Disclaimer: I do not own anything from the Kingdom Hearts games except the games and a few merchandise. :3 Also don't own this "Needs More Love" Story Challenge… Nope, that belongs to Fruity-Fruit-Cups!
A/N: Finally an update! I am so sorry it took me so long to update. At the time of the last chapter, school had kept me busy. And then when I did find time to sit down and write this, I came across a writer's block! I mostly blame it on the fact that I introduced an OC/plot device in the form of Sofia. ;P She made things a little difficult for me to proceed. LOL I had to rewrite this chapter many times before I was satisfied. As a result, this chapter is the longest one so far just for you guys. I also dropped some foreshadowing hints; let's see if you can catch them. ;)
I have to thank the latest trailers of KH3D (and a bit of young!Xehanort & young!Eraqus fanart which is awesome BTW) for giving me back my inspiration though! :) I'm going to try and get this challenge done before KH3D comes out sometime in March. That's going to be an incredible feat, but I really wanna try. The reason for that is because I don't want to mix up my fanon with canon that has yet to be revealed. Since young!Xehanort (who I am shamelessly finding attractive even though I know what the years (and darkness) have done to him OTL) will be making an appearance, I don't want to mix up personality traits. xD I can already tell young!Xehanort and my Xehanort will be different, so I don't want to get confused with characteristics. Believe me when I say I might lose my motivation to continue if that happens because I'm trying to be as legit as possible even though this story challenge is only semi-canon and it's basically my fanon take on pre-BbS events. -shrug- STILL! I'll try. :P
Anyways, thanks so much for being patient! This is already at ten chapters, but hopefully we can get through all of them! :) I'm very grateful to everyone who has read, alerted, faved, and reviewed! Thank you to Starry Requiem, KHLegacy, No Heart's Throne/Mordecai. Mayhem (yeah, I know you're the same person xD), RoseOfADifferentColor, BondOfFlame08, Sakura088, Fille des Reves, Fruity-Fruit-Cups, Terra ForceXIII, KAISRE, Atem's Sister Atea, deadly maelstrom, and beckster411 for leaving reviews in the first ten chapters! I'm very grateful! :D As for the last chapter, because - for the life of me - I can't remember if I replied to reviews, I'll be doing that at the end of this chapter. This will probably be the only time I reply to reviews that way because I prefer PMs. :)
Thanks so much once again! I hope you guys can enjoy this chapter and the new few when I update again!
.: Triangle :.
~ Trinity: A most sacred and dangerous thing ~
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Now Xehanort hardly ever found amusement from watching a man and woman interact, but Eraqus was quite the exception; his mannerisms changed drastically in the presence of his 'precious' Sofia. Eraqus dropped his stern posture in favor of relaxing to the girl's airy voice and his mouth quirked into an upward smile every time Sofia glanced at him with her bright hazelnut eyes. It was as if Sofia held the only switch in the worlds that could change Eraqus's attitude in an instant.
…And how very true that was.
Even though Eraqus expressed positive traits…he secretly harnessed the mirroring negative traits when Sofia wasn't looking. And what did that negativity focus on? They were all aimed at Xehanort. The silver-haired apprentice wasn't stupid; he could practically read the jealousy flying through his brother figure's smoky eyes blindfolded whenever the brunette turned her attention to him. Sofia had a tendency to…show more 'affection' if you will towards Xehanort for reasons he himself could not explain. Perhaps it was because he was a foreigner with habits differing from her own…or could it be possible that Sofia – in the span of their initial meeting – had fallen in love with him?
That thought alone made Xehanort chuckle darkly. Silly woman… He wasn't about to reciprocate her feelings when Eraqus clearly had the affections she was seeking for from him. Xehanort respected Eraqus too much to undermine him in the 'rules of engagement' on love. However, even if that wasn't the case, Xehanort would still deny her. He wasn't interested in getting involved with a woman when there were far more interesting things to learn about out there in the vast universe.
Still…having a little fun tormenting Eraqus was never a bad thing. This 'love triangle' that he found himself in might just provide Xehanort with some measure of entertainment to pass the time.
"That is quite a tale, Sofia." Xehanort praised with a smile while resting his head on his palm. Currently, they were dwelling at a quaint café in a district Eraqus and Sofia knew as Sunset Terrace. As the name implied, the trio certainly had a breathtaking view of the sun sitting on the horizon as they sat around a round table on the cafe's open air patio. Xehanort refused to say it out loud, but the hanging of light and darkness truly set the mood for this quiet little town. He continued, "Your father certainly has tales to tell."
"Then you should see the library at the mansion." Sofia giggled; a hand against her mouth. Her bright eyes sparkled as she jabbered on. "Honestly! You and Eraqus must come and see it! Father renovated the library quite recently; it's much bigger than one would expect for a study. Oh, you will come, won't you? Eraqus?"
Eraqus – who had been sitting idly beside the brunette with his eyes on his half-empty glass of iced tea – flinched when his name was called upon her tongue. Clearing his throat, the younger Keyblade apprentice answered, "Well…perhaps some other time, Sofia. Xehanort and I don't have the time for such luxuries at the moment." He also mumbled between his teeth. "And I don't want Xehanort to see it anyways…"
Oh really now? Xehanort smirked when he heard Eraqus's unintentional complaint. All too swiftly, the silver-haired apprentice placed his hand on top of Sofia's delicate one and quirked a suggestive eyebrow in her direction. "It is a shame, but he speaks the truth, my dear. If possible, could you give me a…private tour if I come to visit again?"
As expected, Eraqus's face drained of all color whereas Sofia's cheeks filled with a deep shade of crimson. The brunette looked down in a flurry of flustering emotions; back straight in her seat and voice cracking in embarrassment. "U-Um…of course… It would be my pleasure."
"We've been here long enough." Eraqus monotonously informed, standing up from his seat with a frown. Sneering at Xehanort – which only continued to deepen the more Xehanort feigned ignorance – Eraqus started to walk away in a scowl. "It's time we return, Xehanort."
Sofia stood up in haste, smoothing down her lavender sundress. "Hold on for a moment, Eraqus! Eraqus—!"
"Leave him be," Xehanort intervened, calmly finishing the last of his coffee. His amber eyes took note that Eraqus was already paying the server for their drinks. "Eraqus can be rather…emotional without knowing it. He'll reflect about this later."
The brunette rested the side of her face in one of her palms and sighed. "Truly? Poor Eraqus. Having so many expectations placed on him that he forgot how to let things go anymore… But he'll be alright."
Xehanort raised a curious eyebrow. She was speaking so differently now about the raven-haired apprentice; not at all like earlier where Sofia was all smiles and laughter around Eraqus. This…change in demeanor intrigued him. Pushing himself out of his chair, Xehanort nonchalantly commented, "You care for Eraqus a great deal, Sofia."
"Of course." She flashed a smile that was not reserved for him, but for Eraqus. "He's very important to me."
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"Will you visit again?" The brunette asked while tucking a lock of loose hair behind her right ear.
Eraqus solemnly replied, "When I become a Master, this will be the first world I visit."
Xehanort refrained from rolling his eyes as he stood some feet away to give the 'lovebirds' privacy. He held the helmet of his Keyblade armor snuggly under his arm while leaning against a tall tree in the woods. It was actually a perfect spot for him and Eraqus to summon their Keyblade armor and gliders without the prying eyes of the world's inhabitants – sans Sofia. Lucky for them (was it really?), the brunette's residence was nearby and it put Eraqus's heart at ease knowing he could see her part-way home before twilight ended.
With a sigh, Xehanort's striking gold eyes glanced at the teetering pair impatiently. Eraqus seemed to have gotten the hint, so he quickly wrapped up. "We should be going now."
Before he could touch the node of his armor plate, Sofia swiftly locked her right pinky finger with Eraqus's; inevitably catching both males off-guard. She giggled with a tease. "You are forgetting something, Eraqus." Looking down at their entwined pinkies, the brunette started bouncing them lightly in the air and chanted:
"This is a symbol between us; joined together in a promise.
Stay strong and true as I imbue the knowledge that we'll meet again.
The stars and moon may keep us apart, but you can always find me here: in your heart.
So be happy."
Sofia's little chant had left much to be desired. It was…childish for a lack of a better word. Xehanort did not expect something of such caliber to leave the brunette's lips so easily. She was indeed a woman with the mindset of a dreamer, but overwhelming child-like tendencies. The silver-haired apprentice – slightly harried by Sofia's demeanor – looked to Eraqus for his reaction on the rhyme. Unsurprisingly enough, Eraqus was unfazed; his eyes softening with a hint of nostalgia and affection.
Ah…so the chant between the two of them held more meaning than meets the eye. It was something that no outsider would able to touch so freely; it was something even Xehanort could not comprehend.
Slipping something inside Eraqus's palm before closing it with her fingers, Sofia looked up expectantly; her hazelnut eyes shadowing sadness. "You'll come for me, won't you, Eraqus?"
The raven-haired apprentice smiled; gently kissing the back of her hand before squeezing it. "It is a promise."
As the knight in shining armor says. Xehanort smirked a little and refrained from ruining his friend's moment of glory…for once. As he pushed his back off his perch, the silver-haired male noticed the brunette approaching him; probably to bid him farewell. "It was a pleasure meeting you, Sofia."
"I feel the same way. You're a very eccentric man, Xehanort." Sofia giggled playfully. She proceeded to bow her head politely before resuming her stance; the smile never leaving her face. "I wish you luck on becoming a Keyblade Master too. You and Eraqus will surely get there."
He hummed, putting on his helmet. "It won't be a fleeting dream I assure you." Xehanort paused for a moment to observe the brunette; her eyes gazing at the younger Keyblade wielder as he summoned his armor and transformed his weapon into a glider. "…How important is he to you?"
"Excuse me?" Sofia turned to him in bemusement; her reaction the epitome of a deer caught in the headlights.
"Eraqus." Xehanort pursed his lips though it was impossible for her to see his face beneath the mask. His face was straight; serious. "What is the extent of your feelings for him?"
Her eyes widened considerably just as they darted to the ground; her posture becoming a little too polite for his tastes. Xehanort was very much aware that he was rather direct with his question, but he wasn't about to sugarcoat his words anymore; not when he realized how finicky Sofia's feelings were. Eraqus: his brother figure, confidante, and closest friend… Xehanort merely had his best interests in mind; even if that meant shutting out his precious Sofia.
Placing a hand over her heart, the brunette whispered, "He's…like a brother to me. I care for Eraqus very much even though I can't be by his side anymore." Very slowly, she timidly looked up beneath her lashes and confessed, "But…you, Xehanort…you—"
"Xehanort." Both persons looked forward, spotting Eraqus at the ready with his armor and Keyblade Glider prepared. He informed, "We must go now."
"Yes. Master Ixen will soon sense something amiss." Xehanort agreed as he walked past Sofia. There was no need to hear the rest of her response; why would he when he was already aware of what her heart wanted to tell him?
"Oh, Xehanort!" Fighting the urge to roll his eyes (even though the action could not be seen), the silver-haired apprentice spared her a glance over his armored shoulder. The brunette fidgeted in her spot; humming momentarily before nodding resolutely. "Will you…be there for him in my stead?"
He stared at her blankly before smiling…cunningly. Xehanort answered; even going so far to squeeze her hand in reassurance to add points to his performance. "As you wish…Sofia."
She smiled naïvely at him and Xehanort refrained from laughing at her grave misunderstanding. His conclusions about the woman rang true: she was not worthy of Eraqus's attention. The raven-haired youth deserved someone superior; not a woman with such fickle feelings. Sofia… She had no reservations about her adorations. There was no doubt in Xehanort's mind that the brunette was already aware of Eraqus's affections and yet Sofia pretended to remain oblivious. She was toying with him; even going so far as to openly show affections to another man in front of the unsuspecting chump. If Xehanort could describe her in one word it would just be that:
Sofia was a harlot in his eyes.
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A/N: Ha~ I wonder how you guys will interpret that. ;P Anyways! Here's my replies to reviews from the last chapter. :)
Fruity-Fruit-Cups: LOL I dunno. I felt like Twilight Town was a good choice for Eraqus considering the town represents a middle ground for light and darkness. XD Kind of a theme I'm keeping here with Eraqus and Xehanort seeing as they haven't yet picked their respective affinities yet. :) And actually, I was sort of basing Sofia's description off Olette just slightly because I honestly love Olette's design. But I will say that they AREN'T related at all. XD LOL Bro code! I need to watch HIMYM again. :P
beckster411: Hmm, now I wonder what you think of Sofia now. :) And honestly, I like to think Xehanort was that attractive in his youth that girls couldn't help but fawn over him. The genes are incredible until they fall to darkness and perhaps old age. xD LOL -shot shot shot-
KAISRE: LOL! Well now you have your answer I hope. XDD
Sakura088: Yes! I'm always trying to hit symbolism one way or another. It seems so important in Kingdom Hearts! :D I did want to keep Eraqus's 'fashion sense' intact. xD And...well I dunno. Jealousy just seems to fit parts of Eraqus's personality when I really look on it. I will probably explore that in later chapters. ;P And Xehanort... Oh Xehanort. XDD
Terra ForceXIII: That's okay. I've done worse. :P Haha, actually I did that on purpose as you can probably tell by now. ;) It's pretty much a given that things grouped in threes are important... at least I think so. xD
Mordecai. Mayhem: Yes! I'm really sorry you had to wait for the next chapter. I'll try to stay on top of this from now on. And honestly, I can't do anything without romance. LOL
Fille des Reves: Now I know I PMed you back, but I'll do it again here. xD Yeah! Eraqus got to meet his important person and then Xehanort had to go and steal his thunder... Go figure. :P
Ha~! Okay I'm done. :) Thanks a lot for reading once again!