ANNOUNCEMENT: THE STORY DOES NOT END WHEN THE PRINCESSES DO. THERE IS PLENTY MORE TO COME. PROMISE.
CHAPTER 7 – Cinderella
Roxas has never been afraid of heights. Hanging out at the top of a clock tower for the majority of his young teenage years was fun not frightening. It gave a sense of freedom and stillness as the wind gently blew across the expansive landscape set out before him.
However, in this point in time, he is afraid of heights—not for his sake but for hers.
See, Kairi is standing at the top of one of the rock faces on her, Sora, and Riku's little island getaway. Naminé, Xion, and Aqua are beside her. They're barely visible in the bright sunlight above them Roxas has to stare into as he climbs up the rock face.
Sora's there too. Terra's on the other side of him. Riku is below Roxas, near the base of the steep incline. Roxas somehow knows this without actually looking down. And Axel's there. (Not Lea this time. It's Axel in all his black cloak glory.) Ven Roxas can hear laughing on his right, but he doesn't look. Roxas just knows he's there.
They're all climbing. The girls are laughing at the boys as they make their way up from their place above.
The boys are racing. It's not uncommon for the boys to make a competition of something. Kairi and Aqua and sometimes Xion join in the antics when they deem the idea non-idiotic (Naminé isn't much for competition in general). But this time around it's only the boys.
The rough leaves brush against Roxas's bare chest. He doesn't remember changing into his swimsuit. The vines have been baking in the unforgivable sun and now make it more difficult to climb. This and the slightly damp rock face. Roxas's fingers ache with how hard he grasps his handholds.
Despite this, Roxas happens to be winning, yet he can't enjoy the feeling of near-victory when the anxiety crawling frantically in his stomach tells him Sora is directly below him. Again, Roxas doesn't have to see Sora to know. He just knows he's there. Which makes Roxas push himself harder, forcing out the nervous energy the anxiety creates.
Then in the blink of an eye, Sora is beside Roxas. (How did he do that?) Roxas's stomach goes from nervous anxiety to painful knots. Sora doesn't give his counterpart a passing glance while he climbs almost effortlessly. In fact, his eyes are only on the red-head above him. Sora's mouth is moving, saying something, but Roxas can't make out what it is. It's a blather of jovial words that irritates Roxas. That irritation grows, feeding the knots, becoming worse as Sora gets farther in front of him.
Keep going. Keep going. Come on. Move! Roxas's self-motivation is strong, yet it does nothing against the sudden wave of energy and skills Sora has gotten out-of-the-blue. The more Roxas pushes himself, the slower he seems to go. He wants so bad to reach the top first. To her first. To subtly guide her away from the edge of the cliff without her knowing he's trying to protect her.
(To subtly guide her away from Sora and take her attention before he does.)
The harder Roxas fights, the more lethargic his motions. It isn't until the sun goes out that he stops. It's not immediate darkness, but a sluggish crawl as the massive blackness that Roxas's subconscious recognizes as the heartless that attacked him and Kairi in Agrabah blocks out the light. He sees it and suddenly everyone else fades. They are still there, stuck in the last position they took before the heartless blocked the sun, shadowed in the dark.
Kairi's smile fades. She goes from smiling down at him to fear-filled eyes.
And she's falling.
Roxas didn't even see her leave the edge, but suddenly she's hurtling towards the ground. Automatically, Roxas reaches out a hand to catch her. He stretches as far as he can while still clinging to the rocks.
Then time slows...
Roxas's fingertips barely brush hers as she meets him halfway down the drop. The fear and sadness on her face tells Roxas it's too late. Even if he could reach out further and grab her, she's already gone. They both know it.
In that moment, Roxas mentally curses everyone—the girls for not keeping her from the edge, the guys for not being close enough to help, Sora for being close enough to help yet not helping at all, Kairi for putting herself in danger, and himself most of all for not being able to do more for her than a sheer touch of fingers.
An unexpected bolt of denial and anger shoots through Roxas and he pushes himself from the cliffside right when Kairi passes him. He stretches out his arms to grab her and pull her close. Then the ground comes rushing up—
—and Roxas topples from the bed, smacks his forehead on the side table, and meets the carpeted floor below.
He lies there staring at the ceiling, allowing himself a moment to recognize where he is and why.
He is in Cinderella's palace. He and Kairi made it here yesterday. They had hot chocolate with the King, the Duke, and Cinderella before going to bed.
Bed. Roxas tilts his head slightly to look at the hugely lavish bed that he was given all for himself. It's triple the size of any bed he's ever had and adorned with a deep red cover and silken sheets. When he first saw it, the thought that popped into his head was that there was enough room for him and Kairi comfortably and then some. (This brought on a slew of images of him and Kairi and the large, red bed that make the blonde's cheeks go red and his lower stomach tighten.)
Roxas sits up quickly to shake away his thoughts which turns out to be a dumb move because he is angled just so that his head again connects with the bedside table in almost the exact same spot. Roxas winces and gingerly touches the rising lump. Yeah, it's going to hurt. He's had worse, but head wounds always suck. Not to mention it's on his temple which means it's visible for all to see. Great.
(At least the pain stopped his thought process.)
The keyblade wielder more carefully gets up this time. He moves to the massive curtains covering the equally massive window. He opens them, and the sunshine immediately assaults his eyes. He starts his morning routine after the sun rays have finished burning his retinas. It takes longer to shake the sleepiness of the morning. The vivid dream really did a number on him. As he gets himself ready, the details of said dream fade. He remembers blinding light, then darkness, and a solid stream of stress before a shot of panic. That's it. Oh well. Doesn't matter now.
Not two seconds after Roxas exits his room two maids shuffle through his door and begin work at making neat what he made a mess (not that he's really all that messy). (It kind of irks him, not being able to allow his room to look lived-in, but hey, it's not his castle. He's not running the place.)
First he stops at Kairi's room which isn't too far from his. He knocks then waits. Nothing. He knocks again, shuffles his feet, and finally concludes she's either sleeping in or is already up. If he had to guess, she's probably already up and about somewhere else. She's a morning person.
Roxas makes his way to the dining hall and is surprised to find no one there. He has passed a few servants on the way, but no royalty. He steps into the room and takes a seat at the table. The flowers Kairi brought as a gift sit atop the long expanse of wood. They've been separated to make three smaller bouquets. He spends a few seconds staring at the flowers, shaking off the last of his morning haze which still hasn't completely left.
He only just decides to look somewhere else when the door of the kitchen opens and a servant exits. The servant isn't what catches Roxas's attention but the voices coming from the kitchen. He recognizes one of them.
Making his way into the kitchen, he sees the two princesses standing beside the ovens, backs to him. Roxas moves to sit at one of the nearby tables all the while listening to their conversation, waiting until they notice him.
"Prudence would never have allowed it," Cinderella says with a chuckle. (Allow what, Roxas doesn't know.) "She was rather...set in her ways."
"I still can't believe you managed to change her mind. She's—iron-willed," Kairi says. Roxas hears the crack of an eggshell against glass. He wonders what they're making. "Did you change everything afterwards?" she asks.
Roxas wonders if he should make his presence known. It's not like he's hiding himself, though. Plenty of other servants are milling about the kitchen this hour (though they keep their distance from the princess and her guest out of respect for their private conversation).
Nah. He'll wait for them to notice. Plus, they sound like they're having a necessary conversation. Why interrupt? Probably a continuation of last night's. Kairi and Cinderella had one long, ongoing conversation, chatting like old friends. Roxas, of course, was included several times, but the conversation kept trailing back to being between the two princesses. Roxas didn't think much of it. Kairi had seemed extremely happy to finally meet up with Cinderella—happier than any other princess if Roxas trusted his observation skills (which he does).
"Certainly not everything," Cinderella answers. "The palace was running quite smoothly. There was nothing wrong with keeping it that way. It was more a matter of creating breathing room for everyone."
"You still follow rules then."
"Not exactly rules. They're guidelines for propriety which are important when addressing dignitaries. But that hardly means you can't add your own warm touch to them. I did. Being a princess doesn't mean fitting a mold. Think of it this way. You are a lump of clay and will be shaped into a bowl. You have to be a bowl no matter what, yet what shape or color can be up to you."
Kairi is quiet. She stirs something before her. "Yes, it makes sense. I'm sorry. I can't seem to shake my nerves."
Cinderella turns slightly to place a hand on Kairi's shoulder. "You'll find your shape and color, I promise you. I did." Cinderella then turns a little more and finally sees Roxas sitting there. He feels caught for only a split second before the blonde-haired, blue-eyed princess gives him a gentle smile which simultaneously seems mischievous with a slight wrinkle of her nose.
She turns fully to reveal her round belly. The queen-to-be is nearly eight months pregnant. It makes her move in a significantly less graceful way than the other princesses, and yet she has more glow and more deliberate movements than all of them combined. It's like she knows something they don't. Maybe it comes with pregnancy.
"I think we have another morning bird in our midst," Cinderella says.
"Hm?" Kairi turns and finally notices her guard. Her smile lights up her face and her voice goes high when she says, "Roxas!" But then she turns to him fully and gets a horrified look on her face and her voice drops and says his name in an entirely different way. "Roxas!"
Roxas jolts. The caught feeling comes back. "What!?"
"You're forehead!" Kairi puts down the bowl she's holding and moves to his side. She sits beside him. Her face gets very close and her hands move to gingerly touch his face.
Roxas tries to not appear flustered at her sudden closeness. (Do not think about the bed.)
"What happened?" Kairi asks.
"Fell out of bed," Roxas admits with a shrug. "It's no big deal. Doesn't even hurt."
Kairi brushes it with her fingertips and he winces. She raises an eyebrow. "'Doesn't hurt'," she mocks.
"It didn't until you touched it. Don't touch it!"
"I'm not touching it!" Kairi says as her fingers inch dangerously closer to his bruise.
"Here you go." Cinderella shuffles up to him and hands him a damp cloth.
"Thanks," Roxas says. He takes it and presses the cool cloth against the bruise. He can't help sighing in relief.
"Better?" Cinderella asks with a chuckle.
"Much."
"You fell out of bed?" Kairi asks.
Roxas shrugs again. "Hit my head on the end table."
Kairi gives him a look which clearly states she thinks he's lying. Thankfully, she lets it go. "Are you hungry? We're making omelets."
Cinderella moves over to the stovetop and continues instructing Kairi on the proper way to make an omelet. Roxas sits there watching them, content not doing anything for a while. After the stress of Wonderland, some chill time in Cinderella's extra-clean castle sounds nice. Hopefully there won't be any more surprise visits from heartless. Though by the feel of the castle, Roxas cannot fathom there being any sort of darkness here. The entire place practically shoves its bright, shiny purity in your face.
Even the servants are a little over-the-top. They do everything with a sincerity Roxas has yet to see matched. He mentioned something about this last night and one of Cinderella's ladies-in-waiting who had been helping her prop up the princess's feet told him since the princess came along, the castle has become a better place.
It's true this castle is nicer than several places Roxas has been, but it's a little too goody-goody for his taste. He'd never dream of telling Cinderella this. That woman is kinder than anything and Roxas doesn't want to risk offending her in any way. It is, after all, her dream come true.
"You up for it, Roxas?" Kairi asks, setting his omelet down in front of him.
"Up for what?" Roxas asks.
"We're..." Cinderella trails off as she tries squatting into her seat. Both Kairi and Roxas lend her a hand. A few nearby servants even make it halfway to her before seeing that she already has help. It shows how beloved the princess is—and how precious her cargo is. The future heir resides within her.
Cinderella lets out a huff when she's finally seated. "Whew. Thank you. We're going to town today. I need to stretch my legs. I convinced my ladies-in-waiting to allow it to be only us since you're both well trained in defense."
"Do you want to go?" Kairi asks.
"Sounds good to me," Roxas answers and takes a bite of his omelet. The mix of baked egg and melty cheese with bits of ham make a wonderful combination on his tongue. But he nearly chokes on the bite when he sees two little mice hovering near his plate. One of them scurries when they're spotted, but the other, the one in the red coat and hat, waves at Roxas, plucks a piece of the chopped ham from the edge of the omelet, and salutes.
"Jaq, you're supposed to ask," Cinderella chastises.
"Much-Much thanks!" Jaq holds up the ham.
"You're welcome," Roxas says. What's one piece of meat? The mouse can have it.
Kairi has already cut a hearty bite out of her omelet and hands it over to the mouse in the green shirt who happily takes it. Kairi extends her finger and gently strokes the mouse's cheek. He flusters a little at the attention from the pretty princess with her pretty princess smile. (Roxas can't blame him. He would have acted the same at receiving such attention.)
"It's good to see you again, Gus," Kairi says.
"Duh...tanks!" Gus teeters somewhat as he makes his way back to Jaq. They both take a seat near Cinderella's plate.
Roxas has heard of these two. Friends of Cinderella from her time at her step-mother's.
"Hi," Roxas says. Jaq tips his hat to Roxas. Gus grins with a closed-mouth smile and stuffed cheeks. Roxas grins back. He goes back to his omelet. "When is the prince due back again?"
Prince Christopher was off on royal state business the past couple of weeks. Princess Cinderella's extra joy at having Kairi and Roxas as guests could partially be attributed to her being slightly lonely despite making friends with the castle staff. None of them are her true love.
"Christopher will likely be back this afternoon. Before supper certainly," Cinderella answers. "Until then, I hope you two can entertain me. We have a full day ahead."
"We do?"
"We have to prep for the baby shower tomorrow," Kairi informs Roxas. Her nose wrinkles with her slight displeasure. "The formal one at least. I'm still sad I missed the informal one last month."
Cinderella's nose wrinkles too. (Roxas hasn't seen this as a common manner trait in many people. So far only these two come to mind.) "Everyone with a title is to give me well wishes while I strengthen ties with them." Cinderella laughs lightly. "Though I find this particular gathering a little silly. They will meet the baby after they are born in another formal gathering. I already received congratulatory gifts upon giving the news of my pregnancy. But there was no changing Prudence's mind this time. She claims there can never be too much celebration when the royal bloodline continues."
Roxas and Kairi laugh (though Kairi's is a little dryer than it maybe should be, Roxas notes).
"We're going to do the connection ceremony tomorrow when Christopher's been back for at least a day."
"Is there a reason why he needs to be present?" Roxas asks. "Not that he's not welcome. Just curious."
Cinderella's hand comes to rest on her belly. "My heart isn't as strong now as it would be with him present. The stronger my heart, the stronger the connection. Once my heart has settled into having him back, it will be more open to sharing itself."
Huh. Roxas's eyes flicker to Kairi. That could be why her heart isn't in it as much. Her closest friends aren't present. Then again, she told him they haven't been as close lately. It's probably that issue rather than their physical presence keeping her heart a little down.
"Makes sense," he says.
"Are you ok with staying another night?" Kairi asks him.
Roxas's mouth quirks up in a small grin. He appreciates that she asks despite knowing he will say yes. "It's not a problem. So where are we going today?"
Busy and calm. That's what being in this town is like. Roxas watches the people pass by who all smile and wave to everyone else. Cinderella's presence doesn't seem odd to them. They chat with her, make introductions to Kairi and Roxas, then continue on their way.
Cinderella tells her guests that she frequently makes trips into town. She knows most everyone by name at this point. She made it her mission to memorize everyone townsfolk's name. She didn't know many of them before meeting her prince because she was not allowed outside of her step-mother's home often. Changing this had been one of her top priorities.
Roxas pins Cinderella with the title of an informal princess. She is wearing a dress she was told is the dress of a "scullery maid" according to Prudence—the leading lady at the castle only second to Cinderella herself. She keeps everything in order and on time. She and Cinderella had very different viewpoints starting out, but Cinderella eventually won her over and showed her things do not always have to be only one way.
That must be the wisdom she was passing on to Kairi earlier. Even now Kairi and Cinderella are deep in conversation about things of the kingdom and how Cinderella handles them.
Now Roxas might have felt left out, ignored even, if this continued, but early on in their walk Kairi's hand had reached out and gripped his. She gave no further indication of consciously being aware of this, yet every once in a while she will squeeze his hand until he answers her unspoken question by tightening his own fingers around hers. Then she will relax her hold again.
Roxas isn't sure exactly why she's doing this. His best guess is she's making sure he's still there. (Ha. Like he'd ever leave her.) He will happily put her mind at ease.
The smell of their destination reaches out to meet them. The wonderful scent of bread drifts into Roxas's senses. They turn a corner and find the bakery tucked nicely between two buildings.
Cinderella enters first. "Anastasia?"
"Cinderella?"
Instead of the woman called, a larger man with honey-blonde hair emerges from the back room to meet them. There's flower in his hair and what looks like butter on his nose. Some dough is stuck to the sleeve of his apron. His white apron has a mix of all three.
Cinderella looks no less pleased to see him. "Hello, Isaac. How are you today?"
Isaac smiles yet a twinge of shyness lingers in it. "Quite well, thank you. It's good to see you. I'm sorry, but Anastasia isn't back yet. She was supposed to be, but Drizella must be keeping her a little longer."
Cinderella smiles in understanding. "How is she coming along?"
Isaac's smile becomes somewhat sad. "She's fighting herself, her mother, and her past. It's taking a while to get her to realize money isn't all there is to life. But Anastasia is helping, and I think Merek has really opened her eyes."
Drizella, the second of Cinderella's step-sister's, the one still stuck under the thumb of the oppressive and controlling Lady Tremaine. Roxas was told at breakfast that she is slowly being convinced that the world isn't as small as she was lead to believe. Anastasia and Cinderella keep in contact with her, but Drizella refuses to be seen with them mainly for her own safety so as not to invoke her mother's wrath. Bit by bit, she's getting there. Her sisters are not giving up on her.
"I'm glad to hear it. She can take as much time as she needs," Cinderella says. She steps further into the bakery to allow Roxas and Kairi to follow her. "Isaac, I'd like for you to meet my friends. This is Kairi and Roxas."
Isaac's smile regains that happy-shyness from before. He wipes his hands on his apron and shakes both visitors' hands. "It's nice to meet the two of you. Kairi, I've heard about you. How are you?"
Kairi seems surprised at the familiarity yet takes it in strides. "I'm quite well, thank you. Happy to be here. It's good to see Cinderella again."
Isaac nods. "I'm sure she's happy to see you too." He turns to Roxas. "Have you been here before? I'm sorry to say I have not heard word about you."
Roxas shakes his head. "No, it's fine. It's my first time here. It's a really—it's nice here. Very clean." (Whoops. Wrong words.)
Kairi snorts. She covers it with a cough.
Isaac laughs too. "Not in here it isn't too clean, I suppose, but outside certainly is. Cinderella runs her kingdom well."
"Right. Sorry, that's what I—"
The wail of a child takes everyone's attention to the front door. A second later, a woman with strawberry-colored hair comes hurrying in with a wiggly child in her arms.
"I know, I know," the woman says. "Daddy's right there. Right here. Here, honey. Here. Take him please. He wants you, I know he does."
Isaac takes the fussy little one and immediately begins whispering a string of soothing words. Soon enough the baby's angry babbles fade. The woman sighs and places her hands on her back to allow herself a moment's rest.
"Hello, Anastasia." Cinderella gently places a hand on the red-head's shoulder. Anastasia startles.
"Oh!" she says. "Oh, I'm sorry. I was in such a rush to get Merek to Isaac I didn't see you." Anastasia hugs Cinderella.
"It's good to see you."
"Same here." When they pull away, Anastasia notices Roxas and Kairi. "What do you want?" Her harsh words are quiet the contrast to the show a moment ago.
Cinderella quickly steps between her sister and her guests. "Anastasia these are some visiting friends of mine."
Anastasia scoffs. "More dignitaries?"
Cinderella chuckles. "Something like that but closer. You know, four years ago you would have jumped at the chance to meet a dignitary."
"Yes, well, that was before I found my own prince charming. How can anyone do better than a prince?"
The two women share a knowing look. Then Anastasia turns to the newcomers again. "Sorry. I'm still frazzled from having a fussy Merek all morning. It's nice to meet you." Her eyes hone in on their joined hands. "How long have you been together?"
Roxas's heart goes from zero to one-hundred in one second flat. Their hands—they're still holding hands. His eyes automatically go down where they're connected then up to Kairi's equally bewildered expression.
He doesn't let go, though. (No, he will leave that to Kairi. Let them go at her pace...)
She does let go and laughs—a startled, nervous sound—and tells the room that no, they aren't together. Then abruptly changes the subject.
(No, Roxas isn't disappointment. It's fine. They aren't together. It's the truth. He hasn't done anything to make the contrary the truth. He doesn't feel like his heart weighs an extra twenty pounds. Nope.)
Roxas shoves his hands in his pockets and plasters on a smile.
They end up eating lunch there. Freshly baked rolls with butter accompany a summer-style salad and fried fish. A delicious and simple meal (that tastes like nothing thanks to Roxas's deadened senses, deadened by sadness he refuses to admit to).
Anastasia, Cinderella, and Kairi each take turns passing around Merek. After having time with his father and getting some food in him, he turns out to be quite a relaxed baby. Roxas watches Kairi coo and cuddle with him, planting kisses on his fuzzy head and tickling his chubby stomach. (Somewhere in the far reaches of his mind, he feels sure in his conclusion that she will make a good mother someday.) When Kairi hands Merek over without warning, Roxas holds him up so his tiny feet can pretend to stand on his lap and lets him grab at the collar of his jacket with his saliva-covered fingers. Thankfully, the child is content to be in the stranger's grasp as long as his parents remain in sight.
This trip into town is to waste time and escape, Roxas finds out as Cinderella and Anastasia converse. Cinderella wanted a break from the party-planning and also from the loneliness she feels after not seeing her husband for such a long time. She doesn't outright say it, but the way she speaks and the knowing looks thrown her way from her family say so. (Huh. Even the "perfect princess"—as Roxas has dubbed her—can't maintain every facet of her life all the time.)
After a while, they head back to the castle. Cinderella seems cheerier now. She and Kairi chat some more, but Kairi seems less in tune to their conversation. She keeps glances discreetly at Roxas who would have missed it if he wasn't already keeping a close eye on her. He also sees her wring her hands from time to time.
It hadn't been weird between them since Wonderland. It was that same comfort they found with each other at Belle and Adam's. But then Anastasia makes one innocent, justified inquiry and suddenly it's weird.
(Maybe...maybe it's weird because Kairi actually has something to be embarrassed about or hide. Like...like maybe she likes him back and got shy when it was pointed out. She was the one to grab his hand. It might not only be him and in his head...maybe.)
Iago's squawky words of wisdom ring through his head again. (Maybe...just maybe...)
But probably not. (He won't allow himself to hope just yet.) Roxas shoves his hands in his pockets again in his bout of self-consciousness rather than the confidence his previous thought gave him.
They reach the castle just as a caravan of carriages reaches the front entrance. At the sight of them, Cinderella hastens her steps. Kairi and Roxas each take one of her arms as she waddles as fast as she can towards the middle carriage. Her steps are uneasy in her haste.
"He's back!" she exclaims. "Christopher!"
Then they see Prince Christopher step around the carriage upon hearing his name. His face instantly brightens and he rushes to his wife. He grasps her hands between his then presses his forehead to hers.
"Cinderella!" He breathes her name in celebration. "It's so good to see you. I'm happy to be home."
"You've been away far too long," Cinderella chastises lightly.
Christopher laughs. "Far too long is right. Too long without seeing you and our child. How is she doing?"
"Or he." Cinderella rubs her hand over her belly. Christopher places his hand there as well. "We are both doing well. The midwife says I am giving all the right signals for a healthy pregnancy."
"That's the best news I've heard in weeks." Christopher bends down to kiss his wife.
Their moment of bliss is observed by the two onlookers. Roxas glances at Kairi who has her hands over her heart and tears in her eyes. But not sad tears. She's smiling widely with an expression of fond longing. Then, to his surprise, she looks to him. She startles, most likely surprised to find him looking back at her. She rubs at her eyes and mutters a, "Sorry." Roxas opens his mouth to say something (he really isn't sure what, though) when Cinderella and Christopher approach.
"Christopher, you remember Kairi, don't you?" Cinderella asks.
"Yes, of course. It's good to see you again, Kairi." The prince takes her hand and bows to her. Kairi bows in return, full of elegance and poise. "Are you well?"
"Quite well, thank you." All previous evidence of tears has left. (Roxas wonders how on earth she's so good at switching emotions so quickly. He stubs his toe and is stuck on irritation for hours as a result. Gets to be an inconvenience sometimes.) "It's wonderful to visit again. I've missed it here."
"You are always welcome here," Christopher says. He turns to Roxas. Roxas smiles at him. "You are as well, of course."
Kairi gestures to Roxas. "Yes, this is my very good friend—"
"It's ok. Ventus and I have met before, but it has been a while. How are you?"
Roxas's smile falls like the heavy stone which drops into his gut.
That hurt quite a lot more than he cares to admit. (Yep. He might be stuck on disappointment the rest of the afternoon. It will be hard to shake the pain that case of mistaken identity caused him.)
Cinderella rushes to fix the mistake. "Oh! No, sweetheart. This is Roxas. He is a good friend of Kairi's. He escorted her here."
Christopher's eyebrows rise. "Is that so? I apologize. Might I say you look incredibly similar to another person I know."
Roxas forces a smile (though he's sure it looks more pained than pleased). "It's ok. It's happened before."
"I can understand why. You know Ventus then? Any relation to him?"
"Some-Something like that. We're...cousins."
Christopher snaps his fingers. "That makes sense. Welcome to our home. I hope you have been enjoying your stay so far."
"Thank you. I have," Roxas lies. He gives a tight-lipped smile he releases the second the prince and princess turn towards the castle.
"I have quite a bit of unpacking to do," Christopher sighs. He kisses his wife's hand. "I'm sorry, but I should tend to that. There are some delicate packages that shouldn't be tossed around."
"I'll help," Roxas offers. "Many hands make light work and all that."
"Thank you, but you're a guest. You shouldn't have to—"
"I want to. It will make it go faster so you can join us for dinner sooner rather than later." Roxas tries his absolute hardest to put on a believable smile. It must work because Christopher smiles and accepts his offer.
Roxas feels Kairi's hand on his upper arm. "Roxas—"
"I'll see you at supper," he says and follows the prince.
Ok. Yeah. That was rude of him. Mean even, but the last thing he wants to see is pity on Kairi's face. He's never wanted her pity or anyone's pity for that matter. Still doesn't. He wants her respect. (Her love. Her heart.) He doesn't believe pity and respect can intermix. Plus, he isn't too keen on talking about the slip-up right now. (It stings fresh and sharp against his heart.)
Physical labor feels good. It always feels good when one has pent up anger-energy which cannot be shaken. Roxas uses this energy to move the luggage and boxes from the prince's carriage to his bedroom. But it doesn't help with keeping his thoughts from what's causing said anger-energy.
He doesn't blame the prince for this. No, Roxas took less offense when it came from the prince's ignorance than he does when it comes from his friends.
Not long after the chaos when everyone was still in high spirits, Axel (...Lea...) found it hilarious when Roxas, Sora, and Ventus were in close proximity. In fact, it happened once or twice where they honestly did mistake him for Ventus. At first it was a joke, even Roxas tried taking it as a joke. (Ventus did look a scary amount like him—actually, he looked like Ventus.) But it tired him rather quickly, especially after Xion told him once that they figured out he wasn't Ventus so quickly after talking to him was because he was always less happy than Ventus.
Yeah, Roxas didn't take it as a joke anymore after that. It was at that point he started realizing how much he wasn't an original. He got Ventus's face and Sora's heart. He's a mashup of two people who always manage to outshine him no matter how hard he tries. (So he stopped trying and accepted his fate as second-rate in a group of shining people.)
"Your twin and your clone, Roxas!" Lea's words would ring in his ears long after they were spoken. Ventus and Sora found it funny too. It became a common joke, chipping away at Roxas's self-esteem little by little until one time after another quip from Lea, Roxas snatched his shirt collar and shouted at him to stop now "or else I'll shove your foot down your throat!"
That had happened when everyone was together on Destiny Islands, a month after school had started and Roxas had been stuck with the feeling of being an inadequate student and member of the school group. Sora had shone like a star for everyone to gaze upon, even the teachers loving his shiny personality being back despite him barely being an average student. Being mistaken for Sora by teachers and students had been common the first week of school. Roxas tried his hardest to shake it off, telling himself they didn't know any better. Common mistake. He did have something like a twin and a clone. His coping mechanism only sort of worked.
Roxas was already on edge and having one of his deepest insecurities dragged into the open and willingly mocked had set him off. The others had stared at him in dead silence after his outburst. Roxas went off on his own the rest of the day, finding more comfort in solitude than his "friends".
(He tries remembering if Kairi laughed at those jokes, if Kairi ever mistook him for Ventus. He would always feel a little extra humiliated when embarrassed in her presence. He had been keeping something of an eye on her even then, but he hadn't attributed it to a crush yet. Really all he knew was that he didn't want to feel more humiliated so he kind of avoided her when embarrassed...huh, no wonder she thought he didn't like her starting out.)
Kairi. He hasn't gotten to talk to her much since coming here. She's been practically glued to Cinderella's side. Not that it's really a problem it's just...if he's being honest, Roxas feels pushed aside. Actually, how it's going here is how he expected it to be throughout each world, but Kairi had included him in most everything she did. Now, though—now she's hanging on Cinderella's every word while he hangs back like a loyal mutt. It wasn't a problem until now thanks to his hurt amplifying all other feelings.
Roxas tries to remember her kind words to him back in Wonderland. He tries remembering what he felt like when she told him she thought him incredible. But he can't. Each attempt gets crushed under his petulant attitude. Yes, Roxas knows it's childish, but he can't help it. Hence the anger-energy.
Part of this is probably from the impending end of the trip. The fear that things will go back to normal between them, that they will drift apart and barely speak again has Roxas's stomach churning and his heart feeling ten pounds heavier. The thought of not being on the receiving end of her princess smile...or worse—not ever seeing that small smile in the firelight, the one that sends his heart racing and makes him want...it's almost unbearable.
"Thanks fellas."
Christopher thanking the servants who helped with the luggage brings Roxas out of the thoughts stewing in his head. The servants bow and exit the prince's personal chambers. The prince then smiles at Roxas and places a hand on his shoulder, stopping him from leaving with them. "And thank you. You didn't have to, but I appreciate it all the same. "
Roxas shrugs. "It's no trouble, your highness. I need the exercise."
Christopher chuckles at this. "You don't look like you do. You look like you haven't missed a day of training in your life. Tell me, are you a soldier? A guard?"
Roxas thinks about this. "A guard. I mean, I'm mainly here to protect Kairi, but she doesn't really need it."
Christopher shakes his head. "That girl is certainly resilient, but I wouldn't say she doesn't need you. I think your company does more for her than your sword could."
Roxas frowns. "Why—Why do you say that?" How does this man know such a thing about Kairi? Who is he to be making assumptions? What does he know that Roxas doesn't?
Christopher's features soften in sympathy for the girl not present. "She never told you? I suppose she wouldn't tell anyone, though. Some things aren't meant to be shared, not even very good friends."
Roxas tries not to dwell on the fact that he only recently got that title—"very good friend" (and how he'd like to change it so soon after getting it—boyfriend sounds kinda childish...but it's what he wants). He also tries to fight his rising anxiety. "Tell me what?"
"Kairi has come here unannounced before, outside of her expected visits. It was only once. She came alone in the middle of the night. She was in a rather flustered state. Cinderella had brought her into the sitting room and ordered two cups of warm milk. Those two sat and talked until morning. I made myself scarce then, but Cinderella shared the nature of the visit with me later."
Christopher moves a few boxes around as he continues speaking. "I was aware of Kairi's royal status but unaware she was taking over a land still rebuilding from disaster. The stress had gotten to her. She left in secret and came here after those in her world went to sleep. She shared with my wife her fears and insecurities about her inexperience. She knew Cinderella would understand because she herself had gone from commoner to royalty rather quickly. Could you hand me that package there, please? Carefully. That one's fragile."
Roxas's muscles go on automatic as he hands over the requested package. Christopher cautiously takes it. "Ever since, Kairi has often discussed royal duties with Cinderella. I know she looks up to her. And she is right to. Cinderella had her own struggles with ruling and overcame them. Even so, Kairi will have to find her own way of doing things. I hope for the day she feels better about her role."
Christopher opens up the box and takes out a mobile—meant to dangle above the baby's crib. What hangs from it are beautifully made glass birds. They shine even in the low light of the fading afternoon, their different colors flickering against the wall.
"What do you think?" the prince asks. "We were already gifted three, but none quite like this. And I would prefer the baby see something that shines."
"Pretty," Roxas says.
Christopher nods with finality as if Roxas's words are what confirm the decision. "Then this is what shall be above the baby's crib." He sets it down back in the box and carefully sets it on a nearby table. "When I said your company does more than your sword, I'm telling you from what I heard, she does not need another person to fight for her. She needs another person to be with her. I hope you can understand this."
Roxas digests the words. They sink into his conscious and spread their meaning into the rest of his thoughts. His earlier anger dissipates as cool understanding takes its place. "Thank you for telling me."
The prince nods to him and claps him once on the shoulder. "I have a feeling you will use the information wisely. Now, I don't know about you, but I'm starving. Traveling always sharpens my appetite."
The two make their way to the dining hall where the table has already been set and the duke, the king, Prudence, Cinderella, and Kairi are seated. Roxas takes his seat beside Kairi. He offers her a smile tinged with his suppressed concern. This smile is a little more real. A little easier to create.
("The stress had gotten to her. She left in secret and came here after those in her world went to sleep. She shared with my wife her fears and insecurities about her inexperience...Even so, Kairi will have to find her own way of doing things. I hope for the day she feels better about her role...I have a feeling you will use the information wisely")
Kairi smiles back, eyebrows still crinkled with unease. Then the salad course is placed before her and her attention settles elsewhere.
Conversation mainly circles around the prince's travels. He focuses on good news and funny stories first. However, when he gets to discussing politics, the king and duke overtake much of the rest of his time at the table. The king had not been able to travel with his son in his older age and because of this demands to know every detail of each dignitary from their stance on recent laws to whether or not "that pompous Fitzgerald ever got rid of that yappy little rat of his".
"Now, sir," the duke lightly chastises, "such insensitivity certainly won't do when you meet with—"
"Hang sensitivity!" the king shouts to the duke. "That dog ate my tarts last time he was here. He is never welcome on castle grounds again!"
Supper wraps up soon after the outburst, the prince sensing his father's blood pressure going into extremes. The servants flutter about the table to take the dirty dishes. Roxas follows the troop as they head for the main sitting room. The three men get ahead of them with Prudence on the Duke's arm but only because Cinderella releases Christopher's arm and gestures for him to continue without her and Kairi, of course, follows Cinderella's lead. There in the middle of the hallway, the crown princess of this world turns and looks directly at Roxas.
"Roxas, am I safe in assuming you were unaware of Ventus's previous visits here?"
Roxas blinks at the sudden interrogation. What can he do but answer honestly to those clear and knowing blue eyes? "Uh, yes, I didn't know."
Cinderella nods. "It makes sense then. You were caught off-guard. I apologize for my husband's assumptions. He is not like Kairi and I."
Roxas stuffs his hands in his pockets and tries to keep himself from scuffing his feet. (Cinderella kind of reminds him of Aurora. They face any issue head-on.) "It's no problem, really. He hasn't seen us in the same room before. Honest mistake. I don't hold it against him."
Roxas has calmed down since his earlier time stomping around. Plus, it really wasn't Prince Christopher's fault. Roxas can accept this more rationally now.
"No." Cinderella shakes her head. "He isn't like Kairi and I as in he doesn't recognize hearts like we do."
"...I'm sorry?"
Cinderella looks to Kairi. "Care to explain or shall I?"
Kairi looks slightly unsure. She fidgets with her hands but does well to maintain eye contact as she explains. "We don't...we see a little deeper than what normal people do."
"Deeper," Roxas repeats, not understanding.
She tries again. "We recognize people's hearts and distinguish the differences between them. Nothing major, but we can sort of...tell who is who without having to see the person."
Roxas's narrows his eyes as he concentrates on her words. "So...you can sense them from a distance?"
Cinderella nods. "Not far, but within a modest room's distance."
"But it's stronger up close," Kairi says. "I used it once. When Riku and Sora and I were reunited just before defeating Xemnas the first time, I took both their hands and placed them together between my own. I didn't know it, but I transferred my ability. I helped Sora to see the Ansem he saw was actually Riku."
"When I said Christopher doesn't see as we do," Cinderella continues, "I meant it. He only saw a familiar face. I felt an unfamiliar heart. I knew you weren't Ventus before you even said hello."
"Oh...that's cool," is all Roxas's mind processes to say.
Cinderella chuckles. "I like to think so. Anyway, I thought you should know. You seemed upset earlier."
Roxas suddenly feels very small. "Right. Sorry about that."
The blonde princess brings her hand up from where it was resting on her stomach and brushes his guilt aside by briefly placing her hand on his shoulder. "Think nothing of it. Your unhappiness was certainly understandable. I hope you feel better. If you'll excuse me, I'll make my way to the sitting room now. I'm sure Kairi will be more than happy to answer any further questions you might have."
With that Cinderella walks off leaving the two teenagers alone.
Before Roxas can open his mouth to speak, Kairi says, "Can you ask questions on the way to the bedrooms? I'd like to retire early tonight."
"Y-Yeah sure. No problem."
Kairi walks on ahead of him quickly, making Roxas jog the first few steps to catch up with her. She slows only slightly when he reaches her side. Few servants are among these corners. Most have retired from their daily duties, leaving the royals to have some private time to themselves for the night.
"Do you—do you have any questions?" Kairi asks, voice still uncertain.
Roxas sifts through the thoughts in his mind. "Not really. Not about your ability at least."
Kairi startles to a stop. "You don't?"
Roxas shrugs. "Ah, no, not so much. I mean, I think it's pretty cool, but it's not surprising. Another awesome Princess of Heart thing you can do. It makes sense."
Kairi raises an eyebrow and quirks a bit of smile. "Yeah?"
"Yeah," Roxas says.
The red-head's smile widens then falters once more. "Then...could you maybe do me a favor?"
"Anything," Roxas says (his heart rather than his mind says the word).
"Not tell anybody else I can do this?"
Roxas frowns. "The others don't know? I thought you used it on Sora and Riku."
"I did," Kairi says, "but they didn't...could we go to your room or my room maybe? I'm—" Kairi leans in closer. "What I'm going to tell you is a secret and I've already let more people know than I should. I'd feel better somewhere more private."
Roxas nods. He takes her hand like he's been wanting to do since she let go at the bakery. He laces their fingers together and pulls her towards his room which is closer to their current location. He opens the door and welcomes Kairi in. She goes to stand beside the bed instead of the perfectly acceptable table and chairs in the corner.
"May I?" she points to the bed.
(Don't think about her and the bed. Don't think about her and the bed. Don't do it. Just don't. Say no. Say to use to table and chairs instead.)
(Roxas can't say no to her innocent request. It's not her fault his mind has been going there half the day.)
Kairi gives him a smile and flops down onto the bed and grabs one of his half-dozen pillows, holding it against her chest as she crosses her legs. She looks a little sheepish when Roxas comes to join her (slower and with more deliberate movements—don't think about it).
"Your bed is as big as mine," she tells him. "My covers are purple, though. Cinderella knows it's my favorite color."
Roxas grunts.
Kairi misinterprets his short response. "Right, the secret. Um, when I said I used it on Riku and Sora, none of us really connected it to me. I asked Yen Sid about it later and he told me more about the extent of my title as Princess of Heart. Reading hearts is one of them."
"That's the one that doesn't surprise me," Roxas says. "It sounds like something a pure heart can do. It's cool, like I said." Roxas gets a bout of excitement from the idea of it. "It's like a super power. What else can you do?"
Kairi bites her lip. She looks incredibly torn before shaking her head and setting a determined look on her face splashed with glee. "Remember the time you fell off the clock tower and we talked for the first time? Our hearts connected along with Sora's. Turns out I was responsible to some degree."
"Seriously?"
"Seriously," Kairi grins. "It doesn't happen often. I don't really think I've done it since then, but Yen Sid said it's entirely possible I've done it while asleep. But it is still one of the rarer things I can do."
"So you could, like, reach out to my heart if you wanted to?" Roxas asks.
Kairi tosses her hair. "Well, it's not like I can do it on command, but yes. I totally could."
"Sweet." The princess glows at his approval. (Roxas wants to keep that smile on her face forever.) "Why is this a secret? It sounds like something that could be a serious asset."
"See, when Yen Sid told me about this, he said I had to keep them a secret from everyone. He said keeping the extent of the Princesses of Heart's abilities a secret meant less people who want that power and light. Fewer people to take advantage of me. He stressed how much I should let it flow naturally rather than try and force myself to be able to do something. Let the light be my guide and all that."
"Wait, nobody knows about this?"
Kairi shakes her head. "Nobody but Yen Sid and King Mickey."
"Naminé? Riku? Sora?"
"Nobody," Kairi says. "Well, Cinderella knows about the reading hearts thing, but that's it. I blurted it out one time to her. And you know now."
"I know now," Roxas says quietly. "Wait, why do I know? Why did you tell me if it's supposed to be a secret?"
"Because Cinderella gave it away, and I didn't want her to get in trouble because of it. I'll have to talk to her about not letting it slip to anyone else."
"And the rest?" Roxas presses. "Why tell me the rest?"
Kairi tucks the pillow under her chin. She tilts her head lower but raises her eyes so she is looking at him through her lashes. Her cheeks match the color of the bedspread. "Because I trust you."
Giddy. Roxas identifies the rare feeling. It makes his insides jump around happily. He fights to keep himself from shouting in victory and instead allows a face-splitting smile to grace his features.
Kairi looks away from him, embarrassed. (She's cute when she's embarrassed.) "I mean, you didn't tell Riku about the heartless attack. And you said you weren't going to tell anyone else about some of the stuff we've done on this trip which I really appreciate. Honestly. You seem strong enough to keep a secret from Yen Sid. I've had to keep secret that I told Cinderella about one of her abilities while he stared me down. Have you seen his eyes? I swear, I think he could murder me with a look."
"You have my word. And thanks. For trusting me." Roxas rubs at his cheek. The smile doesn't go away. (He doesn't really want it to. Happiness is invigorating. Addicting. No wonder Sora always has a smile glued to his face.) "Christopher told me you had something of a breakdown before. Was that when you told Cinderella?"
Kairi nods. "Remember when all of us went to visit Radiant Garden the first time together?"
Yeah, he does remember. It was an informal visit for all of them, to get to know the place and see where they will be visiting Kairi in the future. Informal for all except the princess. She got roped into doing some royal duties or making some decisions, Roxas can't remember much of that part. He was prowling around town and exploring the castle with the rest of the group (or making secret visits to the guards' command center, curious as to how they protected the place after so much destruction). Whenever Roxas saw Kairi, she appeared cool and collected.
"I remember. But you seemed fine."
"That's because I was hiding my insecurities like my life depended on it. No one saw me cry."
"You cried?" Kairi crying on Wonderland was enough for Roxas. He never wants to see her in tears again (though having her in his arms, comforting her, being her rock...that he could have happen again).
Kairi shrugs it off. "When the stress got to me. Even with you all there being my support system, it wasn't...actually, it was enough. It was great having you all there. The problem was with Sora and Riku."
Those two again. Roxas grits his teeth and wonders what they did this time to upset her. He's had their three-way relationship pegged all wrong. They aren't the perfect trio. They have disagreements and get on each other's nerves like everyone else. (Roxas tries not to encourage the tiny voice in the back of his mind telling him this is a good thing. Their fighting means he gets more time with Kairi.)
"I think you overheard some of it with Riku, right? I was scared they would leave me behind again. And they didn't see anything wrong with any of it. Whenever I told them of my doubts or problems there, they would throw me a quick solution then say how lucky I was. I felt like I didn't have anyone to talk to which is why I stole—borrowed a Gummi ship and went to visit Cinderella. I basically unloaded all my burdens on her. She took it like a champ."
Kairi laughs a bit. "I told her things I shouldn't have. Yen Sid would be so mad if he knew how much I've interfered with her and her life."
Yes. Roxas recognizes how much of a no-no that is. It is a big rule amongst them all. The only exception being a few years back when it was interfere or else people will die. Then they were given the green light. This is the most Roxas has talked with people in another world since then.
"Anyway, I think that's when Sora and Riku stopped really trusting me to be alone. They found out I took a little trip and freaked out."
"But you weren't hurt."
"That's what I said! Thank you."
The two young fighters share a laugh. Kairi takes her pillow and lightly hits Roxas who grabs his side and groans in fake pain.
"Why? Why would you hurt your loyal guard?"
Kairi giggles. "I don't know. I'm just happy you're here. I'm happy you're keeping my secret. I'm happy you're my friend."
Roxas's smile settles into something calmer but no less cheerful. "I'm happy too."
The red-head seems intent on saying something but gets sidetracked by another thought. Her smile fades somewhat and she tilts her head. "I'm sorry if I ignored you today. I didn't meant to, but it was good to see Cinderella again. I missed her."
Roxas leans back, pretending to shrug it off all the while his hand discreetly grabs the edge of a pillow. He grabs it and whips it through the air in order to hit Kairi on the shoulder. It's harder than when she hit him yet far too weak to do any damage. The princess shrieks. The mock appall she shows has Roxas laughing.
"There," he says. "Now I forgive you and we're even. All in all, a good day I'd say."
"And here I thought you were supposed to be protecting me."
"And here I thought we already established you're pretty good at taking care of yourself." His words remind him of another thought. "Hey, another question."
"What's the question?"
"Is—you talked about the princesses of having weaknesses. Is that something Yen Sid told you about too?"
Kairi's forehead wrinkles in confusion. "When did I talk about that?"
"Back when we visited Snow White. You said something about the Princesses of Heart not having darkness as a weakness but still having weaknesses. I was wondering if there was—what?"
Kairi shakes her head. "I'm not as good at keeping a secret as I thought."
"Or I'm incredibly perceptive," Roxas suggests with a waggle of his eyebrows.
Kairi giggles and rolls her eyes. (Roxas gives himself a point. He made her laugh.) "Let's go with that one. Then Yen Sid won't punish me for it. But yeah, you're right. Each princess has a weakness all their own."
"What are they? Or is that something you'll actually keep to yourself?"
Kairi sighs. "You already know practically everything. Might as well go all in. Let's start from the top. Snow White's is being too innocent. She always thinks the best of people without giving much thought to self-preservation. Aurora makes assumptions."
"Like assuming your heart was in danger?" Roxas guesses.
"Exactly. She's often assumes the worst when problems come her way. Jasmine's claustrophobic. Not really for small spaces but more like her position in life. She's afraid of being trapped. And Belle's...oh, what's Belle's again?"
"Beasts me."
Kairi whacks him again with the pillow even though they're both chuckling at his terrible pun. "I should throw you in the dungeon."
"Not your castle. You have no authority here."
"Cinderella's a good friend of mine. I'm sure she'd be nice and let me throw someone in the dungeon."
Roxas pouts. (It doesn't even occur to him how Sora of a thing that is to do. It's just...it's just him having fun with Kairi. He doesn't consider that he's like Sora. Not in this moment.) "You'd miss me."
Kairi tries to say something but shakes her head and looks at the far wall. Roxas's pout turns into a smirk when he sees her blush. (Lea would be proud of his flirting. Turns out Roxas does have it in him.)
"Belle's," Kairi continues pointedly, "is superiority. I remember now. She often thinks herself better than others, like her thinking is better, but in an extremely subtle way. She doesn't think badly of anyone, she just thinks she knows best."
"Is Alice's curiosity?"
"How did you guess?" Kairi asks dryly.
"My perceptiveness."
Kairi fights her amusement in order to give a sarcastic reply. "Ah. Of course."
"Cinderella?"
"She takes chances. She's something like the opposite of Aurora. Where she thinks things will turn out horrible, Cinderella thinks no matter what, things will be ok which has her make riskier decisions."
Roxas nods. He then shifts himself. He acts like he's trying to get comfortable, but he wants to be closer to Kairi. He makes it only a few inches closer yet it feels more intimate nonetheless. "And yours?"
Kairi must have noticed his ulterior motive because she's looking at him with her big, violet eyes in a way he can't decipher but makes his heart beat faster nonetheless. She gives him a barely-there smile. "You know mine, Mr. Perceptiveness."
Roxas's own smile gets a little smaller in response. He wonders whether or not he should speak the words. He's had his own theories take form since Kairi's meltdown in Wonderland. He takes her words as a challenge, also getting the sense that maybe she wants someone to say them aloud. To share the burden rather than keep it a secret.
"You're lonely," Roxas finally says. "Or you're afraid of being lonely. You fear having no one...that's why Aurora sensed your weaker heart. Isn't it?" As he speaks, Roxas's theory grows bigger, knitting itself together. Kairi's expression tells him he's dead on. "Part of your strength must come from your friends. Because you think you're losing them, you're weaker. You're pure, but you're..."
Roxas trails off. He doesn't need to keep talking. Kairi knows where he was going with it. And they both know he's right.
"You're good at this," Kairi near-whispers.
It when he notices a flowery scent is when he realizes they're closer than before. Not super close, but close.
(Not close enough.)
"Heh. No. I just know what it's like to think you've lost everything."
Kairi looks sad. Roxas regrets his words. He doesn't want her to be sad for him. He's happy right now. He hasn't felt this happy in a long time. And she's the cause of it.
But...wait...it's something else. Something besides happy. Roxas knows this because a swirl of it is shifting in his heart. It tugs and pulls and wonders as Kairi reaches out her hand and runs it through his hair.
"Now you've got everything, right?"
(Almost. I don't have you.) "Right."
It's in this moment all Roxas can think about is reaching out a hand and cupping her jawline and the expanse of her neck and pulling her close. Slowly, so as not to frighten her. He thinks about bringing his nose to brush against the skin of her neck to get another full whiff of her. He would then brace his other hand against the bed and lean in, but not to kiss her. No. It would be to have her lean back and keep going until she was resting on the bed beneath him. She would look up at him with those entrancing eyes, his name on her lips. Only then would he bring his face to hers and—
"Roxas?"
Roxas blinks. Kairi is still sitting up, staring at him with concern. "You ok? You drifted off a second there."
"Uh—yeah. Um. Sorry. Lost in thought."
"You found your way back?" Kairi asks cheekily.
Roxas wants to laugh with her, but he feels his insides sigh instead. "Yeah. I'm back."
"Good. Where were you?"
Roxas cannot under any circumstances tell her what he had been thinking. (There's a multitude of reasons why not: what if she doesn't like him like that, what if she rejects him, what if she kicks him off the trip, what if things get awkward...what if she tells Sora!?)
Still, Roxas can't help but feel like a coward for not. He wants to not only kiss her but tell her what he's been feeling and thank her for showing him what a high he can get from the feelings in his heart. Those that stem from simply being near her.
Roxas swallows the fear crawling up his throat, but it still wins. "Thinking about...how...I hope not to fall out of bed tonight."
Kairi raises her eyebrows. "That's right, you—" Her eyes shift to something over his shoulder. An exclamation startles Roxas's nerves. The princess crawls past him to the edge of the bed.
"You did hit your head on the table!"
"You didn't believe me?"
"It sounded like an excuse for something else."
"Like what?"
"Like I don't know. It just sounded like an excuse. But you poor thing. You actually did hit your head."
"Yes I did. Thanks for finally giving me sympathy."
Kairi settles on the end of the bed and stretches her arms up. She yawns rather widely which triggers Roxas's lungs to expand much in the same way.
"I think it's time I headed back to my own room. Can't fall asleep on your bed."
(Don't think about it.)
"Besides," Kairi says when she stands, "you're bedroom is bad luck if you fall out of a bed as big as this one."
"Yeah, that's my luck."
Kairi throws him a concerned look over her shoulder while walking to the door. Roxas follows her. "You do have some pretty rotten luck. I've noticed."
The blonde opens the door, allowing her to go through. He yawns once more as he trails her into the hall.
Kairi looks back at him. "Aren't you—are you going to bed?"
"Um...yeah."
"Then what are you doing out here?" she asks.
Roxas doesn't even blush when he says, "I'm escorting you back to your room."
"You don't have to." Her words say one thing, but she doesn't hesitate to take Roxas's offered hand. He's beyond offering his arm for her to take. He wants her hand.
"I want to," he says. The two briefly make eye contact, then Kairi nods and they start on their way.
Unsuccessfully, that is. Roxas drags his feet. Kairi gets ahead of him a couple of times and tugs on his arm uselessly before catching on that he's doing it on purpose. She huffs good-naturedly. "You know, I'd like to get to my room before the night's over."
"I'm tired. Can't you see how my exhaustion is affecting my feet? Carrying those boxes today did me in."
Kairi tugs on his arm. "Come on, you doofus. Keep up or I'm letting go." She uncurls her fingers threateningly.
It is then Roxas pretends to get a boost of energy, sling-shotting him forward with enough gusto to grab up Kairi around her torso and carrying her the last few steps to the front of her door. He reluctantly puts her down which also puts a stop to her shrieks and giggles. Well, maybe not her giggles. She's keeps that up even when she gives him another good whack on the shoulder sans pillow.
"Again with hitting your guard," Roxas whines.
"Oh that's right, I forgot. You're injured. Can't hurt my injured guard."
"How colorful is it?" Roxas automatically reaches up to touch his bruise. He hasn't looked in a mirror lately. Back in training, he and the others would compare bruises. (Lea holds the record after he pissed off Terra and got his ass kicked.)
"Hmm." Kairi lightly places her fingers on his forehead just around his injury. She carefully tilts his head this way and that, pretending to get a thorough inspection of it. She tugs at his hair a little, and Roxas obeys the silent command for him to lower his head.
The dainty scent of flowers reaches Roxas. He finds his eyes are level with Kairi's lips as she continues inspecting his injury. From there it is an easy path for them to travel down her throat to where the milky skin disappears into the slightly lower yet still modest neckline of her borrowed dress.
Roxas swallows.
"Does it hurt?" Kairi asks. (Roxas feels like he's hearing her under water thanks to the blood rushing in his ears.)
"W-Well, it doesn't—it's not that—"
Roxas's throat closes when Kairi's lips press gently against the spot on his forehead. The light pressure only stings a teensy bit but the pain is the absolute last thing Roxas is aware of. His brain desperately tries memorizing absolutely every detail of this moment, but it's over too soon and she's pulling away and he can't seem to take a full breath when she looks him in the eye.
It's an infinite moment while simultaneously being only a second long. Whatever expression is on Roxas's face makes Kairi back up and avert her eyes.
(Well that's not good. All he felt is shock. Apparently a shocked expression is not a good one.)
"There. A kiss to make it feel better. You've heard of that, haven't you?" Kairi's cheeks match her hair. Her fingers fiddle with themselves. "At least I've heard of that. It looks—it's colorful. Purple and blue with some red. I hope it doesn't hurt. I mean, I hope I didn't hurt it."
She's embarrassed. Flustered. Roxas is barely conscious of the smile spreading across his face as Kairi rambles. He's too happily stunned to really comprehend what she's saying, too content at watching her expressions change. (Wow she's pretty.)
"You know, it's getting late. I'd better be getting to bed."
Roxas's smile falls. Kairi backs up blindly and accidentally runs into her door. She turns and reaches for the knob.
"Goodnight, Roxas."
She's flustered (so is he). She's frightened (so is he). And she's tired (he's not thanks to the adrenaline from her kiss).
Wait! One more thing. One thing he has to confirm to put his mind at ease. He takes her hand just when she gets the door open. She stops and looks back to him.
"Kairi...you've—you've never seen me as Ventus?"
Kairi tilts her head a tad to the left. She matches his serious expression. "No."
"Or...Or Sora?"
"Never." Kairi turns fully to him. "You have a distinct heart. It may have similarities to Sora's like your looks are similar to Ventus's, but they aren't the same. Believe me, I've thought this through. You've only ever been Roxas to me."
...
Wow.
Roxas can't seem to fathom the emotions roaring through him. They scream at him to do something, so he does. Before really comprehending his actions, he has Kairi swept up in his arms again. His arms are low enough around her waist that when he pulls her to him, her feet are off the ground. Her arms drape across his shoulders, and her cheek nearly meets the top of his head.
("You've only ever been Roxas to me.")
The deafening emotions create no coherent thought but this. It creates a lump in his throat and pricks at his eyes (or maybe that's the tears). He presses his face against her shoulder and inhales. Thankfully doing this wards off the emotions enough for him fight through it and speak.
"Thank you."
Kairi is quiet. Then, she runs one hand through his hair, lightly scratching at his scalp in a soothing manner. She presses her lips to the side of his head just above his ear. This is answer enough for Roxas, but he can't seem to put her down quite yet. So he doesn't. He keeps her off the ground and in his arms for a few more long moments before his muscles finally start weakening and his emotions are more in control.
Reluctantly, he lowers her back to her feet. When he dares look at her, her open and honest eyes stare back. Roxas's flicker to the floor. He lets out a breathy laugh and sniffs, wiping his nose on the back of his hand.
"Sorry," he says.
"Nothing to be sorry for." Kairi places a hand on his cheek and guides his head back up. When he meets her gaze, she gives him a smaller version of the famous princess smile. The intimate one meant only for the person on the receiving end.
Roxas is going to do crazy things like kiss her if she keeps looking at him like that. But he's too tired and too emotional to trust himself with that sort of thing. He settles for something else instead.
The young man keeps his eyes on hers while he brings up her hand and places a light kiss on her knuckles. He then lowers her hand before releasing it. He hopes the look on his face is an earnest one. One that draws her in rather than scares her away. He's never been very good at being a welcoming person naturally but in this moment he tries.
"Goodnight, Kairi," Roxas says. He ducks his head a little and takes a step back. With one final smile he turns and heads for his room.
It takes all his willpower not to sprint back to his room.
His heart runs marathons in his chest when he closes the door to his room, and he lets out the shaky breath he feels like he's been holding for forever. Roxas leans back against the door only a moment before he throws himself into the middle of the room, dancing and flailing his arms in spastic movements of celebration. He looks completely ridiculous and loving every second of it. When his energy is spent he flops down onto his bed, arms stretched out on either side of him. The energy of the moment slips away leaving him feeling shaky and elated at the same time.
He can't stop smiling at the ceiling as he tries catching his breath. He knows what's got him going—hope.
The sun is shining. The birds are chirping. A perfect day for a party. This is the collective thought of each resident inside the castle and each guest travelling there in this beautiful day.
The castle staff is a bustle of activity with people rushing from room to room trying to finish the party preparations. That's what Roxas has been stuck with the moment he stepped out of his room. One of the ladies making his bed redirected him from going straight to Kairi's room to the prince's receiving room because the prince needed him for something. Prince Christopher wasn't there like the servant said, but the servants there ask for help in setting up a banner in the Grand Hall.
The Grand Hall is where everyone has congregated. It is where the party guests shall be received. There, Roxas is found by Christopher who then takes him back to his chambers where he proceeds to have Roxas try on one of the prince's formal outfits for tonight's festivities. However, his build is leaner than the prince's. Roxas ends up being sent to the soldiers' quarters and getting one of those uniforms instead.
At this point, it is past lunchtime and Roxas has yet to have a bite of food. He's been running around the castle following the requests (though they sound more like orders) of those around without having a moment to take a breath.
He should be aggravated, but he is anything but.
No, Roxas is happy.
It's a weird kind of happiness where even the things that used to annoy him wash over him without so much as making a dent in his mood. It's the kind of happiness that plasters a permanent smile on his face no matter what he's doing.
And Roxas likes it.
It's similar to what he felt when he was first restored to being his own person, experiencing life with a heart for the first time. Everything was new and intriguing. It's like that. It's like Roxas is seeing everything with new eyes. Or a new heart.
It certainly feels like he has a new heart. He's never had these sorts of feelings before.
The only thing even close to dampening the mood is the fact that he has yet to see the source of said happiness. Roxas hasn't seen Kairi all morning and now into the afternoon. He takes it upon himself to go searching after escaping between servant requests (and snatches four tarts from one of the tables, immediately shoving two in his mouth). (He also plucks one of the little wire ornaments decorating the window sills. They look pretty. Like something a girl would wear in her hair.)
He doesn't dare ask anyone if they've seen the red-head around in case they send him on another errand. The guests will be arriving soon for the early dinner and he will have to go change. He kind of wants to see her before the festivities begin.
You see, Roxas has come to the conclusion that he wants to talk to her—no, like seriously talk to her. Like ask her out. Like go for broke. He went over the reasons for this (the reasons for his hope) last night.
1) Kairi acted nervous around him which means she might like him back. She wouldn't be nervous if she didn't feel something.
2) Kairi has flirted with him on several occasions.
3) She is not dating Sora as she has stated as much to him and others.
4) She has given him that look, the one from the beach, since the trip started. (Roxas isn't sure why, but he knows the look is important.)
5) Kairi has defended him on several occasions, showing that she doesn't think him less. That she might even think him worthy.
Roxas repeats these reasons in his head lest he lose confidence. He's muttering them under his breath when a stroke of luck has him spot Cinderella at the end of the hall entering another room. If he's learned anything on this trip, it's that wherever Cinderella is, Kairi will be also.
"Cinderella!" He jogs over to her. She stops at the entrance of the room and smiles at him. He tries to hide his disappointment when he reaches her and has yet to spot the object of his affection.
"Hello Roxas," Cinderella says in her usual sugar tone. "How are you?"
"Good, good. Hey, um, do you know where Kairi is?" (Roxas hopes it doesn't sound like he's trying to brush Cinderella aside, but he really wants to see Kairi.)
Cinderella's smile slants in such a way that hints at her knowing something. "No, I'm sorry. She's busy being fitted into her dress. You'll have to wait until the party."
Roxas doesn't even try to hide his disappointment.
Cinderella places a hand on his upper arm. "Don't look so sad. I think you'll find the end result quite pleasant. Would you mind stepping inside here a moment? I'd like to speak with you."
Roxas feels antsy. What could the princess want?
Cinderella beckons him inside the room. It's kind of dark despite it being midafternoon. Then the princess walks over to the far end of the room and opens the thick curtains and sunlight floods the room, revealing what the room actually is.
The nursery.
The walls are painted with green scenery. Birds decorated in the sky with mice and deer and other animals in the grass and trees. Within those decorated walls is a lavish wooden crib, a toy chest matching its design, and a classic rocking chair in the corner near the window.
And above the crib, the glass birds reflect their colorful light.
"What do you think?" Cinderella asks.
"It's amazing," Roxas says honestly.
"Thank you. Christopher and I have worked on this place for weeks. He put the crib together himself, you know. He barely let any servants touch this place. A good friend of ours painted the walls, though. I'm afraid neither of us have an artistic touch."
Roxas moves over to it and runs his fingers across the slick wood. He smiles at the princess who holds her swelled midsection with care. "You must be excited."
Cinderella smiles. "Oh, I am. It's all part of my happily ever after. One I'm sure Kairi will find." The princess's knowing smile makes a reappearance. "Speaking of which, thank you, Roxas."
"Huh? For what?"
"For helping Kairi's heart."
"...I did? How?"
Cinderella chuckles at his disbelief. "Kairi talks quite a lot about you."
"She does?" Roxas feels the happiness bubble up again.
"Mm-hmm. She's told me how supportive you've been, how you've kept her safe throughout this trip, and how much she's enjoyed getting to know you and deepening your friendship."
Roxas suddenly doesn't know what to do with himself. He scratches the back of his head, shifts his weight from foot to foot then shoves his hands in his pockets. "Yeah, we've—we talk more. It's been good."
Cinderella taps her cheek with her fingers in a curious gesture. "More than good, I suspect."
Roxas smiles at his shoes.
"That's what I thought. You care for her, don't you, Roxas?"
Roxas raises his eyes to the insightful woman. Denials sit on the tip of his tongue, waiting to be used...but Roxas doesn't want to use them. His angry words at Iago, his flustered objections to Lumiere and Cogsworth, Riku's suspicions—Roxas doesn't want to lie to himself or anyone else anymore. (Actually, it wasn't a total lie. He wasn't there yet, not completely. But he is now. After last night, after learning the things he did...)
His heart swells at the thought of the violet-eyed, red-haired princess. And now he knows what the feeling is. Not only that, but he recognizes its solidity and endurance.
"Yes," Roxas says. "I care about her." Then his heart feels a strike of fear in the midst of the joy, allowing doubt to flood him, washing away his hope. His resolve disbands. "Please don't tell her. I know she doesn't really feel the same, and that's fine. I'll get over it." His heart cracks with each word he speaks.
Cinderella makes a face of disapproval. "Now Roxas, what did I only just tell you?"
"That...I..."
"That you are a dear person to Kairi. You are who her heart is being drawn to."
Roxas can't quite believe what he desperately wants to. He shrugs as the old fears resurface, thoroughly ruining the happiness he's been holding within him since last night. "I'm just a crush. She'll get over me. I mean, Sora's the one who—"
"Roxas, I'm surprised at you!" Cinderella scolds. "From what little I know of your heart, I do not think it's one to brush aside such a strong connection. I know you feel it, but I also know you're scared. I want to put your fears at ease." Cinderella sighs and shakes her head. "What I've felt coming from Kairi's heart, it is not something I have ever felt when she spoke of Sora or any other man."
(Hope. The tiny growing flame in Roxas's heart.)
"You have won her, Roxas. You've won the heart of Kairi. Please stop trying to convince yourself otherwise. It isn't true!"
(The flame roars to life, growing bigger.)
"I'm here to tell you that you may tell her how you feel. She cares about you in the way you care about her. I know this, Roxas. I've seen it—I've felt it. I'm asking for you to believe me that you might experience one of the incredible benefits of having a heart. Talk to her."
(The flames spread to every part of Roxas. They breathe their hope into every part of him.)
Roxas can't seem to take a full breath. He keeps half-laughing, half-gasping, like his lungs can't decide what to do. His face certainly knows, though, (and now so does his heart). "You—You're sure? I mean this is...I can't—I never thought..." Roxas looks at Cinderella's beaming smile. He grabs her shoulders and kisses her cheek. "Thank you!"
Cinderella laughs. "You are more than welcome! Now go get ready. The party will start soon and you shouldn't keep your princess waiting."
"My princess...my princess!" Roxas is off like a shot, fueled by the flames of hope burning bright within him.
Roxas tugs at the collar of his uniform. It fits fairly well, but it doesn't breathe. He's been too warm the second he got into it. But that could also be because he's next to the hottest person he's ever seen.
Kairi gives him a quick smile before continuing her conversation with another guest. She's absolutely radiant (no pun intended) in a borrowed lavender dress very much in this world's style. It looks somewhat funny on her what with its large hoop skirt and poufy sleeves, but it still makes Roxas's face warm. He can't help but eye the expanse of her neck exposed thanks to her hair being pulled up. (Don't think about it. Not right now.)
With one slick motion, he grabs a drink from one of the servants passing by. He takes a sip and fights against his lips wanting to curl in disgust. Yeah, Champaign isn't for him. He smiles anyway as the woman Kairi's talking to looks to him and laughs.
It's been a great party so far. Despite its formality, the guests appear rather relaxed. They seem to feel welcome in the castle. It's no surprise considering the prince and princess. Their hospitality goes above and beyond. Most of the guests seem comfortable enough to approach Roxas and Kairi, the strangers among them, and strike up a conversation rather than Kairi searching them out like Roxas has often seen her do.
He has been by her for the party's entirety. When he, Christopher, Cinderella, the king, the duke, and Prudence met up before the first guests arrived Roxas immediately went to her side and offered his arm. He hasn't left her side since. What guy in their right mind would leave the side of the most stunning lady in the room anyway? Roxas takes pride in the fact she's been on his arm, smiling at him. (Roxas is surprised at his own possessiveness, but he finally feels as if he has a hint of the privilege to do so.)
It's been shy smiles and random touches between them all evening. Kairi would laugh and touch his arm. Roxas would be caught staring at her and grin rather than be bashful. It worked for them.
Early on, Roxas took her to the dance floor. What would be a princess world if he didn't dance with her? It's their thing, he's decided. Sure, the first dance here was a bit of learning curve for them, but once Roxas caught on to the basic steps, it turned out to be easy. A simple guiding of one's partner across the floor.
Now, seven dances, a platter of hors d'oeuvres, and three glasses of Champaign between them, and Roxas and Kairi are in good spirits. The shy smiles grow bolder and the random touches become more frequent. It fuels Roxas's hope, having Kairi respond eagerly to his attentions.
The orchestra creates another melody that has Roxas reaching out his hand which Kairi takes without hesitation, and the two make their way to the dance floor, bidding the woman they were speaking with goodbye.
"I really think I'm getting the hang of this," Roxas says. He guides her into a spin then takes her back into his arms. His hand feels the warmth of her skin seeping through her dress into his palm.
"You were never actually bad at dancing. Just shy," Kairi tells him with a smirk.
"I hope you're not going to shove that in my face the rest of my life."
"No, only when it's funny." Kairi giggles and squeezes his shoulder where her hand currently rests. "Besides, it's cute. You're cute."
Roxas laughs rather than gets embarrassed at the comment (though his cheeks still turn pink, but he's blaming that on the stifling outfit). "And you're beautiful."
Now it's the princess's turn to blush. "Thanks. You've only told me four times tonight."
"I'll stop saying it when it's not true."
"Great. I'll come by in the morning when I'm a mess."
Roxas clicks his tongue. "Nnnah. Sorry to tell you, but I think you'll be proven wrong."
(Ax—Lea would be insanely proud of him right now. Roxas has his flirting turned up to a ten. He figured better test the waters before outright asking her on a date. So far the waters have been warm and the weather fair.)
Kairi hides her face against his shoulder. "You keep saying stuff."
"That's what talking is. I think I'll keep doing it."
"I'd rather you sing," Kairi says, pulling back to look him in the eye. "I like your voice."
"I told you, it's a powerful weapon against the heartless. It shouldn't be used casually." Roxas looks around. "Maybe when there aren't so many people."
Kairi raises an eyebrow at him. "Why Roxas, are you shy?"
Roxas rolls his eyes. "Again? You mention it again?" He whirls her out in another spin as punishment, only this one is a little faster, a little less controlled. It only makes her laugh. He pulls her back to him. "You know, you could sing instead. You aren't shy."
"What would I sing? I'm not like the other princesses. I can never come up with original songs like they do."
"That's ok. You're an original all by yourself."
"What?" The unexpected change in Kairi catches Roxas off-guard. She looks to him with suspicion and...fear? Yes, fear. Fear on her face.
"What do you mean by that?" she asks.
"Ah, nothing. Just—Just that you're...um, you're a unique person?" Roxas dearly hopes that's what she wants to hear. He isn't sure how he offended her in the first place.
Kairi blinks and shakes her head once. "Right..right." She puts a smile back on her face. "Thank you."
The song ends and Roxas has Kairi's arm looped around his again, guiding her off the floor. They get intercepted by the royal duo of the land.
"Kairi, would you care to ensure the connection now?" Cinderella asks. She's on her husband's arm as well, only she seems to be leaning heavier on him. "I'm rather tired and would like to go to bed soon."
"Oh of course! I'm so sorry. I didn't think of how you might be—"
Cinderella waves off her concern. "It's no trouble. I'm glad you are having fun."
(Is it just Roxas's imagination, or did Cinderella wink at him?)
The two couples make their way outside the castle into the beautiful area where a stream runs through the grounds. The path running through the grounds has a bridge built overtop the water. That is the destination. Cinderella and Christopher stand beside the end of the bridge where a small platform sits. In the background a large clock looks down upon them all.
"This is the spot," Cinderella says. Instead of turning to Kairi, she looks to her husband. With one hand on her growing child and the other on her husband's cheek, she kisses Christopher once and pulls away with a smile. "The spot where I should have kissed you."
Christopher chuckles. "The spot where I should have kept you from running away."
"I'm yours now. That's all that matters."
Roxas feels a light pressure on his shoulder and looks to see Kairi's head resting on his shoulder. A hand resting on her heart. No doubt an expression of admiration adorns her face. When Cinderella turns to them, though, she stands up straight again and goes over to her. Christopher moves beside Roxas, and the two watch their princesses create a delicate glow.
The blonde keyblade wielder's eyes stay glued to Kairi as her hair flutters lightly in the created wind and her calm features light up in the night.
Then the glow disappears and the two women separate. Cinderella rejoins her husband, and Roxas quickly takes his place beside Kairi again. She takes his arm even as he raises his in offering.
"Care to rejoin the party? Though I'm sorry to say there might not be much left to go back to after I say goodnight," Cinderella says.
Roxas sees Kairi look at him out of the corner of his eye. He shoots her a quick smile and a shrug. "Whatever you want."
Kairi relaxes further at his words. She addresses Cinderella. "Thank you, but I think I'll enjoy the night a while longer."
Cinderella and Christopher bid their two special guests goodnight. Cinderella walks with her husband back to castle she calls home, but not without a glance over her shoulder. Hopefully Kairi will regale her tomorrow with the details of what will no doubt transpire tonight.
Fairy Godmother materializes herself at the steps of the castle where the future king and queen only just entered. Whoops! A little too late. fWell, she can catch them inside. The elderly woman takes the first few steps up, then stops.
She knows that feeling. She recognizes the magic.
Turning, she finds what she suspects is two young lovers shyly conversing with one another on the bridge a fair distance away. Their smiles and closeness reminds her of another couple she knew. Because of this, she takes our her magic wand (after a bit of fumbling trying to find it), aims it their way, and allows small specs of glitter to leisurely make their way over, making the couple's surrounding as magical as what is transpiring between them.
(Is the world sparkling? Roxas thinks the world is sparkling. Or maybe that's just being in Kairi's presence.)
The two teenagers meander to the railing of the bridge. They lean over to peer at the water below. The modest stream shimmers in the moonlight and the light of the clock tower in the distance.
"This has always been one of my favorite worlds to visit," Kairi tells Roxas.
"Because of the place itself or because of Cinderella?" Roxas asks.
"Both. Cinderella's been a good friend for years now. And her kingdom is just so...flawless. I want to make my kingdom like it."
Roxas makes a face. "Eh, maybe not."
"What? Why not?"
"It's great and all here, but it's too perfect. You know what I mean? I like your world. It has character. A history."
Kairi aims her bashful smile at the water. She fiddles with the borrowed bracelets adorning her wrists. "Then what was your favorite world we went to?"
Roxas turns so his lower back is resting against the railing. He crosses his arms and thinks. "Mm...Belle and Adam's."
Kairi's eyes light up. "It was great there. A lot of fun. I'll be honest, that's the most fun I've had there ever. I'm taking you with me every time I have to make a trip there."
(Thump-thump, thump-thump—Roxas heart picks up speed.) The blonde salutes her. "Your personal guard reporting for duty, your majesty. Ready to follow you anywhere, anytime."
Kairi chuckles and shakes her head. She tugs at the collar of his uniform, and Roxas lowers his hand. "You do make a great guard—but not in that uniform. Sorry to tell you, Roxas, but powder blue is not your color."
"No?" Roxas peers down at the borrowed threads.
Kairi tsks. "Clashes terribly with your skin tone and the shade of your eyes. You look terrible in powder blue, but," she holds up a finger, "you look good in a uniform. It fits you well...have I mentioned you look handsome tonight?"
Roxas is sure the smile on his face is as goofy as Goofy himself. "I think so. Have I mentioned you—?"
"I look beautiful? Hm. I don't know. I might have missed it." Kairi releases the collar of his uniform. Instead of retracting her hands, she places one on his shoulder and the other slides down to trace the buttons on his chest. The princess grows solemn as she circles one of the them with her finger. "Have I thanked you for coming with me?"
Roxas breathes steadily. He's surprisingly calm despite her being this close. "You don't have to."
"Yes I do." Kairi raises her head to look at him. "You volunteered to help me. I'll be honest, I wasn't too happy about having to take someone with me. It was nothing personal against you," she quickly adds. "I wanted to prove myself and also wanted some time to myself. Turns out, it was infinitely better to have you along, not only for safety. I'm really glad the King made me take someone along and that the someone was you." Kairi retracts her hands, bringing them together to rest in front of her. "Thank you."
Roxas nods, accepting her unnecessary gratitude. "Can I thank you now?"
Kairi raises an eyebrow. "For what?"
"For letting me come along. For bringing me on a trip that turned out to be the most fun I've had in a while." Roxas extends his elbow and Kairi takes it. He guides her a few steps then stops, takes her hand in his own, and bows. "For showing me how to be a good escort."
Kairi rolls her eyes but with no malice in the gesture. "Where is the meek boy I took with me who feared Snow White's wrath the first day? Who is this person making grand gestures?"
"Oh I'm right here, running on the courage that comes with comfort," Roxas assures her, "because that's what happened. I got a lot more comfortable since then. Though not with horseback riding. Please don't make me go horseback riding again."
Kairi snorts in her attempt to bite back laughter. "Yeah, that's certainly not for you. I can't promise anything if you plan on coming back to Belle's world with me." Kairi's smile droops a little. "I'm kind of bummed it's over. We're going back tomorrow."
Roxas inhales sharply. He had anticipated her saying something like this. (If she didn't, he would have.) He practiced last night and all this morning while muttering under his breath the possible conversation scenarios. This is one of them. (He is super thankful he practiced because his courage is kind of failing him now that the opportunity is here.)
Roxas looks down at their conjoined hands and forces himself to keep the contact rather than shoves his hands in his pockets. "Yeah, it sucks. Doesn't—Doesn't mean we can't hang out."
Kairi shoves his shoulder lightly. "I should hope we hang out. After finding out you don't hate me, I expect you to talk to me more."
Roxas's jaw drops. "I told you I like you! I never didn't like you."
"I know. That's what I'm saying." Kairi giggles at his flabbergasted state. "We're friends now, Roxas. Real friends. Real friends talk to each other."
"Real friends hang out," Roxas says, getting the conversation back on track. "I was thinking—to hang out we should, if you want, we could...I don't know." Roxas grips her hand tighter to gather is strength. "I was thinking we could go dancing."
Kairi blinks her pretty eyes at him then smiles her pretty smile. "Didn't you tell me that we've danced together in each world we've been to? Are you trying to follow the pattern?"
Roxas grins at her picking apart of his offer. "Yeah, something like that. Do you want to maybe? I mean, we can figure out where exactly later. Or we don't have to necessarily go danc—"
"I'd love to."
("I'd love to." She said yes. She said yes. She said. Yes.)
"Cool."
(Well, there goes his smoothness. It jumped into the stream below. Now he's stuck with his monosyllabic replies again.)
"Cool," Kairi echoes. She slowly swings their conjoined hands.
"Maybe..." Roxas swallows. He looks at her their hands, not her. "Maybe just the two of us?"
Kairi stops the gentle swaying motion. Roxas still doesn't look up. "Sounds good to me. Might get crowded if there are other girls vying for your attention."
Roxas's head snaps up in time to see Kairi's blush bloom on her cheeks. Her eyes flit between his and the surrounding area. The corner of Roxas's mouth twitches upward in a crooked smile.
"Hey," he croaks. Roxas clears his throat. "I stuck by you back at that town celebration when you pointed out those girls. I'll stick by you now. I mean, unless you're the one who wants to have more guys around."
Kairi rolls her eyes again. "Why would I want that? I'll have you there. You're more than enough."
(More than enough...music couldn't possibly be better to Roxas's ears. It brings up the memory of the two of them sitting in that window seat in the former Beast's castle, her head resting on his knee, eyes open and honest, telling him exactly what he's always wanted to hear. This girl that's never seen him as Sora or Ventus. This girl that only ever sees him as Roxas. One of a kind. One and only.)
Roxas can hear his heartbeat in his ears. He can also hear a question whispering in the back of his mind. One that's been scratching to be asked for almost a year.
"Kairi," Roxas near-whispers, "can I ask you a question?"
"What is it?" Kairi matches his quiet tone.
Once—twice—three times Roxas opens his mouth and closes it before he huffs angrily at himself and shoves past his fear. (He needs to know.) "Remember the bonfire we had with everybody back at Destiny Islands? The last one before everyone kind of went their separate ways?"
"Yes, I remember."
"Right. Well, I-I might be—might be reading too much into this, but that night, when we were all sitting together and everyone was quiet, I thought...you were looking at me."
The change in Kairi is almost imperceptible. She blinks twice, making her eyes bigger with each blink, and she stands up straighter, taking a deep breath that broadens her shoulders.
"You were, weren't you?"
"I was," Kairi answers honestly.
"You were." Roxas takes this confirmation and goes with it. "And you—you smiled at me."
"You smiled back," Kairi points out.
Roxas nods. "I did. And then you grabbed my hand when we were getting ready to sleep." He pauses and gathers his thoughts. "I'm...what I'm wondering is what you were thinking then. Why did you stare?"
Kairi takes back her hand. (Wait no! No don't! Roxas takes back the question. He takes it back. He shouldn't have asked.) Roxas's hand lingers in the air a moment before he shoves both in his pockets.
"I'll tell you if, if you promise to keep an open mind."
Roxas preps himself for the worst.
Kairi presses her palms to her stomach like she draws strength from holding them there, keeping her upright. Or perhaps she's keeping herself from fidgeting with them. "I was...thinking...you were incredible."
(Incredible. That word again. The word spoken deep in Wonderland's woods.)
Kairi dips her head and laughs breathily through her nerves. "I guess I just...I had a moment. It's back when I thought you didn't like me. I-I certainly liked you."
"You liked me," Roxas deadpans.
"Not like, romantically. Not yet." Kairi clears her throat. "I was thinking about how much you've been through and how it didn't keep you from living. You're strong in a way I really admire. You're steady. You keep going despite it all, but you do it with a level head. I thought about how lucky Xion was for having your new, steady heart. I kept thinking about any time we had together and felt sad when I figured out it wasn't a lot. My mind was just stuck on you that night and I guess my eyes were too."
Kairi calms herself in her flustered state before continuing. "I...I was admiring you that night. And then you looked back at me and smiled too, and my heart kind of—" Kairi does this sort of twirl with her hand.
"...You liked me then?" Roxas asks.
"No," Kairi says firmly. "Not romantically. Like I said, I thought you were with Xion. I kept myself from that. Actually, it all stemmed from..." Kairi laughs at herself and briefly presses a hand to her forehead. "Remember after everything happened and you became your own person and we all finally were safe?"
Roxas nods.
"I hugged you for the first time. Remember?"
Roxas nods again. (He wonders if his mouth is open. He should shut it. But he's not sure about his face. He can't feel it right now.)
"When we made contact, I—felt something. I don't know if our hearts connected or what, but it felt different. Know what I mean? It's probably a Princess of Heart thing. I wanted to talk to you more and maybe figure out what it means, but—but we never really talked so I guess it all got bottled up and I stared that night just wondering about you..."
Kairi bites her lip to stop her rambling. "Um, yeah. That's what I was—"
Roxas doesn't even think about it as he takes her face between his hands and places his lips against hers. He isn't sure how exactly to proceed, but he's sure he doesn't want it to end. He keeps his eyes closed and his hold secure as he tries to memorize the details of the moment—the warmth of her, the feel of her skin, her addicting scent—because when he pulls away, there's no guarantee she won't slap him for this.
But then she's gripping the clothing on his arm and inching herself closer.
He's not sure exactly his thought process that lead him to action, but he remembers feeling his heart nearly burst with the need to do something because it's overflowing. Turns out, this was the right thing to do. His heart feels even fuller and also mollified at the same time.
Then he breaks the contact, keeping his eyes closed for another few seconds before opening them to face his fate.
Turns out his fate is nicer than he thought it would be because Kairi's smiling at him.
"Sorry?" Roxas says. He brings down his hands still tingling from the warmth of her skin and settles them on her waist.
Kairi shakes her head. "Please don't be."
"That was ok?"
"More than ok." Kairi grasps the front of his uniform and pulls herself closer. Not enough for another kiss yet enough to keep Roxas's heart at top speed. "I honestly wasn't sure if you were asking me out or not, but this certainly clears things up."
"Oh, I was. I definitely was."
Kairi giggles. (He loves the way her nose scrunches.)
"This means you like me too?"
"I've liked you ever since I found out you weren't dating Xion."
"Same!" Roxas exclaims. "Except, you know, with Sora. I mean, I always admired you—"
"You did?"
"B-But like you admired me. Not romantically. At least, I don't think. I'm not sure. But I know I haven't feel like this before."
"Same," Kairi says.
"Not even with...?"
Kairi shakes her head. "You're the first I've felt like this around to this extent. It's...It's—"
"Incredible?"
"Then you're sure about me?" Roxas can't help the small bubble of insecurity from showing itself. "Me, Roxas. Not Sora or Riku or anyone else?"
But Kairi doesn't seem to mind. "If you're sure about me. Me, Kairi. Not Xion or Naminé or anyone else."
Roxas doesn't hesitate. "Positive."
Kairi's cheeks are rosy and her smile is brighter than anything else. Beyond even her princess smile. Roxas lets out his own small laugh of disbelief.
(It's happening. It's really happening.)
Here she is, this beautiful girl that hasn't mocked his insecurities or thinks less of him or joked about him being someone else. Staring at him with beautiful near-violet eyes filled with honesty and admiration.
Admiration for him.
Roxas brings up his hand again, meaning to place it on her cheek again, but he pauses, hand in midair.
"Can I?" he asks.
Kairi tugs him closer. "You never have to ask me for permission to kiss me again. Ok?"
"Ok."
Roxas leans in to kiss her again and relishes the thought that when they separate, he will get to do this again. And again. And again. Forever if fate continues smiling on him as brightly as Kairi does.
Sora sighs and leans back against the seat of the Gummi Ship. His hands come to rest behind his head as he stares upwards, wondering.
"Gawrsh, this is turnin' out harder than I thought," Goofy says dejectedly.
Donald gives his own series of grumbles. "We haven't had a lead in weeks!"
"We started out with a lead, but then we lost it," Goofy says.
"Some good that lead was. Nobody's found anything!"
"Not Riku, or the King, or Xion, or Lea—"
Donald lets out a torrent of angry shouts then settles back into his seat, still grumbling. Normally, he wouldn't be so grouchy, but he misses Daisy. They had a good amount of time with one another after the chaos passed, and Donald got used to being around her more often. Because the mission appears fruitless, he feels like he's being kept away from home for no reason despite knowing there is a very good reason for him to be searching.
The mage glances at Sora who has been relatively quiet the past few days then to Goofy who returns Donald's uncertain gaze and shrugs.
Their worry goes unnoticed by the keyblade master. He continues to stare at the starry sky above, wondering.
It's been a tiring few weeks. Not necessary physically but mentally. There hasn't been anything even hinting at a lead, and Sora's starting to feel uneasy. Something this dangerous shouldn't be this quiet, not when it's had ages to sleep and only just now is allowed to wreak havoc on any world and any heart of its choosing. But it hasn't chosen. Or it has and has done so subtly enough to go unnoticed by those searching for it. Sora feels sorry for whatever heart is being preyed upon.
Well, at least Sora knows his friends are safe. They're using the buddy system. The King and Riku. Lea and Xion. Even Roxas is accompanying Kairi as they traverse the worlds. Sora's glad King Mickey forced Kairi to take someone along. She's not safe alone. (Nobody is.) Unlike Riku, Sora trusts Roxas to take care of Kairi. He has faith in Roxas's abilities. He's seen the fighting spirit that's been honed since his creation. Yes, Roxas is skilled.
And Kairi...she's Kairi.
A twinge of sadness pricks Sora's heart when he thinks of his childhood friend. It's been a while since he's seen her, and they didn't leave on the best terms. Sora's always hated leaving her, but it's gotten worse over the years. The more he hears about what's out there, the more he worries. He can't help it. She's precious to him. Their hearts are connected, despite not having paopu fruit tying them together.
That's what he's going to do when he gets back, Sora decided. He is going to find a paopu fruit, beg her forgiveness, tell her how special she is to him, and ask her to stay by his side—to be in his heart forever, more than she already is.
Sora closes his eyes and takes a deep breath, allowing himself to be lost in the moment. He lets his mind conjure details. The feel of her hair between his fingers, the playful twinkle in her eyes, the flowery scent of her hair, the tingly feeling he gets when she's close.
Kairi.
A flash of Kairi's face appears in Sora's mind, smiling with lidded eyes, her hair up and makeup on her face, an expression of gleeful adoration on her face. An expression that makes Sora's heart race because it appears he is on the receiving end of it. Though he doesn't remember seeing her uppity appearance, except maybe when she dressed up the one time in Radiant Garden when she had to meet the dignitaries and other heads of state in a formal gathering Sora went to in order to support her. Maybe his mind combined that with what he hopes she will look at him like someday? Maybe. But this seems...different.
Then again, not all that different. The amount of love in his heart overflows suddenly, reminding him of the time after defeating Xemnas and getting sent back to Destiny Islands and seeing her on the beach, waving at him and Riku, welcoming them home. It almost brings him to tears, how happy he is.
Then the emotional wave is gone, and Sora's eyes open wide to once again stare at the stars.
Sora sighs. He shouldn't have allowed himself to do indulge in such beautiful thoughts just yet. He has a mission to finish first. He has a responsibility to others. He can't let his own problems get in the way. He will solve the issue when he gets back. Kairi will be so happy to hear he got rid of the threat and came home safe and sound that she'll jump into his arms and kiss him silly. Yeah! That's what will happen!
Sora can't help the slight blush accompanying his goofy grin. He opens his eyes and sets himself back at the controls.
"Come on, guys!" he says to Donald and Goofy. They don't startle at his change in demeanor. They are used to Sora's chipper attitude by now. He can bounce back from most anything. "Don't give up. I know we'll find it. We just have to keep trying. Who's ready to visit the Olympus Coliseum?"
Sora's companions, thoroughly roused by his empowered words, shout their agreement with new drive as they take off from the Land of Dragons.
Yes, things will get better from here. Sora is sure of it.
Yellow eyes are the only giveaway to the location of the shadow hidden among the trees. It watches the two hearts make their way back to the castle. Their conversation and laughter can clearly be heard, being the only sounds in the peaceful night.
"I still can't believe you took dance lessons for me! That was incredibly sweet of you."
"It was that or be an embarrassment to you and myself. Figured I'd give us both a break."
Happiness. A product of light. Even being this close burns the figure's dead insides.
Tonight is not a good time. No. They are shining too brightly together. Alone, maybe something can be done, but not now. No.
But that's ok. Time is what the shadow has and patience is what pays.
All in good time.
A/N: This story follows the storyline of the original Cinderella and Cinderella II: Dreams Come True. If you haven't seen the second one, you might be confused by a few of the story pieces, such as Prudence.
And if anyone is wondering why this took so long, realize that this chapter is 20,000 words long with lots of detail from previous chapters thrown in. Toss in a bit of writer's block and some life events and you have a chapter two months (has it been two months?) in the making. I hope it was worth the wait. I certainly tried to make it so. (They're finally together, yay! But that hardly means the story is over.)
Fair warning for the next couple of chapters. They are the most underdeveloped of this story. I have a vague idea of how they will go which means they will take more time to establish. Think about this long or longer that you have to wait for the upcoming chapter. Sorry, but I want this story to be good! That means spending some quality time with it.
Also: THANK YOU REVIEWERS! YOU GIVE ME FUEL TO WRITE AND I APPRECIATE YOU SO MUCH! Special shout out to Veos G17 for their in-depth review and Riddean Rize and Chirithy564 for their loyal reading and reviews for each chapter.
(P.S. Roxas is a romantic at heart and no one can convince me otherwise.)
