I woke up in the trash and got adopted by the local trio.
xXx-xXx-awaken-xXx-xXx
Days passed, and slowly Roxas became more and more annoyed with Vanitas.
It wasn't that the guy was bothering him directly, no. It was his comment about him and Xion.
Roxas didn't know why it bothered him, his flippant proclamation of something that he and Xion hadn't even fully discussed. Sure, they were each other's most important person in all of the Worlds, and they would (and had) literally died for each other's sake, but…
Something rubbed him the wrong way about it.
How was it obvious?!
He growled to himself and roughly ruffled his hair as he made his way through Twilight Town. He'd needed space, a hopeful chance to run into Hayner, Pence, and Olette if it just so happened, and maybe have a bar of Sea Salt Ice Cream.
His chest was tight again.
Roxas sighed gustily as he came to a slow stop and stared at an old Struggle poster on a brick wall.
My summer vacation…
He clenched his fists and eyes while shaking his head to remove those Memories and thoughts.
He cared for Xion a lot… more than anyone anywhere… But did they have to be in a relationship? He didn't understand love- Sora hadn't totally understood it before either, but it seemed like he'd gotten a better idea of it recently.
But Roxas wasn't Sora, and he wasn't a romantic. He just… he liked being with Xion, and she understood him in a way the others didn't. They'd gone through so much together, and there were things they were still learning about themselves that would be better figured out before trying to be…
Roxas shied away from the words within his own mind as he blushed lightly.
What were the others thinking about them, anyways?!
Roxas took in a deep cleansing breath and sighed lightly to himself before he began to walk listlessly around town again.
His stomach growled, and he winced at the possible hour when something shifted in the shadows. He froze and stared, his hands ready to summon Oathkeeper and Oblivion instantaneously.
There was a dark mischievous chuckle before Vanitas seemed to melt out of the shadows with a devilish smirk on his face, "Well, at least one of you Light freaks has the right idea about the Dark."
Roxas growled, "What do you want, Vanitas."
The raven haired teen observed him, his violet eyes reflecting the yellow of the sun for a moment before he shuffled awkwardly and shoved his hands into his pockets with a shrug. "To apologize."
Roxas froze before his guard dropped, "Excuse me? Apologize? For what?"
Vanitas glanced away for a silent moment, clearly uncomfortable, before he shrugged and looked him in the eyes, "For making presumptions?"
Roxas bared his teeth, "Why are you phrasing it like a question?"
Vanitas clearly wanted to snap back at him, but kept his composer, "Because I'm still learning? Just like you, I don't always get the memo on social cues or understand why people react the way they do." He huffed with a tired shrug as he glanced away from him, "Naminé said it wasn't what I said that was wrong, but that it may not have been the right time. So… I'm sorry, if you and Xion aren't like that. You've clearly been upset about it, and I kind of didn't care, but I've been more annoyed than usual since, and coupled with Sora's ramping up anxiety, I'm tired."
Roxas slowly relaxed as he gave him a confused look while slowly rubbing at his chest, "Is- is that why I feel like this?"
Vanitas gave him a baffled look before slowly approaching him. Roxas knew he was being cautious, since they both knew they weren't exactly friends, yet, Vanitas slowly leaned in close and looked his face over searchingly, as if dissecting him before sighing quietly through his nose. "So you haven't understood it yet." He pulled back slightly, "We're connected. Whatever happened while I was being scanned when Sora returned- it created some sort of Existential-Memory-Binding Bond between the five of us. It's kind of total bullshit, but we did get a full deluge of one another's Memories."
Roxas blinked before his eyes went wide and his body froze in shock. He'd been having Dreams, horrible ones with Xehanort telling him he just wasn't good enough, and that he needed to harness more of his rage and agony into his Keyblade. Roxas had known they weren't his Memories, but he hadn't been able to figure out why his mind was making these elaborate Dreams up. His perspective changed in those Dreams at times. He'd be himself, or suddenly be Xion, but then flip over to Ventus and finally become Sora. It was disorientating, but he, and maybe they all Knew, that those weren't their Memories, but Vanitas's.
Roxas swallowed a growing lump in his throat, "Uhm-"
Vanitas glanced behind him seriously for a second before tipping his head in the direction Roxas had been walking in, "Let's chat."
Roxas blinked, and absently began to follow Vanitas as he started up the small street he'd been wandering. Roxas joined his stride, and observed him with a confused frown, "...What do you want from me, Vanitas?"
Vanitas was quiet for a moment before humming to himself, "Well, help me understand what I did wrong. To me, it looks like you and Xion are deeply connected, and that the two of you couldn't bear to be apart. I can feel swells of deep affection from two directions, and there's incredible trust between you. That's why I assumed you were in a relationship."
Roxas swallowed harshly. He hadn't realized the others could feel that from them. "...Do all of you feel it so clearly?"
Vanitas snorted, "No. Sora gets that you two like each other, but can't distinguish the who. I haven't bothered to ask Ventus, but he's sometimes in lala land and I've had to deal with his emotions for so long that it's like background noise. I barely even take note of his feelings anymore. He just goes from happy to nervous."
Roxas put his hands into his pockets and examined the things he'd felt lately. "And the tightness in my chest?"
Vanitas chuffed, "That's Sora. He's- right now that's my fault too, a little, but I've been dealing with his silent anxieties for a while now. I'm kind of used to it, but I didn't mean to make it worse."
Roxas mulled that over, "You really know how to push people's buttons, Vanitas."
Something itched uncomfortably.
Roxas made a face unseen to the teen beside him, and he realized it had been a growing twinge of annoyance for some time. However, it was a controlled annoyance. Something that Roxas could tell was being allowed despite the discomfort it brought. The blond stopped and looked at his companion weirdly, "What's eating you?"
Vanitas blinked before his eyes widened slightly, "What?"
Roxas tilted his head and moved to stand in front of him, giving him slight height on their present hill as he leaned slightly towards him, "I'm- I don't know how to say it, but I'm doing or saying something that's… slowly getting on your nerves, am I right?"
Vanitas stared at him unchallenged, "Yes."
Roxas gave him an annoyed look, "Then what is it?"
Vanitas observed him calmly for a moment before taking a small step back, "I'm not ready for that yet. Not with you."
Roxas felt hurt by that for some reason and pulled back. "So you're just going to let me continue hurting you without meaning to?"
Vanitas was silent for a long moment, "It's something I expect. I didn't think it would bother me so much, but I'm also not ready." He paused and smiled deprecatingly to himself, "Ah. So that's how it is." He gave Roxas a clear look of empathetic understanding, "You and Xion aren't ready, haven't reached that point yet to be in a relationship." He slumped slightly, "I apologize."
Roxas was stunned. Conflicted even. He was glad Vanitas had come to a personal understanding, and now he understood his own feelings on the matter, but… That didn't resolve the unspoken hurts he was causing the Darkling before him.
Roxas didn't even know what to verbalize before he shifted uncomfortably and slowly nodded. His voice was hoarse, "I.. forgive you."
Vanitas nodded slowly, "Thanks. I'll apologize to Xion about it, too."
Roxas blinked, "Wait, you came to me first?"
Vanitas gave him an odd look, "You trust me the least, which is honestly the smartest thing any of you people have done, and you're the one who's been more outwardly bothered by my words. At this rate you're gonna hurt Xion's feelings, and that'll be my fault, too."
Roxas gaped at him speechless before clearing his throat. He grabbed onto his 'four' charm attached to his zipper and glanced away from Vanitas uncomfortably. "...Is that really a good thing?"
Vanitas raised an eyebrow, "Not trusting me? Sure."
Roxas huffed tiredly, "No, I mean-" He struggled for a moment before slumping, "It feels unequal."
Vanitas's face went blank, "What do you mean?"
Roxas shifted, "You came to make things right with me, but most of us are hurting you without acknowledging it or apologizing. It's simply expected. I don't like it. Secrets are what hurt Axel, Xion, and I in the end before everything fell apart, and I…" He pursed his lips in a quick attempt to collect his thoughts before giving up. "I know there's a time and place for everything… but I don't want to be ignorant, either."
Vanitas observed him for a long tense moment before slowly nodding, "I see." He shifted to turn, "Let's go back to Merlin's, Roxas."
Roxas gave him a helpless look as his hand dropped to his side once more before nodding in dejection, "Okay."
They were silent for a long time, winding through various paths in a tense, but slowly amicable silence. It was strange, and Roxas didn't know what to make of it when he realized Vanitas was vaguely leading him on the longest, most out-of-the-way path back as possible.
Vanitas was like a still lake in his mind. A known bottom that seemed endless in the dark with a waning moon to light the surface. It was eerie, but it had a serenity all its own.
"It's my name."
Roxas almost tripped at Vanitas's abrupt confession, "Your name?"
Vanitas was smirking, but it was simultaneously a grimace, "Yeah."
Roxas was confused, "What about it?"
Vanitas barked a bitter laugh as he glanced at him, "Your name, Roxas, has more than one meaning. It may have started as Sora with an X thrown in, but on its own, it has meaning and purpose. It is the name of a place within a World. It is connected to those you care for. Vanitas, though? It's a cruel name I have lost affection for. It is the name connected to an abomination, someone who wanted the Worlds to burn and die along with him. With me."
Roxas felt his throat close a little at Vanitas's tone. It was... bitterly tired, but also terribly lonely and sad. He distinctly recalled DiZ's feelings towards him, as he didn't give a single lick of care about Roxas's clear feelings, his pain and agony of being written off as simply a piece to be returned to the master. A pawn with no purpose. He'd hated that man more than anything, and his very bones had been on fire with his rage.
Sora had been the unwitting accomplice, but the moment he'd set eyes on him, he gave up. Sora was just Asleep, with no say of his own, no knowledge of his existence.
He'd been collecting Sora's Memories his whole short life. Those pieces weren't his to have.
And then Sora'd saved him. Kept him bottled up in his own little box and preserved him, unaware of his sleepy presence within. Roxas had watched, and slowly awoken with each use of his name.
He'd been angry and upset when Axel had died, his previous rage at the Organization refueled and misdirected at Sora.
Roxas's existence had always had a meaning and purpose, but he knew. He Knew the moment Vanitas had been born he'd been told he was nothing more than a tool. A weapon to be sharpened and used.
To be cast aside.
Roxas hated it, feeling so oddly close to the Darkling beside him. "...Then what do you want?"
Vanitas tilted his head slightly, "Hm?"
Roxas struggled within himself, "How can we fix it?" How can I fix it?
Vanitas came to a stop and turned to him, observing and searching him as if peering into his tiny soul. Roxas shifted uncomfortably at the Darkling's scrutiny. Eventually, Vanitas relaxed the tension Roxas hadn't noticed until it was gone. The Darkling grumbled to himself, "I guess I gotta start somewhere, right?"
Roxas blinked, "Uhm-"
Vanitas sighed gustily with a slight roll of his eyes before reaching his hand out in greeting, "My name is Vista."
Roxas's eyes widened, and something… shifted, an unrecognized thread of pain switched to nervousness and a tiny small hope.
A hope that Roxas was immediately terrified of breaking.
The blond grasped his hand tightly and instinctively shook it, "Vista."
Vanitas's face lit up unintentionally as he grinned, and he looked so horribly, terribly like Sora that it made Roxas's chest ache. It lasted for only a moment as Vista broke their hand shake and tried to wipe his joy off his face, flustered. "D-don't tell the others, okay?"
Roxas blinked, "W-what? Why?"
Vista huffed as he awkwardly ruffled his hair, "Because, just like you and Xion, I'm not ready. It sounds kind of stupid, but…" He slumped slightly, "I just… it was a gift, and I want to let everyone know on my terms, and no one else's."
Roxas's eyes widened in surprise, "But you told me?"
Vista hummed before giving him a sly smirk, "Right? Definitely wasn't how I thought it'd be."
Roxas felt his own tension bleed out, "You're weird."
Vista grinned with a snicker, "Look who's talking, loser."
Roxas scoffed and rolled his eyes as he started walking again towards Merlin's house. "Whatever."
Vista chuckled and returned to walking in stride with him as the last of their mutual tension fell off.
"I have to ask." Roxas turned to Vista as the Darkling smirked at him, "How'd you break Riku's wrist?"
Roxas's eyes lit up as he grinned mischievously on his own, "Well, it kind of ended up with me losing."
Vista rolled his eyes, "Riku cheated, now tell me how you beat his ass before he did his ass-pull."
Roxas couldn't help the bubble of laughter that came from his chest and told his side of the story, exaggerating in hindsight what he never could have previously when thinking of that horrible day.
Because in the end, if there was one thing mutual between them, it was mercilessly dragging Riku through the mud.
xXx-xXx-awaken-xXx-xXx
Vista stared in disbelief at the message on the screen of his Gummi phone and immediately got up in search of Merlin.
He couldn't decide if he was anxious or angry, and settled on disgruntled. "Merlin!" He entered the kitchen and found the Old Wizard hunched over various tomes as he shoved up his glasses with a raised brow, "What is it, my boy?"
Vista huffed. It was sometimes weird dealing with the Wizard in his elderly form, but he'd slowly come to the understanding that Merlin existed both as an individual, as well as a concept.
It was confusing bullshit, and he threw that aside for the issue at hand as he shoved the screen in his Guardian's face, "Aqua messaged me."
Merlin squinted at the screen before taking the device from him, humming over it for a moment before looking up at Vista with a raised eyebrow, "Clearly. Now what of it?"
Vista gave him a bewildered look, "She hates me! Why is she inviting me to The Land of Departure?! I'm not allowed there!"
Merlin blinked as he pushed up his glasses and handed back the Gummi phone, "Do you mean that for in the past, or as a restriction you've placed on yourself?"
Vista took back the phone with a small amount of apprehension as he looked down at Aqua's private message in slight disbelief. "I…" He slowly slumped into his preferred chair, "Oh… But!" He looked at Merlin, "I'm a being of Darkness! I shouldn't be allowed to go there, or else it'll tip the balance of that Land!"
Merlin gave him a blank look, "Are you a Keyblade Wielder?"
Vista clicked his teeth shut before he slowly nodded, "...Yes."
"Then it is your right to be able to step foot on that Land."
Vista curled into himself slightly, "But I have only caused trouble when I've been there."
"Under whose directive?"
Vista winced, "Xehanort's."
"Then it shall be with your volition to go in peace, to seek out what it is Master Aqua wished to speak about, and make nice with them."
Vista gave him a weird look before he tried to shake off his anxiety and chuffed with a grin, "I guess that's true enough."
Merlin shook his head slightly, "Really. If you weren't allowed to go, she'd simply come here to talk to you."
Vista slowly grimaced again, "Truuee."
Merlin smirked slightly, "Now, all we need to do is figure out how you'll be getting there."
Vista's vitality flatlined as he went blank, "I only know how to use the Lanes Between, with the power of Darkness to get there."
Merlin nodded as he ran his hand through his beard in conspicuous thought, "I see. And you can't use the Lanes without Darkness?"
Vista shrugged helplessly, "I can't Form Change my Keyblade. It won't even give me its name."
Merlin's eyes widened in surprise, "Why have you not spoken of this before?"
Vista gave him a weird look, "I thought I-" He paused, before shrugging again halfheartedly, "Didn't think anything of it."
Merlin shook his head and reached downward, his years falling away as he returned to his youthful appearance. "We will have to examine that Heart of yours sooner or later, Vista. I know you don't want Yen Sid or I to do so, but to completely release the binding I've placed upon you along with investigating those Strelitzia you spoke of… We need to look."
Vista squirmed uncomfortably, "I… I know."
Merlin stood as he nodded and placed a suitcase onto the table with various familiar symbols on it. The base of the box was navy, while the symbols were cream colored. The rest of the accents were black instead of the usually expected silver. "Here." He pushed it towards his Ward carefully, minding his research, "The Three Good Fairies have finally designed and produced an outfit to fit the specified needs I've given them. It will protect you from darkness, without impeding your own powers. It has stronger wards than the Black Coats, so hopefully you'll be able to use a Corridor safely. Feel free to take Xion or Roxas with you, since we still can't quite get them to stop using the Dark Corridors."
Vista smirked at that before becoming curious. He stood and deftly took the suitcase and glanced at him, "You're sure it's okay?"
Merlin smirked, "The Good Fairies were leery about it, but they soak up sob stories like cloth."
Vista stared at him, "I'm not a sob story."
Merlin rolled his eyes and motioned him along, "Go try those garments on. I want to double check them when you're finished."
Vista sighed, slightly put out as he trudged back towards his room, the weight of the gift in his hands dragged at him until he lugged it carelessly onto his bed. He stared at it, feeling empty inside as his Flood slowly melted into shape on his shoulder. They nuzzled him with warbling grumbles and he absently ran his hand over their head.
It was unbearably quiet in his room, as the ring of the silence ate away at him before he sighed gustily and bent forward to unlatch the suitcase's locks. His Flood adjusted accordingly as they observed in interest. He lifted the lid and his eyebrows rose in surprise. Piece by piece he took out the collective garment before each part was laid out before him.
Black combat boots shaped like his old ones with red laces. Fitted black pants, various red pouches to attach with related belts and fasteners. A black v-neck long sleeved shirt, and a vest much like the one he'd been wearing that was off black with cream straps across the shoulder. The plaid that matched the others was much the same, with a navy background with cream, red, and black layers to the design. A new set of black fingerless gloves was also laid there.
Finally, a silver necklace with the Unversed symbol in a similar length to Sora's crown necklace was also included.
Vista stared at the necklace and gingerly picked it up, studying it and taking in every last detail of such a simple little thing.
He had been the one to create the Unversed. It was no surprise it would always be associated with him.
He clenched it in his fist tightly for a long moment, felt the protective Magics carefully crafted and wound into it, and slowly exhaled the breath he'd unconsciously held in.
Vista closed his eyes and held the symbol to his face as tears threatened to overwhelm him. "One day I'll be a better human being." His Flood nudged him affectionately, and Vista laughed brokenly, "They're too kind for their own good."
He sighed shakily and put the necklace on, felt the comfortable weight of it, and moved his Flood to the bed before changing clothes.
He still liked the clothing Hayner had given to him, but there was something about Magically crafted garments that was irreplaceable. The clothing felt right in ways he hadn't expected, and despite preferring the wider legged style of his casual clothing, the fitted ones were nice in their own way. He looked himself over as he tightened and fitted his new gloves before turning and walking back out into the kitchen.
Merlin observed him and came close, carefully studying the Magics and how they interacted with him before nodding. "I suppose it's time, then."
Vista frowned, "...Time for what?"
Merlin smirked and pressed his finger against the center of Vista's breastbone and the Darkling felt a rush as something was released.
He felt the darkness caress him lovingly as it slunk back into his bones and his blood, humming sweet words and songs he'd always known as tears gathered in his eyes. He wavered, unsure if his legs could continue to hold his weight as Merlin steadied him. The Wizard was pointedly watching him for any sign that something was wrong, or a rejection response was happening, but all Vista could hear was the rush of blood in his ears.
So your leash has finally been loosed, Little Knight.
He shuddered at His Lady's voice, far too full of seduction and pleasure at the reappearance of his True Darkness.
"Are you alright, Vista?"
Vista blinked a few times as he pulled himself away from His Lady's persistence, "A little overwhelmed, I… I didn't expect you to release your hold on my darkness so soon."
Merlin frowned, "It's… a test run I suppose. I want to know if it will cause you to be sick, to see if we need to look into new ways to help ease the strain on your body for the good of your health."
Vista nodded absently with a faraway look in his eyes. "Right."
Merlin hummed before carefully guiding him unsteadily to a chair, "It's as though you're drunk, Vista."
Vista chuckled wetly, "It kinda is. Everything's spinny and weird."
Merlin settled him into his chair and went to get a glass of water. He hadn't entirely expected this reaction, "I apologize if it was too soon."
Vista tilted to the side in his seat before righting himself with a few more clarifying blinks, "N-no. It's okay."
Merlin settled the glass in front of him, "Well, do be careful not to spill on yourself."
Vista unsteadily reached forward and cupped his glass with both hands before slowly lifting the glass to his mouth and drinking the water. It helped clear his head a little, the more he nursed it the more he felt his darkness settle into place. He gave himself a reassuring nod before looking up at Merlin somewhat innocently in question, "So I should use a Corridor with Roxas or Xion?"
Merlin nodded, "After the last time, it would be more comforting, right?"
Vista nodded, "Yeah."
Merlin nodded, "Who would you like to go with?"
Vista hummed in contemplation before deciding, "Xion, I think."
Merlin raised an eyebrow, "Why her?"
Vista shrugged, "We were both in the Organization together." He needed to apologize.
Merlin nodded absently, "Alright. Sounds good to me." He observed his Ward for a moment, "When will you be going?"
Vista stayed silent for a moment before setting the glass down with purpose, "As soon as possible." He stood, careful not to do so too quickly and excused himself.
He needed to do a few things first.
xXx-xXx-awaken-xXx-xXx
Xion watched Vanitas nervously as he turned ashen while walking through the Dark Corridor. She instinctively grabbed his hand and squeezed it comfortingly, "Are you alright?"
Vanitas looked at her wearily with sweat collecting on his temple, "I thought this was supposed to help."
Xion blinked, "What, the clothes?" Vanitas nodded as she frowned, "But they do. Our Hearts are even safer with these garments."
Vanitas's hand was clammy despite his glove, strangely cold and hot all at once. He clasped his necklace firmly to ground himself as he almost gasped, "They're more annoying than before."
Xion wanted to stop and look at him as a chill ran down her back, but she was afraid he'd only get worse if they stopped moving, "What is?"
"The voices. Her voice." He took in a gasping breath as if he'd been running before desperately crying out, "Why are they so much louder?!"
Xion swallowed and pulled him along faster, fear scraping between her shoulders as his pallor continued to grey and pale, "Vanitas, we've gotta move faster. We're almost there. We'll be okay, I'm here with you."
Vanitas gave her the most terrified and helpless look she'd never expected to see on him as sweat dripped into his eyes and made them water. He nodded, "Hurry."
Xion wondered if he'd somehow been rendered blind. It was strange that someone who'd once felt at home in such Corridors could now feel as though he were an allergic force being rejected. She ran in the lead with him dragging behind her, and her heart raced in worry for his safety. Abruptly the light of day blinded them as they came to the other end to their destination. Vanitas nearly threw himself out of the Dark Corridor and kissed dirt, falling flat onto his stomach and winding himself before gripping the foliage around him with body wracking coughs as the Corridor closed cloyingly behind them.
Xion took a moment to recollect herself before crouching by his side in worry. Cautiously she placed her hand on his back, weary of hurting him as she lightly tried to comfort him. "I'm sorry Vanitas. I guess I wasn't able to protect you the way I was supposed to."
Vanitas coughed roughly a few more times before he lifted himself to take a few cleansing breaths. He finally sighed and gripped her comforting hand, squeezing it gently in reassurance as he croaked, "Not your fault."
Xion frowned, "You're sure?"
Vanitas wiped as his face the the side of his sleeve before looking at her sincerely, "Yeah. It's something I'm just gonna have to accept."
Xion frowned, not entirely sure of what he meant before nodding, "If you say so."
Vanitas tugged on her hand lightly, "I'm serious about your help. I wouldn't have been able to find the other side without you. Thank you for coming with me."
Xion's worries lessened a little and she nodded with a tiny smile, "You're welcome."
Vanitas glanced around, double checking the area before pushing himself unsteadily onto his feet. He reached forward and she took his helping hand to stand as they took another glance around.
The Darkling ruffled his hair awkwardly, "About the other day in front of the others, sorry."
Xion blinked in confusion before her eyes widened. A small flush warmed her cheeks, "About… you're apologizing for your comment about Roxas and I?" Vanitas nodded and she continued, "Roxas told me a little about it, how you apologized to him."
Vanitas grimaced, "He told you?"
Xion shrugged before smiling, "I think he needed a chance to understand you a little bit more. I think he's warming up to you."
Vanitas made a disgruntled face and Xion couldn't help but giggle at his discomfort. "It's alright. I didn't really mind it, so much as feeling surprised that you'd think we were boyfriend and girlfriend."
Vanitas shuffled awkwardly as he grumbled, "You two fit the part."
Xion gave him a sympathetic look, "Yeah, we do sometimes, don't we? Axel calls us his little lovebirds occasionally, and Roxas gets upset about that, too."
Vanitas groaned, "Great. No wonder he was bothered by it."
Xion giggled shortly before taking his hand and tugging him along with a mischievous grin, "Let's get to the Castle before Master Aqua or the others think you're plotting something."
Vanitas rolled his eyes with a scoff before obediently clasping her hand back and allowing her to pull him after her. Xion was a little surprised at his actions, "Do you and Naminé take walks like this a lot?"
Vanitas blinked back into the present from his thoughts as he caught up to her words, "Hmn? What, you mean holding hands like this?" He lifted them up between them for emphasis.
Xion nodded, "Mmhmm."
Vanitas huffed silently, "A little. Not often enough to warrant a habit."
Xion raised her eyebrow, "So then why?"
Vanitas was silent, "Maybe it's Sora, or maybe it's that I don't mind holding hands with certain people. Not sure."
Xion nodded. "I see. Well, for what it's worth, I forgive your assumptions about Roxas and I, even if I myself don't feel as though you were much off the mark with your observation."
Vanitas smirked to himself, "I thought as much, but I felt that Roxas's reaction would hurt you, and that would have been because of me."
Xion nodded again in agreement, "You're right." She glanced at him, "So you weren't trying to be mean to any of us?"
Vanitas frowned, "I was teasing, but there was truth and belief behind my words."
Xion understood in her own way, "I see. Well, Sora's anxiety has been…"
Vanitas groaned, "Insufferable because of it. I'm sorry."
Xion smirked to herself, "He'll figure it out for himself, in a way that works for him."
Vanitas felt his stomach drop and roll for a moment before he swallowed that sick feeling, "I hope so."
Xion frowned as she felt a wave of his unease, "Why wouldn't he? He loves Kairi and Riku with all of his heart."
Vanitas smiled bitterly, "Sometimes we think of life as having one or two paths instead of multiple intersecting ones. He's facing an uphill battle with himself and the people around him to make a singular choice instead of being greedy and taking it all for himself. It seems impossible right now."
Xion frowned as she felt downcast, "Oh. But then… what are his options? What's so greedy about loving your friends?"
Vanitas smirked, "Well. A large majority of people don't look that kindly on polyamory even when it's exclusive between chosen partners, and it's barely a concept in Sora's mind. I can't really broach the topic with him, and his friends wouldn't think of it either on their rigid and tiny secluded Island."
Xion stared at him confused as understanding slowly dawned on her and made her heart beat fast for some reason, "Huh?!"
Vanitas gave her a look before holding a finger to his lips, "Just leave it for now."
Xion nodded slowly, baffled as she looked back towards the Castle.
The Worlds were far too vast.
The doors to the Castle opened and Aqua stepped out alone as she met up with them with a small smile on her face. She greeted Xion first in slight confusion, "Xion, it's good to see you."
Xion released Vanitas's hand and bowed slightly, "It's my pleasure, Master Aqua."
Aqua glanced between the two of them confused, "You came together?"
They nodded as Xion answered, "I'm the escort!"
Aqua blinked and Vanitas flushed lightly and spoke in a flat tone, "I needed a babysitter."
Aqua observed him and frowned at the state of him. She waved her hand and the dirt he hadn't noticed on his skin and clothes were Magicked away. "...I see." She gave Xion an awkward smile, "Why don't you go check in with Ven in the Library? He and Kairi are researching a few things and could probably use a little help."
Xion nodded and squeezed Vanitas's arm in silent comfort before leaving them be.
It was silent for an awkward moment as they both stared at the closed door.
Vanitas slowly glanced at her, "...So uh, you messaged me?"
Aqua flustered for a moment before turning to him seriously, "Yes. Thank you for answering my summons so quickly."
Vanitas blinked up at her, vaguely cheeky as he groused, "It was too weird to leave unanswered." Aqua glared at him and Vanitas raised an eyebrow in response, "What? You and your friends have every reason to hate me!"
Aqua's eyes widened, "Vanitas I-" She slumped with a gusty sigh before motioning for him to walk beside her, "That may be true, but I can see how much you've changed, and Naminé loves you, so why shouldn't I at least give you the chance to get to know you on better terms, without Xehanort's influence?"
Vanitas grimaced while walking in step beside her, "Because I'm still Darkness. Even when it's sealed, it's still in opposition to your Light."
Aqua nodded absently, "And that's fine. We can't get along with everyone in life, anyway."
Vanitas gaped at her, "Are you serious?!"
Aqua smiled slightly to herself, "The Fairy Godmother once told me you can't fight Darkness with only Light. It strengthens it… but I didn't understand then. Now I do." She placed her hand on her chest and rubbed an old phantom wound, "After being plunged into the Deep while being infected with True Darkness… I understand that no matter how bright and strong my Light is… it'll only deepen the shadows."
Vanitas was silent for a long moment before scoffing, "That might be true, but it's still flowery bullshit."
Aqua gaped at him, "Excuse me?"
Vanitas glanced at her dully, "Look, Master, I don't mind playing nice, but Light will always rub me the wrong way. Not painfully most of the time, but it's like static electricity, or same-polar magnets that refuse each other."
Aqua blinked, "...Oh."
Vanitas nodded sagely, "Doesn't help you protect your Heart against it, but that makes sense, right?"
Aqua nodded, "It seems too simple of a concept, though."
"But that's how it feels."
"Yes."
Vanitas hummed, "So then, back to the reason why I'm here." He stopped and turned to her with his arms crossed, "What did you want to talk about?"
Aqua shuffled awkwardly before clasping her hands behind her back with a slight flush, "...Thank you, for having tact the other day."
Vanitas blinked, "...I have piss poor tact, if you were to ask Sora and Roxas."
Aqua paused before she covered her mouth to try and hold back a short burst of laughter, "I suppose that's true, but…" She ran her fingers through her hair awkwardly, as if to rid herself of her nerves as she refused to make eye contact with him. "You gave me books from Merlin, who had lent them to you to learn and understand humanity. There was… a lot I didn't know about in it. Skuld, Ava, and I have traded our books with each other and learned a great deal."
Vanitas nodded slowly, "Okay…"
Aqua looked at him shyly, and it was terribly awkward and made his face warm. She shouldn't look at him like that. "Uhm, so thanks. I never would've been able to ask Master Eraqus about even a quarter of the information those books provided, let alone thought to ever ask for even myself from anyone."
Vanitas nodded slowly, "Your Master failed to teach you anything beyond the barest of bones from his perspective about girl stuff, right?"
Aqua giggled nervously, "Yes."
Vanitas huffed, "It's nothing to be weird over, Master Aqua."
Aqua tried to calm herself down and looked him over curiously, "It's not embarrassing to you?"
Vanitas shrugged, "Should it be? We all have bodies that have varying functions. The Shade are no different. We have our Queen, and we are merely her workers. Most of the Darkness doesn't have a conscious gender, merely attachments to attributes. Becoming singular like myself, that's rarer, and my masculinity was solidified by being imprisoned within Ventus and spawned from his existence." He rubbed his forearm awkwardly, "A Knight doesn't always have to be male."
Aqua's eyes widened slightly in understanding, "...Oh. So you could have just as easily become a girl?"
Vanitas huffed, "I guess? But I don't even want to entertain it, no offense. I am what I am now and I've had to get through a lot of dysphoria to accept myself."
Aqua frowned as she hesitated, "...Dysphoria?"
Vanitas shrugged tiredly, "I was supposed to have Ventus's face."
Aqua's stomach sunk, "Oh. I see."
Vanitas huffed lightly, "I'm happy with myself as I am now. Pleased. I've accepted what I've slowly become despite continuing to change."
Aqua nodded absently, "I never thought about it."
Vanitas frowned, "About what?"
"Your feelings."
Vanitas felt his chest clench and his World title slightly before he took a purposeful step back, "Uh, yeah, well." He cleared his throat, "Don't hurt yourself with that." Aqua growled and Vanitas chuckled cheekily at her, "Sorry, but I don't wanna talk about it anymore."
Aqua huffed and nodded before walking ahead of him, "I've decided I'll give you the tour."
Vanitas gave her a weird look while following after, "I don't really need it-"
She turned sharply with an intense look and Vanitas almost squeaked as she firmly stated. "I am giving you. The Tour."
Vanitas nodded hurriedly and Aqua smiled pleasantly before continuing onwards as she started speaking.
In the end, he learned a lot and enjoyed their little walk around the Castle.
xXx-xXx-awaken-xXx-xXx
Sora was having a crisis. An internal one that had been growing for days, but it only seemed to get larger the more he tried to ignore it.
He should really go home and visit his parents.
He was trying to distract himself. He was nervous about returning to the Islands. Seeing his old friends he'd practically dumped after becoming a Wielder.
He felt guilty.
Sora tried to take in a cleansing breath, but instead coughed as his lungs refused to cooperate.
He left his room and entered the main living room of Merlin's apartment before he flopped face first into the couch and groaned loudly. Merlin observed him curiously from the kitchen for a moment before smiling resolutely to himself, "Problems, Sora?"
Sora nearly launched off the couch at Merlin's voice as he sharply turned to look at the young looking Wizard. "Merlin!" He hunched into himself with a grimace before sighing and pulling himself back onto his feet. He tromped over and plopped into a chair glumly, "Yeah."
Merlin smiled amicably and pushed over a tray of sweets, "How can I be of help to you?"
Sora stared at the tray as if they were the source of all of his problems before grabbing a cookie. He numbly nibbled on it for a while in contemplation before soulfully looking up to Merlin, lost. "I don't know what to do, Merlin. I'm scared. I left so much behind… and accepted it. But now I'm back, only to face too many problems I don't know how to handle."
Merlin observed the teen before him before slowly nodding, "Well, one thing at a time then. How about you write a list of your problems, and we can look at them individually?"
Sora grimaced, "Does it have to be written?"
Merlin paused, "Well, no, but it might help order your thoughts."
Sora slumped back and crossed his arms, "Can I refuse?"
Merlin nodded, "Yes."
Sora watched Merlin for a while before sighing softly to himself and sinking into his chair before softly speaking, "I should go home and see my parents."
Merlin nodded, "Yes, but..?"
Sora smiled bitterly at himself, "I kind of forgot about my other friends, just because they don't have Keyblades. I just… I didn't really think of them that much while I was gone for a whole year… and even before that. It's like I just let those friendships go."
Merlin nodded and clasped his hands, "That can happen, you know." Sora looked at him confused. "Sometimes friendships just… end. They fall to the side, not due to hardship, but simply… growing up. You've moved away from the Islands, and you're no longer bound by those tethers."
Sora sucked in a breath before pain laced his Heart, "But they're still important to me."
Merlin hummed, "Then why not see them?"
Sora bowed his head, "Because I've changed."
Merlin raised an eyebrow, "Is that so bad?"
Sora was silent for a long time before slowly looking up at him, "It's not for the better, I don't think."
Merlin sagged slightly, "Sora… we all change as we get older. Sure, it's up to us to be better people as time goes by, but you and the others have been through traumatizing events. Trauma changes everyone, one way or another, even long after they've overcome that pain. There are things that stay with you for life."
Sora grit his teeth painfully and shakily breathed out, "...Yeah. I guess that's true."
Merlin watched Sora struggle with himself silently for a long time, "So what else is eating you? Vanitas and Roxas have verbalized complaints about their chests being tight, though Vanitas is a little too used to it now."
Sora winced as guilt set it, "That's… Vanitas brought up something he shouldn't have, and now I feel like I have to have an answer."
"But you don't have one."
"No!" Sora covered his face fitfully with his hands as he tried to hold back tears of frustration, "I thought I kind of knew, then I thought I knew, before I realized I didn't know at all!"
Merlin smiled sympathetically, "Love can be difficult like that, sometimes."
Sora sighed shakily and looked at Merlin with wet eyes, "Have you ever been in love, Merlin?"
Merlin gained a strangely melancholic smile on his face, "Yes. I have a chosen lover." Sora blinked before openly gaping at him. Merlin couldn't help but laugh at the poor teen's reaction, "It may be a little hard to believe, but I'm quite enamored with the Lady of the Lake."
Sora looked at him in confusion, "...Lady of the Lake?"
Merlin nodded, "She created the Holy Sword Excalibur, and its scabbard Avalon. She isn't a human, and is more like a magical construct. She has many names, and has no need of man." He shrugged helplessly, "Her well of Magic and her indomitable beauty are ethereal and far beyond even my Magus Craft. I even begged her to become my teacher, so my relationship with her is not quite carnal, though still with the deepest of affections."
Sora shifted, "...Oh."
Merlin gave him an awkward smile, "Why do you ask?"
Sora swallowed harshly and Merlin got an inkling of a clue, "What did Vanitas say that upset you so, Sora?"
Sora slumped into himself, "He asked if I was going to confess anytime before I'm old, basically."
Merlin nodded with a short hum, "Certainly sounds like the sort of thing he'd do without thinking much about it. It seems he got a bit ahead of himself in his observations of you all."
Sora was silent for a long moment, barely breathing as he felt his anxiety crush his lungs and he tried to take in a breath as he asked in a small voice, "Is it supposed to be this hard?"
Merlin watched him silently before he stood and moved over to the distraught teen before him. He gently pulled Sora into his side and covered him in the length of his sleeve like a blanket as he gently patted his hair with his free hand. His voice was smooth and soft, and there was something there that made Sora think of the calm lapping of water. Sora leaned into Merlin's careful hold and closed his eyes, taking in the calm serenity the Wizard was exuding.
There was Magic there, lulling him out of his deep anxiety and bringing out a calm he certainly couldn't have come to on his own so quickly.
Is this how he took care of Vista?
"Sora, for many, relationships involving eros love is of great and incredible importance. A number of societies revolve around the romance of romance, while ignoring the other facets of love. You are the sort to love everyone unconditionally. Not to say you can't dislike anyone, but you have a big Heart that allows for a much broader agape kind of love than many are accustomed to. You value your friendships deeply with a philia sort of love… but you also lack a philautia form of self-love. That somehow was eroded from you, and that needs work."
Sora swallowed as he gently clasped onto the sleeve covering him from the world. It was almost embarrassing how the Wizard was dissecting his feelings, but somehow it seemed right. He hadn't known the words and would have clumsily explained it, yet, Merlin had worded it accurately. "...Yeah."
Merlin smiled sadly, "Your storge, or familial love hasn't been lost, it's simply been on hold, frozen in time, as you were made to worry about the sake of a large number of people you hadn't known. You have a pragma, or enduring love, but it ties into so many other aspects of love that you don't know how to deal with it, right? You'd rather have a ludus, or playful love."
Sora opened his eyes, "...I don't know about that."
Merlin nodded, "My apologies."
Sora looked up to him helplessly, "I'm not offended, I don't think you're entirely wrong. I just-" He slumped and laid his head against Merlin's side tiredly, "I think the problem is, is that I just want to get to know everyone. It's not like I got the chance to truly talk with and meet everyone before the Second Keyblade War. We just… kind of got mashed together and trusted we'd get through it." He closed his eyes as tears slowly threatened to form and burned his eyes, "And then Xehanort killed Kairi! Just- right in front of me, and I was helpless to stop it!" He took in a shuddering breath and buried his face shamefully into the man before him, trying to hide the shame of failure and weakness.
His shaking voice was terribly weak and small, "I said I'd protect her and I failed. My whole journey started because of her, and I wasn't going to let her go, even though I knew it would destroy me."
Merlin smiled sadly and laid his hand gently on Sora's head, "But..?"
Sora sighed wetly, "Then I was left behind, and I know it's not fair of me to feel this way… but I feel like everyone was able to move on while I stayed stagnant."
Merlin's eyes became soft, "Sora, everyone was looking for you this past year. Not a single one of them went a day without you on their minds in some way."
Sora felt sick of himself and weak, "I know."
Merlin slowly understood Sora's problem. "Yet you lost two years of your life." His most important formative ones.
Sora nodded numbly as he whispered tiredly, "Everyone's just so different now. I'm different, and I didn't even get the chance to get accustomed to my own changes." He sniffed and pulled back, a flush to his face as he warred with himself with a bowed head, "I know I'm sort of still behind mentally, that maybe my year of barely scraping by outdoors sort of kick jumped me into overdrive, leaving me at-level or ahead, but still lagging. I just- I don't know."
Merlin tilted his head and observed the teen before him. "Who are you thinking of, when you say you were left behind?"
Sora's shoulders hunched immediately and he hid his face into Merlin's side once more. He was tense and silent for a long while before he allowed himself a moment to relax. "...Kairi and Riku."
Merlin raised an eyebrow, "Kairi was in Stasis for a year searching her Memories for a way to find you. She barely started her training under Master Aqua when you returned to us."
Sora pulled back helplessly, "But that's the thing! She changed so much during the year I was away, and now it's been mostly two and things just feel- weird! Everything is just…" His strength bled out as he slumped inward, "It's just different."
Merlin blinked. He wasn't entirely sure what was going on in Sora's head, and hesitantly pushed against his outermost layer of emotions. He gently sifted through his dizzying thoughts and wired contemplations before humming softly, "Sora. If you don't want to be in love with anyone right now, then don't be."
Sora blinked and hesitantly looked up at Merlin, "I can do that?"
Merlin raised an eyebrow, "Of course."
Sora swallowed hard, "What if- what if I'm asked about it?"
Merlin tilted his head, "What does it matter? Or perhaps, who does it concern?"
Sora pursed his lips awkwardly as he tried to formulate his words, "What if I'm confessed to."
Merlin blinked, "Well, I suppose that depends on the timing and how you feel by then. But if you aren't ready, simply state as much- not that you are rejecting their feelings, but that you aren't emotionally prepared for a romantic relationship. It might strain things, but diving into a relationship prematurely has its own set of destructive qualities for both parties. It's not a great situation to be in, but if that person really cares for you, they'll understand and back off."
Sora deflated slightly, "But what if it ruins our friendship?"
Merlin was blatant, "Then they weren't your friend with the right intentions."
Sora gasped softly and looked up to him in shock, "It's- it's not always that simple though, is it?"
Merlin squeezed Sora's shoulder reassuringly before backing away, "No, but that's how it tends to be. I'll hope you are lucky enough to have those who may have eros love for you, to also value your philia and pragma love."
Sora gaped at him a little as he settled his hands onto his thighs and bowed his head in contemplation. He frowned, licking his lips awkwardly as he thought over everything Merlin had spoken to him before slowly nodding and looking up to the Wizard, "Uhm, thanks Merlin. That… kind of actually really helped."
Merlin settled in his chair once more and bowed his head shortly in confirmation, "I'm glad I could be of help to you."
Sora gave him a small smile and took another cookie, "...So the Lady of the Lake, huh?"
Merlin glared at him and clicked his tongue, "None of that, young man."
Sora snickered and shoved the cookie in his mouth before motioning with his fingers that his lips were sealed.
xXx-xXx-awaken-xXx-xXx
Vista looked between Kairi and Ventus as they poured over a few books in the Library while he sauntered over and slammed his hand on the table, startling them out of their concentration. He smirked devilishly at them as he lazily leaned forward smugly, "How's it goin', dweebs?"
Ventus smirked, "Oh, it's going pretty nicely. Plotting how to spread flowers of Light across the cosmos and sing with the birds."
Vista gave him a disgusted look and hissed while Ventus chuckled. Kairi gave them both weird looks, "Excuse me?"
Ventus glanced at Kairi playfully as he pointed between himself and her, "Prince of Light and Princess of Heart, or something like that."
Kairi blinked before snorting and slumping into the text before her, "You have fun with that."
Vista cackled while Ventus pouted. "Awe, little Venty wenty's not good with comebacks, huh?"
Ventus raised an eyebrow as he glanced back at him, "And what're you up to, Dark and dreary?"
Vista felt immediate offense and pulled a chair out before plopping into it heavily. He flinched in reflex as the chair creaked horribly under him and he felt something about its stability give way. Ventus was watching him with a flat look, but Vista could sense a smugness about him in the air and through their bond. He glared at him, "You knew this chair was trash."
Ventus raised an eyebrow, "Terra's broken it twice"
Vista swore and stood, testing a few chairs before more cautiously sitting, "What a freak."
Ventus huffed, "Could you not talk about my friends like that?"
Vista glared at him, "Maybe if Terra hadn't been so easily targeted and manipulated into becoming Xehanort's meatsuit."
Ventus bared his teeth as he stood, "Vanitas!"
Vista sniffed and reclined in his chair with his arms crossed, petulant. "Look. Maybe I wouldn't be so bitter about it if he'd been like Xemnas who didn't give a shit. But that asshole joined in my little bitch parade the first chance he got."
Ventus paused and gave him a weird look before slowly sitting back down, "...What do you mean?"
Vista sighed dramatically, "Do I have to spell it out for you? Sure, it was Terra's body possessed by Xehanort, but it was still his face and body. I don't like being around him." He shrugged nonchalantly, but Ventus got a bad feeling.
"...Did he hurt you?"
Vista glanced at him before looking away, "That's not even a question that you should bother asking."
Ventus growled deep in his throat, "But I'm asking anyway!"
Vista grimaced as he refused to make eye contact, "...A little."
Ventus sighed gustily, "Vanitas…"
Vista huffed, "Look. I can handle him a little bit, and moreso when I don't have to look at him directly."
Ventus was silent for a beat, "Is that why you were able to stay calm when we came with ice cream?"
Vista nodded, "That, and the rest of your were there. I wasn't… alone."
Ventus observed Vanitas and his blatant discomfort. "...How did he…" He trailed off, "No, I don't have the right to ask about it, do I?"
Vista was quiet for a long while before he quietly toned, "He was verbally abusing- but it was short and sharp. He has a great deal more physical strength than even Xehanort's younger self, so… he was able to dole out much more poignant physical punishment."
Ventus felt slightly sick, "...I'm-"
Vista sharply turned to him and pointedly stared him in the eyes as his voice turned into a snarl, "No. Don't you dare apologize for it. That's not your place."
Ventus relented and slumped slightly in his chair as he stared down at the unreadable words before him. "...Okay."
Vista sighed softly as he shifted his eyes to Kairi's observant ones. He raised an eyebrow at her, and she seemed conflicted.
Ah, right.
Vista forced himself to settle a little bit, to burn away his anger and hesitation before taking in a deep breath and exhaling his stronger darker urges. "I'm sorry."
Kairi blinked in surprise as she sat up a bit, "Huh?"
Vista made a slightly uncomfortable face as he rearranged his thoughts before motioning towards her, "The other day when I was teasing Sora a little. I was serious, but I didn't mean to hurt anyone's feelings, and especially not Sora's."
Kairi's eyes widened a little as he finally caught on to what he was referring to, "Oh. Well, you have been weirdly pushy about it."
Vista pouted as he crossed his arms tiredly, "I can feel the way he feels when he looks at-" He cut he himself off and scoffed at himself while looking away to the floor, "I people watch a lot. I guess it just seemed like it was obvious."
Kairi smiled awkwardly, "Sometimes it's not so easy for the people involved, though."
Vista was silent in remorse for a moment, "So I'm learning."
Kairi's smile eased into something more genuine as she observed him. "You just want what's best for Sora."
Vista nodded numbly.
Kairi leaned back a little as she hummed, "It'd be nice if things were easy, or more simple. We have a lot to catch up on… and well. I feel like I'm left behind all the time."
Vista was quiet for a moment as the three sat in oppressive silence before Vista sat properly and looked at her, "I'm sorry for creating tension between you. It's just- I think the problem is that all three of you think you're pulling farther away from one another."
Kairi paused at his observation, "What do you mean?" She had an inkling, a strong one at that.
Vista pointed at her, "You have the slight inferiority complex of being used as bad-guy bait. You've been left behind by Sora and Riku's grander adventures in the great wild yonder while you were either left at home or in Stasis. You're new to the Keyblade business, and when it felt like it mattered most, after all of your searching, you were made to stay at home again just because of your novice status. It's not that those around you were wrong. Their fault lies in not pushing you to be more active in your training to go above and beyond. They kind of went 'Well, this is good enough for now, we'll get back to this later.' and did you the disservice of not really getting back to it until too much later."
Kairi swallowed and clasped her hands in her lap tightly. Vanitas wasn't wrong about that.
Vista turned to Ventus, "You've done more for Kairi in the shortest amount of time then that whole whatever time she spent in Merlin's little timeless bubble World. Her confidence has skyrocketed."
Ventus rubbed his neck awkwardly, "Aqua's been training her too- before and after going to Scala ad Caelum."
Vista scoffed, "But she had the guts to go against protocol for your sake and do something proactive. You would've never been able to move forward if it hadn't been for her sass."
Kairi blinked before she covered her mouth to hold back a snicker. Ventus smiled bashfully, "I guess you're right about that."
Vista nodded, "As for Riku, and I honestly hate to say this, but I think he feels detached in his own way… by being too far ahead. He still has a bit of a complex concerning his Goat-related manipulation-" Ventus made a baffled face at that comment about Xehanort, "And he feels guilty about Sora struggling so hard when he seems more deserving. Sora's been a good sport about it all, but he's been through the ringer a whole hell of a lot in a short amount of time."
Kairi nodded slowly, "...Yeah, you're right."
Vista was quiet for a moment, "You two need to stick close to his side. Don't let him go, no matter what."
Kairi blinked before she smiled in determination, "Of course."
Vista looked at her, more serious than ever. "Kairi." She went blank at his focus, "I mean it. You need to re-introduce yourself, you and Riku both, into his life. His bonds are completely frayed. You've gotta focus as if you're all at square one."
Kairi was unsettled, "...You think so?"
Vista tapped his chest, "I know so."
Kairi swallowed, "...Oh."
Vista pushed himself from his seat and observed her for a long moment, "Again, I'm sorry if I've made things more awkward between the three of you. I just- I want Sora to be happy."
Kairi stared at the table for a moment before smiling up at him, "That's what I want too." She nodded, "Thank you, I appreciate and accept your apology."
Vista nodded before stepping away with a slight wave, "Have fun studying."
Ventus spoke just as he got to the door, "You should join us sometime, Vanitas."
Vista paused before shrugging with a helpless wave before disappearing into the hall.
Ventus smiled slightly to himself. They'd get along someday.
He could feel it.
xXx-xXx-awaken-xXx-xXx
A/N: I'd shut off FFnet's Guest reviews if it let me. I've mentioned it before, and I'll say it again. If you're going to vomit rant rage nonsensically in your review, it's going to be deleted. If it's not constructive to help me write better, your negative word-of-thought vitriol means nothing to me.
Hope everyone who plays SSB's is enjoying Sora's arrival.
Please R&R!