Disclaimer: I do not own Kingdom Hearts (II), Sora, Kairi, Riku, etc.
Author's Note: Extra long chapter this time! I won't be writing for a couple of days, so I made this about thirteen pages long. And I made Riku nicer, for those Riku fans who are threatening to kill me.
Warning: So CUTE!!!!!!!!
Quick Author Babble: Aw…Kitten…
Chapter 8: Birthday Wishes
It was October twelfth, a couple days after Thanksgiving. Colorful leaves drifted by in all directions, painfully reminding Kairi of Sora. The leaf he had given her was now very carefully placed in her diary. It never changed color. It was always the same, vibrant colors, like the day Kairi had first received it.
Unfortunately, Kairi couldn't enjoy looking at it, because every time she did she thought of Sora, which made her think of the whole problem she had with him and Naminé.
Kairi sighed. It was clear he was still her friend, but she still felt bitter every time she thought about him and Naminé being together. They weren't yet, of course, but it wouldn't be long before they were.
Kairi continued her walk home, feeling hatred swell up for Naminé even though she had been quite nice to Kairi for the past week.
"Hello, good buddy!" a voice sang throughout the street.
Kairi turned and attempted a smile.
"Hi, Yuffie," she said.
Yuffie skipped up to her and stopped grinning as she saw Kairi's sad face.
"What's the matter?" she asked. "You look really depressed for someone who just got let out of school on a Friday."
Kairi shook her head.
"I'm fine," she said, trying to smile. "See?"
"That is about the fakest smile I've ever seen," Yuffie remarked, crossing her arms. "Seriously, Kairi, what's up?"
"It's nothing," Kairi replied.
She didn't want to tell anyone anything, especially since she couldn't understand it all herself. But Yuffie was quite stubborn. She looked her friend right in the eye.
"Kairi, tell me right now, or I'll go ask everyone you know about it," Yuffie demanded.
Kairi gulped. If Yuffie asked Naminé, she'd find out that Sora was still Kairi's friend, and Kairi couldn't let that happen.
Kairi was also a terrible liar. She couldn't tell Yuffie a false story, or it would sound so quirky Yuffie wouldn't believe a word.
"Naminé…well…" Kairi stuttered, feeling dizzy at the thought of telling Yuffie. "You see, she…"
"Guys, wait up!"
Kairi turned, relief flooding her as she saw Roxas running their way. He was waving a notebook around.
"I got perfect on my homework!" he cried.
"You did?" Yuffie squealed. "Seriously?! I'd just be happy if I got half of them right."
Roxas's grin was wide, as if he'd just been given an award.
"Do you think I'm smarter than Sora?" he asked.
"Dude…no one's smarter than Sora," Yuffie said, rolling her eyes. "He's Mr. Perfection."
"I think I could give him a run for his money," Roxas stated proudly.
"Uh…no, you can't," Yuffie remarked. "Don't be stupid."
Kairi smiled as Yuffie and Roxas continued walking down the sidewalk, arguing. The spotlight had been taken off her, and she was glad.
"Maybe we should have a contest tomorrow," Roxas said. "Sora and I. We'll see who's smarter then."
"Speaking of tomorrow…" Yuffie remarked, a grin growing on her face. "Isn't it your birthday tomorrow, Kairi?"
Kairi smiled weakly and nodded. Roxas and Yuffie exchanged glances.
"Aren't you happy, Kairi?" Roxas asked. "I mean, it's your sixteenth birthday."
"Yeah, let's party!" Yuffie cried, letting out a hoot that probably scared half the neighborhood.
"Well, if the celebration doesn't go too late," Kairi said with a shrug. "It's just…my birthday is kind of the day that…"
"Great!" Yuffie chirped. "We can all come over! I wonder if Leon will come. Do you think if I asked him he'd join SCARF?"
"Uh…" Roxas stuttered.
"Yeah, it would be perfect!" Yuffie said. "It would be our first, official SCARF meeting!"
"But…" Kairi began.
"We'd have cake and music and all that!" Yuffie continued. "It'd be awesome!"
"Oh, boy," Roxas whispered, rolling his eyes.
"And then, after we open the piñata, we can…" Yuffie blabbered on.
Kairi was relieved to see her house. She waved at Yuffie and Roxas, but only Roxas paid attention and waved back. Yuffie continued to talk, more to herself than anyone.
As soon as she walked in, Naminé jumped out, nearly scaring Kairi to death. The pale-eyed girl looked positively ecstatic. Kairi sighed. Was everyone but her in a good mood today?
"Tomorrow's your birthday!" Naminé chirped.
"Yeah…" Kairi said. "So?"
"So?" Naminé gasped, as if she couldn't believe her ears. "Aren't you going to have a party?"
Kairi looked down, cheeks flushed.
"Well…I don't know," she said. "Maybe."
"What is this maybe?" Naminé exclaimed. "You're going to have one! It's your sweet sixteen and I'm not letting it go to waste! Invite all your friends, play your favorite music, eat your favorite food, and don't even think about not dancing!"
Kairi giggled. She had never seen Naminé like this before. She was in major party planning mode.
"Here," she said, shoving a phone into Kairi's hands. "Call all your friends, and don't forget Sora!"
Naminé grinned widely.
"I'm going to ask him on our first, official date!" she chirped.
Kairi's eyes widened and her heart started beating fast. She nearly dropped the phone. Kairi's first idea was to yell "no" right in Naminé's face and storm upstairs, but she stopped herself. Naminé had been really nice to her, and she had never been so happy in her life.
So this party was for Naminé's benefit, not hers. But Kairi wanted her sister to be happy. She wanted Sora to be happy too. So, against her better judgment, she dialed Sora's phone number.
"Please don't pick up, please don't pick up," Kairi whispered under her breath.
After a few moments, the phone stopped ringing.
"Hello?" Sora's voice said.
Kairi let out a defeated sigh.
"Hi, Sora, it's Kairi," she remarked.
"Oh, hi!" chirped Sora, his voice brightening.
"Yeah, I'm calling to ask if…if you would like to come to my birthday party tomorrow?" Kairi asked.
"Of course I'll be there!" he said.
Kairi cringed.
"I guess…I'll see you tomorrow then."
"Okay. Bye, Kairi."
As Kairi hung up, she turned to look at Naminé's eager face.
"He's coming," she said, unable to hide the dejection in her voice.
"Yes!" Naminé squealed.
Kairi looked down at the phone. She felt like chucking it out a window. If Naminé was going to start dating Sora at her birthday party, Kairi would rather not have him there at all.
111
It was Saturday. Kairi was already dreading the party soon to come. Naminé and her parents had worked all day making the backyard into a suitable place to throw a party. There was a table with a white sheet thrown over it, a chair for each guest (there weren't many, though), a giant stereo sat on another table, and the lawn had been mowed and flowers been tended to so that they were blooming all over the place.
It would've been perfect, if Kairi just hadn't known the grand finale.
Naminé skipped up to her sister, and tugged on her arm.
"Come on," she said. "Quickly, before the guests come."
Naminé tugged Kairi into her bedroom, where she rifled through the closet and pulled out a pearl white dress. It was made of silk with a lace trim. It was short and had white strands with gold beads hanging from the top.
"You're going to wear that?" Kairi breathed, already falling in love with the outfit.
"No," Naminé said, shaking her head.
She shoved it into Kairi's hands.
"You are."
Kairi looked down at the glimmering dress in amazement.
"What?" she stuttered. "B-But I can't…"
"Yes, you can," Naminé said firmly. "It's your party, and you're the birthday girl. You're the one who everyone has to look at. And look…"
She reached into her closet again, pulling out a small, black sweater and white shoes with black tips.
"I have accessories to match."
111
Kairi felt very unnatural in the outfit. Whenever she looked into the mirror she couldn't believe it was her sporting it off. She looked so different. Even in her semiformal dress she seemed the same, but now…
"You're gorgeous," Naminé said, a serene smile on her face.
Kairi smiled too. That had been the word she was looking for. Naminé was being so nice.
"Where'd you get this?" Kairi asked. "And why are you giving it to me?"
Naminé giggled.
"Let's just say it's my birthday present to you. Now come on. I think that was the doorbell."
As they walked down the stairs, Kairi noticed Sora was the first to arrive. He was talking to Mrs. Ire, holding a wrapped present in his hands. Kairi looked at it in confusion. It had holes in it.
She felt nervous as Naminé smiled happily at him. She almost wished Sora wasn't there again, but as he turned and smiled at her, all horrible thoughts vanished from her head.
Kairi froze on the staircase. Naminé had to help her down.
"Happy birthday, Kairi!" chirped Sora.
Mrs. Ire took the present from him and stored it in the kitchen. The threesome just stood there for a second, all in nervous silence, until the doorbell rang again. Kairi, relieved, ran over to open it.
"Happy birthday, Kairi!" cried Yuffie, handing over a box wrapped in bright green wrapping paper.
Leon appeared behind Yuffie, his expression emotionless as always.
"Yeah, happy birthday," he said, handing her a gift bag.
"Thanks!" Kairi remarked. "You can come in."
Leon and Yuffie walked in, and Kairi led everyone out into the backyard. She sat down at the table and Sora sat next to her. Naminé walked over to the stereo and flicked it on. Music soon flooded the backyard.
Naminé sat on the other side of Sora and the two started to talk. Kairi tried not to watch them and tried to think of something she might be more interested in, like Yuffie and Leon, or why Roxas wasn't here, or when the cake would come.
111
Nothing worked. The day seemed to pass very slowly. Sora hadn't looked at Kairi once, and to make things worse, Roxas hadn't arrived yet. It was already seven. The sun was setting and the sky was turning from red to purple. Kairi wondered if Roxas was going to come at all.
And he wasn't the only person she was waiting for.
Roxas suddenly burst out of the back door, face flushed. He ran over to Kairi, apologizing so fast that Kairi only heard pieces of it, like "so sorry" and "my five-year old cousin" and "had to babysit."
"It's okay, Roxas!" Kairi said. "I'm just happy you're here."
Roxas sat down next to her and they started to talk. For once that day Kairi was occupied and happy. The cake came, its candles even brighter in the night sky. As everyone started to sing "Happy Birthday", Kairi looked down at the cake, which said "Sweet Sixteen, Kairi" in pink icing.
"Well, what are you waiting for?" Yuffie asked. "Make a wish!"
Kairi looked up at her and nodded. She always had the same wish every year.
"I wish he would come and see me tonight," she whispered quietly so no one else could hear.
She blew out the candles and everyone cheered.
"It's time for the presents," she heard Naminé tell Sora.
Kairi looked down. She wasn't in the mood for presents. She wanted everyone to leave so she could wait for him. She wished Naminé would just ask Sora out already so she could just stop worrying about it, so she could just let the tears go.
But suddenly she felt a hand on hers. She looked up and saw Sora's smiling face.
"I got something special for you," he whispered.
Kairi's heart pounded in her chest. Just the way he said it made her face heat up. Her hand pulled away very suddenly. She didn't want Naminé to see anything.
She held her hand for a second. It was very warm now, as if Sora had put a magic spell over it.
"Hey, are you alright?"
Kairi turned suddenly at Roxas's voice. She nodded. Suddenly Mr. and Mrs. Ire walked in, holding a bunch of presents in their arms.
"We bear gifts!" Mr. Ire shouted, making everyone laugh.
All the presents were placed on the table. Kairi reached in and pulled out Leon's. She reached into the bag. It was a rather big, brown teddy bear, its fur soft to the touch. "Kairi" was stitched on its belly with blue string.
"That's adorable!" Yuffie cooed.
"That is the only time I go into a store selling stuffed animals," Leon said, turning a bit red.
"Thanks, Leon!" Kairi remarked, giving it a quick hug. "I love it."
Leon gave a nod and Kairi put the teddy bear down on a table. She pulled out a cube-shaped gift.
"That's mine!" Yuffie announced proudly.
Kairi tore off the wrapping paper. Five CDs were tied together, each one of Kairi's favorite bands. Kairi grinned happily.
"Thanks, Yuffie!" she said. "How did you get your hands on the new 'Sealed Fate' album?"
"I have connections," Yuffie remarked with a shrug.
Kairi picked up another box. It was rather small and card-shaped.
"That's from us, sweetie," Mrs. Ire said with a soft smile.
Kairi opened it and screamed so loud everyone nearly fell over.
"A CREDIT CARD!!!" she squealed.
Everyone gaped at the platinum card in amazement. Mr. and Mrs. Ire smiled at them.
"Yes, dear," Mrs. Ire said. "We decided you were responsible enough to get one. You may use it as you please, but you've got to tell us first, okay?"
Kairi leaped up and hugged her parents.
"Mom, Dad, you are the best!" she cried.
"Thank you, Kairi, but you have other gifts, you know," Mr. Ire said with a smile.
Kairi nodded and sat back down, gazing at the credit card dreamily. There were only two presents left. She was wearing Naminé's, so they must've been from Roxas and Sora.
Kairi picked up Roxas's. It was long, thin, and rectangular. Kairi took off the wrapping paper to reveal a large board that was soft in the center.
"It's a pinup board," Roxas explained. "You can stick all sorts of things on it. So, instead of having your pictures scattered all over the place, you can just stick them up here."
"Oh, Roxas, that's a really thoughtful gift," Kairi said. "Thanks!"
She hugged him, oblivious to the dirty looks Sora was now throwing at Roxas. Kairi turned back to the table. Now there was only one present left—Sora's. Kairi realized his box was very big and oddly shaped. The holes also looked suspicious.
Kairi took off the wrapping to reveal a pet carrier. She looked down at it, a bit confused.
"Thanks, Sora, but I don't have a pet…" she said.
"Look inside," Sora stated, a smile growing on his face.
Kairi opened the barred door and looked in. She gasped and squealed in delight at the same time as she reached in to pull out a tangerine-colored kitten. The kitten mewed softly as Kairi stroked its tiny head.
"Oh…my…God," Yuffie breathed.
"It's so cute!" Naminé squealed.
"Sora!" cried Kairi, looking up at him. "You got me a kitten?"
Sora scratched the back of his head nervously.
"Well…I got the idea while looking through a pet store," he explained. "I called your parents. They said it was okay."
"How did you earn enough money?" Kairi asked, looking at the kitten's big, brown eyes. "Animals are expensive."
"I worked at the pet store for a couple weeks," Sora answered. "I usually worked weekday evenings, and whenever else I got the time. If you work hard enough, they give you half off."
"Sora!" cried Kairi. "You didn't have to do that!"
"Yeah…well…You were worth it."
Kairi gave him a big hug, making sure not to crush the kitten by doing so. She looked down at it.
"He's so adorable!" she remarked.
"It's a she, actually," Sora said. "Call me a perfectionist, but it didn't seem right give you a male cat. She's a strong little thing too. She always won their little kitten games."
"Kairi, it's your responsibility," Mr. Ire stated. "You must take care of the kitten, understand?"
"Yes, Dad," Kairi remarked.
"Here, I'll take the kitten inside and give it some water," Mrs. Ire said, and she took the kitten from Kairi's arms.
As the kitten mewed in protest, everyone started to laugh. Naminé stood up and smiled.
"Now it's time for dancing," she said. "Everyone find a dance partner."
"Ooh, Leon, will you be my partner?" Yuffie asked excitedly.
Leon sighed, even though the smallest, amused smile reached his lips.
"Fine," he answered, standing up.
Roxas gathered all the courage he had and asked Naminé if she would like to dance with him.
"Of course I will, Roxas!" she chirped. "You're so sweet!"
Roxas turned bright red. Kairi looked at all her friends desperately. They all had dance partners except for her. She exchanged a glance with Sora, but he quickly looked away. Kairi felt a hand squeeze her shoulder. She looked up to see Naminé, a big grin planted on her face.
"Looks like you two are dancing together," she said.
"Wait, what?" Sora cried. "Uh…no…I-I can't…"
"Yeah, neither can I," Kairi remarked, shaking her head violently.
"Oh, come on, you two!" Naminé protested, pulling them both up. "It's one dance! You're not going to die."
"Naminé, please…" Kairi stuttered, cheeks flushed.
"No arguments! You're the birthday girl and you're her best friend, so you two are going to dance whether you like it or not!"
"Oh, boy," Sora sighed.
Naminé dragged them in front of the stereo and clicked it on. Kairi gulped as music started playing—slow music. Yuffie sighed and walked over to Kairi.
"Oh, great," she muttered, rolling her eyes. "It's slow dancing and I'm wearing sneakers."
Kairi looked down at the two, pearly high heels on her feet and groaned.
"I guess we'd better start dancing before Naminé comes back," Sora said. "She might murder us if we don't."
Kairi gulped.
"I guess…"
"I know…I don't know why we're paired up either, but…" Sora stopped and his eyes widened. "Oh, darn it! Naminé's coming back! Quick, get in a believable dance pose!"
Kairi quickly put her hands on his shoulders and Sora put one hand on her shoulder, the other on her hip. Naminé stopped as she walked past them.
"Nice try, guys," she said. "Actually dance. Did you really think you could slip that by me?"
"No, but it was worth a shot," Sora remarked, making Kairi giggle.
Naminé shook her head but smiled. She turned and walked away.
"I guess we have no choice," Sora said. "If I step on your foot, I'm sorry in advance."
"What are you talking about?" Kairi asked. "I've seen you slow dance before!"
Sora turned a bit red.
"Yeah, but that was different."
"And how, exactly, was it different?"
"Well, first of all, there wasn't someone about to murder me if I didn't…"
Sora and Kairi turned to look at the very watchful eye of Naminé. She gave them a warning stare.
"And second, I wasn't dancing with you."
Kairi blushed and looked down. As Naminé gave another glare, they actually started to dance. The lyrics were soothing and made both teens blush.
If I told you it was all meant to be,
Would you believe me?
Would you agree?
It's almost that feeling that we met before
So tell me that you don't think I'm crazy
When I tell you love has come here and now.
Kairi looked up and met Sora's very blue eyes. She turned very pink. Why hadn't she noticed Sora's eyes were so beautiful before?
"I haven't stepped on your foot yet, have I?" Sora asked, cringing.
Kairi laughed.
"No," she said. "Not that I would've noticed anyway. These shoes are really hard."
They looked up at the sky, where the stars were more silver than ever before. The crescent moon seemed so close you could touch it.
"It's a beautiful night," Sora stated.
His breath was showing. It was getting colder, but Kairi hardly noticed. She was so embarrassed she was completely heated.
"Are you cold?" Sora asked. "Here."
He took off his jacket and put it around Kairi. Kairi blushed so hard she felt like she was on fire.
"Thanks," she whispered.
A moment like this…
Some people wait a lifetime
For a moment like this.
Some people search forever
For that one special kiss.
Oh, I can't believe it's happening to me.
Some people wait a lifetime for a moment like this.
Yuffie and Leon swirled by very uneasily. Yuffie stopped and giggled.
"That's not how you do it!" she chirped. "You have to put your head on Sora's shoulder, Kairi!"
Leon raised his eyebrow as Kairi, if possible, blushed even harder.
"Uh…well…" Kairi stuttered.
"She's right, Kairi," Roxas said. "Do it!"
Sora gave a very threatening glare to him, but Roxas just laughed it off. Everyone was staring at them now. Kairi reluctantly placed her head on Sora's shoulder.
Everything changes but beauty remains.
Something so tender,
I can't explain.
Well, I may be dreaming, but till I wake
Can we make this dream last forever?
And I'll cherish all the love we share.
He was warm. Kairi was relaxing, but she still remained beet red.
"Are you okay?" Sora asked quietly, so that the others couldn't hear. "You're not moving much."
Kairi shook her head.
"I'm fine. It's just…it's not that bad, dancing with you."
There was a silence, and even from Kairi's very bad lookout point, she could tell Sora was blushing.
A moment like this…
Some people wait a lifetime
For a moment like this.
Some people search forever
For that one special kiss.
Oh, I can't believe it's happening to me.
Some people wait a lifetime for a moment like this.
"It's not that bad dancing with you either…"
It was Sora's very nervous reply. Kairi realized everyone was watching them. She giggled as Mr. and Mrs. Ire started dancing too. They were laughing the whole way, but they were much better dancers than the others.
"Go, Mrs. Ire!" Yuffie hooted as Mrs. Ire did a perfect spin.
"Yes, well, we're more experienced," Mrs. Ire said, glowing with pride.
Everyone was talking except for Kairi and Sora, who stayed in a comfortable silence, whispering once and a while.
Could this be the greatest love of all?
I want to know that you will catch me when I fall.
So let me tell you this.
Some people wait a lifetime for a moment like this.
"I forgot to tell you that you look really nice today," Sora said.
"Oh, you prefer me all dressed up then?" Kairi asked.
"What? N-No! I never said that!"
Kairi laughed.
"I'm just kidding, Sora," she remarked.
"Oh, right. Sorry."
Some people wait a lifetime
For the moment like this.
Some people search forever
For that one special kiss.
Oh, I can't believe it's happening to me.
Some people wait a lifetime for a moment like this.
"Whoa!" Kairi cried, tripping over her heel.
Sora caught her and pulled her back up.
"Thanks," Kairi said, her face flushing.
"No…problem," Sora remarked, turning just as red.
Oh, oh, like this.
Sora's arms were still wrapped tightly around Kairi's back.
"Dumb shoes," Kairi murmured, secretly thanking the clumsy things.
"Yeah…dumb shoes," Sora repeated softly, also secretly thanking them.
Oh, oh, oh, oh.
Some people search forever, oh, yeah, yeah.
Some people wait a lifetime for a moment like this.
Sora let go of Kairi and took the smallest step backward, blushing furiously.
Oh, like this…
As the song came to an end, Kairi was breathless. It hurt to look at him, knowing he would soon be with Naminé. But for a brief moment she was happy, unlike the dread that was now pulsing through her.
Naminé skipped over to them and, with a nervous grin, looked up at Sora.
"Sora, I need to ask you something," she said.
"What is it?" Sora asked, looking up.
"Well…uh…can we go somewhere more private?" Naminé questioned.
"Okay," Sora remarked, so clueless it was painful.
As Naminé dragged him off, Kairi's heart started beating so fast she was scared it would pop out of her chest. It was happening. She didn't know what to do. She was starting to panic.
Kairi raced out of the yard so quickly no one noticed. As soon as she reached the sidewalk, she stopped and leaned against a gate. She told herself she wouldn't cry—it was bound to happen someday.
She didn't know why she wanted to cry. It was so confusing. Kairi slowly slid down the gate until she had nearly completely fallen over. She didn't care that her new dress was getting dirty. She wished she didn't care about anything.
"There you are. I couldn't find you. Usually you don't have a party."
Kairi looked up and for a second she felt better. Her birthday wish had come true, as it did every year.
For one day—Kairi's birthday—Riku was her friend again. He came and visited her for a brief moment. He always came with a present and a smile. It was a promise they had made when they were very little.
"Oh, hi, Riku," Kairi said, wiping her eyes to make sure no tears would come.
"Are you alright?"
The sixteen-year-old knelt down beside her. Kairi nodded, deciding actions were better than her horrible lies.
"Kairi, I already know what's going on," Riku said. "I hear about everything."
Kairi looked up at him, surprised at how confident he seemed. Riku grinned and reached into his pocket.
"That's why I got you this."
He took out a small, velvet box. Kairi took it, feeling very uneasy.
"Uh…Riku…I don't think I'm ready for that commitment…" she murmured.
"I'm not proposing, Kairi!" Riku said, crossing his arms. "Open it."
Kairi opened it gently. Inside was a golden locket. She pulled it out. It gleamed in the starlight.
"It's beautiful," she whispered, holding it up to get a better look at it.
"You can open up the pendant too," Riku said.
Kairi looked at his smiling face and reluctantly opened the pendant. What she saw made her gasp.
"A picture of Sora…" she whispered. "Why would you get me this?"
Riku looked at her.
"Because I don't want you to lose him…"
He touched her hand tenderly.
"Like you lost me."
Valor999: Thanks! That's really nice! Here's your update!
Nohime: The main characters always have to be stupid and stubborn. If they're not...well...the story would end rather quickly, wouldn't it? Unfortunately, I've already wiped it off the face of this Earth. (Well, no, I still have it saved on my computer, but it's deleted on Fan Fiction.) I'll make another Roxette. Of course I will! It's about the cutest crack pairing there is.
LOTRchic: Thanks! I hope it has a happy ending too...but you know, good stories don't ALWAYS have happy endings.
Magnifyingglass47: Thanks! Yeah, I've put in a lot of Riku in this one...for some reason...Hmm...Maybe I'm just bored. I'm glad you liked the ending in Chapter 7. I sort of used that again in this one...Sorry...I won't use it next time. Well, anyway, thanks a bunch for all the useful stuff and compliments!
MOOnlite-dusk: I love Mrs. Ire too! She is the best mom EVER. "You'll be my next son." Yeah, I decided to throw that line in there just for the heck of it. She won't be, as she proved in this chapter, FRIENDS are alright with her. But MORE? Hmm...Thanks for reviewing and here's your chapter!
Isler: Aw, thanks, I'm glad you thought it was cute. I threw most of the Roxas part in there just for the heck of it, but some of the things Roxas said were useful—like "maybe she likes you" or "I think you're just jealous" and he brought up some very good points on Riku. Thanks for your opinions!
SimplySarah1221: I like that: "Roxas—still nice guy." You're right. Riku WAS temporarily MIA, but he's usually MIA in the normal story too, so...Since Riku's already not being Riku in my story I've decided a bit must last. Thanks for reviewing!
Rolliepollie44 (or Zestychicken2): Thanks so much for your review! Roxas IS a kind of person who would do that...I guess that means Sora is...but I guess he can't do that THEN because...Never mind. Thanks for reviewing and here's your chapter!
Anime-adorer2006: Thanks...You do that. Just kidding. I'm glad you liked it.
Cheychey41: Thanks! Here's your chapter!
So, anyway, guys, since I won't be writing for maybe three days or so, I made this chapter super long, so no complaints!
Okay, you've noticed I've wriggled a lot of Riku in this chapter, right? And you must be REALLY confused, because Riku is supposed to be the bad guy who everybody hates, but quite honestly I think Naminé is the actual problem here. However, you may look at him as you like, but I'm telling you now, RIKU IS NOT THAT BAD.
Besides, you caused this by all the reviews I got saying "I hope Riku turned around" and "why did you make Riku evil?" and "I don't like the whole Riku-being-evil thing". So I'm like, WHAT THE HECK, I'm not using him anyway.
Okay, I hope you liked it. I know the song's kinda corny, I apologize for that, but...well...never mind. Sorry.
So, I've decided on what my replacements are going to be, with a lot of thought, comparing, and, of course, your opinions. These are the results:
Roxas and Olette
Roxas and Namine
Okay, so they both have Roxas in them. I like Roxas. So sue me.
I'll STILL be writing in THIS story of course, just...maybe a bit less. Because I want you to know I've given this story a lot more thought than any of my other stories, and it's a lot better, truth be told. But Nohime wants me to write a Roxette and I agree, because they ARE dying out and, come on, they're the cutest crack couple ever.
And, admit it, most of you here like Roxas and Namine, because they're exactly like Sora and Kairi. I mean, yeah, the majority of my stories will now be about Roxas, but, to tell the truth, that doesn't concern me.
Well, read and review!