The issue isn't with what went down in the past. The issue is what those consequences mean for me and my life right now.
So I'm going to sum up my problem with one statement. It probably won't make much sense to you or Selphie, but I have to start the rant somewhere…
I stare obstinately at my friend, hoping she would grasp the urgency in my tone. "Selphie, we need to get Sora to stop being a gentleman."
Don't Be a Gentleman: The problem
From the way her eyes are sparkling I can already tell that I've said something highly amusing. "Ah…Kairi. Would you listen to yourself? You sound like a damsel in distress…"
I turn my head with a loud 'humph' as she giggles. "No, I don't," I mutter childishly.
It's almost an insult. This is the exact kind of thing I'm trying to avoid!
Ack! Okay, okay . . . breathe, Kairi. Explain yourself first…"Look, what I mean is I need to figure out a way to break the ice. Sora has been really edgy as of late and he's starting to exhibit some…odd behaviors…"
Selphie crosses her arms, probably getting into counselor mode. "Odd? How so?"
I twiddle my thumbs absently as I think over my prepared speech.
No matter how I word this, Selphie is going to see it in only one way. She'll think that my dilemma is a good thing, which I would totally agree with if I wasn't in this situation.
I have to somehow make her see it my way. "Well…okay, do you remember the beach party you threw last Saturday?"
She gives me a wide smile, showing her dimples. "Yes! It was the best, don't you think? It came out even better than I imagined!"
Please focus, Selphie… "Right. You remember how Sora and I had a water fight while you guys played truth or dare?"
Selphie nods, her voice full of innuendo as she says, "Yes, we could here you from a mile away. You two seemed to be enjoying yourselves quite a bit."
Darn it! I bet my face is as red as a tomato by now!
Unfortunately, my skin is too pale for my liking. I blush way too easily…
"Yeah, moving on! We were playing and everything was perfect until I slipped on a rock."
"Huh…that is unlike you. How did that happen?" Her eyes shine with more mischief as she takes in my face. "You were too busy staring at his chest, weren't you?"
I frown. Even I could feel my cheeks heating up! Why me? "Would you let me finish? Anyway, I did stumble a little bit but I was completely unharmed."
Selphie tilts her head to the side, the movement similar to a curious cat's gaze. "So, did Sora overreact a little?"
I smile before leaning my head into my hands with a groan. "Ugh…it was way more than 'a little'. He carried me bridal style back to the beach."
I can already see the wheels turning in her head as she gives me a look that would have scared anyone who didn't know her. She is a very perky person. "Oh my gosh! That is so romantic! You're a lucky girl, Kairi."
"I know I am, Selphie. But…think about it. I've been swimming since I was four. I was even good enough to compete before I had to quit because my parents couldn't pay for the lessons." Along with other life-changing events…
The bright brunette sighs beside me. I obviously wasn't getting anywhere with her. "I don't know. You seem fine to me. So what if he gets like that once and awhile? Isn't that his job or something?"
I grimace. "He's my boyfriend. Not my bodyguard…" Hmmm, I better find a different example. "Okay, how about this. There's this cave on the small island, you know, the one we used to play on? Sora and I visited it many times when we were kids. We drew chalk drawings in there…"
"Uh huh…"
"Now, he won't even let me go there anymore! I'm forbidden to set foot on that island!"
Actually, I can be a little more understanding of this one. After all, that place was where everything started. For my parents and Selphie, it happens to be the place where I disappeared for over eight months. To Sora and Riku, the truth is way more unsettling…
But just being forbidden from actually going there…the place that represented my childhood…
I get the dangerous connotations, but still…it just really sucks!
It seems that Selphie has a similar train of thought when she answers, "Well, that is the spot where you disappeared. None of us really go there anymore…"
"Yeah…" I stare at my hands warily. "I'm sorry for bringing this up. I know I'm not making any sense…"
Now that I'm calmer and rethinking over this I realize that…maybe I'm the one overreacting.
In actuality, it hasn't been a long time since our lives stopped being hectic roller coasters. Just dealing with our parents was a hassle, but there's always that lingering feeling that it's not over.
I know I can't fully sympathize with Riku or Sora because I never saw or experienced what they went through. But I'm not the useless princess of heart anymore. I can fight now. I have the power to wield a Keyblade…
I'm no master, but I've been practicing every day so that I can defend myself.
No one should have to carry the burden of protecting me all the time, especially Sora…
A slight touch on my shoulder brings me back to the coffee joint. "Kairi, I think I know what your problem is."
I give her a quizzical look, raising one eyebrow. "You do?"
She smiles softly. "You don't want to be pampered."
I curl into myself, bowing my head. "Yeah…that's a big part of it…"
She maneuvers my body to the side, indicating with her fingers what she wants me to do. I sigh before pressing my head against her shoulder.
I never really understood why she makes me do this every time we talk, but it did make me feel calmer.
"You know what I think?"
I shrug. "What?"
"You should tell Sora how you feel."
I really should have seen that one coming. One of my least favorite resolution tips. "I was afraid you'd say that…"
She giggles. "You should tell Riku too, though I don't think you'll have to worry about him. He's probably following Sora's orders isn't he?"
"Yes! You're exactly right. Riku wouldn't be this concerned but I know Sora is putting him up to this. They've always had this secret communication technique. They always give each other 'the look' when they think I'm not watching. It drives me crazy!"
Selphie laughs out loud. "They've known each other for a long time…"
"I know! That's what pisses me off. Riku will always side with Sora over me…"
"Just tell him how you feel, Kairi. It's as simple as that…"
I shift myself into my former sitting position. "Easy for you to say. I can't talk normally around Sora. He always…ergh…" I can feel my face heating up as I close my eyes tightly. "He never makes it easy!"
"What you're feeling is perfectly normal by the way. But if you really want him to ease up…" She turns towards me, her eyes twinkling. "Prove to him that you are capable of looking out for yourself. Give him a sign so that he knows he can trust you."
I couldn't help the snort that escapes my lips. As if I need to prove myself. I can use a Keyblade, dang it!
But…Selphie does have a point. I'm going to have to come up with a way to show Sora that he doesn't have to worry…and I have to work up the courage to tell him how I feel about all of this.
I'm not going to catch a break with this, aren't I? Well, respect is something you have to gain…"Thanks, Selphie. That really helped."
"No problem! What are best friends for, right?"
I smile brightly, ready to take on this new challenge. "You bet!"
I stand and do a single fist pump to work up some energy. "I'm going to tell him right now!"
Selphie claps her hands wildly. "Go Kairi, go!"
We are so goofy!I roll my eyes playfully before exiting the coffee shop. It was only a couple blocks away from Sora's house. Good thing too, because the longer it takes me to get there the faster my energy will transform into one full of panic.
I suck in a deep breath, willing my feet forward. You can do this, Kairi! You're going to go to his house, knock on his door, and be honest with him. It will turnout well as long as you don't screw up!
The walk to his home is both daunting and exhilarating. The feelings clash in an epic battle as I stand outside his door, my heart hammering in my chest like it's going to explode.
You can do this…You can do this…
My hand rises to knock on the door. Right before my knuckle hits the targeted area, the door opens up revealing Sora in all his glory, standing in his doorway.
His hair is still as gravity-defying as ever, the spiky brown pigment containing a fair amount of tan streaks. He's wearing a plain blue shirt with his silver crown pendent hanging on his trademark necklace. His blue pants that have silver stripes down the sides are, predictably, baggy and his outfit is complete with these bulky black shoes (ever since the grand adventure he's always been more comfortable wearing bigger-than-normal shoes. Don't ask me why).
His deep, ocean blue eyes widen before he gives me a huge grin. Instantly before I can say anything, he wraps me up in a big hug, breathing into my hair. "Kairi! It's good to see you!"
I wrap my arms around his torso, marveling in the warmth the simple action brings me. When we pull away my face instantly freezes as he stares lovingly into my own blue orbs.
Crap! What was I supposed to say?
As he brings my face closer to his I can't help feeling like I've already lost the battle…
Hmmm, not much longer but I felt like ending it here…
Thank you all for reading!
Last Edit: June 9 2013