Chapter II
The next morning, Roxas woke up gradually. He could vaguely make out his brothers voice sifting up from downstairs and one or two others, too muffled to distinguish. The sounds of cars and people and children playing could be heard in the distance, through the small crack in the window. He settled into the closer sound of a gentle rhythm pressed against his left ear. After a couple beats the peace in Roxas' mind dissipated and his ocean blue eyes flew open. Body rigid and trying not to breathe, the golden blond slowly lifted himself into a sitting position and stared down at the sleeping boy in his bed. He recounted the night before but he couldn't for the life of him think how he'd ended up curled into the redheads side, head resting on his chest. Roxas was mortified even more by the fact that his friend had had his arm slung, almost securely around the blonds waist. The younger boy silently thanked nobody in particular, that the redhead hadn't woken first and got gently out of bed, putting distance between himself and Axel. Said person was completely out of it, his mouth partially open and his face smoothed out and relaxed. Roxas was surprisingly pleased to see how messy Axels hair was and that some of its natural wild spikiness had returned, as he sat at his desk and rubbed his eyes. The sleepy blond glanced at his clock to see that it was 10:47, before his eyes came to rest on his friend once more. He looked at the strong jaw line, following it over a pale neck, continuing down over a bony collarbone, spreading out over the sculptured plains of his chest- at least the blond imagined it to be sculptured; creamy and soft. The blonds gaze lingered where it met a patch of exposed skin. The ill-fitted tank he'd given Axel to wear had ridden up on one side to show off the beginning of an especially defined ribcage, due to the redheads naturally wiry frame. A deep crimson crept up Roxas' neck as he had to admit to himself that it was the most erotic scene he'd ever seen. In that moment Roxas knew for sure there was something wrong with him, but soon he'd be alone again without even Axel to tease him and make fun of his strangeness. He was doomed to be a loner-weirdo and walk the planet alone for the rest of his life- like the Incredible Hulk, or something. Roxas was snapped out of his reverie, practically jumping out of his chair, when Seifer crashed open the door with a sneer already plastered to his face. The pale blond glanced once at his brothers guilty expression before casting his light blue gaze around the room, landing on a groggy redhead. After a pause the pale yellow haired boy boomed out a laugh, slapping his thigh once before messing up Roxas' hair and walking out of the room. 'Smug fucker' the golden haired boy thought angrily. Axel frowned at the sudden noise, groaning as he came closer to conscious thought. 'Did Roxs brother have to be so damn loud?' The redhead rolled over, pulled a pillow over his head and let out a frustrated noise.
"Axel?" came a familiar soft voice. Axel sighed, annoyance quickly evaporating. Removing the pillow, he rolled onto his back and stifled a yawn.
"What the time?" the redhead breathed, eyes still shut.
"Five past eleven," came the small voice again. Finally the redhead propped himself up on his elbows, as his eyes sought out his friend. The blond had his back to the redhead. He was going through his chest of draws, picking out things at random. Checkered socks. Red baggy top. Black skinny jeans. Dark purple boxers. Roxas hesitated for a second and then pulled his blue pyjama top over his head, keeping his back to Axel. The redheads eyes widened, instantly focusing on the blonds bare back in surprise. He couldn't help but marvel at the pale milky skin and the perfect lines of the small boys shoulder blades, which adjusted as the blond reached for his t-shirt. Axel frowned to himself at the jolt of undeniable lust he had just experienced as Roxas adorned his red top. The golden haired boy gathered up the rest of his clothes before making for the door.
"Be back," was all he said, not looking at the redhead, and left the room. After a moment, Axel decided he should get dressed himself. Feeling more awake, he retrieved his mobile out of his back pocket and sent a short, precise text. He'd been right about needing a distraction, even if it was no longer just for the solemn thoughts of what lay beyond the end of summer break. Perching on the bed, the redhead pulled on his boots. Roxas entered then, throwing his pyjamas towards the bed and falling back into his desk chair.
"Well, someone got out of bed on the wrong side this morning," the redhead observed, smirking as the indefinite gleam returned to his emerald eyes. The blond rolled his eyes, huffing.
"I could hardly have gotten out on the other side with your big lump in the way," Roxas returned, sarcastically.
"Now that's not true, you could have always climbed over me," the redhead said with a grin. "And for your information, my body is not a 'lump'; it's a completely unique, sensual physique that no one could ever imitate." Hands on hips, green stared down blue.
"Yeah, 'that no one could ever imitate' is what unique, generally means," the blond said dryly.
"You're just jealous." The older boy said childishly, sticking his tongue out.
"Do you always have to act like an immature kid?" Roxas shot back suddenly, turning red. Axel let out a startled laugh.
"'Course not, I only do it to piss you off, Cherub," the redhead answered, fluttering his eyelashes. "You're just so damn cute when you're angry,"
"Is everything always a joke to you?" the blond all but shouted, finally getting the redheads attention. Axels shock wore off quickly and for a long time he just looked at Roxas. The angry boy looked away, biting down on his knuckle, silently willing the other boy to stop looking at him in that way.
"You're still mad," it wasn't a question and Roxas didn't answer. After a longer agonising silence, he heard Axel sigh. "Look, I gotta get going, anyway. I got my date with Riku,"
"Just go," the blond muttered, letting out a shaky breath. Axel felt like he was stuck between a rock and a hard place, but he could tell from his friends expression that it would be best if he left.
"I'll see you tomorrow," the redhead promised, pausing in the doorway.
"Don't bother," the blond replied, lips forming a perfect pout. Axel almost wanted to roll his eyes. Almost.
"As I said, I'll see you tomorrow." He reiterated; it sounded more like a threat. And then Roxas was alone again.
That same morning, Zexion had woken up at a weird angle with a strained neck. After a beat, he registered a weight pinning him in place and then looking down, had found his arm around a sleeping Demyx with his head on the other boys shoulder. Glancing around further he saw that they were sitting on the couch and concluded that they must have fallen asleep in front of the TV. The blue haired boy stared at the mullet-ish honey blond. Demyx was snoring softly against Zexions shoulder, oblivious to the world. The taller boy shifted suddenly, a hand reaching up to rub his neck, with a groan. Zexion kept deathly still as the other boy gradually became aware of his surroundings. The honey blond looked up blearily, into a cautious deep blue eye and froze. Demyx looked like a rabbit caught in the headlights as the blue haired boy continued to stare at him. The honey blond made a false sounding laugh, starting to disentangle himself from his friend. But Zexion grabbed the front of Demyxs electric blue shirt and pulled him down to crush his lips against the honey blonds. Demyxs eyes stayed open, stunned for a few seconds before falling shut as he kissed tentatively back.
"I-I thought you d-didn't-" Demyx began once Zexion released him.
"Well you were mistaken," the quiet boy said his voice low and muted. However his lips pulled up into an unique smile that had never before graced his face and never would again except for when directed at the not-quite mullet-styled honey blond with the childishly innocent aqua eyes. The very same eyes that gazed down into fathomless depths of the only deep blue eye visible. Demyxs mouth grew wide immediately, forming a lop-sided grin.
"Yeah?" the blond murmured a little dopily, the grin never leaving his face.
"Yes." Zexion answered anyway, cupping the taller boys face in his hands and drawing him into a fervent kiss. 'Yes, this is definitely a better way to silence him.'
Roxas gloomily, walked up the hill towards the Twilight Station, wallowing in self pity. Feelings of regret would surface only to be closed away by anger and what the blond had stopped pretending wasn't jealousy. Somewhere, Axel was out with his newest conquest, laughing and flirting, while the younger boy had to watch today's sunset all alone. They'd probably gone back to Rikus by now or maybe even Axels, to continue their 'fun' more privately. Fuming, the blond struggled to breathe as he paused by at the bottom of the station clock tower, hands in pockets and kicked at the floor. Movement from the corner of his eye caused him to glance up, momentarily distracting him from his thoughts. A tall teenager- though everybody was tall compared to Roxas- around Axels height, was leaning his arms against the low wall and staring off into the sun, now half way through setting. Roxas was about to hurry to the top of the Clock Tower, the usual spot, but he paused again. Roxas couldn't quite see the taller boys face but he could tell by his profile that he was attractive. His black hair was slicked back into a two-inch pony tail and looked as velvety as a black birds feathers. His straight prominent nose was pale, as was the rest of his skin, which contrasted in a strangely, pretty way. The black haired boy wore black slacks over black and white converses and a snug-fitted white, slightly opaque shirt, the sleeves folded up at the elbows. A small smile tugged at the corners of the blonds mouth, making it hard for him to deny that he was checking out that boy and very much liking what he saw. 'When had this happened?' As if feeling his gaze, the boy looked over his shoulder, spotting Roxas. The blond instantly looked down, burning bright red which unfortunately wasn't from the sunset. The black haired boy turned around and strolled over to Roxas, thumbs hooked in trouser pockets. He was a lot older than the blond had initially presumed. Roxas tried to act as though he too had been watching the sunset until the boy stepped into his line of vision. The shorter boys ocean blue eyes were met with a pair of wide intensely dark chocolate brown ones. Absently, cocking his head, Roxas studied the taller boys face; in the middle of his forehead was a darkish mark- a birthmark? Or a scar. The watchful eyes held a gleam of curiosity, an almost hidden smile playing around his perfectly sculptured lips. They seemed to scream out in relief at having finally had a smile bestowed upon them.
"Tseng," the dark haired boy said in a deep rich voice, offering his hand.
"Hi, I'm Roxas," the blond smiled, accepting his hand and mentally taking note of its smooth textures in pleasure.
"Roxas," Tseng repeated with what seemed like a bemused look. Roxas nodded nervously, under those cat-like eyes.
"So…what brings you here?" the blond asked, awkwardly, before realising what a stupid question he'd just asked. Tsengs expression didn't appear to change however, but then again that didn't say much. He continued to radiate silent power…and sex.
"Admiring the view," he answered in that smouldering voice, although Roxas wasn't entirely sure he was talking about the now almost fully set sun. Needless to say he blushed again. "What about you?"
"The same, though I usually watch from up there," the blond replied, gesturing up at the clock tower above them, and trying to calm his nerves.
"Impressive," the dark haired boy commented, eyes returning to Roxas. "You must be quite the fearless little thing," electricity simmered behind the blonds eyes at that.
"I'm not 'little', there are shorter people than me," he said, a bit indignant. Tseng turned away, hiding a chuckle behind his hand. Fascinated by this, Roxas felt an involuntary smile adorn his face.
"That might be so," the taller boy amended, his smile seeming to widen ever so slightly. "But I doubt any share that kind of…passion, you possess. Roxas." The person in question reddened further, fuelling his embarrassment. The blond wasn't sure which had made him blush more, the compliment itself or the unflinching sincerity, which the words had emanated. He didn't know what to say so he continued to gaze up at the dark haired boy, getting caught in the melted dark chocolate of his eyes. Then without warning, Tseng closed the gap, taking the blonds face gently in his hands and slowly kissed him. It was as light as a feather and then it was over, leaving Roxas desperately wanting more. He was panting a little he realised, swallowing hard.
"Thank you. Roxas." The taller boy breathed before pulling back.
"For what?" he didn't answer. With one last- curious- look at Roxas, he strode away, into the night. Roxas stood there, mouth still partially open, for a full ten minutes before snapping out of it. He wore a dazed smile the rest of the evening, practically oblivious to the outside world. However, when he curled into bed later on and was met by a familiar concoction of minty toothpaste and cinnamon, still lingering from the night before, the happy fog surrounding the blonds mind lifted. Roxas sighed.
After he'd left his friends house, Axel had sprinted home to have a quick shower and dress for his date with Riku. They'd arranged to meet at the coffee shop off of the Sandlot. Axel and Roxas went there a lot, so the redheads nerves were sure to be eased by the familiar surroundings. The redhead threw on a long-sleeved, stylishly ripped red and black top and his favourite black skinny jeans. And his boots- of course. Catching the train into town, he walked casually over to the coffee shop, breathing in the rich smell of coffee that wafted out into his face. Axel bought a chocolate frappochino and settled into a window seat, creating an air of patience around him as he sipped at his ice drink. As he watched the life passing by the shop, he all but forgot about why he was there. Axel glanced up at the clock behind the counter, noting that Riku was close to twenty minutes late. Suddenly he was startled by his phone, vibrating twice in his pocket. From Riku.
'Sorry. Something's come up. Wont make it. Riku.'
Axels whole body breathed out in quiet relief. He paused, surprised. Hadn't he been excited about the date? He wondered before realisation dawned on him. All the redhead had thought about this whole time was a certain blue eyed, golden blond boy. And all Axel wanted to do was make said blond smile. Getting up, he slid his mobile into his back pocket and made for the exit. In his haste to get to his destination, he accidently bumped into a small blue eyed girl with short black hair. He murmured his apology as he tore his emerald eyes from her cerulean blue ones that resembled another pair too much. The redhead continued back up to the station as a train pulled in. 'What a wasted trip,' he thought before shrugging; a small grin of anticipation, growing on his face. He headed over to Roxas' house as soon as he stepped off the train. Checking the time, 14.15, the redhead was certain the blond would be home. And Axel was his best and only friend…On his way to the door, Seifer emerged, pulling a short girl behind him. She had straight, shoulder length silvery grey hair and russet brown eyes. Oddly though, she wore a simple black eye patch over her right eye. Just as Axel was about to glance at her clothes, Seifer spoke.
"Sorry but I'm afraid Lover Boys not here," he sniggered at the redhead who was about to make a sarcastic retort, when it registered what the pale blond had just said.
"What?" Axels thought process halted, a fair blush staining his cheeks. 'Of course, his life doesn't revolve around me,' But the redhead realised then that he wished it did.
"He didn't look too happy when he left either, so you'd better fix that." the pale blond snickered but there was a steely look in his light blue eyes that told the redhead he was serious. He may as well have said 'You ever hurt my little brother and you'll wake up to know what hell feels like.'
"SIMPLE." The strange eye patch girl said, but even though she enunciated the word firmly, the volume of her voice was weirdly low. The only hint at what she'd meant was the small glint of challenge in the depths of her one visible eye.
"Yeah, yeah, I got'cha," Axel nodded and even as he sighed, he could feel a silent respect for Roxas' older brother rising.
"Alright, Fujin, lets roll," and he flicked his wrist even though he still had the girls hand in his. The redhead suppressed the urge to roll his eyes before deciding to just sit outside Roxas' house until he returned. After a moment, he tried phoning the blond, but his mobile was switched off. The redhead made a small noise of impatience, as he tapped a hand against his leg. Eventually Axel fell asleep, head drooped against his chest. He woke up almost three hours later to see that the sun had completely gone down. Pushing himself up from off the ground, he stretched and yawned simultaneously. He paused briefly and then took out his mobile to try Roxas again.
"Still switched off," he mumbled, half incredulous. 'What could he possibly be doing without me?' the redhead crossed his arms, irritated. Once another moment had passed, he breathed out slowly and walked back towards his house. To think that Roxas had made Axel wait for almost a whole day was ridiculous, but it had happened and the redhead was certain he'd made the blond wait before. The fiery teen remained stunned as he let himself I and went straight to his room. Collapsing face first onto his double bed, he didn't move for another hour until his hunger won out. He hadn't eaten anything all day, although he'd had the chocolate ice drink earlier. Axel padded out of his room and into the kitchen, taking a seat at the table almost lazily. His adoptive mother stood cooking something by the stove.
"What's for dinner, Mum? I'm half starved," the redhead leant his head on the table and tried to identify all the smells surrounding him.
"Guess," his mother replied, a smile in her voice. The boy suddenly combed his fingers through his semi-straight, semi-spiked hair and proceeded to- violently- rub scratch and pull at it, manically. Instantly the vivid red hair returned to its natural wild spiky state and the boy sat back with a sigh.
"Much better," Axel breathed, panting faintly.
"What's wrong, honey?" his mother asked as she placed a plate of food in front of him. She stroked the spikes back tenderly, while he took in the food. He practically drooled.
"Lea?" coming out of his mind, he scowled momentarily.
"The names Axel- A-X-E-L. Get it memorised," the redhead protested in a whiny voice as his mother just laughed and went to serve her own plate.
"That's not what's on your birth certificate, hun," the boys mother replied, gracefully taking the seat opposite with her food.
"Yeah, well, 'Lea' is lame and the spelling- what's that about?" he stated, picking up his fork and digging into the steaming hot bolognaise. Axels mother laughed lightly, as she sipped her wine.
"You know why- we thought you were a girl and we planned to call you Leah," she laughed again, seeing her sons expression.
"Yeah, yeah, until you took me for my nappy change," he grumbled, stabbing more forcefully at the pasta. "I've heard it all before,"
"Even the lady who brought you to us thought you were a girl- she told us you were," his mother grinned, remembering.
"No wonder I turned out the way I did," the lightly blushing boy commented, half-heartedly.
"Well you do have especially pretty eyes for a boy," Axels mother murmured, looking at the redhead, fondly.
"Gee, thanks, Mum," he said with a hint of sarcasm, but he gave her a genuine smile. After a long moment with just the sounds of eating, Axel glanced at his mother again.
"Mum…" he began quietly.
"Yes, honey?" his mother prompted after a pause.
"…Its time we moved on." the redhead said tonelessly, more to himself than anything. His mother seemed surprised at first but then understanding dawned on her face as she studied her son. The boy who was staring down at his plate, looked as though he was slowly burning to death on the inside, every minute more he stayed here in Twilight Town. She had seen that look before.
"Aw, honey, is it that bad?" she asked softly, worry creasing her forehead.
"Worse." Her son whispered, glumly.
"And you've tried?" she pressed gently. Axels head lifted at that and stared with wide emerald eyes. It was the same expression he used to wear when he was little and he insisted that he didn't understand his maths homework.
"You know there's no point even if-" the redhead attempted to reason.
"Lea, this is probably the last chance to show your true feelings before we leave- and don't say it won't change anything because it will. In here," his mother reached over and pointed at his chest, over his heart. Axel pouted slightly but nodded. "Got it memorised?" she added after a beat, quirking an eyebrow.
"Yeah," the redhead answered eventually. "Thank, Mum." And shooting her a small grin, he finished his dinner.
