Fast Food Madness: The Epic Return

Namine laughed. "I thought you said you were done being playful?" she asked in a teasing tone of voice, trying to be serious but failing miserably. There was no reason to be upset; if you can't be happy and free with the ones you love, then things were pretty bad. But she was glad she had this kind of relationship with Roxas, even if she really just wanted to open the door and show him everything.

 

"Maybe after I see what's behind Door Number One," Roxas said with a grin. After he spoke he noticed the eagerness in her eyes and his smile dimmed some. Roxas could tell she was really looking forward to showing him whatever was outside. "Sorry," he said sheepishly, keeping his arms crossed loosely over his chest. He really was done now, starting to grow anxious toward what was behind the door.

 

Namine laughed quietly, looking into Roxas' bright blue orbs. "Don't be sorry," she said softly. "I like seeing you happy." She had really missed seeing Roxas being so naturally playful--it was a side of him that she absolutely loved. But she loved all of him, even his flaws. And that love would never, ever die.

 

Roxas's smile took its previous form, a bigger and happier grin being seen once more. He was glad to hear her say that, and he couldn't agree more. He loved being able to act this goofy and cheery and playful around Namine, and he could only trace the source to her. When she was happy, he was too. And he was sure it was vice-versa. Regardless, Roxas couldn't help but smile when he was around the girl before him, or when he had experienced a night like this one. There was too much fun involved to hold back any positive emotion.

 

Namine smiled up at Roxas, his smile warming her heart. She leaned forward and gave him a light peck on the cheek without thought before her eyes wandered to the door. She grabbed onto the handle and then moved to be at Roxas' side, where the door wouldn't hit her. Silently, she pulled it open, the outside world being revealed to her and Roxas.

 

Roxas's smile had stayed in place with Namine's gesture but when his eyes darted outside once she opened the door, he felt his lips part. The joy written on his face was now replaced by shock, his arms uncrossing. The boy took a step outside, slowly descending the back steps, his eyes wide with surprise at the sight before him.

 

From what Namine saw of Roxas' face, she could tell he was surprised. But surprised in a good way--at least, that's what she thought. She bit down on her lip lightly to keep herself silent, not wanting to laugh at Roxas' awestruck expression. She silently followed him down the steps, quietly shutting the back door behind her.

 

"Whoa..." Roxas said slowly, his wide blue eyes on the sight before him. The lights...and the area itself. It was amazing, and beautiful. For some reason, there was a warm feeling in Roxas's chest. Like there was some familiarity there, as if this meant a lot to him in a way he was too awestruck to comprehend.

 

Namine smiled softly, deciding then that it was time to let Roxas in on her next surprise. She quietly slipped past him, heading into the large garden. Unlike most homes in NYC, she had a very large backyard and it was somehow not affected by traffic, even on the worst days. The girl silently walked down the path, heading toward the center where a beautiful fountain stood.

 

Roxas let his sight drift from the sight of the garden to the blonde that passed him. He watched her go into the garden before letting his eyes wander the area once again. When...when was this actually built? He didn't remember it being here a little while ago.

 

Namine slowed herself when she reached the center and then came to a complete stop when she was in front of the fountain. Not only was this garden beautiful; it also had hidden speakers in the nearby area and an area for an iPod dock. She had thought to bring hers out earlier, so all she had to do was push one button on the device under the fountain and music would start.

 

Roxas continued to let his blue eyes wander the garden as he made his way closer to it, following Namine's lead. He walked along the created path, gaze roaming the many flowers and lights. His pace was slow, the boy taking in every detail. Yes, this was familiar. But from where again?

 

But Namine didn't want to start the music without Roxas nearby. So she turned herself around slightly, a hand lightly resting on the edge of the fountain. Her soft blue eyes found Roxas coming toward her, and she couldn't help but notice that he still appeared a bit awestruck.

 

Roxas glanced ahead of him and found the girl he loved just a little bit away. "So...since when have you had this?" he asked, his eyes roaming another time. He located a rosebush next to him as he passed it. Seriously, when did her backyard have a garden?

 

Namine smiled, keeping her sky blue eyes on Roxas. "Not too long," she responded softly. "It was just finished about a week ago." Her dad, though he was away on a business trip, had given told her to stay away from the backyard while some men finished up the work. This was actually the first time she had been in the garden at night, so she was also a bit in awe of how beautiful the lights looked.

 

Roxas let his eyes rest on Namine, noticing the fountain behind her. He was struck with the sense of deja vu. "Wow... This feels so familiar..." The boy scratched the back of his head as he gazed at the water fountain, his eyes then locating Namine again. He must have been tired or something...or just plain forgot, because he just couldn't remember what was so similar to this.

 

Namine's smile got smaller, the girl surprised at Roxas' comment. He doesn't remember...? It was so weird to her, because it was one of her favorite memories. But she suddenly got an idea, one that would refresh Roxas' memory. "Maybe this'll help you remember," she said softly, turning away and kneeling down slightly. Her iPod was hidden in a dock beneath some grass under the fountain, but she had no problem finding it and pushing the "play" button. From the hidden speakers, a song started to play quietly.

 

Roxas stopped a few feet from Namine when he suddenly heard music through the speakers. After a few seconds, it finally clicked. How could he forget?! He felt terrible for not remembering such a wonderful night for him and Namine, and Sora and Kairi too. Roxas looked at Namine, smiling softly. "...The ball," he said gently. It had been quite a little bit ago; maybe that was why he didn't remember.

 

Namine stood upright now, looking into Roxas' bright blue eyes. She smiled softly, nodding once. She took a few small steps forward and stood right in front of him, looking up at him. "Do you recognize the song?" she asked softly, guitar still strumming in the background. It was the same song they had danced to in the garden before, "Wrapped In Your Arms".

 

Roxas studied Namine's eyes as he listened to the music. The guitar strummed fora few more seconds before lyrics finally began to play. He continued to listen and instantly a memory flooded his mind. A very sweet, loving memory...of Namine and Kairi, sitting in the redhead's living room and playing their guitars together. Roxas smiled softly. "How could I forget?" he said to Namine softly.