Chapter Text
Prompt: Red String
As welcome as they were, Naminé was still getting used to her own birthdays. A day to be celebrated for living one more year sounded almost trite on its own. Yet it was always the people that made it special, and that’s what helped her understand why everyone at Twilight Town was so determined to throw her a nice party. It was a chance for friends to celebrate a person being born, and the special influence they had on their lives.
On a more mundane note, another nice thing was how so many of her friends insisted on helping her just for today. And out of all of them, no one was more determined to chip in the effort than Roxas. She was certain that he was taking on more jobs as the weeks got closer, no doubt saving money for a present or for the party. Even today, he hardly left her side during the celebration. Though instead of a song, this year he presented her a small white box with a red ribbon bow. Even as Hayner gave Roxas a ribbing for the sappy note in the box, he hardly seemed to mind. Naminé certainly didn’t as she read the paper next to the diamond heart pendant in the box.
For the one who helped me find my heart.
-Roxas.
A heart found, after so much time being told that they had no feelings nor right to exist. Of course the moment they saw each other was when it changed. The simple comfort she tried to give was the start of something incredible. Concern for each other blossoming into care. Care into friendship. And from those simple seeds bloomed a beautiful love that was the proof of their hearts.
But more than that, their love proved to be reason to live.
Even after the party, she held onto the note. Looking over it fondly as the box sat on the wrapping paper, her other hand idly wrapping the red string around her finger. The years since that first meeting had her met so many people. People who had helped her understand what it meant to have a heart and feelings. But Roxas would always be the one who helped her understand how beautiful love could be. What it truly meant to share a life with another so freely.
“Naminé…”
Speaking of which, she began to smile as she heard a murmur from behind. Roxas’ arms giving her a hug before he moved to hold her hands. “It's your birthday, let me worry about cleaning up, okay?”
She opened her mouth to answer back, but for a moment she faltered. Her eyes fell on his hand as it entwined with hers. His fingers slowly began to caress her palms. And with it, entangling themselves in the red ribbon. She failed to suppress a small gasp at the sight, recalling Olette’s story.
Though Roxas apparently took that as a sign of deeper trouble as he hesitantly asked, “Naminé? What’s wrong?”
“Nothings really wrong, it’s just,” Naminé began to smile as she wiggled her fingers and explained, “some people say that soulmates are tied together by an invisible red string.” Olette described the idea as romantic, to have someone made especially for you. A connection to someone who would make your heart whole. But Naminé wasn’t sure how much she did believe it. Who tied the string? How would they know who to tie you to? What if they were wrong?
“If it’s invisible, how do people know it’s red?”
Naminé blinked at Roxas’ blunt question, before she began to giggle. “I’m not too sure either!” And besides that, whether this was a moment where the string was made manifest or just a coincidence didn’t really matter. She was with the one she had chosen, just as he chose her. And as long as she was with the one who made her happy, that was just as good as a destined soulmate.
But as she finished her pondering, Naminé saw Roxas let go for a moment and move to her side. “But red’s not a bad color on you.”
“On me? Wha…?” Her question began to fade as she slowly saw Roxas gently pull their hands connected with ribbon apart. With a few tugs, he loosened the red ribbon from her till it dangled freely in his hand. Leaning forward, he brought it around the side plait of her hair, and Naminé watched him with a growing smile. Moving with a gentle touch, Roxas slowly tied a bow around her blonde locks. And as she glanced at the charming result, Naminé shook her head. “You know, it’s not fair giving me two gifts for my birthday. I’ll need to get another for yours too.”
Gently holding her hand again, Roxas brought it up to his lips for a kiss. “I’m not too big on keeping score with gifts. Being with you is more than enough.”
She chuckled at the affection as she admitted, “Maybe so, but this does give me an idea.”
Months later when Roxas’ birthday came around, he knew exactly which gift was Naminé’s.
The white box wrapped with a red ribbon.