~A Change In The Tide~

Days passed after Xion's depart, and everything seemed a bit different: the house was quieter, nobody was very cheerful, and treats didn't taste the same. Xion wasn't a stranger; she visited often, and went on and on about living with Riku; They lived in a house at the edges of town. She loved him, that much was clear.

Aqua walked along the streets, as usual. She carried a basket of bread and cheese; she hoped that Terra would like them. Yes, she had developed some fondness for the man: he was always so nice and kind, and now that Xion is gone, he has taken over her duties, even if he doesn't have to. He is such a kind soul...

The maiden was so lost in her daze that she didn't notice she bumped into someone until she hit the floor. She blinked, and saw two hands extending out to help her. She raised her gaze to the owners; they were people she's never seen before. Both of them were men, one with peach skin, black hair tied up in a ponytail and kind eyes. There was a noticeable scar on his cheek. The other man was bald, with copper skin and golden eyes. Those eyes scared her, she felt them scanning her, searching for her deepest secrets.

"Oh, pardons miss." The first man apologized. She grabbed both their hands to hoist herself up.

"The fault is all mine, I apologize for bumping into you, sir. Are you two new here, perhaps?" She asked, the curiosity getting the best of her.

"Yes," The second man answered. "My name is Xehanort, and this is my friend Eraqus," Said man nodded. "It's a pleasure to meet such a beautiful maiden. What might your name be?"

"Aqua, it's nice to meet you as well." She smiled at them. "Can I help you with anything?"

"Ah, you see... We're looking for a man named Terra. He's supposed to be in this town at the moment, do you happen to know him?"

"Oh! Yes, I do! I mean, yes, I am familiar with Terra. I can lead the way, if you'd like." She smiled again, a light blush on her cheeks. She had been daydreaming of that man a couple of minutes ago! Why would she be doing that?

"That would be great," said Eraqus. She walked back to the Cathedral, questions brewing in her mind. Who were these men? What do they want with Terra? She should ask him; he would be more fitted to answer, seeing these are his acquaintances.

"We're here," Aqua signaled to the chapel. "Welcome to Destiny Cathedral, my home."

"You live here as well? Meeting you in the town was a stroke of luck!" Xehanort smiled.

Aqua laughed. Maybe she had judged him too soon, "That seems to be case. Please, come in." She signaled them to enter, where they found Zack. At the sight of them, he grinned widely.

"Eraqus! Xehanort! It's great to see you, Masters!" Zack shook their hands. "Aqua, go get Terra, please. There's some people here wanting to see him."

"Okay," she answered and went up the stairs to look for him. He was in his room, practicing his punches. Shirtless. Again. "Terra, can't you train fully dressed?" She asked, a horrible blush creeping into her face again.

"I could, but then I would dirty all the clothes you spend so much time cleaning. I don't want that." She blushed even more at his sincerity; he wasn't flirting, he was just being honest.

"T-There's someone here to see you. Two men named Eraqus and Xehanort." Recognition lit his face rather quickly. He ran out the door, hurrying downstairs. She smiled at this: he had forgotten to take a shirt with him, so it seems.

"Master Eraqus, Master Xehanort! You're here!" He tackled them with a hug, lifting both of them in the air.

"Terra, my boy! It's great to see you!" Xehanort laughed.

"Where's your shirt?" Eraqus asked. Terra looked confused at him, then at his chest, and let them go, embarrassed.

"I must've forgotten it... Oops." He grinned sheepishly. Aqua was coming down the stairs now, and threw him a shirt. He caught it effortlessly. "Thanks."

"No problem," she answered and turned to the Masters. "I assume these are friends of yours?"

"They're my mentors. They've been training me for the Kingdom Hearts Tournament for the past years." Terra said, putting on the black shirt.

"We recommended that he should come here and take a break from his training," Eraqus began. "And Zack was so generous as to let him stay here." Xehanort added. "He even has a girlfriend now! Am I right, miss Aqua?"

Aqua blushed three shades of red, "O-Oh no! Terra's a dear friend, but nothing more, I assure you." She stole a glance at Terra, who even with his tan skin, was blushing slightly.

"M-May I ask why you've come this far?" Aqua mustered.

Eraqus turned to Terra, "You haven't told them?"

"Told us what?" Was heard. Everyone turned around to see a wall, where the voice had come from. "You idiot! Now they know we're here!" Another voice. There was the sound of a struggle, and from behind the wall appeared Namine and Olette, the blonde falling on top of the brunette.

"Hi there," Olette said.

Terra and Aqua were using all of their will to not laugh.

"Olette and Namine," Zack spoke, a smile on his face. "Come here and meet our guests."

Both girls got up and introduced themselves. The man introduced themselves too, and now they could be considered acquaintances.

"Show them to the guest rooms, please." Zack told the young girls. They nodded and went upstairs, the two men behind them.

Aqua turned to look at Terra, "What haven't you told us?"

His smile faded, "Aqua... Take a seat."

"So, you're leaving? And you didn't plan on telling me, telling us, anything?" Aqua practically yelled, unable to contain her rage.

"The Tournament is in a month. I'm staying here for that month, and then I head for Land Of Departure." He explained, trying his best to calm her down. "I was going to tell you, just not so soon."

"Oh, and when were you going to tell me? When you were getting on the plane? I thought you trusted me..."

"And I do; you're my best friend." She blinked. "I've only known you for a couple of weeks, but I feel like I've known you forever. I just... didn't know how to say it, okay?" He said, feeling ashamed.

Aqua was quiet, and wouldn't meet his gaze.

"I'm sorry, I really didn't mean to hurt you." He held her hand. "There's still one month left, and I plan on doing everything you want."

"Everything?" She asks, and he nods.

"Even if it means skipping training and spending the day with you, Namine, and Olette. And Xion, if she's not busy with Riku."

Aqua laughed. "Is that a promise?"

To answer her question, he kissed her delicate hand, "I promise."

~0~

GOSH, this pairing is so cute and makes me want to go on a fangirl spree!

Leave a review, and thanks for stopping by~!

~OmegaStarShooter14~