Chapter 10: Surprise?
A/N: It's now 2012 … yay.
Disclaimer: Do not own Kingdom Hearts. It be not mine.
Warnings: Language and a very angry Cloud Strife.
Reviews:
Isabelz3Cookies-Yeah, they did. They should be ashamed; they had everything going for themselves. Lol, life happens I guess. Thanks for the review and Happy New Year to you too.
Mirror's Deception-Eh well. I don't mind as long as I get some reviews … Thanks for adding to them!
Q-A the Authoress-I know (MUAHAHA)
Versivalia-I knew someone would brandish a knife at me someday. No worries, the Sokai is coming soon but what's a story without the rising action? If I skip straight to the climax, it'll get boring really fast. Thanks for reviewing!
OuiSexSi-I had the exact same problem except I ended up playing as Ven all day long. Ah well, it's a fixable problem. I feel the exact same way when I'm mentioned in a story; that's why I answer reviews here instead of sending you all messages. It makes you feel loved :)
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"So then … what now?"
"Well she's obviously going to live with us now!"
"Do we even have the resources to take care of another person?"
"Shut up Vanille!"
"Roxas! Yes, Vanille, we'll be fine."
Count on Mom to be the optimistic one.
"Well, we have to think about this for a moment," Vanille started, "Both Naminé and Roxas are only teenagers—one year from graduating high school—and all of a sudden, they're having a baby thrown into their lives! Not only do their dreams go down the drain but there's a considerable amount of money needed to care for a baby that I doubt either of them has. Sure, they're mature enough to handle it but that doesn't mean they should have to!"
And Vanille chooses now to be the smart one.
"I believe this entire thing started from irresponsibility anyway. There's a lot they're going to go through to make up for that …" she continued. No one really wanted to admit that she was right but it was so true at the same time …
" … I know that what we did was irresponsible and that it will take a lot to take care of a baby but I'd give up my own life before I gave up this child. Yeah, it'll be a lot of hardship but I'd like to think I'm prepared for that. After I found out, I gave this a lot of thought and I came to the same conclusion that I'll have to give a lot up but I can handle myself," Naminé said. Roxas gave her a worried look and rubbed her back in comfort.
"You're not going to be alone in this," he said.
"It's true," Mom added, "We'll all help out as much as we can! By the way, the moment you two graduate, you're getting married!"
"Oh, oh! Can I be the wedding planner!" Vanille squeaked excitedly, already over her unnatural moment of intelligence. I was a bit sad, she had actually started speaking normally and now she's back to that stupid Australian accent …
"Sure sweetie," Mom said (obviously lying).
"What about when I start … showing?" Naminé asked in a slightly embarrassed voice.
"Easy. I'll beat the shit out of anyone who says anything," Roxas replied simply.
"Roxas, stop being so violent! I swear you're just like your father!"
At that Dad rolled his eyes. Naminé didn't seem so reassured but said nothing else.
"Do you have any of your things from your house, Naminé? Should we go pick them up?" Mom asked.
"Yes, I do actually. Thank you. For everything," Naminé said, on the verge of tears. Roxas grabbed her and squished her to his chest. Mom and Dad stood to leave. I stood as well.
"I'll go with you guys," I volunteered. I wouldn't know what to do otherwise. Mom nodded.
"Do I get to take Fenrir?" Dad asked in his equivalent of excitement. It wasn't far off from normal excitement except for the fact that the look in his eyes didn't seem entirely sane.
"Of course you may not run these people over with your motorcycle!" Mom shouted. Leave it to her to understand Dad's weirdness. He sighed in defeat.
"The bastards would deserve it. Who the fuck kicks their seventeen year old pregnant daughter out? They don't deserve the mercy my foot would give them if I kicked their faces in," he grumbled as we walked outside towards the car. In some ways, I was happy my father didn't talk much because when he did, stuff like that came out of his mouth.
"Cloud …" Mom started. She understood this too, and though she agreed with how he felt about Naminé's predicament, she preferred it when he didn't threaten violence at people left and right and instead quietly read his newspaper and rolled his eyes at his crazy children.
"What?" he asked as he got into the driver's seat. He was obviously angry at Naminé's parents since by now he's already started to think of Naminé as another daughter. It was strange to think that at one point he felt the same about Kairi. She was like part of the family (and thankfully didn't mind how insane it is). I rubbed my forehead to push those thoughts out of my head. The car was already moving. The ride wasn't long at all because the car was only needed to carry Naminé's stuff. It was a little saddening to see it all sitting on the front porch of Naminé's (old) house. The moment we got there, Mom started grabbing things (what little there was) and putting it in the trunk and backseat. Dad and I stood at the door as I wanted to see what Dad would do since he had decided to knock on the door. There was a sound of grumbling and footsteps before the door opened to show Naminé's dad glaring down at the Naminé he thought was there.
"I told you to stay off this property—Oh?"
He finally looked up to realize that he was shouting at the wrong blonde. Dad was taller than Naminé's father so it was almost comical watching the stout man glare up at my father with a menacing look on his face. Dad glared back in disdain, already looking far more intimidating. It also helped that he was extremely muscular and had a super short temper if one knew which buttons to press. Naminé's dad had pushed all the wrong buttons.
"Need something, Strife?" Mr. Whitman (right, that's his name!) asked.
"Eh … just one thing …" Dad trailed off. I could see it before it even happened. One moment, Mr. Whitman was standing in his doorway glaring at us, the next he was on the floor in a puddle of his own blood. Dad cracked the knuckles on the particular fist he used before stooping down to level his face with Mr. Whitman's.
"Since you're not worth the dirt on the bottom of my shoes, I suppose I don't have to treat you like you are anymore," Dad growled as he raised his fist again. I decided to step in before he killed the man.
"Dad, he's not worth you getting arrested either. Let's just get out of here," I sighed as I pulled on my father's arm. He continued glaring daggers at Mr. Whitman for a few moments before standing up and huffing. He decided not to spare the man a kick to the ribs, though, before finally turning and headed back to the car with me on his heels. Mom had gotten everything in the car during that little fiasco and was standing by the passenger's seat with her arms crossed and a look of distaste on her face.
"Did you really have to beat him up?" she asked as we all got in.
"I didn't beat him up, I taught him a lesson. If I had beaten him up, he'd be dead," Dad said calmly. Mom sighed.
"I hope he doesn't charge you with assault."
"He knows better …"
Yeah, Dad's scary sometimes. This is why I'm glad he's my dad. He's a serious family man so while we're safe from any harm with him around, everyone else on the planet that isn't on his good list had better watch out. Not to mention, apparently the rest of his family is even worse. I had never met them, so I don't really know firsthand but from what I've heard, they aren't to be taken lightly.
"I take it you got everything?" Dad asked as we pulled into our own driveway.
"Yep. Naminé never did have much. I'm surprised such a sweet girl has such horrible parents …" Mom trailed off.
"And you were upset that I punched that man?" Dad mumbled. Mom still heard him.
"Yes well you see Cloud. When any other man punches another man, they stop there and move on. When you punch another man in the face, you not only cause serious damage to their face, but you practically torture them further until you're satisfied that they've learned their lesson. It's nice to know that you care so much about Naminé's well being and about children in general but you didn't have to leave that man in a puddle of his own blood. Not to mention, you did that when Sora was right there …"
"He's fine, Aerith, my sons are tough. They can handle a little blood if it comes to that. I seem to remember Sora punching a kid in the face until all that was left was a bloody mess simply because the kid made the mistake of putting his hands on Kairi and that was a few years ago. What I did isn't going to ruin Sora's mind," Dad said. I actually forgot about that until he mentioned it. The guy deserved it, though. Who said he had the right to feel Kairi up?
"Tough … more like violent …" Mom grumbled before adding louder, "They get it from you, you know!"
"Sure, says the woman who pushed my brother down the stairs because he grabbed your ass …"
"And it was his own damn fault too! He should've kept his hands to himself!"
My god, my family's crazy.
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"So, what are you gonna do when the baby starts showing?" Selphie asked as she stuffed a fry in her mouth.
"Well, we graduate at the beginning of June and it's January now … I won't be showing for another month and a half … hmm, by June I shouldn't be huge. I'll be five months so I'll definitely be showing but it won't be like I can't do everyday things ..." Naminé answered simply. Selphie nodded and went back to her food.
"So you're still coming to school, even when you'll be showing?" Tidus asked.
"Yes. I do want to graduate!" Naminé laughed which caused Roxas to smile fondly at her. I myself was a little worried for them. High school was stressful and I'm sure neither Naminé nor the baby needed that.
"I'm surprised no teachers or the principal have said anything ..." Riku added, causing everyone to groan with apprehension. We hadn't considered that.
"It's no problem, Xemnas doesn't give a damn anyway," Roxas answered. One thing our principal was notorious for … not giving a damn.
"So, you're a month and a half now? When'll the morning sickness start?" Yuna asked.
"Hopefully not too soon," Naminé smiled and the other girls giggled.
"Hey, can I feel your belly?" Selphie asked with this creepy glint in her eyes.
"I doubt you'd feel anything right now ..."
"Aww."
"Well it's helpful to know that by the time you graduate, you can find out what gender the baby is," Yuna said.
"What names do you have in mind? You know, whether it's a boy or a girl?" Rikku asked.
"It'll be a boy," Roxas added in.
"How do you know?" Rikku shot at him.
"Trust me, Rikku, this is Roxas' child we're talking about. It's going to be a boy," I said, picking at my lunch rather than actually eating it. I was still kind of worried about Kairi and it was causing me to lose my appetite. She was nowhere to be seen and it made me a bit nervous. She wasn't even in drama earlier today. I hope I wasn't too harsh on her or something.
"Yeah, but it'll also be Naminé's son! Oh wait ..."
"Did you have another blonde moment?" Riku asked her. She nodded with an embarrassed look on her face. Roxas laughed arrogantly.
"See? Even your subconscious agrees with me!"
"You never did answer my question though," Rikku said, rolling her eyes at Roxas, "What will you name the baby?"
"For the love of god, don't make him Roxas Jr.," Tidus said, causing Roxas to flip him the bird. Naminé only laughed.
"I really don't know yet … I'm sure I'll figure it out someday ..." she sighed.
"Mom will help you; she's like the master at baby naming," I said.
"And yet she named her kid Roxas …?" Tidus asked skeptically.
"Shut up, Tidus!"
"I think that was because Mom didn't name him ..." I clarified.
"Well who did? They should be punched in the face!" Tidus laughed.
"I should punch you in the face! Quit making fun of my name!" Roxas shouted.
"Yeah, I mean look at yourself! Who names their kid 'Tidus'? Were you born during a low tide or something?" Rikku laughed.
"Shut your face blondie! At least I don't have the same name as my girlfriend!" Tidus sneered.
"You're more blonde than I am! And I'm proud to share my name with my wonderful Riku!" Rikku shouted back. Riku had no comment and only rubbed his forehead.
"How'd that even happen, anyway? Were you just drawn to one another?" Selphie asked.
"No," I said, "They thought it was weird that they had essentially the same name and somehow became friends from that. And then they started dating 'cause they're weird like that."
"Yeah, someone's definitely weird!" Tidus grouched.
"Yeah, like you!" Rikku grumbled.
"Shut up with the bickering already!" Paine shouted, rubbing her temples in obvious irritation. Riku sighed, glad that someone said something. I would've forgotten she was there but Garnet was rested against her shoulder with one of her hands gripping one of my own pretty firmly (for someone who's sleeping, that is).
"Yeah! It's not good for the baby!" Selphie griped. Naminé rolled her eyes but stayed silent.
"Do you have a doctor already?" Wakka asked while Selphie made a face at him for stealing one of her fries. I didn't blame her, Riku and Rikku both kept stealing my food … but then again, I'm not even eating it so I guess I shouldn't care.
"Not yet, but I'll find one ..." Naminé answered.
"Isn't your mom a doctor?" Yuna asked Roxas.
"Pediatrician. She can't really do much for Naminé without it interfering with her actual job though she's going to definitely keep track of her health habits," Roxas answered.
"Maybe she can recommend someone," I suggested. Rox nodded.
"Probably. We should ask when we get home," he said.
Just then the bell rang and we all stood to go to our classes. I was practically dragging my feet into Algebra. My teacher paid no attention to it since he was used to everyone dragging their feet into his classroom but everyone else seemed to notice how unlike me my mood was. I sat in my seat and sighed, feeling pretty down in the dumps. And who decided to pop out of nowhere and cheer me up? The transfer student slash Planet of the Apes experiment himself. Exactly who I didn't need to see.
"Need something Zidane?"
Sigh.
"No, just wanted to know what was up. You're usually smiling and even of you're not, you never look this down. You look like someone shot your dog."
You better hope to god that if that happened, it wasn't you …
"It's not that, it's just … nothing. Never mind ..." I sighed. He decided to sit down in the seat in front of me (not to mention, he sat in the chair backwards).
"C'mon, Sora, you can tell me anything!"
What's this chimp—uh, I mean chump talking about?
"Don't give me that look! I'm a really good listener!"
"It's really not important. Don't worry about it; I'll cheer up, see?"
I gave him my best fake smile. It probably looked demented as all hell.*
"Yikes, dude."
"I know, shut up," I sighed with a slightly more genuine smile. It wasn't the happiest expression on my face but it sufficed enough for Zidane. He smiled as well.
"Well, whatever it is bugging you, it's gotta be pretty bad right?"
I hesitated before nodding slowly.
"Then it can only get better from here on out! Cheer up, okay? You'll get through whatever the problem is, I can guarantee it!" Zidane said in a chipper tone. I can happily say I've just been successfully shown up by monkey boy in the overly-happy department. Take that society!
"So? Are you going to continue moping?" he asked. I can't get passed the fact that he's still talking to me.
"Yes, I'll stop moping! I swear!" I said with a much better fake smile.
Go away, dude!
"Perfect! See you at work!" he smiled as he jumped back to his own seat.
"Yeah, see ya!" Hanging from a tree by your neck.
Wow … I'm in a really bad mood today. Perfect. The world can fear my wrath.
I can now happily say I've spent my entire Algebra class imagining different ways the world could burn.
Oh, and I think Mom and Dad are working late, so I've got dinner duty.
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* Remember that cutscene in the first Kingdom Hearts when Sora tried to smile for Donald and Goofy in Traverse Town? Yeah, it was something like that.
A/N: I noticed I hadn't made note of the time in this story but the party was at the end of November and Naminé was almost two months when she found out and told Roxas. That's why it's January …
Anyway, there wasn't much to this chapter but it's still something. I guess it's like an intermission since there's going to be plenty of Kairi next chapter and you all know what that means … drama. Oh, and Rinoa's coming back, but don't worry, I'm not kicking Marly out. It'll probably be a longer chapter so it may take a while to get out but I promise there won't be another two month wait like there was for chapter … seven, I think?
Review or I shall steal your brains and sell them to science! LOL, no I won't … maybe.