The Chasers: New World Locket

[Reno]

"mmmmm..." Aqua purred, kissing back. It had been a long two monthes. She had been pretty sick with fever - so much so she had been delusional for almost three days. They said it was about 107. Luckily after the first week the fever finally broke.

Her throat had been another problem entirely. She had breathed in a lot of smoke from the volcano and she hadnt been able to talk for nearly a whole month. It had been rather frustrating trying to indicate things she wanted or needed - and eventually Fuujin handed her a pad and pen - with cute little dragon designs on them.

Her voice was pretty much normal now - though it still cracked up a bit when she rasied her voice too high. The doctors at Disney and even Aerith had reassured her she was going to be fine though. Ven... and Terra.. were different stories.

As for Dragoon... things had progressed as normal again. Well as normall as it could be. The Fire region was been completely destroyed - but it seemed some of the dragons from all over had made a visit to restore the place to wait it once was. Kongol had lumbered over (slowly mind you) to knock town the land masses that the Dark Knight rose, the swing close the fissures - and to rebuild the top of the Volcano of course. Freybrand and Regole were said to have helped put of fires and cool any of the lava that had spilt. Dart had quietly watched his people as they rebuilt broken homes and even heloed swing down a few trees for firewood with his tail.

As for the Divine Dragon... she went home. Aqua had - despite how against the rules it was - visited her however - and found the dragon unchained. She panicked a little as she approached, but the weary one only held up her legs and Aqua relocked the two chains to her hind legs. The other two chains were broken now...

The Divine Dragon gave her a look - purring softly - but the words she said ghosted over the water keyblader like they had been human tongue. "If you ever wish to know the true history of this world... you and the other seven savoirs may revisit this world and my castle to learn of it. But remeber - truth comes with a price."

Aqua had smiled sadly nodded. "As Soon as Ven's better... i'll tell them all that." and then she had left.

Aqua pulled away, smiling. "I'm only beautiful because you've made me beautiful." And she meant more then just the braids and flowers. She meant her heart, her soul, her smile - everything that was her now... she had to thank Fuu for bringing herself back to normal.

She drew her arms around the other, holding her tight as they looked at each other in the vanity mirrior. And the girls had to occupy themseleves somehow. Two people still had to be on the ship at all times - but right now their was three. the third of them had only come up to take a shower.


Roxas pouted, his eyes squinting as he tried to read the lines on the page. No, he wasn;t going blind but... damn he;d been reading these transcripts for way too long. all the words were blurring together and not making any sense. He frowned, trying to write out what needed to be said, and he groaned appreciatively as the fiery hot kiss was dropped onto his neck.

He dropped the pen, head turning with a brillant grin. A nice... hot... bath. now this was the Axel he knew. "Oh my god Axel I love you!" He said, wrapping his arm around the other tentatively, kissing him sweetly.

The trip to Disney hadn't been fun for any of them. Aqua had been really sick - and all of them had their own cuts and bruises and problems. Including Roxas who had to have his left arm up in a splint for a few weeks cause falling down the trees HAD torn some things in his arm and once the adrenline from the fight had worn off it hurt like all hell. He was all better now though.

Learning... about Ven had been really hard... but the good news was they were in radiant now - and Roxas did his best to visit as often as he could - trying to give the other a familar voice. Well ANOTHER familar voice. Not that he wasn't already surronded by seven.

But still... nothing. and he could tell just how much it was tearing Terra apart. Something in the brunette's eyes almost seemed to be... saying he blamed himself.

He nuzzled Axel softly, grinning. "You sure you don't wanna... jump in that bath with me?" he teased.


Invidia purred happily as the brush ran through her fur. Over the years she had learned quite a bit about her two masters. Sora was definitely the more playful, a great cuddler and the better petter. Riku was the best brusher, had the comfiest lap and if she begged just the right way could get little snippets of fish or other tasty foods from him before dinner time. All in all she lvoed both her masters and were very intuned when either were hurt, sad or... lustful. And she always took the according actions in those cases.

If they were hurt she tried to cure then. If they were sad she tried to purr and nuzzle with them. if they were lustful she just stayed the hell out of the way.

But there seemed to be a bit of sadness drifitng in and out of the house lately that she couldn't quite figure. The sadness always seemed to fall after Sora and Riku left on one of their 'trips' and came back smelling like a... wolf. She knew they were seeing that brunette man with the weird smell about him - but their was underlying scent. the blonde one. The one that smelled like sora - his kin.

She knew it had something to do with one or even both of them. she just didn't know how to fix it.


Sora smiled, stepping from the classroom, his many kids flowing out around him and running for the sandbox, happy cries filling the air. It did his heart good to watch. He carefully stepped down from the ramp, walking after them - already hearing them all trying to invite him to play in his games.

He grinned. "why not a game of freeze tag everyone?!"

"YEAH!!!"

"Alright, I'm it! Run you little monsters!" Sora said, laughing. The kids all squealed and ran across the grass and he chased after, good-naturedly.

Disney Castle. Two monthes ago - it felt like forever and just last night all at the same time. It had been a real horrible experience. Because... he had to get stitiches for the cut the Dark Knight had given him over his stomach - and he was not ashamed to say it. He was thirty-two years old and cried like a little girl when he saw the needle that would be giving him the stitches. Oh god, that was more horrible then the rabies shots!

And some of his ribs had been pretty damaged from running into that wall of... land with Riku. He had been told to take it easy cause almost all of them were pretty bruises and a few could be easily broken if he was too strenous. they had told him to be real careful until they felt completely better - and they were great now!

But... Ven... when he learned his brother was in a coma... he had wanted to cry then too. He didn't. Instead he steeled his resolve, looking at his brother determinedly, then turned to Terra and said:

"He's going to wake up. He's a stubborn fool who isn't even half-done cussing the hell out of you yet." A smile. "We'll all just keep reminding him we're here and waiting for him to wake up... and he will. And probably swear up a storm on how we annoyed the hell out of him."

But two monthes... had even been trying for him. He and Riku went to visit, like Roxas, as often as they could. for awhile they had been going to visit Aqua too cause she had been pretty bad off - but she was mostly fine now and that was a relief.

After the rounding game of tag - in which Sora fell on his back, the kids swarmed him, laughing cause he lost, and then ran off to do their own things, he slowly got back to his feet. His hand curled around his crown necklace, looking towards the ocean. "Wake up Ven... wake up soon. Terra's waiting for you." He had no doubt in his mind that Ventus would awaken. He still had too much of a life to live - was too stubborn to give up so soon and thanks to the same man who had taken his life when he was 15. Oh no, Ven was going to get up, be pissed beyond the heavens, and try and go kick his ass. His brother... was strong and brave and... he was going to wake up.

Hopefully sooner then later though.

He frowned a bit, worried about Terra. He had to give the brunette credit though. He was... a lot stronger then almost all of them it seemed. Roxas had broken after one day without Axel by his side, Sora himself hadn't been able to take it without riku for a week, even Fuujin had had some bad symptoms showing when Aqua was sick - but Terra? Two monthes... and he was still holding up alright. Or appeared to be.

And that actually kinda scared him. He knew this was going to backlash really badly at some point... but when? He didn't know.


Terra looked at the mirror quietly, seeing the sight of himself. He knew Gunnar and Lucina were in their with Ven right now - so naturally he kept his distance. Why?

Because when he had gotten back on board the ship... he had scared both of them. Lucina had started crying uncontrollably, and Gunnar had hidden in his room.

So now... now he stayed away. Because they couldn't take seeing him like this.

"Two monthes." He whispered. He rose his hand, placing it against the glass. His claws clicked against the glass, before he lowered his hands, hiding them behind his back, firmly closing his lips around fangs. But even still... the eyes... he couldn't get away from his eyes.

Two monthes... and he still hadn't changed back.

"I think..." Terra started, voice growling low, as he glanced at the inquisitive but unfrightened Aqua as she sat beside Ven, "When I changed up there, I slammed out connection closed because I was afriad of doing what I did last time - stealing his energy and killing him. So... I put a... wall between us - and no matter how hard I try the wall won't fall. I think... only Ven can knock it down. I'm stuck like this until he wakes up."

He was getting really tired of waking up in a cold sweat, nightmares running through his head of stealing a planet or person's energy. But... at least he was able to sleep next to Ven again - at first he had been too afraid too, afraid of harming him further but one day Roxas had told him: "Fuck Terra, just sleep with him. Nothing can hurt at this point... and I bet he misses it as much as you fucking do. So fucking sleep their or I'll collar and leash you and MAKE you sleep there."

He sighed stepping out of the bedroom, treking down the long hall in an almost awkward bounce step. He still couldn't walk normally - stupid wolf legs. He also had little bumbs over his temples were the horns should be as well as the bumps of where spikes would protrud along his spine.

He had no doubt if he so wished it... he could change the rest of the way. But... then he'd probably kill everyone with some sort of crazy primal desire or... something.

He stopped in front of the door, where he could smell perfume and other.. girly things. He knew Aqua and Fuujin were inside. He reached up, clicking each claw in a quick sequence along the door - his knew means of telling people it was him. It was better then having someone gasp in surprise when they opened the door and saw him.


Aqua moved away from Fuujin, hearing the tapping. It made her frown in sadness. Terra had to adjust a lot to... his new form. There were a few people completely okay with him - including herself, Fuujin, Sora and surprisingly Riku. Aerith too believe it or not seemed unafraid. But everyone else had their own little... habits. Roxas got a little nervous, Axel freaked out sometimes - usually when Terra appeared behind him, Seifer's eyes would dart away from him, Olette would bow her head, Yuffie would squeal the kids - okay well lets not even start with them, even Leon and Cloud seemed uneasy when they looked at him.

She like Sora was worried on how Terra was taking the news about Ven in a coma so... well. She was also worried about a violent breakdown pretty soon. Though it wasn't like Terra was acting COMPLETELY cold around Ven or anything. Their were signs... BIG ones. The biggest one? Terra... refused to eat muffins. At all. The last time anyone offered one to him, he threw the plate across the room and walked out of the kitchen. Another one was... how he found it hard to banter or insult anyone like he usually did. Typically he never had a problem teasing her or Sora or anyone really... but that spark of playfulness was just... gone. A third were the nightmares. He cried out for Ven in the majority of them - at least for all the ones she caught him having.

When he did break down it was gonna be bad, furious, fast and unstoppable. It was probably... going to be one of the scariest moments of her life. And she was afraid of that day, whenever it came.

"Come in Terra." she called. The nice thing was about his new knock was she DID always know it was him. (of course he was the only other one on the ship that was also a good clue). It was also nice to know he was... not always be Ven's side. But maybe that's just because he couldn't be what with the way everyone acted. And also... he liked the airships showers more. But every night he was down on Radiant, close to the blonde's side, sleeping as peacefully as he could.

Claws shifted the doorknob, walking in and looking around uneasily. He shut the door quietly. Aqua was disturbed on how sad and fearful his yellow eyes always seemed to apepar to her nowadays. "I um... need to talk to you... both of you." He restated, glancing at Fuujin slowly.

Aqua nodded. "Alright." She nodded towards the bed and Terra uncomfortably sat down, crossing his arms slowly. Fuujin seemed to leane back against their vanity desk and Aqua spun in the chair - both of them facing their leader. "What's up?"

Terra looked at the floor for a few moments before taking a deep breath and looking up at them. "Aqua... I want you to be the new leader of the Chasers."

There was a long, long pause.

"WHAT!?" She screeched, her voice cracking. "Terra are you INSANE?"

"Face it, Olette's right we can't keep waiting. Ven still isn't awake and I... I can't travel like this so... so I mean... We still have a job to do. And Fuujin would be Second-In-Command and you and the other's could go and start collecting the keyblades without us and then we-"

Slap!

Terra blinked in shock. Aqua had covered the ground rather quickly. He reached up, rubbing his now red cheek and growled at her. "What the hell was that for?!"

"For you being a fucking idiot!" The blue haired woman snapped, crossing her arms, anger in her eyes,, unfilnching staring into the eyes of the wolf. "If you think... for one minute I'm leaving Ven OR you - then damn it Terra those fucking foster homes screwed up your head real bad! Just because somethings wrong... doesn't mean I'm gonna say 'Oh well a job to catch some stupid ass blades is more important then my family and friends lives!' If Olette AND Seifer want to be pissy then they can fucking take the ship and go off on their own for all I care but I'M not leaving." she looked down, frowning. "Because you guys are my best friends... and I'm scared for him too Terra. So stop being so fucking selfish. I want to be there too when he wakes up."

Terra scoffed. "What's Ven gonna say when he wakes up and finds out we didn't do our jobs?"

"what would he do if we DID?" Aqua asked curiously, humming teasingly, a big smile on her face. "Oh something like 'You pansy ass mother fuckers, you left WITHOUT me?! You sons of bitches have no fucking patience! I'm unsoundproofing the goddamned ship and you'll all have to suffer through my death metal for fucking eternity!'"

Terra couldn't help the smile that spread at the woman's impression of the blonde.

[Rikugurl]

OOC: I LOVE THE LONGNESS!! TAT!

Fujin smiled as she received a kiss back. Her arms wrapped around her lover's neck as she tilted her head, pulling the kiss into a passionate one.
Yes, she had had a bad time with Aqua's fever. There was never a moment where she left her lover's side as she laid in the hospital bed in Disney Castle. Minnie would bring in some food for her even since she wouldn't leave. Olette finally got her to budge so she could take a shower... but in the shower the silverette woman broke down and started to cry.

She knew Aqua would be ok... but she just didn't want to see her love to be in so much pain.

Everyone was in a lot of pain though.

She blinked as she pulled away and shook her head, hearing Aqua's words. A hand ran down the woman's face as she smiled. "We both did it. Together."
She knew that if she didn't meet Aqua... she would still be a one worded, emotionless person who would walk the streets of Twilight Town and break up fights, issue illegal forms and break up marriageable disputes with Seifer and Rajin. Forever being in disputes with Hayner's gang and showing off at the Struggle tournaments.

But what she was really worried about... was being alone. As an orphan, that was one biggest fear they had to grow up with. Hayner had pointed out to Seifer, while they were still teens, that the only reason why his group picked in their group was because they had parents.... who loved them. That pissed off Seifer's whole gang and a huge fight broke out. The man conducting the Struggle battle had to separate them and made Hayner apologize for what he had said and Seifer to apologize for giving Hayner a black eye.

Fuu to this day didn't think Seifer should had to of apologized... that was extremely mean to say to a group of orphans...
Their parents loved them.... wherever they might be.
Olette came to apologize for everything the next day... and that was when things started to happen between her and Seifer. Fuu was a bit jealous when her blonde friend started to hang out more with the chickenwusette, acting like he was just teasing her... but she knew...

And Rai... well, he started to get into more official things with the town hall with Vivi. Becoming REAL police.
This left her to walk the streets... alone.

She found it ironic that when she was turned into a Heartless, she had become a Wyvern... and as a Nobody, a Dragoon.
A Dragoon, the same name as Aqua's world...


Speaking of Dragoon, things were slowly going back to the way it was. Dart seemed to be much more happier, and Ashbel could tell. So, it must of been true... him and the Divine Dragon were once lovers. She smiled as she looked up at the volcano that now looked like itself again. "I wonder..." She whispered to herself. "If I'll ever see Axel again..."

She, like the other Berserkers wished to thank these seven people who came and saved their world... but they seemed to of disappeared.

Out of all the dragons, Damia was the one that took the longest to recover... but her recovery wasn't sad. It was happy. She laid in her field of flowers and little children would come to her and pet her gently with the guidance of Fulgencia. They laid flowers all around her and sang to her. She was very happy... and finally one day, she stood and flew into the sky up to the sun.

Sunil, the child Berserker of the Dark region, smiled as he watched orange eyes move through the shadows. He didn't like the fact that he had to protect the people first... but... he supposed the Divine Dragon was the 'Berserker' of the dragons. At least... he could be one of the Berserkers in history to actually see the guardian dragon of their world


Sai slowly leaned down next to a blonde. A deep blue blanket was wrapped around them as the blue haired man pulled his lover close. Demyx was working on fixing his sitar all day.. and now the moon was shining down on them one more through the window. Slowly long nailed fingers reached over and took the hand that was bandaged up. Slowly and gently, he pulled the bandages off, the clothes being old and soaked with old blood.

He had been extremely worried about his sister... even if Dragoon was safe. He didn't hear from her in a month which made him a bit on the edge with everyone, even Demyx... but when she had visited the Divine Dragon, she made a pit stop at the temple. She told him what happened and he grew a bit enraged but she quickly calmed him down. It was okay now...
Demyx offered to put on a concert when they visited again when Ven woke up!

The bruised hand was pulled up to pale lips and slowly started to get licked. Some nasty looking splits slowly started to mend together
as he closed his eyes and licked more. Fangs rolled over fingers as he slowly sucked on them. Demyx had been a big help too.. and the people knew it.


Axel had a few scrapes and bangs... but he seemed to be the one in the best shape after Fujin. Falling into the lava had helped him a lot.. and oddly enough, it cured his lungs right up from getting drowned with salt water all those years ago... and also from his Somebody living in such an amazingly clean world.

He smiled happily as he got the big hug and sweet kiss. Now that he knew who his Somebody was... he was kinda happy that they split. Axel's life seemed a lot more... well... meaningful, and happy. But... maybe Reno lived his life too... in his own... weird way.

He pulled up and rubbed the back of his head. He still hated water... even if Roxas was IN it. But... it was hot. He liked hot... and the way Roxas teased... well.
"Alight... but you know no paper work is gonna get done tonight." He teased back and he suddenly pulled his lover from the chair and carried him up the stairs.


Riku had been on bed rest for two weeks... but he got up after a week. He couldn't just lay around in bed... he had a job too. His P.O BOX was full of letters from all over Connections 1 through 3. Many wedding and anniversary gifts were wanted. The silverette had gone to Destiny's Island and to the small land that Sora once called 'Riku's Island'. He hadn't built a bridge to get over their again because he was afraid children would danger what was growing up there.

Only he and Sora could get up there... and instead of one Paopu tree, there were five now... and three more growing. He and Sora still liked sitting on the tree trunks... but their original was washed away in the tsunami.

Aquamarine eyes looked down at the green fox-like pet and smiled. He continued to brush her out as he looked around the room. Even with all the evil things he had done in the past... he knew he had made it all up. The new district that him and Tidus had built brought a lot of happiness to people who wanted to start their own stores and such. People had to no longer crowd into houses since there not that many houses around to begin with.

He knew Sora felt bad about the tsunami he had created... but it really wasn't all his fault... and besides... they were able to rebuild everything... and everything was new and improved.
One day, Sora took the kids to the old cemetery for a field trip.. and all the kids helped clean out all the old weeds and cut the grass. It didn't look so gloomy when they were done. They even planted flowers around each grave, including Ven's.

When Riku was done, he sat up and Vi jumped off. He smiled as he pulled a loose shirt on and looked down at her. "Let's go for a walk." He walked through the house and out the front door. He looked out over the district he had helped built and smiled proudly. He felt something brush up against his leg and looked down at Vi again. She didn't like collars or a leash... so they just... used to for something else. Slowly he walked down the wooden steps and down the boardwalk to the school.


"Uncle Sora!" A girl's voice came from behind the man who was looking out. A strawberry blonde girl with short hair giggled as Sora looked back. She smiled widely, her hazel eyes shining. Namine was indeed disappointed when she got her aunt for a sub... not that she didn't love her aunt but Sora was special.

She smiled as she held out an odd looking star-like pendant to her teacher. "Look what found. She said it belonged to you."


Olette sighed as they left the large room and pass the entryway where a blonde man waited. She smiled softly to him as Gunnar let go of her hand. "Daddy! I finished the book!" He smiled happily. Ever since the Mako was accepted, he was able to do things much more quicker than most children.

Olette continued to hold Luci as she walked over and shook her head, indicating that Ven had still not waken up. She looked up at the time. Terra should be expected soon.
It wasn't that Olette was being careless... but her children were starting to get restless as so was she. She was use to a lot of action... and now all they could do was wait.


Fujin blinked as she heard the taps on the door. She leaned on the vanity as Aqua spoke and the door opened, revealing a creature that was still hard to understand. Fuu however, had gotten use to the sight... seeing that she had to see it more often since Terra was closer to Aqua.

He slowly walked over and sat on the bed. Her one eye watched closely as Aqua asked and the beast sighed. They both jumped a bit when Terra stated his next opinion.
Fuujin would be Second-In-Command
She shook her head, her soft, silver hair flowing with the moment. There was no way she would take Ven's spot...

She blinked when she heard the large slap and had to hit a chuckle. It was kind of funny seeing her lover in braids and flowers in her hair slapping some wolf-like creature.
She slowly slid off the vanity and crossed her arms. "She's right.. you are our friends... and so what if we're off schedule. We can't do missions unless all the Chasers are there... including you and Ven. We'll wait for as long as we have to."

She looked up at the clock on the wall that was a blue dragon holding a ball. "Now stop your loafing... it's almost time to bring the family back and for you to see Ven."


When the Almasy family left the refuge, a woman with long braided hair walked in. She wore a white and blue summer dress and walked with a dainty posture. There were two people laying in beds, one on each side. She stopped and leaned down at each, asking if they needed anything but when she was told no by both, she walked away slowly/ She passed bed upon bed as she walked down the large room. The second to last bed was surrounded with flowers.

People came to Aerith's refuge when they didn't want to turn to the hospital. She used natural healers on all her patients. It wasn't the quickest way to get better all the time... but she put in a lot of love to everyone who stayed... not like the hospital.

The sunset shown through the window onto the blonde who was laying on the bed. A small bag was placed on the nightstand next to some flowers and she pulled something from it. She slowly sat down on the side of bed where Terra usually slept and smiled down at the blonde. Slowly, she started to brush the blonde hair and sighed. "Today was a busy day..." She started as she brushed the locks, only for them to bounce back into place.

It was indeed a busy day. Since her refuge was free care, she had to take donations to help with her supplies that didn't grow in The Gardens. Yuffie was always good at having people donate munny... or maybe she just stole it... but in any case, it was expensive to keep Ventus's care up. At least he could breath by himself. However, she had to keep his IVs full so he could get the nutritions he needed.

"You know... we raised a lot of money today. You'll be just fine." She spoke softly again and smiled. "Terra is coming soon. I bet you're happy about that..." Long blonde spikes shifted over closed eyes as the brush continued to move.

[Reno]

Demyx frowned, tongue curled against his side of his lip as he tried to play, bandages and all. Playing was part of his soul - it just didn't seem natural that he couldn't. Next time he was wearing gloves damnit - end of story!

He looked up when he heard the louder footsteps and smiled, recognizing them. He looked up at the other. He had to say... Being with Sai definitely made him braver. He watched the other come forth and chuckled. "Hey." He purred, but blinked when the other set away the sitar. "Sai?" He asked curiously - thinking he was going to get repremended for trying to play when he was hurt.

But instead the beserker took off his bandages. He winced a little as they pulled at the cuts, but then Saix.... started licking them?

Demyx grew a goofy smile at the warm touch, humming apprcitively, leaning forward to lay his head on the other's shoulder. "Mmmm, feels nice." When Saix was done with one hand... he did the same to the other. Demyx blinked, looking at the saliva coated hands in surprise. They were... completely healed.

He grinned looked up at the other, before drawing his arms around him. "Sai I ever tell you how much I love you?" He leaned up kissing him.


Roxas chuckled happily as he was lifted - grinning. "S'ok, I figure it's worth it." Though their job was important... Roxas had been making a consistent effort to give him and Axel more 'us time' because truthfully it really helped lower his stress levels and they fought less because of it.

And he liked Axel more then a pile of papers his mind didn't understand anymore. Well actually he liked Axel more than everything - even Sea-salt ice cream.

He grinned, nuzzling the other's neck. And he LOVED the idea of Axel and a nice, hot warm bath together... oh that sounded wonderful.


Invidia purred happily as Riku mentioned the walk, knowing exactly where they were going. The school. they visited Sora all the time and the walk was nice too. She liked being able to stretch her legs and enjoy the sights. Destiny was warm, sometimes uncomfortably so - and the storms were never fun - she usually hide under the coffee table during those; but on days like today when the breeze was perfect, the sun was bright, everything was growing and beautiful - it was days like these that made the rest of it worth it.

She stayed close to Riku though instead of wandering today. She was getting older - no longer as playful as she used to be, though she still liked the game of Chase Sora had made up with her.

She yawned a bit, as they stepped onto a grassy surface, seeing her master far away talking with one of the little girls - she sniffed the air, recognizing the scent. The one next door named Namine.


You know the worst thing about getting those stitiches? Riku had already been confined to his bed at the time - so Sora was all alone. Well okay, not alone Goofy and Donald substitued for the exhausted silverette but it hadn;t been the same.

He smiled, watching the kids who just dogpiled him disperse, before blinking when he heard the voice. He leant down, smiling at Namine kindly. "She did, did she?"

He took the charm from her gently, looking down at it in surprise. It was Kairi's lucky charm. Ah come on Kairi, I went through hell to give it back to you now all of sudden it's MINE? He grinned... though he wondered why she was giving it to him and now of all times.

Unless... it wasn't for him. but for Ven. He needed all the luck he could get. "Thanks Namine." He said, pulling his god daughter into a hug, kissing the top of her head. "Now go play." He grinned. He knew he favored her above the others - and it made some of the kids jealous as hell but... he really couldn't help it. She was the closest thing to a daughter he was ever gonna get. and he was gonna spoil the hell outta her.


Seifer looked up, smiling as his son ran over to him. "You did? that;s great!" He lifted his son up high, grinning at him. "That;s my boy!" He, like Olette, had noticed how Gunnar had changed. Sora had warned them about the side effects - and when the blonde asked Cloud he got even further detail. Apparently the mako was going to increse everything - eye sight, hearing, nerve strength, intelligence, immunity, strength, magic, balance, speed - absolutely everything.

It just came at a great price. One he'd rather never go through again.

Lucina pouted, snuggling further into her mother's warmth. She was already feeling the twinges of jealousy at her young age - understood she didn;t like the fact gunnar was able to do things she still couldn't. It was fair. It felt like... he was stealing her big sisterhood away.

She like Gunnar didn;t understand why Ven wouldn't wake up. Mom said it was cause he was really hurt and just needed to sleep it off - but held been in bed forever! How long did he need?

Seifer smiled setting his son atop his shoulders, before looking at Olette and Lucina walking over. "I suppose we should get back." He knew Terra was probably eager to get back to the blonde's side. He reached up fingering the communicator. "Yo, Gunnar finished the story!"


Terra looked down, nodding slowly at both their words. "Okay." Well they made the decision not him. And truthfully... he was glad. He didn't think he could stand doing it on his own anyways.

He could barely stand it all now.

Just then he heard a crackle and looked up. He no longer wore a communicator either - hurt his ears. It was just... a lot louder all of a sudden. But he could still hear Seifer's voice loud and clear.

Aqua reached up fingering hers - sometimes it was just easier to where it then sitting at the main computer the whole time. "Roger that. See, already to go back." She looked at Terra and his sudden joyful face and for a moment she pictured a dog with a wagging tail happy to go and see his master.

She chuckled, "See time already." She slashed down the moment Tsuami appeared, glancing at Fuujin with a grin. "Be back soon." Terra stood, walking through the portal easily and Aqua soon followed.


Seifer looked over when the portal appeared and wasn;t surprise at the two who walked through. Terra glanced at them quietly, before walking past them without a word. He knew he was doing it cause he was afraid to scare the kids again - but still Seifer felt an age old anger from being ignored.

Lucina pressed closer to her mom whe Terra appeared but couldn't help but look curiously as the other walked for the refuge. Terra didn't eat with them anyone - she barely saw him at all really. And she didn't know if she was okay with that or not. She couldn't help it when she had first seen him he had been really scary - like a monster she had once seen in her dreams.

Aqua watched Terra and sighed, then smiled at the family, motioning for the portal. "All aboard."

Terra glanced back, from between brown locks, gold eye gleaming sadly. He still... couldn;t help but feel the distance between some of his friends and himself now. It hurt... alot. He was different - and this was only making him more concious of that.

Of course, the claws and teeth really didn;t help either. He reached up, tapping his fingers along the refuge door - more out of habit this time then anything before he entered and the door was shut behind him. He saw Aerith over by Ven and smiled easily. He walked over to them, slipping into the seat by the other side of him, watching her brush his hair.

He reached out, clasping his hand in one of Ven's. "Well I sure hope he's happy to see me." He murmured.

[Rikugurl]

Sai smiled as he felt arms around him. He nuzzled the other before the were brought into a loving kiss.


Axel smiled as they turned the corner and pushed the door open with his foot. The room was full of steam and heat as he walked in. He closed the door tightly and grinned, placing his lover down. He pulled off his shirt and studded belt, pushing his pants down. Red boxers came off too and he walked pass the blonde. He dipped hit toe in and smiled. Nice and hot!

He got in and slowly took the side of the tub, sitting himself down in the water. However, when his... privates touched, he eeped. Ok... so his body could take the heat but.... He looked at Roxas awkwardly before he just plopped down. "EEEEEEEEEE" He tensed but his body got use to it quickly and he sighed. Leaning back onto the cooler edge, he spread his legs so Roxas could sit down.


Namine giggled and nodded, running off to play with the others. She remembered asking her parent what would happen if she lost them. She didn't want to be an orphan like auntie Fujin or uncle Seifer. Kairi said there was no way that was going to happen... but if something horrible like that did happen, Sora and Riku would become her parents.

She felt a lot better knowing that. Tidus had become a bit worried at the question... but she didn't seem to have an odd gloom around her anymore. Maybe she had a fear of losing them?


Grass crunched under bare feet as they walked over to a brunette in teacher's clothing. Strong arms wrapped around the teacher's waist as a soft kiss was planted on his neck. No.. he wasn't suppose to do this while Sora was working... but he couldn't help it.

"Good afternoon Sensei..."


Fuu nodded as she waved them good-bye. She sighed as they left and shook her head. She wondered... what had happened to Quicksand. It was true that keyblade could never be destroyed, only transfered... so where had it gone? It was hard... seeing Terra without it. Aqua had explained that they had both lost their keyblades when the Darkness came over their hearts... and she used a spear and Terra a mallet. He might just have to use it once more until a keyblade found him again.

That would make missions even harder... only having two keybladers now.

Her thoughts stopped when she saw a little boy come from the portal and then followed by the rest.
"How is he?"

Olette sighed as she placed Luci down. She shook her head and looked back at Aqua who had appeared and the portal disappearing.
"Nothing's changed." She said sadly as she looked down at the kids. "He's still being lazy." She winked at them and took them out of the room. "Dinner time."


Aerith stopped as she heard an odd knock... but she smiled and continued to brush his hair. The people at the front looked away as Terra walked down the isle of beds towards the one that the sun was shining on. Aerith knew that bed was the one that sun shone on the most... it would help the flowers... and his spirit.

She looked down at Terra and smiled. "You know he is." She placed the brush down and walked to the side where Terra was. She stood next to him watching the blonde just lay there peacefully. "You know... Yuffie and I went around Radiant and Delshad today, selling pink ribbons to support Ven. We actually sold a lot." She smiled softly before she reached up and pulled at something in her hair.

"We asked them to wear the ribbons on their upper arm to show support..." She pulled down a pink ribbon and suddenly tied it to Terra's arm. It was the pink ribbon from her hair. "Someone very special bought that for me a long time ago when we were on our first date... I promised him I would never take it off." She looked down at Ven and sighed. "But you reminded me so much of him... and... it always brought me the best of luck... I want you to wear it... until Ven wakes up."

She looked down at the beast again, a kind smile of course. "Look at it when you want to remember him when you're not by his side. Don't lose yourself, Terra... his strength will always be here." She pointed at the ribbon. "And in your heart."
She slowly turned and started down the isle. "His shower is ready for you when ever you're ready."

Yes, Terra took the liberty of giving Ventus a shower every few days... he still needed to be clean...

[Reno]

OOC: I should probably tell you now i'm probably gonna be working sunday morning now too. The girl i was working with had to go to the hospital in the middle of our shift and she also works sunday but she said she probably won't be able to make it and will call me and tell for certain tommorrow so yeha Xd i probably won't be on until 6:30 your time sunday

Oh yeah - I warn you now - this is long XD this is what happens when i sit at work for 8 hours bored out of my mind. I get 'creative'. Also I MIGHT have gotten carried away...

Demyx puleld away from the kiss after a few moments, smiling. "Hey since I have my hands now... what do you say I play your song?"

Sai's song was the most heartfelt, well thoughout composition he ever composed - it took him weeks and weeks - and even though Sai keopt reassuring him again and again Demyx just fought back saying ever note had to be perfect - every chord matching, ever movement stunning. If he couldn;t excel at what he did best for the person he loved... then he just wouldn;t have felt worthy - living on Dragoon with him and his life just because Demyx couldn't recall his own. But when he had finally finished it... he had never been happier or satisfied with himself.


Roxas burst into guffaws as the other squealed once he hit the hot water. Roxas grinned. That meant it extra super hot - all for him~

He slowly peeled off his clothes before padding axcross the cold tile, stepping onto a fluffy rug and came up beside the streaming tub. He lifted a foot and stuck it in. "A-Aah... aaaah..." Roxas smiled contently, sticking in his other leg slowly, before wiggling down into the hot water, hidding at the pleasant sting it brought.

"Oh my god." Roxas groaned, sitting down between the other's legs, leaning his back against the other's chest. "fucking wonderful." He murmured happily, feeling the tension built in his back over long hours stooping over paperwork unknotting.

What they didn't know was that in the next town over, a similar scene was happening with a blonde almost identical to roxas in every way - but the scene itself was less then happy.


Sora smiled softly, not tensing in the least. Maybe after all these years he finally had gotten used to Riku unexpectedly sneaking up on him. Had gotten used to the others footsteps - the warm embrace, the cuddly kisses. And still enjoyed every damn moment of it. He sighed happily, leaning back in the other's touch, looking back with a gleam in his eye. "Hello Mr. Holani. I see how it is, you skip allllll the lessons only to come out and play for recess. naughty naughty." He teased, poking the other on the nose.

Invidia meanwhile saw a butterfy in the distance and barked happily, chasing after it, watching it flutter from flower to flower. Oh it would be a nice treat!


Aqua sighed as she stepped back through, her shoulders slumping a bit by the other's words. She frowned a bit, watching Olette and Seifer as they trekked from the room to go and make dinner.

She glanced at the carpet, murmuring. "Ven... always kept us waiting. Always kept him waiting." She shook her head, not needing to state what she meant. "Bastard himself has none - yet expects us all to have an endless amount." she grinned faintly, glancing at Fuu. "Lets go help make dinner."


As for Quicksand - Terra knew why it was gone. His heart was still on lockdown - and in the center of that was where his keyblade lay, untouchable. Until he changed back he couldn;t retrieve it.

Terra tried to act proud whenever he walked in the refuge area. Tried to pretend like he wasn't strange or weird or... or anything. He didn't know why - maybe he was just trying to explain with body language that he desereved to be here just as much as the next person - that he was hurting cause his lover was and no matter what looks they gave him or didn't give...

Terra looked up at Aerith quietly as she told him about the ribbons and his eyes grew slightly wider when she spoke of her own. "Aerith...." But he was so struck by her words he really couldn;t think of what to say. He watched as she began to walk away, looking down at the ribbon - the ribbon to support Ven...

And something very close to the other woman;s heart. Something he understood to an extent. the man she reminded her of... she must of loved him. He bowed his head. "thank you." He whispered lowly, his voice gravelly but carrying to her ears, the utmost gratitude in his voice.

He watched her leave the room, then looked down at Ven chuckling. "time to get clean Venny."

The whole sceanrio itself was a little interesting once you got behind closed doors. After all watching a beast carry a thin, petite blonde across the room with some clean clothes wasn't all to weird - but INSIDE was something else.

His 'shower' was really a bath. If it was a shower... Terra would have complained that it was fucking impossible to clean the blonde's hair and body while standing and not falling on his ass and causing MORE brain damage to the blonde's head. It was unfortunate that Ventus didn't have the same hardheadness Soran seemed famous for. How many times had that brunette smacked his head now? No wonder he could only teach 1st graders.

Anyways, first Terra laid Ventus on the floor, and undressed himself, threw the clean clothes on the sink and his unclean ones in the corner of the bathroom. He grabbed a towel, throwing it on the ground - it be serving a later purpose. He tugged off the other's socks. Then Terra had to place the Ven against the wall rather then the toilet or sink - he tried that and the blonde's... dead weight nearly toppled himself over - and Terra placed himself between the blonde and the wall - knowing how much the other hated the cold and having cold things against him - including the tiled wall. At least the floor was covered in a mat. It wasn't incredibly warm... but it was something.

Terra shivered, the coldness against his back. He wasn't very fond of the cold either - and the wall felt really uncomfortable against his spine but he easily ignored it. He carefully tugged off Ven's shirt, lifting his arms out one at a time until the other's bare back was against his chest. He threw the shirt towards the door. Slowly he reached around, tugging unbuttoned and unzipping the otjher's belts - Terra was despertely bring the other his more simple clothes, it just made his job so much easier. He knew the ebst thing to do was to grab a hospital gown but... He knew when Ven woke up he'd bitch about wearing a dress if he did - so he stuck with manly clothes. It wasn't THAT much of a hassle.

This was the tricky part though, no matter how he did it. He curled his legs uped under him - then tugged one of Ven's arms over his shoulders. He drew one hand around the other's waist, listing Ven off the floor enough so his ass and hips didn't touch it any longer then used his other hand he tugged the pants and boxers down as far he could.

Slowly he laid Ven down on the mat sideways, and tugged the pants and boxers off the rest of the way. "I'm seriously considering making you go commando." Terra joked, throwing the dirty clothes in the corner. He picked Ven up slowly, trekking over to the wonderfully heated water and stepped in, lowering himself into a sitting positon - manuveauring Ven to lay against him back to chest.

No step was really easy in the 'Washing Ven' ritual, but this one was the one he liked the most. laying in the water, Ven in his arms, he could almost pretend the other was awake.

But eventually he came back to reality - and slowly began to do his job. Washing the other's body with soap, tenderly massaging his still healing scalp with shampoo then conditioner - it hadn't been fun when he cleaned out the blood he'll tell you that - and finally being extra super careful to dip the other under the water only so much so that the other didn't drown while cleaning out the shampoo and conditioner. It was a really slow job, because his movements were already awkward with his weird bone shape and now he had to amnuvear himself clearverly around the blonde to clean him while still not letting him fall under the water. Every movement was precise and loving, everything careful and kind.

"How do you get so dirty when all you do is lay around?" Terra mumbled, nuzzling his nose against damp blond locks that smelled much more pleasant now that they were clean. The bathwater draining around them. Goosebumps rose on both their arms and Terra carefully hoisted the blonde up and out of the bathtub, laying him out on the previously laid out towel. He grabbed a second one and slowly started to dry the blonde off, dropping kisses on drying skin. Soft lips ghosting over an arm, the chest, the neck. Tender kisses all the way to his toes. A third, smaller towel - more like a wash rag really, was draping around the blonde's hair, and carefully massaged to dry the locks.

He then used to same towel and quickly ran it down his own body - scrubbing hard until the skin burned red and raw - but he had to be quick Ven was waiting for his clothes. He threw the towel toe the side and then grabbed their clean clothes. He got dressed first, then leant over the other - and just like before when he was undressing him he did everything slowly and carefully except backwards now.

By the time he was finished over an hour had passed. Terra eventually came out of the bathroom, carrying the blonde once more. The sheets were new and clean - Aerith must of changed them, and laid the blonde out on the bed drawing the blanket around him.

Terra treked back to the bathroom, cleaning up the dirtys towels and clothes, throwing them in the 'to be washed' hamper, before going back to his blonde's side, laying next to him, snuggling under the warm blanket and sharing body heat.

Hours would pass and soon any visiters came and went - lovers and close friends, adoring families stayed close by the ailing people. Dinner was served and passed, Terra passing up the opportuinity (he didn't have much of an appetitie these days anymore and skipped meals like crazy) - and watched quietly as the IV for readministered to Ven's arm. Night became an enshadowing darkness as Aerith called for bed time - and people began to settle.

Terra's yellow eyes gleamed in the dark as the moon shined over them just like the sun did. there was a restlessness in the room - no one was really sleeping today and he wondered why. aybe it was just an awkward night...

"Hey," He whispered to Ven, not knowing that his voice was carryign across the room quite easily in the overbearing darkness. "I heard Gunnar finished the story to you." People's heads turned curiously - many had partaken to listening to the little boys recitations. The fairytale was something real beautiful. "I wonder though - you think Sora will ever continue our story?"

Silence.

"Now that we have a 'happy ending' you think he'll reprint it? I know he'll at least start telling it to his class, no wonder he kept asking us for details on how you told me." Terra murmured.

"You wanna hear what I think the new ending is?" Terra whispered. "You wanna know the true ending?"

A pause then, "Wind, the Lone Wolf, the Dragon and the Serpent searched for many many years for the spell for true love - and soon were joined by another family - a family of four. One was a rogue tiger who always liked to challenge others to a fight. He took no mercy on those he challneged - and for his reckless behavoir had gained a scar down the side of his face. his wife was a pretty orange caracal with a calm nature and motherly sense about her - but she grew fierce when she needed too, usually when it came to protecting her children - or when she had to keep the tiger in line. their two children - one, the elder, a girl who was a little ocelot with a curious nature - and then a son who was a cheetah, and he was really fast at everything. And not just running but reading and learning and everything."

He only knew the animals that Sora had chosen for the others because he had wandered in on one of Sora's classes on a visit a long, long time ago. He wasn't telling it with any of Sora's normal pazzaz though.

But the rest of this story? Was his and his alone.

"So the eight of them they kept traveling and traveling and six long years would pass. Everyone was slowly losing hope that it would ever happen - except the Lone Wolf and the Wind. They believed their love could make anything happen." Terra shut his eyes. "One night, when all was calm and all where asleep - except the Wind which never 'slept' persay - the stars in the sky began to sparkles... and fall from the sky. The lights were so beautiful - and the wind just couldn't let her love miss it. So he blow really hard, making the Lone Wolf topple from the rock he slept on. The wolf was unahppy, and ther growled, the wind only whistled in laughter, breezing around to calm the other."

"The wolf finally took notice of what was happening - but unlike the wind he was panicked. 'The stars can not fall! It is not possible!' He dashed around, howling in panic, running through the forest - the wind followed him all the way to a lake. The wolf, still too panicked - fell in. The wind normally would have laughed at him and teased him - but he was not happy."

"when the wolf surfaced - it was to furiously howling winds and the cracking of trees branches. 'Wind, wind what is wrong?!' The wind answered in a booming cry 'If stars can not fall - if it is so impossible, then our love must be impossible as well!' The Wolf fell silent, and soon the Wind did too."

"'I didn't mean that' the Lone Wolf muttered sadly 'Wind...I would do anything to join you. You know that. I would sell my soul in a second if it meant being with you.'"

"'And I you Wolf.' the Wind answered. 'Eternally I will be with you that is my oath.'"

"And then something amazing happened that night. The stars themseleves... weren't falling - they were crying. They had been watching the Wind and Wolf's peril for a long long time... and had grown so sad that they started to fall from their places in the sky and drift to the world. Even the strong North Star couldn;t stay up - he had grown sad as well. He, the king of stars, floated down between the two, the pool of water illuminating the forest. 'Wind, Wolf we have heard your pain and we wish to help.' 'How?! How?!' the two cried in earnest.'"

"'Wind... you can not join Wolf though.' The North Star said, making the two grew sad - knowing that this may be it, that it really was impossible. 'the world can not be balanced without wind.' the star said. 'however... Wolf... you can join Wind.'"

"'How?' the wolf had to ask, curiously. 'you will become part of the sky like stars are, but you will be something so apart from it that you will be able to move freely with the wind - let the wind guide you. You will become clouds.'"

"The wolf accepted the generous offer - and the thousands of stars joined together, combining their energy... and making the Lone Wolf turned into clouds. The wind guided those clouds everywhere in the world - showing him sights the wolf thought he would never see. The played and laughed together in the sky and created a beautiful harmony of music together through storms. they were happier then they ever could have been - light and free and never ever alone again." Terra smiled, laying his head on the pillow. "And their friends were so happy to disocver they had found a way to share in true love. Finally... they had a happy ending too."

He laid his hand across the other's heart, feeling it beat pure and strong and oh so open, his body curling around Ven slowly. "Good night Ven... I love you."

Golden eyes slowly slid shut, a tear slowly marking its way down tanned skin.

[Rikugurl]

OOC: You icon died! TAT You should go here or here for some nice ones!

Man... that bath scene took as long as if I were to take a shower. xD!!


Sai blinked as he heard Demyx but laughed. He knew what happened every time the blonde would play that song. If it didn't sound perfect, he would start it all over again. Sometimes, it because quite ridiculous and by the time Demyx got it 'perfect', Sai would of fallen asleep. It made the other happy, so he didn't bother to complain.

"Sure, I'd love that." He said softly as he watched he other take his sitar again. The Berserker moved and sat behind the blonde. Pasty legs wrapped around his side as he wrapped the blue blanket around him once more. Slowly he placed his head on the other's shoulder and watched him. Blue hair mixed with blonde and a spiked ear pressed on a warm neck.

Sai knew Demyx still felt like he owed him a lot... for bringing him to Dragoon and giving his... well... a place where he fit in... and was loved. Sai of course didn't find it that big of a deal... but even with his more serious attitude... he really did have a wonderful time having the man around... and well... just Demyx himself made him happy. He didn't have to go and prove it.

It was actually fun teaching Demyx what the world was like. Teaching him the beliefs and culture. He really fit right in...
It was a shame though... how he had forgotten where he once lived... he would of liked to see his lover's world. He had to wonder... if Demyx's world had lost it's heart...?

The think that made Sai especially happy was when he had found old photographs of the family in their old home that was now occupied with another family. It even had their father in it. Demyx went crazy when he saw Sai as a young boy and couldn't stop pinching his cheek until Sai started snarling at him.

"So~~~ Tell me. If the Heartless didn't attack Dragoon, what would you be like now?" The blonde swung his legs as they sat at the end of the small pool where Aqua had battled Axel.
Sai frowned as his golden eyes looked down at the water, tilting his head a bit. "I don't know..."
"OH COME ON!" He whacked the other playfully on the shoulder. "Be creative!"

Sai snarled playfully as he rubbed his shoulder and looked out at the ocean, watching Regole.
"Well... I'm sure I'd still be picked on...and hated as I grew."
Demyx frowned. "Make it happier!"
Sai blinked and looked at the blonde, chuckling a bit. Life usually wasn't happy on this world... at least not for their family. Their mother seemed to never give a damn and their father had died.
"Alright..." He started. "I'd probably train and visit the other regions to meet the other Berserkers... maybe learn some thing or two from them. Boost my confidence as a guardian."
"How about someone special?" Demyx leaned in and fluttered his eyelashes. "Come on! You musta had the hots for someone."

A dull look came over the Berserker, his ears flattening like a cats. "Would you get jealous if I told you?"
"Never.... wait! Do I know them!?"
Sai just laughed and shook his head. "Well... back then, before we cleaned things up... we really had to do anything we could to stay alive. Things had gotten that bad you see. Everyone thought I had a crush on this one girl at school... but one day I tried to help her and berserked.. you know... before I could control it... somewhat. I ended up scaring her away... and she never talked to me again."
Demyx pouted and crossed his arms.

"People blamed me for everything, they found it easier to do that than admit that it was either natural causes or bad luck." He looked down a bit and shook his head. "If I had to be with somebody... I suppose..." He paused and closed his eyes. "I would be with my sister."

There was quite a long pause before...
"EEEEEEEEEEEEEWWWWWWW!!!"


Axel blinked as Roxas laid back on his chest. Whoa, did Ven just happen to wake up and switch places with Roxas? He laughed and wrapped his arms around the other, nuzzling his neck.

They laid there for awhile, enjoying the hot water around them with the hot steam above them.
"Hey Rox.... next month is your birthday huh?" It was also Sora's and Ven's birthday as well. "What do you wanna do for it?"


Riku blinked as Sora looked back at him. His eyes grew a bit dark as he leaned closer to his husband. "Don't talk like that sensei... I might to something bad to deserve detention again." He snickered before suddenly letting go as a familiar little girl ran over.

"Uncle Riku!" Namine smiled as she looked up at him with bright eyes. Riku knew that look pretty well. "Hey Namine... what do you want now?"
The little girl blinked but blushed as she swung her waist back and forth. "Weeeeeeeeeeeell, do you think you could put a hammock in my room?"

The silverette blinked. "A hammock? For what?"
"For my bed!"
"I don't think princesses sleep in hammocks, Namine..."
"I'm a special princess!" The girl laughed happily.
Riku rolled his eyes playfully and nodded. "You sure are."
"HEY! What's that suppose to mean!?" The redhead stomped her foot.
"HAHA! You're just like your mom... but uh... your dad can fix you up one... why don't you ask him?"
"Well... you see, he did try... but it fell down when I sat in it."

Riku gave her a dull look then gave one to Sora. That was Tidus for you.
"Alright, I'll fix it up for you when I get back."
"Thanks! You're the best!" She smiled and hugged the man before running off again.
Riku smiled and looked down at Sora again. "I have to save worlds and be a handy man I guess."


Fuu was a bit confused about what Aqua was saying. Patients? If it was so... she was sure the short blonde snapper wasn't having all to fun in that coma and wanted to probably come out of it too. Sora had even disappeared when he visited him one day, Riku explaining that he was going into Ven's 'Sanctuary'.
When Sora appeared again, he said that everything seemed to be fine... but Ventus was nowhere to be found.

She nodded though and slowly followed her lover to the kitchen where the four were. She smiled as Olette poured in some rice and looked over. "Oh Aqua! You're hair... it's so pretty!"


Aerith stayed in the front of the refuge until night fell. She wished the families a good night when they left... and even one of her patients were able to go home. That meant there was only three left. A little girl, and older man and Ven.
The refuge was built quite awhile ago. It was to aid for the Keyblade War... but it never seemed to come... or... it hadn't come yet. Not many people went there... but for anyone who did, they received the best of care.

She slowly went back to the large room and pulled off all of Ven's sheets and put knew ones on. She watered the flowers and spoke to them softly as she dusted them off. She told them that they needed to get Ven awake.
She left before Terra returned, but wished him a good night before she turned the lights off.

She didn't go back to the castle though where she resided. She stayed that night... knowing that no one was getting any sleep. She leaned outside the door to the bedded room. Her eyes watered as she listened to the story through the cracked door. She slowly slide down the wall and wrapped her arms around her dressed knees. Her face buried into them and her shoulders shifted as she silently cried.

Ventus laid in the moonlight, his clothes much more simple now. Soft, black eyelashes pressed against soft cheeks, dully wet hair wetting the pillow. His breathing was steady and soft... as if he was really sleeping soundly.
The hardest thing for Terra...and everyone... is that Ventus would move every now and then... but the monitor that kept track of his brain waves... showed that he had never woken up.

The morning came slowly, the sun peering into the room over the bed with the two lovers. The Mt. Hood, Goldband, Siroi, November and Madonna lilies around Ven's bed seemed to rise up to welcome the sun in.

The little girl who had stayed the night was walking around the room and left it, looking for the woman who was taking care of her. There was a small note on the door that read:
Out for the morning.
That wasn't like her not to be there at sunrise...

In the castle where the research team was, a door was cracked leading to Aerith's room.
Papers circled a woman and her blue eyes looked down at them all. A white materia sat next to her, a rare materia that she had kept in her ribbon.
There were 89 letters on the floor around her... and each one had the beginning of:
Dear Zack,

The woman shifted slightly, hearing a small noise at the door. She knew who it was... her spunky klepto friend.
"Aerith, what are all those letters?"
The brunette looked down at them in the stack and shook her head. "They're nothing."
"They have to be something. You look so sad when you look at them."
The woman sighed and looked at her friend. "They're letters that I wrote."
"You wrote all those!?"
A soft laugh came from the woman with the pink bow and nodded. "Yea..."
"Were they for someone?"
"Yea....."
"How come you have them then?"
There was a very long pause but the woman looked away. "When Shinra decided to clean up... they went through all their files and fixed everything. Me and two Turks had become close... so a one that was still alive brought a package to me. It was... unsent mail. I opened it... and there were 89 letters inside.... all addressed to Zack. I asked... why were they not open... and he told me.... Zack had died." She choked as she closed her eyes. "I knew it was a possibility.... but.... I soon found out that he died... on his way to see me. He was a wanted man... but he didn't care... Before he left... I told him I wanted to spend more time with him... and he joked that I had a lot of wishes." She laughed softly as tear ran down her eyes. "I told him that I only had a lot... but they were small. He wanted to know them all. I knew he would forget... so I gave him a list, so he wouldn't forget knowing him...." She shook her head, starting to sob. "They found that list on him too."

A sigh came as she slouched over. "I'm sorry, Yuffie." Aerith had promised her friend that she wouldn't look at those letters again...


On the nightstand next to Ventus's bed, was a notebook that wasn't there the day before. On it, was the whole story that Terra had made up that night... and written in Aerith's writing.


OOC: Now I have to go eat my sandwich and sob. TAT
Mind you, the story that Aerith talked about is all true. She wrote him 89 letters and they never reached him because he was already dead on his way to see her again. TAT I wanna beat the living shit out of the person who shot him!


Edit:
OMG! akuhen.deviantart.com/art/KH-II-AHAHAH-43623235
OMG! akuhen.deviantart.com/art/KH2-a-temple-fair-69779881
O
M
G
!
nijuuni.deviantart.com/art/Akuroku-To-Move-as-One-81634978

[Reno]

OOC: I can see my icon XD why can't you or Gradd?!

*drools* THE LAST ONE KILLED ME! By the way if you didn;t get my text message i'm not working tommorrow XD YAY See you at 12 my time hopefully.

oh my god... Sai;s flashback... XDDDDDDD!!!!! AWESOME.

EDIT: I lied. I DO f-en have to go to work today *pouts*. The girl who took the other girl's shift got sick - or just didn;t want to work it. See you at 6:30 your time. sorry sweetheart! *cries*

Also a WARNING. This post is full of many conflicting emotions XD

Demyx grinned as the other agreed. "Yay! I'll play it perfectly this time, promise!!" He reached out for his sitar, hefting it into his laps, he strummed a few chords, tuning the intrument slowly until he had just the perfect, mellow sounding notes - a minor key rather then a major.

"Are you done writing it?" Sai asked curiously, peeking into the room.
"No!" Demyx yelped as if he was naked and exposed. he waved his hands frantically about. "Shoo shoo you can;t hear it yet!!"
Sai shook his head, but slid shut the door anyways.
Demyx frowned a bit, looking down at the blank paper dimly. "This is harder then I thought." He whispered to himself.


"Done Yet?" Sai asked a week later.
"No." Demyx pouted, looking at the first line quietly. He was putting all his extra free time into making this song - why was it taking SO long?


Two weeks.
"Yet?"
"Nope." Demyx murmured, diligently writing the note on the paper. It was only about 45 seconds long playwise.

Three weeks.
"Can I hear any of it?"
"...." Demyx frowned, looking down at the page of one-minute musix - nothing complete, nothing right.
"Okay." He nodded, and Sai took a seat not too far away. Demyx studied his own writing almost obsessively, before strumming the first, happy-sounding chords getting about ten seconds in. He glanced at Sai's expression, seeing no expression, and panicked. "Um... I mean wait thats not right." His fingers trilled over the sitar strumming random things.
"Dem..." Sai slowly stated. "It sounds fine."
"No... It;s not fine. It doesn;t sound right." the blonde pouted. "but I'm gonna make it perfect I promise."

Six weeks.
"Ah ha!" Demyx crowed triumphantly as he strung the first few chords of the melody he had played for Sai when he beserked back on Atteris. "This is perfect!"
Suddenly he found the notes coming so much easier - so much more naturally. This was it. this was Sai's song.

Eighteen weeks.
"I finished it!!!" Demyx cried, rushing through the temple full of people excitedly. Eevryone turned to look at the blonde who - as far as they had known - had been on a lunch break.
Sai, sitting nearby the pool, turned slowly - only to get tackled by the blonde. They toppled into the water.
"I finished it!!!!" He cried even happier.

Demyx smiled as the other got close, snuggling back against him languidly. He shut his eyes, fingers moving across the strings from memory. The first part of the tune was soft and simple, trying to exmplify the other's simple yet peaceful home life. But it wasn't happen, the chord dissont and unfinished - unhappy. They were unhappy because lots of pain happened in Saix;s life - his dad, his mom... losing his sister, losing himself.

He slid easily into the second movement, proud of himself. The chords slowly faded and gave way to something quicker, something that crecendoed and built in tempo - exciting like a battle, fast like the beserker change, fast... like death. Like before the chords will still dissont, unsatisifing. The beserker always looked out for a purpose when everyone else held nofaith in him. the Nobody, always looking for a heart. The tune held some sort of power to them, like the power the moon held over Sai.

He fell into the third a little shakily - one of the hardest parts of the whole song because he had to decresendo so fast. The dynamics changed rapidly, the chords falling to an almost silent utter, as he twanged two strings in a mild drone - not even a true chord. He went over the two strings at a continious pace - ting ting, ting ting, ting ting. It was a heartbeat. That's what it was supposed to be. Saix gaining his heart back. And only lasted for about twenty seconds.

The fourth movement was easier for him because he got to use his whole hand again. He splayed them, running across all of the strings quickly - disrupting the flow of it all and almost out of place - crashing in without any indication. Just like Demyx crashed into Saix's life, disrupting everything, changing everything. It lasted even shorter then the last movement because it was meant to be quick and unexpected just like their love had been.

The fifth movement was a familar theme. One he'd played again and again and again at Sai's request. the soft, beautiful chords that calmed the beast so many years ago. The beautiful notes he could no longer remember where he learned or even if it was his own. Soothing and steadying. Demyx's had musically tried to imply he was one of Sai's anchors to reality.

The sixth was flowered into nicely; his hands flying across the strings oh so lightly yet oh so quickly. Flowing to the highest to the lowest - highest to lowest. like water tiding in and out on a beach. Water moving. Regole jumping through the sea. Aqua. Demyx.

The seventh and final movement was a returning to the first movement. The tune was very similar but something udnerlied the chords now - a happy string and ryhtm had been dded, something loving and romantic, something complete and satisfied and perfect. A return to home - no longer alone. A return to acceptance... and love. Their love.

Seven movements it took to reach completetion. Seven = Saix. The name of the song: Tribute to my Heart: The Luna Diviner

He hummed as he stummed the last few chords, before the room fell into silence. He kept his eyes shut smiling softly. He hadn;t screwed up for the first time in his life.


Roxas was happily snuggled against the redhead. He was yawning happily when he heard the other. He blinked curiously, looking back. Oh right... he would be 33 soon. And Ven and Sora too.

And Ven was gonna sleep right through it at this rate.

The blonde shut his eyes, just enjoying the warmth of the water and Axel surrond him. "Dunno." He answered finally. "Haven't given it much thought." truthfully he had forgotten all about it. And what really sucked was he had to think up gifts for his brothers at the same time.

Of course Ven wouldn't notice if he didn;t get him a gift this year.

"Maybe... Ven'll wake up before then. And then Sora can come visit..." Roxas mumbled, falling in a fantasy. "And the six of us can come up with something grand. You and Terra and Riku get to spoil us rotten and all that, and... and they'll be dozens of presents and Sora will fight me and Ven over opening them all even though half of them won't be his. and there'll be a BIG cake with 33 candles in it and me, Sora and Ven will blow them all out together..." He chuckled, imagining Ven using his wind magic, imagining the mess it would create. "And... and..." His voice choked up. "And..." Tears started running from his eyes and he reached up, trying to rub them away. He drew in a shaky breath. He wasn't surprised - he hadn't cried yet since he found out about his brother. Had tried to stay strong, stay busy... had tried to ignore the facts as they drummed around him.

"He's in a coma." Mickey explained slowly, frowning. Terra had already heard the bad news, and the golden-eyed man seemed to be in a state of shock.
"A... coma...?" Sora asked drowsily, a bit drugged up to starve away the pain in his ribs and bandaged stomach. Yet the words still registered. "So... he'll wake up next week right?" Or maybe not.
"No Ang'" Riku said softly, reaching out to run his fingers over Sora's hand lightly. "He's not gonna wake up for awhile."
Sora frowned a bit. "'Hy not?"
"Cause he got hurt, remember?"
"'eah..." Sora mumbled, eyes drooping. "He'll wake up next week."
"Sleep Sora."
"Mmmk..."

Roxas meanwhile, stared at the mouse blankly. His brother... in a coma...
"Roxas?" Axel asked softly, reaching out for his shoulder. Roxas brushed off the hand quickly, stomping from the medical room.
The red-head followed after, finding the blonde leaning against the wall, one hand clenched at his side so hard the knuckles were white, the other in a sling. Blue eyes were shut tight.
"Rox..."
"Go away."
"Baby," Axel started in a warning tone. "You know what happens when you bottle up your emotions. Don't do this. Let's talk."
"No." The blonde snapped. "Just go away Axel."
The red-head sighed... but left it at that. And they didn't talk about it again.

Now it was all crashing down on him.

Sure they didn't see each other much, but they talked almost constantly. He missed the random screams of Riot waking him up in the middle of sleep, disturbing him at the start of his meetings, annoying him on his lunch break. He missed hearing the other blonde's happy voice at another conquest, missed the stories his of everyday wacky life, missed the slight anger whenever he and Terra had a fight. He missed.... He missed...

"I miss him Axel. I miss my brother." Roxas said, voice breaking, his shoulders shaking with his sobs.


Sora laughed good-naturedly as the girl requested the hammock - and saw how easily Riku gave in. Yeah, if Kairi and Tidus ever left her in their care, she'd be S.P.O.I.L.E.D.

He blinked suddenly at Riku's next words, and an insane grin spread across his face, and he looked at Riku, an evil gleam in his eyes. Riku walked RIGHT into this one. He looked around carefully, making sure none of the kid;s were in earshot.

"Mmm, a handyman are you?" Sora took a step closer, smiling, running a hand up a hardened chest. "Well you are a whole lot of man..." He purred. "And I'm sure... when I get home you can give me a hand with the zipper of my pants." He leant up, lips brushing against the other's ears as he whispered, "It's just gotten so hard..." He smirked pulling away completely, fluttered him eyelashes innocently. Oh yeah, he got him good.

Invidia, who was still chasing the butterfly, caught a wisp of a very familar scent. She glanced back, seeing her two masters, and rolled her eyes. Humans. No willpower honestly.


The blue-haired woman blinked, then blushed a bit surprised at the compliment. When living with... well mostly boys all her life, especally two that cussed their whole lives it wasn;t really common to get them. Of course Fuujin usually made up that difference pretty easily.

Lucina looked up at her mother's words. She hadn;t even noticed. She looked at the woman's hair and grinned. "I like it! Can you do my hair like that?!"

Aqua chuckled. "You'll have to ask the ship's stylist." She nodded to Fuujin. "My darling Fuu works wonders." She grinned at the other woman.

Lucina blinked but slowly understood. "Auntie Fuuuu can you do my hair too?"

"Oh great. It's about to become girl sleepover time. Next it'll be princess tales, painting nails and sharing... girl things." Seifer grumbled with a roll of his eyes, chopping some vegetables. "Shall Gunnar and I run for our lives now?" Not that Aqua or Fuujin really showed lots of 'girly traits - though ever since Fuu met Aqua he had to say he had seen a lot more of the woman's... feminine side. A side he thought didn;t exist personally.

Ah love... what it did to a person.

He just hoped it it didn't turn him into the girl's dress-up doll all because he couldn't resist it when Olette started to pout at him and use the puppy dog eyes on him.


Terra fell asleep, though he wasn't aware of ever falling asleep he knew he must have because he had entered a place he loathed once more.

He'll come back.
"I know." Terra murmured. Claws were splayed over his stomach, a large, heavy head layng on his stomach. The artifical light above them was making his eyes squint. His arms were locked above his head, slowly losing all feeling as the circulation was cut off. The whirrings of the lab fading in the distance.
He's already hurt our mate twice now. We can not allow it to happen again.
"I know."
Then use me. Become me. Become what you really are.
"I already am all that I am."
YOU ARE NOT EVEN HALF OF WHAT YOU CAN BE!
The brunette flinched, because that voice sounded closer to his father's than his own. "He told me... 'It is unfortunate... that I have become something like you." He murmured. "But what am I?"
You are an Atterian. You take. You pillage. You destroy. You are not a hero - your heart is not of a hero's, no matter what those idiot scentists said.
"I am..." He trailed off, eyes shutting. "I am Ven's lover and best friend. I'm the land keyblader. I'm leader of the Chasers. I'm Terra Tellus. I'm... not your puppet."
You can not deny though... that the walls are getting even closer.
"............"
..........
".....I know."
The world around him shattered.

[Rikugurl]

Sai's eyes closed as he listened to the beginning of the song. It was soothing and the beast inside of him calmed even more. However, his eyes shot wide open as the quicker pace came up and watched his lover's hands move quickly. The song sounded different every time he played it since he always messed up or some other excuse like that. Sai liked the song no matter what the hell it sounded like... but he had to admit, he liked this version of it the most.

When he heard the tanging of the heartbeat, his eyes glowed a bit. He could... really feel it. He placed his shin back on Demyx's shoulder as he listened to the rest of the song, understanding it well now. For a beast like him... music just soothed him... but in his human form... he could really appreciate the song for what it was. He understood it... as if Demyx was telling him a story.

When the song was done, a slight blush arose on his face. It was beautiful...
A hand with long nails took the neck of the sitar and placed it on the wooden floor. Pushing his palm out, his gravity pushed the sitar to the corner where Demyx put it when he WASN'T playing it.

He took the other's shoulder and turned him around a bit, laying him down on the futon they were sitting on. He leaned over, his golden eyes narrowed as they looked into the blue. Slight fangs barred as he snarled at the other... and then suddenly.
A tongue licked the other's lips.


Axel hadn't liked that day at all. One because of what had happened to everyone... two what had happened to Ventus... and three... what Roxas was doing. He was going to point out to watch what he said... he wanted Axel to leave him alone the night he disappeared... but he didn't want to break out a fight at the castle. They were just all tired... and he left Roxas with his space.

But now it was coming out. He sighed softly... this was suppose to be relaxing! Loving arms wrapped around the other as he nuzzled his next. "Don't worry baby... everything will be alright. Ven could wake up any day... any minute.... any second. We'll all go out for your birthday... we can have a triple date around Radiant. We can all go out for dinner, catch a movie... go out for ice cream! We can watch Terra and Ven swear at each other and see Riku and Sora give each other boners... and we can nuzzled and keep warm... and have soft kisses...." He softly kissed the blonde's neck and nuzzled him again.

"And then was could ask Mr. Briggs if he can put off some fireworks for us... and we can all sit in the Nexus garden on the bench on the bridge over the river... and we can all watch the display. Then we can come back to our place... and we'll have a big cake with 33 candles... and we'll all sing happy birthday... and I'll sound the best and break all the mirrors!" He smiled softly. "And then you can open all the presents and I'll make everyone a few drinks with the help of Sora... and we can sit on the couch and talk for hours... and then everyone will go home. Sora and Riku can get kinky and Terra and Ven can beat the living shit out of each other... and I'll be all yours to do as you wish..."

His hand moved gently over the other's chest. "We'll all have a fun time... all of us."


Riku watched Namine as she ran away but then saw a huge grin on Sora's face. Oh god...
His face grew red as Sora got closer. His aquatic eyes darkened as he heard the whisper tickle every one of his senses. A red drop of blood fell from his nose as Sora got so close to his ears... almost feeling a tongue.

When Sora pulled away, Riku just looked down at him in shock. His pants... didn't seem to fit real well anymore. He didn't need his belt anymore... that was for sure.
He blinked, seeing how innocent Sora had become and swallowed. "I'll.... see you after work..." He slowly turned around, his eyes still wide as he walked over to Invidia.

He grabbed her by the scruff of her neck and pulled her into his arms. "Come on Vi.... we're going home..." He walked away from the school and down the streets to Kilika. He walked over the boardwalk quickly and didn't say a word to those how said hello to him. He ran up the stairs to the house and swung the door open. Vi was placed on the floor and Riku went directly to their room. He slid the door of the closet open and reached up, grabbing a black box and to the nightstand, grabbing the tissue box.

He raced to the bathroom... and slammed the door.

A few hours later, Namine raced up into her room, her eyes excited as she turned the corner only to find the hammock still on the floor. "HEY!"


Fuu blinked and giggled a bit, nodding. "Alright, I'll make you up even prettier than you already are." She took the little girl's hand and walked her out of the kitchen and down the hall to her's and Aqua's room. She sat the little girl on the chair in front of the large mirror were Aqua was sitting not to long ago.

Gunnar popped a finger in his mouth as he listened and laughed. "Ew! Girly things!" He opened a cupboard and hid inside.

Olette giggled and continued to stir the rice. She couldn't help but feel bad... everyone's life was going back to the way it was... and poor Terra...
As if she knew what Seifer was fearing... she had a pretty good idea. "How about it honey-bunny... wanna be the next beauty king?"

Fuu gently pulled out the girl's piggy tales and started to brush out the blonde hair. She placed the brush down and pulled out an odd shaped item, plugging in the end. She waited for a bit before gently taking the girls hair.... and started to curl it in big curls. Luci had natural curly hair at the bottom of her hair like her mother, but this would make beautiful curls on her whole head.

When she was done, she bunched it all up and started to put bright colored butterfly barrettes in the blonde curls. She then placed a flowered headband in her hair and smiled. "There you go, sweetie."




The room in the refuge wasn't quiet for long. The sound of shoes covered the wooden floors and two figures walked up to the bed where Ventus laid. A hand reached down to Terra and shook him softly. "Come on now, my boy... wake up."
Sora's, Roxas's and Ventus's dad looked down at the half man, half beast as his wife stood on the other side of the bed.

[Reno]

Demyx blinked as his sitar was taken away. He blinked, glancing back at Sai, only to be guided down. He blinked, looking at the other as the fangs grew but it no longer worried him like it used to.

In fact... Sai was adorable. He looked just like an overgrown puppy. He smiled up at the other, murmuring happily as the tongue licked across his lips. "Sai..." he whispered, his own mouth opening, tongue snaking out to meet the beserker's.


Roxas sniffled listening to Axel as he spoke, laughing breathlessly at some points. He sniffled, rubbing his eyes furiously as the other finished, enjoying the loving kisses and soft touches. He knew his mood swing had been rather random - but it usually was when he did this. The blonde wiped his face as the other finished.

He nodded slowly, leaning back against the other. "Okay... that say sounds perfect. We'll do that." He looked up, reaching up to hold Axel's hands in his. "I'm sorry baby... I ruined the mood."


Sora grinned evilly as the other took leave, Invidia making a noise of protest as she was lifted and carted away. He put a hand to his mouth to withhold his snickers. Oh yeah - got him REAL good.

35 to me, 0 for you Riiiku. Sora thought teasingly, before turning towards his kids, watching them as they played. He hoped when he got home riku was in the mood to fuck him until he couldn't walk straight... cause that sounded oddly fun ll of a sudden.

"Can't wait to get home." Sora whistled innocently, trekking aroud the playground.

When he did get home a few hours later - it was too Invidia sleeping under the couch and the sound of water running in the bathroom. Sora burst into hysterical chuckles. Poor Namine probably didn;t get her hammock.


"Only if you shoot me first." Seifer teased back, giving her a rasied eyebrow. She was insane if she thought he;d walk even three feet near a girl sleep-over willingly.

Aqua laughed, seeing Gunnar take to hiding. She knocked on the cabinet. "You're becoming part of our dinner now?"

Lucina grinned as her aunt finished. "I'm so pretty! Thanks Aunti Fuujin!!" She admired herself in the mirrror, smiling at her reflection. "i'm princess of the butterflies!"


"mm...hmmm..." Terra murmured, eyes fluttering as they opened, shining gold in the morning light. He stretched out languidly on the bed, yawning then sat up, turning his head to face the one who had awoken him. He blinked slowly in surprise, then glanced towards his hands. Ven's parents...

Right Ven had parents...

And Terra, knowing his experience with parents in the past, had no way of knowing how to start a conversation or... what was supposed to be done at this point. He glanced towards Ven sleeping face sadly, knowing they were here to see him... "Um... he started uncomfortably. "Would you... like me to leave?"

Bryna blinked slowly in surprise when she and her husband approached the bed, seeing her younger boy still asleep... and the beast that was wrapped around him like a protective pet... or a lover. They had, of course, met Terra before - at Sora and Riku's wedding. But he hadn't looked like this.

There was something she had recognized in his eyes - the same thing she recognized in Ven;s eyes when they found each other once more. Something a mother could recognize - a sign of deep lonliness, a void in his heart where the family should have filled it. The were, a piece at a time, taking that look out of Ven;s eyes. But for Terra...

She stared at the boy sadly as he made the request, then glanced at her husband. She wasn;t too disturbed by the man;s appearance. The only thing that disturbed her was the golden eyes - it reminded her of a day so very long ago, the last day she ever saw her five-year old son.

[Rikugurl]

Sai grinned as their tongues met and he leaned down more so that their lips met. His eyes closed slowly as his long nails ran down the other's chest. The navy kimono slowly slid down one of the blonde's shoulders as his obi was pulled and sent airborne. The Berserker pulled away and gave a loving glance at his partner down below before moving down.

Fangs ran over tanned skin softly before his tongue pushed through them once more and started to lick at the other's neck. His other hand ran down the tanned torso and stomach, pass blonde curls and to an exposed organ. Carefully he wrapped his hands around it and started to stroke.


Axel smiled happily and shook his head. "No way! I'm still totally loving this." He nuzzled the other and smiled more. His free hand came down and cupped up some hot water, pouring it over Roxas's shoulder. "I'm just glad you feel better" He looked down at their reflection and held him closer. He was really happy... that Reno had someone to split with. He couldn't imagine having a life without Roxas...

"Hey... how about when we get out... you get comfy in bed and I'll bring up some ice cream for us!"


The water soon turned off and some shuffling was heard. The door slowly opened but Riku retreated before Sora could see. The door closed and some more shuffling could be heard.

About fifteen minutes later, a voice came from the closed door. "Sensei... you coming in?"
It seemed Sora had really broken Riku's mind today. When Sora opened the door, Riku was sitting up by the pillows, shirtless and wet, silver hair. Above his crotch, Sora's dinner was on a tray. Dark eyes stared at the brunette before a grin spread over his face.


"Oh but come on! We can put stuff over that scar of yours and put on nice blush to bring out your eyes!"

"Yucky! I'd rather be eaten!" The little boy called from the cupboard.

Fuu blinked and smiled happily, laughing softly. "Princess of butterflies? That sounds even better than aunt Princess Kairi." She wrapped her arms around the little girl and kissed her cheek



Scirocco looked at his wife and then down at the man, shaking his head. "No, you're welcome to stay. I'm sure Venny would like you to." He moved a bit so that the brunette could leave the bed and sighed, grabbing a chair for his wife to sit on.
He looked down at the blonde in the sunlight and smiled, his palm pressing on Ven's head. "You know... I wish I could bring in my trumpet and play it real loud... maybe it could wake you up... but then I remembered that well.... you can't hear anything... can you?"

The blonde continued to lay there, the flowers bring out his clean skin that Terra had done the night before.

[Reno]

Demyx smiled happily at the kiss, moaning lightly. He shivered as the cold air met his suddenly naked body, reaching up to tangle fingers in blue hair. He gasped lightly as the other;s tongue went wandering hotly over his neck, hands down down... down... down.

"Mmmmmmmmmm...... Nnnngh-ah!" Demyx groaned, hips arching with the other's touch, neck arching back to give the other more room. Restless fingers tugged at the back of the other's robe. "Sai~"


Roxas sniffled again, smiling a bit. He didn;t know what he would have done without Axel... or if he never got the other back. probably... would have faded back into nothingness. Cause without Axel... he knew he couldn;t live.

His blue eyes sparkled at the mention of ice cream. In bed. With Axel in it. "Mmm yeah that sounds wodnerful." But first... they still had a nice relaxing hot bath to complete.

He turned his head, leaning up to latch their lips into an awkward kiss due to the odd angle.


Sora chuckled, petting poor Invidia atop her head lightly, trying to console her. "Ah, poor Vi, you sleep otu here more then our bed." Not that he minded if Vi didn;t want to stick around for his and Riku;s... fun time. It probably would have made him feel awkward if she was around.

He straightened, kicking off his shoes and toeing his wya into the kitchen, getting a drink of water. But soon he heard his husband's voice, a devilish grin marking it;s way over his face. "Oh I'll be coming shortly Mr. Holani." Sora called, making the short trek for his room.

When he walked upon the sight he licked his lips almost instantly, eyes unabashedly roaming across his husband's exposed form. "My, my what is this my pet? You made something for me to 'eat'?" He used extra emphasis on the word, eyes siggestive as he reached up to tug at his own tie walking forward. "You really want to pass this term, don't you Mr. Holani?"


"Oi, I LIKE my scar. Makes me manly." Seifer grumbled. "Wearing makeup and crap would make me metro like Terra or something." Too bad the brunette wasn;t there to stand up for himself.

Aqua laughed softly, shaking her head. "Oh my. Looks like it;s a dream that will never be Olette?"

Lucina blushed happily, smiling up at the older woman. "You really think so?!"


Terra smiled softly when he was allowed to stay, slowly getting out of the bed and padding over to the other side so they two parents could have more room. He knelt down on his knees, running his fingers up and down Ven's arm softly, beig careful of the IV.

Bryna took her sons hand in hers with a sad sigh, rubbing her thumb over the knuckles. "Ventus..." Her voice was full of a sadness Terra hadn't heard in years. The sadness of a mother. "Heh, it's funny. If it's not Sora it's Roxas, if it's not Roxas it's you. Did I ever teach any of you how to stay OUT of trouble? You boys just don't ever want to let me retire. I suppose a mother's job is never done." She smiled softly, shaking her head, then her eyes caught sight of something on the table besides the flowers and the yellow sunlight. A book.

She reached out with her other hand, blinking curiously. "whats this...?"

[Rikugurl]

Sai continued to lap at his lover's neck until he felt the back of his robe being tugged at. It was fairly damp in Regole's realm... and usually it was smart to keep oneself warm. It was easy to get sick in a poor community like this. But... that pull.

The blue haired man paused and tugged his own obi off, letting it flutter to the ground next to them. Black cloth came down pasty colored shoulders and down a pasty colored back. His shoulder blades stuck out in his hair and many old, faded scars lined his skin.

His hand came back and again, gently wrapped around the now excited organ. His mouth came down to the other's neck bone and started to suck as he started to stroke one more time.


Axel blinked as he was kissed. He smiled, his eyes closing for the few minutes that their tongue slid softly around each other. Axel pulled away and ran his hand through blonde hair before completely shifting in the tub. He laid on his back, only his shoulders and head were exposed above the hot water. He pulled Roxas above him and grinned, his exotic eyes looking quite suggestive. "You know Roxas... there might be a way for me to get use to water yet."


The only thing that Sora could see Riku wearing was the twilight necklace he had made him, his 16 earrings and his wedding band. His usually bright aquamarine eyes were dark as the other came into the room and started to pull off his tie.

He licked his lips. "I already passed home economics..." He smiled as he looked down at the steam coming from the warm bread and salad. "I hope you like what I have for you..."


"I like daddy's scar too!" A muffle cry came from the closed doors of the cupboard.

Olette giggled as she turned off the stove and started to fill some bowls with rice. "I guess not." She winked, giving Seifer a devilish smile before walking by him.

Fuu nodded. "I do!" She picked up the girl and nuzzled her again before walking out of the room. "Dinner should be ready by now."


Bryna's husband nodded. It was true. He supposed that was how things worked though... especially for boys. He would of never guessed he'd have to worry about an extra two while raising Sora by himself... but in a way... he was kind of glad.

He blinked as his wife picked up a small notepad.

[Reno]

Demyx whimpered, toes curling as the other continued. His hips rolled with the movements, his hands running down the beserker's back, caressing each and every scar lovingly.

"A-Ah... Saaaai." He groaned, shuddering all over as the lips came down. The blonde breath came in short pants, cheeks beginning to flush.


"W-whoa." Roxas stuttered and he was shifted above the other, bracing his hands on the side's of the tub. He looked at the other smirking as he saw the suggestive look and heard the lewd comments. "Oh Really? After all these years you finally found a way... and what might that be Axel?"


Sora grinned, sitting down on the bed slowly, feeling it shift. "Mmm... Well I guess I'll just have to see won't I?" He leaned over, kissing the silverette in greeting before reaching out for the bread, tearing off a piece. "Bread and salad for dinner... and Riku for dessert."


Aqua laughed. "come out here Gunnar it;s dinner time." Her head turned, seeing Lucina and fuujin coming back. She smiled softly. "Well now see you look pretyt now too."

Lucina grinned. "Yeah! I'm Princess of the butterflies!"

Seifer shook his head. Ven had top get better soon - he didn;t know how long he could stand the overly girlyness on this ship.


Bryna read over the first few words, recognizing the characters instantly. "My I never heard this version of Sora's tale before." She remembered when her son had gotten his fairytale published - he had had Kairi illustrate it and he had written it and given his parents a copy, signed by both of them. she could still remember his childish, proud smile as he handed it over.

"One night... the stars fell from the sky..." Bryna skimmed, blinking.

"It's cause I made it up last night." Terra mumbled from the other side, not looking up. "Someone must of written it for me."

Bryna looked up at Terra, then down at the page again, reading silently. Once she was done tears clouded her vision. She knew who the Wind and the Wolf were in the story - Terra and Ven.

Maybe she didn't understand all the significance to the stories - to her it was just another fairytal, but she knew her son had drawn on a lot of truths among his travels and strung together the stories... and she knew that this 'side' story Terra made must of been the day that her son returned Terra's sentiment of love. She set it down slowly, then stood, walking around the other side of the bed. She slowly got on her knees beside Terra, her old bones creaking in protest, ignoring the look of confusion spreading across his face. In front of her, all she could see was a man who was deeply hurting - missing someone he loved terribly, body thin from not eating well, eyes dark from lack of sleep. She reached out, and suddenly wrapped her arms around him, bringing him into a hug. "He's going to wake up... and he;s going to come back to you. Believe in that hon."

Terra stared quietly, then frowned, slowly melting into the motherly embrace. "Well now I know where Sora gets it." He whispered sarcastically.


~~~~~

"Still nothing?"
"No. No word from Aeris yet."
"Maybe the kid isn't going to wake up."
"He just might. Isn't he the Delshad leader's brother?"
"that's what I heard. And the Keyblade Master's brother too."
"Sora? Really?"

Roxas ignored the talk around him as he traveled through Radiant Gardens. He kept his eyes firmly plastered on the concrete, clenching and unclenching his fingers as the afternoon sun beat down on his back. A pink ribbon was firmly wrapped around his upper arm - tied their by an enthusiastic red-head with a love for fire.

"Oh, Ven's gonna be so mortified when he finds out Aerith picked pink." Axel crowed, sounding oddly happy about that, tying the ribbon securely while roxas did the same with his arm. "What a gay ass color."
"Well... he is gay." Roxas pointed out with a smirk.
"Yeah and he might plot the murder of all things pink."
"Mmm then i suppose i should say good-bye to you then shouldn't I love?"
"Huh?"
"Pink's just a watered down version of red. Duh. Guess your somebody didn't go to school."
Axel;s eyes turned panicked. "Oh god, Roxy you'll protect me right?!"
Roxas just smirked, walking out of the room.
"Right? ...Roxy? ....Rox? .... ROXAS?!"


Roxas sighed, sliding open the door to the refuge, holding it open for his lover as they walked in.

The brunette looked up from where he sat beside the bed. He offered a bright smile to the two. Like then he had a pink ribbon over his arm. Behind him stood a silverette with a moon and star necklace around his neck.

Roxas tapped over slowly, standing beside the bed, looking down at his sleeping brother. "Nothing?"

"Not yet." Sora said cheerfully. "But it'll be soon I can feel it."

Roxas looked at Sora quietly, then back down at the blonde. "You guys staying the night."

"Yeah." Sora said. "We still have plans." The blonde winced at the mention of it. Tommorrow was... their birthday. All of theirs... 33 years old.

"Fucking hell just EAT SOEMTHING!"
"Fuck you!"
"You slimy son of a bitch!"
"What kind of fucking insult is THAT?!"
"A fucking good one cocksucker!"
"Fucking water demon!"
"Bastard!"
"TAKE THAT BACK!"
"SCREW YOU! If you fucking wanna DIE I don't care anymore!"
"It was never your fucking bussiness to BEGIN WITH bitch!"

Roxas blinked, glancing towards the door that led outside of the refuge and further into the house.

"they've been fighting all morning." Sora whispered, answering the unasked question. "I guess Terra stopped eating. and now Aqua's trying to shove something down his throat."

Roxas looked at this brother, knowing he had a knack for convincing others of things. "Didn't you try-"

"I think he's too irrational to listen to speeches anymore Rox." Sora murmured. The yellings were only getting worse outside, the two Chasers sounding ready to tear each other apart. Terra's voice was booming across the halls, sounding deeper then ever before and deadly - The wolf;s vocal chords making his sound dangerous. Aqua's voice was high-pitched and still cracking some at her higher ranges, but she just sounded furious.

[Rikugurl]

Riku frowned as he stood behind his husband. Hands were on his lover's shoulders and his hair shifted as he looked up, hearing sound of footsteps over the moments or two of yelling. It was his brother-in-law and lover. Sora had said all day that today was going to be special... that Ventus would wake up today. However... he had had those days before... and still Ven had slept through it.

Sora was damn certain that today was the day.
Riku always heard the 'Be optimistic'... but he was sure he just had high hopes to spend his birthday with all three of them.
Even if Ven didn't wake up, they would go on a double date. Riku offered for Terra to come along... but he refused bitterly.

Terra had gotten bad... he had stopped eating, stopped shaving... stopped... everything... except breathing. It had been another months... and the monitor showed that he hadn't woken up... not even for a second.
The only reason why Terra was clean was because he still faithfully bathed his lover every few days.

Sora had lost Riku for almost two years... and Roxas lost Axel for a day... and well.... Axel lost Roxas for awhile too. Now it was Terra's turn... and it seemed like all three couldn't live without the triplets.


Axel almost hid under the bed the moment he heard the cussing. He leaned behind Roxas and looked around, realizing that the shouting was coming from behind him. He stood straight and looked at the doorway, hearing all the cuss words and such. "My god." He never heard anything like that in his life. It sounded like some crazy monster and some broken record blaring at each other.

He looked back at Sora and smiled, feeling some hope coming from him. He looked down at Ventus who was in the sun. He always looked so nice and well kept... thanks to Aerith and Terra.
Next to the bed was a copy of Sora's book... and the 'original' of Terra's. "Guess all we can do is wait..."

There was a sudden commotion that made everyone's head turn towards the door.

"STOP IT! STOP IT! STOP IT!!" A woman broke the two apart and glared at both of them. She placed her hands on her hips and frowned. "Is this any way to talk to your friends? There are other people in this refuge you know? They're sick too and they come here for some peace and quiet. This is a refuge, not a sitcom." She crossed her arms and frowned more.

"Look at you." She shook her head and looked at Terra. "What good is it if you don't eat? How is that going to help Ven or yourself?" She sighed and looked down. "If you're going to keep up this fighting... I'm going to ask you to leave.... just because Ven can't hear you... doesn't mean no one else can."
She looked back up at Terra and smiled. "As long as he wakes up in another month... he'll be fine."




Terra did end up leaving... and didn't return till nightfall.

A cupcake sat on the nightstand, a single candle stuck in it was a flame flickering. It was now 10:32pm... and only sad eyes watched the sleeping one. Only one and a half more hours left...

Axel had Roxas on his lap, his arms around him securely as they just watched in darkness. He had his eye on that cupcake though... and even if his stomach's noises filled up the room, Roxas would slap his hand away from it.

Riku was on the other chair, yawning soundly as his eyes were slowly starting to grow heavy. Tomorrow wasn't going to be fun unless Ven woke up... he couldn't imagine how it would turn out...


Aerith sat at her desk at the front of the house and quickly stood as the door opened, the half human, half beast walking in. She frowned, knowing that he still hadn't eaten. She looked down, sighing softly.... giving him the clue that Ven was still asleep. "I'm sorry Terra..." He said softly. "I wish... there was something more I could do. Some herb to snap him out of it. For once... I don't know what to do..."

"Terra...?"
Yellow eyes looked back at her, sad and empty.
The woman walked up and looked down at the sleeping blonde. "I promise... that he'll be awake for his birthday. You should figure out a present to give him. I know he'd be mad if you don't get anything for him."

She always followed through with her promises... and she already broke two this year... she promised Zack that she would never take off her ribbon... and now... with...
"I'm so... so sorry...." She looked back at him but her eyes suddenly widened.

She was looking... and blue eyes.
"Terra! You're changing!" She suddenly ran around the desk and looked at him a bit closer. It was true... his... golden eyes were gone and... his claws and fangs... disappearing. "He... he's waking up!" She suddenly shoved him towards the refuge. "Go!"


In the room, there was a soft sound. Riku and Axel quickly picked their heads up at the sound. Ventus had made a few noises that day... but this was different.

"Nnnnnhhh..." The blonde's face twisted as his body slowly started to move. He eyes seemed to move a bit, but they didn't open yet. The silverette looked up, seeing a.... man running into the room and down the isle. His eyes widened a bit. Was that.... Terra? He knew it was when the man stood right at the front of the bed, peering over the bed, as if something amazing was going to happen... and something amazing did happen.

Heavy eyelids twitched as blonde hair shifted on his face.... but slowly, a slit was opened. They closed again, but slowly.... painfully slowly, blue eyes were revealed as his eyelids pushed open. They were blurred... but the first thing he focused on was.... "Terra...?" Just a whisper.

[Reno]

Sora sighed. He knew Terra had lost it. He was losing hope, losing heart, losing... everything. and nothing was picking him back up again. Not until Ven woke up. The petite brunette placed his hands over his husband's looking down at Ven, silent support in his eyes. He was going to wake up today. He WAS.

Roxas bowed his head, just listening to the words. They didn't faze him as badly as they did Axel. Who knew why; it wasn't like he made a habit of listening to people cuss and scream at each other. Maybe... maybe it was just 'cause he understood. After all... when he lost Axel he acted the same way.

They heard the woman break them up and Roxas couldn't help but smile. What if they told her that YES that was indeed how they treated each other?

Terra seemed to growl something, maybe an apology, maybe just a noise of anger. His fists had curled claws biting down yet he only stepped away, leaving the refuge as asked. He knew he was being unfair to everyone - knew he was being inconsiderate and cruel but fuck he didn't care. And that was probably incredibly selfish but... but all he wanted was Ven back god damned it and he was done with the speeches, done with the pep talks, done with the tentative touches and attempts at hugs.

He didn't want affection, he didn't want caring - he wanted what he grew up in. The cold harsh realities of life where everyone yelled and fought and hated each other and the way to solve your differences you use fists, not words, and the only method to starve off pain was to cause worse pain to others, ignoring your own.

"Terra why don't you ever look at the bright side of things?" Ven, only 14, asked one morning poking a stick at the flames while Terra gutted and stripped the fish to get ready for cooking.
"Because there is no 'bright side' of things Ven." Terra mumbled, eyes hard.
"Thats so... pessimistic!" The other complained, blue eyes bright.
"Optimistics live in fantasy land. Pessimistics are realistic."
"That's not true!"
"Pff, bullshit." The brunette grumbled, jabbing the sticks over the flame with a little more force than necessary. "Life is tough, cruel and and full of hate and if you don't watch your own back it'll come up behind you and stab you in the back."
"......... I don't understand you Terra."
"Good. Your not supposed to." The other mumbled, his tone almost sorrowful.


Aqua watched him quietly then sighed, shaking her head. "i'm sorry we didn't mean to..." she tried to explain the best she could but didn't know how. It was just... how they were. "It's just how we get when we're upset." She mumbled, shrugging before also leaving to go cool down. She and Terra fought so often like that it was nearly natural...

She stood outside the refuge, watching her friend tromp off towards the garden like some lumbering beast. Her shoulders slumped in sadness. Even from here he looked painfully thin, his gait a little more unsure then before. She wished he would eat... but she knew why he wouldn't. His resolve had broken. He had lasted longer then any of them when it came to 'acting' strong - but in the end... he gave all he could and it ended up being too much for him.

And Ven... she was losing hope too. Three monthes and still nothing. That was terrifying. Their blonde friend was strong. He came out the ice - came out of DEATH in only two weeks or so. But he cracks his head open and was done for three monthes? How did that add up?


"Do you REALLY think he's going to wake up today Sora?" Roxas asked with a frown - no real hope in his eyes. But he wasn;t as close to Ventus as Sora was... uh... physically speaking. He couldn't feel what the brunette did.

In retrospect, Sora was probably the most unluckiest of them. He was the anchor between Roxas and Ven - and felt what both of they did on top of what traveled through them because of their lovers did AND Riku. That was FIVE people. Heh, It really must suck to be him. And Roxas was glad he wasn't.

Sora just smiled and nodded, reaching out, cupping his hand in his brother's. "Yeah. And then we're gonna have that triple date and it's gonna be awesome." He squeezed lightly. "Right Ventus?" He murmured with a smile.

Roxas just shook his head but smiled. "Well... while we;re here..." He tilted his head back. "We can tell mortifiying stories about him."

"Huh?"

"Like how he used to kiss strangers when he was a kid."

Sora grinned. "Roxas!! That's so mean!"

"And you hugged everyone." He pointed out.

"Well I was... naturally friendly?"

"Sora your STILL 'naturally friendly'."


The hours would pass as such, the four sharing idle conversation, interesting stories, bantered lightly. Sora took to reading Terra's original story at one point, reading it out loud, a smile spreading on his face. He didn't know Terra had a knack for story telling... He never would of guessed.

By the end of the night Aerith had brought in a cupcake with a small little blue and white candle. Axel flicked his finger, bringing the candle to life and they let it sat down by the blonde's bed. No one left the room unless they needed to use the bathroom.

By the time 10:32 had rolled around, Riku was slumped in his chair, Axel and Roxas on the other side of the bed cuddled in theirs. And Sora? He stood poised by his brother, feet moving restlessly to keep the blood flowing and himself awake. Throughout the day the brunette's faith had not wavered. His eyes were bright and hopeful, smile still wonderfully in place. When he heard his lover yawn he glanced over, smiling softly, reaching a hand out to push soft silver locks behind an ear. "Wake up silly or you'll miss it."

Roxas on the other hand had a feeling that it would be awhile yet before his twin woke up. The only thing keeping him from calling it a night was Sora's infalliable strength. He just couldn't udnerstand how the brunette kept such hope...

He slapped Axel's hand away once again, seeing him reaching for the cupcake. "Bad." He mumbled. He wasn;t even sure if Axel wanted the cupcake anymore or he just wanted to play with the damn fire. His muscles felt a bit sore from sitting around all day and he rolled his shouldwers, trying to work out the kinks in his back.

He sighed bowing his head. his little fantasy was beginning to shatter around his ears. Ven... wasn't going to wake up in time was he?


His feet hurt. He had spent the whole time wandering around the town aimlessly, eyes seeing nothing really. It just it wasn't right. three monthes. three god damned awful monthes. He didn't know if he could take much more before he decided to crack his OWN head open and join Ven in la-de-fucking-la land.

He slowly walked back to the refuge - determined to at least see midnight pass and his lover grow a year older. He slipped open the door, claws scratching up at the whiskers on his chin. He just... couldn't be bothered with shaving anymore.

He looked at Aerith sadly, golden eyes drained and tired and, above all, apologetic. His shoulders slumped, the pink ribbon still firmly wrapped around his forearm - one he knew meant the world to her yet she gave it to him and how did he repay her? By disrupting this home... He listened to her speak before lowering his head, not wanting to hear this but knowing he must.

"Aerith," He croaked, his voice sounding strained and damaged from all the yelling. "You shouldn't apologize... I'm the one who's sorry." He should have protected Ven. He was the leader - he wasn't supposed to let things like this happen, especally not to his own lover. Guilt had been festering in his heart for monthes, and now it was only getting worse.

He knew he would have to say sorry to Aqua later too - though they already both knew that they didn't mean a thing they had said... His heart still told him he should.

It was also telling him that he'd give anything to disappear right now, for a couple of hours and just hide away where no one could bother him and he could pretend nothing was wrong. A childish way out really... He always ran when things got tough. He didn't know why - it was just in his instincts. Run while you can, don't let it get worse. Don-

Terra winced suddenly, muffling a groan of pain, feeling his bones... cracking? He felt legs snapping and his spine twisting uncomfortably. A headache was making his temples pulse viciously, sending him a little off-balance. And it was like a blanket had been thrown over his head because his hearing was slowly getting muffled. The smells of the refuge - the antisepctic like herbs, the smell of food, everything that he'd gotten acutely aware of... was fading. what the hell was... wrong with him?! His eyes were dimming ever so slightly - the artifical lights no longer so bright - and he was momentarily panicked that they were going to fade completely. He was gonna pass out!

Then... he felt something. something he hadn't felt in a long long time.

Ba-dum. ba-dum. badum. badum. The wall had cracked and caved in, spilling light all throughout his soul. That heartbeat... was Ven's.

Aerith was looking up at him though, eyes widening in shock - and Terra's slowly were as well. He looked down, both of his hands trembling like crazy, fingers curled, white claws shining up at him. But not for long.

His body... it was shifting... the bones of the wolf receding, the claws and fangs disappearing - and his yellow wolf eyes melting back into a brillant ice blue.

And with a push and a cry of 'Go!' it was all the encouragement Terra needed as he ran, stumbling a bit because he wasn't used to his legs being back to normal. His body felt weak but his heart felt strong as he slammed into the refuge room, rushing right to Ven's side.

He looked down at the other hopefully, his heart beating in time with the other's. All he would hearing was the thumping off them in his ears, his breathing short as if he had run a mile, watching as Ven... struggled to awaken, eyelids fluttering.

Then... those brillant cerulean orbs opened, those eyes he had fallen so deeply in love with so long ago... opened and looked straight at him. And then Ven whispered his name.

Terra felt his knees go weak with relief, slipping to the floor as if all the energy in his body had left him, using his arms on the bed to keep the top half of his body poised close. "Ven..." He rasped - and his voice for the first time in awhile no longer held the malice and dark intent of the wolf's tenor in it. It was his own voice once again. "Oh god you're awake..." He buried his head into the blonde shoulder, frame shaking as he continiously chanted the blonde's name under his breath and one had to wonder if he had gone into shock.

"Welcome back to the world of the living Ventus." Sora said, smiling brightly from the other side, having not moved an inch, even when the other had awaken. He reached out, placing his hand lightly around the other's upper arm, squeezing lightly, reassuringly. "You gave us one hell of a scare bro. Don't do it again or I'm painting mustaches on everyone in your Sanctuary."

Roxas, who had hopped out of Axel's lap the minute his twin started to stir, was now sitting back down, hunched over the other blonde's body, hands curled in his brother's. His shoulders were shaking with silent sobs and Axel was rubbing his back soothingly. "Ventus..." the blonde managed to gasp out, relieved beyond measure. Note: Always Believe Sora.