Thanks for the reviews everyone! I loved reading your reactions! You know you're on the right track when your reviewers freak out ;) Here's a fairly quick update for you! Hope you enjoy!

x-x-x

"... I like you, Sora."

Time seemed to come to a standstill for all four teenagers. Kairi couldn't believe her shy childhood friend had just confessed to her crush. She would have been proud of the girl if the boy she was confessing to wasn't Sora. Her heart was racing as she was torn between the two outcomes - her best friend getting hurt or her favourite boy in the world being taken from her.

Roxas forgot how to breathe as he watched on, his heart hammering, his thoughts blurred, his eyes widening, waiting for the agonising seconds to pass until Sora reacted. He couldn't believe he'd missed his chance. After everything he'd done to protect her... She was about to have her heart broken.

Namine was flushed a deep red, unable to contain a quiet, nervous smile tugging at her lips. Her voice had quivered, her hands were shaking; but her heart was set. Despite all the doubt she harboured, she had somehow convinced herself that Sora could actually like her back... That just maybe he felt the same way. If she wasn't so sure, she wouldn't have told him... Her heart gave a jolt at the excitement. Sora might like her back!

And Sora...

Sora's eyes bulged slightly at the news, then furrowed, confused. When he finally decided that Namine wasn't kidding, he blinked several times and uttered a small "Oh..."

The brunette boy's head was spinning. Namine... One of his best friends, someone he loved like a sister, liked him!? As in like-liked him!? All this time, he had no idea how she was feeling. Every conversation, every exchange underlined with a feint hope that he'd like her in return... How had he not seen it? He couldn't believe this was happening. How could Namine just confess her feelings like this when he was planning to do the same for...

But of course, she was just like him; he liked someone who he'd been best friends with for ages. But surely this was different, right? He knew what he felt for Kairi was real, and he couldn't shake off the feeling that she felt the same. But this... This was completely out of the blue. But that didn't make Namine's feelings any less valid... Sora felt the dread of letting her down and the guilt washed over him like a wave. How could he hurt Namine? He loved her... But not like this.

All these dizzying thoughts hit Sora in seconds, and he suddenly became very aware of himself and how he must look to Namine. He tried to look caring and soft; he hoped he hadn't looked too anguished or freaked out just before.

"Namine..." He began, unsure of what to say or do. He suddenly felt very awkward and didn't know what to do with his limbs. He took a breath and looked her in the eyes. "I... I had no idea. I'm sorry I didn't realise..." He wanted to take her hand and comfort her, but he wasn't sure if she would appreciate the gesture right now. "... But I... I like someone else. I'm so sorry."

Sora's heart was heavy as he guaged her reaction, hoping his words had softened the blow...

But Namine knew the answer before he had even spoken. The way his eyes bulged with shock, the distraught expression, the eyes darting back and forth, looking for the right words to say... Her heart shattered.

She had ruined everything.

Every word Sora spoke was like a sharp jab, reminding her of how stupid she'd just been. She couldn't believe how hideously wrong she was. She felt her eyes well up as the disappointment and embarrassment consumed her. Why. Why had she confessed!? Suddenly her courageous truths were turning into vast regrets. What would this do to their friendship? To the group? Would it ever be the same? Why, why was she so stupid!?

Her heart was beating so fast she thought she might throw up. "Oh... Don't be s-sorry..." She trailed off, knowing if she kept talking the cracks would show and the big ugly tears would fall. She just smiled instead and shook her head, but Sora could see the distress all over her face.

"Oh, Namine..." Sora sighed, and tried to pull the girl into a hug, which she almost begrudged before giving in. Sora held her tight.

"Listen to me..." He said softly, his face contorting with sadness, "I'm glad you told me. That was really brave. The fact that you can be so honest with me is testament to our friendship, okay?" He gave her a squeeze and felt her nod slightly. "I'm sorry I can't return your feelings... But I promise you," He pulled back, watching her face scrunch up as she fought the tears, "you can never lose me, okay? No matter what. Please don't regret telling me because I'll always be your friend. I promise."

Namine managed the smallest of smiles, her eyes squinting through the tears. She couldn't believe how nice he was being to her. It made her heart ache even more... He was so perfect, so understanding, and yet he would never be hers. And all the while, she couldn't help but wonder who this lucky girl that he liked was...

Sora held onto her shoulders as she breathed deeply, trying to compose herself. If any of their friends walked into the annex she just knew she'd burst into tears. She didn't look at Sora in the eyes again. She removed herself from his grip and looked to the ground.

"Thank you. I'm sorry." She retreated then to the ladies room, and didn't look back, thoughts muddled as she raced into a stall and sat on the seat. She threw her face into her hands and sobbed.

Sora was left standing in the annex, lost for words. He felt terrible for hurting her feelings, but he knew he would keep his promise. He couldn't imagine not having Namine in his life... He hoped it would blow over soon, but the guilt continued to prickle as he tried to make sense of the situation.

Behind the pillar, Kairi and Roxas were silent. Kairi had tears in her eyes from the heartbreaking scene. Namine had looked so sad... All their efforts to protect her were in vain, and the guilt of lying to her best friend was sitting heavy on the red head's mind. Not only were thoughts of her childhood friend plaguing her thoughts, but the itching curiosity of who Sora liked was sitting in the back of her mind. She didn't want to think about it. Right now, all Kairi could do was be a good friend.

"I'm gonna go look after her," Kairi whispered to her blonde compatriot, gently tapping him on the shoulder. He simply nodded, and she went off to the bathroom, making sure Sora didn't see her.

Roxas was simply motionless. He couldn't get Namine's expression out of his head - absolute anguish. Her beautiful features scrunched up in regret, fighting her tears. Her bright blue eyes bloodshot and wet. Her trembling lip. Roxas had never seen her this emotional, and he hated it. He hated seeing her hurt. He wanted to scoop her up and take her far away from Sora, and tell her how amazing she really was, and that he wasn't worth her tears. That he could make her happier than Sora ever could. But he couldn't tell her how to feel, and in the end he couldn't stop the inevitable. Why had he even tried?

Because I love her...

The answer danced around in his mind, tantalisingly close, but he dared not voice it consciously.

Roxas squeezed his eyes shut, trying not to remember her expression, but he couldn't shake it off. Not only did it hurt seeing her so upset... But it solidified his fear that Namine was really into Sora. How could this be just a silly crush - a mistaken feeling - when she was this heartbroken?

Roxas looked up again to see Sora still in the annex, now leaning against the wall, looking very sorry for himself. Roxas knew what he was thinking - how could he ask Kairi out now, with Namine so upset? His plans were ruined. If only he'd just told Namine he liked her sooner...

There was only one thing left to do now. There would be no confession, and there would be no more deceit. He was just going to be there for her. He would pick up the pieces, and make sure she got through this.

x-x-x

"Namine...?"

The bathroom was empty, thank goodness, for the only sound echoing around the room was soft sniffling sounds. They stopped suddenly at the sound of Kairi's voice, and the blonde's voice cracked as she said, soft as a mouse, "Kairi...?"

"What's wrong, Nam?" She asked, waiting for Namine to emerge from her stall. She did so with dry eyes, but a very red and puffy face.

"I confessed to Sora..." Was all the girl managed before the tears welled up again, and she quickly wiped them away with the sleeve of her school jumper. She simply shook her head to finish her sentence.

"Oh, Namine... I'm so sorry..." Kairi pulled her best friend into a tight hug, and didn't let go for a long time. "You were so brave for telling him. I had no idea. I'm so proud of you."

Namine managed a wry chuckle between sniffles. "Thanks. I was pretty proud of me too. But Sora... He likes someone else..."

Kairi was silent for a moment, that curiosity again niggling at her senses. "Oh, Nam... I'm sorry. But you know, that's a good reason," she pulled back to meet her eyes, "Maybe if he didn't already like someone..."

"That's the worst part, Kai. He could've liked me but someone else was better." Namine crinkled her face in regret.

"Not better," Kairi said firmly. "You're amazing, Nam. Someone else just... Caught his eye sooner. That doesn't make you any less of a beautiful person."

Namine smiled genuinely. "Thank you, Kairi. He was really nice about it, but it still hurts... I feel so stupid."

"You're not stupid," Kairi shook her head. "You're brave, and wonderful, and you'll get through this. I'll be here for you. We'll watch movies and eat junk food and you'll be back to yourself in no time."

Namine's smile grew, and Kairi smiled back. "I'm so lucky to have you." She said with a sniffle.

"What are best friends for?" Kairi said, trying to ignore that prickle of guilt again. She would make it up to Namine. "Now let's get out my compact and fix you up before everyone finds you."

x-x-x

No one seemed to notice the palpable tension as the troupe got on with their day. Namine was almost mute for the rest of the afternoon, and Sora was unusually quiet, but Tidus and Wakka were so hyped up on arcade candy that they made enough noise for everyone. Luckily for the two teens, there wasn't much of the day left. After a pep talk at the meeting point about their last day tomorrow, and the long train ride back to the islands, Namine was glad to almost be home.

The walk home with Roxas was completely silent. Only their footfalls could be heard, and Roxas debated back and forth if he should say something. Whether he knew or not, Namine was extremely out of character. He finally decided to break the silence.

"Are you okay?" He finally asked, watching as she kept her head to the ground. "You're really quiet..."

Namine suddenly stopped walking, and Roxas regretted asking. Clearly she had been thinking about what happened all day long, and the tension had reached an uneasy height. She burst into tears right there on the sidewalk.

"Nam-" Roxas bent forward to grab her by the shoulders, trying to steady the girl. Her whole being shook as she sobbed, not even trying to conceal her tears from the blonde boy. She shook her head and Roxas knew she wouldn't be able to speak - so he drew her into his arms.

Without hesitation, she buried her head in his shoulder and wept, latching onto the material of his school jumper. Roxas held her close, letting her cry. He didn't say another word.

Namine couldn't believe how silly she must look now, just crying in the middle of the street for no reason. She was filled with shame and embarrassment. But the moment Roxas pulled her close, she didn't care. There was an instant ease about being in his arms. He didn't have to ask what was wrong - he just comforted her, and she loved that. That she didn't have to explain herself but need only ask for comfort and it was given... That was Roxas for you. Generous, gentle, and understanding. She knew it sounded silly, but nothing felt wrong when she was in his arms, like he was cocooning her from all the hurt. That was the kind of comfort only Roxas could give.

When the tears finally ebbed away, they stood in silence for some time. Roxas wasn't going to pry, though he already knew what had happened - but he also knew Namine didn't like to be probed when she didn't want to talk. He knew she would tell him when she was ready, and that was enough.

"Sorry..." She finally said, the word muffled against his jumper.

Roxas shook his head and hugged her a little tighter. "It's okay."

She gently let herself out of the hug, and Roxas retreated his arms against his inner wishes. She sighed deeply and raggedly from the crying.

"Thank you." She looked down for a moment, seemingly deliberating, but Roxas spoke before she could.

"You don't have to tell me right now. It's okay," He repeated, and Namine looked up with glassy eyes and an appreciative smile. She simply nodded, and Roxas took her cue and started walking again. Instead of parting ways at the edge of the street, Roxas walked her right up to her house. A quick goodbye, and Namine was safely inside.

Roxas sighed deeply. He couldn't help but feel heady at how their bodies seemed to fit so perfectly when they hugged. It was a bittersweet feeling. But he shook it off. He was there to comfort her now. He had to put those feelings behind.

x-x-x

Not long after Roxas got home, he had an unsurprising guest knock at his door. An uncharacteristically upset Sora, hands in his pockets to escape the cold night air, his signature spikes seemingly drooping with his mood.

"Sora? What's wrong?"

The brunette boy sighed. "I can't ask Kairi out anymore."

Roxas furrowed his brow while he let his best friend inside. "What? Why?"

The boys went into the music room where Roxas' drum kit was - a supposedly soundproof room, though a certain neighbour would say otherwise.

"Namine told me she liked her." Sora said, his voice heavy.

Roxas was still so shocked from the day he barely had to pretend. "What?"

Sora shook his head. "I know. It completely surprised me. I'm sorry, Roxas."

Roxas was so grateful for a friend like Sora. Here he was distraught about his delayed relationship, and he was worried about him. "It's not your fault, Sora. I told you Namine didn't like me that way..."

"I was so sure though..." Sora sighed. "Did you have any idea she liked me?"

"... No." A wave of guilt.

"I just couldn't believe it. Namine's like a sister to me. I hope this doesn't wreck our friendship..."

Roxas shook his head. "I'm sure it won't. You're both so close. Maybe she just got friendship confused with romance... You know how girls can be." He added lightly, and Sora managed a smile.

"Yeah... You're right. I'm sure we'll be okay. But I can't ask Kairi out now. How horrible would I be to ask her out after Namine just confessed to me? She'd definitely hate me then."

Roxas sighed. "She wouldn't hate you... But I agree it would be bad to do that."

Sora let out another exasperated sigh. "This sucks! I so wanted to ask Kairi out. It's even supposed to be nice weather tomorrow... It was gonna be perfect."

"I know." After all was said and done, this was one of the things Roxas had wanted to protect most, other than Namine - Sora and Kairi's relationship. If he had just told her sooner, she might not have confessed to Sora, and he could have asked Kairi... And even worse, now Kairi knew Sora liked somebody, and if he didn't act fast her doubts might grow. This had all just gone horribly wrong.

"Don't worry, Sora," Roxas started, and the brunette looked up solemnly. "You'll come up with an even better way to ask her. Maybe at the end of your production, or at the festival... Just long enough for Namine to get over you."

Sora nodded slowly. "I guess... Plus, I told her I liked someone, so maybe after a while she'll tell me it's okay..." He ruffled his unruly hair. "I still really wanted to ask her though. But I feel so bad about Nam. I didn't want to hurt her."

"It's nobody's fault. It just happened that way."

"Yeah... But what about you?"

The question hung heavy between them as Roxas thought about his answer.

"... Look, she liked you. And she'll probably take some time to get over it. So I just wanna be a good friend for her right now. She doesn't like me... That's that. But I'm just lucky she's my friend."

Sora smiled sadly. "You're a great friend, Roxas. I'm sorry."

Roxas pushed the boy lightly. "Stop that, it's not your fault. It is what it is. Now start thinking of an amazing way to ask Kairi out at production. Give her flowers in front of the whole school.

Sora's playful smirk returned. "Remind me why I asked for your advice again?"

x-x-x

The last day of city centre was here. Other than a visit to the famous markets in the afternoon, the day was free for students to finish their research. The troupe actually had to do work today to finish their assignment, so they split off to their interviews. While Tidus' team headed to more fast food chains, Roxas' group was deliberating at Twilight central.

"Who scheduled two interviews at the exact same time at two different ends of the city?" Kairi asked the group dubiously. Everyone looked back innocently. "Well, it doesn't matter now, but we'll have to split up to make it to both."

"Why don't we just cancel one?" Hayner asked, clearly bummed it was the last day.

"We only have two other interviews. Do you want to fail this assignment?" Kairi sighed. "One is with statistic guy and the other is with a junior officer."

"I call the officer!" Hayner raised his hand. Kairi rolled her eyes.

"Which one is less far away?" Namine asked quietly. Sora had been right; the day was gloriously sunshiny today, but everyone had still dressed for winter, and the extra layers were making Namine more susceptible to travel sickness. With that and her emotions today, Kairi wished she could just take the poor girl shopping.

"The statistic guy. It's at that big newspaper building, so you only need to use the train, whereas to get to the officer we need to use the trams."

"Okay," Namine nodded. Before Kairi could put her hand up, Roxas quickly chimed in that he'd go with Namine. The two shared a private smile.

"Alright, then Sora, you go with Hayner. And I'll go..." Kairi wanted to stay with Namine and look after her, but she knew she needed space, and having two people hovering over her would be too much. Plus, she was sure Roxas wanted to spend some time with her. She granted him this time, having already organised a sleepover for Nam on the weekend. "... I'll go with the boys because you know they're hopeless without one of us, Nam."

Namine giggled and Hayner huffed in indignation, completely oblivious to the going ons between the four teenagers around him.

"Alright, we'll catch you guys back at the market this afternoon then." Hayner waved off the two blondes and ushered the others to follow him. "Let's go! We might be able to sneak in some free time if we get there early."

"This boy, I swear..." Kairi sighed but followed suite, glancing back to give Namine a comforting smile. Namine smiled back, grateful for the sole company of Roxas. He wouldn't ask questions, and she could just mull in her thoughts.

After the three left, Roxas turned to the petite girl. "Are you ready? Do you wanna wait a little bit?"

"No, I'm okay," Namine shook her head, and they headed for the train station, Roxas keeping a close watch on the girl. They entered the packed city carriage, having to stand as there were no seats.

"How many stations til we get there?" Namine asked, a quiver in her voice. Roxas checked the map.

"Four. Not too many"

"Uh-huh..."

But in a packed train with sunlight streaming in and clad in a coat and scarf, it was definitely too long for Namine. She felt immediately queasy. She would have stripped her coat, but there was no room to move, and she was using all her energy to simply stand straight in the moving carriage. She held on tight to the pole beside her, trying to find something to fix her eyes on, but everything made it worse - the moving landscape, the shaking carriage floor, and Roxas' worried expression. She was turning paler and the urge to throw up was getting stronger. She watched carefully for people to leave their seats so she could sit down, but nobody moved, and at each stop more people came on, making it hotter and more uncomfortable.

"Just two stops now..." Roxas said softly, but his soothing voice did nothing to help her nausea. She started to breath deeply and quickly, almost hyperventilating, her palms becoming so sweaty she found it hard to hold onto the railing. Why didn't she take her coat off before getting on the train? Why was every decision she made lately so stupid?

The train jerked to its next stop and Namine felt a powerful wave of nausea. Tears welled in her eyes and her heart hammered. "Roxas..." There was panic in her quiet voice.

Roxas would have ushered her out then, but the train took off again. "The next stop Nam, we're almost there..."

But her face contorted even further and she barely concealed a sob as she reached out and grabbed his arm, eyes fixed to the ground, breathing hard and fast. Roxas held onto her arms, not knowing how to comfort her. They had to get off now or Namine would be sick.

"Almost there Nam... Almost there..." He chided as he saw the station near. Namine was almost green by now, eyes bulging with concentration. She tried to think of anything but being sick, but even thinking about Sora couldn't distract her from the bile rising in her throat-

The doors whooshed open and Roxas guided Namine out quickly, thankful for kind city people who got out of their way. She collapsed to the floor of the station and gasped for air, the sting of the cool wind instantly making her feel better. She stripped off her jacket and scarf, hurling them to the ground, and stayed very still for a long time. Slowly, the nausea ebbed away and the wind cooled her skin. Roxas stayed by her side the whole time, rubbing her back and making sure her scarf didn't blow away.

Once the nausea was gone, Namine let the cracks show once again. She couldn't hold it back. Her lip trembled and the tears returned. "Everything's ruined, Roxas."

"Namine..." Roxas quickly looked around; there weren't many people but he wanted a more secluded space for her. "Come with me..." He grabbed her hand and tugged her gently away.

Holding back the sobs, Namine followed Roxas, wiping away stray tears as his hand guided her out of the station and into the sunshine. After a quick survey, Roxas found a nice shady area in a park nearby, surrounded by flowers. It reminded him of Sora's ruined date and he sighed sadly as he brought Namine over to the seat. He sat next to her, and waited. He was still holding her hand.

Only seconds passed before Namine sighed, and let her heart spill. "I have something to tell you, Roxas. I'm sorry I didn't tell you before, but you were so busy with dancing and drums I didn't want to bother you..."

"You could never bother me, Nam..." Roxas squeezed her hand.

Namine managed a small smile. "I'm sorry. I wanted to tell you earlier. Well... I wanted to tell you that I... I like Sora. And... yesterday, I told him. And he doesn't like me back. And now everything is ruined."

Roxas sighed, running his thumb over her hand slightly. "Namine... I'm sorry. That wouldn't have been easy." His words felt empty when the words he really wanted to say danced on his tongue.

"Roxas... I'm scared I've ruined our friendship. And for some stupid reason I thought he might like me back..." A single tear fell, and Roxas wanted nothing more than to wipe it away, but he fought the urge.

"It's not stupid. Why wouldn't he like you? You're amazing, Nam."

She smiled slightly. "Well, he likes someone else. And now he probably won't act on it because of me. And a horrible part of me doesn't want him to. I'm the worst friend, aren't I?"

"No," Roxas said, very firmly, "You're not. You're just hurt. You're allowed to be hurt. And you guys will stay friends, I know it. You both mean too much to each other. Just you wait, this will bring you guys closer than ever."

Namine sniffled, using her free hand to wipe her eyes. "You think so?"

Roxas smiled. "I know so."

The blonde girl smiled again. "You're the best, Roxas. I'm sorry for all this, and last night... I'm a mess."

Roxas chuckled. "You're the prettiest mess I know." She giggled, and he felt a flutter of achievement. "Let's ditch the interview."

Namine looked up, confused. "What?"

"We'll make up the numbers later. How hard can statistics be, right? We'll go get some ice cream and have some fun. Without Sora."

Namine looked like she was about to protest, but she quickly softened, and nodded. "Okay. Thanks, Roxas."

After a quick search on his phone, Roxas found a local ice creamery and shouted Namine to her favourite Paopu flavoured cone. They walked around the city and checked out the shops, talking and chuckling with an air of content that only follows after you spill your heart out. The whole time, Namine couldn't help but look to Roxas with admiration. How has she gotten so lucky to have amazing friends like this? She had to be grateful for that, even after the terrible 24 hours she'd been through.

When it was time to head back, they quickly wrote down a fake interview and caught the train, and Roxas was quick to find a seat for Namine, standing over her the way home. Namine smiled, exhausted and emotionally drained, but basking in the rescued afternoon.

Thank you, Roxas...

x-x-x

Such an emotional chapter! Most of you were right on the money, so I hope you enjoyed this! What will happen from here? There's a lot more drama to come - stay tuned!