Chapter 8: A Sudden Light

"HELP!" Namine squealed coarsely. She whimpered helplessly in the dark, as she wiped away her tears in the palms of her hands. It was like a wolf was gripping her shoulders from behind, and she was scared to even breathe within its grip.

The town was pretty far away from sight. It was beyond the mass of trees at the end of the expanse across the bridge. She hoped with all her heart that Roxas would appear at any moment, to confess that it was all part of his game. Because as it was, as each second passed, she felt knots loop tightly in her chest, as his breaths grew warm against her neck.

Suddenly, lights turned on above her in the form of several red orb lanterns, which strung along the sides of the bridge like ornaments leading to a shrine. The lanterns immersed the pathway in a rich golden light, illuminating a large wooden gazebo across the bridge. She was puzzled by the sight of the lights, as if half-expecting fireworks in the air. But she was speechless enough as it was.

~ Namine POV ~

Everything seemed so blurry, like a mass of golden orbs, as I wiped my runny tears against my arm.

"Namine," the voice had said again.

I truly wondered who it was that was standing behind me. He sounded a lot like Roxas. But his actions, on the other hand, didn't seem like him at all.

I thought for a moment about how few chances I've really gotten to know him, and felt guilty for not being more wary. I wiped my eyes again. Kairi, what should I do? I pondered as tears refilled my eyes. She told me once before to try harder, and to show my true feelings no matter what. But now, my heart was racing so rapidly I couldn't stop it, and I wished that I could be anywhere else.

Suddenly, I felt the strokes of his large, tender hands trailing softly down my hair. His touch was extremely familiar, and I felt calmer in the moment.

"No!" I squealed on instinct, as his arms wrapped around my waist, breaking my concentration.

"It's me, Namine," he whispered into my ear, as I stifled the sound of a cry. But then, my ear was tickled by the jutting blonde spikes on the side of his head, and I realized it could only be him.

Under the auburn glow of the lights, his lips grazed the side of my neck, and my heart fluttered unexpectedly at the sensation. "Roxas, wait—" I cried as he moved in again, his lips overwhelming my senses.

Why does this feel so familiar? I thought within the moment. And suddenly, a memory sparked to light.

~x~x~x~

It was a time when we were little, in this exact same park. I was much smaller then, barely taller than the fountain near the base of the swings we loved to play on.

Roxas sat along the edge of the hill, hiding his head under his hair, clearly disappointed from his latest soccer loss against my brother. After my brother ran off to the sidewalk and down towards the town, Roxas dropped his head into his arms, and I could faintly hear the echoes of his cries.

I took in all his emotions from my position atop of the hill, where I analyzed him carefully with my gaze. His sounds, movements, and facial expressions changed within each moment, and I was fascinated by everything he felt.

But then, he turned around, and I could've sworn he caught sight of my eyes. He was wiping his tears on his arm. I took a couple of steps back, but realized it was too late— his eyes were already peering back. He got his legs to position at foot of the hill, preparing for a climb back up.

"No!" I screamed instinctively, covering my mouth with my hands. Even more panicked, I turned to the other side of the hill, scrambling to get across.

After arriving at the other side of the slope, it seemed a whole lot better. It was like a scene straight out of a fantasy book, with a base that was lined with a river. "It's perfect," I thought, steadying my mini satchel over my shoulder, as I braced myself for the venture that lay ahead.

~x~

As I made my way down the hill, I entertained thoughts of nice places to stroll, and tranquil places to draw a portrait as I lay beneath the storytelling clouds.

But when I finally approached the river, I saw an even better place. There was a bridge at the end of the path, which surely led to somewhere nice.

~x~

Having landed at the start of the bridge, I looked eagerly across, and saw a wondrous ivy-laced gazebo built across from it. It didn't take long before I'd hurried down the path, and taken a warm seat beneath the roof.

I felt so tranquil to be enveloped by a bright and spacious field, and bordered by a forest of trees. It was like the park had cast a spell on me, since I was sleepy for no apparent reason.

Before long, I had drifted into the depths of my subconscious imagination, unaware of a boy who was at the corner looking in.

~x~x~

There was a bird— a bright, blue bird that joined me as I sat on the bench. It flapped its wings several times around me, as if enthralled by the scent of my skin. Then, it swung at my hair from behind until it parted my hair to the side. I could feel it slide its smooth beak against my neck, with a fondness I hadn't known that it could feel.

"You came for me, like always," it chirped sweetly, as it pressed its beak softly into my neck. "Thanks so much, Namine," It chirped again.

"But Mr. Bird, it's the first time we've met," I replied with a soft smile.

"You mean you don't know who I am?" it said in a pitiful voice.

Feeling heartache in its voice, I motioned to brush its feathers apologetically. Yet, instead of feathers- I felt the warmth of human skin, and almost jumped out of mine in my surprise. "You're—!" I squealed abruptly, realizing what he was, as I turn my head quickly to see him.

His face was shrouded in light, and he was taking a step back, as my world was being warped into light.

~x~x~x~

I couldn't recall much afterwards, because I was alone when I awoke, and had always shrugged it off as a dream. But I was beginning to feel differently about Roxas, since I realized at that moment: he'd been searching for me all along.

"The truth is, I've always dreamed of this moment," he explained, as he moved his other arm to cross against me, "The moment when I'd meet you again like this," he said, lowering his lips once more.

"Roxas," I cried out to him, unable to control my fragile heart, as I melted from the sensation of his skin. He let his lips linger a while the second time around, before pulling gently away.

"Namine, please, listen closely," he asked. He spun my body around. I was taken by surprise at the sudden sight of his chest, and felt ashamed at my exposed expression. He rested his hands on my shoulders.

"I've been waiting for you all this time, and I really can't let you go early," he confessed. Finally, I understood what he meant.

But as I trembled on the spot, barely able to lift my chin, he held a steady gaze, and moved his lips steadily closer, until I felt them perched gently against mine.

"Roxas.." I called to him silently from my heart. But he had pulled me into embrace, and was kissing me passionately in his arms. He moved closer, trying different lengths, and adjusting his neck in rhythm.

I followed his movements involuntarily, unable to break free, as I was weak against the feeling of his lips. I wasn't sure when he had penetrated the depths of my heart, but he definitely had the key.

He paused instantaneously, and broke away from me to look down at my pale reddened face.

"Namine," I heard him call again, as he grabbed hold of each of my hands. At this point, I could barely look at him without feeling dizzy from his spell.

"You're someone very special to me, and you always have been," He said. "And even if it's just one night—" He brought my hands up to his chest.

"I'd like you to feel all my hidden emotions," He grinned casually.

My head was spinning in circles, and my heart floated out of my chest. I saw the blurry orbs again as I lost focus of the world. But even before I had the ability to process his meaning, he had kissed me on the cheek, and my heart was beating rapidly against my will.

"Roxas," I paused, as tears spilled from my eyes. "I'm sorry I ever doubted you," I trembled.

But just as he motioned his mouth to speak, my fingers caught grip of a cold object on my chest, and I lowered my head to look.

"Ah, about that!" He exclaimed, his eyes widened in realization. "First off, I'm sorry for scaring you the way I did," he said hastily, rubbing the back of his head with his hand. "I meant it to be a surprise, and never plan on hurting you like that again. But please," he continued, reaching out to touch the object on my chest.

"It's for you," he said gently, "If you'll have it."

I traced my fingers around the small white gold pendant, which encased a sapphire bird within its edges. I squealed in delight when I realized what it was. "Roxas!" I cried adoringly, circling him with my arms. I very warmly thanked him before hugging him around the waist.

"It's… um, the least I could do to celebrate today, although I hadn't known whether or not you'd accept it," he explained, attempting to downsize the act. "I'm really glad that you did… just in case you didn't know." He paused anxiously.

"And, uh, as for the 'game'... It's called 'Guess Who?'" he confessed.

But I continued dancing happily in excitement, barely able to hear a single word he said, until he pulled me down with the weight of his arms to halt me.

"Just a sec, Nam… You forgot your prize for guessing it right," he said, returning his lips fervently to mine.

I gave in to his efforts, and locked my lips with his, feeling more and more comfortable with his kisses. I wasn't sure where exactly this energy was coming from, but somehow it just felt right. He continued massaging my back gently throughout our passionate exchanges, as my heart continued spinning in my chest.

Just then, Axel and Xion emerged from the depth of the darkness across the bridge, smiling at the sight of the two of us together.

"Bravo, Bravo," Axel clapped mockingly. "Quite the little charmer, aren't we Roxas?" He teased. "Clearly, you've mastered everything I taught you," he snickered.

Roxas backed off at the realization of company, and turned, bright as a cherry, to face his friends.

"Secret's out, guys," He muttered affectionately to his friends, rubbing the back of his head with his hand.

"But hey, about those friends of mine, Namine—" he turned to me, as if finishing a casual tour around the garden.

"They had known about you, and supported you from the start, you know." He beamed, sliding an arm across my shoulders from behind.

"Xion there, she hung up the lanterns," he gestured, pointing a finger to the small cloaked figure now in sight. "And as for Axel... well, needless to say, he turned on all the lighting." He grinned cheesily.

"We wish you all the best, Namine," smiled Xion, bowing curtly from her location across the bridge.

"Er.. yea, what she said," continued a red-faced Axel, rubbing at the back of his head.

"Sorry I didn't fill you in—" said Roxas. But I was too shocked to hear him out.

"You guys..!" I couldn't help but shriek tenderly. I immediately broke free of Roxas' grip and ran quickly across the bridge, stopping only to pull the two cloaked figures into a hug.

"Hey, what about me?" Roxas groaned from behind, as he trailed along quickly to catch me.

A/N: How'd it go? ^^; Anything you'd have expected? Let me know how it went for you. I think the title 'Hidden Emotions' has finally earned its meaning. :)

Yes, Namine & Roxas are almost coming to an end here, but I have a feeling you'll see them again in the next chapter. Thanks for reading and sticking with me, guys (no really, you guys are too awesome ^^)!