The Chasers: New World Locket

[Rikugurl]

Axel smiled proudly as he watched his red crane go floating down the river with the others. He really had to pat himself on the back for thinking of everything. Everyone seemed to be having a fun time.

Riku smiled as the sun reflected the yellow onto the silver. That really... meant something to him.

Ven just crossed his arms as he watched the little pink crane move next to the gold. When people saw them float by, they would think HIS was made from a girl. He blinked though as he heard something close by. He looked over, looking at Terra's stomach. His suddenly replied. "Yea... I am too."

Axel put his hand on his hips. He pouted but then looked at his watch. "We have ONE more thing to do before eating! This is a triple date so we have to do three things!" He suddenly grabbed Roxas's hand and started running down the path and into the forest.

Riku blinked and looked down at Sora shrugging. Guess they couldn't do anything except for fallow. He took Sora's hand and walked down the path after Axel.

Ven sighed but smiled up at Terra. "I'm sure it will be worth it." He slowly took his lover's hand and headed down the way after them.


When Axel stopped, they were in a clearing in the woods where a fountain pushed out crystal clear water. Kids were laughing and running around the fountain edge and some people were on the side, feeding the birds with moogles floating near by.
It took Axel awhile to train Xio not to chase after the moogles... but in time, he didn't do it much.

The redhead looked down at his moomba and pointed at him. "Behave."
Xio nodded and yipped as they walked to a section, the other's fallowing.

They went to the other end of the small gathering... where people had isles set up.
Axel stopped and looked at the group. "Street painting!" He smiled happily and took Roxas's hand again and walked to one.
"Excuse me miss... but could you paint me and my little family?"

The woman looked up and smiled, knowing who they were off the bat. "I'd love to, please, take a seat."
Axel sat down on the chair next to her and brought Roxas down with him onto his lap. Xio yipped happily and got on his hinds, laying his large paws over Roxas's lap then settled happily as the woman started to paint.

Riku blinked and shook his head. He wasn't big on getting his picture taken... but now he was going to get painted?? He looked down at Sora and smiled, walking over to another woman. She too was happy to draw them and Riku sat on the chair, bring Sora down with him.

Ven blinked as he looked at the two. "You have to be kidding me."

[Reno]

Terra grinned when Ven agreed, but he glanced at Axel when the other denied him. He frowned a bit, but nodded when Ven tried to reassure him. It's been great so far...

Roxas laughed as he ran after. "Axel!" He called excitedly. What was he planning NOW?

Sora smiled, following the two at a slower pace.


When they came towards the view, the couples stared around. Roxas blinked slowly, wondering what Axel had in mind when he was tugged along - the word street painting in his ears. He grinned, heart warming when Axel requested to draw their 'little family'. He leaned against the other comfortably, smiling happily.

Sora blinked. someone was gonna... paint them? He looked at Riku when the silverette sighed in resignation walking over and they got in their own little pose, smiling.

Tch... and of course riku hated getting his own picture taken but had NO qualms about taking Sora's when he was... naked... and wanton... and...

Yeah we're gonna get off that train of thought.


Terra's brow furrowed. Street Painting? As in what...? Painting the streets? Did Axel actually encourage graffiti? That wasn;t very leaderlike...

But then Axel sat down, waiting for him and his lover to be painted.

Oh. Well... that made sense too. He rasied an eyebrow. What the hell would he and Ven do with a picture of themseleves anyways...? Hang it in their room? Yeah... sure.

He looked as Sora and Riku joined the idea.

.... either they could go along with it... which Ven didn;t seem too perky about that but they could flip off the painter or something...

OR...

Terra leant close, murmuring, "If we hurry now we can find a vendor that sells pretzels or something and be back before they ever know it." What? he was REALLY hungry.

[Rikugurl]

Ven looked at him and punched his playfully. "We have to wait." He walked away from the scene and sat down at the edge of the fountain. He looked down at his reflection and smiled slightly, seeing the loose munny at the bottom. He could just imagine Luci would want all of it and barge right in, getting herself all wet and Olette would coming running and yelling.

He wondered if Luci was going to grow up like Yuffie. That was the last thing the Chaser's needed was a klepto.

He smiled as Terra sat down next to him and he picked up a bag that someone must of left. It still had two pieces of bread in it. He pulled them out and handed one slice to Terra. He blinked though, seeing Terra pull it up to his mouth. "Hey! That's not for you! It's for the birds." He laughed as he started to take off small pieces of bread and threw it onto the gravel.

Birds started to fly over and eat. Ven smiled softly as he kept throwing out pieces. When he only had a few left, he left them in his palm as he held it out. Soon a bird flew right into his palm and started to eat the rest of the crumbs. This reminded him...

"What are you doing?" A brunette walked up to a younger boy as he watched him look up at a tree. The blonde was... whistling like a bird.
The blonde turned and looked up at his new friend. "It's call a bird call. We're talking! People from my world did it a lot."
"Yea...? So... what is he saying?" He looked up at the bird perched in the tree.
The blonde laughed and shook his head. "I don't know... but it's a girl!"

Blue eyes softened as he watched the bird. Slowly he started to whistle the bird song and the bird quickly responded with a chirp of it's own.


A hour passed and the sky was starting to grow a purple haze. The sun would be setting soon.

Axel stood and smiled, looking at the finished painting. "Ah! I love it!" He clapped excitedly and looked at the woman. "Thanks so much!" He reached into his pouch and handed her some munny. "Do you think you can hold it til tomorrow? I'll pick it up in the morning!"


Riku stood and looked at the painting. It wasn't half bad. "I bet your mother would love it." It was mother's day soon too. He handed the woman some munny as well and Axel explained the same to her. He would pick it up in the morning.

"Alright... time for dinner!" Everyone seemed happy about that! They gathered again and left Nexus garden, back into the downtown of Radiant.
They came to a very classy looking place as the street lights flickered on.

They walked inside and Riku's eyes widened as he looked around the place. It was a bar/restaurant... but it was extremely classy. "Reservations for Xipil party." Axel stood as the man looked through the schedule. "Table for six?"
"That would be us!"
The man nodded and grabbed six menu's. "This way please."

He walked the group down into the lounge and towards a round table pressed against the wall. Ven's mouth was already watering from the smell of food. Riku and Sora got in first, Ven then on Sora's side and Terra on the outside. Roxas sat next to Riku and Axel was on the outside.
The waiter came over and smiled.
"Can I start you off with drinks?"

Axel looked up with his exotic eyes and smiled. "We'll have a large Scorpion Bowl."
"Alright." The man left and Axel, along with everyone else, opened their menu's.

A few minutes later, the waiter returned with a large bowl that had a 'volcano' in the middle. Six straws were placed down and the waiter left to give them some more time to think on what to order. Axel grinned as he saw the 'volcano', his finger going aflame... and lighting the middle. The fire blazed blue as he bunked his long straw into the alcoholic drink.

[Reno]

Terra pouted, but sighed. Ven was the birthday boy. He followed after the other, sitting next to him beside the fountain. He blinked when Ven brought bread out of nowhere and grinned, taking it, ready to chomp into it.

And was AGAIN denied. He glanced at the blonde, looking acndalized - and the moment the other looked away he took a big bite. Screw the damn birds! he could EAT the birds!

Ven punched him in the shoulder, this time harder. "Ow!" He complained and did as Ven did, sharing the food with the mesley birds dreams of roasting them in rosemary... or lemon... or something.

He watched the other as a bird flew into his hand, blinking in surprise. He smiled at the familar whistle...

It was still kinda pretty even now. He thought it was really neat the other could speak with birds, a little kind quirk about Ven that had been wonderfully new to discover. Sure back then it hqad been a little.. weird - but later he learned he liked learning things about the other, liked knowing something about a person that actually wanted his company - rather then having to have it.


Roxas smiled softly as he looked at the painting, nodding an affirmative. It looked great!


Sora giggled softly, a grin spreading widely over his face. It was a little weird, seeing himself and riku in a painting but... "Ri we look so... adorable."


The minute dinner was mentioned Terra was up on his feet, tugging Ven along eagerly as Axel led them all away.

Roxas gasped as they came to the restaurant knowing it by name alone. It was one of the classiest places on the whole world! And really hard to get a reservation - except of course for them they WERE the leaders of Delshad and they STILL got perks... but that wasn;t the point!

Sora looked around curiously as they walked inside and smiled, feeling rather mature standing here. Of coruse he was 33 he was SUPPOSED to have felt mature all day.

Only Axel could make them play in an arcade and take them to a fancy restaurant and think thats okay.

Terra licked hos lips, the smell of the food reaching him before the door was even opened. His eyes looked around as they were lead off, spying on other people's dinners. God... he needed something to eat right now!!

The others let Axel order their drink curiously - and when it came back some of them blinked.

Sora stuck his straw in - not too fond of alcohol himself. But he sipped at it, humming a bit as he sipped. "Not bad."

Roxas laughed. "Trying to get us drunk Axel?" He teased - and when the other mvoed away to respond, the blonde leant over, taking a sip from Axel's straw - even if he had his own.

"Hey... anyone against me ordering everything off this menu?" Terra asked suddenly, looking like he was ready to eat the menu itself. Which... would have been kinda funny to see.

[Rikugurl]

Axel laughed and shook his head. "The food we eat will absorb the alcohol! We'll be fine." He looked down at his menu, not noting that Roxas had taken a sip on his straw.

Ven looked down at all the interesting names. He blinked though when Terra mentioned ordering the whole menu. "I don't have any objections to that."

Axel looked over the table at them dully. "Well for those who know how to eat... we're not starving!" He laughed but shook his head. "I'm paying... and this place is expeeeeeeeensive... If someone else was paying, I wouldn't care less." He joked. "Besides, we still have cake and ice cream to look forward to! Don't get too stuffed!"


About 30 minutes passed and Terra almost started to drool on the table, looking like he could eat the plates and silverware... the bowl of drink AND the table.
That was when their dinner came.

In front of Axel was placed Radiant Beef Grill. He rubbed his hands together, smelling the teriyaki sauce and onions.

In front of Riku was placed Green Beans and Portobello Mushroom Saute and a fruit salad. He smiled happily and he pulled up his chopsticks and poked it, feeling the steam rise onto his face.

In front of Ven came down a plate called 'Slow Cooked Apple Smoked Barbecue Pork'. His eyes grew wide as he took no time into digging right into the hot meat.

[Reno]

"don;t worry Terra," Roxas reassured. "you'll live." At least he sure hoped the wolf did.

"And what do you mean you know how to eat?" Sora said teasingly. "I seem to recall a decade or so back when a certain red-head with a new heart decided it would be fun to test the limits of his body by starving himself."

"you knew?!" Roxas squeaked.

"Hey, even AXEL couldn't be that naturally thin."

Terra just pouted, laying his head on the table as he chose something to eat. Something big and yummy and filling.


Those thrirty minute however were tortorous. He sipping on the alcohol, the taste automatically making his stomach settle - but only for a couple of minutes. Yeah no more starving himself. It was not fun.

But the minute their food was there, Terra's head shot up and he looked ready to wag his tail with happiness.

Roxas grinned excitedly as his Herb Stuffed Chicken was set before him. He licked his lips the smell making his senses melt. On the side were some mashed patatoes and green beans.

Sora lifted his utensils eagerly, licking his lips as the RG Strip Steak was set before him. the fresh herbs and butter shimmering on the top of the steak. Oh boy did it look good!

Terra's eyes had already grown to the size of saucers as the food was brought close - and the minute his dinener was in front of him he, like Ven, dug in with out hesitation - brunt tongues be damned! His was something called Lamb Navarin Shanks - something braided in herb sauce and butter with mustard breadcrumbs and whatnot.

Both the twins paused, glancing clowly at the two at the other side of the table - seeing them eat like famished animals. Sora chuckled. "I guess we DID make them wait too long."

"Don't choke." Roxas called.

[Rikugurl]

Ven didn't bother listening to them. There were many nights when they were younger and they had to cook their meals over the campfire. The minute the food was done, the boys would chow down as Aqua talked... but she soon learned that they didn't hear one word she said.

Of course, Ven and Terra were done before anyone else. Riku took his time eating his fruit salad and beans.

When the blonde was done, he suddenly beat on his chest with his fist. Axel's eyes widened as he thought Ven was choking. "HEY!" He quickly sprang over the table (thankfully the scorpion bowl was out) and was about to help Ven when he suddenly got a huge burp blasted in his face. The pyro blinked as he looked at the satisfied blonde who leaned back into the booth.
Everyone blinked at the scene... and the whole place seemed to get quiet.... but everyone at the table burst out into laughs.


When dinner was done, Axel put down the amount and tip and asked for a doggy bag of whatever anyone didn't finish... and even had to fight with Terra over leaving SOME leftovers. They left and walked into the cool night. Axel looked down at his watch. 7:26pm. He handed the left over bag to Roxas and smiled. "You guy get back to our place and set up for some cake and ice cream. I need to go grab the cake!" He pointed at the leftovers and smiled. "When you get home, put that on a plate for Xio."
The moomba's ears perked as he walked over from having to stay outside while they ate. He could smell yummy meat and yipped happily.

They made their way back through Nexus and down into Delshad, following the brick sidewalk to a cozy home they knew all so well. When they got in, Xio set the fireplace aflame and rushed into the kitchen. A plate was put on the floor and he quickly started to eat the fancy food.

Ven smiled as and the other started to get the table set. He placed the napkins around and Terra placed the silverware. Riku put down the plates and Sora and Roxas were working on the ice cream.

A few minutes later, the front door opened and close and a redhead walked into the dining room. He was holding a large box and placed it down right in the middle of the table. He smiled happily and he pulled the box apart carefully, seeing that the triplets were looking pretty excited to see what this cake looked like.

When Axel pulled off the covering, a tall, three layered cake stood in front of them. Blue eyes widened as they looked at the white frosting and 33 blue candles.

On the largest layer, the edges were decorated with golden frosting in the shape of crowns, representing Sora. He was born first out of the three... so he was the largest.

On the second, smaller layer, the edges were decorated with blue wisps of wind, representing Ventus. He was born second.

On the top, and the smallest layer, the edges were decorated with red hearts and a small inscription that states 'Roxas's Tops'. Everyone laughed at that and smile, seeing the top frosting.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THREE AMAZING HEARTS!

[Reno]

The dinner was wonderful - and full of laughs thanks to Ven. Everyone was a little tipsy from joy and maybe the alcohol - they made sure to finish it befor eleaving.

Roxas couldn't help but chuckle as Terra argued that they had to take all the food as if they;d die without it or something. When it came to food the brunette was surprisingly really possessive. He nudged Ven, smirking. "Wolves." He jabbed lightly, grinning.


By the time the team of five had gotten home, talk was loud and joyous, the triplets teasing each other recklessly. roxas, knowing poor xio was starved, hurried to the ktichen. He got down a plate, scooping copious amounts of food onto one, setting it down on the floor so the little moomba could have his dinner.

Then soon, for him it was all direction. He told Ven where the napkins where, and Terra were the silverware was and riku were the plates where. Sora however had no problem finding the ice cream.

"Yum!" Sora cried happily, taking out the ice cream tubs, licking his lips. Roxas laughed, hurring to his side to help and together they pried off lids and found a scooper and left it at that - since the ice cream was too frozen to take anything out anyways.

Though he did slid a finger down the blue sea salt ice cream.

"Hey!" Sora cried. "...Let me try." He did it too.

"Stope ating the ice cream!" Terra chastised as he set down silverware for six people. Soon the table was complete.

And Axel returned home.

With the largest birthday cake ANY of them had ever seen. They all looked at the red-head's hands excitedly as he slowly unwrapped the cake... lifting the lid.

The triplets gasped in surprise.

Sora looked at it, smiling fondly when he found his layer decorated in crowns.

Roxas couldn;t keep the grin off his face when he saw his own - it might have been the smallest but... as Axel said he 'tops'.

But it was the last line that made all three of them quiet and warm-feeling inside. The words were scrawled around the 33 candles professionally - easily readable... and meaning so many things to the three.

"Amen to that." Terra said with a nod at the top line.

Sora smiled softly shaking his head. wow this was almost TOO much. This was one of the best birthdays he'd ever had and it wasn't even OVER yet.

Roxas smiled looking up at Axel, his heart feeling all warm and fuzzy. "So, you gonna light em up so we can blow them out?" This was Axel's favorite part without a doubt.

[Rikugurl]

Ven smiled softly as he leaned back into Terra a bit. Axel had really over done it.

The pyro grinned and leaned over the cake.... and blew the candles aflame as if he was some sort of dragon. He smiled happily as the 33 candles lit up and danced in the air.

Ven walked over to Sora and Roxas was on the other side of the brunette. They slowly held hands as they circled the cake.
Smiles tried to suck in as their three lovers started to sing 'Happy Birthday' and the clapping made the smiles come out.

They all gave each other a look and smiled.
"One,"
"Two,"
"Three!"
They all blew out the candles at the same time and a bunch of clapping filled the room.

The room was filled with smiles and laughter as the cake was cut and placed on the six plates along with ice cream. Ven and Terra didn't seem to have a problem getting their slices down. The cake was amazing! Maybe one of the best they had ever had.

Riku smiled as he wiped some frosting off Sora's cheek and kissed him happily. Ven laughed as he fed one of his pieces to the hungry wolf that almost ate his fork off with it.


When everyone was stuffed, they threw their plates away and headed into the living room. Thankfully there were three different places to sit. Axel and Roxas sat in the love seat, Riku and Sora on the lounge and Terra and Ven on the sofa. The room was lit by the large fireplace and the crackling and warmth made everyone have an everlasting smile on their face.

Axel smiled happily as he nuzzled Roxas. "Present time?"
Blue eyes seemed to glow at the sound of that too.
Axel poked Roxas playfully. "Cute or romantic first?"
Roxas seemed to stop and think but chose cute first.

A large present was pull out of the corner, and brought up to the blonde's lap. It was wrapped in shinny blue and yellow polka dot wrapping paper with a blue bow on it.

Roxas didn't have a hard time plowing into it, everyone watching to see what it was. When it was revealed, it was a cute, glass jar that had pieces of small paper in it. The label on it said:
Jar of 365 Hugs and Warm Wishes

There was a little card that was wrapped up with the ribbon on the said that read:

A hug is an amazing thing,
It's just the perfect way
To show the love we're feeling,
But can't find the words to say.

A hug's a way to share the joy,
And sad times we go through...
Or just a way for friends to say,
"I love you because you're you!"

The blonde read it out loud and smiles filled the room again.
Axel nuzzled Roxas again and smiled. "So every morning, you can pull out one piece of paper and remember how much I love you."

The jar was placed down and another gift was handed over. This one was wrapped in a shinny but deep red and was the length of a bracelet box. Roxas again had no problem opening it and revealing a white box. He opened it slowly and inside was a silver key with a red bow on it over fake rose peddles. The top of the key was in the shape of a heart and there were a few heart designs around it.

Axel hugged him closer, looking down at the small inscription on the key that read:
Key To My Heart
There was a little scroll that was wrapped in a red ribbon and the blonde opened it. It read:

If I close my eyes real tight, I can still see you, just standing there, giving me that sweet smile of yours. You know the one. That incredible smile of yours, that melted my heart and captured my soul.

If I close my eyes real tight, I can remember what it was like kissing you for the first time. The way your soft lips lay against mine. I can still remember how tender your lips were as I brushed against them with loving anticipation

If I close my eyes real tight, I can still remember the first time I touched you. How the soft caress of your hands made my body ache for your very being. To be one with you.

If I close my eyes real tight, I can still remember the first time I said that I loved you. I remember where we were, and what we did after.

If I close my eyes real tight I can imagine what it would be like to live the rest of my life with you. To go to bed with you in the evening and awake with you in the morning.

I love you and will forever.

Riku had help picked this out.


On the other side of the room, the silverette pulled a medium sized gift out. He had left it here the day before, knowing this was where Axel planned to have the presents opened.
He saw Sora smile and open it up, revealing a bottle. The kind of bottle one would send out into the sea. There was real sand from Destiny inside along with beautiful small shells from their shore. There was a note inside and the cork was popped off early to get it.

The paper was opened, the edges burned carefully to make it look older than it really was.
The message inside read:
As time has gone by I simply cannot believe how much our love has grown.

How much we have grown as a couple, and how much we have grown independently.

That is the beauty of this relationship. You have allowed me to grow as a person. Because of that I have been able to help our relationship grow and take on the many challenges we have faced. Because there is strength in unity and strength in our love for each other.

We have overcome every obstacle thrown in our way.

We have climbed the highest highs, and cried over the lowest lows.

All I know is that there is not another person in this world I would rather be with.

Thank you for being you, thank you for loving me with all of my faults.

I love you and always will.

Happy Birthday my love.


Ven sat and watched his brothers open their presents. He felt a bit bad... he didn't have gifts for them... but he was sure they would say just having him there, awake and well was the best present he could give them. He would still have to send them all... belated gifts.

[Reno]

Terra nuzzled the blonde affectionately, smiling when he left his side to go and blow out the candles. Axel was such a show off.

Sora smiled as Ven came up next to him. He slowly reached his hands out, and for once neither hesitated in taking them.

"Happy birthday to you... happy birthday to you... happy birthday Roxas, Soran and Ventus, Happy birthday to you!" Riku, Axel and Terra sang, each useing their own variation on the names.

Roxas felt a light blush decorated his cheeks, and Sroa was grinning uncontrolabbly, as all three of them bent over, eaching sharing a look.

"One," Roxas said.
"Two," Ven added.
"Three!" Sora finished excitedly and they all took a deep breath - and blew out. 33 candle lights fluttered and shuddered in the wind and then each and every blew out in one go. Applause filled the air from the other three - and then everything after that was nothing but a joyous occasion.

The cake was cut neatly, plates filled and pieces eatten greedily.

Sora giggled softly at the other's tender touches, leaning up to deepen the kiss when it was intitiated.

Terra's eyes sparked happily at the other's laughter as he chewed on the cake the other had fed him. He smiled brightly.

Roxas licked at the ice cream from his spoon humming happily, nestled close to Axel's side, the taller having no problem manuveuring around his small frame to get his own piece. The blonde looked up. "Axel... your amazing." He murmured, smile in place.

This was a day none of them were ever going to forget.


Present time!! Sora practically raced out of the room with a happy cry, Riku laughed after him. Terra and Ven shook their heads, smiling as they joined the,m. roxas and Axel stayed back to reput the lids on the ice cream and set them back into the freezer before joining them - the fire was nice, warm and welcoming.

All three got in their designated spots, Roxas and Axel being closest to the fire of course. Riku and Sora by the window. Terra and Ven under a row of pictures.

There was silence since no one knew how to begin. So Axel decided to go first.

Roxas tilted his head at the question, smiling. He was getting two?! "... mm... cute!" He said, nodding.

He blinked in surprise at the rather large gift placed in his lap, and he grinned excitedly. He tore off the wrapping paper eagerly, opening the box and blinked curiously. He pulled out the jar, reading the label aloud with a soft chuckle. then he read the card aloud, his smile even brighter.

He grinned at the nuzzle, setting the jar down slowly. Oh yes, He was definitely going to love using it.

He blinked when a second, smaller package was set in his hands. He tilted his head, salmost expecting jewelry - and when he opened it up he gasped in surprise. He lifted it delicately between his fingers, the beautiful piece twisting back and forth delicately, catching the firelight easily.

He caught sight of the description, laughing faintly. "Ax..." He murmured, then saw the scroll. He brought it close so he could read it once he was finished he geniunally had tears in his eyes, but they were happy ones. "Oh Axel..." he breathed turned to hug the redhead tightly, kissing him. "God I love you." He whispered.


The next one designated to go was the already overly excited Sora. He had been intently watching the blonde and red-head though, that he nearly jumped when the box was placed down in his lap. He smiled happily at Riku, before tearing at the wrapping.

Once he saw what was inside he carefully set the box on the floor, taking out the jar. He smiled brightly seeing the familar golden sand and seashells of their beach. but what caught his eye.... was the note inside. He glanced at Riku before reaching for the cork, tugging it off - when he was met with no protest he reached inside carefully grabbing the paper between to fingers and shook it to dislodge any sand as he pulled it out. He set the jar aside.

He opened the letter with care mainly so he didn't fray the edges. His smile grew softer still, blinking a few times to keep tears of happiness at bay. He let the note slowly whisper closed, setting it aside with care...

And then turned to Riku and TACKLED him, kissing him passionately. The minute they broke away he dropped sweet kisses along the other's face. "thank you," He whispered between kisses. "Thank you. I love you."


Terra, one arm slung over his blonde's shoulders, watched quietly, amazed how the act of giving one single, simple gift could cause such a reaction. First Roxas then Sora... It made him feel very, very inexperienced at this. He had to talk to Axel and Riku and ask their secret.

Soeaking of which, both couples were looking now at him and Ven expectantly. The brunette lowered in his seat, face flushing uncomfortably cause well... he didn't even know where the hell his gift was! He glanced at Ven, then looked at Roxas and Axel in panic.


Roxas, who was leaning up against Axel, head laying in on the other's shoulder comfortably. He smile softly, knowing why Terra was panicking all of a sudden and looking at him.

Roxas yawned as he walked into the refuge, rubbing his eyes. It had been a long day at work but he wanted to go visit his brother and -
"ARGH GOD DAMN IT!"
And... run into Terra apparently.
The blonde paused as he approached clsoer to Ven;s side of the room, seeing Terra in a very... odd predicament. He was sitting on the floor, tape all over his claws, wrapping paper strips strewn all about with uneven and askew cuts. There was even a bright bow stuck in his hair. No wonder he was so frustrated - his claws kept getting in the way. And Roxas, being the kind, caring, sensitive person he was... burst out laughing.
"shut up!!"
Roxas grinned, walking over and leant down. "Here let me help." The brunette didn't disagree as Roxas grabbed the scissors and cut the wrapping paper neatly and precisely, before tapping it down around the white box. He reached over, tugging the bow from Terra's hair and placing it stop the box. "Tahdah!"
Terra smiled, signing the label with a pen.
"Say, I'll take it over to mine and Axel's house since thats where will be doing presents."
"...."
"Don't worry he'll be awake by then."
"...okay. Just be real careful with it okay? It's breakable."

"Look behind you." The blonde murmured softly. He say Ven's confused look and grinned, more to qualm him then anything. "Did you know Terra FAILS at wrapping? I had to help him and everything. I still don't know what he got you though."

Terra grumbled a positiove to that - even without claws he sucked at it - but got up from the sofa, walking around to where the space between the back of it and the wall was and yes indeed there it was!

He tugged it out carefully, noticing that all eyes were on him and Ven. He blushed darkly, half just wanting to set the gift down and run for his life. He placed it at Ven's feet though, murmuring a warning to be careful with it, and sat down, fingers nervously playing with one of the chains he had around his belt loops.

The gift itself was wrapping in a shiny silver glittery paper, the words happy birthday printed on all over. On the top, under the blue bow was a label that said 'To: Ven From: Terra' But the letters of their names were horribly scrawled - not unreadable just... an odd angle of Terra's writing because he hadn't been able to hold the pen correctly.

Terra looked at the other as he tore at the wrapping paper - heeding his words to be careful. The white box was reveal and the top lifted.

Ven seemed to pause as he set aside the lid, and everyone leaned forward curiously as... the gift was lifted out. And more then one made a noise of surprise. Because within was a lamp - but no ordinary lamp. It was a lamp of a Hot Air Balloon. Stainless glass made up the balloon - and the mechanism to turn the lamp on and off was actually the basket. What Ven was going to DO with it... well they'd figure that out hopefully. There was a little sticky note taped on in the same scrawly writing that said: We'll go again one day, I promise.

Terra watched the other set the lamp carefully aside then he murmured shyily. "There's more." The blonde reached in, bringing out a long box - a ribbon (yes, a PINK ribbon - though it wasnlt his fault he didn't wrap it) tied around it loosely. There was another label with bad handwriting and it read: 'To: Ventus, Soran, and Roxas From: Terra'. But there was a reason it was in Ven's box rather then being given seperately.

Ventus pulled the ribbon and opened the box, and inside where three lollipops - one red, one blue and one yellow. All of them were shaped like balloons. And Ventus got first pick on the the color he wanted.

Radiant Gardens and Delshad had one hell of a shopping area... if you knew how to look. The lollipops he had had made speacial at the candy shop - but he found the lamp on accident in an antique store. He really didn't know why... all he could think about at the time was flying around the balloon with Ven, enjoying himself - enjoying have Ven there and alive and happy... and remembering all the stories Ven told him about the Balloon Festival and he just went from there.

OOC: And yes the words Hot Air Balloon is a link XD

[Rikugurl]

OOC: \TAT/

Axel smiled happily, his face blushing as he heard Roxas's words. He wrapped his arms around him warmly. He returned the kissed and gave him an Eskimo one when he pulled away. He was glad Roxas had liked everything... and thanks to Riku's sentimental one, it was just right.
He really didn't know why he went all out this year for their birthday. Perhaps because... well.... He had lost his love for WAY too many days.. and Roxas had been so devoted to bring him back.

Also... this was going to be a special year for them. He held onto the blonde as he watched Sora and Riku.


Sora and Riku weren't as busy as Axel and Roxas... so they were able to give each other little 'thinking of you' gifts... so their gifts weren't always so big. Besides... they celebrated their birthdays together, their wedding anniversary and Sora even wanted to still celebrate their yearly anniversary. Then there was Christmas and so on... so Riku didn't go all out... but it was just right.

He smiled as Sora opened the package and read the message inside.
Riku had used an old bottle that they had kept from the old messaging system, got some sand from the beach and handpicked the more perfect little sea shells. He bought a framed saying, took it out of the frame and burned the sides to make it look old... then wrapped it up and put it inside the bottle.

He blinked when he was tackled and smiled happily, retunring the passionate kiss back to his husband.

Everyone's eyes looked over at Ven and Terra last.

The blonde with the longer spikes looked down, a bit embarrassed and... well... awkward. He wasn't use to things like this... not at all. But his heart quickened as Roxas spoke. Behind? He blinked as a silver present was placed at his feet and nodded softly at the warning.

Blue eyes glanced at the brunette next to him then looked down, slowly unwrapping the gift. Terra didn't have to...
He looked inside and smiled softly as he pulled out the lamp gently. His eyes widened as his smile grew. It was absolutely beautiful. He saw the sticky note and squinted, trying to read it. Thankfully enough... he could. A sweet smile ran over his face, remembering that day...

"I--"
"There's more."
The blonde blinked as he looked at Terra, placing the lamp carefully on the floor. His hand reached down, grabbing onto a long box. He shook his head and grinned as he saw the pink ribbon. Hopefully they wouldn't haunt him for the rest of his life.

He pulled the ribbon off gently and slowly opened the box. He wasn't ready to see what his eyes saw. He could hear his mother's voice.
"Look what I got for my two wonderful boys on Festival Day!"

Slowly he reached down and picked the red one's stick, ever so softly and raised it up in the air slowly.

Two boys sat on the brick all over looking the windmills in the fields. Two large red lollipops in the shape of balloons were in the sky... and from their view, it looked like they were flying with the REAL balloons that were in the sky.

A blonde looked over at his twin and giggled. "I'll race you!"
"You're on!"
They quickly jumped off the wall and ran out into the open field with the long grass. They always had the same finish... the large hill with the single windmill. They ran after each other, their pops in the air as if they were inside them.
"Come on wind! Let me win!"
"The wind likes me better!"
They laughed as they ran up the hill and the brunette touched the top first. "I win the race this year!"
"Next year it will be me! That's my oath to myself!" The blonde giggled as they both suddenly fell onto the grass next to each other.

Finally the two pops found their way to the boy's mouths as they laid in the grass, watching the hot air balloons above float away.

The pop was lowered, almost at the same speed as the tear on his cheek. He had to do a lot... to keep himself from bursting out into tear again. He wasn't use... to all of this... because his heart had been locked up tight for so many years...

His fingers ran over the plastic wrap over the balloon and smiled softly. Slowly the blonde looked back at Terra, his eyes glossed and bright from the fire. "This.... is the best birthday gift.... ever." He choked as he suddenly wrapped his arm around the other's neck, burying his face onto the other side of his neck. The balloon was pressed against his chest.


Axel bit his lip as he watched the sweet scene. He pulled Roxas closer and smiled. Everything came out perfect today... and it STILL wasn't over.

Riku blinked as Ven held out a balloon. He knew what it was... ever since Sora remembered his brother, he remembered their childhood... and he learned all about the balloons. He was shocked... to see the wolf give something so simple and sentimental. He really... did love him.

[Reno]

Terra looked at Ven, watching him admire the lollipop... and then start... crying? He blinked worried, "Ven?"

The blonde just turned at him, the firelight catching him and his beautiful eyes easily. And then, just as suddenly the blonde was hugging him, and Terra knew everything was okay. He chuckled, slowly wrapping his arms around him. "Silly you gotta stop crying then. Your sending me mixed signals here." He reached up, running a comforting hand through blonde hair. He nuzzled him, smiling. He was glad Ven liked it - guess he was getting better at this gift thing then he thought.

Still too many things to celebrate though!


Roxas watched as well, smiling happily. He, like Riku, was surprised. He'd never expected Terra to have what he had in the box. Of course he knew the hot balloon memory too - it was one he had to transfer back to Sora cause it was locked up in his heart for some reason. It meant more to the other twins then to him, having never experienced that childhood fun, but the feelings of nostalgia were, surprisingly, really strong when he saw the sucker.

He'd never seen Ven this happy, this... different. It looks like opening his heart really did make one hell of a difference. And a GOOD one at that. The two looked like they were on the road to a real happy life.


Sora smiled as he watched, chuckling happy. Well he could definently trust Terra to take care of his little bro, no doubt about that. He'd seen time and time again how much the wolf loved the blonde and he knew, despite the other's unlucky ancestry, that it was true and real and it was going to last a lifetime.

Especally if Terra could think of things like this! Sora had to admit, he was a little (read: a lot) jealous that his brother got to live out their childhood dream, but at the same time he was just glad Terra had the sentimentality to take that memory, that hope and turn it into reality.

Of course, that was the whole reason he had told Terra the memory in the first place. Heh, no one ever said he couldn;t do sneaky things to help Ven fall for him.

And Ven... just looked so happy, it made his own heart feel warm to see his brother like this. In fact, he was happy... seeing everyone happy. "Heh, well my birthday wish came true."

[Rikugurl]

Before Ven could place a kiss on his lover's lips, Axel suddenly interrupted. "We're going to be late!"
Ven stopped and looked over at the redhead who had Roxas in his arms as he stood. Another place? At this time of night. He sighed as he plopped back down, but smiled down at the pop. He placed it back into the box and put it on the stand next to him.

"This is our last stop!" Axel said as he placed Roxas down. He walked to the closet by the door and opening, grabbing three blankets. Xio walked out and yipped as the blankets were placed on his back as Axel closed the door. He picked them up again and handed one to Riku and one to Ven.

Riku blinked as he looked at the blanket. What the....?
"Come on!" Axel smiled happily as he walked out of the house and took Roxas's hand again.

Riku gave Sora a look and shrugged, taking his hand and walking after them with the blanket of their own.

Ven sighed but smiled. "Looks like we'll be walking off our meal we worked so hard to eat." He slowly took Terra's hand and walked out, hearing the door close.

They walked back up the hill to Nexus Garden. They slowly started to trek across the bridge... but Axel stopped. A few old couples were on the benches that Axel probably planned on sitting in. His shoulder fell but he looked around, seeing something since his shoulders went back to normal.

They walked along the bridge and up a rather tall hill and Axel fluttered out the blanket, letting it fall on the grass and sat down, bring Roxas down with him. The other two couples followed. Axel smiled as he looked out at the clearing sky, seeing the stars above them.

Star viewing?

"Wait for it~~" Axel said excitingly, just watching the sky.
Suddenly everyone's head turned as they heard a whistling in the sky... and then... a fire flower.... fire works.

[Reno]

Everyone was brought out of their thoughts, listening to Axel. The heads turned, confused. Something ELSE?

Roxas laughed though. Axel sure knew how to go overboard. He had a feeling though he knew what was coming. He didn;t think Axel would ever get Mr. Biggs to agree though!

Sora blinked as Riku pulled him up, smiling tiredly. At this rate they were going to be too exhausted for anything else tonight.

Terra chuckled, smiling as his hand was taken. It looked like they were already used to it.

They followed the red-head alllll the way back to the Nexus garden and even up a hill. following out his example, Terra, Ven, Riku and Sora also spread out their blankets and sat atop them.

Roxas chuckled sitting next to Axel, already feeling excited.

Sora snuggled up against Riku's side, head laying on his shoulder.

Terra wrapped his arms around Ven, bringing him close, laying his chin atop the other's head while they looked outwards together, waiting like Axel said.

The whistle drew Terra's attention and he look around when suddenly, with a bang the firework shot into the sky. He jumped a little in surprise.

Sora grinned widely. "Oh wow!!!"

Roxas chuckled.

[Rikugurl]

Ven laughed as Terra jumped. Had he never seen fireworks either?? He leaned back into him though and he heard another whistle and another soft band. It was over the river and bridge, making the fire reflect off the water to make everything twice and pretty.

Everyone knew this was the grand ending.

Axel looked over at the other couples and smiled. "So... you think I did a good job?"

It was surprising... when Axel volunteered to plan their first triple date, everyone looked uneasy. It was hard planning a double date! But... oddly enough.... it came out perfect.

Everyone nodded happily and just cuddled up to their lovers, watching the fireworks go off.