A/N: This is my first crossover fic, so please be merciful! I honestly was looking through fan fiction, and I happened to stumble across this pairing, but it seems like it hardly gets any love. Especially for M-rated fics, so I'm gonna change that! This starts when Neku and Roxas are both 16, starting their junior year in high school. Mostly Neku's POV, and mostly A/U. Oh, and everyone's a neko in this! Enjoy~
Disclaimer: I own nothing but the story.
Give Me A Chance
Chapter 1
"Neku? Neku, time to get up," my brother's voice said as he gently shook my shoulder to wake me. I groaned as I began to wake up, just wanting another four hours of sleep. "Come on, Neku, you can't be late on your first day back to school."
"…Do I have to get up?" I grumbled, my back still to him as my ears flattened against my head.
"Yes, or else you'll get in trouble. Now come on, I made breakfast already, so get dressed and eat before it gets cold," he ordered, and pulled the blanket off of me before leaving. Sighing heavily, I sat up with a yawn, rubbing the sleep out of my eyes. Damn, I hate school. I'd drop out if it wasn't for my older brother, Joshua, but he wants me to get my education, so I'm kinda forced into going. I got dressed in my usual attire of silvery white cargo shorts, and a sleeveless purple and black high-collared shirt. I even slipped my purple headphones around my neck with my mp3. Sure, I couldn't really wear them on my head, but I could still hear my music with my sensitive hearing. I put on my socks and grabbed my book bag, cell phone, and house key as well before heading downstairs to grab my breakfast Joshua had made. It was one of my favorites, chocolate chip pancakes with some bacon on the side.
"Thanks, Josh!" I yelled, and I heard his muffled reply called back to me from the bathroom upstairs, where I assumed he was taking a shower. Listening carefully, I could hear the sound of running water, confirming my suspicion. I ate my warm breakfast, smiling slightly at the fact that Joshua always knew how to cheer me up or lift my spirits on bad days or on days he knew weren't the best for me. After all, we were pretty much alone out here on Destiny Islands. Sure, our aunts and uncle were in the next town over, but it was a long drive, and we couldn't always make it.
"Almost ready?" the silverette asked as he came downstairs, fixing up his shirt and brushing his hair out. His matching ears flicked with each run the brush made through his hair, but he stopped when I nodded, getting up and putting my empty plate in the dishwasher.
"Yeah, just let me get my shoes on," I said. After I pulled on my shoes, Joshua grabbed his wallet and car keys before heading out to his silver 2013 Honda Civic LX. I followed him out, putting my phone on silent once I was seated in the passenger seat. We buckled ourselves in, and then Joshua opened the garage door and started up the car, backing out and heading off to Destiny Islands High.
"Now, I won't be able to pick you up, seeing as Sanae needs me to stay late at the café this afternoon, but I will be home to make dinner," he told me. "Sorry, Neku…"
"Don't worry about it," I shrugged. "I'll be fine."
"All right, but just remember to call if you need me, okay?" he reminded me.
"I will," I mumbled, and he ruffled my hair and ears playfully. "Hey!" I yelped, swatting his hand away. He giggled, and then we arrived in front of the school.
"Here we are. I'll see you tonight, Neku," my brother smiled at me, and I nodded.
"See you later, Josh," I sighed, and got out of the car, slipping my book bag onto my shoulder as I went. Once I shut the door, the silverette waved to me before driving off, and I shoved my hands into my pockets and went to my first class, Environmental Science. I had gotten my schedule in the mail a few days prior, which helped. As soon as I was in the classroom, I took a seat in the back, pulled out my sketchbook, and resumed my work on a drawing I had been working on over the summer. The bell rang after ten minutes, and everyone quickly filed into the classroom. Soon after, the environmental science teacher, Marluxia, showed up, and he was followed by Aerith, the school's receptionist, and a kid with blonde spiky hair and matching ears and tail.
"Everyone, this is Roxas Fair, and he's new here. Please be nice to him, all right?" Aerith announced, and everyone nodded. "Neku Sakuraba?" she called out, and I raised my hand, surprised she called my name. "You'll be Roxas's guide around the school, since you two just so happen to have the same schedule." I nodded with a sigh, not looking forward to being followed by a newbie. "Go ahead and sit with Neku, then, okay Roxas?"
"Thank you, Aerith," he smiled at her, and then joined me, taking the seat next to me in the back. Aerith left after that, and then Marluxia took roll, not bothering to call Roxas or me, seeing as he already knew we were here. The pink haired teacher droned on and on about the class, and when the bell rang, I gathered up my things. Roxas joined me, and I sighed at the inevitable, knowing we would have to talk eventually.
"Hi Neku, it's nice to meet you," he greeted, and I turned to him.
"Sure," I muttered, noticing his ears lower slightly and his ocean blue eyes become slightly downcast. Glancing at my schedule, I saw we had Psychology next, making me cringe internally. Ansem is such a hard ass in psychology, I've heard. "Come on, we need to get to psychology now, or else Ansem will rip us a new one if we're late, even if you're new."
"Okay, then you lead," he smiled, his tail waving with content. I led him through the halls, making sure he stuck close as we weaved through the crowds of students. When we got to the classroom, I took the seat in the back again, this time by the window. The Chemistry room doesn't have a window, which sucks. Roxas sat in the seat next to mine, and I felt his gaze on me when I pulled out my sketchbook. As I tried to work on my drawing, he continued to watch me, and eventually, I had enough.
"What are you staring at?" I huffed, but then the bell rang, and I slipped out a piece of paper to pass a note with. Roxas had just enough time to answer before Ansem walked in.
"I was just watching you draw… You're a really great artist," he replied shyly, lowering his ears as he blushed in embarrassment. I blinked in surprise, and I felt a bit guilty at that. I quickly scribbled out a short note to him, and when Ansem wasn't looking, I passed it to the blonde. My note read, 'We'll talk more during our free period. Don't reply back, or else we'll get caught.' Roxas nodded minutely, and I pretended to take notes during class until the bell rang. When class was over, I hitched my book bag on my shoulder and waited for my companion to finish packing his own things. "What's our next class?" he asked while slipping his own book bag on his shoulder.
"Looks like we have…Language Arts," I answered, and then started to guide him to the classroom, which was, unfortunately, on the third floor. By the time we got there, Roxas was breathing heavily, trying to catch his breath. "You gonna make it? Don't keel over on me now."
"I'm…fine, just need…to catch…my breath," he wheezed, and I rolled my eyes before helping him into the classroom.
"Get used to it, or else you're screwed for the year," I warned him, and then Tifa, our teacher for the class, walked in as I got Roxas settled in the back next to my desk. I even gave him my water bottle, which I was gonna drink on the way home, but never mind that plan now…
"Thanks," he told me gratefully, taking a drink. Tifa noticed me helping him, and gave me a pleased smile, but I ignored her in favor of sitting down at my desk. She took roll, and then began to lecture. Roxas jumped right in, taking notes eagerly, but I had no need to take notes. I was good with any homework I was dished in this class. Had been for the past few years. I merely chose to continue my drawing instead, which was starting to turn out quite nicely, I had to admit. A few more details and it should be ready for coloring. I was working on a dragon in a feline-like pose, with an elegantly long neck, slender body, slightly defined muscles in the legs, large wings folded against its back, and a whip-like tail. The eyes and scars were what I was focusing on at the moment, and I just needed to finish the final details here and there, and then I could fill in the colors. Suddenly, the bell rang, and Roxas and I had our free period before lunch. I got up with a small grunt, and the blonde quickly packed up his own things before following me down to the cafeteria, where we could wait until lunch. I sat down, setting my book bag on the table we had taken in the corner, and Roxas sat across from me, a small smile on his face.
"So, you said we were going to talk?" he reminded me, and I sighed, my ears folding back again.
"Yeah, whatever," I muttered. "Why'd you say you liked my drawing? Normally anyone besides my brother laughs at me for them. Are you just trying to suck up?"
"No! I honestly feel that way!" he yelped, his ears quickly perking up. "I've never seen anyone draw that amazing. I like to give credit where credit is due."
"Really now?" I said, quirking a brow. "How well do you draw?"
"Like shit, to be honest," he admitted with a small laugh.
"And you're in an advanced art class, why?" I smirked.
"I paint better than I draw!" the blonde huffed, pouting.
"We'll see how well you handle me, then," I chuckled, my tail waving with content. Roxas continued to try and tell me how good he was until the bell rang, and then we gathered our things so they wouldn't get stolen while we grabbed some lunch. The friendly blonde wasn't getting on my nerves as much anymore, surprisingly, but I was waiting to see how long it lasted. Usually everyone gets on my nerves after a while. Once we got our lunches, each of us ending up with a slice of pizza and a soda, we managed to grab the table we were at earlier, and ate in silence. As we ate, I realized I kind of sympathized with the guy. I know how it feels to be alone, and I decided I wouldn't let him suffer my fate. Besides, there's safety in numbers when it comes to the school bully, Seifer, and his little group.
"Well, well, well. Looks like the ginger weirdo has a new pal." Speak of the devil.
"Back off, Seifer," I warned, setting down my soda as I got up. Roxas watched the exchange warily, setting down his drink, too. "Do you want another ass kicking? 'Cause you know I'll be more than happy to deliver."
"You little rat! You know the last time was a fluke!" he spat.
"Yeah, sure," I scoffed, remaining on my guard. "Just back down, Seifer, or you're going down. Again."
"Why you little—!" he snapped, and lunged at me. I swiftly twisted to the side so he missed, and slammed my elbow into his back, making him cry out in pain. I then swung my leg up so my foot smashed into his face, and he yelled as he clutched his bleeding nose.
"Now would be a good time to listen, Seifer. Back. Off," I growled, and he glared at me furiously before dashing off. Once he was gone, I sighed in relief. "Geez, he's such a dickwad."
"Who was that?" Roxas asked as I sat back down.
"Seifer. He's the school bully, but only for this next year, seeing as he's a senior. After this, he'll finally be gone," I explained. "We're just lucky Rai and Fuu weren't here, or I may have had a bit of trouble." At his confused look, I added, "They're his flunkies."
"Ah, gotcha," he nodded. "But why does he pick on you?"
"They did for the past two years until my brother had our uncle help teach me how to fight," I said. "They knew I was weak, so they took advantage of it. My brother got tired of seeing me come home covered in bruises, so he asked our uncle to help out and teach me."
"Damn, that's pretty cool!" the blonde grinned. Suddenly, the warning bell to get to class sounded, and I sighed.
"We'd better get moving," I warned him, slipping my bag onto my shoulder. "We've got art now, so that won't be too bad. But we've got to hurry, or else we'll lose the spot in the back. Naminé is usually pretty lenient to stragglers, but not if there's too many." We left for class, and Naminé was already there, setting up art supplies.
"Hello, Neku," she greeted. Out of all the teachers, Naminé was the only one I preferred since she was so patient, even with my bad attitude and typically anti-social nature. "Who's this?" She gestured to Roxas, her ears and tail showing how relaxed she was.
"I'm Roxas, and I moved here during the end of summer from Twilight Town," he smiled. "Neku's my guide."
"I see," she nodded. "Well, Roxas, what do you typically do for art?"
"I stink at drawing, but I paint really well," he told her, his voice soft as his ears flattened out to the sides.
"Don't worry, Roxas, I don't judge anyone on their work unless they make something inappropriate," she assured him. "Go ahead and take your seats, and then you can start making something. This week's theme is passions, so whatever you're passionate about, you can make something related to it." We nodded in understanding and headed to the table I usually sat at, and then got some supplies to start painting with. I already had an idea forming in my mind as I grabbed the paint colors I needed.
"Wanna see who can paint better?" I smirked at him, and he grinned.
"Sure, I'll beat you easily," he chuckled. We then began to paint, and my brush made smooth strokes over the paper as what I'm passionate about began to take shape. I even played my music, which Naminé allowed because she knew how much it helped me to focus. Eventually, I finished the lines, so now I had to fill in the color. I used a different brush for each color, lest I accidentally mix the colors I didn't want to, and five minutes before the bell rang, I was finished. Setting my last brush down and stopping my music, I clasped my hands behind my back and raised them until my shoulder popped audibly. Roxas cringed slightly at the sound.
"How can you do that? Doesn't it hurt?" he asked, quirking a brow at me.
"No, it actually feels good," I replied. Naminé came over to look at our paintings, and she smiled brightly.
"Amazing as always, Neku," she praised. "Music and art are your passions, of course, as well as dragons, so your painting makes sense." My painting consisted of a variety of musical notes scattered about on the large paper, paintbrushes, pencils, splashes of different colors of ink, colored pencils, and even a set of reptilian eyes in the center that reflected intelligence, which were actually dragon eyes.
"Thanks," I murmured. The petite blonde neko then turned to Roxas's painting, and even I was impressed at the result.
"Very nice, Roxas! I love how you were able to make a typewriter appear so elegant," she told him. "Typically they appear clunky and bulky, but you changed that appearance in this. And how you added in the sofa, which must represent psychology, correct?"
"Yes, I love studying the mind," Roxas admitted, blushing lightly. "That's also why I have the swirls in there, to represent the mystery of the mind."
"Well, I think both paintings are equally amazing," she said. Roxas and I looked at each other, and he smirked. I rolled my eyes at him, and then we cleaned up. As soon as we were done, the bell rang, and we grabbed our stuff. "See you boys tomorrow!" Naminé called after us as we ran out into the hallway. We waved back to her before bolting. Next class was math, and I was dreading it. Sho, the only math teacher for the juniors, was apparently obsessed with numbers, and I'd heard he liked to play with his calculator rather than his phone. I'm just lucky to be good with numbers. We hurried into the classroom, right before the bell rang, and quickly took our seats in the back. Sho walked in, and everyone fell silent.
"Hello, radians," he smirked evilly. He passed out the attendance sheet instead of calling roll, and then proceeded to lecture and write notes on the board. Roxas wrote quickly in his notebook, and I just doodled in mine. At the end of class, Sho dished out three pages of homework in the book, and everyone groaned, including me. Sho barked at us to shut our mouths, or else he'd give us more, so everyone silenced themselves. Then the bell rang, and Roxas and I were free to go, seeing as we had no seventh period class. When we got outside, I stretched my arms and yawned, tired from the long day.
"Well, I guess we're done for the day," I commented.
"Yeah, I'd better head home," Roxas murmured. He then perked up. "Hey, where do you live? Maybe we can walk together?"
"Not too far from here," I replied. "Near the shopping plaza, actually."
"Hey, I live near there, too!" the blonde grinned. "About a minute's walk from the entrance!"
"Say what now?" I frowned, confused. "I live in that area, too, but I never heard anyone move in or anything…"
"Huh," Roxas uttered. "That is weird."
"Well, I guess we're walking together, then," I shrugged. As we walked, I started up my music again, and let my thoughts wander. Roxas wasn't too bad of a guy, and maybe we could be friends. Just not so soon. I'll give it some time, and see how things go. Finally, we reached our street, and I started to split off.
"See you tomorrow, Neku?" my companion asked, and I paused.
"Sure, whatever," I muttered, and glanced back at him, noticing his ears were lowered in slight disappointment. "Yeah, I'll see you tomorrow, Roxas." He immediately brightened, a smile forming on his face.
"Awesome, see you tomorrow in class, Neku!" he called, and ran off into the small house at the beginning of the street. There was a black motorcycle with flames on it and a red Honda Ridgeline parked in the driveway, and the house was quiet. I shrugged to myself, and then continued to walk to my house. I wasn't surprised to find Joshua wasn't back yet, but whatever. Once inside, I pulled out my phone and switched it to sound, and then sent my brother a quick text, letting him know I got home safely. When I got into the kitchen to try and find something to eat, my phone beeped, and I flipped it open to see Joshua had texted me back.
'Perfect timing, I'm just about to leave. Business was slow today, so I'm off early! :)' he had sent me.
'Sounds good. See you soon,' I texted him back before snapping it closed. After some digging around in the cabinets, I found some chips, so I filled a small bowl with them and began to eat once I turned on the TV and was seated on the couch. Soon after I'd finished my chips, the garage door opened, and once it was closed, Joshua walked in.
"Hey Josh," I called to him, and he came over and ruffled my hair and ears. I swatted his hand away irritably.
"Someone's in a bad mood," he snickered.
"Knock it off, would ya?" I grumbled, my ears folding back.
"How was your day, Neku?" the silverette inquired, appearing genuinely interested as he sat down next to me with his tail curling around him. He muted the TV as an afterthought.
"Not bad," I shrugged. "Got assigned to escort a newbie around today, and Seifer tried to pick a fight, but I kicked his ass like last time."
"Who's this newbie? Surely he or she has a name," my brother asked, folding one ear back.
"His name's Roxas Fair," I answered. "To be completely honest, he's not too annoying, unlike everyone else. He actually praised my artwork."
"Really?" Joshua smiled. "That's a first. Typically everyone but Sanae and I scorn you for it."
"Don't remind me," I muttered, and then I remembered something. "Oh yeah, he lives practically just up the street. Did you know anything about new neighbors over the break? Because he said he moved here towards the end of the summer."
"No, nothing." He shook his head. "They may have done an overnight move-in."
"Weird," I said.
"So Seifer tried to start something again?" he asked, and I nodded.
"Yeah, I was just lucky Rai and Fuu weren't there while I was with Roxas. Things might have turned ugly," I told him. "Bashed his face in, though."
"Nice! Well, be sure to thank Beat next time we see him, okay? Besides, I'm sure he'd love to hear that," Joshua laughed.
"I'm sure he would," I chuckled.
"So, any homework tonight?"
"Yeah, just some math."
"Then get to it. I'll get dinner going, and you'll be in bed early so you're not so groggy tomorrow. Don't think I didn't notice how late you were up last night," he smirked, wagging his finger at me.
"Fine," I groaned, and got up from the couch. "I hate math, even if I am good with numbers."
"At least you'll be done quickly," my brother pointed out. I shrugged, but snagged my bag and went to my room to do my homework. I got a text once I sat on my bed, and I flipped my phone open.
'Does ramen sound okay?'
'Sure, you know I love it.'
'All right, good. Get to work, and I'll be done soon.'
'Thanks, Josh.'
'Anytime, Neku.' With that taken care of, I started my math homework, and soon after finishing, my phone went off again. I'd only been up here for an hour, and it normally takes Joshua longer to make ramen, but then I realized it was ringing.
"Hello?" I answered, not bothering to check the caller ID.
"Yo, what's up, Neku?" my uncle's voice greeted happily on the other end. "Joshua told me about you beating the crap out of that Seifer kid again!"
"Yeah, I did. I nailed him in the back with my elbow and smashed my foot into his face," I smirked, making him laugh.
"Good to know all of our hard work paid off!" he chuckled. "What brought it on, yo?"
"Oh, you know, the usual. This time he thought it was a fluke that I beat him last year, though," I explained.
"That's fucking funny, yo!" Beat cackled, but then there was a sudden shout on his end. "What? It's not he hasn't heard the word before!"
"That doesn't matter, Beat!" my aunt Shiki's voice snapped. "I didn't marry a man who swears like a sailor!"
"Geez, sorry," he muttered to her, and then returned to his call with me. "Sorry about that, Neku."
"No worries, I've heard it before," I smirked.
"That's what I thought!" he exclaimed. "Well, I'll let ya go, kid. Keep me posted on that Seifer punk, a'ight?"
"I will, Uncle Beat," I smiled slightly. "Talk to you later."
"See ya, Neku," he said happily, and then I hung up. Then I got a text from Joshua, saying dinner was ready. I slid off my bed and went downstairs, where my brother gave me a knowing look as I sat at the table.
"Beat called, didn't he?" he assumed.
"Yeah, and he said you told him about Seifer," I replied. "I told him what happened, and he laughed."
"Well, remember not to abuse that power," he reminded me as he handed me a bowl of fresh ramen.
"Hey, I was once a victim, so I'm not gonna make another person feel the way I did," I muttered. Joshua nodded in approval, and then sat across from me. We ate in a comfortable silence, which was normal for us, until Joshua spoke up.
"Neku?"
"Yeah?" I said after swallowing a bite of noodles.
"I hate doing this to you, but would be mad at me if I had you walk to school tomorrow? I'm going to the shelter early tomorrow morning so I can meet with someone, and then I have to go to work…" he explained, lowering his gaze and ears.
"Don't worry about it," I told him. "I'll be fine. It's not too bad of a walk unless it's raining, which it shouldn't be tomorrow."
"All right, as long as you're not mad," he murmured.
"Nah, why would I be? I don't expect you to drive me every day," I shrugged.
"Thanks, Neku," he smiled, and then stood, his bowl empty. He then glanced at the clock. "Well, then we'd better get to bed. You need to be up early so you can make it to school on time."
"Fine…" I sighed, and finished my dinner before placing my bowl in the dishwasher. After we checked that all the windows and doors were locked, we went upstairs, where we split off to our own bedrooms.
"Goodnight, Neku," my brother called to me from his room.
"Night, Josh!" I yelled back, and then I undressed to my dark blue boxers and slipped on a blood red t-shirt before crawling under my blanket and going to sleep.
A/N: A little late, but happy cat day, everyone! Yesterday was Cat Day in Japan, so I was hoping to have this posted before I went to bed, but sadly, it didn't happen. At least I'm posting this, though! R&R, peeps!