A/N: Warning story contains: Drug use, Excessive profanity, Sexual mention and scenes, Mention of gay coupling and underage drinking. I own nothing and please enjoy. Just a cute idea I had for a Xion and Axel coupling. Please review and let me know if it's worth continuing.

Xion stared up at the stars from her balcony. Puffing on her second or third cigarette in just the last hour. She was running low. She'd have to brave the night were she to get anymore. Luckily their was a gas station only a few blocks from her apartment. She lived in a tiny one bedroom apartment but she struggled to fill it up. Xion didn't own much. A mattress laid in the floor of her bedroom, along with an ancient CD player she'd have to smack every now and then when her cd's would skip, a poster of her favorite band (Cradle of Filth) tacked to the wall and her laptop usually remained in there. The living room wasn't much better a 25 inch flat screen TV propped up on a few milk crates, she managed to buy a cute little blue couch and matching chair at a yard sale for a bargain but that was it. Her prized possessions had to be the photos of her and her friends she had scattered about her entire apartment. Mostly of them laughing or goofing off. God how she loved laughing. She didn't get much of that in her old home.

Most of her friends sad to say were busy cramming for their college classes, causing her to be alone that night. It was a Friday so that usually meant nights of random parties, all nighters or at least a movie marathon. Not that night. She didn't like being alone. That mean't she'd have plenty of time to think. Reflect. Which for anyone was dangerous but Xion was usually trapped in her own head anyway, so it was particularly depressing. All her friends were in college come to think of it. Not her though. She was a lowlife in every meaning of the word. She was a high school drop out, and worked part time in a Coffee shop. Well part time by their terms. They would cut her hours to about thirty two a week cjust so they didn't have to give her any benefits. She didn't care. She had money to pay her rent and food. Occasionally splurge on a new hoodie or other items of clothing. That's all she really wanted. She never was a reach for the stars type of person. So long as she was comfortable and didn't hate waking up in the morning she couldn't complain. Her cell phone buzzed in her pocket breaking her train of thought. It surprised her. It was almost two in the morning and she was certain everyone in her group had hit the hay for their early exams in the morning. It was a text message. When she flipped her phone open she smiled upon reading the name.

It was Axel. She chuckled quietly to herself. Only a reckless dumbass like him would be up this late the night before an important exam. In her time in Twilight Town Axel became Xion's best friend. She had first met him, Demyx, Zexion, and Marluxia at the coffee shop she worked at after the boys had over indulged themselves in drinking at a party and needed to sober up for class. They were…an interesting sight at first glance. They all wore black all the time usually plastered with a band logo or some kind of skull or violent scene. Marluxia had long untamed hair that he dyed a light pink color, Demyx had a half Mohawk half mullet type hairdo that threw her completely off. Never had she seen two types of hairstyles combined into one before. Zexion had silver hair and brooding blue eyes. He kept most of his hair draped over one side of his face and the group consistently teased him by calling him an emo kid. Axel himself wouldn't exactly fit into a crowd either.

He had bright fire red hair he spiked neatly in a slicked back fashion. His hair was actually longer then Marluxia's though they looked about the same in length you just couldn't tell with all the spikes he styled in his hair. He had unworldly bright green eyes Xion had thought for a long time was just contacts but she saw him pop on a pair of reading glasses one day and knew that wasn't the case. That had to be Axel's best feature. His bright beautiful green eyes. Underneath them he had two purple upside down triangles that resembled tear drops tattooed. To top off the "weird" factor of the group all the boys were rarely seen without a thick coat of black eyeliner on their eyes.

She remembered her co worker running up to her that day and begging her to wait on them in her place. Saying she figured she'd get along with them better since they had similar styles. The boys obviously had the Abercrombie wearing blonde spooked so Xion laughed and gladly took all four of the misfits orders. When she went to give them their coffee at the table they sat at Demyx in his hungover state casually smacked her ass in thank you as she turned to go back to the register. In instinct she whipped around and smacked the confident musician in the face. Her cheeks turning slightly red. She had never acted like that before. Then again no man had ever been so bold around her before either. The small table was hushed in silence after the act until Axel began to laugh hysterically which soon the others echoed even Demyx after he apologized to her.

Before they left Demyx invited Xion to a club where his band would be playing in apology. Not having anything else to do and actually getting along with the group made her comply. After the show Demyx had confided in her that, that was the first time he had seen his best friend Axel laugh in months. After that night she became close to the boys. It took her awhile to get close to Axel. When she had met him, Axel and his boyfriend of over six years Roxas had broken up in a not so mutual or friendly way. It tore the redheads heart out. When he got comfortable with her he shared that he had no idea there was anything wrong with their relationship and then one night he came home from studying at the library to find all of Roxas's stuff was gone with a note pinned to the fridge saying he just couldn't do it anymore and he'd fallen out of love for Axel a long time ago. Luckily Axel was well out of his depression now and was a joy to be around. From time to time Roxas and his new squeeze Namine would come into the coffee shop and Xion had to refrain from staring daggers at him or saying a rude remark. She knew that wasn't fair though. She had only heard Axels side of the story and it was none of her business anyway. Her loyalty to her friends sometimes clouded her judgment, but friends were allowed to be over protective of their loved one's she thought.

She quickly read Axel's text that stated Hey wanna hangout? She rolled her eyes and typed her response back. Shouldn't you be asleep, Mr. I got an exam at 8:00 in the morning? She lit another cigarette and waited for a response. It always took Axel forever to text back even if it was only two or three words. It's like his fingers went stupid over the keypad or something.

Nah, I only have the one anyway. I can sleep all day after that. I can't sleep and knew you would be up. Axel typed back in what seemed like fifteen minutes. It was true. Despite her early shifts she was usually up all night. She'd just sleep sporadically when she could. Before she could type back he sent another text. Can I call? She sighed. She despised talking on the phone. She'd much rather text but Axel was the complete opposite. She appreciated that he always asked before he dialed. She nodded which was stupid cause of course he couldn't see her so she sent a quick yes. When she heard the Metallica "Fuel" ring tone blaring from her phone she knew it was him. Somehow that song reminded her of him. The "I see red" lyric especially since you could spot the guy coming a mile away thanks to his flamed locks.

When she answered the phone he casually said

"Hello beautiful, how's tricks?" She laughed. Axel had caught her dissing herself one day when she was talking to her other co worker Olette one day and took it upon himself to slip in those comments as often as he could. Especially after she received a lecture from him about how she should think better of herself and that she was a gorgeous young lady and yady yada yada. She didn't see it. She was plain if anything. Short black hair, blue eyes and crazy pale skin, but no matter how she tried to tan she'd just get sun burnt then immediately after the redness of the burn was gone she'd be just as pale as before. It Didn't help that she was so skinny. She resembled a twelve year old boy in her opinion. Even though she was nineteen any very much a girl. She'd dress up her eyes with makeup and eye liner though it took a ridiculous amount of mascara for her eyelashes to even be seen.

"Same old same I guess. Got a yummy pack of ramen waiting for me in the microwave." She laughed. Her kitchen was rarely used. She didn't know how to cook and on what she made it's not like she could afford to go out and buy all the ingredients of a full meal. So she stuck to cereal, and microwaveable meals. If her microwave or freezer quit working she'd probably starve.

"Mmm, Chicken or Oriental?" Axel asked having seen her buy pack after pack of those anytime they went shopping together.

"Creamy Chicken." Xion corrected with a matter of fact tone causing Axel to laugh.

"Sounds delish. Feeling exotic tonight?" he teased.

"Carpe diem." Xion said proudly. My god she was boring. Yet another reason she despised being alone.

"Care to pop another one in the microwave for me? I'm famished and I left my notebook and calculator at your place so seeing me tonight is unavoidable little miss."

"Oh no, whatever should I do?" Xion snickered. The two hardly spent a day or two apart and constantly left their belongings in each other's apartment. It was almost like she had a second apartment with the amount of stuff she'd leave at Axels. She preferred his townhouse to her dinky place by far though it was a little bare after Roxas had left. "When can I expect you?" she asked hearing the familiar sound of his radio playing in the background she knew he was already on the road.

"Hm…ten? Fifteen minutes?" he heard him reply. She told him she'd unlock the door for him and to come on in when he was ready. She felt her mood shift to a much more pleasant one. Sure he should be asleep but she wasn't his momma and the redhead was stubborn as hell. So no use fighting him on it and she was excited to have company as well. She ran to the microwave and pulled out her bowl of cheap noodles to replace it with the bowl she made for Axel. She put two packs in his bowl since the man could eat his weight in food and still desire more. You wouldn't think he ate at all with his skinny physique. There was toned muscle their but all you saw when looking at him was his tiny waist and long legs. Xion came up to his chest barely in height which was awkward when she'd go to hug him. As if on cue when the microwave dinged Axel came through her front door quickly closing it and locking it behind him. He had also lectured her about leaving her door unlocked, but hey like she had anything worth stealing.

Before she could greet him he threw a pack of Marlboro reds into her lap and she glared at the pack of cigarettes as if it was gold. She could only afford the cheaper not as smooth kind and now she wouldn't have to walk to the gas station this late at night, which was a little creepy.

"I figured you would be out, by now. So I picked ya up a pack." Axel winked. Xion was grateful and smiled to him.

"My savior." she swooned. Making him do a mock half bow to her.

"Saving damsels is just part of the job. Being the valiant knight I am." Axel said looking up at her with a smirk. Xion giggled. He was so goofy and full of himself. It was actually refreshing.

"Your food is in the microwave big hero." Xion informed then got off the couch and placed her own bowl on top of the coffee table which also consisted of milk crates she had took from the coffee shop but she threw a table cloth over them to make it look a little classier. She went to the dvd player and fumbled through her collection. There was never anything good on TV this late. She found her copy of the original Friday the thirteenth and decided to put it in. Both the friends had a love for horror movies and she remembered Axel saying in the past it was his favorite.

"Got anything of the alcoholic nature to drink?" Axel called from the kitchen draining the excess water from the bowl into the pristine sink. She never used the kitchen put damn did she keep her place clean. Probably out of boredom. The little raven haired girl couldn't keep still if you paid her. Xion thought about it as she fought with her DVD player. It also wasn't in the best shape.

"Um…I think so. Should be three of four left in the fridge from the last party we had." Xion replied back. Wishing she could wrap her head around the technology of this world. Axel opened the fridge enthusiastically only to find Mike's hard lemonade staring at him. Axel rolled his eyes and grabbed on anyway.

"I forgot all you drink is these fu fu drinks, you big girl." Axel teased plopping down on the couch and crossing his legs over the coffee table. Bowl of Ramen in his lap.

"Uh yeah I am a girl. It's better then being a smelly boy." Xion snapped back sticking her tongue out at him. Before taking a seat next to him. Taking her abandoned food back in her hands.

"I bathe frequently madam." Axel informed. It was true. Axel usually smelled of cloves and tobacco smoke. It was a nice manly smell compared to Demyx that drowned himself in cologne. Axel was feared by most the people of this town. He had a bad habit of getting into fights all the time which usually weren't started by him, he just didn't take shit from anyone. Guys would make fun of him for his fashion sense or jeer him for liking guys by calling him a "faggot." Xion hated that word. Just hearing it sent her into a rage. This day and age you would think people would be more tolerant. So Axel would put them in there place by giving them a black eye or a couple of broken bones. She couldn't blame him. With his reputation well known no one dared messing with her in fear of receiving his wrath.

She'd often get into arguments with people over him. They'd ask her why she hung around with a brainless brute like him. This infuriated her. They didn't know him just made assumptions from his "bad ass" reputation. It didn't help that he would strut around and act like it all the time but in truth Xion knew his true colors. He was surprisingly gentle around her and was kind and caring. Not to mention probably the smartest guy she had ever met. She had confessed all her dark past to him one drunken night. Her mother and father were divorced but she remembered growing up hearing them scream at each other every night. So much so she had an irrational fear of yelling. If someone raised their voice to her she'd unintentionally clam up and start shaking.

When her father left she and her mother were left alone. She was so critical of her and everything she did. She came home one day to her Mom throwing all her black clothes in a fire. Along with her books and Dvd's. She'd tell her she hated her all the time and how she wished she could have a normal child. When she was seventeen her Mom kicked her out of the house. She had a new boyfriend that hated kids and that was enough incentive for her to finally rid herself of Xion her demon child. Xion only had a backpack full of stuff and she walked all the way to Twilight Town being forced to drop out of high school. She lived in a homeless shelter for a while until she got her job and saved up for her own place. She had to grow up fast but she was much better now since she had her friends. Axel was more then supportive. Pulling her into his shoulder as she began to cry revealing a few parts that were particularly hard to relive. No wonder the girl had such a low opinion on herself. People like that had no business breeding if they were going to treat their offspring like trash. Even with all of that Xion was always so kind and loving. Were that to have been him he'd be even more of a bastard then he was now. He admired Xion for her heart. It reminded him of his own though after Roxas he often forgot it was even there. Only around Xion did he feel it flutter. When he saw her smile, heard her laugh he felt…right. Complete.

Axel made her feel better. When she told him her Mom always told her all she would ever be was a nobody he said she was more of a somebody then her Mom would ever be. Then said he actually enjoyed that term and it was something to be proud of instead of ashamed. So from that forward the group of friends affectionately referred to each other as "Nobodies." It made her smile. Somehow only he could take something like that and turn it into something fun and lighthearted.

After watching the movie for a few minutes Axel pulled out a small bag of weed and nudged her.

"Do you mind?" he asked. Xion never usually smoked unless it was with him. Most the time something in the weed made her paranoid but she didn't care that most of her friends did it nor did she care if she was around it. Though she normally requested he smoked in her bedroom a good distance away from the living room incase she had unexpected visitors or her landlord dropped by.

"Your going to flunk in the morning." She scoffed making Axel laugh and get up from the couch. He took off his long leather trench coat and laid it neatly on the couch. Revealing that he was only wearing a black muscle shirt underneath along with his ripped jeans and studded belt. She smiled when she saw he was wearing the necklace he had bought him for his birthday. It was a round pendant that looked like a spikey chakram with red outlines. Seeing it made her think of him though she had no idea why. Maybe because any weapon reminded her of him since her belt buckle was two revolvers crossed across each other. He actually had a collection of old swords mounted on the walls of his own apartment.

"No way. Last year I took an exam stoned and hungover and got the best grades in the class." Axel stated proudly putting his hands on his hips. Then grabbed her hand and pulled her off the couch and led her into the bedroom. "Come on, come with me." Xion didn't put up much of a fight knowing Axel wouldn't stop until she agreed anyway. They both sat on the mattress and Axel began to pack a bowl in his pipe. Xion turned on her CD player instead to have some background noise. In a short amount of time Axel was already smoking and hacking away. He held the bowl out to her in gesture, but she waved her hand in disagreement.

"Nah dude you know it freaks me out. If there was a way I could only get a little bit of smoke then I would be fine." Xion sighed. Even if she hit it just barely she'd get a mouth full of smoke and end up hacking for several minutes. Axel was silent for a while before mentioning.

"I could…shot gun it to you?" he asked and Xion raised an eyebrow she had never heard the term before. Getting up some courage Axel took in a deep hit then leaned in close to her on the mattress. Xion was surprised to feel his lips brushing hers. She finally got what he meant and opened her mouth to let in the smoke Axel was pushing to her. She inhaled deep then let it out slowly. He was right that was much better and she could feel the weeds effects taking over making her giggly. When she reopened her eyes she saw he was still close to her. Lingering mere inches from her face. Looking up at her big blue eyes. Xion suddenly felt nervous. Did she do something wrong? He was just staring at her, his shallow breaths felt on her face. He blinked as if he was coming out of a trance and leaned back casually.

"See, told ya there was no reason not to smoke. Feel better now?" he grinned going back to being the same old Axel. Xion was still a little uneasy. She'd never seen Axel act so strangely before. All well probably just got stuck in his stoned state and zoned out. She grinned.

"Yeah not so paranoid right now but that's probably the only hit I should take." she giggled. Since she had such a low tolerance it didn't take her much get high or buzzed anymore.

"Pansy." Axel smirked then went back to taking his massive hits.

"So are you staying the night or going home? I could break out my big Pikachu pillow for ya." Xion Laughed. The only spare pillow she had was a huge one shaped like Pikachu the yellow electric pokemon she had won in a game at the fair when she was nine. It was half her size back then. Axel laughed. He had used to before no matter how big of a wuss he felt like for sleeping on it. Surprisingly enough it was very comfortable. He thought it was absolutely adorable she kept that old thing. He came into her apartment once to find her asleep on the couch curled up with it. Damn her for never locking her door. He could have been a murderer or thief or something! His anger had quickly subsided when he saw her clinging onto the yellow creature a small smile on her face. It was so damn cute he had to take of a picture of it on his cell phone and it was secretly the background on it.

"Nah…I should uh…go ahead and go." he said standing up abruptly. A blush the color of his hair showing on his face at the memory. Even her just sitting their in her black hoodie and jack skellington pajama pants was adorable. She even looked good without her eye makeup. She looked more natural and sweet that way. He was embarrassed she had caught him staring and suddenly felt the need to bolt.

"Are you sure?" Xion asked. She figured he'd stick around until he had to take his exam at least. "You can have my pillow if you'd rather…or we could just stay up and keep watching movies?" Xion asked meekly. Worried she had done or said something to upset him though he was acting like everything is fine.

"No it's not that. I just thought I'd do the mature thing and study a bit before I had to go take the stupid test. I won't hear the end of it from you or Demyx if I do end up failing." Axel said leaving the bedroom and going to grab his trench coat. He yelled goodbye to her and when he reached to turn the door knob he heard the sound of her barefoot feet hitting the hardwood floor, running to him. Then he felt her wrap her little arms around his waist in a hug. He froze instantly.

"You forgot my hug." Xion sighed giving a tiny smile. Now she was convinced she had upset him. Everyone in their group was I "huggy" bunch and anytime Axel left her company he'd at least give her a quick one. Even if he was in a hurry. Axel turned around and gave her a warm embrace. Taking in the scent of her strawberry shampoo.

"Sorry cutie, I forgot." he smiled and squeezed her tight before letting her go. "How about we hang out longer then a few hours tomorrow?" Xion nodded and Axel left assuring her they'd hangout. Only she didn't see him the next day. Nor did she even get a text message from him. She ended up instead getting another late night call from him on Sunday. This time he didn't even text before calling. Something was up with him. He never missed hanging out with her when he said he would and he never called before asking if it was okay or if she was busy before. She looked at the clock it was midnight. Not as late as before but still.

"Hello…"she said softly into her cell phone.

"Hey dude, sorry I missed you yesterday, had like three tests and Marluxia kept bugging me about helping him with his art project. It's like half his grade or some shit."

"It's ok…did you have fun?" She asked politely. Running her hands through her hair to straighten it a bit. Actually for the first time she had fallen asleep at a decent hour but no matter the circumstance she always replied when Axel called or texted. Even if she was asleep.

"Psh the most fun as you can have gluing shit on other shit." Axel replied. Something about his slurred speech made her concerned.

"Where are you?"

"My place."

"Anyone with you?" Xion asked. When he replied no she felt extremely concerned. Axel didn't drink alone. He was always afraid he'd end up getting depressed.

"You want me to come over?" she asked already moving to put her shoes and socks on and run out the door. A long time ago he had attempted suicide after a night of drinking alone. That was when Roxas had left him in the beginning. That was before she had even met him. If Zexion hadn't kicked in his door after Axel had ignored all his calls that night she may not have met him at all. And Axel had a sickeningly long scar on his left arm to show for it. After Zexion had confided that to her she was determined not to let something like that to happen before. "I can make it over in just a little bit okay?" Not waiting for him to give her a yes or no.

"Oh no you won't. Your not walking this late and that far by yourself. Your like the prime candidate for some thug to mug you or worse you hear me? I can come get you." Axel said harshly. Xion rolled her eyes. She wasn't a little girl she could take care of herself.

"Axel I know you have been drinking so you stay put and I can be over there soon."

"Then I guess were both staying where we are aren't we?"

Xion felt defeated. He'd be all kinds of angry at her if she did walk all that way to him but she didn't want him alone.

"I'm okay Xion I promise. Just wanted to have a few before crashing."

"Are you sure?" Xion asked sitting by the door and propping herself against it incase he changed his mind.

"Yes I'm sure. I actually uh…wanted to talk to you about something." Axel said nervously taking a quick drink from his beer bottle.

"Okay…is something wrong?" Xion asked. Now she was feeling nervous. Did she upset him? She couldn't think of how she could but with a year and a half of a smooth sailing friendship she supposed it was time for something like that to happen.

"No, no. Nothings wrong. I was…wanting to tell you something. Ask you something really…" Axel muttered fighting himself to get the last bit of words to come out.

"Yes…" even over the phone she felt some tension.

"Do you want to….uh…do you want to you know…" Axel sighed. His nerves getting the best of him yet again. "Do you want to go to the movies with me on wendsday. School's out and Demyx seems to think that's the right route to go to celebrate. Were all supposed to meet up there." Axel lied thinking of the first thing that popped in his head.

"Oh uh…sure…what's playing?" Xion sighed feeling relieved. Still though he wasn't being himself. She had to figure out what was really going on in that boys head.

"I dunno some kind of dumbass documentary knowing Demyx. Figured you'd like to suffer with us."

"Sure. I'll buy the popcorn." she laughed.

"I'll get the candy and drinks then." Axel said laughing himself. "Might as well rot our teeth while we rot our brain huh?"

"Sounds good."

They talked for a little bit longer before they both said there goodbyes. When they hung up Axel let out a loud "Fuck!"

No matter how he tried he couldn't tell her. How could he? He had waited to long to reveal his feelings for her. Now he was stuck in the friend zone he was sure. To top if off how could he risk losing her friendship over it? If only he had the balls to ask her out sooner. He was never nervous to ask any of his ex lovers out. But Xion…Xion was the ultimate exception. He'd get that butterfly feeling in his stomach, his palms would sweat. He was twenty one for fucks sake! This was high school bullshit. Even with all the liquid courage he consumed he still couldn't do it.

He didn't know how much longer he could keep his feelings a secret. He about lost it the other night and kissed her passionately as he had been longing to for ages. He could still feel the burn of her lips on his for brief seconds as he filled her lungs with pot smoke. And many times before that he almost let it slip to her. When they'd watch scary movies together with the group she would cling to him and bury her face in his shoulder. He thought for sure she'd hear how his heart was pounding in excitement. He sighed and texted to Demyx "Were going to the movies on wendsday. Spread the word." He knew the crew would ridicule him mercilessly for this. They knew too how much Axel was head over heals for Xion and badgered him to tell her. He looked at his wall paper. The picture of her with the pillow and grinned before attempting to fall asleep. Wondering how wendsday was going to turn out. Not knowing that Xion was now determined to figure out why he was acting so strange and how even more determined his friends were to finally push the two together.