vengeverse

[vengeverse]

240218  |  Satoru Gojo  |  Jujutsu Kaisen

For @flyinrumble 😊

[vengeverse]

240330  |  Armin & Eren & Mikasa  |  Attack on Titan

Just a little doodle for Eren's birthday. ♡

[vengeverse]

231122  |  Turkey Vanitas ♥︎ Turkey Aqua  |  Kingdom Hearts

💖 Happy Thanksgiving! 🦃

[vengeverse]

231119  |  Turkey Ventus  |  Kingdom Hearts

🌟 Happy Thanksgiving! 🦃

[vengeverse]

230928  |  Vex'ahlia ♥︎ Percy de Rolo  |  Vox Machina

My first Vox Machina artwork! I recently started watching the show, only to find out that it's @percahliaweek! So here's a little something for Free Day! ♡

[vengeverse]

230624  |  Aqua ♥︎ Vanitas  |  Kingdom Hearts

✦ Aqua and Vanitas get arrested for grand theft ice cream~

[vengeverse]

Chapters: 1/1 Fandom: Kingdom Hearts (Video Games) Rating: Mature Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Terra & Ventus (Kingdom Hearts) Characters: Ventus (Kingdom Hearts), Terra (Kingdom Hearts) Additional Tags: Humor, Friendship, Summer, Beaches, Party, Alcohol, Drinking & Talking, Sexual Humor, Suggestive Themes, Destiny Islands (Kingdom Hearts) Summary:

In an attempt to settle an age-old debate, Ventus and Terra share a saucy discussion about their lovely lady friends.

[vengeverse]

220906  |  Sora ♥︎ Kairi ♥︎ Riku ♥︎ Naminé  |  Kingdom Hearts

🦇🎃🍬 Happy Halloween! 🕷👻🍭

[vengeverse]

220610  |  Aqua ♥︎ Ventus ♥︎ Chirithy  |  Kingdom Hearts

✦ Aqua discovers Ven and Chirithy’s favorite napping spot. 🐱 ✦ Happy Birthday @flyinrumble! 🎂🎈

[vengeverse]

220323  |  Naminé ♥︎ Roxas  |  Kingdom Hearts

Fairytale  ♥︎  Happy Rokunami Day!

@rokunamiweek

[vengeverse]

220115  |  Kairi’s Lucky Charm  |  Kingdom Hearts

🌸⭐🌺 Happy Kairi Day! 🌺⭐🌸

@khkairiday​

[vengeverse]

Chapters: 7/7 Fandom: Kingdom Hearts (Video Games) Rating: General Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Aqua & Ventus (Kingdom Hearts), Aqua/Ventus (Kingdom Hearts) Characters: Aqua (Kingdom Hearts), Ventus (Kingdom Hearts)

Additional Tags: Fluff, Angst, Hurt/Comfort, Friendship, Romance, Friends to Lovers, Art, One Shot Collection, Flowers, Flower Crowns, Sleep, Sleepovers, Anniversary, Restaurants, Pregnancy, Ocean, Poetry, Loss, Family Loss, Grief/Mourning, Fairy Tale Elements, Family, Family Fluff, Original Character(s), Hugs

Summary: Love blossoms when Ventus and Aqua discover that their feelings for each other run deeper than they’d ever imagined. A series of short stories written for VenquaWeek2022.

[vengeverse]

★~ VenquaWeek2022 ★ Day 7: Embrace ★ Read on Ao3! ~★

Aqua still wasn’t quite sure what to make of the frail blond boy Master Eraqus had brought to live with her and Terra at the Land of Departure. She knew his name was Ventus; it was the only thing he’d said since arriving weeks ago, and the only reason Aqua hadn’t assumed the boy was completely mute— though he hadn’t spoken a word since.

Ventus kept drifting in and out of comas, occasionally sleeping for days at a time. Even when he was awake his eyes were dull and unfocused, always staring vaguely at the floor as he shuffled along— almost as if he were sleepwalking.

The Master had informed Aqua and Terra that Ventus had been through a terrible accident, one which had left his heart and mind impaired. At hearing this, the two older apprentices took it upon themselves to assist Ventus as best they could, taking turns leading him to and from his bedroom, the kitchen, lessons, and bringing him along to watch their sparring sessions outside in the courtyard. 

When not guided around by her or Terra, Ventus would sit listlessly and stare at nothing. Aqua worried that despite their combined efforts, the boy’s health would never improve. That was why she was so surprised when one day Ventus wandered into the kitchen all by himself.

“Hello, Ventus,” Aqua greeted warmly from where she stood chopping vegetables at the counter, though she knew he wouldn’t answer. “I was just preparing dinner for later.”

Ventus didn’t make a sound or even look at her as he shuffled around the kitchen.

“…Are you hungry?” she asked, tilting her head at his odd behavior. 

Ventus paused, glancing in her general direction. He parted his lips slightly before pressing them back together, then moved his head in what could’ve been interpreted as a minute nod.

Taking that as a yes, Aqua gently smiled at him, moving to the sink to wash off her knife. “Let’s get you something to eat, then.”

She made her way to the cupboard and pulled down a tray of spongecake she’d baked yesterday. Cake seemed to be Ventus’s favorite food— or at least it’d been the first thing she’d convinced him to eat.

Slicing him a generous piece of spongecake, Aqua set it along with a fork on the table. “There you go, just how you like it,” she said encouragingly after sprinkling on a dash of powdered sugar.

Ventus stared at the table for several seconds before shuffling forwards and seating himself, the wooden chair legs squeaking against the floor. He slowly reached for the fork and began taking small bites of cake.

Nodding to herself, Aqua returned to her work.

When Ventus was done eating, he stood up, a little unsteady on his feet.

“You’re finished?” Aqua asked, turning around to pick up his plate.

Suddenly, Ventus moved faster than she’d ever seen him before. He took a lurching step towards her, and for a second Aqua worried he might’ve stumbled over his own feet. Before she could move to catch him however, he was heavily leaning against her front, his arms wrapped tightly around her middle.

“Oh!” Aqua gasped as the breath was knocked out of her. “Ventus…?” she asked uncertainly, peering down at the boy, who was currently burying his face in her blouse. She stayed still for a couple seconds before deducing he wasn’t merely using her to catch his fall.

Hesitantly, Aqua slowly returned Ventus’s warm embrace. This close, she could feel his heartbeat directly next to hers. It was oddly comforting; she ran a hand through his soft hair, which gave off a light scent of cherryberry shampoo.

After a while, Ventus peeked up at her through his bangs. Aqua reached down to brush a stray strand of blond hair from his face; for a brief moment, she thought she saw a tiny spark in those dull blue eyes— and Aqua understood.

“You’re welcome,” she said, beaming down at him. 

She could’ve sworn she saw a faint smile play across his lips as Ventus squeezed her waist a little tighter. Eventually, he pulled away from the hug and wandered back out of the kitchen.

Aqua picked up his empty plate and brought it to the sink, humming to herself. For the first time since he’d arrived, she was sure Ventus would be okay.

★~ The End ~★

Chronological order: Embrace, Sleep, Loss, Flowers, Ocean, Anniversary, and Fairytale.

@venquaweek

[vengeverse]

★~ VenquaWeek2022 ★ Day 6: Fairytale ★ Read on Ao3! ~★

Dame Aqua gripped Terra’s reins tighter, urging the horse onwards through the gloomy forest as dark creatures stalked through the trees, their red eyes gleaming with hunger. The knight leaned forward on her chestnut steed, his long brown mane brushing her face as they sped along through the sharp brambles, dead leaves crunching under the stallion’s galloping hooves.

Aqua unsheathed her silver sword, the blade shining bright in the darkness as she carved a wide hole in the thicket of thorns, causing the dark creatures to scatter. She and Terra rushed through the gap and cleared the forest, emerging onto a rough, rocky mountain path under a stormy grey sky. Up ahead was a castle, once beautiful with white pillars and gleaming turrets, now dark and ominous.

She rode on, encouraging her horse up the perilous climb. Halting only once they’d arrived at the castle entrance, Aqua quickly dismounted, the weak sunlight glinting off her silver armor as she reached up to pat Terra’s nose. The stallion snorted and shook his mane, pawing at the ground as she told him to stay; it would be too dangerous for him, ahead.

Leaving her faithful steed behind, Aqua pushed open a set of great oak doors and entered the dark, desolate castle. Cautiously moving up a spiral staircase, she found herself in a large, near-empty chamber. Against the far wall was a glass coffin resting upon a stone dais, within which lay Prince Ventus. He was asleep, yet completely still— as if dead.

As Aqua took a step towards her prince, there was a deafening roar which shook the very foundations of the castle and a great, winged dragon descended upon the chamber. Aqua only narrowly escaped as the monster’s black, scaly tail swept over her. The dragon turned and spread his leathery wings, which filled the entire chamber. The beast’s yellow eyes burned with malice, his curved talons scraping the floor as he advanced with dozens of white fangs bared in his blazing maw.

Despite the fearsomeness of the creature before her, Dame Aqua was quick and clever— evading both his swiping claws and fiery breath. She raised her silver sword, the blade shining with a radiance brighter than the sun. The monster howled as the light blinded him, rearing back as Aqua took that opportunity to run circles around the beast, between his legs and under his scaly belly. As she went, silver chains burst forth from the tip of her blade, binding him and dragging him down to the chamber floor with a tumultuous crash. 

The black dragon lay defeated, growling and snarling his displeasure, yet unable to do anything but feebly struggle against his bonds. Aqua sheathed her sword and ran to the dais. She placed a hand on the coffin and murmured a word of magic, the glass melting away into nothingness. Despite the clamor of battle, Prince Ventus had not stirred; he was under a magic spell, to sleep for all eternity until his one true love came to rescue him.

Dame Aqua leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to his lips. The Prince’s eyelids fluttered, and he blinked open his blue eyes. He slowly sat up as he breathed her name, and she knew the spell was broken. Aqua threw her arms around him, tears of joy springing to her eyes as she and Ventus embraced. Together, both knight and prince left the castle and rode off under the clear blue sky.

“…And so they both lived happily ever after; the end,” Aqua said, finishing her story.

“That’s my favorite story, Mommy!” Aerie cried enthusiastically, clapping along with the rest of her family. They were all seated on plush chairs in the small library before the warm fireplace.

“It is?” Aqua asked her daughter, amused. “I thought you didn’t like kissing.”

“I don’t!” Aerie insisted with a serious little pout.

“Even when it’s Mommy and Daddy?” Ventus asked playfully, wrapping an arm around his wife and leaning in close to give her a kiss on the lips.

“Eww!” Aerie cried, covering her eyes with her hands.

Aerie’s uncle Vanitas gave a loud bark of laughter, while the expression on Uncle Terra’s face indicated he shared the girl’s sentiment.

“You know, Aqua…” Ventus began, winking at Aerie who was now peering at her parents through her fingers, “I’d like to be the knight, next time.”

“Yeah, and why did I have to be the horse?” Terra grumbled.

“Dunno; I think I made an awesome dragon,” Vanitas chimed in, his golden eyes glimmering mischievously.

“I wasn’t in it at all,” Chirithy whined from Aerie’s lap, her fluffy tail swishing.

“Don’t worry, Chiri!” she giggled, snuggling the feline Spirit’s warm fur. “Mommy will let you be the horse, next time!”

“Oh, joy…” The cat’s naturally folded ears drooped even more.

“Hmm… Well if my story-telling skills aren’t good enough for most of you, I guess you’ll all have to make the next one up, yourselves,” Aqua sniffed mildly.

“Can we have another story?!” Aerie asked excitedly, turning to her father.

“I think your mother would say it’s a little late for that,” Ven grinned sheepishly with a glance at his wife, who nodded.

“Aww,” Aerie pouted, but she knew it was already past her bedtime.

“Alright, let’s get you to bed,” Aqua spoke gently, scooping up her daughter into her arms.

Uncle Vanitas and Terra wished Aerie a goodnight as Aqua carried her to her bedroom, Ventus and Chirithy padding softly behind. The walls of Aerie’s room were painted with scenes of a pretty seaside castle. Ven flipped off the light switch and the nightlight in the corner automatically clicked on, casting silhouettes of dancing fairies along the pastel walls. Together, he and Aqua tucked Aerie into bed with her stuffed Pegaslick Spirit plushie.

“Goodnight, my princess,” Ven whispered, smoothing her blonde hair.

“Sweet dreams,” Aqua murmured, and kissed her cheek.

As they left, Chirithy lightly leapt onto the bed and curled up against Aerie’s shoulder. Aerie hugged the pegasus plushie and closed her eyes as Chirithy began purring softly, ensuring she’d have good dreams. She couldn’t wait to hear another fairytale, tomorrow night.

★~ The End ~★

Chronological order: Embrace, Sleep, Loss, Flowers, Ocean, Anniversary, and Fairytale.

@venquaweek

[vengeverse]

★~ VenquaWeek2022 ★ Day 5: Loss ★ Read on Ao3! ~★

Aqua’s breath came in steamy white puffs as she slowly traipsed up the snowy mountainside, bundled head to foot in a pair of pink earmuffs and a heavy blue winter coat. Though the sharp wind from earlier that morning had died down, the air remained frigidly cold.

She saw him just as she reached the peak of the mountain— Ventus, wrapped in his own green coat and standing as still as a statue before Master Eraqus’s grave. 

“Ven…” Aqua whispered as she approached, her boots softly crunching in the freshly laid snow.

The blond boy startled and looked around.

“It’s freezing,” Aqua commented, halting at Ven’s side. She didn’t need to ask what he was doing out here.

“Yeah,” he replied, turning back to the grave.

Master Keeper stood where she had plunged it into the now icy ground many months ago. A thin layer of frost covered the three Wayfinders which adorned a withered wreath hanging from the Keyblade’s hilt.

“…I miss him, too,” Aqua murmured after a long moment. “This is our first Christmas without him.”

Ven merely nodded.

Aqua didn’t have to explain her grief. It was a sorrow all of them felt— her, Ven, and Terra. They mourned the tragic loss of their Master— their father and teacher. She’d hoped life could return to normal, now that the three of them were together again. But as days turned to weeks, it had become very clear life would never be normal, again— not without Master Eraqus.

After what seemed like ages, Ven spoke. “It’s not just the Master… Sora’s gone, too. He’s like a little brother to me.”

“We’ll find him,” Aqua said quickly. Their brief excursions to the Realm of Darkness had so far turned up nothing, but they couldn’t lose hope.

“And Vanitas?” Ventus asked, his voice barely audible. “He’s my brother too…”

Aqua blinked, a puff of vapor issuing from her slightly parted lips. She wasn’t sure what to say to this. 

She still didn’t quite understand the connection Ven shared with Vanitas. The masked boy had been their enemy, yet she’d overheard Ven and Sora begging him to join their side. Vanitas had called them his brothers, and in his final moments he’d seemed almost… regretful, in his own strange way.

“I mean, yeah he was a jerk and all, but… He’s a part of me,” Ven continued at her silence. “And now he’s just… gone. They both are.”

Aqua placed a hand on his shoulder. “We’ll find Sora, and Vanitas, okay?” 

She knew the heartache of worrying that her loved ones were lost forever. Trapped within the Realm of Darkness for twelve long years, Aqua had thought of nothing else but returning to find Ven and Terra safe and sound.

“I’m just glad I didn’t lose you,” Aqua murmured. “When I was all alone in the darkness, I missed you so much. Thinking about you is what kept my heart strong.”

Ventus turned to her, his eyes wide— But before he could speak, there was a loud popping noise and a puff of white smoke filled the air.

“You know,” a squeaky voice piped up, “Lost things do have a way of finding their way back home.”

Aqua and Ven peered through the dispersing vapor to see the little grey form of Chirithy staring up at them with her clear blue eyes, the feline Spirit’s thick fur all puffed up to keep herself warm.

“…You’re right. We’ve still got each other,” Ven turned to smile at Aqua, who beamed back.

Not to be left out, Chirithy leapt up onto her master’s shoulder, rubbing her face against Ven’s cheek and purring loudly. Laughing, he reached up and petted her soft fur.

Aqua glanced back to Master Eraqus’s grave, extending a hand towards the Wayfinders to rub away the layer of frost with her thumb, leaving the three charms glittering in the chilly morning light. She reached out and curled her gloved fingers around Ven’s; he returned the gesture, squeezing her hand.

“Let’s head back inside,” Aqua said, and she gently led the way home through the snow.

★~ The End ~★

Chronological order: Embrace, Sleep, Loss, Flowers, Ocean, Anniversary, and Fairytale.

@venquaweek

[vengeverse]

★~ VenquaWeek2022 ★ Day 4: Ocean ★ Read on Ao3! ~★

For the first time in a long time, Ventus could relax.

After one long year of searching, Sora had finally been found and safely brought back home. Many tearful and jubilant reunions were had, including a grand welcome back party on Destiny Islands.

Now that things had finally settled down, Sora, Riku, and Kairi were busy meeting with the principal of their high school, figuring out their new school schedules after missing several years of education. Ven was glad to not be in their shoes.

Instead, he, Aqua, and Terra were spending one last day on the Play Island before renewing their search for his other lost brother.

Ven shifted his toes in the warm sand as he reclined under the shade of a large umbrella while Aqua strode along the beach, searching the shallows for seashells. Terra was doing pushups near the wooden shack, unsatisfied to let a single day go by without getting in some exercise.

Ventus was attempting to write a poem in his green notebook— one inspired by the ocean. He wasn’t entirely sure why he was drawn to it so much— that vast expanse of bright water, but he was intrigued by it all the same.

She’s blue, Ven wrote. More blue than I’ve ever seen; gentle as a light rain and fierce as a tidal wave…

He paused, tapping his pen against his chin. The ocean… What else could he say about the ocean…?

Suddenly, a dark shadow fell over him. “What’re you working on?” Terra asked, attempting to snatch at his journal.

“Hey!” Ventus exclaimed, jerking away. “This is private!”

The older boy looked ready to argue, when Aqua’s voice rang out across the sand. “Terra, why don’t you go get us some coconuts?” she requested.

“Oh, alright,” he huffed, taking one last look at Ven’s notebook before running off towards the other side of the Play Island.

Aqua stared after Terra until he’d disappeared around the wooden shack before plopping down in the sand next to Ventus and spreading out her seashell collection. “Look, I’ve found enough thalassa shells to make an authentic Destiny Islands Wayfinder!” she stated brightly, pointing out five blue-and-yellow seashells. “Kairi taught me how to make one.”

“That’s awesome, Aqua…” Ven said distractedly, trying to remember what he’d wanted to write before Terra had interrupted him.

“…So, just what are you working on?” she asked, regarding him shrewdly.

“Uhm…” Ven hesitated for a moment before handing over the journal. Unlike Terra, Aqua wouldn’t tease him over poetry.

Aqua read over the first few lines and frowned. “…Who’s this ‘she’ you’re writing about?”

“Oh! Uh—” He blushed. Did she think it was silly for him to write about the ocean that way? “N-not anyone in particular…”

“…I see,” Aqua stated slowly, her lips pursed into a thin line. “Well whoever she is, I’m sure you’ll be happy together.” She handed back the journal before standing up and walking away.

Ven blinked, taking a few seconds to register what’d just happened. Then he gaped at Aqua. “W-wait! It’s nothing like that!” he cried, jumping to his feet and running after her.

“Oh?” She turned towards him, a slender eyebrow raised.

“Of course not!” he exclaimed. “Sora told me sailors refer to the ocean as a woman.”

“Why would they do that?” Aqua asked, her frown dropping only to be replaced by a look of bewilderment.

“Probably ‘cause she’s beautiful,” Ven breathed, gazing into Aqua’s deep blue eyes. A realization struck him, then— The reason he was so drawn to the ocean… was because it reminded him of Aqua!

“So you’re not… interested in someone else?” she asked hesitantly, twirling a lock of blue hair around her finger.

Ventus blinked, the breath catching in his throat. “…Even if I was, why would you care so much?” he inquired softly.

“I—” Aqua began uncertainly, “I wouldn’t mind,” she forced out and looked away, a flush rising in her cheeks.

“You’re jealous?” he asked incredulously.

“No!” she shouted, then deflated, her shoulders drooping. “…Yes.”

Ven ran a hand through his hair and laughed. Aqua liked him? Like, liked-liked him? He could scarcely believe it. “So, uhm— Does that mean…? You’d like to go out, sometime… with me…?”

“I…” Aqua took a deep breath and met his gaze. “I’d love to, Ven,” she beamed.

“Wow,” he breathed. “Wow, okay.” Ven sheepishly grinned back, taking her hand. Now this was shaping up to be a most wonderful summer.

★~ The End ~★

Chronological order: Embrace, Sleep, Loss, Flowers, Ocean, Anniversary, and Fairytale.

@venquaweek

[vengeverse]

★~ VenquaWeek2022 ★ Day 3: Anniversary ★ Read on Ao3! ~★

“Ven, where are you taking me?” Aqua giggled as her boyfriend pulled her hand through the bustling evening streets of Twilight Town.

“You’ll see!” Ventus replied brightly as he led her past a Moogle Shop with its glowing neon sign, slowing just as they rounded a corner. He turned on the spot, pulling Aqua in close and spreading out an arm towards the restaurant in front of them. “Surprise!”

The establishment was none other than Le Grand Bistrot— the finest eatery in all the worlds. Twinkling lamps illuminated the entire plaza, bathing the courtyard in a warm and inviting golden light. Enticing heavenly scents wafted through the air from the restaurant’s door, where a long line of people were gathered and waiting their turn to enter.

“Ven,” Aqua laughed, brushing a lock of hair from her forehead. “We’ve been here before.”

“Yeah, well. Tonight’s special; I made reservations,” he stated with an air of pride, squeezing her fingers.

“So, you did remember our two year anniversary,” she teased, her blue eyes sparkling brighter than her sequined dress.

“Of course,” Ven replied, tugging at the cuff of his tuxedo. “Why else would I bring my girlfriend here while looking so snazzy?”

“Oh, I don’t know,” she said wistfully. “Maybe for the opera, or a dance…”

“We can do that afterwards,” he grinned. “First, let’s get some good food.”

The bistro was even more beautiful on the inside. The ornate decor and soft classical music made for a rich, romantic atmosphere, further enhanced by sparkling fountains and lightly scented candles. 

“Right this way, monsieur, madame,” the maitre d’ spoke in a heavy accent, beckoning them to follow.

Aqua leaned over to whisper in Ven’s ear as they were led to their table. “…Are you sure they’ll be alright while we’re away?” she asked uncertainly.

“Aqua, stop worrying so much!” Ventus chuckled quietly. Apparently, she was still concerned about leaving a recently recovered and rehabilitated Vanitas alone with Terra for the night. “Trust me, Terra and Chirithy can handle my brother; he’s more bark than bite, now. Besides, we deserve a night to ourselves,” he assured her with a wink.

She smiled back, looking relieved.

Ven and Aqua took a seat at their table, which was situated on a high balcony overlooking the city. Aqua set her purse on the pristine white tablecloth and picked up the drink menu, passing it to Ven without even looking at it.

“No wine?” he asked as Aqua poured herself a glass of sparkling water from a jug next to the fancy silverware.

She shook her head as she took a sip. “Not tonight.”

That was weird. Aqua never turned down a good white wine.

A moment later a waiter came to take their order. “For you, madame?” he addressed Aqua.

“La bouillabaisse, s’il vous plaît,” she answered, easily slipping into French.

“Et vous, monsieur?” he asked Ven.

“…Oh! Uh— The sweetbread poêlé,” Ventus replied, hoping he’d pronounced it correctly.

Their waiter nodded and left.

“Aqua, you never eat seafood,” he pointed out as soon as the man was out of earshot. This night was getting even stranger.

“I… guess I’m craving something a little different, tonight,” Aqua shrugged, a light blush dusting her cheeks.

Ven couldn’t argue with that; their meals looked absolutely delicious as they arrived.

He dug into his food; the veal sweetbread was dense in flavor, yet had a light, airy texture— with a breezy lemon butter sauce and porcini mushrooms on the side.

Aqua’s dish looked equally tasty; an entire garlic-buttered lobster sat atop a saffron stew of baked cod, mussels, and a medley of mixed vegetables.

They lightly conversed over their entrees; after finishing a delectable dessert of creamy chocolate mousse, Ven set his plate aside and reached into his pocket, clearing his throat nervously.

“I got you something,” he said and presented a rectangular box to Aqua, opening it so she could see what was inside. On a cushion of red velvet lay a long, silver necklace, sparkling with tiny stars which were adorned with glimmering sapphires.

“Oh! Ven, it’s lovely,” she breathed, peering at the jewelry.

“I thought you might like it,” Ven smiled, lifting the necklace from its casing and leaning forwards to gently clip it around her neck. “I thought you could use something new, since you don’t have your Wayfinder, anymore.”

“I love it,” she beamed, tracing her fingers across the little stars.

“…So?” Ven asked expectantly.

Aqua raised a slender eyebrow. “So… what?”

“Well…” He tugged at his tie, suddenly feeling a bit self-conscious.

She quirked a smile. “You’re wondering where your present is.”

“Well, yeah,” Ven shrugged.

“Come with me.” Aqua took his hand and led him away from the table and up a short flight of marble stairs to the restaurant’s flat roof.

Ventus glanced across the city rooftops, breathing in the warm evening air. The sun had finally set as low as it could in a world like Twilight Town— though there were still the ever-present streaks of orange and purple in the sky.

“Ven,” Aqua whispered, catching his attention. “This is my gift.” She reached out and took both of his hands, placing them on her belly.

“You… ate a lot of food?” he asked, bemused.

“Ven!” Aqua admonished. “Look closer, with your heart.”

Ventus blinked and closed his eyes. Through his fingertips he could sense a small pulsing light, like a tiny heartbeat.

“Is that…” he breathed, opening his eyes to stare up at Aqua.

“We’re having a baby,” she announced, tears of joy glistening on her eyelashes.

It took a few seconds for her words to fully register. He looked from her, to her belly, then back at her, his heart swelling with jubilation and pride.

“Light, that’s wonderful, Aqua!” Ven cried and hugged her tight, lifting her off her feet and twirling her around.

“Ven, be careful! The baby!” 

“Sorry!” he said quickly, carefully setting her back down. 

A baby… Ventus ran a hand through his hair and laughed. Now he realized why Aqua had been behaving so unusually at dinner!

“…Oh, crap!” Ven shouted, slapping a palm to his forehead.

“What’s wrong?” Aqua asked, startled as she placed her hands over her belly.

“…We’ll have to plan a wedding!”

★~ The End ~★

Chronological order: Embrace, Sleep, Loss, Flowers, Ocean, Anniversary, and Fairytale.

@venquaweek