So uh, as I stated in Dandelions to Vulpes, I have chosen to unify the two stories into this one, so the epilogue I almost put here is there instead… So if you haven't read DtV you're uh… you're missing out on it's "secret ending."

Also, I write my stories in google docs, and I swear FFnet HATES it because it's when I upload there to crosspost to AO3 that some of the most bonkers formatting issues come up. But I can't C/P from docs to AO3 without losing literally all of my i/b/u's, and c/p into ffnet from docs also goes haywire. First world writing problems, man.

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We used to look at the stars, and dream of the days
We would find something more
Somewhere along the way, the smile left your face and life set in
It changed everything
-Emery, Safe
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Sora grimaced as he slowly woke up, his face itchy from the tears he'd wiped away during the night. He blinked, realizing Ava had her hand on his forehead while sitting at an awkward angle on the bed he was currently using. The two looked at each other for an uncomfortably long moment before Ava brought her hand back, "Well, it doesn't seem like your temperature is off."

The brunette furrowed his brows as he slowly pulled himself into a sitting position as he croaked out, "Huh?" Oh wow did he need some water.

Ava smiled at him as she shifted and got up, standing as she rolled down the sleeve she'd pulled up to check him, "Keeping your temperature stable is one of the biggest health concerns at the moment. You were sleeping really deeply, but you also sounded kind of bad."

Sora grimaced, "W...was I making noise?" That would sorta be embarrassing.

She studied him a moment longer, "I couldn't tell if you were having a nightmare or not. I only noticed because I keep things pretty quiet so I can concentrate on my brewing, or hear Rota if she needs my attention."

Sora nodded slowly, "Oh." That wasn't… so bad, right? "Where do you have Rota now?"

She smiled slightly, "She's dozing in the living room. I'll let you get yourself together while I finish brewing some Holy Water."

Sora bit his lower lip, "S..sorry for the trouble..."

Ava tilted her head in concern, "It's not a problem at all, I brew different healing items all the time." He wanted to say something more but Ava shook her head, "You're not a burden to me, Sora."

He watched her, trepidation still swirling in his gut as she stayed a moment longer before leaving him to get ready for the day.

He sighed lightly, staring down at the blanket that was bunched up in his fist.

'I know I have a shitty opinion of myself, but damn. You're really taking the cake here, Sora.'

The brunette inhaled deeply before releasing a heavy breath as he stiffly got out of bed, grimacing at the way his joints weren't working correctly, 'We barely know each other… and I'm going to be nothing but a burden to her.'

'I'm pretty sure being your literal mother was burden enough.'

Sora paused, '...Right.'

He went through his morning routine, only to realize that wearing his adventuring clothes all the time would probably get annoying. Sure they were easy to live in, but now he was essentially grounded until he could pass the exam and enter the Academy.

...How did normal people dress for lounging around the house, again?

'Just raid Luxord's closet.'

Sora made a face, but couldn't really argue the point. He went through the man's closet and drawers, finally coming up with a slightly bigger long sleeved grey shirt and black sweats he could adjust to fit him.

He glanced at himself in the floor length mirror on the door and paused, walking up to it as he looked himself over. '...I lost weight.' He'd managed to keep most of his muscle mass, but he was kinda... freakishly skeletal.

'Unfortunately. It's not surprising, considering the condition of your Heart.'

Sora sighed, pulling the shirt on, socks, followed by adjusting the sweatpants, realizing how unwell he actually was.

He examined his right hand, skin rough from his lack of care and the use of his Keyblade. Some of his calluses were peeling uncomfortably and his skin itched. He flexed his hand a few times before finally leaving the room.

He rubbed his stomach as he realized that even though he should feel hungry, he didn't.

How had he managed to survive up until this point?

'I reminded you to eat, Sora.'

Oh. Right. 'I'm glad you've been with me, Auron…'

The man's deep voice hummed softly in the back of his mind as Sora presented himself to his mother in the kitchen.

Ava looked him over critically, "I should probably tell Brain to look into getting you some clothes. I'm sure he's probably taken care of it, but I'll text him just to make sure." She moved to get a special potion glass, seeming to be blessed as she then poured particularly pure water carefully into it. It almost glimmered blue in the plain light of the kitchen in its concentration, "I can only make two a day, so you'll need to drink half in the morning, the other half at lunch, and then the second dose split between dinner and just before bed."

Sora nodded, deciding that was simple enough to follow as he carefully drank half of the bottle before capping it with the top his mother handed to him.

The effects were almost instantaneous as he felt reinvigorated, his stomach finally waking up to tell him he was famished.

He flushed a little as Ava smiled at him, moving to the counter as she pulled out some bread and butter, "Have a snack while I make something for lunch."

He blinked in surprise, realizing it was almost one in the afternoon, "I didn't realize what time it was!"

Ava shrugged as he sat in a corner of the table, safely away from the delicate equipment as she started making a quick lunch, emptying a packet of something into the skillet. He frowned a little in thought.

He could at least cook so he wouldn't feel so useless.

'I can't believe I was killed by someone like you. You're just as depressing as me.'

He bit into his buttered bread a little viciously as he tried to block out Vanitas's jab, 'Sorry.'

He could hear Vanitas sigh in annoyance, 'You need therapy.'

'Right back at you.'

'Kinda too dead for that, idiot.'

Sora pouted for a moment before startling at Ava's stare. She was observing him with a gentle expression, but it still made him weary.

Ava glanced at the floor for a moment before catching his eyes, "You're Heart is severely damaged."

Vanitas chuckled in a particularly unsettled manner as Sora shrunk a little under her observation, "I...yeah."

She minded the food she was cooking a moment longer before plating it and placing it in front of him. A simple mix of vegetables, sauce, and diced meat. He immediately started eating it as she went to sit in her usual chair, beginning to prepare her usual mixes of the day, "I didn't notice it right away, but I realized it this morning. I'd checked up on you a couple of times, actually."

That… made sense.

"To check my temperature?"

"Mmhmm." She hummed as she began to filter ingredients through different tools, "We have to try to keep your temperature from going too low or too high. I… think you might be particularly susceptible to sickness right now because of how unstable your body is. If you start feeling unwell tell me immediately. Don't try to hide it."

He nodded, "Okay."

Ava glanced at him a few times before nodding to herself slightly, "Tell me about yourself."

Sora blinked, "Huh?"

She smiled slightly, "I've heard odd pieces from Brain, but you've lived your entire life until now without me. Were you treated well by the Islanders? What's your favorite food?"

He chewed slowly and thoughtfully as he tried to decide where to begin. "Well… I'm not sure there's anything I don't like. Little Chef recently taught me how to cook a whole bunch of different and unique dishes… but I still think I'm best at cooking fish." He frowned, "For some reason I have issues with eggs though…"

Ava lowered an eyebrow in confused thought despite her attention being on her brew, "...Eggs? What… what happens when you make eggs? Do you burn them or something?"

He smiled as he recalled the mess he constantly made, "Uh, no. For some reason I just.. Break them- explosively."

She paused looking at him almost agape, "...Do you have issues with controlling your strength?"

Sora couldn't help but laugh at her incredulous stare, "No! I just, I don't know what it is but every time I'd make something with eggs with Little Chef I'd get it everywhere! I didn't have problems making eggs on the Islands!"

She frowned, "I guess I'd have to see it to understand, huh?"

He chuckled as he nodded, "I can make lots of stuff though. Having him teach me really widened my knowledge on what kinds of foods you can make."

Ava nodded with a small smile, pouring one thing into another and lighting a small blue flame with a flick on her index finger.

Sora's eyes widened at the sight, "Oh wow. You're Magic's amazing!"

Ava blinked as she looked at him, "Do you always need a conduit to Cast?"

Sora ruffled his hair with an odd expression on his face before he stood to wash his dishes, "Yeah… It doesn't have to be my Keyblade, but I sort of… Donald kind of got frustrated with how I used Magic and Crafted pretty often…"

Ava paused for a long moment, still keeping careful track of the Hi-Ether she was brewing, "...The Court Magician, Donald Duck?"

Sora gasped lightly as he turned excitedly, "You know Donald!?"

Ava pulled back a little at his excitement before slowly nodding, "It wasn't for very long, but we did meet in Master Yen Sid's tower. He had helped with my recovery, and his… accent and temperament are rather unforgettable."

Sora laughed as he placed his clean dishes on the drying rack, leaning against the counter, "He is pretty interesting. Did you also meet Goofy and the King?"

Ava pondered a moment, "The Knight, and Mickey?" Sora nodded as she continued, "Yes."

The brunette wistfully stared up at the ceiling for a long moment, "I guess I could tell you about how everything started… It's a pretty long story though."

Ava nodded with a smile on her face, "How about you tell me how your journey began first? One new piece of your adventure a day? That, or in between study sessions to break them up?"

His demeanor drooped, 'Right, studying.' He'd almost forgotten about the Academy.

Sora nodded as he moved into the living room, seeing his baby sister resting on the floor on top of a thick mat with warm blankets under and on top of her as she stared fascinated at the plush toy in her hand. Her wide green eyes noticed him as she made a few sounds at him, causing him to get nervous as he smiled uneasily.

He'd never really dealt with a baby.

He had a lot to learn.

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Sora was holding Rota while reading a textbook as Ava finished her orders for the day when Skuld came home. The brunette had been carefully instructed on how to hold the infant, and despite his awkwardness it did make him feel a little better.

Babies needed to be held a lot.

Skuld carefully set down some groceries as Rota noticed her, immediately making noises for her attention. This caused Sora to panic as the Dandelion laughed lightly, "Now now, Rota. Don't abandon your big brother just because I got home." She made a few faces at the infant as Rota giggled loudly, causing Sora to twitch from the unexpected volume.

Skuld shook her head, "I'll be right back, so be good and don't cry ok, baby?"

Rota made some noises as Skuld ran off, changing quickly and returning just as Rota began to start fussing into tears.

Skuld tutted, giving Sora a sympathetic look as she took her into her arms, "Come along little one, none of that now." She continued talking gibberish to the infant as she took her into her Nursery as Sora watched her disappear into the room.

He turned to Ava, noticing her sympathetic grin on her face, "Rota loves Skuld most, so don't take it personally."

Sora blinked as he checked himself over before getting off the couch, minding the book he'd been reading as he looked over the groceries Skuld had dropped off, "Should I put this stuff away?"

Ava watched him a moment, "If you'd like."

Sora raised an eyebrow as Ava shrugged, "I don't want you to feel like you absolutely need to. You are sort of my patient just as much as a new guest to this condo."

The brunette shook his head, "I appreciate it, but I'm happy to help."

Ava smiled as she started filling bottles with her brews, "Don't push yourself."

Sora hummed as he went to work, putting various groceries away as he slowly learned the kitchen, turning to Ava for help when he wasn't sure of what to do.

He finished, nodding satisfactorily as Ava tilted her head at the various ingredients he'd put aside on the counter, "Are you going to make something?"

Sora smiled as he washed his hands and began to prep, "Yup!" He felt good, and after reading for so long and minding Rota he wanted to move around a little.

He was restless.

Ludorr let himself in with a handful of bags by the time Sora was halfway through making dinner. Ava stood from the kitchen table at his entry and went over to the Gambler, "Would you like some help?"

Ludorr shook his head as he made his way to his room, "No, that's quite alright Ava. I've already gone through the trouble of having these garments cleaned so that they're ready for immediate wear." he glanced at Sora, noting how the clothes he'd snagged hung on him, a frown marring his lips, "It seems we'll have to see about getting an extension on Sora's field exam."

Sora blinked as he looked himself over before splitting his attention between the food and the Gambler, "What does that mean?"

Ludorr sighed as Ava was also getting slightly cross in silence, "I would rather get your body back to a proper weight. The physician got word of the Government's requirements and demanded you at least get to your appropriate body mass index up before doing something so arduous. I can't help but agree, now that I'm looking at you."

Sora frowned before slowly nodding and returning full attention to his food, "That… makes sense."

Ava looked between the two before sighing, "I'm fine with making sure Sora's physically fit enough to take that portion of the test."

Ludorr nodded as he entered his room, going through the trouble of putting the clothes he'd bought for the teen into his own closet space. Ava came to the door as she watched him curiously, "Why are you putting his things in here?"

Ludorr hummed, "I'm not here so much that I absolutely need this room. I also think it best that a boy his age be able to have his own bathroom, considering his current health issues. It may just be in everyone's interest for him to have his own space."

Ava hummed as she thought it over, watching as the man began to change the overall bedding. Cream sheets and pillow cases, a dark navy comforter and a lighter weight red blanket. He switched everything over with swift precision before bundling his old set, "I'll be switching the arrangements, if you'll excuse me."

Ava nodded and moved, allowing the man to take care of it. She then went over to the various bags, checking what could still be put away. She'd taken care of adjusting a few drawers before Ludorr returned, "There are still bags in the car, so I'll return shortly."

She paused as she returned her attention to him, "There's more?"

Ludorr smiled congenially, "There are some electronics I picked up as well as a few others odds and ends."

Ava nodded slowly as she went over to him, minding her fingers, "Thank you Brain."

Ludorr gave her a slight bow before leaving the condo to retrieve the last of the necessary items.

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Sora hadn't been sure how to take being given Ludorr's room, but the man had shrugged off his confusion and patted him on the head, simply explaining he rarely spent the night as it was anymore.

He worked for the Government and was on call at any time, so it made sense.

At the moment he had his Gummi Phone out next to the new cell phone he was charging, looking between the two oddly. He lifted the cellphone, going through the contacts that had been added- a short list, considering he didn't really know anyone here.

None-the-less, Ludorr had set the device up with the more basic functions that he felt were best for his needs, and otherwise told him it was his to customize.

Sora clumsily thumbed through screens, slowly realizing the way the cellphones of Quadratum were set up were similar to the Gummi phone and slowly smiled.

He could figure this out.

He took a selfie of himself, opening its folder so he could compare how he looked now to before the War.

His face alone caused him pause.

Sora slumped a little, 'I look terrible.'

'You've always looked terrible.'

He closed his eyes for a long annoyed moment, 'Vanitas.'

The Darkling laughed lightly, for once not acting deranged, 'Sorry, it's habit.'

The brunette huffed, 'You were gonna help me figure out how computers worked?' He looked at the laptop that was also set up beside him, sitting there ready to be used.

'Let me have a crack at it to make sure I understand how it works, first.'

He nodded as he took a step back, finding himself on his Heart Station as Vanitas took the reins.

Sora closed his eyes as he examined his frail Heart, hearing the low groaning of his Station as he frowned. 'Is it possible for my Heart to heal on its own?'

Vanitas sighed, mumbling under his breath in response as he researched various subjects, "Unless you can find a way to Sleep within someone's Heart for a decade… not really."

Sora slumped, 'Oh…'

Vanitas tapped their lip for a long and contemplative moment as a Flood made its way out of his shadow. The Darkling glanced at the cat-sized Unversed, raising his eyebrow at it as it poked around the two cellular devices before shoving its way into his lap. He rolled his eyes as he placed a hand on its head, giving it the attention it desired as he continued his browsing.

Eventually Vanitas nodded to himself, "I think I've got the hang of this, though we could really use a separate mouse…"

'...Why would we use a-'

Vanitas smacked his face, making Sora yelp as he was tossed back into his body, 'It's a computer attachment, stupid!'

Sora huffed as he mumbled, "You don't have to be such a jerk about it…"

'You- You do remember what I am, right?!'

'...Darkness?'

'Yes. And a colossal pain in the ass, now I'm gonna guide you on how to use this thing. Be sharp, cause I'm not letting you sleep until you're able to use it like any other teen your age.'

Sora slowly quirked an eyebrow as he smirked slightly, 'A~awe Vani, I didn't know you liked me that way~!'

Vanitas's brain stopped as his voice lowered dangerously, 'First off- how DARE you call me 'Vani' like I'm some sort of… friend. Second, how DARE you make that sort of innuendo. We're living in the same body, and while I'm far more attractive than you, I'm not so narcissistic that I'd fuck myself, thanks. Now stop messing around before I leave you to the dogs.'

Sora chuckled breathily in silence as he shook his head, "Thanks for the help, Vanitas."

'Fuck you.'

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It was well into the night (morning?) when Sora was almost asleep that Vanitas spoke up, 'What's wrong, Sora?'

The brunette groaned under his breath, "What Vanitas?" He just wanted to sleep.

Vanitas dragged him into his Heart, Sora catching himself unsteady as his body was pushed into rest while Vanitas stared him down. They stood on the Darkling's Station, Sora noting the other shifts in Vanitas's outfit.

"I'm not one to talk, but you've been weird."

The brunette frowned, "In what way?"

Vanitas sighed as he shoved his hands into his pockets, "You're trying too hard- in more ways then one."

Sora stared at the other for a long moment before looking away from him, sighing as he crossed his arms, "I know I missed a year of growth, but it's like… I dunno, suddenly catching up to me? It's kind of weird, but… Honestly I'm not sure anyone understood who I was before I left the Islands… Did I even know myself..?"

Vanitas observed him for a long moment, "Explain it to me."

Sora blinked as he looked the other over, "Huh?"

Vanitas shifted, "I'm not human- at least, not originally. You're gonna have to explain it all to me. Figure yourself out, 'cause if you can't here, you're just going to be a mess later on."

Sora slowly came to understand and nodded, "Right…" He thought for a long moment, "I'm not saying that I'm not friendly, or anything else everyone might see me as… But no one takes me seriously. I think everyone forgets that I went from being an adventurous Islander at 14, to suddenly having to save the Worlds with a Dog and Duck. I watched my Island fall apart, my friend be overtaken by Darkness, got shot at, suddenly had magical powers…" He shrugged, "And that's only the start or it all. I go through this whole adventure of saving the Worlds, going to far as to pretty much kill myself, and then everything gets restored. I get separated from both of the people I care about most- one safe on our Islands, the other trapped within whatever's behind the doors to Kingdom Hearts… I search for Riku, hoping he's alright after being possessed by some creep, only to end up waking up a year later missing a chunk of my Memories."

Sora closed his eyes, gathering his thoughts, "I continue onwards, to try and find Riku and the King… and then Kairi gets kidnapped, and I still have no control over anything that's happening. Sure, I eventually reunited with Kairi and Riku- both who've gone through all of these physical changes that I can't keep up with, and it's awkward, and everyone's calling me Roxas just to mess with me…"

He sighed heavily, "Then Riku and I end up in the Realm of Darkness, only to later find out Aqua was trapped down there too and we were so close! If we would have looked around more, if we weren't so hurt and exhausted we could have maybe found Aqua and brought her home so much sooner! She wouldn't have fallen into Darkness, she wouldn't have had to suffer alone for as long as she had!"

He took a calming breath as he placed a hand on his chest, "...I think… I think Ventus was in love with her…"

Vanitas waved a hand, "You're falling off track."

Sora pursed his lips as he looked up at the Darkling, "Am I though..?"

Vanitas tilted his head as the brunette continued, "I mean… Everyone I knew and loved was changing without me. I was suddenly behind- a year older physically, sure, but I just… I didn't feel fifteen. Everything became so confusing as I was just accepted as just being the same old me- but, I wasn't. I don't know how I was still able to change, despite sleeping for a year, but suddenly the way I understood the Worlds was different."

Vanitas closed his eyes, "It was probably because of Ventus and I.. and probably Roxas and Xion."

"But I didn't experience those things!"

Vanitas opened his eyes, "True, but you experienced enough. Sora, you don't have to absolutely understand yourself- it's fine to be immature. You're sixteen. You're supposed to be learning about yourself and growing."

Sora looked away from him, turning slightly, "I don't understand."

Vanitas frowned, staring the brunette down before Sora finally continued softly, "I care for Kairi so much… but I also can't ignore everything Riku went through for my sake… can I?"

The Darkling raised an eyebrow as he contemplated it, "I see, I think I understand."

Sora looked at him, lost and timid.

"I hate everyone and everything, including myself. Yet, I find myself able to at least tolerate everything while I'm here, with you. I think, maybe, you are my true opposite in that regard." Sora pursed his lips in confusion as Vanitas continued, "You love everyone, Sora. You wanted better for Xemnas despite everything he'd put you through… you have hope for the better and good in people. I think you're confused because you don't understand how you can love more than one person at once in the same way, and yet completely differently all at once."

Sora watched him for a long moment before his eyes widened, "I… really?"

Vanitas huffed, "Sora, you fall in love at first sight all the time."

Sora flushed, "Wh- no I don't!"

Vanitas gave him a flat stare, "You can't tell me you weren't immediately taken by Aqua, full of Darkness as she was."

Sora flushed, taking a step back, "N-no! I- Ventus was definitely!'

Vanitas rolled his eyes with a heavy sigh, "Just admit you found her hot, she was someone even I can respect in battle."

Sora took a few stumbling steps back as he gazed at the glass floor, almost bowled over by this realization, "I- that's not good though!"

Vanitas tilted his head, "What isn't? Loving others unconditionally?"

Sora stared at him gobsmacked for a long moment before biting his lower lip and slouching, "I just… that's not what I want…"

Vanitas blinked, suddenly understanding, "You just want a cut-and-dry romance with the person you should spend the rest of your life with."

Sora nodded.

"That's why it's hard for you to deal with eating the Paopu fruit- even though Kairi extended it to you to ensure that your destinies would be bound forever… Sora. I think you Islanders are giving a single bit of fruit a little too much significance."

Sora sighed, shuffling, "I.. I know… But it always seemed romantic to me.." Until now?

Vanitas crossed his arms, "Maybe you should get to the part where you're comfortable showing platonic affection with your friends before jumping all the way to Destiny."

Sora smiled slowly, "Yeah…" He looked to the Darkling, "You're right. Thanks, Vanitas."

He shrugged, "Just so long as you don't make some other dumbass perverted joke, I don't give a shit."

Sora sighed, "You could swear less, you know."

Vanitas mocked him, "And you could learn to swear more."

Sora laughed lightly, "Whatever." He had a lot of soul searching to do.

Sora was ready to finally turn in for real when Vanitas's eyes lit up, "Wait, isn't your dad banging Riku's parents?"

The brunette stared at the Darkling boggled for a long moment before he choked and pointedly punched him, unable to even respond as he shook his head, trying desperately to clear that image up.

But also finding it impossible to ignore the fact he'd had the same thought in passing at least once. "Goodnight, Vanitas."

The Darkling swore under his breath as he rubbed his chest, "Goodnight, idiot."