Iridescent

Chapter ONE

Goals for Junior Year by: Kairi O'Hara - cause yeah this year is gonna be amazing

1. Buy formal dresses at least 2 weeks in advance to avoid last year's rental dress debacle (read: never trust Mom's tastes)
2. Avoid the cafeteria's chicken nuggets - for many reasons
3. Own the school play with Naminé
4. Study. For real. #gradesmatter
5. Make up with Selphie...okay, maybe that's too ambitious. Talk to her...about the weather. Or anything. OH, try shoes.
6. On that note, also talk to Tidus...eventually
7. Beat personal mile time - no pain no gain
8. Prove to Sora that Riku and I are still friends
9. Find a guy for Naminé, at least for the Winter Ball - she deserves someone!

&10. Do not let last year's bonfire incident happen again - solution: find a date?

"...huh?"

I stare at Tidus, wondering what's going on underneath that mop-like mess he calls his hair. Considering we haven't hung out all summer, I don't expect him waiting by my car after school, hoping to catch a ride home. Willing to spend time in an enclosed space with me.

"My car's getting fixed and I probably won't get it back till next week," he says succinctly.

I count the words: 14, the longest sentence he's said to me since May. I probably gawk too long, 'cause Tidus casts me a long, steady look, as if he's questioning my mental capacity.

I should probably do better than a monosyllabic response.

"Sure," I say, unlocking my car and tossing my bag in the back seat. What happened to polysyllabic? I chide myself.

After getting in and adjusting the seat, I realize Tidus has tuned into a sports broadcasting station. I quickly swap to CD to listen to familiar country ballads. Hey - my car, my rules.

Tidus doesn't seem to get that. He switches back to radio, and I have to listen to some old guy talk about why the last play was screwed up.

"Stop it," I say, swapping back to CD.

"You stop it," he returns, returning to the stupid broadcast. When I reach towards the buttons once more, he swats my hands away.

"Switch back to CD."

"Don't tell me what to do."

Yeah, our default interaction usually involves some sort of bickering. I've known Tidus for way too long - like, literally since Day 1. He's probably the most dense, bigheaded cousin I could have. Just cause he's 11 months older than I am doesn't mean he deserves anything.

Plus mentally, he's like 5.

"You owe me," I say without really thinking.

After a pause, Tidus speaks up. "Kairi…" he begins, followed by a sharp inhale.

I recognize the way his face scrunches up: he's trying to figure out how to phrase some very delicate words. You should know that Tidus doesn't do tact. If he's even putting an ounce of thought into what he wants to say, it must be really serious.

A sinking feeling in my stomach tells me I don't want to know what he's trying to say. So I beat him to the chase.

"Let's go," I announce.

Dear god, my voice cracking in the middle had better be my imagination.

Either way, Tidus doesn't respond besides settling into his seat. We leave the audio alone as I pull out of the parking lot.

...

The quiet reminds me why I was arguing so fervently about playing my favorite CD. Nervously, I tap a finger on the steering wheel.

In hindsight, that was the perfect chance for us to Talk. When else am I gonna get privacy with Tidus, where both of us are effectively cornered with nowhere to run? But when I sneak a peek at him, his attention's absorbed by his phone. And at this point, my mind can turn anything into an excuse not to talk to Tidus. So: he's on his phone he obviously doesn't want to talk (much less Talk) becomes the perfect reason to stay quiet.

I'm minorly surprised when Tidus breaks the silence. With, of all things:

"Can we get ice cream?"

...had I been imagining our silent treatments? I turn over to shoot him an incredulous look, but he's still looking down at his phone. When I huff audibly, he finally lifts his head, staring at me with as much dignity an 18-year-old who's just asked for ice cream can.

Which isn't much. But I'm in the mood for something sweet, so I nod and head back to the ice cream parlor we'd just passed.

The store's cheery ambience and sickeningly sweet aroma puts Tidus in a marginally better mood. At least judging by the familiar tune he hums under his breath. I get in line behind him, but he orders 2 single-scoops: one mint chocolate, one cookie dough. Cookie dough's my go-to.

I forego my own order and follow Tidus to the waiting area. The guy behind the counter quickly hands out the 2 cones. Tidus takes the mint chocolate, and after a moment's pause, I grab the cookie dough.

Wow. Way to guilt trip me with the nice older cousin card.

"Thanks," I mumble to the server. It does not escape me that I'll thank a stranger for food but not Tidus for paying. Anyways, we decide to take a seat and savor our creamy treats in content silence.

Or at least I'm enjoying myself. When I glance up, I notice Tidus staring at me. He quickly averts his gaze, but when I look at him again, he's staring once more. I try to think of the last time Tidus was 'nice to me.'

It was right before he told me my parents couldn't make my championship soccer game in 8th grade.

I then recall my gut feeling from earlier. Tidus' efforts to be tactful have always been rather transparent. It then dawns upon me that he's getting comfortable to...talk.

No, to Talk.

Shit. Shit shit shit.

He can't - I'm not ready to Talk.

Just as I'm coming up with the lamest excuse ever to GTFO ("Mom needs me to water the flowers...yeah, like now), my savior enters - though he's the last person I'd assign that role.

Cause seriously. What has the world come to if I'm calling Sora my savior?

"Hey, what are the chances?" his whimsical voice greets us from the entrance of the store. His wayward appearance distracts the both of us, and we turn towards the familiar brown-haired boy. Judging by his shitty sneakers and sweaty t-shirt, I assume he'd just been playing soccer. Plus, his arrogant tone and cocky smirk are dead giveaways - there's only one thing that makes his ego swell so much.

"Hikari," Tidus greets with a simple nod that Sora returns. Their civil interactions in public always surprise me, 'cause I'm used to seeing them arguing on the field. Not only are they both pretty stubborn, their different positions on the team lead to differing viewpoints on strategy. Plus, they kinda just don't like each other.

I then realize I should probably say hi as well.

"Sora," I greet with as much hospitality I can muster. Which isn't much. Let's just say we aren't the best of friends...for many reasons.

"Kairi. You sound so excited to see me."

Oh, Sora. Please don't use sarcasm ever again. "Cause, Sora, you smell like Tarzan."

"Hey!" he protests. "Says the one with ears bigger than Dumbo's!"

"Hey! Says the one with wider eyes than Minnie!"

"Hey - hey, hey!" Tidus' voice drowns out both of ours. "What does it say about you guys that you insult each other using Disney characters?"

...damn, he has a point. Mental note to upgrade to more age-appropriate comebacks.

"She started it," Sora murmurs.

"Hey! Obviously you did!"

"Guys!"

...Tidus really has that I'm-older-than-you-so-shut-up card going for him now. Sora and I both simmer down.

"...what're you doing here?" Tidus asks Sora.

"Yeah, what are you doing here?" I can't help chiming in. Tidus shoots me a look but I just smile sheepishly and he turns back to the target in question.

Sora narrows his eyes. "Hey, it's a free country. And why do you think people come to ice cream stores?"

"...alright," Tidus concedes. So quickly? And to Sora? When did Tidus get so soft? He pulls out his phone, which I notice is vibrating. After a brief hesitation, he excuses himself to pick up what seems like an urgent call.

Sora shoots me a look I can't decipher so I stare back. He eventually turns away, sidestepping towards the cashier. Whatever. I'm happy with me and my ice cream.

Did I mention ice cream ranks somewhere in my top 5 favorite desserts? Yessiree. The sweet, creamy taste and ultra soft texture are just bomb. Ice cream gives me joy and temporarily makes me blissfully unaware of my surroundings.

"Hey - "

"AHH!"

I try very hard to ignore the stares in my direction. And discreetly wipe off the ice cream on my nose. Which just gets my fingers dirty. Sora laughing on the side doesn't help.

"You're so slow!" he jeers. "And way too easy to spook. I wasn't even trying!"

I - did he just insult my intelligence? And - this is Sora, of all people. I have to strategize now: how to obliterate Sora's existence from this world without crushing the ice cream cone in my hands.

It's really not that easy.

"Sora…shut up."

To my dismay, my sternest tone doesn't intimidate him at all.

"Why do I have to listen to you?"

I resist the urge to growl like a monster. It's like his secret talent or something: Sora Hikari always has a way to get on my nerves. Without fail, he succeeds every time. "I didn't say that. Don't put words in my mouth."

"I didn't say you said that. Don't put words in my mouth," he counters.

"Look at you being so witty. Did you make up a stupid pun to pass the English placement test?"

Sora pauses. Then, a sickening, wide grin stretches across his face. "You're still hung up on that? Really, Kairi, jealousy's not a good look - "

"It's all your fault!" I exclaim. "You kept distracting me during the timed essay!" His placement in Honors English must be a fluke. An administrative error. Like, his name's supposed to be mine, or something.

Cause how is lazy ass Sora smarter than me?

"How did I distract you?" Sora asks.

"You were staring at me. The. Entire. Time!" I pause, briefly considering my words. "Why were you staring at me? What, were you checking me out?"

…

A long stretch of absolute silence, if you disregard the background white noise in the store.

Then, Sora throws his head back and laughs. I get mad, quite predictably at this point - everything about Sora Hikari makes me mad. If looks could kill, he'd be dead a thousand times over by now. Unfortunately, he's immune to my patented Death Glares (they work like magic on Tidus and my brother).

Or maybe he's just dumb and clueless, 'cause he's got half the store staring.

Finally, he catches his breath to speak. "God, Kairi, you're like the most conceited person I know."

"What? Are you sure you're not talking about yourself?"

"I wasn't even looking at you!" Sora explains. "I was looking at Naminé. She was right next to you."

I perk up at the mention of my one and only bestie. "So you were checking her out?"

"Seriously, Kairi." Sora gives me a look, and for a moment - a brief, transient moment - I feel like a child being scolded by an adult. The moment passes, and all I feel is condescension coming off Sora in waves. "She kept clicking her pen, and it was bothering me. Why would I check out someone during a test? I don't know about you, but I've got my priorities straight…"

"I have my priorities straight!"

"But you didn't get in Honors English."

"I - I - " Dammit, damn him, damn everything about this situation! When did I start losing arguments to Sora Hikari? "This is all your fault anyways!"

"My fault? I didn't do anything - "

"SERIOUSLY, YOU GUYS!"

Huh. I've never noticed, but Tidus is pretty good at this whole authority-figure thing. I almost feel a little guilty under his scrutinizing glare. After we quiet down, I realize that my little fight with Sora has attracted the attention of everyone in the store. I gulp nervously, and Sora hesitantly rests his hands by his sides. We try to assume...unassuming positions, but it's hard to remove the spotlight from us.

"I turn away for 5 minutes and you're fighting, again?" Tidus exclaims. "I can't believe you're both so immature!"

"Who're you to call us immature?" Sora mutters.

I don't like him attacking family, so I jab him in the ribs with my elbow. He winces, hastily raising a hand to prevent further attacks.

"STOP IT!" Tidus bellows again, at which we stop all movement. "Seriously, I can't believe I - you know, I just wanted to - you know what, never mind. Kairi, let's go. Hikari, I'll see you."

Tidus exits the store and I follow suit. But not after shooting Sora a look. I know he wants to get the last word in, but I run off before he has the chance. Ha, in his face!

I get in the car with Tidus in silence. If anything, he's in a worse mood than pre-ice cream run. I even turn on the sports station for him, but the frown still doesn't leave his face.

Though I think I've won the battle, it feels like I'm losing the war.

I drop Tidus off and offer him a ride tomorrow morning, cause I'm a good person like that. After a long pause, he agrees. Or grunts, which I interpret as 'yes please but I don't want to seem too eager.' I don't count on any mishaps dropping Tidus off, but a loud shriek proves me wrong.

"TIDUS!"

I automatically freeze. I'd recognize that voice anywhere - I've known her almost half my life - but since I've been dodging her the past few months...it's been awhile since I've heard her in person. Instinctively, I press myself into the car seat, trying to make myself small and unnoticeable.

It then occurs to me that Tidus set this whole thing up. Cause no way she just happens to pass by the one time I give Tidus a ride home. But the shock on his face suggests he's just as surprised to see her - though I don't know why, considering she's his girlfriend.

"H - hey, Selphie…" Tidus begins awkwardly. His eyes meet mine briefly, but I quickly turn my attention to the radio. "Selphie, what're you doing here?" He steps out the car without closing the door behind him. Jerk.

"Why are you avoiding me?" Selphie asks.

I almost laugh out aloud. I really do miss Selphie's refreshing honesty.

"Wha - no, I - I'm not avoiding you," Tidus says defensively.

"Well, then why would you catch a ride with someone else but not me? Is something wrong? You can talk to me. Oh, hi Kairi."

Her offhand greeting comes out so naturally, especially considering how we left things.

Yeah, I might've blown a top - or a few - when I found out my cousin and oldest friend since elementary school are dating. I just - I didn't - how could they? I've already called Tidus out on screwing up my friendship with Selphie just so they can fool around. In all subsequent conversations we've had post-BB (short for Big Betrayal, as I've dubbed it), we try to ignore that issue and conduct small talk only for as long as necessary.

With Selphie, the last thing she told me was, 'Let me know when you pull your head out of your ass. Then we can talk!'

She wants to talk about my ass? Well, what about hers? What about the fact that she chose my cousin over me? How do I know that our friendship was real and she wasn't just using me to get close to Tidus? Now that I think back on all the memories we share, how do I know which feelings are genuine and which are feigned? How can she choose a fling over an 8-year friendship?

She's why I've named this whole debacle BB - how could she betray me like this?

I'll admit, I tend to overreact and just make things worse when I see her. That's why I've been avoiding her for the time being. I'd thought maybe she'll realize why dating my cousin is a big mistake.

From inside my car I look up at Selphie. They've been dating for 7 months. I'm still holding out that she'll come to her senses.

"Hi," I mumble before quickly turning towards Tidus. "See you tomorrow morning," I say, cause I'm ready to get the hell out of here.

"Wait, she drives you to school too?" Selphie exclaims. "Tidus, I offered and you refused! Why would you say no to your girlfriend and yes to your cousin we're both in a fight with?"

Well. You get Selphie's bluntness wherever and whenever.

Tidus visibly flinches, eyes darting towards the side. Dear god, please just let me gooooo. How the hell did I even get caught up in this mess?

Right - I'm close to these two dumbasses who started going out.

They're having some sort of domestic dispute, which I take as my cue to sneak out. I reach over to close the shotgun seat's door when Selphie rests a hand on it. I glance towards her, highly suspicious of her smile - very forced, very fake.

Finally, she speaks. "It's nice seeing you, Kairi."

A billion possible responses run through my mind, but I don't actually voice any of them. My school year resolutions come to my mind - am I ready to execute them? Shoes, shoes! My eyes dart towards her shiny ballet flats.

But my tongue feels so heavy, and my throat feels like it's rubbing against sandpaper, and I really really don't wanna screw things up any more than they are already -

"See you," I respond quietly, straightening my back. Selphie closes the door for me and I pull out of the driveway before I can do anything else.

As I drive home, Selphie's words drift through my mind. Her distant politeness hurts almost as much as the cruel words we'd exchanged in our BB confrontation. I sigh wearily, parking by my mom's car and stomping up the front porch steps.

Life was a lot simpler before the wrong people started confessing to each other.

A/N: Derp what am I doing? Good question.

It's been awhile since I've posted for the fandom, so I thought I'd give myself the kick in the bottom I need and just post something. This is gonna be a slice-of-life highschool!AU. From Kairi's list, you can maybe foresee some plot I have planned, but beyond that - I'm just gonna roll with it.

Happy New Years! May you be well-rested to get back to work. God knows I'm not.