AN: I tried my best to get this out on schedule but I got very sick and was unable to write or do much of anything really... I really do apologize. Also! Thank you so much for the wonderful reviews. Every time I see I've gotten one I get giddy. So without further ado here's the third long long chapter. Will they get shorter? Stick with me folks and we'll find out.. Anyway, read, review, enjoy.

The next day had Roxas so distracted he found it almost impossible to function. No matter what he was doing he found his thoughts drifting back to the previous night and that damn surprise kiss. Well it wasn't entirely a surprise, there had been a good deal of tension leading up to it, but it was surprising enough for him.

He was so spacey that day that during his lunch break he was able to sit through a forty minute long conversation with Hayner complaining to him about Olette and her indecisiveness about color schemes. Something he would have never been able to do had he not been preoccupied with the thought of how Axel's lips felt pressed against his and how surprisingly soft they were and what it might be like to do it again…

It was driving him absolutely crazy, just one stupid kiss with one stupid redhead…That stupid, funny charming redhead…. Who had incredibly good timing and a really nice ass and those big warm hands… To think what he could do with those…

He felt like smashing his head into his desk.

"Sorry to trouble you Roxas." The kind voice of Aqua, one of the attorneys working at the firm he was interning at and his favorite due to her kind, understanding nature, interrupted his self loathing and stopping his filthy thoughts in their tracks. "All of these papers seem to have been copied upside down. We can still use these as scrap so don't worry." She must have noticed the blond looking disappointed. "Regardless, would you mind copying them one more time, the other way around?" She smiled sweetly and he felt extremely lucky it was Aqua who noticed the error and not one of his other coworkers. Had his boss received an upside down copy he'd have never heard the end of it.

Scrambling, he graciously took the hard copy from his chuckling co-worker. "Crap! Sorry Aqua I'll have these right out to you, right side up this time." He knew he'd been distracted that day but this was a new low, even for him. He'd been working at this firm for nearly a year now, this was a rookie mistake… Hell not even rookies did shit this stupid!

Aqua offered a concerned smile, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder. "Roxas are you feeling alright? If you're sick you can always call in for once, you know there are plenty of people here who'd vouch for you." This was how she always was; compassionate, almost motherly, always concerned for her friends and the people she worked with directly. She was the one who had shown him how to do most everything around the office since nearly everyone else had copped out, claiming they were too busy.

Shaking his head, Roxas offered the most reassuring smile he could manage. "Thanks for your concern, Aqua. I have no doubt in my mind you could scare Ansem into giving me an actual sick day or two…" This made the woman laugh. "I guess I'm just a little off my game today." He smiled sheepishly. Standing up straight now, both hands on her hips, she gave the blond a once over before sighing defeatedly.

"You'd be here running around doing errands for us even if the world was ending." Aqua announced affectionately. As she was turning to walk back to her cubicle she added, "If you need a breather today just come tell me. I could probably buy you some time."

Roxas could feel himself relax into his office chair, melting like jello under 90 degree sunshine. Closing his eyes he took a deep breath, trying to will himself up and out of the safety of his chair, because he just had to fuck up those copies. Because his brain just had be out to lunch today. Because he just had to have all too willingly received a smooch from stupid, handsome, sexy…

No! No! Not sexy, he did not think Axel was sexy, he was not doing this again! That was wrong, that was shallow, he was putting the brakes on that thought right now. He was absolutely not going to think about how kissable he thought Axel's lips were or how those eyes made him putty in those strong inviting hands and holy shit what did he have to do to stop thinking such lewd thoughts? Since when did he ever even have lewd thoughts in the first place?

His friends always called him prude, it had been that way ever since high school. He had been the sensible yet straight-laced friend, the person one came to to cry to about sorely regretting a lay. The guy one would whine to about so-and-so being of their league. And he'd give rational advice on the subjects of love and sex because he'd always been rational when it came to subjects such as these.

Except to be truly honest he supposed he was only good at the game of love when it was from an outsider's perspective. All things love related, pertaining to Roxas himself, had been dissatisfying at best and disastrous at worst. He… Probably wasn't all that good at being any more than a fairy godmother to a friend in need.

This was probably why he'd accepted a sad future of unrequited love with such ease.

And then that stupid hot giant had to ruin everything. Now he couldn't complete simple tasks without thinking about that circus freak and how it was kind of cute how far he had to bend down when they kissed… Shit! No it wasn't, that wasn't where that train of thought was supposed to go, damn it!

Propelling himself out of his chair he continued arguing with his traitorous brain all the way to the copy machine. He was no virginal, emotionless android. He'd had feelings for people in the past that were… Sexual… In nature. But he didn't remember them consuming his every thought, not since like… Middle school! He was thinking like a middle schooler! This stupid handsome string bean was making him think like a middle schooler!

Putting the hard copy in the machine, right side up this time, he slumped against the wall as he waited for the machine to spit out all fifty copies. Christ did he fuck up…

Then again, he hadn't been kissed like that in… Watching the pages, still warm from the machine and still stacking one on top of one another, he tried to think of the last time he'd kissed someone That wasn't a family member or a friend. His brain was starting to feel as tired as the copy machine was looking, shaking and sputtering in the effort to produce the last few copies before it could call it a day or worse, before it decided it wasn't worth the effort and just jammed.

His last relationship, an abysmal failure when he thought back on it now, had started around the time he started college and lasted only a few months. He'd been on a few dates, but none of them had come of anything and he'd begun to think himself unlucky in love. Especially when that pesky crush on Hayner began to surface.

At first naturally Roxas just thought that balancing a full course load of college classes and a full time internship was finally killing him. It didn't seem all that far fetched, after all that was what the internet said when he'd looked up his symptoms. And it was always easier to believe what one had been told than to search for one's own answers. So that was the answer he had decided to accept until he realized that his heart only beat that way around Hayner, and that his stomach only did those unnatural flips and flops when his best friend smiled at him or swatted him playfully.

It was these same feelings that made caused his heart to turn to ice and drop like it was made of lead when Hayner had told him the good news.

Which then caused him to act out foolishly and meet that infernal redhead. The very same redhead who also had to be the first one to lay one on him in at least three years, probably more. And thinking about Axel and the kissing and how close they'd been in that cramped corner, all tucked away, well that was starting to seem just as bad for his poor heart as being around Hayner had been. Maybe worse… At least with Hayner he'd had himself somewhat trained. Now it was twice the trouble for him, he had an infatuation for an old friend he'd been nursing for a good while, and this new…. Lust…For this attractive weirdo that he had no idea what to do with!

He was a more than a little peeved with himself. He'd thought he knew where his feelings lie, even if it was hopeless at least there were no undue surprises when you had feelings for one of your closest friends. In truth he just expected to suffer it in silence, after all he'd been quite good at it so far. Meeting Axel had been a complete curveball. He wasn't looking to meet new people at all, so when he did, by accident, and the turned out to be stupidly good looking with a personality to match… It made him start to wonder about things like fate and serendipity but it also made him mad that he'd be so easily drawn to another after having what he thought were such strong feelings for someone else for… Well a darn long while!

The copy machine began making a sputtering sound, usually an indication it was nearing its last few copies, or about to croak. It was anyone's guess as to which until the machine actually died or did its job. It was enough to draw Roxas out of his thoughts, leaving the place of wall he'd been slumped against and going to kneel beside the machine in case it needed emergency assistance. Ah the joys of being an intern, copy machine duty and coffee duty. It seemed only on days that he was really lucky that he actually got to assist the others in the office on cases or observe them in court. He supposed maybe it came with time but it got… Tedious. Thank god this internship was paid. Still he supposed he did learn a few things, he thought, grinning to himself as he grabbed the warm papers from the tray. He'd known enough to scare the piss out of the manager at that scummy hotel last week.

Walking as hastily as he could without turning it into an actual power walk and looking dorkier than he already did, he gave the papers to Aqua who thanked him kindly and then gave him a few more errands to run for her while she finished her write-ups for the cases she was currently managing. If he didn't mind, of course. Mentally sighing he agreed, At least it was for Aqua, who was always grateful and kind to the intern-turned errand boy. Regardless of who the errands were for, it was still boring and he couldn't wait until he could clock out and be done. And, not that he would admit it, but there was a phone call he was waiting on.

It had been an incredibly long time, however, since Roxas had been forced to suffer the suspense of waiting for the phone call of a… Paramour…Now that he had chosen to accept the fact that he was not uninterested in Axel, he was getting antsy. How long did such phone calls usually take? He didn't remember. These thoughts suddenly hit him like a train the minute he returned from work, and the very second he was out of his work clothes and in a plain tee shirt and jeans, he was out the door again in hopes of picking the brain of someone who was much smarter about such things than he was.

Someone who he could always talk to without judgement.

Electing to walk, or really power walk, he was at the little tchotchke shop in record time. The building was old, but the sign was colorful and inviting. His sister Namine's doing. She had a knack for that sort of thing, and she'd helped spruce up quite a few of the town's little businesses. Stepping inside he felt a sigh of relief escape his lips when he caught sight of his sister dusting knick knacks.

"Welcome to Twilight Trinkets I'll be with you in a minute." Namine didn't look away from her dusting and re-stocking to notice that it was only a desperate, confused Roxas and not a paying customer.

"Take your time, I know where the cash register is." He felt himself smile wryly as his sister spun around with a bemused expression.

"Very funny Roxas." The blonde huffed, stepping down from the small step ladder she'd been balancing on. Putting the duster away she walked over to the entryway and pulled her brother into a welcoming hug. "So what's up? What are you visiting me at work for?"

Roxas sighed. There was nothing he could hide from her. "Nami I… I think I should probably start from the top…" He bit his lip nervously before adding. "You have to promise not to tell anyone." At this his sister raised an inquisitive eyebrow. Flipping the sign from "OPEN" to "CLOSED" she took her brother by the hand and led him out of the entryway and deeper into the shop.

"We'd better talk in the back." She murmured. "If this is such a big secret." Soon they were in what seemed like a part time break room-most of the time stockroom. It was just like the rest of the shop, antique with a couple chairs scattered in a room full of unshelved items. Now that she was finally satisfied any secrets would be safe, she released his hand and took a seat in one of the chairs. "Alright, now spill."

Roxas shifted uncomfortably before sitting himself in the chair beside her, unsure where to even begin. "Um… Remember when I worried you all with those texts?" His sister nodded. "So… I kind of lied to you on the phone… When you called to check up on me that morning." Namine's expression was a mix of confusion and what looked like…. Hurt. Shit….

"You lied?" The hurt was even more clear in her voice. "What did you lie about? What made you think you couldn't trust me, Roxas?" He winced. He'd had a feeling this wouldn't go over well. In all his life he had perhaps told only two big lies to his sister. Now it was three...

"I was just… Telling everyone the same story and I guess I was afraid if I told someone the truth then the truth would... Get out." God he was a douche.

Namine crossed her arms, clearly still offended. "Well, what's the truth, then, Roxas? What's so bad that you couldn't tell your own sister."

She'd done it. She'd invoked the sibling bond. Bowing his head a bit in shame he supposed he should probably start from the top.

"So Hayner had a party and I guess it was to announce his engagement… To Olette." Namine's expression softened. She was one of the select few who knew of his unrequited love. Heck, one of the few who knew he was even gay. "It was stupid…" Roxas laughed mirthlessly. "I should have expected it. They'd been going out for forever…" He shook his head. "Anyway after that I went to the first bar I saw and got blackout drunk." He let out a long sigh, perhaps it was one of relief. Now someone knew the truth. This lie was off his chest. "I woke up the next morning next to a complete stranger…" Roxas laughed weakly. Namine was looking extremely concerned now, deep blue eyes filled with worry.

"Roxas you know I'm not the type to judge, I know things like that happen to people all the time, but if you were as drunk as you say you were…" At this the blond realized he'd made a horrible mistake leaving out a very key detail.

"Oh no, no, god no!" He cried. "It wasn't like that… We both had clothes on, nothing like that happened. We were both drunk and needed somewhere to crash on short notice, that's all." He could feel his face flaming red. Well, Axel had clothes on. He had boxers on though and boxers are clothes, technically... "He was the one who texted you guys for me."

The petite woman released a sigh of relief, reaching out to put a comforting hand on brother's shoulder. Apparently any negative feelings had dissipated. "I'm assuming this is that Axel guy you told me about?" The blond nodded.

"Yeah. He was the one who helped me come up with a… 'Normal' story to tell you guys since the truth sounds so… Bad." He laughed and Namine couldn't help but join in weakly. "He… Didn't act like it was crazy at all… Waking up beside someone he didn't even know. He just ordered us breakfast and told me weird stories." He felt the corners of his mouth turn upwards at the memory.

Namine pursed her lips in thought before responding.

"Well at first I was thinking the guy must be a real creep going after someone so drunk." She still looked like maybe she thought that, a little, and the way she'd said it had been harsh. Roxas' own fault for worrying her, he supposed. "But from the way you tell it it sounds like he was trying to be a good samaritan." Roxas snorted. Namine huffed defensively. "Hey, what would you think? Anyway, go on." She gestured for him to continue with one delicate hand. Roxas felt almost reluctant, but he did come here for advice.

"Uh… So I got stuck doing some 'male bonding' with Hayner and Pence yesterday." That made Namine roll her eyes. Eyes blue as the sea, blue as her brother's. "And I guess Axel works at the diner they dragged me to." He shifted awkwardly in his seat. "Um so we hung out…. Kind of… I think he flirted with me a little... And by the end of it we sort of… Kissed?" The look of surprise on his sibling's face made him feel all the more uncomfortable.

"You… You, kissed someone? Like just… Spontaneously? Oh my god Roxas you don't even kiss on the first date!" She exclaimed, apparently feeling the same shock he'd already felt. Letting out a puff of air she had seemingly collected herself. "Well I guess this is a good thing." She surmised.

This however was puzzling to Roxas. "A good thing?" He asked. The blonde shrugged offhandedly.

"Sure. Something is keeping you from turning into a little ball of stress and holding yourself back so..." She shrugged again. "A good thing." Before Roxas could tell her that he was never stopping himself from doing anything, thank you very much, she added, "I have a feeling you didn't just come interrupt me at work to confess that you were a dirty rotten liar though." She smirked.

Roxas huffed. She knew him too well, damn her. "Yeah I guess I need advice… Or… Reassurance?" He could almost gag at how pitiful he sounded, but Namine put an arm around him in a comforting sort of half hug. It was almost as if she was if she was trying to alleviate his self loathing.

"I'll give you whatever worldly sibling advice I can. I'm no love guru you know.." She smiled softly, giving her brother a playful nudge.

"Yeah well… Your track record is still better than mine." Roxas snorted. He still felt a little foolish, but of all his friends and family members Namine would be one of the most non-judgmental. "We sort of set up a date… He uh… Said he'd call but I don't know how long that usually takes…" He paused, rubbing his face tiredly. "Would it be bad manners to call him? It hasn't been that long so it'd be too soon…" He was talking more to himself now than Namine, picking nervously at a hangnail. Sighing, she took his hand before he could make himself bleed.

"Would you relax already? You're starting to stress yourself out." Her smile was kind and understanding. "There's no rule book or anything. He'll probably call before the week is out. It's only been a day. You're just freaking because you're not the one making all the moves this time."

It was true. He had always ended up being the instigator in most of his past relationships. Maybe it was because he had been a bit of a control freak or maybe it was because the people he was dating at the time didn't really care enough to take the lead. Either way this agonizing wait was something he wasn't quite used to.

"Well… How do I not freak out?" His words came out sounding more pitiable than he intended, causing Namine to laugh and hug him closer.

"Roxas, for our entire lives, you have always had the habit of freaking out. I don't think you can just stop." The words were spoken affectionately but he still felt himself prickle at them. Not because they were untrue, but rather because his sibling had actually hit the nail on the head.

Crossing her legs delicately, she elaborated. "Remember when we were in the fifth grade, the school play? You were Peter Pan." Of course he remembered. His sister was over the moon that she got to play a mermaid, Sora and his best friend Riku fought relentlessly over the part of Captain hook, and Xion was perfectly happy to play Tinker Bell. Because she didn't want any lines she told him, and she'd just forget them anyway. "You were practicing all the time. You rehearsed harder than anyone, and in the end you stressed yourself out so bad you threw up right before you were supposed to go on."

Roxas groaned, leaning back in the uncomfortable gray folding chair and staring at the ceiling. "I remember. Sora had to sub for me." Namine nodded.

"And the whole show turned out to be a disaster." The pretty blonde leaned forward, hands folded neatly in her lap. "If you stress and over think things, they just end up getting muddled and messy. The best sibling advice I can give to you is don't think about things too hard. You'll be a lot happier if you don't over analyze and flip out over every situation."

Roxas wasn't willing to accept such a simple answer. He wanted someone to tell him exactly what to do in exactly the right way so everything would turn out right. Namine sighed, reaching over and patting him on the cheek. "Relax, Roxas." Leaning back again she steepled her fingers, deciding to be gracious enough as to impart upon him one last gem of wisdom. "This is my last piece of sibling advice for the day. Boys always want you more when you play hard to get." Her lips curled into a playful grin. "Wait for him without getting impatient and when he finally calls." She shrugged flippantly. "Pretend you weren't even waiting at all."

Roxas twiddled his thumbs nervously. "I don't know if I can do that…" He mumbled. Rather abruptly his sister stood up from her chair and began heading back to the main room of the shop.

"Well you'll have to figure something out," She turned her head to offer a sugary sweet smile. "Because I'm going to have to kick you out now."

Roxas balked. He wasn't ready to go home to his thoughts. "Why?" Namine snorted.

"Because I used up pretty much all of today's break time and I need to make a living too." Turning the sign around again she began shooing him out the door. "It was nice seeing you, but next time you have so much to tell me, do it when I'm off work."

Reluctantly the blond let his sister get back to work, retreating to his apartment feeling just as confused and anxiety ridden as ever.

His sister's advice had been good, but it didn't seem feasible. Not with how jittery Roxas was still feeling. He didn't think he could possibly relax, not when all he could think of was that… That…

He was running out of things to call Axel.

Plopping down on his sofa, he stared at his phone so hard his eyes went blurry. This was a fruitless effort, of course, and eventually he could feel the beginnings of a headache. After downing some advil his exhausted body decided it was time for a nap, and try as he might he lost the fight against his drooping eyelids and drifted off.

He awoke to a growling stomach and soft moonlight filtering in through the curtains. Daring to gaze at the clock he found himself surprised with how late it had gotten. No wonder he had a headache, he hadn't eaten since noon and now it was well past 8:00 PM. His nap had lasted far longer than he thought it would.

He began making his way to the kitchenette sluggishly, his feet feeling like they were magnetized to the ground. In fact all of his limbs felt quite heavy. When he opened the pantry he wasn't shocked to find it almost bare. He had meant to go shopping, somehow he must have forgotten. 'Somehow… Yeah right.' He knew damn well how.

Settling on a packet of ramen that was probably still good, Roxas began absentmindedly cooking himself supper. It was this pitiful excuse for a meal he was shoveling into his mouth when his cell phone finally started ringing loudly from where he'd left it in the living room. Never before had he appreciated the annoying tinny tune so much. Abandoning his bland but warm soup, the blond scurried to answer before whoever was on the other end gave up. Grabbing his phone and briefly checking the caller ID he quickly swiped to answer.

"H-hello?" He was gasping from the exertion of sprinting from the kitchenette to the living room. His heart was pounding out of his chest. So much for playing hard to get.

He'd been waiting for this, getting impatient for it even, but now he wasn't so sure he was ready…

"Catch you at a bad time?" There was a smile in the pleasant voice on the other end. It wasn't hard imagining that smile… Oh he absolutely couldn't handle this.

"No… No I wasn't doing anything important." Roxas cringed at the slight crack in his voice and proceeded to clear is throat. He could hear Axel chuckle.

"If you say so." The redhead replied in sing-song. "I just got home from work and thought, 'Hey you know who's probably too neurotic to be asleep right now?' And well, I just couldn't help myself."

"Gee, thanks." Roxas chuckled. Glancing at the clock, it was already 9:30 PM. "You just got off?" He still hadn't decided whether he would allow himself to sit or just continue his pacing around the room. He could hear Axel snickering.

"I haven't 'gotten off' in a while. Why, interested in remedying that?" He replied, and the wicked grin that was certainly on his face right now was palpable from over the phone. It was a stupid, corny response but he could feel his face flaming.

"Oh shut up!" He huffed. "You know what I meant. Off work, doofus." This only served to make the other man laugh. It was infectious and pleasant… Roxas decided he wouldn't mind hearing it more often. He then tried to snuff that thought out as quickly as he possibly could because he barely knew this guy and that sort of thinking was dangerous.

"Sorry, sorry." Axel's apology didn't seem very sincere. "I saw the opportunity and couldn't pass it up. You gotta' admit you waled right into that one." There was some rustling before he continued. "But yeah I only got off work like…" Another pause. "Fifteen minutes ago." Roxas decided it was safe to sit now and plopped himself on his worn sofa. Axel had been working all day. He'd worried himself over nothing… Except now he was forced to face the fact that the man had called him the minute he left work, and forced to contemplate what that could possibly mean.

"Were you working at the diner again or…" The blond wasn't sure what Axel's schedule was like, but from what he'd gathered it seemed quite hectic.

"Kairi let me take the morning shift today. Rest of it was paramedic stuff." The redhead sighed. "In a town this small you wouldn't think people would need so much babysitting." There was a tinge of irritation in his voice. "Like… We got a call today from someone complaining about feeling dizzy and weak. Know what they really were? Hung over."

That made Roxas laugh. "I don't know, I think that's kind of funny." Axel snorted.

"Yeah it's funny the first couple times. Then it just gets annoying." He grumbled. Roxas felt himself grin. The redhead sounded like a sulky child.

"Well okay…. What's the funniest thing you've seen on the job?" The blond was more than a bit curious. Axel hummed in thought.

"I think the funniest ones are when people fuck up while they're fucking." The other man replied. "Like you'd think a person would know not to finger someone after handling hot peppers." Roxas couldn't help the gasp that escaped his lips. That sounded incredibly painful.

"That seriously happened? That was seriously a call you got?" He was disgusted, but also strangely fascinated.

"Yeah. Poor lady was in excruciating pain and no one could figure out why until the guy let it slip that he'd been making quesadillas and forgot to wash his hands." Axel chuckled. "She was fine in the end but damn… Must've hurt like a bitch. Felt terrible for her the whole time." Roxas wrinkled his nose in distaste

"That's gross." He fake gagged, causing Axel to laugh again. That warm, pleasant laugh again…

"Well, what about where you work?" He offered. "Got any fun stories for me? Brighten up my awful, tedious day." The way Axel talked captivated Roxas. He seemed so… Comfortable. So sure. Every word sounded relaxed and confident, and yet so… Friendly. Always amiable. Even when he flirted apparently. Then he sounded cocky and seductive but still so… Affable.

"I don't ever have anything interesting happen where I work…" The blond felt a bit embarrassed. "I work at a law firm, it's like…. The most boring job a person can have." Roxas' job was just as boring as he was, a perfect fit really. He wasn't creative like his sister or outgoing like his cousin. He was just… Dull.

"Nah." Axel interrupted his self-reflection, which was for the best really. He could think about his shortcomings all night. "There's always something at least a little interesting." He continued. "It doesn't have to be as crazy as my story. Just anything you can think of off the top of your head."

Frowning, Roxas thought and thought hard for something interesting in his life. Sighing he responded.

"The only thing I can think of is that two of my co-workers started sleeping together. The whole office knows, but they're still trying to keep it a secret. Our boss would kill them." He bit his lip. "That's not as cool as your story though." He let himself lean back, adjusting the phone so he could still talk on it properly.

"What do you mean?" Axel replied excitedly. "Office romance? What's more scandalous than that! It's like… The golden rule not to fuck your co-workers. I'd rather watch that play out than go on fool's errands all the time." Roxas had a feeling he was saying this to make him feel better, but damn it, it was working.

"Oh? You'd never romance a co-worker?" The blond felt the corners of his lips quirk into a small smile.

"Well…I sort of have someone I'm interested in." Axel stopped to think, or pretend to think rather. "Maybe. The diner's hiring, you know." The last part seemed to be more of an invitation than plain information. As if it would be accompanied by a suggestive eyebrow waggle or a wink. Roxas could feel his heart pounding again.

"That…" His mouth wasn't cooperating, but neither was his brain really. That damned redhead had a habit of causing it to short circuit. "That… That was so cheesy." There was more chuckling on the other line.

"I may be cheesy, but it hasn't failed me yet." Axel retorted proudly. After Roxas managed to calm his pounding heart he took a deep breath so he could respond without faltering.

"How do you know it didn't just fail?" He gulped, trying to keep his nerve. "How do you know that I'm not just going to hang up on your cheesy ass?"

"Easy." Axel sounded entirely too confident and it made Roxas extremely nervous. "I was able to get a reaction. And if you were going to hang up on me you would have done it already. My first pick up line was way worse." Damn him… Damn him and his ability to read Roxas so easily.

"You're pretty sure of yourself." He grumbled, nails biting into his palms to distract him from any inappropriate thoughts…. It wasn't helping much.

"Not really." Axel's voice was normal and as cordial as ever and it wasn't fair. How could he be acting so natural while Roxas was on the verge of a nervous breakdown? "Well, I mean maybe a little." He amended. "I just…. Go with my gut and hope it works." Roxas pursed his lip in thought. It worked, it definitely worked, but the blond didn't feel like throwing his pride out the window and admitting it.

"You damned flirt." He groused. He wasn't used to being pursued. He'd been flirted with and gone on dates even, but no one he'd ever dated or met when he was dragged 'out' had ever pursued him like this. Now that he thought of it. this had all gone so fast he wasn't sure what to do with it.

"Nah." Axel hummed to himself as he fiddled with… Something. Roxas could hear more rustling. "I'm no flirt. That implies that I lay it on this thick with people that aren't a foot shorter than me, blond, and going by the name of Roxas."

Roxas could just pull all his hair out now. This was more frustrating than any class he'd ever taken, any task he had to do at work, or any family reunion he'd been forced to attend all mushed together.

"Why did you call me in the first place, other than to be a corny dork? Unless that's all you wanted to call me for." He tried to keep his tone calm, to not convey the inner turmoil he was feeling.

"Oh!" Axel sounded like he'd suddenly remembered something very important. "I wanted to ask when you were free. Y'know to get coffee." He said it as if it were obvious. Pausing, he added,. "I guess I also wanted to talk to you too. You're fun to talk to. At least I'm having fun." He laughed..

Roxas sighed. There was no escaping this guy, so the small part of him that hoped that it was still a possibility was forced to throw in the towel. He probably wouldn't have been able to anyway, just considering his feelings alone… But Axel wasn't holding back with his flirtations tonight.

"I'm free this Friday." He finally replied. "Around two or three o'clock?" He wished he could stop warring with himself about the subject of Axel… But maybe going out for coffee with the guy would help settle him down. Maybe this simple coffee date would quash these… Feelings.

Feelings had never done him a damn bit of good anyway.

"That's great!" The redhead exclaimed. "It's a date then." That seemed to settle it. "You have any place in mind? I mean it was your idea in the first place." That was… Technically true. Unfortunately Roxas got coffee at the same place every day and didn't really know about any of the other coffee houses in town. It seemed there was only one choice, and he had to rely on the powers that be to see to it that no one who knew him saw him there. He didn't need rumors spreading, and he certainly didn't need one more person telling him out how of character this all was for him.

"Um… Jumpin' Java has really good coffee." He was feeling uneasy again. He supposed this was much better than waiting. At least there would be a concrete plan set in place that he, in theory, wouldn't have to worry about. As if that ever stopped him.

"Good, good." Roxas could imagine him nodding to himself as he said this, wild vermillion hair struggling to adapt to the motion. He of course immediately tried to un-imagine it right away. He couldn't afford to let his mind wander. "So we meet there then?" Axel was in remarkably good spirits. Apparently he couldn't tell Roxas felt so uneasy he was on the verge of throwing up.

"Y-yeah…" The blond gulped. "That should work…" He could feel his hands shaking and it was a struggle to keep holding the phone to his ear. He could hear what sounded like a sigh of… Contentment? .

"Alright, easy enough." Axel decided. "See you on Friday, then?" Oh god he was going to see Axel again… Oh god he was going on a date…

"Uh huh." Roxas croaked, barely managing to form even the most basic reply. 'It's just coffee, Roxas. Going out for coffee doesn't have to mean anything.' He was desperately trying to convince himself, even though going to coffee with someone one had kissed usually did seem more romantic than friendly. If Axel noticed his voice shaking and cracking like some sort of jumpy teenager, he was kind enough not to call attention to it.

After they'd hung up Roxas was left alone with a mix of anxiety and excitement churning in his stomach. Friday seemed too far away, yet somehow not far away enough.