"Kairi... I really like you. Will you go out with me?"

The thoughts in her head begin to spin just like the ocean breeze does to her dark red hair. Her blue eyes remain wide – like a deer caught in the lights. She can barely even breathe while her mind tries to sort through her thoughts as well as her feelings. Kairi knows she likes Sora, he's her best friend after all. But she can't forget how her heart yearns for another; someone who she's grown closer to than both of her best friends put together.

However, the suddenness and pure honesty gives her an elated feeling. She adores the fact that he cares so much about her and it only muddies her thoughts. Confused, she can only let the words tumble from her lips before she has a chance to do a thing. A smile, whether it's fake or not she doesn't know, breaks her stunned expression into a happy one. "I was waiting for you to ask."

Which isn't a lie. She's seen how he looks at her, how he does everything he can to make her feel loved. But he doesn't take it the way she expects him to.

"You... really? That's great!"

Kairi isn't allowed to do much as she's suddenly pulled forward. Under normal circumstances she'd be alright with Sora hugging her, but at the moment she stays as still as a stone. She looks up at him, preparing to ask him what he's doing, when Sora's lips press against hers. Her palms rise up to press against his chest, wanting to get away. All she can think of is the one person she hasn't been able to stop thinking about. As Sora pulls away, she can only think of a different pair of blue eyes.

One of his hands dip down along the curve of her waist before landing on her hip. The soft caress sends shiver up her spine. Although they aren't the kind she wants. And while her cheeks are bright red it's not due to her happiness of being asked out. It's of pure embarrassment as she glances to the side, spotting Riku coming towards them.

The silver haired man before her is displeased in every meaning of the word. She knows why and it makes her want to run to him; apologizing and trying to tell him that it's not what it looks like. More than anything she wants to tell him because she knows how he feels. After all, Riku had confided in her to a degree and it's not like she couldn't tell.

It truly breaks her heart to see the dark, angry look in Riku's once bright blue-green eyes. All she can do is squirm uncomfortably in Sora's embrace and finally succeeding in pulling away from him. The smile she forces onto her lips is obvious and she hopes Riku can see through this. But from the look on his face she knows that won't happen.

Especially when Sora begins to bounce on his heels like an eager puppy. "Riku, guess what!"

Kairi watches as Riku turns his attention fully onto them and she just wants to melt into the ground. "Why don't you just tell me?"

She tries to smile and give Riku a silent sign, whether he notices or not. Nonetheless, she begins to leave them; taking a few steps back at first. "Um, Sora, I have to head home. Dad's expecting me back." Even though he's not, Sora doesn't need to know that. Kairi goes to turn around, wishing she could just run, but gives Riku a wave first. "Nice to see you again Riku."

The feeling of Riku's eyes on her back doesn't leave until she's back onto the streets and around several corners. It's not even that he was looking at her or not, but the feeling of those all knowing eyes on her is unnerving. Her breath comes out in struggled pants as she breaks into a run, wanting nothing more than to lie in her bed.

Thoughts of how she can fix this run through her head and none of them seem easy.

~x~

The night sky stretches overhead, painting a mirror image in the water with the glittering stars and large, yellow moon. It's one of the more peaceful times of day on Destiny Islands; when no one is about and the chill of the ocean air makes people scurry inside. This is especially why Kairi enjoys this period more than anything. She had just left her two friends, Sora and Riku, back at the docks. Most days they row out to an island a ways from the coast of the mainland and enjoy the fact that no one lives there. It's become an island just for them and, soon, for other children that want to venture out.

The waves crest and wash up the shore over her feet before pulling back out. The wet sand it leaves behind sticks to the bottoms of her feet, since she holds her pink and white sneakers in her right hand. Yet she loves it. The cool of the touch and the way it molds to every step she makes. And even better, the waves wash away her footprints as she walks so no one knows. She's the Mayor's daughter after all – she should be at home, in bed, and ready to wake up bright and early like a proper young lady.

Kairi giggles to herself. The mere thought of that is nonsense to her. She's treated like a princess, but all she wants is to have a little fun. It's not that she wants to go crazy, but she doesn't wish to be a bird in a cage either.

Her free hand swings back and forth, occasionally brushing against her pink zipped-up dress. The cool metal zippers bounce against her legs with every step while the water splashes up around her ankles. It's all relaxing and magical to the young woman as she takes the long way home. But as she gets further down the coast she notices that this night is unlike any other.

Finding herself thanking the fact that she took her time back on the island, she begins to slow her strides. Off in the distance there's a woman walking up out of the water, obviously not deterred by the chill that must be lingering in the ocean. Her pale skin glistens from the water that drips from her long limbs. The bathing suit she wears is a plain, pale blue one-piece. The straps are slender and the front dips lower than normal, that is while the back is all but completely absent.

She moves up past the water to where a medium sized bag sits on the sand. The breeze that brushes in off the water makes her short, cerulean hair hug her face more than it already does – the wet strands sticking to her skin. Crouching in front of the bag, the woman pulls forth a semi-transparent blue wrap that has swirls of white curling up from the bottom hem. She wraps it around her waist, tying it to the side, and letting it drape over most of her lower body – save for a peak of her left leg. It's only as she slips on her matching sandals and brushes her hair off her face that she notices the eyes that linger on her.

Eyes brighter than any sapphire she's ever seen, Kairi is transfixed by the gaze that meets her stare. The woman slings her bag over her shoulder and walks towards crimson haired girl, whose heart begins to beat faster and faster. Kairi can do nothing but turn towards her as the blue-haired woman stops in front of her. The smile that sits on her countenance is warm and inviting. Although that doesn't make Kairi's heart calm down in the slightest.

"It's a lovely night isn't it?"

Kairi can only smile back and nod at first. She can tell this woman must be a tourist or maybe someone new to the islands. But it doesn't matter in the slightest – she just wants to know, something deep inside of her very soul begs her to stay near the woman. "Why were you in the water? Wasn't it cold?"

The woman giggles softly, "Swimming of course! Not at all, it was refreshing. And there's no one here right now so it was the best opportunity."

"Are you new here?"

She nods, tightening her hold on the bag. "Just got here the other day. I'm Aqua," she says while extending her free hand.

Happy for reasons she can't explain, Kairi shakes Aqua's hand. "It's nice to meet you Aqua, I'm Kairi." As her hand slips away she lets the next few words fall freely from her lips. "I can show you around if you want."

"I'd like that."

The unnatural bond that begins almost automatically leaves Kairi's head spinning. She knows it's reckless, that she should be careful and not be so trusting right from the start. But it's as if she's known Aqua her whole life. Some might says she's simply craving another girl to talk to other than Selphie, but Kairi knows better.

This feeling is something of another level entirely.

"Then I'll meet you here tomorrow morning, how's ten sound?"

"That's fine. I look forward to it. Thank you Kairi."

Her name sounds so sweet to her own ears. It frazzles her brain and she can only shuffle through the water to pass by Aqua, intending on leaving the conversation. "It's no problem at all!" Kairi gives a wave with her free hand, turning her body so that she can give Aqua one last smile. Despite not wanting to leave the blue haired woman just yet, her feet eagerly begin to take her away.

The water splashes up around her, soaking the bottom of her dress, as the waves stretch up the shore to meet each of her steps. Kairi turns away and brings her hand to her chest, unable to hide the wide smile on her face any longer.

~x~

Kairi smiles softly at the memory as well as many others. After that fateful day she had taken Aqua through the various parts of the islands. She had shown her all over and then promptly promised to take her to a secret place that only her friends and younger children know about. And it would be then that she would explain to Aqua about Sora and try to make things right with her own feelings. Of course that day is today – the one day Sora decides to surprise her as she walks down the streets to meet Aqua.

"Hey Kairi!"

"Hi, Sora." She glances through the crowds of people and notices no sign of Aqua.

"Have you seen Riku? He wasn't home and I can't find him at any of the usual spots." Sora seems to let a gentle pout tug at his lips, "He didn't even answer my call."

"Sorry, I haven't."

"Then would you help me look for him? I'm sure with both of us we'll find him in no time!"

As usual, Kairi isn't allowed to properly answer before Sora's grabs one of her hands. He begins to take her through the streets – ironically near where she's to meet Aqua – and babbles away about Riku and how he needs to find him. It's then that she realizes that this could be a good thing. Maybe now she'll get the chance to right things with Riku as well.

Sora's hand stays tightly wrapped around hers as they move through the throngs of tourists and islanders. Every step they take she remains in her thoughts, not paying a lick of attention to the brunet that drags her around. She only snaps back to reality when his hand suddenly lets go of hers. Searching for him, she sees him bounding toward a cafe. If she thinks back just a little she can recall Sora mentioning something or other. But that doesn't matter in the slightest to her as her phone vibrates in her pocket. Retrieving it, her heart immediately kicks into overdrive and she can't stop the smile that curves her lips.

Aqua...

Turning on her heel, Kairi heads straight for where they had agreed to meet up. And it doesn't take her but a matter of seconds to be standing between two buildings – Island Delights and Paopu Treasures. Her heart races and there's nothing she can do to calm it. She's a ball of frightened excitement that she can barely stand still. Kairi clasps her hands behind her back and begins to rock on her heels; anything to work out the energy that builds in her body.

The anxiety kicks in as she spots Aqua through the crowd. The young woman heads straight for her, not wasting a second as she easily slips away from the moving people. Their smiles reflect back at each other as Aqua reaches forward, embracing Kairi. As she pulls back, she leaves her hands on Kairi's shoulders.

The touch makes the redhead's skin burn, as if etching her gentle caresses into Kairi's brain and she doesn't mind it one bit. She watches Aqua's eyes, the way they briefly take her in, and it enforces the blush that tries to rise to the surface. Their moment, however, is quickly shattered as Aqua squeaks out an 'ah-ha' and brings her hands back to her person. She opens the navy bag on her shoulder and slips one hand in, fishing around for something.

Kairi patiently waits with a curious gaze which quickly turns into surprise at the sight of Aqua's hands cupped together. "Aqua?"

The woman smiles softly, "Close your eyes and stay still."

Slowly, with some suspicion, she obeys Aqua's order. She wonders what this could be out until she feels a cold, slender chain touch the skin just above the collar of her dress. Kairi doesn't wait, she opens her eyes the second she can feel Aqua's hands leave her. She reaches up and touches the single pearl hanging from the delicate chain. The gasp catches in her throat and tears begin to bead at her eyes. And Aqua sees this all.

Her hand cups at Kairi's cheek as she leans close, refusing to allow others to see much of anything. It's a brief kiss that barely even classifies as one. It's more a brush of lips. But Kairi can't stop from wanting to melt on the spot. The gentle way those velvety lips touch her own coupled with the anxiety of someone seeing sends Kairi's senses on overload. She can barely see straight as Aqua pulls back, a playful smile on her lips.

Kairi lowers her hands, fumbling with the zippers on her dress, "Thank you... I love it."

"I'm glad..." She looks up at Aqua and catches the hint of embarrassment on her features; brow furrowing, eyes searching, and cheeks tinting pink. They're both nervous and new to these feelings inside of them – and Kairi knows it. It makes it all the easier for her to reach forward and grab one of Aqua's hands with her own, then lace their fingers together. The act is simple and sweet, but means more to Aqua than anything. She gets closer to her and Kairi's back touches the wall of the buildings they stand between. "Do you want another?"

Kairi smiles back at her, knowing exactly what she means and that she does want it more than anything. Giving a soft nod of the head, she goes to walk away and begins tugging Aqua with her. "But first, I want to show you the island."

"The secret one?"

Humming a yes, Kairi giggles as she weaves them into the crowd going to the shore. The air between them is lighthearted and easy the whole way to the dock. It's a shabby strip of wood that leads only a little way out to the water. Two little boats are tied to the posts and float in the shallow water while several others are overturned on the shore. It's a spot lightly veiled by shrubbery that lines the path stretching up over a hill and to the residences. A place no tourist would think to discover.

Which gives the two girls complete privacy as they sit in the boat. They had moved it to the edge so they wouldn't have to shove off of shore and all that needs to be done is untie the rope. And as Aqua reaches out to do so, Kairi stalls her. The redhead lays her hands on Aqua's, tugging them away from the rope before dropping her own hands into her lap.

"Kairi...what's wrong?"

Watery eyes are all Aqua can see before Kairi bows her head. "I... Sora asked me to date him." The words are flat and rushed, tumbling from Kairi's lips like ice into a glass. Each syllable hits Aqua, but she doesn't dare to let any emotion show. "I didn't even get a chance to answer. He thought I said yes, but I didn't say anything like that! I... I know how Riku feels, I wouldn't do that to him."

Something flashes in Aqua's blue orbs and Kairi doesn't notice at all, her gaze still on wringing her hands. Aqua takes one hand and places it on Kairi's clasped hands, calming her. "Do you want to say yes to him?"

The question shoots through Kairi like an arrow. Her head snaps up and her eyes are wide, staring at Aqua with shock and confusion. She can't answer and Aqua is grateful, allowing a hopeful smile to slip back onto her countenance.

"Or do you want to say yes to me?"

Kairi lifts one hand out from Aqua's own to place it on top, squeezing the blue-haired woman's hand. "You, of course! I thought...I mean, that's why I wanted to take you out there today."

Aqua leans forward, her free hand brushing over the pearl she had given Kairi. "I'll always be there to protect and love you, that's your proof."

Laughing softly, Kairi fights the endless amount of happiness bouncing around inside of her. "I don't need proof, I already know."

They lean forward, preparing to kiss when the sound of shoes slapping against the dock destroy their moment. "Hey, Kairi!"

Aqua takes her hands from Kairi and immediately turns to the source. She's quick to grab for the rope around the post, beginning to work out the knot to limit the time they'll have near each other. But her fingers slip away and the brunet that kneels down next to the post tries to help her. Sora unravels it as he talks away.

"Are you going to the island?"

Kairi nods.

"Darn... I was going to see if you wanted to out on a date."

The rope hangs idly in Sora's hands, the only thing that keeps them rooted to the dock. Aqua glances over to Kairi and sees the unease all over her. The smile on Aqua's face is nothing but polite as she turns to Sora, hands reaching for the rope he holds in his hands. "You're Sora right?" He nods quickly. "It's nice to finally meet you. I'm Aqua, Kairi's girlfriend."

The confusion on the brunet's face is practically tangible.

"The other day was a misunderstanding. I'm sorry."

Stunned, Sora can do nothing as Aqua pulls the rope from his hands. The rope falls to the boat of the boat and Kairi picks up one of the oars, watching as Aqua pushes them away from the dock. She's concerned for Sora, wanting to comfort him even. But Aqua is quick to stop her, to make her realize that her place is in the boat.

Kairi's eyes flutter close as Aqua's lips lock with hers. The forcefulness is a welcoming pleasure that she can't deny. Her fingers weakened and she drops the oar, completely swayed that Sora doesn't need any picking up. Their mouths move together, not wanting to stop until they're forced to. And once they do, Kairi can't help but giggle as she realizes they waves are trying to take them back to the dock. Both fumble in an attempt to get paddling out to the island and once they manage to get back on course – they share another kiss.

A/N: :D It's been real fun I tell ya, working with you has been the best! Seriously – no joke.

Lol But anyways, no happy ending for Sora. Just ain't no room for him in this smexy times. XP It was going to be from Aqua's perspective, but what's the fun in that. I don't do much with Kairi so I took the opportunity *^* Girl needs more love /and more action time on the screen OTL