Hello everyone. C: Welcome to my first multichapter story! So you all know: There will be sex and alcohol abuse in upcoming chapters. As well as smoking and who knows what else. A forewarning: I do not condone any of these actions. They are simply there to keep the story moving along with the type of feeling I want in it. I want it to be romantic, funny, dramatic, everything. I want every aspect in this story to keep you entertained and reading on.

Just because I personally like getting drunk on beaches from time to time does not mean it's the right choice for YOU. But, I think you're all smart enough to know your limits, yes?

Anyway. C: Onwards~ I hope you enjoy.

x---X---x

The dull tap, tap, tap that resounded throughout the room was enough to make Roxas grit his teeth. His brother, Sora, was nervously awaiting a call. He had ventured into Roxas' room a disheveled mess, babbling on and on and on about his crush, claiming dramatically that he desperately needed the support of his brother in order to make it through the situation "alive". In short, Sora had finally gotten the courage to ask his lifelong friend, Riku, out to dinner. It seemed so odd to Roxas, considering that from his point of view, it seemed as though Riku was definitely the one to wear the pants. But, alas, they had been friends together for a while, and he could understand some of his brother's anxiety. Riku could be a hard one to read at times.

But seriously? Who knew when this call would arrive? He had way better things he needed to be worrying about. Like the nervous rush of the realization that they would all be starting college in only one short week. Where, oh where did summer go? It was utterly and ridiculously unfair.

"Sora, please, that's driving me crazy." Roxas sighed finally, glad to have gotten what was nagging at him for five minutes now off of his chance. After a split second of considering what his brother had meant, Sora stopped tapping his finger upon the desk, sheepishly folding his hands in his lap, looking apologetic. "Sorry, I'm just… nervous."

Such a woman, sometimes. At least, that's what Roxas thought when he compared himself to the brunette. They were fraternal twins, eerily similar in look despite some minor differences, like hair colour. Their hair was both easily out of control on most days, but Roxas, in a desperate attempt to maintain some individuality, cut his hair differently from Sora. Despite their similar looks, Roxas had always appeared to be the stronger, quieter one in many aspects. He wasn't one to worry over a telephone for God knows how long. Then again, he had never really bothered with trying to date, or offered his heart to anyone to cause any anxiety in the first place. Maybe in reality, his judgments were harsh on Sora. He hadn't experienced some of the things he had. Though it was obvious that he was less care-free or easy to smile.

"You should give it a rest, Sora. Really, I think that everything's going to be fine, and at this rate, you're going to work yourself into a premature heart attack waiting for the guy." Roxas instructed, though rather softly.

The brunette sighed, nibbling at his bottom lip and reluctantly turning his ever so attentive and worrisome gaze from the phone in order to stare into his brother's deep gray blue eyes. Eyes that were a mirror image of his own.

"Yeah… You're right. I mean, what am I worried for?" Sora was known to pep talk himself out of a slump when he was feeling hopeless. An optimism that Roxas sometimes longed for, as he seemed to be more of the fatalist of the two. "This is Riku we're talking about! We've all been best friends for years… I just worry it will make things awkward if things don't work. Oh, no... I don't want it to not work."

"Relax, relax." Roxas interjected, trying to calm the growing panic in the boy. "Honestly, Sora. Obviously I know you really well. And because you're my twin, I pay close attention to everything that happens to you. And I can see the way you two work, and the way he looks at you. It's going to work in your favour, you just have to be patient."

The brunette considered the blonde's statement for a few minutes before nodding slowly. "Kairi said the same thing… Maybe it will work?" a small smile appeared on his features, brightening his whole appearance up considerably.

"Yes Sora, I'm really close to 100% sure that it's going to be okay. Now go shower and relax or something before you make me pull my hair out in anxiety too."

The brunette chuckled, pocketing his phone before running his hands through his hair, looking embarrassed. "You're right… I'm making a big deal out of nothing. Thanks, Roxas!" he sighed, closing the distance between the two to give his twin a tight hug. Relieved that he would be able to get back to his own worries, Roxas affectionately shooed his brother from the room with a wave of his hand before a soft, muffled music filled the room.

"Oh God. Oh God, that's my ringtone for Riku!" Sora whimpered, grabbing quickly at his phone, wiggling in nervousness when he read the boy's name along the digital front of the phone. "What do I do!? What do I do!" he was growing frantic.

"Relax. Answer the phone, and take it easy." Roxas never really knew when he became Sora's life coach on so many things, but he did so regardless of his personal worries in order to help the brunette out. He did love him, after all.

Sora bit his lip and gave a nod of determination before clearing his throat and answering the phone with a firm, and friendly "hello". Propping his chin onto his elbow, Roxas watched the boy with curiosity, examining his tone and facial expression as he continued his side of the conversation. He hoped for Sora's sake that things worked out. Hell, he hoped for his OWN sake things would work out. Sora had been contemplating this for a while, and had grown irrationally nervous the past couple days, leading up to the fated phone call he had made earlier that morning. Besides, he couldn't stand to see his brother crushed. But some weird part of him, deep inside, trusted Riku.

"Right… Uhuh… Oh, y-yeah… About that… Really!? Are you… Are you sure? Haha, sorry yeah, I'm being weird, uhm… Yeah. That's great. Perfect! Eight o'clock? I'll be ready! Thank you! Haha, sorry… Okay, okay… Bye…" he quickly hung up the phone and threw it into his pocket, turning on his heels to face Roxas. His eyes were wide and it was easy to see he was struggling to contain a seriously lethal amount of excitement.

"I take it that it went well?" Roxas offered a small grin, accepting Sora into a small embrace when he threw himself into his arms with a loud cheer.

"Alright, alright, now. Go wind down. You need to have energy for tonight." The blonde laughed lightly, brushing off his brother's numerous 'thank you's as he practically rocketed out of his room.

Cute as he was, Sora could be a handful. But alas, Roxas returned to his own mind, thinking of all the things that were bothering him. College was starting. In reality, it was something that he longed for. He needed an escape. His brother had seemed easy to accept his fate as a boy living at home, going to high school, making friends, doing chores… But Roxas always felt out of place in such a setting. Sure, he made friends, but they were all friends of Sora's. People Sora had introduced him to. This wasn't to say that his friends were of no importance, or that Roxas didn't have the potential to be a social butterfly. Rather, Roxas simply didn't put himself easily in a situation in which his emotions had a potential of getting hurt. He didn't like to go with the crowd, or follow trends. He was always his own person. Having the ability to finally escape his comfortable home life and rely upon himself seemed daunting, but also something he needed. This is why he easily gave into Sora's request to room with someone unknown so that his brother could be with Riku. He needed a chance to meet new people and have some moments to fend for himself without his brother or parents around constantly.

He needed to give himself a chance, for once, to be entirely his own, on his own, and experience every aspect of life, no matter how common or equally taboo. In all honesty, when it came down to it, Sora was an object of envy for Roxas. He always did wonder what it was to love, even when lost. He couldn't experience the pain or the joy, as it remains an entirely empty aspect of his life. At 18 years of age, he should have a bit more under his belt in the relationship department, but such realities were non existent.

Sighing, Roxas leaned back in his desk chair, his eyes focused on the ceiling for only a moment before they closed, nodding his head to no one other than himself. He had decided right then and there that worrying about it would accomplish absolutely nothing, and he needed to let life come. Maybe he could learn something from his brother after all.

x---X---x

Having resigned himself to nothing more than music and general relaxation, Roxas was in far better condition to handle his rambunctious brother upon the return of his date. Like a whirlwind, the brunette invited himself into Roxas' room without so much as a peep, thrusting himself onto the bed, wiggling with little self restraint.

"So, how did it go?" the blonde asked immediately, knowing it was what his brother was waiting to hear.

"Amazing! Roxas, Roxas!" He shouted without regard of his most likely sleeping parents in the house as if Roxas wasn't in the least bit paying attention. "We went to dinner! It was like, a new side of Riku I've never seen! He was so smooth and handsome!" the boy swooned, rolling to lay onto his back from his seated position. "After a bunch of stuff, he took me back home and, and Roxas! At the door just now, he gave me a kiss! A KISS! Like one of those movies!" He flailed, burrowing his face into the pillow.

"Sora! That's great!" Roxas cheered as well, but in a far quieter tone, smiling genuinely towards the brunette as he resurfaced from the pillow.
"Isn't it!? I don't know what to do. I can't think. I need to sleep. Ah, but I can't!" he continued on in circles, dragging himself out of bed and giving his brother a long, tight hug. "I can't wait to tell mom tomorrow. But I really should sleep! I love you Rox, goodnight!"

And as if it had never happened at all, the brunette disappeared from the room, practically trembling with contained joy. Roxas sighed and shook his head, still smiling slightly. This only motivated him more to experience what life had to offer. If he could ever feel or look as happy as Sora did on a nearly daily basis—especially when it came to Riku—then he was sure he could lead a more fulfilled life.

Dispelling such weighty thoughts, Roxas climbed into bed and shut out the lights, yawning tiredly as he made himself comfortable before drifting off into sleep.

x---X---x

Before he knew it, the remaining week passed, leaving his mind a complete whirl. Mechanically, as though his body was moving without the instructions of the brain, Roxas packed the remainder of his things. The day he had been waiting for, yet the day he had dreaded at the same time, had finally arrived.

"Guess this is it, summer. I'm sure I'll be missing you soon enough." He sighed, running his fingers through his hair, startled a bit when he heard the familiar voice of his brother.
"Roxas! Are you ready yet? Mom says we need to leave in five!" he shouted setting Roxas into motion.

"Are you ready to go?" a red headed girl asked. Kairi, a friend of he and Sora's for years. Having packed early, she brought her things over along with Riku, ready to take the journey with her three good friends.

"I think so." Roxas replied simply, looking at his bag and mentally recounting all he had packed to make sure there was nothing left. Riku, a taller boy with silver hair, also joined the group at the door, smirking as usual.

"Then let's go." Riku replied to Roxas' comment smoothly, immediately ushering everyone out of the room as Sora did his best to not only carry his remaining items to the car, but also keep some sort of body contact with Riku.

The way the brunette looked at his was something to behold. It's plain to see how deeply he loved his companion. Sighing once more, Roxas climbed into the car with the rest of them and made their way to the dock, trying to stop his mother from crying as they said goodbye, ready to finally get away from the sickeningly familiar scenery.

x---X---x

Walking down the hallway of his new dorm, he took in a deep breath. He had just bid Riku and Sora farewell, leaving them to go about their unpacking. It was a little unnerving. He had spent the entirety of his life in the same room or right next door to Sora. All he could hope for was that his roommate was compatible with him. He was quite reserved in a lot of aspects, and hard to make new friends without the assistance of his brother. But then again, all of his determination revolved around changing that aspect. Who knew where he would be at the end of his first year? All he could hope is that it was a good place.

As he started nearing the end of the hall, he could hear rather loud music being played. Scrunching his nose for a moment, he shook his head. College students. He had better get used to it. All he could hope was that this individual blaring such vulgar music didn't live too near to his room so that it wouldn't keep him up at night, should they choose to play it late. Glancing at his key and then at the door numbers once more, he slowly began to frown.

This couldn't be possible. The loud music was, without a doubt, behind the door of what was his assigned room. Trying to shake it off, he sighed and took a deep breath, slowly inserting the key into the lock, and opening the door.

"Fuck yeah dude! Throw me that shit!" A tall red head yelled to an equally tall blonde, laughing loudly in a rich voice. Suddenly a pillow was pelted in his direction, and instead of trying to catch it, he turned his body to deflect the blow.

"What the hell Demyx!" he laughed loudly, returning fire with the same pillow once he retrieved it from the floor.

Ohhh yes, this couldn't be happening. What Roxas saw before him was a tall man with two distinct reverted tear drops tattooed beneath each of his eyes, his hair red and spiky, going all the way past his shoulders, his bangs pushed back. The other was a blonde with a strange take on a fauxhawk. Each of them were adorned in rather beat up clothing, the red head in a black tank top and faded, torn jeans, while the blonde was in a black hoody and black pants.

The only question that came to Roxas' mind was which of the two hellions his roommate was. The blonde seemed more energetic and bubbly, but less obnoxious, so he prayed to any God he knew that he would be the lucky winner.

Could they have picked anyone less like me to be my roommate? Roxas sighed internally, clearing his throat, attempting to yell above the music.

"Uh... Hey!" he tried lamely, averting his gaze and shuffling his feet, dropping his bags to the floor.

The two stopped, turning to face the petite blonde. A broad smile suddenly appeared on the red head's features as he immediately came closer to Roxas.

"Hey! You're my roommate, am I right? The name's Axel. Got it memorized?" He chuckled, (also producing a laugh from Demyx) reaching out to shake Roxas' hand with a force he hadn't expected.

"Ah, yes. Hah." He tried to seem more upbeat. Of course his roommate was the totally devilish one. What was with the tattoos? He took a moment to glance quickly about the room. The loud music was still playing, completely blocking most of his rational thought. Some of the walls were already adorned in posters of various bands and obscene imagery, the floor littered with various items, the bed to the right strewn with new sheets, pillows, and blankets. Was he supposed to bring that much stuff too?

"My name's Roxas." He said finally, after a small pause, retracting his hand. How the hell were they supposed to get along? He could tell that Axel was going to be the loud, popular type. Exactly what he was not. He was content to remain quietly in the shadows, doing what he needed to get by without worrying about the small things or his social habits.

"Roxas, huh? Nice. This is my friend, Demyx. I am sure you'll be seeing a lot of him, too." At this, Demyx trotted up and patted Roxas hard on the back, his smile huge and expression energetic.
"Nice to meet you, man! Isn't this great? Move in day is always the best."

Right, the best. How the hell he was supposed to organize his things with most of the room littered with Axel's various items was going to be a challenge. Not to mention an extra body in the room who didn't seem to be helping put anything away. Rather, throwing things around.

"Well, dude." Demyx turned to face Axel, his hand still awkwardly on Roxas' shoulder. "I think I will leave you to your roommate. I got to get my shit together anyway." He winked for a reason unknown to Roxas, finally ceasing bodily contact with the short blonde in order to give Axel a quick hug. Axel returned the gesture and shooed Demyx out of the room in a friendly manner before shutting the door behind him and turning to Roxas.

"The room's kinda a mess," he started, going to turn down the music, to Roxas' joy. At least Axel seemed to be making an attempt to friendly with him, starting with creating an environment where they could actually have a conversation without shouting. "Sorry about that." He laughed once more.

Roxas was sort of fascinated by the person before him. Perhaps having such an opposite around would create a situation in which he could learn to be more sociable with other people. Not to mention his laugh did sound rich and inviting in an odd, unexplainable way.

"No worries, unpacking can be hard." He tried to be friendly but found himself feeling awkward. Axel only raised an eyebrow at his shy behavior. He was beginning to have qualms himself, wondering how they would get along. Regardless, he continued to try to be helpful.

"Here, I can help you unpack." Axel suggested, picking up Roxas' bag and taking them deeper into the mess of a room.

"U-uh.. Alright." Roxas obliged, seemingly having no other choice as Axel dropped the bags on the blonde's side of the room, scooting the remainder of his unplaced things in a pile.

"So, tell me about yourself?" Axel suggested, trying to break the awkward silence that seemed to settle between them as Roxas began unpacking.

"I'm 18… I have a twin brother named Sora. He has a boyfriend named Riku. They are rooming together in another building across campus. I like music and… Uhm. Reading is good too." He tried. "What about you?"

Axel took in the information and smiled steadily. Gay brother, huh?

"Well. I'm 20, actually, even though I'm a freshmen. I took some time off after high school in order to get money to come here. My friend Demyx too, actually. I like music a lot too, but I can't say the same about reading." He plastered another poster on the wall. "What kind of music do you listen to?"

He was 20? Roxas bit his lip at this. He could only imagine how annoying this must be for Axel to room with some shy 18 year old. "Uhm, rock is good."

"Rock, huh? You haven't seen rock, kid. I'll play you some good stuff when we're settled. Now, to be entirely blunt. You seem like a complete Christian goody two shoes."

One thing Roxas would have to learn about Axel was that he was going to continue saying things that would offend anyone who didn't know him well. "Why do you say that?" Roxas inquired, trying to keep to himself what he really wanted to say to such a comment.

"Well. You seem to wear really nice clothes. You're quiet. Neat. I bet you haven't done a damn thing in your life, have you?" he mused.

"Things?"

"Point proven. Drinking? Smoking?"

Roxas visibly stiffened at this. No. He hadn't. And he didn't want to be the first to admit it. The last thing he wanted was crap simply because he didn't do things underage.

"I'll take that as a 'no'. Do you wanna try, ever?"

"I don't know… I.." he huffed, folding his arms over his chest where he stood. "I don't know. I guess… I just. I want to try. To be honest, you're pissing me off," Roxas bit, though in a calm voice. He had a way of having a temper as well. He had a level of determination no one would typically expect. "But I know I need to get out of my shell in a lot of ways. I don't really have friends. And that isn't because I'm an outcast. It's because I was never really social. I can tell you, though, are probably some drunkard who does whatever the hell he wants, probably even gets in trouble with the law."

Axel raised a brow out this. He had spunk, and he could see this working out in his favour should things continue, even though the blonde did genuinely seem ticked off.

"You want to try, huh? Then you're talking to the right guy! Put your shit over there and grab your keys. We're going. We can deal with this crap tomorrow."

"What…? It's 8 o'clock. Where are we going?"

"Out." Was Axel's simple reply, a devilish smirk gracing his sharp features.

x---X---x

Okay, so, end of first chapter. I know it's a bit slow so far and jumps around a lot, but it's only because I needed to get this rolling before the good stuff can happen. C: I hope it was okay even for a slow first chapter.