Chapter eight:
Roxas POV:
'...B double- O, T,Y it's three over average girls, calling three under average guys, we're fucked up and we're ready to play, we wanna do things we'll regret the next day...!"
I jumped in surprise and quickly reached for my phone, but fell out of bed in the process. Recovering my structure well, I grasped the phone and pressed the green button. I could tell who it was by the ringtone.
"God damn it Kairi, I told you not to change my ringtone!" a giggle was heard on the other end.
"Good morning to you too! Get dressed and meet me in town in half an hour!"
"Why should I?" I snapped. I wasn't in the mood for this.
"Well, since schools over and it just so happens that Christmas is literally a week from now... "
"Just spit it out Kairi!"
"Okai, Okai, sheesh. You're so pushy! No wander poor Nami-chan was scared of you at first"
She sighed. My impatience grew as well as the throbbing vein at my temple. She took a deep breath.
"Well, if you don't wanna come Christmas shopping with me then fine..."
She voiced her sadness and empathy.
"... I just figured you needed help finding a good present for Nami-chan, since you did pick her name out of the hat..."
I froze before recalling yesterday. Kairi had turned up at every ones front door with a hat, demanding we all do secret Santa. I forgot about the piece of paper on my desk. I hadn't even looked at it yet.
"How do you know I have Naminé?" she only gave out a giggle. I opened the folded paper to find Naminé's name written in her own fancy italic writing. My heart throbbed in my chest as the world collapsed around me. Kairi caught my gasp and chuckled evilly.
"You need my help now don't you!"
"I hate you..." I hung up with that.
Only to get a text a second later saying:
:D u luv mee relli. Meet mee outside Costa in ½ an hour XD ...Mi plan will work!
I swallowed the lump in my throat and sighed, checking my wallet for money. This is going to hurt my pocket...
Naminé POV:
I only just managed to finish my breakfast before I heard my phone going off.
"...Somebody once told me the world is gonna roll me, I ain't the sharpest tool in the shed, she was looking kind of dumb with her finger and her thumb in the shape of an 'L' on her forehead"
I answered it quickly while putting my dirty dishes in the dish washer.
"Hello?" I asked with curiosity since I didn't look at the phone ID.
"Hey, Naminé. How's things?"
It was Sora to my surprise.
"Heya Sora, Yeah things are good. You?"
"Yeah, they're really good. Hey, fancy going Christmas shopping in a bit? I need help getting Kairi a present for Christmas"
"Yeah, sure. I'm ready now if you wanna go anytime soon?"
"That's great; meet me outside the train station in ten!"
And with that we said our goodbyes and hung up. I grabbed my house keys and snuck on my shoes before walking out the front door with my purse.
I guess I needed help with Roxas' present too...
Roxas POV:
Please... Kill me now.
The cunning auburn haired girl, sipped at the most expensive coffee there was to order and smiled at the taste. I don't know how she conned me into buying it for her in the first place. SHES EVIL!
"So... About Naminé. How did you know that I had Naminé for secret Santa?" I asked, leaning back on the ebony sofa, with my hands at the back of my neck, supporting it. She looked up and cocked an eyebrow. Before placing the cup on the mahogany table.
"Lucky guess?" she smiled evilly.
"Liar!" I accused. Her smirk grew.
"What does it matter any who? She's the one that can't find out. I'm not going to tell her" She sipped at her drink again.
"Right. Since you like exams, I'm going to give you answers to questions. Your exam is going to be buying the present and just like a real exam I'm going to leave you on your own to do so. So any questions?" Again she slurped up her drink.
I sighed. I liked challenges but this was going to be hard.
"What does she do in her spare time?" I asked
"Read, paint and write stories. She used to go walking but since the incident she doesn't really leave her house. She doesn't have a TV since she lives on her own with an allowance from her folks and can't afford the electricity. Next..." It surprised me how fast and easily she answered. I mentally noted to myself.
"Any allergies?" I asked.
"She's allergic to cats, fake gold and silver plated jewellery" I wasn't expecting that.
"Piercings?"
"Nope not that I know of" Kairi took another mouthful of coffee.
"Favourite authors? Or preferred genres?"
"She loved romance and thriller stories but she's very fussy with them. Not recommended"
"... Preferred paints?" Kairi had to think about that.
"I don't think she has a preferred paint type... and I will be going now because, your cousin will be waiting for me. Nice chat. Bye bye" She slammed her now empty cup on the table and ran out of the shop with a giggle. I was on my own from now on.
Naminé POV:
"... I don't know much about kairi... I should have said earlier. I'm sorry" I apologised for the fifth time.
"Don't worry about it. You helped me chose a present for her. It's the thought that counts" He smiled.
"Any way, I have to go meet up with Kairi, I wish you luck with your shopping for my cousin" His happy-go-lucky attitude almost made me envy Kairi. But it was nice to have a friend like him. I wasn't scared of him since he was Kairi's boyfriend so I knew he was a good guy. But...
It sunk into my mind. His words. 'My cousin' ... how did he know who I was shopping for? And ... I was never told that Sora was related to Roxas. I sighed. It was none of my business anyway.
I continued to walk through the streets. And began to feel alarmed by the lack of people. I guess most people had finished their Christmas shopping last week. I wrapped the woollen scarf around my neck tighter. The temperature was dropping and I found myself subconsciously walking towards Costa. I nice hot chocolate with marshmallows and whipped cream would warm me up in no time.
I opened the door to find only a few people in the shop. And loads of vacant sofas. I smiled. I may as well buy some shortbread too.
After ordering, I waited. Fascinated by the way they made the hot chocolate and admired the machinery. Suddenly my gazing was stopped by darkness and I froze with a jump as I heard a voice whisper in my ear.
"Guess who?" I shivered as my sight returned to me. I spun around on my heels to see who the stranger was. Only to find a cheeky blonde smiling ear to ear. Now I understood why he was related to Sora. I put a hand on my heart trying to calm my alarmed heart beat. My fright subsiding.
"Please... Never scare me like that again" I sighed. Roxas looked at me apologetically and said his sorry.
"Here you go miss. Your drink. And that will be £2.80. Thank you" I fished in my pocket for change but before I could the shop assistant had already said thank you. I looked up to find a receipt being placed with change in Roxas' hands before he turned to me and escorted me to a table while I carried my drink.
"Thank you Roxas, I'll pay you back..." I said while perching the hot beverage and biscuit on the coffee table. I reached for my bag this time in search for munny, but I was stopped by Roxas.
"No need. You can pay me back by sitting with me" He smiled. I couldn't help but smile back.
"Okai" A moment past in silent while I began eating the cream off the top of my drink. He seemed to be watching me with fascination.
"So what brings you here?" He asked me with a curious tone. I had to admit I felt comfortable with him around now.
"I was Christmas shopping with Sora trying to help him pick a present out for Kairi, however I wasn't much help. I don't know Kairi that well so..." I trailed off into my own world. Roxas chuckled.
"Kairi knows almost everything about you" He explained. Guilt built up in the pit of my stomach.
"That makes me feel really guilty for not taking an interest but also makes me feel like I talk too much about myself" I frowned.
"Don't worry. It's best if you don't know much about Kairi to be honest" He smiled slightly. He meant it in a jokey way to help me feel better. It was then that I noticed what he was wearing. He had a black and white chequered (thick/ warm looking) coat on that went to his hips. It was undone revealing a polo neck plain black shirt. He wore around his neck a red scarf that matched some of the stitching on his jacket. And on his legs he wore dark blue jeans and chequered shoes. I made my way back up to his face. It didn't look flushed from the cold so I think he had been here for a while. His hair was windswept yet it maintained its gravity defying stance. He looked really handsome. Despite his looks he dressed so differently from his brother.
"You look nice Naminé" He smiled at me. My cheeks were painted a darker crimson than they already where. Even if I was already red from the cold he still noticed and smiled widely.
"You don't look too bad yourself..." I smiled, trying to catch the marshmallow that kept escaping my spoon. It distracted me from his charming smile.
"So what are you doing today?" He asked me. By then I was pretty sure my face was completely red as I recalled the reason why I was in town.
"... Uh, I came here to do some Christmas shopping but I'm struggling to find even a simple present..." I sighed.
"You got a guy for secret Santa didn't you?" He tilted his head to one side.
"Yeah..." I swallowed my nervousness and finally caught a marshmallow.
"Maybe we can help each other. I got a girl for secret Santa" My face lit up. He was going to help me. That was perfect.
Roxas POV:
Yes this was perfect she's going to help me big style. I couldn't believe my luck. Watching her walk through the door made my heart miss several beats. She looked so cute with her light blue scarf tugged tight up to her nose, and her matching mittens. Her white coat complimented her eyes her pale skin tone. She looked like an angel. Her golden hair was tucked in her hat. A few strands escaped and peeked out of the bottom. The way she blushed was adorable. She made me want to reach over and hug her. But I knew I couldn't do that since she still is scared. Even by a little.
I couldn't get over the fact that she and I were holding hands as if we were a real couple. Even if she was only holding my hand because the streets were bare and it began to slightly dim. It was only 3 in the afternoon.
"Oh my..." Naminé's gasped in astonishment, catching my interest. She began to pull me towards a shop called 'Destined artist's' I then remembered what Kairi said and began flicking through my mental notes.
She peered into the window and mumbled to herself. She seemed to be looking at a box of about 150 colouring pencils.
"What's that Naminé?" I asked. She straightened up and sighed.
"The colouring pencils, they've got water colour ones and all the other pencils..." She saddened.
"They're so expensive though..." I followed her stare to find the price.
"£30? That's not that expensive" I said, trying to cheer her up.
"I can't afford them for another three months. I barely have enough money left for food as it is... And I can't seem to find a job..." she sighed sadly. In a way she and I were very lucky. I had a lot of spare munny since I have a job aswell as my allowance so I could afford to buy her that with no extra trouble. I smiled.
"Don't worry Naminé there's still Christmas..." She smiled at that. Then it dawned on me. She couldn't afford to buy a very expensive present. I better watch what I suggest her to buy for her secret Santa.
... However I couldn't help browse around the music shop...
"Wow... They have the new album out!" I hovered over the 'three days grace' albums.
"You like that type of music?" She asked me with surprise, But in a sweet way.
"Yeah, I don't think many people know but Sora got me into that type of music so I started learning the guitar" I picked up the album and read through the tracks. To my surprise Naminé picked up the album too and scanned the price. I froze. Uh-oh. The album was £7.99 and I wasn't sure whether she could afford it without starving herself. To my surprise she smiled.
"Shall we start walking home?" I asked her. She nodded in reply.
It had already gotten really dark by 5 and Naminé seemed a bit more frightened than usual. The event took place at night so it was only natural for her.
"Naminé?" she looked up from burying her face in my arm. I slowly pulled my arm from her grasp and wrapped it around her shoulder lightly. She continued to look up at me. Her fear glazed over her bright eyes.
"Do you want me to walk you home?" I asked her quietly. She thought for a moment.
"Please" She nodded and grasped a bit of the fabric on the side of my coat.
She was trusting me to protect her from this darkness. She was trusting me with everything.
"Show me where you live..."
Naminé POV:
It was weird. I should have been kicking and screaming after Roxas put his arm around me. Why did I feel so comfortable? I'm making myself an easy target again. I can't...
"Thank you for walking me home... would you like to come in for a bit?" I asked out of politeness.
"Do you want me to come in?" My mind was screaming. Arguing with itself. Fear and sense saying no, heart and kindness saying yes.
"It's up to you if you want. I wouldn't have asked if I wasn't happy with you coming in..." I smiled lightly. I left the door open and walked further into the hallway and sat on the bottom step to take my shoes off. Making sure not to make eye contact. I heard the door close and Roxas' steps closing in on me. My heart beat raised rapidly and I found myself feeling really hot and bothered.
I pulled off my scarf and mittens before undoing my coat zip. I looked over to Roxas who was copying me. He removed his jacket before me and I stared in amazement as I found out that the polo-neck shirt was sleeveless and showed off his toned biceps.
"Where should I put this?" He asked me. I flushed red again without feeling hot. I could only point to the banister on the stairs. I placed mine on first and walked past him, catching the scent of after-shave. It made my temperature rise again. When I entered the kitchen (left of the hallway just before the stairs) I offered out drinks.
"Hey, Naminé... what's with all the boxes?" He asked from the living room (opposite the Kitchen) I mentally smacked myself. That's what I was meant to be doing today. Putting the Christmas decorations up.
I walked into the living room with two hot chocolates to find Roxas putting the Christmas tree together. I watched in amazement as he did (what took me half an hour to do) in five minutes.
"Roxas..." Before I could finish my sentence he began.
"Naminé... Can I help you decorate?" He asked with a hopeful look on his face. I couldn't reject that face. Plus I needed help. I smiled.
"Yeah sure. I was going to get kairi to help me tomorrow but it'll be fun with you" He grinned at me in thanks.
That was when the fun began. After finishing the hot chocolates we began emptying the Christmas boxes. Somehow Roxas managed to get tangled in all the Christmas lights which made us both laugh. We both found Christmas Hats and began to wear them. I tied Roxas in tinsel and we argued about the star on top of the tree and who would put it on.
In the end he had to lift me up to put the star on top. And we continued hanging up Christmas cards and decorating the fireplace with stockings, tinsel and Christmas ornaments.
I turned to light the fire and I could hear Roxas behind me giggling like the school girl he was. I stood up once the fire was lit and turned to find him grinning that ear to ear smile again. He crossed his arms and looked up... I already knew what he had done. I couldn't stop smiling; even though he was sneaky I had to give him praise for it. I looked up to find what I had guessed true. Mistletoe. Hung right above our heads.
"You sly bastard..." I commented. He chuckled more.
"It's tradition!" He bent his head down to kiss me. I panicked. My eyes widened as he smiled at me. I closed my eyes imagining something to calm my heart. Fire was burning my face. Then... I felt something on my cheek. Something really soft. I opened my eyes to find him standing up straight with a light smile. I sighed heavily.
"I scared you didn't I?" He asked. His eyebrows tilted with apology. I nodded slightly.
"Oh well, I'll get over my fear someday..." I said with a smile. Roxas mumbled something that was barely audible.
It sounded to me as if he said "that is the day I will miss you..." but I might have caught it wrong.
Roxas POV:
...That is the day I will kiss you...