Chapter 28: I Knew You Would
"Can you please tell your father what you just told me?" Miss Alice Hatter, the Strife and Lockheart's newly appointed therapist for Vanitas' year of treatment, asked gently. She placed a hand on the young adult's shoulder and smiled warmly. "We can't begin the healing process until you open up Vanitas."
Rolling his golden orbs, Vanitas released a sigh and confessed in a quiet mumble. "I wanted you to be there Dad. You always had time for them, but you could hardly spare me a second glance. I mean I know I've given you and Mom a lot of grief, but you could have been more involved…I wanted you to come to my karate tournaments and those stupid school plays even if I was only soldier number five. You just always seemed to put them first and that really made me hate them and you…"
Cloud swallowed back a lump in his throat and blew out a shaky breath. Tifa patted his hand sympathetically and Cloud cast his ex-wife a grateful albeit weak smile. "I…I know saying sorry can't change the past Van, but I really am sorry. I should have made time for you. I shouldn't have been so hell bent starting over that I neglected you. You're my kid just like Roxas, (Ventus) and Larxene are…"
"Except I'm not your favorite because I'm not her kid," Vanitas spat bitterly.
"I don't have—" Cloud shook his head and sighed, "You're right. I was playing favorites and that wasn't fair to you. I love all of you kids the same, and I know it doesn't seem like I do, but that's the truth."
Miss Alice's eyes shined and she clasped her dainty hands together eagerly. "See? We're getting somewhere."
"THEN WHY DID YOU HAVE TO CHEAT ON MOM?!" Vanitas blurted in a screech as tears suddenly fell from his eyes, "MY LIFE WAS GREAT AND THEN YOU HAD GO AND RUIN IT!"
Cloud and Tifa flinched at the volume of their son's voice while Miss Alice gestured a few security guards forward in case the session went completely south. Tifa, however, was able to calm her child down by wrapping her arms around his frame tightly. Vanitas' angry cries dissolved into muffled sobs as he buried his face in his mother's shoulder.
"Vanitas," Cloud called softly, "I know you still resent me for cheating on your mother and I understand that, but son…it's been so many years, can't we start again? What I did to you and your mother was wrong, but what you did to Aerith was wrong too. I talked with her earlier today and she's willing to forgive you if you're willing to forgive us. We want to be a family again."
"If you wanted that," Vanitas snapped back angrily, "then you shouldn't have cheated on Mom!"
Cloud sighed and Miss Alice watched the scene unfold as she wrote in her notebook intensely. "I shouldn't have, but Vanitas…I don't think your mother and I would have stayed together, even if I didn't have my affair. Things just weren't working."
"Mom still loves you…" Tifa shushed her son sternly and refused to meet her ex-husband's blue eyes as a blush tinted her cheeks.
"You do?" Cloud asked in astonishment.
Tifa rolled her ruby orbs and sighed. "Of course I do, Cloud. I know that doesn't change anything between us, but I do have feelings for you still. I always have, but I couldn't wreck someone else's marriage over it even if I was angry."
"Tif…I…didn't know."
"You weren't supposed to," Tifa whispered, her lips curved into a watery smile.
"I really did think you were unhappy with our marriage too," Cloud explained, "That doesn't excuse what I did, but…"
"It's fine, Cloud. She makes you happy, and I'm sure I'll find someone else someday. Then we can both be happy. I'm just sad that all of this had to happen for us to get to this point." Tifa stroked Vanitas' obsidian spikes tenderly and kissed his head. "It's okay to be upset Vani, but sometimes we just need to let go. Your father wants to try being a family again, and I know that you would like that. I'm willing to make amends honey, but it's all on you. You need to decide what you want to do."
Vanitas breathed in and out for a minute as the room was encased in a heavy silence. Tifa continued to stroke Vanitas' hair and Cloud balled his hands into fists, his fingernails drilling crescent shaped dents in his skin. It was crazy to think that after all these years Vanitas wasn't over the divorce. Cloud had always thought his eldest child acted out simply because that was his personality or his mother didn't have the heart to discipline him—not because he missed his father.
"…Maybe," Vanitas mumbled quietly, "but I'm not sure that I'm ready to let go just yet."
Cloud still smiled. "It's a start in the right direction."
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"You know, as much as I love family meetings, I do have some other things to attend to," Sora said and looked to his Uncle with a goofy grin.
Roxas added, "And I have homework that's due tomorrow."
"Everyone will be able to go back to what they were doing in a minute, but I have an important announcement to make," Cloud explained and gestured for his nephew to sit down. Roxas leaned against the wall and Aerith was reclining on a leather lazyboy, while Rinoa and Leon were nestled together on the couch. Larxene was missing, since she now lived with a few friends downtown, but the family that was present waited expectantly for the spiky-haired man to speak. "Okay, so you know my buddy Zack Fair, right? Well, he's starting up his own mechanic shop here in Twilight Town and wants me to be co-owner with him!"
"So, you've finally got a job, huh?" Leon asked sharply.
Cloud nodded his head, "But that's not all. Zack said there was some living space above the shop so we can finally move out and you guys can have a little more space."
Aerith clapped her hands excitedly and struggled to give her husband a hug. "That's great honey! I'm so proud of you!"
Cloud reached down and closed the gap between them before planting a swift kiss on her lips. "I know and Zack said we can move in next month."
Leon and Rinoa didn't say anything but exchanged weary glances. Sora was smiling but his eyes betrayed a look of disappointment as Roxas started vacantly ahead, unsure of what he should be feeling exactly.
"We should all start packing, but I hope you don't mind helping us move boxes Leon. We'll need all the help we can get."
Leon stood up, walked over to his brother-in-law and gently pulled his arms away from his sister. "Can we talk for a minute in private?"
"Sure…" Aerith cast him a worried look as he followed the steely-eyed man, but Cloud merely shrugged and gave a reassuring smile to his wife.
When they were in the kitchen, Leon placed his palms on the countertop and sighed. "You guys need to stay here. You can't move."
"What? What are you talking about Leon? You're the one who didn't even want us here and now you're asking us to stay?" Cloud asked, betwixt shock, confusion and anger.
"Cloud," Leon sighed again and looked up from the countertop, "I know what I've said in the past, but with Aerith still recovering…I think it would be best for you to stay here until she's completely healed. I mean even with a job, how do you plan on paying the medical bills, the house payment, utilities, groceries…"
"I don't know, but I'm sick of mooching off you and Rinoa. I want to be a man and provide for my family with my own paycheck," Cloud countered and turned away from his brother-in-law.
Leon placed a hand on Cloud's shoulder and smiled. "I know you want to and…even after everything you've done, you've been good to my sister, and I know that you want to do what's best for her."
"I can take care of her and my kids, Leon," Cloud snapped, "I don't need you guilt tripping me."
"I'm not trying to guilt trip you Cloud…I just don't want my sister under any kind of stress, especially if this job falls through."
"Cloud?"
Both men flicked their gazes towards the source of the soft, feminine voice. "Aerith," Cloud breathed and quickly went to support her trembling frame. "What are you doing here? You should be laying down."
Aerith shook her head and smiled. "I'm fine Cloud, but I think…we should listen to Leon." When Cloud was about to protest, Aerith put a finger to his lips. "I am so happy that you have this new job, but I really don't think we should move until I'm able to work too. With the economy how it is now, I don't want to jeopardize us being able to help Roxas through college or have you putting so much stress on yourself to make the bills. You're a good man Cloud Strife, but getting help isn't a bad thing. We can just stay here, stow away some money and then find the house of our dreams. I don't want to live above the shop. I want a house where all the kids and grandkids can stay, not a cramped apartment where I can't even grow a garden."
"That's what you want?" Cloud whispered quietly and brushed away a few stray curls.
Aerith nodded and traced her husband's lips. "That's what I want."
Cloud sighed, looked to Leon and gently kissed the tip of his wife's nose. "As you wish."
"Don't start quoting The Princess Bride," Aerith laughed and pushed her husband away teasingly.
Cloud snuck in a quick kiss. "It's your favorite movie, isn't it?"
"Yes, but…you're just too much Cloud." Aerith swatted her now grinning husband.
"That's not too much," Cloud countered cleverly, "too much would be—" he lifted her up. "picking you up bridal style and carrying you upstairs." Aerith continued to swat and giggle at her husband, but as they were leaving the kitchen, Aerith smiled at her brother sweetly and murmured. "Thank you Leon."
Cloud rolled his eyes but looked back with a small smile. "Yeah, thanks Leon."
"Just go already," Leon said and gestured them away jokingly as a tiny smile permeated his normally tough façade.
KHKHKHKHKHKH
With her new brown leather messenger bag wrapped around her torso, Naminé made her way through the hallway clad in a pair of dark denim jeans and a simple red blouse. Kairi walked beside her wearing a similar ensemble, and a smile decorated her lips at the fact that she was no longer tied to a fabricated hierarchy.
"My, my, my, looks like the freak show is back on stage," Selphie sneered as she and her posse cackled malevolently at the passing girls. Naminé and Kairi exchanged eye rolls, ignoring Selphie's mockery as they headed into the cafeteria.
Everyone stared as the two girls walked through the aisles, but neither teen cared about the attention. Naminé, for one, was grateful to be relieved of the pressures of popularity. It meant that she could eat what she wanted, dress how she wanted, be friends with whomever she wanted—Selphie was now fettered to those chains while Naminé was finally free.
"Hey, isn't that Hayner, Pence and Olette over there?" Kairi asked and waved towards the group of teens. Olette waved back with a cute grin, but Naminé hesitated and pulled on Kairi's sleeve.
"Don't Hayner and Pence hate me though? I don't want to invite myself to their table if they don't want me to sit with them…"
Kairi swatted the blonde's words away. "They won't mind Nami. Olette told me they didn't hate you anymore and if one of them (Hayner) says anything, I'll…slap him."
"What about Sora?" Naminé asked with a giggle, "Couldn't you just have him take care of them?"
"I could, but Sora's sick today so you're stuck with me," Kairi said with a mirthful grin.
"Lucky me," Naminé replied jokingly. Kairi pushed her blonde friend good-naturedly before hauling her towards Olette's table.
"Hey Olette," Kairi greeted, "mind if we sit here?"
"Not at all, right boys?" Olette moved her jade eyes to her two male companions. Pence gave a friendly nod, but Hayner could only give an indifferent shrug.
Both girls sat down next to one another, and Naminé was uneasy until, surprisingly Hayner, began to ask about her piece for the art show.
"It's of the clock tower here in Twilight Town," Naminé explained after she had swallowed back her shock, "It's not done yet because I'm trying to decide if I want to add in a couple of people or not." Namely herself and Roxas—though Naminé couldn't admit that since she and Roxas weren't together anymore.
"Sounds like it will be a good piece though," Hayner said, permitting a small smile to grace his features. "Maybe Lett, Pence and I will come and see it at the art show."
Olette grinned brightly, elated that her best friend was being so kind to the former Ice Queen. "I'd love to go see it!"
"Yeah, me too," Pence added.
"Then it's settled," Kairi declared, "we're all coming to the art show next month to support Naminé. I'll tell Sora too so he can come."
Naminé was blushing, her cheeks a vibrant rosy red. "You guys really don't all have to come. I'm fine by myself, really."
"You may be fine by yourself," Hayner said coolly, "but whether you like it or not, you're stuck with us."
Kairi smiled knowingly at Naminé and raised her eyebrows. The blonde, in turn, fought back an onslaught of tears as she bowed her head gratefully and mumbled. "Thank you."
KHKHKHKHK
White cane in hand, Roxas weaved his way through the mass of students with relative ease. It felt weird being so open about his blindness. No one, not even Selphie, made fun of him or knocked his things out of his arms. It wasn't that Roxas had suddenly become invisible, but it was like his fellow classmates respected him—though the reason behind this new respect was not one Roxas liked to dwell on.
"At least today's over," Roxas murmured to himself, "and I can have the weekend to just focus on planning for the reunion."
From a short distance away, Xion watched her best friend. She didn't want to play fairy godmother again, but she had to since Roxas' happiness was at stake. The raven haired girl sucked in a sharp breath, but hastened her once leisurely pace.
"Roxas!" Xion called and caught the blind boy by the shoulder.
He smiled, stopped and turned around. "Hey Xion, what's up?"
"We need to talk," Xion stated with a slight quiver in her voice. Roxas noticed this and cinched his brows together in concern.
"Is everything okay?"
"Let's get out of here first. I'll tell you once we get to the park."
Roxas started to protest. "But how will I get home? I can't worry my parents."
"I'll text them, and I can walk you home from the park when we're done talking," Xion answered, tugging her blond companion through the halls briskly. A few kids gawked curiously at them, but Xion only shot them dirty looks as she entered into the crisp outside world.
Once they had sat down on a lone park bench, Xion heaved a deep sigh and twiddled with her fingers. Roxas sat next to her without a single word passing from his lips.
"Roxas…" Xion began but couldn't seem to force the remaining words to flow from her lips. It was like the syllables were stuck in her throat.
"Yes?" Roxas prompted, "What is it Xion?"
"I…I…"
"You what? I don't mean to be rude, but I really need to go home and help with the party planning."
"I think you and Naminé should get back together," Xion blurted in a rush. From the corner of her eye, she could see Roxas' blind orbs widen and then darken.
"You've got to be kidding me Xion? After what she did? And…you hate Naminé, why would you want us to get back together? I thought you had feelings for me?"
Xion snapped back, her temper flaring dangerously. "Don't you even do that to me Roxas! I do like you but…I know that you're still in love with Naminé!"
"I'm not in love with her anymore," Roxas countered defiantly.
"Oh give me a break!" She exclaimed and barked out a laugh, "It's written all over your face! And you've barely even smiled since the two of you broke up."
"So…?"
"So," Xion said with obvious exasperation, "you should just forgive her Roxas! She really has changed."
Roxas cast Xion a withering gaze that hopefully met her face. "And how would you know?"
"I would know…," Xion confessed, her voice suddenly quiet, "because Naminé and I had a sort of…heart-to-heart and…I've seen how she's been treating everyone."
Roxas sobered and raised an eyebrow expectantly. "You two had a 'heart-to-heart?'
"I know. It was weird but we did. Can I continue now?" Roxas didn't reply, but Xion took this as his answer and continued. "It's like…the girl I was friends with is back. I mean she's even creating a piece for the art show next month."
"…She's drawing again?" Roxas asked in an astonished whisper.
Xion nodded and placed her hand over his, squeezing tightly. "I know what she did was horrible. Trust me, I never would have pictured myself sitting here trying to get you two together like some fairy godmother, but…she's really changed and is still…" Xion had to choke the words out, "in love with you…"
"She is?" Roxas' heart ached as he thought of his ex-girlfriend. Maybe…Maybe it would be worth it to talk to her again.
"She's crazy about you Roxas, so just talk to her okay—at least give her that," Xion said, smiling weakly. Her own heart ached as the words left her lips, but Xion knew that it was the right thing to do. 'And maybe someday soon, Naminé will be playing my fairy godmother…'
"…Do you know where she is or…when I can talk to her?" Roxas finally asked with a resigned smile.
Xion was about to inform him that Naminé was actually at the park too, but the blonde girl beat her to it.
"I'm right here."
KHKHKKHKHKHKHK
A cool breeze swept through the trees and dashed pieces of hair across Naminé and Roxas' faces. They had been sitting alone together for nearly twenty minutes, but neither teen had the desire or courage to speak. Naminé simply watched as a little boy and his tiny female companion built a sandcastle in the very same red rectangle her and Roxas had played in as children while Roxas, on the other hand, sat forward with his eyes closed and his mind a million miles away. It wasn't an entirely uncomfortable silence, but the awkwardness that lingered prevented either from daring to break the almost sterile atmosphere.
It made Naminé wish that Xion had decided to stick around. The blonde understood why she didn't want to, but to have some moral support would have been nice, even if it was from her former rival. Naminé wanted to be the one who broke the silence between them, but every time her lips parted, only a soft sigh would escape.
"I was so confident before…," Naminé murmured, not realizing she was voicing her thoughts aloud, "but now I'm just too weak to speak up…"
"Naminé…"
The blonde jolted upright and stared wide-eyed at her companion. "W-What? I-I didn't say anything…did I?"
"You did actually," Roxas said and covered his mouth with his palm to hide the amused smile from her.
Naminé flushed and averted her gaze quickly to her hands. "I-I'm sorry…I thought that was just in my head…" Her heart was thumping in her chest—harder than before—and Naminé was certain she must have come across as ditzy and air-headed to her ex-boyfriend.
"You're…," Roxas paused to shake his head, "It's fine…"
After a few seconds, Naminé piped up again, her voice childlike as she played with the hem of her blouse. "I guess that means we have to talk now, huh?"
"I guess it does…"
"Roxas, I'm sorry…for everything," Naminé breathed her apology and squeezed her sapphire orbs shut tightly in anticipation for a verbal slap.
"…What you did was really wrong Naminé…," Roxas whispered quietly, "and I trusted you. I really wanted to save the little girl I knew, but you put on a big façade that I couldn't see past. Being blind was supposed to help me really 'see' people, but...I was just so naïve that even my new sight was blinded."
"But Roxas…everything I was with you was real…I was never fake with you when we were together. I know I tried to hide behind a mask for a while, but you broke through all my walls—something that no one has ever done!" Naminé countered, reaching out for Roxas before snatching her hand back quickly.
Roxas snapped back. "That doesn't change what happened Naminé. Why would you even think to hurt someone like that? I know that things suck with your parents, but that doesn't justify publically humiliating someone. That was just ugly."
Naminé cringed, but accepted his words, forcing herself to remain strong. "I know that I can't change the past and no amount of crap that my parents have done to me even comes close to justifying what I did, but that girl…I'm not her anymore. Roxas, you made me realize how horrible I had been. You're the one who helped me change."
"How do I know you're not lying now?"
"I apologized to Mia, and…I'm not living with my parents anymore," Naminé replied, her voice finally wavering as a few lone tears streaked down her unpainted skin.
Roxas had to bite back his surprise, "You're not living with your parents anymore?"
"They wanted me to marry Seifer this summer. I told them I wouldn't do it. They threatened to disown me and I took them up on their threat," Naminé said simply, finding it strange how easy it was to admit now that she was living with Kairi.
"Just like that?" Roxas asked incredulously.
"Just like that," Naminé affirmed, "and now I'm living with Kairi, buying my clothes at the thrift and even work a couple of shifts at the malt shop on the weekends. Like I've told you, I've changed and if that doesn't convince you, I can even call Kairi's mom and have her tell you."
"…" Roxas found himself conflicted. That extra sight of his that had been dormant around Naminé had finally woken up to tell him that she was being genuine, but…it was hard to reason emotionally. He already had his heart broken once; he didn't want to repeat his mistake. 'But…I really do love her…I've always loved her, even since I was a kid and…wasn't this me a year ago? I was so arrogant and just a real ass before the accident, but I've had a second chance…so why shouldn't Naminé?'
"Please say something Roxas," Naminé pleaded, "even if you just want to be friends…I just need to know if…if I should just move on."
The idea of Naminé dating someone else, marrying someone else, having children with someone else struck Roxas hard. He didn't want to be hurt again, but was a simple fear worth losing someone he might end up spending the rest of his life with? "I…I don't know if I can just pick up where we left off, but…I would like to start over and…be who we truly are with each other 100%. No lies. No masks. Just…us."
Naminé finally smiled. "I would like that. By the way," she said cheekily, "My name is Naminé and when I graduate from high school I'm going to Twilight's Institute of Art for animation. I also have a little Yorkie, and like singing in the shower."
Roxas laughed, mirroring her smile. "Hi Naminé, I'm Roxas and I hope to go to Twilight University for musical composition. I don't have any pets, but I do like dogs a lot and sea salt ice cream."
"It's nice to meet you too Roxas. You should come by the malt shop sometime. I work there and could maybe give you a discount."
"I would love to, though I hope you can make it to my family reunion this Saturday. My long lost twin brother will be there and I think it would be fun if you came," Roxas said.
Naminé deleted his phone number from her contacts and nodded. "I'll get your number from Kairi, and then we can talk about the details." She wasn't surprised by this revelation. Kairi had already briefed her about the whole Ven thing.
"Sounds good. I better go find my ride," Roxas jerked his thumb back at a tree. Naminé stifled a giggle.
Both teens rose from the bench, but before they parted, Naminé stopped and turned around again. "By the way, do I know you from somewhere?"
"What?"
"I swear," Naminé said placing a finger to her chin with a knowing smirk, "you're that little boy I was friends with when I was a kid. I think he had the same name as you too, funny huh?"
"Naminé…," Roxas let out a low chuckle and nodded his head. "Are you missing a papou keychain?"
"Are you missing a blue marble?"
"I am."
"Well, I guess it is you then," Naminé said teasingly, "Though, I hope you know that's my lucky charm you have so, you're going to have to give it back to me,"
Roxas laughed louder this time. "I know. Don't worry, you'll get it back."
"I better," Naminé warned jokingly.
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"Hey Naminé, would you mind taking care of that table over there? I've got to help Vanille with the soft serve machine. It's acting funky again," one of Naminé's co-workers, a young teen by the name of Hope, called as he made his way towards the squealing red head who was desperately trying to scoop chunks of flavored ice cream into her hands.
Naminé, who was cleaning off one of the tables, laughed but called back. "Alright, but you two better fix it up before Fang comes by and sees. I know she wouldn't fire you since you're dating her niece, but I'd rather not listen to another tirade today."
Hope grinned and gave a thumbs up. "We'll do our best!"
Naminé watched as he gently pried Vanille's hands from the spewing behemoth, but blushed and looked away when she realized that gawking at them was like intruding on a private moment, especially when Hope pressed a kiss on her co-workers' forehead.
The blonde girl then proceeded to attend to the table Hope had entrusted her with and was taking orders cheerily when the little bell above the door rang and a slithering voice snaked through the air.
"Never thought I'd see Naminé Misaki doing manual labor—guess the apocalypse really is coming." Naminé held her smile in place and ignored the man her parents had willingly betrothed her to as she continued to scratch in the last bit of the couple's order.
"Your malts will be out shortly, so—"
Seifer grabbed Naminé roughly by the shoulder, causing her to stumble backwards into his chest. The blonde girl removed herself immediately and narrowed her orbs icily. "Buzz off Seifer, I'm working," she hissed. The customers around her whispered angrily and pointed at Seifer.
"You're so cute," Seifer purred and slid his hand down her side. Naminé recoiled, knocking into another table. "You know, your parents sent me here."
"My parents?" Naminé repeated with disbelief. One of the waitresses handed her another order of malts, but the blonde could barely whisper a thank you as she kept her eyes tied to the man before her.
"You parents," Seifer explained slickly, "want you to come back home. They're even willing to forgive your little outburst if—"
"I marry you?" Naminé finished, barking out a sharp laugh. "I wouldn't marry you if you were the last man on earth. I'd rather marry a tree at that point since at least a tree can't talk back."
Seifer growled. "Naminé, I'm offering you back your old life, don't you even want that?"
"You mean the superficial life where my dreams or feelings don't matter? The life where I can't even choose who to date, let alone marry?" Naminé asked sarcastically, "I like who I am without all the money, fake smiles, and parents who only think of me as an accessory. I like being able to date someone who doesn't just love me because I'm hot or rich and have friends who don't secretly hate me. I like this new life I have and I'm not giving it up!" Naminé finished, her frame shaking. Applause erupted around her and Naminé felt triumphant as she turned her heel on the seething blond.
"You brat!" Seifer screamed and wrenched her back around, "you will marry me and you will like—Ahhh!" The malts that had been sitting on the tray in Naminé's hands flew forward at the abrupt movement caused by the sinister man and spilled relentlessly down his designer suit. Seifer began to complain in angry screeches how expensive his suit was and that he would make the girl pay, preparing to strike her just as a white cane wacked him sharply on the back of his head.
Seifer yowled as pain flooded his nervous system but Naminé beamed gratefully and hugged her hero. "Roxas…how did you know…?"
"I didn't," Roxas replied, adjusting his black sunglasses while prepping his cane for another swift blow on his whining enemy. "I was just coming in for a malt, but when I heard all the commotion and his voice, I knew I had to step in." Roxas then snorted as he smelled a variety of malt flavors wafting from Seifer's body. "Nice perfume. You must really like malts, huh?"
Seifer sputtered angrily as he attempted to wipe off the rainbow of ooze from his suit. "Y-Your that boy I met, aren't you? The one who Naminé was d-dating?"
"Guilty as charged," Roxas said nonchalantly, "though, I do recommend you step away from her now."
"And why is that?" Seifer sneered.
"Because I'll kick your ass," Roxas stated simply. He really was sick of this arrogant bastard.
Seifer snorted and replied haughtily. "You? Ha! I've been taking fencing lessons since I was able to walk and you think you're going to kick my ass?"
"That's the plan."
"Roxas," Naminé murmured quietly, "you shouldn't be goading him like this. I don't want to see you get hurt."
Roxas brushed her words aside. "I'll be fine. This guy is all talk and even if he does take a swing, it won't be half as bad as another smack from my cane…or fists." Naminé pursed her lips but didn't say anything else.
"Hmph! I'll show you, you pathetic little urchin!" Seifer snarled, lunging forward. Roxas didn't side step his attacker but allowed a pitiful punch to hit him in the stomach. People all around gasped and exchanged words of disbelief at the fact that Seifer had just punched a blind boy who was only trying to protect that sweet blonde waitress. Seifer glanced around nervously, unaware of the smirking and not wounded boy who was mere seconds away from his own retaliation. "I-It's not what it looks like!" Seifer protested desperately, "she's my fiancé and…and he was trying to tear us apart. I am in no way a crimi—"
THWACK!
Roxas swept his cane through the air, following the sound of Seifer's voice as he a landed a swift blow to the arrogant man's nose. There was a sickening crack that followed, but it was mostly drowned out by the cheers of the customers.
Seifer gasped loudly as he held a hand to his now broken nose. "You'll hear from my lawyer!" Seifer roared in a nasally tone, "and then I'll have you and your whole moneyless family locked up!"
"Yeah, we'll see what the judge says when he finds out you hit a poor, defenseless blind boy who was only trying to protect a sweet, defenseless waitress from being sexually assaulted," Roxas retorted coolly.
The people in the shop glared daggers at Seifer as if to warn him about the weight of their own testimonies, and Seifer could only search the room fruitlessly for a friendly face before scrambling out of the shop, screaming his own empty threats back at the blind boy.
"Sheesh," Roxas said once he couldn't hear the man's nasally voice, "that guy really is a piece of work, isn't he?"
Naminé rolled her eyes. "You have no idea."
"And he couldn't land a proper blow. Honestly, I think I've been hit harder by a kindergartener." Roxas rubbed his stomach and snickered.
Naminé heaved a sigh of relief. "So, he didn't hurt you?" Roxas shook his head. "Thank God. I was so worried he would do something horrible to you."
"That guys a pansy," Roxas said before jumping off to another, more delectable topic. "Now, what was it that you were saying about that malt?"
"You boys really do have a one-track mind," Naminé teased, pushing Roxas playfully, "but yes, I can make you a sea salt malt and…I'll even give you a discount as long as you help me mail some letters after my shift."
Roxas contemplated the deal and stuck out his hand. "Sounds like a deal to me, but what kind of letters are you sending?" Naminé shook his hand and smiled softly, patting the letters that were tucked securely in the pouch of her white apron.
"They're apologies," Naminé confessed, "to everyone I've hurt. I knew that they wouldn't listen to me if I talked to them, but hopefully the letter will mean at least a little more."
A gentle smile broke across Roxas' face, and he wrapped his arms around her like he used to. "I'm sure they'll forgive you Naminé. Those letters are where it starts."
"You think?"
"I know."
Naminé burrowed her head into the fabric of his shirt, enjoying the scent she had been deprived of for so long. "I'm even sending one to you."
"To me?" Roxas repeated, "but…I can't read like you anymore."
"That's why I wrote it in braille silly," Naminé replied and lifted her face to his. "I had one of your teachers help me."
"But we already talked…you didn't need to send me anything," Roxas said, confusion lacing his voice.
"Well, I wanted to, so you're just going to have to sit down, eat your malt and deal with it." Naminé tried being stern with the blind boy, but even he could tell that it was a half-hearted effort.
Roxas saluted Naminé with mock-obedience. "Aye, aye captain!" Naminé giggled when she noticed he was gesturing to the wrong person, but went to her malt making duties happily.
Finally, things were really starting to look up.
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"Ahuh, ahuh…yeah, I can hear them coming down the stairs right now so…are you guys here or what?" Roxas whispered hastily into his phone as both of his parents descended the stairs—his mother being assisted by his father of course.
"We're almost at the door," Roxas' twin replied, causing the blind boy to momentarily wish he was able to see so he could know exactly how far away they were.
"Okay, well…when you get to the door, just ring the doorbell, alright?"
"Alright." The connection clicked, signaling the end of the call. Sora, who had been listening in on the conversation grinned and gestured for the guests hidden behind various pieces of furniture and curtains to remain silent.
"You boys are up early," Aerith teased, teetering over to her son to plant a kiss on his forehead.
Roxas smiled and hugged his mother. "Happy anniversary."
"Yeah," Sora chorused, "happy anniversary you guys! Isn't this like your 20th anniversary?"
"Our 18th actually," Cloud said and walked over to his wife to press a kiss onto her own forehead. The chestnut haired woman beamed, but then put her son at arm's length as she noticed something peculiar in his and her nephew's smiles.
"What's going on boys?" Aerith inquired suspiciously. "You two seem a little…too happy."
"Do we?" Sora responded with a goofy grin. Cloud was about to say something, but the doorbell rang, stopping any retort from leaving his lips.
Aerith tilted her head to the side curiously. "I wonder who that is? Cloud, did you invite anyone over today?"
"Not that I know of. Boys?" Cloud redirected his gaze to the two teens loitering around shiftily.
"Aren't you going to get that?" was the only reply that left Roxas' lips as a secret smile etched itself across his lips.
Both of his parents cast distrustful glances at their son, but proceeded towards their awaiting visitors. Cloud gripped the door handle, shrugged and pulled it open to reveal a carbon copy of Roxas and a couple neither of the Strifes had seen in almost seventeen years.
"Happy anniversary," Ven greeted, smiling hesitantly as he held out a platter of freshly made cookies. Mr. and Mrs. Sato stood behind the blond with weary but happy smiles.
"V-Ventus…?" Aerith breathed and tears started to rim her jade eyes. Cloud was speechless but joined his wife in embracing their long lost son as tears fell down his own face.
Ventus closed his eyes as tears began to stream down his face. "I can't believe this is real…" Ven murmured and burrowed his face in his mother's spring dress.
Cloud lifted his eyes to Mr. and Mrs. Sato and smiled warmly. "It's been too long…though…I thought we decided to keep the boys separate—not that I'm not happy to see Ven," Cloud amended hastily as his wife showered kisses on the teen's face, "I'm just a little confused why you chose to came now?"
"You should ask the boys that question," Mr. Sato replied, stepping inside the house alongside his wife.
"Boys?" Cloud flicked his gaze from Ven to his twin.
Roxas walked forward until his father's voice was beside him. "Ven told me who he was. Sora affirmed it and we wanted to bring the family back together again, especially since it's your anniversary today," Roxas explained.
"You're okay with this though, right?" Ven asked nervously, "I didn't want to intrude like this, but I really wanted to meet you—I mean see you again and Roxas and Sora said today would perfect and—"
"We want you here Ven," Cloud interrupted gently, placing a hand on his son's shoulder, "We've always wanted you, but it was just our financial troubles that made it impossible for your mother and I to give you the life you deserved. But son, just know that we've always wanted you and we have loved you and your brother since the moment you were born."
Ven could barely speak but managed a quiet, "Thank you" to both of his birth parents
"Cloud," Aerith choked out between her tears, "we have to celebrate."
"Well, maybe we can all go out to dinner? I mean we aren't really prepared for a full-fledged party," Cloud said and scratched the back of his head apologetically.
"Don't worry Uncle Cloud," Sora beamed, "We've already got that taken care of. Guys?"
Cloud and Aerith released their child and wandered into the kitchen/living room area. Friends and family sprouted up from their hiding places, bearing trays of delectable foods as they went to congratulate the stunned couple. Even Tifa was amongst the group to wish her ex-husband and friend the best.
"Boys…you…" Aerith covered her mouth as more tears came down, "planned all this?"
"My parents helped too!" Sora chirped. Rinoa and Leon came up behind their son and smiled at the couple.
"We couldn't pass up an opportunity like this," Leon said gruffly, "and I knew it would make you happy sis." Rinoa gave a similar reply and Aerith stumbled over to hug her big brother and sister-in-law before bringing her twins back into her arms.
"My babies," Aerith cooed, kissing their heads until she was sure every bit of lipstick was gone from her lips. "Cloud…look."
Cloud fixed his gaze on his family, smiled and moved to join the family embrace. From behind them, an audible snort could be heard.
"Geez, why do I always come home when there's a family special playing?"
"You do realize your other brother is here, right?"
Larxene rolled her jade orbs, and wormed her way into the hug. "If I didn't, I wouldn't be here, would I? Nice seeing you little bro. I hope you're less annoying than Roxas." Ven smiled brightly and greeted his sister. Ven's twin, however, did not give a similar reply.
"Hey!" the blind boy protested with a laugh, "I resent that."
"Of course you do," Larxene retorted smartly.
Aerith kissed her daughter's head tenderly, but when her eyes met Mr. and Mrs. Sato, she realized something very important. "You're family too," she said softly and stretched out a smooth hand, "I mean you've done so much for us. You raised Ven when we couldn't and I promise you…you won't be replaced. Ven is our son but he's also yours."
Mrs. Sato flashed a watery smile before practically sprinting to join the embrace, her husband following suit. "Thank you…"
When everyone finally pulled apart, the parents decided to mingle with the other relatives over a couple of drinks while Roxas and Ventus chose to wander the backyard together to talk. Sora had already bounded off in search of Hayner, Pence and hopefully Kairi, unaware that she was arriving alongside a certain blonde girl who hadn't made her appearance yet.
KHKHKHKHKHK
Naminé carried a veggie tray into the party alongside Kairi who was holding up a fruit platter. It felt weird coming here again. Last time had been when she and Roxas were dating and now she and Roxas were…what? Flirting playfully? Sort of in a relationship but sort of not? It was confusing to say in the least, but Naminé was sure that things would be sorted out eventually.
'I just hope eventually doesn't take too long…'
"Hey Naminé, is it alright if I go find Sora?" Kairi asked, jerking her thumb towards the backyard.
"That's fine," Naminé replied softly, "I'm going to go look for Roxas anyway."
Kairi placed a hand on Naminé's shoulder reassuringly. "Everything will turn out fine. Just relax and I'm sure you'll have a good time."
"You're right," Naminé admitted with a sigh, "I'm just overthinking things."
"As usual."
"Just go find Sora," Naminé mumbled and shoved the red head impishly. Kairi giggled but bounded off to find her spiky haired boyfriend. Naminé watched her for only a moment before making her way into the kitchen to deposit her edible contribution.
Aerith was in the kitchen retrieving a plate full of goodies, and greeted the blonde girl cheerfully. "Oh Naminé, you're finally here," she chirped, eagerly clasping her hands together, "Roxas has been waiting for you in that old sandbox towards the back."
"Thank you…I'll go find him." Naminé bowed her head modestly, but Aerith leaned forward and gave the girl a motherly smile.
"My son is stubborn, but I know that he cares deeply about you, so don't worry. He'll come around."
Naminé's eyes widened. "How did you—"
"Mother's intuition," Aerith tapped her temple, "now, go and keep my son company. I don't know how much longer he can wait for you."
"Thank you!" Naminé brightened and hastened her uneasy pace—which, since she had been wearing sandals, had become a lot easier.
Olette and Xion waved to her from a table, but Naminé could only spare a flash of her own hand as she continued to hunt for the tiny red rectangle. Xion laughed, calling out to the blonde. "The sandbox is on the other side of the yard!"
Naminé stopped, huffed, but then thanked the raven haired girl before turning herself around. It didn't take long after that to find him. His hair did stick out like a sore thumb and Roxas made no effort to hide it either. The blind boy was sitting on the frame of the sandbox picking platelets of grass from the ground absentmindedly as the wind lightly teased his hair.
"Nice party," Naminé commented as she sat on the wooden frame beside him.
Startled, Roxas nearly fell back into the sand. "Huh? Oh, yeah it's been fun and now, since you're here, it's even better."
Naminé blushed and averted her eyes from his face. "D-Do you want to play in the sandbox together?" The question sounded silly even in her head, but it was something Naminé was sure they should do.
"Umm…we are a little big now but okay," Roxas agreed and kicked off his shoes, followed by the grass stained socks from his feet. Naminé did the same and helped Roxas sit properly in the sand.
Naminé picked up a handful of sand and let it fall between her fingers. "Thanks for inviting me by the way."
"It's no problem. I wanted you to come."
A moment of silence passed between the blondes before Naminé spoke up again, her voice fragile. "Roxas…I know we said we'd start over, but…can I still ask you one thing?"
"Shoot."
Naminé inhaled sharply but then whispered. "Are you still…are you still in love with me? I know I shouldn't ask, but I just really wanted to know even though it isn't fair or right to ask y—" Naminé stopped as Roxas' lips abruptly melded with hers—a forbidden fruit for so long.
"Silly," Roxas mumbled, holding her face, "I know what I said, but that doesn't mean I'm not still in love with you. You've had me since the day I met you when were kids. Just because I want to start our relationship on a clean slate, doesn't mean my feelings for you ever really changed. I was just confused and angry for a while, but I can see you, the real you."
"And it isn't ugly?" Naminé asked uncertainly.
Roxas shook his head. "You're beautiful, and I've finally been able to see how much you've changed."
"You really did save me Roxas," Naminé said, allowing tears to cascade down his hands, "I was barely alive before I met you again and…now, I'm really who I want to be and not just with you—but everyone!"
"It wasn't just me Naminé," Roxas countered determinedly, "I may have set things in motion but you're the one who really made the decision to change—something I didn't even really realize until we talked that day in the park."
"Thank you for coming that day by the way. I really didn't think you'd show," Naminé confessed.
Roxas smiled and moved his hands down to her wrists, the right of which was adorned with the charm bracelet he had given her. "We should both be thanking Xion for that one. If it weren't for her, I wouldn't have come."
"She really is a great friend," Naminé added, "one that I should have treasured instead of throwing away for popularity…"
Roxas tightened his grip around her wrists. "What did we say about starting over again? It's fine. Xion forgives you, I forgive you…It's all in the past now, Naminé—which reminds me…" He paused to fish a certain object from his back pocket. "I brought your lucky charm back safe and sound."
Naminé clasped the once forgotten charm in her hand tightly before bringing Roxas into another kiss. "I knew you would."
After a few moments, however, Roxas pulled away and held out his hand expectantly. "And what about me? Did you forget?"
"You're unbelievable," Naminé muttered, drawing out the blue marble and placing it in his hand.
Roxas grinned and tucked the blue orb where the star charm had once been. "Now, where were we?"
MAIN STORY LINE END
:)
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A/N: Last chapter. I can't believe this is the last chapter. I really took time to write this one and am super grateful to my new beta GengaJupite for all his help making this final chapter the best it can be. I really hope this chapter has lived up to everyone's expectations. Some of the issues, as you may have noted, were not fixed, but I'm not really fond of perfect happy endings. I feel that, realistically, things like Selphie's reign, Naminé's parents, Tifa's unrequited feelings, the Strife's living situation, and Vanitas' relationship with his father shouldn't all be fixed. One might be tied up in the epilogue, but as for the main storyline, I decided to leave things unresolved. However, Roxas and Naminé are back together and Strife family is reunited:)
Thank you to everyone who has supported me throughout this story by reading, alerting, favoriting, and reviewing. I appreciate you all so much and hope that your support will continue. We only have an epilogue left, so please sit tight for that. I'll try to write it up after giving my brain a little break.
As always, please continue to read, favorite, alert and review!:D!
(Still taking song requests for the soundtrack and any art work would be well received:).
Review replies:
Guest: Wow, that's a lot of time to put in, but I'm grateful that you did:) It is nice to see them getting along finally and I hope that this chapter is worth the wait. Also, thank you tons for the review!:D!
X-blade025: Haha, I've been re-watching a lot of cartoons myself and I watched the original anime but nothing else. Aww, thank you. This chapter had a little make-over, but it's good to know it all worked out. That was a fun moment to write, especially since I think everyone wanted that to happen. Thank you again! That bit was what I added to since before there was not much at all to show that reflection. Yay! I love when people are able to connect to characters like that and haha, it's okay. That's happened to me before. And well…guess with this chapter, you got your wish, huh? Vanitas is always fun to read and she is indeed. Thank you again and hope that you like this chapter. It's bittersweet but it's been so long that an end was inevitable. Thanks tons for the review!:D!
Redx117: I feel the same way sometimes, but all good things must come to an end eventually. XD Thanks and I guess we'll have to see if you do:) Thanks for your review!:D!
