A/N: I've been waiting and waiting for an inspiration to write another Sora/Kairi one-shot. Finally I came up with a holiday one-shot. Thus consider this as my holiday present to all you who read my first one-shot. This is a Christmas one-shot, but I hope that those who do not celebrate Christmas will not be offended. Please enjoy this one-shot.
Disclaimer: I do neither own Kingdom Hearts nor any of its characters.
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Secret Santa
The snow crunched beneath her ebony booted feet as Kairi walked down the town's main street. Everywhere around her people rushed by attempting to finish last minute shopping. She wanted to smile at the beautiful and rare sight of snow on the islands, but she could do nothing but sigh and watch as her breath fogged before her. She glanced down at her crimson-gloved hands before placing them inside her lavender jacket and continuing down the street.
The truth of that date loomed before her. 'The day before Christmas...and he's still gone. I hope all is well and that he'll be back soon.' She thought, spying a vacant bench on the sidewalk and sitting down on it. She observed all the people passing her by as she once again sighed. She brought her gloved hands out from her pockets, placed them on the fabric of her blue jeans, and closed her eyes. 'Sora...' She thought. 'Please, if you can, come back in time for Christmas.' After the thought was worded in her mind she opened her eyes.
Joyful people passed by her ranging from families to couples. She wished she could show her joy. She was happy, but the fact Sora was not there dampened her spirits. She was happy because Riku returned three months ago, which was wonderful in itself, but with him he brought news of Sora to her; she had finished her Christmas shopping, even finding the perfect present for Sora; and finally her friends. Selphie would often take her on shopping sprees and Tidus and Wakka would tell her jokes. They were always there for her. Everything was great in her life she just missed Sora. It had been almost a year since the island was restored and Sora had left to complete his keybearer duties, and no matter how long it took him to return Kairi vowed she would wait on him. 'I'll always be here for you.' She thought and smiled a true, genuine smile.
A feeling of comfort had suddenly passed over her and she knew for that spit moment all was calm in the universe, but it quickly passed as Kairi noticed a familiar person walking down the street.
"Hey, Riku." She called waving.
Riku waved back and quickly walked to the bench and sat down beside her. Since their reunion Riku had become a brother figure to her.
"Hey, Kairi." He smiled.
"What brings you out, Riku?" Kairi asked.
"Last minute shopping." He replied placing his raven-gloved hands in the pockets of his dark blue jeans.
Kairi smiled. "Really? Find what you were looking for?"
Riku shook his head. "Not yet, but don't worry I will. How are you?"
"Fine. I've finished all my shopping. I just wish Sora could be here for Christmas."
"He may be. You never know." Riku said smiling in reassurance. "Don't lose hope."
"I won't, thanks." Kairi smiled.
Riku stood up and nodded. "Don't mention it. I better go. I really need to finish that shopping."
"Okay." Kairi replied. "Bye, Riku."
"Bye." Riku answered before turning and running down the street.
Kairi smiled as she watched his black jacket disappear from view. She then stood up and after a moments pause turned and began to walk back to her house. Minutes later, she opened the gate and walked up the walkway towards her door.
A small package awaited her arrival as she stepped upon the porch. She gasped and picked it up.
To: Kairi it read simply with no evidence of who it was from on the tag. 'To me?' She thought, puzzled. 'Who sent this?' She though suddenly cautious of what could be in the package. She opened the front door, though and walked inside.
After shedding her coat she walked into the living room and slowly began to open the gift. The lovely blue wrapping paper soon lay beside her and she carefully lifted the lid. She stared in awe at what laid inside.
An ivory scarf lay folded within the package. She delicately raised it from the container and examined it. Upon it also rested gold designs. It was beautiful.
"Amazing." She whispered as a piece of paper fell from it.
May all your wishes and dreams come true for in this and the other wide universes none are more special than you.
Kairi smiled at the note as she placed the scarf and it back into the package and placed the lid back on top.
"Thanks." She muttered picking it up and placing it underneath her tree.
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Hours later Kairi once again left her house. Selphie was throwing a Christmas Party and she had promised her presence there. The night had become even colder, but Kairi did not mind because Selphie lived just a block away. Within minutes Kairi was standing before Selphie's doorway ringing the bell.
"Hello." Selphie greeted cheerfully, opening the door.
"I'm here." Kairi smiled.
Selphie stepped aside and took Kairi's coat.
"Thanks." Kairi replied glancing around.
She saw Riku, Wakka, and Tidus were there along with some of Selphie's other friends.
"You're welcome. Enjoy the party, present opening will be soon."
Kairi nodded and entered the room. She greeted and was greeted by everyone there. Cheerfulness filled the room as friends and strangers got along. The party was wonderful and Kairi loved all her presents.
'My Christmas Wish, though...' She thought as she walked home carrying all her presents. 'Is to have Sora home for Christmas, but I'll understand and will not fret if it cannot be.'
She opened her gate and quickly made it to her porch where she was met with another surprise. Resting in front of her front was yet another present with the words To: Kairi printed on the tag. Beautifully wrapped in jade wrapping paper, it seemed like a sign of hope to Kairi as she picked it up and walked into her living room. She placed the gifts she had received at the party on the table before taking the new gift and beginning to unwrap it.
After opening the box she pulled out a stunning silver necklace with a diamond incrusted heart. Kairi held it in her fingers for the longest time before lifting the note from the box and reading it.
A heart so pure a wish so true. I pray for joy and happiness always for you.
Kairi stared at the necklace again before placing it and the note back into the box and placing it beside the previous gift she had received from her secret Santa under the tree. She then disposed of the wrapping paper and found a place for her other presents before going to bed.
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The night passed calmly and morning came in peace. Kairi groaned and stretched as she awoke and began her morning routine. All the while the hope that perhaps her wish would be fulfilled grew.
She was sitting at the kitchen table eating her breakfast with the scarf she had received the day before when the door rang quite unexpectedly.
"Coming!" Kairi called as she quickly ran to the door and opened it.
No one was there when she arrived, but sitting right on the doorstep was yet another package. This one was wrapped in golden paper. She glanced around before picking it up and walking inside. She closed the door and sat on her couch.
Carefully she removed the wrapping paper and opened the package. She picked a much smaller ruby, velvet box from the bottom and opened it. She gasped at what she saw within it. A beautiful golden, sapphire stoned ring rested in the small box. She set the ring down and grabbed the note and read it.
This ring has meaning, which shall be revealed. For soon your secret wish will be fulfilled.
Tears streamed from Kairi's eyes as she stood up and walked back to her tree. She lifted the box containing the necklace up and took back to the couch. She opened it again and taking the necklace out placed it around her neck.
"Thanks for everything...Whoever you are." She whispered as suddenly the doorbell rang again.
Kairi stood up and quickly opened the door.
"Hello..." She trailed off as what greeted her at the door took her breath away.
There standing before her in the doorway was the person she had wanted home for Christmas. He was taller, but his deep blue eyes still held the gleam they always had.
"Merry Christmas, Kairi." He said softly, smiling. "May I come in?"
Kairi nodded and stood aside.
Sora walked in and pulled her into a loving embrace as the door closed behind him. Kairi was stiff for a moment, but slowly she wrapped her arms around him too and began to cry tears of happiness in his shoulders. He was silent and allowed her cry.
"You're really here...I couldn't believe for a moment." She said raising her head to met his gaze.
"Sorry...I didn't come sooner. I wanted everything to be perfect before I came." Sora replied.
"I understand, don't worry, besides you have made this Christmas a memory I'll never forget." Kairi smiled as Sora released her.
"Thanks." He smiled.
Kairi continued to smile as she walked into the living room. "You thirsty or hungry?" She asked.
"No." He answered standing beside her.
He noticed the scarf and necklace. "I see you got my gifts." He said. "You like them?"
Kairi touched the scarf that rested around her lavender turtleneck and the necklace gently before tears appeared fresh in her eyes.
"Yes, I loved them." She replied, nodding.
"Riku thought you would when I showed them to him." Sora smiled.
Kairi was wide-eyed and sat down on the couch. She was silent before she raised her eyes back to him.
"Riku knew you were back?" She asked in disbelief.
"Yep." He continued to smile. "He helped me to keep it a secret and deliver my gifts to you."
"Wow...How long have you really been back?"
"I arrived four days ago, but I was trying to plan how to come see you."
"Well, you did a great job...I'm just so happy you're home." Kairi said before she began to cry.
Sora smiled softly and walked to the couch where he sat down beside her. He wrapped his arms around her once again and held her.
"...And I'm staying." He whispered.
Kairi quickly looked up. "What?"
"It's over...I'm staying here." Sora replied, smile still on his face.
"So Ansem's..."
"Defeated and purified."
Kairi hugged Sora tightly. "Wonderful!" She exclaimed.
Sora laughed at her reaction as his eyes caught on the ring.
"Kairi." He said.
Kairi released him. "Yes?"
Sora took his arms from around her and leaned over the table.
"Did you like the ring as well?"
Kairi nodded. "Yeah, I just didn't have enough time to put it on."
Sora turned and looked into her eyes. "Great, because I wanted o explain the meaning of the ring."
Kairi nodded and listened intently as Sora began to explain.
"This is a promise ring, Kairi. I bought it because I love you and in the future I'd like to become engaged and become married. Kairi, I know we are very young, but my heart tells me you are the one I want to spend my life with."
Kairi was overjoyed and shocked, but her smile told Sora everything he needed to know. He picked up the ring and took one of Kairi's hands.
"Will you accept my promise, Kairi, and some day marry me?" Sora asked with much hope.
Kairi nodded. "Of course, Sora." She replied.
Sora smiled and slid the ring smoothly on her ring finger. Kairi stared at how well the ring fit.
"It fits so well." She whispered.
Sora nodded. "I'd hoped it would." He replied taking her hand and kissing it.
Kairi blushed and after taking her hand away she smiled at Sora, who was giving her his signature goofy smile.
"It's so beautiful, Sora. All these things are beautiful. You never had to get anything for me. Your presence here is the best present I could ever imagine." She said.
Sora shook his head. "I wanted to buy you these presents. Special gifts for the most special person to me."
Kairi blushed and interlocked her fingers with Sora's. "Well, I still think the fact that you're here is the best present ever."
Sora laughed softly. "And just see your beautiful, smiling face is the best present ever to me." He whispered as Kairi and him hugged again.
"I promise I won't ever leave you again, Kairi." He whispered into her hair.
"I know...I know. You never were one to break promises." She replied smiling and raising her head.
Sora's eyes and her eyes locked and silent settled over them. Within the other's eyes each could see their future unfolding. Slowly their heads began to lean forward and their eyes began to close. Then their lips met and ever thing seemed to stop as if time had taken pity on them. Their kiss seemed to last an eternity, but the ringing of the doorbell awakened them. They both pulled away and stared at each other with love.
Sora smiled. "That must Riku...and the others. He's probably told them I'm back by now."
"True." Kairi laughed. "He probably has...Thanks for making this the best Christmas ever, Sora. It meant so much to me."
"I know...our hearts are connected. I could feel your loneliness. I'm sorry again I didn't come sooner."
Kairi rolled her eyes while her smile remained. "I've told you all ready: Don't worry, I understand."
Sora hugged her again. "Kairi, I love you. I'll always love you."
"I know you will, at least you better." Kairi smirked, causing Sora to laugh. "I love you too, Sora and I always will." She hugged him back as well.
Sora released her as the doorbell rang again.
"I'll go answer the door." Kairi said standing up, but Sora stood up as well and took her hand.
"We'll answer it together." He smiled.
"Okay." Kairi nodded and they made their way toward the door; soon, they both knew, the best reunion ever would occur at least in their minds it would be the best.
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Hope you all like it. I really hope none are offended. You all are so supportive and as along as I have people who support me like you and my family I'll never lose inspiration. Keep your eyes open, one day you may be buying a book written by me...At least that's what I hope. Please review...That can be your present to me.
Happy Holidays to All,
Heart of Friendship.
