B a r e l y Legal

When Kairi and I exited the elevator she immediately walked over and began talking to a girl I didn't recognize. Her extreme beauty led me to assume it was one of her model friends she was talking about earlier. I walked over too, as to not be just standing there and listened to their aimless chatter

The girl Kairi was talking to had a perfect figure; tall and skinny. Yep, she was definitely a model. She was wearing a white blouse that billowed out from the sequin top and a pair of lilac colored skinny jeans. Her shoes were lilac wedges and numerous silver bangles hung on her wrists. The strangest thing I noticed about her was her hair. It went down to about her mid-back and was a bright blue color. But it appeared to be natural. This confused me so I continued looking at other people.

I noticed Roxas talking to Aerith. He was wearing a white dress shirt (sleeves rolled up all cool), that had yellow and orange pinstripes, and a yellow shirt underneath. His jeans were very dark and were set off by his bright white shoes. Something seemed different about him tonight…

Aerith was wearing a red blouse that had ruffles around the neck. She also wore dark gray short shorts that had matching suspenders, and black ballet flats. Her hair was back in its usual braid, but was tied in a red ribbon tonight.

Again I saw Roxas standing off to the side, staring at his cell phone. He was wearing a light blue Abercrombie dress shirt with gray pinstripes and the sleeves rolled up over a dark blue tee. Worn bleached jeans adorned his lower half along with his traditional red and black shoes.

Wait a second, two Roxases! Or is it Roxi? There had to be something wrong with my eyes, there couldn't be more than one Roxas. Dear God, there can't be more than one Roxas. One is enough! I opened my mouth to say something, but before I could the yellow Roxas walked over to Kairi and began talking.

"Kairi, it's been ages! You look beautiful, as always." He smiled and gave Kairi a friendly hug. "And who is this lovely lady?" He shook my hand. Okay, this couldn't be Roxas.

"That's coffee girl." Blue Roxas came over, still looking at his phone. That had to be the real Roxas. But who was this other guy?

"Shut up." I glared at him before returning my attention to yellow Roxas. "My name is Naminé."

"Hello, Naminé. My name's Ventus, Ven for short." He smiled once more before going over to the blue-haired girl and putting his arm around her.

"That's Roxas' older brother. That's why they look alike. He works for Radiant Studios too." Kairi whispered in my ear. "And this is Aqua. She's one of my friends that I told you about. Rikku and Cloud couldn't make it." She gestured to the blue-haired girl. I smiled and shook her hand. This seemed a little awkward still.

"Well, everyone ready to go?" Roxas asked impatiently. He could at least show some interest, he was the one that invited me after all.

"Calm down, Roxy."

"I wish you wouldn't call me that." Roxas snapped back at his brother. He seemed upset that he was with us. Maybe that was why he was so anxious.

"So where're we headed?" Aqua spoke up once we were outside. It was still summer so the cool night air felt nice for a change.

"Well I was thinking about going to Dusk. It's this nice little place I came across one night. That, and my father owns it." Kairi suggested.

"Sounds good." Ventus agreed and he hailed a cab. "Kairi, Aqua, and I can take this one. You three are on your own. Kairi can text you the address." And with that they got into the cab and were off. Shortly thereafter I received the promised text from Kairi and told the cab driver that Roxas managed to hail in the mean time.

The cab ride wasn't as awkward as the last time with Roxas, but it was still odd since I was in the middle. I just chatted with Aerith and ignored Roxas' knee digging into my thigh the entire time.

~*~

Soon enough we arrived and joined the rest of the group. Kairi led us to the front of the line where we showed our IDs and went inside. It was strange doing this since I just turned 21 last fall. I was barely legal.

Once inside I got the full effect of the club. It was dark, with flashing strobes and a glowing dance floor providing the only lighting. Off to the right was a bar and on the far left was the DJ. Kairi immediately grabbed my wrist and led me out onto the dance floor. And trust me when I say, I can't dance.

"Naminé! Get into it!" Kairi shouted to me so I could hear her over the pounding music. 'I rather not, actually.' I just swayed to the music, which probably looked like I was spazzing out, but oh well. At least I was moving. Once Ven and Aqua began grinding and Kairi found some random guy to do the same with I felt awkward and migrated over to the bar and took a seat. Aerith was nowhere to be found. My worst nightmare was unfolding before me because before I knew it, Roxas took the seat next to me.

The bartender made Roxas a White Russian and me an appletini. We sipped at them without saying anything for awhile.

"So what're you doing over here? I thought you'd be over with them." He said, nodding his head towards the dance floor.

"I could ask you the same."

"Believe it or not, I'm not a big fan of 'clubbing'." He put air quotes around the last word. This surprised me. He seemed like the wild and childish type. But that may be due to his immature behavior showed on a daily basis.

"Same here and I can't dance. I came mostly because Kairi wanted me to. And I couldn't say no to Aerith, though I can't seem to find her anywhere." I explained.

"She's probably off in some corner talking to her boyfriend on her cell. I wouldn't worry." There was an awkward pause as we both sipped on our alcohol. I was pretty sure this one wasn't going to be my last of the night. "And I'm sure you can dance." I could've sworn I caught him smiling, but I just continued to stare at my drink.

The pounding music took over our short conversation and I began feeling extremely hot in the crowded area. I let the cool glass rest in my palms and slowly drank away the awkwardness. I'm pretty sure Roxas was still there, but I just surrendered myself to my drink. This definitely wasn't in the plan, but I could control myself.

~*~

[Roxas' POV:]

After a while of just sitting there in not-so silence I noticed Naminé was becoming a little tipsy. I could tell she was ignoring me, but sitting right beside me kind of took away from that. No matter how much she gets to me, for a reason I'm still not sure of, I felt I should watch over her for the rest of the night. Or else Kairi would kill me.

I decided since she's clearly drunk I'd be safe to rest my hand on her back to keep her upright and keep others away. I could go without some douche bag hitting on her. 'But what would I care? I wouldn't… Of course not.'

She turned and glared at me then returned to staring off in the opposite direction. I just left my hand there and kept a straight face for the guys that thought they could talk to her. 'There I go again being protective over her… I don't know why I should even bother.'

With that last thought I downed the rest of my drink and leaned over to her ear. I was going to say something but had second thoughts and just got up and walked out into the crowd. She could protect herself. At least for a little while. I needed some air.

~*~

I stood out on the sidewalk enjoying the crisp, summer air. I managed this for about half a minute before all the smoke and city smog filled my nostrils. I need to get out of the city and away from Jessica and work and just enjoy myself for once. I need my old bed. I need to wake up to my mom's cooking and spend the day lounging in the sun. I need an escape. A wave of nostalgia swept over me. I really need to stop getting emotional. Is that why I'm so mean? Because I'm afraid of being weak? It's habitual; I don't think I can help it anymore. And Ven isn't assisting too much either… 'Gah…I sound like such a chickenwuss. I never thought like this until Namine got here…There you go again, Roxas, blaming all your problems on other people.' I shook my head to get all those thoughts out and focused once more on the random passerby and cars flying by on the street in front of me.

A sweet laughter filled my ears and I turned to see who made the sound.

It was Naminé. And she was wrapped in the arms of someone I had hoped to never see again. Seifer. Last time I saw him was our high school graduation. There was no way I would let him take Naminé. Who knew what he was planning on doing to her? Well, I knew. And that's exactly why I had to stop this. I could tell I was glaring at him and I tried moving towards him before he got too far, but for some reason I couldn't. It was like all my energy decided to leave me right this second. I watched as the two stopped and he continued to flirt with her.

I could also tell she was blushing, but it was probably from the alcohol. I hope. She was pretty smashed. That was when she looked off to the side and straight at me. She looked like she was trying to glare at me, but it couldn't hide her expression. She looked nervous and… scared. And that was a look I never wanted to see on her ever again. This was the very girl I harassed day in and day out, but as soon as I saw him touch her arm a little too hard and forced her to look back at him; I knew I had to help her.

I walked over and shoved Seifer away a little and took Naminé by the arm, keeping her partially behind me. This all happened so fast I wasn't sure what to do next.

"Hey, chickenwuss, it's been a long time." He smirked at me. I could smell the alcohol on his breath and on his clothes. I could also feel Naminé just barely trembling beside me. "I see you've got her confused for someone else. Because, you see here, she's mine." He pushed me a little, but I didn't move. He was clearly weakened by the drink and by seeing me of all people.

"I didn't expect to see you around once I got out of that town. And now I do. Surprisingly, it's not a very nice reunion. And this is my girlfriend." I have no idea what possessed me to say this, but I did. I hope Naminé wouldn't object to this and we could be on our way. I took a risk and glanced at her to see her reaction. She seemed to just go along with it. It was either her dire need to get away from Seifer or her intoxicated state, but she moved closer and gripped my hand. Tight.

"I see. But she never mentioned you. Maybe you're not right for her." He took another step closer to me. I just stood my ground.

"Since when have you ever been 'right' for anyone, Seifer? Just leave us alone." I really didn't want to make a scene and began walking away. I removed my hand from Namine's and pulled her close to me. This was some very hot water we were in and I didn't really like it. She just kept going with it, because she was drunk, and rested her head on my shoulder.

I turned my head to confirm that Seifer wasn't going to respond and saw that he was no longer standing there. I just dropped it and guided Naminé to a nearby cab and texted Kairi to tell her I was bringing her home.

~*~

Naminé remained quiet during the entire cab ride and most of the elevator ride. About halfway up the building she turned to me and began talking.

"What was that? I'm confused… My head hurts. Why am I with you?" She said all this in a slurred voice.

"Umm… well, you're drunk. I'm just escorting you home, coffee girl." I thought using that term would get her back to herself. It didn't.

"Oh!" She started laughing hysterically, grabbing the front of my shirt. "I never noticed how nice you were!" I held on to her arms so she wouldn't fall and just stared at the dial that said what floor we were on. "And hot too!" With this statement she flung herself into my arms and hugged me. This was awkward. I simply patted her back before the elevator doors opened and attempted to guide her to her apartment. Thank goodness Kairi and I dated before so I knew where she lived. Although that was a memory I chose to ignore at the moment.

I could tell she was getting close to just crashing completely so I picked her up bridal style and carried her up to her room. I knew it was hers because once she unlocked the door she announced this, followed by what she wanted to do with me in there that I rather not repeat. I continued up the stairs with her in tow and set her on her bed.

"Now what?!" She screamed and kicked off her shoes. My turn for the headache. "Can you unzip my dress?" She turned around and lifted up her hair. Despite my raging hormones, I'm a gentleman. At least I try to be when it comes to things like this. And I would probably kill myself if I did anything with Naminé.

"Just go to bed and be good." I said before pointing at some sweats she left on the floor and walking out the door.

I leaned on the closed door and listened to her trying to change, trying to contain laughter when she bumped into something. I wanted to make sure she was settled and asleep before I left. I wouldn't want her wondering the streets some more, now would I? Not if I had to answer to Kairi.

Once I heard silence for a good two minutes I decided to knock lightly on the door. I didn't hear anything. I figured she was done. I opened the door to see her in her sweats and all of the clothes and jewelry she wore tonight thrown randomly around her room. Her hair was messed up now and her make-up was smudged. She was lying on her bed, on top of her covers, fast asleep. I pulled up her covers and watched her. She was actually kind of cute. I shook my head to try and erase that thought forever. I gave her hand one last squeeze and left her apartment.

~*~

Once I got back to my apartment I immediately got in the shower in hopes of erasing all memories of tonight. Especially the ones about Naminé's petite body clinging to those blankets, or my body in the elevator. Those I could do without.

Hopefully she doesn't remember anything about tonight when she wakes up with her killer hang over tomorrow. I kind of feel bad about that, but that was her choice. She'll live. And she'll come to work Monday with that 'I-hate-Roxas-so-freaking-much' attitude she always has. Things will be back to normal. I have nothing to worry about. No feelings, no nothing… Not that there are any feelings anyway.

Disclaimer: I do not own Kingdom Hearts or any other copyrighted things I mentioned.

This is soo long in Word. Then my lovely co-writer (GoldenSnitch07 - and thanks for the alchohol names - you get a cookie if you can guess who 'appletini' reminds me of) condensed it and it is freaking fabulous. Yes, freaking was necessary....So the random fluff-ish moments made me laugh. And it doesn't really make a lot of sense, but this was the most important chapter, I'd say. Roxas is so confused with life. :)

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Please review. No flames please :)