Chapter 2: Apologies

Roxas searched all over, from the Tram Common to Sunset Station, but he couldn't find anyone from his gang in the streets of the city. Even the Usual Spot was abandoned. He walked wearily through the small neighborhood, deciding the only other possibility would be Sora's apartment.

The hallway seemed longer this time. Roxas trudged down the path and turned to face the door marked 100. Taking in a deep breath he knocked, ready to see Sora's expression, whether it be angry or not.

Roxas heard a loud thud and then footsteps quickly stumbling to the door. A force hit the wooden barrier and Roxas could barely make the out a "Shh!" coming from the other side. He thought he heard a giggle but immediately shrugged it off as preposterous. The door swung open suddenly and Sora stood in the opening, his expression changing happy to surprise in an instant.

"Roxas?" Sora questioned the motives of the boy in that one word. He looked to the floor and moved to the side, allowing the blonde to enter.

Roxas stepped into the small one bedroom apartment, it was just like his. There were only three doors in the entire space the front door, the bathroom door and the bedroom door; and no room was bigger than the tiny living room that could fit only a three seat couch. He had been to the apartment dozens of times, but no other time had he ever been filled with such timorous remorse. He looked around the room quietly, urging himself to finally speak up, "I—" Roxas started when the door to the small room opened quickly and Riku stood looking out, "Roxas?"

The blonde looked at the two, "I… er… uh… oh…" he stumbled a bit, trying to ignore the strange occurrences that seemed to keep happening, "I… wanted to explain." Roxas tugged on the thick black ring around his finger, pushing his mind away from the question of 'What were they doing'.

Sora looked solemnly at his cousin, "Roxas, what you did… I'm' sorry, it's just can't be overlooked." He shook his head.

Roxas was shocked, "What? W-what do you mean?" Roxas stammered, his cheeks began to burn, a lump formed in his throat, he truly thought Sora would give him a chance. "Let me explain!" he pleaded quickly, "I didn't mean for it to happen! It just did!"

Sora shook his head again, "You already know mixing with the enemy is against the rules. I can't allow it."

Riku moved to Sora's side, leaned down and whispered into the brunettes' ear; Sora nodded uneasily.

"I know Riku." he said softly.

"Please Sora!" Roxas tried again, "It'll never happen again! I'll get a girlfriend even, everything will be normal." Roxas was now willing to do anything to regain the trust of his cousin and friends.

"A girlfriend?" Sora asked, "Why would that matter? You just can't be with someone against us! Someone from the Nobodies, none-the-less! I don't understand, of everyone… why Roxas? A Nobody?!"

Roxas blinked, "Y-you don't care Sora?" he asked quietly.

Sora looked at Roxas, "What?" he questioned, "Didn't you lis— oh!" he realized mid-sentence to what his cousin was referring. He moved closer and collected Roxas into his arms, "Roxas," Sora smiled and laughed lightly, "I was waiting for you to feel comfortable enough to tell me yourself."

Roxas stood in the hug, dumbstruck, "You… You knew?" his whimper was breathless and lost.

Sora nodded and stepped away, "You don't need to be ashamed of anything." The boys' slender arm reached back gracefully and Riku clasped his hand. "I just want you to be you." Sora smiled kindly and Riku pulled him back into a hug.

Roxas was flabbergasted and relieved at the same time. How didn't he notice this? He thought back to all the times he had seen them together: always alone, always close, always smiling. Roxas smiled, "Nam' was right." He said, thankful he had such a kind, caring friend, "She said everything would work out."

Sora smiled, "So that's what you were so freaked out about, huh?" he laughed, "Naminé is very knowledgeable."

Roxas nodded, and moved toward the door, "Don't worry Sora, I won't see that guy ever again." He pulled the door open and paused, "Unless I'm kicking his ass out on the field that is!" The blonde grinned; his blue eyes sparkled in reflection of his mood.

"Alright!" Sora called down the hall, "but don't think you're going to get off scot-free for this!" he laughed.

Roxas laughed and shut the lift gate, "I can't hear you!" he called back jokingly and disappeared slowly into the dark shaft.