Hi friends! At long last, its here! At least, the first chapter of it is. XD I've had this idea for Sora and Kairi since I write the Christmas fic, but I wanted to wait until summer to post it because it just fits the theme. This will be the last part of the KH holiday series (...maybe? I haven't decided yet, lol) and I'm so thankful for all of your guys' support! It seriously means the world to me. I hope you enjoy this first chapter!
Disclaimer: I do not own Kingdom Hearts.
Kairi rarely had "off days".
It was just part of her personality: she was an upbeat, happy girl. The grass was always greener, the light was brighter than the darkness, and good always outweighed the bad in her mind. Kairi decided a long time ago that she would not let the bad times get to her. Sure, bad times came and went, but she handled it with the grace of a Princess. Her gentle smile, bubbly personality and kind heart were the things that made her...her.
But even princesses had bad days.
On the bright summer's morning where our story begins, Kairi woke with a start. The familiar shriek of her ringing Gummiphone caught her attention, and she quickly grabbed it from her nightstand. She pressed the answer button with her finger. A familiar face with blonde hair appeared on the screen, looking worried.
"Hey, Naminé," Kairi covered her mouth as she yawned.
"Kairi, where are you?" Naminé asked, her usually soft voice filled with urgency. "Training has already started."
It took Kairi a few good seconds to realize what Naminé was saying. Glancing at the clock on her wall in horror, she saw that it was past nine. She should have arrived in the Land of Departure for Keyblade Training fifteen minutes ago.
"I'm sorry," Kairi answered hastily, untangling herself from her warm blankets. "I set an alarm last night to wake up on time to travel, but I must have slept through it." She grabbed a change of clothes, her mind buzzing.
"...Are you alright?" Naminé asked, concerned. "It's not like you to oversleep. Usually you're the first one here."
Kairi bit her lip. She sometimes forgot that Naminé knew her as well – or maybe even better – than she knew herself. "I'm fine, I must have just been tired. Can you please tell Aqua and Xion I'm sorry, and that I'll be there soon?"
"Sure thing. We'll see you in a bit."
After bidding her friend goodbye and hanging up the phone, Kairi let out a sigh. She didn't exactly lie to Naminé. She was up really late, and she still felt the exhaustion from last night looming over her like a cloud. The late night wonderings that so persisted her seemed to creep along the edge of her mind, demanding entrance into her thoughts.
But she couldn't think about that now. She had to get to the Land of Departure.
After quickly dressing and grabbing a banana for the road, Kairi ran to the Gummi Ship that was parked close to Sora's house. Since Sora and Riku were the ones who knew how to pilot the ship, and since they were still often called on missions, it often stayed at one of the two's houses. Kairi climbed inside, fastened her seatbelt, and scrolled through the coordinates listed on the small screen. After clicking on "Land of Departure" she lifted off, passing through a small opening in the sky.
As she drove through space, Kairi unpeeled her banana and began to eat. After wolfing it down she stared ahead at the vast emptiness in front of her, a black canvas painted with stars.
I should be there in a little bit, Kairi thought to herself as she glanced at the map. I hope they don't get too mad at me…she let out another sigh, clenching the wheel.
Naminé was right: it wasn't like her to oversleep or be late. Since beginning training under Master Aqua, Kairi was usually the first one to arrive. The thought of learning how to wield a Keyblade always sent a thrill of excitement through her. Even now, just thinking about it made Kairi smile. Training with Xion and Aqua, with Naminé starting to learn the basics of magic, helped her feel like she could take down any Heartless that came her way.
She felt like she could finally help Sora.
Her stomach clenched at the thought of his name. The thoughts that kept her up so late the night before arose with mention of him. Kairi took a deep breath, both to help her nerves and to get her thoughts together.
Sora was...what, exactly? He was more than a friend; much, much more. And yet, the two of them had never really talked about the future. It seemed like, in every attempt to do so, life threw things their way: first it was Ansem, then it was Xemnas, then it was Xehanort. Either the two of them had very bad luck, or fate had other things planned.
Still, there was some kind of non-spoken agreement between them. Although Sora had never really said it with words, Kairi knew that he loved her. And although Kairi never really said it either, she hoped with all her heart that he knew she felt the same way.
Kairi reflected on the day before visiting the Keyblade Graveyard. Everyone had gone back to Destiny Islands with them, in an attempt to get some good rest before facing Xehanort and the Real Organization XIII. The apprehension and tension in the air was so thick it could be cut with a knife. Despite everyone trying to lighten the mood – especially Sora, Ventus and Lea – there was a deep solemnity in their hearts. Sleep and rest were far, far away from everyone's minds.
Something deep inside Kairi – perhaps a conscience, or some other hidden part of her – whispered that now was the time. The thought made her afraid: if now was the time, what did that mean? Did it mean death for her, or Sora?
Still, Kairi picked the two ripe Paopu fruit from the tree. In a quiet moment, away from prying eyes, she handed one to Sora. She still remembered the look in his eyes: surprise, shock, and bewilderment. "Tomorrow's fight will be our toughest yet," she had said to him, hoping she sounded sincere despite her stomach filling with butterflies. "I want to be a part of your life, no matter what. That's all."
Even now, Kairi felt the same desperate hope that Sora would hear the words she didn't say: I want to be with you, forever. You mean everything to me. I love you. So much that it hurts.
For once in her life, she had rendered Sora speechless. After a moment he had taken the Paopu fruit and smiled. It wasn't one of his usual smiles, wide and cheerful; but a small, sincere, gentle one. He promised to keep her safe.
"No," Kairi said seriously. "let me keep you safe."
She could recall the taste of the fruit – a mixture of pineapple and mango and something uniquely tropical. It felt like a scene out of a storybook: a young couple sitting on a tree, against the setting sun, making a solemn promise to one another. Of course, there were smiles and soft laughs along with it, but the weight of the promise and the upcoming events of the Keyblade Graveyard made it serious.
In that single moment, Kairi had never felt so alive. So whole.
But...did Sora feel the same?
The argument, now so familiar to her, started up again: of course he does. He wouldn't have eaten that fruit if he didn't. He wouldn't have started this whole journey with Kingdom Hearts if he didn't care about you. You and Sora are now forever entwined by destiny.
...but is that enough?
This single concept, those four words, were the ones that kept Kairi awake all night. Is it enough to be merely tied to one person by destiny? Is it only destiny that keeps two people together? Common sense told her otherwise: any relationship took work, love, compassion, and understanding. But the idea of two people being brought together by fate and being predestined to be together was a solid block of reason. Then again, destiny alone could not determine a relationship. Or how a relationship would go.
The more Kairi thought about the concept of destiny and fate, the more she realized that maybe it wouldn't be enough. At least, not for her.
And the more Kairi thought about Sora, the more she realized just how deeply she felt for him. It wasn't the simple, innocent, child-like love she had when she was a little girl anymore. This love was built from years of hard times, trust in the face of danger, and even sacrifice for him. This love left a permanent mark, a symbol of just how much she trusted Sora. She would gladly give her life for him, over and over, just to make sure he was okay.
This was a love that yearned and burned for things that Kairi had only very briefly considered: marriage. Children. Growing old together. Being with one another, through the good, the bad and the ugly. The more she thought of it, the more she felt both elated and scared beyond reason.
The real question was...were those things something Sora wanted?
The Land of Departure was on the horizon now. Kairi let out another deep breath in an attempt to let these thoughts go. It was time to train, and she couldn't afford to be distracted.
I can think about this later. I need to focus.
Still, the thought of wanting more with Sora didn't seem to want to go away.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
"It's not like her to be late," Aqua said, sounding worried as she glanced towards the horizon.
"That's what I thought," Naminé agreed. "But I called her, and she said she'd be here soon."
"There she is!" Xion said, pointing in the distance with a smile.
Aqua turned around and saw Kairi walking towards them. She was about to say hello, but Kairi's appearance made her stop and stare. Her normally combed hair was tangled, her eyes looked heavy with sleep, and the usual skip in her step was replaced by dragging feet. Xion, Naminé and Aqua, looked at one another in concern. The three girls knew each other well enough now to communicate with a single glance: something is wrong.
"Glad you could make it," Aqua said softly.
"You get here okay?" Naminé asked, noticing the dark circles under Kairi's eyes.
Kairi nodded. "Yeah, I got here just fine. Sorry I'm late." She gave her three friends a sheepish smile. "I set an alarm last night, but I overslept."
Xion cocked her head in concern. "Are you okay? You look really tired."
"I am," Kairi admitted after a pause. "but I still want to train!" She stretched out her arm, and in a flash of white light her Keyblade appeared in her hand.
"Are you sure?" Aqua asked. At Kairi's fierce nod, she smiled. "Alright. Xion was just about to take a break, anyways. If you get too tired, let me know, okay?"
In response, Kairi ran forward, swinging her Keyblade.
Naminé and Xion looked at one another, their eyes telling the same story: this isn't going to go well.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Aqua knew Kairi could fight. She had seen the smaller girl whack monsters, giant Heartless and defend herself. Just last week Kairi had learned a particularly difficult attack, and learned how to heal herself with magic. She learned fast and was always eager to know more.
But now, Kairi was acting like she had never picked up a Keyblade before. Every attempt she made to strike Aqua was easily blocked. Too easily. At first Aqua contributed it to Kairi's obvious exhaustion. At one moment when Aqua was close to her face, however, she could see the glazed-over, contemplative look in her friend's eyes.
If this were a real battle, Kairi would have been dead a long time ago.
Upon her Keyblade almost sending Kairi flying, Aqua shouted, "Focus, Kairi!"
Kairi snapped out of her daydream. "Oh, right! Sorry!"
Aqua paused and looked at her newest student, her brow furrowed. "It's not like you to be so distracted. Is something wrong?"
"No, not at all!" Kairi said, a little too brightly. "Just thinking about some things." She didn't look Aqua in the eyes. She gripped her Keyblade and readjusted her position. "But I'm ready now!"
Aqua nodded, still feeling a bit unsure. "If you insist. Just be careful, okay?"
"You got it!"
For a few minutes Kairi's fighting was focused and steady, like it usually was. Aqua thought to bring up some more complicated techniques, and she slowly implemented them into the fight. The air rang with the clash of Keyblades and grunts of exertion. The look in Kairi's eyes was determined. Almost too determined.
Kairi and Aqua's eyes locked onto each other. As if Kairi realized that Aqua somehow knew what was going through her head, she began to swing her Keyblade more widely. Aqua dodged it as best as she could, surprise filling her. Kairi was never this reckless.
"Careful," she warned. "This is how you get hurt."
"Right," Kairi said, her tone portraying just how little she understood what Aqua just said. Focus, she scolded to herself. Just focus.
She twirled her Keyblade in her hand, getting ready to strike, when a white-hot flash of pain grazed her skin. Kairi looked down to see a small but deep gash on her right knee. It was already oozing blood.
Aqua immediately rushed to Kairi's side, supporting her upwards. "Let's ease you onto the ground, okay?" Kairi nodded, and she was gently lowered onto the grass.
"Are you hurt?" Naminé asked, a bit breathlessly after sprinting to where Kairi fell.
Kairi removed her hand from her knee. "A little, but not too bad. It could've been worse." The shame at being so reckless hurt more than the actual wound. She buried her face in her hands.
"Heal!" Xion shouted, pointing her Keyblade towards the sky. The pain in Kairi's leg immediately vanished. "There. That should take care of it," Xion said with a smile.
Aqua sat next to Kairi, her Keyblade vanishing with a whoosh. "What's going on? You're not yourself today."
"I'm so sorry, Aqua," Kairi said, her voice a bit muffled by her hands. "I just can't focus today."
"You're lucky it was just a scratch," Aqua replied, her voice firm yet gentle. "It could've been so much worse. That's why its so important to focus not just on your opponent, but yourself."
"Sorry," Kairi said again, almost robotically.
"Just try to remember that for next time," Aqua said.
"...What's on your mind, Kairi?" Naminé asked, sitting down beside her. "You woke up late, you look exhausted, and you look like you're about to explode."
"I'm just thinking about some things," Kairi mumbled, tugging at a loose thread on her skirt. "But no matter how hard I think about it, I can't find a solution."
"Do you want to talk about it?" Xion asked gently.
Kairi felt her face burn. The three of them had continually helped one another with their various love-life struggles throughout the past year. It had never really crossed her mind that a day would come when she needed the help. "Promise you won't laugh?"
"Why would any of us laugh about something that's bothering you?" Aqua put a hand on Kairi's shoulder. "Before you're my student, Kairi, you're my friend. Actually, you're more like our sister. We want to help."
Kairi finally looked into Aqua's face. "Promise me you won't tell anyone?"
Aqua nodded. So did Naminé and Xion.
Kairi looked at her Keyblade still held tightly in her hands. She took a deep breath. "It's...about Sora."
She saw Xion frown out of the corner of her eye. "Are you two having trouble?"
"No," Kairi said, shaking her head. "nothing like that. I just...I just want some things to happen already, and they haven't."
"Like?" Aqua asked, pressing the question further.
Kairi swallowed hard, trusting herself to say the words she had been holding in for so long. "Do you remember when...right before we went to the Keyblade Graveyard, we all went to the beach? And we watched the sunset?"
"Yeah," Aqua said softly.
"It was before you two came back," Kairi added to Xion and Naminé, who looked a little confused. "We all went to the beach together before fighting Xehanort. Well...Sora and I...we shared a Paopu fruit." Seeing Aqua's puzzled expression, Kairi explained further. "A Paopu fruit is a star-shaped fruit on my island. You can only find it there, no where else. Legend states that if two people share one, their destinies become intertwined. They're a part of each other's lives no matter what." She rested her Keyblade on the ground and tugged at her hair.
"So by eating this fruit," Naminé said, after thinking for a moment, "you and Sora are bound together by destiny."
Kairi nodded.
"It sounds wonderful," Aqua continued with a smile. "being able to share that with Sora must have been really special."
"It was," Kairi agreed, feeling a smile come across her face."What I'm worried about," she continued softly, "is whether or not it was special to Sora."
"What do you mean?" Xion asked.
Kairi let out a breath. "So much has happened since then: Xehanort, the Keyblade Graveyard, Kingdom Hearts, everything. The minute we try to settle down and breathe, something else happens. It's like I've been holding my breath for the next big thing to happen. The holidays have helped, of course. But..." Kairi felt not only her face, but her neck and ears grow hot. "I want to go further with Sora."
The three friends waited patiently, listening to Kairi's every word.
"Like...more than friends," Kairi elaborated.
"But aren't you two more than friends already?" Xion asked, a bit confused.
I guess I just have to come out and say it, Kairi thought to herself.
"Another way of looking at a Paopu fruit," Kairi continued, in a whisper, "is as a symbol...of marriage."
"Oh." Aqua nodded slowly, now recognizing what Kairi was implying. Naminé gasped.
"And...I can't stop thinking about it. It's been on my mind day and night." Kairi pushed her bangs aside. Her forehead was sticky with sweat.
"Wait," Xion said, her eyes widening. "Do you...are you saying that you...want to marry Sora?"
"…..I do."
Aqua, Xion and Naminé simply stared. Kairi would have giggled at the look of total surprise on their faces if she weren't so overwhelmed and tired. "I can't lose him again," she said softly, looking at her hands. "Even though I always got him back, or he came back every time...I just can't. The thought of not being with him is even more scary than the thought of him disappearing again." Kairi sighed, rubbing her tired eyes. "I was up all night wondering what to do."
"Is this why you were late?" Naminé asked gently.
Kairi nodded. "I just don't know if that's what Sora would want."
Xion took Kairi's hand in her own. "Kairi, anyone with eyes can see that Sora adores you. He would do anything for you. I highly doubt he would say no to getting married."
"Everything he's ever done in the past few years has been for you," Naminé added with a smile. "No one sacrifices everything for the sake of another for no reason."
"I know that," Kairi argued, albeit in a gentle tone of voice, "it's just...even though we shared a Paopu – which in itself is an oath to be devoted to each other – I...I want more than that. I don't know if Sora does, though, and that's the problem."
"You could just ask him," Xion suggested.
"Kairi has a point though," Aqua began slowly. "Even if Sora feels the same way, marriage is a big commitment. And it's a lot of work." She looked right into Kairi's eyes, her expression serious. "I don't doubt that you're serious about it – I can tell just by looking at your face. And when the two of you look at one another, someone would have to be blind to not see the love you share." Aqua paused, thinking briefly. Then she asked, "I understand wanting to be with someone for fear of them leaving. I feel that everyday with Terra. But...I just want to know that's not the only reason you want to marry Sora."
Kairi shook her head vehemently. "No, not at all. I just..." she chose her words carefully, making sure that she was getting her point across. "He's...my best friend. Even more so than Riku is. I can tell him anything. And yeah, he can drive me a bit crazy sometimes, but it's one of the things I love about him." She paused, getting her emotions together. "Even as far back as when we were very little...I knew I wanted to be around him. I wanted to protect him. I wanted to help him, in any way that I could. I knew that I...I wanted to be with him, no matter what." She looked up at her friends in desperation. "I know it sounds crazy, but it's something I've known since I was a little girl: I want to be with Sora. I've felt it so deeply that it hurts."
For a few minutes there was nothing but the chirping of the birds to fill the air.
"And you're worried that Sora won't want that?" Aqua asked softly.
Kairi nodded.
"Sora is a lot of things," Naminé began slowly. "but he's not fake. When I sorted through his memories at Castle Oblivion, I not only saw things but I felt things. Emotions and sensations. And Kairi...every time I came across a memory of you, there was a depth love that I still cannot fathom. It was powerful, vulnerable, and so real. You mean everything to him." She gently took Kairi's hand in hers. "I highly doubt that Sora would want that love to stay where it is, rather than let it grow."
"And don't forget," Xion added, "just because someone hasn't said something in words, doesn't mean they don't prove it with their actions."
Kairi thought back to all that she and her friends had been through: Ansem, Darkness, Heartless, Xemnas, Organization XIII, Kingdom Hearts, Xehanort, kidnapping and trauma and things that still made it hard for her to sleep sometimes. The one person who followed her every time, the one who guided her back from despair, the one who saved and sacrificed himself for her...was Sora.
That alone was enough to solidify Kairi's doubts as to whether or not she should say anything. She would. She wasn't sure how, but she would.
"You're right," Kairi said aloud. "even though he's never said it, he's definitely proved it. I can only hope I've done the same for him."
"I'm more than certain that you have," Aqua said firmly. "You were the one who brought him back to the light, remember? And not just once – a million times over. The thought of marriage may be a bit scary, but its a beautiful thing. Especially when its with someone you truly love, and who is also a best friend." Aqua smiled.
"So are you gonna tell him?" Xion asked, her eyes sparkling.
"….Yes," Kairi said. Saying it aloud lifted the heavy burden from her shoulders. "Yes, I will. After all," she said, with a small chuckle, "who says girls can't propose?"
"As for how to tell him..." Naminé wondered aloud, putting a finger to her chin. "How about some kind of activity? Like a nice dinner, or a walk on the beach, or...something."
"We'll help you brainstorm some ideas," Xion said excitedly. "It'll be great!"
Kairi leaned forward, wrapping her arms around Naminé and Xion. "You guys are the best. Thank you so much. I was so worried about what you guys would think. I wasn't expecting this much support."
"Are you kidding? You're our friend," Aqua said, smiling and joining in the group hug. "We'll always support you."
"I'm so happy for you and Sora," Naminé added joyfully. "To be honest, I could kind of see this coming."
Kairi tightened the hug, her eyes filled with tears. "How did I ever get so lucky to have you guys?"
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
On that same summer's morning, a young boy walked out of a shop, grinning broadly. All of his munny was practically gone, but this was more than worth it.
As he walked away from the shop and into the bright sunlight, Sora once again opened the lid to the tiny container. A small, bright, star-shaped diamond ring glinted back at him.
He couldn't wait to see the look on Kairi's face.