Fast Food Madness: The Epic Return

Namine looked down at her lap, where her hands were folded. What was she sorry for? A lot. "For not remembering sooner," she said quietly, keeping it simple. "And for putting you in this position...it's not right." Having somebody as sweet as Roxas have to put up with her not having memories wasn't fair to him, and that fact stuck out to her. She just wanted to remember everything...for both of their sakes.

 

Roxas smiled slightly. "Same old Namine," he commented softly, turning more toward her. He was sure she would question what he meant, but he stayed silent anyway. There were very few things she needed to be sorry for, yet she apologized anyway. That was the way she was before all of this, even if she didn't know it.

 

Namine perked up slightly at the comment. What was that supposed to mean? She lifted her eyes and looked to Roxas, who was already looking at her. "Hmm?" She was a little surprised at Roxas' words, and that was the only response she could come up with at that moment.

 

Roxas offered Namine a warm smile, silently assuring her that the comment wasn't meant to insult her. His bright blue eyes gazed into her sky-blue, the boy already beginning to lose himself in them. "Before all this happened," he began softly, "you were the same way--you apologized for things that you never needed to say sorry for, and felt bad for things that weren't your fault. Just like now."

 

Namine smiled weakly. "Oh," she said simply. She thought about asking what Roxas meant when he said "before all this happened", but really, she didn't think she wanted to find out from him telling her. She didn't know how she lost her memory, but she knew she would find out on her own--whenever she remembered it. She wouldn't ask anyone about that; it seemed like a touchy subject. "Well, I guess you would know better than I would," she said softly, thinking back to the topic at hand. She also realized that Roxas probably knew her better than she knew herself.

 

"I do for now, anyway," Roxas said. He tilted his head slightly. "But...you really shouldn't feel bad for any of this. You can't help it, mainly because it wasn't your fault." If it's anybody's fault, it's mine, the boy thought sadly. He hadn't protected Namine like he said he would, like he promised. And this was the outcome of it. That aside, Roxas was grateful that he was even talking to Namine like this--normally, without any real awkward situations. It could have been worse.

 

Namine nodded slightly, trusting Roxas without thinking twice about it. It was just something so natural that she knew she didn't have to worry about analyzing everything Roxas said; she trusted that he was being honest. She didn't need to know the specifics. Not at that moment, anyway. "Alright," she said.

 

Roxas's smile grew somewhat, the boy gazing at the girl before him. As long as she wasn't upset, he would try not to be too. It was best to be optimistic in these kinds of situations, especially when dealing with something as important as a person's memories.

 

Namine smiled softly, holding Roxas' gaze. But then, once again, shyness started to build up inside her. Fortunately for her, Ty shifted by her feet, the pet rising to his feet. He started nudging her knee, forcing her to look over toward him. A small smile stayed on her lips as she unclasped her hands, setting one on the golden retriever's head.

 

Roxas's eyes darted toward Ty a few seconds after Namine's did. His smile lingered on his face, fading ever so slightly as he gazed at the dog. In a way, it felt like there was some weight lifted off his shoulders. He wasn't sure why exactly, but he had a feeling it was because he just had a heart-to-heart conversation with Namine. Something he had done many times in the past.

 

Namine rubbed her dog's ear lightly, keeping her eyes on him. "I should really take him home," she thought aloud. "He hasn't eaten in a while." Since Ty was such a loyal companion to her, Namine felt that it was only right to treat him with respect and care.

 

Roxas looked to Namine when she spoke, his smile dimming just a little bit, now representing a gentle, understanding smile. "Alright," he said softly, knowing her duties now that she had a pet.

 

Namine looked over to Roxas, something suddenly coming to mind. She couldn't go home wearing Roxas' clothes, and she was sure her outfit from yesterday was dry by now. "I'll be right back, okay?" she said. She'd quick get changed and then head for home to take care of Ty.

 

Roxas nodded in silence, his eyes on Namine. Whatever it was that she needed to do, he'd let her be. He would keep Ty company, anyway.

 

Namine nodded wordlessly and rose to her feet, Ty shifting out of the way. The dog didn't follow her as she walked out of the room; instead, he stood at his spot and watched her until she was out of sight. And then he turned to Roxas, his tail starting to wag.

 

Roxas looked down at the dog in front of him, his smile widening at its expression. He chuckled quietly. "Hey, bud," he greeted, reaching forward with both hands and beginning to rub Ty behind the ears. Somehow, this dog could always cheer someone up. Roxas figured he got it from Namine, because she was the same way.

 

Namine entered the bathroom and turned on a light. Her eyes immediately fell on the outfit she had left there earlier. She closed the door behind her and started to get changed out of Roxas' clothes and into her own.

 

As the dog panted in his face, Roxas continued scratching him behind the ears. The boy looked up, looking across the room toward the window. He saw a few birds fly by, the sun shining through the window pane. Today was a beautiful day, he could already tell by just a glimpse. The weather was probably wonderful.

 

Once she finished changing, Namine looked at herself in the mirror. Her hair was a little messy, so she took her ponytail holder and tied back her hair again, only her bangs staying in their normal position. After that, she folded Roxas' clothes and left them on the counter before opening the door, turning off the lights, and then heading out to the living room.

 

Roxas wondered what he could do today. With it being summer vacation and all, the options were endless. There was so much he could do, either alone or with the group. He was sure Sora and Kairi wouldn't mind doing something today--they were always willing to do something. As for Namine, well, Roxas wasn't really sure. Would she be wanting to go out after all she had experienced the day before?