A/N: Thanks to DestinyCrusader for reviewing previous chapter.


44. Separated

~ The Bluenette and Brunet ~

As if she got an electric shock, Aqua jolted awake, being fully alert again. For a moment, she was so disorientated, that she didn't know where she was. When she remembered that she was in the hospital, she relaxed slightly. Thank heavens it had only been a nightmare.

She sighed, running a hand through her hair. Even in her dreams, her fears didn't leave her alone; she'd dreamed that she and Leon had gotten separated, because he didn't make it…

As she was thinking about all of this, her gaze travelled automatically to the unconscious person that was still laying on the bed, in front of her. If it hadn't been for the huge wound on the side of his face, it would've looked like he was just sleeping peacefully…

She blinked.

Had she just imagined that, or did he move?

Aqua looked more intently at his face, but then…


~ The Spikes and the Blonde ~

The instant that Ven came outside, Naminé shot up and called his name.

By hearing his name, the spiky-haired boy turned. "Hey," he said, greeting her.

"How did it go?"

"I'll be internally suspended for tomorrow. That's my punishment."

"And Vanitas?" she inquired, biting her lip.

"He has to remove chewing gum from under the tables for at least a week, always early in the morning. I know for a fact that he hates getting up early."

Naminé said nothing, but she thought it was still unfair for Ven. It seemed that his punishment was much severe than Vanitas's.

"Well, I'm sure that we've never been separated for this long before. I was afraid you'd freak out eventually," Ven joked, which earned him a playful punch on his arm. He continued with, "Seriously, though, don't feel guilty about it. It was my own decision to stand up for you, okay?"