Living In The Shadows

by Sorasgirl333

The three were best friends through elementary. Different school districts tore them apart. Tragities became a factor in her life and to top it off High school brings the trio together, but things aren't the way they used to be. [slight OOC]

3. I'll Be There

Chapter 3- I'll Be There

It was Sunday morning. I woke up early to get a head start on the day. I put all my new clothes away in my closet. My mom made me breakfast before I headed outside to just let lose from all the things that have happened this week. The sun was warming up the chilly air. It was a beautiful morning. Nothing could ruin this. A small smile was appearing on my face before I had even realized it. I was so cheerful. I sighed in relief being this happy.

I figured a nice walk to the beach would make this day even better. The ocean was spectacular. It was so calming and relieving. I leaned against the stone wall next to the stairs to get down the sandy beach. A few people were already enjoying their day at the beach as well. My eyes scanned the faces that were happily enjoying the morning rays of the sun.

"Sora!" A females voice called. I looked for the source of the voice when I spotted them. Namine and Sora were talking on the shore.

It's funny when you find yourself
Looking from the outside
I'm standing here but all I want
Is to be over there
Why did I let myself believe
Miracles could happen
Cause now I have to pretend
That I don't really care

"How was that party?" Sora asked her.

"It was fun. I really wish you were there though. It would have been more fun." She said to him.

"Sorry I couldn't make it. I just really wasn't up for it." He said.

"Don't worry, I understand." Namine smiled.

I thought you were my fairytale
A dream when I'm not sleeping
A wish upon a star
Thats coming true
But everybody else could tell
That I confused my feelings
It was true
When there was me and you

"Can we meet up a little later, I just want to go out to clear out my mind." Sora asked.

"Sure. Call me when you want to meet up again." Namine kissed Sora's cheek before heading up the stairs. She must not of noticed me since she walked by without looking. I leaned against the wall resting my elbows on the stone wall. Sora stuck his hands in his jean pockets. The light breeze made his jacket ruffle behind him and his hair sway slightly. He was looking out at the ocean. That feeling came over me again. 'I can't love Sora... I just can't...' I looked out in the ocean too but I still had Sora in my vision.

I swore I knew the melody
That I heard you singing
And when you smiled
You made me feel
Like I could sing along
But then you went and changed the words
Now my heart is empty
I'm only left what used to be
Once upon a song

I still don't get how things got this way. Best friends one minute, practically strangers the next minute. I really did think he was the one.

Now I know your not a fairytale
And dreams were meant for sleeping
And wishes on a star
Just don't come true
Cause now even I tell
That I confused my feelings
It was true
Cause I liked the view
When there was me and you

Sora didn't seem to have much emotion looking out into the ocean. I sighed. Why am I doing this to myself?

I can't believe that
I could be so vine
It's like you were floating
While I was falling
And I didn't mind

Cause I liked the view
Thought you felt it too
When there was me and you

'Maybe I really do still love So-.' My thoughts were interrupted when I saw Selphie running down the beach in the direction of Sora.

"Sora!" Selphie called out to him. He turned to look at her.

"Hey Selphie. What's up?" He said casually.

"Oh, just looking for Kairi. You haven't seen her by chance have you?" She asked.

"Nope." Sora looked back at the ocean for a second before looking back at Selphie. "Hey, um... so what's exactly up with Kairi? She wont even talk to me anymore. I just at least want us to be friends, but it doesn't seem like she's giving me the chance."

"Well... she's just confused with people and feelings..." Selphie said hesitantly.

"What do you mean by that?"

"Let's just say she's scared to get close to anyone because everyone that said 'I'll be there' left." Selphie said. The day I last saw Sora before middle school started suddenly popped into my head.

Flashback

"So we have to start school tomorrow." Riku said laying on the hammock in Sora's backyard. Sora and I were sitting on the swing (A/N: the couch kind) next to each other.

"Don't remind me." I said with a sigh.

"I have to go to a different school..." Sora said staring out into the oblivion.

"Try not to think about it." Riku said waving his hand in front of his face. Sora quickly snapped out of it.

"How can I not think about it? Not like we have that many hours left."

"Will you two be quiet?" I said starting to get more upset. Sora looked at me.

"Kai, don't worry. I'll still see you guys often! I mean come on, we're best friends and you're my girlfriend." Sora said trying to cheer me up.

"Yeah but we're going to have to put the whole relationship aside, at least until high school because no way would it be able to work."

"Yeah, well I want you to know something..."

"Oh, please, don't get all sappy while I'm here." Riku said. I laughed and so did Sora.

"Kairi, I just want you to know, I'll be there. Even if we're not going to the same school, I'll always be there." Sora smiled at me. I couldn't help but smile back at him.

"Thanks Sora." I smiled back.

End of Flashback

She's right. Selphie was right about him saying that. I guess I never thought of that. My stomach twisted. Suddenly I got frustrated. I stood up and started to walk away until I heard my name being called.

"Kairi!" Selphie's voice rang out loud and clear. I slightly turned to see Selphie running up the stairs with Sora.

"Yeah?" I asked casually, pretending I didn't hear a thing that was just said.

"Kairi... can we... talk?" Sora asked. He glanced over at Selphie. "Alone?" Selphie looked at the two of us before quickly putting her hands up.

"Oh, don't let me stop you two! Call me when your done talking Kai! Laters!" Selph ran down the sidewalk and out of view. There was an awkward silence between Sora and I for about a minute.

"So... what did you want to talk about?" I asked crossing my arms. I wasn't sure if I was officially mad at Sora or if I was completely in love with him. My head was so boggled with which one I truly felt.

"Just want to talk. That's all. You know, I really do miss talking to you. We used to be able to talk. I guess I just miss that." Sora said rubbing the back of his neck.

"Let's go for a walk..." I said. Sora and I walked next to each other down the sidewalk. It was quiet between us. We ended up going to Rising Sun Café. The two of us sat out on their patio overlooking the ocean of course. Mrs. Tilmitt brought us drinks and some snacks for a small lunch.

"So how's life going?" Sora said trying to bring up a conversation.

"Alright I suppose. How about yours?" I asked.

"Same." He looked down at the table.

"Something's wrong. I know it." Sora looked up at me.

"How do you always know?" He asked. I looked out at the view.

"Because..." I started to say looking back at him. "Because we have that bond, remember?"

"How could I forget? That's what I meant by saying we could always talk. You know me inside and out."

"That's not so true anymore." I said honestly. There were so many things I wanted to say to him, but I wasn't sure how I was supposed to say any of it. "It's not true for either of us. You don't know me anymore and I don't know you. What I meant about the bond was that I can sense when your down. Sora, I don't know who you are anymore."

"What do you mean by you don't know me anymore?" He asked very intent of what I had to say. I sighed.

"There isn't a way I can put it. Maybe I'll figure it out myself." Sora looked at me with a skeptical look.

"Kairi?" Sora said.

"Yeah?"

"Can we start over? You know, try to become friends again? I know I've hurt you but you're killing me by not even being yourself."

"And your not being yourself? Sora, you've changed and so have I. That's it, end of story." I said simply. I just thought about what had come out of my mouth. That wasn't like me at all. Before, before any of this had ever happened, I was willing to give everyone a chance and I wouldn't judge it before it happened.

"Please Kairi." Sora got really quiet and looked me dead in the eye. "I miss you."

"I missed you Sora. Doesn't that count for something? The day before we started middle school was the last time I heard from you. It seemed as if you dropped off the face of the earth or something. It bothered me." I said.

"Look, I'm sorry." Sora looked down at his hands that were placed upon the table. "I really truly don't know what happened that caused me to change. I'm sorry for just disappearing like that. That really shouldn't have happened."

"But look where it's got you know. A perfect smart, beautiful, funny girl. You're popular. Everyone loves you Sora. Take what you have and leave it at that. It seems like you have everything you want now anyway."

"But I don't. What I want is yours and Riku's friendship back. I have Riku back more then I have you Kairi." Sora said.

"Well you'll have to earn it back. You lost it long ago Sora." I crossed my arms and looked away. Who does he think he is, trying to come back into my life just like that? After these long years of missing him and him not giving a damn about me, he suddenly wants me back? I don't think that's right.

"I know I do. But Kairi I want you to know that I... uh... I..." Sora seemed like he couldn't find the words. I looked back at Sora with no expression.

"You what?" I asked.

"I... uh, you know what never mind." He crossed his arms and looked away.

"You started it, now you got to finish it." I told him.

"Just forget it okay?" He seemed slightly aggravated, which caused me to be.

"Why don't you go meet up with Namine now?" I said standing up. Sora looked up at me.

"What, were you eavesdropping on me?" Sora said.

"No, I was going for a walk until I heard you two talking." I told him with an honest answer. "Go keep your girlfriend company Sora. You should be dedicated to her, not me." Sora stood up causing the chair so screech against the patio. It made me jump slightly. He leaned against the table.

"You're jealous of Namine, aren't you?" He asked.

"What! Are you insane? Why would I be jealous of her?" I was taken aback by that remark.

"Why else you have a cold shoulder towards me?" He said crossing his arms.

"Oh don't start acting like a jerk now! I have a cold shoulder towards you because you left Riku and me and I l-." I stopped.

"What was that?" Sora said with a smile appearing on his face. I glared coldly at him.

"Forget it." I looked away from him. "Go, go find Namine and leave me alone Sora."

"You don't mean that." He said.

"I do. Now leave."

"I left you once and look what happened. Now we can't even have a decent conversation!"

"You put it on yourself. You're the one who left. At least Riku and I tried to stay close to you." I said

"You just love doing this don't you?" Sora glared.

"Love what? I did nothing to you."

"Forget it Kairi. I'm out of here." Sora left me standing there. Alone. Yeah I asked to be alone but I didn't really mean it. I let out a sigh of frustration. How could I be so... so... dumb!

"Urgh!" I said out loud. I turned around and walked out of the café. I stuck my hands in my pockets stubbornly. This was dumb. I can't even talk to Sora like I used to! Why, why do I have to be the way I am! I just want things to go back to the old ways where I could just enjoy life as it went by. The small things never got me down. I had such high spirits. I kicked rocks on my way down the street.

'Am I really jealous of Namine...?' I began to think.

-Sora's POV- (A/N: told you guys there might be some of Sora's POV!)

After I left Kairi back at Rising Sun Café, I walked down the sidewalk fuming about the conversation back there. I put my hands in my pocket and felt something at the bottom of it, the item was the whole reason why I wanted to talk to Kairi today. I need to return it.

Flashback

After I had Kairi and Riku eat over at my house on the Sunday before school started up again, we went out to the beach to watch the final sunset of the summer together. Riku ran down to the beach as Kairi and I sat on the dock.

The sky was splashed with orange and pink as the

sun went into a slumber for the night. A few stars were twinkling and reflected off the blue-purple colored water. Kairi was messing with something in her jacket pocket.

"What are you doing?" I asked after a while. She looked at me.

"Uh, nothing..." She smiled innocently.

"Uh huh..." I laughed causing her to laugh a little too.

"Fine, I'll tell you. I made something for you. I want you to return it to me when we get to High school. Promise me Sora!" Kairi said holding up her pinky.

"Fine, fine." I said.

"Pinky promise and shake twice." She said as we did what she said. (A/N: I really do that! It's more of a true promise keeper in my book lol)

"Now what's the thing you have for me?" I asked eagerly. Kairi reached in her pocket and held a charm in the shape of a star. It was made out of thalassa shells. (A/N: I think that's how you spell it...) I remember seeing her mess with a few of them a while back.

"Promise you'll return it." She was quiet and calm sounding. I looked up at her.

"A promise is a promise." I nodded.

End of Flashback

I sighed heavily. Why are we like this? I started to think back at the conversation Kairi and I just had.

"I missed you Sora. Doesn't that count for something? The day before we started middle school was the last time I heard from you. It seemed as if you dropped off the face of the earth or something. It bothered me." Kairi said. Her voice was clear in my head. Did I really change that much?

I still recall every summer night
like it was yesterday
the time would never end
and my friends were family
nothing mattered more
than the loyalty we had
now I'm a world away from everything we shared

I looked at the charm that Kairi had made three long years ago. The first week of sixth grade seems like a blur. All I remember was getting invited to hang out with a whole bunch of people after school. I just wanted to fit in so I went with them, I guess I never thought of how hard Riku and Kairi would take it... especially Kairi...

I had something better
waiting aheadI try to take control of my heartI had something better
but I'll tear it down and I'll tape it up
by my own design I fall

My life seemed to be going pretty good with my new friends. I was becoming popular by the day. I still always thought of Riku and Kairi, but every time I would try to get in touch with them, a new friend would pop up and I wouldn't be able to get around to it. Obviously my new friends weren't really friends.

bring back the days
three story parking lot
the air is never dry
as the city falls asleep, days bleed into the night
the tables set the stage
for a life of memories
but I'm a world away from everything

I looked down at my hand which had the lucky charm placed in the middle of my hand. I smiled remembering all the good times we had back then with my friends, my real friends. I was hoping that something would happen where we'd end up just as happy.

I had something better
waiting ahead
I try to take control of my heart
I had something better
but I'll tear it down and I'll tape it up
by my own design I fall
apart as time passes by
I fall apart but the memories never die

No matter what, I wasn't going to let Kairi fade further away from me then she already was. It was upsetting enough and I knew it'd be hard, there would be fighting but if we could just have a bond again, it'd be way worth it.

and I still recall every summer night
it seems like yesterday but I'm still a world away
I had something better
waiting ahead
I try to take control of my heart
I had something better
but I'll tear it down and I'll tape it up
by my own design I fall

I put the star shaped charm back into my pocket as I headed down the street. The memories of the days way back when replayed in my head constantly. I was so far off in day dreaming that I didn't pay attention to where I was going. I collided right into someone.

"Sorry." I said looking at who I bumped into. "Riku?"

"Sora, what's up?" Riku asked. He was standing with someone. I looked at her with a confused look upon my face.

"Namine?"

"Sora!" She wrapped her arms around me. "Are you feeling any better?"

"Yeah, I suppose. Well no but I'm okay if that makes sense."

"That didn't." Riku answered. We both laughed.

"Hey guys!" Selphie cheered running down the sidewalk with Wakka and Tidus following close behind her. "Guess what!"

"What?" The three of us replied in unison.

"There's going to be a back to school fair next weekend!" She smiled happily.

"Are you guys going to go?" Tidus asked me and Namine.

"I would love to go." Nam smiled.

"I can take Kairi." Riku nodded.

"I'm assuming you'd be taking your girlfriend." Wakka said. Riku laughed.

"Of course!" He replied.

"Where is Kairi anyway? Sora what happened?" Selphie asked, her face becoming more concerned.

"Uh... a small argument, that's all." I said looking away.

"A small argument!" She blurted out. I nodded slowly. "Aw man, now she's prolly really hurt. Sora, what did you say to her?"

"Do we have to talk about it right this second?" I asked kind of uncomfortable with this whole situation. I mean, everyone was staring at me.

"Yes right now!" Selphie was getting more bossy by the minute. She crossed her arms and looked at me with a stern face.

"You scare me sometimes Selph..." Tidus said quietly.

"Shush! Let the boy speak!" She barked at him.

"Hey! I'm not a boy!" I retorted. Selphie rolled her eyes and looked across the street. She unfolded her arms and jumped up.

"Kairi!" She called out waving her arms in the air. "Kairi over here!" Right on the other side of the street, Kairi was walking by. When she heard her name being called, she looked over at us. She seemed kind of stunned to see all of us together. Truthfully, I didn't think she'd want to come over by the look upon her face.

"Let's go." Riku ran across the street followed by the rest of us. I could see Kairi sighing as we reached her.

"Hey." Kairi replied quietly avoiding eye contact with me.

"Kai Kai, what happened between you and Sora?" Selphie tried prying her way into what was said.

"All we talked about was trying to be friends again." She said. Kai looked up at me before looking back at Selphie, "That's all." I sighed lightly, so not to be noticed.

"Oh, okay!" Selph turned to me. "You couldn't just say that?"

"Heh..." I said nervously. I finally shrugged. Kairi's cell phone rang. She picked it up.

-Kairi's POV-

"Hello?" I answered.

"Kairi, it's mom. Mr. and Mrs. Kokoro are here. Why don't you and Sora come home." My mom said. My eyes widened.

"Uh... fine..." I said.

"Great! See you soon. Love you hunny!" my mom hung up the phone. I closed my phone and put it back in my pocket. I looked up.

"Sora, your parents are at my house. My mom wants us to go." I said.

"Really?" He seemed kind of shocked. I nodded. "Uh, alright. I guess I'll talk to you guys later."

"Bye Sora." Namine kissed him goodbye. Riku hugged me and kissed my forehead. Sora and I said our goodbyes to our friends before we headed down the street to my house. The two of us were silent the whole way there. It was completely awkward, I'm sure for the both of us. Finally my house came into view. I turned to face Sora at the doorstep.

"Sora, listen... I'll stay out of your way if you stay out of mine." I said to him. Sora crossed his arms.

"Sure thing." He replied. The front door opened. My mom and Sora's parents were standing there.

"Kairi!" Mrs. Kokoro said hugging me.

"Sora!" My mom hugged him. After the warm welcome from our mothers, we were pulled inside.

"Mrs. Hikari is inviting us to eat dinner here. Isn't that nice Sora?" Mrs. Kokoro said to her son. Sora crossed his arms and shrugged.

"I suppose." He said.

"Sora!" Mr. Kokoro said crossing his arms.

"Sorry Dad. Thank you for inviting us to eat dinner with you Mrs. Hikari." Sora said looking at my mom.

"Your welcome." My mom smiled. "Now why don't you and Kairi go up to Kairi's room and watch TV while we make dinner." I looked at my mom wide eyed.

"Mom!" I said.

"Now, now. Kairi, go on. Take Sora up to your room. We'll call you guys downstairs when it's ready." My mom smiled warmly at me. I sighed.

"Come on Sora." I said heading up the stairs. Sora followed me. We went into my room. Sora looked around and I went to my glass door that led out to my small deck.

"I like your room." I heard Sora say. I turned around.

"Thanks." I replied sitting on my full-sized bed. Sora sat on the other side. I turned on the TV. The two of us watched TV in silence, practically ignoring each other the whole time until we were called to dinner.

At dinner, the five of us talked the whole time. Mostly our parents talking to each other or to us. It was nice to be here with them. It reminded me of way back when. I smiled at everything. I was still slightly irritated with Sora though. I didn't let that stop me.

"You and Kairi can head back upstairs while we clean up." Mr. Kokoro said.

"Aren't we going to go home?" Sora asked looking out the window. It was dark out already.

"We want to talk a little more before going home." Mrs. Kokoro explained with a smile. Sora and I were slightly disappointed. We nodded and headed upstairs. For some reason though, our parents followed us up the stairs to my room. As soon as Sora and I were in my room, they closed the door. I heard a lock from the outside. Sora and I turned around. I ran to my door and banged my fist on the hard wood door.

"Mom!" I yelled.

"Kairi, please don't bang on the door like that. I don't want to you break it." I heard my mom's voice say from the other side. Her and Sora's mom laughed. There was a knock from the other side of the door.

"You two be good." Sora dad called. I heard the three of them walk downstairs. I looked at Sora who was looking at me.

"Well..." Sora said not exactly sure what had just happened.

"I can't believe we're locked in my room! By our parents!" I said. I walked out onto my deck. It was a cool night out and a clear sky. I couldn't believe my mom. I shook my head looking up into the sky. 'I can see Selphie doing this, but Sora's parents and my mom?' I thought.

"Kairi?" Sora's voice said behind me. I turned around. He closed the glass door to my deck as he stepped out and stood by me. "Look, I'm sorry about what happened earlier today."

"Yeah... same here." I said looking out again.

"I wanted to talk to you for a certain reason." Sora said.

"What is it?" I asked looking back at him. He was messing with something in his pocket. I was confused.

"Three long years ago, you made me keep a promise. I don't know if you remember, but I do." Sora said pulling his hand out of his pocket. He had his hand firmly around whatever he had in his hand. "Open your hand."

"Um... okay..." I said doing what he told me to do. He put his hand, along with the object in my hand.

"A promise is a promise Kai." He said taking his hand away from mine. I looked at what was left behind. My Thalassa shell charm was placed in my hand. I was stunned. I couldn't believe he remembered that promise back before middle school. I closed my fingers around my lucky charm before looking back up at Sora.

"Sora..." I started to smile. "Thank you."

"Anytime. And Kairi, I really do want to keep another promise..." He said.

"What is it?" I asked. He hugged me tight. At first I was alarmed but once it really hit me, I went along with it. I hugged him right back.

"I promise that I'll always be there." He said quietly. I smiled again and looked through the window door that led into my room. As I was looking at it, my eyes focused into the reflection. The reflection of Sora and me... together again.

A/N: How was that for a good chapter ending! I told you it'd be happy! Well now, tell me what you thought, can't wait to hear those reviews! Oh and for all the Dear Diary readers, sorry it's taking so long. I'm kind of having small spirts of writers block, but I'll try to get it done soon!