If It Never Happened

Chapter 13: Surf's Up!

Sora and Roxas stood on their front stoop. Despite the fact they were sisters their choice in swimwear showed the differences in personality. Roxas wore a bikini in sheer white with a black and white flowered kimono wrap, and seashell flip flops. Sora had on a loose t-shirt and shorts her hair braided over her c shoulder.

"Wow...so not what I expected." Roxas said tilting up her sunglasses. Axel waved from out the window of the large yellow bus. Vanita's eyebrow twitched in annoyance as she waited by the door.

"You know Vanita when you said you'd arrange for transportation this wasn't what I had pictured." Sora commented.

"Blame the old man, I wanted to take his town car but he had other plans." She jerked a thumb at the big yellow bus irritably. "Get in and join the party. Since he insisted we take it I invited more people."

"Hey Sora!" Tidus poked his head out. "What's with the tom boy look. We're going surfing not hiking."

"I've got my suit on underneath. I don't want to walk around in it till I'm in the water." Sora fidgeted nervously and had Roxas snickering some.

"Liar, you just don't want Riku to go into a jealous rage " she whispered and had Sora blushing bright red. They got into the bus and Sora immediately found Riku and smiled at him. She hurried over and sat beside him. Roxas didn't even have to look. Terra grabbed her hand the minute she stepped on the bus and pulled him down beside her to wrap a protective arm around her.

"Alright Xigbar we've loaded up those that matter so let's get this show on the road." Vanita told him and snagged his cup to give it a testing sniff. "Good at least your obeying the master's orders and avoiding the booze."

"Yeah yeah shut it doll face, and sit down." He waved her off and picked up the mic. "Alright half pints listen up. This is your captain speaking. You all better behave on this trip because if any of you step out of line I've got full permission to kick your butts."

Vanita plopped next to Axel muttering something about 'fat chance' and had him laughing. Roxas took a weary look at the two cozied up together. As Vanita's annoyed expression calmed into a confident flirtation Roxas could feel knots forming in her belly. She quickly averted her eyes. She'd just ignore them, she thought. There was no point in getting upset, Axel was clearly fine with their relationship, and she was with Terra. There was no need to poke and prod at this situation… even if it was Vanita.

She glanced backward, taking stock of all who had gotten invited. The usual island gang was there, Tidus, Selphie, Wakka, Sora, Riku, Kairi, Namine, and of course herself, Terra, Axel and Vanita. Axel had invited Saix, and Demyx which was no surprise. The few surprises she did see were Sora's friends from the freshman class Donald, Goofy, their girlfriends Daisy and Silvia, and finally Hayner, Pence, and Olette.

"She really did make full use of the bus." She murmured to Terra and glanced up at him when he merely grunted. "You okay?"

"Yeah… just a bit annoyed she managed to talk me into going. Not that I don't want to go surfing with you Roxas but…"

"...no believe me I understand. She is my cousin after all." Roxas smiled sweetly at him. "So… why did you come?"

Terra glanced over at Axel who let out another laugh at one of Vanita's jokes.

"I came because she told me you were going… and I don't trust her or Axel to leave you alone."

Her brow rose and she let out a short laugh.

"Don't tell me you're jealous, Terra." She stroked his chin.

"No, of course not… just concerned." He grunted and jerked his head to the side to look out the window. Though the jerk stung Roxas kept the smile.

"It's appreciated, but not needed." She glanced over to Axel her eyes going sober again. "We've both have moved on."

Terra looked back at her and at Axel. Something about what she said, how she said it, made him certain that was the first time she'd ever lied to him.

~Surfer's Sanctuary~

It took an hour to cross the island by bus. By the time they reached the shores the sun had rose up and brought down the summer heat. Anxious feet raced out of the bus and down to the sandy shores, and mixed voices let out sounds of excitement and anticipation.

"WHOA! Just look at those waves!" Tidus commented watching as a big wave rose up and folded with a quick crash. "Awesome!"

"You think these are awesome, you should see some of the waves on the mainland. The beaches there are packed with tourists who come just to ride the waves." Vanita commented helping to set up the camp.

"Riku!" Sora raced across the sand and immediately dipped her toes into the water. "Look there's dolphins!" She started wading in and Riku raced over pulling her back.

"Hold on, Sora. Don't just jump right in, these aren't like the waves back on the little island." he warned her. "Put some sunscreen on first and I'll get us a couple of boards."

"Awww but-" Sora pouted and then gasped as the waves rushed to knee height suddenly. "Okay, okay, I get your point." She hurried back to rifle through her pack for sunscreen.

"Hmmph lives on an Island but still doesn't know basic beach rules. Typical Sora…" Vanita muttered. She yanked the dress off to reveal the red and black bikini and immediately applied sunscreen to her arms. "Axel can you get my back for me?"

"With pleasure…" Axel chuckled and slipped his hands over her back rubbing in the lotion. He let out a low whistle at feeling the smooth supple skin. What a temptation!

Roxas couldn't get rid of the gut twist at seeing Axel rubbing lotion on Vanita. She pulled out her own bottle and started to hand it to Terra and ask him to do the same… but he was already checking boards with Riku and she pouted.

"Oh, Roxas you want some help?" Sora offered taking the bottle and rubbed the lotion in for her sister.

"Mmm thanks… I'll help you once you're done."

"I've already got some on. I took care of the bare parts." She motioned to her arms legs and face with a grin.

"Uh huh…" Roxas waited til she pulled back from rubbing lotion in then grabbed her shirt yanking it up and off her. Sora squeaked and covered herself going bright red.

"Roxas!" Underneath was a red bikini top with a crown over the breast.

"Looks like you missed a spot…" She jumped up and raced across the sand waving the shirt.

"Roxas this isn't funny! Give me my shirt back! I only wore this stupid bikini because you said I didn't have to show it off!" She ran after her sister, easily catching up and playing tug of war with the shirt.

"Whoa, that looks like fun." Vanita snickered and raced across the sand. Skidding to her knees she grabbed Sora's shorts and yanked them down making her squeak and squeal in protest.

"Damn it not you too! This is so unfair! Riku!" Sora called out to him. Riku stood in the sand holding both boards his face red and eyes wide with male appreciation. "RIKU!"

"Huh? Oh right!" he stammered out of his daze and went for Roxas. Her and Vanita exchanged looks.

"Uh oh angry boyfriend… temporary alliance?" Vanita offered Roxas.

"Very temporary." She agreed and both Roxas passed off the clothes to Vanita who was faster. While she kept RIku busy Roxas dusted her hands off and looked down at her sister. Sora sat in the sand arms across her chest and her face going red with embarrassment.

"I can't believe you just did that? Who's side are you on?" Sora whined.

"Mine, naturally." She helped Sora up. "Come on Sora you look great. What's so wrong with showing a little skin?"

Sora fidgeted and blushed. She watched Riku run after Vanita earning hoots of laughter from the rest of the gang. He'd long discarded his shirt, all his muscles and pure white skin glistening with sweat and lotion. She swallowed hard as her heartbeat went rapid in her chest.

"I… guess there's nothing wrong with it but… I only want Riku to see me like this."

"It's not like you're naked… whoa wait… " Roxas held her head and grabbed Sora's shoulder to steady herself. "You only want Riku to see you like… are you thinking about having sex with him?"

Sora's face got even brighter and she stood up.

"I need to put more sunblock on." She hurried back to her pack. Roxas stared dumbfounded and then looked to Riku. Well holy shit! She didn't know their relationship had gotten THAT deep. They'd only been dating a couple weeks. Then again they'd known each other all their lives… but she'd dated Axel for years and they'd never gone that far.

She quickly shook her head. No, no, no that wasn't fair to compare her relationship with her ex to them. Every couple was different. Still...it made Roxas wonder if she was ready for that kind of intimacy. She looked in Terra's direction… He wasn't shirtless, he'd put on a surfer's suit, but all those fine athletic muscles bulged and bulked under creating a stir inside her. He was so attractive… and now that she was thinking about it it was all too easy to picture herself like that with him.

Her own face went red and she tucked hair behind her ear swallowing hard.

"Maybe… it is time to take it to the next stage. We've been together just as long as Sora and Riku… and I'm 16 I should have that choice." She crossed her arms tapping fingers along her bicep.

"Well that was fun…" Vanita held up half of Sora's shirt with a grin. "You're not so bad when you're not such a stick in the mud, cuz." she slapped a hand on Roxas' back and had her tensing up.

"Huh? What?" She jerked her head in her direction.

"Hmmm? Thinking deep thoughts?" Vanita pulled back and smirked at her. "Care to share?"

"No." Roxas said firmly with a frown. "I really don't think so."

~Meanwhile~

"I'm sorry Sora…" Riku said apologetically laying the scraps of her clothes on the blanket. "I should have known she was just baiting me."

"It's okay…" Sora smiled at him. "I'm just not used to wearing a bikini… it'll probably be easier to swim in than shorts and shirt anyway."

"Alright… then do you want to start that surfing lesson?" Riku stood and picked up the boards offering one to her. "Once you're having fun, you'll forget all about what you're wearing." And so will he… Riku added secretly trying to keep his eyes on her face rather than her breasts.

"Okay." She stood up taking the board. He gave her brief on land instruction on how to paddle into the surf and keep balance. Once she felt comfortable the two of them waded into the water. Terra and Vanita were already hitting the surf, and getting compliments.

"Whoa Terra's just muscling through those waves! That guy can do anything!" Hayner whistled out.

"Yeah and Vanita looks like she was born on a board!" Pence commented snapping pictures with the camera he brought along. "The two of them are just awesome."

"They're not the only ones who can surf," Axel commented and ruffled Roxas' hair. "What do you say we show our significant others how it's really done, Roxy?"

"Yeah!" flushed a bit from Axel's contact she masked it by smirking ta him. "You're on!"

"Roxas? You surf?" Sora looked at her shocked.

"Axel and I used to come out here on dates and stuff with friends. It's been awhile, but surfing is like riding a bike." she ditched the sarong and took up her board. "You never really forget how."

"Hehe, come on!" The two of them joined Terra and Vanita on the surf. After watching the four of them for a few minutes Sora could no longer contain her excitement. She wanted to join in the fun!

"Come on, Riku! Teach me how to surf like them." She grabbed his hand and pulled him into the waves. Any fear of the water was expelled by excitement. Riku laughed and nodded caught up in her smile and infectious nature for fun.

Surfing talent must run in the family, because it only took two tries before Sora was surfing like her twin. With wicked speed and natural talent she whipped across the waves enjoying the thrill of being one with the water. It wasn't long before a single lesson turned into a full on surfing contest. With Kairi and the others acting as judges they scored each surfer.

Sora wanted to go first but Riku stopped her shaking his head. The wave that hit rough and wild and both were shocked when Vanita took the wave in and rode it with confidence. It folded over, her board threatening to rip under her feet but she kicked up the speed bending in low and made it out just as it rushed around her.

Terra went next, followed by Axel, and then finally Sora who had had enough waiting.

"Not bad for a beginner." Vanita commented and squeezed water out of her hair and tossed it over her shoulder. She watched Sora with a half smile. "Even I gotta admit I'm impressed."

"Well Sora has always been the type to tackle challenges head on and come out on top." Axel agreed his hair loose down his back.

"You sound as if you admire her." She stabbed her board next to his, Riku taking the next wave.

"I do. I admire her spirit and kindness. It's hard not to admire her. She and Roxas are similar in that way. Roxas may not as be genuine and open, but she's got a loyalty to those she cares for that's admirable."

"Heh… you're making me a little jealous now." Vanita snagged his chin and brought him in for a kiss. "What about me? What do you admire in me?"

"Hmmm… well I'm still getting to know you but… I'd have to say your hunger for adventure and natural talents are admirable. Among other things I can't help but notice." He winked and had her laughing.

"Redeemed…" Vanita approved with a wicked smile.

"Can I ask you what you admire in me?"

"You…" Vanita looked into his eyes and her softened. "You're a kindred soul. I could hear it in your lyrics… you see people for who they are and accept them."

"My lyrics?" That took him off guard. "What do you mean?"

"That song you sang was for Roxas… but I could hear the empathy in it. Not only were you trying to heal your own soul, but you were also reaching out to others who also have felt your pain, and wanted to let them know they're not alone." Vanita clenched her fist around her board and she shook off the emotional moment and watched Roxas take the final wave in. "You'd be surprised what your music can do for others."

Axel watched her, truly moved by what she said. He held his heart and smiled. When Roxas jogged onto the beach the first thing she saw was his expression. There was affection there, and something deeper that had all kinds of twists and tangles going on inside… and she hated it.

~Later~

"...and the winner is Vanita!" Kairi called out handing off the makeshift seashell medal.

"Thank you, thank you…" Vanita grinned and accepted it. "I owe it all to my fans."

"You should have let me take that wave…" Sora muttered to Riku. "I could have given her a run, I'm sure of it. I work best under pressure."

"It was too dangerous." Riku grunted. "You're still a beginner and she's a veteran. I'm surprised even she was able to take on that magella."

Sora scowled and fisted her hands tight at her side. The more praise Vanita got, the more irritated she became. She eyed her board and picked it up before making her way back out to the water. She'd show everyone she could surf just as well as Vanita.

"You did pretty well, Roxy." Vanita jogged a few steps to Roxas. "Color me impressed." She wrapped a friendly arm around her cousin but Roxas shoved at her.

"Shut up. I still say you cheated." She accused irritably.

Irritation came over Vanita's face.

"Oh come on, Roxas. I'm trying to be nice, but you're really not giving me the chance." She put her hands on her hips. "Things would be a lot easier if you'd just lighten up."

"I have a hard time lightening up around a girl who plays with a guys emotions just to ruffle my feathers." Roxas let out, instantly cursing herself for it.

"I take it you mean Axel?" She glanced over to her boyfriend who had given up on the competition and was now with Tidus and Wakka playing volleyball."What makes you think I'm playing with his emotions?"

"Oh please… you've hated me since we were kids. Why else would you be interested in a guy like him?" Vanita's eyes instantly went cold and she grabbed Roxas' wrist "Hey, let go!"

"No… you wanna have this out, let's have it out. I doubt you want an audience."

Roxas frowned but had to admit Vanita had a point. She rather not let Terra and Axel listen in on the conversation that was about to transpire.

"Fine, I'll follow, so let me go." She jerked her hand away and she followed Vanita across the beach. The moment their bodies were hidden behind some large rocks Vanite let her have it. She swiped Roxas across the face and had her gasping in shock.

"God! I've been wanting to do that since I got here! You are such a fucking idiot!" Vanita shouted at her. "You can say all the crap you want about me, I don't give a damn, but how dare you say that about Axel?"

"Wh-what?" Roxas held her cheek staring wide eyed, her anger dying into confusion.

"Yeah I'll admit it you're my least favorite person on this island, and yeah sure my initial interest in him was because I heard the two of you dated… but all that changed when I heard him sing." Vanita shook her hand letting out a slow calming breath as the sting of the slap still registered on her palm. "The guy understands me because he knows what it's like to want to be with someone, to love someone so much you'd be willing to do everything and anything for them."

"Vanita…" Roxas lowered her hands staring at her cousin as the confident and proud woman started to break.

"I've heard everything about your relationship, I've heard the good things, the bad things, and the things I've heard make me wonder what the hell possessed you to let him go?" She jabbed a finger between Roxas' brows. "This guy has been in love with you for years, Roxas. He's only going out with me because he thinks it'll give him a chance to move on… but you-" Vanita shook her head laughing. "You give him the smallest hope and he's a wreck again."

"I don't… I mean…" Roxas rubbed her forehead trying to clear her mind of all the confusion.

"You still have feelings for him, don't you dare deny it." Vanita shoved a finger at her. "I may hate you but I know you better than anyone else, even Sora. I know you because you and I aren't all that different. We're the second twin… we're the one who is compared to the other. Why can't you be more honest like Sora? Why can't you be more sweet like Venus? Ring any bells, Roxas?"

"I'm not like you… we may be similar but I'm not."

"Spare me your excuses, the point is you have feelings for Axel, you always have but you chose to ignore them, to run from them, or toss them away. Either way you gave up your right to have him and cozied up to Terra. Now, all of a sudden, I have him, I'm making him happy and you say I'M PLAYING WITH HIM? Who saw him trying to move on and is suddenly having second thoughts about her own relationship? Who interfered when he was trying to find a solid relationship with Sora and got Riku to confess? Who's the one being selfish, petty, and dishonest and really playing with his emotions huh? Me or you!?"

Tears build up in Roxas' eyes as realization hit her. She backed up from Vanita.

"I did… I am…"

"Damn straight, bitch. So why don't you tell me what's going on inside that brain huh?" Vanita jabbed a finger in her forehead again. "Maybe if you tell me why, I won't be inclined to slap you again the next time you fly off the handle."

"I… the reason I broke up with Axel… is because-" she started but the confession got cut off by Kairi screaming.

"SORA!"

"SORA!" Riku's panicked shout followed and the two girls raced around the rock just in time to see Sora's board go flying up and a wave fold over her body.

"SORA!" Roxas raced out panic filling her. Vanita's long limbs ate up ground faster and she was already in the water diving under the surf with Riku and the other boys behind her.

Under the water Sora had managed to avoid hitting the reef, but the tumble of wave after wave prevented her from being able to get air and she was being tossed around like a rag doll. In her mind she envisioned the accident and screamed for Riku, her hands stretching out trying to break surface.

She felt arms come around her and pull her up. She gasped for air and looked behind her seeing Vanita panting and trying her best to swim them towards her wading board.

"Vanita?"

"Yeah, dip shit, just what the hell were you thinking?"

"That I wanted to beat you." Sora admitted and coughed up salt water and bent over the board shaking.

"Idiot!" She slapped her and Sora winced holding her cheek. "You keep pulling stunts like that the only thing you'll beat me to is the hospital." Vanita pulled herself up onto the board letting out a loud aggravated sigh. "That's the second time I've had to hit a family member for being stupid today. I've got morons for relatives!"

"The second?" Sora looked up confused. "Who was the first?"

"Never mind that… come on I'll help you paddle to shore." she pulled Sora up on the board as well.

"Alright… Vanita?" Sora glanced back at her cousin.

"Yeah, what?" She replied irritably.

"Thanks."

~Ask Briry~

Briry: Woot! Finally! I wasn't sure how much to include but just decide to make it one big chapter. Hope you enjoyed!

Next Chapter: Reconciliation