An Unforgettable Date Part 2
[Twilight Town: Market Plaza]
*Thump* *Thump* *Thump*
Calm down, Heart! Roxas pleaded with himself. I'm just holding hands with Naminé. Knock off all that beating! I hope she doesn't hear how nervous I am. Despite all the internal demands, the heart thumped excitedly once more. Just follow the plan… just follow the —
"So Roxas," Naminé broke his internal thoughts, "Where are we going to first?"
He blinked. The plan, tell her the plan!
"I was thinking of the clothes store," Roxas answered awkwardly.
"Why there?"
"I was hoping we could, well, you know, maybe pick…" His ears had a tint of red. Saying it out loud was more embarrassing than he thought it would be. "O-outfits for each other. Try some poses and… take cool photos to remember today?" He felt the camera hidden inside one of his many pockets. It was waiting for an opportunity for proper usage.
"Y-you mean that?" Naminé asked with an eager smile on her face, "I'm not the best with fashion, let alone model. Also, I'm not even sure what suits me." she admitted. "All I've ever worn is my white dress, the school's uniform, and some of Kairi's outfits."
Roxas gave a quick nod of understanding.
"Even though I've explored this world so many times, I've never checked inside the stores now that I think about." she let out a glum sigh, "Wish I had more experience."
" Don't worry about it, if it helps, I-I'm not too good on fashion either, but," Roxas tried his best to remain calm, "I'd like to try new things with you." he paused. "It's more exciting when I'm with you…so I want to make as memories with you before it's too late."
Naminé's eyes widened as her heart fluttered. Their eyes were looking at one another, smiles beaming. The two blushed like ripe cherries.
"You mean that?!" She wanted him to confirm it once more.
"I do." They continued to walk together, without breaking contact, "I'm seri—ack!"
Roxas' face walked right into the clothes store crystal clear window doors. The once clear window-door now had Roxas' face imprinted on it.
"You're a bit clumsy today." Naminé giggled.
"I guess I am." Roxas rubbed where his face was. "That's what I get for not looking where I was going." He let out an embarrassed chuckle. Smooth move. At least she laughed.
*Ding Ding*
They opened the glass door. Inside was filled with racks of clothing— all lined up, with different styles of plaid, stripes, and even plain patterns presented itself. Each outfit was waiting to be put on and bought. The store itself wasn't too crowded as usual, but had enough customers to keep the store in business. It appeared Roxas choose the right clothes store with plenty of variety for the both of them to choose and try on. Time to explore!
Strolling past a few isles, a silver and brown haired employee quietly stalked them. Roxas immediately spotted them; it was as if two wolves were surrounding his partner and himself, their harsh stares piercing through his soul, judging ever move he makes He gulped, a dry swallow. A bead of sweat ran down his forehead onto his face. The wolves would strike. Naminé noticed his reaction in a concerned manner. She noticed two employees approaching them. They were two girls, one with the brown hair was grinning ear-to-ear, and the other with silver hair was practically expressionless.
"Roxas…" The silver-hair with red-eyes softly spoke. "Welcome."
"Didn't expect a visit from the Champion," the brown hair girl teased. She noticed his blonde companion beside him. "I see you brought something even better than 1st place this time! Not even going to give us an introduction?" She gave him a mischievous eye. "You never were good with keeping secrets. Let alone hiding them."
"We're just here to buy some new outfits for each other." Roxas avoided their devilish stares.
Naminé brought out her hand with the friendliest tone she could muster. Who are these two?
"Hi, I'm Naminé. Roxas' frie—." She paused. Wait, are we officially together?
"Roxas' what?" The red-eyed girl firmly shook her hand. Firmly.
"Girlfriend." Naminé smiled as the words left her pretty pink lips. "And you?" Woah, I actually said it! I said the G word!
"His ex." She let go.
"..." !
Naminé felt her heart throb from shock. From her peripheral view, Roxas' expression was read as embarrassed. Or shocked. Her blue eyes widened at the situation. The girlfriend meeting the Ex! Was this Roxas' plan? And on the first date?!
She felt self conscious of herself immediately after hearing the word Ex leave the girl's mouth. What did Naminé have, that this ex of Roxas didn't? What made her so special? Would Naminé soon also become an ex of Roxas?
Upon closer inspection; this ex of Roxas' appeared quite the looker, petite like Naminé, and despite the cold glare her red-eyes gave, something about her seemed… warm. Her silver hair with her pretty pale skin made her look radiant even. Her posture was more straighter than Naminé's, and she seems rather relaxed given the situation that her ex-boyfriend brought his current girlfriend to work. What is Roxas planning?
"C'mon, Fuu, you two never even dated." The brown-haired one recalled, "He chose to stay as friends," she leaned closer to her— taunting her jokingly, "Remember?"
"..." The girl known as Fuu merely pouted. Her piercing gaze softened as her eyes returned to Roxas, yearning for his affection.
Roxas felt the gawking from Fuu. He hid behind Naminé. She realized what happened.
Roxas chose me over Fuu?!
"He did." Her stare turn to Naminé. "Good job, I hope you treat him well." her stare softened.
Naminé felt the pressure ease off Roxas, but shuttered at the idea that this Not-Ex could read her mind. She brought out her hand once more to greet the second girl. Well, at least she isn't his EX.
"And you are?" Naminé gave a cheerful grin. "I don't think we've met before."
"We haven't but it's a pleasure," she stared back. "My name is Olette," she gave a warm smile, "Roxas' REAL EX-Girlfriend."
The blonde companion stopped smiling; her eyes widened to its' full extent, she gulped with a suddenly parched throat. What. WHAT? WHAT?
*Thump* *Thump* *Thump*
The world around her paused almost to a standstill. She was completely stiff, and her joints were locked, unsure what to-do. Her expression could be read like an open book, saying Oh no. This is bad!
Naminé became froze from shock. An icy chill ran down her spine. Is she serious?
Seconds passed, yet it felt like an eternity of excruciating agony. A few more moments passed, and now thawed-Naminé turned to her spiky lover. She glared. A chill taveled down the boy's spine along with a hint of blushing. Her menacing stare gave an odd combination of scary and cute simultaneously.
"Really, Roxas?!" her tone shifted into a more serious tone. "This your idea of a joke? It's not funny. Not to me."
Olette and Fuu exchanged glances of woe while Roxas stopped blushing.
"Olette was just joking," Roxas clarified. Her glare didn't falter.
Naminé did a 180 with her face towards the exit. "Hmph! She didn't seem like it was a joke." she hid her disturbed brow. Her chest tightened. This was not the date I imagined with Roxas.
*THUMPTHUMPTHUMPTHUMPTHUMP*
Naminé began making her way towards the exit.
"Naminé? Nami? Nam? Namster?" Roxas caught up in no time, "Hey, Olette, that joke sucked." He stated, motioning Olette to confirm it.
Fuu and Olette jogged in front of them. Fuu bowed, while Olette fell to the flow and letting her head tap the floor.
"I'm really sorry about that," Olette apologized. "We just wanted to tease Roxas was all." She got back up having a vein pop as she gave Roxas a headlock. "see— he left after winning the tournament and not even a single visit in weeks."
"Relatable." Naminé sighed with agreement.
"Ahh! Sorry." Roxas tried to block the brunette's noogies. "It's my job; they're low on manpower, so they need me often." his guarding proved useless, "Ow! Honest!"
"Often as in… everyday." Fuu huffed with disapproval. "Almost no time for friends, huh. Sounds lonely. Do you even go to school!"
"Yes! Everyday, except on trips!"
"The answer of a liar. How saddening."
"Come on Fuu, Olette! Can't I catch a break, I had to fight my boss for a day off."
"More lying! You'd never disobey your Superiors! More noogies for the Champion!
Naminé's anger turned crestfallen along with empathetic.
Right, Mickey and the others need him to work as a Royal Guard's combat instructor. So that's why he did said no to Fuu and Olette.. She internally choked. W-was I selfish in saying yes when he asked me out? Isn't his job more important than dating? How would he make time for me—!
His voice broke her of her stream-of-consciousness.
"I admit, it takes a lot of my time, and my position is really important" Roxas admitted, "But I can pull a few strings and take a few days off. I'm sure the others can handle anything that'll happen if I'm gone."
"So that's why you haven't shown your face here." Olette released him. "Pretty loyal, aren't you?" She gave an elbow nudge to the petite girlfriend. "You know how to pick the freshest apples, don't you?"
"I… yeah." Naminé nodded her head. Is this really for the best?
"Such dedication." Fuu gave two claps.
Fuu eyes focused onto Naminé.
"She's still sad," she pointed towards Olette and Roxas, "The culprits!"
"I'm perfectly fine," Naminé asserted. "Roxas, I'm going to find some outfits for you to try on." With that, she made her way towards the male isle of clothing leaving Roxas with Olette and Fuu..
"Fuu, you meant us two." Roxas was dumbfounded pointing to Olette and himself.
"M-me?" Olette put her thinking cap on, "Alright, that wasn't my best joke." She had an idea. "Maybe some Sea-Salt Ice Cream and a FEW new outfits will fix her mood when she returns. "
"I'm blaming her mood on you," Roxas scowled at the girl with disbelief, he gave a sigh, "Still need to get her some outfits to…"
"Outfits to?" Olette was intrigued, "Tell us more about these outfits."
Roxas stared at her suspiciously. He considered his options. Tell Olette the truth or tell her the truth. Pick wisely, me. "We'd choose outfits for each other and try 'em on, pose and take pictures. Then I'd pay for them." Roxas answered, looking at the girl's aisle. I should be careful about WHERE I'm at in the girls' aisle. His eyes tried to avoid the lingerie section, but he knew it was there. Don't look. DON'T LOOK!
"Really?" Fuu questioned. "How cunning."
A light bulb appeared from Olette's head. "Heyyy Roxas, I'll help you find something for the Namster, and Fuu will help your precious angel out. It's on us. Don't worry." She leaned closer to his ear, "I know where the good lingerie is."
"!" The words rung inside his ears, unable to be silenced. Roxas tried to make a face, but failed as his face was clearly speechless and pink.
*Click*
He turned to the noise— Fuu with her camera, revealing a small smirk. "Making memories for your first date."
Roxas merely grumbled a thanks.
"Good idea, we'll help you two out with fashion." Olette nudged Fuu to the mens' aisle. "You guys can pose as the wonder couple while Fuu and I take some pictures." she offered. "Girls love pictures."
"You're gonna find a lot of outfits aren't you?" Fuu wondered. "Pricey ones at that."
"Gotta make a profit somehow," Olette winked. "So while you look over our lovable Namster, I'll help Roxas pick out a few (most expensive) outfits for her. You know, give a female perspective on comfortable fashion."
" I—" Roxas spoke.
"That you're paying for, correct. Fuu and I will help you fashion-wise, not economic-wise. Let's get a move on. Hup-hup!"
Roxas felt his wallet. He remembered being paid recently, with that bonus from all the hard work he was put in the few weeks prior. A little splurging doesn't hurt. After all, it's for Naminé, he rationed.
"Would Roxas look good in this?" Naminé lifted a pure white shirt from a clothespin. She eyed a different shirt that she held as well. "Or this black one?"
Her previous anger and sadness vanished while she was searching for outfits for Roxas to wear. He was the one who asked me, so I should make sure we have a good time. Did he notice I was sad? Even though we both have hearts now, I don't think he understands a single thing about romance. She sighed. I can't really judge, I'm just as new to this as he is.
"..." Someone was breathing quietly. Whoever that was, they were very close.
"!" Naminé looked around and recognized who it was "Fuu? Where's Roxas and Olette?"
"They're finding outfits for you," she responded and began searching next to Naminé. "A black vest would give him a cool look." She made eye contact, giving a warm smile "Don't you think?""
"..." Naminé eyed her curiously. Why is she —! Ohh, she wants to help. Any help is better than no help.
Naminé gave a pleasant smile. "I think so, too. It's good to have another perspective."
…
"Roxas, I bet Naminé would look lovely wearing this," Olette insisted.
She revealed a glittery dress with frills reaching what would be her knees. The shoulders were protected with a dainty fluff of white silk. The abdomen hid strings on the sides, perfectly symmetrical like a butterfly. Roxas imagined her slowly walking across the aisle as a bride going to be wed; graceful and wonderful. Her pale smooth skin covered with the silk, and her pinks lips smiling— waiting for her soon-to-be husband to say yes after the vows. He snapped back into reality.
"I think so, too." Roxas stared at it. "She'd wear that for a wedding."
"Wow, Roxas, on your first date and already thinking of marriage," Olette teased. "How cute." She paused. "... Sounds kinda desperate actually…"
"..." He refused to comment on that.
The two continued to search for outfits. Out of all the styles, it seemed that plaid was the way to go, as a majority of people they knew wore plaid. At the end of the hour and much discussion and banter, Roxas and Olette decided on five outfits for Naminé — the same amount of outfits Naminé and Fuu decided on for Roxas.
Roxas and Naminé met in the middle of the shop, with outfits ready to exchange. Fuu and Olette were close by, cameras ready to use. Near the changing room was a small stage for anyone who wanted to pose in front of the camera. Luckily, the store was a lot emptier now that some time had passed, so not a lot of people would see Roxas and Naminé doing some poses.
"I see everything went well on your end." She eyed the outfits in his hands.
"Yeah, it took awhile, but eventually we made a few compromises," He raised one of the outfits. "Plaid is popular these days, but I made sure to give some variety."
"I can't wait to try them on." Naminé grinned while they exchanged the bags of outfits. "I hope it's in your size." She gave him an earnest smile. "I hope these pictures go well."
"I'm sure things will go well." He nodded to Olette and Fuu. "They can take some pretty good photos. See you on the other side, my fellow model."
They went to the separate changing rooms and tried on the outfits. After each outfit they'd see one another and take some photos.
Roxas' first outfit consisted of a white t-shirt covered with a black leather jacket, while dark blue jeans covered his legs along with a regular pair of shoes. On his face was a pair of dark sunglasses, and a heart necklace wrapped his neck.
"Wow, who knew you would look this good in leather?" Olette clapped. "I guess Naminé has a thing for bad boys." She gave Fuu an elbow nudge, "Amirite?"
"Right," Fuu aimed her camera. "Pose with the bad boy?" Naminé joined him.
Naminé slowly walked into the line of camera's range. Her eyes wandered to the mirror as she did inside the changing room.
Does this really suit me?. Maybe, with her black boots and gothic-esque dress which had had an array of dark plaid with a pretty dark bow resting on her head. She felt a bit more bolder than usual. Maybe it was because she felt like a new person in that outfit, or perhaps one of the few people she could trust was beside her.
"This is my first time modeling." She timidly moved her arms, attempting to pose, "Thanks for doing this."
"No problem, we got some new outfits to get used to it." Roxas embarrassedly joined with Naminé's posing. "Feels like we're back in Halloween Town, with these outfits and all."
"Only thing missing is Santa Claus telling you how you're not on the list for naughty or nice."
They both couldn't help but laugh. A cheerful one, the kind of laugh that makes others laugh as well. Olette and Fuu took the picture, and they proceeded to change into the next outfit.
His second outfit was a long sleeve shirt while a black and white vest covered his top; his cargo capri pants had the X patterns along the knees, and a silver half-crown was attached to his necklace.
Namine came out from the other changing room, this time in a light blue and white dress, with light, pink thigh-high socks with white flats.
"This is like my old outfit from Castle Oblivion, but cuter!" She gave a little twirl, feeling chipper from a cute outfit. "I feel like a new person."
"Reminds me of your outfit in the old days," Olette noticed. "Around the time you first disappeared. Kinda nostalgic, don't cha' think?"
The two posed while Olette and Fuu took the pictures.
The third outfit was a simply white button shirt with a tie in blue plaid. His pants were in the same pattern, with brown shoes under. A black belt kept the pants together. The outfit was cleaner than a car from a car wash.
Naminé's outfit consisted of a similar fashion, but with a long skirt reaching around the knees. Below her knees was a pair of long white socks and brown flats.
"Wow, that handbag makes her look like a high schooler." Olette seemed pleased.
"Olette."
"Yeah Fuu?"
"She is a high schooler…"
"This feels a bit-constrained." Roxas gasped for air. He adjusted his tie for the 4th time, only for him to gasp for more air. "Besides that, where did you two find this one? It feels...weird."
"Nothing wrong with a little weirdness." Naminé pouted, posing alongside playfully, "It's aesthetic."
"Aesthetic is hard." he tried to readjust the tight tie.
Olette whispered to her red-eyed comrade, "Isn't this our school uniform? Why does our store sell this?"
Olette took the picture, a solemn expression hidden by a metallic camera. "Hey Roxas, what school do you go to? Do they not use uniforms?"
"Well," Roxas paused, "I guess the school did have outfits of all black. And then things happened and the one I go to is… far away and don't use uniforms."
"I see." Olette snapped the camera. So that's why Naminé choose that outfit. She wanted him to go to our school. We ARE still high schoolers after all.
Contrast to the tidy third outfit, the fourth outfit had Roxas in a pair of ripped blue jeans, a dog pattern Dog Street in bold black and purple font, slashing through the middle. The shirt sleeves were rolled to the shoulders, letting his biceps show, and black fingerless gloves kept his hands warm from the cool winds granted by the air conditioner inside the store. He examined himself in the mirror.
Naminé stepped out of the changing room, her hair braided on two sides. She had a black t-shirt with a cartoon heart on the front, as her back was covered with a vest made by dark blue jeans. Her hands were inside one of the pockets and found a pair of sunglasses. With a single glance, she put them on. Against Naminé's neck was an ascot with Dog Street labeled. Her rugged black boots boosted the impression that she was in league with Roxas.
"So cool." Fuu praised.
"Ooh la la," Olette snapped as they posed, "Guess even Naminé knows a thing or two about Twilight Town fashion." She continued to tease, "You really are a lucky guy."
"..." Roxas did his best to hide his blush from her. "I really am…" He muttered.
His last outfit copied the style of the kind of tuxedo a groom would wear on his wedding day. A cute rose freshly cut from a bouquet made itself comfortable in the front pocket. .
"...this is uhh." Roxas checked the back.
"Yep, that's definitely a tuxedo guys wear to a wedding." Olette snapped, "I think she might be a bit desperate to, or bit too eager." she gave a cheeky smirk, "Another thing you two have in common: desperation."
"She wants to get married?!" Roxas gulped, "But we're high schoolers!"
"Yeah… take things slow." Olette suggested. "Is everything okay in there?" she asked Naminé from outside the changing room. A moment later, Olette had joined Naminé inside to assist with the outfit.
Roxas and Fuu waited.
"What did you guys get her?" Fuu leaned closer, asking a question.
"A dress."
"A wedding dress! The marriage kind?!"
"No… a dress-dress. The pretty and strong ones she likes to wear."
"Pretty in a dress, strong in a suit."
She aimed the camera at Roxas, letting it capture the black and white tuxedo over his well built physique. His face glistening under the bright ceiling light bulbs. He practiced a new poses Fuu suggested trying, as he wondered what was taking Naminé so long.
I wonder how Naminé's doing right now.
Mid-pose, Olette joined in. "Oh boy, Roxas. You're gonna have a field day when you see this."
He raised his brow in concern. "See what?"
She took a step to the side, "See an angel in her true form." she grinned ear to ear.
Before Roxas was what he thought was Naminé. He blinked. A girl with long blonde hair, tied up, with white and blue ribbon. She slowly and gracefully walked towards Roxas and the others, making sure to maintain balance on her heels that raised her statue by about an inch or two. The dress itself was an ordinary light blue dress, yet with Naminé wearing it, it was practically dazzling. She gave a shy smile in the outfit, a smile showed that she was just as nervous as Roxas was— just quivering with excitement with the opportunity to spend time with one another.
The humming of the ceiling lights, the praises spoken by the others, the fanatic beating of his excited heart were all tuned out once the angel, given the wonderful name Naminé cleared her throat and spoke with a nervous tone, "Are you r-ready Roxas?"
He could only nod dumbly. Speechless more precisely. His lungs felt almost empty, as if she took his breath away. Who could blame him— first time seeing an angel in human form. She finally reached Roxas the others gave a bit of wooing and took some more pictures.
…
Naminé gleefully looked at the photos. Her eyes shining with embarrassment and quivering awe. She turned to the expert photographers. The now familiar Fuu had taken a nervous gulp, a dry throat, and practically no sound came.
"Fuu I had no idea you were so good with taking photos." Naminé complimented, "These look amazing! You ever considered going professional? I think anyone would love to have their pictures taken by you."
Fuu hid her expression despite the unusual fervor displayed. Sure she was good with a camera, good enough to win a few local contest but no one really praised her for it except her friends. Naminé stared at her with a look of high regards. She was embarrassed but enjoying the ego boost. She needed that.
"T…thanks." She muttered, "Let's go meet up with Roxas and Olette."
The duo found Roxas and Olette talking at one of the cashier registered closeby to a different aisle filled with beautiful and colorful jewelry. In Roxas' hand appeared to be bags of clothes she choose for him in one hand, and the other had a wrapped present with a pretty blue bow placed on top with hearts on the sides as decoration. Olette noticed the two immediately, and gave the usual greetings of hello. Olette and Fuu began handling the clothes Naminé choose to keep, all of them, as Roxas gave money ahead of time.
While the two employees discussed how things went, Naminé approached Roxas, with the photos in her hand.
"Interesting outfits you choose." Naminé commented, "They make me feel… special."
"How so?" He raised the question while exchanging photos.
"Because you choose them silly." She playfully ruffled his spiky and soft hair. "I can't believe we're buying all these things." Her eyes looked at the many bags of clothes.
"Nothing wrong with a little splurging every now and then." Roxas defending their purchases, feeling his wallet being lighter than it ever was. "It's not every day I'm free like this." Roxas decided to continue, "And Mickey always need some Heartless to be defeated somewhere, or more training regiment."
"That's tough, but you can handle it!" Naminé gave a slap of confidence.
"!" Roxas felt her soft hand give a sharp sting on his back. Yeah that's definitely still sore.
Was that a yelp? Naminé eyed her small and slender hand. Her chest ached at the thought: she was harming Roxas. He waved his waved pleading he was fine. The two had grabbed the bags of clothes and made way for the exit.
"Have fun with your date Champ." Olette raised her bicep triumphantly.
"Good luck." Fuu gave a thumbs up.
She decided to continue the conversation. She noticed quite some time passed while they were inside the clothes store. Before they entered the sky was a bright blue, and the sum simmering its' radiant heat, as the large tower had previously rang with it's large hand meeting the III. As of now, the clock struck V.
"Which outfit did you enjoy wearing the most?" she asked. "Or the one you found the most interesting?"
"Ahhh, "Roxas smiled, "I'll answer that later." he dodged the question.
"Interesting." She hid her face, letting her bangs slightly hide her determined expression. "I'll try harder next time.."
Roxas felt the atmosphere shift ever so slightly. Her aura had changed, given her hidden expression. Arg, she probably thinks you hated her choices! Good going me. C'mon, think of a solution!
"There's nothing wrong with the outfit themselves." He paused. "The outfits you choose was — unique, and the one I thought was the most interesting well… I'll tell you later."
Naminé let out her voice, "Are you sure you won't forget?"
"Promise." Roxas let out his pinky.
Naminé entrusted Roxas with her soft and smooth pinky, wrapping around his, shaking it lightly.
"It's a promised." She declared.