Ohh man, I'm just recovering here because I accidently picked up a Trojan virus that sent me to stupid websites and whatnot. Luckily, I did system restore and set it to an earlier time.. Which SEEMS to have stopped the virus.. I'm not taking any chances though. Anyone have any good idea for a decent Anti-Virus program? AVG doesn't seem to be doing much..

I'm also a tad tired after three hours sleep :(

I really recommend that you listen to songs while your writing, the right song really improves the writing and sets the scene xD It's a massive help to me (:

WHOOP - three updates in two days!

Please review/fave/alert.

Enjoy x

Resistance

Chapter Eleven: The Boundries Tear Down

-&-

Isn't it funny how time seems to stop?

It's like the world around you completely halts and you're still there in that moment. Nothing seems to matter much to you anymore and you feel the world slipping beneath your fingertips. Your consciousness feels like a far off memory. But still, you want to stay in that moment.

It was exactly like this, with Sora.

It didn't feel like me kissing him. My body was lighter than air and numb. It had no feeling except for my lips, which moved against his. We fit each other.

I could feel my arms slip around his neck and his arms at my waist as we pulled each other closer. Even with my eyes closed, I memorized every curve of his lips and every soft touch.

He was so soft.

We eventually had to unwillingly break apart in need for air. For a few moments we stood a little embarrassed.

"Wow." Sora laughed.

"I know what you mean," I whispered. "That was.. Amazing." My fingers found their way to my lips and I touched them tenderly. They ached for the warmth of Sora's mouth. They needed him as much as I did.

"I think we need to talk." Sora murmured.

"We really do." I agreed and we both fell silent again. Our arms were still wrapped protectively around each other and he made no move to let go. I closed my eyes and leaned into him, nuzzling my face against his neck. Behind him, I imagined the two of us as six year olds again. The apparitions were young and innocent and knew nothing of life and its troubles. They looked at me, their ghostly figures were holding hands and staring confused, at me. I smiled sadly and they disappeared back into my mind again.

My attention was suddenly grabbed by a movement at the corner of my eye. It was at my living room window. It was the curtain fluttering. But there was no wind.

Someone had been watching Sora and I.

And I knew who it was.

I could run, I realized. I could get away from here and protect Sora at the same time. But.. Mum will be left and I honestly don't know what would happen to her.

My heart beat fast and loudly in my ears, although it was a different reason to the one I would have liked. I released my hold on Sora and took him by the shoulders and my eyes bore into his. I could sense his apparent confusion.

"You need to go," I hissed. "Quickly get away from here."

His eyebrows rose. "What? Kairi, what's wrong?"

"Nothing," I muttered and cast another glance to the window. "Look - I'll see you and Riku tomorrow, okay? I'm really sorry but I need to get inside."

He grabbed my wrist as I began to walk away and my head snapped around to face him. He looked worried at my pained facial expression and didn't release his hold on me. I felt like slapping him and screaming at him to get the hell out of here before my nosey Dad stormed outside and best the crap out of him. I realized that Sora must be worrying if he upset me in anyway and my face softened.

"Would it be selfish of me to tell you that I really like you Sora?" I whispered and touched his cheek. "And not just in the best friend way." I stood on my toes and kissed his cheek and smiled apologetically. He looked slightly more composed now and relaxed at my 'almost' confession. I apologized again and waved, turning round at my heart was in my mouth. I forced my legs to make the long journey up the garden path and to the porch. I turned to see Sora slowly make his way across the road and head for home. He glanced back at the same time and we both smiled at the connection. It was more proof than we needed to know that we were made for each other.

This maybe the last time I see Sora. God knows what's waiting for me in there.

I silently drank in his moonlit perfect figure and took out my key, placing it in the lock and making as less possible noise as I could. As if that could help me now.

It seemed eerily quiet as I shut the front door and slipped off my heels. I held them protectively in my arms and padded bare-footed into the living room where my fate lay out for me.

As I expected, Mum and Dad were sat side by side on the sofa, waiting for me. Well - Dad was waiting for me. Mum looked as if she wanted to dart out of the damn window herself and never return. His arm was hung loosely around her shoulders - not as a comforting or loving gesture, he wanted to make sure she knew who was boss and that he owned her now. I was old enough to realize this. I wondered how many years it had been going on.

I stared at Mum's scared expression. She reminded me of a deer caught in the headlights of an oncoming car. I wished I could dart in front of that 'car' and save her, but I didn't know how.

The tension was thick in the air and it made the room whirl and spin like a rollercoaster. Dad said nothing but closed his eyes and silently pondered something. He then groaned and dropped his arm from Mum - for a split second, she looked relieved but that was only short lived as soon as she saw that he was making his way towards me.

Run Mum, I begged. You don't want to see this - run now.

Dad stopped in front of me. He looked absolutely huge and I barely clearer his shoulders. He sighed theatrically and tapped his foot - waiting for me to look up and stare into his hateful black beady eyes. I did it with confidence - I wasn't going to let him know how much he scared me.

"I saw you with that gay kid - Sonny."

"It's Sora. And he's not gay."

Dad smirked. "So you both thought it would be all ok if you 'sucked face' outside the house. The secret house where nobody apparently lives."

"What's the problem?" I demanded. "Are you telling me I can't kiss Sora?" Mum gasped at my words and placed her hands over her mouth, her eyes wide - she would never dare talk back to him like that. But I was different and I couldn't stand it anymore. Dad clenched his fists and ground his teeth together.

"I own you," he hissed darkly. "What makes you think you can go out like the little tramp you are and do what you like? Sorry baby - I'm the big daddy here. And I won't let you forget that." He raised his hand and backhanded me across the face, pushing me backwards and causing me to trip and fall. Just as I was about to retort with something smart, he kicked my spine with his booted foot and watched in amusement as I writhed around in pain.

"Sora isn't around to help you now," Dad cackled. "Why would he even get involved with you anyway? You're a worthless piece of trash - just like your mother." He gestured to her with a thumb. "I'm the boss of this house; I won't let you step out of line Kairi."

"I was never out of line," I argued bitterly. "I always go to school and do my homework and never complain - why are you like this? What happened to you, Dad?"

"I discovered," he kicked me hard again. "That people like you shouldn't deserve to live in your useless pathetic little world. It's time you knew what really goes on in life, Kai-Kai."

"I do know! There's hate and bitterness and lov-.."

He spat on me angrily. "Love? Hate to spoil your buzz honey, but love doesn't exist. For example, I thought I loved her," he gestured to Mum huddled in the corner again. "She was good for only food and a good screw."

"DON'T TALK ABOUT MUM LIKE THAT," I screamed and jumped onto my feet. I was absolutely livid and the fury was rising within me like darkness. I didn't feel like resisting it and let it engulf me completely. My nails were digging into my flesh because I was clenching my fists so hard, but I didn't even feel the pain. I took one of my dropped heels and held it up.

"Leave now," I hissed. "You better get out of this house before I stab you."

Dad's mouth opened and closed like a fish - obviously he wasn't expecting that threat.

"RUN!" Mum screamed and attempted to run to me. Dad regained his composure rather quickly and sent a fist flying into her face; she collided with the TV and crumpled into a ball on the floor. My legs moved sub-consciously and I found myself running towards Dad with my heel clasped in my hands. I aimed the pointy bit at his chest in order to hurt him so I could grab Mum and run. But Dad was too quick and saw me coming. He growled and seized my wrist so hard, it made me drop my shoe. I cried out in pain as I heard a tiny 'snapping' sound in my wrist and my eyes welled up in pain. Dad saw this and smirked. He twisted the wrist further and further until I cried out at him to stop.

I desperately swung my body round in order to kick, bite, scratch - anything! Dad was muscular and big and built like a gorilla. If I did any damage, he didn't even flinch. In a swift movement, he clutched my head and smashed my face into the coffee table.

My face exploded in pain and I saw stars before my eyes. I heard the wails of Mum as she tried to attack him again. My body collapsed and it took a while for me to be able to move at will again. I could feel the blood streaming from my nose like a fountain and land thickly on the once beautiful, clothes Yuffie gave me.

I wanted to cry so badly. My night was ruined, my clothes were ruined and now apparently my life wasn't even mine anymore. It belonged to someone I detested and once loved.

"I hate you." I sobbed through a haze of blood and tears. He was next to me now, bending down and pretending to care - Mum's whimpers were far in the other room, it's obvious he was done with her. He'd found a brand new punch bag now. Me.

"Fortunately, I don't care about being liked," even through the haze, his smirk shone out at me. "I care about winning."

"What's the point?" I muttered and wiped some of the blood on my arm. "Why are you doing this to us? How can you possibly hate us so much? What did we do?"

He leaned uncomfortably closer to me. "Rule number one, Kairi - know your place. You think you can just waltz about and go out with your retarded gang buddies?" His voice rose and he slapped me across the head. "Be prepared to say goodbye to them, kiddo. As soon as graduation comes.." He made a sick slitting throat gesture. I felt the bile rise up in my throat and had to cover my mouth so I wouldn't end up vomiting everywhere. Dad wouldn't really go as far as that, would he?

The wind was knocked out of me as I was forced to the floor and Dad hung over me. He straightened me out easily, despite my yelling and struggling. He placed his boot on my neck and warning bells immediately clanged in my head.

"Let's get one thing straight Kairi," he whispered. "Since you belong to me now. I want to hear you say something.."

"Does it.. Involve.. Screaming for help.." Oh god, it hurt to talk.

"You wish," he sniggered. "No, it's about your kissing buddy - Sota."

"Sora."

"Whatever," he increased the pressure on my throat until my skin began to have a blue tinge. "Sora shouldn't be hanging around the likes of you, should he? You're bed news. Poor Sora doesn't need to end up getting.. Hurt."

"Hurt?" I gasped painfully. "What do you-.." My eyes bulged, and it wasn't from the lack of air. "DON'T TOUCH HIM - DON'T TOUCH SORA." I screamed and kicked upwards. My foot connected with his chin and he grunted and heavily stepped backwards. My fingers held my throat and I stood up, gasping.

Dad lunged at me and tacked me to the floor. He forced me onto my back with his muscular hairy arms and took my shoulder and forced it for the floor, while taking the arm that was connected to it and bending the arm backwards as far as it would go. I cursed in pain and he smashed his elbow into the back of my head.

"Don't swear in my house Kairi. We're going to have to teach you some manners," he pulled my arm back further until it creaked in protest. "I won't touch Sora," he paused. "If you stop hanging around him that is."

"W-What?"

"Break up with whatshisname and I give you my word, I will not hurt him. I don't want my reputation as a father soiled now, by the fact that my only child is a whore now, do I?"

"Sora's my best friend! I can't just break up with him! OW."

"Best friends don't kiss," he tutted. "Bad Kairi, you aren't a very good friend."

I sniffed quietly and soon a little puddle was created next to my eyes. How could I just turn round and tell Sora I suddenly didn't love him anymore? No! I couldn't do it - But I also couldn't let my Dad hurt Sora because of.. Me. I pictured Sora's beautiful angelic face - now littered with bruises and cuts and gashes. I imagined him turning to me and blaming me. I couldn't take it. My heart already felt as if it was going to collapse. Not that I would argue. Death seemed like a peaceful solution to this situation right now.

"Fine." I whispered. Dad seemed satisfied and released my arm and stood up. I gingerly cradled my aching arm and stared defiantly up at him. He smirked down at me.

"You never know Kairi," he said. "Keep obeying me and I maybe won't have to punish you as much."

-&-

The next day came quickly and I remembered that Sora, Riku and I were supposed to meet up and discuss battle plans. I debated whether to call and pretend to be sick or something. Dad had gone pretty hard on me last night before he stormed out and I had the bruises to prove it. I was also embarrassed to see Sora again - I was afraid that I'd hurt him from our quick goodbye last night.

It was Mum who made me go. It was clear she wanted me out of the house as much as possible and I didn't exactly argue with that. We didn't say a word to each other about what happened the night before.

Again, she heavily made up my face and sent me out in jeans, her cardigan and a long sleeved top. I'd been so bruised and covered up lately, that I was faintly afraid that my body would just get so pounded down with all the extra weight that my bones would break and I would be rendered helpless. This was part of the nightmare I had.

Twenty minutes later - I found myself outside Riku's front door and wondering how I even got there. I didn't even remember leaving my house let alone travelling all the way here! My mind was seriously becoming messed up. I was now apparently letting my sub-consciousness completely control me; I was so out of it.

I knocked three small taps and blew on my fingers to keep them warm, while my silver haired friend pulled open the huge white door and grinned.

"Hey Kairi, come on in."

I gratefully entered the hallway and left my shoes by the door, following him in the living room where Sora was lounged on one of the cream colored chairs and sipping a coke. He glanced up to see me and a heavy blush appeared on his face - I wondered if he was thinking about me as much as I was thinking about him? I thought about my father crushing Sora with his hands and I immediately cast my gaze to the TV and sat away from him.

Riku tossed me a can of coke and a bag of strange sweets that were sinfully delicious. Until lunchtime, we horsed around in the living room and imitated the ridiculous shows and commercials. At one point, my coke came out of my nose at the sight of Riku giving Sora a lap dance. The brunette looked disturbed.

At least the air had relaxed since I had arrived though. I forced myself to cast my father's purple face from my mind and smiled whenever Sora looked over at me. One little day wouldn't matter - right? It wasn't as if my father was at Riku's window and spying on me. He'd never know. I also had Mum as an alibi. If Dad came home and demanded to know where I was, she'd say I was at Namine's or Yuna's house doing homework.

So I was covered.

Tap, tap, tap. Something kept hitting my shoulder and I glanced down to discover that I was swamped in popcorn. Sora and Riku laughed at my facial expression and discreetly tried to hide their bags of popcorn. I sighed and reached for my bag of sweets - they were so gonna pay..

"Ahh, domestic violence." Riku wailed dramatically as I aimed them at his head. He giggled and ran from the room, leaving Sora and I, in an epic food-battle-to-the-death.

Sora leapt off his chair and rolled behind the TV, sending flying bits of crumbs at me. I ducked and stayed close to the now dirty carpet, and crawled behind the armchair and checked my 'ammo'.

I heard Sora's laugh above and my head snapped up so fast, the hair whipped around my face. Sora was leaning over the chair and grinning triumphantly down at me.. As if he'd already won.

"What's the point in this anyway?" I grumbled. "Fair game?"

"Sure." He extended a hand and pulled me up. I tripped over my own feet and ended up against his warm chest. At the contact we both went rigid and then slowly relaxed as we got used to each other's heartbeats. My whole face felt hot as I gazed up into his.

"I need to know something Kairi," his chest vibrated with every word. I nodded numbly. "What do you think of me?" He gulped.

"Well," I said carefully, Dad's threat ringing in my ears. "You're Sora - my best friend."

He seemed slightly disappointed at my answer and I honestly felt like ripping my heart out the moment the sparkle fell from his eyes. I bit my lip and nuzzled into his black hoodie. I inhaled his smell and took a deep breath.

"Although, we can't honestly ignore what happened yesterday," I whispered. "Outside my house."

"Y-Yes." He stuttered. It didn't take a genius to tell that he was incredibly nervous.

I decided to take action again. "I don't think we're friends anymore Sora."

He looked horrified.

".. I think our friendship has.. Grown. I think Riku and everyone noticed it before we even did. For a while they've been telling me that we were.. Y'know, more than friends." I didn't want to say boyfriend and girlfriend aloud.

"Grown," he murmured. "That's uh.. The right word," he scratched the back of his neck sheepishly. "Kairi, I'm not going to apologize for kissing you yesterday, because I honestly don't think I have anything to apologize for. As if you couldn't tell - I wanted it to happen."

"You planned it?"

"No!" He gasped. "I just mean that when we were in the moment, I did nothing to stop or prevent it. I really hope you don't hate me for it, Kai."

"Why would I hate you for it?" I whispered. "You know me better than that.."

"I don't know what you're thinking."

"You should!" I argued and prodded him in the chest. "Sora - are you blind? I was staring at you non stop ALL night last night and you don't get some sort of clue from that?"

"Of course I do," he snapped, surprisingly irritated. I shrunk away from his tone at first, but I got over it and let my own anger and agitation control me. "Dammit Kairi - you really think I'm man enough to act on my own assumptions?"

"You did last night! You kissed me, idiot!"

"Because I was too damn taken in by your gorgeous face! You think it's easy to pretend everything is all alright when I'm around you these days? It's so damn hard - because I don't know if you'll respond to me in the way I hope!"

I paused, confused. "What do you mean by 'pretend'?"

He huffed and was silent. He then muttered something that I couldn't quite make out at first. He sighed a said it a little louder for my ears.

"Pretend we're still best friends."

"But we ARE!" I yelled.

"Not quite," he whispered. "Not when one of us has feelings for the other one."

I stopped mid-shout and took a few paces backwards. He eyed me wearily and watched for my reaction, obviously preparing for the worst and for me to fly and him and bite him or something. My mind reeled back to that amazing kiss we shared. Those seconds of unity and love as we held and moved with each other, as natural as the tides move with the sea. I recalled the dazzling look Sora's cerulean eyes held in the moonlight and found myself clutching my hair in aggravation. Sora must have thought I was having a fit or something, as he darted forward and caught me by the waist.

"It's not only you," I moaned and covered my face. "I have feelings too, feelings I only realized yesterday."

He looked blank. I didn't miss the hopeful glint in his eyes.

I couldn't stand there and lie to him now - screw the promise I made to my Dad, for once I was going to be selfish and have what I want. I was so damn sick of pleasing people all the time, people like Selphie who just turned on you in the end anyway. I felt the need to become one with Sora and forget everything else. I wished I was born as his heart. I would live with him and die with him.

My eyes prickled and I locked my eyes with his.

"I'm so in love with you," I confessed. "At first I tried to convince myself it was just a stupid teenage hormone thing. I don't want to risk our friendship! But now I really don't care anymore - I want to be with you." My words meshed together at the end and I stared at the floor.

I felt Sora's fingers seek under my chin and gently prise it up so I was looking at him once again.

Before I knew it, our lips touched for the second ever time and something inside of me exploded like a Chinese firework. A surge of intense emotions rushed through my body like an electric current and I openly welcome the new sensations that felt to exciting and new to me. I've never felt so complete, so content, so alive. His lips were warm and inviting just the same as last night, and his arms were around my body - in my hair - on my back. Nothing mattered to me but this moment. This perfect moment.

I made a small sound of contentment and ran my fingers through his spikes, smirking as a felt a pleasurable shiver run down his spine. We were moving with each other continuously like the beat of a song. Our heats beat against our chests like metal drums in a parade.

I felt his tongue innocently slid against my bottom lip innocently, asking for permission. I was only too happy to oblige and soon, our tongues were dancing in each others mouths and daintily sliding against each other. I was pressed to close to him that our shadows were completely merged in the late morning sunlight streaming through the window. I felt him leave my lips for air, but he still ran them down the sides of my face and down my neck gently. I closed my eyes and imagined spending the rest of my life with this boy - being lucky enough to have these kisses everyday and being allowed to explore new territories.

We soon stopped and gazed into each others eyes lovingly. I think it was safe to wave goodbye to just friendship after the bond we'd just created. My heart felt bigger and was filled with love and adoration for Sora. My Sora. I liked the ring of it.

He chuckled. "I love you too, Kairi," he whispered. "So, so much. I have done for a while."

"You hid it well," I laughed. "Even at our sleepover?"

"Duh! You saw how quickly I jumped into bed with you," he suddenly realized how dirty that sounded and shook his head. "Well you know what I mean. Know how much I had to restrain myself from kissing you then?"

I touched his cheeks and planted kisses on both of them and then at the tip of his nose. "I can guess." I purred, making him smile.

"So we're uh.. Together now - as a couple?"

I nodded and pressed my lips softly against his. The kiss was slower but more meaningful and had a lot more emotion flowing through the both of our bodies. We broke apart at the sound of sudden laughter and looked to the door, where Riku was leaned against the frame, smirking.

"Geez, I leave you guys alone for ten minutes, and I come back to find you imitating that movie yesterday."

Sora confidently grabbed onto me and fondly played with my hair. "You should have seen Yuffie and yourself," he accused. "You guys were going at it."

Riku wasn't bothered and laughed. "At least our plan worked though - by the looks of it, Kairi's your girlfriend now, right?"

"Even if you hadn't interfered. I would have still gone for it sooner or later," Sora pointed out. "You just.. Helped the process along a little."

"Then consider yourself welcome," Riku stretched and yawned. I noticed that he had notebooks and pens in his arms. He saw me looking and set them down on the table before us. "They're to draw out our plan for Jessica and stuff. I don't want Yuffie's group and Namine's group to get ahead of us." He shrugged.

"Let's get to work again," I sighed happily. "Jessica won't know what hit her!"

"A thousand pound bulldozer, I hope." Riku muttered and tossed me a pen.