#Sokai fanfiction

[lightwithinthedarknessu]

Destined ※ Star Speckled Sunset  

A SoKai Fic written for @twosidesfanzine

I had a deliciously sweet time writing for @twosidesfanzine and was paired with the wonderful @wiavi who created the most beautiful spot art for the story! Leftover sales are still open so head on over here to pick up your very own sokai and rokunami cookbook!

Thank you so much for having me!

Summary: As the first step on their next journey, Sora and Kairi return to the Islands to fulfill a long-held tradition. Along the way they meet a few friends and reaffirm just how sweet it is to cook together side by side. Set post-KH3, featuring familar friends from the Islands, seafaring folklore, reaffirmed oaths, new outfits, and descriptions of delicious sweets.

Full fic under read more and on AO3

Kairi took a deep breath, savoring the soft breeze as she stepped onto the island shore. Their round-trip visit to Master Yen Sid’s was longer than expected, earning a stretch and a yawn from Sora as he exited the Gummi Ship. His dark red hoodie peeked out from underneath his dark grey and black cotton jacket. Paired with his lax and loose cargo pants, Sora looked like he had finally grown into his clothes. Kairi jogged up behind him, dressed from head to toe in a long light pink overcoat. Her pink plaid flare dress swayed as she linked arms with Sora, beaming at the realization they’d made it back, safe and sound.

Sora and Kairi were done for now with fighting Heartless, Nobodies, and denizens of darkness. Their long-held promise of traveling the worlds was a reality. When deciding where they would begin their journey, the islands were an obvious choice. A world filled with greetings and partings. It only seemed fitting that they meet with their friends before going off on a long journey.

Kairi was practically giddy at first. But now, seeing their little island off in the distance, her eyes began to sting. The image of Sora fading away shimmered in her mind’s eye. Her racing heart faltered at the memory as she clung to him a bit tighter.

“It feels just like yesterday, that we were here,” she said, taking another breath to steady herself.

Sora tilted his head, not sure what brought on her sudden change. But a grin soon spread across his face as he put an arm around her waist to pull her closer. ��Hmm, just tells you that nothing really changes! I’m glad, it’s nice to be back. I can’t wait to see everyone!”

Kairi reddened at their sudden closeness before easing into his rhythm. Sora was right, the Islands never changed, not really. Even if they had, it was a comfort to return to a place so closely tied to their hearts. “Yeah, and this time we aren’t saying goodbye, not really. It’s more like we’re setting off again and it’s an exciting journey. I can’t wait to see what other worlds we’ll find!” Kairi giggled as she broke free from his embrace and ran ahead of him. The tall hill before them extended off past the horizon.

Sora put his hands on his hips and drank in the scene of his hometown. There were a few new rooftops and terraces sprinkled about, but all in all, it was the same sleepy little beachside town he loved. “Yeah! I wanna see all that’s out there. But I’m glad to be back home for a bit, one last time before we set off on our own adventure. No Heartless, no Nobodies, just the two of us.” Sora beamed at her. It was a smile as bright as the sun on a clear summer’s day. Kairi felt all her past worries fade into the shadows cast by his light.

“Hmm, there may be some Heartless around. But I know you and I can take 'em!” Kairi pumped a fist as Sora fell into light laughter beside her.

“I know,” he said, gripping her hand a bit tighter. “So, where should we stop by first?”

Kairi traced the outline of a small square of double-folded paper in her jacket pocket. There was a place she wanted to go, and something she wanted to do—fulfill a dream she’d had for a long time. “Do you remember—when your mother first invited me over for your father’s Voyager Dinner?”

“Yeah, of course!” Sora grinned.

“Your mom…she told me the legend behind it, back then you know,” Kairi began.

***

It was both long ago, and yet just yesterday that a treasured memory took root in Kairi’s heart one sunset-kissed evening. It all began after a full day at the beach looking for sea glass with Sora. The two had taken their little haul and rushed to O’aka’s Odds and Ends, fully expecting to stuff their cheeks with candy before dinner. O’aka would usually buy the little bobbles from the kids in exchange for a bottle of Ramune or sweets. But not this evening. Instead, the two ran into Sora’s mother, who was out shopping for a “Voyager’s Dinner.”

“What’s a Voyager’s Dinner?”

“A seafarer’s wish of good luck,” Sora’s mother explained. 

Sora soon stepped in with his own excitement and described how delicious the dessert was—asserting that Kairi had to have dinner with them and try it.

Wide-eyed and filled with curiosity, Kairi stood next to Sora’s mother in the kitchen that night, her tiny hands gripping the counter as she diverted all her attention to the woman’s careful movements. A gentle folding of dough and a scattering of cubes of butter left the little girl salivating. As Sora’s mother began to smooth the dough, Kairi dared to ask what it was she was making. What made it so special? Slowly, the woman’s voice filled with the crackle of the warmth of a fire and weaved a tale.

“Long ago, the seas were rougher and the night sky darker than it is now. Only a few stars twinkled in the sky and could guide seafarers to their destination. The mainland itself was larger, much larger than it is now, and connected to so many other villages. And the sea, well, it was so large that you could travel hours by boat and only barely see the shore of another island. Our people, spurred on by the tales of passing travelers, took up their masts and set out to sea to find new lands, aware of the dangers and all they could lose.

Still, despite the pleas of their families , many decided they must set off for broader horizons. And so, the mothers, fathers, lovers, and friends banded together to wish their passionate travelers well. One proposed that they use the mystical properties of the paopu to ensure their loved ones would return. Another felt they should make a dish that could give them the warmth of home for one last time. And so, they put their heads together and created something that could give both. A crust so thin and crumbly, filled with the richest butter to sate their appetites. A smooth crème to cut the fat, and lastly topped with the tart soul-connecting fruit.

They say that even after the world changed and the stars in the sky grew in number, eating this tart brought their loved ones home even years later. And so we continue to make it as a send-off, a way to wish them a safe voyage home and remind them of the connection we share. We don’t use the paopu much anymore…but I like to sneak it in. Don’t tell anyone else, ok?” 

***

Back then Kairi had giggled and found herself dreaming of what it would be like to create her own tart for someone she loved. And now was the perfect time to make that dream a reality. She licked her lips as she fumbled with the small slip of paper in her hand.

“I had forgotten about it—the recipe I mean. Until I remembered your name again. Somehow, I knew I’d see you again soon so—I asked your mom for it.” Kairi gingerly handed Sora the recipe and placed her hand over his. “I couldn’t find the right time to make it till now but…this time...”

Sora’s eyes were focused on her the whole time, searching her expression for the truth behind her eyes. He knew what she wanted to say and it made his heart flutter. “Let’s make it together since we’re leaving again. We can go say hi to everyone while we shop for ingredients!”

Kairi beamed. He always seemed to notice what she wanted to do even before she said the words. Hand in hand the two headed off to find all they needed.

***

Word got out fast around Destiny Islands. For a seafaring village, gossip and new arrivals were always the talk of the town, so Sora and Kairi’s return didn’t go unnoticed. Reunions abounded with familiar faces, some tearful and others filled with laughter as the two visited store after store hunting for ingredients. The pair even stopped by O’aka’s and ran into a bubbly Selphie who got in a few teasing comments. 

“Here for some special ‘announcement’ to your parents before going off again?”

Kairi and Sora bashfully took a glance at one another—they had never told anyone how committed they were, yet Selphie already knew at a glance. Now wasn’t the time, but maybe someday they’d share everything with their families and friends. 

As Kairi and Sora gathered their ingredients, a familiar pair of friends entered the shack with the loudest and cheeriest of greetings. Tidus and Wakka, although a bit taller, had hardly changed at all. Kairi admired how easily the two conversed with Sora as if no time had passed since he’d last been home. It was heartening to see how much of an impact he still had on their hearts. With a brisk goodbye and promise of a reunion, the two bid farewell to their friends. 

Before leaving, Selphie slipped a grateful Kairi a bag of fruits. Inside shined a ripened paopu fruit. With a wink and a smile, a girl starving for the future juicy details wished her traveling friend good luck.  

****

Kairi was reminded of Sora’s cooking skills immediately upon entering his mother’s kitchen. Although it had been years, the boy knew where everything was kept and didn’t miss a beat gathering the pots and pans they needed.

Joy filled his features as the two poured over his mother’s detailed recipe. Kairi could tell he was excited to use what he had learned from Remy on a dish all his own. Teasingly, she suggested that he should teach her a few skills along the way. 

Sora got into the idea more than she expected and took on his own little chef role to guide her through the process. With every chop, sift, and stir, the klutzy boy from her memories was replaced by the image of a true chef.

The crack of a perfect egg by two and a whisk of sugar. The gentle click of a gaslit stove and a warm simmer of coconut milk slowly helped the pair gain a rhythm as they baked. 

While the pastry crème chilled, the two made the puff pastry. Along the way, Kairi tossed a pinch of flour at Sora in a sudden fit of mischief, earning a teasing grin and a dash of flour to her own face. His laughter filled the air. It reminded Kairi of the wholeness she had felt back then cooking alongside Sora’s family in a home filled with laughter and love. 

After the chopping of fruit and a couple of hours of reminiscing, the tart was complete. Or so Sora thought. Kairi insisted on adding one more special fruit. With an impish grin, she pulled out her secret ingredient, much to Sora’s heartfelt surprise.

Together, the two dotted the top of the tart with thin slices of paopu fruit. 

***

Kairi and Sora arrived at the Play Island with a wicker picnic basket dangling between them. Gingerly, Sora hoisted Kairi up onto the paopu tree before taking his place beside her. The setting sun before them was a welcome sight—a perfect end to their last day on the islands. Tucked inside the basket was the tart, glistening like the evening sunset. Sora cut a slice for the two of them. He held up a slice to Kairi with a boyish grin, taunting her to take a bite. 

An ache that had long persisted inside her heart faded away at the gesture. For over a year she couldn’t bring herself to visit the island—not until she brought Sora home. It was a fleeting dream come true to be here, with him, full and whole. Beaming, she held up her own slice—the two completing the ritual once more. 

The taste of their shared tart was sweet and refreshing, the tang of the fruit juice filling their taste buds with the nostalgia of home and the sunset’s burst of light. Gone was the bittersweet memory of their last parting at the base of the paopu tree, replaced with the promise of a new beginning.

“You know, back at that Voyager’s Dinner—I was so happy you were there, Kairi. It felt like a piece I was missing had finally fallen into place,” Sora said, red kissing the tips of his ears.

Kairi leaned in and gave Sora a playful kiss. “Me too. I felt at home. You were all so welcoming, and it was like a part of me that was missing became whole. My home is with you Sora, now and forever.”

Sora interlaced their hands and smiled. “No matter where we go, or how far, our connection will bring us back—

“Safe and sound.” Kairi finished. A promise and a childhood wish were fulfilled against the fading horizon, a tried and true guarantee for a safe voyage. 

Notes:

Written for Two Sides Zine Volume 2: A SoKai and RokuNami Cookbook! I'm so thankful to have had the chance to write for sokai, a dream come true project and I had the most amazing time working on it!

Thank you to Wiavi for bringing the story to life with her gorgeous spot art. It was amazing to work together and I just adore how you protrayed the scenes! Kairi's conflicting emotions come through so brilliantly and their little chibi forms cooking make my heart warm every time I see them!

And thank you to Phoenix and Liv for editing the story. Your feedback and lovely comments during the whole process really made this zine piece a love letter to SoKai and I grew so much as a writer because of it! It was so wonderful and a blast to work alongside everyone! I had so much fun and truly loved every minute.

Thank you to @true-intha-blu for the absolutely delicious tart recipe that inspired the same tart in the story! Your feedback and direction for the recipe made every mouth-watering detail come to life in words, I'm so happy we got to work together! If you haven't, definitely pick up a copy of the zine to enjoy the delicious recipes <3 Thank you all so much!

[phoenix-downer]

Where I Belong Chapter 5

Where I Belong: ~2430 words. Kairi wanders Quadratum searching for Sora.

Story Info: Sora/Kairi. Starts during the end of KH3/during ReMind and moves into KH4. Kairi POV. Angst, Romance, Fluff.

Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4 | Chapter 5

Kairi’s eyes fluttered open. Hazy street lights slowly came into focus, and her cheek was squished against a cold slab of concrete. Drip, drip, drip, came a light, misty rain plopping into a nearby puddle. Groaning, she sat up. The last thing she remembered was grasping a clump of earth on the shores of the Styx. But she wasn’t on a riverbank. She was lying on a city street. It was night, but the rain plus the lights from the city so overpowered the stars that she couldn’t see them twinkling in the sky. 

Was this Quadratum? Had she really made it? Horns blared nearby, and she scrambled to her feet. She was on a giant crosswalk, standing on top of brilliant white reflective paint telling her to get off the road already. She followed its advice, running towards the nearest sidewalk as fast as her legs could carry her. 

Once she was safely across, she took stock of her surroundings. A big, towering building with a neon red 104 sign blinked at her from across the way. 104, huh? Four was the number of death. Four was in the name of Quadratum. This place had to be it. It had to be. 

But where was Sora? Frowning, she fiddled with her necklace. She’d been so focused on getting here that she hadn’t put much thought into what she’d do once she actually made it. Find Sora, of course, but how? The city was huge. 

Closing her eyes, she focused on her heartbeat and forced her breathing to be even. In, out, in, out. A calm body led to a calm heart, a calm mind.  

Opening her eyes again, she felt the urge to just…walk. She wasn’t sure where she was going, but each time she reached a new street or alleyway, she somehow knew where to turn. She passed cute cafes and colorful restaurants, quiet office buildings and raucous karaoke venues and music stores playing multiple tracks at once. And on every corner there was a vending machine or a convenience store or something that drew her eye. Weaving through the streets of Quadratum was like navigating a forest of tall buildings, and even at this time of night there were plenty of people around.

The minutes ticked by and turned into half an hour, then an hour, and still she kept walking. Her feet were getting tired, but if she could just find Sora, everything would be okay. She had no money from this reality to buy a bus ticket or subway ticket with; all she could do was walk. 

After another hour had passed, she reached the outskirts of this big green area called Ueno Park according to the signs she found. She’d stumbled upon Shinobazu Pond, a large pond split into several sections with an island in the middle. On the island was a temple called Bentendō, and Kairi admired it for a little while before continuing her search. Even with the city lights all around the park and the light within the park, it was still a little eerie walking around by herself. On a whim she summoned her Keyblade to make sure she still could. Every now and then she saw other people, and while everyone so far had left her alone, she wanted to be ready to defend herself, just in case.

Further exploration of the park revealed a shrine, a zoo, and multiple museums, all of which were currently closed. She wondered about the history of this place, about what she might find if she wandered inside the buildings. An entire reality’s worth of knowledge and information. What would the people here think of someone like her? Would they believe she was from not just a different world, but a different reality?

She searched as much of the park as she could for Sora. When at last her feet were so tired she couldn’t walk anymore, she collapsed on the edge of a big, beautiful fountain across from the Quadratum National Museum. It reminded her of the fountain she’d sat at with Sora at Herc and Meg’s villa. The shape was even similar, a long rectangle with half circles coming off the sides. But Sora was nowhere to be found. 

Where was he? Quadratum was so huge that she could spend years searching it and never find him. She was exhausted and hungry and cold. Streaks of gray stretched across the horizon; she’d been searching all night for him. A few tears dripped down her cheeks and splashed into the waters of the fountain. What good was coming here if she couldn’t even find him?

He wasn’t gone for good. She knew he wasn’t. And yet he wasn’t here. He wasn’t coming for her. But a part of her wanted him to.

She wiped her eyes. Stupid, selfish. She was supposed to find him. That was the whole point of her journey, wasn’t it? It was the least she could do after all he’d done for her. And she would find him, she just needed a good cry. If she could get it all out of her system, she’d be fine. 

She wasn’t fine. The tears just kept coming and coming. 

“Hey, are you alright?” came a voice from behind her. It was deep and low and surprisingly gentle.

Embarrassed, she ducked her head and hurriedly wiped her eyes. “Oh, um, I’m fine.” She was making such a scene that even a random stranger had noticed. She supposed she should be nervous about an unknown man speaking to her, but she wasn’t. 

Maybe her exhaustion meant she was lowering her guard.

“You’re crying,” the young man said, and he sounded very sorry that she was. She lifted her eyes to get a better idea of who she was talking to. It was a little less dark outside, but her interlocutor wore a hood over his head, and his face was covered in shadow.

“Who are you?” she asked, more curious than sad now. Who was this guy, and why was he hiding his face from her?

“I heard you crying,” was his answer, “and I knew I had to come.” His voice cracked on the words like her tears had broken his heart.

She frowned and tilted her head. “Huh?” She was so tired that her mind was a complete muddle. This guy’s concern was touching, but why was he so worried about her, they didn’t even know each other. None of this made sense and all she wanted to do was sleep—

“Kairi.”

Her heart jumped into her throat and got stuck there, making it hard to breathe. This wasn’t possible. It couldn’t be. Sora’s voice was so dear and wonderful and perfect, and she’d missed it so, so much. She was only imagining this stranger was Sora, she was mixing them up, Sora’s voice didn’t sound like this—

He lifted his hood, revealing his face at last. “Kairi, it’s me.” 

His clothes were different, his hair was different, his face even looked slightly different and his voice definitely sounded different. But none of that mattered. His big blue eyes would always give him away, and all these changes meant he wasn’t dead. He was alive. 

She raced towards him and threw herself into his outstretched arms, crying out his name. He wrapped his arms around her and held her so tightly that she could hardly breathe. His entire body trembled as they embraced, and Kairi memorized everything about this moment—his warmth, his scent, his touch. Every inch of her was affected by his presence, like she’d stepped out of a storybook and into the real world at long last. 

For being dead, she’d never felt so alive. Night was over and the day had dawned, revealing Sora to her like she was Psyche seeing Eros for the first time.

“You came for me.” Sora’s words were a whisper, a plea, a prayer he could hardly voice. Like he couldn’t believe she was really here. 

“Of course I did,” she said. She pulled away a little to look him in the eye. How dear he was to her. Older and sadder and wiser, but still her Sora. Still kind and brave and good, still fighting for what was right, still trying to protect people, to save them.

“You didn’t have to,” he said. “You could’ve stayed safe at home.” 

She cupped his cheek and watched him melt into her touch. Like he was a starving man and she’d just offered him a feast. “But then I’d have to be apart from the person I love most, and that life would be empty.” 

She expected to see his beautiful Sora smile. For his face to light up with joy and a delighted response to burst forth from his mouth. But instead he burst into tears, a torrent of emotion pouring out of him like a waterfall as she watched, stunned. Like he hadn’t cried at all from the moment they were separated until now. His legs gave out, and he crumpled to the pavement at her feet. His broken weeping echoed across the entire area, and her heart swelled with compassion. 

“Oh Sora, did you really think I’d abandon you to fate, to death?” she asked, gently stroking his hair. It was so soft and silky between her fingers. His entire body was wracked with sobs, and she wondered how much he’d had to hold in until now. How much pain and suffering he’d absorbed and carried like a human vessel until he couldn’t bear it anymore. 

“I’m here, it’s okay,” she murmured soothingly. He looked up at her through his tears, his big beautiful eyes filled with gratitude. She smiled tenderly at him, and he wrapped his arms around her and buried his face in her stomach. A hot blush crept up her cheeks—he’d been bold before they’d parted, but never quite this bold before. But it wasn’t a bad change, not at all. She kept stroking his hair as he comforted himself with her presence, the only salve that could soothe his malaise. 

“Kairi,” he said, and hearing him say her name with all the tenderness and love in his heart was such a gift. His tears came from a heart so overwhelmed by her devotion that it couldn’t bear her love. And yet he was bearing it, bearing it and basking in it and taking comfort in it. 

You are loved. You are so, so loved, and I hope you know you’re not just worth dying for. You’re worth living for, too.

She bit her lip. Should she say that out loud, or would it be too much? She didn’t want to overwhelm him any more than she already had or overdo it. 

But then she thought of how precious every moment with him was. How she regretted not telling him more of what was on her heart before he was gone. How she wished they’d kissed. 

“I understand now, why you would sacrifice yourself for me,” she said softly, and he looked up at her, his red-rimmed eyes searching hers. “And I would do the same for you, again and again. But you’re not just worth dying for. You’re worth living for, too.” She smiled, her heart so full of affection that she thought it would burst. “I love you, Sora, and when I’m with you, I know I’m where I belong.” 

She watched as her words washed over him, as he was engulfed by the depths of their reality. They overwhelmed him all over again, and he wept and wept and wept. All she could do was console him as best she could. There was a remedy for loneliness and sorrow, but how could she possibly hope to comfort someone so wounded by love’s arrows? 

When at last he’d calmed down, he wiped his eyes and struggled to his feet with shaking legs. Then he pulled her into another hug so tight she thought he’d never let go. His embrace was strong and firm, like he was strong with her, like she was sharing her strength with him. 

“Thank you, Kairi,” he said, his voice low but steady. Confident in her love and her support. He was so selfless and caring that sometimes it was like he forgot he mattered, like he needed to be told his life was valuable too. That he was worth more than just what he could do for other people. And who better to tell him that than the person who loved him with all her heart?

At last they parted, and he had a beautiful smile on his face. There was her radiant Sora smile, and she shared in his joy and returned his delight. His eyes flickered to her lips and then met her eyes again, and she felt her blush return with a vengeance. Was he really gonna go for it this time? 

Oh yes, yes he was. He cupped her cheek, and her breath caught in her throat as her heart thundered in her chest. He was gonna do it, he was really gonna do it. He parted his lips and tilted his head, and her eyes fluttered shut. She waited a few deliciously agonizing seconds, then felt his lips meet hers in a tender kiss. They were both a little hesitant, a little unsure at first, but a second kiss and then a third boosted their confidence and emboldened them to explore uncharted territory together.

This was real, opening her eyes to a new realm, awakening her to a world bursting with color and sensuality when before she’d been living a black and white existence. And Sora was at the center of it all, guiding her even as she guided him, bringing life and color as she brought light and warmth. All those days and weeks and months without him were only a bad dream. She’d been cast into a deep Sleep but was awake now, revived by his life-giving kiss. 

When at last they parted, he gave her a contented smile. “Thank you, Kairi,” he said again, his voice playful, his eyes dancing with joy. 

She grinned and squeezed his hand. “You’re welcome, Sora.” 

She wasn’t sure yet how they’d get home. She wasn’t sure yet when they’d get home. But being with Sora was worth it. It was more than worth it. When she was with him, she was where she belonged. And together they’d figure out a way to cross the River Styx, to traverse realms, to jump realities, until they made it home.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A/N: A big thank you to everyone who’s liked, reblogged, and commented on this story! I really appreciate it ❤️ 

I’ve written a few stories about Sora and Kairi reuniting, and so far they’ve been set in Shibuya each time. So I wanted to do something different and went with Ueno Park. It’s just this beautiful green space in Tokyo with lots of cool things to do. The fountain where Sora and Kairi reunite is real, and it’s in this big open space across from Tokyo National Museum lined by trees on either side. By a happy coincidence it really does have the same shape as the fountain where Herc and Meg sit in the Hercules movie and where Sora and Kairi sat for their conversation back in Chapter 2. 

Also, the water/tears symbolism in the KH3 opening and secret ending made me want to feature water and tears as a key element of their reunion. I also just like the simplicity of it all, instead of this big epic mid-battle reunion, Sora finds Kairi quietly crying by a fountain because he knew she was grieving.

I also googled how long it would take to walk from the Scramble Crossing in Shibuya to Ueno Park to make sure those details were correct, and realistically Kairi could spend a good chunk of the night walking from Shibuya to Ueno Park and then walking all around Ueno Park. I also just really liked the idea of her searching for him a la Psyche wandering the earth searching for Eros.

Kairi not recognizing Sora at first was something that came to me as I was writing. For two of the stories I’ve written about their reunion, he’s lost his memories and thus doesn’t recognize her, and then for one of the stories they both have their memories fully intact and are reunited mid-battle. So I wanted to mix things up a little. And then I wondered why Kairi might not recognize him at first and came up with a few possible reasons: exhaustion, not expecting to find him here, he’s changed, his face is hidden from her initially, etc. I also wanted those Eros and Psyche vibes with Kairi not seeing Sora’s face at first. Earlier in the story he relates to Eros hiding his face/appearance from Psyche because he wants Kairi to love him for him and not because he’s a popular beloved hero etc., so I wondered if he wouldn’t approach Kairi disguised to see if she still knows it’s him despite how much he’s changed. Her recognizing him when he says her name is a trope I am always a huge sucker for so I loved including it here. 

Also, Aquafolia requested one or both of them falling to their knees in relief, and for this story it just felt right for it to be Sora. I kept thinking about how he’s had to be so strong this whole time and has been thrown into fight after fight, not really getting the chance to grieve, and so seeing Kairi again? I think it’s very possible all the feelings he’s had to hold back for so long would finally come out all at once. And then Aquafolia also suggested Kairi echo the line, “I’d have to be apart from the person I love most, and that life would be empty” to Sora. 

And then the kiss at the end of the chapter. In the Hercules movie, Herc and Meg are interrupted twice before the third time’s the charm and they get to kiss, so I wanted to make a shoutout to that with this story (Pegasus interrupting Sora and Kairi in Chapter 1, the two of them wanting to kiss in Chapter 3 but running out of time, and now, finally, in Chapter 5 they get to kiss). And then they kiss three times because I always enjoy a good Chikai/Oath reference. 

I also couldn’t resist more Eros and Psyche references with Sora awakening Kairi with a kiss. I wanted to show it was perhaps not a literal waking from sleep, but the two of them awakening to all these new experiences. And with the interiority here from Kairi, I was inspired by Kate Bush’s song “The Sensual World,” especially the lyrics “Stepping out of the page into the sensual world” (which Kate Bush wrote as if the character Molly Bloom from Ulysses were stepping into the real world) because Quadratum being this different reality is so interesting to me. How would it feel for Sora and Kairi to experience a more realistic reality after living in a fairy tale/fictional reality? To go from being these characters in a video game story to living in the real world. And then there’s another, double meaning there, that once Kairi is reunited with Sora, she feels like she’s living in a realer, fuller world. Everything becomes more vivid, and she appreciates how rich and alive the world around her is.

(I realized I didn’t note this earlier, but Chapter 3 was inspired by another Kate Bush song, “The Fog,” from the same album. I love the lyrics, “But I can’t let you go / if I let you go / you slip into the fog,” I feel like that really captures Kairi’s mental state after KH3. I wanted to contrast that foggy state of mind to how vivid everything feels for her when she's reunited with Sora).

Then that brings us to the title of the chapter and the story—Kairi telling Sora that when she’s with him she’s where she belongs to echo Hercules telling Meg the same thing at the end of the movie. 

Congrats if you’ve read to this point lol, I just had a lot of thoughts and feelings about this chapter and this story, and I hope you enjoyed it and enjoyed reading about some of the background that went into writing it. Thank you to Aquafolia for providing the prompt, and a big thank you again to Liv for proofreading the story for me and giving feedback ❤️ And thank you all for reading!

[kairikeyz]

Happy Sokai Day!

I've been collaborating with a friend for the past few years I haven't posted them here on Tumblr but I decided to post here this year.

We went with something different this year. Which normally I don't tend to do. We wrote a bit of canon this time around.

Here's my friend's part:

[pureangels22]

The Fairest One of All (WIP)

The Fairest One of All Prologue

Once upon a time, in the kingdom of Oblivion, lived a King and Queen whose kindness and wisdom flourished the land. Although they were praised highly by their people, the two rulers longed to have a child of their own.

One winter night while the Queen sat by the window, sewing in her chair, she accidentally pricked her finger and watched as three drops of blood fell onto the snow that covered the window frame. Forming the shape of a rose, the Queen found beauty within the strange sight and quietly prayed to the Heavens for a child as white as snow, red as a rose, and as black as the wood of the frame around the window.

Soon after her prayer, the Queen found herself pregnant and gave birth to a beautiful baby girl with skin as white as snow, lips as red as a rose, and hair as black as ebony. Unfortunately, the Queen became deathly ill after giving birth, and before taking her last breath, she named the child Xion. The King, while happy to have a daughter of his own, silently wept for his deceased wife. He missed her greatly and soon became depressed as the months passed.

After a year had passed the King took another wife. She was a beautiful woman with blonde hair reaching just above her shoulders, and eyes that shined like cyan waters. Her name was Larxene, and although her appearance seemed genuine, her heart was not. Larxene was a very proud and haughty woman, and envied anyone whose appearance seemed to surpass her in beauty.

To ease her mind, she bestowed a wonderful magic mirror with a rim of pure gold and lined with different cuts of jewels, and when she stood in front of it and looked at herself, she would say--

"Magic Mirror on the wall, who is the fairest of all?"

And the Magic Mirror would respond--

"You, My Queen, are the fairest of all."

Larxene would then be satisfied, for she knew that the mirror spoke only the truth.

But Xion was growing up, and grew more and more beautiful as the years passed.

At the age of six, a travesty struck the kingdom as the King fell victim to a horrible sickness. Xion stayed by her father's bedside to help ease his pain in any way she could, but unfortunately, after the third day, the King passed away. With the King now gone, Larxene ruled over the land with an iron fist and the lives of the people in Oblivion became miserable. Without the comfort of her father, Xion grew very alone as Larxene forbade her to mingle with others.

Though she was forbidden, Xion could not stand the look of distraught on her people's faces, and tried her best to help them whenever she could. Through the kindness of her heart, the townspeople took notice of their little princess and grew hopeful for the future.

Now, at the age of sixteen, Xion's appearance changed even more. The beauty within the girl's heart started to make itself known as servants and the townspeople marveled in awe at the fine young lady their princess was becoming. Larxene, however, also took notice of Xion's differences and snarled at the attention she was getting. Fearful that the girl could one day take her place as the fairest one of all, Larxene banished Xion to the servant quarters and dressed her in dirty rags and made her work from sunrise to sunset; believing, that by doing this, she could break whatever beauty Xion possessed within her.

But whispers ran wild through Oblivion and reached the ears of young suitors from other kingdoms about a beautiful maiden who lived within the walls of a shining castle.

[currantlee]

After their final, final battle against Xehanort and in light of the previous night, Kairi's personal issues come to a head. Meanwhile, Sora is dealing with the effects of her sacrifice.

~ 2.5k Words. Rated T (Teens and Older). Touches topics surrounding death and mental health struggles. Read it here or on Ao3

The surface rippled ever so slightly, like water (though Sora was pretty sure it wasn’t water), when their feet touched the ground. It was quiet now, peaceful once more, now that Xehanort was gone once and for all. Sora felt comfortable to remove her scrunchie and let her hair flow freely. There wasn’t a breeze to tousle it so it just kinda fell, sticking together. Sweat? Yeah, probably from the sweat, she felt gross. Sora shook her head to alleviate the stiffness, and to feel the air on her scalp. Yup, that was much better.

The Final World was a beautiful place, unlike anything Sora had ever imagined something like it would be – not that those ideas had ever been more than some vague concepts. It was like standing in the middle of a vast summer sky on a sunny afternoon, pleasantly warm and calm, yet somewhat surreal at the very same time. Nonetheless, Sora felt at peace here, relaxed, moreso than any other place she’d been in her life, and she had been to lots of amazing places. Even her notorious scatterbrain felt somewhat more clear here. Maybe it was because its limitations didn’t exist here – Sora could perceive everything around her at the same time, not like much was happening here anyway, and therefore her focus didn’t jump the same way it usually did. It was like being a part of the universe itself, being one with it, and the universe was limitless. Maybe that was what death meant – simply becoming a different part of a greater whole, returning to it.

The feeling in her hand faded, until it almost wasn’t there anymore. The feeling – or lack thereof – was familiar already. Sora didn’t even have to look at it anymore to know her hand wasn’t quite there anymore. It had become translucent – no, it was vanishing, ceasing to exist within this universe, wherever that might be.

Come to think of it, what was beyond the universe? Was there even a beyond? If death meant becoming a different part of the universe, what did ceasing to exist in it mean? Now that Sora finally had space to really think about it – she couldn’t deny that it scared her, not knowing what lies beyond.

Regardless, she couldn’t say she regretted it. Sure, Sora would have liked to return home alongside everyone else, keep living and laughing alongside them, but… If it meant everyone else could, that was alright with her.

“Why did you do it?”

“Huh?”

Sora turned to Kairi. She stuffed her translucent hand into the pocket of her skirt. The feeling in it was returning, just like it had every other time this had happened, but it was never the same. The more times it disappeared and reappeared, the less real it felt. It was like she wasn’t fully returning, and like more of her vanished into the beyond each time. At first, it had only been her fingertips. Now it was her whole hand, and Sora was sure it wouldn’t stop there.

Kairi had tears in her eyes. “Don’t think I haven’t noticed whatever is going on with your hand!”

Well, that was one thing less to worry about. Not that Sora hadn’t planned on telling Kairi eventually – she just wasn’t sure how to go about it. Kairi was already hurting, and the last thing Sora wanted was to make it worse. Not telling her wasn’t an option either though, so the least she could do was to try and make it less difficult for her.

“It’s not like I wanted to,” she explained. “But I just happened to be there, and if I hadn’t done it, it would have been over. Honestly, I didn’t think about it too hard.”

“But why for me?”

Sora winced at how shrill Kairi’s voice had gotten from all the pain behind it.

“I messed up, Sora, I hurt you, I’m a mess, and I couldn’t even pull myself together enough to not get everyone in danger! If I had only been able to do more… If it wasn’t for me, you wouldn’t be… I’m not good enough!”

It hurt seeing Kairi like this – especially because she was wrong. “It wasn’t just for you, Kairi.”

“Don’t say that just to make me feel better!”

“I’m not, I promise.”

“But…”

Tears were running down Kairi’s cheeks now, and Sora could see her shoulders tremble. She wanted nothing more than to hug her, or at least put a hand on her shoulder, but Kairi seemed like she needed some space to sort herself out.

“But then… Why?”

“Because not doing it wouldn’t have made much of a difference. Except, you wouldn’t be here, that is.” Sora smiled, but it wasn’t out of joy. As good as it would feel to cry together, she knew it wouldn’t help Kairi.

“Maybe it would be better if I wasn’t.”

Sora swallowed. Despite everything, it still shocked her that Kairi was in that much pain. The worst part was, she knew there wasn’t much she could do for her, except hopefully make at least the burdens that had to do with her a bit easier to bear.

“Like I said, I didn’t really think about it. I only knew there was no one left but me, and I wasn’t going to give up,” she reiterated. “I didn’t realize the consequences until it was already too late, so when I knew I could save you and not doing it would only delay the inevitable… I mean, why wouldn’t I?”

“Because I don’t deserve it,” Kairi said quietly.

Sora sighed. It hurt to see Kairi like this. She wanted nothing more than to see her happy, but she also knew that Kairi’s issues ran deep, and addressing them would take time – time she was running out of. She was never going to see Kairi being happy, or even if she was ever going to be, and that was probably what frustrated her the most about the entire situation. At least, she had a chance for happiness now.

“It doesn’t matter what I do, Sora,” Kairi continued. “I could be the best fighter and save the worlds all on my own, it still wouldn’t be enough, and besides, we both know I’m not. In fact, Xehanort even getting what he wanted is my fault! I could have stayed on the islands, and I’d be an even more useless outsider-freak than I already am. Like, I don’t even know what people expect from me! And the worst part is, it never stops!”

Kairi sobbed. “I did everything I could to fit in back home, but I felt miserable and it wasn’t even of any use. I tried to help you guys out, and all I did was to cause more trouble. I got your hopes up too, didn’t I?”

She had, and it hurt. Sora wondered if she had been too pushy when it came to sleeping together – it had felt like a heat of the moment thing at the time, but in hindsight… Then again, Kairi had been the one to suggest sharing a paopu fruit, which was what had started all this in the first place. Part of Sora wondered now if she had really meant it, or if she was just confused. Judging by Kairi’s mood, probably the latter, but that didn’t make Sora feel any better about it all.

“I knew it. I can’t do anything right, I’ll always be berated by someone regardless!”

Sora pressed her lips together. “I’m not berating you.” Her voice sounded quieter than what she had intended.

“But you are!” Kairi snapped. “Just like everyone else is! You all just don’t say anything, as if I didn’t already know that I can’t do anything right! But I’ll tell you something, I’m not dumb! I know what you’re thinking.”

Okay, now she was really going too far. Sora crossed her arms. “Look, I’m not gonna pretend I’m completely fine and unaffected with what happened between us, but I can see you’re hurting, so…”

“Don’t pretend like you’re not mad at me!” Kairi interrupted her. “I know you are!”

“I think you’re projecting now.”

“I’m not projecting!” Kairi shouted. She sighed. “Look, Sora, I… I’m sorry, for everything. I know it’s all my fault, you don’t have to tell me! I don’t know what to do anymore, Sora, okay? Why can’t everyone just leave me alone so I can finally do something, anything right? I don’t want to be this way anymore! Why can’t everyone stop judging me? Why can’t you stop judging me?”

“Kairi, I’m dying , and this is seriously what we’re arguing about?!” Sora immediately regretted saying that, seeing as Kairi was clearly in emotional distress. But she didn’t know what else to say. She didn’t want to spend the rest of her short time arguing with her best friend, but she also felt like nothing she could say was going to convince Kairi that whatever she had concluded in her head was reality, including how others thought and felt, was in fact not true. It was frustrating.

“Well, maybe stop berating me!” Kairi cried. “See, this is exactly what I’m talking about! Everyone always expects things from me, and I, you know, I just want to live my life, it’s hard enough as it is, especially when I know I’ll never be as good as Riku, or you! You don’t have to remind me all the time! But for some reason, people…”

Kairi suddenly fell silent, and it was kind of like time stopped for her briefly. The tears kept streaming down her face, but no new ones came. Even her sobs subsided, and her body became completely still. Sora wanted to say something, but she couldn’t think of anything appropriate.

“No,” she finally whispered. “ Me .”

That… Was not what Sora had expected. She tilted her head slightly, hoping Kairi would elaborate.

“It’s me, I’m the problem. I’m my problem. It’s been me all along.”

Her lip trembled, and only a moment later, she started crying again. Any frustration and anger Sora had felt before… It was gone, seeing her friend like this. She walked up to Kairi and carefully touched her shoulder, briefly at first, but when her friend didn’t seem apprehensive of the physical contact, she put a hand on her shoulder, the one that wasn’t fading… Yet.

“I’m sorry.” Sora didn’t know what else to say.

“No, I should be sorry,” Kairi sobbed. “For being a problem, and not even getting myself together when you’re…”

“Don’t,” Sora interrupted her. “Don’t apologize for feeling the way you do.”

“But… But…” Kairi sniffed. “You said…”

“I said what I said,” Sora cut her off quietly. She wasn’t going to deny that she had meant it. “But it’s hard to see you hurt like this.”

Kairi didn’t reply, so Sora decided to close what little distance remained between them by wrapping her arms around her, loosely and carefully at first, but when she felt Kairi hesitantly putting her hands on her back in response, she gently tightened the hug as Kairi rested her head against shoulder, continuing to cry quietly. Sora could feel the tears forming a wet spot on her shirt.

“It’s okay,” she whispered. “It’s okay…”

“It’s not okay!” Kairi sobbed. “Don’t you realize what this means?”

Yes – that it might be okay, if Kairi turned this realization into healing. It also meant that Sora wasn’t going to be there to see it, to finally see Kairi be happy, and it hurt to know that… But it also made her feel at peace somehow, reassured. Knowing that there was a real hope her death wouldn’t just drag Kairi deeper into that hole.

“If I’m the problem,” Kairi stated, “then I can’t fix myself! I mean, I’m just… Me, and clearly, I’m broken.”

“I disagree.” Sora didn’t even think about that statement for a single second. “If you’re the problem, you can become the solution.”

Maybe she shouldn’t have said that – considering the state Kairi was in, she really hoped she wouldn’t take it the wrong way. Sora bit her lip.

But Kairi didn’t tear up again. In fact, her breathing calmed down and became regular. She stopped crying, but she didn’t stop hugging Sora – she tightened the embrace, and Sora did the same while her hand vanished once more.

“I don’t want to lose you again,” Kairi mumbled.

“I don’t want to go either,” Sora replied. Her vision became blurry, but not from vanishing. Now she was going to cry too.

Before she knew it, there they were, crying together.

Sora lost what little sense of time she had while they stood there – she genuinely had no idea how long it took both of them to calm down again. She only knew that she was trying to burn everything about Kairi into her memory – even if it might not matter in the end – in this moment. The way she sounded, the way she smelled, the way she felt, the way she hugged her.

It was a while before Kairi spoke up again. “There’s nothing we can do to change it, is there?” she whispered, and it sounded more like a matter of fact than a question.

‘No’, Sora wanted to say, ‘I’m sorry.’ And if there was, she’d do almost anything to stay. But Sora found that while she was moving her lips, while she was using her vocal chords like she normally would for talking, no sound escaped her, and she could only shake her head. Despite everything though, she couldn’t say she regretted it, not if it meant that all of her friends were going to be safe, Kairi included. Especially if it meant Kairi had a shot at finding happiness, even if Sora wouldn’t be there to witness it.

Kairi loosened the hug and looked directly at her. Her eyes were still red from crying, and if Sora had to guess, hers were probably as well. They felt swollen.

“You know what?” Kairi said. “Let’s make the most of it then.”

Sora tilted her head, hoping Kairi would get that the gesture was meant as a question.

“Come on. I know you. You always want to do something .”

True, and there was so much stuff she still wanted to do, even though some of it she knew she didn’t have the time left for. But other things… She wanted to go on a date with Kairi if that was alright with her, not even a romantic one necessarily. Just hang out and spend some time together like they used to. She wanted to see her other friends too.

“Let’s make it happen then,” Kairi said, and extended her hand. “Lead the way.”

Sora smiled when she took Kairi’s hand, with her own that hadn’t started to vanish yet so she could really feel how it felt to hold Kairi’s hand. To her delight, a warm, pleasant prickling spread throughout her entire body when she did.

Sora took a step forward. She had some places in mind, but before they went anywhere – there was still someone here she couldn’t bear to leave behind.

[sapphic-sasquatch]

So I've only posted one work! Which isn't.. great, but could be worse tbh.

Anyway I'm gonna try to post something for the KH anniversary #22 aka Sora's birthday so help me decide what to post.

[minijenn]

Story Summary: Eight years ago, the Destiny Islands fell to darkness. The royal family was viciously slain when Lord Xehanort and the sinister Organization XIII used dark magic to take the throne. Except...

There are rumors on the islands. Rumors that young Prince Sora may have survived.

When the prince's betrothed, Princess Kairi of Radiant Garden, offers a reward for his safe return, Riku decides to seize the opportunity to leave the doomed islands once and for all. At the same time, an orphan named Skye sets out to discover his forgotten past in the hopes of finding his family-and his future.

Kingdom Hearts Anastasia AU.

Ships: Sora/Riku/Kairi, Aqua/Terra, Roxas/Namine, Axel/Saix

Rating: G

Warnings: Angst, Trauma, Memory Loss, Violence, Harm to Children, Psycological Trauma

Chapter Summary: Thanks to Riku's persistance, Skye and Princess Kairi finally meet... It was truly amazing how something that took so much time and work to build could fall apart in a matter of minutes.  Riku was still reeling from how fast everything had fallen apart for him as he stood alone outside of the theater. The play had ended a while ago, and after hearing what had happened, Donald and Goofy had rushed back to the hotel in the hopes of catching up with Skye. Riku knew it wouldn’t do any good though. Any trust they might’ve built with him over the past few days had been completely and irreparably broken; not a single thing any of them could say or do would be enough to change his mind now.  He should have known this was never going to work. His plan had seemed so simple, so straightforward when he’d first devised it. But everything had changed when Skye, when the real Sora showed up like the answer to a question he’d stopped asking years ago. Suddenly, it was no longer about him and his selfish longing to see Kairi again. It was about giving Sora back everything he deserved to have, his past, his crown, his kingdom, and all of the things that came along with them. 

Click the link to read more; all comments are appreciated!

[dusky-dancing]

Two Sides Fanzine Preview

I had the pleasure to write a sokai story for the @twosidesfanzine, a sokai and rokunami cookbook featuring recipes, art, and writing based on Disney worlds ✨ Here’s a little sneak peek of my story and some of the beautiful spot art done by @nosieposie! Can you tell which Disney world it’s in yet? 😉

Pre-orders are ending in a few days, so get a bundle while you can! All proceeds will go to Feeding America 🥰

[twilightown]

Kairi is through with her training. It's time for her to take charge and to go on her own journey. Journey with her as she visits various worlds inhabited by characters familiar to all of us as she searches for answers.You never know who she'll run into next.

Chapter 1/?

Humble beginnings for me as an author. :)

“You’d only get in my way.”

                                “You’re not ready yet.”

“You require motivation.”

                                “Will you continue your training as you were before?”

“What difference does one little light make?” 

                                “I need to become stronger.”

“If you have a dream, don’t wait. Act.”

                               “You’re the fire that feeds Sora’s anger.”

—

Enough.

Her intention was to sneak in, drop off the crumpled letter, and go. There wouldn’t be a better opportunity. Riku was searching for Sora, Donald and Goofy were still sharing the group’s findings among the different worlds, and she felt ready. Aqua had trained her exceptionally well. The master had understood the intensity, the eagerness, her haste and hunger.

Kairi had felt ready for a while if she was being honest with herself. It was time. She’d checked in with Yen Sid at his dusty tower often, to see if any news of her friends had come to light. She wanted to be the first to know. Often, he’d be conferring with Merlin, with the good fairies, with Fairy Godmother, someone. She’d reached her limit on ancient magical beings discussing more ancient, more magical beings as well as their mystique. She couldn’t sit around any longer, couldn’t spar any longer, couldn’t wait around. At her core, she’d felt at fault for Sora’s destiny. Theirs were intertwined, afterall. If only I’d been quicker.

If only I’d been stronger.

If only I had stayed back.

If only…

She had to do something. Leaving by myself with no plan is something… Isn’t it?

“My dear, whatever are you doing here alone?” A sweet voice spoke.

Kairi whipped around, not expecting to be caught. The surprise held her tongue. The Fairy Godmother’s dark eyes spotted her letter, left on Yen Sid’s empty desk. “Ah. Your journey’s beginning then?”

After hesitating a second too long, Kairi nodded. Maybe it was the embarrassment of being caught, the guilt in leaving at such a moment but she couldn’t bring herself to look at the older woman.

“Well, I suppose you can’t go in that.” Fairy Godmother caught Kairi by surprise for the second time. Kairi looked up finally. Fairy Godmother. wore a grin from ear to ear. “I can’t?” Her first words of the night, finally opening up her chest as they were voiced.

Fairy Godmother shook her head, her hood following behind her. “I’d like to give you a gift. You’ll need… Hm…” She then was suddenly by Kairi’s side, using her wand this way and that, lifting Kairi’s small arms. Kairi watched in anticipation. “Let’s see, your size… and the shade of your eyes… mhm. Something bold, but powerful. Oh, just leave it to me!”

The small smile that spread across Kairi’s face was powerful, indeed.

Her heart felt light as Fairy Godmother said the words.She closed her eyes in anticipation. “Bippity Boppity Boo!”

Light engulfed Kairi for not the first time. When her eyes finally opened, she scanned her new outfit. 

She’d been given a beautiful, long pink coat that stopped at her knees. Underneath the coat, she saw a pearl-white blouse which reminded her of Namine. A short, black skirt had been accented with pinks and purples in the seams that popped. Finally, a set of black boots reached halfway up her legs. It made her feel grown, respected, and finally seen as the wielder she was. She couldn’t stop admiring the new look. The clothes gave her a confidence she hadn’t felt in recent memory. 

A new voice entered. “Well well, already?”

Stroking his long beard, Merlin stepped up to the women. He eyed Kairi up and down and turned his gaze to Fairy Godmother. He nodded in approvement at the new set of clothes, and focused back on the wielder. 

“And what is the plan?” He demanded.

Kairi stammered, biting her lip finally. 

Merlin understood her impulsivity immediately. “I see, I see. Not fully formed yet. Powerful word there - yet. May I assist? I have just the thing!”

Joy entered Kairi’s chest at the kindness these magical beings had shown her. She nodded. “Yes, please.”

Merlin waved his own wand, and a faint light partnered with a weight sat on Kairi’s shoulder. As the light faded, a familiar piece of machinery was nestled in the space.

“For me? Armor?” Kairi questioned.

“Not just armor! A glider! It’ll help you find your way and guide you from world to world as you travel. It’ll also allow you to return to us. Safe and unharmed, one can hope.” Merlin said.

“I… Thank you. Both of you.” Kairi beamed, grateful for the gifts they’d bestowed. Especially the gift of freedom; that they were allowing her to go. “How can I repay your kindness?”

“You can get home safe.” Fairy Godmother demanded.

“It’d be nice if you could bring back our wayward boys also. This had better be the last time Sora gets himself lost.” Merlin chimed in.

Kairi nodded. “I’ll try my best to bring them back. With all I have in me.” She hugged the both of the older magicians, stretching on her tiptoes for Merlin, and took a deep breath.

“I’m ready. But I think… I think I’m scared, too.” 

“Important things wouldn’t be so important without a little fear.” Merlin stated, matter-of-fact. 

She appreciated the wisdom. “I guess you’re right. This feels too important though. I can’t come back empty handed.”

“No one expects you to come back without them. We’re all ready to look also.” With one sentence, Fairy Godmother made Kairi feel calmer.

“We must have you going off, then!” Merlin smirked.

She nodded. “Thank you. Thank you both, again.” 

“Safe travels!” “We will be seeing you soon, dear.”

With that, Kairi tapped the space on her shoulder. As the light faded, she was surrounded by metallic armor on a glider. 

Now all she had to do was go.

[doodle-sage]

Heeeey

So I started this fanfic into 2021 and finished the editing touched of it this month and I love this piece with my whole heart and would love it if yall gave it a read too <3

If you like Rokushi, many character cameos, self-discovery/growth, found family, and Graduation AU's, this is the place for you!!!

[lightwithinthedarknessu]

“There’s no heart your smile can’t reach.” ➕ “I’m always with you.”

A KH4 speculation illustration + fic, with more chapters to come! 🏙️💞

Chapters 1/3 ✨

Happy SoKai Day!

[phoenix-downer]

With A Smile Chapter 1

~2235 words. Sora/Kairi. Starts during the end of KH3 and moves into KH4. Sora POV. Angst, Romance, Fluff.

This story is dedicated to @tamtam88​​, and the art is by her as well! Thank you again for drawing such a beautiful piece and providing such wonderful inspiration 🥺 ❤️  

Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 

Summary: Sora and Kairi make their final stop on their world tour: home. Before he disappears, he gives her a special gift to remember him by, a paopu hair clip with a deeper connection to his memories than either of them realize. 

Sora had taken Kairi to lots of worlds. All the things he wanted to see and do with her, all the experiences he wanted to share before he was gone. But he couldn’t delay the inevitable forever, and so at long last he took her to the one place he both loved and dreaded. He sensed Destiny Islands before he saw it: the sea-salt lingering in the air, the hot tropical sun beating down on his skin, the crash of the surf nearby. 

“Oh, we’re home,” Kairi noted as they fully materialized, a tinge of sadness in her voice. She glanced at their surroundings. They were on the Main Island a little ways away from the Town Square, hidden behind a few scraggly bushes. The din of the yearly Ocean Festival drifted to their ears, and the smells of fried festival food, sweet candied fruit, and slow-cooked fish wafted towards them.

She released his hand and wouldn’t meet his eyes. “Does this mean…?”

He fumbled with the zipper on his jacket. “Yeah. I don’t know how much longer I have. But I promise I’ll make it through the festival and then to the Play Island. Everyone’s waiting for us.” 

He was fighting fate every second just to stay a little bit longer. To remain just a little further into the future. And while he was fighting a losing battle, he still felt like he’d won. Being with Kairi was his personal triumph, his “reward” as Xigbar had so crudely put it.

Kairi wasn’t a reward, she was his most beloved person. And being with her? No reward could possibly compare. So fate would just have to wait a little longer until he was ready to say goodbye.

He looked at her and knew he never would be. 

A few moments passed like this until at last she met his gaze and smiled. “Then I promise I’ll be brave until then.” 

“Kairi…” There were tears behind that smile, an ocean of pain behind those big blue eyes. Her voice might be playful and lilting, but only so she could hide the tremor and terror in it.

She shook her head. “I can cry when you’re gone. But for now, I want to smile and enjoy the time we have left. What good is it if I spend the whole time you’re still here blubbering?” 

He rubbed the back of his neck. “I’d like to be able to comfort you at least.” That was what a guy was supposed to do for the girl he was going out with, right? And he hated seeing Kairi cry. Especially when it was all his fault. He wanted to fix things, not make them worse. 

She hummed softly, then clasped her hands behind her back in that playful Kairi way he loved. “Then let’s make some memories now that will comfort me later.” 

He nodded. “Okay.” 

She found his hand, and he still felt giddy holding her hand like this. It was so small and soft and gentle, so warm and reassuring. He’d even dreamed about this, and now that his dream was a reality, he couldn’t get enough of it. 

She led him to the Ocean Festival, to the nearest food stall. A cute little octopus mascot advertised the takoyaki for sale, and he treated them both to a set of the fried octopus treat. The breaded part was nice and hot, and the octopus was fresh and delicious, just the way he liked it. They thanked the stall owner (an old family friend) before settling down at a picnic table with a checkered tablecloth on it.

Kairi made it partway through her takoyaki when she frowned and set it down. “Sora, do you think this is your last meal?” 

Yes. “I can’t say I really thought about it,” was all he said out loud. 

Kairi’s lower lip trembled. “It is, isn’t it?” 

Now he was the one who couldn’t meet her eyes. Her pain was like a dagger to his heart. If he said something now, he might really lose it.

“Well,” she continued, her voice chipper again, “it’ll just have to be the best last meal ever. To tide you over until you can eat with me again.”

He smiled softly at that. That was Kairi for you, talking about when they would eat together again, not if. She’d never been one to let fate get in the way of what she wanted. He wished he could follow his heart the way she followed hers. He tried, he really did, but he had his moments of doubt. 

Like right now.

She was not so easily perturbed. She put her hands behind her back and tilted her head in that delightful Kairi way again, making her hair splash across her cheek. “Well?” she playfully prodded. “What do you say?” 

“Sounds good. A big meal to tide me over until I can eat with you again.”

He was rewarded with one of her smiles. “We’re gonna try every single food stall then! Make sure you get all your old favorites!” 

He laughed. “Alright, alright.” She pulled him to his feet, and together they picked up treats and goodies from every single food stall and returned to the trusty picnic table. She teased him and challenged him to eat every last crumb of food, which he did till he reached the point he couldn’t possibly eat another bite. 

She poked his stomach and giggled. “You sure about that? Sometimes I think you have a bottomless pit for a stomach.” 

“I’m a growing boy,” he said, mock seriously. “What did you expect? I’ve gotta get taller than Riku somehow.” 

She stilled, and he wondered if he’d said something wrong. “Kairi?” 

She smiled, whatever it was that was bothering her gone now. “You can eat all you want, but I don’t know if you’ll ever be taller than Riku.” 

He crossed his arms and raised his eyebrow, continuing their playful little game. “Wanna bet?”

She tapped her cheek and pretended to be deep in thought. “Hmmmm, I’ll bet you a date when we meet again.” 

“Deal.” That was a bet he’d be happy to lose. 

She rested her hand on her chin, her lips twitching. “But honestly, Sora, I don’t mind if you never grow any taller. You’re just the right size to make me feel perfectly safe when you hug me.”

His heart fluttered at that, and he felt his face burning. “Really?” 

“Really really.” 

“So…you like hugging me?” 

She giggled into her hand. “I really, really do.”

He grinned. “I like hugging you too.” 

“I’m glad you do.” 

They just looked at each other for a few moments like they were the only two people in existence. Gosh, he was gonna miss her. He had no idea where he was even gonna disappear to, but so long as he was Sora he would long for Kairi, that much he knew. 

“Kairi?” he asked, reaching for her hand so he could weave their fingers together.

She earnestly searched his face. “Yeah?” 

“I, um, I…I…” He wanted to get the words out before he disappeared. Let her know what was in his heart before he was gone. It was the least he could do.

She smiled and shook her head. “Not yet. It’s not time.” She gently tugged at his hand. “C’mon, let’s go look at the trinkets.” 

Once again, she led him to the stalls where old family friends were hawking their wares. A jewelry stall in particular caught his eye thanks to the little hair clip with a paopu fruit on display. Kairi was always tucking a strand of hair behind her ear because her hair tended to do its own thing when she moved around. Maybe this would be a nice gift for her. 

He gave her some munny and told her to pick something out for herself from the clothing stall next door, which bought him time to make his purchase. She returned with a breezy tropical wrap that was varying shades of blue and captured the ocean’s hues perfectly. He complimented her choice and how nice it looked with her eyes, and she thanked him for the compliment and for the gift.

“So, mister,” she said as they strolled idly among the stalls, “what did you send me away for?”

“This.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small pink box. “I know it’s just a little thing, but I want you to have something to remember me by until I come home. It’s only fair when I still have your lucky charm.” He opened the box and handed her the paopu hair clip, and his hand flickered in and out of existence. Kairi’s eyes shimmered with unshed tears, but she smiled and took the gift from him. 

“It’s so pretty, thank you.” She tucked her hair behind her ear. “Could you help me put it on?”

“Sure.” He reached for the hair clip, his fingers trembling a little as he grasped it and undid the clasp. Very carefully, he lifted it and caught a slender lock of her hair, then gently clicked the hair clip into place. Smiling, he took a step back and examined his handiwork. “Kairi, you look beautiful.”

A faint blush dusted her cheeks, and then she smiled so freely and so warmly and so openly that it caught him completely by surprise. Heat crept up his cheeks, and his heart pounded. Was she always this beautiful, or had his feelings for her made her even lovelier to him? Either way, this memory would be etched into his heart forever. She’d asked him to make memories with her that would comfort her later, but he was pretty sure this moment would be a comfort to him too.

“Thank you, Sora,” she said sweetly, then rested a hand over her heart. “I’ll wear it when I come for you.” 

He tilted his head. “When you come for me?” 

She nodded. “When I come for you. I don’t care how long it takes. I will find you and I’ll bring you home.” 

He smiled. That sure was like Kairi, turning his declaration of protection on its head, telling him she’d come for him this time.

“Thank you, Kairi.” He reached for her hand, and together they enjoyed the rest of the festival. He never wanted this to end, but his time was growing short. He wanted to say goodbye to his parents before they went to the Play Island, and so she went with him for moral support. She was there, waiting patiently in the room a polite distance away, when he broke the news of his fate. And she stayed with him as he and his mother and father wept and embraced. He told them he’d be back soon, and he begged them to look after Kairi until then. 

“We will,” his parents promised, and she smiled and nodded. He wanted to ask Riku to watch over her too, but he knew his friend already understood. 

At last it was time to go to the Play Island. He simply opened a portal, and together he and Kairi went through it, reappearing at the paopu tree. 

The sun was sinking low in the sky. Soon it would be dusk, and then all the light would be gone. His life would be gone too, and with it his time with Kairi. 

He was determined not to cry. Their friends were celebrating just a little ways away, and he wanted these final moments with Kairi to be happy ones. 

Together they sat on the paopu tree, and he smiled fondly remembering her boldness when she’d offered him the fruit. That boldness, that complete fearlessness in following her heart, had saved him. Had saved her too. 

He offered his hand, and she took it. He wanted to hold her as close as could be, but he couldn’t do that and look her in the eye or see her beautiful smile. So this was a good compromise. And besides, he wanted to watch the sunset with her, hand-in-hand, side-by-side. Just taking in every precious moment. Home was here and home was her, and soon this would all be nothing more than a memory.

The clouds passed and the sun sank lower and lower in the sky, setting the entire world on fire with its golden light. 

It was time. He smiled and gently squeezed her hand. “I love you,” he said. Funny how three simple words could express an eternity’s worth of feelings from deep within his heart. It felt so good to say them too, to share them with the person who meant more to him than anything.

Her eyes widened and her lips parted, as if his words had come as a surprise. But no, she wasn’t surprised, just overwhelmed. A single tear welled up out of her eye and ran down her cheek, shining brilliantly in the sunset. She smiled bigger than ever, so happy and sad at the same time.

Oh no, he’d made her cry. He hadn’t wanted to make her cry. But she’d been so brave for so long that she couldn’t help it. And that was okay. It was okay to cry. He just wanted to go out with a smile. 

And so he did. As he faded from this reality, her smiling face was the final thing he saw.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A/N: Thank you all for reading! And a big thank you to Tam for collaborating with me ❤️ She provided the story idea and drew the art piece that inspired the moment where Kairi smiles and Sora is just blown away 🥺 ❤️ And then some of her other art inspired moments in the next chapter which will be posted tomorrow for Valentine’s Day 👀 ✨ 

I had a lot of fun working on this one and I hope you all enjoyed ❤️ See you tomorrow!

[oveliagirlhaditright]

Living

Summary: Sora and Kairi visit Lilo and Stitch's world shortly after he's rescued from Quadratum... And while there, Sora expresses an out of character moment of sadness about something. This causes Kairi to want to protect him, thinking that he must still be traumatized by everything that's happened to him, but Sora is quick to assure her that what he needs from her is not her protection.

"This world is beautiful," Kairi commented, taking in the beaches that Sora's friend, Stitch, called home.

In many ways, it reminded her of Destiny Islands, yes—that she would always see as her home—but that wasn't why she thought it was moving. Rather, it was so sweet to think that Stitch had found such a loving family here, and it reminded Kairi of her own family.

"You think so?" Sora asked, a smile in his voice, Kairi could hear, as he walked down the shore hand-in-hand with her.

What a wonderful feeling this was: one she promised herself she'd never let be ripped from her again. She was too strong to let such a thing happen now—or for Sora to get hurt on her watch—and Kairi was forever thankful for it.

"I do, too," Sora said, bringing Kairi back to reality. "Though it's sad it's connected to a place that would want to kill Stitch, or tear him away from his family," Sora said sadly.

'And that it's somehow connected to that era of Keyblade wielders that was forgotten until now,' Kairi thought, but didn't say.

"It is, Sora, it really is," the Princess said, squeezing her boyfriend's hand tighter… "But I also know what you're getting at here. And I swear that our friends and I will never let anything take you from the Realm of Light again. I promise."

After Kairi had said those heartfelt words, she thought that she and Sora might have a moment then. That perhaps they’d lace their fingers together ever tighter, or share one of their favored hugs… Perhaps they’d even finally share the kiss she knew the both of them were dreaming of…

More than anything, Kairi had hoped that Sora would be reassured by what she had said. So, she was more than a little shocked when she eventually noticed they seemed to put a damper on his spirits.

"I appreciate it, Kairi. Really, I do," Sora said, smiling at Kairi widely for just a moment… but was she imagining it, or did Sora look a little strained in doing so? "But you… you really don't have to promise me things like that. Or to try so hard, I mean!"

"I don't- I don't understand," the Princess of Heart admitted, as the couple chose that minute to take a seat on a park bench. And just as they did, a cute cat with a blue-ish black coat jumped into Kairi's lap—and he reminded Kairi so much of the afore-mentioned Stitch as she petted him—but she knew now was not the time to mention it.

"It's just that… you guys—my friends—have been… walking on eggshells with me ever since I came back from Quadratum. And I truly understand why, Kairi," Sora said the last in a pleading voice, as he took her free hand once more and looked deeply into her eyes. "And I thank you for it. But... you don't have to do that. I swear I'm- that I'll be fine."

Oh.

While Kairi hadn't gone through nearly as much what Sora had—of course not—she thought she understood where he was coming from. Were they all coddling him too much now?

Riku and the King had been right to let her train with Axel, even after how they had first met (even if she had been a little afraid at first), because now she had a new best friend in her life.

But everyone was so… fearful of what had happened with Sora to lead him to Quadratum—and what had happened to him there—that they wanted to protect him so much. But in doing so, were they overdoing it and not allowing him to grow?

"I'm sorry, Sora… I'm sorry if all of us have been too much for you since you've gotten home," Kairi said, looking deeply into her boyfriend's blue eyes and being so relieved to find that, despite everything, they still looked the same and hardly troubled at all. "Thinking over my actions since seeing you again… well, I can see how I might seem overwhelming. And that's the opposite of what's good."

Sora laughed: either at Kairi's words or the kitty who had just crawled onto his lap, Kairi wasn't sure, but she wished that she could forever remember the sound, for nothing had ever sounded more pure to her. "It's just that I want to live like I did before, y'know? Fighting for the Realm of Light with my friends by my side… and maybe goofing off a lot along the way. But if you guys put me in bubble wrap, I'm never even gonna fit in the gummi ship!"

Now it was Kairi's turn to laugh at Sora's analogy. Yes, she had most definitely missed this. And she was glad to have it back. And Sora was right that he needed to be allowed to bring this normality back.

"You're right, Sora. Whatever was I thinking? I mean, I'm the one who's always called you a lazy bum. I can't have you slacking now!"

Sora rolled his eyes at that, but Kairi could tell it was in good humor and that her reaction had been exactly what he’d been looking for.

“No, we can’t have that, can we?” Sora sighed. “Even when I first appeared in Traverse Town, scared out of my mind in fighting the Heartless for the first time, you had to wake me up by calling me a ‘lazy bum.’”

“It was only right!” Kairi defended herself now, though she was mainly joking, of course. “I had just found myself in your heart—though I really had no idea what was going on at the time—so I needed you to find me… and explain that to me, I guess. There was no time for your long naps.”

Somewhere during their banter, Kairi had found herself falling into Sora’s arms… and their faces were closer than ever as they looked deeply into each other’s eyes.

Yes, this was exactly what they needed, for they were the same, weren’t they? Both beings of light, who didn’t hold grudges… And even when trauma happened to them, they didn’t stay in feelings of darkness long, but rather strived for the light again, both for themselves and those who looked to them. She’d been silly to forget that.

Sora’s lips were on Kairi’s for less than a minute, Kairi thought. Not too long at all. He didn’t want to overdo it with their first kiss: something that was meant to be spontaneous and innocent. Really, it was such a short time, she wondered if she had enough time to properly remember what the joining of their lips together had felt like at all.

But she did.

As Sora pulled away from her while blushing down to his toes, she thought, she knew it was nothing but the purest magic she’d ever encountered. She smiled.

Standing up now, Sora offered Kairi his hand (which she readily took) as he pulled her to her feet with a scheming expression on his face. Curious.

“C’mon, Kairi. Now that we’ve got the heavy taken care of, what do you say we find Stitch on this world? He’s the best companion you could ever ask for, but so mischievous, too! The way light should be.” ‘Not what the Master of Masters is doing,’ Kairi knew Sora was thinking, but didn’t say. “I know you’ll love him!”

Well, he knew her, so she most definitely would, at that. But she had a condition first. “Only if we can take this little dear of a kitty we accidentally displaced while we were kissing with us. He needs a home, don’t you think? And Lilo seems like the kind who would be more than willing to oblige.”

The kitty looked at Kairi’s words questioningly, maybe even incredulously, but Sora didn’t seem to notice: for he swooped the kitty up in one hand before swooping Kairi up in other, while she instantly protested.

“I always wanted to do that,” he said, while she playfully beat on his back, demanding to be put down.

“Well, let’s go, Kairi… and in take in some life while we can. Wee!”

And Sora started running with both her and the cat in his arms before she could protest, though Kairi did think better of the situation and switch the cat—who she was now calling “Veil”—into her hands—and while she wanted to argue this… seeing Sora so free like this, she found she couldn’t.

This was what they were all fighting for, wasn’t it? What they’d fought for before, even, and always would. And it was a lovely sight behold.

Not being able to resist the urge to do this, Kairi very carefully maneuvered herself so she could rise up sightly and kiss Sora’s cheek as he ran.

Yes, they were living indeed.

Author’s Note: For my bestie Liz’s birthday=)

If I’m being honest… I wasn’t entirely sure I was going to write a SoKai fic for you this year. KH has left us in this weird place, where we honestly don’t know enough about Quadratum or KHIV stuff to really write about the next saga and make it believable. But at the same time, it’s kind of hard to write about anything else, since that’s where we’ve left off at, and pretty much every other mystery has been solved. So it’s sort of a pickle.

I’ll admit that I don’t always have fun writing KHIV fics for the former reason, and it isn’t always fun.

But I’m pretty pleased with how this fic turned out. In some ways, it might be one of my better KHIV fics, imo, in just having Sora and Kairi dealing with emotional stuff and the fallout of KHIV (and being back in the Realm of Light): like Sora not wanting to be coddled and everyone needing to understand that. Even if this did get more shipp-y than I intended at the end. Oh well.

Also, this takes place in the Lilo and Stitch world, since people were speculating that that one world in Missing Link might be Moana or that, so I thought it might be fun to put Sora and Kairi there… even if ended up having little to do with Lilo and Stitch in the end. Pfft. =)

@bluerosesburnblue

[pureangels22]

Fanfic Rewrite - Kairi (WIP)

a/n: This is a rewritten snippet of the first fanfiction I ever wrote. I am currently trying to rewrite my old stories, but it is a slow process. Hope you enjoy 🤍

~*~

The night was quiet in the Land of Departure. No person made a sound as they slept peacefully in their homes; the idea of being disturbed never crossing their minds. On the outskirts of the land, Castle Oblivion stood at attention. Soldiers were taking turns as they patrolled the castle in case of any enemies trying to lurk inside. One soldier, a dark brown brunette, walked as he scanned the area. Terra wasn't one for fooling around unlike his other companions. When nights this quiet took place, it only meant that something was about to take root, and Terra was not going to let anything get past him.

Suddenly, the back of his head was hit. Gasping, he looked up to only see a golden hawk flying in the sky. Touching the back of his head, an uneasy feeling stirred inside him. He glanced over at the edge of the wall and walked slowly towards it. Hooks flung high in the air and latched themselves onto the wall. Realizing that they were under attack, Terra ran down the side of the wall.

"We're under attack! Light the signal!" He yelled, trying to get the other soldiers' attention. Unversed appeared as they blocked his path to the fire pit. Summoning his keyblade, Earthbound, he slashed his way through the creatures. He grabbed the torch on the wall and made his way over to the pit.

Before he could light it, a figure appeared on the other side. Terra's eyes widened as he stared at the person. The teen's helmet faded away and golden eyes stared directly back at the brunette.

"Vanitas...?"

From the light of the torch, Terra could see the man grin when called by his name. "Miss me?" His raven spiked hair and dark colored armor made his appearance look like a shadow in the night.

Terra narrowed his eyes at him. "What are you doing here?"

"Now, is that any way to treat an old friend?" Vanitas touched a hand over his heart. "I'm hurt, Terra."

"You lost that title when you betrayed us!" Terra glared as he stared Vanitas down.

"Betrayal? That's not how I remember it." Vanitas glared back before grinning again. "Ah, but that's beside the point. Why am I here, you ask? Well, that's simple. I want what's rightfully mine."

Terra tightened his grip on the torch. "You have nothing to gain here!" He glanced down at the fire pit and threw down the torch in his hands. Once the pit lit, more and more fires started to appear. "And now everyone will know you're here."

With a lift of his hand, Vanitas summoned his keyblade, Void Gear, as he stared at Terra. "Perfect~"

~*~

The doors to Master Eraqus's chambers flew open as three people walked through. The one in the middle was a dirty blond and he was escorted by two other soldiers. Eraqus was seated in his chair when he heard the doors open and didn't hesitate to speak. "Ventus, what is for this sudden audience?"

Ventus knelt when in front of Eraqus as followed by the other two men. "Master, excuse this interruption but I bring urgent news from Castle Oblivion." Hearing this, Eraqus nodded his head in a sign for Ventus to continue. "It would appear the Unversed have taken over our northern border and plan to cross even further into our land."

"Impossible! No one can get through Castle Oblivion!" A voice exclaimed from beside Eraqus, but was silenced with the raise of the man's hand.

Ventus looked up from the ground as he continued, "It would appear Vanitas is leading them."

Eraqus's eyes narrowed at the familiar name. Vanitas was once one of his pupils here along with his brother Ventus. The two were inseparable when they arrived, but that all changed when jealousy appeared and the betrayal occurred.

Ventus stood from his spot. "With your permission, we will start setting up defenses around the palace immediately."

"No," Eraqus stated as he stood. "Send you troops to protect my people! Zack!"

"Yes, sir," the voice from before bowed his head. Zack, Eraqus's adviser, quickly went over to his station and started to write everything down.

"Deliver conscription notices throughout all the provinces. Call up reserves, and as many new recruits as possible." Eraqus continued as he walked towards Ventus.

The young man looked skeptical over his Master's decision. "Forgive me, Master, but I believe my troops can stop him," he said. The idea of risking more men their lives didn't set well with Ventus's conscious. Not to mention training the new men would take months and they didn't have time to waste.

"I won't take any chances, General." Eraqus stated as he called Ventus by his title. "A single grain of rice can tip the scale; one man may be the difference between victory and defeat."

[pred1059]

A King's Thone - Sokai Day 2023

Kairi had a comfortable chair in the Mayor’s office. She’d replaced the old one when she was elected, her father’s seat having long since passed its prime. Her new one had a sturdy frame, but also cushy padding, perfect for Kairi to work through the day. The swivel was set just right, rotating as needed so someone could turn their attention to anything on the desk with ease. Even though he’d only sat on it a few times since it was brought in, Sora swore it was one of the best seats he’d ever sat in. 

Sora had his own work as her secretary answering questions and listening to the people’s feedback that kept him from her office normally. As comfy as his own chair was at first, all too quickly it became mundane. The routine work wearing out the initial novelty. Not that he was too jealous. Kairi’s work was busy enough with hearings and committees that she had the privilege of using the chair whenever she wanted it or needed it.

Of course, he was probably more drawn to Kairi herself when work was over, rather than the chair. The smile on her face after work made everything worth it. Even the few times she had to make him wait while she was on a meeting call were filled with anticipatory glances at him. He just knew it was the same way for her as she could hardly wait to join him.

Both of them looked forward to two of them walking home hand in hand, talking about their day or their plans for the evening. Plans for dinner, for trips, or nights spent together whispering sweet nothings. All the things a couple dearly in love after years would do.

After everything they had been through, being torn apart, flung across worlds, fighting with their keyblades to protect all they knew and loved, Rescuing one another, they had certainly earned that much at least. On one hand Sora was certainly happy for the freedom to live their lives together. And yet…

As he saw the empty office, Sora’s smile fell as he realized he had to wait. One of Kairi’s hearings probably was taking a little longer than expected. He moved behind her desk and sat down, sighing at the plush feel of the cushion. Given how hard he worked, the comfort of a fine seat was appreciated. Even if desk work wasn’t as demanding as fighting with a keyblade 

Not to mention a faint but familiar scent he cherished: a hint of Kairi’s perfume, stirring up memories of moments together. Of reunions, of dates, of a long awaited wedding. Memories that Sora wouldn’t trade for the world.

Even if there was one he might have liked to have. A small silly idea, not worth really getting bent out of shape over. Honestly, it was something that would never really happen no matter what he did.

Still…

“Look at you, sitting there like you’re king.” Kairi’s voice roused him from his thoughts as he met her own adoring gaze. She was standing in the doorway in her violet suit with a smirk. 

Sora shrugged and shifted himself up from the slouch his daydreaming left him in. “You’re the mayor, I’m just married to you.” 

Shaking her head, she walked up to where Sora was seated and brushed her fingers against his. “Don’t sell yourself short. You do a great job figuring out what people need.”

“Thanks Kairi.” Taking her hand, Sora caressed it as she gave a light giggle. Though the comment earlier stuck slightly in his mind. As it was a bit closer to the mark than he would have expected. Still, if anyone would figure out his unspoken fantasy it would be Kairi. Sora looked to the side with a sigh and a smile. “Still, after everything I’ve been through with an adventure involving saving a princess…”

“Usually that’s the point where the hero becomes King.”

Kairi hit the nail on the head with her guess as Sora mused, “You hear so many versions of the story growing up, the idea sticks with you a little bit.” Bedtime stories of the hero returning triumphant over his trials, wedding the princess, and ascending the throne as the new king. “I can’t say I didn’t think about it when I first got the keyblade. Learning you were a princess of heart also didn’t help.“

Kairi giggled as she leaned forward. “Sounds like the perfect setup if you ask me.”

Sora’s smile fell as he gave her hand a tight squeeze. “But I wouldn’t want you put in danger just so I can get a reward.” Sora never wanted to see Kairi’s life put in jeopardy again after what they had been through. “Not to mention how everyone else was at risk too. It wasn’t just us.”

“But we made it,” Kairi said to him as she reached out with both hands to gently stroke his cheeks. “You did save everyone, and we finally got home.”

“I know. I’m not complaining too seriously,” Sora whispered as he relaxed at her touch. “A title might be nice, but living with you is more than enough.”

Kairi gave Sora a pat on the cheek as she offered, “You know, people would say being mayor is more or less royalty, and we are married.”

Rolling his eyes with a smirk, Sora pointed out, “But I don’t have royal blood. So even if you were queen, I'd be…some title.” He furrowed his brow with a nervous smile as he tried to recall the proper term…

“Prince Consort.” Kairi nodded at him.

Yes, that was it. Sora shrugged with a grin. “Doesn’t sound quite as impressive,” 

Kairi moved closer to Sora as she murmured, “Well, you’ll always be a king to me.” With that proclamation, Kairi met Sora’s eyes with hers and whispered, “My king.”

Smirking, Sora ran his hands up Kairi’s arms and murmured,“Then will the queen kiss his majes-” Only to stop as he stumbled on his words, looking aside and muttering, “Your majesty? Her majesty?”

Giggling, Kairi turned his face back to hers and answered, “Yes, she would.”

As his lips met hers, Sora’s heart couldn’t help a small flutter. Years had done nothing to dull the love between him and Kairi. A content hum came from them both, as Kairi gently sat on his lap. He didn’t need to be told to hold her closer as they continued to make out. 

Pulling away however, Sora saw that Kairi’s smile had taken on a more wistful look. “I get it, you know?” She gave a small sigh as she recalled,  “We pretended who knows how many times that I was a princess to be saved. Learning I was a real one made me think of it.” Leaning her forehead against his, Kairi mused, “Living in a castle, ruling wisely and justly. The king that saved me at my side.”

Sora closed his eyes as he simply felt the warmth from her. “You’ve saved me just as much, you know.”

Kairi let her hands fall from Sora’s face as she agreed, “There’s a lot that goes into a happy ending that stories and games can’t quite get across.” The trials and tribulations they both had faced had pushed Sora and her to the brink. Hugging Sora, she leaned her head on his shoulder. “I’d make you a real king if I could. After everything you’ve done you’ve earned it and more.” 

Returning her embrace and patting Kairi’s back, Sora assured her, “Hey, I’m the one who recommended you to run for mayor. You’ve got more of a head for administration and paperwork than me.” Title or not, he couldn’t regret the decision for their campaign as Mayor of Destiny Islands. Not when they worked so well together.

Sora couldn’t see her face, but could imagine the smirk Kairi had as she chided, “Don’t you think home would be a better place to sweet talk me?”

It was a fair point, the sun was already beginning to set. Though Sora couldn’t help himself as he began to grin. “But you’ve got such a nice chair.”

Pulling back in their embrace, Kairi grinned at Sora. “I’m sure we can find a more suitable throne at home, my king.”

Sora nodded as he gave her a gentle squeeze. “Then lead the way, my queen.”

A/N: Special thanks to @currantlee for taking the time to beta read this!

[sapphic-sasquatch]

midnight love

I can't be your second best, close but not your favorite

Kairi x Selphie, implied Sora x Kairi

Summary: In which Selphie feels like she's competing with a ghost

Contains: WLW pairing, angst, implied mention of eating disorders

Word count: 1.2k words

A/N: This is my first work on here woo!

Kairi was on the floor, completely blacked out. Panic spread through Selphie's body and she knelt down next to the unconscious body.

'She seemed fine a minute ago! Shit, what do I do?' The brunette palmed Kairi's forehead, feeling for a fever but her temperature was normal. Thoughts of confusion and concern swarmed through Selphie.

Pulling Kairi onto her lap, Selphie stroked the redhead's auburn hair not knowing what else to do. Her eyebrows narrowed, silently pissed off at Kairi for looking so peaceful in her sudden state.

"What the hell happened to you?" She whispered. This was a question for many reasons: one, her physical state. Has she not been eating or sleeping properly? No, Kairi would've told her, right? Although she has been looking slimmer lately...

The second reason was Kairi's new strange obsession with another boy, another boy who supposedly played with her, Selphie, Riku, and the other kids. Another boy who supposedly joined Riku and Kairi on their strange journey that Selphie knew nothing about. Another boy who supposedly was closer to Kairi than anyone else. Closer than her.

Kairi had always been a bit of a fanatic, dreaming of great adventures and stories where she was the great heroine, so that's what Selphie tried to brush it off as at first.

But then Kairi would grow to be more descriptive of how the boy looked ("spiky brown hair and red clothes" is what Kairi would say she remembered the boy looking like; there was never too clear of a picture of him in her head, she explained) and how the boy behaved ("he's a bit of a goofball but he's way too friendly for his own good" is what Kairi would beam with energy saying).

Kairi would grow to be more obsessed and more convinced that this boy did indeed exist. So Selphie decided to be the contrarian to what people would normally do and entertain Kairi's thoughts and conspiracies about this mystery boy. It was harmless, right? Kairi would eventually realize maybe this was going too far, right?

Over two months had passed since this mystery boy was initially brought up and the redhead only grew more mesmerized by the idea of him. She talked about him in ways she talked about Selphie, she made gifts for him in ways she made gifts for Selphie, and she directed attention to him in ways she directed attention to Selphie.

This ghost, Selphie decided, became the reason Kairi would get out of bed when she was feeling depressed, while even Selphie couldn't accomplish that.

This ghost became the reason Kairi looked forward to the day, in hopes she'd somehow recall more details about him when she wouldn't even do that for Selphie.

This ghost also became the reason that Kairi stopped going to the play island, Selphie learned.

"I'm not going back to the island until I remember everything about him." Kairi declared, just moments before she blacked out on the dirt-infested ground.

Now the brunette was holding onto the redhead, not too loosely, not too tightly. While Selphie oh so selfishly hated the idea of someone meaning more to Kairi than she did to her, she knew that if learning more about this ghost-boy-whatever-he-was made her happy, then Selphie had to let that be so.

Because as much as Selphie could be blunt and tell Kairi that she was delusional, there was some gut feeling telling her that this ghost was real, this ghost had at some point meant so much to Kairi, and possibly meant so much to Selphie herself.

The brunette stared down at the girl on her lap and cupped her jaw, still unsure of what to do. Kairi had no fever and her heart was beating normally, so there was no need to get any medics involved, but she was also far too heavy for Selphie to carry back home.

Before Selphie could think too much about what to do, the sight of Kairi's eyes blinking open caught her attention, and a wave of relief washed over her.

The two girls shared a look that Selphie wasn't quite sure of what it meant but there was an underlying comfort in it anyhow.

But Kairi quickly and almost hastily turned her attention away from Selphie, and she soon realized the redhead was looking at the play island. The play island that Kairi just said she'd avoid but was looking at with determination and longing. A longing that wasn't for the girl right beside her, but a longing in the same way Selphie longed for Kairi.

That's when it hit her. Kairi definitely loved Selphie and cared for her, but her heart and feelings belonged elsewhere. They belonged with this ghost of a boy.

This past year with the fleeting moments of a fear of being caught, the intimate moments they shared that never made it past small kisses and desperate holding of each other, Kairi's birthday party where Selphie was finally able to give her a gift rather than the other way around, that was all for Kairi to give away to someone else.

All because of an obsession with a ghost.

Before Selphie could express her relief about Kairi's regaining consciousness, the redhead suddenly stood up with the brunette following after and ran off, in which Selphie couldn't help but reach out a hand of desperation, as if that would somehow pull Kairi back to her.

Quickly realizing Kairi was heading in the direction of the play island, the brunette wasted no time to catch up.

-

Watching the sheet of paper float away in a glass bottle, Kairi and Selphie knelt down near the shore.

"What's that?" The brunette questioned and looked at the girl beside her only to see the same expression of longing from before.

"A letter," Kairi responded and then quickly clarified herself. "To the boy I can't remember. I told him that no matter where he is, I'll find him. One day."

Kairi's eyes narrowed and she almost seemed sad, which made Selphie's heart sink.

"When I stopped writing, I remembered we made a promise, something important. This letter is where it starts, I know it." Kairi ended her mini-speech, her expression filling up with hope.

Selphie wanted to be happy for Kairi, to cheer her on, and fill her up with even more hope, but there was this underlying presence of jealousy. She hated it.

So with as much energy as she could muster, Selphie wore a smile and stared out at sea with Kairi, reminding her of the times they shared just watching the waves crashing onto the shore.

"Wow... I hope he gets it."

"He will." The redhead claimed gleefully, which made Selphie's insides twist and turn uncomfortably. She looked at Kairi and saw just how happy she was.

"Starts with an 'S'." Kairi blurted out suddenly. "Right, Sora?"

'Sora... sounds familiar.'

-

The next day, Kairi was gone. There were no traces of her anywhere; not at school, not at her house, not at the play island, not the secret cave, and not even the one corner of the island Kairi and Selphie would use to hangout to get away from everyone else just because the secret cave was no longer that much of a secret.

After school ended, Selphie was the one watching the shore. Selphie was the one refusing to go to the play island because without Kairi it wasn't the same. Selphie was the one waiting for nobody to come back.

Selphie was now the one obsessed with a ghost.