"Zexion, you pushed yourself to far. Lie down," ordered Axel, pushing him down onto a couch.
"I'm fine, stop..." replied Zexion, a little shakily.
"Yeah right. You're gonna rest after that little stunt, got it memorized? I'm serious. Were you worried about how Roxas feels or something? My memories aren't that important. I could've waited the few days or weeks until Namine came back, but no, you had to use that thing, Mindspeech, and revive my memories with yours. And then you kinda fainted. Now. Rest."
"Axel, just stop it..."
"No. You'll hurt yourself eventually. Just...just don't try so hard, ok?"
Zexion sighed. "I'm just a little...tired," he said, attempting to stand up . He swayed, and stumbled back to the couch. "Oh..."
Axel reached out and grabbed him. "Hey, watch it kiddo."
Axel held the Cloaked Schemer in is arms, the boy's breathing heavy and forced.
"Ah...Ah...Axel..."
"Sh, don't try and talk."
"I-I'm not 'fine'."
"I can tell..."
"No." Zexion's voice was wavery. "I mean...Here, it's easier to just show you..." He straightened himself up and stared unzipping his coat. The redhead next to him started to blush slightly. "Z-zexion?"
Zexion ignored him and started pulling off his shirt.
"W-what are you-oh no..." Axel's face fell when he saw what Zexion had been hiding.
Zexion certainly looked healthy enough when he was wearing the trademark black coat of the Organization, but with it off he looked absolutely horrible. His skin was literally corpse white, like the white of fresh snow almost, and you could count his ribs. His stomach was like a hollow pit, and his whole demeanor showed he felt ashamed.
"Oh my God..."
Zexion smiled weakly. "I guess... I look p-pretty horrible, huh?"
"How did this happen?!" questioned Axel, close to panic.
"I...I don't know...It just sorta...did, over time...Because I'm always alone and hiding...And my stress and f-fears...just eat at me..."
"Zexion, this isn't ok, you'll die!" Axel was almost crying.
"No one...would care..."
"Yes we would! We need you!"
" 'Need' me? Axel..." He chuckled hoarsely.
"We do! You're the smartest out of any of us, you're The Schemer! You're really important..."
"...We'd miss you."
Zexion buried his face in his small hands. "Gods..." Why had none of the others noticed all the little things that could have clued them off on such a huge problem? Hell, why hadn't he, Axel, noticed them? Zexion was rarely at meals, he could barely lift some of the larger books in the library, he almost never wore anything but the standard-issue coat. They seemed so obviously part of a problem now. Axel felt so stupid. He reached out and wrapped his arms around Zexion's frail body. He may have not noticed before, but he wouldn't turn away from Zexion now.
"Shh, don't worry, I'll take care of you. You aren't alone. You don't have to hide anymore."
"Axel..."
"What is it?"
"...Thank you." Zexion closed his eyes.
"Zexion?"
The younger boy fell asleep on Axel's shoulder. 'Wow, he must be beat,' thought Axel. He laid him on the couch, draping their coats on him for warmth. "Sweet dreams, Zexion. I'm here for you."