The Perfect Fall

Chapter 12- Careless Whisper

I was thankful for my sisters house being so much closer than my own. I pulled out my cell phone to check the time when I reached my sisters doorstep. It was nearly ten and I was due home at eleven. I was wondering how the heck I would make it home without being interrogated by Yuffie. I dropped my phone back into my bag and began to rummage through it until I found my keys. Luckily I had keys to her apartment so I didn't have to sit outside in the cold too much longer.

I quietly inserted the key into the lock and slipped inside. It was dark in the living room. I looked around to see that Vincent wasn't in his room but my sister and Leon's room had the door closed with the light peeking under. I was hoping I wasn't intruding too much. I walked quietly into the bathroom and locked the door behind me.

I sat in the dark for a second breathing heavily. I knew as soon as I turned on the light, I'd see myself for the first time after what happened at Seifer's house. My hand found it's way to my throbbing cheek. I took in a deep breath and held it in as I turned on the light. I blinked for a couple times before my vision came clear.

My reflection looked terrible. The little eyeliner I had on was smeared past my temples from when I tried to wipe my tears away. I looked pale but my nose and eyes were red. Luckily my cheek wasn't red so it was going to be easier to avoid what really happened when it would come down to me telling Yuffie I needed a ride. I dropped my purse and shoes on the rug next to me. I rolled my wrists around since they were still tense from being pinned down. I was still shook up even though it happened nearly an hour ago and I was now in a safer place.

"Vincent?" My sister's voice said from the other side of the door. "Are you home?"

I opened the door to show my sister that it was me. She looked startled. "It's me."

"What are you doing here?" Yuffie asked getting closer to me. "I thought you were supposed to be at some party at Seifer's?"

I nodded, "I was."

"Why are you here then?" I saw my sister's eyes look at my face carefully. I was hoping she couldn't see any trace of what I was really trying to hide.

I eyed her as she continued to look at me intently. "The party was just getting to be too much for me to handle. It was a huge house with so many people." I explained, trying my best to sound convincing.

Yuffie's hand ran two fingers down my temple and she showed me her fingers that were a light black. "Your eye-liner is smudged and your eyes seem heavy. You've been crying."

I swallowed hard. "What are you talking about? I'm tired. That's all."

"I'm your sister, stupid." Yuffie said grabbing a washcloth from the counter and running it under some warm water. She lifted it up and began to fix up my face. "Something more happened. I can feel it." I knew if I talked about it, I'd burst into tears. I really didn't want to make Seifer look like the bad guy. He was just having a bad night. That's all.

I took in a deep breath as my sister began to fix me up. After fixing up my face, she grabbed a brush and took care of my hair. It was a disaster considering it sounded like my hair was ripping each time she brushed through it. Yuffie looked down my body. I knew she was trying to figure out what happened to me.

"Kairi?" she whispered. I looked up, not saying anything for the lack of energy I had at this point. "Did he rape you…?" She looked so shocked as she stood back in the doorway covering her gaping mouth. My stomach dropped.

"Are you kidding me?" I whispered. I shook my head and glanced in the mirror. "Why would you assume that?"

She glanced down at my dress and then down at my shoes lying next to me. "You're a complete mess first of all. Your hair was knotted, you were clearly crying, your legs and feet are dirty, your dress isn't even on properly. You're not even wearing any shoes!" I could see the panic in her eyes. I saw her shake, almost as if she was about to cry.

I quickly grabbed my sister's hands and pulled her into a hug. "I promise you that he didn't rape me, or that he tried!" I knew she was going to ask me that next.

Yuffie pulled away. She went back to looking at me with concern in her eyes. "What happened, Kairi?"

I shook my head and looked back into the mirror. "Seifer and I got into another fight. I was asking him too much about his family. I was prying. We just argued and me being close to my period, I became too emotional and I began to cry. It shut him up but then he stormed into his bathroom and I grabbed my stuff and ran out. I didn't want anyone from the party seeing me, so I ran through some trees before coming here. I run faster without shoes on and my dress got caught on some branches and bushes. That's why I look the way I do." Sounded like a pretty good story to me. She didn't look fully convinced but maybe she was starting to realize I was just worn out and I wanted nothing more than to sleep it all away. At least, that's what I hoped.

"Just spend the night here. I'll grab you some blankets and a pillow to sleep out on the couch. I'll let you borrow something to sleep in while I call mom and dad." Yuffie said leaning against the doorframe.

"Thank you." I whispered.

---

The days came and went with nothing to offer me. Seifer never called or tried to apologize. I was starting to wonder if this relationship was coming to an end. I'll admit it- I cried- and did it often when no one was around. I never said anything to anyone. I wanted everything to be a hidden memory. No one needed to make the situation worse by telling them what really happened at Seifer's house that night.

Christmas passed along. I enjoyed being able to spend another holiday with my family that was calm. However, while opening up my presents, I couldn't help but feel slightly envious and hurt when I watched my parents cuddle and Yuffie and Leon kiss throughout the day. I was the only loner on Christmas and for the first time ever, I felt alone.

"Kairi!" Namine hugged me tight when I opened the front door the following Sunday night. It was New Years Eve and Midnight Sun Café was hosting a New Years celebration with Silent Existence serenading us into 2007. "Are you ready for the celebration?"

I smiled at my best friend. She was at week sixteen in her pregnancy. Her tummy was slightly showing but it didn't look like too much. "Of course I'm ready." I followed her out to her car. She knew that Seifer and I had an argument over a week ago and that we hadn't talked since. Namine did everything she could to make sure I could keep my mind off of him, just like I did for her when Clay left.

There were a lot of cars in the parking lot by the time we arrived and it was only eight. Namine grabbed my arm and maneuvered me through the crowed to a booth that was specially reserved for us right near the stage. Sora, Riku, Roxas, Hayner, and Pence were already there. After convincing myself that I no longer was Seifer Almasy's girlfriend, I admitted I was in the wrong to Riku. Even though he forgave me, I still felt bad for turning on him to keep a relationship that wasn't even going to survive through the new year.

I wasn't going to lie though, it was getting more disappointing by the second. I missed Seifer and the way we lived life together.

"About time you two got here!" Roxas sighed heavily as Namine slid in next to him. He wrapped his arm over her shoulders as she leaned in to hug him.

"Hey, at least we're here." She smiled.

Riku yawned and stretched. "I am so tired."

"It's not even late! We still have until past midnight until we leave." I said staring at him.

"Hey," he said trying to muffle another yawn. "I've been practicing for track, thank you very much. I'm tired."

"You're just lame." I smiled. He nudged me with a half smile. It was nice being able to spend time with my friends without having to be nervous if Seifer was going to walk in and make the whole situation awkward. I knew I didn't have to worry about my relationships with my friends. They were my support group. I was grateful that none of them asked me to explain what exactly happened to cause Seifer and me to "break up". If there were any signs of question, they could see it on my face that I just wasn't ready.

Sora was the biggest support in an emotional way. He sat next to me and had his arm around my shoulders. I liked knowing that he wasn't going to hold any sort of grudges about the past either.

"How's your night going so far?" He asked after an hour. Some other local bands were performing while the night ticked away.

I smiled at him. "It's going much better with you guys around."

"You know," he leaned into me some while the others talked about new years resolutions. "Any man in this universe would be lucky to have you."

I could feel my face heating up a bit. "Why?"

"You're absolutely gorgeous Kairi, that's an obvious one. The way you make people feel when you're around them- well you make them feel like nothing can ever go wrong, even if everything is." Sora said smiling a bit.

"How would you know?" I laughed.

"Because I feel that way around you all the time." He whispered. "You're the best part of my day. Even when Seifer was in the picture- my heart skipped beats when I knew I was going to be able to see you. There is nothing that can compare to you. Not even the sweetest lullaby can put me at ease. As long as I get to see your beautiful smile and eyes, everything is right in this world. We might not know each other as well as I would like to, but I know that you only deserve the best. I'm not saying I'm the best and I'm definitely not trying to push a relationship on you feeling the way you feel. I just want you to know that I'm always going to be here. You'll never be alone. You're too precious to be left behind and forgotten." Wow.

"Sora…" I said softly before hugging him. I had never felt that way before. No one has ever said such sweet things to me.

"You know it's likewise for you." I said. "Any girl would be lucky to have you. Sora, your words, they're so pure and heartfelt. You always wear your heart on your sleeve and put your emotions first, not ever worrying about what anyone will say or think. So many people admire that about you. I definitely do."

"I've heard that before." He smiled. "But it means more coming from you."

"Thank you for never judging me or pushing me away."

Sora nudged me. "As long as you promise that we'll start hanging out more without you ditching me or getting any more boyfriends that try to sabotage your relationships, then I can promise you that you'll see life in a whole new way that you'll love. I guarantee it."

I laughed. "If you think I'm oh-so-amazing now, you would have loved me before you met me. I would have hung out with you all the time and I never would have dated a guy who ruins what I have with my friends and family."

"I love the Kairi now." Sora smiled. "She's the one who's making the best of her life even in the most negative perspectives. She's the one who's learning life one step at a time. She's the one defying the odds and making a name for herself." Sora was just one of those guys who always seemed to outsmart me with words. That's probably why everything worked out so well for him.

Sora and I joined in the conversation with the rest of our table. It was nearly eleven when the other bands ended their set. Silent Existent was called up to perform which caused ear-splattering applause. When they got on stage, I saw Sora look at me and wink. I laughed quietly to myself knowing he was exactly what I needed in my life with all the situations that have happened. Maybe he'd be the first one I would end up opening up to.

After listening to a few songs, I got up to get Namine, Riku, and I some drinks. I walked to the counter and asked one of the new girls for a round of sodas. When I got back to the booth, Namine had her mouth dropped to the floor and Riku looked as if he were about to turn into the Incredible Hulk. I followed their gaze to see what was causing their reaction. I felt like my heart imploded when I realized what it was.

A group of people had just arrived for the celebration. I recognized three instantly. The tall dark haired boy stood with his arms crossed as he scanned through the crowd. The purple-haired vixen wore a strapless, short dark purple dress and had her arm linked with someone that had my heart dangling carelessly from a string for the world to see.

"What is he doing here?" Riku growled. I just stared helplessly feeling sick to my stomach while Namine reached for my hand.

Fujin smirked up at Seifer as he placed his hand on her back to lead their way to a booth on the other side of the café. I didn't know what to feel or what to say. All I knew was that this wasn't supposed to happen- my night wasn't supposed to be ruined.

Seifer didn't even realize I was there watching him walk passed me like I was never anything to him. "It looks like he's already moved on." I whispered.

"I'm going to kill him!" Riku tried to stand up but I was sitting in front of him. Namine reached over and put her hand on his shoulder.

"Riku, no." She said quietly. "He's not even worth it! We need to let Kairi take care of him."

I didn't even know how I was going to take care of him. I sat there looking where I had last seen them, even though I couldn't see them anymore. My stomach twisted and turned with a million thoughts racing through my head. He was here with her- his ex girlfriend and they looked happy. They were in love and I was his rebound of self pity and guilt. I made him realize he could have the best- his high school sweetheart- Miss Riverside, so why not take the best to say the least.

I bursted into tears. I felt Namine slide in next to me while her and Riku hugged me tight. My world was crumbling down.

"Kairi," Namine lifted my face so I would look at her. She wiped some tears away from my cheeks. "Seifer doesn't know what he's missing. You're beautiful and pure. He's the one who lost something worth keeping."

Riku pulled me close to him. His arms were wrapped around me tight. "Kairi, Namine and I love you. You're amazing. I've known you for nearly your whole life. You're always so honest and truthful and he's a lying sack of shit."

My stomach did a guilt twist. I've been lying to my friends about what's been really happening between Seifer and me. I felt tears swelling up in my eyes again.

"Come on." Namine slid out of the booth and pulled on my hand while Riku slid me out. The two kept their arms around me and led me to the front of the stage where Silent Existent was oblivious to their friends below. I stared up at Sora wishing we could all just disappear.

I watched him serenade the crowd with love and passion. I wanted to get lost in his words and drown in the music, but the thought of Seifer being in the same room as me kept me insane instead of sane. My heart was hurting and the memories overwhelmed me- both good and bad.

I swallowed hard while I fixed my composure. I didn't need any more questioning. "I'm going to grab a water bottle."

"You want us to come with you?" Riku asked. I shook my head with a forced smile before walking to the counter. I asked for a water and a marker to write my name on it with. After I set the marker down, I took a few deep breaths in while I closed my eyes. I need to fix myself up. I was out with my friends enjoying the end of a terrible year to welcome a much better one. I needed to move on to be happy. This wasn't the end of the world. I'll face more tragic things in my life.

"Can I get a pitcher of root beer?" A voice said next to me. I went stiff and my eyes shot open. I looked up slowly. This seriously couldn't be happening.

He didn't realize I was there. Seifer looked toward the stage quite casually. I felt my legs go weak. Images of that night I was with him flooded my head. I suddenly remembered the feeling of being slapped. My legs gave in and I had to catch myself using the counter.

"Woah." I felt a strong grip around my arm. I slowly stood up and looked Seifer in the eyes. He stood straight and smiled. "Hey! How are you?"

Hey, how are you? Really? Is he really going to be so casual after going through everything to nothing with me? I didn't know how to answer him honestly. Couldn't he see the hurt in my eyes? I asked him the question that was bothering me. "What are you doing here?"

He looked at me confused. "Why wouldn't I be here?"

I looked away from him. "Why are you here, Seifer?"

"I'm celebrating the new year with everyone. I'm out to have fun." he smiled innocently. I wished I could believe it was that easy. I looked to see if I could spot my friends. "You're celebrating too, right?'

I looked at him again. "Yes and no." He looked confused. "I'm trying to forget."

"Forget what?" Was he for real or playing dumb?

"You." I said almost in a whisper. Seifer looked at me carefully, like he was trying to comprehend what I had just said to him.

"Why are you trying to forget about me?" He gently brushed my hair behind my ear and placed his hand against my cheek. I shook away from his grip.

"Why shouldn't I?" I asked. "We had that confrontation over a week ago at your Christmas party. You never called or apologized. You made me believe it was all over between us. Even with the little hope I had left, it burst when you came here with your arms around your ex girlfriend acting like a couple. Then you come over here asking me how I am, like nothing ever happened between us. How am I supposed to feel, Seifer? Why shouldn't I forget about you?"

He looked down. "I understand completely. I was an asshole for never doing anything to make you feel better. I hurt you and I never intended to. I love you, Kairi, you know that."

"How should I believe that after all the crap you put me through? I can't make those memories just explode into thin air." I answered defensively.

Seifer quickly pulled me into a tight hug- one of those embraces where I felt like nothing could hurt me. My thoughts turned into mush. I inhaled deeply to smell the sweet smell of his cologne and thin layer of smoke. "I didn't think you would want to be with me after I hit you. I didn't mean to. Those memories of my mom just hurt me and I can't stand to remember the reason why there's a scar on my face. I don't like living in the past."

"Seifer, please…" I whispered into his shoulder as I began to quiver. I felt tears coming again. I knew exactly how he felt about not wanting to remember.

His lips grazed my ear and I could feel his warm breath dancing along my neck. "I'm sorry Kairi. I love you with all I have. I want to make it better." Chills paralyzed my body almost instantly.

"How can you make it better?" I asked while tears started to fall. He leaned back and wiped the trails of tears away.

"You have to give me the chance first. I promise I can make it better if you let me try. Don't you believe in second chances?" Seifer asked.

I stared at him. There was something about him that I couldn't ever control even though he managed to control my mind. I was in a mental battle of tug-o-war. Good verses bad. Pros verses cons. My old life with my friends verses my new life of the wild excitement with my boyfriend. "Why are you here with Fujin?" I asked.

"She's my friend." He said.

"No," I shook my head. "You know what I mean."

"I'm helping her make a guy jealous." Seifer said looking into the crowd.

I crossed my arms with a sniffle. "Is that it?"

"Yes." He nodded.

"Swear?" I knew I sounded pitiful.

"I swear on everything there is to swear on." He said holding onto my hand. "Set your drink down at your table and I'll drop mine off, then let's dance once before the night is over. I want to take you away for the night."

I was confused and not one hundred percent sure what he was talking about but I listened to him. I looked at the stage then at the clock. Only ten minutes left until midnight. I grabbed the marker again and wrote a message on it for my friends. I left it at our booth then met up with Seifer in the middle of dance floor. He pulled me close and held onto me like he never wanted to let go. Silent Existence played on while Seifer and I got lost into our own little world.

"Okay, thirty seconds until 2007 everyone!" Tifa was now on stage standing next to Sora who was beaming. I knew he couldn't see me and maybe it was for the better at this point. I didn't know whether to feel ashamed or happy with what was happening. I was happy for being with Seifer, knowing I didn't lose him. I was ashamed for what I was about to do to hurt my friends… for breaking my promise to Sora. I swallowed back some tears.

Everyone was counting down together but by this time, Seifer and I were near the door. Between some people moving around, a gap opened and I could see Namine and Riku looking around for me. Guilt filled every inch of my body.

"Come on babe." Seifer whispered in my ear while he lightly tugged on my hand. I looked up toward the stage again. It seemed as though a spot-light had hit my Namine, Riku, and Sora. I could see the three of them clearly.

"Five… four… three…" They spotted me and I felt our chain-link closeness snap. Seifer was already half way through the door. I glanced up at Sora and felt my heart break. "… two… one! Happy New Years!"

---

Kairi's water!

Riku, Namine, Sora… thank you for being real friends… I'm sorry…

A/N: I am on a roll!