[Name]

Away from Home, Part 8

You woke up feeling splendid.  You, Tifa, Yuffie, and Namine had spent last night bonding and you started to feel more at home on this island.  You could also get used to eating some more of that sea salt ice cream.  You and Namine finished your morning routines and were soon on your way to school with breakfast in hand.  You could tell today would be a good day, the sun was shining, it was Friday, and you and Namine made plans to go out for ice cream again.

“More people should be at Ice Cream Beat tonight.  It usually has a crowd on Fridays,” Namine told you.

“The more the merrier!”  You smiled at her.

After last night, you found it easier to talk with your peers.  In between taking history notes, you talked with Riku, Roxas, and Sora about the weekend.  Kairi, on the other hand, stayed quiet and focused on what Xigbar was saying.

“So [Name], you’re going to the ice cream parlor tonight, right?”  Sora asked energetically.

“Yep! I take it you guys are gonna be there, too?”  They all gave you affirmative responses. 

Soon first period was over and you and Riku walked together to math class.  You couldn’t help but notice some other students staring at you and whispering to their friends.  You also saw that they were all girls and they didn’t seem too happy.  Whatever, you don't have time for haters.  You and Riku entered the classroom and sat in your usual spots by Noctis, Namine, Genesis, and Zexion.

"Ah, the goddess returns," Genesis smiled as you sat beside him, returning his smile.  Class passed as quickly as a math class could.  Afterwards, you and Noctis walked together to your classes.  You began to appreciate how polite Noctis always is towards you.

You didn't get to talk much to your friends in science.  This was because Vexen would have to be the most uptight person you've ever met.  Seriously, if you so much as sneezed he would give you a warning for "being disruptive".  At the end of class, you couldn't help but notice how Vanitas always sat away from all the other students.  So you decided to reach out to him.

"Hey, Vanitas," you said as you walked up to him after the bell rang.  "Are you coming to Ice Cream Beat after school?  A lot of us were going to meet up there."

He stared at for a moment and then smirked.  "Maybe some other time."  

He brushed passed you on his way out.  At least it wasn't a complete failure.  You turned to leave when you saw Kairi standing by her desk looking fixedly at you.  You tried to walk around her, but somehow her hand found your arm and she held you in a vice-like grip.

"I heard you went to the parlor yesterday," she said, her voice lacking any kind of emotion.

"Yeah, I was there yesterday.  Why?"  You were confused as to why Kairi would even care.

She was silent for a second.  "You should really lay off the ice cream."  And just like that, she turned away from you and walked out of the class.

 "SHE SAID WHAT?!?!?"  Yuffie shrieked.

"Yeah, it kinda came out of nowhere," you replied.

 "THAT BANSHEE!! WHEN I GET MY HANDS ON HER I'M GONNA......!"  Yuffie continued to show off her colorful vocabulary as you giggled.  

"Well [Name], I know something that could cheer you up."

"What's that, Zack?"  You asked as you turned to face the raven-haired boy.

"Watching me kick ass at the football game tomorrow.  You're looking at the star quarterback who's going to win the most important game of the season," he said with his signature grin.

"Who're we playing?"  Going to a football game seemed to be the best way to keep your mind off of this Kairi drama.

"The losers over at Radiant Dusk Garden Bastion Academy.  They've been our rivals for as long as anyone can remember," Ven replied.  For the rest of lunch, everyone made plans to sit together at the football game.  You don't think Yuffie was paying much attention though, she was too busy calling Kairi a "trash-eating harpy".

The rest of the day was pretty uneventful.  All of your friends were either talking about getting ice cream tonight, the big game tomorrow, or just the fact that they're glad the school week's over.  By the time sixth period rolled around, you just couldn't wait for school to be out.  Even though the first day of training caught you off guard, you had gotten used to practicing self-defense and observing the other students' powers.  In fact, you thought it was fascinating how others could fight with the elements.

After learning how to break a choke hold, you met with your friends by the iron gates after school.  You noticed that Vanitas wasn't there, not that you were surprised, he told you he wouldn't come.  The walk to the ice cream parlor was pleasant, everyone was talking about the football players from Radiant Dusk Garden Bastion Academy.  Soon everyone was entering the ice cream parlor and giving their orders.  Unsurprisingly, most people wanted the sea salt ice cream.  You had to admit, this island has the best ice cream you've ever tasted; you've been craving it all day.  

Once you picked up your double-scoop sea salt ice cream, you join the others at one of the larger tables in the back.  You ended up sitting in between Ven and Zack.

"Well, well, well, looks like someone has a sweet tooth," Ven remarked as he saw you eagerly eat your dessert.

"If that's the case, I've got something sweet for you right here, [Name]," Zack winked as he leaned in towards you.

"Hey!  I'm the only one that can flirt with [Name]!"  Axel cried from down the table.  

"What're you talking about?  Everyone knows that the prettiest girl in the room should be with the best looking guy, which happens to be yours truly."  

By now a pink blush was cropping up around your cheeks.

"Now look what you players've done!  You've embarrassed [Name]!"  Yuffie said as she continued to chastise Axel and Zack.  You focused on eating your ice cream and hoped your cheeks would return back to normal.  

"Hey, [Name]," Riku spoke up across from you, grabbing your attention.  "I heard what Kairi said to you, sorry about that."

"It's alright, I guess she's just being her bitchy self."

He shook his head.  "I can't believe she had every guy wrapped around her finger.  We were too blind to see what was going on.  She was just using us for her own sick enjoyment."

"That's awful.  At least we all know what kind of person she is now."

You spent the rest of the night laughing with your friends and talking about almost everything under the sun.  Maybe this school year won't be so bad after all, especially if you-know-who would be here with you.

Author's Note:

Don't worry, while this may seem like the third filler in a row, this chapter is kinda sorta important.  It'll make more sense later.  DON'T WORRY IF YOU HAVE KAIRI AS A GOC, THIS IS ALL ACCORDING TO PLAN!!  That being said, I hoped you enjoyed this latest installment! :)