Kingdom Hearts: You Belong to Me

by AngelStar89

So this story is based in AU, but if you've read any of my previous stories I will be using my main female character and others as the story progresses. I am really bad at summaries, but I can tell you that this will be a story worth reading and hopefully you guys enjoy it.

11. Chapter 11

Disclaimer: I do not own Kingdom Hearts or any of the anime/Disney characters.

Chapter Ten

Union

-But weddings tend to resurrect old issues, old emotions; new ideas, new possibilities.- Lisa Berne "The Laird Takes a Bride"

Belle was walking out of her office when she saw her daughter talking with her father. 'Dad, I know that this is short notice, but I need Saturday off.'

'Why? What for?' It was becoming a habit for his daughter to take off suddenly. 'You just got back from a spontaneous trip,' he reminded her.

'Sorry, but I need the day off for a wedding,' she told him.

'Wedding, we don't know anyone that's getting married? Plus, if you knew in advance you should have told us so that we could arrange someone to cover for you.'

'I was invited as a plus one last minute,' she told him.

'Plus one,' Belle joined in on the conversation that was suddenly becoming interesting. 'As in you are someone's date?'

There was a crash that came from behind them, 'I am okay,' Shibuya, whom had dropped a set of aluminum bowls, told them.

'Do you need help,' Amaranth offered as she took a step towards him.

'No, thanks,' he answered as he bent down the pick up the bowls on the floor.

'Still you should be careful,' her father stated as he looked down at the young man.

'Yeah, I am sorry,' he was amazed that the old man was concerned for him.

'You should be, those bowls weren't cheap,' Shibuya's amazement went down the drain, the concern was for the bowls and not him.

'Dad!'

'Adam!'

He looked at both women standing before him and even if they were both petite and slender they gave off a menacing aura. 'What? It's true.'

'You should be nicer to Shibuya,' Belle told him.

'I am,' he defended as he looked over at the young man whom had finished gathering the bowls and was walking back to get them washed. 'I treat him as if he were my own son.'

'Good thing I never had a brother,' Amaranth muttered, 'I don't think he'd care for your TLC.'

Adam pouted, 'Just wait until you get married and have a husband.'

'What's that supposed to mean?'

'I'll show you the true meaning of tough love and care,' he stated.

'You do anything to my future son in law and I swear,' Belle cautioned.

'Wait, aren't you two getting ahead of yourselves.'

'Maybe, but you're going to a wedding as a plus one,' Belle recalled.

'If Dad doesn't give me the okay, I can't.'

'Don't worry, I'll have your Father cover your shift.'

'What,' Adam looked over at his wife in outrage.

'You did it before and it's only for one day,' Belle told him. 'Plus, we can't pass up this new development in our daughter's life.'

'What new development,' Amaranth asked her?

'That you're finally dating,' Belle beamed over at her happily.

'I am not dating.'

'She's not.'

'I am just going as a friend.'

'That's how things begin,' Belle pointed out.

Adam was in shock, his little girl was going out, 'Amaranth, do we need to have the talk about the birds and the bees?'

She felt her face go bright red, 'I am too old for that and I'm completely aware of what to do and what not to do.'

'Good,' he nodded.

'But it would be nice to have a grandchild running around,' Belle muttered.

'I am too young to be a grandfather,' Adam stated, both women just looking at him. 'I am.'

'Forget your Father, do we know your date?' Belle decided not to comment on her husband's claim of youthfulness.

'Yeah,' Amaranth answered.

'It's not one of your pervious stalkers, is it?'

'No,' she shook her head at her Father's concern.

'So someone we know,' they looked over at Shibuya, who was walking back from the dish room.

'No,' Amaranth followed their gaze and train of thought. 'It's someone that we used to know and someone who's parents would like to see you two again,' she stated, keeping her answer vague.

'Someone from the mountains,' Belle figured.

'More or less, an old friend,' she claimed.

'She's very secretive,' Adam whispered to his wife.

'Maybe he's ugly,' Belle told him.

'You think,' they looked over at their daughter. 'Possibly, she's never fallen for anyone.'

Belle nodded, 'A lot of her suitors have been handsome, but that had never phased her before.'

'What if it's an older guy?'

'You know that I can hear you two,' Amaranth felt the vein on her forehead begin to pop. She didn't want to tell them who it was that she was going with so that they didn't get their hopes up. After all, now that Namine was in the picture and her and Riku showed a close history anything was possible.

'Amaranth, you have guests,' Nina called back, a huge smile on her face.

'I do,' she asked herself, thinking of whom it might be.

'Yup, a very handsome fella,' Nina beamed and turned to watch as Shibuya piped the ganache all over the place and not into the bonbons that he was working on. 'You missed,' Nina teased and she went back to the front to attend the customers.

'Sorry,' Shibuya muttered.

'You've been very clumsy lately, you alright,' Adam asked.

'Yeah,' he muttered as he began to clean the mess he made.

Amaranth's gaze softened, because she knew what was the matter. He thought that Riku was here, both males had a strong dislike for each other, one was jealous while the other was protective. She had tried to talk to Shibuya about Riku, but the topic usually left them in an awkward silence that she stopped bring him up. Like Hina, Shibuya was against her relationship with Riku and she couldn't blame them. Riku hadn't really made a good first impression with either of them. 'We can't keep your guests waiting,' Belle grabbed her hand and pulled her forward. Her father trailing behind them, curious to see this 'handsome' fella.

The trio exited the kitchen and entered the front of the house, sitting at one of the small tables was Xemnas with Xion, who was eating a slice of chocolate cake. When Xion heard the door open, she turned to see Amaranth and she jumped out of her chair to run over to her. 'Hi,' she stretched out her small arms for Amaranth to pick her up.

'Hello,' she beamed down at the little girl, before scooping her up in her arms. 'What are you guys doing here?'

Xemnas walked over to them, a handsome smile on his face, 'We were in the neighborhood and decided to stop by and see if you were in,' he greeted her and her parents. Both older adults in awe at the handsome young man before them, he looked familiar but at the same time he didn't.

'I was just about to head out,' she grabbed a napkin nearby and wiped at Xion's mouth, which had bits of chocolate cake.

'It's good we caught you then,' he smiled.

Amaranth felt a pinch on her right side, 'Right, Xemnas let me introduce you to my parents. My Mother, Belle, and my Father, Adam, this is Xemnas and his daughter, Xion,' she finished.

'It's a pleasure,' Belle took the hand that he offered.

'No, the pleasure is mine,' he told her. 'I get to see where Amaranth gets her beauty and I'm fortunate enough to see that it'll be everlasting.'

Belle blushed at the compliment and one hand went to cup her face and turn it to the side bashfully. 'Thank you, are you the young gentleman that is going to be taking Amaranth out to the wedding this weekend?'

Adam stopped looking at his wife in annoyance and turned to Xemnas to see what his answer would be. He already had a dislike for the young man, flirting with his wife in front of him and his daughter. No, he would not accept this young man. However, he reminded him of someone but he couldn't quite put his finger on who. 'Sadly, I don't get that honor,' he answered with a crest fallen expression that changed to a smile. 'But, I do get to spend the most time with her, considering her date is in the wedding party.'

'Oh,' Belle nodded, still not having any idea as to who her daughter would be seeing. Nonetheless as she studied Xemnas, she couldn't help but think he looked familiar, the thing that kept throwing her off was his orange hues and tan complexion.

'Uh-huh,' Adam suddenly pushed Belle aside and got in front of Xemnas. 'Now I remember who you are, you're related to Ansem and Xehanort, the idiots that chased after my wife up in the mountains.'

'My father and grandfather,' he stated, but didn't comment on the idiot part.

'Don't call other peoples' family members idiots,' Belle reprimanded him. 'Sorry, about my foolish husband.'

'He has a right to his own opinion, but I can understand why they chased after you and it must run in our bloodline,' he glanced over at Amaranth.

'I am just a friend,' she muttered in response.

'So is it a younger sibling that has taken an interest in Amaranth,' Belle wanted to know who was the person that had swooned her daughter off her feet.

'No, it was my little cousin that came up to visit for the winter. Him and his family always stayed at the inn, while you were the owners. I was only allowed to stay up there once.'

Belle stopped to think and then looked over at Nina, who was pretending to wipe down the counter but was actually spying on them. Spotting Nina recalled a conversation that happened not too long ago and asked, ' Is Riku Miyano your cousin?'

'Yes,' Xemnas nodded and watched as she and her husband turned to stare at Amaranth in astonishment.

'You are seeing Riku,' her mother asked her.

'I am a friend of his,' Amaranth pointed out, because she couldn't state what she had with him.

'This is,' Belle's face lite up into a cheerful smile, that reminded Xemnas of a child seeing Christmas presents underneath the Christmas tree, 'fabulous.'

'I remember the Runt,' Adam recalled the young silver haired boy chasing after Amaranth when they were little and drinking hot cocoa and eating snacks in the kitchen.

'He's not a little runt anymore, right Amaranth,' Amaranth's face was bright red at the sudden innuendo from Xemnas.

'He's grown taller,' was all she managed say without embarrassing herself.

'It'd be nice to see him,' Belle wanted to see the young man that had stolen her daughter's heart.

'Well, why don't we have a gathering? My Uncle and Aunt were saying how much they would love to see you again,' Xemnas offered suddenly.

'That's—-'

Amaranth was cut off from protesting, 'A great idea, we could have it at our place. It's a little out of the city, but its nice and quiet. Xion will have somewhere to run around and play,' Belle looked at the cute little girl in Amaranth's arms.

'Really?'

'Of course, we can do it next Sunday, if that works?'

'I'll tell my Aunt and Uncle,' just then an idea popped into his head. 'Why don't I take a family picture of you guys and send it as an invite?'

'That's a little weird, why not just give us their number and we'll invite them ourselves,' Adam asked him.

'Trust me, it'll be perfect,' he pulled away, but not before gathering them together for a picture.

'He's a little weird,' Adam mumbled.

'Hush,' Belle reprimanded him, but had to mentally agree with him.

Amaranth was getting a bad feeling about the picture, 'Perfect,' Xemnas quickly captured them on his phone. 'I'll send the picture out and inform Amaranth of my Aunt and Uncles decision.'

'Great,' Belle beamed and watched at Xemnas took Xion from Amaranth, the little girl protesting.

'You said your were about to head out, do you mind if we join you,' Xemnas asked Amaranth and Belle found that as her and her husband's queue to leave.

'No, I was just going to go change and head out.'

'Then we'll wait for you,' Xemnas beamed down at the petite female. 'Come on Xion, lets go finish your cake while we wait.'

'Kay,' she agreed.

'I'll be back,' she muttered and wondered what they would do when she finished changing.

Belle and Nina watched Amaranth leave and the handsome young man return with his daughter to the table with their cake and drinks. 'So what do you think,' Belle whispered.

'He's a devil in disguise, but not the evil take over the world kind,' Nina answered and commented, 'he'd be fun to be around.'

Belle looked over at the blonde and wondered what she meant, but didn't ask. 'I meant as a potential admirer for Amaranth. She keeps claiming that she and Riku are just friends, so maybe she and Xemnas can get together.'

'I don't think so,' Nina shook her head. 'The guy's handsome and seems well off, but he's not Amaranth's type and he has a kid. So he could have a wife.'

'Right, I didn't think of that,' Belle said too loud causing Xion and Xemnas to look over at them. 'Sorry,' she apologized and waited for them to return to their conversation.

'Yup, we can't have Amaranth be a trollop,' Nina answered, plus she had already accepted her kidnapper or as Hina liked to call him the Prick. She hadn't met the guy, but considering the circumstances and the fact that Amaranth allowed him to go all the way meant something. 'So I prefer her friend,' Nina air quoted friend.

'But what if he only sees Amaranth as a friend,' Belle worried, but would agree with Nina that Riku would be the better choice.

Amaranth came out of the back room carrying her book bag, she was dressed in khaki shorts and a light pink sleeveless blouse. 'You really think that any man in their right mind would just sees Amaranth as a friend?'

'Well,' Belle watched as Xemnas smiled at Amaranth's return and how his daughter bounced off her chair to go greet her, 'you have a point, but what about her? We all know that she's stubborn and has yet to accept anyone willing to court her.'

'But she's making big strides in that department,' Nina wasn't going to point out the obvious strides, but the more tame ones. 'I mean she is going to a wedding and regardless if she says it's with a friend, she's still going.'

'Right,' Belle nodded and watched as Xemnas cleared the table and Amaranth helped Xion. Maybe there was hope for Amaranth and in the future she would like to see her with a family of her own. 'I want a grandchild that's cute and adorable,' she suddenly stated as the trio drew near to say good-bye and take off.

Amaranth wondered if everyone was out to embarrass her or if it was natural. It was probably natural, especially her mother's comment and seeing Xion would make any woman want a child or grandchild, in this case. 'See and that is why marriage to me would make those wishes come true,' Xemnas stated with a smile on his face as he saw the look of embarrassment on mother and daughter.

Nina hung her head, trying to keep from laughing at the predicament Belle had put Amaranth in. 'I-I-I-I-I…' Amaranth was at a loss for words.

'Don't worry, I won't ask for your hand and marriage yet,' Xemnas teased her. 'I have to wait and gain the approval of both your parents.'

Amaranth began to feel light headed as the blood rushed to her head. 'Oh, my,' Belle didn't get that it was just teasing and thought that her daughter's reaction was actually an admittance of underlying love.

Nina noticed the situation and decide to save poor Amaranth, 'Boss Lady, don't you have to go to the back and get work done?'

'No—-' she didn't finish since Nina suddenly began to push her towards the back.

'But didn't you say earlier that you needed to get all the paperwork ready for Mr. Cogsworth?'

'Oh, right,' she came to a stop as she recalled that the accountant was stopping by to go over the paperwork later. 'I got so distracted, I forgot. I should get going, bye Amaranth. It was nice meeting you Xemnas and Xion,' she waved good-bye at the trio.

'Bye,' they said as they watched her leave.

'You guys should get going too,' Nina told them with a smile. 'I think Amaranth needs to start looking for a dress for the wedding this weekend.'

'We can help,' Xemnas told her. 'Right, Xion?'

'Yup,' the little girl nodded, 'and I can show her the dress I get to wear.'

'That's right, maybe we should go pick up our tux and dress at the bridal shop, first.' Xemnas commented. 'It's close by, you don't mind?'

'No,' Amaranth shook her head and waved bye at Nina as they headed out.

8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8

Sitting across from Kairi sat Namine, scrolling through her social media account as she waited for Kairi to finish her work so they could head out for lunch. 'Huh, I guess I was worried for nothing,' Namine suddenly stated as she befell two interesting pictures.

Kairi was locking her computer, when she heard Namine state her concern. 'What are you talking about?'

'Remember I told you that I went to see Riku's parents and met up with him,' Namine asked.

'Yes,' Kairi didn't see why she was still after Riku, considering the situation but Namine was Namine and regardless of whether or not she was at fault she still had hope. A hope that of course would lead her nowhere, since it was Riku that had to forgive and fall for her and not his parents pressuring him.

'Well, he brought a woman with him to greet his parents. He claimed that she was just an old friend, but he kept looking over at her when he thought no one was looking and that worried me. But now that I look at these pictures I am not worried. If there was something between them, it was just made-up in my head, because she seems to be interested in his cousin.' She leaned forward to show Kairi the two pictures that had eased her mind. In the first picture, stood the young woman she had met under awkward circumstances with a little girl in her arms and what looked liked her parents surrounding her. Underneath the picture were the hashtags pretty princess, fiancee and future in-laws.

'Oh, dear,' the next picture was worse, if Riku saw these he would flip his lid. In the last picture, Xion was wearing the flower girl dress she would be wearing on Saturday and Amaranth was wearing a stunning wedding dress. Why was she wearing a wedding dress and why did the hashtags read pretty princess and blushing bride?

'Don't worry, she doesn't look half as beautiful as you do in your wedding gown,' Namine told her as she took the phone back.

'That's not what I am worried about,' Kairi answered, yet even she had to admit that the wedding dress wasn't just stunning because of the design, but because of how her body filled it out.

'Then I don't see what the problem is,' Namine commented as she looked at the brunette in the picture and admitted to the woman's beauty to herself. 'Plus, this is a stride forward for Xemnas, after his wife died he just focused on his daughter and work. It's good that he's getting out.'

'You're only happy because you believe that this will be the solution to your problem with Riku.' Kairi leaned back into her chair and watched her, 'But we both know that this isn't anything.'

'Yeah, but it means that I have someone less to interfere with working things out with Riku. I don't have to worry about her coming out of the shadows and stealing him away,' Namine answered respectfully.

'This isn't about that,' plus, it would be you coming up from behind and trying to steal him, Kairi finished to herself. After Riku got back from his escapade, he seemed different. The first day, he was refreshed and although he was kept busy the rest of the week Sora said that he seemed determined and unfazed. Now, he was relaxed. Kairi had asked why he seemed so pleased with himself when she went up to find Sora for lunch and ran into him a few days ago. He didn't say anything, but she was sure that it was something related to the petite dark haired woman. She had Riku wrapped around her finger and it was astonishing to see him in such a condition, it would actually take a miracle for Namine to gain Riku's interest. 'Haven't you considered moving on? I know that not many people know what happened between Riku and you, so your break up seemed like a natural choice after your overseas job offer, but those that know…' she trailed off.

'I'll admit the thought did occur and I did see other people, but it wasn't the same as when I was with him,' she answered.

'Yeah, but you should have thought about that before you went and—'

'I know,' she cut her off, 'at the time I don't know what came over me. Maybe I got nervous, maybe I wanted to see him jealous and react to me like a normal lover would.'

'He always put you at the top of his priority list, if you needed anything he was there to support you, he took you out and bought you whatever you asked for. Above all, he went home to you and never looked at another woman,' Kairi answered. 'What more could you want from the guy?'

'I don't know, I felt like our relationship was becoming stagnant. He did everything for me and showed care, but I wanted more,' she confessed.

'The guy would have put the world on a silver platter for you if you asked him,' Kairi told her.

Namine bit her lip and glanced down at the phone on her lap to see a picture of the young woman in the wedding dress. 'But he didn't give me the one thing that I wanted the most and the thing that constantly kept me worried,' she admitted.

'What more could he give,' Kairi watched her cousin and waited in anticipation.

'His heart,' she answered in a soft whisper.

Kairi was about to say that she sounded absurd, but stopped to think for a moment. To her, Riku had been the best boyfriend that Namine could ask for he was caring, kind and generous. They would always spend their free time together and sometimes even double date with her and Sora. Yet as much as he cared for her and took her out, he never seemed to get jealous or angry. Unlike with the petite female that caused him to stir and react in a way that she'd never seen. She had to admit that even now, she was worried about his reaction to the pictures that Xemnas posted. He was so possessive of the woman that anything could happen.

She looked over at Namine and wondered what to say to ease her sadness, she couldn't tell her the assumptions that she made based on observations. It would be a blow, yet she also needed to stray her away from Riku so she didn't get her hopes up. 'I am sure that in his own way he loved you, but after what happened between you two I think that it's a lost cause.'

'Time has softened him and he forgave me, we're friends now,' Namine told her. 'I am sure that if I try and persuade him it'll work. I just need to give him time.'

Kairi sighed, there was no getting it into her cousin's head that it wasn't going to work, 'Just don't come running to me when things don't go as you plan.'

'Don't worry, I am sure they will,' she smiled at her with so much confidence it made Kairi actually believe it might work.

'Suit yourself,' Kairi told her as she pushed her chair back and got up, 'lets go and get lunch, I'm starving.'

'Are we going to go upstairs and invite your soon to be husband to join us,' Namine asked.

'Humph, you just want an excuse to go and see Riku,' Kairi shook her head as she grabbed her bag.

'Can you blame a girl,' Namine smiled at getting caught. 'You can at least help me out a little, you know.'

'Fine, not like you're going to give me a choose anyways,' she walked around her desk and joined Namine as she gathered her belongings. 'Lets head upstairs and see if the guys have time to join us for lunch.'

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'So,' Sora and Riku were just walking out of the conference room, when Riku's phone dinged and he received a message. Whatever the message was made him stop in his tracks and stare at it with pure outrage. 'Riku,' he tried again.

'I have to make a call and leave,' Riku suddenly answered.

'But the case, we need to go over it and figure out a game plan,' Sora pointed out.

'Right,' he looked down at his watch. 'It's lunch time, I'll be back a little later. We can figure out what to do when I come back.'

'Okay, but is something the matter? Do you need help?' He offered to help his best friend.

'No, I just need to step out for a bit,' another message arrived and it annoyed him even more. 'Got to go.'

Sora was going to say something, but Riku was already gone. He watched as Riku walked away with determination and scrolled through his phone, he must have looked up the contacts since shortly after he was making a call. 'Where are you,' he heard him snap and feared for the recipient. 'I'll be over there soon.'

Who was that and why did he sound so upset, Sora wondered to himself as he walked towards his office. 'Ms. Kairi and Ms. Namine are waiting in your office,' Lisa told him as he neared and a giant smile formed on his face.

'Perfect timing,' he thought of his beautiful bride to be and it made him forget his current worries. 'I won't be needing anything for a while, you can go to lunch.'

'Yes, Mr. Irino,' she nodded and watched as he opened the door and walked inside.

Sora walked in and saw Kairi and Namine waiting for him, 'Kairi,' he walked over to join her and give her a kiss. 'Namine.'

'Sora,' Namine looked over at the loving couple, jealous that she wasn't in Riku's arms. 'We came to see if you and Riku would like to join us for lunch.'

'I can join you,' Sora answered. 'Although, Riku won't be able too.'

'Why,' Namine sat up and placed her cell down.

'Because he seemed to have something urgent to attend too,' Sora answered.

'Bummer, here I thought we could go out on a double date like the good old days,' Namine pouted.

Sora looked over at Kairi and wondered if she had already told Namine about Riku and Amaranth. He had yet to accept them, but it seemed to put Riku at ease being around the pretty brunette. Unless he got jealous or insecure, which was unusual for him, considering he was over confident and his opinion of women was questionable and shameful. Yet he always seemed to get a girl and when it came to losing them he didn't bat an eye. The only one that came close to getting him to react was Namine, but that was because they had spent so much time together and he had caught her cheating. It was unforgivable to say the least, but they were all close friends and she was also Kairi's family. If it were him in Riku's shoes he would have never forgiven her. 'I think that'll be hard to achieve. Considering the circumstances,' he told her with a weary smile.

'Why? I thought that he didn't have a girlfriend,' Namine told him.

'I don't know what they are, but he already has someone that he's seeing.'

Namine unlocked her phone and pulled up her social media app., 'You don't mean her, do you?'

Sora walked over to look at what she had to show him and grimaced at the pictures and captions. It made sense as to why Riku looked furious and was snippy on the phone. He probably went to see Amaranth and confront her about the pictures, if that was what was sent to him. 'How do you know Amaranth?'

'I met her last weekend at his parents house, he introduced her as an old friend and Xemnas and his daughter took a liking to her.' Namine explained.

'Oh,' he nodded, 'he didn't tell me that you guys had dinner.'

'Probably because he's been busy with work and you with work and the wedding,' she tried to save her integrity and his neglect to bring her up.

'Maybe,' Sora shrugged and looked over at Kairi.

'We should get going to lunch, I don't know about you two but I am famished,' Kairi decided to change the subject.

'It's probably because of that diet you don't need,' Sora pointed out, 'cause you're beautiful the way you are.'

'Thank you, but I still need to be able to fit into my wedding dress,' she told him and kissed him for his compliment.

'If it were anyone but us, you wouldn't need a wedding dress at all,' he smirked.

Namine coughed and gagged at his cheesy line, 'Please, do that in private, not somewhere I can lose my appetite or lunch.'

'One day, I am sure you'll be in this same position and I'll be saying the same thing,' Kairi teased her.

'Maybe, but I doubt it. Riku doesn't like PDA or saying cheesy lines like that,' Namine beamed at the thought of him and her together.

'I would keep my options open, if I were you,' Sora commented and saw Namine's face sour at the suggestion.

'Sora's right, there are so many other men out there available and for the taking,' Kairi agreed.

Namine became annoyed and wondered if they knew something that she didn't or if her suspicions were true and he and that woman had a thing. But why didn't they come out and tell his family, its not like they needed to keep their relationship a secret. So many wild ideas were running through her head as she tried to figure out the answer to the questions she feared. She had returned home, not just for the wedding but because she had hope. Hope that seemed to be on the verge of being crushed. Unless, she looked down at her cell and the picture of the girl. If she could talk to her and feel her out, maybe she'd understand their relationship better and figure out what to do. If all else failed she could just order the woman to leave him, she seemed like a submissive push over.

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Riku arrived back at the apartment, expecting to see Amaranth waiting on the couch like a good girl but she wasn't there. 'Amaranth,' he called out and he heard the sound of the faucet turn off in the distance.

'Coming,' he heard her cry out and wondered if she was making lunch. No, he wasn't going to get swept away by the idea that she was waiting for him with lunch ready. As she entered the living room he took her in. She was wearing a deep navy blue apron that contrasted her light colored skin and attire. Underneath it she wore a light pink sleeveless blouse and khaki shorts. 'Welcome back,' she offered him a warm greeting. 'I made you lunch.'

Heavens, she was perfect, but that didn't matter right now. Right now he had to figure out why she was with his cousin and why he was taking pictures of her with her family and in a wedding dress. 'I am not here for lunch,' he stated as he beaconed for her to come closer to him with his hand.

She stood her ground, cautions of his behavior, she hadn't done anything wrong, at least not to her recollection. 'Come here,' he ordered her after she refused to move.

Silently she moved forward until she was within arms reach. 'Where did you go today?'

'I went to work and out shopping,' she answered.

'Undress,' he commanded and watched as her head snapped up and amber hues stared up at him in disbelieve. 'What, do you want me to help you,' he reached out for her, but she jerked back her face aflame.

'I can do it myself, but why,' she asked as she untied the front knot of her apron and took it off.

'Because I want to see if anything was done to you, while I was at work.'

Amaranth paused, her hands at the hem of her blouse about to pull it off. 'No one has done anything to me,' she answered, but the glare in his eyes told her that he wasn't going to take her word for it, so she continued.

Her skin remained unblemished, after the first night together he had stopped marking her but now he needed to again. He didn't want idiots thinking that she was available for the taking. 'Your bra and underwear too,' he told her as she finished taking her shorts off and stopped, leaving on her lacy white undergarments.

It was more humiliating to take off her clothes in broad daylight then it was to take them off in the darkness of night. 'Did anyone interesting come to visit,' he continued his interrogation.

She wondered if he knew about Xemnas and Xion, 'Your cousin and his daughter stopped by the shop and they greeted my parents,' she began. 'Afterwards they invited me to go out with them.'

So she wasn't afraid to tell him about his cousin, his eyes travelled the length of her willowy body, stopping and enjoy her perky breasts, who's nipples stood to attention. He reached out and ran his thumb over the sensitive numb, while his hand cupped her breast firmly. He continued to admire her vast beauty, her stomach lean and fit, but not hard or defined which suited him. As his eyes traveled beyond her stomach to her small waist and then to her shapely hips, a nice curvature that finished off her hourglass figure. Leading to her long and toned legs that wrapped around him and held him in place when they had sex.

'Mmph,' she had tried to keep the moan from escaping her lips, but his thumb kept playing with her sensitive nipple and she couldn't contain it any longer. In addition, she felt ashamed at the fact that just his piercing gaze was enough to turn her on. 'Stop,' she reached out to grab his offending hand. 'You've seen that no one has touched me, now please let me put my clothes on,' she told him.

'This isn't enough, he could have touched you somewhere else,' he grabbed her wrist and pulled her towards the coffee table. 'I need to be thorough,' he told her as he ordered her to get on all fours.

If anyone saw her in these conditions they would assume that she was pathetic or had no sense of shame. 'Lift your ass up,' he ordered her and she yelped when he slapped her buttock. 'Aah!'

'You have such a wanton body, I am always afraid of letting you out of my sight,' he watched as his handprint developed on her pump and well-rounded ass.

'I don't,' she protested and received another smack in the same spot. The skin more tender and the sting harder to bare, 'Ahh, don't—-'

He was never one to enjoy causing his partners discomfort, but she was an exception. He had smacked her a third time for protesting and noticed to his amusement that she was getting turned on as her warm entrance began to get wet. 'You're such a naughty pervert,' he ran two of his fingers up and down her entrance.

'I am not,' she protested and tried to pull away from him.

His free hand on the small of her back, pressing down to hold her in place. 'I don't think that even you believe that,' he spread her opening. 'I can see how wet and turned on you are from getting your ass smacked,' he teased her.

'No,' she shook her head, she wasn't turned on because he smacked her but because it was him.

'Your pink little rose bud looks like its hungry and wants to be fed,' he teased, releasing his fingers and letting her opening close. 'I think that I should do the honorable thing and feed it,' he told her as he reached down with his free hand, undid his belt, his button and zipper. Allowing his pants to drop, the bulge in his boxers already becoming unbearable to contain. Since just seeing her was a huge turn on for him and to have her naked before him was a cruel temptation that had his member stiff and ready to attend to her needs.

She knew that based on the sounds he was getting ready to enter her, they had been together multiple times but she couldn't get over her embarrassment. It was especially hard when he teased her or somehow made her feel ashamed of how her body reacted to him. She felt the hand on her lower back move across and come to rest on her hip, ready to hold her in place, it's partner soon joining the other side after helping its host place his member at her entrance. She blushed at the sensation of his member pressed against her entrance and she came to the realization that she was waiting for him to completely bury himself inside her. However it never came, 'Riku,' she called out his name trying to hide the desire.

He held her in place as she tried to push her hips into him, her entrance begging him to take her. Nevertheless, he wanted to tease her and see if she'd beg him to fulfill her needs. To show him that she only belonged to him and she wouldn't go looking for comfort somewhere else. He couldn't help his feelings of anger and jealous when he recalled viewing her pictures on his phone. She had spent time with Xemnas behind his back, she allowed him to get friendly with her parents and even see her in a wedding gown. The idiot had even posted stupid hashtags on his account, which his mother saw and asked if she and Xemnas were an item. They weren't, they would never be, not unless he had a say in the matter. 'What's the matter,' he teased, she looked back at him her face flushed and her eyes heavy-lidded in an effort to seduce him.

'Why are you teasing me,' her voice low and silken.

He wondered if she knew what she was capable of or if she was a natural seductress. 'Because I want you to tell me what you want,' he told her.

She turned away from him and looked at the cold wooden surface of her coffee table. He wanted her to say something so embarrassing and against her nature, but…she whimpered in dissatisfaction as he barely pushed in and out of her. Teasing her and not giving her what she craved, 'You,' she finally whispered her face aflame at the sudden confession.

Riku smiled, but he wasn't appeased just yet, 'That's not enough.'

'I want your member inside me,' she softly but clearly stated. 'Ahh!'

Hearing her cry out in pleasure as he slammed inside her was a delightful sound, but he was greedy. 'Is this enough,' he asked without moving.

'Why,' she tried to move again, but again he held her in place.

'You have to tell me what you want or else I can't comply.' She turned back and glared at him, but it had no affect on him, especially when she was already in heat and desperate for him to finish what he started. 'It's not easy for me either,' he smirked at her.

She looked away again and swallowed hard, fine she'd beat him at his own game. She knew what triggered him and would get him to forget play with her, especially since he was possessive. 'If I were with him, he wouldn't tease me,' she felt his fingers dig into her side. 'He'd quickly take me and make me his,' sadly she couldn't imagine any other man but him, therefore she didn't speak a name. 'His thrust…ahhh,' she cried out when he smacked her and began to slam inside her.

He had been angry before and seeing her waiting for him with lunch had eased that anger. Yet now her words of being with another man and that man being the idiot or his cousin infuriated him. He'd show her who was the only man that could make her moan out in pleasure and satisfy her needs, that way she wouldn't get any more stupid ideas. She was his, no one else's, he thought as he slammed inside her, feeling her tight walls wrap around him and embrace him in there heat. 'Fuck,' she was so tight and his hips moved like a piston slapping against her as she moved to meet him.

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Driving up the long drive of the estate, Amaranth marveled at the beauty of the place were they would be staying the weekend. It was a grand estate that would leave anyone breathless, they drove in passed the gate and it was as if they were teleported to a whole new world. It was a forest of trees and plants all well maintained and taken care of. The estate, a large building that was covered in vines and had beautiful flowers all around the outskirts of the building, could be seen in the clearing up ahead. She was sure that as soon as she looked out one of the balconies she would see a sight that she could marvel at for hours.

She had to admit that she enjoyed flowers and a wedding out here would be marvelous, but it would be a little too much for her. Riku parked the car and helped her out before getting their luggage, two small carry ons and one garment bag that carried his suit for the wedding and her dress. She took one of the carry ons and followed beside him. As they neared the entrance, a small body came out of the flower bushes and hugged her. 'Amaranth,' Xion wrapped her arms around her thighs and looked up at her with a huge grin.

'Hello,' she greeted the little girl with a light pat on her head.

'Am, you should come and see the garden with me,' she stated happily. 'All the flowers are pretty,' she announced.

'I would like that, but I have to go and put my luggage away first,' she told the little girl.

'I'll come too.'

'What about your father,' she asked.

'I can join you too,' Xemnas walked over to them and greeted the young couple. He noticed Riku filled in the gap between Amaranth and him, wrapping his arm around her waist. Ever the possessive man, he realized and knew that it was a family trait. For he too had acted the same with his wife. Although, considering that Amaranth had left him once and his serious girlfriend for years had cheated on him, it could have left Riku a little insecure.

'I think that we can handle unpacking by ourselves,' Riku told Xemnas and looked down at Xion whom had taken a hold of Amaranth's hand.

'So that means I can't help,' Xion looked up at Amaranth with huge puppy dog eyes.

'Xion, we need to give your Uncle and Amaranth some alone time,' Xemnas said as he reached down and grabbed her in his arms.

'But, I want to spend time with Am,' she whined and she looked over at her pleading.

Amaranth was on the verge of saying something when Riku answered for her. 'I promise that after lunch Amaranth can spend sometime with you.'

'Can we have lunch together,' she batted her long lashes at Riku.

'Yes,' he answered.

'Yeh,' she cheered happily and turned to her father. 'We get to eat with Am.'

'We do,' he beamed at her and looked over at the young couple. Amaranth had a pleasant smile, while his cousin was still contemplating if he should actually join them or not. It was probably best not to let him over think things, 'We'll let you two go and get settled. See you later for lunch,' he smiled as he left with an excited Xion.

'Bye, see you later. Lets go play in the garden,' she waved back at them as Xemnas walked them back to the back yard.

She felt the pressure of his hand squeeze her hip and she turned her head to look up at him. 'That was nice of you,' she softly praised him.

'Yeah, well, I still have my reservations about letting you two around each other,' he stated as he looked down at her.

'I don't think that Xion will do anything to me,' she smiled.

'It's not her that's the problem,' he had asked her about the pictures and she told him that they had been taken with Xion. That getting her into a wedding dress had also been Xion's suggestion and she had gone along with it to please the little girl. Xemnas had taken the first picture to send to his family as an invitation for dinner and the second one because Xion and her had looked pretty. She never thought that he would use the pictures to instigate false facts or claim a false relationship.

'I don't think that he sees me the way you might think,' they began walking towards the front door. 'I think that he does it because Xion has taken a liking to me.'

This could mean trouble, he figured, if the little brat persuaded Amaranth, she might turn her against him and towards her father. Amaranth had already used the thought of another man giving her pleasure and if that man turned to be Xemnas it would be a devastating blow. 'Humph, if it wasn't for the color of your hues, you could pass off as her mother,' he realized why the little brat was attracted too her.

Amaranth smiled softly, 'I think that she looks more like Kairi and the girl we met at dinner.'

Riku thought for a moment and when he imagined all three of their faces, plus Xion's mother's face, she had a point. All four of them had similar facial traits and appearances. 'Then I wonder why she's attracted to you.'

They reached the front door and Riku removed his arm from around her waist to reach out and open it. As they stepped inside they were greeted by the receptionist, 'Hello and welcome to Manor Estate Inn.'

Amaranth had forgotten that they were staying at an inn and not actually someone's family estate. She offered a polite smile and small greeting, Riku did all the talking and filled out the paperwork. She just stood and marvel at the auspicious lobby filled with paintings of nature and flowers, she had an inkling that the owner had a thing for plants. She turned to study the high chandelier in the center of the landing between the entrance and stairs leading to the second and third floor. The crystal teardrops that hang from it refracted the light and gave off a ribbon of colors that only showed when looking directly at the crystals, otherwise the light it gave off was soft and delicate. 'Are you ready,' Riku asked as he finished and turned towards her.

She nodded and watched as two men came out and grabbed their luggage to help carry it up and lead them to their rooms, they were dressed in black suits and that didn't remind Amaranth of a bellhop but a butler instead. She figured that this place must be a fortune to rent out completely, let alone just one room. As they walked up the stairs and looked amongst the landing down the hall she could see guest walking in and out of their rooms. There were other butlers, as well as women dressed in old maid outfits, not the ones with the short skirts but the long ones known as French Maids. She was even surprised that they even wore the ruffled white headpiece that covered their hair and hid it from view. She caught Riku looking at one of the maids and wondered if he fancied her.

She won't question him, after all it was his choose and she was just a play thing to entertain him until he got tired. Her spirit fell and she frowned in disappointment. They had only been together for almost three weeks and it wasn't as if they were actually dating or anything. He had claimed at the beginning that she was his toy to do as he pleased with her, which he did and it embarrassed her a little to admit that she enjoyed her time with him and the pleasures he gave her. Yet at the same time she didn't want to develop too great of an attachment, for when he decided to throw her away she wouldn't suffer so badly. They arrived at their room and she watched as Riku thanked the two young men for their help and provided them with a tip. As he saw them out she turned to study the room they were given. It had a warm feel to it with the walls painted a creamy white with portraits of natural gardens hanging on them. In the center was a large queen size bed that would accommodate the two of them, the covers white with green embroidery along the trim of the blanket shaped like leaves and vines. On one side of the bed was a black wood vanity whose color contrasted the room, but complimented it as well. Along side that was the closet. On the other side of the bed were two French doors that led out onto the balcony and gave a view of the back of the estate were the wedding would be held tonight. Amaranth was about to make her way to the balcony and see out, when she was caught from behind.

Riku wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close to him, he kissed her neck and felt her shudder. It had become common knowledge to him that her neck was sensitive and he enjoyed teasing her. She didn't pull away from him, but turned in his arms to look up at him, her hands rested lightly against his chest. 'I think we should break the bed in,' he suggested with a smile.

Amaranth's face redden at the suggestion, 'We have to unpack,' she reminded him.

'We can do that later,' he leaned down and kissed her, stopping her protest.

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Light blue hues looked up at the man before her, 'You look handsome,' Namine whispered as she took the arm that he offered.

He nodded in acceptance, 'You look stunning as always.'

Namine beamed at the compliment, she had to admit that the blushing pink chiffon bridesmaid dress flattered her figure and complimented her skin tone. The a-line silhouette of the dress showed off her figure, but also kept it modest as it flurried out into a short skirt that reached her knees and revealed little of her long creamy legs. She looked over at Riku and praised her cousin's good taste in best man attire. The suit that Riku wore was a dark blue that went well with his skin color and brought out the blue in his eyes. It had a smart and casual look, which was brought together by the vest underneath his single breasted jacket, making the white dress shirt and dark necktie stand out. Riku was a handsome man, anything he wore suited him and made him stand out and it was no wonder why all the women looked at and admired him.

She enjoyed being the envy of all those women as she walked down the aisle with him to meet Sora and await for Kairi to arrive. She wondered if Riku and her had remained together would they be married by now or planning their wedding. They arrived at the alter and she hated the fact that she had to release Riku and be separated from his side. He join Sora's side, remaining silent but attentive of the aisle to watch the others arrive and await for Kairi. However, for a moment she saw his eyes stray and search for someone amongst the guest. Namine followed his gaze as it landed on the petite woman sitting between his parents and Xemnas with Xion, the flower girl in her lap. She noted that she was quietly whispering something into Xion's ear, but looked up when she felt his gaze upon her and looked up at him. She saw the warm smile that she offered him, before her attention was pulled away from him and she listened to what Xion was whispering into her ear.

Why, she wondered, was he staring at her? What made the girl so captivating that he could zero in on her and get distracted? Wasn't she with Xemnas now that they were reunited. When she arrived it had been lunch time and she had asked to join Riku and them for lunch. During the meal she had seen the way Xion and Xemnas interacted with the woman, making her believe that there was something there. She didn't seem to show a bond with Riku, maybe he liked her but she liked Xemnas, even now she could see that they were close. Her attention swayed from them to the end of the aisle, where Kairi stood in a stunning white princess wedding dress. It was a short sleeved dress with a sweetheart neckline, an empire waistline that showcased her bust and small waist, where it cinched at her waist it fell into a long ball gown with a long laced train. The lace design flowers and in each center there was a little rhinestone that made the dress shine and shimmer. Kairi had refused a veil and styled her long brown hair in large ringlets that fell down her back, to cover the backless design of the dress and give her a real princess feel. The light make up made her seem naturally flawless and retained her youthful glow.

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'She looks beautiful,' Xion whispered to Amaranth.

'Very much,' Amaranth agreed as she turned to watch Kairi walk down the aisle. 'When you get married I am sure you'll be just as beautiful.'

Xemnas had over heard her and leaned forward to whisper into her ear, 'You shouldn't try to marry off my daughter so soon, the next one that should be walk down the aisle is you.'

Riku had barely glanced over at Kairi as she walked down the aisle towards them. His eyes had remained on Amaranth and noticed his cousin lean into Amaranth and whisper something into her ear. He didn't know what it was but he saw the way she turned back to look at him with a slight blush on her cheeks and a wide-eyed stare of disbelief. What had his cousin said and why did her reaction make him smug. He cursed the fact that she couldn't be by his side and that Xemnas took so many liberties with her. He had warned his cousin to back off, but he hadn't listened and instead he continued to do as he pleased with Amaranth. What was his agenda with her?

The wedding ceremony went off without a hitch and at the end Kairi and Sora became Mr. and Mrs. Irino. At dinner Riku sat next to Amaranth and made sure not to allow Xemnas too get to close to her. He really should control his jealousy more, but his mother decided to bridge a topic that he hated to reference, 'Amaranth, what do you think of marriage? My son thinks that it's a pointless affair, but what about you?'

Amaranth gave her a soft smile, 'When I was young there was only one person I ever wanted to marry, but as I grew older I realized that marrying that person would be an impossibility.'

'So you've given up on marriage?'

'No, I just haven't thought about it,' she answered honestly.

'What if the person you loved asked you to marry him,' Xemnas asked.

'Yes, what would you say to them,' Mrs. Miyano asked with curiosity and look between her and Xemnas.

Amaranth wondered why the sudden interest and tension when she felt her hand underneath the table get grabbed by Riku. He didn't want marriage so if she said yes would he be displeased with her, was that why he held her hand tightly. 'I am not sure,' she gave a vague answer. 'I haven't really thought about spending my live with anyone since I was young, so I don't know.' That answer didn't seem to please him, his grip became stronger and she winced but retained her smile. 'But if I were to love him and he genuinely love me, I would say yes.'

Riku hadn't realized how displeased he had been with the thought of not knowing if she would say yes or no. Although, he found it odd that her saying yes relaxed him. His mother was about to say something more when the cake ceremony began. He thanked the heavens for the distraction, because knowing his mother she would probably ask what she looked for in a man. That way she could make a connection between Xemnas and her, which was over his dead body. Right, he had to stop, she was with him. He took his gaze away from Sora and Kairi's three tier cake to look over at her. He smiled when he noticed the way she stared at the cake, she had a passion for her job and the way she took in the details of the cake before them was astonishing. He squeezed her hand a little and released it to get her attention. She slowly turned her gaze towards him and he didn't even need words to communicate with her for she softly smiled up at him and squeezed his hand in return.

'The cake looks magnificent,' Mrs. Miyano turned to see what Amaranth thought and froze. It was the first time she'd seen her son genuinely look at someone the way he looked at Amaranth, the young woman also held the same expression in her gaze. She turned back to Kairi and Sora, but her thoughts remained on her son and Amaranth. It was no wonder every time she saw them together he was always near her, they did an excellent job of not expression their feelings that she had come to the wrong conclusion. Her nephew must have known and that was why he had taken those pictures to mess with her son. She had fallen for the bait and tried to make a connection, she was a horrible mother. Why hadn't they said anything? She wouldn't have opposed, no one would, would they? She was left with so many puzzling questions. Now she felt compelled to ask them, but she didn't want to invade their privacy.

After the cake was served and everyone had their fill, the dance floor opened up with the bride and groom dancing to Sia's song Magic. It was a wonderful song that seemed to match them very well. They finished their dance and other couples got up to join them, Riku was about to turn and ask her to dance, when there was a light tap on his shoulder and Amaranth released the hold on his hand. 'Riku, I was wondering if you'd like to dance with me?'

Standing behind him was Namine, she looked nervous and shy to be the one asking, which was funny considering she was fairly out going and straight forward. He was about to refuse her when his father decided to encourage them, it seemed like a bad idea considering he cried out in pain and all eyes were on him. 'Sorry, ankle acting up,' he tried to save, but in reality his wife had kicked him. 'I guess there will be no dancing for me today.'

'I'll just have someone else take me out dancing,' his wife replied.

'Don't worry Auntie, I'll take you out on the dance floor,' Xemnas told her. 'But cousin, you shouldn't make such a beautiful woman wait for you,' he turned the attention back to Riku and Namine.

'Right, you should go and have one dance. After all she did come all the way over here for you,' his father said and received another kick on the ankle. He turned to glare at his wife and was about to ask her why she kept hitting him, nevertheless Amaranth soft but clear voice could be heard saying yes.

All eyes turned to her and watched as she got up and accepted the hand of the young man that stood beside her chair. When had he arrived and asked her to dance with him, they wondered and watched in awe as he whisked her away.

'See your friend isn't shy,' Namine reached down and took Riku's hand, snapping him from out of his trance. 'Just one dance,' she tugged on his hand.

'Just one,' he told her and after that he was going to go and take Amaranth back.

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Amaranth smiled at the young man before her, 'You must be Sora's relative,' she stated after studying his features and realize that he and Sora almost looked alike. The difference being their hair, eyes and skin being of a lighter or darker shade.

'Yes,' he answered as he looked down at the petite woman before him. 'I am his cousin, Roxas.'

'I am Amaranth,' she answered and watched as he looked beyond her in search of something or someone. She did find it a bit odd that he seemed to be uninterested in her, but after they turned and she noticed who he was looking at she softly smiled and looked at his chest. He had used her for the same reason she had used him, except for different purposes. 'I don't know how to describe it, but I think we are both very foolish,' she whispered gaining his attention.

'Huh,' he looked down at her, curiously. He could have sworn she called herself and him foolish.

'Oh, it's nothing,' she blushed at being caught.

Roxas's eyebrow raised in a quizzical manner, puzzled by her comment and what she meant. Maybe she was upset because she figured out that he didn't like her the way a normal person would ask someone out to dance. He didn't want her to seem hurt by his lack of interest, but he didn't want to give her false hope. 'You look nice,' he commented on her attire and she looked up at him with wide eyed hues, before she bursted out laughing.

'Sorry,' she tried to reign in her laughter, but the way he said it with such a serious face and emotionless tone she couldn't not. 'Thank you for the compliment, you look nice yourself,' she answered after regaining some composure.

'Thanks, I think,' he was puzzled. 'You're not mad that I'm using you?'

'Would you be mad if I said I was using you too,' she returned the question without answering.

She was becoming interesting, 'It would depend on the situation.'

'The same,' she agreed with him and watched as his gazed returned to the opposite direction. 'May I ask you something?'

Roxas glanced back down at the woman before him and nodded. 'You may.'

'Why dance with me, if you really wish to dance with her,' she was curious to see if her answer to the question was right.

He hesitated at first, but realized that she was different and answered, 'Because she likes him and I thought that without you by his side he would be more willing to dance with her. May I asked you something in return?' She nodded, 'Why did you agree?'

'Because I am selfish and also because I wanted him to accept without me being an issue.'

'How does that make you selfish,' he asked confused.

'Because I am hoping that while he is dancing with her, he is looking over here the same way you're looking over at Namine.'

Roxas light blue hues widen in surprise, 'So you and him are in a relationship?'

'It's complicated,' she answered truthfully, but surely.

'I am sorry, I had no idea and here I wanted to pull you away so that Namine could have a chance with him,' he told her.

Amaranth softly smiled up at him, but it was a smiled that also reflected sadness. 'You have pure intentions, I can't be upset with you for that. However, I think that it would be best for you to fight for her love and give her happiness. That way both of you can be happy at the same time.' The music came to an end and they both stopped, Roxas looking down at her, soaking in what she just said and knowing she was right.

'Thanks, I'll heed your advice,' he nodded.

'Good,' she beamed up at him.

'Ahem,' someone cleared their throat behind her. Roxas lifted his gaze from Amaranth and saw Riku and Namine standing before them. 'Mind if we switch partners,' Riku asked, but wasn't really waiting for a response since he was already reaching for Amaranth's hand.

'No, that's fine,' Roxas let her go and watched as she fell right into his arms as the music started and was whisked away. 'Do you want to dance,' he asked Namine as she watched after the light haired male and petite female.

Namine took his hand and allowed him to lead her into the slow dance. However, as they dance he noticed that she wasn't all there with him. He was about to say something when she asked him, 'Do you think I'm pretty?'

He was caught off guard by that question, 'No,' he answered and watched as her hopeful expression crumbled. 'I think you're beautiful.'

A small smile started to form on her lips, 'Thank you,' she said as she looked at Roxas for the first time that evening. 'Do you think it's my personality?'

Roxas knew where these questions were going and sighed internally. Namine only cared about Riku and what he thought of her, and realized that no matter what he said she was going to be grateful for his response but wasn't going to look beyond it. 'No,' he answered.

'Then why her,' she looked up into his eyes and he could see a flicker of jealousy. 'He claims they're only friends, but then he goes and brings her here and is constantly looking at her. Why?'

He really didn't know the young woman, but she seemed to have a nice personality and she was lovely. Not in the lovely, I am interested in, but beautiful in her own right. 'That's a complicated answer,' he remembered when he asked if they were together.

'What do you mean,' she asked. 'Did she tell you something?'

'No,' it wasn't his right to tell her about someone else's feelings. 'But just know that if all fails, I'll be here for you,' he offered a smile that crumbled once he noticed that she was in her own little world again. This was going to be tougher then he thought, but he'd really would be there for her if she needed him.

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Riku's hold on her waist tightened as he pulled Amaranth closer to him. 'You hold me any closer and people will begin to think that we are a couple,' she cautioned, mainly referring to his parents.

'Let them think what they want,' he answered.

'Namine will be upset.'

'And that would bother me, why?'

'She likes you.'

'So, what we had was in the past. I don't plan on starting something with her,' he stated.

'Hmm,' she nodded, however on the inside she was thrilled at the news.

'Amaranth,' he called out to her and she lifted her beautiful amber hues towards him.

'Yes,' she asked.

'Why did you agree to dance with him?'

Amaranth cocked her head to the side and looked into his aquamarine hues that looked like dark ocean pools hard set on making her answer. 'Because it would have been cruel to refuse and I thought I was hindering you from accepting Namine's proposal to dance.'

Riku studied her, trying to figure out if her answer was honest or not. 'I've already told you that you are mine,' he said after a pause. 'Plus, I don't do well with sharing, even if the other person means nothing to you.'

She was a little deflated at his comment, her eyes fell and stared at his chest. Maybe she wanted too much from him, but the fact that they were getting closer and living together made her want to think that she was more then a possession. She felt the grip on her waist tightened as he sought out her attention. 'Let's go back,' she heard him say in a whisper.

She lifted her gaze to meet his and nodded, even if she refused he would get upset so it was best to just comply. 'Shall we go say good-night and fair wishes to the newly weds?'

'No,' he led her away from tables, dancing guest and through the wall of people standing around just watching and socializing. As long as she was out of view, he figured, she wouldn't be the center of attention or get any ideas about being with anyone else. He didn't lie, he wasn't one to share and watching her with another man had been annoying. He'd gotten used to Xemnas, because he did it to get under his skin and he was family, but someone else was a whole another story. He held her soft small hand in his and led her across the lawn to the estate, away from the party and prying eyes.

—Bonus Story—

Amaranth looked down at the dress laid out before her, on top of the bed. It had been a week since the wedding and things had returned to normal. 'What is this,' she turned amber hues towards the silver haired male patiently waiting for her to try it on.

'I thought you would look nice in it,' he stated and watched as she reached out to touch one of the long sleeves.

'I thought you had liked one of the women from the estate,' she muttered softly as she remembered seeing them wear the same outfit and how he had looked at them.

'Heavens no,' he told her. 'I was actually imagining you in one of the outfit.'

Amaranth looked over at Riku, she never took him for one to like role playing. Nevertheless, when a man made a woman dress up to play out his fantasies, it was usually in a sexy version of the outfit. Not an old tradition design, that covered everything and left a lot to the imagination. 'Do you seriously want me to wear this,' she asked as she lifted the French Maid dress up in front of her.

'Yes,' he answered, 'I'll wait for you downstairs.'

She watched him leave in disbelief as she was left in their bedroom with the maid's uniform. It had no sex appeal to it, so she wondered what in the world made him find it so attractive. She placed it on the bed and began to take her robe and night gown off. It was going to be an interesting night, she thought to herself as she looked down at the outfit one last time before grabbing it to put it on.