Title: Tears on the Runway

Summary: Best friends aren't supposed to hurt you. Best friends are supposed to be there for you, care about you, and love you. What do you do when your best friend starts to twist the meaning of friendship into something much darker and more twisted? With every bruise, Kairi hopes she can fix him. But some people are too monstrous to be fixed. Can she be saved before he goes too far? SxK ; VxK

Warnings: Abuse, foul language, sexual content. Rated M.

Disclaimer: These characters do not belong to me, and belong entirely to Square-Enix and Tetsuya Nomura. The only thing that belongs to me is the events of the plot, and how I have arranged them.

Song Used in this Chapter: 'Dead Giveaway' by Storm the Sky.

xxx

Well fuck I'm in love again
head stuck in an oven and
There's no such thing as youth without consequence

The last time . . . Was the last straw. Through what felt like endless nights lying there with my hands being chafed by silver edges, slipping in and out of dreamless unconsciousness, I managed to forget why it was that I cared for Vanitas. Rinoa was only allowed to feed me once a day, and give me water once every other day. It was as if a shining light beamed down upon my head and said, "Why do you fight for the one who hurts you the most?" And that was that. I was, in a simple manner of the words, over it.

I didn't know how many days had passed when Rinoa came in the middle of the night and brought me a plate of some sort of meat and bread. I merely looked at her. She knew she had to feed it to me. I was as weak as a small child, nevermind the handcuffs holding me against the floor beside the toilet.

"I managed to get this for you from the kitchen," she whispered, ripping off a tiny chunk of the bread and pressing it against my dry, cracked lips.

My breath was a wheezing rattle, whistling through my throat as I struggled to speak. My voice was muffled slightly by the bread. "Mianhaeyo . . . I ruined the plan."

Rinoa shook her head. "Don't fret about that. We'll try again. Sora's smart—he'll know you must have gotten caught somehow."

As Rinoa fed me some of the meat (kalbi, I think), I couldn't help but notice the fact that she hadn't asked me just how I had gotten caught. I ate as fast as I was able, looking up into Rinoa's eyes in the darkness.

"Vanitas is asleep right now," Rinoa said. "But I can't find the key. I just wanted to tell you that I will find the key by tomorrow, and if Sora hasn't shown up by then, I'll get you out myself."

My heart swelled. Rinoa was deathly afraid of defying her son. This could spell disaster for her. It touched me that she was willing to go to such lengths for me. I wished I could hug her.

Rinoa held onto the empty plate. "Just hold on, Kairi. Tomorrow," she whispered, and then left.

The darkness pervaded my sense as she closed the bathroom door, and I stared upward at the nothingness.

What the Hell was even going on in my life anymore? I could distinctly remember when things were simpler—when all that mattered was making sure I had my backhand spring down perfectly before the next competition; when all that seemed important was my grades in school. Before everything changed. I felt my eyes fill with tears—tears that I had thought I had no more of. I just wanted to go back to the before. I wanted to go back and be an innocent girl again.

But I knew that could never again be. At this point, I just wanted to go home.

The next day, the bathroom door opened and I saw Vanitas step in. I was only slightly surprised to see him, seeing as he hadn't been in to see me since he'd locked me in here. He was wearing a pair of sweatpants and a white V-neck, and though no one could deny his handsome looks, his eyes glowed with the firelight of evil. Leaving the bathroom light off, he crossed his arms over his chest and leaned against the counter.

We stared at each other in silence for what felt like hours.

"You look terrible," he said, his voice muted.

I blinked in surprise. What? No abuse? No anger? No jealousy? For some reason, I felt gipped.

That was all he had to say?

He shook his head and rubbed the back of his neck. "You know, I thought about you a lot the past week, Kairi."

"Week?" I gulped meekly. So I had been locked in here for seven days. I didn't know how I felt about that.

"I was trying to decide what to do with you," he went on. "At first, I was so angry that I couldn't even see straight. I couldn't believe that you'd say his name. My fucking brother. But then I thought I'd try something different . . ."

I flinched back against the side of the porcelain toilet as he came to kneel in front of me.

"Do you like my brother?" he asked sincerely, his eyes looking directly into mine, sunset against sky.

I froze.

"I won't hurt you," he said softly. "Answer me truthfully."

I stayed frozen.

He sighed, sounding almost normal. "I promise you I won't get angry at your answer. I just want the truth."

I looked away, racking my brain for a solution. Vanitas was the master of trickery, and what little trust I had in him had long ago been shattered. Could I really believe that he wasn't going to hurt me? After all, he had just locked me up in a bathroom for a whole week.

I kept my mouth shut. It was better to say nothing than to lie.

"I don't understand how you can like him," Vanitas said sadly, shaking his head and rising to his feet. "You barely know him. You guys hung out, what? Like three times?"

At this, I couldn't stop myself from blurting out, "Sora doesn't hit me."

Vanitas closed his eyes and massaged his temples. "Okay, so here is what's going to happen, Kairi. In the next few days, I'm going to get my affairs in order. I'm going to get them in order, and then you, me, and my oma are leaving the Islands."

I stared up at him in horror. "Wh-What?!" I cried, my voice cracking painfully in my dry throat.

"I'm not sure about a lot of things, Kairi, but I am sure that you're the girl for me, and I'm the guy for you. So we're going to the mainland, where no one can find us and split us apart." He started toward the bathroom door. "You might as well wrap your mind around it and stop fighting fate. This is your life now. Accept it."

He slammed the bathroom door shut, and my entire being ached as though he had physically beat me himself. Visions of my friends and family's faces, tearful and crying out for me passed across my mind's line of sight, and I began to sob. I didn't want this. I didn't want any of this. I loved Rinoa, but I didn't want her life—trapped with a monster, hoping you'd live to see the next day. There was no hope when you lived a life like that.

God, I was so weak. I always had been, hadn't I? Always doing whatever my parents told me to do, crying at the drop of a dime. Caring more about my studies than forming real relationships. I had so many regrets. So many things I wished I'd had the chance to say to everyone. Even though Vanitas wasn't legitimately ending my life, with this news, he might as well have killed me.

I needed to reach within myself and find some sort of inner strength, and fast. Whatever I had left in me, I needed to muster it up. The very next chance I got, I needed to try to get away. I only had three days, and then the chance would be gone forever. I didn't want to try to escape on the mainland, in a state where nobody knew who I was and Vanitas could turn on the charms and make everyone believe he was a good person.

I had to do this for the people I loved the most—my family and my friends.

I had to escape.

We're walking side by side,
But your heart it fades,
And I've been feeling it for days,
At the end of it all,
You're broken

Stage one of the plan began later that day. Rinoa came in with a small bowl of soup, murmuring quietly to me that the key was at the bottom of the bowl. I didn't even care that I'd have to drink the soup with the key in it—I just guzzled it down and held the key under my tongue. Then she told me that Vanitas was leaving a bit later to start getting his affairs in order, and he'd be taking the car.

"He won't be going very far, so you won't have time to walk all the way home before he catches you," Rinoa explained in hushed tones, clutching my empty soup bowl close to her. "So you'll have to go somewhere else. Is there anyone who lives close to here?"

"My brothers," I whispered back. "And Sora. Their apartment is kinda close. Longer than a fifteen minute walk."

Rinoa looked thoughtful, and then both of us looked on in fear when we heard Vanitas's bedroom door opening.

"Oma!" he called.

"Don't worry," Rinoa hissed. "I'll take care of it, and bring you some clothing to wear. Just be ready."

She left the room then, leaving me alone.

I could taste the metal in my mouth, and my adrenaline began to rise by the second. This was it. This was my one, final shot. I was going to have to make a break for it. If I ran at top speed, even in my state of weakness, I just might make it to my brothers' apartment.

I then began to worry. It didn't exactly seem safest to go to the apartment . . . Vanitas may have been horrible, but he wasn't stupid or blind. He was smart. He would know to go look at my parents' house first, or my brothers' and Sora's. Both places were targets. But none of my girlfriends lived close by. Even though I remembered how they had all rejected me at my locker, I remembered that they had been there when my family confronted me about Vanitas's abuse.

In any case, the only solution was to just get to my brothers', and then plan from there.

I took the key and unlocked my handcuffs, leaving them positioned around my wrists in such a way as to make it appear as though I was still locked in. Then, I took the key and dropped it into the toilet, watching as it slid all the way back, hidden. Finally, I waited, every muscle in my body poised to leap.

Fifteen minutes later, I heard the front door slam shut. Thirty seconds later on the dot, Rinoa came dashing in, carrying a pile of clothes.

"Hurry!" she cried. "He's only going to the bank to close his account and withdraw all his money. You have to get dressed and go!"

I scrambled to my feet, the adrenaline and desire for freedom within me overriding my fatigue, and hurried to put on the clothes (a pair of legging and an oversized shirt that had a pink rabbit on the front of it. Rinoa handed me a pair of combat boots ("They're mine," she said), and I was ready.

"Okay, you have to go," Rinoa said, ushering me toward the front door.

"But . . ." I paused, turning to look at her. I clenched my fists at my sides. Rinoa had done so much for me. She had taken care of me and kept me alive in this Hellhole. Now, she was freeing me. I couldn't just leave her.

"Kairi, please . . ." Rinoa's eyes beseeched me.

"Come with me!" I said, grabbing tight hold of her shoulders. "Come with me, and you'll be free!"

A flash of light went across her eyes, as though she were entertaining the thought, but she shook her head.

"I can't. He's my son. Now go!" She pushed me out the door physically, slamming the front door shut after me. I turned to open it, but heard the lock click. Dismayed, I took a deep breath. It was time.

I ran.

Feet flying across the pavement, I booked it down the street in the direction of my brothers' apartment complex. I allowed my desire and adrenaline to take over, pushing me faster and faster toward freedom. My hair blew out behind me, long strands of crimson, and I urged myself even faster. I pretended I was still a strong, athletic cheerleader, with all the strength in the world. I didn't stop to catch my breath, nor did I look over my shoulder to check for Vanitas. I kept my focus, and I kept. Running.

Suddenly, a car screeched to a halt beside me and I screamed, skidding to a halt as I heard the car door slam. I turned, panting heavily, and saw Sora standing there. He was wearing a pair of black skinny jeans, black-and-white Jordans, and a loose-fitting dark gray top. He didn't seem too surprised to see me, either—just relieved.

"My oma called and told me she helped you escape," he said, walking around to stand in front of me. His hands looked awkward, hanging by his sides, like he wanted to reach out to me.

I glanced at his hands, trembling slightly, and then the fatigue overwhelmed me. I began to laugh and cry hysterically at the same time, overly amused at the fact that we were having an awkward moment in a time such as this, and then I leapt across the space between us. I threw my arms around his neck and held him tightly, feeling safer than I ever had.

Sora stood there unmoving for a moment, obviously stunned, and then I felt his strong arms sliding around my waist.

"Mianhaeyo," he murmured, holding me tightly. "I should have rescued you sooner."

I didn't say anything, reveling in the feeling of being free of Vanitas once and for all. I didn't even care that I had a crush on Sora and that he was hugging me—I just cared that I was going to be okay.

Or so I thought.

Sora suddenly pushed me away from him, his eyes widening in horror.

"Vanitas's car," he snarled, looking angrier than I had ever seen him. "It just drove down the intersecting street. He may have seen us."

Panicked, I dove into the car and, quick as a flash, popped the trunk.

"The trunk? Really?" Sora said, looking uncomfortable. Then, he jumped in a startled manner and pulled his cell phone out of his pocket. He went pale.

"Yep," I said, knowing that we didn't have much time. "The trunk."

Sora hesitantly shut me in the trunk, and then I heard him answering his phone.

"What?" His voice dripped with ice and knives, muffled slightly. "Something was wrong with my car . . . No . . . Fuck, I can't drive near your house? No, I don't need you to come check it out! Vani—fuck!"

I struggled to keep myself calm. Sora would keep me safe. I knew he would.

I heard Sora talk to me through the trunk lid.

"He wants to come look under the hood of my car, and he's on his way. Don't worry, though. I'll . . . Protect you."

He sounded a little nervous to be saying it, but it didn't bother me. All that mattered was I was going to trust him to get me out of this alive.

The minutes passed, and then I heard another car come rolling up. I adjusted myself so I could see out through the small crack between the trunk and its lid. I saw Vanitas walk up, and then my view was obstructed by Sora's back.

"I don't need any help," Sora said gruffly. "The car is fine."

Vanitas chuckled. "Then why are you sitting here, a street or two away from my house? The house Kairi mysteriously went missing from?"

"You mean your kidnap victim?" Sora chuckled, too. "Just thought I'd remind you that she was at your house against her free will, dude."

"No, she was not. Dude," Vanitas snapped through gritted teeth. I could tell he was fuming. Whatever happened, he could not find me in this car.

"Okay, bro, whatever you say," Sora shot back. "But it doesn't matter—I haven't seen her."

"For someone who tried to break down my door a week ago, you seem awfully calm now," Vanitas said, sounding suspicious.

"Because I have other priorities!" Sora yelled suddenly. "Now, get the fuck out my face!"

"Ooh, don't get so touchy, brother." I could hear the smirk in Vanitas's voice and fear filled me. Did he know Sora was lying? Had he seen me when he drove by, too?

"Fuck off," Sora moved away from the crack in the lid, and I could see Vanitas looking right at the trunk. At me. I sucked in a breath and held it.

"If she shows up at your house . . . She won't be able to hide there," Vanitas said, still gazing at the trunk. I began to shake and tremble. "I'll find here."

"Uh-huh," Sora said disbelievingly. "Sure. Because I'm going to tell you if she does."

"If you both want to live, you will," Vanitas challenged, looking away from the trunk and turning to go. "Make sure you lock your doors and windows . . ."

I felt the car shake as Sora got into it, turned it on, and drove off. I laid there in the silence for a long moment, all my confidence suddenly eradicated. What if Vanitas was telling the truth? What if he really would kill us both? After everything he had done to me, I wouldn't put it past him. If there was one thing he said that I believed was true, it was that. I curled up into a small ball and closed my eyes, allowing the car's gentle vibrations to put me to sleep.

If I could find the perfect rhyme
to show the world is alive I swear we can make this right
I'll take your pride
And break it before your eyes

When I awoke, it was not to the cold, hard ground of Vanitas's bathroom. Nor was it to the rough carpet on the trunk of Sora's car. But it was to the warm, fluffy, and soft bed that belonged to none other than Sora. When my eyelids fluttered open and my body was beset by aches and pains and throbbing, I saw him sitting next to me on the bed. His legs were outstretched and crossed at the ankles, his back against the headboard, and his head lolled to the side in sleep.

I sat up and looked around at his room. It was only slightly messy, with a desk in the corner, and a TV pinned to the wall at the end of the bed. He had a dirty clothes hamper that was full with a few things hanging off of the sides of it. Different posters for bands like Of Mice & Men, Memphis May Fire, and I See Stars were pinned to the walls haphazardly, and there was an electric guitar on a stand in the corner beside it.

"Oh, sorry," Sora said all-of-a-sudden, yawning and stretching his arms up. "I fell asleep."

"Wh-Why am I in your room?" was all I could think to say.

"Because it's not really safe to let your brothers know you're here yet. Until we figure out something else to do. I'd rather the only people who knew where you were was me, you, and my mom. Because if Vanitas had any slight indication that you're here, he'll burn the whole complex down," Sora explained, looking a bit guilty. "I'm sorry. I know you probably really want to see your family. Eventually, you'll be able to, but for now, we'll just hide you in here."

"But I can't hide in here forever," I said, adjusting myself so that I was sitting Indian-style on his mattress.

"I know," he nodded. "I asked my friends—those ones from the college, remember?—and Pascal said you can stay with her."

I couldn't help but look down sadly. I really wanted to see my brothers, at the very least.

Sensing my sadness, Sora gently took my hand and held it. I blushed when I felt his thumb rubbing my palm in a comforting manner.

"Don't worry," he said with an encouraging smile. "It's not for forever. Just while Hubert, Asbel, and I decide what to do about my brother."

Ignoring the unsettled feeling that his words gave me, I withdrew my hand from his and walked over it the closet. It was a normal one, with two doors that slid open or shut either direction, and there wasn't much in it but hanging clothes and expensive, in-fashion shoes. I put my hands on my hips and glanced over my shoulder at the hamper. Yes, that would do.

Sora watch with an expression of bemusement as I walked over to the hamper and dragged it over to the closet.

"What are you doing?" he asked curiously.

"This is where I'll hide when my brothers come into your room," I informed him, pushing the shoes aside.

"Are you sure?" He came to stand beside me. "It looks cramped."

All at once, all the feelings of anxiety I had about weight came crashing down upon my head and a depression such as no other settled onto my shoulders. I stared down at my body. Was it possible that during my captivity, I had gained weight? I know it seemed ridiculous to be worrying about my weight now that I was out of the direct way of harm, but I couldn't help it. Did he really have to say 'cramped'? Like I was too big to fit in his large closet?

I really wanted to weigh myself.

"I'm sure it will be fine," was all I said to him in a quiet voice. Then, a wave of exhaustion assailed me and I swooned, nearly collapsing. Sora caught me in his arms, quick as lightning, and I sagged against him.

"Kairi?" he asked worriedly. "Are you okay?"

"W-Water . . ." was all I managed to choke out before I passed out completely.

You're hiding inside reciting your lies
But all I see is fear
They say the clouds have a silver lining
But the clouds will be gone in time and I fall down hopeless and begging I cry out
Can you hear me now

xxx

Author's Note: AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAWHY DID THAT TAKE ME SO LONG

I AM SO SORRY

PLS

FORGIVE

MUCH SORRY

SO APOLOGY

BOWING PROFUSELY.

There is no real excuse; only that I had writer's block on how to transition this story to the next arc of it properly. How did I do?

Anyway, thank you to everyone who waited for so long for me and didn't totally give up on me. –faints-

Shoutouts: SoraKairix7, as always, and please check out "The Ties That Bind" by AnHeiressofaSOLDIER. It's a pretty epic dystopian fantasy story that you guys might like.

ALSO I HAVE NOW BEGUN TO MAKE KINGDOM HEARTS-THEMED DECODEN CASES. Decoden cases are phone case that are decorated with fake whipped cream. I put all sorts of Kingdom Hearts-related stuff on them, and I also make tiny little paopu fruits, heartless heads, and sea salt ice creams out of clay for them. Follow me kawaiilumpduru on Instagram to see the work I do~~