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It was a sunny day in the Land of Departure and Aqua had decided that it was the perfect day to hold a picnic. She had called various friends, inviting them to unwind and just enjoy the day and each other’s company. Because it was so last minute, not everyone could promise to come but she hoped that even just a small handful would be able to.
So when she saw the gummi ship landing in the courtyard, a smile lit up her features and she made her way down the stairs to greet her friends. Out came Riku, Xion, Ienzo, Demyx, Leon, and Tifa. Aqua was more than happy to welcome them with open arms quite literally. Even Leon hadn’t been able to escape the woman’s hug. After that, Aqua led them through the castle and out to the summit.
“Terra and Ven will be out in a bit. They’re just finishing up in the kitchen,” Aqua said.
“Putting the guys to work I see,” Tifa said with an amused smile.
“I made the dessert. Terra insisted he do the rest and Ven is helping. It shouldn’t be too long.”
“No worries,” Demyx said. “It’s not like we’ve got somewhere else to be. I’d rather be here than be dissected in the lab.”
They reached a point near the edge of the summit where a big blanket was set up with plates, napkins, and utensils. They all sat down on the blanket, forming a small circle.
“Do not be so dramatic Demyx. We’re not cutting you open,” Ienzo said with a roll of his eyes.
“I’m assuming it’s safe to say that no progress has been made on regaining your memories of your old life?” Aqua said.
“Nope. But don’t worry, Ienzo’s making sure that Even doesn’t drain me dry,” Demyx replied.
That caused a small laugh to erupt from the blue-haired woman. While others found Demyx to be annoying, she found him to be a breath of fresh air in a way. His carefree and jesting attitude reminded her to loosen up, have fun, and let go of the serious front she didn’t need to put up anymore.
“Sorry the others couldn’t come. You basically got the single leftovers while everyone else is busy doing couple stuff.” Riku said the last part with a shiver.
“Joke’s on them. We get free food,” Xion commented.
“Well, you’re not wrong.”
Everyone chatted for a couple of minutes until Terra and Ven came outside carrying containers filled with different foods and a pitcher filled with a bright yellow drink. Ventus had become ecstatic at the sight of seeing all of them there and had lit up brighter than the sun. His joy had been so palpable that it even brought a smile to Leon’s face.
“There’s still a couple of things that need to be brought outside. You stay here Ven. I’ll bring them,” Terra said.
“Don’t worry about it Terra,” Riku said as he stood up. “I’ll bring them. You two have already done so much.”
Leon got up as well. “I’ll go with you.”
Once the two headed in the castle, Ven offered everyone lemonade. “I made it myself,” he said as he began pouring everyone a cup. “I hope you all like it.”
Ventus’ excitement at something as little as lemonade caused Aqua’s eyes to crinkle. Even after everything they had been through, Ventus still kept that child within him alive. It was definitely a trait that the woman admired and one that she only wished she had more of in herself.
She took her glass with thanks and raised it to her lips. Once the cold drink made its way past her lips and onto her tongue, she had to fight so hard to not spit it out. The lemonade was sour beyond belief. It tasted as if she had bitten into an actual lemon. Aqua had to blink back the tears that had begun to gather in her eyes.
“Wow Ven,” Aqua began, clearing her throat that got parched from the acidity of the drink.
Xion was the next to take a sip. Once she did, she instantly turned to the grass and did a spit take, coughing and sputtering.
“You didn’t like it Xion?” Ventus asked, a frown beginning to form on his face.
As if realizing she made a horrid mistake, Xion shook her head fervently. “No! I was just so surprised at how good it was that’s all.” She took another sip and her eyes watered profusely as she swallowed. “See? It’s so good that I want to cry.”
“Wow! I’m so glad you like it!” Ventus said with a gleam in his eyes. He then turned to the others, eagerly waiting for their reactions.
After a moment of no one doing or saying anything, Tifa let out a nervous laugh. “I guess if it’s that good then I have to try it,” she said as she ever so slowly raised the glass to her lips. Aqua had to admit that the woman had a very good poker face but even then she could still see Tifa’s eye twitch a bit. “Mmm. Very tangy,” she said with as best a smile as she could muster. “Ienzo, you should definitely try this.”
The slate-haired male gave her a cold glare as he reached for his glass. “If you insist.” He let out a small sigh before taking a drink, as if mentally preparing himself for what was to come. Aqua could pinpoint the exact moment the lemonade hit Ienzo’s tongue just by the way his eyes seemed to nearly jump out of their sockets.
“So?” Ventus asked, leaning closer to him, eagerly anticipating his answer.
Upon seeing the young boy’s excitement, Ienzo let out a small resigned sigh and gave him a smile. “It’s delicious, Ventus. Thank you.”
“Wow Ventus. This really is good,” Demyx said, half his glass already empty.
Aqua was very surprised. She never took the musician to be someone who would be good at lying but here he was doing it flawlessly, better than any of them. Even Aqua would have completely believed him if she hadn’t tasted the lemonade herself.
“Wait, Terra why aren’t you drinking any lemonade?” Aqua asked, her eyes narrowed in suspicion.
“I’m not a fan of lemons, but I’m sure if I was that I would greatly enjoy this lemonade,” Terra said, patting Ventus on the head affectionately.
Well, that was some bullshit if Aqua ever heard any.
Riku and Leon came back at that moment and set down the rest of the food. Aqua could see the eager glint in Ventus’ eyes at having the two taste his lemonade. As he reached for a glass, he gasped as he realized there weren’t any left.
“I’ll go grab more glasses to serve you guys lemonade. Be right back,” the blonde said as he got up and broke into a run.
Once the blonde was in the castle, everyone grabbed a bottle of water and quickly rinsed their mouths out – except for Riku, Leon, Demyx, and Terra.
“Uhh, what happened?” Riku asked.
“The lemonade. It’s sooooo sour Riku,” Xion explained before taking another swig of water.
“Riku. Leon. You can’t tell Ven that you don’t like the lemonade. It would break his heart,” Aqua said with pleading eyes.
“Aqua,” Leon began. “If you don’t tell him, how will he learn to make it better next time? He’s just going to keep making it wrong. What happens if someone that isn’t his friend tastes it and tells him the truth? They’re not going to put it lightly.”
“Leon please.”
“I can’t Aqua. Someone needs to tell him the truth.”
“But-” Aqua stopped as Ventus returned with more glasses.
The blonde poured lemonade for Riku and Leon, handing each of them a glass with a big smile. Unfortunately for Riku, Ventus looked in his direction, waiting for him to taste it first. Seeing no way out of his predicament, Riku took a sip, his lips slightly puckering in the process.
“Wow,” Riku said in a strained voice. He coughed and put on a smile. “I mean, wow! That’s good stuff.” Ventus absolutely beamed at the praise and Riku, not immune to the boy’s childish adorableness, ruffled his hair.
And then it was Leon’s turn.
Aqua feared for the crestfallen reaction that would follow Leon’s truthful take on the lemonade. The man took a drink and made a face as if he had just drunk some extremely strong liquor.
“How is it?” Ventus asked.
“Ven, the truth is that-” Leon paused as he looked at Ventus’ big innocent cerulean eyes. He let out a long sigh and placed a hand on the boy’s shoulder. “The truth is that… this is the best lemonade I’ve ever had.”
“I’m glad you all like it,” Ventus said with a bright smile that was in all honesty worth it. What he did next however was something that she hadn’t really thought through.
He tasted the lemonade.
Ventus’ eyes instantly widened and watered. His lips puckered and he made a sound of disgust, sticking his tongue out. “Ugh, this is so sour! Why didn’t any of you tell me?”
Leon gave a pointed look at Aqua as he answered. “I don’t know.”
“Oh my gosh. I’m so dumb! I forgot to add the sugar in!”
Everyone broke out in laughter, relieved to know that the blonde had just made a simple mistake and had not actually thought he made the drink correctly. Once the sugar was added, they were all able to enjoy the refreshing beverage properly and give truthful compliments to the blonde.
“Hmm,” Demyx said as he looked at his glass.
“What’s wrong Demyx?” Ventus asked.
“I liked it better when it was sour.”
Ventus merely laughed at the man’s words. “At least one person actually liked my sour lemonade.”