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…
Don't Be a Gentleman: Balanced Perspectives…
My head is spinning, going through multiple ways of escape.
I've trained myself in handling my emotions pretty well if I do say so myself. After experiencing the powers of attraction first hand I know the dangers that a kiss could bring.
I bet you're all rolling your eyes. A kiss? Dangerous? Please…
Well, you can wipe those smirks off where they lie. A kiss is distracting by itself, but getting one from the person you love is just asking to be sent to a different world altogether…
If I forget what I'm aiming for in our conversation from just a simple stare then there's bound to be no coherency in my argument once he brushes his lips against mine.
Unfortunately, there is one problem with my analytical excuses for making a run. I want to kiss him.
It's kind of hard to avoid something when your body is screaming at you to commit the deed.
I have about five seconds to make a decision. Stay? Push him away softly while faking a cough? Pretend to faint? (Okay, that last one was cheesy…but I'm desperate here!).
I guess all I can do is let it happen since my other ideas would probably just seem rude.
My eyes close rapidly as I tilt my head up, waiting for the inevitable feeling of his lips moving with my own.
I start to get anxious when I don't sense anything for ten seconds. What's he waiting for? I really hope he isn't trying to draw it out…
Humph, well this is boring. I guess I'll just open my—
"Gotcha!" A force as sudden as a gust of wind lifts me from behind, twirling me in circles.
The dizziness hits my head first as sensations of surprise and panic send my stomach into a frenzy. After I've been strung around the circle five times, I'm returned to my previous position as a pleasant force presses against my mouth.
Sora's kiss is firm and slow. I'm too shocked to do anything except stand there, my eyes wide open from the previous spinning movements. His hands are clutching my sides, holding me in a mildly aggressive bear hug.
When he finally releases me, I cough loudly, greedily sucking in torrents of air. "S-Sora you…" I gasp, "…moron."
I hate being scared. Riku used to always tease me about avoiding all the classic horror movies and camp stories but I can't stand the agonizing paranoia that lingers after such tales. I've already had a hard time getting over my fear of the dark but just one session with Riku and Sora and I'm asking my parents if I can sleep in their room (in the corner of course. The bed was forbidden a long time ago…).
So, the fact that my boyfriend decides to give me a heart attack as a greeting? Yeah, I'm not pleased…
His laughter is just making it worse. "That was too easy…"
My cheeks flare hotly from the comment. "Ugh! Why did you have to do that? Can't I say hello to you in peace?"
Sora smiles. "Come on, Kairi. It was just a little spin." He moves his fingers around as if demonstrating how harmless the concept was. "Besides, you look cute when you blush."
"I'm not blushing!"
His smile grows wider as he wraps me in another hug. "You know I'd never let anything happen to you, right?"
I sigh into his chest. "…yeah."
"So then there's nothing you have to worry about." He pats my head, tousling the red locks with a goofy expression on his face.
I clear my throat loudly. "Yeah…well, I was thinking about that…"
"Oh, were you?" He says this casually while playing with my hair.
Darn, this is going to be hard to explain. "Yes, and…um…"
His eyes shoot through me again. His gaze is full of concern but it's too intense to calm me down. I gulp loudly as I mess with my fingers, curling them into various shapes. This isn't hard, Kairi! Just say it!"You don't have to worry about me anymore, Sora. I can protect myself now."
"Really?" The look he gives me next is a little unsettling. His mouth is set in a firm line while his eyes flash.
My body fidgets. Why does he seem so mad? "Well, I know I've gotten into many tight situations, but I'm older now. I'm more mature and aware …"
He's walking toward me now, his expression neutral. He moves around me as I talk. It's as if he's surveying every part of my body, like I'm in a physical test or something. I can't tell if I'm failing or not.
I continue anyway. "Even if I'm …I can fight now. So…"
"I see…you don't need me anymore…"
I turn around to stare at him. His head is bent, the chocolate colored spikes covering up his eyes. The whole sight makes me want to wrap him in a blanket. "No, that's not what I meant at all!"
He smirks at me, lifting his head. "Oh, but you did. You're determined to settle this on your own. Now that you can wield a Keyblade you've been growing more independent. I'm just getting in the way of that, aren't I?"
He gives me a facetious smile, mischief dancing in his eyes. I really don't know what he's getting at, but I think he's missing the point. "You don't understand. I'm not trying to be independent. I'm being…" I go over a list of words in my head. "…realistic."
After a couple more awkward stares, Sora gives me a cheerful smile. "Tell you what. If you can beat me in a brawl without using magic I may take your suggestion seriously."
Is he joking? Ugh, I'm really not doing this right…"Wait, I can explain!"
He laughs before ruffling my hair again. "Are you still embarrassed about what happened at the beach?"
Why do people have to keep bringing that up? I swear, if Riku asks me this later I'll blow a gasket…"Yes! You made me look ridiculous!"
"What are you saying? You were my perfect little princess and I was but a humble prince carrying you to your carriage." The dreamy gleam in his eyes nearly makes me cough up bile. I can't believe he said that, like it was destined to happen or something.
"The fact of the matter is I looked like a shallow girl who's too lazy to walk," I grunt as the shame reaches my cheeks (blushing sucks).
Sora cuddles against me while saying, "But you were so cute!"
"I was not!" I stomp away from him, rethinking my strategy.
This isn't working. I can't talk to him without getting flustered.
Looks like I'm back to the drawing board, unless…"Hey, have you heard from Riku?"
Sora shrugs. "He texted me a couple minutes ago. Something about going to work out…"
"Great! Tell him to cancel and meet us at the park."
"Wait, what?"
"You heard me. Come on, let's do some games together. It will be just like old times…" Images of our island run through my mind as I make the statement.
He looks sad when he replies. "I guess…"
I smile brightly at him. "Perfect! I'll be right back!"
Before he can express any doubts I run away from him.
Excitement courses through my veins as I start going over my new plans. Sora was right about one thing, I have to be prepared for the future…
If I want to gain anyone's respect I have to show them that I can handle the stress of looking after my own butt. Just saying that I can isn't going to cut it, but if I can physically prove that I'm up for the task then I might just make some headway.
And let's face it. What better motivator is there for physical expertise than sports? If I can last a couple rounds with Riku and Sora then I'd be in pretty top shape.
Scratch that, I am in pretty top shape. I just have to show them.
There always has to be a balance. Sora and I were looking at things from extreme angles, but what we need to do is look at things from the big picture.
Since talking to him obviously doesn't work (thanks a lot, Selphie) I'll have to form new ways of delineating the concept.
Now, if only I could remember where I put that old football…
This one was a little tougher to write. Hope it was still enjoyable to read.
Last Edit: June 9 2013