sure, of course." he finally moved out of her way. She stepped out from the booth, shyly bidding him a 'see you later,' before walking towards the exit.
Roxas watched as she gracefully made her way to the door. A questionable thought occurred in his mind.
"Hey, Namine... wait up!" Namine halted, and turned back to face the boy who called out to her. Roxas asked as he was walking over to her, "How are you going home?"
"Oh. Um..." She thought out, "I'm walking home... since it's not too far from here."
"It's already night... so it's not safe. I can take you home...but, only if you'd want me to." Roxas offered. She could see the concern in his face and it was really kind for him to be... especially for someone like her. She turned her head to look out the window again to see that it was already really dark, and he was right. A young girl, such as herself, walking alone in the dark could be dangerous in town. It wasn't really late, but the sun had already gone down. She thought over it; just earlier she was in a car filled with 3 boys when Sora offered her a ride, which wasn't bad at all... but this time she'd be alone with just Roxas. But she'd spent time with him doing the assignment, and it wasn't too awkward. Namine enjoyed his company. Could she manage more time with him? Did... she even want that?
Her heart fluttered at the thought... because, honestly, she did...
"Sure," Namine said unsteadily, but she smiled, "Thank you, Roxas."
x3
"You know, Kairi, I'm never taking you home, until you realize who you're messing with."
"I know, I know. The 'video game King', Ooo... I'm sooo scared." The auburn haired girl faked a frightened expression to tease the spiky-haired boy. He rolled his eyes at her childish antics and laughed.
"You should be, Kai. I'm taking up on your challenge, to prove to you that no one can beat me in any game whatsoever."
"We'll see about that, Sora." She playfully stuck her tongue out at the boy who walked beside her. They were heading over to his house to play a few games together, so she could prove to him that he wasn't this so called King. She was very good at games, and he needs to know that. She'd bargain with him, that if she could beat him in his video games, he'd have to drive her home since it was getting late. He immediately took up on her challenge.
When they finally reached and stopped at the front of his house, Kairi was stunned. It was the first time she'd seen where he lives, and it was huge! It wasn't a house, she thought, it's a mansion. Or even a mini, modern-styled castle! She'd almost forgotten that his family bloodline were known to be wealthy.
Sora unlocked the large black gate and pushed it open. He looked back, over his shoulder to see a wide-eyed Kairi, who had her jaw hung open.
"Ready to head inside?"
"Wow," Kairi breathed, still admiring the large house before her. She followed Sora through the gate and into the front of the wide, colorful, and landscaped garden. His front yard even had tall trees that added decorative taste to the rest of yard.
Sora chuckled at her expression, "What?"
"What do you mean, 'What?'..." Kairi mocked, but she was still struck in 'awe'.
"Sora, your house... it's HUGE!"
Sora's head cocked slightly as he looked to examine his own home. "Really?"
Kairi exclaimed, "Yes!"
"Well, I guess it needs to be somewhat big. Because my family shares residency with Roxas'." He shrugged as if it wasn't a big deal. But Kairi digressed, it was beautifully built into three stories high, and the location was breathtaking. His house was at the corner of the neighborhood, on top of the mountain's cliff that had an ocean view from below. And it was probably a perfect spot to see the whole town, too. Aside from Twilight's clock tower, of course.
Kairi's eyes immediately lit up when distant barking was heard. It came from around the corner as they were walking towards the front door. "Your family has a dog?" Kairi's jaw hung slack, "Oh my goodness! I love dogs, Sora!" Sora laughed at her excitement. She was bubbly and very energetic. He liked those qualities about her.
"Yeah, actually, he's my dog. Want to meet him?" He smiled when he led her over to the side of the house, revealing a large area for the dog to run around. Her eyes brightened more when she saw the golden retriever trying to reach her, but was held back by a long leash connected to the doghouse near the back.
Sora watched as Kairi carefully neared his dog, and it jumped around excitedly and tried to reach her. She kneeled down and reached out her hand, letting it smell her palm so it would calm down. She smiled when he began to gently lick at her hand. Then she giggled because it felt ticklish.
"He's adorable. What's his name?" Kairi looked behind and over her shoulder to ask Sora.
"Pluto." He answered.
"Pluto... Like the planet?" She sounded so curious, and innocent... Sora suddenly felt warmth within his heart.
He smiled. "Like the planet."
"Awe! Hi Pluto, you're very friendly!" Kairi giggled as she scooted closer to Pluto, letting him kiss her face. She flailed and tried to pull her face away but she just couldn't resist him. She really loved dogs. She'd wanted one when she was little but her parents never allowed it. They said it was too much responsibility and too much time for their family to have on their hands. As she petted the dog before her, she frowned to herself when she remembered those childhood memories.
Sora couldn't help but watch her from behind, a soft smile appeared on his face when he saw the sight before him. It was endearing to see that Kairi loved dogs just as much as he does. His family never wanted a dog too, but he begged to have a pet, and insisted that he would be the one to take care of it. Eventually his parents gave in to letting him have Pluto. And Pluto automatically became one of his best friends. He laughed when he saw Pluto jumping and running around Kairi excitedly, and noticed how fast his black tail was wagging.
"He really likes you, Kai."
"Awe, you think so? well, I really like him too!" Kairi stood, playfully running along with Pluto.
Sora decided to come over and generously patted his dog on the head, "It's because you think she's pretty, don'cha, boy?"
Kairi's face flushed, embarrassed at what Sora just asked Pluto. Pluto barked, as if it was a reply to Sora's question. Kairi's jaw dropped amazed, and Sora laughed at her reaction. He leaned in closer and said quietly into Pluto's ear, "Don't worry, buddy, me too." Kairi barely heard him... but she made out what he said... she looked away, trying to hide her blush.
Pluto sat, looking up at both the redhead and brunette as they both looked down at him curiously. He had suddenly calmed down. But It wasn't long until Pluto got hyped again, and ran around the two, almost tripping them as the leash wrapped around their legs. Sora gasped and Kairi yelped out as Pluto ran in a circle around them, several more times...
"Pluto! what are you-No! Bad Pluto, bad!" Sora was forced up against Kairi as the leash tied them together. They both tried to untangle themselves, but it didn't help that Pluto continued to run around them. A scream escaped Kairi as she couldn't hold her balance. She fell forward, against the brunette; From Kairi's weight and Pluto tugging at their legs, Sora was forced to fall back and he hit the ground. Sora let out a grunt as a weight collided on top of him.
Both baffled teens found themselves caught in an awkward position. Sora was now under the girl who fell on him, her head was pressed against his chest. When she pushed herself off of him, her widened eyes met his and their faces flushed furiously because of how close they were.
Pluto barked again, prompting towards another direction. He caused the leash to pull at the helpless teens and forcefully rolled them over. Now, Sora ended on top and only his arms were holding his weight from pressing down on the girl below him.
"Pluto!" Sora immediately turned his face away from Kairi, trying to hide his embarrassment, he looked over to Pluto who was now sitting a distance away and wagging his tail innocently.
"I'm so sorry, Kairi!" Sora exclaimed and glared at Pluto, trying desperately to untangle the leash tying his and kairi's legs together.
Unexpectedly, he heard Kairi laugh below him. He turned to look back down at her. Her hand was covering her mouth; she was trying to contain her laughter.
"You... think it's funny?" Sora inhaled. Kairi couldn't stop laughing. A smile grew upon on his face. He started to laugh too. When their laughter began to die down, Sora shook his head.
"Gosh... You gotta admit, this is really embarrassing,"
Kairi chuckled, softer this time. "Yeah," She nodded, smiling brightly as she looked up at his flustered face, "I agree... but, I personally think it's more hilarious..."
Sora laughed at her comment. His blue eyes were warm from affection when he looked down at the girl below him. Her auburn hair was now tangled in the grass and her face revealed such alluring features. He knew how beautiful she was, he always knew that and always thought about it since he first met her. But under the moonlight that danced upon her delicate features tonight, he'd seen that she was even more beautiful than he already thought...
Sora suddenly felt this tempting feeling when his eyes lowered to look at her soft lips. He knew he shouldn't - Kairi is his best friend, Riku's ex-girlfriend. But... he just couldn't put aside this feeling he had for such a long time. He didn't want to hide it anymore... And the more time he kept spending with her, it wasn't getting any easier for him to resist.
Her cheeks became rosy again when she noticed Sora gazing down at her. His head lowered, startling Kairi. She gasped when she realized what he was about to do.
"...So-Sora?" she murmured.
He stopped, just before their lips barely touched. His yearning eyes scanned over hers, trying to see if she would let him. His brows furrowed, from slight annoyance... he couldn't read what she was thinking.
They both heard a door open, and with quick reflexes, Sora immediately parted from Kairi and managed to get himself off of her. At that very moment, someone familiar, appeared near the opened door - and that person leaned against the door jamb. They crossed their arms and rose a brow, bewildered yet amused, by the sight of a wide-eyed Kairi who lay on the floor, tangled up with an embarrassed Sora sitting beside her.
Sora cursed to himself for being caught in such a predicament, especially by this particular person. And most of all, he wasn't sure if he should be thankful for the sudden interruption; because, he was certain that it had prevented him from doing something stupid, and something that he would probably end up regretting.
x3
There were many stars in the sky that brightened up the night. As Roxas walked Namine over to the parking lot where his car was parked, it beeped when he used his keys to electronically unlock it from a short distance away. He had politely went over the passenger side and opened the door, smiling as he gestured Namine to enter. Namine thanked him shyly, but stopped before going into the passenger seat. She was trying to quietly hide her surprised expression when she saw his expensive, black car. It looked brand new, too. It was the first time she'd seen his car, because he'd normally ride with Sora or skateboard to school, at least from what she remembered...
"What is it?" His expression was filled with curiosity; he had noticed the look on her face.
"Oh..." She murmured timidly, "W-well... This is the first time I've... seen your car." She admitted before taking a seat onto the ebony, leathered chair.
"Yeah, I barely drive it... my dad doesn't want me driving it to school, actually. He doesn't want anything to happen to it, since he's the one who gave it to me as an early birthday present." He shrugged, and smiled down at her before shutting the car door and walked around to get to the driver's side. While he did that, Namine took the time to inquire and admire the interior design, and the aroma from his car's air freshener was decorous and soothing to her.
When he opened his door and sat inside, Namine found herself asking, "Early... birthday present?"
He grinned and said, "Yup. But... my birthday isn't until the weekend."
That's very soon... "Oh." Namine realized. She greeted him shyly, "Happy... early birthday, Roxas."
Roxas cocked his head to look over at the girl sitting beside him, and Namine honestly thought he looked charming when he did that. The thankful smile on his face tightened a knot in her chest, and the way he said, "Thanks, Namine..."
Her cheeks began to tingle, and she nervously turned away to put on her seatbelt, avoiding his stare. She had pulled it too quick, that it stopped midway and locked. He'd laugh, when he saw the baffled look on her face.
"Here," Roxas offered, and Namine froze when he did something she didn't expect him to do. He leaned over her to reach for the belt. Then he slowly and gently pulled it over her petite form; she watched him, tensing a bit as he was too close to her. He pulled it until the end of the belt was hooked it into the lock. When It clicked, she hadn't known she let out a breath she was holding. He'd only smile at her before pulling away, then he put on his own, before turning on the engine. While he did that, she placed a hand to her chest... that's when she felt her heart beating faster than normal.
She'd desperately tried to break the awkward tension that she only felt, "Um... so are you doing anything special for your birthday?" She surprised herself for even asking; this was probably the first time that she was starting a conversation. He continued to drive and turned on his IPOD connected to his car. Music began to play, softly so that it wouldn't overlap into their conversation.
"Nah, nothing too special," Roxas said, his eyes focused on the road, "Just a party at my house with a few close friends."
"I see. That sounds fun..."
"Yeah," He took a chance to glance over to her. Namine shifted a bit as his ocean blue eyes studied her features.
"You should come, Namine. I mean, only if you want to come." Namine was taken aback by the invite. A party? especially... his party? She knew there would be a lot of his friends, and she would feel socially awkward just being there.
"Um..." Namine groped for words, "I'm not too sure if I can..." then she paused.
"I... I'd really like it if you could make it." He admitted, catching her off-guard. Her widened orbs looked back over the spiky-blonde. The way he genuinely smiled back at her; his expression showed that he meant what he just said... and it gave her a sudden shiver that ran down her spine. This time, it was he who looked away, avoiding eye contact with the bewildered girl.
"It's just... to be honest," She hesitated, "I'm not really a party person..."
"Oh," He added, diffidently, "Well, Kairi's invited, too. Someone already mentioned it to her and she said she would love to come. Hopefully you'll decide to come with her if that'll make it feel more comfortable for you."
Kairi is going? Namine thought. Although it wasn't much of a surprise, Kairi loved going to parties and social events. She really loved socializing and meeting new people. But Namine, she was the complete opposite of Kairi...
He looked at her again, this time with a big grin on his features, "At least, will you think about it?" His eyes showed hopefulness. She became more surprised. Did he really want her to come?...
He joked, pouting, "Pretty please?" then he laughed. Namine felt her heart soften by his expression, and she couldn't help but let out a chuckle.
"Okay. I will" She said, a small smile appeared on her face.
"You'll come? or you'll think about it?" He prompted gently for clarification.
She giggled again. "I'll think about it."
He frowned playfully, but nodded in understanding. "Sounds fair."
Roxas smiled, but this time, more to himself. "Either way, I look forward to seeing you there."
Namine tried to contain the uneasy feeling inside her heart because of the way he was making her feel. She tried her best to keep her composure. She tried to let the music in the car soothe her, and it did, when she heard a familiar song come on... From A Distance, by Nasri. She recognized. It was the type of music she'd normally loved to listen to, and knowing that Roxas had it on his IPOD... was unexpected.
"I..." Namine gasped softly, "love this song..."
"Really?" Roxas smiled, "Yeah, this is one of my favorite songs on my playlist." Then he turned up the volume so they both can listen to the melodic tune... It was a long, relaxing moment as the lyrics sang,
How do I get close, when she looks just like an angel?
A moment of her time just seems impossible to me.
It's hard to find the words, to get to know this stranger,
I'm scared of what she'll say, if what I say sounds incomplete...
And it feels... like we belong together,
can someone tell me where do I stop? because...
When they finally reached a stoplight, Roxas steadied his gaze over to Namine, who was smiling softly to herself and it amused him. He couldn't help but watch her, as she continued to admire the song to herself.
Roxas waited as the chorus came, then he smiled.
"I can't keep on feeling the way I do,"
Namine's eyes widened. She looked over to Roxas, who now was singing along with the song.
"I can't keep on hiding my heart from you..."
She was left in shock... because, he sang really well. He had such an amazing voice. Each word he sang somehow caressed her heart. "I gotta say something before someone else comes through," He harmonized, "I can't keep on loving you... from a distance..."
Then, he paused. Namine continued to look at him in complete awe and amazement. Their gazes finally met, as the following lyrics filled up the frozen moment.
She's always on my mind... There's no room left for thinking,
I'm tired of waiting, slowly fading... Needs to happen now...
'Cause I'm running out of time and I feel this ship is sinking.
The doors are closing, I am frozen.
I need her around...
As music continued to play, it felt as if silence took over to both blondes as their gazes remained locked.
"I... wow, Roxas," Her words scrambled, "I didn't know you can sing so... wow. You have an amazing voice!"
He shook his head, humbly, and laughed at her adorable reaction. This was the first time he'd seen her like this. Usually she was so timid and shy. Was he finally breaking through her shell?
"No, really..." Namine was still stunned, "I didn't know you can sing like that..."
"No one knows, really." He shrugged, then grinned; trying to hide his bashful expression, "It's my little secret... I actually write my own lyrics when I'm bored."
She could only continue to look amazed, "Really?"
"Yeah," Roxas chuckled, "I could show you one that I wrote recently," then he coaxed, in a playful way, "But not till after you give me the drawing you owe me from before, deal?"
Namine was left in shock again, but... she giggled, "Okay... deal." She really would love to hear him sing his own songs.
Roxas is really something, she thought. She didn't know Roxas well, but she didn't realize there were many things about him that she'd least expect. As she spent more time with him... she was learning more interesting things that you wouldn't expect in most guys. He was this charming, handsome guy who is extremely nice, fun to be around, and now... extremely talented. The combination of his personality was breathtaking and so admirable to find in a guy. Namine was certain that there were no such thing as perfect, but... is Roxas? At least, through her eyes?
Namine and Roxas were startled as a car from behind suddenly honked at them. Roxas directed his attention forward to see the streetlight that had been green for a short while now. Roxas could only laugh shamefully as the impatient driver from behind honked continually, signaling them to hurry up and drive.
"I'm going, I'm going!" Roxas said, defeated. He rolled his eyes playfully and pressed on the gas. Namine couldn't help but laugh. She was actually having a lot of fun. She felt like a different person when she was with him - in a good way. Namine felt like a better version of herself; or maybe, she was finally being her true self. Like the girl she was when she's with Kairi. It was like she could trust Roxas. This feeling she felt when she spends more time with him, kept growing, and she felt as if she was falling deeper.
Namine snuck a glance over at the boy who had his attention on the road. She didn't know what to think... but she liked it. However, at the same time, was it really okay for her to feel like this with him? She was the high schools geek and he was the most popular boy in school, after all.
By the time they reached Namine's house, Roxas pulled up into the driveway. It was dark, and the only light emitting was from the cars headlights and the lights from inside her house. She turned to face Roxas, wanting to thank him for the ride. He only grinned when she gave her thanks; her cheeks heated up when he said, "It's no problem at all, Namine... anytime."
Just before Namine was about to turn and open the passengers door, she couldn't help but notice something sticking out from the visor above Roxas' side. She couldn't help but wonder what it was. Roxas saw Namine's hesitation, and he followed her gaze. That's where he saw what she was looking at.
She pointed out, "I... think something on your visor is about to slip out."
"Oh, you're right." Roxas reached and pulled the visor flap open, failing to retrieve what was sticking out of its place. Roxas suddenly remembered that it was a photo that he had slipped into the visor the day he got his car. It had fallen and glided slowly down, into his lap. It landed with its blank side facing up.
Roxas picked it up, turning it over and looked at the photographed side. He looked upon the face of a well-dressed woman. Roxas gazed at the photo for a good moment, looking passed the woman and over to the boy she held close beside her. Roxas felt as if he was looking into a mirror, seeing his own reflection of a boy with spiky-blonde hair and his own identical features. His eyes lowered to the bottom corner, a visible letter, "V" was initialed on the photo.
Namine tilted her head slightly, noticing the captivated expression on Roxas' face. He snapped out of his trance, and looked over to the girl beside him. Then he forced a grin, hoping it would hide any hint of his suddenly gloomed appearance.
"Just a family photo that I forgot I left up there," Roxas assured, turning it over for her to see. Namine tilted her head a little more, curiosity filled her mind. She saw a professionally taken portrait. In the photo, she seen Roxas... handsome as usual, and a woman in the photo with him. She gasped, softly to herself, when she saw how beautiful the woman looked.
"May I... ask who that is?" Namine realized that the woman had similar features compared to Roxas, so she assumed, "Is that your mom?"
Roxas took a moment to look at it again, and nodded. "Yeah, she's my mother."
"She's beautiful, Roxas." Namine complimented, "You look a lot like her."
"You think so?"
Namine nodded with a smile. "Thanks." Then, he smiled, placing it back on the spot where it was found on the visor; he fixed it, making sure it wouldn't manage to slip out again. When he was done, he pushed up the visor.
"I'll walk you to the your front door, just to be on the safe side." Namine blushed by his offer, thinking it wasn't a big deal for her to walk over alone. But she didn't oblige as he already opened his door and step out.
"Thank you, again," Namine said, before entering through her front door. He only returned a genuine smile and nodded.
"Good night, Namine." He said, then added. "I'll be sure to start up on reading the book as soon as I can."
"Okay," Namine smiled, her hand held on the doors knob, "Good night to you too, Roxas." and with that, she closed the door. Roxas let out a deep breath, before returning back to his car. As he sat back down on the driver's seat, he turned on the engine and readied to leave.
Although he hesitated for moment. He had pulled the visor back down, and his eyes looked up, into the picture of the boy and woman once more. Roxas sighed to himself, before closing it up again.
x3
"Sora?" The boy at the door couldn't help but laugh, amused by his cousin being stuck in awkward situation of being tangled up with the blushing, speechless girl beside him.
"Yeah, I know! But this is all Pluto's fault, really." Sora was still trying to untangle the leash tied around his and Kairi's legs. The boy only laughed at his silly relative again.
Sora rolled his eyes and then frowned, "Instead of standing over there and laughing, why don't you come over here and help us out, Roxas?"
"Yes, Roxas, please?" Kairi pleaded.
"Well," The blonde spiky-haired boy trotted over to them, and crossed his arms over his chest, "I would help you guys out. But there's just one problem with that." Sora raised a brow, and looked at him confused. The boy only shrugged and smiled.
Sora noticed that Pluto was barking at the boy as if he was a stranger... which Sora found to be unusual, because Pluto should be familiar and comfortable with Roxas since they got along well. But it was beginning to make sense... Sora was slowly putting the pieces together.
"Wait... you're..." Sora froze. His jaw was dropped from unexpected surprise, and he looked to the boy with disbelief. Then the spiky-blonde finally admitted.
"I'm not Roxas."
Sora's brows raised high and his eyes widened. Kairi, on the other-hand, was very confused.
Sora managed to choke out, "Ven?!"
A cheeky grin became visible on the Roxas lookalike's face, "Long time no see, Sora."
Chapter Hint: In the photo of Roxas and his mother... it wasn't Roxas. (:
Oh and... Kairi really doesn't know about Roxas' party. She wasn't invited yet. :D
Author's Note: Aieeeee, what's with the random twist at the end? Haha! I really wanted to add Ventus, because I love him so much. He actually does have a role to play in this story :P be prepared! Yay, chapter done. Phew, I'm glad I got to finally update. That's all I really wanted to do. Hopefully it wasn't a fail and that it didn't kill the story more. Please let me know what you guys think so far, and how you're liking it! or even... how you're not liking it! haha -shoots self-
Anyways, I tried my best to revolve this chapter on the two major pairings. Which one did you guys enjoy more? (:
Do you guys notice that Namine is slowly changing as she spends more time with Roxas? Do you guys support this ;D?
By the way... where is my cast this chapter? Oh my goodness, they're MIA! I hope I didn't kill them either :P
-cricket noises-
Oh no... I'm all alone in this story now... T_T
...Just kidding. I didn't get to put them in it this time, but they will return soon! Sorry about that guys. Just needed a chapter up ASAP since I've too busy lately.