One Change - A KH "What If?" (DISCONTINUED/MOVED)

kh2(15)

Kairi skipped down the hallway.

The sound of her shoes shuffling against the carpet made a door open just ahead of her.

Riku's head popped out from behind the door.

"Hey, Riku. Aqua needs you down at the kitchen."

Riku nodded in response, and shut his door.

Kairi waited patiently outside the door, rocking on her heels.

Ventus passed her in the hallway.

Kairi smiled and waved at him as he walked passed.

Ven raised his eyebrows to acknowledge her, but kept on his way.

But then, he stopped. He groaned and twirled around.

Ventus approached Kairi again, and stopped in front of her.

"Hey, um.."

Kairi tilted her head to the side as curiosity filled her from head to toe.

Ven sighed and eyed the floor. He kicked the carpet before mumbling, "I'm sorry."

"Sorry?" Kairi didn't understand. "What for?"

Ventus looked up from the floor, and pushed his hood down.

Its incredible how he and Roxas look so similar.

"For.. what happened in Agrabah."

Kairi's eyes widened.

Ventus looked away almost immediately.

For a small moment, Kairi wondered if he was kidding. But the glance he stole at her showed his eyes glassy and regretful.

"Ventus, you don't have to apologize."

"But I do!" Ventus argued. "I feel absolutely awful about it."

Kairi smiled warmly.

She fiddled with her bracelet when she said, "I forgive you."

Ventus's eyes sparkled.

And, although he didn't smile, Kairi could tell that he was relieved.

"Thanks for that." He said.

He looked down the hall, and took his hands out of his pockets.

"Gotta go. See ya."

Kairi waved Ventus bye, and then went back to waiting.

As the previous moment replayed in her head, she began to notice something.

Ventus's voice sounded scruffy when he left, and his eyes, although they had a shadow over them from the minimal light in the hallway, looked odd.

Kairi was broken out of her thoughts when Riku's door reopened.

He was fully dressed, and had a welcoming smile on his face.

Kairi paused for what felt like a while before asking, "can you speak?"

Riku looked curious, and shrugged.

He cleared his throat.

"I-"

A cough absorbed his speaking, and he dropped to his knees.

Kairi moved her bangs out of her eye and knelt down next to him.

Riku looked up at her, and smiled weakly.

"I'm sure it'll pass." Kairi said, rubbing his shoulder reassuringly. "You just.. have to rest your voice."

Riku responded with an eye roll, and a friendly smirk.