kingdom hearts: you're gonna find yourself
Title: You're Gonna Find Yourself
Author: kel_fish
Fandom: Kingdom Hearts
Characters: Selphie/OC, with Kairi, Riku, Sora, and mentions of others.
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: Kingdom Hearts is owned by Square Enix, Disney, and others who aren't I.
Author's Note: The idea for this story popped into my head after I finished writing the prologue for another story, so while caseyvalhalla was beta'ing that story, I thought, "Why not work on this?" So... many thanks to my Mako Shark for beta'ing both Sound as well as this little sappy one-shot. I would also like to thank zumerokkata for helping me find Selphie icons, since I was ready to eat my own hair in frustration before she stepped up to the plate.
Summary: Selphie reminisces on her wedding day.
June days on Destiny Islands were lazy, hot enough to cast a soft haze over the atmosphere; colors softened and minds slipped into daydreams and nostalgia. Kids were set free from their academic prisons, too young to be slowed down by the sun’s warmth, and adults called in sick from work, preferring to sit on their porches with lemonade and something to read.
Special events were something that everyone attended, dressed up and ready to gossip, to be silly and carefree without having to clean up a messy house afterward. The first noteworthy day in June was a wedding, and the small community was huddled together underneath the palm trees outside the tiny island church, sitting in scratched, white metal chairs placed in even rows on scraggly, sun-bleached beach grass.
A hand-crafted arbor draped in white and yellow tulle indicated where the marriage would take place, and the groom and the minister were already stationed beneath the white wicker, resisting the urge to bat away the sheer material that kept waving gently at the corner of his eye, instead choosing to fiddle with his slacks as he cast nervous glances at the spectators, as well as at the double doors of the church.
Down the hall away from the double doors, separate from the pews and the verses printed on the walls, Selphie Tilmitt stood in the center of the minister’s office, using the small space as a temporary dressing room until the ceremony began. She was alone for the moment, given just a little bit of time to study herself in the plain mirror on the wall and ensure that everything was perfect. Her hair was pulled back into a loose bun, leaving her shoulders bare and gold-tinted under the sun’s light, and her makeup was just light enough to appear natural.
Her dress was fresh and sweet; clean white with just the right amount of elegance to make her feel like a princess, but simple enough for her to feel comfortable in her own skin. Everything was going smoothly so far, leaving her mind to wander from the crowd waiting for her outside to places in the realm of reminiscence-she was ready to walk down the aisle to her soon-to-be husband.
Something old
There was a time when Selphie had fantasized that the man waiting for her would be Riku. Ever since she’d first set eyes on him, she’d been moonstruck, caught up in a little girl’s daydream of her white knight and her fairytale castle. Even when they were kids, he’d had movie-star good looks, standing out with his impossibly light hair and bright, unusual eyes.
He was older, more confident than the other boys she knew, able to beat everyone at anything, but he was also withdrawn, preferring to keep himself at a distance from the other kids. Selphie had spent so much of her time trying to think of reasons to talk to him, following him around excitedly while he climbed trees and sought adventure and hoping that his nods and grunts were a sign of acceptance, rather than missed hints that he wanted to be alone.
Over time, their moments alone became easier, more natural. They were usually quiet, sprawled out at the end of the pier while they were waiting for the other friends in their group to come along. Their silences would be companionable, with Selphie making the occasional comment and Riku tipping his head slightly in one of his nods, humming in acknowledgement as he rested his elbow on one knee, laughing lowly every once in awhile when she said something amusing.
When Riku disappeared, leaving the Islands without warning, Selphie hadn’t expected to miss him so much. He had just been a crush, but when he was gone, Selphie realized how much he’d let her talk. He’d never said much in return, but he’d never laughed at her for telling him how awful Jenny was for teasing her about her secondhand yellow dress or how she was so clumsy on her own two feet.
And then Riku was suddenly back, seeming older and wiser than his years with that same quiet confidence, that same desire to remain unnoticed by most people, even though his silence and success only served to draw more attention to himself. But he and Selphie still had an unspoken understanding, and occasionally a shoulder bump or two and a smile. Her thoughts about him became more sisterly than anything else, and Riku was the group’s big brother, still looking out for her and Kairi after over a decade, although they would repeatedly insist that they were perfectly capable of taking care of themselves.
Something new
Kairi had always been the mystery of Destiny Islands. Nobody knew where she came from, and everyone wanted to know what she could remember of the worlds outside of their own. She was pretty and sweet, but tough and self-reliant, someone Selphie could relate to; a girl who felt more at home with the boys, although Kairi was just a little more adept at being one of the guys than Selphie had ever been.
She’d try to achieve that same ease that Kairi had, but Tidus would run often run off with Wakka, complaining about how she was either too girly or too bossy. But Kairi would make plans for slumber parties at her house, and they’d spend the night in their pjs, watching “chick flicks” while they dipped Oreos in peanut butter and talked about how stupid boys were sometimes.
When their friends started disappearing, Selphie would watch Kairi’s eyes, sometimes sad as she looked out toward the horizon. There had always been a fear of… something, deep in Selphie’s heart, but she wasn’t sure exactly what it was until one day, her best friend was gone too. After that, Selphie clung to Tidus and Wakka, and they must have been just as nervous or at least known how shaken up she was because they let her check up on them constantly, afraid that one day she’d wake up and they would no longer be there.
Kairi was the first to return-just as abruptly as she’d left, and she immediately took up her abandoned post at the shore of the island where everyone used to play together. Selphie would sit on the sand and talk to her for a little while, but the other girl’s mind would be distant, focused on finding the tiniest hint that their friends would be following her home soon. And the whole time, she was never worried, just determined to be there to welcome them, explaining that Riku and Sora were too strong to not find their way back.
Something borrowed
Sora had never been the one Selphie wanted for herself; he’d been everyone’s light, bright and uplifting, but always just out of reach and a little bewildering. There wasn’t one person on the Islands who couldn’t call Sora a friend; sometimes Selphie wondered if the fleeting spark she witnessed in other people’s eyes was jealousy, flashing for the briefest moment when they watched Sora open himself up to everyone. He was something that seemed so necessary that you could easily take his presence for granted.
So Selphie found it both absolutely shocking and completely expected when no one could think of what was missing when Sora wasn’t there anymore-couldn’t even recall his name. All Selphie knew was that he reappeared after what seemed like a short period of time, but must have been so much longer because Sora had grown.
Sometimes she’d catch a wistful gleam in his eyes as he studied the stars, a sigh just on the tip of his tongue and the tiniest of frowns flitting across his brow, tilting his lips downward for a moment. Wherever he’d gone, his experiences had strengthened his resolve, giving him secrets he wanted to keep to himself for the first time since Selphie had met him, but making the moments when he did share all that more meaningful.
It wasn’t until the end of high school was approaching that Selphie truly realized just how important Sora was to her, someone who would always be there for her, no matter what the circumstances. They had always been a lot alike in some ways, two people who were so easy-going and cheerful that adults often thought of them as naïve, and their peers were more than likely to regard them as “just friends” and nothing more.
One night, at another of Tidus’ celebratory post-game parties, Selphie found herself sitting on the railing of her friend’s back porch, reeling from another episode of the “you’re a great friend” curse after hinting to Jeff, one of the boys in her marine biology class, that she wouldn’t have minded being asked to the upcoming school dance. She clutched the slightly splintered wood beneath her hands just a little tighter, swinging her legs in the air as she tilted her head to look up at the sky, a hint of tears just beginning to sting her eyes.
She hadn’t meant for anyone to follow her outside, but not too much time passed before Sora slipped out through the sliding glass door, a drink in hand that he immediately passed to Selphie, leaning back against the railing next to her with his arms stretched out, one pressing against the small of her back in the smallest imitation of a hug. “You okay?” he asked, eyes fixed on the door for signs of any intruders.
Selphie sighed, slumping forward so her elbows were on her knees, head level with Sora’s. “Jeff turned me down,” she said softly, refusing to let her voice crack; it wasn’t the end of the world, after all, and she’d gone stag plenty of times before.
Sora matched Selphie’s sigh with one of his own. “Sorry,” he offered just as quietly. “Riku isn’t going with anyone…” he trailed off, knowing how utterly lame the suggestion sounded; pity dates never made the situation any better. He cleared his throat, eyes sharpening with resolve. “Jeff doesn’t deserve you, Selphie.” He looked up at her, willing her to meet his gaze.
Selphie snorted. “Nobody seems to deserve me.” She winced at how bitter she sounded, taking a sip of the drink in her hand before grimacing again at the taste, handing the red plastic cup back to Sora. “That came off a little bitchy, huh?” she laughed weakly, fixing her eyes at the point just below her friend’s mouth. She waved dismissively when Sora began to stutter out a protest. “I’ll be okay, Sora. I just… my pride’s been wounded.”
“I’m sorry,” Sora repeated, shifting over to the side a little so their bodies were touching, just barely brushing against each other. His brows knitted together, the faintest wave of guilt dipping his head and slumping his shoulders, and Selphie flicked the back of his neck with her index finger. “Don’t feel bad, Sora,” she chided, smiling a little when Sora jumped and rubbed the spot where her nail had grazed his flesh. “You and Kairi are great together.”
Sora mirrored her sad grin. “Yeah…” His eyes were bright, and he clenched the fist that wasn’t draped behind Selphie in determination. “And there’s someone for you, too, Selph.”
Selphie hummed, nodding in agreement even as her eyes turned to the sky again, flickering with doubt. “Of course. I just… no guy’s ever thought of me like that, you know? I’ve never even kissed anyone, Sora. Not in the way that counts, anyway.”
Sora remained silent, taking another long sip from the bitter liquid in his cup, something Selphie couldn’t make out working in his mind before he swallowed, setting his beer down at the end of the railing before turning so his entire body faced her. His cheeks were stained a pale pink, even though his eyes continued to meet hers.
Selphie swallowed, something warm and apprehensive stirring in her gut. “Sora?”
“Your first kiss… it should be with someone you trust, right?” His eyes were so earnest-too sincere, and Selphie could only swallow again, nodding slowly, mind racing furiously to figure out just what he was getting at, even though she really already knew. “Hey, Selph.” Sora’s voice was low and warm, just assertive enough to break her out of her thoughts, but gentle so she wouldn’t be startled.
There was one second, drawn out but heart-stoppingly fast, and Sora’s free arm was resting on Selphie’s other side, face just inches away from hers. Before she knew what she was doing, Selphie found herself nodding in affirmation to the unspoken question widening his eyes, and then Sora’s lips were on hers, kissing her softly, something feather-light and barely there, but making her nerves tingle and her stomach flutter all the same.
And just as quickly as it started, Sora pulled back slowly, watching her uncertainly. His mouth opened and closed, words seeking a way out, and Selphie licked her lips ponderously, giving herself a moment to come to terms with the fact that her first kiss was with Sora. Then she smiled, eyes bright, and leaned forward to plant a kiss on her friend’s cheek, sliding down from the railing so she could stand in front of him. Her arms slipped around Sora and met at the back of his neck, and she hugged him close. “Thanks,” she whispered, eyes closed tightly. “You’re wonderful.”
She heard Sora expel the nervous breath he’d been holding, returning the embrace. “You’re welcome,” he replied, rubbing her back in support before pulling away. They looked at each other a little while longer, feeling their moment fade, and then they both laughed awkwardly. Sora scratched the back of his head, shifting his weight from one foot to the other. “You ready to go back in?”
Selphie inhaled deeply, picking up on the faint traces of smoke that came with high school parties from inside the house, and nodded, sure of herself again. “Yeah.” They shared a smile, a secret, then turned to face the world again.
Sora reached out to retrieve the cup he’d left on the railing, taking a long gulp before offering the rest of his drink to Selphie. “Great, ‘cause when I left, Wakka was about to break dance.” They went back inside, laughing, and merged with the other partygoers again without another word about what had happened outside, Sora seeking out Kairi near the front of the crowd that was cheering on Wakka, and Selphie joining Riku in a dark corner near the kitchen, watching the spectacle with a smirk tilting one corner of his mouth.
Something blue
Sora had been right-he usually was. It wasn’t until Selphie and her friends joined Riku at the small college on the Islands, but it happened all the same, and someone in her pottery class surprised her by asking her out on a date; Michael, with his shaggy black hair and sloe eyes, a little on the slim side, but tall and attractive in a soft way.
She’d never thought of him as anything more than a friend in high school, but he was a sweet guy and she knew that she’d have fun with him, at least, even if the date was nothing more than something experimental. But one date became three, and three dates became a steady boyfriend, and when college was over and done with, Selphie woke up one morning with an engagement ring on her finger. She had Michael and her friends, and she no longer felt those recurring pangs in her heart when she remembered the numerous disappearances she’d never received a true explanation for; she was happy with the way her life was.
Selphie snapped out of her reverie, breathing in and out until she got her bearings again, and looked down at her ring finger, a content smile lighting up her slightly damp eyes. Remembering her makeup, she swore under breath and pulled out the lace handkerchief her mother had lent her for the wedding, dabbing around her eyes so she wouldn’t smudge her mascara, silently praising Kairi for her application of waterproof eyeliner.
Kairi had gone a little crazy after Selphie had nominated her to be her maid of honor; she’d had a hand in every decision, keeping Selphie away from the brink of insanity and taking the negative aspects of wedding planning head on. Sora had had to take Kairi aside a few times and remind her that it was Selphie’s wedding, and then Riku had had to remind Sora that he was an idiot when Kairi would typically shoot him a glare that could’ve meant his death before storming off to make sure the flowers would arrive on time.
But, despite all of the narrowly avoided crises and the overall nightmare of ensuring that the caterers would have everything prepared, Selphie was standing there in her impromptu dressing room, ready to spend the rest of her life with Michael, the boy who’d quietly snuck up on her. She beamed at herself in the mirror, patting her hair to ensure that it was still just right, before opening the door and waving down Kairi, the gesture taking a little longer while she scowled and fixed Sora’s tie for what must have been the umpteenth time. When Selphie finally caught her attention, she shooed away her boyfriend, ordering him to get into position.
Riku watched the exchange with his usual barely-there grin, hair pulled back away from his eyes so Selphie could see them clearly as he walked up to her, nodding once before pulling her into a quick hug. “Congrats,” he murmured, gently cuffing her chin before he followed his best friend, letting out a sharp burst of laughter when Kairi swatted him for taking so long.
Selphie watched Kairi’s twitching fingers, knowing she was itching to go out and fix Sora’s tie yet again. She laughed and placed her hand on the redhead’s shoulder. “You were perfect, Kairi,” she assured, sharing a one-armed hug with her best friend.
“You’re beautiful, Selphie,” Kairi whispered, giving her arms one last squeeze before she straightened, clearing her throat and squared her shoulders. “And you’re going to do the same thing for me some day,” she stated, a trace of uncertainty in her tone as her eyes flicked unconsciously toward the double doors that opened to the wedding party, her long-time boyfriend up near the front.
“Soon,” Selphie said confidently, knowing that Sora wouldn’t go much longer without proposing to her. They laughed together excitedly, and then Kairi turned and rested her hand on the doorknob, flashing her a smile.
“Ready?” she asked, preparing to cue the band for the “Wedding March” and take her place across from Sora after informing Selphie’s father that he could stop pacing around outside and finally give his daughter away.
Selphie looked down at her engagement band one more time, thinking of Michael’s easy smile and dry sense of humor, and smiled. “Yeah.”
Author: kel_fish
Fandom: Kingdom Hearts
Characters: Selphie/OC, with Kairi, Riku, Sora, and mentions of others.
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: Kingdom Hearts is owned by Square Enix, Disney, and others who aren't I.
Author's Note: The idea for this story popped into my head after I finished writing the prologue for another story, so while caseyvalhalla was beta'ing that story, I thought, "Why not work on this?" So... many thanks to my Mako Shark for beta'ing both Sound as well as this little sappy one-shot. I would also like to thank zumerokkata for helping me find Selphie icons, since I was ready to eat my own hair in frustration before she stepped up to the plate.
Summary: Selphie reminisces on her wedding day.
June days on Destiny Islands were lazy, hot enough to cast a soft haze over the atmosphere; colors softened and minds slipped into daydreams and nostalgia. Kids were set free from their academic prisons, too young to be slowed down by the sun’s warmth, and adults called in sick from work, preferring to sit on their porches with lemonade and something to read.
Special events were something that everyone attended, dressed up and ready to gossip, to be silly and carefree without having to clean up a messy house afterward. The first noteworthy day in June was a wedding, and the small community was huddled together underneath the palm trees outside the tiny island church, sitting in scratched, white metal chairs placed in even rows on scraggly, sun-bleached beach grass.
A hand-crafted arbor draped in white and yellow tulle indicated where the marriage would take place, and the groom and the minister were already stationed beneath the white wicker, resisting the urge to bat away the sheer material that kept waving gently at the corner of his eye, instead choosing to fiddle with his slacks as he cast nervous glances at the spectators, as well as at the double doors of the church.
Down the hall away from the double doors, separate from the pews and the verses printed on the walls, Selphie Tilmitt stood in the center of the minister’s office, using the small space as a temporary dressing room until the ceremony began. She was alone for the moment, given just a little bit of time to study herself in the plain mirror on the wall and ensure that everything was perfect. Her hair was pulled back into a loose bun, leaving her shoulders bare and gold-tinted under the sun’s light, and her makeup was just light enough to appear natural.
Her dress was fresh and sweet; clean white with just the right amount of elegance to make her feel like a princess, but simple enough for her to feel comfortable in her own skin. Everything was going smoothly so far, leaving her mind to wander from the crowd waiting for her outside to places in the realm of reminiscence-she was ready to walk down the aisle to her soon-to-be husband.
Something old
There was a time when Selphie had fantasized that the man waiting for her would be Riku. Ever since she’d first set eyes on him, she’d been moonstruck, caught up in a little girl’s daydream of her white knight and her fairytale castle. Even when they were kids, he’d had movie-star good looks, standing out with his impossibly light hair and bright, unusual eyes.
He was older, more confident than the other boys she knew, able to beat everyone at anything, but he was also withdrawn, preferring to keep himself at a distance from the other kids. Selphie had spent so much of her time trying to think of reasons to talk to him, following him around excitedly while he climbed trees and sought adventure and hoping that his nods and grunts were a sign of acceptance, rather than missed hints that he wanted to be alone.
Over time, their moments alone became easier, more natural. They were usually quiet, sprawled out at the end of the pier while they were waiting for the other friends in their group to come along. Their silences would be companionable, with Selphie making the occasional comment and Riku tipping his head slightly in one of his nods, humming in acknowledgement as he rested his elbow on one knee, laughing lowly every once in awhile when she said something amusing.
When Riku disappeared, leaving the Islands without warning, Selphie hadn’t expected to miss him so much. He had just been a crush, but when he was gone, Selphie realized how much he’d let her talk. He’d never said much in return, but he’d never laughed at her for telling him how awful Jenny was for teasing her about her secondhand yellow dress or how she was so clumsy on her own two feet.
And then Riku was suddenly back, seeming older and wiser than his years with that same quiet confidence, that same desire to remain unnoticed by most people, even though his silence and success only served to draw more attention to himself. But he and Selphie still had an unspoken understanding, and occasionally a shoulder bump or two and a smile. Her thoughts about him became more sisterly than anything else, and Riku was the group’s big brother, still looking out for her and Kairi after over a decade, although they would repeatedly insist that they were perfectly capable of taking care of themselves.
Something new
Kairi had always been the mystery of Destiny Islands. Nobody knew where she came from, and everyone wanted to know what she could remember of the worlds outside of their own. She was pretty and sweet, but tough and self-reliant, someone Selphie could relate to; a girl who felt more at home with the boys, although Kairi was just a little more adept at being one of the guys than Selphie had ever been.
She’d try to achieve that same ease that Kairi had, but Tidus would run often run off with Wakka, complaining about how she was either too girly or too bossy. But Kairi would make plans for slumber parties at her house, and they’d spend the night in their pjs, watching “chick flicks” while they dipped Oreos in peanut butter and talked about how stupid boys were sometimes.
When their friends started disappearing, Selphie would watch Kairi’s eyes, sometimes sad as she looked out toward the horizon. There had always been a fear of… something, deep in Selphie’s heart, but she wasn’t sure exactly what it was until one day, her best friend was gone too. After that, Selphie clung to Tidus and Wakka, and they must have been just as nervous or at least known how shaken up she was because they let her check up on them constantly, afraid that one day she’d wake up and they would no longer be there.
Kairi was the first to return-just as abruptly as she’d left, and she immediately took up her abandoned post at the shore of the island where everyone used to play together. Selphie would sit on the sand and talk to her for a little while, but the other girl’s mind would be distant, focused on finding the tiniest hint that their friends would be following her home soon. And the whole time, she was never worried, just determined to be there to welcome them, explaining that Riku and Sora were too strong to not find their way back.
Something borrowed
Sora had never been the one Selphie wanted for herself; he’d been everyone’s light, bright and uplifting, but always just out of reach and a little bewildering. There wasn’t one person on the Islands who couldn’t call Sora a friend; sometimes Selphie wondered if the fleeting spark she witnessed in other people’s eyes was jealousy, flashing for the briefest moment when they watched Sora open himself up to everyone. He was something that seemed so necessary that you could easily take his presence for granted.
So Selphie found it both absolutely shocking and completely expected when no one could think of what was missing when Sora wasn’t there anymore-couldn’t even recall his name. All Selphie knew was that he reappeared after what seemed like a short period of time, but must have been so much longer because Sora had grown.
Sometimes she’d catch a wistful gleam in his eyes as he studied the stars, a sigh just on the tip of his tongue and the tiniest of frowns flitting across his brow, tilting his lips downward for a moment. Wherever he’d gone, his experiences had strengthened his resolve, giving him secrets he wanted to keep to himself for the first time since Selphie had met him, but making the moments when he did share all that more meaningful.
It wasn’t until the end of high school was approaching that Selphie truly realized just how important Sora was to her, someone who would always be there for her, no matter what the circumstances. They had always been a lot alike in some ways, two people who were so easy-going and cheerful that adults often thought of them as naïve, and their peers were more than likely to regard them as “just friends” and nothing more.
One night, at another of Tidus’ celebratory post-game parties, Selphie found herself sitting on the railing of her friend’s back porch, reeling from another episode of the “you’re a great friend” curse after hinting to Jeff, one of the boys in her marine biology class, that she wouldn’t have minded being asked to the upcoming school dance. She clutched the slightly splintered wood beneath her hands just a little tighter, swinging her legs in the air as she tilted her head to look up at the sky, a hint of tears just beginning to sting her eyes.
She hadn’t meant for anyone to follow her outside, but not too much time passed before Sora slipped out through the sliding glass door, a drink in hand that he immediately passed to Selphie, leaning back against the railing next to her with his arms stretched out, one pressing against the small of her back in the smallest imitation of a hug. “You okay?” he asked, eyes fixed on the door for signs of any intruders.
Selphie sighed, slumping forward so her elbows were on her knees, head level with Sora’s. “Jeff turned me down,” she said softly, refusing to let her voice crack; it wasn’t the end of the world, after all, and she’d gone stag plenty of times before.
Sora matched Selphie’s sigh with one of his own. “Sorry,” he offered just as quietly. “Riku isn’t going with anyone…” he trailed off, knowing how utterly lame the suggestion sounded; pity dates never made the situation any better. He cleared his throat, eyes sharpening with resolve. “Jeff doesn’t deserve you, Selphie.” He looked up at her, willing her to meet his gaze.
Selphie snorted. “Nobody seems to deserve me.” She winced at how bitter she sounded, taking a sip of the drink in her hand before grimacing again at the taste, handing the red plastic cup back to Sora. “That came off a little bitchy, huh?” she laughed weakly, fixing her eyes at the point just below her friend’s mouth. She waved dismissively when Sora began to stutter out a protest. “I’ll be okay, Sora. I just… my pride’s been wounded.”
“I’m sorry,” Sora repeated, shifting over to the side a little so their bodies were touching, just barely brushing against each other. His brows knitted together, the faintest wave of guilt dipping his head and slumping his shoulders, and Selphie flicked the back of his neck with her index finger. “Don’t feel bad, Sora,” she chided, smiling a little when Sora jumped and rubbed the spot where her nail had grazed his flesh. “You and Kairi are great together.”
Sora mirrored her sad grin. “Yeah…” His eyes were bright, and he clenched the fist that wasn’t draped behind Selphie in determination. “And there’s someone for you, too, Selph.”
Selphie hummed, nodding in agreement even as her eyes turned to the sky again, flickering with doubt. “Of course. I just… no guy’s ever thought of me like that, you know? I’ve never even kissed anyone, Sora. Not in the way that counts, anyway.”
Sora remained silent, taking another long sip from the bitter liquid in his cup, something Selphie couldn’t make out working in his mind before he swallowed, setting his beer down at the end of the railing before turning so his entire body faced her. His cheeks were stained a pale pink, even though his eyes continued to meet hers.
Selphie swallowed, something warm and apprehensive stirring in her gut. “Sora?”
“Your first kiss… it should be with someone you trust, right?” His eyes were so earnest-too sincere, and Selphie could only swallow again, nodding slowly, mind racing furiously to figure out just what he was getting at, even though she really already knew. “Hey, Selph.” Sora’s voice was low and warm, just assertive enough to break her out of her thoughts, but gentle so she wouldn’t be startled.
There was one second, drawn out but heart-stoppingly fast, and Sora’s free arm was resting on Selphie’s other side, face just inches away from hers. Before she knew what she was doing, Selphie found herself nodding in affirmation to the unspoken question widening his eyes, and then Sora’s lips were on hers, kissing her softly, something feather-light and barely there, but making her nerves tingle and her stomach flutter all the same.
And just as quickly as it started, Sora pulled back slowly, watching her uncertainly. His mouth opened and closed, words seeking a way out, and Selphie licked her lips ponderously, giving herself a moment to come to terms with the fact that her first kiss was with Sora. Then she smiled, eyes bright, and leaned forward to plant a kiss on her friend’s cheek, sliding down from the railing so she could stand in front of him. Her arms slipped around Sora and met at the back of his neck, and she hugged him close. “Thanks,” she whispered, eyes closed tightly. “You’re wonderful.”
She heard Sora expel the nervous breath he’d been holding, returning the embrace. “You’re welcome,” he replied, rubbing her back in support before pulling away. They looked at each other a little while longer, feeling their moment fade, and then they both laughed awkwardly. Sora scratched the back of his head, shifting his weight from one foot to the other. “You ready to go back in?”
Selphie inhaled deeply, picking up on the faint traces of smoke that came with high school parties from inside the house, and nodded, sure of herself again. “Yeah.” They shared a smile, a secret, then turned to face the world again.
Sora reached out to retrieve the cup he’d left on the railing, taking a long gulp before offering the rest of his drink to Selphie. “Great, ‘cause when I left, Wakka was about to break dance.” They went back inside, laughing, and merged with the other partygoers again without another word about what had happened outside, Sora seeking out Kairi near the front of the crowd that was cheering on Wakka, and Selphie joining Riku in a dark corner near the kitchen, watching the spectacle with a smirk tilting one corner of his mouth.
Something blue
Sora had been right-he usually was. It wasn’t until Selphie and her friends joined Riku at the small college on the Islands, but it happened all the same, and someone in her pottery class surprised her by asking her out on a date; Michael, with his shaggy black hair and sloe eyes, a little on the slim side, but tall and attractive in a soft way.
She’d never thought of him as anything more than a friend in high school, but he was a sweet guy and she knew that she’d have fun with him, at least, even if the date was nothing more than something experimental. But one date became three, and three dates became a steady boyfriend, and when college was over and done with, Selphie woke up one morning with an engagement ring on her finger. She had Michael and her friends, and she no longer felt those recurring pangs in her heart when she remembered the numerous disappearances she’d never received a true explanation for; she was happy with the way her life was.
Selphie snapped out of her reverie, breathing in and out until she got her bearings again, and looked down at her ring finger, a content smile lighting up her slightly damp eyes. Remembering her makeup, she swore under breath and pulled out the lace handkerchief her mother had lent her for the wedding, dabbing around her eyes so she wouldn’t smudge her mascara, silently praising Kairi for her application of waterproof eyeliner.
Kairi had gone a little crazy after Selphie had nominated her to be her maid of honor; she’d had a hand in every decision, keeping Selphie away from the brink of insanity and taking the negative aspects of wedding planning head on. Sora had had to take Kairi aside a few times and remind her that it was Selphie’s wedding, and then Riku had had to remind Sora that he was an idiot when Kairi would typically shoot him a glare that could’ve meant his death before storming off to make sure the flowers would arrive on time.
But, despite all of the narrowly avoided crises and the overall nightmare of ensuring that the caterers would have everything prepared, Selphie was standing there in her impromptu dressing room, ready to spend the rest of her life with Michael, the boy who’d quietly snuck up on her. She beamed at herself in the mirror, patting her hair to ensure that it was still just right, before opening the door and waving down Kairi, the gesture taking a little longer while she scowled and fixed Sora’s tie for what must have been the umpteenth time. When Selphie finally caught her attention, she shooed away her boyfriend, ordering him to get into position.
Riku watched the exchange with his usual barely-there grin, hair pulled back away from his eyes so Selphie could see them clearly as he walked up to her, nodding once before pulling her into a quick hug. “Congrats,” he murmured, gently cuffing her chin before he followed his best friend, letting out a sharp burst of laughter when Kairi swatted him for taking so long.
Selphie watched Kairi’s twitching fingers, knowing she was itching to go out and fix Sora’s tie yet again. She laughed and placed her hand on the redhead’s shoulder. “You were perfect, Kairi,” she assured, sharing a one-armed hug with her best friend.
“You’re beautiful, Selphie,” Kairi whispered, giving her arms one last squeeze before she straightened, clearing her throat and squared her shoulders. “And you’re going to do the same thing for me some day,” she stated, a trace of uncertainty in her tone as her eyes flicked unconsciously toward the double doors that opened to the wedding party, her long-time boyfriend up near the front.
“Soon,” Selphie said confidently, knowing that Sora wouldn’t go much longer without proposing to her. They laughed together excitedly, and then Kairi turned and rested her hand on the doorknob, flashing her a smile.
“Ready?” she asked, preparing to cue the band for the “Wedding March” and take her place across from Sora after informing Selphie’s father that he could stop pacing around outside and finally give his daughter away.
Selphie looked down at her engagement band one more time, thinking of Michael’s easy smile and dry sense of humor, and smiled. “Yeah.”