Author's Notes: Mmm… I had a lot of trouble with this month. I was struggling with the transition that Riku and Axel are going through, and making them stay in-character at the same time.

November, in which we introduce a snarky graduate, interrupt movies, and talk turkey about family (but not really).

Thanks so much for all the reviews! I replied to the signed ones. To people wanting omgromancesquee, I'm afraid it's going to be a bit… ahahah. I'm a loser. Also, Axel and Riku are stubborn. Blame them?

Onward!

"Good Enough"

chapter three- November

by: Rosalyn Angel

-

On each dorm floor was a communal kitchen, equipped with the appliances and culinary utensils needed. The food placed in it was left up to the residents; some chose to cook for themselves, some opted for the cheap cafeteria meal plan, and some used the community fridge simply for takeout leftovers.

The community fridge was something left unguarded. There was no lock, no restraint, no protection for the food placed inside. For those with less-than-good intentions, it was easy pickings.

Or for Axel, when his monthly check hadn't come yet, the previous already blown to the wind.

The fridge's air was cold. Axel stood in front of it, in the shroud of night, desperate and hungry. He supposed his morals could be better, but his stomach had been growling and keeping him awake. He wondered if he should manage his money a bit better.

That candy had been so worth it.

There was a Domino's pizza box sitting on the lower shelf. A sticky note on the top read: "Do Not Touch!"

He took part of the pizza inside, but left the box alone.

Demyx was showing Axel printed pictures of various Nobodies members. They both had most of Wednesday off, so Axel had driven them to Demyx's house, where the mother of all mothers had prepared lunch in the form of assorted sandwiches and peanut butter crackers.

Yuffie and Luxord were there, too. The high school girl was displaying some new toy she had snatched up; it was a plastic bottle labeled Splish Splat! by Nickelodeon. Inside was a strange purple substance that had yet to be classified.

All four sat at the kitchen table. They could hear Demyx's mother scampering in the background with the dirty dishes.

"This is from their first concert overseas," Demyx explained, pulling out another black-and-white print from his Folder of Nobodies Holiness. "Xigbar accidentally left his prized drumsticks in the jet plane, so they had to make a special trip to get them. He can't perform with any other pair. Isn't that cool?"

Axel peered at the photo. A tough, burly man sporting a large scar was depicted grinning and tapping some drumsticks against a jet plane's wheel. Axel tried to remain interested, but it was hard. He'd never been confronted with so much useless trivia in his life.

"Oh, God!" He heard Luxord's accent as the mysterious purple bottle was poured out. "Yuffie, that stuff is bloody sick!"

"I know! Check this out—I can make it ooze through my fingers."

"I have stuff with the same consistency as that coming out of my nose."

Yuffie flung it from hand to hand. It dripped between her fingers in long tendrils and pooled on the table. Luxord made a gagging noise.

Demyx didn't seem to be paying them attention. Apparently it was fairly normal. "And this is when Saïx came down with the flu. They had to hold off two whole nights of performances because he got it so bad!"

"Fascinating. Truly fascinating," Axel drawled as he was handed the photo of an extremely perturbed blue-haired man. He was actually more intrigued by Yuffie's toy.

Ah, well. He had gotten free food, and the little punk was growing on him. Sort of like a weed.

Demyx didn't seem deterred. "And this is when…"

"Yuffie, ew! No! Get that crap away from me!"

"You know you wanna toouuch it!"

Demyx's mother shouted over her shoulder and the running faucet. "So who wants seconds? Anyone? They're yummy!"

"Mooooom," Demyx whined. "We're busy!"

She waved a soapy knife threateningly. "You can never have enough peanut butter, young man."

"I think we're fine, thanks," Axel said, taking this opportunity to stand up. "We actually better be heading back. My audition is coming up."

Yuffie's attention shifted to him. The ooze dribbled down her arms. Luxord stared in half-horror, half-fascination. "Oooo, you gonna be in a movie?"

"College play," he corrected. Demyx was pouting and gathering his folder together. "It's a rewrite of A Christmas Carol. They made it contemporary… or something."

"So you're an actor!" Demyx chirped. The folder was stuck under his arm. "Drama major?"

"Performing Arts, but I guess that's just the fancy name for it, huh?"

They said their goodbyes and Demyx received a crushing hug from his mother. For a brief moment, it made Axel miss his parents, but the sentiment vanished as they went out the door.

He made momma's boy jokes all the way home.

The movie was some action flick they had all been able to agree on. The action was what attracted Leon, and the young male hero was what attracted Cloud and Riku. There were a lot of special effects, people doing cool martial art moves, and things going kaboom in a series of flashing lights that filled the dark theatre.

They sat near the back so not to bother the serious viewers with their idle conversation. Or rather, Cloud's idle conversation about the young male hero's curiously tight leather pants. Occasionally Leon admired some martial art scene, but mostly to himself—Cloud and Riku knew what parts he liked though, because he'd smirk a little and his eyes would be glued to the gigantic screen. Riku, on the other hand, simply looked at the movie as a way to pass time with his friends.

The guy was nice-looking, though.

He felt a strange sensation from his theatre seat. Fidgeting, Riku reached into his back pocket.

"Your butt is vibrating." Only Cloud could say that with a completely straight face.

"It's my phone," Riku explained quietly. The tiny glow illuminated his pale face. A little envelope icon was on the cell's front.

1 unread message

A few buttons later, and he found out the source of the message to be his roommate. They had exchanged numbers at the beginning of the year, in case of emergency.

While the hero narrowly adverted some random disaster with his mad skills, Riku looked upon the text message:

Call me asap its rly important

Well, they had exchanged numbers in case of emergency…

"I'll be right back," he whispered, standing up and shuffling out. Cloud and Leon let him pass with a nod and wave.

Just a quick call to see what was wrong would do. Maybe it really was something important. The movie could wait.

Once outside, he dialed the number from his contacts and leaned against the wall. He watched people buy popcorn and soda from the concession stand while the cell rang twice.

There was a garbled noise, like the phone on the other end had been flipped open hurriedly. "S'up."

"Axel?" Riku kept his voice low, so not to disturb anyone walking by. "What's wrong?"

"Huh? Uh… well, there is sorta this crick in my neck…"

Riku sighed. "You sent me a text message."

"Oh, that. Yeah. Listen, I have awesome news."

"Good news?" Riku murmured, averting his eyes from the concession stand to his feet. "That's what's so important?"

There was a shifting sound. "Good news is always important. Especially mine. I sent everyone in my cell that message."

The ceiling was suddenly very intriguing. "I was in a movie. I thought something was actually wrong."

"I'm really touched you were so worried."

Riku snorted lightly. "Aren't you going to tell me your news?"

"Okay, okay, get this. I tried out for a part in our college play—the one that's like a modern Scrooge thing—and…"

Axel went on to describe the in-progress stage, the funny people he ran across, and how the audition actually went. His voice wasn't particularly excited, but the emphasis he put on certain words was enough. Riku could imagine the illustrating hand gestures in his head. Once or twice Axel had to excuse himself for another call that came in, all of which he asked to ring him later when he'd tell the story to them, too.

It was a little like when Sora got enthusiastic about something. Except the big difference was that Axel wasn't a chatterbox. His words were frank and evenly said.

"… got the part of the Ghost of Christmas Past. It's not very big, but I get to dress up like a hippie."

The tale ended sooner than Riku expected. He had been quietly studying the ceiling throughout Axel's escapade.

"Congratulations. That's great," he finally said.

"Yeah, it is."

He didn't know what to say after that, so he kept silent.

"So, uh, I better get back to the people who called earlier. They're waiting."

Riku stood up straight. "All right. I'll see you later at the dorm."

He almost hung up, but Axel spoke first: "Hey, hold on."

Riku attempted to brush his long bangs to the side. He wondered what time it was. "What is it?"

"When are you gonna get back?"

The question surprised him. Axel had crossed the boundary of tolerated acquaintance to pleasant companion, but the idea that he cared when Riku returned seemed odd.

"… soon."

"All right, that's cool. See you."

"Bye."

The phone was flipped shut.

Midterms were fast approaching. It was a dreaded time for many a student: some held group studies, some crammed, some procrastinated, and some went to their unfortunate graduate friends for assistance.

Riku's unfortunate graduate friend was Ansem, a scholarly man aiming for his master's degree in some field of science Riku couldn't pronounce.

Riku, as intelligent as he was, was also overly ambitious in his classes. This caused some strain in the math and science department, and while he could figure it out well enough on his own, it was more efficient to have someone nearby who could calculate a Chemistry problem in the blink of an eye.

Riku had met Ansem while the elder had been working as a lab assistant at the college. The stoic man had pointedly given him instructions, Riku later had to unwillingly ask for help, and after a few sessions of bubbly chemicals, they grew acquainted. Ansem was a good help, albeit an all-knowing, arrogant, way-too-honest conversationalist.

Said conversationalist had his nose stuck in a book while at his desk, a small lamp as his only light. Riku watched him for a moment before clearing his throat.

Ansem's orange eyes flickered up. His small reading glasses were perched on the end of his brown-skinned nose. "Yes?"

Riku sat on Ansem's bed. He nodded down at the threatening Biology book.

Ansem sighed, and stood up to lecture.

Riku wasn't really sure why Ansem wordlessly accepted him into his apartment whenever he needed the assistance. He always acted like it was an irritation, or a bother, but he did his duty nevertheless.

Riku considered him as an older brother. Whether the man liked it or not, not only did Riku come to him for educational reasons, but also for advice. Ansem looked at things in such a factual, aloof manner that his wisdom, on some level, made sense entirely. Riku could tell him things he couldn't tell any of his other friends, even Naminé, but she usually figured his secrets out on her own.

The Biology dilemma was subsided. Riku took a break to lie on the bed and think while Ansem went back to his book.

"I haven't seen Sora for a couple of weeks," he said quietly, hands behind his head.

Ansem kept reading. "Oh?"

Riku hadn't expected any more of a reply. "Yeah. Between midterms, his parents, and Kairi…" He trailed off.

"Mmhmm."

"… I wonder if he forgets about me sometimes."

The soft admission made Ansem's eyes glance over his reading glass. "There's a saying you children use in certain cases… Now, what was it again?" He appeared to be in deep thought, stroking his chin. "Ah, yes. 'Life's a bitch, and then you die.'"

The lack of sympathy wasn't a surprise. It was part of the reason that made Ansem so easy to talk to. His dark, subtle humor was a perfect distraction.

Riku chuckled. "Words of wisdom from Ansem."

"Hmm."

While midterms came and went, Figure Drawing class became more and more interesting. Their first few models had been female—the smooth curves and lean figures were simpler to draw than the sharp angles and formed muscles of a man. Then one day, their professor finally announced they'd begin on the male form.

Riku and Naminé sat together on their wooden horses as usual, the newsprint paper set up and ready for quick sketches. While they waited for the model, Naminé doodled.

"I made another," she said lightly, turning the booklet. It showed a rough, penciled sketch of Riku sitting by a window. She didn't forget to make sure he was looking out.

His eyes skimmed over it. A one-sided smile appeared. "You like drawing me a lot."

She nodded pleasantly and set the booklet on her lap. Her eyes were strangely bright as she flipped through her sketchpad. "You're nice to draw."

Riku ran a hand through his layered hair and looked away. Naminé watched. He could feel her eyes looking right into him.

The male model finally entered, stood in the room's center, and removed his robe.

Naminé gave a small squeak of surprise as her hand covered her mouth, and Riku had to stop himself from staring.

He hadn't really told her he was gay yet. He hoped it was obvious enough.

It was near the end of November. The air was chilly, the trees were bare, and Axel couldn't sleep. Thanksgiving break was coming soon, and he couldn't help but think of driving back home. He already missed his family and old friends. Sadly enough, he didn't think he could. It was just too far away. He still remembered Hayner's complaints about the distance after he had dropped Axel off.

Riku was a quiet sleeper. He neither snored nor moved.

Axel was thankful for their companionship. It made living together so much easier. They weren't buddy-buddy, no, but they could have a conversation and be interested in what the other had to say, even if it happened to be sarcastic.

At night, when they were trying to sleep, was usually the time they held these conversations. At other times they were with their own friends, in class, or studying. Except for a few phone calls, they didn't see each other much outside the dorm.

"Hey," Axel called to the dark, "you awake?"

He heard the slight rustling of sheets underneath him. "… Yeah."

"You live pretty close, right? Gonna go see your folks for Thanksgiving?"

There was a long pause. "Probably not. Dad's busy."

"Mom?"

"I haven't seen her for a long time."

"Oh."

Axel drummed his fingers on his bare stomach and thought of something to say. He didn't bother to consider if Riku wanted to sleep or not. "Your dad some type of busybody?"

A deep sigh. "He's in business, yeah."

"He know you're gay?"

"Don't you wake up early tomorrow?"

That sounded a little touchy. Axel backed off. "Can't sleep. Got all this energy." He looked to the window; pale moonlight was shining in. "My parents know. My mom thought it was great that I finally figured out my sexuality. Dad said he always knew I was a little fruit."

Riku laughed quietly. It made Axel feel better. "That sounds kind of harsh."

Axel grinned to himself. "Eh, I know he loves me."

The quiet stretched out. Axel entertained himself by watching the wind blow fallen leaves in circles outside.

"… My dad thinks it's just a phase."

Sharing your side first makes it easier for the other to share his, too.

"That type, huh?" Axel said. "They get over it after a while."

More rustling. Axel pictured Riku rolling onto his side. "I guess so."

Axel spread his arms up, his knuckles grazing the ceiling. "What about a boyfriend? Anyone special to visit?"

"I don't have one." Riku's voice sounded sad. It was hard to tell, though. Maybe he was just tired.

Axel was almost surprised. "Gee, someone with as huge of a personality as yours without a boyfriend? I'm shocked."

He had meant it as a joke, but Riku heard an insult instead. "You're one to talk."

"Hey," Axel started, "Roxas and I never really called it off. Just after a few months of not speaking, you begin to think it's over."

"He was probably too nice to say it to your face."

The redhead frowned. That certainly was an unpleasant idea.

Axel let the subject drop. Neither of them said more, so he closed his eyes to try and sleep, but failed miserably. It was one of those nights that his mind refused to shut off. After flopping around a bit more, he gave up.

Riku's soft voice came to him: "Stop moving. You're making a lot of noise."

Axel grinned deviously as he leaned over his bedside. "I have to move. I'm on top."

While upside down, he saw Riku's face half-buried into his pillow, arms wrapped around it tightly and lying on his stomach. One aqua eye peered through silver bangs; Axel barely caught the displeased glare. The innuendo had not been lost.

"Hey, chill out," he advised. Axel's spikes stayed the same even while hanging over the edge. "I was just joking."

Riku mumbled something into his pillow.

Axel pursed his lips. He disappeared back up, only for his legs to come swinging down. He soon landed on the floor with a thud.

Riku raised his head, hair slightly out of place on one side. "What are you doing?"

Axel sat with his back against Riku's bed, legs spread out wide and elbows resting on bent knees. His body twisted a little to look up at his roommate. The moonlight made Riku's hair gleam. "What are you thankful for?" he asked suddenly. "And not the usual stuff either."

Riku's eyes widened in surprise. "Wha—"

"What are you thankful for?" he asked again, punctuating each word. "It's almost Thanksgiving. Every Thanksgiving dinner, my folks would ask what I'm thankful for. But you can't say stuff like family and friends, because everyone knows everyone else is thankful for that."

Axel could remember his mom's delicious pie, and how his dad would slowly puff on a cigar till his mother would scold that it was bad for his health.

He was looking forward to winter break and seeing them again. He had had a routine in his life, for every day of every year, and then he had moved far away and the routine was broken. Everything had changed in one day, and while he was growing accustomed to the new place and people, it would be easy to slip back home.

"I, uh," Riku stammered, caught off-guard. "I don't know."

Axel gestured one arm out. "Okay, then I'll tell you what I'm thankful for." He thought for a moment, eyebrows furrowed. "I'm thankful for… soda fountains."

"Soda fountains?" Riku questioned.

Axel turned to him again. "Yeah, yanno, like the ones in the cafeteria? I can mix all types of sodas together and make the best suicide drink ever." Riku looked disgusted. "Hey, it tastes really good. Don't mock the suicide."

"I think there's a reason they call it a suicide."

"You'll try it someday," Axel said, grinning. "And you'll like it. Just add in a lot of Coke, a good amount of Sprite, some root beer, a tad of fruit punch if it's there, and voila."

"Ugh…"

Axel rolled his green eyes. "Okay, fine. What about milk? Cold milk on a hot summer day. I'm thankful for that."

Riku sat up and let his legs hang over the bedside. They brushed against Axel's shoulder. "I think ice cream would work better."

"But they're basically the same thing."

"One is frozen."

Axel crossed his arms. "Have it your way. You have to be thankful for sprinklers, though."

"On the lawn? They're for the grass."

"And for running through."

Riku gave a short, curt chuckle. "You're weird."

"There's gotta be something you can think of," Axel said, moving his hands behind his head and leaning back. "The snooze button? I love my snooze button."

"I wake up early."

"Geeeeeez," Axel breathed out. "Okay. Cartoons?"

Riku looked down and thought. "… Yeah. I'm thankful for cartoons."

Axel grinned; his teeth were bright. "Everyone should love cartoons. And music, too. Music in my car that I can sing out loud to."

"Music is nice," Riku replied lightly. "But I know something better."

"Oh?"

"Headphones…"

"Oh yeah. Most definitely."

"… so you can block out your babbling roommate."

It took a moment for the sentence to sink into Axel's brain. While redhead stared, Riku tried to suppress a smile.

Axel huffed. "I see how it is."

Riku couldn't suppress it for very long.

As they went on, it became easier and easier to pick things out.

He hadn't realized that there was so much to be thankful for.

-November, end