Author's Notes: Thank you for keeping up with the story! Hope you'll like the next chapter!

Sibling Rivalry Meets The Runaways (Sora, Kairi, Roxas & Xion side of the story)

Chapter 44: The Most Important To Me Is You:

I loved her since the day we met. There's no other girl I've ever loved as much as her and that's how it will always stay...

-Sora

The rest of the school year seemed to fly by and soon summer had official arrived. That meant their vacation had arrived as well. A giggle could be heard through the air. Kairi leaned toward the rail of the ship as the wind blew strongly through her hair. She stood on her tiptoes as she stared the horizon. As he watched nearby, Sora couldn't help but smile. They were lucky to get their vacation again. This time, he hoped it would be a summer that they would never forget...

Hours later, as the sun began to set, they reached the city they stayed in last summer during the storm and gone to the same hotel. They carried their bags through the front door. Kairi turned her head back toward Sora excited. "I can't believe it! You got us the same place as last year!"

Sora gave her a curious smile. "Is that okay?"

Kairi stopped, which caused him to stop. "It does bring up a lot of memories." Sora gave a slight nod. He could remember them as clearly as she could.

"Kairi!" Kairi turned her head forward, surprised by the call of her name. She didn't think anyone else would know her there besides Sora. Then, her eyes widened. She couldn't believe who she saw there. Nearby, Selphie waved toward them. "Kairi! Sora!"

Behind her, Kairi saw Olette, Pence, Hayner, Roxas, and Xion. Olette waved toward her as well. "Kairi!" Everyone ran over with smiles.

Kairi blinked surprised. She couldn't believe that almost everyone was there at once. "Guys…? How-?"

Selphie winked and then looked over at Sora. "It was all Sora's idea. He wanted us to spend time with each other before university next year."

Kairi gave Sora a surprised look. It explained why he wasn't shocked to see them. Sora nodded toward her. Kairi turned her attention back to the group. "We could've spent time on the island together."

Olette placed her hands behind her back as she leaned forward and grinned. "Now what fun would that be?!"

"Don't you want to spend time with us?" Pence asked.

"Of course I do!" Kairi answered. "I'm just surprised to see all of you guys here!"

Selphie gave her a teasing smile. "Don't worry." She nudged her slightly. "We won't take too much of your time away from Sora..." A little hint of red came to Kairi's cheeks.

Olette turned toward Selphie. "Stop teasing her Selphie. Let's let them get checked in first." Everyone except for Sora and Roxas escorted Kairi to the front desk as they talked.

Roxas stepped in beside Sora. "So? This is it. You ready?" They looked over toward the front desk where the others were.

A faint smile appeared on Sora as the same thought crossed his mind like it had all year. "Yeah. I'm ready."

After checking in, Kairi opened the door to their room. She was still stunned that Sora invited their friends to spend time with them. "I can't believe that the others came to spend time with us!" She plopped down on the bed as she left her suitcase aside.

Sora closed the door behind him. "Yeah. I figured since it was our last summer together, before we went our separate ways, we should spend time together."

Kairi blinked, amazed. "I'm surprised that you were able to get everyone."

Sora gave a disappointed smile as he rubbed the back of his head. "Well not everyone... Riku said that he would try to make it, but he has to travel a lot over the next few days for interviews." His eyes traveled toward the side. "And… I reached out to Namine, but I didn't think that she would..."

Kairi was surprised that he did, but she understood why. He knew Namine was family and Kairi wanted them to be close. "It might still be a little awkward... We're here and Xion and Roxas are here…"

"Whether they come or not, this is still going to be a fun summer for us!" Sora said, hopeful.

Kairi nodded. "Right!"

Sora smiled, curious. "So? What to do first?"

Kairi let out a grin. "I heard the others talking. They were thinking about going to the pool downstairs."

Sora walked over toward her. "Sounds fun."

Kairi's hand slid to the back of his neck. She leaned in and planted a kiss on his lips. "Thank you." She leaned back as he leaned forward over her. Her eyes searched his. There was something behind his expression that she couldn't figure out. "What?"

Gently, he smiled. "I'm just glad that we could be here again."

The smile grew bigger on her face. Still, she couldn't help but feel like there was something else he wanted to say. "What is it lazy bum?"

His lips curved up more. "Just get changed before the pool gets crowded." He stood up and headed toward the door. "I'll meet you down there."

Kairi sat up on her elbows, curious. What could he have been up to? While she was alone, she changed into her white, two-piece, bathing suit. She checked her bag for something to wear over her suit. She placed her shorts on, but didn't find something she wanted to wear over the top. Curious, she went over to Sora's bag. If she would grab something of his to wear, she didn't think he would mind. She searched through his bag. She found a plain, white, short sleeve shirt that was loose and long enough to wear over her body. After she was dressed, she headed down to the indoor pool. When she looked around, she saw that most of everyone was there, but noticed that Sora wasn't and neither was Roxas. An uneasy feeling came over her. Again, he disappeared without a clue. "Kairi!" Nearby, Xion sat in one of the chairs near the pool.

Kairi let out a smile and sat in the chair beside her. "Xion! You look nice." Nervously, she rubbed her hand over her arm. She wore a blue two-piece bathing suit with a see-through, thin shirt over. Kairi took notice and smiled to assure her. "Don't worry. No one will notice the scars. Trust me." Xion relaxed and listened. She would take Kairi's word for it. Kairi glanced toward the pool before she looked down. "Hey... Have you seen Sora?" she asked uneasy.

Xion's eyes widened, surprised. She thought she knew. "Yeah. He's with Roxas." Kairi breathed out a little as she leaned back in the chair, disappointed. Xion became curious. "What is it?"

As much as she wanted to keep it to herself and think of it as nothing, it had been bugging her for a while. "Do you think…?" She shook her head. "Never mind…"

Xion leaned in closer to her. "What is it?"

Kairi glanced at Xion before she looked down. "Has… Sora mentioned anything to Roxas about…?"

"What?"

Kairi breathed out. "I feel like…there's something going on with Sora… He's been a little distance lately and…when I ask what's going on, he won't tell me anything. I wondered if he's…not interested in me anymore…" Hearing her say her insecurities out loud worried her more. Was she ready for the answer?

Xion shook her head and smiled toward her. "You don't have anything to worry about. Trust me."

Kairi stared at Xion. She seemed so sure. Maybe it was a silly thing to say. "I guess you're right…"

Xion grinned. "I know I'm right."

Kairi reacted with surprise. It wasn't something Xion usually said. Then, she smiled. She would trust her word. Selphie looked over as she was in the pool with Olette, Hayner, and Pence. "Kairi! Xion! Come on in!"

Kairi smiled toward her. "Coming!" She looked over at Xion. "Let's go."

Xion nodded. "All right."

From the other end of the room, Seifer, Fuu, Vivi, and Raj stepped toward the other, smaller pool. Then, Seifer looked over toward the other end once he heard laughter. Red came to his cheeks as he was stunned. Raj looked at him confused. "What is it?"

Seifer pointed over. "It's her!"

On the other end of the room, Kairi placed the shirt and shorts she had onto the edge of the chair. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed a shadow cast over her. When she looked up, she saw a blushing Seifer. Sweetly, she smiled. "Oh! Hello?"

From the pool, Hayner spotted Seifer with Raj, Vivi, and Fuu behind him and got upset. He let out a loud groan. "What is Seifer and his gang doing here? Out of all of the places he could have went…"

Nervous, Seifer rubbed the back of his head. "Do you remember me? You came during the struggle tournament."

Kairi looked surprised. "Oh…! Right! You competed in it too."

Xion remembered as well and smiled. "Right! That was the tournament Roxas won."

Kairi smirked toward Xion and nudged her with her elbow. "Roxas got lucky. Sora almost had him."

"No way!" Xion responded. Both of them let out a giggle.

"Anyway…I wanted to ask last time, but do you want to go out on a date with me?" Kairi blinked surprised at Seifer's question.

Nearby, Sora and Roxas stepped into the room. Roxas looked a little concerned. "Are you sure she found nothing in your bag?"

Sora shook his head. "No."

Roxas let out a relieved sigh. "That was a close one."

Sora looked at him. "I didn't think she would go in my bag."

Roxas shook his head slightly. "At least this will be over soon…"

Sora pointed over toward where the group was. "I wouldn't be too sure about that."

Nearby, they spotted Seifer as he held onto Kairi's hand. Kairi gave him an uneasy look. Raj stood in front of Xion as she looked uneasy as well. Roxas sighed frustrated and pinched the bridge of his nose. "Seifer and his gang again? Come on… This is the last thing that we need. Why did they have to be here of all places…?!"

"So? What do ya say Kairi?" Seifer asked in another attempt at a yes.

Kairi slipped her hand out of his. "I'll pass. I already have a boyfriend."

Seifer smirked. "I'm sure he couldn't be as good as me."

"I'm actually better." Everyone turned their attention behind Seifer to see Sora head over with a smile. Roxas followed behind him with a frown.

Kairi gave a look of relief. "Sora."

Sora stepped in beside her and slipped his arm around her waist as he looked serious. "Like she said, she's already taken."

Seifer frowned. "Oh…! It's you two again…"

Sora tilted his head, confused. "Who are you?"

Seifer became upset that he forgot him. "It's me! Seifer! You guys knocked me out of the tournament!"

"Huh?" The name still didn't ring a bell to Sora.

"Come on Sora… Stop kidding around. We knocked Seifer out of the first round remember?" Roxas said.

Sora slammed his fist into the palm of his hand. "Ohhh…!"

Seifer pointed between both of them. "Hey! It was the semi-finals and don't you forget it!"

Roxas shrugged as Xion stood over close to him. "Whatever…"

Seifer looked upset until an idea came to mind. "Then let's have a rematch and let's make it interesting this time."

Roxas frowned. The idea seemed silly. "We don't have anything to fight with."

"Let's do something different. We could use the pool. Earlier, I saw a net and I'm sure we can find a ball." Seifer smirked over at Raj. "Hey! How about we make this a double date?" Everyone was stunned by his wager. "If we win, we get dates with the girls." '

Roxas growled as his fists baled at his side. "You can't be serious!"

Sora arched his eyebrow as he frowned. "And what do we get when we win?"

Roxas looked at him surprised. "Huh?" He couldn't believe that Sora was seriously considering this.

"If you win, we'll leave the girls alone, but we're going to win this." Seifer smiled toward Kairi. "After one date with me, you'll forget all about him." Kairi frowned toward him.

Sora looked back toward Roxas. "What do you say? You in?"

Roxas looked determined. "Yeah I'm in."

Sora stepped closer to Seifer as he glared. "And when we win, stay away from Kairi."

Seifer smirked. "See you soon! Losers!"

"We're going to win this! Ya know!" Raj added. Seifer, Raj, Vivi and Fuu walked away.

Kairi turned toward the boys, upset with what happened. "This is silly! We're not some prize to be won!" Finally, her eyes landed on Sora who still had his back turned to her. "You don't have to do this! There's no way I'm going out with that guy!"

Sora turned his head back as he smiled. "You believe that I can win, right?"

Kairi looked surprised, but then concerned. "Of course I do."

"Then you have nothing to worry about," Sora assured her.

Roxas put his hands on his hips. "I still don't like this, but it sounds like Seifer is trying to get a win because he lost in the tournament."

Sora nodded as he looked serious. "We can handle another win."

Roxas nodded as he smirked. "Right!"

Olette went to the edge of the pool toward them. "I can help judge, so that way, I can make sure that Seifer doesn't cheat."

Hayner, Selphie, and Pence got out of the pool. "We'll help them set up and make sure they don't mess with anything," Hayner said.

While everyone helped set up for the competition, Kairi grabbed Sora's hand and pulled him aside near the door that led out of the pool. She pressed her fist against her chest, concerned. "Are you sure about this?"

Sora let out a smile before he wrapped his arms around her back and pulled her in close. Instantly, her eyes widened as she felt his kiss. Red flushed her cheeks. Silently, he had let her know his answer. After a moment, her eyes lowered to a close. More, she relaxed as she became enraptured in his kiss. Her hand slid from his chest to his shoulder. After they parted, her eyes stayed close for a moment. Her body felt as light as air. No words came to her lips as she stared at him.

After things were set up by the others, Seifer frowned when he looked over. He noticed how close the two were. "Hey! You losers ready?!" he shouted.

Sora walked back over to Roxas. "Ready?" Roxas nodded. Afterwards, Sora handed Kairi his black tank top as he smiled at her. "Wish me luck." Kairi nodded in response.

Sora tilted his head toward her. His smile made her a little less worried. Then, Sora and Roxas jumped into the pool feet first. Everyone cleared out so it was just Sora and Roxas on one side of the net and Seifer and Raj on the other. Fuu stood beside Olette on the side. "What are you doing?"

"Referee."

Olette pouted toward her. "I can handle it."

"Even sides. Only fair," Fuu gave the same monotoned reply. Olette frowned, but didn't argue with Fuu.

Seifer smirked toward Sora and Roxas. "Best out of ten. The first team to score wins the game."

Olette tossed the ball to Sora that took the front for their team. "Ready?!"

Kairi and Xion sat on the side, near the stairs, with their feet in the pool, concerned. Nervously, Kairi stared out at them. "Good luck…" she whispered.

Nearby, Xion heard her. Uneasy, Xion intertwined her fingers together. "Yeah…"

Olette brought down her hand. "Begin!"

Sora threw the ball up and spiked it. From the other side, Seifer knocked it back with a smirk. The ball went toward Roxas in the back. In time, he managed to hit it. Sora jumped up and hit the ball, causing more speed. Soon, it had hit the water before Seifer and Raj could catch it. "1-0!" Olette called out. Everyone on the sidelines cheered. "The ball goes to the other side."

"Lucky shot!" Seifer frowned and spiked the ball.

The ball bounced off of Sora's wrist and went up into the air. Roxas managed to jump and spiked the ball. It slipped passed Raj and Seifer again. "2-0!" Olette shouted. Another cheer came from the crowd.

Seifer held the ball determined. "We won't let them score again!"

"Right yo!" Raj agreed.

Roxas served the ball. Once it reached the other side, with a yell, Seifer spiked the ball. Sora and Roxas got ready to counter, but then their faces changed to surprise. Everyone else on the side froze as they stared stunned. The ball hit the net before it reached the other side. Olette looked surprised still. "S-Since the ball didn't cross over, the point goes to Sora and Roxas. 3-0." Seifer stood shock. He couldn't believe he made a mistake like that. Then, he snapped out of it to focus on the next round. With another spike of the ball, Sora and Roxas managed to score one more time. "New score 4-0!"

Seifer growled frustrated to Raj. "Get your head in the game! They're beating us!"

"Right ya know!" Seifer spiked the ball, but Sora and Roxas managed to spike it back. Seifer and Raj knocked it back and managed to hit the water between Sora and Roxas. Sora and Roxas looked at each other surprised that they managed to get pass.

Fuu held out her hand. "New score. 4-1." Seifer and Raj gave each other a high five.

Sora looked back toward Roxas and gave him a thumbs up. "Don't worry! We're still good."

Two more rounds had passed. Seifer and Raj managed to score both times, making it 4-3. Soon, Sora and Roxas countered to make the score 5-3. Olette smiled. "Sora and Roxas are the first to make five. Now both teams can take a break."

Seifer and Raj hopped out of the pool and Fuu and Vivi made their way over to them. Sora went over toward the side where Kairi sat. The two smiled at each other as he floated over. "You know I think this is silly."

He stopped in between her knees. "I know."

Her hands went on both sides of his face. "But I'm glad that you're winning." Sora tilted his head up as Kairi leaned down. Their eyes lowered to a close as she kissed his lips.

Seifer noticed and became upset. "Hey! No fair! That shouldn't be allowed! That's cheering for the other team!"

Sora and Kairi parted after they heard Seifer's complaint. Sora smirked at him. "Whatever…" He turned his attention back to Kairi. "I'll have plenty of time when I win. Later then." Kairi nodded as she grinned. His confidence kept her confidence up.

Fuu and Olette came back to the center. Fuu held out her arm. "Break over."

Olette grinned. "Whoever get to ten is the winner! And… GO!"

The game continued. Fuu threw the ball to Seifer. Seifer let out a smirk before he spiked the ball. The ball was tossed back and forth a few times until it splashed near Sora's side. The first to score was Seifer and Raj. "5-4," Fuu announced.

Seifer and Raj came at them stronger than before. A minute later, they scored again. "5-5," Fuu announced again.

Seifer served again. Right away, Sora and Roxas lunged for the ball, but it slipped passed them. The score for Seifer and Raj kept going up. Fuu pointed toward Seifer and Raj. "5-6."

Seifer spiked the ball and hit the water passed Sora and Roxas once more. Fuu pointed toward them again. "5-7."

Raj spiked the ball and managed to hit the left side, causing Sora and Roxas to miss. "5-8."

Everyone rooting for Sora and Roxas on the sidelines started to get worried. It seemed Seifer and Raj had the upper hand and Sora and Roxas were on the verge of losing. Roxas splashed the water frustrated. It seemed like no matter what now, they couldn't score on them. Sora looked a little worried and then looked over toward Olette. "Time out."

Seifer smirked as he pointed toward them. "Awe! Calling it quits already. Fine then. Nothing's going to change for you losers!"

Roxas growled frustrated as he pressed his teeth together. Sora placed his hand on Roxas's shoulder. "Come here." They went toward the edge of the pool. Sora gave a serious look. "Calm down."

Roxas glared toward him. "They're beating us! Two more shots and then they'll win!" Sora's eyes traveled down. It seemed they were in a tough situation. Roxas glanced over toward Xion who seemed worried. He didn't want her to go on a date with someone else. Then, his eyes traveled down. "I shouldn't have let you talk me into this…" he whispered between them.

"Hey!" Roxas lifted his head. There was determined look on Sora's face. "If we trust each other, we'll win. I have an idea how to turn this game around."

As they spoke, Kairi leaned over with her elbows against her knees worried as Xion looked over worried as well. "What are they going to do? Two more shots and-."

Kairi remembered what Sora told her earlier. She became determined. "No! We're not going to think like that." Sora looked over toward her. Their eyes met from across the pool, both reading the other's mind. "Sora told me to trust him so that's what I'm going to do. I believe he and Roxas will put out a win."

Xion watched her reaction. It made most of her worry go away. Xion nodded and looked at them. "I'll do the same."

Roxas stared at Sora confused. "That's your big plan? Just switch places?"

Sora smiled. "Yeah."

"Why would that work any better?" Roxas asked, skeptical.

"I can move faster in the water and you have more power behind your hits. I think if we switch it up, we might be able to win." Roxas looked a little concerned, but all he saw was Sora's smile. Roxas still wasn't sure about this plan. Sora placed his hand on his shoulder. "Don't worry! I got your back." Roxas had no choice but to trust that Sora knew what he was doing. The two turned back forward.

Seifer smirked toward them. "You finally ready to lose this game?"

Sora looked determined. "We're not going to lose!"

Roxas swam out front, which surprised Seifer and Raj. "Hey! What are you guys doing ya know?"

Roxas frowned toward them. "There's no rule against switching. You got a problem with that?"

Seifer smirked. "Whatever! We'll take you down either way."

Xion looked surprised along with Kairi. "What's going on? They've switched."

Kairi wasn't sure what Sora was thinking, but she trusted his judgement. "Sora must have some kind of plan."

Sora tossed the ball toward Roxas. Roxas spiked the ball forward. It went back and forth between the four. Sora hit the ball and Roxas knocked it forward, adding more power to his hit. It splashed in front of Seifer which he closed his eyes tight. Everyone let out a smile. Sora and Roxas managed to score. Olette cheered. "That's a score of 6-8!" Roxas looked back toward Sora surprised. Sora smiled as he winked and gave a thumbs up.

Seifer growled. "Lucky shot…" They went another round again. Sora managed to hit the ball before it hit the water. Once it was in front of Roxas, he knocked the ball to the other side. Seifer and Raj countered back. Roxas let out a yell as he hit as hard as he could. He hit the water toward the edge of the pool. Seifer looked over upset. "Hey! That shouldn't count!"

Olette frowned. "It was still in bounds of the pool. If it would have hit the floor, it wouldn't count. That counts. Fuu?"

Fuu nodded. "Agreed."

Olette was glad that she did. "The new score is 7-8."

Everyone breathed out a sigh of relief except for Seifer who looked upset. "Fine! Bring it on!" Seifer hit the ball as hard as he could, which caused Roxas to rush forward. He tried to hit the ball, but he missed and the ball hit the water.

"7-9," Fuu called. Seifer, Raj, and Vivi cheered.

Uneasy, Roxas and Sora glanced at each other. "Focus! Don't let them get to you!" Sora assured him.

Kairi stared forward uneasy as her nails went toward her lips. "Only one point left for them to score…"

Sora caught the ball and looked down. Then, he looked at Roxas. Roxas nodded toward him, determined. They trusted each other. That was what mattered. Sora spiked the ball. Seifer and Raj countered. Working together, Sora and Roxas hit the ball and it landed on the water beside Seifer and Raj. Olette smiled, hopeful. "The new score is 8-9."

Seifer brushed it off. "All we have to do is get one more point and we win."

Another round went. Sora and Roxas managed to score another goal. The crowd let out a cheer. "The new score is tied 9-9!" Olette announced.

Kairi looked at Sora, anxious. "This is it! This decides the winner! You can do it Sora! Roxas!"

Sora and Roxas looked determined and focus. They were set on winning this. Seifer spiked the ball. Sora and Roxas countered. Afterwards, Seifer and Raj hit back hard. Roxas held up his hand. The ball touched the tips of his fingers. His eyes widened. He had missed his chance to strike back. "Oh no…" He didn't want to make them lose this, but it was too late.

"Got it!" Sora moved toward the side and hit the ball. "Roxas!"

"Got it!" Roxas jumped up and hit the ball as hard as he could. The ball slipped through Seifer's finger.

"Got it ya know!" Raj hit the ball. Seifer hit the ball over the net.

Determined, Sora hit the ball. This time, he put all of his faith in Roxas. "You got this?!"

"Yeah!" Roxas hit the ball as hard as he could with a loud yell. He managed to hit the water beside Seifer and Raj.

Everyone interrupted into cheers. Olette held up her hand. "10-9! Sora and Roxas win!"

Kairi and Xion breathed a sigh of relief. It was finally over. Seifer couldn't believe it. He stood stunned. The last few moments played over and over in his head. Roxas stood stunned as well. Together, they had actually won. Suddenly, he felt an arm wrap around his shoulder. He looked over to see a grinning Sora. "I told you that we could do it!"

Even Roxas had to let out a smile at him being right. "You were right."

Seifer looked upset as he pointed. "Hey! One more game!"

Sora grinned toward him. "No thanks! One is enough."

Seifer growled and got out of the pool along with Raj. Afterwards, he along with Raj, Vivi, and Fuu left. Sora stepped out of the water to a waiting Kairi with her hands behind her back. "Cutting it kind of close, weren't you?"

"Maybe," he answered. Happy, she wrapped her arms around him in an embrace.

Everyone else surrounded Sora and Roxas. "You really showed them!" Hayner said.

"Yeah!" Pence agreed.

Soon after, everyone jumped back into the pool. On the side, Roxas sat in one of the chairs as Xion lied on her side next to him. She leaned against his chest. Across the way, he noticed Sora and Kairi near the corner, grinning toward each other. "That really was a close one."

Roxas snapped out of his thoughts and looked over at Xion. "There was no way that we were going to let those guys win."

Xion smiled a little. She was glad things worked out. "I know." Roxas's eyes traveled down, thinking. He sat up, which she looked surprised. "Roxas…?"

"I'll be back." He stood up and walked away. Xion watched concerned as he disappeared out of sight. He seemed distance again...

In the pool, Kairi let out a laugh as her arms were wrapped Sora's neck. He carried her across the water. "Did you ever have any doubts?"

She shook his head. "No. Not for a second." Her eyes gazed into his as she let out a loving smile. "No matter what, I'll always believe in you." A smile crossed his lips. He was touched to hear that. He helped her stand up in the water. They floated toward the corner of the pool as she kept her arms wrapped his neck and his arms wrapped around her waist. Out of the corner of his eyes, he noticed that Xion sat alone as she looked down sad and then noticed that Roxas was missing. Kairi noticed as well. They went over concerned. "Where did Roxas go?" Kairi asked.

"I'm not sure. He just walked off," Xion answered.

Sora looked over concerned toward Kairi. "I'll go check on him."

Kairi nodded. Sora headed out of pool area. Meanwhile, Kairi sat next to Xion. "Are you okay?"

"Roxas has been distant a lot too. I'm not sure why."

"Hmm…" It seemed like they were in similar situations.

Outside of the hotel, Roxas stared up toward the night sky. The quiet was calming. "What's on your mind?"

Surprised, he snapped out of his thoughts and turned his head to see Sora stop in beside him with a smile. "Sora? What are you doing out here?"

"Xion was worried about you, so I came to check on you." Sora looked up toward the night sky. "This isn't the first time that she's been worried about you. You haven't been telling her what's on your mind." Sora gave a gentle smile. "You're not alone. You have people that you can count on."

Roxas stared at him stunned as he breathed in. Then, he looked down. Things turned silent between them until Roxas spoke, "Thanks for today."

Sora looked over surprised. "Huh?"

Roxas gave him a sincere look. "If it wasn't for you, we wouldn't have won against Seifer. I thought that I had messed up when that ball slipped through my fingers, but you were right there. We could've lost because of me."

Sora grinned. "Oh! That? I wasn't worried."

Roxas looked surprised. "But what if we would've lost?!"

"There's no way we would have," Sora said.

"But what if-?"

"There's no way we would lose..."

Roxas froze. The smile Sora gave seemed a little scary along with the darker tone of his voice. He wasn't going to think about that possibility. "There was no way you would have let him go out with Kairi even if he did win…"

"Nope!" Sora said with a grin.

Roxas laughed a little as he shook his head. Afterwards, he relaxed. "Thanks for believing that I could do it." His eyes traveled toward the side as he thought back. "You've been trying to help me since I've moved in with you. Sorry if I've been a pain."

Sora grinned. "It doesn't matter. You're my little brother. That's how it will always stay."

Roxas let out a smile. It was hard for him to let anyone in, but now it felt good to. "Thanks Sora. I'll talk to Xion. Now you can tell Kairi what's going on too."

Sora looked down, thinking. "Yeah..."

Roxas placed his hand on Sora's shoulder. "Don't worry. It will be all right."

Sora smiled over at him. "I know it will."

They headed toward the door. Sora pulled on the handle, but realized it was locked. Roxas looked over at him. "You do have the key, don't you?"

Sora rubbed the back of his head as he laughed nervously. "Umm…?"

Roxas gave him a dull stare. "You forgot the key, didn't you?"

"Well the girls were worried, so I wasn't thinking about that…?" Nervously, he laughed again.

Roxas sighed and they started walking. "Let's just go to the front. Hopefully we don't get locked out of anywhere else…"

"They've disappeared again, haven't they?" Kairi searched through her bag in her hotel room. She looked back toward Xion who sat on the bed.

Xion nodded. "Yeah."

Kairi breathed out. She just didn't understand it. "How come the two of them keep taking off together?"

Xion let out a comforting smile. "I'm sure there's nothing to worry about." Xion picked up a box from the side of the bed and slid it across the bed. "I think this is for you."

Kairi looked over surprised. "What-?" She stepped over toward the edge of the bed. There was a large white box. Curious, she opened it. What she saw inside surprised her. "A dress?"

Xion smiled. "You should wear it tonight when we go to see the fireworks."

Kairi blinked, surprised. "But where did it come from?"

Xion looked toward the side. "It was on the side of the bed. Didn't you notice? I think there's a tag on the side."

Kairi picked up the tag from off of the box. "It's from Sora…"

Xion smiled. "You should try it on."

"Um…?" Kairi wasn't sure why he sent her a gift, but she went into the bathroom and changed into the dress. She was surprised that it had fit. Soon, she stepped out, wearing a short, white sundress that fluffed out at the bottom. Xion looked surprised. "Oh! You look really nice."

Kairi looked surprised as she moved it around. "It is really nice…but…" She breathed out frustrated. "I don't understand!" Concerned, she looked toward Xion. "Why would he get me a dress?"

Xion shrugged. "I don't know, but you can ask him later."

Kairi sat down beside her as she sighed. "I just don't get what's going on with him... He's been acting so different that I can't figure it out. It just…worries me..."

"Then talk to him about it tonight." Kairi looked at Xion surprised. Xion smiled toward her. "If you just talk to him, I'm sure you'll know why." Kairi wondered if Xion was right. She would try one more time.

Later that night, everyone had gone down to the beach near the water. There was a fire in the center as a few chairs surrounded it. Kairi still wondered where Sora was, but soon the thought was in the back of her mind as she laughed along with the others near the water. Further up on the sidewalk, Sora and Roxas stopped at the top of the stairs near the rails. Down below, they saw the others running around in the water and splashing. Sora let out a gentle smile as he watched Kairi have fun with the others. Roxas looked over at him. "Ready?"

Sora smiled as he nodded toward him. "Let's go." They headed down the stairs. Out of the corner of her eye, Kairi noticed them come down. She left from near the ocean and met with Sora part way. He stopped in front of her. "Sorry I'm late."

She placed her hands behind her back. "It's okay." She swayed from side to side, letting her dress twirl. "Thanks for the dress."

Sora looked over toward the ocean. "Thank Xion. She helped me pick it out. I just wanted to do something that reminded you of the last time we were here." Kairi's lips parted, surprised. Earlier, Xion pretended not to know where the dress came from, but why would she? Roxas and Xion smiled toward them as their eyes met across the sand. "You look really pretty in it."

Kairi turned her attention back to Sora. "Thank you." Then, she arched her eyebrow. "So, are you going to tell me what you've been up to?"

Nervously, he smiled. "I don't know what you mean."

"You got me a gift," she pointed out.

Sora shrugged as he looked toward the side. "I thought I would do something nice."

Her face grew serious. "You've been disappearing on and off."

His eyes traveled toward the side. "Just been busy that's all, but not anymore."

She looked confused. "You've been busy for a while..."

Gently, he smiled. "I'll explain it all later. For now, let's have fun being out here."

Kairi's eyes traveled down. "I guess…" She still wanted to know what he was up to and thought this would be her chance. Uneasy, she grabbed her hands in front of her. "Is everything okay…with… us?"

Sora looked concerned. "What?"

Her eyes lowered toward the ground. "I just…don't understand it. I feel like we're drifting apart…"

He stepped in closer. "Nothing's changed. Don't worry." He smiled to assure her. "I promise." His assuring smile made her smile as well. He took both of her hands and started to spin her around. "Come on!" The move snapped her out of her thoughts. Across from her, he grinned. It became infectious. Soon, she started laughing as she had fun with him. Roxas and Xion smiled. It seemed that everything was working out.

Minutes later, fireworks started exploding in the sky, which caused everyone to stop. Everyone stared up in amazement. "It's really pretty."

Sora looked over at Kairi. The bright lights seemed to glow in her eyes. It made him smile the way she looked in the light. "Yeah..." Then, Sora looked back toward the others that sat near the fire and nodded toward them. The others saw his nod and stood up. They left from around the fire. Kairi looked over toward Sora who spoke, "I'm really glad that we could come here again."

A smile curved at her lips. "Me too." Then, her eyes traveled down a little disappointed. Both times they've been on vacation, she really enjoyed being there with him. "Who knows if we'll get to come here next summer…"

Sora let out an assuring smile. "I'm sure that we can come back here someday." His next words stunned and touched her. "I'm really lucky that I'd met you Kairi. I can't imagine what my life would be…without you."

At that moment, she wasn't sure what made him say those words to her now. Gently, she smiled toward him. "Me too." Then, Kairi glanced back and noticed that the others weren't sitting near the fire anymore. Instantly, she became surprised. They couldn't have already left without them. When she searched around, she finally spotted them up the stairs and on the sidewalk. They leaned against the rail as they grinned toward her. She couldn't figure out why there were big smiles on their faces and why all eyes were on her? "Um…?" When she looked back, she noticed that Sora was gone too. Quickly, she turned again and searched for him.

Finally, she spotted him right behind her. The next sight made her heart stop as she took a sharp breath in. Her feet froze in place. Instantly, her eyes widened more as her hands covered her mouth. A soft ocean breeze blew as the water brushed against their feet. Below her, she saw Sora kneeling down as he stared directly into her eyes. In that moment, it had become just him and her. No words came to the surface...

Nervously, he reached into his pocket. "I…wanted to make sure that this would be a night that you would always remember." In the palm of his hand, he held out a red box. Even more, her breath shortened. He reached over and opened the box to reveal what was inside. Even in the darkness, the stones in the ring shined brightly attached to a silver band. Sora let out a smile as he started to feel less nervous. "I love you Kairi." She breathed in as she blinked. "We've been through a lot together. You're kind, caring, and fun to be around." Gently, he took her hand as he gave a gentle smile. "You're the most important person to me." Tears began to fill her eyes and slip down her cheek as her hand stayed near her lips. He took the ring and slipped it onto her finger. Then, his eyes met with hers again. "Last summer, we were right here when I asked what you would say if I asked you to marry me. This time... I'm asking for real." A little nervous, he let out a gentle smile. "So will you…will you marry me?" Through her shock, a smile managed to seep through. Nervously, he rubbed the back of his head. "I'll do my best to make you happy. I-."

Suddenly, he felt her weight against his chest as he felt back on the wet sand. The reaction surprised him more than anything as he looked over toward her. Her arms wrapped tightly around him as she kept her eyes closed. Excitement had taken over her body instead. The tears flooded her eyes too much to see by then. She buried her head near his shoulder. "What took you so long to ask...?" She hugged him tighter. "Yes! Of course I will!" she answered. "Yes…" her voice faded into a whisper. The answer made him relieved. As he smiled, he wrapped his arms around her. His effort worked. She said yes.

Seeing the reaction of the two down on the beach, it seemed that everything had gone great. Above, everyone let out a cheer. As things calmed down between them, they thought they heard cheers in the distance. Sora and Kairi turned their heads to see their friends shouting toward them. Both of them let out a smile. Then, their eyes met. Kairi was still in awe. "I still can't believe… that you set all this all up."

Sora smiled toward her. "I thought it would be more memorable if we had all of our friends here."

She grinned toward him. "This might have been the sweetest thing you've done yet besides asking me to marry you."

He grinned back. "That…happened just now, so wouldn't me asking be the sweetest thing I've ever done?" A giggle slipped out of her lips. Kairi closed her eyes as Sora used his finger to wipe her cheek. "Don't get me started."

She buried her head against his chest. "Sorry…I couldn't help it."

Gently, he smiled toward her. "Then it was worth it." Kairi couldn't help but smile. This was the happiest moment of her life. Both of them stood up from the ground. She hugged him one more time as she closed her eyes. At that moment, she wasn't ready to let go yet. Then, they noticed the others go down to them in excitement. Right away, Selphie grabbed onto Kairi's hand as she stared at her new ring. "It's so pretty!"

Olette stood in beside her as she stared down. "Congratulations!" Sora felt Roxas nudged him as smiled. Sora smiled back. His plan really had worked out after all...

Thank you for reading! I'll be back to update soon!