Chapter 21

Sora followed Tifa out into the field, a little afraid on what he was getting himself into. She acted as if this was a normal thing for her to be chasing after her daughter. Something told Sora that she wanted to do this all along.

"It's not that far away." Tifa smiled, continuing to walk down the path. Sora stayed close behind so he could keep his distance.

- -

Kairi looked at the clock. It was almost eight, and she was wondering what was going on at dinner. She didn't go because she had to stay here with Kosuke and Kiyori. Kiyori was getting ready for bed while Kosuke did the last of his chores. Kairi felt a little bad for having to baby-sit him like this, since he was going on sixteen, but he was grounded. There wasn't much else she could do.

"Mom, could I talk to you?" Kosuke appeared at the door with his hands in his pockets. Kairi nodded.

"Sure, what is it?"

"I'm really sorry, again…"

"You don't have to apologize, Kosuke. Just don't do it anymore. Don't make smoking a habit…" she paused, "like your father did."

"I think I heard about that…" Kosuke mentioned. "So why does he get onto me for trying it?"

Kairi looked at him strangely, thinking Kosuke would be smart enough to know the answer to that. However, he was still giving her a puzzled expression. Kairi sighed.

"Since your father probably won't tell you this, I might as well because I'm a part of it." She took a deep breath. Kosuke sat in the computer chair and listened.

"Back when he and I first started dating… in high school, I didn't know that Sora smoked. He lied to me about it. When I found out, I was so angry at him. I suppose Sora doesn't want you to make the—"

"The same mistakes he did… I know." Kosuke rolled his eyes. "Like I said, it was only to get them to leave me alone. I'm never touching a cigarette again."

"But what if you got hooked? That was a possibility." Kairi pointed out. She had the feeling that he was trying to get her sympathy so he would get off a little easier on the chores while Sora wasn't home, but that wasn't going to happen. Kairi could be just as strict as Sora was… couldn't she?

"I wouldn't have." Kosuke said. "I'm not that dumb."

"So do you think they're going to leave you alone now?" Kairi asked, seeming to stump him.

"I hope so."

"And what if they don't?"

Kosuke thought for a moment. "I don't know. I guess I'll just ignore them."

"Why didn't you ignore them when they were offering you cigarettes?"

Kosuke really didn't have anything to say to that, but just shrugged. Kairi knew that she was probably getting to him, but that's what she wanted. Unlike Sora, she didn't believe yelling at someone would get anything out of them. Kosuke stood up and headed for the door.

"Thanks, mom."

"Kosuke?"

He turned around. "Yes?"

"You are the only person you can ever be." Kairi smiled. He did too and closed the door saying 'goodnight.' The phone rang.

"Hey Namine!"

"Kairi! Go to your front door!" She heard the doorbell and click sound. Perplexed, Kairi did so.

Kosuke had already opened the door on the way upstairs. Kairi saw a woman with long blonde hair standing at the door with a teen girl. She gasped and hugged her to death.

- -

"Wow, it's getting pretty dark." Said Sakiko as she sat up. They had lost track of time… and Akira's shirt was off. He put it back on after getting one last kiss from her. Sakiko giggled and grabbed her purse. "We should be getting back."

"Yeah, I bet they're looking for us." Akira said. "My hair isn't messed up, is it? I don't want them to suspect anything…" He laughed a little. Sakiko shook her head and took his hand as they walked out of the woods. Tifa and Sora were heading towards them. Sakiko let go of his hand and tried to look innocent.

"There you two are," Tifa said. "I tried calling you, Sakiko. What were you doing?"

"Oh! Sorry, my phone was on vibrate…"

"Good cover up…" Akira thought, hoping Sora wouldn't ask him any questions. Sora only stared and turned back around to walk back to the house. Akira stayed behind them with Sakiko, wondering what Sora would do if he were to hold her hand again. Truthfully he had no idea how he would react, but it probably wouldn't be bad because Kosuke and Karissa used to hold hands, if not more around him and he did nothing about it.

It was a pretty quiet walk back to the house; not much was said. Akira was thankful for this. He surely thought that Sora would only embarrass him, but maybe that only happens with mothers. Although… his mother didn't usually embarrass him anyway…

- -

"NAMINE!" Kairi was in complete shock.

"Kairi, we're moving back to the islands!" Namine exclaimed, hugging her again. Namine didn't really look too different from when she last saw her. Her hair was a bit longer but that was basically it. However, her daughter Haruka did. She had dirty blonde hair with red streaks in it and looked like somewhat of a rebel. Her heavy makeup made Kairi wonder a little bit. However, Kosuke definitely couldn't stop staring at her…

"I believe you remember Mrs. Kiyamoto, Haruka?"

"Yes. Its great to see you again." She seemed like a nice girl.

"And… is this Kosuke?" Namine asked, a little unsure. Kosuke nodded, holding out his hand. Instead, Namine hugged him too.

"Yes, and he needs to be going to bed." Kairi said, knowing that it embarrassed him a little. Haruka giggled some as Kosuke said his goodnight. Namine raised an eyebrow.

"He's grounded." Kairi whispered before she could ask. Kiyori came downstairs.

"Aww! Is this the baby?" Namine shrieked at the adorableness. Kiyori stood next to Kairi as everyone was introduced.

"So where are you guys staying?" Kairi asked.

"Oh, in the hotel for now. We're here to see our new house… which is just down the road!" She exclaimed. Kairi's eyes widened.

"Seriously?" Kairi squealed. "That's awesome!

- -

Dinner was a little awkward for everyone. Sora had to admit that Tifa was still a good cook, as much as he didn't want to.

"So… are you two in love?" Tifa giggled, making the kids blush. Sora glared at her for a moment, but was able to return to normal before anyone saw it.

"Um… no…" Akira said. "We just…"

"We're going out." Sakiko blurted out.

"We'll that's obvious. You talk about him all the time." Yamato rolled his eyes, receiving a glare from Sakiko. Sora still didn't like this. Usually he wouldn't care if Akira had a girlfriend, but the fact that it was Tifa's daughter?

Dinner was finally over and it was finally time to leave. It was almost nine thirty, way past the time Sora expected to be home. He had to wake up early for work the next day and really didn't want to be tired. He got into the car with Akira.

"So… how did you know Mrs. Lockheart?" Akira asked.

"From high school." Sora hesitated. "She's my ex girlfriend."

"WHAT?" Akira yelled, a little freaked out.

"Yeah, same thing I said when I found out you were dating her daughter."

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A/N: Well, I decided to update just in case I have to go to the hospital… because for the past few days, things have not been going so well. Heh. Don't pity the fool, mkay? Just enjoy this somewhat long chapter!