Tying Knots

[Rikugurl]

Olette couldn't help but laugh. "HAHAHA! I was kidding! But not that your agreed to it, I want a rain check for 'one day'"


Riku smiled as he looked down at Sora, feeling the tear be wiped away. He nodded and smiled, leaning down again and giving him another soft kiss.

Goofy seemed to butt in then.
"LET'S EAT!"

Almost as soon as he said it, everyone stood and started turning the place into a huge dining area. White tables were placed near the walls and the seats were all moved to them. Everyone had their own spot to sit, Riku and Sora of course in the front with their family and closet friends.

Amazing meals hit the table in front of everyone as they sat and of course, a beautiful wedding cake found its way to the middle of it all. Ven couldn't help but grin. It wasn't a muffin but he was sure Terra would like it.

Minnie sat down next to her own husband and nuzzled noses with him. This day couldn't of gotten any better!

[Reno]

By the time they got to the first cut of the cake Sora was giggling. This was one of the funnest parts!! Stuffinf each other full of cake with sweet sweet frosting. The only thing he regretted was that they weren;t alone - he woulda loved to lick at the remains of the icing on Riku;s face - as if was napkins were their friends.

Meamwhile Ven had been right - it was no muffin and Terra liked his piece all the same. He mumbled something about how 'on his day it'll be a muffin cake' but such words didn;t reach Ven's ears. They reached Kairi's though and she had burst into laughter. She had always found their relationship funny and awkward. it had such a lack of 'affection'. Hell they never even said the L word to each other yet! A wedding for them - no doubt - would have chains and whips and something very sadistic. They never did anything normal.


After everything was done and eatten, Sora and Riku laid back in their chairs, letting their stomachs settle before going off to the next part of the day - dancing - before all that... a gift was passed down to them. It was in a little box. Aqua waved to them from where she sat - beside Ven and Terra this time, telling them to open it.

"But it breaks tradition." Riku had mumbled.
"Come on Riku it's just ooooone!" Sora weddled, poking the other in the ribs. He really wanted to know what was inside! the rest of the gifts were out of Sora's reach thankfully but the pretty wrapping paper on this one just begged for him to open it. "Besides we already broke like three traditions and we;re gonna break 7 by tonight so so, please?!"
"alright, aleright! you can open it!" Riku laughed, more because Sora;s pokes were very ticklish.
"YAY!" Sora squealed, tearing at the paper.

Inside was something neither boy were expecting. Inside were little gems that glew faintly - one was a silverish-white color like a misted diamond, the other a light shade of ametsyt.

Sora had lifted the purple one curiously, looking at it. They were no bigger then the stones he had found on that statue from Twilight Town. These ones however were much more speacial.

The gem caught the light of the room, and in the reflection of the glassy surface he saw - "Zieg!" He gasped, completely amazed. "Look Riku, Zieg!!" He placed it in the others hands, tkaing out the white one excitedly. "and this is Damia!" he announced moments later.

A few monthes ago Aqua had kept her promise to Riku and Sora - once they weren't busy she offered to show them her world. Sroa, excited, agreed and Riku was just dragegd along. but emeting the dragons - that had been the best! They had seen a large red fire dragon who lived at the top of a volcano named Dart. Regole the water seprant of course. The little green, almost pet-sized dragon of the forest named Freybrand. There was a quick, chinese-styled dragon of the sky named Hatchel who was the thunder dragon. And then a camfloagued, two legged dragon named Kongol who was the dragon of the earth - but the color of gold once you cleaned the muddy scales.

Damia was the dragon of light. She was a beautiful color of silver- the undersides of her smooth wings almost like a light blue. Her eyes were sharp and golden. She was a tad fierce but incredibly kind. She'd even took Sora and Riku on a quick flight across her realm. Sora loved her instantly - kind yet fierce just like him.

Zieg however was the one Riku had fallen for. He was the dragon of darkness, yes, but was the kindest out of all the ones they had met. A dragon masked in shadows with a kind soul. It had meant more to Riku then maybe even Aqua realized. Zieg was a thin dragon, sleek in every way, and scales a deep, deep purple. His ridged wings and soft eyes however were a sharp orange color. When Riku had approached his Zieg had nuzzled him affectionately and Aqua had told them - "Thats a great sign Riku. Zieg must be able to understand you just by looking at you." Zieg was too small with too fragile of wings to take them on a flight, but he had let the lovers pet him.


"wow.. what are they?!" Sora asked, looking in on the sleeping dragon of light.

"They're called Dragoon Stones - very rare." Aqua answered from down the table. everyone was quiet and curious. "They allow you the sight of a dragon that you have earned respect from. I knew Damia and Zieg took a liking to both of you. I thought you guys would like them." It was more of a symbolism thing then anything. Aqua knew holding a Dragoon Stone would not affect either dragon in any way - they didn't even know who held them. But finding them had been no easy task.

This scene reminded her of something else long, long ago.

"Sai! look!" Aqua said with a grin, running to her brother;s side, shoving the stone under her brother's nose! "It;s a stone of Regole;s! i can see her!!"
Sai's eyes narrowed. "Whoopdedo."
Aqua pouted. "I found it all on my own!"
"Want a medal?"
"You're so mean!!" She took off, the stone in hand.

A few days later Sai found the stone on his desk - with a ltitle note attached.
I bet you can't see her! Aqua
Sai had put it in his pocket - remembering that he had to return it to her.
Shortly after the heartless attacked the village and the stone - and Sai - were never seen again.



Sora sniffled. "this is so awesome i think i'm gonna cry!"

Aqua laughed. "no crying! go get your skinny ass and his pale one on that dance floor now."

"Oh! right!!"


Minutes later, Sora had tugged Riku out on to the dance floor, grinning shily. He held his hand otu for the other to take, waiting for the music to start. "Ready?"

The funny think about this though - Sora was leading, not Riku. Riku got to stand at the alter, Sora got to elad the dance. It was all about balance he supposed.

"Riku you're not doing it right! it you want me to twirl you jus-"
"I can figure it out! I'm going to dance with you if it kills me" Riku said, blushing uncomfortable, adjusting their hands a bit. He threw them into a waltz spin, the room twirling around him and making him dizzy -
and then suddenly he tugged Sora too far at the wrong moment - Sora tripped over Riku's shoes and they fell to the ground.
"Sora?" Riku groaned.
"Yeah Riku?" Sora said from stop the other, blinking dizzily.
"You lead."
"Mmhmm."

Sora had experience where Riku didn't - Ariel and Belle had taught him. He never forgot the most improtant one - how to waltz. Which was what they were doing.

[Rikugurl]

Riku tried his best to eat the cake in a civil manner.... but DAMN it was hard! It was so good.... he just wanted to shove the whole thing in his mouth. He would of too if there weren't so many people.
He blinked when he saw a gift be passed down and frowned.

Aqua knew better that he couldn't say no to Sora on their wedding day. He just hoped Sora didn't ask for a kid or something. God help him.

Riku leaned in and looked at the stone that Sora shoved in his face. He blinked, taking the stone and looked in it. "Ah, it is Zieg!" Riku had really grown attached to that dragon. It reminded him a lot of myself. The flight was fun on Damia... he never rode a dragon before... then again, how many people really had? The only dragon he knew was Mooshu.

He placed the stone back into the box so it wouldn't be lost. "Thanks Aqua." He smiled softly to her before hearing the D word. Shit....


He was quickly scooped away along with the other couples and friends of the like.
Once he and his... bride decided who should lead.... they looked a bit better... actually... a lot better.

Surprisingly enough, the two best waltz dancers were obviously Minnie and Mickey.... and.... Axel and Roxas. They even looked professional! Riku couldn't help but point the two out. "So that's what they do in their spare time." He joked softly.

Axel grinned as he and his snazzy lover made some people watch. What? They had a lot of free time when they weren't managing a city! Their hands clasped as they came together from a outreach move and came close together. He loved dancing with Roxas and having him twirl was the best!

Then there was Donald with Daisy and Goofy with Clarabelle.

For those who didn't bother with the waltzing... slow dancing was the best bet.
A radiant woman with her beautiful done curls held a hand and her other was atop a broad shoulder. He green eyes looked up at a scared face.... but that was ok. She didn't mind it at all. Her bright orange dress made them stand out a bit more than usual, but Olette felt her best color was orange!


There was also slow dancing for Fuujin and Aqua. Fuu wasn't too worried about the dance... but more worried about Aqua. She just... wasn't acting right. She hadn't been for a few days. She wondered if those stones had to do with any of this.
She decided... even if she really hated it... one word lines wasn't going to help Aqua any.

A hand took the other in the middle of the dance and pulled her aside gently. "Come on... I need to wash up a bit." The silverette spoke softly as she pulled the other one into the women's bathroom. She closed the door and smiled softly.
"What's on your mind Aqua?"

Why Fuu didn't talk regularly was beyond anyone. Her voice was soft and sweet... unlike when she said her one liners which were usually strong and bleak.


As for back at the ballroom, a blonde sat down in a chair, crossing his arms. "No way shit head! There's no way I'm dancing with you!"

[Reno]

Sora laughed, leading Riku into a small spin. "Well they had to pick up some sort of pasttime." He leaned up, kissing the other on the jawline sweetly. "We have grace at least?"

Roxas grinned back at Axel, his eyes challenging almost. Dancing was one of the few things he had acctually picked up quickly. his body had memorized the routines and remembered the steos Sora had elarned, and he picking it up like a natural. And even though Axel towered over him, it didn;t look awkward at all. Just beautiful.

Mickey smiled at Minnie as he led her, falling into an old routine they had memorized for a long, long time. They were kign and queen - if they didn;t know how tow altz well... well that would just be sad!

Donald and Daisy had a little of a tough time dancing with their webbed feet on slippery dance floors - but it was an acquired skill. Being part of royalty they had wlatzed plenty of times at plenty of places. thye might not of been the most graceul but they looked together and that was improtant.

So he couldn't waltz - it wasn't too big of a deal. He'd learn one day... maybe. for now this was just fine, having Olette near him. He smiled back at her. he liked her orange.


Aqua was shocked as she was led from the dance floor into the bathroom. but suddenly she understood why. Her shoulders slumped. Fuujin hardly ever spoke in compelte sentences - that was okay. Fuujin talked when she needed to and only the most important of words.

But to get things out of Aqua the other had learned she would need more than one word. Fuujin's beautiful voice had a calming effect on her and it made her just want to open up and spill her problems.

But this was... complicated. She walked past the woman, staring into the mirror. She was having a hard time jsut coming up with the right words. "My brother." she finally said. "ever since... Ven and Sora found each other I kept hoping maybe... maybe it would happen for me too. Maybe I'd get to see Sai again." She lowered her head. she had hardly ever mentioned her family to Fuujin - just told her that she had lost them all when she was young. "but stuff like that only happens in a one and a million chance."


Tidus laid his head on Kairi's shoulder. they weren;t dancing for obvious reasons. the baby. they couldn't even slow dance cause the little guy would be in the way of them getting close. It was okay though, Tidus had two left feet. Besides it was much funner watching the others.

Further down the table Terra scoffed at Ven. "What's wrong, you a fucking coward?" He poked the other's temple. "Grow some balls damn it!" He'd prove to Axel - that bastard who actually KNEW how to dance - that he and Ven looked just as good! "Get your ass outta that chair!"

[Rikugurl]

Riku grinned as he was kissed. He looked at the two and smiled again. Those two always seemed to have something really random up their sleeve. He wondered... if had-been Nobodies were all this fun.
"We're still better looking." Riku joked as he leaned down and kissed Sora softly.

He was happy.... that he could hear this song again that Sora had picked out. He heard it when he was going... but this time, it was even better.

He pulled Sora into a close dance, not wanting to look anymore like a goof. Besides, he wanted Sora closer. There was an itch in the back of his head about the honeymoon... he couldn't wait!
They had decided to go to Land of Dragons for their first night.
Why?
Because it had a more exotic and sensual feel to it... with them and their kimonos and all.


As Olette and Seifer were dancing, the fire lion walked over to Hayner who was just watching on the side. He yipped and nuzzled his leg.


Fuu frowned as Aqua walked passed her towards the sinks. The silverette walked up next to her and leaned on the sink as she listened. No... she didn't know that Aqua had a brother. They hadn't been together for all that long... perhaps 10 months... but she did try to learn as much about Aqua as possible.

Sometimes it wasn't too hard being a police officer either... and her voice seemed to help calm the other.

Looking down, she reached up and pulled the silver flowered eye patch from her eye. Of course she had her medium lengthed hair to help her cover her wound.
"What happened to him....? Were you split too...?"


Kairi smiled as she was nuzzled. She really wished she could of danced... though she knew there was no way Tidus could do it. She pulled away and looked up at him with a big smile. "Isn't this great??" She was still a little hurt about how everything happened differently from what she hoped for as a teen... but it was getting better and better by the day... especially with Tidus by her side.

She grew closer to the darker skinned man and kissed him softly. Maybe after their little bundle of joy was out... they could make up the dancing.


Ven growled more and he pushed Terra's hand away. "Yo! I have fucking balls! You should know, you've..." He looked away and grumbled out the rest of it. "you've seen 'em..."

Axel looked over at the pair and grinned, fluttering his fingers at Terra to mock him.

"I'm not getting out of this fucking chair. My ass is super glued to it!"

[Reno]

Sora laughed. "Yeah well we;ll always be better looking." His smile turned fodn as riku brought him close and he wound his arms around his back, resting them comfortably under the shoulderblades.

the honeymoon was going to be great - but personally Sora just wanted to get to the rest of the gifts! He was so excited whenever he got to open stuff. That child-like love of christmas spread to him whenever their was a box to open or a bag to dig through.

He nuzzled Riku, soft brunette spikes squishing against Riku's skin only to bounce back into place - no hair gel needed! the Land of Dragons was going to be fun. He wodnered if Riku;s hair would be done up in chopsticks again. He liked that that was a pretty hairdo.


Hayner looked down at the fire lion and smiled. "Hey there." he pat him on the head.


"not exactly..." Aqua started, before taking a deep breath. She'd only told this story once before to Ven and Terra... but here she went again. "I grew up in Regole's country. I had a small fmaiyl - a mom, a dad and my brother Sai. Sai was a few years older - about three but we looked a lot alike - blue hair and all. We weren;t a rich family - well really we were quite poor. But we were happy... and then when i was tweleve my dad died in a peasant;s revolt. Food had been scare in those times and clean water was almost unattainable. People were getting sick and dying... so they peasant got together and fought the king of our country. I heard my dad fought bravely... but... but once it was over news traveled quick back to us ad we learned he had died."

Aqua stared down at the sinks again, unable to stare at her own reflection. "It was real hard from there. Sai had to start providing for us. In my hometown women being able to do any work was unknown - imagine my surprise when i visited worlds that had women on equal ground or even higher then men. it compeltely warped my mind!" She shook her head. "A-anyways a few eyars passed like this. Me and my mom were constantly fighting. ever since the day dad had died i... i didn;t love her anymore. i blamed her for what happened - for not stopping him. I blamed her for now crying at his funeral for acting like she never cared... so we fought a lot and Sai didn;t exactly... know how to stop us."

"So one day when i was fifteen... i found a dragoon stone. It was one of regoles. And i could see her. I was so happy i teased my brother about it - when he didn;t acknowledge me i just told him he was mean and didn't speak to him for the rest of the night... I elft the stone in his room, and wrote a note to him, teasing him on how he;d never be able to see her. and then that night my mom and me fought... I don;t remember about what anymore but i had been SO mad... I ran away. I wanted to go see Regole. It was stormy... not the normal sort of stormy though. It was the darkness brewing on my world. I didn;t know it then but i do now."

Aqua looked up at Fuujin. "i fell into the ocean. I thought iw as going to die. I was sure i had drowned... and i woke up miles away from home in another region completely. The wind dragon;s region. And the keyblade weas in my hands. I had been chosen to single-handedly fight the Heartless that had suddenly invaded my homeworld. I was so fucking scared Fuu... These thigns were monsters and they were killing everything! It took my months... months and months to fend the darkness off, to recreate balance to my world and to seal it. by the time I got home thought, hoping to see my family again..." Tears gathered in her eyes. "my brother had died from a heartless' hands. only two days after i had been swept away! He died... and i wasn;t there to do my goddamned job!" She slammed her fist in the sink bowing her head, sobbing. "If i had of just stayed put... I would have become a keyblader there instead it never would of happened... and my fucking... fucking mother. she didn;t give a damn... didn;t care iw as gone for monthes or that Sai was dead... i couldn;t take it anymore. I embraced the darkness i had tried so hard to fight off... and i escaped."

She shookher head, rubbing her eyes futiley. "The next time i woke up... Ven and Terra were there. Two keybladers like me with just as troubling pasts. It was fate. And, with no where else to go, i decided to join them - become part of their cause of gaining back keyblades tos tem away darkness that they caused." Her shoulders slumped further. "And i forgot for awhile my very past. after Xehanort caught us my heart turned all my anger and pain and hate... and well you know all that. me, Ven and Terra all fell and well... caused all those problems. But... but ever since I started to open my heart again these memories from my past and childhood - more and more keep coming back! I... and i don;t know how to react to them anymore. I just want them to go away again."


"Yeah it's perfect." Tidus whispered, looking at Kairi and only her. He smiled softly. When she kissed him, he shut his eyes, kissing back, cupping her face in his hands. God he loved her. He felt so lucky to have her - ever since he was a kid he always expected Sora or Riku to woo her but... surprised came all over didn;t they?


"you probably shouldn;t goad em." Roxas laughed. they outcome could actually be very bad - then again Terra and Ven fought all the time.

Terra twitched at Ven;s statements. "Yeah well..." He saw Axel's hand motion. Okay THAT WAS IT! "Damn it Ven." He locked his arms under his armpits dragging him from the seat, easily carrying him towards the dance floor.

[Rikugurl]

Riku smiled as he was nuzzled and nuzzled the shorter one back. His eyes moved around, looking at everyone together. Everyone seemed happy too. There were some people around that he didn't think he'd see again... and some people he knew all along.

There was also a lot of love in the air.

It wasn't just to bring them together... but a lot of other people too.


Xio yipped happily as he was pet but blinked when he saw Riku's mother walk over. "Hey there." She smiled kindly as she looked at the boy and moomba. "Looks like me and you don't have a dance partner! Wanna try??"


Fuu frowned as she listened to the story. Fujin had been an orphan... but she always had Rajin as well.... a brother. And then they met Seifer.
Her eye grew sad as he continued to listen. What a tough childhood. She wondered how a woman could be so cold. She came off as a cold person... but once you got a bit closer to her... she was quite a sweetie. She guessed it was from all the military things she went through as a young adult to train as a protector of the people.

Fujin sighed softly as Aqua started to cry. "Now now..." She said softly as she wrapped her arms around the woman, bring her close. "It's ok to cry... and even if memories are hard... you shouldn't try and forget them. What you should try to remember are the good things that had happened. The good times you spent with your father and brother. If you keep those memories alive.... you'll keep them alive."

She pulled Aqua away slowly and smiled at her, rubbing her cheek with her thumb softly. As her thumb passed over her cheek, she took some tears along with it. She placed her forehead on the others and smiled softly. "You live with a tough crowd.... but now you'll always have a shoulder to cry on..."


Axel grinned and shook his butt. "Ah, they're fine... and we're safe~~~ It's not our fault that we looooooooooooove each other better~~~~" He wrapped his arms around his lover's waist and pulled him into a passionate kiss.


"H-HEY! LET ME GO YOU FUCKER!" Ven squirmed in the other's arms and kicked his feet. HE WAS NOT DANCING! NO WAY!

[Reno]

Sora chuckled, placing his chin on Riku's shoulder, seeing all the pretty silver locks flowing down the other's back. He ran a hand through them idly."this has been a great day huh? You look great." He mumbled with a smile.

Everyone was so happy...


Hayner blinked up at Riku;s mom then grinned nervously. "um uh... sure?"


Aqua slumped into the other's embrace, shutting her eyes gratefully. what would she ever do without her? When she had told her story to Ven and Terra there had been no crying or comforting - nothing but emotionless masks and monotone voices. Then again at that point she had been locking away the pain - now she was cutting open the wounds again.

Fuujin was right though. she couldn;t forget Sai or her father - that just wouldn't be right. She did have happy memories. Like when her father used to give her piggy back rides when going through the argicultural fields. Or when she and Sai would play tag. She didn't want to forget those ones... Without pain there was nothing gained right?

Aqua smiled faintly when the other placed there heads together. always had a shoulder to cry on eh? "thanks fuu... I dunno what i;d do without you." She shut her eyes suddenly, leaned closer so that their lips met.


Roxas moaned lightly, wrapping his arms around the other, kissing back fiercely. He had a feeling Axel was doing it half just to annoy Terra further.


"like hell! we are dancing and we;re gonna outshine those damn nobodies!" Terra growled. The minute he reached the dance floor, he set Ven dance, roughly grabbed his wrists and turned him to face him. "Alright now fucking... dance!!"

[Rikugurl]

Riku nodded softly as they continued to move slowly. "The greatest..." He whispered the correction as he closed his eyes. His mind was a complete blank... just enjoying the warmth of the other.

"You do really want to give up that easily? Just to leave him like that? You complete him you know... you just can't leave. What will he do without you? Your live is intertwined with his."

"Diz...?"

"It's been a week now. Don't you think you should go back home? There's nothing in this darkness for you until his body dies... and that won't be for a very long time. Without you, his mind and spirit is already wasting away."

"I...."

"Go on now... I'm sure we'll meet again, Riku."

A hand ran up and fingers entangled into Sora's soft hair. His lover asked how... how it was possible that he was still alive... and quite honestly, Riku didn't know... but he had guessed that his old friend Ansem had the answer.


She smiled happily and took the young man's arm, dragging him out towards the dance floor. "It's no fun just standing around watching huh?" She laughed as she took his hands. It had been a very long time since she had danced. Longer than Riku was old.


Fujin smiled. Being an orphan, she always had the heart for those in pain. She knew how it could be like to feel alone and didn't want anyone she knew to feel like that. Then again, Aqua was much more special.

When she felt the lips on her own, she couldn't help but bring the woman closer. She tilted her head more and turned the kiss more passionate.

After a few moments, she pulled away and ran her hand through the blue hair. "Come on beautiful... we need to get back to a wedding..."


Naaaa, Axel was totally not doing this to bug Terra. Hehehehe. He closed his eyes and kissed deeper, slowly running a hand down the other's back and giving a firm grip on when he reached the bottom of a cheek.


Ven growled more as he was put down and was going to stomp off... but his wrist were grabbed and he was spun around. Angry blue eyes looked up at.... angry blue eyes. "Chirst! Now you're going to force me to dance!? Fine... you know what!? Here!"

He suddenly pulled away and started doing a bunch of crazy body movements. Doing a number of stupid dance moves and did them poorly.
"LOOK AT ME DANCE! I'M THE BEST! WOOHOO!"
He put his hands hands behind his head and started to shake his butt. "SHAKE MY BUTT! YEA YEA YEA!"

The people dancing around stopped, including Axel. He pulled away and blinked, looking over his blonde at the sight. Oh.... my.... god....

Xio blinked as she saw the display and cocked his head. What the hell?

Riku's eyes opened and he looked at Ven doing a bunch of silly dances. He couldn't help but laugh and point it out to Sora.

Ven suddenly stopped and looked back up at Terra with a cocky look. "There.... happy now?"


"Alright everyone!"
Minnie announced a moment later. "Time for gifts!"

[Reno]

Sora smiled. they had given up waltzing awhile ago - just moving and swaying to the music as it filtered over the dance floor. He couldn;t believe 18 monthes ago he thought this marriage would never happen. couldn;t believe all that time ago when he had lost Riku...

But everything was right again. they were together here and now and forever - this was their life again and nothing could ruin it.

He still couldn;t help but wonder why he had been so nervous in the first place. It seemed so silly and superfical now. His imagination WAS too overactive.


Hayner laughed. "i suppose your right." He chuckled, letting her guide him for a few moments, before leading her into a slightly uneven but somewhat graceful dance. Hey he wasn;t timed with the music or anything but he COULD dance.


Aqua smiled at the other once they broke apart, slightly flushed from the kiss. "Yeah... hey your the one who dragged me here!" she joked, before taking the woman's hand in her own - leading her outside just in time to see Ven's dance. she burst into laughter. She didn;t WANT to know how that happened.


Roxas blinked, eharing Ven, twisting his head over his shoulder to stare. "Oh my!" he bursty into laughter. "My eyes! they can;t take this bad dancing!" He buried his head into Axel;s chest.


Sora blinked when Riku pointed, turning his head to see his twin... dancing? That WAS dancing right? A grin spread over his face and he couldn't help but chuckle.


Terra's eye twitched at Ven's display. Pff, he was TRYING to do something romantic here damn it - even if this was the funniest thing held ever seen the other do. He'd laugh about it later.

The moment that cocky look was directed to him he growled - a second later minnie annoucned it was time for gifts. It was probably well timed because Terra looked ready to kill.


"YAY!" Sora squealed, hopping in place. "gifts!! Riku, Riku it's gift time!!"


Terra glanced toward Sora seeing his ridiculous display as well. "Do all Holani twins act like idiots or something?" he grumbled.

[Rikugurl]

Riku shook his head and then looked back at Minnie. Gift time? He blinked as he looked down at Sora and laughed. He guessed that this was the part that Sora was waiting for. "Alight... come on."

He laughed as he was dragged back to the table and sat down next to his love. He gave the brunette a soft kiss on the neck before a tabled was wheeled over to them. Aquamarine eyes blinked as he saw.... a lot of presents. Wow... there was a lot more than he imagined.

He smiled though, seeing how excited Sora was. Of course he was excited! Brides always opened the gifts... but that was a good thing. Sora had more spirit and was better at thanking people than Riku.


Axel grinned at Terra. Oh yea, he was quite the winner getting Roxas. It seemed that Ven didn't have a romantic bone in his body.
Then again, Axel didn't know about the paopu sharing night. That was probably the first and last romantic thing Ventus had done.

However... no one actually knew that they shared the fruit. Not even Aqua or Sora.
Ven still convinced himself that it was more like a promise than a love thing...

Xio quickly ran to Axel and Roxas, seeing that they were now sitting down again. He was starting to miss his pups that were back home being watched by a close friend of his masters.

Riku's mother laughed as she saw Ven. Sora's mother sure did have unique children! She smiled at Hayner and gave him and quick kiss on the cheek. "Thanks for the lovely dance, darlin!" She slowly left his side and took a seat herself.

Fuu's eye widened as she looked at the.... display? The flower eye patch was put on as she shook her head. "And you're close with him?" She chuckled before they took a seat.

Ven rolled his eyes and started walking back to the seat. "Must be in the name..." He sat down and looked at an odd box on the table. It had holes in it... and was moving. What the hell was that?? A live gift?
He tilted his head to read the name.
"From Axel & Roxas"

[Reno]

Sora was at least polite enough to wait for everyone to sit bacjk down. even still he swung his elgs back and forth, an excited grin over his face. Enthusiasm was his forte.

Roxas sat down next to Axel, pulling Xio up off the floor, placing him in his lap. He pet the little fire lion, smiling. He couldnt wait until Sora got to his and Axel's gift!!

Hayner chuckled, slumping back into his seat. That was shortlived. He glanced at Seifer nad Olette who were looking all cuddly. Ew. Is this what weddings did to everyone??

"Sadly." Aqua said, taking a seat next to the other girl. "Terrible isn;t it?"

Terra grumbled, sitting enxt to Ven, crossing his arms in an almost pouting way.


Sora looked around, and once he was sure everyone was there he clapped. "alright!" He grabebd the one closest to him. "This ones from Riku;s mom." He smiled up at her, then tore into the wrapping paper. He opened it and blinked curiosuly. "A cook book?" He chckled, taking it out. It was title Exotic meals and You. He flipped through it, seeing some very itneresting fish recipes that were a little more creative then the common smoked salmon or grilled talapia he and Riku had grown so used to.

He saw something else at the bottom of the box and picked up a single recipe. He grinned, close to drooling. It was the recipe to the chocolate molten cake. Riku had been begging for it for years! He looked up at her grinning. "I love you! Thanks!!" he said exerburently to his mother-in-law. He smirked at Riku. "I know what your baking when we get home." That wouldn;t be until after the honeymoon - seven days from now but hell... he could wait.


It went on and on like that. From Kairi and Tidus, they got a frame that had blossoms and paopu around the edges. But the picture was what caught his eye. He and Riku were spiraled across the couch, asleep. He chuckled fondly. It was a cute picture, but what made it breathtaking was the sunset behind them, making him and riku seem to glow. He rememebred thta day - he and Riku had come voer to watch a movie with Kairi and Tidus and they had confiscated the couch. Next thing he rememebred was Kairi shaking him and Riku awake saying they had slept through the whole movie.

Kairi blushingly explained she had found the frame and tidus had snapped the picture. 'We would have given it to you sooner but it was a perfect wedding gift!' Sora merely grinned, thanking them profusely.


From Mickey and Minnie they got small mantel clock with a mini heart pendulum swinging from the face. It had a little engraving that said 'Love is like time - endless.' Roxas had jokingly intoned - "Now Riku don't break this one!'

They all had laughed.


From Ven and Terra they had gotten a bottle of champagne... and rum. A little note was attached to each. on the champagne bottle, in Terra's handing, it said 'For those fucking romantic candlelit nights-'. on the bottle of rum, in Ven's handwriting it said, '-and don't forget to fucking party!'

Sora laughed, grinning as he read the names of the alcohol. "good brands too." He murmured appraisingly.

"and HOW do you know that?" Sora's mother asked.

"Uhh... Jack Sparrow. I'll tell you about him one day." Sora said with a grin. He smiled at Terra and Ven. "thanks guys!"


The next gift he got was from donald and Daisy - wine glasses! Which was useful. He and Riku didn;t have any nice dishes anymore. Sora laughed. "Hey Riku break open the champagne we have glasses to go with them!" Riku just shook his ehad, smiling. The brunette thanked the ducks before moving on.


From Aqua and Fuujin they got a candlelit set - holders and a stopper and all - perfect for said 'fucking romantic candlelit nights'. Sora was laughing by now, "You guys all shopped together or something? You guys really want me and Riku to have that dinner huh?" He thanked the gilrs, grinning widely. They;d find use for them on those speacial days - or nights when there was a storm and no power. either way.


From goofy they got some gourmet chocolates. Sora kept trying to eat them but Riku kept slapping his hand away, mumbling soemthing about later.


The next box Sora opened was from Selphie. He blushed bright red, then shut it quickly. "Selphie!!"

The brunette girl, who was much farther down the table, giggled. "It;s perfect for tonight!" she winked.

Riku kept prodding him in the ribs and he shoved it under the others nose. Inside was a little 'kit' full of flavored lube... and handcuffs. Even Riku's cheeks turned a little pink and he quickly hid the gift, not letting the other prodding guests see it. Sora thanked her all the same, grinning shyily.


From Sora's parents they got soemthing real speacial - Even if at first Riku was just raising an eyebrow. It was a throw blanket, a pale beige color with two fltutering doves on it. stitched on were the words 'True love never flies away'. It was frayed at the edges, worn from time and water damage. Sora knew it well - had seen it for countless years thrown over an old rocking chair. How it survived the storm he didn;t ask. Few things had been salvagable. He couldn;t believe this had been... "Mom... Dad... are you sure you wanna give this to me?"

His mother chuckeld. "Of course. It goes to the first born in the family. My mother and father gave it to me and your father when we got married - it;s yours now."

His father merely nodded. "We were lucky to find it."

Sora smiled, near to tears. This meant a lot - his parents really did accept them completely now, didn;t they? "thanks... We'll keep it safe." he promised. He supposed this was where the tradition ended though. He and Ri would never have kids.


On and on the gifts continued. From Seifer and Olette they got elegent plates to go with the glasses , and shot glasses from Hayner. "I guess they're getting drunk by the end of tonight." Terra mumbled making Ven laugh.


More and more gifts added the pile: magnets, some earrings (for Riku mostly) though a few got Sora;s eyes, a harvestnuts (from Chip and Dale), and so on and so forth.


Finally the last of the gifts was slid in front of Sora's aching hands. He grinned, reading the tag. "From Axel and Roxas." He noticed the holes first, and then the quiet scampering and saoft movements. His stomach bubbled excitedly. "Oh my gosh!!" He carefully opened the box, mindful of what was inside, and looked in meeting blue eyes.


Roxas smiled, hand clasping Axel's as Sora practically squealed, hefting out the strange creature from inside. It was green in color and rather small - not much bigger then a rabbit or fox. In fact it looked like a strange combination of them as well. Long ears and a fluffy tail, green fur with bluish and yellowish shades thrown in. The most becoming thing about this animal was the gem on it's forehead - it was like a ruby had been embedded there, glowing with magical energy.

"Riku we have a pet!" Sora said, hugging the warm, fuzzy creature affectionately.

[Rikugurl]

Riku smiled as Sora acted like a little kid. He was always like that when it came to gifts. No, there was no way Sora would ever get the kid out of him. But that was fine with him. It wouldn't be Sora without the kid in him. He wondered if the brunette would still be the same even in his say...... 40's?


Xio yipped happily as he was pulled up on Roxas's lap. He looked at the box that was moving and a bit of fear ran down his body. THAT WASN'T ONE OF HIS PUPS WAS IT!? He whimpered as he stuck out his nose, sniffing in the scents. No... it didn't smell like any of his pups. Good!

Axel had said something about giving them away later on.... because the house wasn't big enough for them. He even asked Roxas if maybe they could get a bigger house for 'em all.... but Roxas was still thinking about it. It was a lot of responsibility and who knew how their lives would be. He hoped it would be peaceful.... but he wasn't going to count his chickens before they hatched.


Fuu laughed as the other sat next to her and nodded. "Very."

Ventus pretty much ignored the brunette next to him. It seemed that Ven would be the one whose heart would open up completely last. Fuu was doing a good job at opening Aqua's heart... and well.... Terra wanted to actually be ROMANTIC with Ventus.

Ventus was still full of cold shoulders and brash words. His body told the story of his heart's progress. Still cut and scared. Even after all these months, the world 'love' had never reached his vocal cords... not even after a cuddle after a violent 'get together'.
Perhaps he had bipolar too. At some moments he was a sweet as a button and seconds later he would become enraged.

His love for his friends were still as strong as ever... but it seemed like the rest of him was as hard as a rock.


Riku watched over Sora's shoulder as he opened all the gifts. He smiled widely as he saw the cookbook. He was really happy that Mickey had taught him how to cook... and cook well. Even bland salads tasted good when Riku made them. These recipes would be great for future meals. His mother was so proud that he had become such a great chef.
He blinked when Sora stated about the cake and laughed. "Haha, I'll try my best but it'll probably never be as good as mom's."

The gift from Kairi and her gunguro boyfriend made him laugh. The picture was cute and knew it would hit the mantel like the rest of their prized pictures.

The gift from his good friend and wife was probably the most special to him. It was rather beautiful and he laughed at Roxas's comment. "Hahahaha, no no, this one will be faaaaaaaaar away from the bed!"

The alcohol was nice and the messages were quite unique too. He had never met anyone besides Ven and Terra who had cussed so much... even on paper. It was still a shock to him that they almost killed each other... and now here they were at their wedding.

All the new glasses and tableware was great. They had lost so much from the storm and didn't have much saved. The fund from the Gardens went to the other people of Destiny than the two lovers... probably because they both knew the storm had been their fault... and the innocent people deserved everything they could get.

When Sora closed the box with a red face, Riku grinned. He looked at Selphie who had a devilish look to her and had to bug Sora about it to get a peek.
When he looked inside, he grinned more. Oh... yea... they'd have to use this at some point. And that reminded him that they needed a camera for the nightstand.

He watched Sora take out a throw and looked it up and down. He had remembered it from Sora's parents house.... but wasn't really sure the value behind it. Once Sora's eyes watered and his parents spoke... he understood. It was very kind of them. He'd have to remember to use this to cuddle Sora.

Riku got some small side gifts from his mother, like more earrings and... another pair of leather pants. She also got him a light hooded shirt to keep him cool from the sun while in construction.
She was the best.

His eyes because uneasy as he saw the moving box. From Axel & Roxas.... ugh, he'd have to remember to KILL THEM. He was ready to see a baby moomba, knowing that Xio had had a litter... but... when Sora pulled out the strangest thing he ever saw, he cocked his head. What the hell was that!?

Axel leaned over and smiled. "It's called a Carbuncle. The ruby on its head brings good luck to those who have one. They're extremely rare too! It took us months to find and catch one!"

"Good luck huh?" Riku questioned.
"Yea, it's known to cast helpful non-elemental majick on people it cares for in battles.... so I figured it would be a good gift when the next ridiculous adventure comes up." The pyro laughed.
"I see..." He cocked his head again. So... what does this thing eat? AS long as it didn't blow fire, he was.... alright with it. He didn't want Destiny to burn down. Maybe it would be fun having a pet.


After another hour of more random chit-chat, Riku finally stood.
"Everyone!"
The room became quiet as they looked at the silverette.

He looked around the tables, seeing everyone and smiling softly.
"I.... I just want to thank you all for come here to our wedding. It really means a lot to Sora and I. I know the years had been tough on us all... and I want to thank everyone for well.... being there for us... through the bad and good.
I know not everyone was able to come... for those those people and you who have.... you will always have a place in our hearts."

He looked down and smiled softly. "Hearts are very important things. Hearts should be followed... and never put away. If your heart it telling you something.... do it. It knows best. There are people, still to this day... who don't know how lucky they are to have hearts... and others who would do anything to have one."

He looked back at everyone, his eyes soft. "It took me awhile to understand how powerful a heart could be... but thanks to Sora and everyone here.... it's not so hard anymore. I want to thank you all for the gifts... but the real gift here is having each and every one of you as a friend... or family."
As he talked, the dark tattoos under his clothes started to fade...
"I really hope that I can make bonds with those that already have them with Sora. So...again, thank you. Thank you so much for making this day the best day of Sora and mine's life."

His eyes then narrowed and smiled. "But for now... we have a plane to catch!"
He grinned as he suddenly grabbed Sora and pulled him into his arms like... a real bride.
He jumped over the table and down the red carpet to the courtyard.

Olette blinked along with everyone else but laughed, getting up and racing after the two.

Axel laughed and caught the Carbuncle. "Guess the little guy will be staying with us for a week~~~"

Kairi blinked and laughed, seeing Riku dash out the door.


When they got outside, some people had followed to watch from afar to see Way to Dawn appear in his hand. A large smile arose from his face as he pointed it up to the sky, summoning the NEW Gummi Ship.

[Reno]

Sora grinned. "thank you so much you guys!!" He said excitedly, placing the ltitle carbuncle in his lap, petting it affectionately.

Roxas chuckled. "So what are you going to name her?"

So it was a she...

Sora tilted his head to the side, thinking for a few moments. Several names ran through his head, mostly pertaining to either the color green or red - hell they could name her Christmas! He chuckled to himself, then smiled. Green.. what related to green...

Spring? No, too silly. Munny, but that wouldn;t work either. ...Envy?

He blinked, suddenly remembering an old mythology class he had taken in high school. A goddess came to mind. "Invidia." He said suddenly, smiling. It was a gorgeous name, perfect for her - even if a bit contradictory.


Everyone fell easily into conversations, laughter bubbling quickly from people's chests, eyes shining quickly as jokes were shared and stories told. They were almost like a family themseleves...

Sora was just chuckling at something Ven and Terra were doing - fighting again of course but this time it seemed much more playful, when suddenly Riku stood, asking for quiet with a gentle but loud voice.

Everyone hushed, even Sora himself and he looked up at his lover curiously. what was he planning?

He smiled softly. Riku was learning how to make speeches on the spot now huh? Guess that was something he learned from him. He looked out at everyone else, seeing wonderment and smiles growing on their faces. Riku's words were evry kind and it meant a lot for them to ehar the normally stotic boy talk so heartfeltly.

"but now we have a plane to catch!" Plane? Wha-?

"ah!" Sora said in surprise as he was suddenly lifted, Invidia pounced from his lap and landing in Axel's arms. Sora cheeks went red laughing exerburtently as Riku jumped over the table. He looked over the silverette's shoulders, knwoing the others unexpected move would leave hardly any room for - "Bye!!!" He called as they raced out the door.

Laughter met his ears. Well at least they weren't upset. He grinned. It was finally time for the honeymoon.

Roxas grinned, watching the others, but nodded at Axel's words, petting the carbuncle;s head. "Yeah but that;s okay."

Tidus chuckled, staying by Kairi's side even as other;s got up to follow after the new couple.


Sora looked up at the sky, watching the keyblade in riku;s hand shimmer as it called for the new gummi ship. He looked over riku;s shoulder, seeing those who had follwo after them. He waved one last time. "See you guys later!" Adn then with a shimmer of light they were gone.

Sora looked around the new ship, smiling. "Time for Land of Dragons!" he said excitedly. there new ship was sleek and black - it was bult to be quick with more manuverability and defense then previous models. Not that he was worried abouit them getting attacked again.

Things were finally falling into a sense of peace. He didn;t doubt though that soon they would be on a new adventure. the keyblade had chosen them to protect the realm of light and twilight and thats what they were going to do until the blades left their sides for good and accepted the fact that the masters could go on no further.

"gonna carry me like this forever?" Sora joked.

[Rikugurl]

After Riku and Sora had left, the castle was still chatty for a few hours before a large portal arose, allowing everyone to go home.

Ven, Terra and Aqua left to their base, of course not before Aqua had said he good-byes to Fujin.

Axel and Roxas... Xio and... Invidia went back to Delshad Garden. Oddly enough, for being caught in the wild, the Carbuncle was very tame. Perhaps she liked these people?

Seifer, Olette, Hayner and Fujin returned to Twilight town.

Kairi, Tidus, Sora's parents, Riku's mom and Selphie returned to Destiny. Kairi had taken all of their gifts and brought them to their little house. Them living on the mainland was so much more convenient now!

Riku grinned as he looked down at Sora, now in the ship. "Maybe..." He leaned in and kissed the brunette passionately.


That night, Riku sat on a wooden floor Indian style. There was a small table in front of him with small glasses. The bottle of champaign at on the table and some glasses had already been drank.
Silver hair was pulled behind silver rings, making them jingle. Black chopsticks in his hair matched the black kimono he wore.

There had been a guest home made in the bamboo forest awhile back... just in case Sora ever wanted to visit again. It was far away from the palace or any village... which was nice. They were all alone for their first night honeymoon.

When they had changed into their kimonos, Riku had noticed that all those Dark tattoos over his chest, arms and back were finally gone after all this time. He no longer fell weighed down by them... and got his regular, pale, beautiful body back.
Aquamarine eyes looked up as a door slide opened, revealing a gorgeous brunette.