The much awaited chapter is finally here! It's a very romantic chapter so those of you who love the fight scenes are going to have to clench your fists and suffer in silence (yes I'm quoting my own story, how lame) So this chapter is my longest one yet! Hooray! On the down side I have lost a reviewer :'( and I can't find them. Hopefully this new chapter will bring them back! Since you all enjoyed my little excerpt from ???'s POV I added another one. (By the way the first unknown person isn't the same as the one in this chapter. They are two different people) Enjoy the extra-long chapter!

*???*

I walk into the bland room of this gummi ship and immediately notice the line of black sharpie clashing against the perfect white closet on one side of the room. I raise an eyebrow and glance at my partner briefly in amusement. She smirks and shrugs her shoulders.

"So she's got a freak for a roommate. Let's just hope he doesn't have a pet rat or anything."

"Shut up!" I groan; does she ever stop talking?! All I hear the entire way here is blah blah blah blah blah boring shit! "If you're going to talk at least do it silently dumbass!" I tapped my temple just to be sure I got the message through. She glared at me before she started to shift through the contents of the closet.

You're so moody Nightshade! Nobody is here anyways so just let me talk. Ooohhh I like this!

I turned around to see her holding a pink tank top up to her, meaning for me to give a thumbs up or down. But I would do more than that

"Hell-freaking-no"

"I was just kidding you know. This shit makes my eyes burn! Where the hell did something pink come from anyways?! Do we have the right room?"

"She's just gotten softer Midnight, easier to kill, weaker, whatever you want to call it." She shrugged and tossed the tank top on top of one of the beds dismissively before pulling out other garments and deciding whether or not they were a guy or a girl's. If they were the latter she would toss them on to the bed behind her. She paused when she pulled out a black jacket that was clearly a guy's. She turned towards me slightly and I could see that her red eyes were wide.

"Smell this" she said, tossing it to me.

"Smell it?! What the hell…"

"Just do it ok?" I rolled my scarlet eyes and sniffed the shirt slightly, paused, and then buried my face in it. After about a minute I brought my head back up and Midnight tore it from my hands.

"Hey give that back!"

"It smells good doesn't it?!" she asked me, practically shrieking in excitement. I sighed

"You are the most airheaded D-

"Hey! Come on doesn't this seem familiar?! The smell I mean"

"I'm not a Heartless Midnight; I don't rely on my nose to identify people!"

"It smells familiar to you" apparently I didn't have a say in this "now who's scent could it be?" she paced slowly around the room, clutching the black jacket. I snapped my fingers

"It belongs to that guy who used to be Maleficent's bitch right?! That silvered-haired guy who was like possessed or something I don't know…"

"Yeah your right! His name was like…uh… oh right-Riku!" I nodded in agreement. I didn't really remember meeting him, but I must've at some point. I shook my head in aggravation.

"Lets just finish this" Midnight nodded and pointed to the black bag on my pale shoulder. I slid it off my arm and it landed on the ground with a dull thud. I pulled out a chunk of dry ice, bare-handed. The cool fog drifted down to the floor before vanishing.

"Why is it that we can pick up stuff like dry ice but humans can't?"

"Oh I don't know, maybe because we aren't technically alive or humans!" Midnight frowned at me as I sliced off a thin sliver of the dry ice, using a small knife.

"Moogles aren't the only ones who can create rare items" I said with a smile. I snapped my fingers and a small black flame appeared and hovered just over my hand. I put the small piece of dry ice into the black flame and there was a small flash of silver light. In my hand was now a sparkling black chain. The sparkling came from the small frozen crystals inside of it. The ice would never melt now.

"A frozen chain of everlasting flames"

"Yeah only two hundred more or so of those to make" This could take a while….

*Riku*

Holy shit. I'm going to go insane. This just isn't fair, why Sora has decided to torture me like this I can't even begin to comprehend.

Ok so here's the situation- I was a mermaid, erm, merman along with Sora, Tidus and Wakka. Meanwhile Selphie, Kairi and Lauren were all mermaids. And it was taking all my self-control to not stare at the girls because, well, they weren't wearing shirts to be blunt. Now just like every little kid I'd read fantasy stories with mermaids in them but I never actually thought mermaids were real! And seeing two of my closest friends, plus a certain blond really wasn't doing much to decrease my risk of a heart attack. Considering that I was only sixteen I was mature for my age but really, human guys aren't made to be prepared for this kind of stuff! I noticed that Tidus, Wakka, and Sora weren't faring much better than I was.

"A-are we...mermaids?" Kairi asked uncertainly

"Well you most definitely are. I can't say the same thing for myself though" I joked, since Sora seemed to have forgotten how to talk. Way to plan ahead Sora. Atlantica wasn't an essential stop but no you wanted to be a merman again! Well how's that working out for you?!

"I suppose I should show you guys how to swim and fight as merpeople" Sora said, finally discovering the wonder that was speech. I just hoped that for Sora's sake he wouldn't have to hold any of the girl's hands or something while he was teaching them. There was a chance that he would throw up from nervousness and stress.

*Lauren*

I hate the water oh I hate the water because it's annoying and…hmm how to end that verse….

I was currently making up a song about how much I despised water, especially swimming. It was probably because I usually had wings and I couldn't really fly underwater. It just made me feel incredibly limited. Although I had to admit that I had a natural talent for swimming. I just seemed to understand it. How to make the water work to my advantage. I was swimming circles around everyone! Seriously, I was swimming circles around Riku because it annoyed him. His hair drifted lazily around him as he eyed me in annoyance. Then with speed and precision that I completely didn't see coming he whipped out his hand and tugged me back into his chest by my tail.

"I'm going to cut your tail off if you swim one more full circle around me. Got it?" His voice whispered by my ear and I squirmed in his rock solid grasp.

"I'd knee you so hard you'd turn into a girl for that little comment but you're more of an it already Mr. Merman or Ms. Merman whichever you prefer." Riku momentarily squeezed my arm with all of his strength before shoving me off of him and I went out a few feet, whirling my arms to keep myself upright, I didn't need water up my nose. Once I had my balance again I turned back at him and frowned. He was being a bit meaner than usual. I rubbed my arm vigorously and winced when I saw an angry red rash appear on the upper part of my arm. I met Riku's eyes and his gaze softened for a fraction of a second, into something that I could've sworn was sympathy…maybe even a trace of regret? No I must be crazy.

I swam over to Sora, adding in a flip just because I felt like showing off. He turned away from helping Kairi to give me a moment of attention.

"I'm ready to learn how to fight underwater!" I said and Sora nodded in agreement. He turned to Kairi

"Alright keep trying the turn alright? I'm gonna help Lauren." She smiled before going back to practicing with Selphie.

"Alright so its pretty much like regular fighting except the water slows down your movements so you really have to time things well and use a lot of upper body strength when your striking with the Keyblade" he began. I faked a yawn to show my boredom.

"When are we going to get to fight some real Heartless?!" I asked him, which he shrugged in response to.

"Do you see any Heartless to fight? Because I most certainly don't" Sora put his hands on where his hips would've been, which was now just part of his navy blue tail. Awe he thinks he's being smart! How cute

I gave a dismissive flick of my hand and five Sea Neons appeared. I punched the water with my fist.

"That's more like it!" I exclaimed before charging, erm swimming into battle.

*Lauren*

"Ok no more poofing up random Heartless when you feel like it!" Riku said, pointing at me accusingly and using his 'you're-in-big-trouble' voice.

"Whatever Riku you're just mad that I totally excel at underwater fighting while you fail" I said with a dull look of boredom in my eyes. Riku just shook his head and swam up to where Sora was. Sora said that we were going to go see King Triton, the ruler of the seas. I didn't really care. I was Lauren, Badass Lion and Incredible Underwater Fighter. Beat that

*Sora*

So I leave for maybe three months and Ariel decides to get married without inviting me! Well that's just not fair. Using a bit of the Sea King's magic he managed to turn us all into humans and we went on shore and headed up to Prince Eric's castle. Long story short- their wedding reception was that evening and in a moment of pure joy and excitement Ariel had declared that we should be Guests of Honor as well and her and her new husband. Therefore we got the royal treatment. Which meant having servants get us ready. Which meant I had to wear a tuxedo. Not fair

*Lauren*

I'm going to kill this brunette if she doesn't stop freaking pulling at my face!

It's my face too!

Then you can be charged for murder!

So a servant sounded nice. A little private assistant to help me get ready since fashion wasn't my strong point. Ten servants…now that was just obsessive. I figured some people would just be hanging out in the outskirts of the room but somehow everyone had managed to find something to do. A young brunette who I had liked until about five seconds ago was plucking my eyebrows and I was ready to strangle her. I closed my eyes and tried to find my happy place…except I didn't have a happy place. Instead and thought about how much fun Kairi and Selphie must be having, getting ready for something ten times better than any prom could ever hope to be. I thought about Sora panicking in case Kairi expected him to dance with her. How Tidus and Wakka were probably going to make total asses of themselves. How Riku was probably groaning about having to wear a tux. I really couldn't imagine that guy in a tux.

Eventually I was clean, and dressed, and my hair had been styled. I stood up and looked in the mirror. I was wearing a deep blue dress that matched my eyes and went to about the middle of my thighs. The fabric was silky and the dress fitted well, making my body look hour-glassish. My hair was shining and had been straightened in a way that it looked like a pure gold was spilling down around my face. My lips shined and tasted sort of like sugar, courtesy of some random lip gloss. I had mascara on and the dark eyeliner around my eyes made them seem electric and sharp. My nails just had a clear coat on them. I smiled and stood up; despite all of the pain and discomfort I actually could consider myself pretty, for once. Then, of course, my special moment was ruined. That brunette I hated some much brought out a pair of high heels. The heels matched the dress perfectly, but I had never worn heels before. Despite my superior balance and grace my feet required ground if I was going to demonstrate these characteristics. These three-inch deadly heels weren't helping. I thanked all my personal assistants as they filed out of the room before sliding the heels on. They fit well but I could tell blisters were not far off. I carefully stood up and was fine, until my weight shifted just slightly. Then my body was teetering back and forth like I was on a tightrope. I took and few shaky steps before falling forward, desperately grabbing my chair for support. Well this will be interesting.

*Sora*

Once I was finally ready to go I decided to see how my best friend was faring with being the center of his own little universe. It had made me uncomfortable. My ten stylists left the room and I thanked them all with my best fake smile. They seemed to fall for it. I crossed the hallway and was nearly knocked over by Riku's personal helpers leaving his room. None of them looked fatally injured which was a good sign, but I heard a few of them muttering about' terrible manners' and 'no enthusiasm'. These things really didn't surprise me though.

I headed into Riku's room once the others had left and saw him out on the balcony. Not fair! I didn't get a balcony! I went on out and came up beside him. The wind teased his hair and I could feel mine begin to move around too, creating its own style. I quickly tried to shield my hair from the wind and made a mental note to check my reflection in the mirror before Riku and I headed out.

"Oh you have your thinking face on! Who are you thinking about?" I asked slyly, once I got a look at Riku's face. His face was expressionless for the most part but every once in a while he would silently say something or his eyes would travel to some random point. That was Riku's thinking face.

"Lauren"

"I am too actually. She's…not like most people."

"Not at all. I'm just trying to figure her out. I mean, sometimes she acts all innocent and like a little kid, like you, and then sometimes she's just downright mean and acts like she hates the world."

"I am not a little kid! I don't act like one either."

"My assistants gave me candy"

"That's not fair! I want candy t- He just proved himself right didn't he?

"My point exactly Sora."

"Well I already know the answer to your question, unless I'm to kid-like and naïve to have possibly found an answer" I said before crossing my arms over my chest in fake anger.

"Yeah you probably are" Riku said, looking back out into the distance.

"Hey!" I shouted, punching him lightly in the jaw. He smirked and looked at me, giving me a 'what-do-you-have' look.

"Well Lauren said her Dark Being was a parallel of her heart so if Fury is the most powerful Dark Being wouldn't that mean that Lauren's heart is almost entirely made up of light? Fury and Lauren are probably complete opposites which is why Lauren acts like two entirely different people. Sometimes she's Lauren and sometimes she's Fury." Riku raised an eyebrow

"Not bad for a little kid. Come on let's go down to the ball room. I'm sure Kairi's waiting to dance with you" he said with a grin, elbowing me in the side. Then he headed out of the room without waiting. I would follow him. But first I want to find out where that candy is!

*Riku*

I walked down the hall towards the ballroom, which was where this reception was being held. Through the large windows that lined the hallway I could see that the sun was just starting to set, sending pink and orange streaks across the sky, which reflected back on the ocean. It reminded me of home. I finally made it to a set of mahogany double-doors with the sound of an orchestra coming from behind it. I reached out and grabbed the golden handle before pushing. The door opened easily and I was greeted with the sight of a massive room, filled with women in dresses of all colors and men wearing tuxedoes in a surprisingly large array of colors too. And here I thought only black tuxedoes existed.

It looked like all the other guys from our group had appeared while the girls still had yet to show. Well actually, Kairi and Selphie still had yet to show. Lauren was leaning up against one of the walls near a table filled with refreshments and a gigantic variety of foods. Her right foot, sporting a blue high heel with a deadly tip, was poking the cream colored wall and her head was looking down towards the ground, an invisible shadow seemed to cover her. That may have been why nobody would approach her, except me.

"You know your mood doesn't really fit your appearance" I told her, finally reaching her. This room was ridiculously big. In response, the color of midnight seeped into her blond hair, turning it into the blackest of blacks.

"Does it fit now?" She asked me, her eyes momentarily turning scarlet and burning into mine. I nodded my head and she sighed, before her hair and her eyes returned to their normal color. Oh my god. She looks…beautiful. Wait what?! Oh no do I like her?! Well no point in it, she's just going to disappear here in a month or so. She looks amazing…

"What are you staring at?" she asked, one eyebrow rose in questioning.

"Uh…food" I exclaimed, trying to cover up my brain's sluggishness. She just sighed and shook her head. I blushed and quickly headed over to one of the tables that were completely covered in food.

"Do you want anything?" I asked, piling food onto my plate.

"I can't"

"And why not?"

"I can't walk in these shoes. If I take one step I will fall flat on my face" The old rivalry between us spoke for me before I could even tell what I was saying.

"Well then by all means take a step. It would make my day to see you end up kissing the ground." I immediately wanted to take the words back. She glared at me and I saw her press her palms flat against the wall she was leaning on. A large black oval appeared on the wall and swallowed her. I followed her without hesitation.

You really aren't supposed to do that unless you already know where you're going.

The blackness began to fade and a beach came into view. I looked around and noticed that the castle was still in sight. We were on the beach that we had washed up on when King Triton had turned us into humans. Lauren ad taken off her shoes and was just standing in the water.

"What are you doing?" I asked her, heading over to where she was standing. She looked up at me and grinned, that innocent, light-filled appearance taking over. She pointed down towards her feet and I saw that with each wave that submerged her feet the farther she sank into the soft sand.

"Where's Fury?" I asked casually, pretending to look around for her.

"She went back to the ship, beaches and wedding receptions are two of her least favorite things I guess." So that explains your sudden adorableness. Oh I got it bad. How do I know? I just said adorableness. I took off my shoes and socks and stood in the sand next to her and felt my feet slowly sink into the sand. Lauren yawned after a minute and I tried to find something to talk about.

"The sunset here reminds me of the one back on Destiny Islands. Don't you think so?" She smiled and nodded

"Yeah it looks so nice….hey why did we come here? There aren't any Heartless." I smirked

"Isn't it obvious? Sora wanted to see Kairi as a mermaid." We shared a laugh and I was glad that she could appreciate humor from a guy's point of view. Without moving my feet I gently leaned closer to her and she eyed me for a minute. I blinked back with the definition of innocence. She took a few steps back and opened another portal that was even with me.

"Are you going to shove me through there or something in an attempt to get rid of me?" I asked a hint of challenge in my voice.

"Eh, I just can't stand this dress. The portal leads back to the room I had changed in so I'm just going to go back there and change real quickly" Without waiting for a response she stepped through the portal and it closed behind her. And she's gone. She better not just ditch me on this beach.

Maybe twenty feet back from where I was standing a large rock wall rose up and I headed over and leaned against it before slowly sinking down into a sitting position. I frowned as I noticed how hot I was in this stupid tuxedo and took the black jacket off. This still left me with a long-sleeved white shirt and a tie, along with long dark pants.

When Lauren came back her make-up was gone except for the clear gloss and she was in a simple t-shirt and shorts. Unfortunately I still thought she was beautiful, which made it official; I liked the girl who wouldn't flinch at seeing my dead body. She would probably laugh. She came over to where I was, spun on her heel, and plopped down beside me, bringing her legs up to her chest and wrapping her arms around them.

"Hey what about me?! I'm burning up here! Bring back that portal so I can change too!" I exclaimed. I wasn't sure if it was the heat or the girl, or both, but I was really starting to sweat.

"I got this stuff from my room in Eric's castle, you know, the one they had tortured me in?" I glared at her.

"Alright alright! No breaks for Key bearer number two huh?" she stood up and summoned yet another portal before stepping halfway into it. She came back out with the blue dress she had just been wearing. She tossed it at me and I let it fall over my head. I heard her laughter and smiled under the smooth fabric of the dress. Mission accomplished

"Ok fine, go ahead" Lauren said, gesturing towards the dark oval that seemed to have been randomly placed on the beach.I assumed she had re-directed it, which was a way of changing the exit point of a portal without having to close it and summon another one. I smiled before getting up and heading through the portal.

On the other side was our room in the gummi ship and I frowned when I realized how uncomfortable it was going to be sleeping in the same room with a girl I wanted to go out with. I changed into a pair of shorts and grabbed my black jacket. I slipped it on and after a moment of consideration decided to leave it unzipped. I took a step towards the portal before realizing what Lauren would say when she saw me; Wow Riku no need to show off. Believe it or not, not everyone wants to see you shirtless. Then she would walk off smiling to herself. I sighed and my shoulders sagged. I zipped up my jacket and grabbed my yellow one, sliding that one on too. Then I stepped through the portal.

A heat wave hit me in the face and I was glad that I had chosen shorts instead of my usual pair of baggy jeans. Lauren was leaning against the rock face and was staring calmly out towards the ocean. I took a deep breath and headed over to her. Now or never I suppose…but I don't want to die. My step faltered for a fraction of a second but then I was walking normally, putting an expression of fake confidence on my face.

As I approached Lauren her blue eyes darted towards me and for a moment our eyes locked. Then she smiled just faintly and looked away. I stopped; just like that she had destroyed me. She couldn't read minds without Fury but she still had that sixth sense that all girls possess. She knows that I like her.

She raised an eyebrow at my motionless body and tilted her head to the side, blond hair flowing towards the ground.

"Well by all means continue buddy. I want to see how this turns out." Just then her smile was probably friendly but to me it looked like the smile an assassin would have before finishing off their assigned target. I gulped and slowly walked up to her, my eyes never breaking contact with hers. Once I finally reached her she smiled up at me pleasantly and I felt slightly more comfortable. I put my hand against the rock and gently leaned in a bit closer to her. She eyed my hand and her smile grew.

"So we are going to reenact this scene then huh?" she asked me calmly, her eyes widening with curiosity. I flinched, how can she have this kind of effect on me?! I shrugged and forced my facial expression to remain calm and collected. I gently put my hand against her cheek, feeling her cheek get hotter. I did my best not grin like a little kid in the face of a feat like this. I made her blush! Riku: 1, Lauren: too many to count. I was on a roll.

I took a deep breath, as silently as I possibly could before leaning in towards Lauren's face. For a moment blind hope told me this time it would work. Then my forehead hit the wall of the cliff.

"Well at least you didn't end up kissing the rock." Lauren said with a small laugh. I looked down to see her crouched down, pressed between the rock wall and me. Defeat crashed down on my shoulders and I frowned at her. It seemed only fair though that I could get everything in the world, as long as I couldn't get what I wanted most.

"What are u moping about? Emo teenager" Then she jumped up and pressed her lips against mine.

*Lauren*

Its…different, but in a good way I suppose. Definitely not something I've had experience with. My lips were gently pressed against Riku's and I had no regrets. Hot guy…nice personality…he actually seems to understand me. So what the hell, I'll go ahead and kiss him. Since it was my first kiss I was incredibly nervous that when I pulled back Riku was going to laugh in my face. Luckily though that possibility was ruled out when Riku tilted his head to the side and pressed his lips against mine a little more firmly. He gently wrapped his arms around my waist and I felt my entire body seem to catch on fire. Nobody ever mentioned that this feeling would be so intense. One of his hands traveled up my back and stopped between my shoulder blades. I felt like a bit of an idiot just standing there kissing him with my arms hanging limply at my sides so I wrapped arms around his neck, appreciating the feel of his hair against the backs of my hands. Riku hugged me closer to him and somehow the feeling that I had seemed to double, sending some sort of liquid fire through my veins. It reminded me faintly of adrenaline in the way every part of my body seemed alert. Riku's lips were soft and somehow comforting against mine. In that moment I felt like nothing was holding to the ground except for the firm hold he had on me. The moment stretched out and it seemed like time had halted so we would just have to stay like this forever. This invisible passion that churned between the two of us seemed to hold the answers to everything because for once my head wasn't buzzing with a thousand questions. One word echoed in my mind and that was Riku. The feeling I had that seemed to reach every part of me grew in my chest until I felt like I would explode. It was a burning sensation and I didn't realize what it was for several seconds. My need for oxygen had just about reached its limit. I was about to lean back so I could breathe when I realized the grip had on me. I gently tapped the back of his neck with my finger and, after a moment's hesitation; he pulled back and inhaled deeply. I copied his movements and tried not to be depressed when the incredible feelings my body had possessed left me.

He pulled me back into his body but instead of another kiss as I had expected he just pulled me into a hug. I wrapped my arms around his neck again and somehow managed to get even closer to him. Everything had changed and I needed some support. I had never cared about another guy in a romantic way. I had had crushes like everyone but this felt like a bigger deal than some innocent school fling where you date for two weeks, get bored, and break up. Now I had someone else in my life whose life was just as important to me as my own. For the first time I wasn't completely independent. I needed someone and that someone had presented them self to me. I'm glad it was you, Riku. I turned my head into his neck and whispered into his ear

"Did you see that coming?" He put his lips by my ear and whispered back

"I had no idea."

"In that case- surprise!"

"I have a question for you."

"And what may that be?"

"Will you be my girlfriend?" At this point he pulled away from me and looked me straight in the eyes. I gave a small laugh and nodded. This wasn't satisfying enough though apparently

"What's so funny?"

"Nothing its just that isn't the traditional question 'Will you go out with me?'" Riku shifted from one foot to the other

"Alrighty then. Will you go out with me in a month or two, assuming we both make it back to Destiny Islands alive?" I laughed

"Ok I see your point. I would love to be your girlfriend and if we both survive I'll go out with you." Riku grinned before rewarding me with his comforting embrace. I wrapped my arms around him once again and twisted a piece of his silver hair around my fingers.

"What are you doing?' he asked, his voice reaching normal volume.

"I'm playing with your hair."

"Why"

"Because its fun and I feel like it! What am I on trial or something?!" Riku laughed and shook his head before reaching his hand behind him and grabbing mine. I stubbornly held onto his silver hair for a moment before letting go. Riku dropped his hand to his side, forcing mine follow.

"This is a lot calmer than I expected it to be" Riku said quietly, which raised the question: What were you expecting?

"Except my feet are killing me" I said, switching from leaning on my left foot to my right.

"Ok then. We'll sit down" Riku said, drawing his hand back from its spot around my waist. My first response was to hug him even closer to me; I just didn't want to let him go. Instead I leaned against the side of the cliff before slowly lowering myself to the ground. Riku sat down beside me in a less graceful manor (he just sort of fell backwards) and wrapped his arm around my shoulders, pulling me closer until our legs were touching. Feeling completely at ease with my used-to-be-rival-now-boyfriend I put my head on his shoulder and yawned.

"Are you tired?" Riku asked me, amusement in his voice. I was just about to shake my head and tell him that I was just relaxed when I felt that eruption feeling again. The same one I had had back in Radiant Garden.

I leapt to my feet and sprinted towards the water. Just as my feet reached the ocean I felt wings spring out of my back, tearing two large holes in the back of my shirt. I jumped into the air and spread out my wings, letting the wind catch under them and pull me upwards. I frantically flapped my wings, determined to get as much distance as I could between me and the beach. Finally when I felt I couldn't hold it in any longer I held up my palms and started to scream.

*Riku*

I quickly jumped to my feet as a white light began to erupt from Lauren's frame. I was almost immediately thrown back though as a shock wave slammed into the beach. I went flying back against the cliff side and let out a small shout of surprise. I quickly got back up and then I saw Lauren fall into the ocean with a soundless splash. Then I started to sprint.

As I ran to towards the ocean I ripped off both of my jackets and tugged off my shoes, knowing that they would only slow me down. I ran into the ocean as the salty water splashed up behind me. Once I was about knee-length into the water I tensed my muscles as I prepared to dive under. Then someone or something pulled my feet out from under me. My entire body was submerged in the salty water and just as I pulled my head back up I was hit in the face with a wave which sent me back under. When I finally emerged from the ocean's grip I was coughing and sputtering, but still alert for the thing that had grabbed my legs.

"Hi there" A face suddenly popped out of the ocean right in front me.

"Gah!" I gasped and fell back, but a hand grabbed my shoulder and pulled me back up before I could get another mouthful of salt.

"Why do you enjoy scaring me?" I asked her, crossing my arms over my chest.

"Because its fun" Lauren said with a small laugh before playfully splashing me.

"Come on let's get out of the water." I told her, grabbing her hand and pulling her up. Except she refused to cooperate and I ended up dropping her instead.

"I'm a mermaid again! I can't go back on shore!" Lauren explained.

"Really?" Lauren leaned back on her arms and lifted a black and red tail out the water in response. "Ah so you are. Well now what are we going to do with you?" I asked with a smile. Lauren patted the water, meaning for me to sit down. I sighed; my pants were already soaked, and sat back down in the ocean. Lauren rolled over so her head was resting on her hands and smiled.

"You have pretty eyes" Just out of the blue you compliment me like that? Wow way to throw off my concentration. My eyes widened in a surprise and another wave shoved me backwards.

"My eyes are pretty?"

"Yes they are very pretty. I'm jealous" Coming from the most beautiful girl/mermaid I've ever met. And then, entirely on impulse, I leaned in and kissed her again. It wasn't the same as the first time I kissed her, considering I couldn't wrap my arms around her waist since she didn't have a wais, she had a tail instead. And she couldn't wrap her arms around my neck because she would fall face first into the ocean if she did. It was still nice though.

"Awh that's so romantic!" A voice squealed from behind us.

"Alright Riku!"

"See I told you?! And I was only a few days off!" I pulled my lips away from hers and a frowned.

"God dammit" I whispered.

"Well the privacy was nice while it lasted." Lauren said with a shrug. I turned around to see all of our friends staring at us, without any regard for personal privacy.

"Can we help you?" I asked, not bothering to keep the annoyance out of my voice.

"So you guys are finally going out?!" Kairi shrieked.

"What do you mean 'finally'? Was this expected or something?!" I exclaimed. Behind me I could hear Lauren laugh quietly at my answer. Kairi and Selphie started screaming and jumping up and down while Sora came over and gave me a high five. Ok then everybody, feel free to take that as a' yes we are going out'.

"Ok if nobody can congratulate me as humans do you guys mind just jumping into the water or something?" Lauren asked sounding a bit pissed off. I ran a few steps in the water before jumping up, bringing my legs into my body, and landing in the water with a splash. When I resurfaced I had a tail…and no shirt. Then on cue everyone charged into the water with loud splashes and everyone was a mermaid/ merman once again.

"Hey Pretty Boy, you never danced with me!" Lauren said coming up from behind me and shoving my head down towards the ocean floor. "Hey look I'm finally taller than you" I grinned and kicked my tail, sending me up past her.

"Look, now things are normal again. I'm the taller one and you're waaaay down there." I said with a smirk before grabbing her hand and spinning her around. Since it was nighttime out and the water was dark as well no one could see me and Lauren dancing underwater. Which was good because I sucked at it.

Awww how sweet. So Lauren and Riku are finally going out! They're relationship is going to be in this story AND the sequel a lot so that's why this chapter was so important. I had a surprisingly good time writing this chapter. Now that there's a couple I will probably have to do more romantic chapters. For those of you who live for the battles I hope this chapter wasn't too horribly terrible. Maybe I'll add a fight into the next chapter. Any people in particular who you would like to see fight? Review please and I'll update next week!