Ok so in more-than-just-skimming Vulpes to Dandelions chapter 39, it's painful how kind of inconsistent this is, but that's what happens when you flesh out a series after the fact. I'm still going to leave it, but F's in the proverbial chatroom. X,D,X The main cast was such an afterthought/set-up at the end of VtD and I almost wish I could delete the chapter, lol. Oh well. If you refresh yourself on the chapter, take it with a grain of salt, I guess since some of it is still relevant. -deep cringe-
Also, I didn't really plan for things to end up the way they did, but then the story took over again, lol. OTL

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The Departure Trio said their goodbyes to everyone and watched Riku's Gummiship disappear into the horizon as they stood outside in the beginning of twilight. It was past dinnertime, but clearly that wasn't going to be an easy affair at the moment.

Terra turned to the other two as they stood in a vague half circle in the front courtyard, crossing his arms as he looked them both over, "So… You guys had a bit of a disagreement."

Ventus crossed his arms and frowned while Aqua just looked away in tired dejection. Terra sighed, "We're not having dinner until we clear this up guys, c'mon."

Ventus rolled his shoulders, "Aqua wants to look for Sora in the Realm of Darkness."

Terra nodded as Aqua glared at the blond with teeth bare. The brunette almost rolled his eyes, but he simply shifted with a sigh, "She mentioned that to me when I went to get her. What do you think, Ven?"

Aqua was glowering at the two of them as the blond answered, "So long as you and I go with her, I'm fine with the idea."

Terra raised an eyebrow, "So you didn't disagree with it? I don't particularly like the idea… your Heart's too pure and I'm… too easily influenced."

Ventus frowned, "But that's the thing Terra, if the three of us go together we can cover the other's weaknesses and ensure we aren't overtaken by the Realm's manipulation."

Terra thought it over for a long moment, "I suppose you're right…" He looked at Aqua who was still agitated, "Aqua."

She pursed her lips before sighing and looking away from them, "I suppose it makes more sense than me going alone."

Terra nodded, "So what's your gripe, then?"

"I'm afraid Ven won't be able to handle being in there."

Ventus scowled as Terra observed them both before slowly nodding, "Well, that's Ven's problem."

The two gawked at him for a moment before Ventus recovered first. Aqua crossed her arms, "What happens if he falls asleep because of it?"

"Then we come back. If we go in together, we leave together."

Aqua looked between the two as Ventus nodded. Slowly Aqua relented, "Alright… but you can't ignore my warnings or if I give a command, got it?"

The two boys nodded in agreement.

Terra looked at Ventus, "So what else is on your mind?"

Ventus hummed while Aqua contemplated for a long moment. Finally she timidly spoke, "Terra… what was your relationship with the Master?"

The blond raised an eyebrow as he looked at Terra, "They were family… weren't they?"

Terra frowned as he got vaguely nervous, "Ven, the three of us will always be-"

Ventus glared at him sharply, "Terra."

The brunette gulped. Both Aqua and Terra hated it when Ventus flipped his authority switch since it got under their skin every time, "Ven… Aqua…" Terra looked between them unsure before slumping, "I never really… confirmed it verbally. However, you know that box Yen Sid sent me shortly after we settled here, Aqua?" She nodded as he continued, "It was the Master's final will, and in it he finally confirmed what we'd always danced around…" He looked away from them as he rubbed his shoulder, "He was my biological father."

Terra felt nearly sick, he wasn't sure why he was so nervous to tell Aqua and Ventus about it, but he was still trying to come to terms with so much, especially with the way things had fallen apart.

Aqua clasped her hands, "I saw the Memory of the Master when he was younger just before you came to get me, Terra… The Memory told me and apologized for how he treated us. He also explained to me a little of why everything went wrong… so, don't feel bad. It's good to know where you came from, right?"

Terra sighed heavily as he rubbed his hair before looking to Ventus awkwardly.

Ventus simply shrugged, "I had a feeling."

Terra frowned, "But the Master treated you… not badly, but definitely differently than us…"

Ventus huffed as Aqua frowned, "Yeah well… at least you both remember your parents." The two older Wielders grimaced as Ventus shuffled as he looked away, "That's not… that's not what I meant to say." His shoulders slumped, "I'm glad the Master was your father, Terra."

The brunette studied Ventus for a long moment before slowly nodding. He looked to Aqua, "Have you… Have you tried contacting your parents since we got back, Aqua?"

The young Master looked out towards the deepening horizon sadly, "No."

Terra slumped, "Oh… Have you at least looked into if they were alright..?"

Aqua smiled bitterly, "I haven't had the strength, and at this point… after going silent for ten years, it would be weird for them to hear from me now."

Ventus frowned, "Do you want one of us to see if they're doing alright?"

Aqua slowly shook her head in the negative, "Maybe after we come back from the Dark Realm I'll look into it."

Ventus sighed as Terra slowly nodded, "If you say so."

The three stood silent for a long moment before Aqua turned to Ventus, "What did you mean when you said your hands were stained?"

Ventus stared aggravated at the ground as Terra observed the two. "Ven, I know Vanitas did some terrible things, but you don't have to hold yourself accountable for his actions…"

The blond clenched his fists and grit his teeth as his whole body went on edge before he blurted out, "Terra's not the only one who was manipulated into helping kill someone!" He quickly turned away from them and stiffly walked back towards the Castle.

Aqua and Terra stood frozen for a stunned moment before the brunette began to jog after him, "Ven, wait!"

He glared back at him, "No!" He then ran, shoving the door open before disappearing behind the door.

Terra stood at the bottom of the stairs as Aqua slowly walked near to him. The two of them looked to one another, Aqua coming to understand just why Ventus insisted that he was unnatural and that he was weaker to the machinations of Darkness because of being a Heart of pure Light.

Aqua's Heart settled into peace despite her best efforts. It made her feel guilty, but his words made her realize that she hadn't committed some grave sin by being swallowed by Darkness. Terra wasn't any worse for his own actions- she still believed in him. She could still believe in Ventus.

She just needed to believe in herself again.

Aqua sighed shakily, "...He's remembering."

Terra slowly nodded, "Yeah… but maybe Chirithy was right."

She looked up to him questioningly.

Terra placed his hands on his hips as he looked away in contemplation, "Ven had a really painful past… is remembering now really a good thing..? No matter how much it hurts him?"

Aqua thought it over as she nodded slowly, "He has had a lot of migraines… and you're right. Emotionally it must be terrible."

The two stood there for a long moment before the brunette spoke, "Even if Ven did get used in the past… he's still my best friend."

Aqua nodded, "Yes." He was still someone dear to her.

They wouldn't allow the Darkness to take that away from them.

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It was about a week later when Naminé agreed to come see the Land of Departure. However, not only did she and Ienzo plan to come, but Aeros requested to come.

Aqua gave her blessing, and so the packed Gummiship arrived. The Departure trio stood nearby, Eraqus's memorial within sight as Riku came out first. He turned back towards the ship with his hands on his hips as Ienzo came out first. Slowly, Roxas followed and stopped midway down the ramp before turning back. Naminé stood at the top of the ramp, nervous as Xion held her right hand, and Aeros stood by her left. Naminé looked up to the older brunette, "You can go ahead Aeros…"

Aeros smiled slightly, "You were worried about coming here, right? I'll only go if you go."

Naminé pouted as she wiped her sweaty left hand on her light blue leggings, "But… you don't have to wait on my behalf."

The Librarian sighed lightly as he looked at her kindly, "It helps though, to have someone who's never been here by your side, right?"

Naminé thought about it for a long moment, before slowly nodding. She shuffled before glancing up at him in slight embarrassment as she squeezed Xion's hand, "...Could you carry me?"

Aeros raised an eyebrow before he nodded. Naminé released Xion's hand as she let Aeros lift her. Despite her physical age, she was still tiny compared to him as he had a similar build to Terra. She was held in something of a princess carry, while she wrapped her arms around his neck and laid her chin on his shoulder. Aeros could tell how nervous she was, shaking in his arms. Aeros understood why she didn't have it in her to walk down by herself.

"Do you want me to start walking?"

Naminé slowly nodded as Xion followed after them as Aeros took his time to walk down the ramp. Roxas joined Xion and they both watched the Artist for any sign of further distress.

Once Aeros had both feet on the grass he stopped, feeling Naminé's arms tighten around him. He waited as she clenched her eyes shut. She knew things were vastly different from before, there was green grass and more than just a strange void and grey winding pathway.

But she could still feel the sealed state of the land in the air, the aura of the place may have been free, but that sterility was still there.

Everyone was patient as Riku finally pulled Ienzo, Terra, and Ventus along with him to go ahead. Naminé had a return gem in her pocket if she chose to immediately return to the Gummiship, so they didn't need to stay and spectate Naminé's personal struggle.

Xion and Roxas fretted nearby as they weren't sure how to help her feel more comfortable. If they were to choose a place that was upsetting to them, the Old Mansion in Twilight Town was pretty high up there, yet they hadn't gone through whatever Naminé had by herself in Castle Oblivion.

Slowly Naminé opened her eyes and wiped away a few tears as Aqua watched distressed. It was her fault for suggesting that she come, yet Naminé had reassured her that it was something she needed to do sooner or later.

So she chose sooner.

Naminé spoke softly, "I'm not too heavy, am I?"

Aeros shook his head, "Not at all. Take all the time you need."

Naminé smiled slightly to herself, "Sora definitely takes after you."

Aeros frowned, "Hm?"

Naminé sighed lightly, "Even if it's the harder path, or inconvenient… if it's to help others, he'll do it."

Aeros contemplated that for a long moment before he nodded, "I wanted Sora to grow up in a kinder environment then I did."

Naminé smiled, "You did a good job."

Aeros stayed there for a long moment before he spoke gently, "You want me to take ten steps?"

Naminé clenched her hand before speaking lightly, "Five?"

Aeros smiled slightly, "Deal." He glanced at Roxas and Xion, "Do you want both of them to stay with us?"

Naminé glanced between Roxas and Xion who were still watching her with concerned expressions. She thought for a long moment before shaking her head, "Master Aqua is here… this is her Land. I don't want to keep you two from your lessons."

Xion frowned as Roxas protested, "We don't mind if it helps you!" Xion agreed with his words.

Naminé smiled, "I'll feel bad, though…"

Roxas and Xion looked at one another for a long moment before slowly nodding. Xion came close and laid her hands over Naminé's, squeezing them lightly, "We're here for you."

Roxas nodded as Xion slowly backed off and took the blond's hand. They stood and watched her for a moment more, making sure it was what she wanted as she gave an affirming nod. Slowly they went on ahead, giving Aqua a short greeting as they passed.

It might've taken a few hours, but finally they made it to the main courtyard to the Castle, where Naminé finally allowed Aeros to set her down in the grass as she took in the bright and completed structure of the Castle.

The others joined the three outside with a picnic to keep Naminé company as she warmed up to the idea of entering, slowly allowing herself to feel at ease as she basked in everyone's love and concern for her.

After they all ate, Naminé stared at the Castle once more, taking in its more magnificent appearance. She could see how it had twisted itself in its sealed state. She turned to Aqua, "Is this how the Land of Departure normally looks?"

Aqua nodded, "Yes… I'm glad it returned to the way I remember it, and not how it looked when I sealed it…"

Ventus frowned, "It looked different?"

She smiled bitterly as she looked back towards the building, "Yes. The World had been ravaged by Darkness, the Castle had been damaged and some towers torn off their foundations, the courtyard cracked into terrifying cavernous pits… it was painful."

Terra looked away, having witnessed some of the damage himself as he'd been forced to leave to head towards the Graveyard.

Aeros hummed, "This World is very balanced. I know you've said it before, but it's really fascinating when I compare it to Twilight Town or the Destiny Islands."

Aqua nodded, "It really is a special World."

Naminé carefully stood and dusted herself off, "Let's go." The others all looked at her as she continued, "I'd like to see how it's changed on the inside."

Everyone agreed as they cleaned up the picnic. Naminé went over to Roxas and Xion and grabbed them both by the hands, wanting to allow Aeros the freedom to look around on his own. She looked to her brother and sister-friend as she squeezed their hands, "Together."

They nodded and went with her, walking at her pace and stopping if she stopped.

But she was ready, and moved swiftly towards the doors. She paused for a long moment at the doorway, staring up and taking in the bright blue sky and gentle clouds. She looked to either side of her before nodding, the three of them together pushing the door open as they entered the main entranceway. Roxas and Xion slowly guided her as she looked around in awe. There were still white walls, but it wasn't bitterly sterile. It was a warm and welcoming white- if not more so cream in color. There were marble patterns, gold trims, and warm tones throughout. Ornate windows allowed bright patches of sun to filter in, casting bright rainbows on the floors.

Naminé slowly smiled as she looked at her fellows and nodded, "Where was Ven asleep?"

Aqua came around beside them, "In the main hall on the middle throne. C'mon, I'll show you."

Everyone followed, deciding they could join Naminé in this journey. Aeros was taking everything in with an appreciative eye, as Ienzo also enjoyed the warmer tones of the Castle. He had died here, afterall. Ienzo had actually been shocked at his own initial reaction, nearly collapsing as the fear he'd felt in death had overcome him for a moment before he had managed to recover.

Riku had backed off when Ienzo had flinched at his coming near, so Terra and Ventus had been left to help him. They had then gone to the classroom they used for their lessons and rested there as Ienzo warmed up to the Castle in its lived state.

Naminé looked around the main hall in wonder, Roxas and Xion quiet as they watched her for any sign of fear. Aqua went ahead and paused at the bottom of the short set of stairs in front of the middle seat and waved her hand, "When I sealed the Castle, this is where I'd placed him. When I sealed it, this area became a much smaller room, with only one seat."

Naminé slowly nodded, fascinated at how different, warm, and welcoming it all was.

A whistling could be heard off in the distance, and at first the Artist thought she was imagining it.

That was until she took in Aqua going pale, so she glanced back at Terra who also looked perturbed. No one else seemed to be reacting to the whistling, though they were clearly trying to find the source.

Everyone but Ventus who was turned in a very particular direction, still as he intently listened. It took a moment for her to realize he was humming softly with the whistling.

A specter-no. Naminé recognized it as a Memory, similar to the phantoms the Castle had shown Sora on his journey while it was still lost to Oblivion. Yet, it didn't hide that it wasn't real, as they all could see through the young man, though he seemed solid enough.

Low tipped black fedora with red cream and black feather, black and grey clothes, black cowboy boots, and short shaggy grey-black hair. The man's eyes were overshadowed as he stopped near Ventus, the blond seeming to snap out of it as he took a step back somewhat startled. The phantom tipped his hat up as his grey-blue eyes were made visible, 'Good to see you moving around and healthy, Ven.'

Ventus blinked as he slowly nodded, "T-thanks?"

The memory smirked as he noted Aeros and wandered over to him, 'Hmn, to think I'd get the pleasure of meeting a World chosen Master.'

The laid back Memory was circling the Islander as Aeros watched him wearily and with some confusion, "What do you mean by that?"

The man hummed as he kept his hands in his pockets, 'Well. Normally others such as yourself don't leave their homeworlds… so this is actually a novelty. The Castle honestly can't say it's met a World Master such as yourself in at least a handful of centuries.' The phantom nodded as he took a few steps away before looking over all of those present. He took a hand out and fiddled with his hat's brim for a moment, 'Name's Brain. I'm the Castle's first recorded Memory.'

Terra and Aqua glanced at one another before also glancing at Ventus who missed the look. Naminé was gripping Roxas and Xion's hands as they all stood wearily watching.

Brain observed them all for another long moment before moving towards Naminé, stopping the moment she took a half step back. The phantom also took a step back as Xion and Roxas reacted protectively. Brain huffed lightly as he put his hand back into his pocket, 'The Castle will never be able to apologize to you enough, Naminé.'

The Artist frowned as she took an aggravated step forward, her hands tightly gripping her support, "The Castle is a building. It's not a living thing, why even bother apologizing?"

Brain's Memory observed her before calmly responding, 'Because it is a building. The Castle is a shelter. Its purpose was to keep those placed into its care safe. Ventus was protected, and yet you who appeared within it- one of whom was born in its sealed state were left to those who were forcibly placed in authority over you. The Castle failed at its most basic function, and so it carries much regret.'

Naminé glared at the phantom, "But it's still an inanimate thing."

Brain smiled bitterly as Ventus took in a sharp breath to respond, "The Castle has Authority, Naminé."

Everyone turned their gaze to Ventus as he clenched and unclenched his fist in slight confusion as he tried to formulate how to respond, "A Master can use the Authority of the Castle to pressure those under it. It can press against them, make them uncomfortable, or force them to follow certain 'laws' within its walls. It can change how one is allowed to defend themselves, or keep them from freely moving within it."

Xion frowned, "But I never really experienced anything like that when I returned here… I mean, I did get a really bad headache when I first arrived, but…" She paused as she suddenly realized with a soft gasp, "Wait, the Castle was trying to keep me out?"

The Memory nodded as he looked between Xion and Roxas, 'Both of you, actually. The Castle was unable to overcome Xion as she had also been born within this Castle. However, Roxas couldn't be allowed past the entryway.'

Roxas frowned, "I was just trying to find Xion, though!"

Brain sighed, 'Yes, but you held a part of Ventus within you- you would have collapsed the protection Aqua had placed to protect him from outsiders. If you had gotten through the first floor, you would have opened the door immediately to the Chamber of Waking.'

Roxas froze, wide eyed as did Aqua. The Master took a few steps forward, "But the Master said that only I'd be able to find my way through the Castle without hindrance!"

Brain gave her a sardonic smile, 'Yes, but the Castle recognized the pieces of Ventus within Roxas, just as it did with Xion.' Xion stiffened at that as Brain continued, 'The Castle was to protect Ventus, so because those two in their incomplete states held parts of Ventus… they would have been able to surpass those protections and be welcomed as those who were to be protected.'

Aqua gasped as she understood.

The Castle was almost tricked, but had just barely managed to keep those who could undo everything from getting through.

Xion bowed her head, "I had no idea…" Roxas nodded as he was also distressed by this.

What would the Organization have done with Ventus's sleeping body had they found it?

Naminé looked away as Brain refocused on her, 'Be that as it may. This is precisely why the Castle must apologize for the sins of Lauriam and Elrena. They will not go unscathed for the way they treated you, Daughter of the Castle.'

The Artist tensed at the Memory's words, fear running through her bones before she qualmed it for anger, "I'm no Daughter of yours."

Brain smiled bitterly, 'Still, you will always be welcome here. Return where you may, but this place will always welcome you.' The phantom abruptly turned to Terra as his message to the Artist was complete, 'Oh Child of Earth who carries my blood, though you failed and have gone through trial and tribulation, I now humbly ask of you: Will you or will you not once more take your test of Mastery and show us the Mark of your endeavors?'

Terra froze, not expecting the Castle to focus on him. He took in a sharp breath, "But-"

Brain waved a hand, 'Today we have three Masters. Master Riku who traverses Dreams and Worlds alike while walking the path towards Dawn. Master Aqua, the ruler of this Land and the one who came victorious over the Realm of Darknesses solitude. Master Aeros, a Master chosen by the World of Destiny Islands and one who can distinctly feel the depths of the Heart- whether it is steeped in Dark or of Light… There are those here from more than one World, those were directly and indirectly effected by your possessed body. All of these together along with a Union Leader are here to Judge you accordingly. The Castle has determined it is time, take it.'

Terra looked at everyone that surrounded them. He stared at Ventus for a long moment as he thought back to his father's letter. He then met Aqua's gaze as she slowly nodded.

It would help them in the Dark Realm, he could feel it in his Heart, so with that in mind he turned to the Phantom Memory and nodded, "I accept."

Brain motioned to the three chairs, 'Master Aqua, Master Aeros, and Master Riku, please take a seat on the dias. Union Leader Ventus, watch as your friend and companion earns his long-awaited Mark… and the rest of you. Study this so that you might be prepared for your own Mastery.'

Terra positioned himself where he had a decade earlier as he turned away from the three Masters as Brain stood across from him. The Memory opened his arms and three glowing orbs appeared that had an intermingling of violet. From one shaped a boy with swirled silver hair, aqua eyes, red scarf, and adventuring clothes. The middle formed a girl with long black hair, brown eyes, black jacket with pleated skirt, and white top. The third formed a young Ventus, clearly so much different as he seemed closer to eleven than the twelve years Aqua and Terra had met him as.

The three phantom Union Leaders summoned their Keyblades, Ephemer and Skuld with their Starlights, while Ventus summoned Missing Ache. The three got into position as Terra summoned Earthshaker, completely taken by surprise by how solid they all seemed.

Brain raised a hand, 'Begin!'

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Terra passed his Mark, allowing Naminé to witness a truly spectacular event. Aeros had been the final deciding factor in it, as he could feel the presence of Darkness more acutely than the others. He also had no bias, as he was not close to Terra and was a true observer, and Ienzo had agreed with his observations. It was unanimous.

A few more weeks passed, Ventus continuing to get vague flashes of Memory as he had migraines that came and went for both long and short periods of time as Chirithy fretted over him.

Finally Aqua confessed to their plan of going to the Realm of Darkness, Ventus and Terra acting in a manner to soften the suddenness of it, to ensure the three under their tutelage understood that the three would stick together.

Roxas and Xion had expressed their concerns, while Riku understood and gave his blessings.

Terra quietly pulled him aside just as they were leaving, "When you arrive tomorrow… Aqua and I have decided to leave the care of this Land to you."

Riku took in a sharp breath, "Me? But I-"

Terra smiled at him reassuringly, "The three of you can still come here and learn as you always have. Ienzo can continue teaching you and Lea can finally get some training in. This Land can't be left to rot, Riku. So long as at least one Keyblade Wielder is here with the intent to Guard this Land, it's fine if you leave to do what your Heart leads."

Riku searched his gaze for a long moment before slowly nodding, "Alright, I understand." He took a step back and bowed slightly, "Thank you for trusting me."

Terra laughed softly, "The feeling's mutual. See you tomorrow, Riku."

The teen stood there for a moment longer before he half turned, "Is there anything more you needed to teach me..?"

Terra smirked, "I'll tell you tomorrow."

Riku nodded before he left to return the Gummiship.

The past few months had seemed too short, yet he knew it also felt like this day might never come.

He placed a hand on his chest, 'I still almost can't believe I'm a Master now…' Terra turned and contemplated. Starting tomorrow, who knew the next he'd shower or sleep, so he'd indulge in what few pleasures the few hours of sunlight would lend him.

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It was nearly midnight when Ventus finally forced himself to go to his room and at least lay down. He needed to rest as much as possible for the journey they were about to partake in.

Ventus knew they were supposed to do this. They felt unified in the idea that they had to search the Realm of Darkness, to ensure that Sora hadn't been abandoned to it.

The blond took off his chest straps and stared at the symbol of apprenticeship as he thumbed it. He may have had his problems with Master Eraqus, but he was glad to have been his student, to have had the chance to meet Terra and Aqua.

They were the best four years of his life- he knew it.

Ventus gently set it down before he removed his vest and unbuckled his waist armor. He checked his skin for any irritation from it, still growing little by little everyday as he was left unsure of how they would adjust his armor from then on.

Riku assured him the Good Fairies could adjust it for him, but they had the terrible habit of arguing, and he wasn't being hurt by it just yet.

He set it down just as a knock came from the door. He startled and released it too quickly as it dropped off the chair and crashed onto the floor.

Both sides of the door froze as Aqua quietly inquired, "You alright Ven?"

He cleared his throat as he bent down to pick it up, "Y-yeah, uh…" He set it down properly before glancing down at himself, "Did you need something..?"

Aqua paused, "I wanted to talk, but if now's not a good time-"

Ventus snatched his vest and threw it on as he went to the door and quietly opened it, "No it's fine." He moved away so she could enter as he quickly buttoned the vest. He then turned as she watched him with a raised eyebrow, "It's so weird to see you without a jacket…"

The blond rubbed his hair as he chuckled softly. "Y-yeah…" He observed her for a moment before he sat with a flop onto the side of his bed, "So? What's up, Aqua? Last minute jitters?" He smirked boyishly with his hands in his lap as she felt her face flush slightly as she glanced away.

Aqua spoke quietly as she looked to him again, motioning at the bed, "Can I sit by you?"

Ventus nodded as he watched her, vaguely confused but going with it anyway.

Aqua sat down close to him on his left, their knees nearly touching as he was vaguely startled by her proximity. It wasn't uncomfortable, but it still wasn't like usual. He watched her carefully as she bowed her head for a moment, thinking before sitting up straighter as she stared ahead at his wall. She was in a simple purple night top and soft leggings and Ventus couldn't help but notice as she nervously fiddled with her fingers.

"Ven… did I ever tell you what the Darkness did to mess with me?"

He hummed as he glanced away, staring at his socks as he thought it over before softly responding, "Visions of Terra and I?"

"Mmhmm. And I told you guys about the Mirrors… and the other Me, right?"

"Yeah."

Aqua breathed deeply for a long moment as she collected her thoughts, "I thought about you a lot, while wandering the Dark." He looked to her as she clasped her hands together, "It showed me an image of you in Snow White's coffin."

Ventus blinked, "Snow White died?!"

Aqua blinked as she looked at him a moment before looking away, "W-well, I guess? Something happened to her, and the Dwarves were weeping… and then… A Prince came and… kissed her." She turned her head away slightly as she blushed.

Ventus stared at her wide eyed as he suddenly realized, "Aqua-" He blushed as he ruffled his hair and turned his head away from her, "Oh."

Aqua chuckled at herself, "I honestly got delirious enough to wonder, what if I'd tried kissing you? Would you have woken up, instead of being left to sleep all alone all that time..?" She sighed longingly, "It was embarrassing and foolish to think at the time… But the Darkness pulls at your innermost thoughts, and…" She bowed her head, "It made me realize a lot about myself. A lot of bad things… but my thoughts of you kept me together and brave." She took a breath, "I now have both of you back. That's enough."

Ventus studied her for a long moment. She glanced at him and blushed, turning her gaze away again, "I'm just thinking out loud, Ven."

The blond frowned, "Aqua…"

She slumped as she bowed her head, "I remember what you said before everything. That we'd wait to talk about this sort of thing again until we were older… Sure, we went to a handful of Worlds all on our own, met so many new people… We've even changed." She smiled bitterly, "But we're still immature with little understanding of the Worlds."

Ventus took in a deep breath and sighed, leaning back onto his hands as he stared up at his ceiling, "But you've been thinking about it. More than I've had the chance to."

Aqua shrugged, "So? We haven't really grown."

Ventus studied her profile. She had gone through so much, and he was regaining his Memories in strange fragmented pieces.

Aqua might think she was the loose canon of the group, but it was really his own Memories that were his undoing.

He'd lived a life he forgot. He'd had four years to gain a new sense of self. He'd killed himself in futility, thinking he was saving his friends, only to find out years later they had all suffered terrible burdens.

Ventus had gained a second childhood in Sleep, nestled within Sora's Heart as he'd dreamed through the boy's growing days.

The Memories were even vaguer when he lived vicariously through Roxas and even Xion to an extent.

He'd managed two lifetimes, maybe three, and had cheated time itself to end up here.

He spoke soft and hoarse, "Aqua… what do you want?"

She looked at him unsure of herself and afraid as he sat up properly, his left hand still behind him while he rested his right in his lap. She chewed on her lip as she lowered her gaze and tried to figure out just what it was she had hoped to accomplish. Finally, Aqua licked her lips as she nodded to herself, her eyes bearing into his as she spoke soft and insecure, "I'd like to kiss you."

Aqua blushed at her admission, but kept focused on him. He felt himself blush, a strange warmth building in his chest, "Just a kiss?"

She nodded, "You said we should wait until we're older."

He laughed lightly as he felt more embarrassed, "Yeah. Alright." Ventus locked onto her gaze warmly. "A kiss."

Aqua felt butterflies and warmth in her chest. The two of them tried to figure out how to kiss without making total fools of themselves, suddenly both nervous as they would try to go for it only for one to pull back in panic. They couldn't help but laugh at their own immaturity, but finally Aqua took the initiative and braced her left hand against Ventus's right shoulder to gently bring him closer as Ventus reached up with his right hand to lighty cup her face at the end of her jaw and slightly buried his fingers into her hair. She then cupped his cheek with her right hand as Ventus leaned further onto his left arm, clenching his fist into the blanket for some stability as Aqua carefully tipped his face up and gently met his lips. It was short and sweet, yet Aqua couldn't help but kiss him again, all innocent softness as they watched each other with half closed eyes. It was only when Aqua began to lengthen the kisses as he found himself pulling her back to him time and again when Ventus began to realize this was too much as he softly whispered, "Aqua." His voice was strangely deep and husky and she gasped softly before kissing him one last time as she ran her tongue over his lips, causing him to gasp and open up to her as she immediately pulled back in shock. They sat frozen for a moment, both realizing they had no idea what they were still doing, the situation derailing for no particular reason other than teenage fantasy.

Ventus closed his mouth, clenching his teeth as Aqua stood abruptly, teetering as she stood too quickly while Ventus steadied her by holding her arm. They looked to one another for a long moment as Aqua felt particularly foolish, but neither of them were particularly sure what to do as they giggled softly at themselves.

Finally, Aqua released the pent up tension with a sigh as she carefully bent forward and kissed Ventus at the top of his forehead before whispering huskily, "Goodnight Ven."

Ventus couldn't help the thrill that went through him as he recalled the way she'd greeted him after finally managing to wake him up.

He responded similarly, "Goodnight Aqua, sweet dreams."

She smiled with a nod before carefully stepping back from him, watching him for a long moment before letting herself out with fluid grace, a soft click of the door and she was gone.

Ventus gently traced his lips as he breathed out shakily, slowly leaning forward and burying his face into his hands. He felt too hot, his skin sensitized in a way he'd never felt before, and a heavy warmth in his belly.

If this was what it was like to be a normal teenager, then they were definitely ill-prepared. He laughed at himself, feeling stupid as he rubbed his face tiredly as the thought crossed the back of his mind in a weird sort of happiness, 'Did I just make out with Aqua?'

He groaned and pushed himself to stand.

He needed to change and go to bed, but first, maybe he'd throw himself into an ice cold shower to clear his thoughts.

It was a plan.

T-a-V-cNc-R-x-R-cNc-X-v-A-cNc-R-t-RT-a-V-cNc-R-x-R-cNc-X-v-A-cNc-R-t-R

Happy New Year, be safe and well!