A date


Two days have passed since that unforgettable encounter on the lush and magical islands of destiny. Aqua, with her heart beating in sync with longing, has been unable to communicate with Sora ever since. Likewise, Sora has not sought any contact with her either. Could it be that their souls were granting each other space to reflect on what happened? Always considerate and respectful, Aqua has decided not to bother Sora with her calls. After all, they spent a whole week sharing unforgettable conversations and experiences before she settled into her humble abode.

The brave blue warrior supposed that Sora would need some time of rest and peace away from her company. She didn't want to be an overwhelming presence or a constant reminder of her existence in the young man's life. Those sincere feelings compelled her to step back momentarily, allowing fate and the threads of love to weave their own course.

At that moment, while returning from her precious garden, where she had dedicated care and attention to each delicate flower, Aqua was lost in a kind of reverie. The tranquility of the place and the intoxicating aroma of the roses invited her to reflect and delight in the surrounding nature. She sighed with gratitude as she saw all the flowers in perfect condition, without any signs of trouble. The peace of her garden was a reflection of the love and dedication Aqua had for every living being around her.

However, uncertainty engulfed her at that moment. What could she do now to fill the void that Sora's separation had left in her soul? The desire to read didn't appeal to her in the slightest, as her mind was occupied with thoughts of Sora. She also didn't find the motivation to go for a run or engage in any physical activity that required energetic movements. Even playing with Ven, her loyal companion, was completely ruled out.

"Maybe I'll just watch TV or something," Aqua whispered to herself with a soft and delicate voice as she opened the door to her cozy home. After carefully placing the flower watering can in its designated spot, she entered her sanctuary. Once inside, her exhaustion from watering the flowers under the blazing and radiant sun was evident. With tired steps, she made her way to the warm kitchen, longing to quench her thirst with a refreshing glass of water.

After reaching the glass and filling it with crystal-clear water, Aqua delicately leaned against one of the kitchen walls, feeling the coolness of the tiles against her back. Her lips touched the edge of the glass, and she began to drink with total tranquility, letting each sip quench the thirst accumulated during that arduous day.

"Heavy day, isn't it?" resonated a soft and melodious voice. Aqua's attention shifted towards Terra, who was entering the kitchen with stealthy steps. Their eyes met, exchanging a tacit understanding.

"Yes, the sun is strong today," sighed Aqua with a mix of weariness and resignation. While Terra fetched some fresh juice from the fridge and poured it carefully into a glass, both remained immersed in an uncomfortable silence.

"So... do you like Sora?" Terra whispered unexpectedly, dropping the words like rose petals in the air. The impact of those words resonated in Aqua's soul, causing her to choke on the water she was delicately savoring. Surprise and emotion intertwined in her gaze, revealing the turbulent whirlwind of feelings stirring inside her. Terra's confession caught her completely off guard, unleashing a wave of emotions that crashed against the walls of her heart.

With gentleness, Terra approached Aqua, concerned for her well-being. "Are you alright?" he asked, his voice full of sweetness and anxiety, as he watched her slowly recover after spilling almost all the water.

"Y-yes... Why do you say that?" Aqua stammered, her voice still trembling from the shock that those words had caused in her being. As she struggled to regain her composure, her gaze met the intensity of Terra's eyes, who patiently awaited her response.

"Isn't it true?" Terra questioned.

"W-well..." Aqua stuttered, trying to find the right words to express the whirlwind of emotions fluttering within her. Her trembling voice barely escaped her lips, wrapped in a mix of shyness and longing.

"That's a yes, right?" Terra asked, letting out a soft and charming laugh. His smile illuminated the room, and Aqua couldn't help but feel her cheeks blush, intoxicated with sweet embarrassment. She nodded shyly, her eyes reflecting the intensity of her feelings. Words were unnecessary at that moment, as the language of hearts spoke clearly.

"Of course," Terra declared in a whisper laden with promises, gently placing his now empty glass back in its place. Then, with determined steps, he headed towards the kitchen's exit, inviting Aqua to follow him.

"E-uh..." Aqua mumbled, still stunned by Terra's sudden confession and invitation.

"I told you that time, didn't I?" Terra recalled, moving away from the kitchen towards the cozy living room. "We have a lot to talk about."


"I see you're bored, Sora," Riku mentioned as he settled into the soft sofa, holding a book in his hands. His eyes landed on Sora, who was lying back in one of the plush armchairs, his face clearly reflecting the tedium that had overtaken him.

"Perhaps if you put that book down and we did something fun, you wouldn't be like this," Sora suggested, letting out a wistful sigh. His voice, soft as a whisper, held the longing for shared adventures and laughter.

"You definitely hate books," Riku admitted with a smile, closing the book he had in his hands. With graceful movements, he got up and carefully placed the book on a nearby shelf, where several volumes of his own were lined up.

"I don't hate them, it's just that you're always reading every five minutes," Sora said, his voice filled with mischief and complicity. His eyes sparkled with a mischievous glint, inviting Riku to put aside the printed words and immerse himself in a world full of surprises and joy.

"Okay, look, it's a beautiful day," Riku whispered as his eyes wandered to the window, captivated by the fantastic weather unfolding before them. The sun's rays gently caressed nature, painting the landscape with warm and vibrant hues. "Let's go outside."

"Really?!" exclaimed Sora, his voice brimming with excitement as he got up from the armchair, a glimmer of joy illuminating his face.

"Yes, I also want to talk to you about something specific," Riku revealed. With a firm and determined step, he headed towards the door of his home, swinging it wide open.

"Let's go," Riku said softly.

"What will we do first?" Sora asked eagerly, now standing to the right of Riku as they walked together along the beach bathed in warm sunlight. He looked at his friend with a wide smile, filled with anticipation. "Swim? Maybe a race like in the old times? Or perhaps fishing?" Sora asked impatiently, eager to start the fun without delay.

"Calm down a bit," Riku requested, smiling, stopping just like Sora. "Come with me, I want to check something," Riku said, suddenly changing direction, leaving Sora confused and wondering what his friend had in mind.

"Hey! You said we would do fun things," complained Sora, following Riku with puffed cheeks, expressing his displeasure at the sudden deviation from their original plans.

"Come on, calm down. I just want to take a look at something. Besides, I never said that. You're like a little kid, Sora," affirmed Riku, trying to soothe his friend's emotions.

"Oh, come on! You call me that too?" exclaimed Sora, seeking confirmation and perhaps a little consolation from Riku.

"Uhm, interesting. Who else calls you that?" questioned Riku, looking at him with a teasing smile that was typical of their friendly relationship, where he sometimes enjoyed playfully teasing Sora.

"N-No one, forget it..." Sora nervously denied, feeling slightly embarrassed by his response. Riku just laughed and shrugged, indicating that it was okay, as they continued walking together in a peaceful silence.


"Well, where do you want to start?" Terra asked, sitting on the sofa as he glanced to the right, where Aqua was visibly blushing at the topic they were about to discuss.

"I... I don't know, honestly," responded Aqua nervously, fidgeting with her hands between her legs.

"Take your time. Let's start with something simple. I want you to answer me with complete honesty, okay?" said Terra, seeking to establish an atmosphere of trust between them. Aqua nodded, indicating that she was willing to open up.

"Do you like Sora?" Terra asked directly, expecting an honest answer from Aqua. The blue-haired girl fell silent for a moment, feeling her heart beating rapidly.

"Yes... I-I like Sora, a lot, actually..." Aqua admitted with sincerity, letting her true feelings for the boy who occupied her thoughts come to the surface.

"Well, you didn't take long to answer. That's good," commented Terra, offering a gesture of support and understanding.

"I-I guess so," replied Aqua with a shy and embarrassed smile. She still found it hard to believe that she was having this conversation with Terra, the boy she had been in love with years ago, about another boy who wasn't him. She never thought such a situation could happen, but life always surprises us in unexpected ways, as they say.

"Have you told him yet?" Terra asked, curious to know if Aqua had confessed her feelings to Sora.

"W-What? Of course not! I can't just say it like that. Silly! We're barely getting to know each other," responded Aqua, visibly flustered. She believed it was too early to reveal to Sora what she truly felt. They were just starting to get to know each other better, and she didn't want to rush things.

"But if you like him, why don't you tell him? After all, you like him," questioned Terra, trying to understand Aqua's hesitancy.

"I-I'm not going to tell him just like that. Silly! We're barely getting to know each other," Aqua clarified, expressing her position. Terra now understood why Aqua hadn't said anything. Although it was evident that Sora also felt something for her, or at least there was a possibility that he was in love, recalling that moment by the palm tree when he saw them laughing and enjoying each other's company, so full of happiness and love.

"I see... What if you ask him out?" Terra proposed, trying to find a solution. Aqua blinked several times, surprised by the suggestion. Ask Sora out? But where exactly? She didn't know many suitable places for a date.

"Ask him out? But where exactly? I don't know any places. And what if he doesn't want to? And what if he gets bored if it's just the two of us?" questioned Aqua, full of doubts and insecurities. Terra chuckled, amused by her friend's multiple questions. It was evident that Aqua was truly in love with Sora. It was the first time he had seen her act so nervous and shy. After all, Aqua wasn't exactly known for being shy and nervous, but it seemed she had found her weak spot after all these years: Sora.

"Calm down a bit, speedy," said Terra, trying to reassure Aqua. She paused her doubts and looked at the boy, who sighed before smiling. "It's just a suggestion, I'm not saying you have to ask him out for sure. Just consider it, okay?" clarified Terra, making sure Aqua understood that he was merely offering an option without imposing anything on her.

"Alright, alright. Sorry for getting so worked up," apologized Aqua, acknowledging that she had reacted exaggeratedly to Terra's suggestion.

"Don't worry, it's normal for someone who's in love," commented Terra with a slight teasing tone in his voice, trying to ease the tension and make her feel more comfortable.

"I-I suppose," responded Aqua, smiling shyly and feeling somewhat embarrassed by the situation.

"Tell me, what drew you to the energetic and cheerful Sora?" Terra inquired further, leaning back on the sofa as he observed Aqua, who looked down at the floor, taking a few seconds to reflect on what had caught her attention about Sora.

"It seems like it's a long list," Terra whispered and let out a faint laugh, making sure Aqua didn't hear him. He was curious to know what Aqua saw in Sora. It wasn't his intention to belittle Sora; in fact, Terra respected him a lot. He was a very good guy, but his energetic, extroverted, and sometimes childish attitude, among other things, contrasted greatly with Aqua's calm, serene, respectful, and mature demeanor. Their personalities were very different, but as they say, opposites attract.

"I could say that everything about him drew me in," Aqua admitted, letting out her deepest feelings. Terra listened attentively, interested in every word that came from his friend's lips.

"Is that so?" asked Terra, seeking more details.

"Yes, if I'm honest, when I saw him for the first time, I felt something special. A feeling that I didn't give much importance to at that moment. But now I realize that what I experienced that day was love... When Sora held my hand for the first time, I felt safe, protected, alive. I felt like everything would be okay as long as he kept holding it... When I'm with him, I feel my heart beating strongly and I'm not the same. I get nervous, and sometimes I stutter... Oh, darn it! Seriously, I love him," concluded Aqua, covering her face with both hands, completely flushed. Terra couldn't help but laugh at his friend's adorable confession.

"Don't laugh, you idiot..." scolded Aqua, still keeping her face hidden as she shot a sideways glance at Terra.

"Hehehe, sorry, it's just that I never thought I'd see you like this. Look at you, just mentioning his name makes you all red like a tomato," said Terra, stating the obvious. Aqua simply covered her face even more with her hands so Terra wouldn't see her in that state.

"Seriously, you look like a typical lovesick girl you see on TV," Terra admitted with a smile, enjoying the situation and the fact that Aqua had finally found love.


"Riku, why are we here in the cave?" asked Sora as he made his way through the narrow rock passage, with Riku walking ahead of him.

"I already told you, I want to check something," clarified Riku without giving further details.

"And what is it that you want to check?" inquired Sora as he entered the cave completely, observing the various drawings adorning the walls. His curiosity couldn't be contained.

"That," replied Riku, pointing at the drawing that Aqua and Sora had made on the wall the day before. "That's what I wanted to check," he affirmed with determination.

"A drawing?" Sora tried to sound nonchalant, though he was actually somewhat nervous. "Wow, wonder who did that? Heh."

"Don't play dumb with me, Sora," said Riku, getting closer to the wall with the drawing. "Hmm, the same tactic you used with Kairi," he added with a teasing smile and crossed arms.

"Hey! What are you insinuating?" Sora responded seriously, feeling uncomfortable with Riku's words.

"Come, sit," requested Riku, settling on a large rock in the cave. "I've always wanted to have this kind of talk," he admitted with a slight smile on his lips.

"R-Riku, seriously, what are you insinuating?" Sora tried to inquire, taking a seat on one of the rocks near Riku. The tension in the air was palpable, and Sora craved a clear answer.

"God, Sora, even the blindest person would realize you're in love with Aqua," declared Riku finally, causing Sora's eyes to widen in surprise.

"What?!" Sora raised his voice, nervous and confused.

"Don't act surprised, idiot," responded Riku seriously, watching as Sora's face turned reddish, a shade he hadn't seen in a long time. "Come on, just tell me. We're like brothers, Sora. Spit it out already. Do you like Aqua?" Riku challenged him.

Sora fell silent for a moment, knowing that no matter how much he tried to come up with the best excuse of his life, Riku wouldn't believe him. He hated to admit it, but both Riku and Kairi knew him as well as an open book. He sighed resignedly, and with a slight blush on his cheeks, he nodded.

"Y-Yes..." Sora whispered, but Riku could clearly hear him. A smile appeared on Riku's face, knowing that Sora was falling in love with someone else after breaking up with Kairi.

"I see, you have good taste," said Riku in a teasing manner, causing Sora to frown and look at him with suspicion. Riku just laughed at his friend's reaction.

"Don't insinuate things," retorted Sora, his frown still present, while Riku continued to laugh.

"Nothing, nothing, hehehe. So that's why you were so excited for her to come," commented Riku, implying his connection with Aqua.

"Well, yes... If I'm being honest, all of this was very sudden. As they say, love comes when you least expect it," explained Sora, trying to justify his unexpected feelings.

"I suppose," replied Riku, not giving the matter much importance.

"And how did you come to this conclusion?" asked Sora, showing his genuine curiosity.

"Many factors. You always had that silly lovesick look, just like when you were in love with Kairi. In fact, with Aqua, it's even more obvious. Also, all the time you spent with her since she arrived..." explained Riku, making his observation clear.

Sora simply looked at Riku and then averted his gaze to the ground, with a small smile on his lips.

"Yes... I guess, in some way, without me even realizing it, now it feels so natural to have Aqua by my side," whispered Sora, revealing the joy and excitement he felt. His silly smile revealed the happiness that loving Aqua brought him.

"That's good. To be honest, after what happened with Kairi, I thought you'd never fall in love with anyone again," commented Riku as he got up from the rock he was sitting on. He invited Sora to continue the conversation outside the cave, explaining that he just wanted to confirm if he really liked Aqua.

"Wait a minute! How did you know this drawing was here?" asked Sora, getting up from the rock with surprise. Riku simply laughed at his reaction.

"You're not the only one who lives here, silly," replied Riku, not making a big deal out of it. He left the cave without waiting for Sora, who stood still for a moment, watching Riku walk away.

"Hey, wait!" Sora exclaimed, quickly leaving the cave to catch up with Riku. Once outside, he positioned himself to Riku's right side, and they began walking together on the island, continuing their conversation about the topic. Riku decided to take the lead and direct the talk.

"So, Sora, tell me more about how you feel about Aqua. I want to understand better what's going on with you," said Riku with a serene but curious tone.

"Yes, I'm curious. When we were kids, you never told me what attracted you to Kairi, and now that you're in love again, I want to know: what caught your attention about Aqua?" Riku asked and glanced sideways at Sora, who had his hands behind his head, deeply lost in thoughts about everything that attracted him to Aqua. Now that he thought about it, the list seemed endless. Everything about Aqua was appealing to him.

"The truth is, it's a long list..." commented Sora, lowering his hands from his head, while Riku let out a slight laugh at that response. "But if I had to tell you one particular thing, it would be that she's very kind... I don't know, there's something about her that makes me feel secure, that's all," explained Sora.

"Secure? What do you mean by secure?" Riku asked, showing a bit of confusion in his expression.

Sora reflected for a moment, trying to find the right words to express what he felt.

"I'm telling you, I don't know... It's just that when I'm close to her, I feel safe. I also feel the need to be by her side all the time," replied Sora, unable to find a better way to put it. No matter how much he thought about it, it was a feeling he didn't know how to describe in words.

"I see, that's a rather peculiar answer, but alright," responded Riku, to which Sora pouted in annoyance, looking at Riku, who just smiled. "How did it happen? I mean, when did you realize you liked her?"

"Do you remember Mickey's party?" Sora asked, and Riku nodded in response. "You could say that's where it all started. Since that party, she and I started getting closer and closer... But I realized I was in love with her when I stayed at her home. That night, we both stayed looking at the stars... At that moment, I realized I wanted to be by her side and protect her..."

"That's something typical of you, protecting others... Especially if that person you want to protect is someone you like. But, protect Aqua from what?" asked Riku, looking at Sora. He gave a small smile and shook his head several times, looking at Riku.

"That's a secret between her and me," clarified Sora. He wouldn't reveal anything about Aqua's personal problems. He had promised to help her, but keeping those matters private was equally important to him.

"Je, alright, if you say so," Riku replied with a smile, and Sora also smiled broadly at that, even though it wasn't a secret as such, he wasn't going to tell everyone that Aqua was going through torments and nightmares from the past; he didn't want to worry his other friends with that matter.

"I've got it!" Riku suddenly said, interrupting Sora's thoughts.

"What?" Sora asked, confused.

"Ask her out," Riku proposed with a smile.

"Ask her out?" Sora blinked several times at Riku's suggestion.

"Yes, silly. A date," confirmed Riku, leaving Sora in silence. A date? With Aqua? Just the two of them? Sora wondered mentally, immediately panicking.

"A date?! Her and me?! Just the two of us?!" Sora exclaimed, feeling flustered and nervous at the thought, and Riku let out a slight chuckle at his friend's sudden panic.

"Hey, calm down, man. It's not the first time you've been alone with Aqua, right?" clarified Riku.

"It's different, because even though we're alone, we were at each other's houses with you guys," explained Sora.

"It's the same thing, silly," assured Riku.

"It's not the same! A-a date involves doing things, you know, things you do on a date... I don't know if I'm ready for that," said Sora nervously.

"Oh, come on," Riku said, placing his hand on Sora's shoulder. "You've had plenty of dates with Kairi, you know perfectly well what to do on them. Why so afraid? I'm sure you've had many interactions with Aqua that, compared to a date, are nothing."

"I-I'm just... nervous, okay? I know what you do on a date, but I'm worried that Aqua won't have fun or that she simply won't like going on a date with me," explained Sora nervously, imagining the possibility of Aqua not having fun or, worse, telling him she doesn't want to.

"You'll never know until you try, right?" Riku explained, and the young hero just sighed and nodded. "As they say, Sora, nothing ventured, nothing gained, so at least ask her."

"And where exactly do I take her? Twilight Town? I don't think that's a good place for a date with her," Sora explained, looking at Riku, who closed his eyes and placed his hands on his waist while thinking.

"Don't you know any world? Come on, you've traveled through countless of them, there must be one that is peaceful and perfect for a date," Riku explained, and Sora thought a bit about most of the worlds he had visited since he was a child: Agrabah, Atlantica, Halloween Town, Port Royal, Land of Dragons, etc. None of them seemed like a good option for a date.

"I don't know any. Most of them... I don't know if she'd like them. Besides, she's traveled through worlds too, she must know the ones I've visited," explained Sora.

"And what if she doesn't? Remember she was trapped for a long time," Riku explained, and Sora started thinking again about some world or any place to go out with Aqua. It had to be an eye-catching world but not too chaotic, a serene and calm world like Aqua, where she could feel safe without too many strong emotions. A relaxed and enjoyable experience.

"I got it!" Sora exclaimed with joy, startling Riku a bit with the sudden shout he let out. "I think I have the perfect place, Riku!"

Riku raised an eyebrow, intrigued by his friend's sudden excitement. "What's that perfect place?"

"A place Aqua surely has never visited, filled with wonderful and joyful people, now that I think about it, it's the perfect place for Aqua!" Sora explained excitedly.

"Heh, alright, alright, but tell me, what's the name of that place?" Riku asked, intrigued by Sora's excitement.

"The Kingdom of Corona!" Sora said with joy in his voice.

It was perfect. The Kingdom of Corona, home to Rapunzel, was a world full of tranquility. A colorful and beautiful kingdom with incredible vegetation to admire. Sora imagined how they could stroll through the castle, maybe take a romantic walk through the forest, and even venture on a romantic boat ride. Everything in that world seemed to fit perfectly with what he was looking for in his date with Aqua: a peaceful and serene place where they could enjoy each other's company and strengthen their bond.

"It's perfect!" exclaimed Sora excitedly, feeling that he had found the ideal place for his date with Aqua.


"So, you never think about going on a date with Sora?" Terra asked, fixing his gaze on Aqua, who was lost in thought while searching for an appropriate answer.

"I don't know... I feel like I'm not ready for that yet," Aqua admitted. Terra sighed at that response and settled back on the couch he was sitting on, looking at Aqua seriously.

"Aqua, if you like Sora, it would make sense for you two to go on a date to get closer," Terra explained.

"I know... It's just that I'm scared. I don't know how to behave on a date, you know? I've never had one," Aqua admitted with insecurity. Terra had to agree with her on that, as Aqua had never been on a date with anyone, not even with him. In the past, when they went out together, it was always in the company of Ventus, turning those outings into a gathering of friends rather than a romantic date. Aqua didn't know what a date was like or what she was supposed to do on one. Though she had read books on the subject of romantic dates, they were only fiction, and she had no idea how they played out in real life.

"Well, you do have a point there, but a date is not something out of this world," Terra explained.

"What? Are you a dating expert now?" Aqua asked, raising an eyebrow. Terra chuckled at that. While he wasn't an expert on the subject, he had read some books related to dating, and though they were fiction, he knew they must have some degree of realism.

"No, but I've read some books related to the topic. Besides, you should know more about it than me. You've delved into hundreds of books about love. I'm sure at least one of them mentions the topic of dating," Terra explained.

"It's different, Terra. Those are just books, fiction. This is real life," Aqua said with conviction.

"But how different can it be?" Terra asked.

"Fine, fine," Aqua said, resigned to Terra's persistent insistence that she go on a date with Sora. "I'll go on a date with Sora," she affirmed. Terra smiled, ready to congratulate Aqua, but she interrupted, immediately changing the mood. "But," she added, "not yet. I'll wait a little longer, okay? I don't feel ready to ask him for something like that."

"Well, at least I know you'll ask him at some point," Terra commented as he got up from the couch and stretched. "Unless he asks you first," he added, glancing at Aqua with a playful smile.

"I don't think he'll ask me something like that... Besides, I wouldn't know what to do if he did," Aqua explained.

"If I were you, I wouldn't dwell too much on it," Terra advised, starting to walk towards the exit of the living room. "If you keep hesitating, someone else might snatch him away," he mentioned in a lighthearted tone as he left the room, leaving Aqua alone.

"Nobody's going to snatch him away, Terra!" Aqua exclaimed, raising her voice and feeling her cheeks flush. It was impossible for someone to take Sora away from her, at least not that she knew of. Sora didn't know many women, so that shouldn't be a problem. However, Terra, without realizing it, had planted a great concern in Aqua's mind about it.

"I hope it's not like that..." Aqua whispered to herself, her voice trembling slightly.

The days passed by normally, exactly four days. During that time, Aqua and Sora didn't have much communication due to the Gumiphone. In fact, they only spoke once through it, and for the rest of the four days, they had no contact in any form. This was partly because of Sora's nervousness; he wanted everything to go perfectly when he asked Aqua out on a date. What scared him the most was the possibility of Aqua saying no. Additionally, he had other concerns on his mind, like Aqua not enjoying the chosen place, getting bored, having a bad time, or simply not liking long trips. Endless worries plagued him.

Fortunately, Riku was there during that time to calm him down. Riku even noticed that Sora was more nervous now than when he was in love with Kairi. As for the redhead, Kairi still knew nothing about this matter. It wasn't for any particular reason; Sora just preferred not to tell her anything, knowing that Kairi would be straightforward if she decided to help him. For now, Sora decided to keep her out of it.

As for Aqua, she continued with her daily routines as usual in those four days. Reading, working in the garden, reading again, and surprise, more gardening. It might seem repetitive, but for her, it wasn't. She simply enjoyed those activities as they provided her relaxation. Though occasionally, she would also play hide and seek with Ventus or run around the house with him and Terra. Somehow, without her even noticing, her mood was improving more and more.

The heavy burden of depression Aqua had carried for so long was gradually dissipating. Although it hadn't completely disappeared, her fears were persisting, and the nightmares continued. However, fortunately for her, they were no longer as terrifying as they used to be. They no longer made her scream or cry in her dreams. Though they were still present, they were much softer and manageable. Little by little, Aqua felt her old self resurfacing. The smiling, happy, lively, and sweet Aqua that she had been before being engulfed by the Realm of Darkness was returning. Without even realizing it, she was regaining her essence, becoming herself again.

"Are you ready?" Riku asked in Sora's room, as he observed him closely. Sora looked extremely nervous and scared.

"I don't think it's a good idea," Sora replied nervously, looking at Riku with the Gumiphone trembling in his hand. The simple act of dialing Aqua's number filled him with fear.

"Just do it, I know you can," encouraged Riku, patting him on the back for support. At that moment, Sora was about to ask Aqua to go out with him, under Riku's insistence. "Dial her number, you'll never know if she's interested or not unless you ask," he added.

Sora let out a sigh and took a deep breath. "Alright, here I go," he said as he searched for Aqua's number on his device. Then, he glanced at Riku, gesturing for him to be quiet. Riku nodded and made a zipper motion across his mouth, indicating he would remain silent.

With nerves on edge, Sora pressed the call button, feeling more scared than ever. He hadn't even experienced this much fear when he fought against Xehanort.


Ring Ring Ring

"Who could it be?" wondered the young Keyblade Master Aqua as she picked up her Gumiphone from the nightstand next to her bed. She was lying down reading a book, but upon hearing the call, she had to close her book and answer. "It's Sora," she replied, looking at the screen of her device. "Yes?" she asked as she answered the call. "Hi Sora, is something going on?"


"N-no, nothing. Aqua, I just wanted to check how you're doing," Sora responded, trying to appear as normal as possible and hide his nervousness.


"Are you sure you're okay? You sound a little off," Aqua admitted, noticing the tremulous tone in the young hero's voice.


"No, I-I'm fine, don't worry," Sora replied, attempting to calm his own nerves as he spoke with Aqua. His voice betrayed his anxiety, but he tried to disguise it.


"Oh, okay. What's the reason for your call?" Aqua asked, curious about the purpose behind Sora's call.


Sora paused for a moment, glancing at Riku, who simply nodded and gestured for him to continue. "Well, I..." Sora hesitated, searching for the right words to express his purpose. "I wanted to suggest something."


"Propose something?" Aqua asked, sitting on the edge of her bed, showing great interest in Sora's mysterious proposition. "What kind of proposition?" she added, eagerly awaiting the young hero's response.


"W-well, I..." Sora stammered, glancing back at Riku, who now had his thumb up and was giving him a reassuring smile. "I wanted to know if you... Well, i-if you wanted to go out with me tomorrow?" Sora finally said, attempting to control his stutter and hide his nervousness, though not very successfully.


"Go out with me?" Aqua asked, her eyes wide with surprise. Was Sora asking her out on a date? It was a strange coincidence, considering she had just talked about this with Terra four days ago. Perhaps it was fate. "Like a date?" she added, trying to process the unexpected proposal.


"A-ah, well, yes... a date," Sora admitted in a hushed voice, feeling every part of his body trembling with tension.


"Just the two of us?" Aqua inquired, seeking clarity in the proposal.


"W-well, yes, usually a date is with two people," Sora replied, feeling even more nervous with Aqua's confirmation.


Aqua pondered for a moment. A date... While she had said she wasn't ready for it, Sora had mustered up the courage to ask her. In a way, he was taking the initiative in their relationship. Besides, she had to admit that her excitement at hearing the proposal was overshadowing her fears and concerns about going on a date with him.


"Of course, I'd love to go out with you, Sora!" Aqua exclaimed, raising her voice in excitement. On the other end of the line, Sora let out a big sigh of relief, glad that Aqua didn't reject the invitation. "When?" she added, eager to know the details of the encounter.


"I told you, tomorrow. If you can't, it's no problem!" Sora rushed to say, quickly clarifying. He didn't want to interrupt any plans Aqua might have for the next day.


"Don't worry, there's no problem. Tomorrow is fine. And where will it be?" Aqua responded, hearing a slight laugh coming from Sora on the other end of the line in response to her question.


"It's a surprise. I'll come to your home around two in the afternoon, alright?" Sora said, feeling more and more at ease. Aqua agreed; there was no reason to stay nervous. It was time to be happy.


"Sure, I'll be looking forward to it, Sora," Aqua said, smiling widely. On the other end of the line, Sora was also smiling with excitement.


"Alright, see you, Aqua," Sora said, hanging up the Gumiphone with a radiant smile of excitement for his upcoming date. "I did it," he commented, looking at Riku with a beaming smile. Riku returned the smile wholeheartedly.

"I told you that you'd get it, Sora," Riku affirmed, confident in his friend's success.


"A date..." Aqua murmured, lost in thought, staring into space in her room. She was thinking about what had just happened: Sora had asked her out on a date. A date! She still couldn't believe it. And now what? She didn't know how she should act, what to wear, or even what to expect. Fears and insecurities invaded her, creating a whirlwind of doubts in her mind.

"I know... Terra," Aqua whispered to herself. Without wasting a second, she quickly left her room in search of her friend. She knew that Terra was the only person she could trust to receive help in this matter of dates. She hurried through the halls of her home, determined to find Terra and ask for his support on this matter. Each step echoed her urgency and anxiety. Finally, she reached the door of Terra's room and began knocking repeatedly with an intensity that reflected her impatience.

"Terra, open up! It's an emergency! Code red or whatever!" she exclaimed loudly, feeling the need for her friend to open the door immediately.

"I'm coming, I'm coming," Terra's voice was heard from the other side of the door as his steps echoed closer. The sound of the lock turning announced the door's opening, revealing Terra with a curious expression on his face upon seeing Aqua, who appeared both worried and happy.

"What's happened, Aqua?" Terra asked, but before he could get an answer, Aqua quickly entered the room without waiting for his permission. She needed to talk to him right then. Terra closed the door behind her, observing her as she sat on his bed.

"Hey, what's going on with you? Did something happen?" Terra asked, intrigued by the expression on Aqua's face. He didn't know if what she had to tell him was good or bad. He was concerned, but he could also sense a certain happiness in her, which added to his uncertainty about what had just occurred.

"Sora asked you out on a date?" Terra repeated, widening his eyes in surprise. He remembered the conversation he had with Aqua four days ago, when they had talked precisely about dates. And now, by some strange coincidence, Sora was asking Aqua to go on a date with him.

"Yes, a date!" Aqua exclaimed excitedly. Her happiness was evident in her face. Terra couldn't help but remember how long it had been since he had seen Aqua so close to fainting from happiness. It was like he was seeing the Aqua from years ago, before the shadows of darkness took hold of her.

"Are you excited?" Terra asked, smiling as he saw the joy in Aqua's eyes.

"Of course!" she responded, radiating contagious energy.

"Alright, but I can see that you're also worried. Why?" Terra asked, curious in his eyes.

"I don't know how to behave on a date!" Aqua admitted, frantic and starting to pace back and forth. Doubts began to flood her mind as she pondered various questions on the topic. "What if I mess everything up? What if I make him feel bad? What if I do something that Sora finds inappropriate? What if I bore him? What if he gets bored with me?!" She looked at Terra with anguish, seeking some reassuring answers, but all she received was a slight laugh and a shake of the head.

"Oh, Aqua, Aqua, Aqua..." Terra repeated her name, approaching her and placing his hands on her shoulders to keep her still and calm her down. "Calm down, okay? You're not going to mess anything up, and Sora won't get bored with you."

"B-but..." Aqua tried to say, still insecure.

"No 'buts,' just relax," Terra gently instructed as he had her take deep breaths. Aqua silently nodded and followed Terra's instructions, taking a deep breath and slowly exhaling the air she had taken in. "Better?" Terra asked, looking for signs of tranquility in Aqua. She nodded, indicating that she felt better. "Perfect. Now, tell me, where did Sora say he'd take you?"

"I-I don't know. He said it would be a surprise," Aqua admitted with a certain anxiety in her voice, feeling her heartbeats quickening with uncertainty.

Terra furrowed his brow, diving into deep thought. He began mentally exploring the possibilities of suitable places for a date between Sora and Aqua. A few minutes passed as Terra meticulously evaluated each option until only two alternatives came to mind. He finally broke the silence with determination. "I have two options in mind," he stated.

"Which ones?" Aqua asked eagerly, longing to know the possibilities that awaited her.

"The first option would be Twilight Town. It's a lovely place for a date," Terra explained, allowing the idea to gently settle in Aqua's mind. She took a moment to reflect. Although she had been to Twilight Town a couple of times, she had never had the chance to fully explore everything the place had to offer. The last time she was there was to celebrate Axel's birthday, but they stayed in his home and didn't get the chance to wander around the town.

"It could be a good option," Aqua murmured, considering the possibilities that would open up in Twilight Town. The idea of strolling through the cobblestone streets under the soft twilight glow, and enjoying the calm and cozy atmosphere of the place was beginning to pique her interest.

Terra nodded but then paused before revealing the second option. "The second option is... a world," he said cautiously.

Aqua's eyes widened, feeling fear taking hold of her. A world? No, no, no, she outright refused to face uncertainty and dangers that accompanied visits to other worlds again. She didn't want to relive the past experiences, the moments of anguish, worry, and sadness that had marked her previous journey. She vividly remembered the dangers lurking around every corner, the exhausting battles, and the difficult decisions she had to make.

"No, please, I don't want to go back to a world," Aqua thought, feeling the fear intensifying within her. The idea of exposing herself again to dangers, misfortunes, and uncertainty overwhelmed her completely. She didn't want to risk her emotional and physical well-being any further. She didn't want anything bad to happen again.

"No!" Aqua raised her voice as she abruptly pulled Terra's hands off her shoulders. Her reaction was impulsive and full of distress. "A world... no, that can't be."

"Hey, Aqua, calm down. I'm just guessing," Terra pleaded, visibly concerned about his friend's emotional overflow.

"It's just..." Aqua whispered, hugging herself for comfort. The mere memory of her previous journey through the worlds was enough to scare her and fill her with fear. "I don't want... I don't want to go to other worlds, I refuse."

"But why?" Terra asked sincerely, trying to understand the reason behind Aqua's refusal.

"You know why, Terra," Aqua replied, her voice filled with pain and sadness.

"Aqua..." Terra began, searching for the right words to comfort her.

"Just no, end of discussion," Aqua interrupted with determination. She sat down on Terra's bed, her gaze reflecting deep fear. "I don't want something bad to happen again... not again." Her words echoed in the room, carrying the emotional burden of all the painful experiences she had faced in her previous journey through the worlds.

Terra approached Aqua slowly, feeling compassion for his friend. He wanted to understand her, to support her. "I get it... but don't you want to travel through the worlds again?" he asked gently.

"No... yes... no... yes... Argh!" Aqua exclaimed, grabbing her head in frustration, running her fingers through her hair in a gesture of desperation. She was trapped in an internal conflict, struggling with her own desires and fears. "I don't know, alright? Would I like to? Of course, yes... Do I want to? Of course not."

"Aqua... would you do it for Sora?" Terra cautiously proposed, knowing that the answer to that question could be crucial to Aqua's dilemma. He waited in silence, observing how his friend was lost in her thoughts, searching for a proper answer.

"I don't know..." Aqua honestly responded as she let herself fall back onto Terra's bed. Her mind was full of doubts and fears, and uncertainty seemed to envelop her entirely.

Terra sat beside her, taking up the right side of the bed, seeking to provide support and comfort. "Look," Terra began in a calm tone, "we can't say for certain that it's a world Sora will take you to. But even if it were, just give it a try."

"I don't know... Now I have more doubts than I had before," Aqua admitted honestly, letting out a sigh full of insecurity.

"Come on, Aqua. Just a moment ago, you were excited about having a date with Sora," Terra said, giving her reassuring pats on the back. "Remember that if anything happens, Sora will be there to help you. After all, isn't that what he's been doing all this time? Encouraging and supporting you every step of the way." Aqua nodded, understanding the truth in Terra's words.

"I guess... Alright, I'll give it a try. Besides, it's not certain that it's going to be a world," Aqua declared, resigning herself to the situation. She knew she had to take the risk; she couldn't call Sora and tell him no. He was so happy when she accepted his invitation; she couldn't break his heart that way. Moreover, by accepting the date, Aqua had taken one step further in their relationship, showing her willingness to venture into new territories. If Sora was willing to take that step, she should do it too.

"Hehe, exactly. You're torturing yourself," Terra said with a friendly smile, trying to ease the tension in the room.

"I suppose..." Aqua murmured,

"Alright, now what was the other thing that was bothering you?" Terra asked, looking closely at Aqua.

"What if there's something that Sora doesn't like?" Aqua asked, voicing a concern that had been troubling her. She began to think about possible gifts or gestures that might not be to Sora's liking. What could possibly annoy or displease him? But, no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't come up with any clear ideas in her mind.

"I'm sorry, Aqua, nothing comes to mind. After all, I don't know Sora that well," Terra pointed out, with a hint of frustration in his voice. Aqua sighed, feeling disappointed at the lack of answers.

"But there's someone who does," Terra added, capturing Aqua's attention. She tilted her head in confusion, waiting for an explanation.

"Our dear Ven," Terra revealed. "Ven knows Sora much better than I do. He can surely tell you things that you might not know about him, like things he dislikes."

Aqua contemplated Terra's suggestion. Asking Ven would undoubtedly be an excellent option to get valuable information about Sora. But at the same time, she wondered how Ven would react to her suddenly asking about things that Sora likes or dislikes.

"Don't you think it will seem strange if I suddenly start asking him about the things Sora likes or dislikes?" Aqua questioned, worried about the possible awkwardness it might create.

"Probably, but he's your only option," Terra replied honestly. He knew Ven was the best person to give her that information, and it was worth the risk to ask him those uncomfortable questions.

Aqua sighed once more, assuming Terra was right. There was no time to waste; she needed to clarify her doubts and find a way to ensure her date with Sora would be as enjoyable as possible. Determined, she got up from Terra's bed and headed toward the room's door.

"I'll go talk to him," Aqua said before leaving the room.

The young Keyblade Master began to walk towards the exit of her home, her mind filled with thoughts about the possibility of Sora taking her to an unknown world. Just imagining it provoked fear and anxiety in her. She had expressed her desire for new adventures at some point, but she never expected those adventures to come so quickly. She didn't feel prepared to leave her comfort zone, that small bubble where she felt safe. She wasn't ready to face the dangers and challenges of the outside world again... But if it was for Sora, she had to at least try. He had helped her so much, and she felt like she owed him that much effort. She continued to roam the house until she reached the exit, slowly opening the door and peeking outside.

Her eyes scanned the surroundings in search of Ventus, but she couldn't find him anywhere. She decided to head towards the back of the house, where Terra and Ven often used to train together. Hopefully, she would find Ven there, who knew Sora much better than she did and could offer some valuable advice. And there was Ven, engrossed in a training session with his Keyblade, jumping, striking, and performing acrobatics with agility. He seemed exhausted from the physical effort.

"How about taking a break?" Aqua suggested, approaching Ven with a friendly smile on her face. Ven looked at her, his expression softened, and nodded, accepting the proposal.

"Yeah, I think that's best," Ven replied, putting his Keyblade aside and sitting on the cool grass. He breathed heavily, trying to catch his breath.

Aqua sat down beside him, feeling relieved to see him resting. Both of them contemplated the landscape and the gentle wind that caressed their faces. They were in a moment of tranquility, although uneasiness still lingered in Aqua's heart.

"What are you doing here, Aqua?" Ven asked curiously.

"Well, I... I wanted to ask you something," Aqua said with evident nervousness in her voice. Ven looked at her curiously, tilting his head to the right, indicating that she should go on. Aqua cleared her throat, trying to find the right words to express her concerns.

"You know a lot about Sora, right?" Aqua asked with a trembling voice, hoping that Ven would understand the hidden meaning behind her words. Ven nodded, not fully understanding why Aqua was suddenly asking him this question. Sora was his great friend, and they had spent a lot of time together. While he didn't know all the details of Sora's life, he did know some things.

"Yes, I know some things about Sora. But why do you want to know?" Ven questioned, trying to decipher the reason behind Aqua's sudden question.

"Um, well, curiosity, that's all... hehe," Aqua replied, trying to hide her nerves behind a forced smile.

"Hmm, I see..." Ven murmured, keeping his gaze fixed on Aqua. There was something in her demeanor that seemed suspicious to him, and his instincts told him there was more to that simple curiosity.

"Could you tell me some things about him?" Aqua asked, feeling the tension in the air as her heart beat strongly in her chest. Ven looked at her suspiciously, squinting his eyes as he evaluated her. Aqua became even more nervous under that scrutinizing gaze.

"Pretty please?" Aqua whispered, trying to persuade Ven with her sweet voice and pleading eyes. Ven sighed resignedly, understanding that Aqua really needed that information.

"Alright," Ven agreed, nodding his head. "But I'll only tell you a few things. I don't want you to get more nervous than you already are." Aqua let out a sigh of relief and gratitude.

"Great! Thanks, Ven," Aqua said with a genuine smile, feeling like she was one step closer to discovering what things Sora liked or disliked.

"What do you want to know about Sora?" Ven asked, intrigued by Aqua's sudden curiosity.

"Do you know what things Sora dislikes about a person or in general?" Aqua inquired, hoping to gather useful information to prepare herself for her date. Ven immersed himself in his thoughts, reflecting on Sora's peculiarities. In reality, Sora didn't have many things he disliked in general, as he usually got along well with most people he met.

"Well, there are few things that Sora dislikes in general or about a person," Ven began to explain. "I would say he hates waiting; he's too impatient. He also dislikes when someone is afraid to try new things." Aqua nodded, mentally noting every detail Ven provided.

"He doesn't like people being rude or disrespectful to others. He hates it when someone insults his friends. Besides, he really dislikes being idle and doing nothing," Ven continued, sharing more valuable information. Aqua kept nodding, showing that she was paying attention, although uncertainty still lingered inside her about how to act on her date with Sora. Ven's answers didn't provide the clarity she was seeking.

"This might not be something he hates, but he gets very sad when someone doesn't seem to have fun with him... You know, Sora always tries to cheer others up, and if he can't do that, he usually gets depressed," Ven added, revealing a deeper aspect of Sora's personality. Aqua mentally noted that last detail, aware of the importance of keeping up the spirits and enjoying time with Sora.

"I see... I'll keep that in mind," Aqua murmured, processing all the information Ven had shared with her.

"Why do you want to know all this?" Ven asked, curious about the reason behind Aqua's investigation.

"U-um, f-for, uh, I'll tell you later, hehe," Aqua replied, trying to deflect the conversation without revealing her true intentions.

"And there's one more thing he hates..." Ven said, adopting a serious expression that captured Aqua's attention. Her curiosity was immediately piqued. "He hates when people aren't happy," Ven concluded, smiling broadly. Aqua was surprised and felt a moment of confusion. She expected that what Sora hated most about a person would be something different, but then she remembered they were talking about Sora, someone known for his cheerful nature and desire to see others happy. Aqua couldn't help but let out a small smile at that thought.

"Can you tell me now the things he likes the most?" Aqua asked, eager to know more details about Sora's preferences.

"Are you sure? Trust me, it's a very, very long list," Ven warned, aware of the countless things Sora loved. Aqua couldn't help but giggle at that. It was obvious that Sora would have more things he liked than things he disliked, and she was willing to listen to all of them.

"Just tell me the ones you consider the most important," Aqua clarified, seeking a selection of Sora's most prominent likes.

"Alright, he really loves ice cream. He enjoys trying new flavors. He loves being in the company of other people. Although it may not seem like it, he also appreciates peace and quiet. He loves playing and having fun. And, of course, he absolutely loves surfing," Ven explained, mentioning that last point with surprise. Aqua showed intrigue.

"Surfing?" Aqua asked.

"Yes, Aqua. Sora, Riku, and Kairi live on a coastal island. It's obvious that they've practiced that sport. According to what Sora told me once, surfing is the favorite sport of all three," Ven explained, which made Aqua nod several times, understanding better.

"Okay, I get it," said Aqua, assimilating the information about Sora's love for surfing.

"Oh, and he also loves sleeping," Ven mentioned with a small laugh, remembering that aspect of Sora. According to Riku and Kairi's words, Sora was a real lazy guy, although not as much as before.

"Understood. Anything else?" Aqua asked, noticing how the blond seemed to be thinking about something else regarding Sora's likes.

"Well, I think that's the most important stuff. I would tell you that he loves Kairi, but I guess that's not relevant anymore, hehe," Ven explained, hinting that preference had changed. Aqua nodded, understanding that obviously, if they were still together, Kairi would be the first thing Sora loved in any world.

"Anyway, will you tell me why you want to know all this?" Ven asked, noticing the lack of sincerity in Aqua's words. She began to think quickly about an excuse, trying to hide her true intention.

"Uh, well... It's nothing, Ven. Just curiosity," Aqua replied, trying to evade the subject.

"Just out of the blue, huh? Come on, Aqua, tell me. We promised never to lie to each other again, remember?" Ven said, looking at her with a sad expression in his eyes. Aqua met the boy's gaze, feeling her heart tighten slightly. "Don't you trust me?"

"No, no, it's not that, Ven. I trust you a lot, too much," Aqua quickly explained, trying to reassure him.

"Then why won't you tell me why you want to know all this about Sora? It seems strange that you suddenly want to know his likes," Ven insisted, seeking answers. Aqua sighed, feeling the pressure increase.

"Well... You see, it's complicated," Aqua tried to explain, but Ven was watching her closely, trying to uncover the truth. He analyzed every detail: her stuttering, her nervousness, and the blush that now tinted her cheeks. All of this in relation to her interest in Sora's likes made him suspect something that surprised him greatly. However, he had to ask to not be carried away by misconceptions.

"Aqua..." Ven said seriously, looking at her directly. Aqua met the boy's gaze, feeling her heart beating faster. "Could it be that you..."

"What, Ven?" Aqua interrupted, nervous about Ven's suspicions. There was a silence that lasted a few seconds, but for Aqua, it felt like an eternity as Ven continued to look at her intently, with a serious and suspicious expression.

"Could it be that you like Sora?" Ven blurted out the question that made Aqua stare at him, feeling an intense blush rise to her cheeks. Ven burst into laughter, starting softly but quickly turning into hearty chuckles, while Aqua frowned, feeling embarrassed as her face returned to its natural color.

"Don't laugh, silly!" Aqua exclaimed, raising her voice in embarrassment. Ven continued to laugh as he lay down on the ground. "Ven!"

"S-sorry, hehe, sorry," Ven apologized, controlling his laughter and breathing heavily. "I just never expected you to fall for him," he sat up again and looked at Aqua, smiling widely. "But I'm really happy about it."

"R-really?" Aqua asked, seeking confirmation in Ven's eyes. He simply nodded in response.

"He's the one who's been lifting your spirits all this time, isn't he? I'll have to thank him for that," Ven affirmed, while Aqua silently nodded. Ven sighed deeply. "Since when?"

"F-for a while," Aqua explained, feeling the excitement stir in her chest.

"And what about Terra?" Ven asked, concerned about his friend's crush on Aqua. He worried that things might go wrong and affect their friendship.

"He already knows, and he took it quite well. He's been helping me with this whole thing," Aqua explained, trying to convey reassurance. Upon hearing that, Ven sighed with relief, seeing that no conflicts had arisen. The last thing he wanted was for Terra and Aqua to stop talking to each other or, worse, for their friendship to be affected by Aqua's newfound romance.

"Ven..." Aqua called, her voice soft and slightly trembling in the air, inviting him to come closer.

"Yes?" Ven responded, his blue eyes fixed on hers.

"W-well, since you know Sora quite well, I wanted to ask you something else," Aqua said, her nerves palpable as they slowly took hold of her. She could feel her heart beating rapidly in her chest.

"Sure! Tell me, I'll be happy to tell you anything about him to help you, Aqua," Ven replied, offering his unconditional support. He was willing to provide her with all the information he could about Sora to assist her in any way.

"Y-you, casually... Well, do you know what type of women he likes?" Aqua asked, her voice faltering with nerves and her face flushed with intense blush. Ven couldn't help but let out a small laugh, knowing well the answer to that question. It was evident that Aqua was completely in love with Sora, even more than she had been in the past with Terra.

Ven listened attentively to Aqua's question and took a moment to reflect on the type of women that attracted Sora. Gazing at the blue sky, he closed his eyes and tried to recall his friend's preferences. As he thought, Aqua couldn't help but feel increasingly nervous and excited about what she might discover.

"Well, Sora has a strong attraction to girls with short hair," Ven answered, directing his gaze towards Aqua, who couldn't help but smile at that revelation. It was a characteristic they shared, and that filled her with joy.

"Really?" Aqua asked eagerly, seeking confirmation. Ven smiled gently at her enthusiastic reaction.

"Yes, you're in luck, don't you think?" Ven replied with complicity. Aqua nodded, with an even wider smile on her face. Knowing that she shared an aesthetic preference with Sora boosted her self-confidence and hope that there might be a special connection between them.

"But that's not all," Ven continued. "Sora likes strong and determined women. He once told me that he liked Kairi because she was someone determined and strong in every aspect." Ven recalled his friend's words, conveying their sincerity to Aqua.

"I'm strong!" Aqua exclaimed excitedly, raising her voice as she got closer to Ven. The blond couldn't help but smile at Aqua's enthusiastic and self-assured attitude. It was evident that she fulfilled all the characteristics that attracted Sora, and that filled her with joy.

"And about physical appearance, Sora doesn't care about that," Ven admitted with complete sincerity, trying to reassure Aqua in her concerns.

"Really?" Aqua asked, showing some disbelief in her voice.

"Aqua, we're talking about Sora. He doesn't care if a girl, you know, has a supermodel body or something like that," Ven explained in detail. "Sora is one of those guys you rarely find. Of course, he notices a woman's physical appearance, that's inevitable, but for him, a woman can have the most attractive and sexy body in the world, but if she's vulgar and has a horrible and unpleasant personality, Sora will erase her from his life forever. He can't stand that kind of people."

Aqua fell silent for a few seconds, looking down to observe her own body more closely. The years of intense training to become a Keyblade Master had yielded good results. She could proudly say that she had a quite... attractive figure? Yes, that, she considered her figure attractive to human eyes. It was the first time she really thought about how someone else perceived her physically. Although Sora didn't have overly demanding physical standards, Aqua believed that, perhaps, she could meet those minimum requirements.

"... Do I have a good body?" Aqua asked, looking at Ven for an answer. The blond couldn't help but blush at that question, while Aqua stared at him intently, waiting for an honest answer.

"How would I know?!" Ven raised his voice, his face totally red from the awkward situation. "I already told you that Sora doesn't care about that!"

"I just want to be sure. Physical appearance matters, after all, at least a little. Do you think I'm physically attractive to Sora? I mean, do you think he likes my whole body?" Aqua asked with a mix of anxiety and hope in her voice. Ven fell silent, his face still red, unable to find the right words to respond.

"What kind of question is that?! How the heck would I know?!" Ven exclaimed, flustered and embarrassed by Aqua's questions. What was he supposed to say in a situation like this? Aqua was like an older sister to him, and the mere thought of her wanting to know if her body was attractive made him somewhat nervous.

On the other hand, Aqua wanted to make sure of something. She knew that physical appearance mattered, at least to some extent. But as she observed Ven's reactions, she understood that she wasn't going to get a clear answer. She just wanted to be sure, that was all. After all, she also felt a physical attraction. She didn't know Sora's physicality in depth. At first glance, he seemed slim, but Aqua knew there was much more to him than met the eye. So many battles and trainings had definitely left marks on Sora's body. Maybe he wasn't extremely muscular, but he was surely toned. She just wanted to meet that physical ideal Sora might have, at least to some extent. However, now that she thought about it more calmly, she realized that she shouldn't worry so much about it at this moment.

"Okay, okay, if you say so," Aqua said, dropping the subject once and for all. She decided it was best not to dwell on it any longer.

"Actually, why do you want to know this? You told me you like Sora, but why are you asking me all this now?" Ven asked, seeking to understand the reason behind Aqua's questions.

"Oh, well, I'm going out on a date with him," Aqua revealed without giving more details. At this confession, Ven's eyes widened in surprise. So, that was the reason why Aqua had been asking him so many questions about Sora.

"Wow, that's... great, Aqua," Ven said, showing a genuine smile of happiness for her.

"I know, I don't know many things he likes or dislikes. I only know a few, that's why I came to ask you, to make sure I don't mess it up," Aqua explained, sharing her concern and desire for everything to go well on her date.

"Great, tell me, where are you going?" Ven asked, curious about the plans for the date.

"I don't know, Sora told me it's a surprise," Aqua replied, making it clear that Sora was the one who had invited her out. Ven nodded, trying to think of a place Sora might take Aqua to.

"Well, I can't think of any particular place, but knowing Sora, it will surely be a very fun place. I'm sure you'll have a great time," Ven commented, trying to reassure Aqua and instill confidence in Sora's choice.

"I hope so," Aqua sighed, feeling a mixture of excitement and nervousness growing within her. Ven and Aqua continued talking for a while longer until the night began to fall. They decided to go inside their home and prepare dinner for that night. After taking care of some tasks, they finally retired to rest, aware that the next day would be the long-awaited day of the date. Aqua felt quite nervous about what her date with Sora would hold. Although she already knew some things Sora liked, she was afraid of ruining everything or feared that Sora would take her to an unknown world. The mere thought of that prevented her from falling asleep, leaving her mind filled with expectations and unanswered questions.

Aqua tried to calm herself, lying in her bed and staring at the ceiling. "Calm down, Aqua," she repeated to herself as she gently touched her face with her hands. She knew she was going on a date with the guy she liked and she had to focus on how much fun it would be. She shouldn't let negative thoughts take over her mind.

She imagined herself and Sora together on the date, laughing and having fun, feeling happy with each other. "If something were to happen, he'll be there for you..." she sighed, allowing herself to slowly calm the fear that invaded her. Sora had done so much for her throughout their friendship, going on a date with him would be a way to express her gratitude and repay everything he had done for her.

"Stop thinking about an uncertain world. It's not certain that will happen, and if it does, you can handle it. You have the strength and determination to face any challenge," Aqua continued, lost in her thoughts. She remembered Terra's comforting words, who had told her that the world thing was just an option, a possibility. She was unnecessarily torturing herself with absurd assumptions. She decided it was time to set aside those unfounded worries and allow herself to rest.

Gradually, exhaustion and tranquility took hold of her, plunging her into a deep sleep. Aqua entered a world of dreams, where worries faded away and only the promise of a new day and an exciting date with Sora reigned.


Sora woke up with a feeling of excitement and anticipation. "It's today," he told himself as he got out of bed. Checking the wall clock, he saw that it was eight in the morning. Without wasting time, he headed to the living room of his home, where he found Riku and Kairi having breakfast and chatting animatedly.

"Good morning, Sora," greeted Riku as he took a bite of his food.

"Good morning, Sora!" exclaimed Kairi as she did the same.

"Morning," Sora responded with a wave as he sat at the table where his breakfast was already served. "Who cooked today?"

"Obviously, it was me," Kairi said proudly, puffing her chest with satisfaction. "Do you think Riku could prepare a breakfast as delicious as mine?"

"Hey, my breakfasts are excellent!" complained Riku, looking at Kairi, who in turn looked at Sora, and then they both turned their gazes back to Riku with a challenging expression.

"Your breakfasts are just toast with coffee," pointed out Kairi.

"Or cereal with milk," added Sora, which made Riku feel disheartened.

"Idiots..." murmured Riku sadly as he continued eating. "Anyway..." he turned his gaze to Sora. "Ready for today, Sora?" Sora nodded repeatedly with determination on his face.

"I am," Sora affirmed confidently.

"Ready for what?" asked Kairi, looking at her two friends, who exchanged glances to decide if it was a good idea to tell her about Sora and Aqua's date. "Come on, tell me."

"Guess who's going on a date today," Riku mentioned with a small smile, giving a sideways glance at Sora. Kairi widened her eyes in surprise and looked at Sora, who laughed embarrassed at her reaction.

"You're going on a date?!" Kairi asked excitedly, standing up abruptly from the table and leaning her hands on it as she expressed her surprise. Riku and Sora were startled by her sudden reaction.

"Y-Yes, Kairi," Sora replied.

"Kairi, calm down," Riku mentioned with fear at seeing the angry expression on his friend's face.

"Yeah, sit down, and we'll explain everything," said Sora apprehensively. Kairi sighed to calm herself and sat back at the table. Then, she looked at her two friends, who sighed in relief.

"With whom is your date, Sora?" Kairi asked, observing Sora, who took a breath before revealing the name of the person he would go out with.

"I-It's Aqua... it's Aqua," said Sora, and upon hearing that name, Kairi widened her eyes and mouth in surprise. She actually expected it a bit, as she occasionally spied on Sora talking on the gumi phone, and he always talked to Aqua. However, she never imagined that the two of them would have a date so soon.

"No way!" Kairi squealed with happiness, a big smile on her face. "That's fantastic, Sora!"

"I-I guess so," Sora responded shyly.

"Where will you take her? It better be a nice place," Kairi said excitedly.

"Well... I thought it would be a good idea to take her to the Kingdom of Corona," Sora explained.

"Kingdom of Corona?" asked Kairi confused, while Sora nodded. "What's so special about that place?"

"It's fantastic. The village has a lot of things: food places, games, music, everything. The residents are very charismatic, not to mention that the vegetation of the place is simply wonderful. Since Aqua likes plants, I thought it would be a good idea," Sora explained with a smile.

"Finally using that little brain of yours," teased Riku as he chuckled.

"Hey!" Sora raised his voice annoyed as he looked at Riku, who continued to laugh.

"Well, I guess you know how this works, right?" Kairi asked, looking at Sora, who nodded repeatedly.

"Don't worry, I know very well what to do on a date," Sora admitted, smiling broadly. The three of them continued to have breakfast as usual and then went about their usual activities for the day. So it went until two in the afternoon. Sora was already completely ready; he made sure to bathe very well and smell good for that day. To say that he wasn't nervous would be like saying Xehanort hadn't been defeated, in other words, a lie.

He even decided to change his clothes. He opted to wear a red vest with a hood, over which he put on a black leather jacket, regular black shoes, and black pants. It wasn't anything extravagant, but he wanted to look different, more attractive, or, better said, stand out.

"Do you have everything ready?" asked Riku, looking at Sora, who was already next to his gumi ship.

"Yes, I have everything, and I didn't forget anything," replied Sora, smiling broadly.

"When you come back, you have to tell me everything," Kairi spoke seriously, crossing her arms as Sora nodded in response.

"Good luck, Sora," said Riku, and with that, Sora boarded his gumi ship, started it, and slowly began to ascend. Once in the air, the ship took off quickly in the direction of Aqua's home. Sora felt excited and nervous at the same time, not knowing what the date had in store for him, but he was determined to make that day something special for both of them.


"Aqua, calm down," Terra tried to reassure her, watching as she looked at herself in the mirror in her room for several minutes.

"That's what I'm trying to do!" Aqua exclaimed nervously. "Tell me, do I look okay?" she pointed at herself, while Terra let out a small laugh.

"Aqua, I've already told you like five times, you look fine," Terra admitted, admiring Aqua, who was wearing her usual clothes. Aqua isn't someone who worries much about fashion and different outfits. The clothes in her wardrobe are very simple, and her combat attire is the most eye-catching one she owns. She hoped Sora wouldn't mind that she was going in her usual outfit. Maybe from now on, she should buy some specific clothes for these occasions.

Since this morning, Aqua had taken a bath about ten times due to her nerves about looking good for this day. She didn't want Sora to see her unkempt or poorly dressed.

"And put that lipstick down, you've taken it off and put it on ten times."

"It's nerves, okay?" Aqua raised her voice, holding a red lipstick in her right hand.

"First of all, why the lipstick? Are you planning to kiss him?" Terra questioned, and Aqua felt her cheeks burning at what he mentioned. She started to imagine how she and Sora would kiss on their date today.

"I-it's to look good, dummy!" Aqua clarified anxiously, looking at Terra, who laughed again. "I-I don't plan to kiss him!"

"Are you sure?" Terra playfully questioned.

"Yes!... I think... Maybe... I don't know!" Aqua raised her voice nervously, and Terra laughed again, while Aqua began to feel annoyed. "S-stop laughing, idiot!"

"Hehe, sorry. It's just that I've never seen you so nervous about going out with someone," Terra admitted, stopping his laughter.

"I-I just want everything to go well..." Aqua sighed, not saying anything else.

"And it will, Aqua. Just relax," Terra reassured her.

"AQUA, SORA IS HERE!" Ventus's voice was heard on the first floor, announcing Sora's arrival at their home. Aqua became even more nervous upon learning that Sora had already arrived. She felt all kinds of emotions at that moment. She felt like she could be discouraged at any moment. Her heart was beating fast, she had butterflies in her stomach, she felt fear, nervousness, happiness. Basically, she was experiencing every emotion a person could feel in a lifetime.

"Hey, hey," Terra calmed her down, placing both hands on Aqua's shoulders and looking her in the eyes. "Relax, okay? Everything will go well for both of you."

"Yes... yes... you're right," Aqua said, starting to inhale and exhale to calm herself. "I'm just... nervous, that's all."

"I know, but remember that everything will turn out great. The more you overthink, the less you'll be able to enjoy this day. Remember that this date is for both of you to have fun and enjoy each other's company," said Terra, smiling widely and reassuring Aqua a bit. "Besides, you know that, no matter what happens, Sora will be there. He won't allow anything to happen to you or to make you do something you don't want to."

"Yes... well, I think I'm ready," Aqua said, and Terra let go of Aqua. Then, he watched as she walked towards the door of her room to leave. Before giving Terra one last look, she said, "Seriously, thank you for everything, Terra."

"I told you already, if you're happy, I'm happy... Have fun and tell me everything when you come back," Terra said sweetly, smiling just like Aqua, who nodded in response and headed towards the exit door of her home, where Sora would be waiting for her. She quickly approached the door, which was wide open and there was no one inside. She peeked out and saw Sora talking to Ventus outside while they both smiled. Then, Sora looked towards the door of the house and saw Aqua, which caused a slight blush on her cheeks as she met Sora's gaze.

"Hey, Aqua," Sora said, smiling broadly as Aqua looked at him.

"H-Hi, Sora," Aqua replied with a slight smile.

"Shall we go?" Sora asked, and Aqua nodded in response as she stepped out completely from her home.

"Have fun," Ventus said as he entered the house and closed the door, leaving the two teenagers alone.

"Hey, Sora... Where are we going?" Aqua asked, anxious and praying it wouldn't be a world.

"We're going to a world," Sora declared, smiling widely, while Aqua's eyes widened in shock. A feeling of fear began to completely invade her. A world. The last thing she wanted was to go to a world. What if something went wrong during their visit? What if they encountered some danger? No, not again. She didn't want to fall into darkness once more. Not again. She thought about turning around and quickly going back inside her home to avoid going. She wanted to run away at that moment, she wanted to back out. She simply couldn't. At that moment, she felt a gentle hand take her right hand.

"Scared?" Sora asked, and Aqua looked at the boy in front of her, who now held her hand with firmness and gentleness at the same time.

"A bit... It's been a long time since I went to a world," Aqua admitted.

"If you want, we can go somewhere else. It doesn't matter, we won't do anything you don't want to, Aqua," Sora clarified.

The blue-haired girl stared into Sora's eyes. She didn't want to go to a world, but she also didn't want to make him feel bad about it. He had helped her so much. At that moment, he just wanted to go out and have fun with her. But her fears were still eating away at her inside. She looked at her hand, the hand that Sora was holding, and carefully observed how his touch felt along with hers, how safe it felt. How this boy in front of her had been helping her. She had to show him that she could do it, that she could be brave. She could do it. If she felt scared, she knew whom to turn to. She could do this.

"No, it's okay. Let's go," Aqua said firmly and determinedly. She could do this.

"Are you sure?" Sora asked, not entirely convinced. The last thing he wanted was for Aqua to have a bad time on their date. If she didn't feel comfortable going to a world, it was okay with him. He wouldn't force her.

"Yes, yes... I want to show you that I can do this," Aqua said, looking at the boy with a fiery determination in her eyes. "I want to prove to you that I can overcome my fears." Sora simply smiled sweetly upon hearing those words.

"I'm glad to hear that," Sora said, reaching for Aqua's hand until he held it and interlocked his fingers with hers. "I'll be there if anything worries you, alright?" Aqua nodded. "I promise you'll have a great time," he added, smiling broadly, and they started walking together, still holding hands, heading towards the gumi ship.

The walk to the gumi ship passed in silence, but it wasn't an uncomfortable silence. Both were immersed in their thoughts, letting excitement and anticipation fill the air. Aqua could feel the support and warmth emanating from Sora's hand, and it gave her confidence.

Once they reached the gumi ship, Sora opened the door and helped Aqua get in. Once inside, they sat next to each other, sharing a mix of nerves and excitement. The gumi ship slowly rose, breaking through the atmospheric barrier and venturing into the vast space.

Aqua looked out the window, watching as the worlds passed by at high speed. Although her fears still haunted her, she also felt excited for the adventure that was about to unfold. It was a reminder that she had overcome countless challenges in the past and should not let fear paralyze her.

Aqua felt slightly anxious during the journey on the gumi ship. Although she trusted Sora, the uncertainty of not knowing exactly which world they were going to bothered her. Throughout their previous travels, she had visited numerous worlds, but she was also aware that Sora had explored many more places than she had. This brought a mixture of excitement and fear within her as she wondered what this new experience would bring.

However, she decided to dispel those worrisome thoughts and engaged in lively conversation with Sora throughout the journey. They talked about their past adventures, shared laughter, and reminisced about the special moments they had experienced together. The connection between them grew stronger as they supported each other, reminding themselves why they had decided to embark on this date and the importance of enjoying the present moment.

After a few minutes of travel, they finally arrived at the chosen world. Sora skillfully landed the gumi ship in a hidden spot within a lush forest, ensuring that no one saw them. Once the ship was secure, they both stepped out of it, breathing in the fresh and energizing air of the new destination.

Aqua looked around, amazed by the beauty of the forest surrounding them. Majestic trees reached towards the sky, forming a green canopy that filtered the sunlight and created a magical atmosphere. The birds' songs and the rustling of the wind through the leaves filled the air with a natural and comforting melody.

"Wow," Aqua whispered in awe as her eyes wandered across the landscape. "This place is incredibly beautiful. I never imagined there could be a world so full of life and serenity."

Sora smiled, observing Aqua's reaction with satisfaction. "Welcome to the Kingdom of Corona," he said, his eyes gleaming. "I thought this place would be perfect to visit. Its lush fauna and flora are truly impressive. Besides, the inhabitants here are friendly and welcoming. There are so many interesting things we can do together."

Aqua nodded, feeling more and more drawn to the charm of that unknown world. Although there were still small sparks of apprehension inside her, she convinced herself that she should trust Sora and allow herself to enjoy the adventure they had planned. There was no room for fear at that moment, only space for bravery and exploration.

Sora and Aqua continued to explore the surroundings of the forest before heading to the actual kingdom itself. Both were carried away by curiosity and the charm of the surrounding nature, immersing themselves in the beauty that surrounded them. Aqua, with a radiant expression on her face, was excited to discover the various plants and flowers that adorned the place. For her, the simple act of exploring the forest's flora was a fascinating and meaningful experience.

"Do you want to take a look around this forest before heading to the actual kingdom?" Sora suggested, observing the excitement in Aqua's eyes. She nodded repeatedly, her eyes shining with enthusiasm. For her, seeing the diversity of plants and flowers was like diving into a world full of wonders, and she was eager to discover every nook and cranny of that natural environment.

As they walked, Aqua excitedly pointed out a small purple flower resting among others. She quickly approached it, marveling at its beauty. Sora couldn't help but let out a soft laugh at Aqua's enthusiastic reaction and approached her.

"They're beautiful, aren't they?" Sora asked, glancing at Aqua, who nodded with a wide smile in response.

"I don't have these flowers in my garden," Aqua admitted as she gazed in awe at the flowers. "Oh, look," she said excitedly, spotting a flower sticking out from the ground. "It's out of the soil!" she exclaimed as she picked it up and showed it to Sora.

"Poor flower," Aqua sighed with a look of sadness. Being uprooted, it wouldn't be able to keep blooming, and slowly, it would wither away.

"Well, let's try to see the positive side," Sora replied, trying to cheer Aqua up in that moment of melancholy.

"What's that?" Aqua asked, puzzled, while Sora gave her a sweet smile and brought the flower to her hair, placing it as an ornament.

"That it looks beautiful on you," Sora admitted, causing Aqua's cheeks to blush intensely. She looked away shyly but with a smile on her face.

"T-thank you," Aqua responded timidly, grateful for Sora's gesture. Though it seemed like a simple floral ornament, that gesture reminded her of the attention and care Sora always showed her.

"Shall we continue?" Sora said, and Aqua asked, calming her nerves.

"Yes, let's go on. There's so much to see here, right?" Aqua asked, calming her nerves.

"Of course, Aqua..." Sora smiled slightly.


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I hope I didn't keep those who enjoy reading waiting, but translating is not an easy job, no matter how it may seem. Anyway, long live Sora x Aqua!