Thank-yous: to fakepuesdo and Riilustra - Your Sweetest SIN for reviewing and/or favouriting.

Pre-note: This chapter takes place when Ven and Sora was fifteen and four, respectively.

Disclaimer: I don't own the Kingdom Hearts franchise.

Enjoy the read.

XXXVI. Unaware of It
500 / 500

That morning, Ven found out that his application to the high school of his choice had been rejected since he had failed to score past the required grade in the entrance examination. He was made even more devastated knowing that he was the only one in his group who hadn't made it.

Once school had ended, Ven returned straight home. Although he reciprocated the blissful greetings of his little brothers upon arrival, he immediately went into his room, closing the door but not locking it.

Usually Ven would spend some time, however momentarily, playing with them when getting back home, but not today. Sora was alarmed by this; despite Roxas' insistence that he might just be tired and they had better let him rest, he decided to check on Ven.

When he wandered into the room, he found Ven crying on the bed. He had never seen him cry before! This caused him to think hard to find out about what might be troubling him.

'I wonder what's wrong with him? He's the strongest guy ever, like a rock. Never breaks. Soaks everything… like a sponge,' he thought. However, it was at this word that he cocked his head to the side like an adorable little owl. 'So is Ven a rock or sponge? I'm confused…'

Sora kept thinking. Ven seemed hurt, but the kid knew nobody—nothing—could ever hurt him. If there was, it would probably be his own self.

And… light bulb.

'I know!' he mentally exclaimed as the puzzle pieces fell into place. 'He stubbed his little toe! That hurts a lot, not even Ven can take it!'

He then climbed onto the bed and sat beside the blonde. He proceeded to gently rub Ven's back in circles, because that was what his mother always did whenever he hurt himself… and it always worked.

At the sensation, Ven lifted his head to see Sora. He immediately stopped crying and gave a dejected smile. "Sorry, Sora… I'm not feeling too great…"

"That's okay, Ven. I know how you feel," came the kid's reply.

Ven looked at Sora as though he had grown a second head. He couldn't possibly know what he was going through right now, could he? Sora didn't have to worry about elementary school yet, let alone high school. "Okay…? And how did you know…?"

"Because I also stub my little toe all the time. It hurts, so I cry, too. But I feel better when mom hugs me, so… you want a hug?"

There was a period of silence after which Ven's smile was replaced by a more genuine one. Touched by his brother's kindness, he wrapped his arms around Sora's little figure, his worry and anxiety leaking away as he did so.

Even though Sora was unaware of his real problem, Ven was glad to have him with him. The warmth radiating from Sora's being was real, his intention to make him feel better truly genuine and sincere. That was what counts.