Ah, chapters are just spilling out of me. This is too much fun~ Read, my dears!
I don't own Kingdom Hearts.
Waking to the sound of fires crackling and laughter was wonderful, and it reminded me of the past times I had awoken to such noises. Laying there in my tent, covered with my blankets, I felt peaceful.
"Hayner?" It was Sora. "You awake?"
"Yeah. No need to whisper." I replied.
Sora laughed, then stuck his head inside the tent, his usual smile on his face. In his hand was a tray of bountiful food, piled atop one another. I licked my lips, my stomach grumbling in response, demanding food.
"Morning. You hungry?"
"Yes. Gimme." I ordered, and he did so, laughing.
I set the tray in my lap as I sat up, looking over all the food. Rabbit, deer, even bear meat, seasoned with herbs and spices that made my mouth water. Fruit of all sorts, vegetables and some peppers (Wakka's specialty, obviously), and some fresh fish, all piled together. I picked up the slab of bear meat and took a bite, savoring the delicious taste. Oh, it had been a while since I had had such a feast. But this would be nothing compared to what we would all have tonight.
"So, is Seifer your lover?"
I nearly spit out my meat. Sora jumped, taken aback by my reaction. I swallowed hastily, coughing slightly as it went down my throat, ignoring the flavors this time.
"How…who told you that?" I asked him warily.
"Olette practically proclaimed it. Leon and Roxas aren't happy about it, you know." Sora explained, sitting down and facing me. "Roxas thinks he's untrustworthy, but he won't say why. And Leon is being moody and sitting in his carriage. He refuses to see anyone but Cloud." Sora said.
"Huh…is that so?"
"Do you still like Leon, Hayner?" Sora quietly asked. "I know you did a couple years ago, but do you still…even now?"
I sighed. It would seem I hadn't given Sora enough credit. He was always one to pay close attention, saw everything that happened around. He was no airhead…all the time, anyway.
"No, I don't have more special feelings towards him anymore. When he came and rescued me from the sirens earlier-"
"S-sirens?!" Sora squeaked out. "Since when did you get attacked by sirens?!"
"Um…I'll tell that story later, Sor'. Anyway, I know that I don't harbor any feelings towards Leon."
Sora nodded slowly, taking in the information. I began eating again, waiting for him to say something else.
"Then you and Seifer are together?" He leaned forward, biting his lip in anticipation. "Are you two going to get married?"
Oh, the things Sora came up with.
"Wha-what?!" I choked out, dropping my pear. "When did that assumption ever cross your mind?!"
He shrugged, completely at ease. What was with this boy? "Just wondering."
"Hey! Sora, Hayner, get out here!" called Ven.
I set aside my tray of food, snatching up the fish and an apple, then followed Sora outside. So many groups were out, talking and eating. And there was Ven, sitting in front of our fire, laughing alongside Terra.
"Well, isn't this cute?" I snorted, biting into my apple.
Ven turned his head, Terra doing the same. Both smiled at me as I came over, Ven scooting over to let me sit down. Sora waved at them both, proclaiming he had to go find someone. I took another bite of my apple, looking at the way Ven was cuddled up against Terra. The two were disgustingly cute.
"Well, it's about time you two got together. We were all ready to just shove you in a carriage and let you do the rest, but that mission did the trick. You're welcome, by the way." I commented to Ven.
The blonde blushed, turning away. It was obvious that he knew what I meant by that. But Terra didn't have a clue, and it showed on his face.
"What's he talking about, Ven?"
"Um…well…"Ven trailed off.
"Ventus right here got jealous that Roxas was going to originally go with you on the mission, and he asked me to switch. I have to say, he was livid that Roxas was going to go with you." I smirked. "But, then again, you were so mad when Ven went with Leon to go on that one mission a couple years ago. Remember that day, Terra?"
"You can shut it, Hayner Divenity." Terra warned in a low tone. "Now."
I laughed, Ven merely giggling before planting a quick kiss on Terra's cheek. The two went back into their own world, and I stood up, walking away to give them their space, tossing my eaten apple into the fire.
Walking through the hideout, many called out my name, saying hello or asking about Seifer. It was nice to have simple conversations with people I've known since I was little, to feel comfortable with faces that were familiar. I was at home here.
If only I could get the meeting out of my head. The one that would decide whether Seifer belonged here or not.
"Hayner!"
I was taken out of my thoughts, turning to see two young women, both grinning as they ran at me, full speed. That was my cue to run as well.
"Get back here, Hay-Hay!" one of them called.
I didn't listen, running faster without looking back. Passing by my carriage, I spotted Ven and Terra, locked in a deep kiss, ignoring the world around them. That was when I felt an arm wrap around me. I gasped in shock as the arm pulled at me, yanking me behind the carriage. A hand went over my mouth, stopping the shout that I tried to release.
"Hayn'! Where'd ya go?" a girly voice called out.
"Maybe he went there!"
Footsteps faded away, and I gasped a sigh of relief as the hands let me go. Spinning around, I found myself face to face with…
"Seifer."
Hayner's face was flushed, panting lightly as he looked at me with wide eyes. I was glad I had caught him in time, else he would have been taken by those annoying girls.
"Morning." I snickered. "Already have women running after you?"
"Shut up. I don't want to see them just yet. I'll get ambushed by them later." he sighed.
"Guess I'll just have to stick close to you, huh?" I whispered.
His cheeks went pink as he glanced away from me, saying nothing. I stepped closer to him, unable to keep the smirk on my face. He was too fun, too easy, to mess with.
"You know…it won't be easy to get you into the gypsy world. Leon and Roxas, and probably many others, are going to go against you. This will be hard." He looked into my eyes, completely serious. "The meeting will be held soon, and you'll have to stay here. I'll do all I can, but don't expect it to be easy."
I nodded, frowning as he sighed again, closing his eyes. Was that really on his mind, truly weighing on him? Those brown eyes opened, staring at me.
"How old are you?" I asked.
"Um…" He was confused by the sudden question. "I'm going to be seventeen soon. Why?"
"You're acting like an old man. Stop worrying over every little thing. If worse comes to worse, I'll deal with it; not you." I finished, poking his forehead.
"Well…alright."
I chuckled and took his hand, tugging him closer. He did so, and I leaned down, kissing him carefully, gently. He gasped and crowded closer, his lean form pressed against mine. That damned fire increased tenfold, melting us.
"Hay~ner!"
"Damn women." I hissed, pulling away. "Who are they, anyway?"
"That's…Yuffie and Selphie…" he panted out.
"Well, they should learn to take a hint. What is with these gypsy women?" He laughed slightly, his eyes fluttering shut. "Come on, let's run." I murmured as the voices got closer.
He nodded, having caught his breath, and a smile went onto his face. This was going to be interesting. I had never had more fun than I was now. If this was going to be my new life, then I would gladly take it.
Aw, Seifer's so sweet! You gotta love him when he's sweet.
And TerraxVen...SQUEE~! I had so much fun finally writing them. Oh, just wait for the other pairings. XD I already have plans.