A/N: Yes, I am very determined to finish this story and maybe start on a sequel. I guess it's easy to tell that something is going to happen in a chapter, because those kind of chapters are usually much longer. :P Also, pay close attention to the random appearance of a new character in this chapter because he will play an important role in the later chapters, and the sequel, if I ever get to that. Also, can you guess who it is?

Thanks: uklott369. :)

~ The most unbelievable thing about this all was that he had initiated the kiss… ~

71) Weather

It was raining so hard that Aqua started to think that the gods were particularly angry today. She could hardly see anything while she was trying to protect her homemade cookies so they wouldn't get ruined. Could they not have a little mercy on the stuff she created from scratch? No one liked watery cookies unless it was deliberately dipped in milk.

"Oof!"

The basked filled with warm cookies fresh out of the oven nearly flew out of her hands when she ran into someone she hadn't seen. It felt more like running into a brick wall. For a brief moment when they locked eyes, Aqua's heart nearly stopped, because she thought that the handsome stranger was Vanitas, but with red eyes. Then she noticed that while they shared the same hair-color, this man's eyes weren't red at all, but an intense shade of blue. She quickly apologized for bumping into him.

He mumbled a quick "Don't worry," over his shoulder, already walking away from her.

Weirdo.

Terra was so lost in his own thoughts that when he heard the doorbell he let out a startled gasp. When he opened the door, however, he could barely hide his smile upon seeing a wetthrough Aqua standing in the doorway.

"Hi!" she said, a little breathless, as if she was scared that he would get mad at her again (Terra felt a pang of guilt because of that). "I baked too many cookies today and I know for a fact that you've always liked these, so…"

"Oh... Come on in then," Terra said, before the silence would get awkward between them.

He stepped aside to let her in. She promptly handed him the basket with cookies, before noticing that Terra was looking at the way the water was dripping on the wooden floor. For a moment, they both looked at it quietly. When their eyes met again, Aqua blushed.

"Sorry, I'll clean that up myself."

She was about to head to the kitchen to get to work, but Terra stopped her. "No, it's alright. I'll do it later. Is the weather always this bad here?"

"Unfortunately, it is. Especially during this time of the year. But the warm summers are totally worth it and you'll most likely start to miss the rain and the sweater weather by then," she explained, while trying to brush her wet hair out of her face so she could get a proper look at him.

Her eyes travelled to his far too wide pants. If there was one thing that had not changed after the accident, it was his weird fashion sense. Good thing he didn't wear this outside because it made him look as if he was dressed up.

"...I see. Well, follow me," he said, a bit stiffly.

He was happy to see her, but he also felt a little bit ashamed since he had gotten mad at her. Thankfully, that hadn't stopped her for coming over and acting like nothing had happened. It was much easier for him this way too.

Terra stopped right in front of his bedroom door.

"Wait here." Aqua raised a thin brow but did as she was told, while Terra entered the room. Within seconds he was back again. "Uhm... So Kairi's not home, and I'm not sure if she would like it if I just give you her clothes without asking first, so you'll have to do with these."

He handed her a stack of black clothes, which she guessed were his own.

"Oh, that's okay. I'm used to it. And I probably wouldn't fit her clothes anyway," she said with a small smile. When Terra gave her a questioning look she went to explain, "When we were younger, me and Ven used to borrow your clothes when ours got dirty or wet. You were less lucky, since you couldn't fit into Ven's clothes and you refused to borrow mine because you said they made you look like a girl."

"Oh...of course." He let out an awkward laugh. "Well, you can change in my room while I'll go and make us some drinks."

After changing into a black T-shirt and matching black shorts, Aqua went straight to the kitchen. Terra had already made two milkshakes, just like the good old days. She couldn't help but feel all warm and happy; some things never changed.

The brunet man handed Aqua her drink, but didn't say anything. Judging by the strange expression on his face, something was bothering him.

Just when she wanted to ask what was wrong, he started, "Look, I'm sorry for...my behavior, and for getting mad at you for no reason. I went too far."

Aqua waved if off like it was nothing (especially because she noticed the faint blush on his face. How adorable). "Don't worry about it, Terra. You had a right to be peeved…" She sighed, before continuing with, "You know, you've always been really good at making the perfect milkshake. You probably got this from your mother."

Terra didn't know what got into him. Maybe it was her sweet tone of voice, combined with her words, or maybe it was because she looked undeniably attractive yet vulnerable in his clothes. Maybe it was the way she licked her lips after each small sip that she took. He didn't know how it happened, but suddenly, in two big steps, he closed the gap between them and kissed her on the lips.

She didn't pull away, which made him feel more euphoric than ever. But then, when he realized what he was doing, his eyes flew open. He stepped back and before Aqua could see the shock and confusion on his face, he left the kitchen alltogether. The next thing Aqua heard was the front door that he slammed shut behind him.

The most unbelievable thing about this all was that he had initiated the kiss…

A/N: Finally. Their first kiss happens in chapter 71. I regret nothing! XD Do you guys think I should let this be my first story that I try to publish? Admittedly, it would need big time polishing and I will scrap the filler chapters, but still...

Next chapter: How weird. Aqua had never told him about this holiday…