Disclaimer: I don't own it. M'kay?
Alright, I decided against reorganizing the story into bigger chapters for now, mainly because I found it way too confusing. So instead I guess I'll just make the chapters longer. I don't mean to rant, but I'm all excited. You see, I didn't mean to, but I kinda thought up a plot for what could possibly be a very fun sequel. I'd really like to say some more about it, but it would give away some important parts coming up soon in this story.
What do you guys think of me writing a sequel? It would start being posted right after this one finishes, I like the plot that much! The only thing is, it would be really close to being a spin-off from the usual Kingdom Hearts story. All the characters would still be there, but not as involved as some new ones. It'll make a fun doujinshi! I'm done for now, please review!
~~~~~
A flash of lightening lit up the hallway as Riku guided Kairi back to her room. They were both soaking wet, and there was a trail of rainwater down the hall. Kairi giggled when she noticed it, blaming it on Riku's heavy cloak before skipping quietly into her room.
She shook her head to get some of the water out of her hair, staring out the window as she watched the rain pound against it. Riku came up behind her and helped her struggle out of her wet sweatshirt, tossing it unceremoniously into her bathroom before returning to her with a large towel.
She smiled innocently at him, receiving a smirk before he threw the towel over her head. Pulling it tightly around her shoulders, she stared up at him.
"Are you disappointed in me?" She asked quietly, not entirely sure Yuffie wouldn't burst in on them.
Riku looked surprised, "No, why would I be?" he asked, pulling her back into a hug. She looked up at him, ignoring the fact that he was getting her towel wet, too.
"Because of Ansem?" She added, "Didn't you used to, love me?" She blushed and hid it by snuggling into his shoulder.
He was silent for a moment, surprised. "Kairi, I'll always love you. And I promise I'll always be there for you. If Ansem makes you happy, then I'm not going to interfere. I trust your judgment, and I suppose it is possible that Ansem could have changed." He sighed, "I know you couldn't love him otherwise…"
Kairi smiled, was it possible that Riku understood what was happening? She looked up into his eyes, grinning mischievously. "So does that mean you two can get along now?" She asked almost hopefully.
He laughed, "No." He said simply, tightening his grip around her shoulders. "Even if you love him, I can never forgive him for what he's done in the past."
She pouted, trying for all the world to look like Sora. "Oh well, it's not like it could ever work anyway…It's just a silly crush, I'll get over it.." She said, feeling her heart jolt when she heard herself say it. Tears formed in her eyes and she buried her face back into Riku's neck before he noticed.
He rested his cheek against her hair, sighing softly. "Well, Sora's not that bad." He said honestly, ignoring the soft punch that landed on his shoulder.
Gripping his wet t-shirt in her fist, she inhaled his scent and smiled. Even after standing out in the rain for hours, he still smelled like the paopu tree back on Destiny Islands.
~*~Two months and fifteen days later~*~
Kairi huffed, flopping backward into the sand. "Aww, I'm beat. Are we done yet?" She whined, kicking off her shoes and pulling herself toward the warm waves of the ocean. She sighed in relief as the water rushed over her exhausted form.
Sora towered over her, keyblade in hand. "Tired already? You're such a girl!" he laughed, ducking the shoe she launched at his head. He kicked off his own shoes and put the keyblade away, charging into the waves as Kairi fought to get away from him.
The two laughed and chased each other around for a while, enjoying the feel of the warm sunshine.
Kairi collapsed back on the beach, letting the waves lap around her as Sora flopped down on her left. "It feels so good to be home! You never realize how great simple things like sand are until it's not there anymore." She sighed, snuggling down into the familiar sand.
"Yeah, I seriously didn't think the King would let us go. I wonder what the Heartless are planning.." Sora said, flinging a handful of wet sand at Riku as he approached.
He dodged it easily and bonked Sora on the head with the dark keyblade, seating himself on Kairi's other side and poking the girl in the stomach.
"So, how was last night?" Riku asked smugly, casting a mischievous glance over at Sora.
Kairi giggled, "Sora, did you forget to tell your parents when you left?" She asked suspiciously, sitting up and staring at him.
He blushed, resting his hands on the back of his neck. "..Yeah." He mumbled, looking up at the clear blue sky.
Riku grinned at him, reaching down into his pocket and pulling something out. "Here, I got you something." He laughed, tossing the object to Sora.
"Wow, thanks, Riku." Sora groaned sarcastically, playing with the small pad of sticky notes before shoving them in his pocket.
Kairi laughed, falling back into the sand and closing her eyes. "Wow, I didn't think it was possible, but it's just like before the Heartless." She sighed happily, listening to the soothing sounds of the waves.
Sora glanced up, "Huh? What is?" He asked, looking at her like she was crazy.
Riku laughed and shoved him back, "She means everything is like it was before the Heartless came. It's like this island never even changed." He said.
Sora pouted, pulling himself up and pouncing on his silver-haired friend. "I knew that!" he growled playfully, releasing a soft 'oof' as he was thrown over onto his back in the sand.
"Then why'd you ask?" Riku growled back, jumping on the brunette as he attempted to get away.
Kairi leapt to her feet, jumping over the wrestling boys as they rolled across the sand. She rested her hands on her hips, shaking her head in amusement as she watched them go tumbling into the ocean.
Selphie appeared next to her, sighing dreamily. "This is perfect, beautiful sunny day, warm ocean, no more Heartless." She waved happily at Tidus as he and Wakka charged into the waves after their friends.
Kairi giggled, "Don't get your hopes up, I get the feeling we haven't seen the last of the Heartless. It makes me nervous, actually. They've been so quiet, like they're planning something big."
"Yeah, speaking of which, how was your training session with Sora?" Selphie asked, hands clamping behind her back as she bounced in place.
Kairi smiled, "Oh, it was fun." She said sarcastically. "He says I'm getting better, but I should avoid trying magic attacks." She sighed, shaking her head to rid herself of the mental images.
Selphie laughed, "Yeah, I saw that. At least you're fast, Sora looked like he was having a hard time keeping up with you. What are you so happy about? You look like you're about to explode." She giggled.
Kairi smiled, "It's my birthday." She declared proudly.
"Wow, really?! I completely forgot! I'm so sorry!" Selphie gasped, hugging her friend tightly. "You're seventeen now, aren't you? You're so lucky." She huffed, "So, what do you want? I'll get you a present!"
Kairi blushed, "Oh, you don't have to get me a present, I really don't feel like celebrating it. Maybe we could just get together later with Yuffie."
Selphie shrugged mischievously, "Well okay, suit yourself." She waved quickly before bouncing away.
Kairi turned and gazed back out at the silver and blue waves. She watched as Tidus leapt on Sora, knocking him back into the ocean as Riku and Wakka laughed. They looked so normal, like nothing had ever happened. Kairi sighed contentedly, there's just one thing missing…
~*~
Hollow Bastion was empty and quiet. The Heartless had disappeared, save for the few loyal replicas and the small shadows. It almost seemed as though the castle was dead, giving off a sense of loneliness.
Ansem sighed, slamming his book down onto the library table. It was growing painfully clear that he was no longer in control, he wasn't even sure why some of the Heartless had even remained with him. Obviously there was some other source drawing their attention.
He leaned back in the chair, staring at the ceiling before looking back at the replica beside him.
"That's not helping." He growled, watching the Heartless sulk on the floor, still in Kairi's form. He had hardly seen it during the fast few weeks, but lately it had developed the habit of following him around.
It looked up at him, the faintest glimmer of anger evident on its face. In a ripple of purple shadows, it shifted, taking on Sora's form to spite him.
He glared at it, finally looking away again. "Better, at least. If you hate me so much, why don't you go with the rest of them?" He asked, watching it sulk over to the bookcase and stare blankly at it. It looked back at him, sticking out its tongue.
He groaned, "Fine, then why don't you go to her?" He snapped, standing up and walking over to it, arms crossed over his chest. It looked at him blankly, finally looking away and vanishing into the bookshelves.
He turned abruptly and walked out the door, floating down to the bottom floor and gliding out the double doors to the walkway. He stood under the arch, watching the sun set across the sea. Thoughts of Kairi drifted back into his mind, but he simply shook his head.
It seemed like no matter what he did, he couldn't stop thinking about her. He hated himself for it. He wanted to forget about her, it was best for both of them. There was an unfamiliar pain in his chest, and he inhaled sharply in surprise.
He almost laughed at the irony, gripping his chest and staring blankly ahead. He couldn't understand what had happened. Was it possible that at some point he had actually reacquired the ability to love? If so, then had it been the light of Kingdom Hearts, or was there something more that was simply beyond his understanding? Just thinking about it made him question his comprehension of the light and dark forces. Clearly there was more to be researched.
Turning to go back inside, he stopped. I don't want to do research, I don't want to conduct experiments. I'm tired of flipping through books in a pathetic attempt to understand things. He spun around, staring suspiciously at the retreating sun. I've spent my whole life doing research, and look where it's taken me!
He walked slowly to the edge of the walkway, seating himself with his back resting against the arch and one leg dangling down over the ledge. Closing his eyes, he rested his head back against the stone.
It's so quiet here, I wish Kairi would come back…
He jolted back up, startled at his own random thought. No! He didn't want her to come back! If she came back, then he would have to hear her tell him why they could never be together. Because he was the reason the Heartless were destroying people's lives. Because she held the keyblade of light, destined to one day vanquish him and his Heartless. Because he was too old for her, she deserved someone closer to her own age. His heart wrenched, because she was better than that… Why should she love him, when she could have Sora, the Keyblade Master? He was just Ansem, not even in control of the Heartless anymore, useless. Sure, he was still king of Hollow Bastion, but what good was that when there was nothing in Hollow Bastion?
He sighed. Besides, if she came back, she would just be miserable. Such a social creature, just the short time she was forced to spend there before must have been excruciatingly boring. He still couldn't understand why she had kissed him. It had been imprinted in his memory, one of his few truly happy moments. Something he hadn't felt in years.
He wasn't exactly surprised to find that deep down, he held onto the hope that she could actually love him, despite who he was. He felt so calm and content around her, she seemed to radiate peace wherever she went. And she had been so warm.. When she had reached up and touched his face. He wasn't used to being touched, wasn't used to being around other humans for that matter. And instead of scowling, she had smiled at him, just that simple smile, and everything had seemed alright. Such was the power of females, but still, had it been anyone else he would have growled and walked away.
He wanted her to come back, even if it meant Sora came with her, anything just to see her again. To see her smile. Happiness was such a rare thing for him, he wanted to feel it again. Standing up, he slowly made his way back into the castle. Casting one last glance over his shoulder at the retreating sun, he ducked back inside. He would wait and see, if she wanted to see him, she would let him know it. If not, then he would stay out of her way, he owed her that much.
~*~
"Kairi! Hey!" Sora called, dashing up to her. He jogged to a stop, trying not to look too excited.
She turned and smiled, "Hi, Sora. What's up?" She asked, waving briefly to Selphie and Yuffie as they continued down the street.
He shifted nervously from foot to foot. "Well, I was wondering, since it's your birthday, maybe I could take you somewhere?" he asked shyly, giving her his trademark grin.
She blinked in surprise, "Uh, okay. Where to?" She asked.
He scrounged around in his pockets for a minute, "Well, how about some ramen?" He asked, counting up his munny.
"Alright." She giggled, taking his arm and continuing down the street.
A few minutes later, they reached the town ramen bar, seating themselves at the counter and placing their orders.
Sora glanced over at Kairi, "So, uh, are you sure you're alright? I mean, lately, you've seemed a little distant…" He trailed off, looking at her honestly.
"Oh, uh, it's nothing really. I've just been worried about the Heartless…" She said quietly, fighting back the light blush. She hated not being able to talk to Sora, he had always been there for her before. It hadn't exactly been a lie, she had been worried about the Heartless in a sense. Mostly her thoughts had been drifting back to Ansem lately, and if the Heartless were acting strangely, then something must be going on with him.
Sora's face reflected his concern, but he knew better than to pry. If it was something important, then she would tell him, she always did.
Before either of them could say more, their ramen arrived. Kairi dug into it thankfully, having something to draw her attention away from the boy next to her. Glancing over at him, she laughed. He was such a glutton, but skinny as hell.
~*~
"Thanks for dinner, Sora." Kairi said quietly, sitting next to him in the sand. It was getting late, and the sun had set hours before. The wind picket up a little, sending a shiver down her spine. Tightening her sweatshirt around her shoulders, she gazed out at the deep purple ocean.
On reflex, Sora scooted closer and wrapped his arm around her. She leaned her head against his chest and sighed.
"Sora, what do you think would have happened if we had set sail on our raft the day before?" She asked, watching the stars shimmer under the scattered clouds.
Sora thought for a moment, "I'm not sure, maybe we would have all stayed together, maybe we would have traveled to another world and remained oblivious to the Heartless, who knows…" He said, following Kairi's gaze up to the sky.
She bit back a choked sob, shoving her face back into Sora's shirt to hide her sudden tears. He tightened his grip around her, not bothering to ask her what was wrong. It was obviously something she didn't want to talk about.
Wiping the tears from her face, she snuggled down against him. He opened his mouth to say something, but decided against it, settling back down after a moment. She looked up at him, almost expectantly. "Kairi.. What do you want me to say?" he asked quietly.
She looked away, running her sleeve across her face. Lifting her face back up to him, she tried to smile.
He gazed down into her eyes, not sure what to do. Finally giving up, he pulled her closer, bringing their lips together gently. She stiffened for a moment, then quickly relaxed, sinking into his arms. He was slightly surprised when she gripped his shirt and pressed firmly up against him, his lips parting as their tongues slid together.
Kairi's heart jolted, kissing Sora was nothing like kissing Ansem. Sora was so calm and relaxed, while Ansem was hesitant and curious. Fresh tears slipped down her cheeks as she realized no one could ever replace him.
Pulling gently away from him, she stared into his eyes. "I-I'm sorry, Sora.. But I can't. I want to, but.. There's someone else I'm in love with.." She trailed off, standing shakily to her feet and hastily wiping away her tears. Turning quickly, she ran back across the beach to the town, leaving Sora alone with his thoughts.
~*~*~*~~~~
Alright, I decided against reorganizing the story into bigger chapters for now, mainly because I found it way too confusing. So instead I guess I'll just make the chapters longer. I don't mean to rant, but I'm all excited. You see, I didn't mean to, but I kinda thought up a plot for what could possibly be a very fun sequel. I'd really like to say some more about it, but it would give away some important parts coming up soon in this story.
What do you guys think of me writing a sequel? It would start being posted right after this one finishes, I like the plot that much! The only thing is, it would be really close to being a spin-off from the usual Kingdom Hearts story. All the characters would still be there, but not as involved as some new ones. It'll make a fun doujinshi! I'm done for now, please review!
~~~~~
A flash of lightening lit up the hallway as Riku guided Kairi back to her room. They were both soaking wet, and there was a trail of rainwater down the hall. Kairi giggled when she noticed it, blaming it on Riku's heavy cloak before skipping quietly into her room.
She shook her head to get some of the water out of her hair, staring out the window as she watched the rain pound against it. Riku came up behind her and helped her struggle out of her wet sweatshirt, tossing it unceremoniously into her bathroom before returning to her with a large towel.
She smiled innocently at him, receiving a smirk before he threw the towel over her head. Pulling it tightly around her shoulders, she stared up at him.
"Are you disappointed in me?" She asked quietly, not entirely sure Yuffie wouldn't burst in on them.
Riku looked surprised, "No, why would I be?" he asked, pulling her back into a hug. She looked up at him, ignoring the fact that he was getting her towel wet, too.
"Because of Ansem?" She added, "Didn't you used to, love me?" She blushed and hid it by snuggling into his shoulder.
He was silent for a moment, surprised. "Kairi, I'll always love you. And I promise I'll always be there for you. If Ansem makes you happy, then I'm not going to interfere. I trust your judgment, and I suppose it is possible that Ansem could have changed." He sighed, "I know you couldn't love him otherwise…"
Kairi smiled, was it possible that Riku understood what was happening? She looked up into his eyes, grinning mischievously. "So does that mean you two can get along now?" She asked almost hopefully.
He laughed, "No." He said simply, tightening his grip around her shoulders. "Even if you love him, I can never forgive him for what he's done in the past."
She pouted, trying for all the world to look like Sora. "Oh well, it's not like it could ever work anyway…It's just a silly crush, I'll get over it.." She said, feeling her heart jolt when she heard herself say it. Tears formed in her eyes and she buried her face back into Riku's neck before he noticed.
He rested his cheek against her hair, sighing softly. "Well, Sora's not that bad." He said honestly, ignoring the soft punch that landed on his shoulder.
Gripping his wet t-shirt in her fist, she inhaled his scent and smiled. Even after standing out in the rain for hours, he still smelled like the paopu tree back on Destiny Islands.
~*~Two months and fifteen days later~*~
Kairi huffed, flopping backward into the sand. "Aww, I'm beat. Are we done yet?" She whined, kicking off her shoes and pulling herself toward the warm waves of the ocean. She sighed in relief as the water rushed over her exhausted form.
Sora towered over her, keyblade in hand. "Tired already? You're such a girl!" he laughed, ducking the shoe she launched at his head. He kicked off his own shoes and put the keyblade away, charging into the waves as Kairi fought to get away from him.
The two laughed and chased each other around for a while, enjoying the feel of the warm sunshine.
Kairi collapsed back on the beach, letting the waves lap around her as Sora flopped down on her left. "It feels so good to be home! You never realize how great simple things like sand are until it's not there anymore." She sighed, snuggling down into the familiar sand.
"Yeah, I seriously didn't think the King would let us go. I wonder what the Heartless are planning.." Sora said, flinging a handful of wet sand at Riku as he approached.
He dodged it easily and bonked Sora on the head with the dark keyblade, seating himself on Kairi's other side and poking the girl in the stomach.
"So, how was last night?" Riku asked smugly, casting a mischievous glance over at Sora.
Kairi giggled, "Sora, did you forget to tell your parents when you left?" She asked suspiciously, sitting up and staring at him.
He blushed, resting his hands on the back of his neck. "..Yeah." He mumbled, looking up at the clear blue sky.
Riku grinned at him, reaching down into his pocket and pulling something out. "Here, I got you something." He laughed, tossing the object to Sora.
"Wow, thanks, Riku." Sora groaned sarcastically, playing with the small pad of sticky notes before shoving them in his pocket.
Kairi laughed, falling back into the sand and closing her eyes. "Wow, I didn't think it was possible, but it's just like before the Heartless." She sighed happily, listening to the soothing sounds of the waves.
Sora glanced up, "Huh? What is?" He asked, looking at her like she was crazy.
Riku laughed and shoved him back, "She means everything is like it was before the Heartless came. It's like this island never even changed." He said.
Sora pouted, pulling himself up and pouncing on his silver-haired friend. "I knew that!" he growled playfully, releasing a soft 'oof' as he was thrown over onto his back in the sand.
"Then why'd you ask?" Riku growled back, jumping on the brunette as he attempted to get away.
Kairi leapt to her feet, jumping over the wrestling boys as they rolled across the sand. She rested her hands on her hips, shaking her head in amusement as she watched them go tumbling into the ocean.
Selphie appeared next to her, sighing dreamily. "This is perfect, beautiful sunny day, warm ocean, no more Heartless." She waved happily at Tidus as he and Wakka charged into the waves after their friends.
Kairi giggled, "Don't get your hopes up, I get the feeling we haven't seen the last of the Heartless. It makes me nervous, actually. They've been so quiet, like they're planning something big."
"Yeah, speaking of which, how was your training session with Sora?" Selphie asked, hands clamping behind her back as she bounced in place.
Kairi smiled, "Oh, it was fun." She said sarcastically. "He says I'm getting better, but I should avoid trying magic attacks." She sighed, shaking her head to rid herself of the mental images.
Selphie laughed, "Yeah, I saw that. At least you're fast, Sora looked like he was having a hard time keeping up with you. What are you so happy about? You look like you're about to explode." She giggled.
Kairi smiled, "It's my birthday." She declared proudly.
"Wow, really?! I completely forgot! I'm so sorry!" Selphie gasped, hugging her friend tightly. "You're seventeen now, aren't you? You're so lucky." She huffed, "So, what do you want? I'll get you a present!"
Kairi blushed, "Oh, you don't have to get me a present, I really don't feel like celebrating it. Maybe we could just get together later with Yuffie."
Selphie shrugged mischievously, "Well okay, suit yourself." She waved quickly before bouncing away.
Kairi turned and gazed back out at the silver and blue waves. She watched as Tidus leapt on Sora, knocking him back into the ocean as Riku and Wakka laughed. They looked so normal, like nothing had ever happened. Kairi sighed contentedly, there's just one thing missing…
~*~
Hollow Bastion was empty and quiet. The Heartless had disappeared, save for the few loyal replicas and the small shadows. It almost seemed as though the castle was dead, giving off a sense of loneliness.
Ansem sighed, slamming his book down onto the library table. It was growing painfully clear that he was no longer in control, he wasn't even sure why some of the Heartless had even remained with him. Obviously there was some other source drawing their attention.
He leaned back in the chair, staring at the ceiling before looking back at the replica beside him.
"That's not helping." He growled, watching the Heartless sulk on the floor, still in Kairi's form. He had hardly seen it during the fast few weeks, but lately it had developed the habit of following him around.
It looked up at him, the faintest glimmer of anger evident on its face. In a ripple of purple shadows, it shifted, taking on Sora's form to spite him.
He glared at it, finally looking away again. "Better, at least. If you hate me so much, why don't you go with the rest of them?" He asked, watching it sulk over to the bookcase and stare blankly at it. It looked back at him, sticking out its tongue.
He groaned, "Fine, then why don't you go to her?" He snapped, standing up and walking over to it, arms crossed over his chest. It looked at him blankly, finally looking away and vanishing into the bookshelves.
He turned abruptly and walked out the door, floating down to the bottom floor and gliding out the double doors to the walkway. He stood under the arch, watching the sun set across the sea. Thoughts of Kairi drifted back into his mind, but he simply shook his head.
It seemed like no matter what he did, he couldn't stop thinking about her. He hated himself for it. He wanted to forget about her, it was best for both of them. There was an unfamiliar pain in his chest, and he inhaled sharply in surprise.
He almost laughed at the irony, gripping his chest and staring blankly ahead. He couldn't understand what had happened. Was it possible that at some point he had actually reacquired the ability to love? If so, then had it been the light of Kingdom Hearts, or was there something more that was simply beyond his understanding? Just thinking about it made him question his comprehension of the light and dark forces. Clearly there was more to be researched.
Turning to go back inside, he stopped. I don't want to do research, I don't want to conduct experiments. I'm tired of flipping through books in a pathetic attempt to understand things. He spun around, staring suspiciously at the retreating sun. I've spent my whole life doing research, and look where it's taken me!
He walked slowly to the edge of the walkway, seating himself with his back resting against the arch and one leg dangling down over the ledge. Closing his eyes, he rested his head back against the stone.
It's so quiet here, I wish Kairi would come back…
He jolted back up, startled at his own random thought. No! He didn't want her to come back! If she came back, then he would have to hear her tell him why they could never be together. Because he was the reason the Heartless were destroying people's lives. Because she held the keyblade of light, destined to one day vanquish him and his Heartless. Because he was too old for her, she deserved someone closer to her own age. His heart wrenched, because she was better than that… Why should she love him, when she could have Sora, the Keyblade Master? He was just Ansem, not even in control of the Heartless anymore, useless. Sure, he was still king of Hollow Bastion, but what good was that when there was nothing in Hollow Bastion?
He sighed. Besides, if she came back, she would just be miserable. Such a social creature, just the short time she was forced to spend there before must have been excruciatingly boring. He still couldn't understand why she had kissed him. It had been imprinted in his memory, one of his few truly happy moments. Something he hadn't felt in years.
He wasn't exactly surprised to find that deep down, he held onto the hope that she could actually love him, despite who he was. He felt so calm and content around her, she seemed to radiate peace wherever she went. And she had been so warm.. When she had reached up and touched his face. He wasn't used to being touched, wasn't used to being around other humans for that matter. And instead of scowling, she had smiled at him, just that simple smile, and everything had seemed alright. Such was the power of females, but still, had it been anyone else he would have growled and walked away.
He wanted her to come back, even if it meant Sora came with her, anything just to see her again. To see her smile. Happiness was such a rare thing for him, he wanted to feel it again. Standing up, he slowly made his way back into the castle. Casting one last glance over his shoulder at the retreating sun, he ducked back inside. He would wait and see, if she wanted to see him, she would let him know it. If not, then he would stay out of her way, he owed her that much.
~*~
"Kairi! Hey!" Sora called, dashing up to her. He jogged to a stop, trying not to look too excited.
She turned and smiled, "Hi, Sora. What's up?" She asked, waving briefly to Selphie and Yuffie as they continued down the street.
He shifted nervously from foot to foot. "Well, I was wondering, since it's your birthday, maybe I could take you somewhere?" he asked shyly, giving her his trademark grin.
She blinked in surprise, "Uh, okay. Where to?" She asked.
He scrounged around in his pockets for a minute, "Well, how about some ramen?" He asked, counting up his munny.
"Alright." She giggled, taking his arm and continuing down the street.
A few minutes later, they reached the town ramen bar, seating themselves at the counter and placing their orders.
Sora glanced over at Kairi, "So, uh, are you sure you're alright? I mean, lately, you've seemed a little distant…" He trailed off, looking at her honestly.
"Oh, uh, it's nothing really. I've just been worried about the Heartless…" She said quietly, fighting back the light blush. She hated not being able to talk to Sora, he had always been there for her before. It hadn't exactly been a lie, she had been worried about the Heartless in a sense. Mostly her thoughts had been drifting back to Ansem lately, and if the Heartless were acting strangely, then something must be going on with him.
Sora's face reflected his concern, but he knew better than to pry. If it was something important, then she would tell him, she always did.
Before either of them could say more, their ramen arrived. Kairi dug into it thankfully, having something to draw her attention away from the boy next to her. Glancing over at him, she laughed. He was such a glutton, but skinny as hell.
~*~
"Thanks for dinner, Sora." Kairi said quietly, sitting next to him in the sand. It was getting late, and the sun had set hours before. The wind picket up a little, sending a shiver down her spine. Tightening her sweatshirt around her shoulders, she gazed out at the deep purple ocean.
On reflex, Sora scooted closer and wrapped his arm around her. She leaned her head against his chest and sighed.
"Sora, what do you think would have happened if we had set sail on our raft the day before?" She asked, watching the stars shimmer under the scattered clouds.
Sora thought for a moment, "I'm not sure, maybe we would have all stayed together, maybe we would have traveled to another world and remained oblivious to the Heartless, who knows…" He said, following Kairi's gaze up to the sky.
She bit back a choked sob, shoving her face back into Sora's shirt to hide her sudden tears. He tightened his grip around her, not bothering to ask her what was wrong. It was obviously something she didn't want to talk about.
Wiping the tears from her face, she snuggled down against him. He opened his mouth to say something, but decided against it, settling back down after a moment. She looked up at him, almost expectantly. "Kairi.. What do you want me to say?" he asked quietly.
She looked away, running her sleeve across her face. Lifting her face back up to him, she tried to smile.
He gazed down into her eyes, not sure what to do. Finally giving up, he pulled her closer, bringing their lips together gently. She stiffened for a moment, then quickly relaxed, sinking into his arms. He was slightly surprised when she gripped his shirt and pressed firmly up against him, his lips parting as their tongues slid together.
Kairi's heart jolted, kissing Sora was nothing like kissing Ansem. Sora was so calm and relaxed, while Ansem was hesitant and curious. Fresh tears slipped down her cheeks as she realized no one could ever replace him.
Pulling gently away from him, she stared into his eyes. "I-I'm sorry, Sora.. But I can't. I want to, but.. There's someone else I'm in love with.." She trailed off, standing shakily to her feet and hastily wiping away her tears. Turning quickly, she ran back across the beach to the town, leaving Sora alone with his thoughts.
~*~*~*~~~~