Home Sweet Home

It was a winding ride with too many familiar sights and sounds.

With each rock, tree, and little piece of landmark that he recognized, the memories that he tried so hard to forget came gushing forth with a vengeance. It was all coming back. He was home again.

It was the yellow that let him know. Unlike the orange skies of Twilight Town that tinted the entire city in warm hues, Destiny Islands flared brightly with the sun beaming pure light directly from above. Destiny Islands was located on the equator, ensuring amazing sunsets at any time of the year. Every day was filled with a beautiful light.

Sora sat beside the taxi driver, giving him a front seat to the island scenery of palm trees and other tropical flora. They had just left the airport and with every twist and turn, the cab was moving inexorably towards a confrontation he'd been avoiding for years. He wasn't sure how to feel; there were too many conflicting thoughts and emotions.

He could hear chatter in the backseat but didn't pay it much mind. Naminé was busy explaining to the other two about the island attractions from the stunning beaches, the sparkling ocean water, and of course, the great island food. Destiny Islands was an amazing place to grow up in. If it wasn't for his sense of impending doom, he could've at least enjoyed the sunshine.

The shops, buildings, and parks that used to settle comfortably in the confines of his forgotten memories were now starting to appear. They were getting close, too close.

After a few more streets corners, the cab made its way to the old neighborhood and pulled up to a quaint, two-story house. It was a homely abode, painted in soft colors of beige, yellow, and red. The lawn grass was cut perfectly like Astroturf, colorful plants shielded the walls, well-trimmed bushes separated the house from the neighbors, and a mélange of flowers outlined a stone walkway to the front door. The neighboring homes were droll by comparison. It was a nice little suburb. Houses crawled over curves that sprawled throughout the island hills. Sora lived inland, away from the coast, but the great view made up for the distance from the beach. He could see the entire island, from the mountains up high, to the beachfront down below.

He stepped out of the cab and set his foot down. It was like all the energy from his body was sucked through his feet—if it wasn't for his grasp on the car, he would've fallen over. Most people welcomed the sight of home, their hearts filling up with warmth and nostalgia, but for Sora, his heart only sank. "This is it, guys, my house."

The backseat doors opened and the others got out to inspect the building.

"We're staying here?" Xion asked in surprise. She was expecting to check into a hotel.

Roxas grinned. "Cheaper and better than staying at a hotel."

"Glad to see you treat my home like an inn," Sora deadpanned. "Naminé, are you staying at my place too?"

She nodded.

"Are you sure you don't want to stay with your parents?"

She shook her head. "It'll be more convenient for everyone to stick together. I'll visit them after we finish unpacking."

"Well, Mom always did like visitors."

"Does she know we're here?"

"Yeah, I gave her a call as soon as we landed." He gave his home another hard look. "She said that...that they're here."

She understood what he meant. "Go on ahead, we'll take out the luggage," she suggested.

Roxas was about to complain but quieted when he saw her glare. He wilted, and moved reluctantly towards the trunk.

Sora took a few tentative steps toward the house but stopped. Could he do this? What could stop him from running away now? He didn't have to face them. He could just leave, forget it all, and ditch everybody at the last moment. He turned around.

Naminé stared back and gave an encouraging smile.

Roxas popped the trunk and looked up with an irritated face.

Xion was just perplexed.

Sora laughed. He couldn't run away now, not when there were people behind him. If he was to stop now, they would just push him forward. He couldn't go this far just to let them down. Firmly resolved, he carefully walked up the stone path and planted himself before the entrance. Behind the door were his two best friends, and the two last people in the world that he wanted to see. He looked over the house, realizing the subtle changes that had taken place since the passage of time. Chips, breaks, and crevices crackled across the walls like lightning. The mounted mailbox was tilting off-balance.

He straightened it out.

And took a deep breath.

No time like the present right?

He lifted his hand, turned his knuckles to face the wood, and was about to knock when the door suddenly opened.

He lost his breath.

It was Kairi.

But it also wasn't Kairi. The mental image he had when he last saw her didn't do justice to the reality, to the beautiful bride-to-be standing in front of him. A sleeveless pink colored blouse hugged her body while Capri pants fit snugly around her legs. She had matured, her hair cascading down her shoulders like shimmering drapes, and her face was graced with smooth porcelain skin. Her soft pink lips formed an 'o,' and her purple-blue orbs widened in surprise, which quickly brightened into relief, and narrowed into...anger?

She suddenly crushed him in a hug, her arms bound tightly around his body. His senses disappeared, his face flush in her hair, and the scent of citrus tangerines overwhelmed him. He wasn't sure whether to hug her back, but her grip was so great, he couldn't even move his arms. It was an inescapable hold rather than an act of affection.

"Kairi..." he sad, his voice strained.

Riku walked into view, his turquoise eyes lighting up in recognition. He was smartly dressed in a black long sleeve shirt and light slacks. Before Sora could say anything, the pressure left—she had let go. Now out of the bear hug, he took in some much-needed oxygen and—

Slap!

His cheek stung from Kairi's slap, but he wasn't surprised. Her eyes were on fire, glaring at him with such ferocity, he was afraid he'd be turned into stone. "I guess I deserved that."

Punch!

"Ow!" It wasn't a friendly shot to the arm; it was a punch to the gut.

Kick!

"Ouch!"

"Kairi, that's enough," Riku interrupted, grabbing a hold of the woman.

Sora crouched over, one hand rubbing his shins gingerly, and the other massaging his stomach. Part of him was irritated, but he relieved to know that she still cared enough to physically hurt him. That didn't sound right.

"Sora!" He tilted his head upwards only to see Kairi glower at him with the force of a thousand suns, the anger radiating from her face in waves of heat. "You jerk." She crossed her arms and went into the dining room, leaving the two men alone. Riku put out a helpless smile.

"She's…still the same, isn't she?" the downed brunet gasped.

Riku stretched out his hand, "Unfortunately," and pulled the writer up. "You okay?"

Sora dusted off his pants. "It's nothing. I think I got off rather easy." There was no reply. He looked up to see Riku wearing a pensive look that didn't suit his face. "What is it?"

"It's just been...so long. It's really good to see you." Riku gave his estranged friend an overdue hug. "It's been too long, way too long." He patted Sora's back heartily and let go, and sent a quick glance towards the dining room. "Even if she doesn't say it, she's really missed you too."

Sora soothed his cheek gently with his palm. "She didn't have to; she has her own way of showing her appreciation."

"You're right." The groom-to-be laughed. He looked over Sora's shoulder and noticed the others unpacking. "I see Naminé and Roxas, but who's the other girl?"

"Oh, her? That's Xion."

A light bulb went off above Riku's head. "Oh yeah, she's your plus one! I was really surprised when I got your RSVP."

"That makes two of us."

"Haha, what's that supposed to mean? She's pretty cute! She kind of reminds me of Kairi actually. So...what's she like?"

Sora rolled his eyes at the predictable response. Riku was already gossiping like a little schoolgirl. The concept of him having a girlfriend, of all people, must've be pretty damn novel for everybody to constantly pester him about it.

"Forget it, you can just tell me later," Riku said, changing his mind. "Once you're done unpacking, go into the dining room, there's something Kairi and I need to talk to you about."

Something to talk about? Sora was a little scared. Did they figure out why he was gone for so long? "Something serious?"

"It's nothing, just come in when you have the time. I'm going to check in on her now." He went for the door, put his hand on the knob, and turned it. "Even though she doesn't look like it, she's really happy to have you back." He closed the door behind him.

Sora was left wondering about those words. He looked around the foyer and saw that things hadn't changed much. The stairway was close to the main entrance. He remembered coming home from school and running through the front door and up the stairs in one smooth motion. A big potted plant in the corner served as a welcoming prop and the lacquered hardwood floor was as shiny as ever.

Footsteps thudded from behind. "Sora, are you okay?" Naminé set her luggage by the staircase. "I saw what happened. You're not hurt or anything, are you?"

He gave a weak smile. "Just my pride."

She chuckled. The other two followed in tow with their own luggage.

"Where should we put our stuff?"

"Just leave it out in the living room for now, all the guest rooms are upstairs," a voice chimed in. Sora recognized who it was but was engulfed in a hug before he could say anything. "Welcome back," the woman said. She was beautiful, with brunette hair in a braided ponytail and emerald eyes. She wore an elegant but simple purple dress that touched her ankles and a red sweater.

"Who's that?" Xion whispered to Roxas, "his sister?"

"He doesn't have a sister, that's his mom," he said, snickering.

Shock splayed across her face. "His mom? But she's so young!"

"Why thanks for the compliment!" the woman chirped.

Xion reddened, having been caught.

"Ms. Hikari." "Auntie." "Mom…" the friend, the cousin, and the son all said in unison.

She let go of her son and gave them all a hearty smile. "Good to see all of you again! And hello to the new faces," she greeted, looking at Xion. "Come on, I'll show you all to your rooms and Sora, don't keep them waiting." She motioned with her head towards the dining room, where Kairi and Riku were.

"Oh, right." He grabbed his luggage, which wasn't much, and ran upstairs. Once he reached the second floor, he spotted the entrance to his room. He put his forehead against the wooden door. His eyes inspected the texture closely, seeing patterns that he never noticed before. He grabbed the knob and entered.

It was just the way he left it: tidy. To his right was his desk and dresser where he spent most of his days studying. Although it didn't look like it, he was quite the student back in high school. Academic excellence driven by depression probably wasn't something to be proud of, but it was academic excellence nonetheless. He put his hand on the surface, wiping off a thin layer of dust with his fingertips.

It was all about distraction. As long as he didn't have to think about Riku and Kairi, he wouldn't have to feel pain. Studying was just one way of distracting himself. In a way, writing The Keyblade Chronicles was also a distraction. It was all the same, running away was running away whether it was with homework, moving to Twilight Town, making new friends, or trying to solve everybody else's problems except his own.

He threw his bag in the corner and fell on the bed, his face greeting an old friend, the ceiling. It looked down on him in the same stoic manner it had all those years ago. He had spent many days in bed, staring at the ceiling, all in an effort to avoid seeing them.

He was wasting time and he knew it. He couldn't avoid this confrontation forever. He got up from the bed feeling weaker than before and exited the room, stumbling down the stairway until he reached the dining room door. He cast a glance towards the living room where his mom was entertaining the guests. Naminé noticed him and nodded. No backing out now. He entered the dining room.

There was a dining table, a rectangle slab of wood covered with table cloth and floral patterns. Above the table was a slow spinning ceiling fan. To the side was the kitchen, where the countertops were long, the sinks large, and the cabinets high. The floor was painted in a checkerboard pattern.

Riku was standing up, leaning against one of the counters while Kairi sat at the table. She appeared none-too-pleased and willed daggers through her scowl. Sora scratched the back of his head uncomfortably. "What's this about?" He remained standing and close to the door, just in case.

Riku shook his head. "I still can't believe it. You're actually here." Sora smiled softly. Riku was always a cool customer. Seeing him act like this was a little strange, but it showed how much he cared.

"Ugh, just get on with it," the redhead urged, breaking the pleasant atmosphere.

Riku gave an apologetic smile to excuse her rudeness. He got off the countertop and walked over to his friend. "I'll cut to the point: Sora, I want you to be my best man."

If he was drinking water, this was the part where he spit it out. "Are you serious?"

"Dead serious." Riku crossed his arms. "I won't take 'no' for an answer."

Poor Sora was utterly confused. Wasn't the position of "best man" restricted to those who were considered "best friends?" They should've been strangers by now. That Riku still considered him a friend was a miracle.

"How can you ask me that after all that's happened? We haven't even seen each other in years."

"That doesn't matter to me. You're my friend Sora—more than that—you're my best friend. You're like a brother to me, and no amount of time lost can ever change that."

Sora could feel his eyes go glassy. He looked down but heard Kairi scoff. He thought about protesting, but no matter how he saw it, he'd probably end up saying yes. Riku would be too persistent. "Fine, I'll do it, but, isn't there like rehearsals or something?"

"Don't even worry about it, all you have to do is stand there and give me the ring when the time is right."

"You make it sound so easy."

"Because it is!" He was all grin and smiles. "This really means a lot to me you know?"

"Riku," Kairi called.

"Yes, honey?"

"Do you mind if Sora and I talk alone?"

"Not at all. I'll see the others and say 'hello.' Just…don't be too harsh okay?" She acknowledged him with a damning gaze. The groom-to-be sighed and left the room.

It was just them now, and he couldn't shake off the feeling that he was going to be judged and executed on the spot. "Are you just going to stand there all day? Take a seat," she ordered.

A quick escape was out of the question now. He approached the table warily and sat down. He could now take the time to fully appreciate her beauty, even she was glaring at him at the moment. He looked down at the folded hands and tried to ignore her heated stare. What she was going to do next? Kick his legs? Smack him across the face? Cuss up a storm?

"I've missed you."

"Huh?" He was expecting a lashing. He jerked his head up and saw that her gaze had softened.

"I said I've missed you, jerk. Don't you have anything to say back to me?"

He was a little embarrassed. "I-I've missed you too."

"That's not it."

What did she want to hear from him? "I'm…sorry?"

She sighed, exasperated. He couldn't read her. Was she angry, sad, tired, all three? Which was it? "Why? Why did you disappear?" Confused. That was it. She was just confused, natural, considering his absence and lack of contact.

He thought about the question. This was his chance. If there was any moment that demanded the truth, this was it. What better time to confess than one week before the wedding, before she was snatched away from him forever? "I was in a flighty mood, I guess," he joked. So much for that. He copped out.

"That's not funny."

"It's probably not." He chuckled.

Even after all this time, the idea of confessing scared him shitless. It shouldn't even matter at this point. She was already committed, wasn't she? What difference would it make if he said it now? She was already gone. Yet, he couldn't do it. Was he trying to protect her, or himself? He looked at her, really looked at her this time, straight into her eyes, and saw…

…fear.

Was she afraid? There could only be one reason for her fear—

"Tell me the truth, Sora. Do you..."

She knew.

She had to know. He was a dense guy, Naminé could certainly attest to that, but even density had its limits. If she obsessed over him even half as much as he did over her, the thought had to have occurred. Ten years to mull over the reasons why he left, and among them was hate, apathy, boredom, weariness, anger, and the most dangerous feeling of all—love.

"You probably know, don't you? Anything I say here is just a formality."

She cringed. "I want to hear it from you myself. The truth behind why—why my best friend, the greatest friend I ever had in this world, ran away from me." The tears threatened to spill from the corner of her eyes. She was hurting.

"Do you really want to know?" he whispered.

"Yes!" she yelled. "You abandoned me, Sora! If it wasn't for Riku, I'd be lost!"

"All you need is Riku," he let out in spite. She grimaced. He instantly regretted those words.

"Tell me, I need to know."

There was a long pause. They were two sides of the same coin. It was impossible for either of them to forget each other. They grew up together, as best friends, like brother and sister, and possibly lovers. The nature of their relationship defied labels. Their bond was still there, but with the strain of time and uncertainty, it had become fragile. Sure they were together now, in each other's presence like old friends, but for how long? If the truth spilled from his lips, their tenuous friendship might suffer the final blow. Would he deliver those words? The potential killshot to end what little hope there was for his miserable life?

"I…" he began.

The door burst open. It was Riku, and he was looking frazzled.

"Sorry Kairi, but something came up with the caterer's. We need to go solve it right away."

"Can't it wait? We're in the middle of something here."

He gave a pleading look. "You know I'm no good with these things, it's really urgent."

"Fine." She turned to Sora. "This conversation isn't over. If you're going to be the best man, you need to match the rest of the groomsmen; I'm going to take you in for a fitting tomorrow."

"Kairi, tomorrow we have to talk with the venue."

"Dammit Riku, why are you always getting in the way? The day after tomorrow then!" She glared at her fiancé, daring him to bring up another event that could possibly get in the way of a long overdue confrontation.

"That's fine, now let's get going." He tugged on Kairi's arm and turned to his friend. "Sorry we have to go on such short notice, but weddings always get a little hectic."

Sora didn't mind at all, it was a relief actually. "I understand. See you around."

"I'd better," he said, laughing back.

Kairi glanced at Sora one last time before leaving the room; it was a look that promised resolution.

Behind the wall, he could hear them saying their goodbyes to the others, the sound of their footsteps shuffling, and the "thud!" of the front door closing. They were finally gone. He let out a breath.

"That was…intense." He sank in his chair, thankful that Riku had interrupted him. When that moment came, he didn't know what to say. It was funny. He imagined the scenario a thousand times, thinking about all the possible ways he could go about it, and all the possible outcomes that could result. He thought he had mentally prepared himself for any eventuality, whether she would rejoice at his declaration of love, or whether she would most likely be horrified and end his life.

How wrong he was. Reality was completely different from his imagination. He had no control. There were no do-overs, just her overwhelming presence. He thought he could wriggle his way out of it but the look in her eyes wouldn't let him go that easily. "What a fine mess this is."

The door opened to reveal Naminé. She gave him a once over. He looked haggard. "They just left. Are you okay?"

"Just fine." The way he said it wasn't too reassuring.

She sat down beside him and held onto his hands. "What happened?"

"She wanted to know why I ran."

"…and?"

"And Riku saved my ass. Like always."

She giggled. "You got lucky this time, but you can't put it off forever."

"I know. Maybe. I don't know. I mean, you know what Riku asked me?"

"To be your best man?"

"You knew?"

"Riku was giddy about it. He told us you accepted." That sounded like Riku alright, always bragging about his friends. "You sure you want to do it?"

"He wouldn't take 'no' for an answer."

She squeezed his hands gently. "Whatever happens, I want you to know that we're behind you all the way. Me, Roxas, even Xion. We'll face it together."

"Thanks." He truly appreciated her. It was like she cared for nothing more than his happiness. Roxas just wanted him to get over Kairi as quickly as possible and move on. As for Xion, he felt sorry for her. She got caught up in this nonsense and didn't even know why. He should explain things to her properly whenever he got the chance.

"Now go get some rest, you look exhausted."

"Yeah yeah, it's been a long flight. Sleep sounds great about now." He got up from the table and his knees buckled.

"Ah!" Naminé caught him, steadying his body. "Need some help?"

He felt light headed. "A little."

He ambled towards the exit as she held on to him, keeping him from falling over. She carefully escorted him up the stairs and into his room, and put him to bed. "Good?"

He curled up, dragging the comforter over his shoulders. "Not really. Get back to me tomorrow morning."

She gave a soft smile and walked to the doorway.

"I will..." she whispered, before closing the door.