Jasmine here. This and the next chapter are just a kind of wind-down from Hallowwen before we throw some major stuff at these characters! Enjoy!

We don't own KH/FF.

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"So, how'd it go?" Sora asked Kairi as he settled into his chair in the living room, a can of beer in his hand.

Kairi glanced at him over her own can, "How did what go?"

"Halloween with Xigbar." Sora said.

Kairi smiled, "It went well." she said, "He's really great." she took a sip of her beer, "What about your Halloween? How's Riku doing?"

Sora chuckled, "He's doing good." he said, "Halloween went well."

"Good." Kairi grinned, "Is Roxas home yet? I need to know how his costume went over."

A knock on the door stopped Sora from having to answer, and he glanced up, calling, "COME IN!" before shaking his head at Kairi, "Nah, I haven't heard from him at all yet."

Riku walked into the house, shutting the door behind him and following the sound of voices into the living room. "Hey, Kairi. Hi, Sora." He grinned, moving to sit next to his boyfriend.

Sora's eyes fell on him and he didn't let him sit, grabbing his arm, "Be right back, Kairi!" and dragging him unceremoniously into the kitchen.

"Sora?" Riku asked, confused, once the dragging stopped and they were in the kitchen.

Sora caught his breath from the sudden decision to drag Riku in the kitchen before essentially launching himself at him, pressing his lips to his. A second later, he drew back, muttering, "Right. Wasn't dreaming. Good."

Riku stared at him, shocked. "Um, Sora?"

Sora glanced up, "Yeah?"

"What was that? I mean, I'm really really happy you did that, but I thought you weren't comfortable with this? I was kinda resigned to the fact we wouldn't be kissing for a while." Riku asked, studying Sora's face.

"It was a little weird last night," Sora admitted, "But I honestly haven't been able to stop thinking about it, so... trust me. Free to do this as often as you want."

Riku blinked. "Just to clarify - you're saying I can kiss you whenever I want? Even in front of people?"

Sora nodded, "As long as you don't mind me occasionally jumping you."

Putting his arms around Sora and pulling him closer, Riku stared at him. "Are you feeling okay? Have a fever? Drunk? Where's the guy who was babbling incoherently at the mere thought of kissing me?"

Sora pulled away, giving Riku a look, "I'm not drunk, and I wasn't babbling incoherently. It was a little much all at once, that's all." he said.

"I'm sorry." Riku said automatically, not wanting to push Sora into anything.

Sora stared at him for a minute, "Okay, now you're the one making no sense. What are you apologizing about?"

"You said last night was too much, too fast. So, I'm sorry. I'm not trying to push you into anything, I promise I can wait for you." Riku explained, slightly confused as to why Sora wasn't understanding what he was saying.

"And I'm telling you that while last night might have been too much, I'm perfectly fine with it today. In fact, quite enjoying it. I just gave you permission to kiss me whenever and wherever. Are you complaining?" Sora raised an eyebrow, amused.

"No! No. I just... I was not expecting this. At all. C'mere." Riku pulled him close, hugging him tightly.

Sora chuckled, hugging him back, "Now come on. We left Kairi alone. I'll go grab you a beer if you want one. They're still upstairs."

"Sure. Thanks." Before he could pull back, Riku leaned down and kissed him, grinning.

Sora smirked, before walking out of the kitchen and up the stairs.

Riku walked into the living room but didn't sit down yet. "Sorry, Kairi."

"No worries." Kairi smiled, "With how shifty Sora's been since I got here, I figured he needed to talk to you."

Riku grinned. "Oh really?"

Kairi laughed and nodded, as Sora entered the room, handing Riku his beer can.

Taking the can and quickly setting it down, Riku twirled Sora around and dipped him, kissing him soundly before righting him again and grinning like an idiot.

Sora rolled his eyes, sending Riku a smile and dragged him down onto the couch next to him, murmuring something about abusing his power (not that he was complaining.)

Riku slung his arm around Sora's shoulders, pulling him closer and smiling at Kairi. "So how was your Halloween?"

"My Halloween was good." Kairi smiled, "Spent it with Xigbar." she frowned a second later, "Do you know Xigbar? I never remember who knows who anymore."

Riku shook his head. "I don't know him, no. He your new boyfriend?"

"Yep." Kairi grinned, "He works at the Rusty Wrench."

"Ohh, okay. It's possible I've met him, then, since my car is always breaking down. Is he the blonde who really like mechanics or the owner who curses a lot or the other guy forced into doing the paperwork?" Riku asked.

Kairi laughed, "Incredibly accurate descriptions. He's the one always stuck doing paperwork."

"Ah. I've only talked to him once or twice. I usually deal with the blonde who likes his job, as he's the one always fixing my car." Riku grinned, squeezing Sora's shoulders.

"And yet no matter how many times he fixes it, it always breaks a week later." Sora reminded him.

"He says each part is slowly breaking and there's nothing he can do but give me temporary fixes." Riku said, shrugging. "I'm saving up for a new car, but until I have enough, I have to make this one last."

Sora chuckled.

Riku poked him in his side. "Hand me my drink? I can't reach it without letting go of you."

Sora grabbed it, handing it to him, as Kairi smiled at the two of them, "Well, I'll let you two have your alone time, then." she said, picking up her can, "Thanks for the beer, I'll come by some other time when you're least expecting me." she waved over her shoulder and left the house.

Riku took a sip, handing it back to Sora to put on the table and waited for him to let go of the drink before cupping his face and forcing him to look at him. "I wanna kiss you again."

Sora smirked playfully, "Then do it."

Pulling his boyfriend's face closer, Riku connected their lips, closing his eyes and sighing happily, completely content to stay kissing Sora forever.

XXXX

Zexion glanced up at Demyx as the blonde sighed. "Everything okay?"

"Yeah." Demyx said, "Just not a fan of math." he shrugged, looking up, "So tell me the truth-how long did it take to get all that gel and hairspray out?" he asked with a small smile.

Zexion glared at him half-heartedly. "Two hours."

Demyx chuckled, "It was worth it, though. It looked really good."

Grudgingly, Zexion nodded. "It did fit the costume. Thank you for your help. It was... fun."

Demyx smiled playfully, "I told you it would be."

Zexion smiled back, trying to ignoring the way his stomach flipped. "Um... What did you have planned for today?"

Demyx shrugged, "Nothing, really. You?"

"I was thinking of going to the park later, just to walk around before it gets too cold outside. Autumn is my favorite season." Zexion confessed, cheeks brightening a bit.

Demyx smiled, "That sounds like fun."

"When I was in college, I'd do most of my reading outside during the fall semester. Well, until... certain circumstances forced me to relocate to the library. But I loved sitting in the cool air, reading my books and hearing the world all around me..." Zexion murmured.

Demyx frowned at the way Zexion phrased his sentence, "Certain circumstances?"

Zexion blinked before blushing brightly. "I... it's nothing."

Demyx continued to frown, "Zex... talk to me."

"...I was 14 when I started college, and in four years I not only got my bachelor's degree, but two master's as well. I... well, I wasn't very popular. Most people saw me as some kind of freak. Axel and Larxene and Cloud helped me through a lot of tormenting in high school, but then Cloud got his job and Ax and Larx were busy with their own classes and I didn't want to bother them with my problems. They were the only friends I had and I... I didn't want to lose them by whining. I was bullied. Every day I would sit outside, and every day some group of students or another would entertain themselves by verbally and sometimes physically abusing me. I ended up hiding in the library, where the staff protected me until Ax or Larx could walk me out." Zexion stared at the table. He felt like his face was on fire. 'There goes that, now Demyx will never like me. He'll think I'm weak, a coward.'

Demyx, not sure what else to do, reached over and grabbed Zexion's hand, squeezing it, and smiling softly.

Zexion jumped when he felt Demyx squeeze his hand and he looked up at him, confused. He lowered his gaze to their still-touching hands. "I don't understand."

"What?" Demyx asked, surprised.

"Why don't you... think I'm a freak? I was weak, a coward. I am weak. I couldn't stand up for myself, I had to hide behind Ax and Larx and Cloud, when he was visiting us. When they weren't there, I just sat there and took it - I couldn't stand up for myself, I... I'm pathetic." Zexion whispered harshly, blinking rapidly. His stomach really, really hurt and his eyes stung.

Demyx reached forward, grabbing Zexion's other hand and squeezing them both, "Zex, you are the farthest thing from pathetic. Those people that bullied you are the pathetic ones. The fact that they were picking on someone who couldn't fight back made them the weak, cowardly ones. Don't ever call yourself that."

Face still red with embarrassment, Zexion looked up at him. "I... thanks. That's pretty much what Ax, Larx, and Cloud would tell me. It's just hard to not give in to how the world sees you." He tried to smile but his stomach still hurt, so he settled for turning his hands over to squeeze Demyx's back.

"Well, if that's the way the world sees you, then the world's stupid." Demyx said bluntly, having apparently passed his philosophical quota for the day.

"Not everyone in the world is stupid and when intelligent people you look up to think you're some kind of freak, it's hard not to believe them." Zexion mumbled. "Don't worry, I don't mind not being normal. I just... well, whatever. I have friends now and no one bothers me anymore, so what's the point in reliving the past?" He shrugged, willing his blush to vanish and his stomach to settle.

"It's facing these things that helps you get stronger." Demyx smiled softly.

Pulling his hands away, Zexion pretended to study the lesson plans he was working on. Without looking up, he said: "You should get back to work. Let me know if you need help."

Demyx raised an eyebrow, "And we're back to homework just like that?"

He levelly looked up at Demyx. "What more is there to say?"

Demyx sighed, shaking his head, "Never mind." he mumbled, turning back to his homework.

Zexion watched him turn back to his work and guilt gnawed at him. Debating internally - he was just being nice-stop pushing him away-he still wanted to talk-shut up, I don't want to talk - Zexion sighed, staring at his hands, still feeling the warmth from Demyx's grip. "When you're done... we could go to the park. Together."

Demyx glanced up, sending Zexion a small smile, "Sure."

"Okay." Zexion mumbled. "I... don't want you to hate me. So, don't be mad... please. I... um, bathroom. I'll be right back." Berating himself for always getting so worked up around the blonde, Zexion fled to the bathroom.

Demyx smiled after him, chuckling softly to himself, "For such a smart person, he really can be stupid," he mumbled under his breath, still smiling, and turned back to his math homework.

XXXX

Hayner sighed, weaving between the groups of people in the hallway and taking the stairs two at a time when he finally reached them. Pushing through the crowd, he stepped outside, taking the path to the cafeteria.

Hoping they had decent food today, he jumped a foot in the air when someone put their hand on his shoulder. "Shit!" He yelled, whipping around.

Seifer raised an eyebrow. "Hi."

"Goddammit, Seifer, you trying to give me a heart attack?" Hayner yelled, face red.

"Just trying to get your attention." Seifer rolled his eyes.

Hayner sighed. "Right. Well. Hi."

"Hi."

Now it was Hayner's turn to raise an eyebrow. "You said that already. Can we walk and talk? I was going to grab lunch."

Seifer chuckled, "Sure."

Hayner nodded, resuming the walk to the cafeteria, Seifer walking alongside him. "So, ah... How are classes?"

Seifer shrugged, "Just can't wait for them to be over. Yours?"

"Same. Do anything for Halloween?" Hayner asked awkwardly.

"Hung with my roommate and his girlfriend for awhile." Seifer said, before smirking, knowing he was making this awkward for Hayner, "Yours?"

"Went to the haunted house with my friends, then just watched old horror movies." Hayner said with a shrug.

"Sounds like fun." Seifer nodded.

"Yeah." They were almost at the cafeteria. "You got class or wanna grab some food?"

Seifer glanced at his watch, "I've got nothing to do. Sure."

"Okay. Hey, you said you spent Halloween with your roommate, right? That mean you guys aren't fighting anymore and you're not sleeping in your car?" Hayner suddenly asked, just realizing this.

"Other roommate." Seifer laughed, "But yeah, no more sleeping in my car. Although I'm not sure we'll ever stop fighting, 'cause we do that constantly."

Grabbing the door to the building, Hayner held it open for Seifer. "How many roommates you got?"

"Just the two." Seifer shrugged, "You live at home, or you have your own place? How old are you, anyway?" he raised an eyebrow.

"I'm at home with my sister. And I'm 19. How old are you?" Hayner asked, guessing 21 in his head.

"24." Seifer answered.

"Really?" Hayner asked, surprised. "You look younger." They got on line. "Hey, you have a meal plan or you need a guest swipe?"

"Uh, thanks I think." Seifer rolled his eyes, "Guest swipe would be cool, but I can pay if you don't want to."

"I never use mine, so you can have it." Hayner said, giving the girl at the register his card and repeating as much for her before leading Seifer in. "Whatcha want?"

Seifer shrugged, "You're a bundle of questions today."

Hayner blushed and moved onto the sandwich line. "Sorry." He muttered.

Seifer shook his head, laughing, "Didn't say I minded."

Hesitantly, Hayner smiled. "Okay. Then, I'll repeat: whatcha want to eat?"

"I think I'm gonna grab pizza. Want me to get us a table?" Seifer asked.

"Ah, sure. Thanks." Hayner said, nodding.

Seifer nodded, wandering over to get a slice of pizza before heading to find a table.

Hayner ordered his sandwich, thanking the worker once he was handed it before heading over to the drink station to grab a drink, scanning the tables and spotting Seifer sitting by the windows. Heading over, he sat down across from him. "Gross, how can you drink that stuff?"

Seifer looked down at his cup, then back at Hayner, "Water?"

"Tap water in this area is disgusting." Hayner grimaced, taking a bite of his sandwich.

Seifer rolled his eyes, "It's not that bad."

Hayner snorted. "So what do you do when you're not on campus?"

"Work at the Box Depot and try not to let my roommates kill me." Seifer said, completely serious, "Or their significant others, for that matter. Shit, why can't my roommates have relationships with normal people?"

Hayner chuckled. "It can't be that bad." He took another big bite of food.

Seifer rolled his eyes, "Meet them and then tell me that."

Hayner grinned. "Maybe I have. You never know."

"Are you trying to ask me to describe them?" Seifer raised an eyebrow.

Hayner shrugged. "Sure. Who're your roommates and who're these crazy people they're dating?"

"Leon, he's the manager of The Hardware Store Place, is dating Cloud, who works at The Rusty Wrench with my other roommate Xigbar, who's dating a redhead named Kairi." Seifer rattled off.

"Hey, I know Kairi. Vaguely. She's always at Rox's house. She's not that strange." Hayner said. "Is Cloud a girl or a guy?"

Seifer laughed, "He's a guy. But don't ask that anywhere he might be listening or he's likely to kill you."

"I don't think I'll ever be around him but I'll keep that in mind." Hayner said.

Seifer chuckled.

Hayner stared out the window before glancing at Seifer. "Ah, thanks. For the other day, for sticking up for Rox. I didn't actually thank you for punching that asshole, so... yeah. Thanks."

Seifer shrugged, "No big deal."

Hayner nodded and took a drink. "So, you're bi?"

Seifer raised an eyebrow, "Is that a question you typically ask people in idle conversation?"

"You implied it last time and I just wanted to know if you meant to imply it because it was true or if you were just messing with me because apparently it's hilarious to make me flustered." Hayner said with a light blush and a scowl.

Seifer rolled his eyes, "I didn't imply it just to mess with you, although it is hilarious to make you flustered." he answered, "But I was telling the truth, for the record."

Glaring a little, Hayner nodded. "Okay."

Seifer rolled his eyes again. "What about you, then?"

"What about me? Am I bi? No." Hayner said.

"I was more asking what you considered yourself, but alright, that leaves me with fewer guesses." Seifer commented."

Hayner smirked. "Guess, then."

"Judging by the way you freaked out when I was teasing you the other day, I'm guessing you're straight." Seifer said, chuckling.

"I didn't freak out!" Hayner snapped. "I just... wasn't expecting it. But yeah, I'm straight. Although, it should be obvious I'm fine with people who are gay, since my best friend has been out and proud for practically his whole life."

Seifer chuckled, before smirking playfully at Hayner, "You could always be Seifer-sexual." he said, knowing it would probably piss the younger kid off.

"What?" Hayner yelled, jaw dropping and face heating up. He narrowed his eyes. "Are you trying to get me flustered 'cause you find it funny or are you really sitting there, flirting with me?"

Seifer raised an eyebrow, "And if I said it was a mix of both?"

"You're crazy." Hayner muttered, blush darkening.

Seifer laughed, but didn't say anything.

"Did Roxas put you up to that?" Hayner demanded.

"I haven't even seen Roxas since the other day." Seifer rolled his eyes, "So no."

"Then if you know I'm straight, why bother flirting?" Hayner asked, once more bright red and now slightly confused.

"Mostly to make you flustered." Seifer shrugged, "But on the off chance it works, then I'm not gonna complain." He stood up, grabbing his plate and cup, "And on that note, I've gotta get to class. See you later."

Hayner numbly watched him leave. 'He... likes me?'

XXXX

Roxas yawned as he knocked on the door in front of him.

"Coming!" Namine called, walking to the door and opening it. "Hello, Roxas."

He smiled. "Hey, Namine. Kairi home?"

"She is. Come on in." Namine answered. Roxas entered and closed the door behind him.

Namine led Roxas to the living, where Kairi was sitting watching TV.

"Hey Kairi." Roxas said with another yawn, plopping down into the nearest chair.

"Hey!" Kairi grinned, turning so that she could see him, "So... how'd it go?"

Roxas smirked. "The costume was a success. Here." Pulling out several pictures, he threw them at the redhead.

"Ooh, I want to see them, too!" Namine said, sitting down next to Kairi so they could both look at them.

Kairi grinned, flipping through the pictures, "I'm assuming Axel enjoyed it, then?" she asked, smirking at the blonde.

"Oh, yeah. He definitely did." Roxas smirked again before yawning.

"Long night?" Namine asked.

"You could say that. I don't think we slept at all." Roxas grinned, blushing lightly.

Kairi laughed, "Good for you, Rox."

"Yeah. Thanks again, Kairi. You're a genius. You guys can keep the pictures, I've got plenty. Larxene used a whole roll of film. I'm gonna go pass out now. Don't show Sora, okay? Bye." Roxas hauled himself up and headed out the door, walking to his house, intent on finding his bed and sleeping for a few weeks.

"Well. I'm glad he had fun, at least." Namine said with a shake of the head.

Kairi laughed, "Speaking of fun..." she said, smirking at her sister, "How was Disneyplace?"

Namine's face lit up. "Amazing. Wonderful. Perfect."

Kairi laughed, "Good, I'm glad you had fun." she smiled at her sister, "Though I'm still jealous. Pajama party with my boyfriend does not beat Disneyplace, but since it was Xigbar, I'm perfectly fine with it." she said, leaning back on the couch.

"You must really like him." Namine murmured, studying her sister's face. "Would you like to remeet Reno so you can have a chat with him like I had with Xigbar? Perhaps the four of us could have dinner? Make it a double date?"

Kairi chuckled, smirking rather triumphantly, "Sounds like fun."

"It'd have to be either an early or late dinner, to fit around Reno's work schedule." Namine warned.

Kairi laughed, "Got your boyfriend's schedule memorized?" she teased. "I don't even know Xig's schedule, and I hung out at the garage when our car was still getting fixed."

Namine rolled her eyes. "He's a bartender, Kairi. Bars are usually busiest at night. Plus, he told me when I was at the apartment for Riku that he works nights. And... yes, I have his schedule memorized."

Kairi chuckled.

Namine stuck her tongue out at her. "I'll call him later and find out when's a good time for him, then you can check with Xigbar. Sound good?"

"Sounds good to me." Kairi nodded, standing up and stretching, "Alright, I'd better go-if I skimp out on another English assignment my professor will shoot me."

Namine chuckled. "Good luck."

"Thaaaaaaaaaaanks." Kairi grinned, waving to her sister before heading up the stairs.

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