An Unforgettable Date Part 3
Along the way, they discovered just how fun it was to walk on the fallen leaves and branches; the ground performing their own orchestra for the season of maturity and harvest. To further pass the time, they decided to make a game of how many leaves they could catch before it hit the earth. It was a childish, yet nonetheless a fun way to pass the time before they reached Namines's house — the ancient, yet clean mansion. For a place located where it was, and Mickey's deal with the town's mayor, she didn't need to pay any taxes or bills from the place.
Roxas starred in nostalgia once they reached the white gates, the very same where he was given his name— Roxas. The time when he was a nobody without a heart, without emotions, without any reason to live. He blinked. Now within his chest is his very own heart, able to convey any emotions he can muster, and a good reason to live; his friends and the love of his life: Naminé.
She unlocked the door. Letting the doors swing from a single push. Inside was Naminé abode, with art laid all over the place.
"Don't worry, those are just sketches," Naminé spoke, as her voice echoed throughout the mansion. "The white room has what I can consider masterpieces." She took Roxas by the hand and led him into the basement. "We can put the clothes into the washer and dryer. In the meantime, I can give you a grand tour of the house if you want."
"I'd like that." He nodded his head, "Will it be like anything how you described it in your letters?"
"Hmm.." she placed a finger over her lips, and a smile forming quickly after, "Even better since you'll see the real thing. I can describe things so well." she humbled admitted.
"A for effort." Roxas chimed. He put the clothes into the basket to be washed.
Now relieved of the store-bought clothes, the two started with the computer area in the basement.
"This is where I was brought back!" Roxas exclaimed, noticing everything spick and span, not a speck dust could be found. "This place is… a lot cleaner than I remember."
"I had some time to clean. School isn't that hard, even with the advanced courses I'm in." Naminé explained. "It can be a bit—quiet sometimes, but that's okay." She let a barely audible sigh escape from her mouth.
"You ever get… lonely?" Roxas slowly asked.
"Nope." She fiddled with her hair, "I always just look back on the old memories of everyone together and hold onto those. The bonds we share will never die. Therefore I'm never lonely." she smiled with that logic.
Roxas shifted himself a bit. He couldn't place his finger on it, but some about that seemed. Off.
"I mean— bonds are great, but you can't keep living in the past, to always go into nostalgia without making new memories is… like running from the future. You're better than that. I know you are."
The atmosphere became rather cold and silent. Roxas could hear the computer humming quietly, and his gut feeling knew: this wouldn't end well.
"Naminé," Roxas slowly took a step, the noise echoing throughout the mansion, "Are you lonely?"
She shook her head. "I'm not, honestly." She added, "The place gets a little boring, no one visits and everyone's busy— Even Kairi." Naminé paused, and decided to continue, "But she's running Radiant Garden as Princess, so who can blame her?" she informed Roxas, "Sora and Riku are always helping her there, living their lives in Destiny Islands, doing missions for King Mickey, or visiting other people. Except me. No visits whatsoever."
"No visits?"
"Not even a letter." she frowned. "You're the only one whose kept contact with me. Alongside Xion, but she's been gone ever since King Mickey ordered her to search the Coded Worlds for any more of Ansem's information about hearts there's been no contact whatsoever."
She paused. Roxas listened, waiting to hear what else she wanted to vent out. Her mind was strained, as her heart, although very new, felt very tired and hardened with sadness and solitude.
"What about Aqua, Terra, and Ven?"
"Those three? They're busy raising the next generation, so no time for seeing the others apparently." She sighed, "And Axel always with Isa and Radiant Garden. I really thought he 'd stick around here more often enjoying the sunset with us." she laid back the chair to stare at the grey ceiling, "Were our bonds ever strong to begin with?" She gulped with a dry throat, "Why can't the friends I make everlast?" her blue orbs shifted towards Roxas. Leading for answers, "What am I doing wrong?"
"Nothing wrong with some alone time." Roxas scratching his spiky hair. "What's wrong about the life you're living right now?" choosing his words carefully, "My best thoughts are when I'm in solitude." he said nervously. Roxas tried to reassure her.
"What do you know about being lonely?!" Her voice rose with vexation.
His heart sank. There were times he immensely enjoyed having a heart; this was not one of them. Guilt, Sorrow, and Emptiness came to him under her confession about everything. Her tirade is just her speaking her mind. I'm the only one here for her…
"You're out on adventures and seeing new places, hanging out with people who actually like talking to you. Me?" she placed a closed-fist in front of her chest, "I'm not allowed to leave here thanks to Mickey's orders, and the only place I can go is here, the school, and whatever corner I haven't explored here in this world! This world is amazing, but I can't live here alone! I wanted to go explore the worlds WITH you guys. Here I am just an ordinary girl far away from any chance of adventure." her face was a bit pink from anger. "Why can't I be trusted?" Her voice became softer,— ruffling her hair in frustration, "What did I do wrong?"
The strands at the ends of her beautiful blonde hair now had tints of white. White hair. Just like Xemnas'. She noticed the strands of hairs that changed colors, she lifted it gently, as if one bad move could make it worse. She knew Roxas was beyond shocked.
"This has been happening since everyone split up. I didn't notice it at first once I was getting into a normal life, but after a while, I realized how lonely it is. Living in this mansion all alone, getting a little more lonely each day." she threw one of the photos to Roxas, "Remember that dorky outfit? That was my favorite one because I could imagine how things could go if you gone with me instead of Mickey; our lives are so different now!" she sobbed, letting a tear fall onto the cold ground, "I wanted to live this life with you in it! Is that so much to ask?"
Naminé stopped speaking, letting the information sink in. The quiet hums, her silent stare, and an motionless Roxas.
A moment later he finally realized what was going on. The clues. The clues behind her loneliness! The pieces were coming together! Her time in solitude, away from the ones she considered true friends—not in some castle, but in a different world where she can't understand the people around her. There's too much of a gap. Why hadn't he noticed Naminé real situation prior! A wave of disgust overcame him, only to be replaced once he notice her eyes pleading for someone to care at least. More bits of her hair transformed into a mixture of silver and grey.
Roxas began to shake his blonde lover, "How much have you been hurting? How long? Why didn't you tell any of us?" His stared watched her state. No mental breakdown, no anger— but definitely sad— depressed even.
"I couldn't! No one had time to spare. I bet the only reason you came to visit was for another job for Mickey! I just happened to be closeby to your job."
Maybe angry depressed.
"T-that's not true. I asked you outside of work and because I thought that you finally had time." He claimed, "Mickey was against me going out but I still went. Heck, I even had to fight Mickey like 100 times to ask for a day off to ask you out." Roxas stated. "Fighting your boss for a day off isn't so easy." He shuddered, remembering the intense combat. "But I'd do it all over again just for you."
"W-why?" her ears picked up the last bit.
"Isn't your job important as one of Mickey's Royal Squad?" Naminé remembered, "You have school too! Why spend a day free with me? You could've used it to sleep a day, or hang with your other friends— why choose me?"
He took a breather. "Well for starters, anyone can replace me as one of the combat specialist, and it's only for a day. School's boring, my grades aren't too shabby so I don't need to worry about academics for the most part. The reason why I choose you instead of anyone else is because; well it's you know— you," his hands on her shoulders, "You're one of a kind to me."
"If I'm so different, why leave me in this world? It's a nice world— but why alone?" She choked. Less heavy heartstrings, but still wanting answers.
He blinked.
"I didn't know you were alone. I could only guess you found some friends or hung by yourself at the library. I thought you deserved someone better than me as a friend." he recalled, "Those words on ink, when we shared letters were— filled with your voice. You sounded so happy." Those faces you drew also inferred you were happy.
"Maybe I was so happy because I was with you— you were the one of the few people willing to talk to me. I appreciate it. I really do."
Despite the serious atmosphere, Naminé's stomach growled. As did his. Having moments really works up an appetite. The computer dinged, signalling 6:00 PM. Dinnertime was soon. She turned towards Roxas, who let go of her shoulders.
"It's getting late, I guess you should be getting —"
"There's still time for one surprise." Roxas interrupted, who's face brightened with an idea forming, "You're hungry, I'm hungry. I can cook some good food, and there's this one place I want to you to see." he noticed her face of uncertainty, "It'll make you feel better. Scouts honor."
"Where is it?"
"You'll have to be blindfolded before I can even take you there. Secret area, hard to get. It's a bit far, but still worth it." he summoned a bit of darkness, "We'll travel via Darkness."
"Why is it so secretive? I'm pretty sure I've seen everything here."
Roxas thought for a retort.
"Except this area, it lets you see it all. Literally. Nice dinner made by me, good company— me, and good view."
"So you're making dinner for the end of our date?" she wiped a tear.
"Yeah," he headed up, "Where's the kitchen?"
"I'll help. Or try at least." She went up the stairs to join him.
[Location:?]
The blindfold had finally slipped as the cool breeze has went past her. She opened her eyes. The bright sun almost blinded her. Looking away she felt the warm floor on where she sat. Closeby stood two bags. Given the direction of the sun; it was the afternoon. A pretty one at that with the colors of the sky above— a beautiful mix of red, yellow, and orange. Under the sky was the whole town. Building, apartments, houses. A tear leaked from her eye. Beautiful.
Besides her was Roxas who had a happy and relieved expression about her reaction. His face of worry vanished.
"Roxas? What happened?" Naminé questioned, "The last thing I remember was—!" What was it again?
"Don't push yourself too hard." Roxas told her. "Going in darkness blindfolded wasn't the best idea." he added a quiet mumble, "How in the worlds did Riku do it so well?"
"How did we end up here? Everything was a blur." Naminé smelled the clean air around her. The smell of the peaceful town and tasty foods was closeby. Right under her nose no less!
"After getting everything ready, and you were blindfolded, we went through the CoR." He motioned to the bags, and the cooler. He gave a small chuckle. "You hungry for one-of-a-kind meal?" A picnic during the sunset? Pretty smooth.
Both their stomachs grumble for any kind of nourishment. Pink hues of embarrassment overcame the both of them. Despite that, they laughed at all that.
"You didn't sneak in a bite while walking did you?" Naminé wanted to know.
"Nope. Almost did a few times." He opened the cooler and revealing the secrets, "Wanted to eat with you, rather than, eat alone."
"I didn't plan on you telling me all that you, but— I did plan on making this date… memorable."
"You tried." She giggled while playing with his soft and spiky hair, "And you succeeded, Mr. Romantic."
Her heart was beating fast, like a traditional clock being sped up. Roxas was let his head closer to hers. She continued to let her fingers run through his hair. Her fingers made its way towards his face, more so his lips. She was gently touching his lips with her fingers. He was blushing, and his eyes were closed; trusting Naminé that she would be honest to him.
Should I go for it?
Brushing her hair to the side, she was slowly leaning forward. Inching closer and closer until their lips were millimeters away, and she could practically taste his lips…
Their lips finally touch. Absolutely wondrous. Blissful. Ecstasy of happiness. Words could only do so much to provide this kiss justice.
Finally, the kiss was broken, since the two lovebirds needed to breathe.
"I'm glad I was awake for that." She huffed. "Was that your first?"
"Yeah." He responded with a peck, "I'm happy it was with you."
The couple continued enjoying each other's company, and their stomachs made noise once more.
"You hungry?" Roxas opened the cooler, "I hope you like my cooking."
"I can eat a horse." Naminé licked her lips, "So what did you cook, Mr. Chef?"
Roxas brought out his homemade curry and fresh Caesar salad. Despite being inside a cooler, the curry was still warm enough to enjoy; as the potatoes were in heart-shaped pieces, and the lettuce gave an excellent crunch with sweetness for each bite. The broth gave a delicious aroma, and rice was soft beyond tasty.
"You made all this?!" Naminé eyed the food hungrily, "What's your secret?" she took a scoopful of curry and rice into her mouth, "It's sooo yummy!"
"The secret ingredient? I say it's pineapples and love." He watched her eat, feeling bubbly that he could spend time with her. His heart gave a peaceful beat.
"You're so cheesy." Naminé rolled her eyes. Don't ever change.
The two lovebirds finished their meal; allowing Roxas to give her the bag beside his feet.
"?" She looked at the bag curiously, "What's this? "
"It's…" Roxas inhaled slowly, "A present." He continued, a little nervous. "I know that I can't do much to help you feel less lonely, but I still want to try. I'm sure that Hayner, Olette, Pence, and maybe even Fuu would love to hang out once they get to know you. All you gotta do is ask."
"What if they think I'm weird? I'm not exactly who you would call "normal.". Most people are born with hearts, and I might not understand what their hearts desire."
Roxas smiled a little at that. "I was apart of an Organization that wanted to control the universe. We all have our flaws. Putting that aside you're still a good person. They know that. Just trust them. You taught me to do what's right, I wanna teach you how to meet new people." he motioned to the bag, "It might help, it might not."
"Maybe it's time for me to put myself out there meet new people," Naminé found herself slowly embracing the idea. "But do you think there's a way for us to see our old friends again?"
"I'm positive everyone would love to meet up again!" Roxas nodded.
She slowly opened the light blue bag, which revealed a red and yellow box. It was carefully wrapped with beautiful wrappings and ribbons. She eagerly opened the present, which revealed a necklace. The necklace was a bit too rough around the edges to be considered professionally made, but she thought it was still cute. She took another look at it, and suddenly came to a realization.
It's handmade! She gasped, her eyes shifted shifting to Roxas. "You made a necklace?"
"Y-you like it?" Roxas nervously asked he took a deep breath, waiting for her response.
"Roxas," she paused, placing it around her neck, "I love it!"
"You do?!" He smiled , relief and joy filling his Heart. .
"I do." She leaned closer to him, "No one's ever done this for me." she leaned in closer.
Their lips met one another once more, even more, passionate than the first. Their hearts synchronized with the intense beating. This day would certainly be a date to remember.
Author's Note: Special thanks to Lucius Walker and boxofraindrops for editing and helping improve the story! Also I do not have any intentions on writing a sequel (Such as the reunion, the double date, or even a second date). If I did have any motivation to write, I will, however I do not.