"Just because it's your birthday doesn't mean you can pretend I'm a coat hanger." Sora informed Kairi as she tossed her sweater on top of the coat she'd previously tossed on top of him.
"Oh don't be silly, I do this whether it's my birthday or not." Kairi stuck her tongue out.
Sora rolled his eyes, "Where's Nam, anyway?"
"Still out with Reno. He brought her to Las York." Kairi answered as Sora tossed the coat and sweater on the ground, "She'll be here soon."
Sora nodded, "Yeah, Riku told me about that. She have fun?"
"Of course." Kairi laughed, "She's Namine. Where's Riku?"
"I'm right here," Riku said dryly, leaning on the doorway he had entered the room from.
"Don't give me that look, you were so not there a minute ago." Kairi laughed.
Riku chuckled, "Happy birthday."
"Thank you." Kairi grinned.
"So what's Xigbar got planned for you?" Riku asked, pushing off from the doorway and walking over to the pair, slinging an arm around Sora.
"He didn't tell me a thing, just that I have to wear a dress." Kairi made a face.
"A surprise then? That could be fun," Riku mused.
Kairi smiled.
Sora rolled his eyes, "It's Xigbar, I'm sure she'll have fun."
"This is true." Kairi smiled again.
Riku smirked, "Good thing your birthday happens to fall on a weekend this year, huh?"
"Very," Kairi grinned.
They were interrupted by the doorbell.
"That's gotta be Nami," Riku said.
"COME IN!" Sora shouted, too lazy to move despite having not sat down yet.
Riku rolled his eyes at his boyfriend as Namine walked inside, closing the door behind her. "Hi!"
"Happy birthday!" Riku hugged her.
"Thank you!" Namine grinned.
Kairi poked her head out of the living room, "Hey!"
Namine smiled at her sister, following Riku into the living room. "Hi," she repeated.
"Happy birthday!" Sora grinned.
"Thank you," Namine said, smile widening.
"So did you have fun with Reno?" Riku asked.
Namine sighed happily, "Yes! We had an amazing time!"
"Anyone want something to drink before we inevitably make Namine spill all the details?" Sora asked.
Namine laughed, "In that case, I'd like a glass of water, thank you."
Riku grinned, "Grab me something, too. I don't care what."
"Kay. Be right back." Sora said, dashing into the kitchen. He came back out a few minutes later with three cans and a glass of water. He handed Namine the glass, tossed a can in Kairi's direction, and then plopped onto the couch next to Riku, handing him one of the remaining cans.
"Thank you," Namine said, taking a sip.
Riku kissed his cheek, "Thanks."
Kairi popped her root beer open with a grin as Sora shrugged.
"So, then." Kairi grinned at her sister, "Details!"
Namine giggled, "What do you want to know?"
"Everything." Kairi answered. "Start talking."
"Well, we stayed at Paine's apartment - Reno's friend," Namine clarified.
"Right, yeah she's living with her boyfriend now," Riku said, nodding.
"Yes. So she let us stay there, and really we were hardly in her apartment. We went to all the museums and tourist spots and just wandered around. It was incredible. We'd get back so late, though, that we'd both just pass out and then get up to go out all day the next morning," Namine said with a smile, remembering.
Riku tugged Sora to his side, smiling as his best friend was clearly very happy.
"Aww, that's adorable." Kairi grinned.
"We - well, I had a lot of fun," Namine said, nodding.
"I'm sure Reno had fun, too," Riku insisted.
"I hope so," Namine said. "Although he really needs to learn that I would've been equally happy with something not as extravagant as a gift."
Kairi grinned.
"He's trying to impress you," Riku said.
"I don't need impressing," Namine insisted.
Riku chuckled, "You won't convince him of that. Seriously, Nami, just enjoy it."
"Yeah, really, just let him dote on you." Kairi grinned, "Besides, you two are adorable."
Namine shrugged helplessly, smiling.
"So do you want the cake now, or...?" Riku asked with a grin, glancing between the sisters'.
"Yes!" Kairi answered.
Riku laughed, "Come on then!" He stood, pulling Sora up with him, the girls not far behind. The four walked into the kitchen and Riku pulled the cake from the fridge, setting it on the counter and grabbing the serving knife, offering it to the girls. "Who wants first cut?"
Namine looked at Kairi, "Together?"
"Sure." Kairi smiled.
They took the knife and neatly sliced the cake together, both grinning. Riku took over dealing out the cake as he'd actually paid attention when Roxas had given the orders to Sora that morning.
"Mhmm, thank Roxas for us," Namine said, taking a bite and loving it.
"Damn, that kid can cook," Riku moaned appreciatively.
Kairi was too busy inhaling her piece of cake to do anything other than nod, and Sora laughed. "He'll be happy to hear it."
Riku smirked, finishing off his piece and quickly stabbing a chunk of Sora's, eating it with a laugh.
Sora pouted, "Hey."
"What?" Riku asked innocently.
Namine shared a look with Kairi.
Kairi laughed.
XXXX
Xigbar bowed gallantly, waggling his eyebrows at Kairi as he pulled the car door open for her, gesturing her inside.
Kairi raised an eyebrow, smiling softly at him and climbing in.
Xigbar chuckled to himself, rushing around the car and hopping in, starting the engine. "So, having a good birthday so far?"
Kairi smiled at him, nodding, "Yeah, it's been really nice." she said, "Thank you."
"No problem, Red. The night is young," Xigbar grinned.
Kairi smiled again, "So, where are we going?"
"To a place," Xigbar answered immediately.
"That's specific." Kairi rolled her eyes, sticking her tongue out at him.
"Careful, Sass, don't want your face to freeze that way," Xigbar laughed.
"Sure, sure." Kairi laughed.
Xigbar grinned at her, driving to the relative edges of town, pulling into an abandoned parking lot and parking. "We're here, Red."
Kairi glanced around before her gaze settled on Xigbar.
Xigbar's grin widened and he winked at her before turning off the car and climbing out, walking around to pull open her door.
Kairi climbed out, smoothing down her dress.
"Did I tell you you look exceptionally beautiful tonight, Red?" Xigbar asked, leaning in to kiss her.
"Mmm, yes, but I don't mind hearing it again." Kairi teased, wrapping her arms around his neck.
Xigbar chuckled, kissing her again before pulling out of her hold. Taking her hand, he pulled her a few steps away from the car. "Hold that thought, Red." He smiled and opened the backseat, pulling out a small CD player and a bucket with champagne and glasses. Setting the player on the hood of his car, he popped open the bottle and poured them both a glass, turning the soft music on before offering Kairi her glass.
"Happy birthday," Xigbar grinned.
Kairi smiled at him, "Thank you." she said, taking a sip.
Xigbar nodded, taking his own sip before setting his glass down on the pavement and offering Kairi his hand. "May I have the honor of this dance?"
Kairi giggled, taking his hand and nodding.
Xigbar smiled, setting her glass down as well before taking her into his arms and twirling her around before settling into a slow dance to the gentle music playing.
"So how about you spend the night at my place tonight? Leon and Seifer won't be there - it'll be just you and me," Xigbar said.
"I like this plan." Kairi grinned. "I'd love to."
Xigbar grinned back, "Good. I already told Namine you wouldn't be coming home tonight."
Kairi blinked, "Wait, what?" she laughed.
Xigbar grinned cheekily, "I knew you'd say yes, Red."
Kairi rolled her eyes, before smirking.
Xigbar twirled her around again. "You're so damn beautiful, Red, especially when you get that twinkle in your eye. Outshine all the stars," he chuckled, shaking his head.
Kairi blushed, "Thank you." she said, not quite sure why she was suddenly acting like her sister.
Xigbar laughed, kissing her. "You're sexy when you blush, too."
Kairi chuckled, pulling him back in to kiss him again.
XXXX
Kairi snuggled into Xigbar's chest as she woke up, blinking a few times to try and clear her vision.
Xigbar shifted, tightening his grip on her momentarily before yawning loudly. Noticing that she was up, he smiled, "Morning Red."
"Morning." Kairi smiled back.
Xigbar shifted, bare legs bumping into Kairi's, and his smile widened. "Hope you had fun last night."
Kairi chuckled, "I have a feeling you already know I did." she rolled her eyes.
Xigbar snickered, kissing her quickly before stretching. "How's breakfast in bed sound?"
"Sounds lovely, but I don't want you moving." Kairi chuckled, "Not yet." she pulled him back down to kiss him again.
Xigbar laughed but gladly complied, kissing her back. Hearing some movement in the apartment, he pulled back, "Bet that's Leon cooking. Goody, I'll just steal some of his breakfast."
"But then you have to move." Kairi pouted.
"Only for a few moments," he assured, kissing her again. "You won't even have time to miss me."
"I doubt that." Kairi sighed overdramatically, but let him go.
Xigbar laughed as he finally got out of the bed, hunting around for a minute for his boxers before pulling them on. Winking at the redhead snuggled in his bed, he grinned and said, "Back in a flash, Red. Milk or orange juice?"
"Orange juice please and thank you." Kairi grinned.
"You got it," he said, sauntering out of his bedroom and heading towards the kitchen.
XXXX
Roxas paused, having dragged a chair halfway to the counters, poking his head out of the kitchen just as Sora closed the door behind him. "Great, you're home! Help me?"
Sora walked in, "What's up?"
"Why is my big mixing bowl in the top cabinet? Did Mom put it away again?" Roxas asked, leading Sora into the kitchen.
"Maybe Axel put it there to spite you." Sora shrugged, pulling it down and handing it to Roxas.
"He wouldn't do that... would he?" Roxas questioned. Shaking his head and taking the mixing bowl from his brother, he set it on the counter and glanced around. "No Riku?"
"I was joking, I highly doubt it was Axel." Sora shrugged, "Nah, Riku's actually at work for once." he shrugged. "Whatcha making?"
"I was thinking of sugar cookies but I'm open to suggestions," Roxas said. "Need a Thursday pick-me-up?"
"Yes please." Sora groaned, "Hate Thursdays."
"Whatcha want, then? The fudge brownies or the double chocolate cake?" Roxas asked with a grin, beginning to switch out the ingredients he'd gathered with different ones.
"Brownies." Sora answered, "Did I mention you're awesome?"
Roxas laughed, "Not today." He grabbed what he needed to start baking, measuring and mixing ingredients. "So what's up? We never talk anymore." Roxas pouted.
"It's not my fault you're never here." Sora teased. "Not much. I think I might've found a place willing to hire me after I graduate."
Roxas stuck his tongue out at his brother, "Maybe if you weren't constantly trying to shove your tongue down Riku's throat, I'd stay home more often! And who'll hire you?"
Sora rolled his eyes, "You make it sound like it's a huge accomplishment for me to find a job. The Magic Moogle needs someone to do their advertising and stuff."
Roxas snorted, "The place on campus? I thought you were a do-gooder major."
"I'm a human resources major." Sora shrugged.
"And that has what exactly to do with advertising?" Roxas questioned, stirring the brownie batter.
Sora shrugged.
Roxas shook his head and laughed, taking his mixing spoon and non-too-gently shoving it in Sora's mouth before pouring out the brownies and placing the into the over to cook.
Sora pulled the spoon out of his mouth, coughing, before recovering enough to actually enjoy it. "So, what about you? What've you been up to?"
Roxas shrugged, "School. Axel. Mostly Axel, really."
Sora laughed, "Right, right."
"Things with Riku seem good. You two do it yet?" Roxas asked with a sadistic grin.
Sora gave his brother a look, "No, and I'm not asking the same because I don't want to hear about your sexual exploits with Axel. No offense. I'm sure Kairi would love to, so if you want to tell someone, tell her instead."
Roxas shuddered, "No way! Don't you remember the awfulness when she gave us the talk? I could never talk to her about sex! Although she's gotta know we're doing stuff after Halloween..."
Sora raised an eyebrow, "Halloween? Do I finally get to hear this story?"
Roxas cursed, blushing lightly. "Honestly, Sor, I don't think you'd be able to handle the story."
Sora blinked.
Roxas cursed again before staring at the ceiling and muttering, "High heels, fishnets, and makeup," face bright red now.
Sora blinked again. "Fuck, you're right, could've gone without that mental image. Do me a favor and don't tell Kairi I know so that I don't see the pictures."
Roxas sighed, nodding. "Told you. Oh, and don't go in my closet, for the same reason."
"Advice noted." Sora nodded.
"God," Roxas muttered, putting his hands on his flaming cheeks to try to cool them. "And I thought I couldn't possibly get embarrassed in front of you anymore after tenth grade."
Sora just grinned.
"When's Mom home next? And are you buying her flowers again for Valentine's day or should I?" Roxas asked, completely changing the subject.
"I think she's got tomorrow off." Sora answered, "And... I can do it if you want, but it doesn't matter to me."
"I found a new recipe for strawberry-filled chocolates that I was going to try out," Roxas answered. "But I won't have them ready for tomorrow. So if you do do flowers, don't do them tomorrow 'cause I'm not ready."
"Sounds good. I'll figure out if she'll be around closer to the 14th, then." Sora nodded.
"Okay," Roxas said as the timer went off. Carefully pulling the brownies from the over, he placed them on the counter to cool, smacking Sora's hand away. "They're too hot right now!"
Sora pouted.
"Besides," Roxas added, "I have to add the top layer of fudge yet. Patience is a virtue and all that."
Sora rolled his eyes, "Fiiiine."
Roxas laughed, carefully prying the brownies out of the pan and smoothing the fudge, offering Sora the butter knife he'd used. "Well, happy Thursday."
Sora chuckled, "Haha, thanks."
XXXX
"Roxas?" Larxene blinked as she opened the door, "Axel's at work."
Roxas frowned, "He gets done soon, though, right?"
"Well, yeah." Larxene nodded, "Maybe." she blinked for a minute, "Fuck, his schedule's on the fridge." she shut the door behind Roxas and rubbed her eyes, yawning.
Roxas tilted his head, "Were you sleeping? Late night?"
"Overnight stocking shift at the Hardware Store Place." Larxene sighed, "Must've done something to piss Leon off, 'cause he booked me for three of them next week."
Roxas laughed, "I thought you might've been up all night on the phone." He winked at her, plopping onto the couch.
Larxene yawned again, sitting down in a chair, "Would have been a much more enjoyable night."
"I bet," Roxas chuckled. He glanced around the unusually quiet house. "No one else here?"
"Nope." Larxene shrugged, "Only half awake, can't remember everyone's schedule. Did you check to see if I was making Axel's up?"
Blushing lightly, Roxas said, "I kinda have it memorized. Guess I just beat him here..."
Larxene chuckled, "M'sure he'll be back soon."
Roxas nodded, absently fingering the pendant around his neck. Glancing at Larxene out of the corner of his eyes, he asked, "You've been friends with Axel a long time, right? He ever had a lasting relationship before? With men?"
"Isn't this more of a question for Axel?" Larxene raised an eyebrow, "It's not like he won't tell you."
"Right, you're right. Never mind," Roxas said quickly, dropping it.
Larxene raised an eyebrow, "Roxas? I don't mind telling you, I was just curious. It's not like Axel's past love life is a secret."
"I... do I spend too much time here?" the blonde blurted out.
Larxene blinked, "Not sure if I'm too tired or if those words just actually came from your mouth. Of course you don't spend too much time here, Roxas."
"I didn't mean to just hang out or that I'm not welcome," Roxas said, frustrated. "I meant with Axel. I see him, like, every day. Is that too clingy? Am I trying too hard? But it doesn't really feel like trying and it should, right? It shouldn't be easy!"
Realizing what was going on, Larxene sighed and smiled, "Doesn't always have to feel like trying, no. Depends on the relationship. What brought this on?"
Roxas threw his hands up in the air, "I've never had a relationship last this long before. Usually I'm either accused of being too clingy or not interested enough. And I've never had anyone for Valentine's day besides that one year when I decided a one-night-stand was the way to go!" More calmly, he clutched the pendant again, "And I get that Philip was your friend and he's dead and all, but were he and Axel fucking?"
Larxene's eyes widened, "Whoah!" she said, moving over onto the couch and putting her hands on Roxas's shoulders. "First off, hell no, Axel and Philip were not involved. Dunno if there were any feelings on Axel's side-you'll have to ask that yourself-but Philip had a girlfriend for most of the time they were friends. It was just the shit near the beginning of high school that fucked with the both of them, nothing else. As for your earlier concerns, Axel doesn't hold emotions back-if he thought you were being too clingy, he'd have said something by now, at least to one of us," she gestured to herself, "if not straight to you. And I can promise you that he hasn't."
Roxas relaxed a little, hand no longer clutching the pendant. "Okay. I just... sometimes I feel more at home here than at home, and it scares me. I know your kitchen as good as my own and everything stays where I put it here while at home things tend to move around. And now that Sora's finally with Riku, there's less of a reason to even go home at night and that really scares me, too."
Larxene smiled, "I think that's just kind of proof that you're happy. It's a little scary, you're right, but do you usually feel all that scared when you're actually around Axel?"
Before Roxas could answer, Axel opened the door. Glaring over, Larxene snapped. "Shoo!"
Axel blinked.
"Ten minutes! Out!"
Almost fearful for his life, Axel backed out, shutting the door again.
Roxas paled when the door opened but burst out laughing at Axel's face as he closed the door. Warmly, he answered Larxene's question, "No. Somehow nothing is really that bad around him."
Larxene, apparently not phased by yelling at Axel, smiled at him, "See? Everything's fine and you're worrying about nothing. I promise that if Axel ever does mention issues to me, Cloud, Zex, or Dem, we'll tell you. For now, though, you should probably make sure he knows I'm not gonna kill him."
Roxas smiled. "Yeah. Thanks, Larx." He hugged her quickly before bounding to the door, yanking it open and pulling a somewhat stunned Axel down to kiss him thoroughly.
When Roxas pulled back, Axel spoke, "Do I get to come in now, or will I just get kicked out again?"
"You can come in now," Roxas grinned.
Axel smirked, kissing him again before walking inside.
Roxas sighed happily, "I love you."
"Love you too." Axel smiled down at him, "So, uh, why was I kicked out?"
"Don't ask questions, Scarlet." Larxene rolled her eyes from the couch.
"Larxene was only telling me about your most embarrassing moments, naturally," Roxas snickered.
"Oh, naturally." Axel shook his head, "She totally would, too."
"Didn't deny it." Larxene shrugged.
Roxas laughed before turning serious. "So what are our plans for today? Because I really need to go grocery shopping for Valentine's day."
Axel shrugged, "Want to go now, then?" he asked.
"Sure," Roxas agreed. "By the way Larxene, what's your favorite kind of chocolate?"
Larxene blinked, "Er, white chocolate. Why?"
"No allergies, right?" Roxas asked, ignoring her question.
"Right. Do I get an answer?"
"You'll figure it out, but... thanks," Roxas smiled at her before squeezing Axel's hand. "Let's go?"
"Sure. Later, Larx." Axel waved.
"Kay, whatever. Have fun." Larxene waved back, plopping backwards on the couch so she was laying across it.
Fifteen minutes after the couple left, Cloud walked in, kicking off his shoes and plopping into a chair. "Why are people idiots?"
"Because people have an innate ability to harness stupidity. What's up?" Larxene sat up.
"This car came in with one of the dirtiest engines I've ever seen, and trust me I've seen a lot. And when Xigbar asked the girl when was the last time she had her oil changed, she looked at him like he had three heads before lighting up and saying, 'Oh! Is that what the light is? That's been on for years!'" Cloud groaned. "It's no wonder the thing didn't blow up."
Larxene grimaced, "Eesh."
"And then she was outraged when I told her I couldn't fix it then and there and it needed lot of work. What the hell did she expect, me to pull out a magic wand and fix years of corrosion with a blast of glitter?" Cloud growled. "Xigbar explained like three times that it would take a while before I called her a cab and kicked her out, sick of the whining."
"For the record, I'd pay to see you wave a wand and fix cars with glitter." Larxene smirked.
Cloud glared before smiling vindictively, "Enjoying the night shift?"
Larxene frowned, "What did I do to you?"
"Nothing yet," Cloud shrugged. "But I know it's coming. And it wasn't all me. You know Leon's got two workers sick right now, so it was himself, you, or Dem. Guess who I voted for?"
"Let me get this straight, this was a preemptive strike for something you have no proof is coming." Larxene said.
Cloud frowned, "Playing innocent doesn't suit you - I know you're up to something."
Larxene rolled her eyes, "Sure, sure I am."
"Did you ever get all that stuff sorted out with Saix about Zexion's family?" Cloud asked, completely changing the subject, not liking the new glint in her eyes.
Still smirking a little, but dropping the other subject, Larxene nodded, "Oh, yeah, we figured that all out. They had no case in the first place, it was easy."
Before Cloud could ask her more about it, Zexion walked into the house, closely followed by Demyx and Yuffie.
"You're home already, Cloud?" Zexion asked, surprised to see the blonde.
"Just on break. I should head back," he said, standing. "Larx, talk to you later?"
"Yeah, remind me, I have things to tell you." Larxene smiled.
Cloud nodded, smiling at the teens as he slipped his shoes back on and left.
"Hey guys." Larxene waved.
"Hey, Larx." Demyx nodded and Yuffie smiled.
"I feel like I've been visited by everyone today." Larxene said, "Well, now that I've officially seen everyone, I'm off to nap, since I'm still exhausted." she hopped up, "See you later, guys." she waved, walking away.
XXXX
Hi everyone! Cami here, long time no see. Sorry, it's just easier for Jas to write author's notes, since she uploads and all.
With the plotline we're writing right now, though… for once I'm the more organized one that thinks of things.
And on that note, TODAY'S THE ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF THIS FIC BEING UPLOADED. To think, a year ago today, I managed to convince Jas that this wasn't a stupid idea. And now look where we are. :)
I'm mostly joking around, but seriously, everyone who's read and reviewed, thank you so much for your support. It means a lot.
See you next chapter!