Swap

Summary: Verb. To trade or exchange one thing for another. Poor boys, if only they knew what was really being traded. (Akuroku)(RikuSora)(Zemyx)

Author: Musical Enigma

Word Count: 5,049

Disclaimer:

I own nothing. Nada, zip, zilch. Kinda makes sense huh?

Note:

I. Am. So. Sorry. Seriously, I did not expect this chapter to take so long! I'm not that late…right? …Okay, I am. I blame earning my driver's permit / AP US history homework / AP chemistry homework / honors English homework / honors pre calculus homework!!! That and…a bit of writers block. I'll try to update sooner next time, I promise! You can mark my words on this – I already have the next two chapters planned out, as well as a future expedition! So it's all good!

Sora's part was really hard to do this time. I don't know – I mean, the words came out, but nothing sounded…right. So sorry for the pure crap on that part. I really did like Roxas' portion though. Even though it's kind of 'ok…' ish, I mean, it's rather random at points. But I figure that Axel is a random character, so Roxas is just thrown into the cycle. I'm sorry for the utter bad-ness.

Also: 12 pages! Yay! Hehe…I'm breaking my own records. And yes, I still realize this is not a huge number.

Reviewers from the last chapter: you guys rock!! I LOVE YOU!!! Man, there were times when I was all 'oh…well, I can hold off another day to write some more' but then I'd get a review or think about it and be all 'no…I really should write…'. You people really are my inspiration, so you know. So thank you…you really made me happy. I got a lot of good feedback, so I guess I'm continuing eh? Well, thanks. It means a lot to me to know that people are reading this…even if it IS utter bleh haha.

Once again, thank you my lovely editor, who did not die of pure horror when reading this; on contraire, she rather enjoyed it. I'm hoping that's a good sign. Love you 'Nea!!!

-----------------------------------------------------

Chapter Two

-----------------------------------------------------

"This can't be happening. This cannot be friggin' happening." I muttered in pure horror as I hit the 'redial' button on my cell phone yet again. I know Sora has a chronic tendency to forget things…but his cell phone? Of all times to forget to turn that on…

Well, things couldn't get worse, right?

Oh, how fate loves to screw with me.

I noticed with slight irritation that no ringing filled my ears, as I was accustomed to such when calling someone. I frowned, knowing that I had probably discovered the sole 'no reception' zone in the whole school. I took the phone away from my ear and proceeded to pushed a few buttons at random and waited for the usual cheery illumination to emit from screen.

I tapped a few more buttons and waited some more.

No cheery illumination.

Well…shit.

In utter frustration, I jumped up, clutching onto my only means of contact to the world. I looked around wildly, all the while pushing buttons in a failing attempt to revive the device. Pacing a bit, I did what I do best whenever in a state of discomfort. I checked the time. Or…tried to. Except my stupid phone was dead! This was very disturbing – I could have sworn that I had taken extra care to prepare for this trip...

The instant memory of Demyx taking out my phone charger to plug in the amp to his guitar instantly shattered what little sanity I had left. Oh Demyx…that was not a wise choice. I'm going to kill you when this is all said and done. I felt myself grinning maniacally and hit my head against the door to my new housing in an attempt to prevent myself from doing something foolish. Or at least…what I thought was my new residence. Sora never did mention a redheaded man that would be inside. Nor did he further provide that this unmentioned person would be…indecently clothed. Thus said, I wasn't quite confident if 8C was really my new home.

"Okay…okay Roxas, let's think rationally here." I muttered frantically. I glanced up and down the hallway to make sure I had no audience to my soliloquy that was about to commence. Past experience has informed me that ranting to oneself in public will lead to the assumption of insanity.

They might not be wrong in that assumption at the moment, however.

"Well Roxas…" I began, looking around once more before delving into my rhetorical conversation, "You just left your friends, family, home and life to come to the city where you know nothing and, coincidentally, no one. You nearly died in multiple auto wreckages and manual labor. You walked in on a dashing man who was wearing close to nothing and ceased entry into your own dorm. Recent misfortunes include trying to contact a certain twin of yours for the past forty minutes and now? Now your phone is dead. Brilliant."

My eyes dilated in a weird sense of information overload and I realized I was near panting, as I had apparently forgotten to breathe during my rant. I slumped against the wall and sighed as a feeling of intense exhaustion overtook me. I hadn't even heard, or noticed for that matter, the door closest to me (otherwise known as my room) glide open.

"So you think I'm dashing eh?"

I jumped at the sound, clambering to my feet and clenching my fists. The person who had spoken looked familiar. It took a few seconds to connect that he was the redheaded intruder of my living quarters. Except now he had on clothes. Which was a relief – or so I managed to convince myself. For some strange reason, this particular individual was making me question…but he's a guy! As in male! No questions necessary – clothes are good! The man continued talking amidst my inner turmoil.

"'Cause personally, I classify 'dashing' as a rather old word. Try something newer. I prefer the term 'hot' personally. 'Sexy' works too." He smirked, seeming rather pleased with the fact that he had managed to terrify a newcomer; said newcomer being myself.

"I did?" I managed to squeak out. I could feel my face betraying me and turning various shades of red, each darker than the last. "Because I didn't mean it. I mean, yes, you are very good looking! Very hot! Unless that's bad — is that bad? Cause if it is, you're not very charming…not that it has anything to do with looks! You look just fine! Better than fine! I didn't mean to insult you! Aw shit."

I spewed forth whatever words found themselves in my mouth in a frantic rush, not taking the time to notice that the green eyed individual had managed to situate himself a mere few centimeters from my person. He stood head taller than myself, which I noticed immediately due to the fact that I had to look upwards to view his face.

Big mistake.

He still kept that smirk on his face, amusement dancing all throughout his physical features. His eyes were a vibrant shade of green which shone brilliantly, clashing with his wild mane of spiked red hair. Underneath each eye was a triangular tattoo. God, those eyes…they're beautiful. He really wasn't bad looking…for a guy. Not that it matters…much. I felt my own pupils widen before a hand came crashing down, running through my hair smoothly, eventually bringing it down and gliding his thumb along down my face, passing my eye and finally settling on cupping my chin with a firm, yet gentle hold. I liked the feeling I decided, as a shiver ran down my spine...I liked it a lot more then I'd ever admit.

"I think you're pretty cute too, blondie."

Then my brain started functioning again.

I took a step backwards, getting out of his grasp while trying desperately to create words, yet none seemed to comply with my wishes. I eventually settled on a scowl to display my distaste (and hide the pleasure) of his actions.

I glanced at the guy to see that he was currently occupying himself with a lighter. Yes, a lighter. As in flicking said item at a constant rate to create, destroy, and create anew a singular flame. I frowned. Obviously, this guy had issues.

"So…"

He was speaking?! He practically molests me and he's speaking to me? What kind of a sick place does Sora live? I do not recall reading a note on harassment in my information packet!

"You're Roxas, right?"

I gaped at him in pure shock. He knew my name?! Instantly, I thought of Demyx telling me to be cautious of unknown peoples. Even though I mentally declared this man an 'unknown individual', somehow, I was almost certain that saying something along the lines of I'm not supposed to talk to strangers would not ensure success.

"Uh, yeah." I responded, drawing a hand to the back of my neck and rubbing hesitantly. I noted that he had yet to cease flicking the stupid lighter. Was it really that much more interesting than me? Not that I was jealous of a fire producing inanimate object…seriously now.

"Didn't your brother ever tell you not to talk to strangers?" He commented nonchalantly.

Well, isn't this ironic? Swell.

I dead panned, complete with blank stare. No mister person-I-do-not-know, my brother never told me not to talk to strangers, that was Demyx. Get it straight. In fact, I'm sure my brother doesn't even think twice about blabbering to whomever will listen…wait…my brother?! As in Sora?!

"You know Sora?" I asked eagerly, letting lose the largest grin of relief I had ever managed and completely disregarding the warning against talking to strangers.

"…Um, yeah. We're roomies." The redhead offered slowly, along with a weak smile. I felt my own grin fade back into what was quickly becoming a trademark expression of confusion. He sighed, pocketed his lighter, pinched the bridge of his nose and closed his eyes for a moment, reopening them only to double check that I wasn't just messing with him. My facial expression obviously informed that no, I was not screwing around.

"I guess that dork twin of yours forgot to mention his suave, sexy, hot, charming, dashing – as you put it – roommate?" he flashed a grin in admiration of himself. Oh joy; I'm stuck with an egoist. "The name's Axel. A-X-E-L. Got it memorized?"

"Asshole, got it." I huffed out in annoyance. My cell phone was dead, Sora forgot to tell me about a certain roommate and now said roomie was giving me spelling lessons. I really was not in the mood for any of this. What ever happened to switching schools with relative ease, settling down and possibly having a nice cup of peppermint tea before bed?

To my surprise, a low, deep chuckle filled my ears. I turned to Axel, who happened to be the person emitting the sound. Strange as it seems, it was captivating. I liked the noise. Axel then proceeded to grab my bags and place an arm around my shoulder, smirking slightly.

"Oh, my poor heart! I think you broke it!" Axel cried dramatically, and then turned to look down at me and winked. I blinked in mild shock, giving him time to finish, "I think we're gonna get along just swell, blondie."

I was then guided through the doorway of my new home for the next two months. Here is where one would usually point out the thrills and neat little facts of their new residence, while jabbering about how great life is.

There were no neat little facts or cheap thrills about the place.

The dorm was much smaller than my own back at home. One room and an attached bathroom made up the entirety of the place. The walls were blank and off white, and a bunk bed stood shoved in the corner, my thoughts being that there was too little space for two separate beds. A single desk was shoved against the far wall below a window, a closet opposing it and a small television set in the corner.

"Nice eh?" Axel looked to me for approval. I seriously had no response. 'Nice' was a term that I might use for a sarcastic remark at this point. Compared to what I was used to, this place was not-so-nice. More like crap, to be completely honest.

"There's no kitchen." I pointed out. I received a look of mild amusement.

"Yeah, we students eat in the cafeterias scattered around the campus." Axel replied, tossing my suitcase and backpack into the corner, where they managed to take up what little space was offered. I tried to turn and rearrange the pile that my newest acquaintance had created, but Axel's hold around my shoulders didn't ease up, leaving me stuck beside said person.

"…Mind getting off?" I asked rather harshly. Truth be told, I wasn't really in the mood for humoring anyone. Instead, Axel pulled me closer to his body, if such a thing were possible – he was practically squishing me into his torso as it was.

"Actually, I do. C'mon, we're leaving." My redheaded companion announced, pivoting about face (swinging me with him effortlessly) and began marching out the room, across the halls, down the stairs, and out onto the concrete covered sidewalks of the school. Rephrase: of my school.

It was nice, actually. A comfortable silence surrounded us as my feet fell in time with Axels. It was brighter than I was used to for nighttime, with so many lights emitting from every corner, but other than that, it was peaceful. The occasional sound of cars mingled with our footfalls and occasional shoe scuffs.

I was actually content, noting the buildings passed and walkways treaded. It was a bigger campus than I had originally imagined; or maybe Destiny Islands University was just small. A small sensor in the back of my mind informed me that Axel had stopped, and I paused as well, looking up at him inquisitively.

"What's going around your mind, Rox?"

I noticed with vague interest that I had gained three new names very quickly. Not that I enjoyed them; it was just…new. I shrugged as a response to his question. I felt Axel shift, followed by the startling feeling of his warm breath in my ear, whispering seductively.

"Were you thinking dirty thoughts about me, Roxas?"

I instantly reddened and turned to confront my assaulter, raising my fists in the process. I found him laughing, easily dodging the punch I threw a second later. Before I could compose myself to hit him again, he ran off, using his long legs to his advantage. I immediately followed in a sprint, coming close, but never near enough to him to jump him.

We didn't run too long, Axel eventually slowed down and stopped, walking leisurely to the top of a grassy hill. I noted with a mild wince that a sign clearly stated in bold red lettering to keep off the grass. I cast the sign a pitiful second glance before going into a light jog to catch up to Axel, who had situated himself near the peak of the hill and was gazing out to the world beneath, a sort of half smile quirking his features. When I finally did catch up to him, he let out a soft sigh.

"It's nice, isn't it?" he shot a discreet glance my way through lidded eyes. I was still too busy taking in the scenery, however.

We had a perfect view of the city through a few clutters of trees that were supposed to make the campus more 'in tune with nature'. Multitudes of lights gave the buildings and traffic below a soft glow, which faded into the sky above and turned into millions of stars. It was a usual busy night, I assumed, car rushing back and forth, neon lights commingling with regular fluorescents and the soft whisper of a dull breeze at each lull of traffic.

"It's beautiful" I felt myself mutter sheepishly, feeling very…feminine. Not to insult any females or anything, but 'beautiful' usually isn't in the macho-man dictionary. Not that I'm very macho-mannish, but still.

A familiar arm snaked its way around my shoulders and I looked up to question its arrival, only to meet a slight smirk and two vibrant green eyes merely millimeters from my face. I stopped breathing for fear of embarrassing myself and sending unwanted puffs of breath into the small space between us, but Axel didn't seem to notice my inward struggles (or if he did, he thusly ignored them) because he placed his forehead against mine, locking our eyes in a stare to the death.

"Yeah, it is" he whispered, sending chills up my spine. I almost blurted out 'what is?' in response, but I quickly realized he was speaking to me. Not the scenery as I had pointed out, but me. I felt the after effects of a red that challenged Axel's hair fill my face as I transferred weight between my feet, embarrassed by Axel's attention to my citizen. I started to mumble something along the lines of 'thanks…' or 'pervert' (I forget which), but I was interrupted.

"Hey! You kids! Off the grass!" a relatively old man yelled out, making the both of us jump slightly in shock. I knew I should have obeyed the sign in all its warning glory…

Axel lifted his head and waved to the speaker, leaving me to breathe in short, choppy intervals. What was that?! My heart was pounding faster than I had ever experienced, leaving me to fear some sort of illness had befallen me. I tried to shake off the feeling, but it wouldn't leave. It felt…awkward. I wasn't too sure how to respond to it, so I stood there dumbly until Axel's deep chuckle filled my ears, causing me to turn in his direction.

"C'mon blondie, time to go." He smirked, holding out his hand, which I took reluctantly, face still flaring. I could tell Axel was pleased by my action, however, because he started humming softly, a genuine smile crossing his face. This guy sure got a kick out of traumatizing me…

I allowed myself to be led like a child all the way back to the dorm, only nodding when necessary and letting absolutely no words escape my lips. I was afraid that if I did say anything, I'd be flooded in a rant to last a lifetime, filled with incoherent sentences, phrases and meaningless noises. So silence reigned supreme over the walk back; save for the squeaking sound of our shoes as they scraped the ground due to the slightly wet grass.

We reached the dorms and Axel muttered something about having forgotten something in another room and he'd be right back. I nodded and piddled over to the bottom bunk of the bed, sitting down in mute content. Then it hit me – I was content. I was…happy?

And since this made absolutely no sense what-so-ever to me, I curled up into a tight ball and fell asleep, forgetting to recharge my phone, forgetting to call Demyx and tell him I was fine, forgetting my anger at Sora and most importantly, forgetting my earlier anguish. Everything had turned out okay after all.

-x-x-x-

I woke up in a slight daze, unsure of where I was. I freaked-out and scrambled around the bed, intertwining my limbs with the blankets until I could think rationally. My momentary panic passed however, when I remembered on cue that I had done a student transfer with Roxas.

Roxas…

"Damn it!" I cursed to myself. I hadn't called him at all last night! For all I know, my dear brother could be kidnapped! Or molested! Or raped! All courtesy of Axel of course; that guy had to be the biggest libido known to mankind.

Fidgeting slightly to loosen the multitudes of comforters and blankets that trapped me at the moment, I grasped my cell phone and flipped said item open. It took me a good couple of minutes of staring at the device for my eyes to focus on the screen, which was…empty? What?!

Oh god, Axel got him. My brother is a goner…and it's my fault! I should have warned him! Oh Roxas, I'm so sorry! I've been a terrible brother…I should have helped you! I should have been there! I should have…I…I…are those pancakes I smell?

Setting aside my regret, I wiggled out of the masses of blankets and such and stumbled out of my bed, my knees threatening to collapse. Standing alone made my head spin, so staggered around blindly from a head rush. I heard muffled giggles from the couch upon entering the combined living room and kitchen, the smell of pancakes becoming increasingly stronger. Closing my eyes, I let a sleepy grin cross my face as I fumbled my way to the cooker of said delicious food item, burying my face into their chest.

Since the giggles from the couch earlier sounded very similar to Demyx, I had automatically assumed that the chef of the day was Zexion. So I was surprised that, when my head made contact with the taller man's stomach, it was not a slight pudge, but rather a six pack that greeted me.

Yawning lazily, I poked the muscle that I had never associated with Zexion and opened my eyes. What I discovered, however, scared the pants off of me. I jumped back, tripped over my own feet and collided with the ground, immediately scooting backwards after impact.

That's not Zexion.

I faced some random person with long, layered silver hair and bright aquamarine eyes. And hard abs – can't forget the six pack. A mild look of shock covered his features as he stared at me, spatula in hand. But of course, this disguise of a rather sexy chef did not deter my mind from the fact that I did not know this person, so obviously, I deducted with mad detective skills that he must have been a hardened criminal, escaped from jail and on the rampage attacking certain stoic college students.

"GAH! INTRUDER! THEFT! DEMYX!!! THERE'S A ROBBER IN THE KITCHEN AND HE'S COOKING PANCAKES!!! CALL THE NAVY – I THINK HE MURDERED ZEXION WITH HIS SPATULA!" I shrieked in terror, all the while managing to keep a shaking finger pointed accusingly at said convict.

"Its okay Sora, that's Riku." I flinched as Demyx placed a hand on my shoulder in what was meant to be a comforting manner. Slowly…oh so slowly, I lowered my arm and glared upon this 'Riku' person.

"He killed Zexion." I stated flatly, determined to be angry with this Riku, who was…smiling?! The front door swung open, allowing entrance to…Zexion? Okay, what the hell is going on?

"I'm back" Zexion stated in his dull monotone. I noticed that his voice never seemed to take on any emotion, save for rare occasions. Also, I came upon the realization that Zexion was not dead. Which was a relief, yes, but…oh god. Was he going to kill me instead?!

I focused back into the current situation, where three pairs of eyes gave me a questioning glance, save Demyx, whose eyes just seemed to dance with mirth filled giddiness. The intruder held out a hand, supposedly to 'help me up', but I saw right through his actions. The moment he helped me up, I'd be victim to a very deliciously pancake induced death. Oh yes, mister Riku…or should I say…Kitchen Killer?! I got you now, you villain!

I began to cackle evilly, my dear companions unaware that I had cracked the case of the Kitchen Killer, a.k.a. Riku. Demyx and Zexion both grabbed one of my arms respectively, hoisting me up to my feet, where I continued my laughter. I instantly stopped when the silver haired cook took a step forward, uncertainty mixing his features. He held out his hand yet again, but dropped it once I gave a scowl and folded my arms, showing no interest in joining his murderous ways.

"I'm Riku…" he stated hesitantly, glancing to my older acquaintances before continuing, "Zexion's little brother. Demyx said we have the same classes…so I figured I would show you around today" Riku ended with a shrug.

"Oh snap, Zexy, we're gonna be late!" Demyx shrieked unexpectedly, running into his room and returning within the same minute, fully equipped with schoolbag and guitar. Zexion merely gave smirk, ruffling my hair and holding open the door for his classmate. Whilst I tried to fix my distorted hair, Demyx shuffled past, stopping to give me a kiss on the cheek and wished me a good day before running out the door, dragging Zexion along in tow. I stared as the left, my hand unconsciously floating to my face, which had turned a light red.

That was odd…

"Zexy? Wow…Demyx has my brother whipped!" Riku laughed, traveling back to his post at the stove. I stood in mild shock, unsure of what just happened. I had never had a man-kiss before…I began scrubbing my face with my fist where Demyx had placed his wet sign of affection, causing Riku to glare daggers at me for some unknown reason.

Oh god…he must think this is his chance – no one can protect me! Right as I was about to beg for mercy, pleading something along the lines of 'please don't kill me', Riku spoke up.

"You got something against homosexuals?" I snapped my head in the full direction of the snarl that filled my ears. I hadn't known that such a subject was so touchy with the kitchen intruder. But then again…I guess it made sense.

"Are you gay?" I blurted out, totally unintentionally.

Did I mention that I don't think before I say things? Half the time, I'll be thinking and words will just come out of my mouth. I have no control over it, an incorrigible habit. I try to think before I say things, but sometimes…I can't. I need to know stuff.

Yeah, I'm also pretty nosy. I pass it off as 'curiosity' and 'innocent questioning', but hey, in the end, it's all practically the same. I find myself asking personal questions in some of the worst situations. My pestering eventually gets the best of me, and some things just shouldn't be asked, but I can't help it. I have the urge to know things…even if such things do not wish to be revealed.

But hey, I had relatively good supporting evidence. Who else would take such care to make such perfectly layered, shiny hair? Or smell so glorious, slightly like a tinge of peppermint? Yes, I did notice.

Lucky for me, Riku didn't seem all too offended by my inquiry. He merely turned back to his pancakes (of impending doom, I was certain) and let out a chuckle. I hesitantly laughed along, unsure of how this would overall affect my health.

"Go get ready, these should be done soon." Riku stated calmly, evasively leaving the past conversation with a quick transition to point out that I wasn't clothed properly. Yes, I had been standing in boxers – no more, no less – throughout the whole duration of my morning. I felt my face warm into a blush as I began murmuring about incoherent things such as philosophy and chocolate on the way to my room.

I quickly changed, having taken a shower the previous night. When I returned to the kitchen, a pile of pancakes awaited me upon the table. I felt my mind go blank and my mouth water as I instantly dove for my respective pile, sending gallons of maple syrup, chocolate syrup and whipped cream on top of the food.

"Heh, so you like it?"

"Oofguh…" I reddened and swallowed my food this time before continuing, "It's great!"

Then it hit me. Why was he making me pancakes? Was this part of his evil scheme? …Were the pancakes poisoned?! Oh dear…

"…Are you trying to kill me?" I asked as calmly and innocently as I could manage. It was harder than it seems, let me tell you.

"…Excuse me?" Riku quirked an eyebrow. I giggled nervously.

"Well, 'cause I don't know you and stuff, and so I'm assuming you're a mass murderer who breaks into people's kitchens and serves them deliciously satisfying victuals before an overall impending doom of yum." I stated, pointing out the obvious. I received yet another blank stare from my 'arch-nemesis'.

"Er…no. No, I'm not trying to kill you…or anyone else for that matter."

"Oh…okay then" I smiled gleefully and continued to shovel food into my face at excessive rates. I glanced up whilst placing more whipped cream and chocolate onto the remainder of my breakfast, with the weirdest feeling that I was being watched.

I was.

"Uh…do you need anything?" I asked tentatively. I mean, he wasn't even eating (he had finished around the time I was on my third helping). He just sat there, aquamarine eyes gazing into mine. They were pretty – unusual coloring. Not to say that silver hair is exactly normal, but still.

"Huh?" Riku jumped slightly. Now it was my turn to quirk an eyebrow.

"I asked if you needed anything. You were kinda staring off into space and stuff." I commented, finishing off the last of the food and picking up the plates from the table, tossing them into the sink and scrubbing as Riku remained sitting, clearly unaware of what had happened.

Maybe he was getting signals from aliens. Hell, I dunno.

"Oh, no I was just…oh! Sora, we gotta leave! Like, now!" Riku jumped up and exclaimed excitedly. I glanced at the clock, once again in a state of puzzlement.

"We still have an hour…" I began slowly, but my right wrist was grabbed, preventing me from washing anymore dishes as I was literally dragged outside by my silver haired companion, both of our book bags in his care.

Can we say weird, kids?

So much for calling Roxas.

-x-x-x-

I think Roxas has an admirer!!! And Sora has…pancakes!!! (Wow I'm hungry...) Poor boys, neither can seem to get a hold of each other!

Please review – it really helps motivate me!!!