Ch 26: Sort it Out

Updated : 02/09/2019

Okay, so I know it's been about two years, I do have other works on Ao3 same name Nano1012. But, I recently saw reviews some people left me, and I sincerely hope they're still interested in this story.

-ooo-

By morning, Kairi had returned home and snuck into bed, Sora barely recognizing her entry with a hum. Meanwhile, Vanitas knocked out mid game, and only got up in the morning to see if the school had responded with his dorm assignments. Sure, a couple months were still to go for the schools semester, but organizing his plans seemed to be a smart idea. Additionally, he had to sort out if he was transferring to a Paopu inc. on the mainland, or even if he could help Anika get transferred.

Anika's father contacted Anika, discussing whether she would be over for the summer before college, so he could accommodate her. She chose to stay on the island just a bit longer, and she trained fully as a cashier and sales clerk at work and would catch the ferry the day following the competition.

At the last two weeks before school, the surf competition was scheduled, Anika decided it best not to compete, but Vanitas did.

Anika's supervisor, last minute called her, "Anika? Y'know how we have a small booth set up at the beach for sales and promotional items right?"

Anika answered, "Of course, Vanitas is wearing our logo."

"Yeah, so I need someone to man the booth, because Nick has to go out of town, and you're fine working with Shelby, who'll be there for breaks and extra help."

Anika nodded, sitting in her rather empty home, Kairi had since full moved in with Sora. "Yeah, I can do it," she responded.

"Thank you! So, I need you to set up an hour before the competition begins. So 8am, and Shelby will be in a few hours later. Do your best to upsale, we will have special sticker packs and pins for those who spend over $100. Use it as incentive. And as a large sponsor, remember that you'll be the face of the company."

"Understood. I'll be there. It's on Tuesday right?"

"Yes. Message me if you have any issues. And wear a matching Lycra to Vanitas, show some support. Thanks again."

"No problem," she smiled and hung up. About 95% bummed she couldn't directly watch the surfers, instead working, but at least she'd be there.

The next morning, she brushed out her now brown hair with faded purple at the ends reaching her collar bones. And French braided it and topped it with a white visor. She put on a bathing suit and shorts, and some plain tennis shoes and checked her phone to be sure she'd make it on time, by foot since she didn't have a car nor a license.

By the time she arrived to the white booth, the judges, safety crew, and competitors were either talking, setting up or jittery. Anika quickly opened each flap, put on the matching Lycra to Vanitas' and counted the register. As one of the competitors, Vanitas was already on site and stopped by the booth.

"Didn't know you were gonna work this today?" He raised an eyebrow.

"Last minute," she looked up from the register to his built form and smiled softly, "you've trained a lot, I see."

He chuckled, "sorry, I was gonna contact you to see if you wanted to train with me, but I knew since I was out, they would have you working."

Anika shrugged, "Yeah, I don't mind." She paused, "When are you leaving for Uni?"

"I'll be going tomorrow afternoon, I need to set up at the dorms. You?"

"Same time, want me to meet you there? I'm meeting my dad at the docks there." She looked at her nails.

"Would you like me to pick you up? I'm bringing my car to University."

She looks up, "Sure, I'd love to. Oh, and good luck today."

He grins through the awkwardness, "Thanks, it means a lot. I just hope there's a good set of waves."

Anika nodded, "have you been practicing here or on the east shore?"

"East shore, I figured most of the other guys would be over here, and I would be fighting for waves."

She pursed her lips, and he scoffed, "You think I should've come here anyway, huh?" He adjusted his white swim trunks.

"Well, yeah, 'cause the waves are totally different and you would be in the competitive mindset."

"Everyone is different, Anika," he paused, "Anyway, I'll see you tomorrow, I'll message you tonight even."

"You have plans after the competition?"

"Probably, depends where I place. And with this being the first ever co-ed competition, there's some tough competitors."

"Larxene is in the lineup isn't she?"

"She's rumored to be the one to beat." He turned to see if the booth had a view of the waves, "Well, since you have a pretty good spot, Larxene will be in yellow."

"Got it, I'll keep my eyes peeled." She laughed, "You'll do fine, I'm sure," she looked at her watch, "It's almost tie for me to open up for the crowded beach."

Vanitas gave a heavy sigh and gave a small wave, "See ya 'round."

-ooo-

As always: Disclaimer: Kingdom Hearts belongs to Square Enix, any similarities to life is coincidental.

Lots of love, Nano1012