quietly, stand in the exit way and in the pitch black, take the light {Verse 1, Hikari}

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Destiny Islands had always been a beautiful place.

It wasn't too far from the main continent; only a ferry trip away to the shore or a plane flight to the closest city; Twilight Town; Destiny Island's main rival and yet, friend. Hollow Bastion and Traverse Town also wasn't far; just a little beyond Twilight.

Destiny Islands was a collection of mixed biomes in the wonderfully clear, blue ocean. It always smelt like the ocean breeze and the forest; it was urban and traditional at the same time. The skating rinks were popular to go to; along with the parks. It was always warm; and seeing pale skin was like seeing an alien. It wasn't too large of a place; everyone knew each other; and if someone was new; they were welcomed immediately.

And Kairi called the Destiny Islands home.

Kairi was only seventeen at the moment; small parts of her missing for no reason at all. Living on the island made up for it, though. By her opinion; it was preferably the most beautiful at night.

At night; everyone had a lamp on their porch; and it was naturally turned on after sunset. The moths would flutter around them; creating shadows against nearby by walls; constructed out of dry clay or driftwood. Children would sing native songs and hold hands by the porch while the elderly rocked in their chair. Sometimes, people hung lights in the trees; making the world look pure and gold, even if it wasn't really. The sand was everywhere; and in the summer; the humidity would make the clothes stick in a comfortable way. You'd hear the nocturnal begin to awaken; hear the frogs croak and the crickets sing.

It was home.

It was any other typical night; the usual. Kairi often took her walks after sunset; because she enjoyed them that way; and she wore her favorite sundress; the white, simple one.

She walked around the neighborhood; cheerfully greeting the elderly and swinging children with her arms. While swinging one of the youths on her arm, she greeted her neighbor, Yuna, "Hello, Yuna! How come the kids are over here?"

From where she stands, Yuna shrugs, "I was baking today; and apparently the fact got around. Can you help me drop off Selphie? Her home's near the beach."

Selphie pouted while clinging to Kairi. "I can walk by myself! I'm fourteen!"

"But, you haven't told me about your latest crush, have you?" Kairi instigates; gently pulling her along. She secretly winks her eyes at a humored Yuna.

The younger girl brightens immediately. "I haven't! Kairi, he has such wonderful eyes…" She trails off as she goes on about his description and Kairi has to literally rip her off her arm when they reach the shore.

"Goodnight; Kairi! I'll see you tomorrow!" Selphie calls while climbing the steps into her home.

"'Night!" Kairi waves her hand in parting. Why can't goodbyes always be like this? They should be happy, carefree, and not forever or what seems like eternity.

Even she doesn't know why she's thinking like this.

Kairi has always been a smart, bright girl with good humor. It doesn't entirely make sense why she has such a dull ache in her chest; like she's forgetting something. She was often lonely as a child. Maybe it was attributed to the fact that she didn't immediately know everyone when she first moved here…? No…couldn't be.

Kairi walks close to the shore; her usual habit. She lets the small waves wash her ankles and the shifting sand tickles her toes. She discovers a shell in the sand; a pretty periwinkle color; and a blue bottom. She fingers it before tossing it gently back into the calm water.

Plop

She sighs when she hears the satisfying sound; letting it calm her senses. Skipping stones or shells was never a memory; it was always there though. But, then- -

Splash

Plop

Splash

She doesn't know what to think when she hears that barely there sound, but she immediately catches the scent of smoke coming from her left; just behind the rock formation. Kairi follows after it; the sounds hitting a steady beat that becomes louder. It wasn't illegal to start a fire on the beach; so long as it didn't cause a hazard; bonfires were common during summer.

The fire; she could tell, was slowly dying, becoming a flickering flame when she looked from where she stood behind the wall of rock; but she could see clearly. A figure was tossing stones into the water; using beautiful form; the fire illuminating.

Her lips parted into a soft 'o'; eyes widening steadily.

Have I…

Caramel skin and thick, spiked brown hair. He wasn't extremely muscled; lanky and lean, with a loose, light blue half shirt hanging off the shoulders over a green wife beater. Shadows flickered over his cargo shorts as he continuously threw stones; seemingly never running out.

…met you?

No, she doesn't remember him; but she keeps watching him; this beautiful person. She can't see his face- -

He turns around; no stones in his hands anymore. Then, Kairi can see it. An angular jaw; the result of puberty; strong features meant for smiling, and dark blue eyes. He looks at her square; and something drops in her stomach.

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A/N:

Who would've thought I would have written a story like this? I just noticed that there were a lot of stories that didn't really center on anything other than a goofy Sora and a righteous Kairi. Maybe there are; I just haven't found them yet. After all, KH is spiking up with lots of stories. You know what other pairings I friggin love? RiSo and AkuRoku. Well, the story will have stereotypical short chapters.