CHAPTER 3 – Sleeping Beauty/Aurora/Briar Rose

It's perfect—this piece of the forest. Much like Snow White's place. It's calming with the sounds of nature, clear skies, rays of sun coming through the clouds, and a stream flowing nearby. This is a place Roxas could see himself coming to relax. To take a deep breath and take a leisurely stroll.

The group is not too far from Aurora's old house. Formerly Briar Rose. She is Princess Aurora now, living in a castle with the handsome Prince Phillip at her side. However, this does not stop her from occasionally making the trip out to her old homestead to relive happy memories.

That's what they are doing right now, reliving happy memories. Aurora has been telling fond recollections of her life back when she was simply Briar Rose. Kairi and Roxas listen closely, en-rapt in her tales.

"It was the only home I knew," Aurora says. A ray of sun peers through the clouds and makes her hair shine even more golden than before. Roxas can clearly see the gift of beauty given to her by the fairy Flora. "I was never in want of anything."

"Until you met me," Prince Phillip says. He raises his eyebrows and grins.

Aurora laughs. "How could I forget?"

Princess Aurora's voice is very different from Snow White's, Roxas notes. It's not light and sweet like bells. Aurora's is low and smooth. Everything about her says romantic. Her level movements, her heavy-lidded eyes, her long-flowing hair that twirls along with the skirt of her dress when she decides to add a spin as she walks. She does that—spins randomly. Like she could start dancing at any moment.

Kairi is less...rambunctious with Aurora than she was with Snow White. It fits. The two are still happy with the world, happy to see each other, but they show it in how they hold themselves. The grace in their actions. Kairi stands taller and nods more. They touch each other's forearms when they accent a certain point. Their smiles are calmer.

Even though she acts differently here, Roxas can tell it is still Kairi. She isn't trying to be something else. This is just how she can act with someone she knows who has a different disposition. They have a different relationship than Kairi and Snow White. It works.

"We're here," Aurora announces. It's a spot in the woods. It seems like any other, but from the way Aurora's eyes light up and Phillip's face splits with the size of his grin, Roxas knows it means so much more to them.

Kairi had told him this is where the prince and princess first saw each other. He didn't get details.

"This is where you two met?" he asks.

"Oh yes. I'll always remember." Aurora takes a few steps further into the trees. She takes a handful of her dress and twirls once more. "I was here, singing to myself, enjoying the time with my friends, my forest friends that is, when out of the blue—"

"A dashingly handsome young prince comes swooping in, sings in perfect harmony with your lovely voice, and sweeps you off your feet with his incredible dancing." Prince Phillip rushes forward, takes his princess's hands, and begins twirling her around in an elaborate dance. "You were smitten the moment you saw me."

"I was smitten when I learned you were not a stranger to fear," Aurora corrects.

"And I was smitten the moment I heard this hidden gem's voice. Would you sing something for us? After all, what is a dance without music?"

Aurora laughs and obliges her love's wish. First it's a hum. The humming grows into a few stanzas of "la-da" and "ah-ah" until it becomes an actual song. Several animals come within earshot of the beautiful voice to enjoy it.

And there it is. Roxas is certain dancing is a princess thing. Singing too. Snow White had sung a song upon the request of the dwarfs and her prince. Roxas wonders if Kairi sings. He looks at her and sees her gently swaying to the music. To use the words of Prince Phillip—she's smitten. Smitten with the lovely scene before her as she watches the couple twirl with grace and ease along the grass dance floor.

Roxas turns his gaze downward to his feet. He can't dance like Prince Phillip. He can't even sing (at least, he doesn't think so...he's never really tried). But he takes a deep breath to gather his courage before taking Kairi's hand.

"Roxas? What—?"

Roxas pulls her to him, taking her right hand in his left and placing his other on her hip.

"I promised that next time the opportunity came, I'd dance with you," Roxas says to the space over her shoulder. He can't really seem to make eye contact with her, too embarrassed.

The dress she borrowed from Aurora sways as Roxas tries to get his bearings. He takes a few practice steps. It's harder to get into the music when it's a simple voice that he can barely hear.

"Don't look at your feet. It makes it more likely to step on your partner's feet," Prince Phillip says as he sashays past with his princess. He makes it look easy. Even though it's obviously meant as a helpful comment, the young keyblade wielder can't help but feel inadequate.

Then he feels Kairi pull herself closer. He finally looks up to see her bright smile. "Thank you. For dancing with me. I know it's not your favorite thing."

Roxas stares at her. He wants to respond, but his voice does nothing. (Betrayed by his own voice.)

Yet Kairi doesn't seem to need an answer. She squeezes his hand and raises her eyebrows. She won't take over the dance, Roxas realizes. She's waiting for him.

And, surprisingly, that's enough to give him courage to try again.

Dancing comes easier the second time around.

Soon after, Kairi and Aurora reconnect. It's basically the same thing that happened with Snow White. The same movements, same colors, same glow. Yet it's still mesmerizing. Roxas can't tear his eyes away.

One difference does appear, however. When the connection ends and Aurora and Kairi release hands, Aurora places her hand on Kairi's cheek. The concern in her eyes makes Kairi frown. They exchange a few quiet words, words Roxas can't hear. Kairi laughs after Aurora says something. Aurora doesn't look as amused, but she does seem to accept whatever Kairi says.

Roxas asks about it as the four of them make their way back to the castle.

Kairi waves it off. "Aurora thinks she felt something different, but the connection was still strengthened. Nothing was different on her end. I don't think it's anything to worry about."

"Are you sure?"

"Positive."

Roxas wants to press. He decides against it. This is Kairi's area of expertise. If she says everything is fine then he will trust her. Because he does—he trusts her.

Somehow Roxas ends up sparring with Prince Phillip when they reach the castle. He can definitely see where the prince ended up defeating Maleficent. He fights valiantly, with a purpose. He fights like he has been trained his entire life.

Yet he isn't as good as Roxas.

Roxas gets his keyblade skills from Sora. They aren't his own. Sora has had to fight for his life nearly every day since receiving his keyblade. That makes a person skilled. Phillip hasn't had to fight for his life as often. Sure, he has dexterity, but they do not measure up to what Roxas has inherited from the famous keyblade master.

But since becoming his own person Roxas has practiced daily. Sometimes with others, sometimes by himself. He has made his skill his own, building off of what Sora has already passed on to him. Roxas, Sora, Riku, and Lea often spar together. When Ven, Terra, and Aqua are visiting they take part as well. Roxas knows he isn't the best of them, but he can make Sora sweat.

And that's all he asks for.

So when he and Phillip finish up, and the prince asks, "Where did you learn to fight?" Roxas shrugs and says, "Friends."

Roxas glances around the gardens where he and Phillip had been scrapping. They're beautiful gardens, but Roxas isn't looking at the flowers. In the back of his mind, he's looking for Kairi. She isn't there. He half-wondered if she would join him and the prince. Kairi sometimes joined Roxas and the others when they sparred. She joined enough to keep up. Sora and Riku often work one-on-one with her. Roxas, or anyone else for that matter, has had little chance to fight her. Her boys make sure she stays safe.

Now it's Roxas's job. The thought kind of makes him grin.

The prince and the keyblade master head for the castle, exiting the beautiful gardens surrounding the walls. Aurora is waiting for them at the top of the steps. Prince Phillip kisses her knuckles before excusing himself to freshen up for dinner.

Roxas is about to do the same when Aurora places a hand on his shoulder. That stops him. She pulls her hand back, clasping it with her other, and settling them in front of her.

"Can I help you, your majesty?"

Aurora's smile doesn't reach her eyes. "Yes actually. I ask your pardon for the unexpected inquiry, but may I ask the nature of you and Princess Kairi's relationship?"

Roxas blanches. "Ah..."

"You are Kairi's knight, are you not? She called you her friend. You two are close?"

Well. He's never been called her knight before. Her friend yes. "Very good friend" were her exact words when he was introduced both to Snow White and Aurora. Roxas warms at the thought. He shuffles his feet and brings his hand up to scratch the back of his head. He quickly puts a stop to that. He wants to get out of that habit. Sora does that. A lot. Roxas doesn't want to be Sora.

(He does kind of want Sora's "knight" job for Kairi, though, but Riku's next in line to get it. They're the immovable wall between Kairi and everyone else. Roxas is probably, like, twelfth on the list...and yet, here he is, being the princess's knight. Where are those two that they're too busy for her? Again? Too busy for her again.)

"Yeah, I suppose we are. We've—we went through a lot together. Long story."

"She trusts you then."

Roxas's unease at the line of inquiry begins stirring. "Um. Yes. Is there a problem?"

Aurora glances at the door of the castle. The guards standing there stand at attention. They are far enough away that they cannot hear the two's hushed words. Despite this, Princess Aurora beckons Roxas to walk with her a little farther into the garden. They stop beside a batch of lilies that remind Roxas of a sunset.

He bends over to pick one but stops. He looks at the princess. "May I?"

"The garden can spare one flower."

"Thank you." Roxas tucks it in his inside jacket pocket. He gives his attention back to the princess. "What can I do for you?"

"You are aware there was...something different about the connection earlier today. Have you asked Kairi about it?"

Roxas nods. "She said you felt a difference. She also said it wasn't anything to worry about."

"Yes, not something I need to worry about. Kairi, however, I think should keep her mind on this."

The words make Roxas's heart beat just a little bit harder. "Why? What's wrong? Is she ok?"

Aurora raises her hand to calm Roxas's growing anxiousness. "Nothing dangerous. No need to panic. I simply felt a...hm. It is difficult to explain. Her heart seems uneasy. Our connection is fine, but her heart is—fragile? Incomplete perhaps. Again, finding words to describe this is not easy."

Roxas's face turns grim. His lips stretch into a thin line and his brows furrow. Princess Aurora sighs. She did not want to bring such unease to this gentleman, but she felt it necessary.

"You may believe her when she says it is not something to cause worry. She knows her heart better than anyone else. The reason I told you was in case something somehow slips past her acknowledgement. Someone else will know of the problem if something were to happen."

Aurora watches the young man shake himself out of his tense stupor. He bows. "Thank you, your majesty. I'll talk to her."

The princess's eyes follow Roxas as he leaves. She has only known him for a short time, but she can already tell there are many strengths of his heart. If he focuses them, there is little he won't be able to accomplish. And no one he won't be able to win over.

Aurora smiles to herself. Perchance, he will win over his princess. Time will tell.


"Kairi?"

Kairi peers around the horse she is brushing and finds Roxas entering through the stable's front entrance. "Roxas! Come brush Samson with me. Of course, he's already far too handsome to need further grooming."

Samson, the rather expressive horse of Prince Phillip, seems to understand her words. He tosses his mane and ducks his head to nuzzle Kairi's cheek with his nose.

"Maybe another time. Could we talk?"

Kairi looks to Roxas, really looks this time. His face is slightly downcast with concern. Kairi puts the brush away and follows Roxas out of the stables.

"Is something wrong?" the princess asks, uncomfortable with Roxas's uneasy silence. Usually she doesn't mind his quiet demeanor, but this is a different kind of quiet.

Roxas stops walking. They end up beneath the shade of an impressively large tree. Roxas decides not to put it off. Better to face the problem head-on. "Kairi, do you trust me?"

Kairi blinks, taken aback by the seemingly out-of-the-blue question. "Of course. Roxas, I trust you. What—?"

"Because I trust you," Roxas says, cutting her off. He needs to get these words out. "And I'm here to protect you. In order to do that, I need to know everything about what's going on. I can't have you keep anything from me. That could put us both in danger."

At Kairi's bewildered and slightly hurt expression, Roxas is glad he rushed through the words when he did. He doesn't want to put pressure on her, but he has to, and seeing her pained expression would have stopped him had he slowed his speech.

"I—Roxas, I'm not keeping anything from you."

"Really? Think long and hard. Is there anything you want to tell me?"

At this, Kairi crosses her arms. Her hips move to one side and makes the skirt of her dress shift, bringing attention to her legs. Roxas forces himself not to be distracted.

"What about you? There's something you're not telling me."

"I'm not—"

"Oh yes you are. Something or someone is making you question my trust in you, and I want to know what it is."

Caught. Roxas decides to be the first to give a bit of ground. Hopefully that will get Kairi to open up as well. "Princess Aurora approached me earlier. She said there's something wrong with your heart. You know what it is, don't you? Kairi, what's wrong? Are you ok?"

All anger drains from Kairi's face. She takes a long breath before answering. "I...I have a theory, but it sounds silly."

"I'm sure it's not silly. Please tell me. Maybe I can help."

Kairi gives him a sad smile and shakes her head. "Thank you, but it's not something you can help with. I don't know what Aurora told you, but my heart isn't as strong as it used to be." Kairi winces as the words come out of her mouth. "Yen Sid noticed it too. He said my heart is weaker than the other princesses'. He and the King had all these ideas about what it could be, but I know what it is. It's...please don't tell anyone."

Suddenly, Kairi's eyes are determined. She takes Roxas's hand and looks him in the eye. "Please. I don't want anyone else to worry since there's nothing anyone can do about it."

Roxas squeezes her hand reassuringly. "I won't."

"You promise?"

Roxas knows the importance of a promise to Kairi. They are more binding than the law of any land. He feels the weight of the promise but does not feel weighed down by it when he says, "I promise."

Kairi releases his hand. She nods. "I don't have my happy ending yet."

"Your what?"

"I'm not like the other princesses. I haven't found my place in a world, the place I'm going to settle in. I don't have a throne yet, and I don't know which people will be by my side for the rest of my life. And I certainly don't have a prince."

"A—A prince?"

"That's why my heart is weaker. I haven't settled into my happily ever after. There might not even be a happily ever after. My heart could stay like this forever."

"Is...does it hurt?"

Kairi laughs. "It's not like a disease or a wound. I'm perfectly fine. I'm happy. I promise I am. I didn't think anyone else would notice my heart's change. And I don't want anyone else to know."

"Even Riku and—"

"Especially them. They already treat me like a delicate flower. I don't want more of that."

Roxas nods. It makes sense. Still, he has to ask. "Then you're alright?"

Kairi smiles again. This time it isn't a sad smile. "I'm more than alright. Like I said, I'm happy. I'm just not to 'happily ever after' happy yet, and that's ok. I'm sure I'll get there eventually. Thank you for caring." Kairi quirks an eyebrow and grins. "Does this mean you trust me again?"

Roxas laughs. "I never stopped trusting you."

Kairi beams. "Good. Because I can't lose the trust of one of my favorite people."

He fights it. He really does, but Roxas loses the battle against his reddening cheeks. "Yeah?"

"Yeah."

This prompts another question in Roxas's mind. "Kairi, can I ask you one more thing, since we're being so trusting?"

Kairi nods. "I'll do my best to answer."

"Why didn't you want Sora or Riku here with you?"

"Because—"

"And I don't want you to say that you wanted to go by yourself. You've been kind of—touchy with the subject of those two since we started this journey. What's going on?"

Kairi's smile fades for the second time in this conversation. Roxas wants to kick himself for having to be the cause of its disappearance, but this is important. Actually, if he's being honest, he doesn't need to know what the trouble in paradise is for the famous trio, but he wants to know. Boy, does he want to.

"They—we..." Kairi sighs. "Like I said, they've been treating me like I'm delicate lately. I'm getting sick of it. I really didn't need to feel like something to protect or something that's going to be lost while on this trip. I wanted to be feel like an equal again. We all used to be partners, the three of us. Now it's like I've sunk down a level."

Roxas is confused. "Wait, but the whole reason I'm here is to protect you. Are you mad that—?"

Kairi shakes her head. "No. You don't make me feel like I need protecting. You let me do things they wouldn't."

"Like what?"

"Like be out of your sight for more than a few minutes."

Ok. Yeah. He has noticed Sora's excessiveness in treating her carefully lately. Sparring restrictions comes to mind. There was also the instance of Riku speaking for her when in the presence of King Mickey. Roxas had noticed the irked expression on the princess's face during the meeting. Later that same day Kairi had barely spoken to anyone and Riku looked miserable. No doubt she had let him have it.

Kairi bites her lip. She sits down on the soft grass and fiddles with the skirt of her dress. "And...we don't need to be around each other all the time. We've had plenty of times where we go our separate ways. We will probably have to do that in the future. It's better that I get used to it now."

"Like you going away this summer to Radiant Garden?" Roxas sets himself next to her.

"Exactly that."

"You don't seem too eager."

Kairi's short laugh is bitter. "I'm not. I'm—I'm a little scared. New people, new places, and way too many new expectations. I barely remember anything about my past there, but they remember me and think I should have at least some things figured out. I don't, though. I've got nothing to go off of. I've got a few memories of my grandmother and that's it."

Roxas can understand why she's so reluctant to go. He always felt uncomfortable when going into a new place. Even when settling into Destiny Islands for a while with all his friends that have been through the end of the worlds with him, he still felt a little uneasy. "That does sound scary, but you'll make a great princess. You're already a great person. I have no doubt in my mind you'll thrive there even if your heart is a little...tired." Roxas chuckles. "It will be fun to watch you grow into your royal status. I can already see it in some of the stuff you do. Like how you...uh..." Roxas peters off when he sees Kairi's reaction to his words.

She's staring, staring long enough to make Roxas sure he said something wrong. "Uh, sorry. I—"

Then Kairi places her hand on Roxas's which lies in the cool grass. Roxas's hand had formed a fist, capturing the grass between his fingers. Should he relax his hand and hold hers? Does she want that? Probably not, but if he did hold her hand, it wouldn't be a big deal. She initiated the contact. Maybe he could—

(Wow. He is thinking way too hard about this.)

"Thank you, Roxas. Really. I—I needed to hear that." She scooches closer to him. "You know, I meant it when I said you were one of my favorite people. I'm really glad we got you back, and I actually get the chance to be friends with you."

He should say something. Anything. Roxas urges his brain to come up with words. Good words. It's hard to come up with good words when his heart is doing the same thing it did during the bonfire. That warm, distracted feeling that makes his heart sputter before thudding heavily in his chest.

Thump. Thump. Thump.

He should say how great of a friend she is. How glad he is he got to know her. How honored he is to be by the side of someone as incredible as she. Or maybe he can give her the ruby Dopey let him keep that's been weighing heavy in his pocket. It reminded him of her anyway. He had thought of giving it to her. Now could be the time.

Yeah. Ok. Roxas thinks he can safely say this is what having feelings for someone is like. He likes it. It also makes his insides twist to the point he's sure he's going to throw up. He doesn't like that part.

He opens his mouth to finally speak when a trio of lights suddenly appear before them. The red, green, and blue spheres grow and shift until they are half as high as the duo now standing in the grass. The lights take shape, forming three fairies.

"I told you they were here," Flora says. She waves her wand at Merryweather.

Merryweather's face scrunches in frustration. She shifts her fists back and forth in an aggravated manner. "Ooo, I didn't say they weren't. I said they could be in the grand hall."

"And yet they were here, like I said they would be. The grounds are lovely this time of year."

Fauna moves to take Kairi's hand between her own. "Hello dear. My you look lovely. Are you well?"

Kairi smiles. Joy blooms in her chest upon seeing the three fairies appear. She's always liked them. "I'm great. It's good to see you."

"Oh, it's wonderful to see you too."

"Why yes it is." Flora joins the conversation. "As beautiful as ever I see."

"A true princess. Beauty beyond measure." Merryweather nods in agreement. Then her eyes move to Roxas who has been flanking Kairi to allow the three fairies to aim their attention at her. However, their attention shifts at Merryweather's words. "Hello. We see you there."

"What are you doing hiding? Come now, step forward. Let us look at you." Flora waves her wand at him. Roxas obeys. He'd rather not be spelled.

His approach is met with dead silence. The three fairies stare at him with unblinking eyes. Roxas glances sideways at Kairi who shrugs.

Then the three fairies descend upon him.

"Ooo, what a face. Fauna, do you see his face?"

"Oh my, just look at those eyes. Have you ever seen such clear blue eyes?"

"And his hands. The hands of a keyblade wielder."

"What's his name again?"

"Ventus!"

"No. You're not him."

"I'm Roxas," the poor keyblade wielder says. He can do little to defend himself against their onslaught of poking and prodding and grabbing and tugging. He can hear Kairi giggling from the sidelines.

"That voice. Sweet as honey."

"Do you sing, Roxas?"

"Look, look. Broad shoulders. That's important."

"His teeth are all there. Thank goodness."

"They complete his handsome face. This young man will surely win the heart of a girl."

"Not just any girl. He could win the heart of a princess if he so wished."

Three pairs of eyes turn to Kairi who jolts at the unexpected attention. "Oh. I—uh—"

"Come now," Flora says. She waves the other two away from Roxas who visibly relaxes. The onslaught was more taxing than he expected. "We came here to fetch them for dinner. No need to keep Aurora and Philip waiting." Flora gestures at the two stupefied teens. "This way dears."


Dinner is not a quiet affair. With the three fairies firing questions, answering their own questions, making comments, and so forth, there is never a dull moment. Between them and the two kings, there is no room to speak a word otherwise. King Stefan and King Hubert's banter borders on serious arguments, yet they never cross the line, mostly thanks to their children's interference along with Queen Leah.

Roxas finds their repartee funnier as the night goes on. That could also be the wine. He's never had wine before this trip. Not even in his fake memories from Twilight Town has he gotten a taste of alcohol. He had one glass of wine when he had dinner in Snow White's palace. Here they serve it both for lunch and dinner. This is his...second? Third? One of the servants keeps refilling his glass. Out of politeness, he finished the first. Out of distractedness, he finished the second. Out of sleepiness, he sips at his third as the fairies regale tales of their own adventures.

Their adventures seem less life-threatening. More fun. A bout of jealousy stirs within Roxas. He wouldn't mind going on a journey that didn't threaten his very existence.

Actually...isn't that what he's doing now? Nobody has attacked him. No one has threatened him. This has been the easiest journey in the history of journeys. Not to mention his partner in this is making this probably the most enjoyable journey of them all.

Roxas's eyes settle on the girl across from him. Kairi is laughing at something Merryweather said. Her cheeks are flushed and her eyes sparkle. The smile on her face shows off her perfect teeth. The soft shadows play kindly at her features. In the candlelight, she appears luminescent.

Roxas contents himself by resting back in his seat and watching her. He takes another sip of wine and allows its warmth to further relax him. The chatter becomes soothing background noise.

His fuddled mind doesn't realize he's staring until Kairi catches his eye. She doesn't look away. She doesn't make a questioning expression. She stares back.

And then. She smiles.

That same smile Roxas saw in the firelight many nights ago.

"Oh my, is that the time?" Fauna exclaims barely a second later. "What are we doing keeping you two up? Time for bed, the both of you. You have a long journey ahead of you."

Roxas gets up from his seat. He didn't expect that to be as difficult a feat as it turns out to be. He grips the chair's arm to keep himself steady. He desperately hopes that hides his slightly tipsy state.

Kairi fairs better. Maybe she's used to the wine at suppertime. She's visited the princesses before. She bids the other royals goodnight then each fairy before meeting Roxas at the door.

"Oh! Wait." Flora flies over to them. "I almost forgot. We saw Sora not too long ago."

At the mention of Sora, Kairi turns completely to the red-clad fairy. "You did? How is he? Is he going home soon?"

Flora puts a hand on Kairi's arm. "Easy, dear. He's doing fine. He is following a new trail in his mission. Donald and Goofy accompany him. No grave danger has befallen them."

"Good, good." Kairi nods several times before stopping herself. (Maybe the wine is having an effect on her.)

"He sends his regards and best wishes. He says he will be back the minute his mission is over."

Kairi has a grim expression. Or maybe that's the wine talking. Roxas isn't sure, but he is sure that Kairi isn't as happy as he thought she would be at hearing about Sora.

"Thank you," he says. "We'll..." Focus, Roxas. Hold your liquor. "We hope to see him again soon."

Flora's sympathy shows in her reaching out to pat Roxas's arm. "Of course you do. Now off to bed. The two of you look exhausted. We can't have you tired. You have a long way to go tomorrow."

Roxas and Kairi again bid the room goodnight. They walk silently down the nearly empty corridors together. Halfway to their rooms, Kairi wraps her arm around Roxas's. Roxas automatically bends his arm at the elbow and acts like he is escorting her to her room like a true gentleman.

(He is not at all using this to his advantage by helping keep himself steady. Nope.)

"What are you thinking about?" Roxas finds himself asking.

Kairi's answer comes after a pause. "About which world to visit next. How do you feel about Agrabah?"

"Is that what you're really thinking?" Roxas asks. "Turst—I mean, trust. We're trusting each other."

"That's half of what I'm thinking. The other half is wondering what's so important that it's got Sora trekking through the worlds again. I thought we had defeated much of the darkness."

"Darkness hides in the shadows the light creates."

Kairi hums. Whether it's in agreement or displeasure, Roxas isn't sure.

They reach their rooms. Kairi lets go of Roxas's arm and heads for her room without looking back.

"Hey!" Roxas says too loudly. The wine helps him not feel as embarrassed as he should be when Kairi turns to him in surprise. "Sora will be fine."

The princess doesn't look any happier upon hearing this. "I know. He's always fine. He will always be fine. He's Sora."

Roxas inwardly grumbles. He wants Kairi to smile before the end of the night. His addled brain demands it. "He could be here if he would. I mean...he would be here. If he could." Short sentences, Roxas. "He wants to see you."

Roxas is glad he didn't have a fourth glass of wine. Then he would give into the temptation to bad-mouth Sora for leaving Kairi again and causing that dejection on her face.

"I know." Still no smile.

Kairi turns to go inside. Roxas becomes desperate. "Hey!" He's really got to stop yelling, but it gets Kairi's attention. "Agrabah sounds great. Let's go there tomorrow."

There it is. A smile. It may not be the same caliber as her princess smile, but it's a smile. Roxas's accomplishment makes him feel taller.

That, and Kairi's hug.

Roxas wraps his arms around her and inhales. The sweet scent of her hair—of her—surrounds him. The image of her candlelit features pops into his head. He holds her tighter.

Then she pulls away. Well, stumbles really. She turns it into a spin that drags Roxas's attention to the rest of her. This time, he allows himself to get distracted.

"Goodnight, Roxas," Kairi says.

Roxas makes a noise which could be taken as a grunt of acknowledgement.

Just before she closes the door, Kairi peers out at him and says, "Xion's a lucky girl."

Then she closes the door, leaving Roxas standing in the hallway.

One...two...three...four...five...si—

"Xion?"


A/N: I LOVE how this chapter turned out. How it flowed, the content—everything! I hope you like it too.

Which reminds me: please review! I'd love to know what you think.

We've got quite a ways to go yet in this story. I hope you're with me in this for the long haul. I'm certainly trying to be.