Chapter 27 – Talking to Sora

Flashback

"So I guess everyone was really nice to you today, huh?"

Kairi nodded. "Yeah. I was surprised they actually noticed I was gone." She shrugged.

"Of course they did. In Spanish class, people were asking me where you were." Kairi looked up at him. "Really? That's weird." There was a prolonged silence.

"So… why are you so shy?" Sora wasn't looking at her.

"I don't know." Kairi responded. "I just am."

"I remember when I used to be shy. It was back in Elementary and Middle school." Kairi was shocked. Sora was shy?

"I didn't think I fit in with the other kids. Of course, Riku was my only friend back then. Tidus and I were acquaintances. Then High School came around… and everyone changed… including me."

End of Flashback

It was starting to bug Kairi more and more that she didn't know enough about her own husband. It was like there was a huge gap between them. She had explained her medical problems to him before they got married and got nothing in return. Why was it so difficult for Sora to tell her things? Did he not trust her or something? She knew one thing—today she was going to confront him about it.

Sora was washing dishes in the kitchen when Kairi woke up. The kids were off at school, and they were the only two in the house. She wrapped her arms around his waist and rested her head on his back.

"Hey, babe." He said, drying his hands. Sora placed his hands on her shoulders and smiled. He kissed her forehead and walked into the TV room, taking a seat on the couch. All Sora did nowadays was watch TV. However, that didn't stop Kairi from asking him anything.

"So, how are you?" Kairi sat down next to him, taking his hand in hers.

"I'm fine, you?"

"I'm all right." She paused and stared at the floor.

"Something wrong?" Sora asked her.

"Well…" Here it came. "Sora?"

"Yeah, babe?"

This was going to be harder than she thought.

"Has Blitzball always been the main thing you've wanted to do?" Sora didn't answer her at first. He inhaled deeply, as if he was really thinking about it.

"Look, I only want what's best for us."

"Yeah, but…" She was starting to get moody. "I just think I was selfish."

"No, you weren't… please don't cry…" Now that Sora said that, it only made things worse.

"I can't help it…" Kairi sobbed. "I just feel like I've taken away the one thing you loved to do…"

"Kairi, if there's anything I love, it's this family. Look, I had a rough life before I met you, and I don't want to put you through it, or the twins."

"What did your stepfather do?" She asked, doubting he would tell her.

Sure enough, Sora did remain quiet for a few moments. He sighed and leaned over, staring at the floor. Kairi rubbed his back gently.

"Well, he yelled at my brother and I all the time… can we talk about something else?"

"You've never told anyone this, have you?" Kairi asked. Sora shook his head. "What did he yell at you about?"

"Stupid things." Sora answered quickly. "Like why I got a B on my report card, or why I came home five minutes late. I don't think there was one day when he was around where he wasn't blaming me for something. However, this is all in the past, so I don't really care about it anymore. I bet he's dead." Sora said coldly.

"What about your mother? Does she even know where you are right now?"

"Kairi, she doesn't even know I'm married, better yet, that I have children. I'd like to keep it that way."

"But… why?" Kairi knew she was annoying him, but she really wanted to help him.

"Why do you ask so many questions?" He was getting irritated. Kairi gulped and tried to stay strong. She knew something like this would happen.

"I'm sorry, I just think it's sad that I've been with you for about thirteen years or more and I barely know anything about you."

Sora gave her a long stare. She did have a point.

"Sorry, it just frustrates me when I think about the past."

"Sora, you've always seemed so happy, especially when you were around me. You may have lied to me once or twice, but… well, I can't say you had a good reason, but we have always found a way to work around it. What makes you think this time around is any different? I want to help you, not hurt you."

"But Kairi, the past is the past. I've let go of it."

"Are you sure?" She eyed him. Sora looked away.

"If I can't get rid of the past, then there's no way I can live in the present. If I can't live in the present, than I definitely can't create a better future. That's what I believe."

"But Sora, you can't get rid of your past… it's a part of your life."

"A part of my life I'd rather forget, thank you."

"Now you're talking nonsense."

"You know," Sora added, "Just once I would like to just get away from everything and just relax… no offense…"

"None taken. I know what you mean." Kairi leaned against the couch. She was surprised at how well this was going; she had expected it to be much worse. One thing Kairi was proud of was how understanding she could be at times.

"My real father used to say… 'if anything ever happens to me, don't worry. I'll be there anyway.' And then he just… died." Said Sora, shrugging.

"I'm sorry…" Kairi hugged him. "I think you told me something about that before."

"I probably told you that he died."

"Yeah, that's it."

"I mean," Sora looked up at the ceiling. "When he was around, I was happy. He was so awesome. But then my mother had to marry a bastard and my life changed completely. So yes, I did used to be happy."

"What about now? Are you happy now?" Kairi asked uncertainly. Sora stared into her eyes and smiled.

"Of course I am. I love you, Kairi." He said softly. Kairi grinned.

"I love you too." She leaned over and kissed him. Having this conversation with Sora felt pretty good, since he has hidden away all these years. She figured one thing—maybe they were going to become even closer now.

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A/N: Yay, 27! I have about three or four chapters left of this story. I might take a break from the I Heart You series after that and work on my other stories… but I don't know. I'll probably end up starting I Heart You III like two or three days after I finish this one. XD Who knows.