#'roxas do you bite ice cream.'

[storm-driver]

you think roxas chomps straight into ice cream bc he had no idea what to eat it when axel gave it to him the first time, but he was numb to how painful the cold was, so he's just gotten used to it and never eats it any other way.

[oveliagirlhaditright]

I'm super late talking about the Kingdom Hearts VR Experience, I know. I was a bad fan and only skimmed a video of it when it originally came out. But I finally watched all of it and I love how you get different camera angles of scenes we've seen before with it! That might be useful for video editing.

[unyielding-light]

Sweet Memories

"So.. what do you think?"

Roxas teases @deviumgale, biting into into his own ice cream bar. Roxas was sitting at the edge of the tower, watching his friend take the scenery in. The two were atop the clock tower, a place extremely precious to Roxas. Ventus had been wanting to see what the buzz surrounding this was and, well, here they were!

[cutegirlmayra]

Disney Medley Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days

Part 1 here: (x)

Prompt:

"Come on, it wasn't even that hard of a fight. You're exaggerating~" Axel swung his sea salt ice cream over Roxas's head, slow enough for him to dodge, with a quick, reflex duck. His voice was sing-songy at the end, showing he was only goofing around. "I could have had him without your guys' help." he took a bite from the ice cream and immediately regretted it. "EmmmmMMMMM-hmm! Got my brain there!" he gripped his head as Roxas and Xion laughed at the sight.

"Serves you right, saying you don't need us." Roxas roasted right back, hitting Axel's shoulder a bit, "You need all the help you can get."

Xion leaned herself forward a bit, smiling cheekily, "Karma." Her face was bright and sweet, even in her teasing.

Roxas looked over to it, but Axel just lightly shook his head, looking away, "I should have never taught you guys that word..!" He threw up one hand in protest while they laughed behind his back, "Giving you all my knowledge,... just so you can use it against me. What kinda friends are ya?!"

"Uhh... your only kind?" Roxas teased, as Axel swung the ice cream near him again. "H-Hey! That almost got my nose!" Roxas smiled as Axel looked off into the distance with the sunset... the light not fading anytime soon.

"I have other friends, it's just... some are... lost, I guess." He took another contemplative look towards the yellow clouds and sky... His gaze moving upward, as though the heavens, "I've been thinking about them... a lot lately..." He then looked to the two again, seeing them clinging to every word, wondering about what he was saying. "But the universe decided to dump you lot onto me! What was I supposed to do? Put you boxes like small kittens and puppies? Leave ya on the side of the road! Barking and meowing for scraps?!" He kept swinging his arm as Roxas laughed and ducked, scooting over before bumping against Xion and flinching a moment, turning back to her and then moving back to his spot.

"S-Sorry..." He looked down a bit, and... Axel squinted his eyes, almost swearing that expression looked kinda like...

But love was impossible for a Nobody, they didn't have hearts to feel it.

Must have been a fluke.

Xion put the back of her hand down from her mouth, a little surprised, but shook her head with that same, calming, and soft smile decorating her gentle features. "Em-emm, it's alright." She assured him, and Roxas just grinned a bit awkwardly back at her, glad to receive that comfort.

"Aye, aye, aye... You two confuse me." He was only gone for a few days... how did they get so close?

He scratched the back of his head, but Xion got up first and he looked over in surprise, "You're leaving?" He didn't think she'd go that quickly, "What about the sunset? It's still pretty high up there on that horizon line, Xion." He waved his ice cream nonchalantly towards it being too early to go. "What about the countdown?" He joked, as they had a game where they would try and see who's countdown actually matched the descending sun. None of them really ever won, but it was fun to joke around and try it out with them anyway.

"I was given a job to do. See?" She summoned her keyblade, "It works now."

"I helped her with that!" Roxas reminded him, like they haven't shown it off every chance they got to...

"Riiiighhhtt..." Axel leaned his head forward, "Alright, take care." He lifted a hand to send her off, but was once again surprised in a bit of sad disappointment when Roxas got up as well.

"I'll go with you." He added, nodding to Xion.

She smiled, "I'd like that." Before both turned to him.

... What was he, now? A third wheel..?

"You want to come to? Axel?" Roxas tilted his head as though expecting him to jump up all excitedly and go, 'Would I!? Thank you ever so much!' but Axel's pride got a little in the way.

"Nah, you're golden." He fanned a hand back to them, looking back directly at the sunset. "I've got only these precious few hours off, why would I squander it off by going back to work, huh? Enjoy the worlds without me." He took another bite of his ice cream, again, being risky with the size and portion and once again coughed as he stuck his thumb to the top of his mouth, hitting his foot against the clocktower.

Roxas and Xion chuckled, before Xion gracefully nodded her acceptance of his refusal. "See ya,... Axel."

"We'll come straight back. Promise..!" Roxas eagerly added, and the two gazed at each other a moment before Roxas offered her his hand, wanting to help her down, "Here." He added.

She smiled just a hint wider, and Axel's brows furrowed... He didn't teach Roxas that...

'These other worlds are getting to the kid's head.' he concluded, taking a 'smaller' bite of the ice cream and looking away.

... He looked back and noticed their hands still connected, just... what, looking at each other or something? Those sweet grins liked to just be painted on their faces like conjoined oil paintings, huh?

He finished off the ice cream, seeing their hands finally part made him at last look away as they rounded the clocktower's corner, going down.

"What am I moping about?" He gobbled up the ice cream, "No point if they're not around." He twirled the stick in his hands, "No winner again, huh?" Seeing the stick be blank, he put it in his mouth and got up, dusting off his hands and then rubbing them on his cloak.

"I'wll waswh iwt lawter." He mumbled with the stick still in his mouth, before looking down from the tower and seeing them again.

... He slowly... took his stick out of his mouth.

"... It's almost like..." He narrowed his eyes again, peering down at them, his lanky form following the action.

He was reminded of Castle Oblivion, Sora's reactions to Namine... thinking she was this 'Kairi' he seemed to have a close connection with... It couldn't be... could it?

If Roxas was his Nobody... would those feelings... persist?

'Even without a heart?' This grew his curiosity even more, somewhat exciting him as he wanted to watch them interact more.

In a bit of a spritzy side-jump, he watched them closely, moving his head about as though trying to get a better view of them down below him. "~I can't see what's happening... and they certainly have no clue.~" he began to sing, "~Their acting all wrong, and here's the bottom line...~" He swung himself back to the front with a full hop, "Our trio's already on the rocks!"

He raced down, "~Is it this sweet caress of Twilight?~" He skidded down some railings, "~What's this magic everywhere?~" He jumped to the stairs.

"~Is my vacant chest remembering this atmosphere..?~" He stopped halfway down the tower to lean over and peer again from the side of a window, looking to see Saix... Eh, he was probably being mean, and Roxas defending Xion, swinging an arm in front of her and rushing to the front...

Intrigued, his eyebrows rising at the tension and drama forming below that he couldn't make out, Axel kept moving his arms down the windows, "~Disaster's in the airrr~" He then bolted to catch up with them.

"She's not just a puppet!" Roxas spat out, summoning his own Keyblade, "Don't you have anything better to do than to pester us!?"

Saix's eyes narrowed, his jealousy overwhelming, then looking up to see Axel racing past the clocktower's windows to make it down to them.

"... Our Master has asked that you both be assigned separately.. Sorry, no tag-teaming today." He threw out his arm, separating Roxas from Xion.

"Ah! Xion!" Roxas reached out a hand but Saix was now perfectly between them, and glaring down at Xion.

"Rox-.. Ah." She also reached out, but the condescending look from Saix made her stutter, catching her breath as she stepped back and away from him.

"Get to your duties... Roxas." Saix moved his head forward, not looking at either one of them. "Now... before you keep proving yourself useless to us..."

"Oh..." Roxas also stepped back, something hurting from those words, but what? He turned to look away and shake a fist in the air, before dropping it, but keeping it tightened by his side, "Okay..." He reluctantly stated and turned around... walking away before rushing off.

When he was significantly gone, and Xion was about to turn to do her own tasked duties elsewhere, Saix immediately swung around to face her, "~Remember, little puppet... The world is cruel...~" he walked by her, "~This world is wicked~" Xion found herself looking to him, her mouth somewhat agape. "~There's not a soul that you can trust in this whole city~" He swung back around, "~You have no friends...~"

"That's not true!" she countered, but he glared deeper.

"~The organization keeps you, dresses you.~" He lowered his chin, "~We who took upon you our own dreams...~" Not fully the truth, but he gestured a hand to her as though showing some merciful gentleness, even if it was only for an instant. "~How can you disappoint us, girl, unless you stay in line... always in line...~" He charged towards her before stopping to delicately lower a finger to her, a tough reprimand.

"~You are a puppet~" He reniforced.

"~I am a puppet...~" She responded her uniqueness given to her from Roxas's memories of Sora's Kairi reverting her back into the stale personality she once was before.

"~Why invite needless scrutiny?~" He reached behind her for her hoodie.

"~Only a puppet...~" She ducked her head... as though accepting it.

He hesitated to put it back over her head when his eyes darted to where Axel was rushing to meet her, "~Do as we say... Obey... and remain... in lineeee~" He tucked his hands back behind him, deciding he was out of time. He walked off, ignoring Axel's calls to him, and smirked subtly on his exit... knowing what he had done.

'You can never be one of us.' He thought to himself, 'Axel is only setting himself up for disappointment... It's all a waste of time. If he won't help me find her... I'll find her myself.'

Xion... just kept her head down as Axel rushed to her side, "Xion! What'd he say to you? That little..!" He shook his fist in the air and then threw it down, unable to help his memories resurfacing of Isa, once his closest friend... Is kinda was, in his-... uhh, well, he just still is. "Xion? You okay?" He put his hands gently to her shoulders and had to part his legs a bit to lean down to her level.

Gosh, all his friends were shorties.

"Xion?" He noticed she didn't look back up at him.

She moved one of his hands off her shoulder in a sliding gesture with her own hand, "Axel... I have to get to work now." She stood silently, waiting for him to let her go.

"Ah... oh... Okay... Take... care?" He moved slowly out of her way, removing his other hand as she walked along her way. "... Huh, what got into her?" He looked to Saix, gritting his teeth and tightening his fists, "Saix..!" He growled out and took off after him, 'What'd you say, you little... gah, smartmouth!', He charged forward, unable to say anything too horrible... they were supposed to be on the same team, after all... "I'll get you back this time!"

Xion walked before her energy to keep her steps up grew faint, and she felt for the first time tears starting to form on her cheeks. Surprised, she touched her cheeks, then went to pull her hoodie up as though to reset herself... but just... couldn't.

She let the fabric drop to her shoulders, "~Look at me... I will never pass... for a perfect replica... or a perfect puppet...~" She swayed to keep herself moving, her sorrows adding up, trying to press on... but stumbling as she walked, looking almost rag-doll-like in her movements to try and not completely crumble to the ground. "~Can it be..? I'm not meant to play... this parrrrt~" She spun herself around as the scene changed and she was Sora, looking over Destiny Island's seashore. "Now I see~ If I were truly to beeee myself~" Sora's image sang with passion, but placed his fists on her chest, closing his eyes. "~I would break and my best friends would part...~" She reverted back to herself, feeling a coma sinking in...

She wandered through Twilight Town, singing, "~Whooooo is that boy I see? Staring straight, back at me...~" She looked into a shop's window, seeing Sora yet again, and having both the reflection and herself touch their respective cheeks. "~Is he staring... back at me?~" She shook her head, rushing off from the image and to the side, conflicted. "~Is this--reflection?--someone I'mmmm supposed to knowww?!~" She looked confused, was it really her? That boy... the fake organization member... wearing the cloak... blindfolded with white, silvery hair... His words continued to plague at her being. "Some~ One~ Explain to me~ Who I am... Because I try, desperately my reflection shows... Another me inside...~" She cupped her fingers over each other, all her memories confusing her now, flooding into her almost... but from what source?

"~When will my...~" She had to turn her head to riff a quick high note before continuing, "~Reflection... show?~" She summoned her keyblade, skimming a hand over it as she knew it was Sora's... but also... came with Roxas's support and aid in being able to summon it. "~Who I want to be...~" She closed her eyes, looking up and hugging the Keyblade, remembering the day he saw a face to her... and gave her something she longed for.

Identity, "~Who he sees... insideeeee~" She let the Keyblade down and, although woozy from the memories rushing in, stumbled and wobbled into a darkness portal to try and complete her mission.

It wasn't until later that she would wake up... with shells by her bedside...

Fin~

[blackhakumen]

Mini Fanfic #1046: Unwanted Guest (Kingdom Hearts)

2:34 a.m. at the Sea Salt Family's Apartment.......

Lea: (Yawning and Stretches his Arm Up as He Makes his Way to the Kitchen) Ah man! That has to be the best New Year Sleep I've ever had in the long while. And no special ocassion like this would be completely without a midnight Seasalt snac-

?????: 'Suuup.

Lea gets startled at the black hooded figure standing beside the counter of the kitchen, holding a Seasalt Ice Cream in his Hand, before summoning his Keyblade and pointing it at him in a battle and self defense position.

????: Huh. Well, I'll be damned. (Starts Taking a Look Around Lea's Keyblade) I forgot you took the role as one to thoses... "Keyblade Warriors", Axe man. The design looks nice. (Uses his Finger to Tough the Tip of the Weapon) I see it also got that sizzling feeling.

Lea: (Quickly Moves his Keyblade Away From the Hooded Figure) Hey, hands off the Key, pri- Wait. That voice.....(Eyrs Starts to Widened at the Realization) Is that you Xigbar?

Xigbar: (Takes his Hood Off, Revealing Himself With a Cocky, Shit Eating Grin on his Face) In the flesh, baby! But to be frank, I don't really go by that name anymore. (Takes a Bite Off the Ice Cream in his Hand Before Nodding) ('Mmm') I can see why you and the kiddos like eating these all of time. This is some damn good ice cream.

Lea: (Makes his Keyblade Disappear as he Places his Hands on his Hips) So what? Am I supposed to call you Braig now? And who the hell says you can eat our ice cream?

Xigbar(?): A little thing I like to call my "free will". (Takes Another Bite of his Ice Cream) And a good thing I got 'em too. They were the last ones you had.

Lea: Last ones we- (Quickly Made his Way to the Refrigerator and Opens it Before his Eyes Begins to Widened at the Sight of an Empty, Opened Box) What the fuc- There was supposed to be four in there! (Immediately Turns Back to Xigbar with a Glare) You ate all of them!?

Xigbar: Nah. Just half n half. I ate the first two myself and sent the other two to my mini fridge for later. They're way too good go to waste, at least for you clowns. (Lets Out a Cheeky Laugh Before Finishing Up the Last Ice Cream in his Hand)

Lea: (Resummons his Keyblade in Anger as He Steps Closer to his Former Colleague) You one eyed piece of-

????: Axeeeeeeel!

The two men turns to see Xion walking into the kitchen while yawning, stretching, and rubbing her eyes.

Xion: We talked about this. You can't keep eating ice cream in the middle of the nigh-(Eyes Starts to Widened a Very Familiar Face Standing in Front of Her Viewpoint)

Xigbar(?): (Happily Waves at the Black Haired Girl) Xion! How's my favorite little puppet been doing these days?

Xion: (Immediately Summons her Keyblade With a Darken Expression on her Face) What are you doing here?

Xigbar: Whaaat? Can't an old friend come by and visit you guy?

Xion: Leave.

Xigbar: Giving me the cold shoulder already, aren't ya?

Xion: Leave.

Xigbar: Couldn't you at least be a doll and let me get a chance to explain first?

Xion: Don't care. Get the hell out.

Xigbar: Yeaaaah. See, I would, but this is kind of important to the foreseeable future, sooooo.....

Xion: (Turns to Axel) Why did you let him in our home, Axel?

Lea: (Holds his Hands Up in Defense) Hey, don't look at me! He was here before i even came to this kitchen! (Turns Back to his Old Colleague) And speaking of which, how DID you get in here anyways?

Xigbar: By the power of darkness, of course.(Creates a Small, Dark Ember in the Palm of his Hand While Holding it Up) Not as strong enough as it used to, but it's still as useful as it ever been. (Engulfs the Ember By Crushing it With his Hand) And to brag or anything, but I've gain few new abilities up in my arsenal as of late, so be sure to be on the lookout for that train wreck coming to life. (Points Two Finger Guns at the Duo While Making a Clicking Sound Through his Teeth)

Lea: (Rolls his Eyes in Annoyance) Uh-huh.

Xion: (Grits her Teeth) Joy.

Roxas: (Walks Into the Kitchen While Yawning) Xion, Axel, what's with all the noise in her- (Eyes Widens Before Pinching his Nose in Annoyance) Oh God, not you again....

Xigbar: Good 'ole, blonde! It's been a while.

Roxas: Feelings not neutral. What are you doing here?

Xigbar: Oh I came by to visit. Had a taste of you Seasalt Ice Cream and whatnot.

Roxas: Had a taste of our- (Quickly Makes his Way to Refrigerator to Open it Only to See an Empty Box Facing Towards Him Before Turning Back to Xigbar in Shock) You ate all our ice cream!?

Lea: Yep. Every last one of them.

Xigbar: Uh no. I only ate two. Sent the last two back in my current living place. Gonna have 'em a to myself in the early morning~

Roxas: (Immediately Summons Two of his Keyblades in Anger) I'mma kill him.

Xion: Get in line, Roxas. I'm killing him first.

Lea: Neither of you are killing him, alright? (Turns Bsck to Xigbar) I saw him in here first. Therefore, I get the privilege to kill.

Roxas: (Puts on a Deadpinned Look on his Face) Seriously?

Xion: (Glares at the Fire Mom) Do not be selfish, Axel!

Lea: (Glares Back at his Two Kids) Hey, I'm only being fair here!

Roxas: Doubt it.

Xion: Your definition of fairness is bleak.

Lea: Oh don't get smart with me, you little twerps!!

As the Seasalt Trio begins to argue among one another, their last member of the family, Isa, begins walking into the kitchen as well.

Isa: What is going on in here- (Eyes Widened a Bit at Familiar Face Standing in the Other Side of the Room) Oh no.

Xigbar: Saix, my man! Long time no see.

Isa: (Let's Out a Heavily Sigh as He Walks Towards His Former Colleague) Xigbar. I see you're still a conniving snake as you've always been.

Xigbar: (Playfully Bows at Isa) Why, thank you, my good, stuck in the mud, man~ But as you can see, I don't go by that name anymore.

Isa: So what? We're supposed to call you Braig now or something?

Braig: (Shrugs) Ehhh. I mean, you could, buuuuut I don't go by that name either.

Isa: (Raises an Eyebrow in a Bit Curiosity) Really?

Braig: Yeeeup. In fact, I used to hate that name when I first came up with it. It sounded too plain for my liking, ya know?

Isa: So what is your actual name exactly?

Braig: Luxu.

Isa: Luxu?

Luxu: Luxu.

Isa: That sounds worse than your fake name.

Luxu: Hey, your real name sucks too, but you don't hear me open shoots at it, now do ya?

Isa: (Glares at "Luxu" For a Few Seconds Before Taking a Deep Breath) Look, I am too tired to deal with whatever nonsense you're planning on doing. So would you mind telling us what's your reason for being here in this hour?

Luxu: I was gonna tell ya. (Points at the Trio Who Are Still Arguing With One Another) But your three musketeers over there are already at each other's throats over who's gonna kill me. (Snickers While Shrugging) Not like either of them would succeed for that matter.

Isa: ('Sigh') I'll deal.with this.

Isa turns to.the arguing Trio before clearing his throat and screaming out......

Isa: SILENCE!!!

The trio finally cease their argument while giving Isa his attention.

Isa: I believe our unwanted guest has something he would like to tell us right now.

Luxu: Indeed I do! So you kiddies are familiar with a little thing we called the Great Keyblade War, right?

Roxas: Yeah, I...think we've learned more about it not too long ago actually.

Luxu: (Starts Walking Around the Kitchen) Good, good. Now tell me this: are you familiar with the group of Keyblade Masters who were involved in the whole shitshow of a war?

Lea: (Raises an Eyebrow in a Bit of Confusion) You mean the Foretellers, right?....What about them exactly?

Luxu: (Points at the Trio) Ding-Ding! Two answers in a row right! Pat yourselves on the back. If it's real that is.

Xion: Fuck you.

Luxu: (Let's Out Another Laugh) But no seriously though, to answer your question, Flamelockes, the four out of the five of them has returned from their decades upon decades of slumber. (Starts Smirking Evilly) And let's just say some of them aren't happy with the current events that has happened since then.

Isa: Oh no.....

Roxas: (Eyes Widened in Fear) You're telling us we're gonna have to deal with those guys at some point!?

Luxu: Pretty much. Hell, if goes south, we'll might have another Keyblade War in our hands.

Lea: (Facepalms Himself While Groaning) Goddammit....And here I thought we're actually taking a break from this madness for good this time...

Luxu: Hey now! There's no need to feel so gloom, people! They may not come today, or tomorrow, or a few days and weeks afterwards, but one of these days, they WILL come for you. And you're gonna have to prepare yourselves real hard for that time to come. (Chuckles Lightly) Cuz let me tell ya: they do not fuck around at all-

'YAWN'

Luxu and the others turn their attention towards an awoken angel boy walking into the kitchen.

Pit: You guys. Is everything okay in here? I hear a lot of screaming- (Begins to Notice an Unfamiliar Face in Black Standing Besidr the Counter) Uhh....

Luxu: (Waves at Pit) Ahoy there, kiddo. Who might you be?

Pit: Oh! Uh...Hello there. My name is Pit. I'm a friend of there's from another universe.

Luxu: (Raises an Eyebrow) Who's an...actual angel?

Pit: (Happily Nodded) Yep! (Smiles Sheepishly) I.. can't really fly that well with my mom's guidance, but I can shoot arrows made out of light!

Luxu: I see.....You know, I remember Invi telling me that she wants to meet and study a real angel up close. (Starts Walking Closer to the Angel) How 'bout you come along with me and-

Roxas: (Quickly Stands in Front of Pit While Pointing One of his Keyblades In Front of Luxu's Face) Don't even fucking go there!!

Xion: (Joins Alongside Roxas With Her Keyblade and a Very Angry Look on Her Face) STAY AWAY FROM HIM!!!

Lea: (Glares at Luxu) Lay one hand on that kid's head and I WILL call all of his moms to come over here on speed dial.

Luxu: (Raises an Eyebrow in Confusion) His moms?

Lea: Yeah, Xigbar, Braig, Luxu, or whatever the fuck you are, his moms! A goddess, a witch, three princesses, who are strong as shit by the way, the mayor's assistant, who is also strong, a bounty hunter from SPACE, a new Keyblade Warrior, yours truly, and Tifa Goddamn Lockhart! We do not play when it comes to our kids safety.

Pit: He's not kidding. Our moms can pretty overprotective 100% of the time....

Luxu: ('Sighs in Defeat') Alright, alright, relax. I was kidding. I'm already planning to leave anyways. (Creates a Dark Portal From the His Hand in Front of Him Before Turning Back to the Everyone Present in the Kitchen) But before I do that, I got some of words of advice for you guys, since I'm nice that way.

Roxas: ('Sigh') Let me guess: "May our hearts become your guiding key or whatever?"

Luxu: (Snaps his Finger Towards Roxas) Now you're getting it! But you better make sure those hearts of yours knows what they're doing. (Puts on Dark Look of his Oan) One wrong move will only lead you to nothing but your downfall. A pitch black abyss that you could never escape from no matter how hard you try. And so called "Light" and "Hope"....could only lead you so far before your potential demise will become inevitable. (Went Back to Smiling at Everyone) Welp, it was nice see you folks! Happy New Years and thanks for the Seasalt Ice Cream, suckers!

Luxu lets out an evil laugh as he steps into the dark portal. Lea tries throwing his Keyblade at him in frustration only for the portal itself to disappear completely at the last second.

Lea: (Let's Out a Frustrated Groan While Looking Up in the Ceiling and Grabbing the Front of his Hair) ('RARRRRGGH') I hate that guy!

Isa: (Sighs While Rolling his Eyes) Don't we all.

Pit: I take it you guys don't get along with him that much, do you?

Lea: ('Sigh Heavily') Nah....I mean, we used to work together in the organization a long time ago, but we were far from friends.

Xion: (Finally Lets Go of the Dark Expression and Turns it into Worried One as She Turns to Pit) He didn't scare you that badly, did he?

Pit: Not.... really? I mean, he's kind of creepy, but....(Shrugs With a Bit of an Sheepishly Smile) A-At least he didn't try and throw into a volcano. (Chuckles a Bit Awkwardly)

Lea: (Eyes Widened in Genuine Shock Along Woth the Kids) You were thrown in a volcano?

Pit: It's a long story.

Xion: ('Sigh') Okay, well, still, we don't want you to go anywhere near that Luxu guy anymore, alright?

Roxas: (Nodded in Agreement) Yeah, he's bad news.

Pit: (Nodded in Agreement as Well) O-Okay. Got it.

Isa: (Crosses his Arms While in a Deep Thought) This doesn't make any sense. How could someone like him be associated with the Foretellers of all people. And why are there only four of them.he mentioned? ('Sigh') Is there really something he knows that we don't?

Lea: (Starts Making his Way Back to the Room) We can try figuring all of that in the morning. I'm too tired and pissed right now to think.

Isa: (Follows Lea Behind) About the situation at hand?

Lea: (Glares at Isa) AND our ice cream!! Motherfucker came in our home unannounced and ate and stole the last ones we had! Do you have any idea how much that box alone cost in the grocery store in Smash town?

Isa: You know they sell Seasalt Ice Cream in a store near us, right?

Lea: Yeah, but they're off brand and tasted average in comparison.

Isa: (Puts on a Deadpinned Look on his Face) Did not take you as an ice cream connoisseur....

Lea: Hey, when you eat those things as much as I do, you tend to judge the different brands of the concept. ('Groans') Just thinking about them makes me more pissed than ever!

Isa: (Softly Rubs the Top of Lea's Head to Calm Him Down) Look, I'll buy a new box first thing morning once we arrived at the Smash Mansion. Just try not let what happened tonight get to you too much, okay?

Lea: ('Sigh') Alright. (Rests his Head Onto his Boyfriend's Shoulder) Thanks.

Isa: (Peacks the Top of Lea's Head) You're welcome.

To Be Continued........

@keyenuta

@26shann

@cyber-wildcat

@caleb13frede

@albion-93

@khtext

[larkawolfgirl]

Salty Sweet (Akurokushi)

Fandom: Kingdom Hearts

Pairing: Axel/Roxas/Xion

Rating: Gen

Summary: The ice cream stall only had one sea salt ice cream left, so Roxas decides the best thing to do is to share.

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Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, Roxas caught sight of Xion emerging at the edge of the clock tower. She had set out to buy their daily salty treat quite some time ago, so worry had begun to settle in his stomach.

"Xion!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with a mixture of excitement and relief. He blinked in confusion, however, when he noticed that she was clutching two ice creams of different colors. One was a familiar shade of sea blue while the other was a creamy white hue which he had never seen before.

Xion's voice trailed off as she spoke, her gaze fixed on the white ice cream in her hand. "They only had one left... I wasn't sure what else to get or who should have it."

“Oh.” Roxas stared for a moment, transfixed by the sight of the new treat. For some reason, he had never fully processed that there were other flavors of ice cream that they could try. For all he knew, this new treat might be the best thing he had ever tasted. And yet, it could also be nothing but a sad imitation to their beloved sea salt flavor.

Xion lifted the ice cream stick up high so that it glimmered in the light of the setting sun. “It’s called Vanilla. The ice cream guy said it was the closest thing he had.”

She walked over to the clocktower’s edge and very carefully sat down while still holding onto both ice creams. Her gaze remained on them as she thought hard enough that Roxas was sure he could feel it. 

“We could share it…Both of them,” he reasoned. That made the most sense. That way neither of them would need to miss out.

Xion bit her lip. “I guess that makes sense.”

There was an awkward pause between them while they both just sat there unmoving. Sensing her hesitation, Roxas decided he better make the first move. It was his brilliant idea, after all. 

He took the blue ice cream from her hand. Closing his eyes, he bit into the edge of the treat. A contrasting blend of salt and sweetness hit his tongue, sending waves of delight through his senses. 

When he reopened his eyes, he saw that she had taken a bite out of the vanilla ice cream. Her eyes were wide and she was grinning. “It isn’t sea salt, but it’s really good!” she exclaimed gleefully. “Here, you have to try it.” 

She pushed the ice cream stick into his free hand with so much excitement that she tilted a little too far over the side of the tower. With a laugh, she righted herself and took the sea salt ice cream. 

He watched her take a bite at the same time he took his own. The flavor was softer on his tongue, but it was sweet and rich and smooth.

Smiling at each other, they exchanged sticks again and repeated their actions. After a while, it became a bit tedious to keep swapping the sticks back and forth, so they ended up moving closer and holding the sticks between them where they could both lean in to reach the creamy treats. 

“Ahem.” Started at the sound of someone clearing their throat, the two of them jolted apart. 

Roxas’ heart skipped a beat as he turned to see who had disturbed them. Unsurprisingly, it was Axel who had promised to meet them today as usual. “What took you so long?” Roxas asked.

Their older friend scratched the back of his spiking hair. “They were all out of sea salt ice cream. Had a tough time deciding what else to get. Finally settled on mint chip.” He held up a spotted green treat which he used to gesture at them accusingly. “What exactly have you two been up to in my absence?”

For some reason, Roxas felt like he should feel embarrassed but he didn’t understand why. “We were just sharing since there was only one left.”

Axel groaned, plopping down on Roxas’ opposite side. “At least get a bowl if you’re gonna do that,” he explained in exasperation.

Roxas tilted his head. “Why?”

Axel rolled his eyes, shaking his head in disbelief. “So you don’t share germs that way.” When they both just looked at him in confusion, he continued. “That’s what’s called an indirect kiss. You’re only supposed to kiss someone special.”

Xion grinned. “Roxas is special.”

Axel let out a breathy laugh. Gaze softening, he reached over to touch her shoulder. “Course he is, same as you. But you still shouldn’t do it.”

Her grin turned into a pout. “Why not?”

Roxas wanted to know as well. As long as he thought Xion was special and they were both okay with it, why was it a big deal?

“You should wait until you’re older.”

Roxas crossed his arms, careful not to drop the ice cream in the process. “That’s stupid.”

Axel chuckled. “Okay, fine. You shouldn’t do other stuff until you’re older.”

Roxas raised his eyebrows. “Other stuff?”

Axel squeezed his shoulder this time, a playful smirk crossing his face. “Nothing you need to worry about. Still, you can’t just go kissing all of your friends.”

“Why not? You’re special too, Axel,” Xion declared, her eyes shining with sincerity.

Axel smiled. “Because you kiss someone as a way of letting that person know you would like to spend the rest of your life together.”

Xion’s free hand clenched over her cloak. “But I want to spend it with both of you.”

“Thanks, kid, but things might change.”

She shook her head. “So what? If I want that now then why does the future matter?”

Axel looked unsure how to respond to that question. 

“Yeah,” Roxas agreed in a steady tone. “Shouldn’t it only matter what we want right now?”

Axel leaned back on his arm, his gaze drifting off to the colorful horizon. “Guess adults just think too much,” he said wistfully. 

Roxas watched intently as Axel finally allowed himself to indulge in his ice cream. He wanted to know what it tasted like. He also wanted to show Axel that he didn’t need to worry about pointless things. 

Without a word, Roxas ducked his head over and stole a bit of the redhead’s treat. It was refreshing and cool with a hit of richness. 

Axel stared at him wide-eyed, his breath hitching strangely. “Roxas,” he started in a warning tone. But before he could continue, Xion moved around so that she could also steal a taste. 

Axel’s words evaporated into stunned silence at their action. He stuttered, trying to come up with something to say. Failing to do so, he finally ducked his own head and licked up some of the sea salt ice cream which had begun to melt down the wooden stick. 

“Hey!” Xion yelled teasingly through laughter. 

Mischief glimmered in Axel’s eyes. “Thanks for saving me some,” he teased. 

Still, when Xion held the ice cream out toward him, he eyed it for a long moment before actually swapping sticks with her. “Saix would kill me if he found out.”

Roxas bumped shoulders with him. “Don’t tell him then.”

Axel cracked a smile. “Guess you’re right. No time but the present and all that jazz.” Saying that, he took a huge decisive bite of ice cream. 

Roxas and Xion went back to sharing the vanilla until he held the sea salt back out to them. 

“Don’t eat all that vanilla before I get a turn,” Axel teased. 

“Wouldn’t dream of it,” Roxas said, handing the vanilla ice cream over. 

Watching Axel eat some of the vanilla ice cream, Roxas took another bite of the mint. Maybe it was the coolness of the mint on his tongue or the swirl of combined flavors, but his next bite tasted better than ever. Despite the chill filling his mouth and stemming into his brain, Roxas’ chest and cheeks felt warm. 

This was the best way to end the day, he decided.

[folkorae]

@13nth : "if we could run away together and go anywhere, where would you take me?"

She had just taken a bite of the sea salt ice cream when she heard his voice ; the sudden question caught Xion by surprise as she chewed. Blue orbs looked towards the horizon, the answer was on the tip of her tongue ( because yes, she had already thought about it a few times ) but the fact that Roxas asked such a direct and specific question left Xion so surprised that she almost forgot she already has an answer for it. “ I would take you to Corona. ” And just as he was direct with her, so was Xion. “ Kairi once told me that it is a very beautiful world. There is a kingdom where they have a festival with dances and there is a moment where people throw some kind of lantern into the sky. ” Xion remembers the princess commented that it was a very beautiful sight, with the lanterns lighting up the sky at night. Since then, all Xion could think about was what an incredible experience it must be to see the lanterns in the sky and she also found herself thinking she didn't want to experience it alone — she wants to see the lanterns with Roxas. But Xion doesn't express this desire, or at least not completely. “ Why do you ask ? Are you thinking about running away ? ” Finally looking at Roxas again, she almost asks where he would take her if the two of them decided to run away but Xion decides to fight the urge and so, she takes another bite of the ice cream.

[pred1059]

Just A Chance Chapter Thirteen

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Secret Report: Lexaeus I

I remember when the time came for us to shed our hearts, I had objected to subjecting Ienzo to the procedure. I argued that he was just a child, our leader counted that he was stronger willed than I gave him credit for.

And he was right. From that surprising amount of will to survive, Zexion was given the chance to exist.

But still, sometimes I see him staring off into the distance. Especially when our history is mentioned. Nothing major, and certainly nothing that hinders his work.

Still, I wonder about what kind of grip the past may hold on him.

“Ah, I missed this.” Axel took a bite from the popsicle of sea salt ice cream.

From his chair Zexion groaned and held his head in his free hand, “Please don’t eat on the bed.” Axel simply shrugged and continued enjoying the dessert on Zexion’s mattress. Shaking his head, Zexion turned over to the quiet Roxas. “You’re sure you’re not hungry for one? Axel did make a deal for the both of you.”

Roxas opened his mouth, hesitant to speak before eventually answering, “I...not right now. Dinner was a bit much and...I need a minute.” 

Axel raised an eyebrow as he munched away at the ice cream. “You haven’t had any problems with the rations before. Are you doing alright there?”

“Just...got a lot on my mind.” Roxas muttered as he leaned on the wall. How seeing someone really fall to darkness was so different than what he had learned, memory or not. How Naminé was doing since he hadn’t seen her yet today. And how did Axel and Zexion Getting off the bed, much to Zexion’s relief, Axel walked over to Roxas. “You think you could share at least one of them?”

Well, they didn’t really understand why he cared about that world at all, so he saw little point to bring it up. And he wasn’t really sure where Zexion stood with Naminé. If he was willing to cut her slack like Axel, or would do anything to keep her in line like Larxene and Marluxia. So that only left one thing. “What was that castle? You said it was something in the past?”

“Start with a harder question why don’t ya?” Axel muttered as he took another bite of ice cream and began to chew it around. Eventually, he answered, “That castle was from our home world a long time ago. Though when we left it ten years ago the place was falling to pieces at the hands of the heartless.”

Roxas nodded, following so far. If it was that far back, it’d definitely be weird to see it again after so long. But then that left the question of the Heartless. “How did they get there? Did someone important fall to darkness?”

Axel looked over to Zexion, who sighed and slowly began to explain, “There were experiments done in the castle on heartless.” Staring for a moment at his ice cream, he quietly admitted, “I was there for it. Though I’m not sure how it all got out of hand.”

Axel shrugged and walked over to Zexion. “Well whatever happened, the castle was ground zero for the heartless invasion,” With a smile, he put a hand on Zexion’s shoulder. “And the organization.” Zexion just rolled his eyes and shrugged Axel’s hand off his shoulder.

Experiments on heartless? If it was something that happened with the Organization that would make sense, they were enemies after all. But before? The answer only fueled Roxas’ curiosity. “How did it start? Why were they experimenting on the heartless?”

Axel twiddled his half eaten popsicle in his hands at the question. “You know, I don’t think I’ve ever heard.” He looked to Zexion, clearly waiting for some kind of explanation.

Zexion sighed and nibbled on his ice cream a bit before answering, “I was never told the exact reason. The most I ever heard was that we simply were aiming to examine the entirety of the heart. Both light and dark.”

Axel took a bite of his popsicle and digested the answer. Eyes on Zexion the whole time. “You were in that castle helping out with those experiments, and you knew nothing?” Roxas had to admit the lack of answers was getting annoying. 

“I was a child!” Zexion snapped and slammed his fist into his desk. Roxas and Axel both took a step back, leaving him to take a shaky breath before continuing, “By the time we were Nobodies and realized what had happened, most of the notes were destroyed in the chaos the Heartless had made.” All he could do was sit and cross his arms as he admitted, “In all likelihood, I barely know more than you do Axel.”

Axel looked away for a moment, uninterested in what was left of his ice cream. Roxas could hardly believe it. Zexion and Axel seemed to know almost everything. But now? Now they seemed just as lost as he was.

No.

It was worse for them. Roxas had just been lost for a few weeks before the Organization gave him some semblance of direction.

For ten years they couldn’t get any answers.

“I’m sorry.”

Zexion looked at Roxas as he spoke, surprise obvious in his face.“For what? You weren’t even there to play a part in those events—” 

“Unless you picked up time travel while we weren’t looking,” Axel quipped.

Zexion paid no heed as he continued, “More than that, all you wanted to know was the truth.” “I know I didn’t cause it. It’s just...” Roxas tried to find the best way to put what he saw into words. Just what exactly Zexion and Axel did their best to ignore. “It hurts, doesn’t it? The past, and not knowing anything about it.”

Zexion was just quiet. Taking the last bite of his ice cream he looked away, though to Roxas, it almost seemed like a bit of a nod.

Axel just tossed the tiny stick of wood he was left with in the trash. “Well, pain seems to be one of the few things we can feel.” 

Right now, Roxas didn’t quite have the answers he was looking for. But somehow, it seemed understanding Axel and Zexion was a bit more important. And right now, he was pretty sure they needed a minute to themselves. “Hey Zexion? I think I’ll have my ice cream tomorrow.”

“Of course.” Zexion nodded a bit more firmly and gestured towards the freezer, concealing it again as a dresser.

Axel stretched as he headed to the door. “I’ll be heading back too. Same time tomorrow?”

Zexion was quiet for a moment, but eventually he smiled. “Assuming you’re up on time.”

“If he’s not, I’ll wake him up.” Roxas answered as he began to head out as well.

As Zexion began to set his book away, he paused to look over at him. “Thank you, Roxas.” It was rather simple, but Roxas couldn’t help but sense there was something more to those words.

But currently, he didn’t want to waste too much more time. Right now Roxas needed to see how his other friend was doing.

Kairi dodged as best as she could against the trickmaster’s unwieldy swings. With the clubs on fire, even a glancing blow could mean trouble. But eventually she gathered enough distance between her and the heartless, and calling on the power of ice, she was able to make enough of a blast of cold to extinguish the weapons and cause the heartless to stumble. Seeing her opportunity, she leapt on the chair to get to the high—

“What did I say about getting distracted!?” Larxene snapped, and put her hand on the crystal ball that Naminé was observing. “This isn’t Sora or Roxas, so what are you doing watching the princess?”

Naminé tried to hide her fear and answered calmly, “Marluxia ordered me to watch her.”

Larxene raised an eyebrow, still unconvinced. “And why would he want that?”

“So I can decide,” Naminé paused for a moment to try and find the best way to explain what Marluxia had requested, “what to do with what I learn.”

“Naminé.” The faint crackle of electricity could be heard as Larxene leaned in closer. “You wouldn’t be lying to me, would you?” 

“I’m not lying. You can check with him.” Naminé met her eyes, yet was tense as the energy around Larxene failed to dissipate.

“If he tells a different story, I’ll be back.” Opening a dark portal, Larxene left. 

Naminé waited for the last wisps of darkness to vanish completely before letting out a breath. She knew that Larxene’s and Marluxia’s rules about what she could and could not do were strict and unclear. But most of the time, she was able to follow them. But even so, it seemed as if they were constantly looking for some way to uncover some hidden disobedience she hadn’t considered. For the most part, she was certain about Marluxia’s directions regarding Kairi.

But as she looked back to the crystal ball, she couldn’t help but have doubt grow once again. With a final airborne strike, Kairi was able to bring down the trickmaster. Was it really possible? Could she even—?

*Click* creeee---

As she heard the familiar sound of the opening door, she relaxed. No matter what happened in the day seeing Roxas again helped make things a bit better that night. He was a bit sheepish as he walked in. “Hey there. Sorry I’m a bit late. I had to talk with some of the other Organization members after dinner.”

“It’s alright. I’m just glad you’re here now.” Turning off the crystal ball with a gesture, she got up and walked over to him. “How was the world today?”

“The world was pretty, but tough to get around.” Of course. If they wanted to ensure Roxas’ training was complete, they’d want to include the Deep Jungle. Roxas then frowned as he continued to explain, “And I saw someone...fall.”

“To darkness.” Naminé grimaced as she recalled the events of that world. 

“He just changed in an instant.” “And the heartless used him like a puppet.”

“Many weak hearts have been ensnared by the darkness and went on to do terrible things because of it.” Even going through Sora’s memories second hand, she couldn’t help but shake the sense of trepidation as she watched so many fall to darkness. Clayton, Maleficent and her minions. Even Riku was no match for its corrupting influence.

It felt like such a weighty topic for a time the two of them had a chance to really relax. Naminé shook her head as he couldn’t quite look him in the eyes. “I’m sorry. This probably isn’t what you wanted to talk about.”

But Roxas taking her hand helped to reassure her, as did his smile. “It’s okay. Sometimes it’s good to get these sorts of things out there.” And in a way, it did help. The trust the two of them had made it so much easier to talk about things they needed to let out so desperately. “But if you want to change the subject, there’s something I wanted to ask.”

She smiled at the request. “Of course, I’ll do my best to answer.”

“I think I’m seeing the memories you’re making. In my dreams.”

At his question, Naminé was a bit perplexed. “Roxas, Nobodies don’t dream.” Oh they certainly could have aspirations and desires. Things that they wished to possess. But to touch the world of slumber? For the heart to wander and dwell on what mattered to it while asleep? Naminé knew that was impossible.

Roxas winced and tried to explain, “I know, but whatever’s happening when I sleep is pretty close. It’s like I’m inside Sora on some islands,  with you, Kairi, some other boy. What’s his name?”

“Riku. His name is Riku.” She answered the immediate question easily enough. But going through exactly what had happened during the night, she began to tap her cheek in thought. “I suppose it makes sense. With you being asleep and Sora still alive, you might be able to tap into some of those memories.” She considered what Roxas might want with those dreams however. “Are they making it more difficult for you to sleep? Did you want me to create less?”

“Nonono. Nothing like that,” Roxas waved his hands gently before hesitantly asking, “Are...you lonely in those memories?”

Roxas' question gave her pause. But eventually she nodded. Each of those fake memories was just another twisted bit of pain. False happiness that never was, even though she had the phantom sensation of having lived it. The kindness she was shown was just eroded by the reality of her situation.

“What if someone else was there?” He began to offer curiously. “Someone who saw you?” It would be nice for someone to help keep her company. To be a lifeline in those memories. But who? “Someone who might have been there to begin with?” She looked up at Roxas in surprise of his suggestion. It was the same sort of logic she had been able to use to insert herself into Sora’s memories. If Kairi could be there, so could Naminé. And Sora could be there, so could Roxas. He just had a small smile as he made the offer. 

“I...I could do it,” Naminé began to answer shakily, before she steadied herself,  “They can’t find you at all. If any one of them finds you, I’d have to start over with the memory.” Or make him a complete part of Sora, Kairi, and Riku’s childhood. And she wasn’t completely sure he wanted to become a whole part of that.

Eagerly, Roxas nodded. “Got it. I won’t let them see me.”

“Then take my hand.” She held it out for Roxas to hold on to. And as he held it, she tried to focus on a moment she had created where she was more out of the way. Somewhere...

A blue sky…The ocean…An island…

Sora was there as always.

But this time as Roxas watched him run forward to the other side of the island, he could feel the sand beneath him. See the sun shining in the distance. Hear the ocean’s waves. A brief glance downward confirmed his hopes. He wasn’t in Sora’s white and red clothes, but a dark grey t-shirt.

This time he was free. 

And over by the shack, a younger Naminé held a crayon and paper. And her eyes were on him.

Quickly, Roxas jogged over to her. The less time he was out in the open, the better. He couldn’t waste another second. As he arrived, he sat next to her on the sand. Naminé gave a small smile as they looked out to the sea. It was so different from what Roxas had known before. It felt so very familiar to him. He asked, “What are you thinking about when you see this?”

“I think it’s beautiful,” she said softly before a sigh escaped her. “But I won’t be here forever. One day, I’ll be gone from here, and I’ll have to leave all of this behind.” Her smile fell as she asked, “What’s the point of dwelling on something that won’t be there forever?”

For a moment Roxas sat there, Naminé’s question weighing on him. Eventually everything ended, right? Memories, lives, time.

Even so.

“But it was good for it to be there at least once right?” Not to mention some part of Roxas wasn’t sure if it was absolute. Who’s to say something was gone for good after it left? “And what if there’s a chance to find it again?” She looked to him in surprise at his answer. “Maybe I can find a way so you can see this again for real.”

“It’s been so hard to hold on to hope.” Her hand brushed on the corner of the notebook at her side. Eventually, she turned to him with a smile. “But being with you helps me see it a bit better.”

And unlike the ones he saw before in his dreams, this one seemed to be so grateful. Not a mask held up for appearances sake, but something real.

“Naminé?” A girl’s voice called out from beyond the cove.

And like that he shot up, the spell of the moment broken. Naminé was startled as well. “Roxas, Hide here!” Holding open the door of the shack, Roxas began to kick up sand as he scrambled inside. But as he was closing the door it stopped, and he saw Naminé holding it open for a moment. Just long enough to give him a nod and say…

“Thank you.” 

Roxas let out a breath as the memory ended. It was unbelievable just how lifelike everything was. More than that, he knew it had happened. Distant as it was in the past, that memory was a part of him. “I know it isn’t a whole lot. Just a minute.”

She shook her head with a smile. “It’s more than enough.” She looked at him as she held his hand a bit tighter. 

“If we don’t do something this entire situation will be more than we can handle.” Marluxia stared at Vexen and Lexaeus, the former pacing as he watched the crystal ball. 

As he paced Vexen pondered breathlessly, “Yes. With the princess of heart having acquired a keyblade, her viability as a hostage has diminished considerably.”

Larxene shrugged, “What with the super strength, magic, and of course the ability to unlock anything.”

“Rendering most forms of imprisonment impossible.” Lexaeus crossed his arms has he considered the situation. “What of our intruder further down? Riku?”

“He is formidable to be sure,” Vexen came to a stop as he spoke before turning to Marluxia and Larxene with a smile, “But it is nothing I cannot handle. I have analyzed And without a keyblade, he will have difficulty escaping.”

“As long as we have insurance.” Marluxia nodded before shifting the crystal ball to show Riku leaving the sand filled streets of Agrabah.“The superior has made it clear that if nothing else is accomplished in Castle Oblivion, we must do all that we can to stall the hero. Should the memory manipulation fail, we can rely on a hostage.”

Lexaeus materialized his weapon and hefted it to his shoulder. “I will accompany you. We must bring all our power to bear to ensure this capture is successful.”

“We shall return shortly with our insurance.” With that reassurance, Vexen and Lexaeus vanished into shadow.

Riku sighed as he closed yet another of the strange castle’s doors and returned to the same white hallways. Honestly, between the monotony of the castle and the nearly uninhabited memories he fought through it was difficult to keep a lid on things. 

And he had to. He could still feel his presence in the back of cracks of his heart. Just waiting for one slip. One moment of weakness.

“A moment to realize that glorious strength once again.”

Screwing up his eyes, Riku tried to block Ansem’s voice from his mind. Just focus on putting one foot in front of the other. Just try and ignore him and how his stench clung…

Riku stopped as he smelt the air. Ever since he was young, he had a strange habit of being able to just...smell when something was wrong. He ignored it when he began to ally with Maleficent, and he regretted everything since.

So when he smelt something so utterly wrong coming from the man standing before him he stopped. The thing that was so strange, was that it wasn’t like light or darkness. Or anything he’d ever smelled before.

The bony faced man smiled at him, hands behind his back. “I take it you’re Riku.”

He stepped forward, ready to spring to action at a moment’s notice. “Are you with Ansem?”

“You are partially correct.” Another voice behind him spoke. Riku spun around to see a mountain of a man step out of a dark portal, claymore hefted on his shoulder.

In a flash, the bony faced man summoned a blue spiked shield to his side. “Let us just say he is not the Ansem with which you are familiar.”

Lexaeus slammed his foot to the ground, sealing the path behind him with rock.“But that is beside the point. You shall come with Vexen and I.”

Riku summoned his dark blade to his hands. “Sorry, gonna have to turn down your invitation!”

“The hard way it is then. Lexaeus?” Vexen waved his hand to summon spindles of ice and shot them at Riku. He was able to dodge them all handily, even slashing one back at the attacker. 

But as the shots approached Lexaeus, he swung his blade at the projectiles. The ice shards shattered and ricocheted back towards him. Riku held out a hand to summon dark fire and melt some of the frozen shrapnel. He ran towards Lexaeus and began to slash away at him. The giant flinching at each strike from the blade.

Vexen’s laughter caused Riku to stop and dive away. Just in time for an icy disc to miss its target. Turning and leaping towards the caster, he began to rain blow after blow on his shield. Vexen winced with each strike, and it was clear he couldn’t keep this up forever. All Riku just needed was one more strike.

“RAAAAAAGGH!!!” 

And in that moment, Riku was never more thankful for the habit many of his foes had of calling their attacks. As he snapped toward Lexaeus bringing his claymore down on his head. But as the attack made contact, Riku was flung back. And as he regained his footing he could see why. Power radiated off Lexaeus, to the point that it was almost an aura. Even as he was feet away, he tossed his blade to the sky and began to punch the ground. 

Riku began to take a step back in the nick of time. With each strike to the floor huge rocks of earth shot forth at Riku’s feet, forcing him to move back. With Lexaeus catching the blade and bringing it to the floor once more, Riku jumped away to avoid the cliff that shot up at his feet. Lexaeus narrowed his eyes at his opponent. “You wield the darkness, yet you do not embrace it.” With a roar, power began to surge around him once again, knocking Riku back.

“That fear shall be your downfall!” Vexen crowed as a pool of ice gathered at Riku’s feet. Rolling away, he was able to avoid the colossal spike of ice that sprouted from the ground. As Vexen continued to gesture, Riku saw the ice continue to grow at his feet. Rolling again, Riku just barely avoided another ice pillar that followed him.

And unfortunately, Lexaeus followed him too. Leaping across the room at Riku, he brought his claymore down on him in an explosion of rock, catching him in the blast. This time, he couldn’t defend against the attack and was flung back. Again, Lexaeus tossed his weapon and smashed the floor, and Vexen continued to throw more blades of ice at him. It took all of Riku’s focus to evade the entire barrage, and he barely had a chance to get a blow in on either one of them.

But finally, Vexen drifted a bit too close. “You’re wide open!” Riku slashed once again at the shield, causing it to break. Crying out in surprise, Vexen had no more defense against Riku’s attack. With slash after slash he tried to take him out and end the magical barrage. Hopefully that would give him room to breathe.

“Foolish!” Lexaeus roared, and Riku was forced to halt his attack and turn to his other opponent. Power had begun to roar around him as he floated in the air far away from him. A distant shout was Riku’s only warning before Lexaeus came careening towards him. While Riku was able to avoid the pillar of earth that erupted immediately from where Lexaeus had struck, he was unable to avoid the aftershocks. With the subsequent crags and stones knocking him into the air.

“Hold still!” At Vexen’s voice so close to him, Riku spun midair to try and face him. But it was too late, as he was only in time to see Vexen held out his hands and a gale of ice began to cover him. 

Riku panicked as he realized the frost was encasing him. “No! NO!” He cried out before being frozen completely. But between the crushing blows Lexaeus had inflicted and as the cold sapped his strength, he could hardly fight back. The block of ice encasing him dropped to the ground. But even though his frozen body was motionless, Riku’s mind was screaming, ‘NO! I CAN’T LOSE HERE! I WON’T LOSE!’

“Of course you won’t.”

And his mind came to a screeching halt as he recognized the voice. Even clearer than when he manifested in front of him floors ago.

“You have power.”

“My power.”

Riku panicked, tried to do something. Anything to hold back the tide. ‘N...No! I don’t want this!’

The voice laughed as Riku could feel the power he could barely control overwhelm him once again. “But you did! Even now, you still rely on it!” 

“THE POWER OF DARKNESS!!!”

Vexen relaxed at seeing Riku detained by his ice prison. He turned to Lexaeus with a smile. “Excellent! We should be able to transport him safely to my lab for study with this.”

Still, Lexaeus frowned as he looked at the frozen boy. “Something’s wrong.”

Vexen scoffed as he walked closer to Riku, “I realize that utilizing your full potential so soon in a battle is not quite your standard practice, but ensuring a clean capture—.”

“Get back!” Lexaeus shouted and grabbed Vexen by his cloak to pull him away from the ice which had begun to gather darkness. More and more it gathered around the frozen block until it shattered. But with the imprisonment destroyed, the darkness  did not stop gathering. It only grew larger and taller. 

When the darkness cleared, Riku was gone. In his place stood Ansem, The Dark Seeker.

[scoobysnack1107]

So grateful I was able to commission the incredible @rainbow-taishi again for another gorgeous RokuNami piece! As always, Jin did an absolutely amazing job! The colors and atmosphere are warm, the expressions soft, and the detailing exquisite 🥺💞 Thank you again Jin for making making my day and bringing a huge smile to my face 💖

For anyone interested, I wrote an accompanying story!

You can read it below or on ao3: Un Rendez-vous Romantique

(special thank you to @jysumrae for using her French skills to help me with the title 💖 )

                                       Un Rendez-vous Romantique

 Naminé checked the time on her gummi phone again. Five minutes before seven o’clock. Five minutes before Roxas was supposed to arrive at the bistro for their date. Their first date she reminded herself.

    All around her, tables were filled with laughing couples sharing colorful concoctions that were placed onto tables by waiters dressed in well-tailored suits. Naminé, dressed in her signature white dress and blue sandals, was the only one sitting alone.

    She couldn’t help but wonder how seriously he had taken the idea. He had been the one that asked her out with that boyish grin she was powerless to resist. But this was the first time they would be together like this. Unencumbered by heartless, the Organization, Diz. Tonight, it was just the two of them in the most romantic place in town.

    Unless…he stood her up.

    Naminé’s heart sunk, and as the people milling by the bistro cast her curious looks, she started feeling more and more self-conscious. Did they think he wasn’t coming?

    “Don’t worry, Naminé. Trust me, he’ll come.”

    Startled, Naminé looked up and found Sora offering her a comforting grin. He was dressed in a white chef’s uniform and tall toque that somehow managed to stay atop his spiky head of hair. In his hands, he was carrying a large, unopened box decorated with golden fleur de lis and something scribbled on top in black marker.

    “Sora? Why are you—” she trailed off, suddenly remembering that her friend had become an occasional helping hand at the restaurant during his travels. Though, admittedly, it was strange to think of Sora as a chef in a high-end bistro like this. “Thank you. I guess I’m just a little nervous.”

    In the distance, the bell of the clock tower tolled, signaling the passing of another hour. Seven o’clock.

    Sora had to be right.

    “Excuse me! Coming through!”

    Outside the bistro, some kind of commotion had started. The tram stopping in its track as a boy riding a black and white skateboard came racing through. A flock of pigeons wandering the bistro’s checkered plaza dispersed in a flurry of feathers, and one of the waiters nearly dropped a plate of ratatouille before said boy arrived in front of Naminé’s table with an apologetic smile.

    “I am so sorry, Naminé,” Roxas said, finally catching his breath, “I promise I didn’t forget. Really. I got caught up delivering letters again because Lea ‘sprained’ his ankle and couldn’t finish his half.” Roxas shook his head. Of all the days Lea felt it necessary to fake an injury.

    Naminé couldn’t help herself. She laughed, and the anxiety that had been chipping away at her nerves dissipated with the sound. “It’s fine, Roxas. I’m glad you were able to make it. I can’t say I expected that kind of entrance though.” Another laugh slipped past her lips when she noticed a stray feather in his hair.

    Roxas scratched the back of his head sheepishly. “I can’t say I really planned it that way.”

    Plucking the feather from the skater’s head unceremoniously, Sora handed his friend the box he was holding. “Well, now that you’re finally here, I’d say it’s time for you two love birds to enjoy your date with a little Tarte aux Fruits, courtesy of Little Chef and I!” Sora patted his toque affectionately, prompting a tiny gray mouse to peek out from beneath the hat before scurrying back inside with a squeak. “He’s a little shy,” Sora whispered.

    “He’s cute,” Naminé cooed.

    Roxas flipped open the lid of the box to examine the dessert. Inside the box was a round and colorful tart decorated with fresh strawberries, blueberries, kiwis, and peaches. “Sora, you know it’s just the two of us, right?” Usually, the bistro only served the desserts by slices. Not entire tartlets like this.

    Sora pushed the lid back down and pointed to the writing on top.

      Enjoy your date!

      - Sora and Little Chef

    “Yep! But you’re my friends and Little Chef insisted. It’s not like you can’t take the leftovers home. I’m sure Lea and Xion would eat a few slices for you.”

    Curious, Naminé stood up to peer inside the box too. Sora really was too sweet.  Everything about the dessert was handled with care, with each fruit arranged so precisely, Naminé could only imagine how long her friend had spent perfecting the delectable concoction. “Thank you, Sora. This is perfect, but you know, we’ll be saving you and Little Chef a slice too. It wouldn’t feel right for our chefs not to taste their own creation.”

    “Heh, guess not,” Sora agreed, scratching his cheek.

    “You can drop by the Old Mansion after work if you’d like,” Naminé suggested, “No one goes to bed early anyway, since it’s summer vacation.”

    “Yeah, and plus, you still owe me a rematch on Classic Kingdom Melee,” Roxas said with a competitive glint in his blue eyes.

    Sora chuckled and laced his hands behind his head. “So eager to get your butt handed to you again?”

    “I have Naminé’s good luck charm this time,” Roxas said confidently, “So, there’s no way I’m gonna lose again.”

    “We’ll see,” Sora said in a sing-song voice. The two boys jibed one another for another minute until Sora was called back into the kitchen by a short, portly chef with a silver whisk and a toque taller than him.

    Roxas set the box with the tart on the table and moved to pull Naminé’s chair out for her with a flourish. “Madame.”

    “How gentlemanly,” Naminé giggled as she took her seat.

   Taking the chair across from her, Roxas signaled over one of the waiters who promptly brought them two plates and utensils to slice their dessert. Naminé, her hands small and adept, cut them each a generous piece.

    The window behind them cast a warm golden glow and was embossed with the bistro’s name, Le Grand Bistrot, in neat gold lettering. Inside, the restaurant’s staff busied themselves, the sound of clattering dishes and whirring kitchen appliances blending with the soft instrumental tune floating from the speakers outside.

    Naminé spoke again first. “So, you and Hayner are entering the Struggle Tournament this year?”

    “We’re gonna win this year” Roxas boasted with a grin. He picked up his dessert but didn’t take a bite as sparks of excitement began to dance in his eyes. “We’ve been training every day since sign ups.”

    “Confident I see,” Naminé teased.

    “Always,” Roxas returned, his grin turning sly, “And besides, I’ve won the digital version once already. The real thing can’t be any harder.”

    Naminé conceded with a smile. “That is true.”

    As Roxas explained his new strategy for this year’s tournament, Naminé listened attentively, offering nods and questions at different intervals as she nibbled at her dessert. She liked seeing him so excited. After everything they had been through, happiness like this was well-deserved.

    “Promise to cheer me on?” Roxas asked. His gaze was intense now, making Naminé’s heart skip a beat.

    Naminé averted his eyes, playing with her hair as she answered shyly. “I’ll be in the front row the entire time.”

    “U-Uh, thanks” Roxas blushed at her words and drew his own gaze away. “But um…anyway,” Roxas coughed, “How about you? You mentioned buying some new paints the other day. Have you been able to try them out yet?”

    This time, it was Naminé’s face that lit up. She pressed her fingers together and tilted her head happily. “I have! I’ve been painting lots of landscapes with them, and I want to try portraits too.”

    “Is this your subtle way of asking me to be your model?” Roxas joked.

    “Mmm, maybe. Though, I’m not entirely sure you’d be able to stay still the entire time.”

    Roxas raised his eyebrows. “That sounds like a challenge.”

    “You really think you can sit still for more than an hour?” Naminé asked dubiously.

    “With the right kind of incentive.”

    Without hesitating, Naminé replied. “Sea salt ice cream?”

    “Bingo,” Roxas said and bit into his slice of the tart.

    Naminé didn’t try to conceal her laughter. Roxas really was predictable. And adorable.  “I think I can arrange that.”

    “Then, we have ourselves a deal!” Roxas held out a hand across the table, and Naminé shook it as if it was actually some kind of serious, contractual agreement.

    The two continued to talk, reminiscing over the new memories they had made in the real Twilight Town. Like the first time they had all gone to Sunset Hill for a meteor shower or when they took that impromptu trip to Radiant Garden because somehow Twilight Town had run out of sea salt ice cream. Granted, it had been a particularly hot day. But still…

    “I feel like summer vacation is too short,” Roxas complained, “and who thought it was a good idea to assign homework? We’re supposed to be on a break.”

    Naminé’s lips twitched knowingly. “You still haven’t started, have you?”

    “I tried, but the computer keeps crashing on me, so I can’t do any kind of research,” Roxas explained, pouting as he crossed his arms.

    “You and computers,” Naminé sighed, shaking her head, “What are you writing your report on?”

    “Not sure yet. Hayner, Pence, and Olette want to do something about the seven wonders, but that’s a little too déjà vu for me, you know?”

    Naminé tapped her chin thoughtfully. “Hmm, maybe you can do a report about the beach?”

    “The beach?” Roxas cocked his head curiously.

    “Yeah, like what kind of fish are in the ocean here or ways to keep our beaches clean,” Naminé continued. Roxas loved the beach. The first time they went, Roxas nearly tripped over himself running across the sand to get to the water, and he didn’t come out until it was time to leave.

    “Looks like we’re going to the beach this week then, huh?” Roxas asked with a coy grin.

    Naminé returned the smile.  “Looks like it.”

    By the time they were ready to leave, with their leftovers secured in a to-go bag, the last embers of the twilight sky above had faded, blanketing the sunset hues beneath a veil of stars. The night air was still, the bustle of the usually busy town subdued as most citizens retired to their homes to sleep.

    “I had a lot of fun tonight,” Naminé said, staring down at her feet bashfully.

    “Me too.” There was a brief silence that hung between them before Roxas added in a hesitant but hopeful voice. “Maybe we can do it again sometime?”

    “I would love that,” Naminé answered softly, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

    “Y-You know, there’s gonna be that new movie playing down at the theater this Friday. We could grab dinner here and then go see that?”

    “It’s a date!” Naminé agreed happily, and her heart soared.

    Roxas took her hand and intertwined their fingers. “It’s a date.”

[chibi-mushroom]

Hey everyone! Finally get to post my piece for the memory of promises zine! check out the link here if you want to grab one of your own copies in the leftover sale! I was so happy to be able to join in on this zine, and I hope you guys enjoy all the work that went into it! (Also keep in mind this was written before MoM.)

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Namine rubbed her temples and looked at the clock. Midnight already. DiZ was not going to like this. The next time he came into the white room would bring on some lecture or punishment of some kind. She had been working furiously all afternoon trying to get past this one section of memory, but there was something that was keeping her back. Her pulse began to race. She was feeling sick. The door to the white room opened and with a squeak, Namine ducked under the table, fearing the familiar stride of the man in red.

"It's okay, it's just me. You can come out now." A soft voice sounded in her ears. "You're safe. DiZ said he needed to run an errand and wouldn't be back for a couple of days."

Slowly looking up, Namine could see the outstretched hand of the only comfort she had in this lonely place. "Riku. You're back."

She took his offering and stood up. He hadn't let go of her hand just yet, blindfold still covering those beautiful blue green eyes he had. She was glad it stopped him from seeing things like her girlish blush. He was only offering his hand as a friend. Besides, it was wrong for her to want to be with him- nobodies weren't supposed to feel anything. So why did she?

"You're shaking." Riku stated simply. "Have you eaten anything today?"

So he could even feel the slight tremor in her hands. "No, not exactly."

"Do you want me to get something for you? I think there are some leftovers in the fridge."

"No, I'm alright. I have to get back to work." Namine tried to take her hand from his, but he held onto it all the tighter, leaning down a little to be at eye level with her. 

"You were working when I left, and I can tell you haven't gotten any sleep. How are you expecting to take care of Sora when you can't take care of yourself?"

Right. Namine thought. He's just like DiZ. All he cares about is getting Sora restored. You're just a tool.

Still, she couldn't help but notice the way her breath caught in her throat as his blinded eyes sunk to meet her tired ones. Maybe she should take a small break. All of this stress was making her read too much into small gestures.

Namine simply nodded, and Riku left to warm her up some food. Sensing that going back to Sora's memories would be futile, she grabbed her sketch pad and turned it to the very last page. This was her secret page, covered in things she thought about. Mindless doodles she drew when she was waiting for the computer to check on Sora’s physical well-being.

The sketch pad was not necessary for her magic to work. She could rearrange memories- crush the hearts of her poor unsuspecting victims- without it. She used it though to help her concentrate. By visualizing the memories, she was able to make a more convincing edit or capture the feelings that were hiding beneath the surface. So many times she had drawn Sora, Riku and Kairi together. And sure there were strong feelings of both love and jealousy, but had she not had her sketch pad, she might have missed Sora's emotions of gratitude for two stalwart best friends, confusion about school topics they had recently studied, and hope that Kairi would want to go with him to the first school dance, even though he knew they would just go together and bail early to hang out on the play island like they always did whenever the school had some social.

"Here you go. It's nothing special, but it's better than nothing." Riku interrupted her thoughts with a plate of food.

With a gasp, Namine hurried to cover her sketch pad. Even though she knew he couldn't see it, he moved so gracefully that she sometimes wondered if he really was blind. Although those first couple of days made the mansion quite a bit louder with his cries of annoyance as he bumped into furniture. He even fell into the secret compartment that hid the computer lab, but luckily managed to land safely.

"Drawing something you don't want anyone to see?" Riku smirked. 

"No!" Namine replied a bit sharper than she thought. "Maybe."

Riku laughed as he set their plates down and pulled a chair over. "I'm only kidding. You don't have to be working on Sora nonstop. If you want to take a moment for yourself, then do it."

"No, I need to be working on Sora. It was my fault he's like this in the first place. I want to keep my promise." Namine picked up the white plastic fork. For once would it hurt to have some color around here?

With a sigh, Riku held his hand out for her to hold. "We've been over this, Nam. What happened wasn't your fault. You were being used." Softly Riku muttered "you still are."

Namine looked at him for a moment and then looked down at her food. She picked at it for a few moments before softly sliding her hand in his and taking a couple of bites. She ate in a comfortable silence, simply feeling the pressure that came from the gentle touch. This sort of thing wasn't unusual for them. They could usually be found in silence with their hands connected. But the mountain of pressure from the recent block in memories and lack of self care was threatening to squish Namine with its enormous weight.

"How's the restoration going?" Riku asked.

Namine's stomach began to twist around itself. "I'm….not sure." 

Riku squeezed her hand, urging her to explain. Namine sighed, unsure of how to continue. Would he get mad if she told the truth? He had slowly been becoming more like DiZ, after all. He used to be there with her when she was getting told off. These days, Riku was never usually in the white room for more than five minutes unless it was late at night.

"You remember what Sora's mom used to tell him all the time, right?"  Riku recalled.

"Never talk to strangers on the play island?"

Riku chuckled, remembering a secret promise. "A problem shared is a problem halved. If you tell me, it might relieve some of the pressure on you."

There was no avoiding it, not as long as he held her hand. 

 "It's just that, well-" Namine fumbled for the words. "There's been a bit of a roadblock. I've been doing my best to sort it out, tracing the connections, but it's like the memories slip away as soon as I think I have a grasp on them. I may have gone through half a notebook trying to find a solid piece."

There was a pause, as if Riku were considering what to say. 

"I'll go get you a new notebook tomorrow, then. As for the memories, we'll get it figured out. You need to take a break, anyway."

"No!" Namine swallowed back further emotion. Maybe she really did need some sleep. She was being more irrational than she expected. "No, it's fine. I'm sure I'm doing something wrong."

"Don't say stuff like that. If there's anyone who can make this situation right, it's you. Please, just take a few hours to rest tomorrow, okay?" Riku squeezed her hand again.

"I don't really have a choice here, do I?" Namine sighed.

"You always have a choice. I'm just asking you as someone who cares a lot about you."

Someone who cares? Namine thought. She slowly nodded in reply. Maybe a break was exactly what she needed.

"Thank you, Riku."

One Year Later

Again Riku tried to beat Marluxia, and again he was defeated. He only had this last battle to finish, having started against the organization members he recognized or had personally fought against. Which, admittedly wasn't many, but after several attempts, he was down to the last. It frustrated him that he still wasn't quite used to the keyboard controls, and Sora's moves were much less based in strength and relied much more on magic. Riku had never been very good with magic, focusing on perfecting his cure and dark firaga spells instead of learning the large array of magic that his friends had mastered. 

Some keyblade master I turned out to be. Riku thought, sitting back in his seat and folding his arms. I can't even stop my two best friends from leaving me again. This is just like back then…

His mind began to drift away with thoughts of Castle Oblivion and Twilight Town. He heard the door open and gentle footsteps move toward him.

"Hey Aerith. We can work on that scarf in a minute. I have to get some more ethers for data Sora first."

"I take it the fight didn't go well then?" A soft voice walked closer.

He closed his eyes and shook his head. Not Aerith. 

"Hey Namine. How could you tell?"

Namine placed a hand on his shoulder and gave a gentle squeeze. "You're really tense. Besides, I could feel your frustration from a block away."

What anger and annoyance had once plagued Riku's mind had since washed away. All he could register was how reassuring Namine's hand on his shoulder felt. She smelled nice, too. A faint blush warmed his cheeks. Ever since Kairi had insisted on going to sleep and Terra had left for the dark realm with Aqua and Ven, Namine was the only person Riku shared everything with. She had heard him vent several times, and she had been helping Aerith teach him how to knit. It was her delicate fingers that had lead him through the steps of a cable.

"I guess I need a little bit of a break." Riku said with a sigh. "Wanna go get some ice cream or something?"

"Sure." Namine smiled, stepping back so he could get up and stretch. They began to talk as they walked to their usual ice cream shop. 

Since Scrooge, Huey and Dewey had returned home, the ice cream shop had been manned by one of the local citizens. He usually gave Riku a discount, so Riku usually put some munny in the tip jar. It had become routine over the past year to go whenever Namine came to visit from Twilight Town.

"How is everything going with Roxas and Xion?" Riku asked, sitting down and unwrapping his fruit bar.

"Slow." Namine replied, taking a small lick from her chocolate cherry ice cream cone. She wanted to try all of the flavors, and this was the last one. "Not too bad, but I think I preferred the strawberry cheesecake the best."

"That was a flavor Kairi always liked." Riku smiled softly. 

When he saw the way Namine looked for just the hair of a second, he realized that was probably the wrong thing to say. He inwardly cursed himself and his inability to be the suave guy all the girls had thought he was growing up. Kairi and Namine didn't get much of a chance to talk after she got her replica body, as Kairi had almost immediately asked to be put under. Riku wondered what it was like living inside a heart of pure light. Just like Castle Oblivion, she didn't talk about it much.

"We should get some for her when she wakes up." Namine continued to eat her cone. There was an uncomfortable silence for just a moment before Namine spoke up again. "Who were you fighting when I came in?"

"Marluxia. He was the head of the castle, right?"

Namine nodded.

"I never really got to meet him as I was down in the basement back then. I'm sorry you had to deal with a guy like him."

"It's alright. I...had some support. There was Sora and Donald and Goofy. And despite everything I did to him, there was your replica, too." Namine spoke slowly, choosing her words with care. "But don't feel bad. He made his decisions, like everyone else."

This time, it was Riku's turn to nod in agreement, taking a bite from his treat.

"After the data battles are all said and done, what happens next?" Namine asked softly.

"I...don't know. All I know is that I've been having these weird dreams lately."

"I wondered. You look tired." Namine grabbed on to Riku's hand, intertwining their fingers.

Maybe it was a reflex, maybe it was a force of habit, like how they used to sit back in the old mansion. Either way, the touch on its own was enough to pull Riku away from the dark thoughts that usually sat at the horizon of his mind. He squeezed her hand in response.

"Don't hesitate to call me if you ever need someone to talk to. I miss our little midnight chats." Namine admitted.

"I do too." Riku smiled softly. "They really helped clear my mind back then."

"A problem shared is a problem halved, remember?" Namine was glad she could actually see his eyes as she recalled back to his words that helped her through her time at the old mansion. "Care to share anything?"

Riku paused. He sighed before starting to speak. After he told her of the recurring dream he'd been having with the buildings and the feeling of being watched, he also admitted to the weight that had been pinned on his shoulders. 

"I know it might sound silly, but I can't help but wonder if these dreams are connected to Sora somehow. I just wish I could understand it more." Riku finished his bar and set the popsicle stick on the bench beside him.

Namine had just finished her ice cream as well, wiping her face with the napkin. "Maybe it's time you take another journey."

"With the data battle still to fight and Kairi still asleep? I can't leave now."

"Maybe not now, but after the last battle is won." Namine gently pulled his hand close to her and began massaging it. "But that means I can't follow you. Will you be alright on your own? Maybe you can check Kairi's dreams."

"I...don't know. I haven't used my dream eater powers in a long time and the process is still kind of fuzzy for me." He could feel his muscles relax as she worked at his weary hand.

Doubt was rising in his chest. Maybe she was right. Who was he kidding? He wasn't ready for this kind of thing. He wasn't like Sora or Kairi who could follow their hearts at a moment's notice. He couldn't always feel the way it was trying to lead him.

But as he saw Namine patiently working on his hands, the stiff muscles being brought to relax against her fingers, a light shone through the storm of his doubt. How he hadn't realized it before was a mystery. Ever since they had met, she had been the light in the dark, just as he had provided shade for her in the brightest situations. As she finished the massage, she tenderly squeezed his hands, reassuring him that she was there and willing to help. Surely that was love.

He felt love for her, no question. But with Sora and Kairi gone and asleep, there never seemed to be a good moment to tell her what his heart really wanted to say. 

"We...we should be getting back." Namine sighed. "Are you sure you're alright?"

"No, but then, I'm not really all that sure of anything anymore."

"If there's anything I know, it's that things will get better. We'll find Sora. I don't know how or when, but we will." Namine took his hand again, standing before him.

Namine took a quick breath and then leaned over, placing a quick kiss atop his head. Ordinarily, she wouldn't be able to reach, but since he was sitting down, she could offer a small token of her affection and confidence in his abilities.

She and Riku's faces filled with blush, although a smile tugged at her lips. Namine didn't have enough courage to kiss him on the lips like she had wanted to for so long, but this was safe. He couldn't spurn her for a harmless kiss to the head. After all, what was some reassurance between friends?

"Thank you, Namine." Riku had a hard time looking at this angel of a woman without his heartbeat increasing.

To think she was willing to be by his side after all this. He decided there and then that he would listen to his heart and tell her of his feelings...after they set everything right. Once Sora and Kairi were home and together, then they could sort out their own relationship. It would give him yet another reason to bring his best friend home. 

He could still feel the kiss on his forehead, and it brought a genuine smile to his face. He stood up and began walking away from Merlin's house.

"Don't feel like you have to stop working on the data battles on my account. I just wanted to make sure you were doing alright." Namine stopped for a second.

"We can get back to those soon enough. I need a little longer before I get back into it." He took his trash and threw it into a nearby can. "There are some fountains that are really pretty this time of day nearby if you want to check them out with me."

A smile formed on Namine's lips. "I'd love to, Riku."

[atomic-taco-muffin]

The Legend of Hana Chapter 107

Warnings: Same warnings as last chapter 

Rating: SFW

In Twilight Town, Axel was taking a bite from a sea-salt ice cream bar and watching the sunset from the clocktower, dressed for the wedding. He was holding two more bars in addition to his own. 

“Well, Roxas... I shoulda been there for you by now, but here we are,” he said into the dusk. Just then he sensed someone behind him. 

“Shouldn't you say good-bye to your real home?” It was Saïx! And it looked like he was also dressed for the wedding. Looks like word got around fast.

“Why...?” 

“I'm not here to fight. Relax.” Saïx sat down next to Axel, then plucked one of the ice cream bars from his hand. 

“Hey!” Axel exclaimed. 

“You can't eat all this. Why did you buy three of them? One for Roxas and two for good luck?” Saïx asked, his tone light and free of any hostility as he started on his own ice cream. 

“Got it memorized? Back when we were still friends, we used to sneak into the castle,” he said. Axel nodded. “And we made a friend there, a girl. We apprenticed to Ansem the Wise to rescue her.” 

“Yeah, and we failed. One day she was just gone!” Axel snapped in a way that was reminiscent of his younger self. 

“You gave up.” 

“I did not give up,” Axel retorted, stopping for a moment. His eyes looked off in some direction away from both Saïx and the sunset. “One day we're apprentices, the next Ansem the Wise has up and vanished, the day after we're Nobodies, day after that we're guards to the royal family. I couldn’t keep up with you.” 

While Axel threw his hands up in the air as he spoke, Saïx simply stared forward and worked on eating his own ice cream. 

“Following Xehanort's son was the only way to discover what happened to her,” he said. 

“So? You found her? I helped you rise up the ranks, so I hope it paid off,” Axel said as he pointed the untouched ice cream bar at Saïx. 

“I'm afraid not. Nary a trace. I started to wonder if we'd imagined her. Maybe she never existed. And then, in time, I awakened to a new purpose. I realized I could be stronger.” This time Axel gestured with both ice cream bars in his hands. 

“Well, then, you blew it! Wise up already and just quit,” he said. Saïx merely regarded him quietly. 

“Face it. Roxas is just like our other friend. Gone forever. You need to accept that.” 

“You wish. I'm getting her back. All of 'em! Especially Roxas! I'm even dragging you home.” Despite the desperation in Axel’s voice, Saïx merely finished his ice cream and got to his feet. 

“The marks under your eyes. They're gone,” he said. Axel was taken back for a second. 

“Yeah. Don't need 'em.” 

“Always told you they'd stop you from crying. The upside down tears,” Saïx said with a smile. Axel waved his ice cream around in irritation. 

“Would you get lost?” he asked. Saïx chuckled and kissed Axel’s head.

“I’ll see you at the wedding,” he whispered. Axel blushed and watched as Saïx walked away. 

                                                          ☽✧☽✧

Also in Twilight Town, Mukuro was making the finishing touches to her dress when she heard a knock on her door. She walked over to the door and found Ansem standing right outside it. 

“We’re all ready,” he said. 

“Okay. I’ll be right there,” she replied. Mukuro left the door open and finished what she was doing, giving Ansem a good look at her. 

“What?” Mukuro asked as she looked at him. 

“Nothing. It’s just...I’m the luckiest guy in the world to have you as my wife,” he smiled. Mukuro smiled back and gave Ansem a gentle kiss. 

“And I’m the luckiest woman to have you as my husband. Now come on. We’re gonna be late,” she said. They headed downstairs and the Ikusaba family headed off to Disney Castle. 

[kessielrg]

[Kingdom Hearts] Messenger Chirithy

Summary: In which two Chirithy play messenger pigeon for their respective Keyblade wielders. Why? Because Gummiphones are supposed to be turned off during lessons, obviously. [VentusxOC][nonbinary Chirithy][post-Lost Lights]

Rating: K

Word Count: 1,517 words

If you liked this story, please reblog!

---

Ven let out a long, annoyed sigh. The teen took a glance up at his friends, Terra and Aqua, as Aqua used Terra to move things around the training room. You would think that by now, Ven wouldn’t have to do the reading and writing portion of Keyblade training anymore. He was just as experienced as his friends. (Maybe even more if Chirithy would admit to it.) This kind of stuff was made for newer wielders like Kairi and Lea. If Ven kept reading about the ingredients to synthesis a Dream Eater, he was going to start crying tears of boredom.

“Chin up, Ven!” Chirithy happily declared, hopping into view to distract its wielder. “You still have about three pages to go, then you’ll have a fast quiz after.”

That only made Ven groan. Terra and Aqua didn’t even bother to turn around. Rude.

“Kairi’s not doing reading work today.” Ven whined. “And who knows what Lea’s doing today. Not training. Not when Roxas and Xion are starting school in Twilight Town.”

Ven let out another groan as he rubbed his face with his hands. He looked at his Chirithy with an increasing hopelessness.

“Do you think Aqua has Sabrina doing reading and writing stuff too? Maybe I could ask her.”

Chirithy crossed their arms, casting a skeptical look at its wielder. “Good idea- spare for one thing. No Gummiphones while training.”

“This isn’t training.” Ven spat. “This is reading. It’s worse.”

“Still training!” Chirithy replied in a sing-song voice. But still, it could tell how bored Ven was. Chirithy sighed. “You know,” it started to suggest, “If you write a letter to her, then Aqua might think that you’re taking notes instead.”

Ven looked at his Chirithy. His eyes grew wide at the prospect. Then, in the least conspicuous way possible, Ventus started to shuffle through his books for a blank piece of paper. Chirithy looked on with mild curiosity as Ven wrote a single sentence.

‘Is Aqua making you study Dream Eaters too?’

Biting his lip, Ven carefully folded the paper into three times before handing it to Chirithy.

“Here.” he said with a grin. Chirithy just looked at him.

“That’s it? Just a sentence?”

Ventus recoiled a bit. “Why?” the teen asked in genuine confusion. “What else could I say?”

“It’s still a letter, Ven. I say you gotta give it a little more meat. Otherwise, you might as well try to snag your Gummiphone from Terra and just text her.”

Ven glanced over at Terra, flinched, then looked back at Chirithy. “Alright,” he agreed. “We’ll write Sabrina a real letter. It would still be a break from all this reading.”

“There ya go!” Chirithy agreed with a grin. Ven gave the Dream Eater a firm nod before scratching out his old sentence, then writing something much longer. He just hoped Sabrina would like it.

. . .

Sabrina paced around her room as she read over the danger of Nightmares. On her bed, two bunny children were acting out a rather heated fight. One of the bunnies ended up the victor, while the loser pretended to be dramatically dying. If you felt like listening close enough, you would have sworn that the winner of the battle mentioned something about having ice cream with someone. Even a few Guardians felt like playing along- hanging around the ‘dying’ bunny kid like crystals rising into the air. But Sabrina wasn’t paying attention; her focus was too razor-sharp to even register the theatrics on her bed at the moment.

She wasn’t even paying that much attention when Chirithy appeared at the foot of her bed.

“I have a letter for you!” Chirithy declared.

Sabrina stopped her pacing with a blink. She looked at Chirithy, then raised a skeptic eyebrow.

“From who?” she asked.

“Ven. Apparently.”

“Apparently?”

“His Chirithy said that he didn’t want to study.”

“Yeah, sounds about right.” Sabrina snorted as she took the letter from the Dream Eater. The smirk she had as she read through the letter slowly started to become a look of horror.

“Oh no.”

“What?”

“Remind me to tell Aqua to teach Ventus how to write a proper letter.” Sabrina said as she sat on the bed, allowing both Chirithy and the bunny children to read over the letter as well. “This is… wow. Okay, then.”

Sabrina let out a snort as Chirithy looked at the letter.

“I think it’s sweet.” Chirithy hummed as it glanced up at Sabrina.

“And that’s exactly what’s wrong with it,” she decided as she got up. She set the letter down on her desk before going through the desk’s drawers. From one drawer she pulled out a rather fancy inkwell, and from another she pulled out a just as fancy ink pen. Sabrina sat down at her desk in preparation to write her return letter.

Chirithy hopped into the air to leave the bed, only to appear on top of Sabrina’s desk. The bunny children stayed on the bed, laying on their stomachs as they observed their big sis like they were watching TV instead. Sabrina got into a rather firm posture as her guided the pen across the paper. There was an art is calligraphy- one that she took with extreme pride in.

‘Ventus,

Who on earth taught you how to write a letter? That thing has to be the most disastrous piece of parchment I have yet to lay eyes on. Paragraphs are a thing- use them.’

“Ow. Harsh.” Chirithy noted.

“Oh, but dear Chirithy, I’ve got far more up my sleeve.” Sabrina replied with cunning grin.

“Now I’m scared.”

Both wielder and Chirithy looked at each other, then shared an equal grin before Sabrina continued to write.

. . .

A few hours later, Chirithy patiently waited at Yen Sid’s tower. The Dream Eater kicked its legs as it sat at the foot of the steps. Chirithy hummed a rather jaunty tune to itself, even moving its head from side to side with every half beat. Where had they heard that song? It wasn’t anything Ventus knew.

“Hey Chirithy!”

Chirithy looked up and smiled. Sabrina’s Chirithy was bounding up to Ven’s Chirithy with a new letter in its hand. Like all of Sabrina’s other letters, it was neatly placed inside an envelope with a personal seal embossed on the top left corner. (The first two letters she sent were actually sealed with wax. But in finding that she and Ventus would be sending far more letters to each other, she quickly did away with it for an envelope that could be used over and over again.) If Chirithy tried to breath in deep enough, it could get a whiff of lavender. At this point, it wasn’t sure if it was coming from the letter or the other Chirithy.

“Just in time, Chirithy!” Ven’s Chirithy greeted. It got up from the steps to meet Sabrina’s Chirithy halfway. The duo gave each other a respectful nod before the Chirithy exchanged the letter.

“Is this the last letter of tonight?” Ven’s Chirithy asked.

“Oh, I don’t know.” Sabrina’s Chirithy replied. It seemed a bit perplexed at the idea. “She’s taking this quite seriously. It’s almost something I’ve never seen out of her before.”

“Ven’s totally lost track of time too.” Chirithy nodded. “Lemme tell ya something, Chirithy. I did not expect her to scent her letters with perfume. It almost blew the whole operation up right then and there.”

“Trust me, you should have seen my surprise when she pulled out an actual inkwell.”

Chirithy jumped back in shock. “She uses real ink?!”

The other Chirithy just folded its arms and gave the first a rather hard stare. “When was the last time you saw a generic pen use purple ink that changes to green when you look at it a certain way?”

“Point taken.” Chirithy thoughtfully nodded. It thought about something for a moment, then gave a small chortle. “She’s so extra.”

“Yeah.” the second Chirithy agreed. It even stood a bit taller with pride. “But it’s only because she likes him.”

Ven’s Chirithy laughed. Not long after, the other Chirithy joined in as well. At this point, Sabrina’s silent admiration for Ventus was well known to both Chirithy. There were precious few things wielders could hide from their special Dream Eaters to begin with. Budding feelings for another wielder were definitely at the top of the list.

As their enjoyment faded somewhat, Sabrina’s Chirithy placed a hand by its head in thought. “I hope they don’t do this all night.” it mused. “This is kinda exhausting.”

“It is.” Chirithy sighed. It let out a thoughtful hum before asking, “Is she having fun?”

“Of course!” the other Chirithy happily nodded. “I haven’t seen her so interested in anything since Aqua’s first training lesson.”

“That’s good. Well, got to go. She’s really keeping Ven is suspense.”

“No doubt. See you again in about 10 minutes, Chirithy.”

“See ya, Chirithy.”

And with that, both Chirithy returned to their respective wielders. They didn’t know it yet- but it was going to be a long night as well.

[shangrila11]

Dreams do come true // Roxas (KH) x F! reader [Soulmate! AU]

You yawned as you made your way to her bed. It had been a long, hectic day (but enjoyable since it was your birthday) and you wanted nothing more than to catch some z's. You flopped onto your bed and snuggled yourself into it, trying to make yourself as comfy as possible.

"I wonder if I'll meet them..." you wondered as her eyelids grew heavy. For so long, you had been wondering who your soulmate was, how they were like personality-wise, what they looked like and whatnot. And now that you had reached the age when one would usually meet their soulmate, you would be getting those answers soon. Hopefully. With that thought in mind, you drifted off into dreamland.

                                                               xxx xxx

The first thing you saw when you opened your eyes was the colour blue, from the semi-cloudy sky above you to the mirror-like ground below you. 

"Wow. What is this place?" you gasped, looking around in amazement. It looked gorgeous and looked like something out of ...well, a dream. You took in the breath-taking scenery for a while longer before your eyes laid on a cloaked figure some distance away from you admiring the view as well. Their back was facing you so the only other feature you could see was their spiky blonde hair. 

"That should be them" you thought. With your heart racing in anticipation, you approached them, creating ripples with each step you take.

"It's beautiful, isn't it?" you asked when you were near them. The figure jumped a little and turned around to face you.

"Who are you?" the figure, now revealed to be a male, asked with a frown. Now that he was facing you, you could see that he had eyes the colour of the very place you were standing right now. It then dawned on him. "Oh. You are that 'soulmate' person that Axel has been telling me about, aren't you?"

"Yes, I am," you nodded. You wanted to ask the male more about this Axel person but thought it was too soon for that. You extended out a hand, flashing the male an affable smile. "I'm (Y/N), by the way, and you are...?"

"Roxas," the male replied simply, taking your hand to shake it.

"Nice to meet, you, Roxas," you beamed. Roxas hummed in response and then retracted his hand. A somewhat awkward silence ensued for a while before you spoke up. 

"So what do you want to do?" you asked.

"Well... I don't have anything in mind, actually," Roxas shook his head. "But I'm fine with anything so I'll leave it up to you."

"Ok," you agreed. You tapped your chin thoughtfully for a moment before an idea popped into your brain. "Oh, I know!" You snapped your fingers and the place soon turned into a kitchen.

"Let's do some cooking! What do you like to eat, Roxas?" you grinned.

"...Sea-salt ice-cream," the blonde male answered. He said it with such a serious expression that you stifled a giggle.

"What?" Roxas frowned, slightly sulking.

"Sorry. The way you say it with such a straight face is pretty funny," you, unable to hold it any longer, laughed lightly.

"Haha, at least someone's amused," Roxas remarked wryly, rolling his eyes. But there was a hint of a smile on his face. "So how do we go about with it?"

"Let's see..." you began. A recipe book appeared in your hands and you read it. Roxas went over to look through it with you as well. Your shoulders touched as the two of you read together. You felt a little self-conscious about the fact that the two of you were so close to each other but decided to pay no heed.

"This is also my first time making this, actually, so I'm not sure if it'll taste like the one you're used to but let's give it a try, yeah?" you smiled at Roxas warmly. Roxas nodded. Together, the two of you made the ice-cream.

A while later, the two of you were holding their finished product with satisfied smiles on your faces.

"Alright. Let's dig in," you grinned. You and Roxas took a bite of the ice-cream. 

"Mmm... this is pretty good," you commented. The saltiness and sweetness of the ice-cream complemented each other well. Roxas nodded.

"It tastes almost like the one I usually eat back home," he agreed. He went quiet for a moment before continuing, "You know, you're not too bad of a person."

"Awww... I think you're really cool as well," you beamed sweetly. 

"Huh. That's good to hear," Roxas answered nonchalantly. "Oh, and happy birthday." A necklace with the roman number for 13 materialised in his hands. You gasped. It looked stunning.

"Axel told me that when it is the birthday of one half of a soulmate pair, they will meet the other half. Since it isn't my birthday, I figure that it is yours," he explained. "So... do you want me to put it on for you?"

"Oh! Err... yes, please," you, still feeling surprised, nodded. Roxas moved closer to you and carefully put the necklace on you. Your heart thumped wildly against your chest but you kept your composure.

After the necklace was put on, you clutched the pendant fondly.

"Thanks, Roxas," you smiled at him. "I'll treasure it."

"It's nothing," Roxas replied. Their surrounding was slowly becoming brighter now, indicating that it was almost time to wake up. "So I guess I'll see you again later tonight?"

"Of course," you beamed. From that day on, the two of you hung out with each other in their dreams every night, joking, chatting and doing activities together. Roxas was really good company and you enjoyed spending time with him. However, at one point in time, he forgot who you were. You were, of course, devastated. But at least he was still the same Roxas you knew and he did eventually get his memories back. You were overjoyed when that happened, so much so that you shed tears of happiness. Roxas, too, seemed delighted to finally remember you but felt guilty at the same time as he apologised to you repeatedly and held you close to him. Still crying, you assured him that it was alright. From that day on, the two of you grew closer than ever and even more so after a particular incident.

That day, you and Roxas were hanging out in your dreams, as usual. You remarked that the two of you hadn't met in reality yet and asked if the two of you could do so. However, to your disappointment, Roxas (nicely) rejected your offer.

"Why not?" she asked, dismayed.

"If I tell you the reason, you might find it hard to believe," Roxas explained. 

"Try me. I haven't even heard the reason yet so how can I judge whether it's believable or not?" you replied, gazing at him firmly. Seeing the determination in your eyes, Roxas sighed.

"Alright. Don't say I didn't warn you," he answered. He then went on to explain that he was a Nobody, that he was currently residing the heart of his original persona and everything else you needed to know. He answered whatever questions that you had as well.

After Roxas's explanation, you went silent. Noticing this, Roxas looked at you in concern. 

"(Y/N)?" he asked, almost cautiously. What happened next threw him off guard a little. You wrapped your arms around him in a warm embrace without warning, surprising the male. 

"(Y/N)?" he repeated.

"I didn't know you had been through so much," you remarked softly. "Also, I noticed that strange things have been happening around here but I didn’t expect it to be something that major. And for that, I'm sorry."

"It's not your fault. I didn't want you to get involved in all of these and that's why I didn't tell you until now," Roxas assured you.

"But still I could have done something," you countered, but not too harshly. You broke away from the hug and took Roxas's hands in yours, squeezing them gently. "Now that I know, from now on, do tell me what I can do to help and I'll do everything in my power to provide that assistance. You deserve to be your very own person, after all."

"I'll keep that in mind. Thanks," Roxas smiled. He paused for a moment before continuing, "You know, I was initially not too enthusiastic about this 'soulmate' thing. I don't like the idea of being forced to have feelings for someone." Your heart almost sank at his words but fluttered soon after when Roxas gazed at you tenderly as he said the next few words.

"But if it's you...  I guess I don't mind," he finished. He then averted his gaze away, his cheeks tinted red. "Man, I can't believe I just said that." You stared at him for a while before a giggle escaped your lips.

"Oh, Roxas. You can be so adorable sometimes."

                                                         xxx xxx

Some time had passed since then and now you were currently strolling along the streets of Twilight Town with Olette, Hayner and Pence.

"Thanks for helping us at the old mansion the other day," Olette thanked you with a warm smile.

"No problem. I did promise Roxas that I would help him," you smiled back.

"You mentioned before that you meet Roxas regularly in your dreams, right? So how is he like?" Pence asked. Your other two friends expressed their curiosity as well.

"Well... he may seem stoic at first but once you get to know him, he's a pretty nice guy," you smiled. You placed a hand over your heart. "He's someone I hold dear." But then you noticed your friends exchanging sly looks at each other and your cheeks immediately heated up.

"I...it's not what you guys think!" you stammered.

"Oh, really? Then why are you reacting like that?" Hayner teased. "Besides, we're all from the same town, you know? You think we don't know the meaning of you and Roxas being able to interact with each other in your dreams?"

"I... I... well..." you stuttered, getting more flustered by the minute. You and your friends were so engrossed in their conversation that she didn't notice that a certain blonde, a male with spiky red hair and a female with short, black hair had spotted the four of them.

                                                     xxx xxx

"(Y/N)? Hayner? Olette? Pence?" Roxas called out. The (H/C)-haired female froze before slowly turning around to face him. Hayner, Olette and Pence followed suit. 

"Roxas?" his soulmate gasped, her face a picture of shock. "Is that really you?"

"Mmmhmm. It's me," Roxas nodded. Tears welled up in (Y/N)'s eyes. She then tackled him in a hug, nearly knocking the wind out of him. But he didn't mind it one bit and accepted the hug.

"It really is you," she whispered. "So they've found a way to let you live a separate life from Sora?"

"That's right," Roxas agreed. He then broke away from the hug so that he could introduce Axel and Xion to (Y/N), Olette, Hayner and Pence, and vice versa.

"Ah, so you're Xion and Axel! Roxas told me a lot about you two," (Y/N) smiled, shaking their hands one by one. "It's nice to finally meet the two of you."

"It's nice to meet you too," Xion beamed ever so slightly.

"Huh. Glad you got our names memorised," Axel grinned. "And call me Lea, by the way."

"Of course," (Y/N) returned Lea's grin with one of her own. Lea and Xion exchanged greetings with Olette, Hayner and Pence after that and before long, everyone was making small talk. Laughter filled the air as they conversed with each other. Seeing his friends getting along with each other and that Olette, Hayner and Pence were not that different from the ones he knew, a small smile crept across Roxas's face.

"It must be nice to see your friends again," a familiar voice commented. Roxas turned around to see (Y/N) smiling at him.

"... Yes, it is," the blonde-haired male concurred. "I never thought I would see this day come. It's all thanks to Sora, our friends and of course, you." He smiled at her, his gaze soft.

"I didn't do much, really," (Y/N) laughed lightly.

"That may be true but it means a lot to me," Roxas answered firmly. "You being able to interact with me in our dreams makes being inside Sora's heart feel less... lonesome, as cheesy as it may sound. And you did help Olette, Hayner and Pence out at the old mansion despite the danger, didn't you?"

"I supposed that's true," (Y/N) agreed. "Thanks, Roxas."

"It's nothing. I'm just speaking the truth," Roxas shrugged. However, there was a hint of a smile on his face. The two of them then went to continue chatting with their friends. Even though neither of them had said it out loud, the two soulmates were glad to finally meet each other in person at last.

(Inspired by the prompt: Imagine that soulmates just have this ability to dream together/meet each other in your dreams regardless of whether or not you two meet in real life. Your dreams could then be like a real-life video game, for example, you two could be in a zombie-apocalypse type of dream and you both would try your best to help each other out. If one gets bitten/dies you wake up and your soulmate is there to tell you everything is alright or tease you how you couldn’t shoot fast enough and then you’d both go back to sleep and maybe start round two, found on tumblr)

(Picture does not belong to me. Credit goes to  梅野つぐ on pixiv)

[nadziejastar]

I don't think Isa was ever that much more mature than Lea. People tend to mistake calm for mature and a playful jokester for childish when they doing the same juvenile things regardless of temperament. And when you get to them as Nobodies I'd argue that Saix was less mature than Axel. Truly mature people don't go berserk when they get angry, even if it is a superpower (this is one of the many reasons why I hate the manchild Axel fanon)

“They’re just not my favorite! It’s not like I hate cake…”

As Terra and Master Eraqus went at it, Aqua giggled next to them. “You like cake just fine if it has nuts in it, Terra. And if it’s not too sweet.”

Oh, I definitely agree. Ya know, the writer of the KH novels was well aware of the “Real Men Hate Sugar” trope. Terra doesn’t like sweet stuff.

“Oh, man, this is good. I swear, Aqua, this is the one girly thing about you.”

“And what is this ‘one’ girly thing about me, exactly?”

“Like how you love sweets and baking cakes. C’mon, Ventus, back me up.”

Terra sought his affirmation, but Ventus merely ate his cake in silence.

“That’s not true, is it? Some guys like sweets, too. Like the Master, for instance.”

Sweets are girly, in his mind. Terra’s mature and masculine (or so he likes to think).

Axel had seen the trio out and about countless times, always talking and laughing. Roxas looked about the same age as them, actually. Each one held an ice cream bar—sea-salt flavor, pale blue, and distinctly salty-sweet. Axel was rather fond of it himself. Or rather, he remembered that he liked it.

I think they may have had this trope in mind with Lea and Isa. Ice cream is a huge part of the RAX friendship. But according to the novel, on the day Axel firsts eats ice cream with Roxas, he doesn’t even like the taste of it anymore. He only remembers liking it. In the intro of Days, he is reluctant to eat it, takes a bite, then recoils. Meanwhile Roxas was chowing down. At first I assumed it was just the saltiness that Axel reacted to. But now I think the idea was that, as an adult, Axel had naturally outgrown the taste of sugary treats like ice cream in general.

Funny enough, they made the scene in KH3 look just like the one in the intro of Days. Saix was reaaaally enjoying his ice cream. Axel, not so much. There’s a certain anime trope of kids who are outwardly very calm and mature for their age, but deep down are very childish. My theory is that this scene was meant to emphasize Isa’s childishness.

“It’s cold…” Isa muttered as he took a bite.

“What’re you talking about? It’s ice cream; of course it’s cold. Got it memorized?”

“Salty, too.”

“But sweet!” Lea added, and Isa smiled a bit.

Saix’s joke weapon is a banana called “Just Desserts” or “Dessert Time”. I think Isa was the one who was crazy about ice cream more than Lea and he falls into the “Sweet Tooth” trope. Isa even complained about the ice cream’s saltiness, but smiled when Lea mentioned it was sweet. So, according to anime logic, Isa was probably meant to be the outwardly mature one, but deep down is very childish. Lea is the outwardly childish one, but deep down is very mature. He was overprotective of Isa and coddled him and spoiled him with ice cream. Which is just VERY cute.

And I definitely don’t think Saix was more mature than Axel in any way. Quite the opposite. Sure, Axel may be naturally playful and he has a strong childlike side, due to his traumatic past. But he’s also super responsible and mature, taking on the parental role for Roxas and Xion without receiving any emotional support. He’s a very strong and resilient person. He’s also extremely stoic. He always smiles, no matter how much pain he’s in. He just grins and bears it. I don’t see him as a manchild at all, or even a crybaby.

Saix was pretty much the big bad villain of 358/2 Days. But since he knew Isa as a human, I think Axel simply saw him as an emotionally stunted manchild. His pettiness, his passive aggression, his bullying, his sulking, his jealousy. He acted like a big baby much of the time. Saix is a master of projection. He called Xion “failure” all the time because HE felt like he couldn’t do anything on his own. Saix thinks Axel coddles Roxas because Lea used to coddle HIM and he’s projecting that.

And, especially in the novel, Axel really did coddle Saix. He treats him with kid gloves while demonstrating incredible patience and maturity, never stooping to his level. Saix pushes him away and insults him, and Axel still takes the high ground and tries to put his hand on his shoulder. Axel never seemed to look at Saix as someone in a position of authority over him. Rather, he CHOSE to indulge Saix. It spoke volumes about their dynamic. And you’re right. If Saix was really so mature, he wouldn’t go berserk when he’s angry. When Axel left, it was basically a big temper tantrum.

I think in KH3, that was the point. He calls Lea a crybaby because he’s unable to admit that HE’S the real crybaby. I think Isa was a lot bigger “crybaby” than Lea was. He was going to sacrifice himself and tried to seem like he was mature. But the real reason was he felt like a big baby who couldn’t do anything on his own and caused Lea nothing but trouble.

[blackhakumen]

Mini Fanfic #1048: Morning After Midnight Intruder (Kingdom Hearts x SSBU)

9:25 a.m. Inside the Smash Mansion.......

Pit: (Licks his Seasalt Ice Cream Alongside with Roxas and Xion) ('Mm') I dunno, you guys. (Takes One Bite of his Ice Cream Before Putting on a Satisfied Smile) But the Seasalt Ice Cream from your store doesn't taste half bad to me

Xion: ('Sigh') Yeah, but the taste in quality doesn't nearly stack up in comparison to Smash Town's version....

Roxas: Though, we have yet to taste the worst of the worst. So our day haven't been completely ruined yet.

Pit: You guys are really taking this tasting test that seriously, huh‽

Xion: (Smiles Sheepishly) Sorry. We've been eating these things with Axel for so long that we might have a habit of judging each of them sometimes...... (Points at Her Best Friend Right Beside her) Roxas being the worst of the three of us here.

Roxas: (Places his Hand on his Chest in a Pompous Manner) Hey, don't hate me just cause I have well balanced taste!~

Xion: (Whispers to a Snickering Pit) Definite "Well Balanced".

?????: PIT!!!

The trio turn their heads to see Sora and Kairi quickly making their way to Pit to hug him.

Sora: You're okay!

Pit: (Chuckles Lightly) Aww~ (Hugs The Duo) Good morning, you guys.

Riku: (Walk Towards Roxas and Xion) Isa filled us in on what happened last night?

Kairi: (Pulls Away From the Hug to Get a Quick Look at her Angel Companion) Are you okay? That Xigbar guy didn't try to hurt you or anything, did he?

Pit: Nope. Though, he was kinda of a creepy jerk.

Roxas: (Puts on a Deadpinned Look on his Face) That's putting it lightly.

Xion: (Crosses her Arms While Pouting) I didn't even got the chance to slice him up to ribbons. .

Roxas: All of our chances were diminished that day. Motherfucker came into our house, ate our ice cream, and gave us some cryptic warning about the foretellers being mad at us about something.

Sora: Seriously?

Xion: (Nodded) Yeah. He calls himself Luxu now.

Riku: (Grabs his Chin While Thinking) Luxu.....Luxu......

Kairi: (Turns to her Silver Haired Boyfriend) Something's on your mind, Riku?

Riku: I'm trying to remember where I heard that name from.... (Turns Back to the Seasalt Duo) You said he knows who the foretellers were?

Roxas: Yeah, apparently he's working alongside them now.

Xion: And that only one of them is missing.

Riku: Working alongside each other.....(Suddenly Starts to Snap his Fingers as He Figured Put Something) That's it!

Pit: (Raises an Eyebrow in Confusion) What's it?

Riku: Okay, do you remember the lesson Aqua and Terra gave us about the Master of Masters? How he worked alongside the Foretellers on numerous occasions, especially during the Keyblade War?

Sora: Yeah, remember.....Wasn't he like a mentor to all of them or something?

Riku: For the most. But I know for certain that he also used to had an apprentice by his side too. And... well....Let's just that "Luxu" person might be the one.

Roxas: (Eyes Suddenly Begins to Widened Along With Everyone Else (With the Exception of Pit)) Oh fuck-

Meanwhile at the Certified Moms' Tea Table

Lea: (Groans Loudly While Covering his Head Down on the Table) MEEEEEEEEEEEEEE! (Gets his Head Back Up From the Table) You're telling me that One Eyed Snake was that guy's apprentice this whole time!?

Aqua: (Grabs her Chin While Thinking and Sitting Next to Lea on One Side) Well, given his name and the history him and the master shared, the possibility isn't too far fetched I'm afraid.

Lea: (Facepalms Himself While Groaning Once More) Great.....The Foretellers are gonna be after our asses and now THIS!? We are so fucking screwed....

Samus: (Gently Place her Hand onto Lea's Arm on, Sitting Beside Him on the Other Side) Hey, don't stress yourself out over this, alright?

Daisy: Yeah, man. (Flexes her Arm Muscle With a Confident Smirk) Just say the word and we'll be there to help you take those jerks down ever step of the way!

Moms: Yeah!/Uh-huh!/Absolutely!

Aqua: (Frowns Worryingly) You ladies are too kind, but are you sure all of you want to get involved in this?

Lea: Yeah, I heard those guys are no joke.

Peach: (Smiles Reassuringlyat the Two Keyblade Warriors) We know it'll be a challenge, but we have faced through crazier stuff before. ('Sigh') Especially that whole Dharkon and Galeem nonsense......

Lea: (Raises an Eyebrow in Confusion) Who and what now?

Rosalina: Dharkon and Galeem. Two powerful entities of light and darkness, hellbent on taking over the entire universe.

Samus: (Rolls her Eyes) For whatever bullshit reason they had at the time. I don't remember.

Isabelle: (Places her Paw on her Chin) Neither do I now that I think about it.

Palutena: I think both sides wanted to create a cult of some kind?.....Yeah, that has to be it, right?

Bayonetta: (Crosses her Arns at the Past Memory of the Event) Now that you mentioned it, I do remember seeing the look in Dharkon's eyes when I was one of his mindless slave. Brainwashing me and the others to serving his cause.....

Daisy: ('Groans in Digust') Don't remind me. The video De showed of that one eyed bastard torturing Weegie with his mind games still makes me wanna punch him to oblivion...

Aqua: It was that bad, wasn't it?

Peach: It was, in more ways than not. (Smiles Softly Again) But we were still able to pull through in the end and we won't let this Luxu person get the better of us that easily. Right, ladies?

Moms: Right!

Lea: (Turns to Aqua With a Shrug) The more the merrier.

Aqua: (Gave it Some Thought Before Nodding in Agreement) Very well. We'll let you all know if Him and/or one of the Foretellers lurks by in our universe. In the meantime, try to prepare yourselves by then.

Peach: (Simply Nodded) Okay. We'll do our best.

Lea: Hey, Palutena, can I ask you something?

Palutena: (Turns to Lea) Hm?

Lea: So uh.....(Starts Rubbing The Back of his Head Back and Forth While Looking Away) I know this isn't my business and all but....is it true that Pit was....thrown into a....active volcano onc-

An instant, Palutena eyes suddenly begins to widens and tense up as she easily breaks her teacup with the grip of her hand

'GLASS BREAK'

Peach: ('Gasps') PAULIE!

Samus: The hell!?

Tifa: Your hand!!

Rosalina: Not again....

Lea: (Immediately Hides his Face Behind Aqua in Complete Fear) Nevermind! Forget I said anything!!!

Palutena: (Immediately Change her Mood From Anger to Mortified by her Actions) Oh no! I-I'm so sorry, Lea! I didn't mean to scare you like that! I-

Bayonetta: (Gently Places her Hands Onto her Girlfriend's Shoulders and Slowly Rubs Them) Breathe in and out now, darling. You can do this.

Palutena quickly nodded as she breathes in and out to calm herself down.

Bayonetta: That's it. There you go, my dear goddess. Just like that. One more.....

Palutena let out one more exhale.

Bayonetta: And that's that's. ('Sigh') You know we've talked about this multiple times, right?

Palutena: (Places her Hand on her Forehead as the Other Hand She Breaks her Cup With, Heals on it's Own) ('Sigh') I know, it just......REALLY hard not get upset every time it's brought up.....

Lea: (Puts his Finger Up) I take full responsibility for the nerve I struck today!

Palutena: (Frowns Sadly) No, Lea, you don't have to do any of that, okay? If anyone in this table needs to apologize, is me for scaring you.

Lea: (Gets Away From Aqua's Back as He Gives the Goddess a Sheepish Smile) Hey, there's no need for apologies. I totally get where you're coming from in all of this. I'd be pissed too if that were to happen to my kids.

Samus: Ain't that the truth. ('Sigh') But yeah, it's true.... Pit, Kirby, and Ganondorf were all thrown in that volcano two years ago. Not an active one thankfully, but it was still hot enough to be considered lethal.

Aqua: (Eyes Widened in Horror) Who in their right mind would do such a thing?

Palutena: (Angrily Uses her Finger to Directs the Keyblade Duo to the Culprit in the Far Distance) Him. Kazuya Mishima.

Lea: That half naked demon guy with daddy issues?

Tifa: The very same. The boys noticed Ganon was missing that night and started searching for him. Eventually, after they found and saw Kazuya throwing him off the cliff into the volcano, they began to fight. It....wasn't long before that monster did the same to the two one by one.

Palutena: ('Sighs in Deep Relief') But thankfully, they were all able to come back home safe. Didn't stop neither one of us from being absolutely livid that day, but it was still a blessing nonetheless.

Daisy: (Smiles Brightly) Buuuuuut on a brighter note, Peach made the guy scared shitless by breaking a table in half, with her bare hand!

Aqua: ('Gasps') Your majesty, you didn't!~

Lea: (Grins Proudly) Sick!

Peach: ('Sigh') It's true. I never wanted to break that poor table like that. But he WAS testing my patience at the time......

Samus: Honey, he was testing ALL of our patience that day. He'll, if it were me, I'd plasma blast his ass where he stands.

Isabelle: (Smiles Brightly) I would've throw a clipboard at his face.

Tifa: (Puts on a Bit if a Smug Look on her Face) I'd punch him straight into orbit.

Daisy: (Turns to Tifa) Girl, same!~ (High Fives Tifa)

Rosalina: I would simply silence him in an unpoppable bubble.

Bayonetta: I'd let Labolas sick him.

Palutena: I would more than gladly scorch his body from head to toe under the light and do whatever it takes to erase him and his entire bloodline from the face of the Earth!!

Everyone in the table stares at the green Haired goddess in dead silence.

Palutena: ('Sighs Heavily') That incident emotionally drained me.

Bayonetta: And it shows. PIIIIIT! YOUR MOMMY GODDESS NEEDS A HUG!!~

Pit: (Quickly Rushes Over to the Moms' Tea Table) ON MY WAYYYYYYYYY! (Hugs Palutena From Behinf) Mommy!~

Palutena: (Giggles Softly) Hi, sweetie!~ How was your night with and the others went?

Pit: It went great. Still missed you guys like crazy though. (Kiss the Top of Palutena's Head)

Palutena: Aww~ (Happily Held his Embrace Close to Her) We missed you like crazy too, Pit~ (Gives the Top of Pit's Hand a Big Kiss)

Lea: (Watches the Cute Display I'm the Short Distance) Huh. I think I might be need a hug right now. KIDS! YOUR FIRE MOM NEEDS A HUG RIGHT NOW!

Roxas: (From the Other Room) ASK SORA & KAIRI TO HUG YOU!!

Lea: Wha- WHY COULDN'T YOU GUYS DO IT!?

Xion: (From the Other Room as Well) WE'RE EATING MORE ICE CREAM AND DON'T WANT ANY OF IT TO MELT!!

Lea: HOW IN THE HELL ARE YOU- ('Groans in Defeat') Forget it. SORA, KAIRI, I WANNA HUG FROM YOU GUYS!

Sora/Kairi: COMING! (Quick Made Their Way to the Moms' Tea Tae to Give Lea a Group Hug)

Sora: There you go, buddy.

Kairi: Is everything okay?

Lea: ('Sigh') Yeah, just.....worried about the rest of the year.....with the Foretellers.....and Xigbar.....Braig....Luxu, whoever the hell his name is....

Aqua: (Smirks Playfully) Think you need yourself a bigger group hug there, Lea?~

Lea: ('Tch') I dunno. Maybe-

Peach: (Smiles Brightly) Sounds good to me!~ GROUP HUGS EVERYONE!!~

Lea: WaiwaiwaiWAIT- (Immediately Gets Surrounded by Everyone's Loving Embrace Before Letting Out Another Sigh) Okay.

Aqua: I know this is a scary situation we're involved in right now, but as long as we have each other's support and use the prep time to prepare ourselves for whenever that time come, then I'm sure we'll be able to pull through in the end. We just need to have more faith in ourselves, okay?

Lea: (Takes a Deep Breath) Yeah. You're right.(Smiles a Little) We got this. (I hope.)

To Be Continued.......

@keyenuta

@cyber-wildcat

@caleb13frede

@albion-93

@26shann

[disneydreamlights]

To the Future

AO3 | FFN

Summary: Namine's invited for a girls day out in Twilight Town.

A/N: Written for @naminezine who I cannot thank enough for this experience. If they do a leftover sale you guys should definitely pick up a copy.

The irony is not lost on me that it's Star Wars day and the fic I'm publishing is not Star Wars but this has been in my backlog for months and I'm so glad I can finally share it!

Naminé was still more than a little nervous about following Kairi to Twilight Town today. Today had been the day she was finally allowed to leave Radiant Garden to go explore the other worlds, and Kairi had insisted that to mark the occasion, she’d get to visit Twilight Town and meet the friends who had helped them on her journey.

As Kairi stopped in front of the Usual Spot (Naminé knew it, she’d helped design it in the Virtual Twilight Town for Roxas after all), she put a hand on Naminé’s shoulder. The fact that they were both born from the same heart had left them connected, and it was likely she knew that Naminé was much more nervous than she’d let on. “Don’t worry, Naminé. It’ll be fine, we’re starting small, and they’re both friends with Roxas too.”

“I know.” The small reassurance from Kairi did wonders, and Naminé followed after her into the small hidden room in the alley of Twilight Town.

“Kairi! You’re here!” Despite the fact that they’d never met, Naminé recognized Olette easily from the memories she’d had to create such a long time ago. “Oh, is this the friend you said you’d be bringing?”

Kairi nodded. “This is Naminé, we just recently finished the replica to help her get a body of her own.” It made sense Kairi wasn’t bothering to protect the World Order, then again, Twilight Town was a strange world to begin with. “Naminé, this is Olette. And that’s—”

Naminé watched as the other girl in the room stood up from the armrest she was sitting on with a smile. “It’s nice to see you again, Naminé.”

“You two already know each other?” Kairi tilted her head slightly, not to Naminé’s surprise. Kairi knew with the exception of Riku and DiZ, she had spent most of her year alive alone.

Naminé, however, simply nodded in response. “Once, a long time ago.” She didn’t elaborate, now wasn’t the time to talk about what had gone down during the year Sora had been asleep. “I’m glad to see you again too.” Xion’s fate had been something that had never sat well with her. Knowing she got a happier end, that was what mattered.

“Well, if I’m the only one here who isn’t your friend yet, that just won’t do,” Olette smiled at Naminé, who was surprised by her kindness. “I guess we’ll just have to become friends today.”

And just like that, Naminé smiled, feeling at ease among the two girls who welcomed her so easily to their day together.

-x-

It turned out, when Kairi had invited her to a girl’s day, it had been planned specifically with Naminé in mind. “So I think the first thing we really need to do is get you a new outfit,” Kairi smiled, leading the girls into a small clothing shop in the main street of Twilight Town.

“What’s wrong with what I have now?” It wasn’t that she didn’t understand the concept; the white dress and others like it was all she’d ever worn—it was comfortable, a part of her.

“You were wearing it while I was still in the Organization,” Xion pointed out. Naminé couldn’t argue about that, though she still wasn’t sure she understood.

Olette looked at her in a bit of surprise. “You’ve been wearing the same outfit that long, with no other options?”

“I didn’t have a choice,” despite having been fine with it earlier, Naminé found herself self-conscious at the fact that the girls were so surprised by that fact.

“It’s not a bad thing, but Xion said you guys had met before, right?” Olette pointed out, waiting for Naminé to nod before continuing. “Well, if you two had met during that time, it probably wasn’t in the best of circumstances, and sometimes, changing what you’re wearing can help you feel like you have control over what happened, changing anything can.”

Unsure if what Olette was saying was true, Naminé turned to Kairi for confirmation. “It’s the main reason I wanted you to join us today. The reason Riku cut his hair after coming home was to feel like he had control after everything that had happened, and to show that he had changed.” Naminé nodded, she did remember that his hair had been longer when they’d worked together to save Sora than it was currently. “Right now, cutting your hair seems like it’d be a bit of an extreme to do, but changing your outfit would still be a good start.”

Naminé sighed, willing to accept it for now, at least while they were shopping and supposed to be having a good time. “I understand.”

“Great, then in that case, let’s get started!” Olette immediately dove into the racks, looking for something in Naminé’s size, Kairi following behind her eagerly, although with a reassuring smile, probably sensing how nervous Naminé felt at the idea.

It was Xion who stayed behind while the other girls looked. “I know you’re nervous about it, I was too,” she indicated her new clothes. The black top and white skirt looking like they belonged on her. “You don’t have to even wear anything they buy you today.” And they would, both of the girls were sure of that. “Just keep an open mind. If you’re not ready, none of us will force you to change it right away.”

Naminé gave Xion a small smile in appreciation. “Thank you.”

Before the dark-haired girl could continue to offer reassurance, Olette came back over with an outfit. “How about this one!” It was a dress, not far off from her current one, which Naminé couldn’t help but find relieving in its own way. The dress remained plain white until it got to the skirt, in which a small blue pattern embroidered the bottom, looking like the ocean’s waves.

Naminé looked it over once. “It looks nice.”

“Then come on, go try it on!” And with that Naminé had been shoved into a fitting room by Olette to try it on. She emerged moments later in the dress to approving smiles from the three other girls she was with. While Xion had remained in her normal outfit, Kairi and Olette were both trying on different outfits, although given that Kairi’s was a neon yellow she wasn’t sure if either of them were as serious about it for themselves as they were for her.

“I knew it’d fit!” Olette was grinning, clearly proud of herself for finding a good outfit.

Kairi was just as happy. “You look great.”

And Naminé smiled. “Thank you.”

Maybe this whole new clothes thing wouldn’t be so bad after all.

-x-

Two hours later, three stores, and ten new outfits purchased, the girls had finally decided they’d had enough of shopping and had returned to the main plaza in the shadow of the clocktower for an ice cream break. Olette came over with the four light blue bars with a smile, spreading them out like a hand of cards. “Here.”

Kairi and Xion both grabbed a treat immediately, unwrapping the bars. Naminé grabbed hers, although was a bit more hesitant in her unwrapping. “Thank you.”

“You’ve never had sea salt ice cream before?” Xion asked, her confusion evident in her voice. Xion was the only one who knew she’d been in Twilight Town before.

Naminé shook her head. “DiZ never brought it for us.”

“It’s good,” Xion took a bite out of the bar, which Naminé shuddered as she watched, just imagining how unpleasant the cold on her teeth would be.

“Don’t feel bad about being disturbed by how Xion eats her ice cream. There are other ways.” Kairi seemed to demonstrate, rather than biting into the bar she licked it.

“Yeah, the rest of us don’t eat our ice cream as though we have no sense,” Olette grinned, clearly teasing Xion, who pouted as a result.

“There’s nothing wrong with how I eat it, Axel and Roxas eat it that way too.”

“Lea and Roxas are not the standards you should be going by,” Kairi pointed out. “They eat their ice cream badly too.”

“Roxas really bites into his ice cream?” Olette looked shocked. “That’s terrible, didn’t the virtual version of Hayner, Pence, and I teach him anything?”

As the other girls continued their bickering, Naminé took a small bit of the ice cream, deciding to try it the same way Xion did and savoring the salty, yet sweet taste of the bar.

Kairi stared. “Oh no, Naminé not you too! Don’t tell me you’re embracing Xion’s cursed ways of eating ice cream.”

“So what if she is?” Xion defended herself. “It’s a good way, right Naminé?”

Naminé nodded in agreement, taking another bite. It was cold, but not unbearable, and she couldn’t help but laugh. “It is, the cold isn’t so bad.”

Letting go of the ice cream eating bit with that comment, each one of them resumed eating their frozen treat—laughing the rest of the day.