Author's Note: I most certainly do NOT own anything relating to Kingdom Hearts. I've had this story on my mind for quite some time now, and it IS going to be a chapter series, one of the first I've written in a while. The next chapter will have a lot more 20's slang in it, so start brushing up! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did writing it!
The Suits are Picking Up the Bill
Roxas was strolling down the same old avenue that he's been treading since he was a toddler. If anyone happened to recognize him right now, he'd be in real trouble since school was in session. His Ma hasn't been too happy with him as of late, this kid wanted to quit school more than anything. Its not because he was a troublemaker, no, its because he wanted to get out of the city. He's seen first hand what a place like this does to people. If you're rich, then the whole state of New York is your personal playground. If you're poor and living on the fringe, its your own personal Hell. Was he out looking for a job? No. In his heart, he was still a kid.
His mom works at a grocery store, close to their little flat, but if it were up to Roxas, they'd move out to a farm somewhere. Sure sometimes he'd help her out there but it wasn't exactly what he wanted to do. It was boring having to deal with hagglers and keeping track of inventory on grapes. He didn't know too much about his father, and each time he'd ask his mother about it, she'd just say "He had other obligations to take care of." and leave it at that. Perhaps his dad was a soldier of some kind, who knows.
Not many people were supportive of the newest law passed banning alcohol. It caused crime to rise and cops loved an excuse to use brutality on any person found with booze on their breath. A lot of times, you'd find them busting out speakeasies and pouring the hooch down storm drains. The noxious smell it gave the city only reminded the inhabitants about how sour life really had become.
Roxas knew that his pockets were empty and was hoping beyond hope that the waitress with the long memory wasn't working today at the cafe. He had to press his luck though, sure he had food back at the apartment, but he had a hunger for excitement. Trying to look casual, he heard the familiar chime of the door as he entered and scoped out the place. "Welcome to Sal's, sit down and- oh, its you again." the waitress was holding a fresh cup of cream. "I didn't know cows could milk themselves! Or didjya get someone to help you?" Roxas replied snarkily. "Listen kid, when you came here a few days ago, you were broke then, so unless you can show me some money now, you better clear out ragamuffin! Ya hear?"
"What do you know about what I do and don't got skirt?" Roxas began picking at a roll that someone had left on a table. "Hey hey HEY! This ain't no breadline! Go back and beg your parents for food, we're not a soup kitchen!" He then shoved the roll into his mouth and drank from a coffee cup sitting next to it. "Get outta here NOW!" The waitress set down the cream and began walking towards Roxas, just as he grabbed an old cigar from an ashtray. "Okay! Okay! You don't have to be so polite and show me out!"
"For Christ's sake, how long does it take for the boss to slam a cup of coffee?" a red haired man in a pinstriped suit asked no one in particular. The driver was paid to drive and that's all he cared to do. He learned a long time ago not to get involved with conversations that weren't specifically addressed to him. With a heavy sigh, and a muttered "Keep it running." Axel opened the door to go pull his boss out of some sleep deprived stupor he thought himself into.
Just as he opened the door, another body slammed into his. "Hey kid! Watch where you're going huh?" Roxas gave him a rude gesture and took off running. "Next time you come here I'll sell you to the Chinese restaurant next door!" the waitress called after him. "C'mon Xemnas, I'm tired, you are too. Let's just get back to headquarters." Axel hurriedly said leading Xemnas from the cafe. He just smiled and climbed into the front seat of the car. "Axel, that boy! He's such a smart ass, told that waitress what's what! We must have him in the group! Did you see that kid run out of here?" Xemnas asked the driver. "Who me? Yeah I saw him." the driver said nervously. "Go follow him!" the driver opened the door and was ready to dash out before Xemnas said "No! I mean with the car!" Xemnas shook his head as the driver got back in the vehicle, he turned to face Axel. "I want you to talk to that kid. I want him in the group. If he needs convincing, take him down to the pier." "You sure you want that kid? What if he's got a family? What if he knows someone we don't know?" Axel said scratching his cheek with one finger, looking out the window. "Well, that's all a part of our initiation process isn't it? Besides, he'd be an absolute perfect replacement for Riku, you know? He's growing up now, and too many people have seen his face. There he is!" the car pulled over and Axel strode out. "Well, if you're sure then, I'll do what I can."
Roxas was walking down an alley, kicking garbage out of his way as he went. As soon as he heard Axel's footsteps, his body swiveled around to face him. "Oh, its just you." Roxas said turning back around. "Wait a minute, I want to talk with you! Get you on the level..." "About what? You can't prove I did anything!" Axel smiled and pulled out a cigarette "You know, my boss saw you today, in the cafe." Axel smiled wryly. "Yeah so? What does he care about me?" Axel held out the package of cigarettes towards Roxas. He shook his head 'no' and continued to eye the man with apprehension. "He likes your moxy kid. Thinks you'd be great for our...association." "Wait a minute, you're not part of a gang are you? Aren't you guys nothing but power hungry mobsters?" Axel smiled again and pulled another long drag from the cigarette. "We prefer to call ourselves an Organization if you will." Roxas said nothing but sat on an empty crate. "Listen, don't you want the best out of life? Excitement? Dames? Money?" Roxas continued to sit there. "We can help you get all those things Pal. We're not asking for much in return. Just do what we tell you when we ask it. We won't hurt you or anything loike that, I swear." Axel flicked the cigarette away. "Will I see my mom again?" Roxas asked looking at the sky. "It'll be like boarding school. You'll be with us for a while, then with her." "Please, just don't make me kill anyone. I don't ever want that on my conscious. I couldn't handle it." Axel smiled. "Don't worry, I won't make you do no such thing. So, we got a deal?" Axel held his hand out. "If I say 'yes', then change my mind about it, what then?" "Trust me kid, you won't change your mind. And if you do, then you won't ever see us again. Got it?" Roxas slowly gave his hand to Axel who shook it eagerly. "Spiffy, the Big Cheese is going to be happy to meet you." Axel winked at Roxas who laughed nervously. "Meet me in the park near the trolley stop around 2 in the afternoon, got it?"
Axel then walked back towards the street, rounded the corner and disappeared. Roxas still in shock about what he just committed himself to merely stood there. What in the world is he going to tell his mother? Does that mean he gets to quit school? Do they live in a huge house or what? Before realizing what his mind wanted, his legs already started walking towards the very park he was supposed to meet Axel in, but that wasn't until tomorrow. Instead he directed his steps towards his apartment. Maybe helping his mom out with the grocery store will take him mind off this.