Hey guys! Mari-chan here~ It's been a looooong year. So very long…but I have updated something! Yes. Yes I have. It isn't very much of an update but I decided to rewrite this because my writing has significantly improved. I like this version much more and I think you will too. So here ya go! I will also be writing this in Axels point of view before the summer is over! I will also be writing more Glee fics for the Gleeks out there and updating all my current fics. However, Some will be going on a permanent or temporary hiatus due to writers block D: Sorry about that!

Roxas gazed around the grounds of Twilight High, running one hand through his hair, the other clutching the steering wheel. The blond drove into the crowded parking lot, watching freshman quickly entering the school, nervously glancing at their schedules and sidestepping to avoid upperclassmen, who were reluctant to go inside their yearly prison. He parked the car and shuffled over to the usual hangout, his bag slung over his shoulder. He arrived at the oak tree near the corner of the school and took out his Zune. Roxas was a bit early but he didn't mind. God knows he needed a bit more relaxation before the school year truly started. Roxas put in his ear buds and closed his eyes.

Coming outta my cage,

and I've been doing just fine.

Gotta Gotta be-

Opening his eyes at the sudden silence, he sees the plug lying in his lap. The only person that would do that is- Helooked up into the stunning jade eyes of his favorite red head. Axel. He looked great as always. His crimson hair lay in spikes cascading down his back, the sun making it glow like fire. His black wife beater and black jeans fit snugly, showing off his figure, and his dark tear-shaped tattoos, under his eyes, rising with his cheeks as his bright smile lit up his newly tanned face. Roxas' mouth went dry.

"Hey Roxy. How was your last few days of freedom? Did ya miss me?" Axel velvet voice drifted into his ears. The blond shivered but shook it off as the red head grinned cheekily down at him.

"You wish" Roxas smirked. "How was Destiny Islands?"

"Fan-freaking-tastic. My aunt Aerith decided Reno was my babysitter for the weekend." The blond chuckled and shook his head at the sour look plastered across the red heads face.

"Axel! Roxas! I haven't seen you guys in forever!" Demyx, seemingly unchanged over the summer, skipped over.

"Dem, you just saw us both three days ago." Axel shook his head.

"I know but feels like it's been weeks!" Demyx whined.

"Then I wonder how long it feels since you've seen me?" Zexion strolled over clutching his book and fussing with the silver hair that covered a violet eye.

"ZEXY~!" Demyx's emerald eyes widened and he tackled the edition to our circle to the ground. "I haven't seen you in so long! It has to have been at LEAST five months!" Zexion chuckled as he stood back up and brushed invisible dirt off his turtle neck.

"Summer break is only 3 months, Demyx. I was in Hallow Bastion for ten days."

"Potato Tomato." The exuberant blond pouted.

"That's potato potahto, Dem." Axel chuckled as he plopped down next to Roxas.

"Whatever!" Roxas shook his head and smiled at their antics as the group followed Axel's lead.

They sat back enjoying the small escape they had and sighed as the warm summer breeze lifted their hair, their worries forgotten if only for a moment.

-oo00oo-

Axel gazed sideways at Roxas and shook his head. The blond was currently staring down at their first essay assignment of the year so intensely Axel was positive it would explode at any second.

"Roxas, stop having a staring contest with the paper, you'll lose." Axel rose an eye-brow as Roxas glanced over with a frown.

"Sorry. I just can't believe they gave us an essay on the first day back in this hell hole." Axel shrugged.

"Well, at least we have two weeks. Hey, you guys wanna come over this weekend? We could get the damn movie and get it over with." Axel suggested turning to talk to Zexion and Demyx as well.

They all nodded as the bell rang and they gathered their books. Roxas and Axel had earth science next so they walked together. Demyx and Zexion waved as they left.

"Ya know Roxy? I think this could be an all right year." Axel nonchalantly threw an arm over Roxas' shoulders. Roxas felt himself blush. Curse my pale skin, he thought as he mentally shook his fist. "I mean, we get to drive to school this year and we are only two years away from getting out of this prison." The red-head drove on completely oblivious as usual.

"Yeah. It won't be so bad." The blond muttered. Axel frowned.

"Hey, Rox. You okay? You look a little pale..." The taller boy leaned down and put a hand on Roxas' forehead. Roxas brushed him off.

"Maybe you should go home. You feel a little warm."

"I-I'm fine. I'm just tired that's all." Axel smiled and punched his shoulder.

"Yeah, I hear ya." Axel looked down at his books "Shit! I still have to go to my locker. Save a seat for me, Rox!" Roxas rolled his eyes but still smiled and headed for the science wing, his blush finally fading.

I've been in love with Axel since the 8th grade.

And who would have thought it started out with a little kiss?

-oo00oo-

Roxas looked down at the generic CPR dummy that was placed in front of him, as he awaited instructions. The teacher told them to kneel on the disgusting mats to hover over the dummy. Roxas sighed and started to practice compressions. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5-

"Sorry I'm late. I got lost." Roxas' rose curiously along with the rest of the class. What the hell? It's been 20 minutes since the bell rang. Roxas thought as he took in their newest addition. His weird red hair, freaky green eyes and strange tattoos caught his eye the most.

"Oh, so you're the new student? It's no problem. However, I didn't take the other dummy out of the closet." The teacher informed the red-head while looking at the blond, who unfortunately, lacked a partner. And teach had noticed. Crap. Roxas felt suspicious he was about to be chosen to look after the new student, so he readily volunteered. He didn't feel like babysitting.

"I'll get another doll. I have to use the bathroom anyway. He can use mine." The teacher shrugged and ushered the new student towards the abandoned dummy and Roxas.

"The name's Axel. A-X-E-L. Got it memorized?" He extended a hand for the blond to take.

"Yeah, I guess. Roxas." He reciprocated giving Axel cautious look.

"Thanks, Roxy." Axle leaned down gave Roxas a peck on both cheeks and walked away like nothing happened.

"Y-yeah sure." He ran out the door as quickly as possible. What the hell was that? Did that make any sense at all? He kissed me! I mean sure it was just on the cheek but who does that? Roxas thought as he sped down the hall. It's just bizarre. But couldn't help but blush as he opened the supply closet.

Axel was in all Roxas' afternoon classes (Yay.) and since he was the only one he knew, Axel sat by him. Every. Time.

Axel ran into American history and his eyes lit up as he realized he actually knew someone. He ran over, took the unoccupied seat, and Axel put his hand on Roxas' shoulder.

"Hey Roxy! We meet again. It must be destiny!" Roxas glanced over at the new student with a dry look. Remembering what happened last hour, he took the defensive route. Aka brutal sarcasm.

"What, to annoy the everlasting hell out of me? Is this my eternal punishment for being such a bitch? Damn. Oh, and don't call me Roxy." The blond mocked as he shrugged Axel's hand off his shoulder.

"Aww, come on, Roxy, don't be like that. I meant that we are destined to be friends." Axel insisted, undeterred, and threw his arm over the blonds shoulders, scooting his seat over. Roxas fought down a blush as he scooted back over.

"If I promise to be your friend will you shut up and stop touching me? And I told you not to call me that!"

"Alright, Roxas." Axel smirked and turned to the front. Of course Axel completely ignores this and calls him Roxy anyway.

Axel's presence seemed constant. He sat with him in every class they had together and it didn't surprise him when Axel instantly found him at lunch.

"Hey Rox, can I sit with you?" Axel asked. Roxas looked over at Zexion, his only lunch companion. Roxas hesitated and Axel took the opportunity to beg.

"Awww come on Roxy! We're friends right? Pleasssssseeeee?" Roxas sighed. Axel annoyed him. A lot. But he didn't want to hurt the poor guy.

"Fine. But only if Zexion agrees." Roxas turned to his friend, who was smirking bemusedly over at the two, with pleading eyes.

"Of course you can. I'm Zexion." Roxas put his head on the table. Axel grinned in triumph.

"Thank you, Zexy. I'm Axel. Roxy's new best buddy. Commit it to memory." He of course took this as an invitation to sit with them everyday. He found out a lot about Axel. He found out that they actually had a few things in common, including family situations, music, and movies, during these lunch hours. Roxas found himself missing the redhead if he went to see a teacher or was sick. Axel had established himself as a constant in Roxas' life to the point where they really did become best friends.

Demyx, who Axel brought to lunch one day from one of his morning classes, instantly latched himself onto Zexion. They became a more talkative group, as Zexion had put down his book to try to keep up with Demyx's bubbly chatter. They all started hanging out more and established the school oak tree as their usual place.

With all the time he spent with Axel, Roxas knew he was cocky and annoying. But he was also understanding and loyal. His unpredictable personality matched his hair, eyes, and undeniably sexy smirk.

Roxas fell in love with his best friend.

-oo00oo-

Roxas took a seat in the back of Physics and put his bag on the chair next to him. He tried to focus on his teacher, who was denying all rumors about him and Mr. Leonheart in vain, but it was no use. Especially when his favorite red head skidded into the classroom.

"Sorry I'm late Mr. Strife."

"It's Cloud. And it's fine Mr..."

"Ramirez. Axel Ramirez. Got it memorized?"

"Uh..okay. It's alright Mr. Ramirez, I'm making an exception on the first day."

"Oh, all right. And are you and-"

"No, we're not, I've already went through this. You would know that if you were on time. Now sit down."

Axel chuckled and sat beside Roxas. The blond glanced at him every so often and focused back on the lesson about the syllabus.

"Hey. Roxas." He repressed a shiver as Axel whispered in his ear.

"What?"

"I'm bored."

"Is that all? Jeez Axel, you're gonna get us in trouble."

"I don't care, I wanna do something."

"Like what?" Roxas eye twitched.

"I dunno, tic tac toe or something." Axel pulled out the puppy dog face. Damn him and that face. How can someone be so cute and annoying at the same time? Roxas sighed and relented.

"Sure." He resigned and took out a piece of paper.

"Thanks Rox." Axel smiled and his breath caught. From annoying to breath-takingly beautiful. Awesome. Life wasn't fair. Ever. Roxas thought bitterly.

He drew an "X" on the paper. They played about ten games till the bell rang. Roxas pulled out his schedule.

"Hey Ax, whats your next class?"

"Um, AP Music Theory." Roxas internally wilted.

"Oh. I have Orchestra. I'll see you later."

At the end of the day, Roxas was spent. His classes were murder and he didn't have anymore classes with Axel. Though he did have the rest of his classes with either Demyx or Zexion, so it wasn't completely miserable. The next two days went uneventful. He had the first two classes with Axel and lunch period of course, though they usually just spent it under the oak tree. On Thursday, Axel brought a new friend to lunch.

A girl. Larxene.

She was a pretty platinum blond that dressed punk and had a lousy attitude. Axel laughed boisterously at something she said. Roxas was bitter even before he met her.

"Hey, guys. This is Larxene. I met her in Music Theory. Larxene this is Demyx, Zexion and Roxas." Dem and Zex respectfully nodded, Roxas just fumed.

"Hm, a spaz, an emo, and a squirt. These are your friends?" Roxas clenched his fists again. What a bitch!

"Ha! Isn't she funny guys?" Roxas seethed.

"Yeah really funny." He spat. Axel noticed.

"Rox, are you okay?" Axel threw him a concerned look and sat next to him. Roxas' eyes softened.

"Yeah. I'm fine." Axel nodded as he seemed to except this.

"Alright but you know you can talk to me if you have something on your mind, right? We are best friends after all."

"I know. Thank you." Roxas smiled sincerely. Axel could be so sweet sometimes.

"You're welcome, Roxy." He blushed as Axel ruffled his hair.

"You know Axey, I have English with you." Larxene interjected.

"Really? That's great, Larx. You can sit with us!" Roxas scowled. Larxene smirked at him.

"I would love to."

"Cool. I'm gonna go get a Jones. Anyone want anything?" They all shook their heads, except the bleach blond menace.

"I would love some french fries, Axey." Axel just laughed and walked away. Spoiled bitch. Axey. What gave her the right?

"Hey Rox-ass."

"..." Roxas wouldn't even dignify that with a response.

"We're gonna have a little talk." Roxas didn't like her tone.

"So shrimp," She said casually as they walked a few feet from the tree, "How long have you had a crush on Axel?"

Roxas blanched.

"W-what do you mean?"

"How long have you wanted to get into his pants, hmm?"

"Shut up."

"Its painfully obvious."

"Shut. Up."

"I'm surprised he hasn't noticed."

"I'm warning you. Shut. Up!"

"But when he does he'll be sick. He won't ever want to talk to you agai-"

"SHUT UP!" He exploded at her. She stopped talking and just stood there in shock as Axel returned. Roxas just looked down at his shoes.

"Here's your fries, Larx...what happened to Roxy?"

"I have no idea. But I'm really worried." Larxene put on a disgusting puppy dog face and Axel patted Larxene's head. Roxas didn't move. He felt nauseous.

"I know you are. Roxy, are you alright?" Axel crouched down to look up at Roxas.

"I-I'm fine." Larxene smirked behind Axel, as he blushed and looked away.

"If you're sure." Axel helped him up and put his hand through his hair.

"Oh, hey Larxene. Since you're in our English class, you can watch the movie with us at my house." Larxene's aquamarine eyes lit up.

"I would love to, Axey!" Roxas just sat in shock. He didn't even ask them. Zexion and Demyx didn't seem to notice. They've been dating since June and didn't seem to notice too much anymore. He felt so alone. He wouldn't really date Larxene and forget all about him...would he?

"Cool." Just then the bell rang. "I'll see you guys later, okay?"

"Hey, squirt." Roxas groaned and shut his locker before 6th hour the next day.

"What Larxene?"

"Tell Axey I'll be late to his party tomorrow, m'kay? The movie can start without me. I forgot to tell him at lunch. Be sure not to miss me too much, short stop."

"Oh, I'll try not to cry." Larxene smirked.

The rest of the day was much the same. Larxene harassed Roxas whenever they crossed paths. He couldn't take it anymore. And he still had to deal with movie night.

"Hey Rox. You're the first to arrive, my humble guest." Axel bowed low and swept inside, when he arrived the next day. Roxas smirked.

"Why thank you, oh so charming host." He bowed back and Axel laughed. His amused smirk melted into a gentle smile as he entered the townhouse and plopped down on the familiar leather couch like he had so many times before.

"Hey Roxy, you wanna make popcorn with me?"

"Sure." They traveled into the kitchen and Roxas sat on the counter as Axel dug around in the low cabinet to find the popcorn maker. The popcorn making went uneventful until Axel decided to be an asshole and throw popcorn kernels at Roxas' face. Thus commencing a very messy kernel war.

"Rox, that was low. I will never get all these kernels out of my hair."

"Ax, you sound like a girl. And I wouldn't have threw those if you didn't shove all these kernels down my shirt." He shook the hem for emphasis but blushed a little at the memory.

"But Rox-" The doorbell rang interrupting Axel's complaint.

"Oh someones here." He disappeared into the hall returning with Demyx and Zexion.

"Hey guys," Roxas smirked and held out a handful of kernels he collected. "Want some popcorn?"

"Aww the kernel war is over? Dang it!" Demyx pouted as he and Zex entered the room.

"Yeah, me and Roxy had a blast, didn't we Rox? Even though he got kernels in my hair." Axel fumed cutely. Roxas laughed.

"Hey, if you didn't start it..."

"So, when's Larxene getting here?" Demyx chirped.

"Yes. I want to get this movie over with so I can write my paper." Zexion interjected.

"Oh, she told me earlier that she had something to and she would be over a bit later but we could start watching." Roxas interjected as Axel opened his mouth to reply.

"Oh. Well okay then. Lets go watch a boring as shit documentary!" Axel grabbed the popcorn and everyone plopped down on the couch.

The movie of course was horrendously boring. About half way through the movie they were all asleep as a dreary voice drove on. That is until the door slammed open.

"I'm here! Now the party can beg- Axey...why did you start the movie without me?" Larxene strode toward Axel who had just woken up like everyone else.

"What are ya talkin' about Larx? Roxy said you told us to."

"Oh he told you that? He's been jealous of me this whole time. He thinks I'm taking up all your time, leaving nothing for him." She screeched and hid her face her in hands. Roxas knew she was pretending to cry.

"Rox is that true? Did you make that up?" Axel looked angry and hurt. Roxas stared in disbelief.

"You-you really really believe her? Over me?"

"I don't know what to believe." Axel growled and took Larxene to the kitchen, the she-devil sending an evil smirk over her shoulder. Zexion and Demyx stood and headed over to the door. Roxas head snapped up from its low position.

"Wha...you guys...you can't believe her. We've been friends for years..."

"It's not that, it's just we feel that you guys should work this out, but we don't wanna take sides so...we're just gonna leave it alone." They tried to reassure him as they backed out the door. Roxas felt tears run down his face. He let them fall. He couldn't believe they chose that lying bitch. They only known her for a few days. They known him for years.

Roxas curled up and let himself fall against the couch cushions and shut his eyes tight, tears streaming down his face. Maybe this will blow over. He can't choose Larxene he just can't! He'll forgive him. Any minute now he'll realize his mistake. He can't leave him. I love Axel. I'll just have to try to show that to him. I have to get him back. Roxas felt himself relax. He was so tired. He'd been crying for a while. Where was Axel? So tired...

-oo00oo-

Roxas snapped his eyes open. He must have fallen asleep. He rubbed his eyes and looked around. It looks like it did when he fell asleep.

"I dunno, Larx."

"Oh come on Axey, you know you want to." Roxas snapped his eyes over to the general direction of the voices. Oh please no. He stood and shuffled slowly over to the closed kitchen door. No, Axel please don't give in. Please. You can't. He didn't hear anymore voices...maybe Axel left. The kitchen has another door. Though his stomach was still swimming with dread. Standing in front of the door he soundlessly pulled it open-

No.

Roxas froze in the doorway. There's no way. It was like a car crash. Traumatizing. Horrible. But he couldn't look away.

Axel was kissing Larxene. Axel, the man he was in love with, was kissing Larxene. He had slid the straps of her slutty dress off her equally slutty shoulders and her slutty hands skimming down his chest...No.

Roxas stiffly backing away from the sight,shaking, quietly whispering his denial. The two in the kitchen would have noticed if they weren't so...preoccupied.

Roxas back met with the opposite wall and tears continued to stream along their repeated path down his cheeks. He did the only thing his legs could respond to. He ran. Contrary to what his brain told his legs they led him to the nearby bathroom, instead of out of the house where he should have been going.

He locked the door, and threw his weight against it, slowly sliding down. He couldn't believe this. But he has seen it. He had lost Axel. He couldn't do this. He had chosen her. That bitch ruined his life. He could probably swallow his pride and be happy for Axel if he was with a person he deserved. Someone who deserved him. Someone who was kind and thoughtful. He could deal with it if he didn't see it. As long as Axel was happy. Maybe he could learn to live with the fact that Axel hadn't chose him. But not her. She wasn't good enough. She was a greedy bitch who deliberately tried to take him from him. And she succeeded.

Roxas started to shake as he sobbed against the door.

He wasn't sure how long he sat there holding his knees his forehead resting on them, trembling.

"...Ngh...Larx.."

No. They can't be doing...Roxas threw his hands against his ears and squeezed his eyes shut. No. They wouldn't. He was just hearing things. Axel would never do that. He let his head fall onto his knees. He was going to puke.

"Roxas?" What did he come to apologize? He can't undo what he did. Axel knows that. He was just hearing things again.

"Rox? Are you alright?" Alright? I locked myself in a bathroom and am currently having a mental breakdown, and you dare ask that question? Roxas thought bitterly.

"Roxas? Rooooxxaaaasss?" Roxas squeezed his eyes shut and tried to block out his voice.

"Rox. Roxas, Wake up!" Wake up...?

His eyes flew open. What does he mean wake-

He looked up to see a concerned Axel hovering over his face.

He was still on the couch. It was all a dream...?

"Roxas? Are you okay? You we're crying. And shaking. I was worried." Axel looked down in what looked like regret and sympathy. Roxas didn't want to hear it. He tried to stand, only to be pushed back down. "Listen. Please. I forgive you. Okay? I believe you. Is that why you're upset, Rox?"

Roxas started crying.

"Roxas! Why are you crying?"

"Because you're an idiot!" He sobbed brokenly. "You don't see whats right in front of your nose. You are an oblivious dumbass and I'm sick of this. Can't you see what a bitch she is? Can't you see that you deserve better? You won't be happy with her!" His voiced rose with every sentence and he was standing above a shocked Axel who sat frozen on the couch. "She is mean to me Axel. She deliberately harasses me. Just to see me squirm and she Lies to you. I can't stand it. I can't stand it that you can't see how I feel." Roxas had to get it all out or else he'll choose her for real. And he couldn't let that happen. Not when he already felt that agony.

Roxas shot down, tangled his hands in Axel's unruly hair and crashed his lips against his.

He had been hoping. He really had. But Axel is straight. He didn't give him any reason to think otherwise. He shouldn't have expected so much. He had been hoping for all he was worth that Axel would respond.

He didn't. Sure, he didn't push him away, but he didn't respond.

Tears still streaming down his cheeks, he tore away from Axel and turned his head towards the door.

"I love you."

And Roxas ran. For the second time that night. But this time in the correct direction.

-oo00oo-

Roxas stormed through his house with a 'get the hell away from me, I'm extremely upset' death march. His mother ran after him this time because it was usually right after school, like after a particularly infuriating day at that hell hole, but never after Axel's house. Sure they had their fights, but they were never this bad. When he was like this he was usually incredibly angry or depressed. And with Axel he was usually neither. So, she figured there was something seriously wrong.

"Roxas? Honey?" She called after him when she heard his door slam. "Are you alright?" He heard her foot steps approach his door. He sniffed in attempt to speak in a clear voice.

"Y-yes. I'mb fine."

"Did you finally confess to that boy? I could have sworn he would feel the same!" Damn mothers. How the hell did she know? He never told her. And how did she know it was that?

"..."

"Well alright if you don't want to talk about it..." That's one thing good about his mom. She didn't pry too far into his life.

Roxas collapsed. On Sunday, he shut off his phone and only came out of his room for lunch. He refused to leave. His mom of course visited him several times a day begging him to open the door. But he wouldn't hear of it. In here he was safe. He was sure Axel was mad at him. He was positive Axel hated him. How could he possibly fool himself into thinking, if he confessed, Axel would choose him instead of Larxene? Axel is straight and he'll only ever be the best friend. There's nothing he could do. But he had to go to school. He just had to avoid Axel. He couldn't look at Axel. Or that lying, conniving, bitch. He wouldn't have the strength. And of course he didn't sleep that night. At all.

-oo00oo-

Axel sat at his usual desk in English on Monday, his head in his hands. He had spent countless hours thinking about what Roxas had said.

"I love you."

He had confessed to him. And kissed him...But now that he had thought about it, it made perfect sense. The way Roxas would blush whenever he got close to him, the way Roxas got flustered if he touched him in any way, or the way he sneaked looks at Axel when he thought he wasn't looking. Maybe Rox was right. Maybe he was oblivious. He couldn't believe he hadn't seen it. He chuckled at this realization. But...did Roxas hate him now? He was so angry. So sad.

Roxas quickly scooted into English. The floor, he noticed, looked particularly shiny today and thought it needed some extra attention as he flew past Axel and into a seat in the very back. So far so good. He didn't want to be cussed out or beat up today. He just wanted everything back to the way it was before Larxene. He spent the hour trying to focus on the teacher, dreading Earth Science and sneaking looks at the back of Axel's head. Of course it couldn't last forever.

Roxas watching the clock with extreme intensity during the last minute of class ready to sprint outta there in hopes Axel won't catch him. He still wasn't ready to face him. Not now.

Roxas slid, gasping, into his seat in Earth Science and put his head in his desk. He would stay that way. He was determined. He would have a will of steel. He would-

"Roxas?" He would not look up. Don't look. Don't look. If you do you'll see that disappointment. That anger and rejection. You know you can't take it. Don't look.

"Roxas. Look we need to talk about this. You know we do."

"..."

"Mr. Ramirez. Mr. Sinclair. Do I need to separate you two?" Yes. Please. Pleeeeasssse.

"No. Sorry Cloud." Dang it.

"Roxas? Rox? Roxy?...Okay. But we will talk about this later."

His voice is making it very hard to try to forget him. He rejects me, he hates me but he won't let me forget.

-oo00oo-

Roxas was finally about to go home. Today was exhausting and nerve-wracking. From keeping his head on his desk to sitting alone at lunch. But it was over. Maybe tomorrow will be better. Maybe.

Roxas slung his bag over his shoulder, pulled his hood over his head and sluggishly made his way to the parking lot. That is until someone grabbed his arm, forcing him to stop.

"Roxas. We need to talk about this." Axel dragged him away from the parking lot into the opposite deserted area of the school, cornering him against the wall. Roxas just looked down, refusing to take off his hood, and clutching his bag until his knuckles turned white.

"I-I know you hate me. I know you're not gay. I know you don't feel the same way and you never want to talk to me again. You-you don't have to tell me. And please don't beat me up. Or pity me. I'm fine with rejection really. It doesn't matter that I love you and you-" His quiet but panicked rambling was cut off by Axel's hand slamming against the brick wall behind him.

"Damn it, Rox! Stop assuming things! You're taking this all wrong." Roxas slowly raised his head to look tearfully up at Axel.

"Roxy? Who said I hated you? I don't. Quite the opposite actually." What did he mean by that? Roxas wondered his eyes widened slightly. "I'm not mad at you either."

"But. Larxene. She-She's after you!"

"I know. That's another thing I want to tell you. She jumped me while you were sleeping. I had to shove her out the door. I can't believe I listened to her. I'm sorry Roxas." Axel crouched slightly to be level with him. Roxas breath caught slightly at his sincerity and the intensity of his gaze.

"W-what did you mean by that?"

"About what, Roxy?" Roxas took a deep breath and let the word vomit take over.

"What did you mean when you said the complete opposite?"

"It means, Rox, that you were wrong." With that Axel pushed himself up slightly and closed the space between them. Roxas froze. Axel was kissing him? Willingly? Roxas shook off his shock and kissed back, throwing his arms around Axel's neck. Axel moved up to cradle Roxas' face with his hand briefly before pulling back. Axel moved away enough so that he could look into Roxas' eyes. "I don't hate you. I love you, Roxas. And that has been true since the 8th grade. "

Axel pulled back a little more wearing his trademark smirk. Roxas put on the biggest smile he wore in a long time. Suddenly remembering something, Roxas tilted his head in question.

"Axel? When you first met me, why did you kiss me? I've never seen you do that with anyone else." Axel blushed slightly but his smirk was held in place.

"Well, Roxy, remember when I told you I went to France the summer before I transferred?" Roxas nodded. "Well, you were adorable and what better way to practice French customs, hmm?" Axel pointed out with a wink.

Roxas couldn't help but blush.

-oo00oo-

"FINALLY!"

Was the combined symphonic response of the Demyx and Zexion the next day.

"I mean for three years we watched you both deny the possibility the other felt the same way. In truth we were getting sick of it."

"Exactly, Zexy!" Demyx interjected and turned to the newly found couple, who's mouths were currently open mockingly. "You guys were being dumbasses! Got it memorized?"

"Okay, okay we get it. We were oblivious."

Zexion leaned against the old oak with a smirk, Demyx happily bouncing next to him. Axel and Roxas, who had approached them together, holding hands, were now giving their friends a dry look.

After Axel's confession yesterday, he had asked Roxas out, and decided they would then tell their friends. Which they admittedly regretted. Just a little bit.

"Heheh. Sorry guys, we really are happy for you. But what exactly happened to you both? Roxas' depression and Larxene's absence...by the way where is she?" Zexion looked around. Axel put his free hand behind his head and looked down at Roxas, who gave a nod.

"Well Roxas was telling the truth, and was really upset." Axel told them with regret. "Cause you guys left and Roxy fell asleep, Larxene decided it was her chance to throw herself at me. Which is why she's not here." Axel clenched his jaw and the fist of his free hand. "After I pushed her out, I woke Roxas up. He called me an idiot, confessed and ran. I felt so stupid for just sitting in shock. I went to find him yesterday but he avoided me until I cornered him."

"Oh...WOW. Larxene's a bitch!" Roxas snorted at Demyx's exclamation.

"I wish you guys found that out earlier. Of course she was really only a bitch to me."

"We're sorry, Roxas. We really are." Zexion stepped forward, his smirk gone.

"It's alright." Roxas sat down in his usual spot. "Okay, now, can you help me with my essay Zexion? It may be due in a week but I wasn't paying attention to the movie."

Zexion sighed but scooted over with his notes.

"Hey! What about me? Why didn't you ask your boyfriend, hm?"

"Because, Axel, you fell asleep within the first few minutes."

"But-but everyone fell asleep!"

"Yes but that was at least half way through if not 3/4." Zexion smirked, brushing his usual sliver fringe out of his face. Axel just pouted and sat down, wrapping his arms around Roxas and effectively ending Roxas' laughter. Roxas smiled up at him, relaxed into the embrace and reached up to kiss Axel's cheek.

"Awwwww!" Dem sat next to Zexion, taking his hand. "Look Zexy, they're so cute!" Axel chuckled at Roxas' blush.

Oh yeah. Roxas would much rather have it this way.

-oo00oo-

Review Please! :D