People always say you do crazy things when you are in love, and that's true. But…I think people do their worst when they are mad at the person they love…

I stomped over towards the door, mumbling under my breath. "Riku…"

"Yeah?" His face contorted from mischief to surprise as I hastily kissed him on the lips.

Before he could push me away, I stepped back from him, grinning petulantly at the brunette across from me.

Don't Be a Gentleman: Fragile glass and Deadly Maneuvers…

Have you ever seen one of those children's movies where the bratty child gets caught with their hand in the cookie jar? Or perhaps you've seen a teen sitcom where the rebellious daughter gets into a compromising position with the bad boy that her parents absolutely despise?

Whichever one you choose doesn't change the ending results. Once the damage is done, the guilt seeps in. It twists and turns through your mind, giving you one moment of clarity…the perfect level of hindsight…

Then…that's where chaos breaks loose…and if you have a conscience…well, you'll be in for a world of misery.

There's nothing like a little friendly betrayal to get the blood pumping. But for my case it's even more thrilling…

I kissed my boyfriend's best friend, the top crime of all unmoral spouses. For many of the older generation viewing this, it seems inordinate and easy to fix.

But we're just a couple of teenagers, and I've done the unthinkable…

With that said, I tried my best to smile through the discomfort, even if it was making the situation worse…

My lips slowly started to lower once I took a good look at Sora's face. He wasn't moving at all, just staring at me with his eyes opened wide in horror.

I could see small beads of sweat running down Riku's forehead as he took in his friend's disposition. "Sora...?"

At the sound of his name, my boyfriend (or possibly ex now…) snapped his head up, closing his eyes tightly. He then bows before Riku. "Thank you for inviting me…"

Wait…that's it? He's not even going to comment on it? Did I just dream up the kiss? My jaw nearly dropped down to the floor as he continued to stay in his bent position.

Riku stuttered. "Ah…no problem."

Sora then whirled over to the right, moving his legs forward in a fierce walk. I blinked for about five seconds before rushing after him, trying hard not to run into the street by accident.

As I spent time worrying about staying within the confines of the sidewalk, I neglected the other objects around me. This proved to be my downfall as I effortlessly slammed into a medium-sized, dark black pole. It was a direct hit, mainly damaging the front of my face and stomach.

I fell to the ground in a messed up form of pajamas and hair, coughing sporadically.

All I could think of at the moment was this: Ouch…

A rough grip pulls me up back into the air, cutting off my next groan. I was ready to thank my savior before my breath gets pulled out of me as my body gets implemented into a wall. Fingers dig into my wrists, holding me in place without much resistance.

I lifted my head up, flinching at the sharp blue eyes that pierce into me. His face is livid. "Why are you following me?"

"I-I…" I swallowed. "Because I didn't mean it…"

Sora growled at me, his hands unforgiving in the pressure they exert. "Darn it, Kairi…"

I struggled to stop my bottom lip from trembling. Don't act scared now. You got yourself into this mess. Only brutal honesty is going to work here… "None of it meant anything. I was just mad…"

His eyes darken considerably before he moves his face in closer. "Oh really? Should I do whatever I want to you now that you've made me mad?"

I felt a shiver run down my spine. "Well…I guess that would be fair…"

It seemed like hours had passed before Sora turned his head away. "Ugh, why can't you just stay away..?"

"Um…because I can't stand to be away from you?" I smiled sheepishly only to gasp in pain as his fingers dig into my flesh. Argh! Since when did they get this sharp? What is up with him?

He lets go of me in one quick motion, nearly causing me to fall back onto the sidewalk. I quickly balance myself before I rub my wrists. With one hand he tilts my chin up so that I'm forced to stare into his face. "Look, I need you to leave me alone, okay? No surprise visits, no texts…I'll come see you, got it?"

I want to protest and be the sarcastic girlfriend that I rightfully am, but his facial expression tells me that any suggestion will be immediately shot down. I sighed before nodding my head in defeat. "Fine…"

He turns to walk away, but before he can make one step I grasp his hands in panic, saying one last thing for him to mull over. "You know…I'm not made out of glass…"

Sora doesn't acknowledge me, he just continues to move his feet forward, pulling his hand out from my tense palm. I'm about to leave before a soft voice filled with disdain reaches my ears. "I doubt that…"

xxXXXxxxXxxxx

After standing around like a moron for fifteen minutes I decided to hurry up and get my execution over with. So…without further ado, it's time to apologize to a certain silver-head.

It was like my feet were made out of mud and wads of slime. I couldn't reach his house without bumping into something. I moaned, taking a break to complain as I approached his doorway. "Ugh, what is this? My coordination sucks today!"

Before I could chicken out of it, I bashed my knuckles into his door. He opened it, looking very annoyed when he recognized that it was me. "What?"

I sent a hand into the back of my hair, scratching relentlessly. "I have to say it…"

I'm grateful that he hasn't shut the door on me yet but I know that window of opportunity is closing soon so I spout out a hurried apology before he can comment. "I'm sorry, okay? What I did was extremely stupid and…" I sighed. "…really cruel to you in particular. I don't expect forgiveness, but please know that I…it was…"

He holds up one hand, his eyes as cold as the wind. "Save it, Kairi. Just…go home."

I nod. It's the best response I can hope for considering what I've accomplished in the past half hour. "Right…"

"Oh, and one more thing…"

"Yes?" My voice wavers and I silently wished Riku didn't hear it.

He gives me a 'no-nonsense' look before stating the obvious bluntly. "Give Sora some space…"

Humph, a little too late for that… "Yeah…"

His door slams, swatting a poof of angry air in my face. I take it all in then use that as my momentum to get me back home.

Even though the journey only amounts to five minutes, I feel like it's been a life time. An unexpected but predictable surprise awaits me as I enter the premises; my parents are sitting on the main couch in our living room. They both appear to be calm, but that's a big cherry on the sundae of facades.

They've been waiting for me, I thought as I walk in casually before sitting on a cushion across from them. Let the torture begin…

Dad begins the questioning, clearing his throat as he always does before talking about serious matters. "Kairi, I'm going to keep this short because you're sixteen and I don't want to discuss the extra details right now…"

His deep voice brings me back to the form of a five year old. It's like I'm shrinking in his presence, and suddenly I feel like bawling in front of him. I lower my head in a vain attempt to appear innocent. "Uh…I guess I overstayed my visit…"

My mother frowned, the creases in her head showing up from the movements of her facial muscles. "You have a lot of explaining to do." Her voice is more like scissors when she's mad. They cut through you and split you open, revealing all your secrets. I can never lie in front of her.

"Fine. I was at Riku's house, but I left a note!" I added that in with a slight fist pump. Don't ask me why, it's just a stupid habit from school that I can't get rid of…

My father groaned before placing a hand over his eyes. "Kairi Louise Warner…"

No, not the full family name! If I wasn't in trouble before I definitely am now… "Dad…it really isn't what you think. I was just hanging out with some friends."

"Really? I don't ever see you sneaking out to Selphie's house."

I moaned. Ugh, they're expecting the worst… "I…I couldn't talk to her about…it's just easier to speak with Riku and Sora. They understand me…"

My dad smirked. "Oh I bet they do…"

What was that supposed to mean?

Wait…they don't think…

I could feel my breath hitching in my throat as my mother sat beside me. "Honey…we're not trying to separate you from your friends…but sneaking over to see a boy-"

My dad cut her off. "Did you sleep with Riku?"

I glared at him. "Are you insane? Sora's my boyfriend, you know this!"

"Don't use that tone with me, young lady! Now answer me!"

"No!"

He seems to believe me when he turns away, breathing out in one swift gust. My mom is hugging me, squeezing me tightly enough to rival a snake's technique. "Please…don't go…"

"I'm not going anywhere. You guys know I would never leave on purpose, right?"

She keeps holding me until Dad shakes her shoulders. "Let's give it a break. You go rest…it's still pretty early…"

She huffs loudly before heading to their bedroom, worry laced in each of her movements like a vine. That little nuance nearly makes me collapse from the guilt, but I walk to my room with stiff determination. "Am I grounded?"

Dad grumbled. "Ask me in an hour..."

Ah…whenever he does that anything goes. Or maybe he just hasn't thought of a good punishment yet… "Okay."

The moment I enter my safe haven I crash into my pillow, pulling the covers up in small waves of pink cotton. I have a lot to fix, but first things first…

I narrowed my eyes and curled my fingers into fists, trying to come up with a plan. I had to get their trust back…and I still had to convince Sora to let me in.

It was going to be a long morning…

xxXXXxxXXXxxxx

As the afternoon swept us in its sticky, hot hand, I could feel my resolve cracking. Relationships are very easy to break, apparently, but fixing them is such a hassle.

The most infuriating part of the process was that I had no one to blame but myself…unless Sora's avoidance and Riku's pact of silence counts…

I was about to give up when memories of sand assaulted my senses, the smell of salt-water coming together with the Earthy scents of palm trees and wood.

Our Island…I have to go there… I timidly walked into my dad's office, his back facing me as he typed at hyper speed on his computer. "Uh…can I go to the beach?"

"No boys?"

"No boys, just me, myself, and I," I said, giving him a small smile.

"Alright…get out of here. Come back when I call you, no side trips."

"Thanks." I hugged him from behind and kissed his cheek before running out of his workplace.

I ran out into the frigid air and started racing to my-I mean our island; the forbidden attraction.

It was against the rules so I guess it made visiting the place more appealing. Even if it was the place that started it all…the place where I disappeared…I felt calm knowing I could fully express myself there.

I wouldn't have to hide or pretend to be normal like I've been trying to do in front of my parents and Selphie.

There's only me…and the wide sky cuddled next to a vast ocean. This was the place where dreams were made and broken, where one friendship was created and born to last forever.

So the paopu fruit promised…

There was a certain tree…it was located on a small, circular piece of the island that jutted out of the main land. I went towards it and sat in the crooked tree's embrace, staring blissfully at the sun. "Maybe I'll figure out what to do here. I can make a new path…"

The sun shined brighter as a response and I couldn't help but smile back.

The sun's rays were flaring at odd angles, forcing me to turn my gaze down to the sand. It was shimmering with white light, sparkling off of the reflection spraying in from the ocean. Sitting in the sand was a jumble of limbs and blue fabric, twisted into a ball. The only thing I recognized was a puff of brown spiky hair…

What's he doing here? None of us are allowed to come to the island… I smirked, taking in his relaxing body with jealous eyes. I bet he's been breaking that rule from the start. Humph!

Technically, I really had no right to judge since I was basically a criminal too, but what can I say? I'm stubborn…

So, what should a curious girl do when she doesn't have a plan and the source of the problem is sitting a few feet away? Why, confront it of course!

With that action already stuck in my brain, I had no choice but to follow my instincts and jump off the mini-island to face my prince.

He didn't look up from his position but I could see his body tensing. Well, I guess he knows that I'm here. Might as well get this over with…

I stood next to him, idly playing with my fingers. "Hey…"

A mumbled 'hey' escaped from his hands.

I shrugged before sitting, staring at the foaming waves in front of us. "So…you couldn't stay away either, eh?"

He scooted over to the side, as if he were opening a cavern between me and him. The line was set…and it was my duty to cross it.

I inched over to him, destroying any free space left. "I think I know the perfect thing to cheer you up!"

I hid my victorious grin as an eye peaked out of his arm. "You do?"

"We're both obviously frustrated with each other…so I say we put that energy to good use!" I jumped up in one swift motion before bringing out my Keyblade. It appeared in my hand in a flash of light, an orange sword swirling into the air with flowers for teeth and a pure white handle. I quickly went into a offensive pose. "Come on, get up!"

Sora looked like he wanted to die on the spot. I swear! Boys can be so dramatic sometimes…

He cleared his throat. "Um…yeah, this is a bad idea…"

"Just spar with me! I promise you will feel a lot better when this is over." I gave him a couple of quick mock jabs, switching my weight back and forth between my feet.

"No."

I frowned. "You promised. You said you would take me seriously if I defeat you…"

"Kairi…"

"How about this…" I let my weapon drag along the ground, lifting my finger up to my chin in thought. "If I win, you tell me everything. If you win…then I'll do what you say for real this time."

Sora grumbled, kicking the sand in front of him. "Why should I trust you?"

"Because now we're even. You didn't call me and I'm not leaving you alone, so there!" I was getting back into position, walking around him in a circle.

"I refuse to fight you." He crossed his arms.

"Then I hope you can dodge!" I spent a good second mustering up enough air to give a large battle cry (what? It can be intimidating) before swiping my Keyblade at his torso.

He evaded my attack easily, moving his legs in a zigzag pattern before breaking off into a sprint. I stopped him by throwing my blade towards his legs in a spin. It hit the souls of his feet dead on, causing him to fall straight into the sand.

The Keyblade went back towards me, fitting into the palm of my hand as I shouted. "You'll have to do better than that!"

I ran up to him, bringing my blade up over my hair, preparing to whack him in the head. He jumped up and tried again to run away, but he was going much faster this time.

Drat! He always beats me in running races. I won't be able to catch him… Before I could think over my actions a spell escaped from my mouth in a hurried frenzy. "Fire!"

I gasped, staying completely still as a fireball shot out of my Keyblade and headed towards Sora. His leg was just entering the docks when the sand around him exploded up in wild torrents, fire roaring loudly into the air.

I clutched my neck, unable to say anything. He…oh no, he's… "SORA!"

My feet pushed the sand from the ground, pounding with greater intensity as I got closer to the raging inferno. Tears leaked from my eyes, clouding my vision as I stood five inches away from the fire. "Sora…"

The flames suddenly expanded, spreading out in a wide oval. The heat made my skin crack and I held up my Keyblade in a blocking position. It was futile; a key wasn't going to protect me from getting burned.

Wind broke through the heat, strangling the flames away in one quick puff of smoke. I stared in awe at the funnel of air surrounding Sora, pushing the fire. He used the reflect spell…

I was about to run up to him when a white Keyblade comes up, nearly impaling me in the chest. I backed away from it warily.

Sora's eyes turned black as his body shook with dark chuckles. "You…never give up, do you?"

I couldn't utter a word; I was too busy staring at the Keyblade that was still pointing at my chest.

He laughed again, bits of hysterical notes creeping into his voice. "I knew you wouldn't play fair…didn't I say you couldn't use magic?"

My mouth felt like sandpaper. "Yes…yes you did."

He made a sound of disgust before stepping closer to me, never lowering his blade. "You're very persistent, Kai, I'll give you that. It seems there's nothing stopping you from getting what you want…"

"Sora…" I yelped lightly as he swung at me, barely missing my side. What the…he's serious!

"I guess I'll play along…after all, the only way I can get you out of my hair is if I win, right?" His eyes bore into me, venom shooting out of them in icy sheets.

I grimaced before bringing my Keyblade up. "That's correct…"

Sora smiled slowly, showing his teeth. "Okay then. I dare you to make the next move…"

The rational part of my mind is screaming at me to run away, but I stayed my ground. "If you think you're ready for it."

His smile grows wider. "Hit me."

Oh, I will. I bring my blade up again, going for a side attack. He lets me get a few feet in before attempting to block my attack.

My weapon slams into his directly, throwing small orange sparks into the air. He pushes me back, sending me into a small spin that I quickly stop by thrusting my blade into the sand.

I barely bring it back up in time to block his assault, swinging up to avoid what could have been a nasty blow to the head. Jeez, is he trying to knock me out?

I try to get the advantage on him, moving with quick upper cutting swings and a few low strikes. He avoids them all though and retaliates with brutal force, sending me back into the sand in a tangled heap. He laughs at me, tapping his Keyblade against my head. "Give up yet?"

I growled, getting back up in one motion. "No!"

I go at him again, and again, and again…

He never slows down, he doesn't get any weaker. He's as fresh as he was when he started.

But my body is waning. My throat is getting hoarse from my battle grunts and my legs are shaking.

My hands tremble and my back protests from being slammed into the sand too many times to count.

I cough and wheeze, but I don't stop. I keep attacking and attacking…

The sun…it's setting… I make the biggest mistake of my life by looking towards the sky, soaking in as much comfort as I can before the final blow.

It hits me so fast I can barely see before I'm in the sky. I arch back painfully, moaning as the tiny rock kernels scrape against my skin upon impact.

He's breathing heavily now, standing in front of me in a forward 'C'. Huh…I guess I tired him out more than I thought…

The smug grin on my face instantly disappears as I feel his blade pressing against my chest. Sora says, "Are you done?"

I try to get back up, but it's kind of hard to perform an act like that when a weapon is about to shoot into your stomach. "You win…" I curse inwardly, unable to do anything as he slowly lifts his blade. Wait a minute…what?

I roll out of the way before his attack can cut me straight in half. The fight…it's over, right? I submitted…so why…?

He sneers at me, bringing his Keyblade back up for another attempt. "What's the matter, princess? Are you spent already?"

I struggle to get into a standing position, only to be pushed back into the ground. "What are you doing? Stop it…you win, alright? You beat me!"

I continue to roll, avoiding another hit to the head. He gives me a sadistic smile before stepping towards me, his Keyblade dragging in the sand. "No…I can see it in your eyes. You haven't given up…"

I glared before lifting my hands up in the universal sign of surrender. "Hello? You got me! It's time to put the big key away!" I quickly shove my hands back down as he swipes at them.

"Don't tell me what to do!" He aims the Keyblade at me, this time applying pressure to my neck.

I gulped. "Okay…what do you want?"

His blade pushes further against my neck, causing me to gasp. He smiles at me, as if it brings him joy to see me in pain. "Do you really want to know?"

I shivered, trying to get away from him. "Yeah…"

"What I want is for you to get out of here! Now!" He finally lifts his blade, allowing me to suck greedily at the air.

My hands shook as I pushed against the ground. My fingers slip in the sand as my muscles protest from the lingering soreness that sprouted from the fight. I sink back into the shifting rocks with a small cough.

Sora's foot tapped next to me, a sure sign of impatience. "You're not moving fast enough, Kairi!"

"I'm sorry…I can't…"

His growl shuts me up. I keep my gaze on the sand, shaking. My heart kicks into overdrive as he roughly lifts me up, carrying me bridal style.

I croaked while wrapping my arms around his shoulders. "S-Sora?"

"Shut up!" His glare is so intense that I do whatever I can to look anywhere but his face.

I can't help mumbling, "I'm sorry…"

He halts in his tracks, standing still. His head turns slowly towards me, his expression unreadable.

I was expecting to find hatred in his dark blue orbs…but instead all I see is agony.

His voice suddenly drops in volume, reminding me that he's still hurt over what happened earlier. "…Me too."

Silence takes the forefront as he continues to carry me while my heart grows weary with each step. The sun drowns in the horizon behind us, drenching the sky in total darkness. My body goes completely numb as Sora clutches me tighter, his hands the only thing keeping me in the world of awareness…

Wow, intense fight scene!

You know, I always see Riku and Sora sparring together, but I never see many fics with Kairi practicing with the boys…

Hope you all enjoyed this chapter! Thank you for reading, and don't forget to drop a review! :D

Much thanks to XionTheBlackRose, AnimeFan202, CrazyRedHead97, Otherguy14, and Guest for reviewing so far!