A/N: PHEW. Midterms are OVER. -celebrates- Okay, so, there is a slight warning that comes with this: RikuRoku is NOT my forte. XD; So... if it sucks, that's why. Oh, and this currently goes unbeta-ed. I hope it doesn't burn your eyes too much. Enjoy...?

Disclaimer: I don't own them. I sorely wished I did, but alas, I do not.

Dedication: This one's for illbewaiting over on deviantART. I love your art. Seriously. -worship-

I love you.

The first time he'd heard that said to him, he was really little. He had been at the local daycare center, playing in the sandbox with his closest, and only, friend at the time – a fiery young boy with a shock of red hair who went by the name of 'Axel'. Roxas had only smiled and replied.

"I love you too."

Axel moved away the following month.

I love you.

The second time he was told this, he was in middle school. A timid blonde girl named Naminé had nervously pulled him aside during a class change. Roxas could only stare at her blankly. Clutching his books tightly to his chest, he pursed his lips, then responded with great hesitance.

"... I... don't like girls like that."

Naminé told everyone. Roxas wasn't liked very much after that.

I love you.

The third time he'd heard this simple phrase, meant to make one's heart flutter, and emotions spill out, he was being beaten up behind the high school. They targeted him because he had no interest in the female species. And yet, he still couldn't understand why. When they were done abusing him, they dared ask him why he was attracted to males. Roxas thought it best to answer.

"... Because I just am."

They broke his arm. And they laughed.

I love you.

The fourth time this was professed to him, he was working on a school project with his best friend, Riku. It came as a huge shock. Questions flooded his mind, confusing and lying and telling him that he desperately needed this affection and forcing him to realize the feelings he'd harbored for his friend for so long, that he did the only thing he could think to do: Roxas kissed him. And he felt such sheer bliss from that simple meshing of lips, he whispered the only two words that came to mind.

"Thank you."

And that was the start of something positively wonderful.

You like it? You hate it? Please tell me. I'd love to know!