A/N: Wooo feels like it's been a while, hasn't it? I've been working on some other fandom fics, but coming back to KH always feels like coming home.

They still wanted to take him to their Master. He wasn't sure if the emphasis should be on the fact that he was going to see Eraqus, or the fact that they wanted him. That still sounded too good to be true. No, he was useless now. Just a shadow without the light to cast it. Why would they want to keep him around?

Unless they were afraid of letting him go free. His Unversed were still dangerous. He was still dangerous. They were going to take him to their Master and he would see that, he'd kill him before he ever had a chance to explain—

Aqua hugged him. Her armor dug into his shoulder, but that couldn't be helped while he was seated in front of her on the glider.

"You're shaking," she said near his ear. The sound was still distorted through her helmet and the odd acoustics of the Lanes Between.

"You don't have to point it out," he muttered, willing himself to be still. Frankly she was just lucky he'd managed to contain his Unversed so far. Of course, he had a large incentive not to let his monsters near the girl who was flying them over an endless abyss.

"It's okay, Vanitas. You're safe."

"He's gone, Vanitas. You're safe now."

He wanted to believe her. Void, he wanted to believe. He was so tired of coming up with one reckless plan after another, just trying to survive. Well, not just trying to survive. He'd tried to protect her, too.

And… it had worked. Against all odds, they were both here. They were both okay.

At least until they got to Master Eraqus.

"I'd feel safer if you hold onto the handlebars," he said in the calmest voice he could manage. It helped that his mask was back on.

He regretted his comment when Aqua's arms left him, bracing themselves on either side to steer the glider again. He should've taken advantage of her touch; this might be the last time he got to feel it.

After all, he'd have to escape before she took him to the light-crazed Master.

The flight was much longer than a trip through the dark corridors, but still shorter than he'd hoped. He hadn't planned how he was going to say goodbye. If he even should say goodbye. He'd been too busy soaking in the scent of her light, the blend of honeysuckle and cold rain.

His half-heart twinged. Did he really have to leave? Terra had almost sounded sincere in his desire to help him. Ventus didn't hate him. And Aqua… she'd held him like he was a normal boy again.

It didn't matter. They might come to accept him, but their Master never would. He couldn't trust another Master, especially not one who'd pushed Terra away because of his darkness.

(But Aqua was a Master, too.)

She's different, he rationalized.Eraqus was friends with Xehanort. How could Vanitas trust someone who'd let his old Master get away with what he'd done?

He nearly jumped when Aqua's arm wrapped around his middle.

"Hold on tight. I'm taking us down."

She followed Terra and Ventus's gliders in a shallow dive towards the Land of Departure. His stomach turned, though he couldn't tell if it was from the acceleration or just his mounting nervousness. Did he have one last reckless plan in him?

The Land of Departure had the nerve to be bright and sunny. Surrounded by water and lush mountains, it was in every way the paradise the Keyblade Graveyard had never been. What would it be like to go swimming in those lakes, like he had at the beach in Twilight Town a lifetime ago? And those forests would be dark and safe, with plenty of trees he could hide in—

No, no! You're not staying here! He was just waiting for an opening, a moment when the other keyblade wielders had their backs turned, and then he'd open a dark corridor and go…

Where? It didn't matter, really. Somewhere he could steal food, and maybe a bed. Not the Castle of Dreams, since the king would probably have better security by now. Maybe the Dwarf Woodlands. Those tiny people gave a bed to a random girl walking in the woods. Maybe he would get lucky too… or not, because unlike that girl, he wasn't a heart full of light and rainbows. He was darkness—and darkness didn't get to have a safe place to call home.

"Hey," Aqua said quietly. "We're here."

The glider had stopped a few inches above the ground. Aqua hadn't dismounted yet—but that was probably because he was still sitting practically in her lap.

He scrambled off, and her glider and armor dissolved in a shower of sparks. Terra and Ven were dismissing their armor and gliders too. Cinderella, who'd ridden with Terra, hadn't worn any armor, but she was a Princess of Heart. The darkness of the Lanes Between couldn't touch her.

The Princess turned in a slow circle, her mouth hanging open as she stared up at the surrounding rock outcroppings and the castle they were chained to.

"Terra, this is amazing."

Vanitas shrugged. Thankfully his mask hid his own wide-eyed staring. "It's alright, I guess."

"It's home," Terra said modestly and rubbed the back of his neck.

"The mice will love it. If your Master will allow them to come…"

"I'm sure he will."

Vanitas snorted. Maybe Eraqus would. He was more likely to welcome rodent pests than a heart of pure darkness, at least.

"Come on," Ventus called, grabbing onto Vanitas's arm. Since when did he think thatwas a good idea? "You're coming in, right? You should take that off so you don't look so scary." He pointed to Vanitas's face—his mask.

He winced, not that Ventus could tell. "Yeah, no." No way was he letting them drag him to a light-crazy Master with his face unprotected.

Not that he planned on letting them take him to Eraqus at all.

Aqua frowned. "Ven has a point, Vanitas. I think the Master might take… well, I just think it'll be easier for you if he can see your face."

The hesitation in her voice only confirmed his fears. He wasn't sure that now was the right time to tell her that her Master wasn't going to see his mask or his face. But since he didn't plan on seeing Eraqus anyway, he guessed removing the mask wouldn't hurt.

He sighed and melted away the glass, scowling as the sun hit his eyes. "There. Happy?"

Aqua just laughed at that. His heart skipped a beat at the sound. ...Maybe it would be better for his health to be separated from it.

"Alright, let's go!" Ventus grinned and tugged his arm again. "The sooner you talk to the Master, the sooner you can tell me what you remember about us."

This time Vanitas's wince was on full display. Talking about their past was the last thing he wanted to do right now. Those memories were personal, the only things that were still his own.

Except they weren't.

"Vanitas?" Aqua asked at his expression. "Give him some space, Ven. He's been through a lot today—we all have."

How did she do it? She was just so… so nice, after everything he'd done to her. He didn't deserve this.

And she didn't deserve to face her Master's wrath for bringing a heart of darkness to their doorstep.

He swallowed and looked away. "You're right. I just, uh, need some space for a moment. You go ahead. I'll meet you inside."

Aqua paused, staring at him. Taking off the mask was a stupid idea. Without it, she was going to see right through him.

"You heard him, Ven. Terra and Cinderella went in already, didn't they? Why don't you catch up with them?"

Ventus's head swiveled between the two of them. "Um, okay. I'll just… do that."

Vanitas let out a sigh of relief as he dashed off. His pounding footsteps echoed across the courtyard, almost as loud as his calls for Terra to wait up.

Now he just had to convince Aqua to go too. Somehow he had a feeling that was going to be more difficult.

"Do you want to talk about it?" She asked, though she kept her distance. Right. He'd asked for space.

Why did his mouth always say the opposite of his heart?

"No. I don't think that will help this time."

"Hey." Her voice was soft as the silk sheets he'd stolen. Her scent was stronger without his helmet, too; how had she ever worried about her darkness? "It's okay to be scared."

He looked up sharply at that. "I'm not scared." Lie. He never thought he'd be so tired of lying.

"Vanitas."

His breath hitched. She could still say his name so tenderly, after all that she knew. He could turn back time, undo every mistake, and he'd still never deserve that.

"Aqua. See? I can say your name too." He tried to force his sarcastic humor, but his voice wavered. Void, he was useless without his mask. He turned his back to her, though it hurt to think that his last glimpse of her would be stolen from the corner of his eye.

He had to leave. He had to. She couldn't protect him from her Master, even if she wanted to.

"Terra was telling the truth, you know," her voice came again. "I know things are… complicated between us, but I do care about you. You won't be facing all this alone."

Vanitas blinked back tears. It was one thing to feel like Aqua cared. It was other to hear her confirm it. It made his heart do crazy, stupid things.

Like hope.

"You shouldn't," he murmured. "Care about me."

Because then it would just hurt that much more when Eraqus killed him, and what if she tried to stop him; could she really kill two Masters in one day—stupid, she wouldn't kill her Master, Vanitas wasn't worth that—

"I think I'll decide what I should and shouldn't do. You said I know right from wrong."

Now she was turning his words against him. It wasn't fair. None of this was fair. If life was fair, he'd be whole, and Eraqus wouldn't want to destroy him on principle.

If life was fair, he'd be able to stay.

He shut his eyes tightly. He wouldn't be able to convince her to stop caring... but maybe she could care enough to let him go.

"...Will you do me a favor?" He asked.

"What is it?" Her voice was questioning, but not suspicious.

He dared to turn around and look at her one last time. Mistake. How was he supposed to walk away when she looked down at him with such openness in her blue eyes?

Breathe. He could do this. He still didn't want to die.

(And he still wasn't sure what point there was in living.)

"Would you close your eyes for a second?"

She frowned. "You know, I do want to trust you, but that's a bit of a bold request from someone who kidnapped me before."

He winced. He still wasn't going to apologize for that, though. That was one lie he wouldn't tell.

"I just have a surprise for you. Before we go see everyone. To, um, say thank you." He could almost pretend it wasn't a lie. This was a way of thanking her—she wouldn't have to deal with him anymore. And after everything he'd done to stay close to her, it would be a surprise.

"Okay," she replied, dragging out the word slightly. "If this is a trick though, that's it. I've almost decided to forgive you. Don't ruin it."

She's almost forgiven me? Warmth flooded through him. It was everything he wanted—was it possible? If he stayed, if he worked for it, if she gave him enough time?

Master Eraqus won't give me that time. I—I have to let her go.

Her eyes closed. Long blue lashes stood out against her pale face—how had he not noticed their color before? He added it to the list of things he would remember about her when he was gone.

He stretched his hand back to form a dark corridor. He'd have to be quick; she'd hear it coming, probably think that he was trying to steal her away again.

But just as he had every other time he'd come to a crossroads that would separate them, he stopped and stared. He found himself wishing his half-lie had been more true: he wished he had something to give her. Something she could remember him by, if she wanted to. She had his letter, but that had been half a lie, too. What could he give her that was completely, honestly him?

...The idea that came to him made his face flush. He was pretty sure she wouldn't want that, even if she had called him handsome. That was just a joke, anyway, it wasn't like she actually—

"Vanitas?" Her voice sounded almost worried, but her eyes were still closed.

He pushed the thought of kissing her from his mind. Stupid Terra and that Princess, giving him the idea in the first place. Surely there was something else he could do to show how grateful he was for everything Aqua had done.

"I… thank you," he said softly, hoping the words could be gift enough. If he'd had a pen, he would've written them down, scrawled them a thousand times over. "Thank you, Aqua. I'll—I'll never forget you."

He opened the dark corridor just as her eyes flashed open.

"Vanitas!" She reached for him. It took everything in him not to reach back, to let the darkness claim him.

At least the last word he heard from her would be his name. His lips twitched into a smile. The portal surrounded him, and—

"SLEEP!"

—The world faded to black.

XXX

Breathe. He could do this. He could do this. Master Eraqus was like a father to him. It didn't matter that he hadn't passed the Mark of Mastery, or that he'd fallen even farther into the darkness that the Master had warned him about…

Okay, maybe it did matter. A lot.

"How am I going to face him?" He found himself asking out loud as Ven went to find the Master. Terra stood in the foyer of the castle with Cinderella, who had been staring in awe at the towering pillars and ornate wall carvings.

"You stood up to my Stepmother," she said, following him with her eyes as he paced the width of the foyer. "I know how strong you are. You can do this, Terra. And you won't be alone, either."

He paused briefly and forced a smile. "Thanks, Cinderella. I'm really glad you're here. Really."

"But?" Her eyebrows rose.

He rubbed his forehead with the palm of his hand. "But I'm just… I failed. We stopped the Unversed and found Xehanort—" he made a face of disgust at that, "—but I still fell deeper into the darkness. I was supposed to destroy it."

His fist clenched. "Instead I almost let it destroy me. If you hadn't been there…"

"Terra." Her hands cupped around his fist, calloused and warm. If only her light could sink in a little deeper, erase the dark power below his skin. "I was there. You were only trying to do what was right."

"But if Xehanort had—"

"He didn't." She pressed his hand between hers, flattening out his fist. "He tricked you, Terra. That isn't your fault."

He closed his eyes and shook his head. That wasn't how the Master would see it. It was his responsibility to control his own darkness, no matter what anyone else did.

"Remember what you told Vanitas," she said. "You wanted him to know he could change, didn't you?"

"I don't know," he said honestly. "I want to believe he can change, because that would mean I can change too. But you heard what I said. I've screwed up so much. I don't know if the Master will understand."

"I suppose I don't know what he's like. Maybe he won't," she admitted. "But even if he doesn't, you understand, don't you?"

Did he? He kept thinking back on the events of the day, wondering if there was anything he could've done differently. Any path where his darkness wouldn't have awakened. But he'd called on it to try and save his friends… how could he regret that?

"I did what I had to." He exhaled deeply. "I guess now I just have to pick up the pieces so my darkness doesn't get out of hand again."

She smiled. "You have a strong heart, Terra. What was it you told me? Strength of heart will carry you through the hardest of trials?"

"Heh. I guess I did." Did she really think his heart was strong, after all the weaknesses he'd admitted? As they'd flown here on his glider, he'd told her what happened with Aurora. What Maleficent had forced him to do. Had his heart grown stronger since then? If that were to happen again, would he be able to fight the darkness's influence?

Cinderella seemed to think so. He hoped he wouldn't have to find out.

"We've faced difficult trials together already," she continued. Her thumb softly brushed along the back of his hand. "No matter what, I'm going to keep believing in you, Terra. I hope you'll keep believing in yourself too."

She believed in him—she loved him. Light, how had he gotten so lucky?

"I will." He lifted her hand and placed a gentle kiss on her knuckles.

Then he nearly dropped her hand when he heard a throat clearing behind him.

"Terra."

He spun at the Master's voice. "Master Eraqus!" He bowed low from the waist as Ven fought to contain a snicker. Thanks for the warning, he thought, but didn't glare at his friend. He was too busy trying not to cringe from the weight of the Master's stern gaze.

"Come. It appears we have much to discuss."

"Yes—of course." He straightened and followed Master Eraqus down the hall towards his study, glancing back for a moment to see Cinderella clasp her hands anxiously in front of her. Hopefully Ven would be able to reassure her for the time being.

Too quickly Terra was standing in the small study, the bookshelves looming over him. At least the Master didn't stand behind the thick wall of his desk. Instead he lowered himself into one of the ornate armchairs in the corner of the room.

"You may sit," he said. Terra did so, but didn't feel any more comfortable than when he was standing. His elbows rested on his knees, trying to keep them from bouncing with nervous energy. "Now. I'd like to hear from you what happened today."

When faced with that simple question, everything came crashing back in. Where could he start? Xehanort's betrayal? Watching Ven fall? Cinderella protecting him from the darkness? Aqua finally destroying the old Master's heart for good?

It was all too much. He shouldn't have come back so soon; he wasn't ready. Wasn't ready to face the disapproval in his Master's face when he spoke of his own actions over the past days.

But he was here, and the Master wouldn't wait forever.

"Master, I—I failed," he burst when the silence grew too painful. Eraqus frowned slightly, but Terra kept talking. "You warned me about the darkness, and I—I used it anyway, I was so angry and scared—"

Light, tears were dripping from his eyes already. He wasn't even strong enough to hold that back.

"Terra," Master Eraqus said gently. "Oh, Terra."

Before Terra knew what was happening, the Master was kneeling before him, pulling him out of the chair and into a firm hug.

"What?" He gasped. "I thought—I thought you'd be furious with me!"

A low chuckle escaped the Master's lips. He rocked back and forth, like he used to when Terra was still a child, waking up with nightmares of his now-forgotten home. "You're like a son to me, Terra. I was terrified for you. The kind of dark power buried inside you… I've seen how it can corrupt a man."

Terra flinched. "Darkness is our foe. Would that we could be rid of it. You must destroy it." Lessons from the Master who held him in his arms.

"I know, Master," he replied shakily. "But I… it was the only way. I don't know what Ven told you, but Xehanort—he was going to kill Ven and Aqua, and—and possess me, I think—"

The Master's arms tensed around him. "Xehanort?"

So Ven didn't tell him. Maybe that was for the best—it was Aqua who had killed Xehanort. Terra didn't want to tell the Master that fact without her knowing first.

"He's gone. He's—dead," was all he said.

"I… I see."

Terra heard the Master swallow. Something wet dripped onto his shoulder, soaking through the ridiculous formal suit he still wore.

"I'm sorry, Master. He had to be stopped."

"I believe you."

Terra's eyes widened. He pulled back enough to look into his Master's scarred face, his damp eyes. "You do?"

He gave a gravelly chuckle. "I thought we could reconcile. I thought the stain on his heart could fade… but some darkness is simply too deep." His fingers brushed the jagged scar on his face. Many times Terra had wondered where it came from, but the Master had provided no explanation. "I let my own heart blind me, and I put you in danger because of it. If anyone is at fault here, it is I."

The implications of his words sank in slowly. Had… had the Master known Xehanort was using darkness? And he'd still invited him to the Mark of Mastery, to their home?

"You mean you could've stopped this?" Disbelief mixed with anger. Terra had tried to hold back his darkness all this time, had been so afraid of how his Master would react—and yet he'd excused its presence in Xehanort of all people?

"Perhaps it was possible," he admitted with a sigh. "Xehanort and I have always been equally matched, however. I may not have succeeded the way you did."

"But you knew? You knew Xehanort was capable of—of this?" His fingernails dug into the Master's shoulders, but he didn't so much as flinch. He looked more drained than Terra had ever seen him.

"I thought he had changed. If anything, this proves that while my heart was weak, my philosophies were correct—darkness cannot be trusted."

His fist clenched, and Terra scrambled out from between him and the chair to stand upright. His weight balanced on his toes, ready to—to what? Run? This was his Master; he couldn't just—leave.

Cinderella did, he remembered. Not that the Master was like her Stepmother, but—light, he was just so scared.

"If darkness can't be trusted, what does that mean for me?" His question was half demand, half plea. He couldn't—the Master wouldn't cast him away for his weakness, would he?

Master Eraqus didn't speak. His head drooped low as he remained kneeling.

"Well?" Terra growled as his fear snapped to anger. He couldn't take it. He'd expected to be berated for his darkness, but somehow, this was worse. The thought that his Master could extend mercy to Xehanort and not to him…

"I do not know," he finally murmured. "I don't know, Terra. Please… you must understand. Xehanort was once my dear friend. To learn that he would do such a thing to you, Aqua, and Ven… I have much to consider."

"You have a lot to consider? He wanted to destroy us! I don't care if he was your friend—!"

"Terra," the Master spoke sternly, making him swallow. "I understand that this day has tried your heart immensely. I only want to do my best to help you, which means refraining from any rash decisions."

"You want to help," he echoed hollowly. If only he could believe it. He'd thought Xehanort wanted to help, too. If Master Eraqus didn't know what to do about the darkness…

"I need answers." He clenched his fists, feeling the dark energy that teemed too close to the surface. It had never been so quick to respond before—was it a side effect of his close call with Xehanort? Or was his anger just that much sharper now? He'd thought he was closer to controlling it… Was it just Cinderella's light holding it back all along? "If I can't find them here…"

"What do you intend to do?" Eraqus stood, his voice rising in response. "Find answers in the Worlds? From sources like Xehanort?"

Terra wanted to bristle at the sharp words, but the truth cut deep enough to make him wince. He'd met Maleficent on his travels, and that jealous queen—hearts steeped in darkness, just like Xehanort's.

Just like his own.

Those people… he'd already learned they couldn't help him. He wouldn't, couldn't end up like them.

"What am I supposed to do?" Tears again leaked down his cheeks. He was as powerless to call them back as he was to hold back his darkness. Only now his anger had faded, taking the dark energy with it. In its place was a cold numbness. "I can't—I can't just wait while you figure it out. If you decide I'm not w-worthy to use the keyblade..."

He hated how his voice stuttered, shaking under the weight of his tears.

"Terra," Master Eraqus said, his brow and voice softening. His hand firmly gripped Terra's shoulder, grounding him in place, making the room spin a little less. "You have been my student for twelve years. Never have I thought you unworthy."

"What?" Terra sniffed and looked up. His vision was still blurry, it was hard to tell what expression the Master wore. How could he hate the darkness and still find Terra worthy?

"Darkness lurks in every heart. Even my own." His face turned aside. "If I let you believe I would reject you, my own student—my own son… then perhaps my darkness is more unforgivable than yours."

Terra gasped slightly. "Then… you're not going to… to…"

Terra wasn't sure what he feared more. Being banished from the Land of Departure? Being trapped here forever? Losing his right to bear the keyblade?

"No, Terra. You aren't being punished."

He felt like a little kid again as he threw his arms around his Master's shoulders. "Thank you, Master. I won't disappoint you again, I'll—I'll try harder…"

He fell back into the same routine he always did. Apologizing, making promises he couldn't keep. He would try harder, but his darkness wouldn't be that simple to contain. He should've said as much, but the words wouldn't come out. Not when all he wanted was for his Master—for his father—to accept him.

"Remember what I told you, Terra. You mustn't be afraid of failing. Even of failing me." The Master's smile turned sad as he pulled out of the embrace.

How can I not be afraid, when all I've ever known how horrible darkness is?

But he was too tired to argue. Too tired to say much else at all.

"Thank you, Master." He stepped back and bowed, just as deep as respect demanded. His heart was still being pulled every which way; he would need more time to sort out the Master's words.

But he would have time, at least. The Master wasn't sending him away.

Master Eraqus smiled, unaware of Terra's thoughts.

"Now I believe we are all in need of rest… but first, would you be willing to explain why you have brought a girl from an outside world with you?"

Terra startled, quickly blinking eyes crusty with tears. How could he have forgotten? The Master's tone wasn't harsh anymore, but admitting any other mistakes right now still felt like too much.

...But he couldn't really call giving Cinderella a keyblade a mistake. She saved Ven's life. Light, she'd saved his life.

"She's a keyblade wielder." If he didn't yet say how she became a wielder, well, there would be time for that conversation later, when Terra wasn't dead on his feet.

Eraqus's eyes widened slightly. "A keyblade wielder?"

"And a Princess of Heart," he added. "And she's—she saved us. She held back my darkness when I couldn't. She deserves to be here as much as any of us—"

"All keyblade wielders are welcome here, Terra." The Master interrupted before Terra could ramble about how amazing Cinderella was. Then he seemed to realize the irony of his words, and his mouth twisted into a grimace. "Those who use the keyblade for… for good, that is."

For good. Not for light, as the Master would typically say. It's a small thing, but to Terra, it meant everything. He might not be light right now, but he was good.

"Thank you, Master." His bow was sincere this time.

"I look forward to meeting your keyblade wielder… friend." Eraqus's eyes crinkled when he smiled, and Terra's face went red.

"Master…"

Mopping floors might seem like a reward compared to the embarrassment the Master could unleash on him. But all things considered, he was lucky. The Master didn't hate him. He wasn't angry.

It wasn't until he'd already excused himself to go clean up that he remembered Cinderella wasn't the only other keyblade wielder they'd brought home.

And Eraqus's reactions to Vanitas might be significantly less understanding.

XXX

Vanitas looked peaceful as he slept on top of her blue comforter. The creases of his scowls were gone, and his frantic shallow gasps gave way steady breaths. No nightmares, no explosions of Unversed. Her Sleep spell must have been strong enough to soothe his subconscious.

She wished her own heart could be soothed as easily.

He wanted to leave, to run away from the only people who had ever tried to help him. Why? And maybe more importantly—why did she care so badly? If he didn't want to stay, it wasn't like she could force him to. She wouldn't kidnap him the way he had done to her. And he could make those dark portals; he would be able to escape any time he wanted.

But she'd stopped him already. And she was afraid she knew why.

"I hope I'm not being selfish," she murmured as she sat at the edge of her bed, smoothing his ragged bangs away from his face. A deep exhale fluttered the fabric of her sleeve. "You still owe me, you know. How are you supposed to earn my forgiveness if I never see you again?"

An ache shifted in her chest at that thought. Days ago she would have been thrilled to never see him again, and yet… it was still all too complicated. She wasn't sure how long it would take to sort out her feelings.

But she knew she couldn't do it if he was gone.

Fatigue weighed heavily on her limbs, but she couldn't sink into her bed with Vanitas lying in the center of it. She didn't dare leave him alone here, either. For one thing, he might wake up and flee again, and for another, the Master might come looking for her here, and then find Vanitas before she had a chance to explain.

Light, how could she explain? Maybe Vanitas had a reason to be afraid—the Master wasn't understanding when it came to darkness. But she had to try to make him see. She wouldn't abandon Vanitas. He may not have lost his light because of her, but she'd still promised to help him get it back permanently. There had to be a way that didn't involve… merging back with Ven.

Thoughts chased each other in circles, refusing to let her relax in spite of her body's exhaustion. How long had she been awake? The last time she'd slept was… in the woods, right after sharing her light with Vanitas. That short rest felt like ages ago.

Though she couldn't let herself fall asleep, she crossed her legs and steadied her breathing, attempting a simple meditation. That might clear her mind and refresh her body somewhat, even if what would really refresh her was a nice, hot shower…

Some time later, three sharp knocks startled her out of her meditation.

"Aqua?" Terra's voice. "Are you in there?"

Her eyes flashed to Vanitas—who was still asleep, seemingly without a care in the world. She blushed at the thought of Terra seeing him in her bed, but it wasn't like she had anything to be ashamed of. She was just keeping watch over him… while he slept. Alright, that still sounded a little creepy.

Another flurry of knocks. "Aquaaaa." Ven's voice this time. "Are you okay? We haven't seen you since we got home."

Of course they'd be worried. The last they'd seen of her, she was outside with Vanitas—for all they knew, he had kidnapped her again. She really should've checked in with them, even if hiding Vanitas had been her first priority.

"I'm fine," she said, hopefully loud enough to be heard through the door, but quiet enough not to wake Vanitas. Though if the knocking hadn't woken him already, she doubted her voice would. "I was just tired, that's all."

"What?" Ven asked again. So they couldn't hear her.

Sighing, she stood and trudged towards the door. She cracked it just a little before whispering, "I'm just tired, Ven."

She hoped they really were just here to check on her, and not to bring her to Master Eraqus. She didn't want to explain the day's events—to explain that she'd killed his old friend—before having a chance to collect her thoughts.

"Right," Terra said gently before Ven could speak up again. "Is everything… I mean, it's been a rough day. Worse than rough, and you—yeah." He coughed.

Guilt prickled in her. She might be worried about Vanitas, but her friends had suffered so much today, too. They had to be as exhausted as she was.

"I… could be better," she admitted. "But I'll be fine. I just need some rest."

"Is Vanitas resting too?" Ven asked, and Aqua's face warmed again. She couldn't hide him forever.

After a careful glance to make sure the Master wasn't nearby, Aqua opened the door wider. "He's in here," she admitted.

Ven slipped in past her and blinked at the boy sleeping on her bed. "Wow. He must've been really tired."

"Um… he was," Aqua murmured. Terra gave her an odd look, but didn't call her out. Maybe he didn't want to question her so soon after they'd fought. She should… she should really apologize for that. He'd been half-right about Vanitas, after all.

"Where's Cinderella?" Was what she said instead, though.

"Washing up," Terra answered. He must have washed up too, since his hair looked damp, and he was back in uniform instead of that silly outfit he'd fought in earlier. "The Master's preparing a room for her."

"I suppose Vanitas will need a room too," Aqua said quietly, her gaze skimming over the unconscious boy. Ven had taken her earlier position perched on the bed and talking at him, his voice quiet. What was he saying? Was he just trying, somehow, to connect with his other half? It had to be a lot to take in, finding out that he was only half of a heart, even if his was full of light...

"Aqua…" Terra drew her out of her thoughts, and she knew from his tone that something bad was coming. "I don't know if the Master will let him stay. He… he barely made me feel welcome here, at first."

Aqua's eyes widened. "What? Terra, what did he say to you?"

"Just the usual. That darkness can't be trusted," he said with a hint of bitterness. "I'm fine, though. He could've been worse. I've always known how he feels about darkness, so I can't really be surprised."

Deep down, Aqua wasn't either. But still, she'd hoped the Master wouldn't lose faith in Terra so easily.

"You know I don't think any less of you, right?" She asked, gripping his arm. Maybe she would have judged him before, but after coming to understand Vanitas, and seeing just how much Terra wanted to protect those he cared about, including her… whatever darkness the two boys contained, it hadn't made them irredeemable. If anything, the power seemed to hurt themselves more than anyone else.

"You don't?" Terra looked at her in surprise.

"Of course not. Terra, you're my best friend, and what I said before, in the warehouse—it wasn't true, any of it. The darkness hasn't taken you, and even if it had, I'd be there for you. I'm sorry I let my fear and anger get the best of me."

He smiled, a soft, warm look she couldn't imagine being tainted by darkness. "It's okay, Aqua. I understand."

He looked over to where Ven was now yawning as he sprawled out perpendicular to Vanitas at the foot of the bed.

"You thought I'd killed him. I almost did, you know. I really thought what Xehanort said was true—that he was an abomination, beyond hope of salvation." Terra frowned thoughtfully, and a crease appeared between his brows. "But you saw something in him. Something worth saving. Even though he's made of darkness…"

Aqua wasn't entirely sure what he was getting at, but she could make a guess.

"I don't think anyone's beyond salvation, Terra." She let go of his arm, but held onto his hand instead. "Not Vanitas. And definitely not you."

He let out a relieved little chuckle. "Thanks, Aqua. It means a lot."

Ven's snore startled them both, and Aqua laughed.

"Ven, you hopeless sleepyhead…"

He'd fallen asleep at the end of her bed, just below Vanitas's feet. Now she was never going to find a place to sleep.

Unless…

"I know it's been a while, but…" She bit her lip, too embarrassed to finish her request. It was Ven who usually initiated their sleepovers when he had a nightmare, and even those instances were rare since they'd gotten too big to all fit in her bed. Terra might think she was crazy for suggesting it now of all times.

But he just smiled. "I'll get the extra blankets."

She grinned back in appreciation. For all of their miscommunications lately, it was good to know that sometimes, he still knew exactly what she was thinking.

Aqua spread a few decorative pillows from her window bench across the floor, since there was no way all four of them could fit in the bed. Which would be a terrible idea, anyway, since Vanitas would probably freak out if he woke up to three other people sleeping on top of him. The mental image did make her laugh, though.

Finally Terra returned with the blankets—and Cinderella. Of course; Vanitas was here, it made sense that he would bring her too.

"I don't want to intrude," she told Aqua, probably noticing the surprise on her face. "Terra just said he would feel safer if we were all together. I don't mind sleeping on the floor, either."

Terra turned pink, and Aqua fought back the urge to tease him. After all, feeling safe was the reason she'd suggested the sleepover in the first place.

"Of course. Just don't get too close together."

Okay, so she still teased him a little. It wasn't like she'd ever had the opportunity to tease him about a girl before; she had years of catching up to do.

She left them spluttering while she finally took the opportunity to use the shower and change into fresh clothes. By the time she returned, Terra had fallen asleep at the far end of the bed, while Cinderella took the side nearest the window. Their heads were near each other, as if they'd fallen asleep talking. One of these days she'd need to get to know the girl who'd apparently stolen her best friend's heart, but for now she was content to flop down on her own pallet of blankets.

Thankfully, they'd left her the position nearest the door, where she could come between Eraqus and Vanitas should the Master look for them here.

And from this spot, if she wanted to, she could reach up and hold Vanitas's hand as it dangled off of the bed.

"You're going to be safe," she whispered. "I promise."

A/N: A soft moment for the gang to decompress at the end, because they deserve it

This chapter was originally going to be longer (big surprise), but I ended up splitting it. I'm estimating 2 chapters left now, for what it's worth. (Assuming I don't split things again.)

Updates on everything will likely be slow this month because of Inktober, and also because I recently got a new job where I'm working full-time, on top of taking a few college classes. So lots of irl stuff goin on, keeping me from finishing this fic this month like I'd wanted to.

Maybe it's a bit early to mention this, but when this fic is finished, I'll finally take "Contingency Plan" off of hiatus :D So looking forward to that too!