–Thank you so much for all of the reviews (glomps you all) and as for this chapter? Well, I'm positive it won't disappoint. I hope at least!

And I apologize for the wait. I wanted to make this chapter really good. And also, the plot really thickens in the next few chapters. I can't let onto the whole plot twists and revealing so early!

And thanks again for the fan art for this story! You guys rock so much!! (if I had any artistic ability I'd be making an anime movie out of this. Seeing I know how and all. Too bad I suck at drawing, sigh..)

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Stranded With You

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He was just laying there, starring up into the morning stars meekly. Dark blue eyes almost glistened with curiosity as he sprawled out in the sandy ground beneath him. His arms were crossed, and his legs were stretched out far, almost as if he was about to make a snow angel. The gentle, morning wind played with his blonde hair, causing it to occasionally flutter in his eyes. Which, in result, obscured his vision. But it was all good, just for this moment. Everyone else on the island was fast asleep, resting for their second day in danger. But.. he just couldn't sleep. Yesterday kept playing over and over in his youthful mind. It was like it was some sort of bad nightmare that continued to haunt him, and all he wanted was for it to go away. Sadly, no matter how hard he'd try, the image of that thing came cascading into his mind, like a never ending river.

"I'm not gay." He rolled over on his side, puckering out his bottom lips in an annoyed posture.

Another moment passed before the boy restlessly went back to laying on his back, starring at the rising sun. It was as if he was having some sort of conflict in his mind on what was right and what wasn't. And, of course, this dispute had a lot to do with what had happened the day before. In fact, the longer he thought about it, the harder he tried to convince himself he wasn't that way. That he didn't enjoy. That he'd never like a member of the same sex. Because that was out of the question.. especially with people like him.. people that lurked around in the shadows, stalking their prey, and then jumping out and practically molesting them. Nope, he'd never succumb to someone like that.

"I swear.. if he comes near me again.. I'll punch him." Roxas murmured, running a hand through his hair lazily.

Thing was, when he was younger, he had no problem with the other side of the world. Where people of the same gender rejoiced. It was fine in his mind. He thought if you were love, it didn't matter who your partner was, as long as you loved them with all your heart. But that innocence rapidly changed when his parents abandoned him at the age of six on the streets of Chicago to live by himself. And before he had found the soup kitchen he called home.. something had happened. Something that changed the poor boy's opinion on same sex relationships forever. And ever since then, Roxas steered cleared away from people like Axel, people that were just looking for that kind of enjoyment.

So.. he couldn't have enjoyed that, because that would be against what he believed... right?

"Hey, Roxas?"

The blonde turned his head slightly when he had heard his name called. At first, his heart plundered when he had heard the voice, thinking it was Axel, but his heartbeat slowly returned to normal when he watched Riku walk towards him, eyes just managing to stay open. Roxas gently got up, so he was sitting with his knees close to his chest. He turned his head to observe Riku take the seat next to him.

"You're up early.." Roxas remarked, watching the older boy.

"I'm always up this early, never sleep much." Riku murmured, looking up to the sky, obviously thinking about his deceased sister. "It'd give me too much time to dream." Riku added on as he finished his statement. Emerald eyes turned back to Roxas who was sleepily looking at him

"Hey, can I ask your advice on something?" Roxas inquired gently, tilting his head to the left as he watched Riku. Riku took his eyes off the ocean to face the curious boy.

"I'm not sure if I'm the best person to get advice from, but sure, I'll give it a shot." Riku managed, trying to smile. If he stayed positive, maybe they'd be saved sooner. Of course, it was pointless logic, but it kept Riku going. If there was the smallest hope of being saved, he would cling to it.

"What would you do if you found out someone liked you, but you didn't like them back?" Roxas asked nervously. Riku blinked a few times, before crossing his arms and turning his attention back to the ocean.

"Honestly, I can't really say what I would do. You see, I've never been in love," Riku murmured. "And I doubt I ever will, I'm just destined to be alone, and live life as a model." Riku finished. It was true, the blue haired boy had never been in a relationship before. The reason behind it was mostly that he was traveling so much, and girls never really did look appealing to him. All he ever did was work, work, work.

"But.. if someone did like you and you didn't like them back, what would you do?" Roxas asked again, eyes firmly on Riku.

"Well, I'd give them a chance. I mean, if they liked me, they obviously had seen something in me they liked," Riku answered, unsure what he was saying was the truth. Most people that did like him were rabid fan girls who had every issue of his modeling. And that was beyond the stalking level.

"But, what if they're some creepy stalker who won't leave you alone and tried to molest you!" Roxas suddenly answered, his eyes widening with terror. In return, Riku turned his head slightly as a light smirk rolled across his lips for a few moments.

"This is about Axel, isn't it?" Riku inquired, raising an eyebrow. Roxas took a deep breath before meeting Riku's glance. "Did he really try to molest you?"

"...Yeah..." Roxas finally replied, gulping down any fear in his throat. "It started with a kiss.. and then he tried going farther." Just talking about it made Roxas' stomach hurt increasingly.

"And let me guess, you enjoyed it?" Another smirk rolled across Riku's lips. This island was far more interesting than real life. People never took the time to ask advice of him, and actually tell him their problems. It was actually kind of interesting.

"But.. I'm not gay!" Roxas hollered, shaking his head angrily.

"You might not be gay, but you could be bisexual," Riku attempted uneasily before Roxas shot him an angered glance.

"It's the same thing." Roxas snapped.

"Not the same thing a bit!" Riku replied, placing a hand on Roxas' shoulder. "If you're gay, you only like guys. If you're bisexual you-" Riku began.

"I know what gay and bisexual mean!" Roxas snapped, trying not to think back to his childhood. To that one night. He wouldn't allow himself to be treated like that again. And definitely not by Axel.. someone that gave off the same aurora he wouldn't allow it.

"And.. you're saying you're not either. You're straight." Riku concluded, raising an eyebrow once more.

"Most people are," Roxas snapped back offensively. Riku blinked a few times, a bit stunned.

"Are you okay? You're usually really quiet and reserved. Is something wrong?" Riku attempted but was silenced when Roxas buried his head into his hands and growled, trying to let out some anger.

"Have you not been listening? Axel tried to molest me!" Roxas spoke, almost in an 'eep' kind of voice. Riku sighed uneasily before glancing over his shoulder and noticing down along the beach Zexion and Demyx had made their way out of the cavern, and this was a perfect opportunity to change topics.

"How was the cavern Zexion let you and Demyx sleep in?" Riku stammered uneasily, leaning backwards.

"... Cold." Roxas spoke softly, lowering his gaze. "Is it really wrong.. to deny what's really in your heart?" Roxas asked nervously. Riku glanced back and noticed Leon and Cloud had joined the other two, along with Yuffie and Tifa. Perhaps everyone was meeting? And to confirm his suspicion, Axel appeared within the group.

"I'm not sure.. I'll think on that, I guess." Riku spoke. After all, he wasn't really a 'people' person, but he found it easier to speak to the younger survivors than Demyx and company. They were far more innocent.. like him. "Come on, everyone else is meeting." Riku said, getting up and walking down the beach to where everyone else was gathering. Roxas followed behind him, mind still on the red-head who was haunting his thoughts.

"I heard Sora's sick." Zexion spoke out to the group, his eyes watching Roxas and Riku enter the circle of discussions by the coast. Leon looked down, almost cringing at what Zexion had jut said. Yuffie however had coughed so the attention was averted to her. A look of depression spread across her face.

"It's the second day of being stuck on this piece of land, and we've already got someone sick." Yuffie grimaced, trying to push her mind off of Sora who was quietly sleeping. Riku however, was finding it increasingly hard to keep the young boy off his mind. Now, more than ever, did he finally understand the word friend, and what it meant. Roxas looked ahead to where Axel was standing boredly, watching Cloud intently. What if he tried to catch him alone again?!? What if he tried to--

"But if we keep our spirits and stocks up, we'll be fine." Leon commented, and snapped Roxas out of his dreadful thoughts. Cloud gave a sharp nod in reply to what Leon had just said.

"Praying isn't going to keep us alive." Axel hissed, now noticing Roxas had joined them. His eyes almost glistened with amusement as he crossed his arms and pushed his red locks of hair out of his eyes. Roxas gently moved closer to Riku, fearing what Axel was thinking.

"For once I agree with Axel on this. We need to make a SOS sign in the sand or something. And we need more shelter." Tifa explained, hushing Yuffie from her yawning. One could safely say that each of the saviors had only got around five hours of sleep, if that. This wasn't a vacation at all, more like a nightmare come alive.

"I'll work on the sign.." Demyx spoke bleakly, raising his hand. And that was responded with Zexion lightly smirking.

"I'll assist him with that." Zexion added quickly.

"Good.. and the rest of us can concentrate on food and shelter." Leon concluded, lightly smiling. However, Axel had coughed, causing everyone's eyes to fall on the man once more.

"No, not good. We barely have any shelter. That kid's got one of the shelter, and there's only one other. Either we all bunk in some crowded shelter or we figure something else out. I'm tired of sleeping on cold, hard earth." Axel hissed, dreading the fact of being too close to people, or sleeping on the ground for a third night.

"Well.. the shelter's fit two people, so two of us can take the spare shelter tonight." Cloud spoke softly, gazing at everyone in the circle of discussion.

"What about the spare room in Sora's shelter?" Tifa asked, tilting her head.

"No, if someone bunked with him they'll just end up sick as well." Zexion noted, glancing over at the girl. Tifa blinked a few times before blushing from embarrassment. However, Riku kept silent. Leon just nodded in agreement and pushed his brunette bangs out of his eyes.

"Then.. who's getting the spare shelter?" Leon questioned.

"Oh! I want it!" Demyx sprung upwards and waved his hand frantically. Sweat rolled off Leon's face as he turned to Tifa and Yuffie.

"Let's just let the girls take it for tonight, then we can figure out some system." Leon concluded. "If anyone thinks of a better system on sleeping arrangements today, just let us all know." Leon finished, watching the others.

"Looks like the Australian boy's on to something." Axel remarked sarcastically, rolling his eyes. This action received him an offensive stare from Leon.

"...Is Sora awake yet?" Riku asked, speaking for the firs time to the group this morning. Cloud glanced over to him for a few moments before turning his glance to the shelter that housed the sick boy. A moment passed before the blonde turned back to Riku.

"No, he's resting, it's best not to bother him." Cloud answered.

"Well, if you all don't mind, I'm off." Zexion spoke, beginning to walk away from the group.

"Hold it!" Axel called harshly, stomping his foot into the sand overdramatically. Zexion paused and turned around before raising an eyebrow.

"Yes?" He replied, just as sarcastic, emphasizing his words.

"Don't' tell me you're going to sneak away and not do any work. If you think we're going to work our asses off so you can reap the benefits without lifting a finger, you're wrong." Axel finished, glaring offensively.

"I'll look for food while I'm away." Zexion replied before turning his back to the group and beginning to walk off once more.

"Food! Now that's music to my ears! I'll come with you!" Demyx sprung upwards once more and rushed over to Zexion's side. The blue-haired man eyed Demyx suspiciously before shrugging his shoulders and walking beside the rock star. Riku could only sigh before glancing down at the sand. If it was Demyx, the music in his ears wasn't even music.

xxxx

"So are we really looking for food, or was it just an excuse to get out of work?"

Demyx followed Zexion in equal paces, eying the blue-haired man. As the walked, the scenery c changed dramatically. It had changed from a sandy beach with a small cluster of trees to a full forest, luscious in greens and plants. It was like they were in some sort of jungle. Vines dangled down from the tops of trees, whilst endless rows of more trees presented themselves. There was very few animals scurrying about, which caused Demyx to become rather uneasy. What if there was no meat to be collected? Would everyone die from the lack of protein? What if they didn't find any food, and they all did die! Demyx smacked himself lightly, before his thoughts could dart off any farther. Knowing him, they'd end up in something absurd and impossible.

"Well, if you look at in that aspect, then yes, I was just trying to get out of work. Then again, I could be out here, walking around and just so happen to stumble across food." Zexion replied, casting a sly smirk over his shoulder to the blonde behind him.

Demyx paused for a moment, considering Zexion's words. After his moment of thoughts, he hurried up so he was walking beside him. His light blue eyes starred openly at Zexion, filled with much confusion. For some reason, Zexion always seem to talk in riddles. It was like he found pleasure in confusing the young model. Then again, Demyx did get confused rather quickly, so it wasn't something new. And then, of course, there was the mysterious aurora that loomed around Zexion. What was the reason behind that? Why was he so secluded?

"This island is really getting to me," Demyx mumbled, kicking a rock out of their path. "I mean, first we crash into frigid waters while it's raining like a mothe-" He paused and looked at Zexion, deciding to re choose his words. "And then, we've got that dumb ass just looking to pick a fight with me and Riku, while he's trying to seduce that Roxas kid. And then we've got Sora sick. What else could possibly go wrong?!" Demyx panted, obviously losing his temper.

"Well, you seem rather uptight," Zexion commented, glancing at Demyx's speel.

"I just want off of this damn island. I've got a concert to attend to!" Demyx replied hastily, still keeping up with the concert lie. Truth be told, Zexion had already caught on that Demyx was lying, but didn't find it relevant to tell him that he knew. So he remained silent, and pretended to play along. Play along with Demyx's little mind games. Mostly seeing that he was the only one on the island that caused the dark man to smile once in awhile. Even if it was Demyx's stupidty that made him crack a smirk.

"Stop." Zexion suddenly spoke, extending his hand to halt the blonde from walking any farther. Demyx glanced at the outstretched arm curiously before following Zexion's gaze to a large cluster of bushes. Raising an eyebrow, Demyx stood his ground, just observing the spot with all his might. What could he possibly find so interesting about bushes?

"What are you-" Demyx began but Zexion had instantly covered the blonde's mouth with his hand, to silence him further. Demyx frowned, grabbed his own hand, and tried to pry Zexion's off of his face. In all attempts, Demyx began to mumble behind the hand. "Don't make me lick you hand." He grumbled.

"There's someone here," Zexion spoke, oblivious to Demyx's lick-threat. Once more, Demyx rose an eyebrow and glanced at the bushes. There it was again, the pointless starring at lifeless objects. Did Zexion see something he didn't? Did he have superpowers? Was he spider man in disguise or something? Demyx once more, went back to trying to pry Zexion's hand off of his mouth.

"Getch'your hand off of my mouth." Demyx's words were slurs behind the hand before Zexion instantly removed his hand, and took an offensive step towards the bushes. Demyx, however, rubbed his face where Zexion's hand had been, almost as if he had smacked him. Blinking a few times, Demyx looked on to Zexion who was approaching the bushes. "There's no one here." Demyx muttered, now thinking that Zexion was obviously crazy.

It was then when a flash of black bolted from the bushes, to the north direction. Demyx jumped fifty feet in the air from stun, and nearly tumbled backwards. Zexion, however, bolted after whoever had just fled. Demyx, who had no clue what was going on, ran after Zexion and the 'black thing'. It was a few minutes before Zexion had stopped in a clearing, glancing around. Demyx caught up, and panted heavily, placing his hands on his knees weakly.

"What the hell was that?" Demyx panted once more, glancing up at Zexion.

"I'm not sure myself." Zexion replied hoarsely, not showing any signs of fatigue.

"Oh, that's so reassuring." Demyx mumbled before he watched Zexion bolt once more, further north, further away from the beach. Rolling his eyes weakly, Demyx attempted to run after him once more. This time, it took only a minute of constant running before Zexion stopped at the end of clearing. Demyx once more caught up, and stood beside him.

"Now what?" He demanded.

"We're..." Zexion spoke, starring wide-eyed at what was before him. Demyx rose an eyebrow and glanced forward. He also was overcome by shock before his eyes opened to twice their average size.

"What the hell?! We.. were running away from the beach, not towards it! How the hell did we end up back here?!" Demyx spoke in astonishment, glancing at the others building shelter yards away. Zexion glanced back over at Demyx, letting out a gentle sigh.

"I suppose our directions were mixed up when we were running," Zexion murmured. "And even more, we lost whoever that was back in the forest."

"..." Demyx paused, glancing at Zexion for a few moments, just starring at the elusive man. "Yeah, well, I bet we'll be seeing whoever he was again," Demyx replied smugly, rubbing his chest.

"I suppose." And with that Zexion walked off towards the beach, leaving Demyx standing there.

"Well, that was a short trip," Demyx murmured. "We barely spent half an hour in that forest before we came back, and without any food!" Demyx whimpered, rolled his eyes, and walked to a cluster of trees to rest. Too much running really did cause him to become tired.

xxxx

There she was, walking alongside him. Her dark brown eyes gazed almost angel-like over at him as they walked along the coast of the beach. By now, the waves had begun their gentle rolling in. Low-tide, as they found out, was un-common around here. So basically, whenever one looked at the ocean, they would see the sparkling waves. It was then when she paused and glanced over at Cloud, as she shuffled her hands into her pockets. She lowered her gaze for a few moments before meeting his own darker one.

"About what Axel said... do you think that Leon is taking too much charge?" Yuffie asked, a bit taken-back. Cloud also paused, glanced up at the sky for a few moments before glancing back at the black clothed girl with a meek smile.

"Leon's just afraid that if he doesn't do something, we'll all die." Cloud replied coolly, starring her in the eyes.

"But Tifa is worried that Leon's going to take on too much reasonability, and end up stressing out or having Axel do something to him in regards to his position," Yuffie murmured, her words becoming slurs. A light smirk rolled across Cloud's lips within that moment.

"She cares too much about Leon." He said with a smirk. Yuffie instantly rose her lowered head sharply.

"What?" She blinked.

"If you haven't noticed, oh dense one, your best friend has a crush." Cloud remarked casually, raising an eyebrow. Yuffie paused, to look down at her feet. Maybe he was right.. maybe Tifa did like Leon more than an acquaintance. But of course, wasn't Yuffie supposed to be the first one to know?! So Cloud must have bee lying.. right? Yuffie once more glanced up at Cloud, puffing out her cheeks.

"And what makes you so sure, huh?" Yuffie dared, placing her hands on her hips.

"It's blatantly obvious." Cloud replied, stifling a wave of laughter. And this, however, caused Yuffie to scowl once more.

"It's not obvious. You don't know Tifa like I do. She's never fallen in love with someone within two days. You must be lying." Yuffie replied, crossing her arms and bearing a smug expression that read ÔI-am-right,- you-are-wrong'. And of course, Cloud raised his eyebrow once more at Yuffie's tendency of not noticing things.

"He's an Australian rock star. Of course she had a crush on him." Cloud spoke, rolling his eyes.

"So what? We're all on this island! And besides, I don't like him." Yuffie replied bluntly, squinting her eyes in anger at the blonde.

"Did I ever say you did?" Cloud challenged, sighing a bit.

"If Tifa does like Leon, she'll never confess to it, so don't bother trying!" Yuffie spoke, oddly proud of that fact. Once she had stated the obvious, she began to continue her walk down the beach. It took Cloud a few more minutes before he too began to walk once more. "Decided to swallow your pride and follow, right?" Yuffie asked, glancing over at Cloud who was now at her side once more.

"It's best to stay in groups of two or more." Cloud spoke softly.

"Now you sound like some grade-school teacher. Chill, man. We're on a deserted island." Yuffie chuckled lightly. However, Cloud was finding none of this humorous. "This is the part where you're supposed to laugh, you know.."

"Just watch your back. You never know what could be on this island." Was all Cloud said, averting his gaze from Yuffie. However, Yuffie had other plans and grabbed Cloud by the arm offensively.

"What do you mean things?" Yuffie demanded, starring him down. Cloud paused before parting his lips gently to sigh once more.

"Just forget about it." Cloud murmured, trying to shrug Yuffie off his arm.

"I won't forget about it until you tell me what things!" Yuffie persisted. By now Cloud had labeled her a nuisance and overly dramatic. If that's what you wanted to call her, of course.

"If you forget about it after I tell you, what's the point?" Cloud replied rather sarcastically. Yuffie paused, and rolled her eyes before increasing her walking speed. However, their conversation was cut short when she had noticed something covered by sand a few yards away. Almost excited, Yuffie ran forward and began to dig whatever it was out of the sand. Cloud, who was also intriqued, ran to her side and assisted Yuffie.

"What is it?" Cloud asked, watching Yuffie dig.

"Well, if you stop talking and start digging, maybe we'll find out." Yuffie spoke, now grabbing the object and beginning to pull it by the handle out of the sand.

"Here." Cloud reached out and placed his hands on the handle. Within moments, the two had pulled the object, which resulted in it finally being free. Yuffie smiled slightly and took the object in her lap to observe it.

"It's a suitcase." Yuffie noted, beginning to open it. Cloud nodded slightly.

"Who's?" He asked, rather curious.

"Well, I'll tell you once I've opened it." Yuffie murmured, flipping it open. Inside was a few letters that were crumpled up, a journal of some sort, and then a photograph in a frame. Curiously, she took it in her hand and gazed at it. Within the picture was the two Karada's standing side by side, almost eerily. Yuffie's eyes widened as she passed it to Cloud who was sitting beside her.

"I take it this is their suitcase then?" Cloud spoke, holding the picture in hand.

"Hold on, let me read the letters. I want to know which one this is." Yuffie declared, that giving off that smug expression.

She was the type of person to jump into something without thinking. Rarely did she give consent or thought to a problem before jumping to a solution. Ever since she was little she had been raised to take action before anything. And that's exactly what she did. Even though did take some offense to her attitude. Yuffie clutched the letter tightly and began to read out loud, her voice barely rising above a whisper.

"Dear Riku,

Hey buddy, long time no see. How's the family doing? How's model life?

I hope you're doing well, it'd be a real drag if you weren't Me? I can't complain, have a great job here at the bio lab. Speaking of that.. I guess you're wondering why I'm writing, huh? Well.. I tested those samples you sent me a month ago. And I finally got the results back.

Well, sit down if you aren't. I'm really sorry to say this, bud, but Demyx isn't your brother. And for that fact... you're not related to anyone in your family, probably adopted. I'm really sorry I'm the one to have to tell you, bud.

I was going to send the results to your house, then I assumed that you did this without anyone knowing. I'm sorry that I was the one to send this to you.. I know that I don't have the best wording. I'm really sorry, Riku. I'll try and find your biological parents once I get a break in the job. Call soon?

Cid"

Yuffie just starred at the letter, eyes widening. Her breath hitched as sadness loomed in her eyes. She paused and glanced over at Cloud who bore the same expression. They hadn't known the Karada's for that long.. but to find out that they weren't related at all..was kind of shocking, seeing Demyx didn't know either. Yuffie gently put the letter in the suitcase by her feet and sighed.

"Wow, that was shocking." She attempted, not choosing her words carefully.

"No wonder Riku doesn't show much devotion to his brother." Cloud murmured, as if he was trying to piece the puzzle together in his mind. Yuffie gave a sharp nod as she closed the suitcase and arose to her feet once more. She bore a determined glance and turned to Cloud once more.

"I guess the best thing to do is give this to Riku and pretend we don't know anything." Yuffie spoke, passing the suitcase to Cloud. It took Cloud a few moments before he nodded in agreement. The two began their walk back to the main beach, where they would surely find Riku and the others.

xxx

"Pass me that long log."

Tifa nodded as she passed a rather enormous log of wood to Leon. It took both her arms to lift the wood and pass it into his grasps. However, when Leon received the wood, the weight didn't phase him at all. Instead, he busily went back to tying the wood together and pitching it into the ground, to be support beams for shelter. Tifa just stood there, and whipped her hands on her clothes. She paused for a few moments. It seemed like Leon didn't need any more help. She let out a gentle sigh but was snapped out of her thoughts by Roxas coming up to them. Curiously, she tilted her head and poked Leon to show him they had company. He turned his head and smiled as a greeting to the younger boy.

"Roxas, what brings you down here?" Leon inquired, placing his hands behind his head lazily. Roxas uneasily looked from Tifa then to Leon. He let out a long sigh and lowered his gaze, almost as if he was tired beyond description.

"Are you guys.. good at advice?" Roxas asked, blinking a few times. Leon and Tifa exchanged glances and then turned their sights back to Roxas. Tifa approached him a bit more and smiled lightly.

"Well, we'll try." She spoke, putting on a more glittering smile. Roxas arched an eyebrow, unsure if they were really going to be much help. Either way, he let out another sigh before relaxing his tense shoulders and lowering his gaze. It was almost like he feared eye-contact when he spoke of things like this.

"You know Axel, right?"

"Regretfully.." Leon murmured in response and then gazed back at Roxas reassuringly. "Why? Did he do something to do?" And by now Leon had tensed up.

"..." Roxas didn't reply as his cheeks turned a violent red. Tifa, who was also curious, placed a hand on Roxas' shoulder. She tilted her head, and let her raven black hair flow over her shoulders. It took her a few moments before she gently reached out and lifted Roxas' chin so their gazes could meet.

"Did he hurt you?" Tifa asked sharply.

"N-no.." Roxas stammered, feeling rather uncomfortable speaking about this topic.

"Then what?" Leon questioned, now arching his eyebrows.

"Well..." Roxas paused and then sighed, again. If he wanted to find a resolution, than he needed advice. So, he started. "I... was just out on the beach, thinking about home, and why we had to crash.. and why on this island... and then Axel came.. at first he was apologizing for how he acted.. towards me when he got here. I was feeling great, thinking that maybe.. he'd leave me alone finally.. but he... he.." Roxas lowered his gaze once more, now turning a brighter red. "he kissed me.."

"Against your will?" Tifa asked. Roxas glanced up, almost offended.

"Do you think I enjoy being molested by older men?!" Roxas asked sharply, now a bit edgy on the whole situation. Leon just blinked a few times before clenching his fists and then scrunching his nose. The wind played with his locks of brown hair as he stood there. Tifa also squinted her eyes angrily and placed her hands on her hips.

"Did you smack him?" Tifa questioned, looking at Roxas once more.

"I.. ran.. but I'm afraid he's going to try it again." Roxas explained, almost in a 'eep' sounding voice.

"Just tell him off." Leon spoke, almost smirking from humor.

"It's.. not funny." Now Roxas was once more sporting a violent shade of violet. The color did match his eyes, after all.

"I'm not saying it is." Leon replied casually. "We'll make sure we talk to him about it. You can stay with us for awhile, if you want. We could always use an extra pair of hands to help us. Besides, he has no right to be molesting anyone he wants. Just stay away from him." Leon advised, beginning to ramble. Tifa nodded in a moments time and then went back to handing Leon logs that they had found on the island.

"Thanks.." Roxas managed.

"But I'm wondering something." Tifa spoke out, glancing back over at the blonde.

"W-what?.." Roxas stammered, now nervous once more.

"It's nothing!" Tifa spoke, waving her hands frantically before picking up another log. The last thing Tifa wanted to do with fill Roxas' mind with more worry. Of course, if she had said what she wanted to say, the boy would have gone off the deep end. Saying 'Maybe he's a pedophile' would really send Roxas off the edge and cause him to spaz out. So she kept quiet.

"All right..." Roxas glanced over at the main beach. "I'm.. going to go for a walk in the forest for a bit. Thanks... I'll be back soon." Roxas spoke, ending the conversation rather shortly. Leon and Tifa nodded and watched Roxas leave into the forest.

"Watch out for pedophiles.." Tifa muttered, under her breath. Leon could only laugh.

xxx

He leaned his back against the palm tree, carving something into a piece of wood with his jack knife. Dark emerald eyes scanned the wood curiously, pondering what to make it into. As he sat, his locks of blue hair was constantly being blown in different directions, in and out of his eyes. But he didn't mind, he was used to the obstruction by now. Closing his eyes for a moment, he placed the wood down alongside the knife and took a deep breath. He was far beyond the point of 'hungry' and there was still no food in sight, besides those damn onions. Opening his eyes once more, he recollected his wood and knife, and went back to work. However, this act was interrupted when a certain red-head appeared next to him, bearing a sheepish grin.

"Why, hello there."

Riku paused, holding the knife in his hand. Unlike Demyx, he wasn't one to jump from startle. Nothing really could surprise the teenager, unless of course, it was a plane crashing. Glancing up from his work to Axel, Riku let out an annoyed sigh. He placed the wood, once more, on the sandy beneath him before raising an eyebrow.

"Can I help you with something? Lost your way? Need help finding some mental help?" Riku remarked darkly, starring deeply at Axel. He really did hate that man.

"Well, someone's not happy to see me," Axel pouted before sitting down next to Riku. The hair's on Riku's neck instantly rose when he watched the red-head take the seat next to him. Scooting farther away from the pyro, he starred blankly. What in the world could Axel possibly want with him?! Wasn't Roxas the one he stalked?! Unless, of course, Axel was going to try and rape all of the younger survivors. Riku shuddered at the thought before sending a death glare once more.

"What do you want?" Riku almost hissed.

"Can't you be a little bit friendlier?" Axel tilted his head lightly, putting on a fake smile.

"Shut it, red. Those tricks don't work on me. If you don't have anything of importance to say, I suggest you get your ass up and leave me alone." Riku demanded, glaring once more at Axel.

"You're just like your brother," Axel spoke, raising an eyebrow in return. Riku glared, clenched his fists, and leaned closer to Axel as anger flares shot out of him.

"I am nothing like Demyx!" Riku hissed, holding his clenched fist threateningly closer to Axel. Axel pushed it away before crossing his arms and leaning back against the palm tree.

"Actually, I do have something I wanted to ask you about." Now Axel began to play with his own locks of red hair. Those dark, almost catlike eyes remained on Riku at all times. By now, Riku had already begun to feel incredibly uncomfortable. It was like when Axel starred at him, he was looking straight through him, right at his heart. Clearing his throat, Riku arched an eyebrow, pretending to act curious and relaxed at the same time. But how long would that charade work?

"Then go ahead instead of wasting my time." Riku spoke, trying to avoid Axel's almost icy gaze.

"Touchy. Anyways, has Roxas said anything to you?" Axel spoke, crossing his arms once more and beginning to drift off into thoughts. Even so, he did not take his stern glance off of Riku once. Still, Riku felt incredibly uneasy and starred back. And then he remembered his earlier conversation with the young blonde. Axel had tried to molest him! Riku glared angrily at Axel, now clenching his fists that were in his vest.

"Why yes, he did in fact. He said you tried to molest him." Riku snapped, sending death glares again at Axel.

"I didn't try to molest him. You can't molest the will-" Axel began, bearing a smug expression as he spoke. However, Riku halted his sentence when he himself had cut in, with an edgy and annoyed kind of response.

"The willing, I know the saying. Just stay the hell away from the boy. He's a minor, and has no interesting in you at all! So leave him alone!" Riku almost shouted, scrambling to his feet and glaring down Axel. It was like Axel found amusement in trying to seduce Roxas. And besides, Roxas was probably the most innocent person on the whole island. And for Axel to prey on him.. it just burned Riku up.

"And you're so certain of this, how?" And it was like Axel was toying with him.

"He told me." Riku replied, in a matter of fact kind of voice. His dark emerald eyes watched Axel once more. Axel had pushed off the tree by now and was eyeing Riku curiously. And now.. that intense gaze was followed by an almost giddy laugh. Once more, Riku tensed up. Everything about Axel caused Riku to become terrified.. in regards to everything.

"Come now, even I know that Roxas has the slightest bit of interest in me." And there it was again. Axel was testing the waters. As he spoke, Axel rubbed his chest proud fully, as if he had just won something. However, what really caused Riku to became infuriated was when Axel had dared to step closer, arching an eyebrow.

"You're a perverted stuck-up snog with too much of an ego." Riku hissed, taking a step backwards. He didn't like someone like Axel being this close.

"Such big words for such a little man." Axel chuckled before extending a hand and placing it on Riku's chest. Riku instantly froze with terror, but quickly recovered and slapped the hand away. Harshly, he glared at Axel and bit his bottom lip. He had gone too far this time.

"Get your hand off me you fucking molester." And now Riku's anger had finally reached it's highest peak.

"Correction, you're worse than your brother. You both need to learn to control your anger." Axel remarked casually, taking a step away from Riku to play with his hair once more. But even with the new distance, Riku stood his ground, fists clenched.

"You touch me again, and I'll make sure you don't leave this island alive." Riku warned, now breathing heavily from the anger burning inside of him.

"Like you stand a chance against me." Axel glanced back at Riku and laughed. Oh how Riku hated when Axel laughed. And that laughing soon resulted in Riku puckering out his bottom lip, in disagreement.

"Want to bet?" Riku dared angrily, clenching his fists in offense. This caused Axel to smirk almost maliciously. Riku rose an eyebrow and then sighed helplessly. No matter what he did, Axel would continue on his rant about Roxas or what ever. Sighing also, Axel turned to Riku and put on an obviously fake smile.

"Anyways, I was wondering if you could convince Roxas to give me a chance, you know?" Axel attempted, rubbing his chin with his left hand.

"No, I don't know. Why should I help you?" Riku challenged once more, cocking a brow in response. He was testing the waters with this man. How much would Axel take?

"Because, I have connections." Axel then smirked again and laughed. That laugh, again.

"Connections to what? The prostitution plant?" Riku smirked in response, giving off an annoyed aura. He had a great tendency to make cruel remarks.

"Ignoring that rude comment, yes I have connections. Care to know what they are?" Axel questioned, taking a step closer. Riku, who was now ignoring the fact Axel was closer, rose his already raised eyebrow higher.

"Oh dear, this ought to be interesting." Riku murmured, almost sighing in between words.

"I can tell you like Sora." Axel made clear.

"What. the. hell!!!" Riku growled, throwing his arms up, now in ultimate frustration. Who the hell did this guy think he was?! First trying to seduce Roxas, and now claiming that Riku, of all people, was bisexual and had a crush on someone he just met! Right now, Riku wanted nothing more than to put Axel in his place, and that place was at the bottom of the ocean, dead. "You've got some serious issues you need to attend to, you're screwed up in the head if you think I'm gay. I am not gay!"

"Denial is the first sign." Axel shrugged his shoulders and watched as Riku glared at him defiantly, almost as if he wanted to rip his soul out for acting so.. cruel and unusual.

"Shut the hell up!" Riku came again, now becoming increasingly offended.

"And this is what, the tenth swear you've said to me?" Axel inquired, now leaning back against the tree he was earlier. He closed his eyes for a few moments and then snickered once more. How many times was he going to give that look? The look Riku hated.

"Just leave! I'm not going to help you seduce an innocent boy! Find someone else." Riku hissed, also closing his eyes.

"And I thought you would jump at the chance of being with Sora. But, I'll leave." Axel remarked, opening his eyes, pushing off the tree, and made his way away from Riku, with something unusual glimmering in those cat-like eyes. What was he up to?

"Good." Riku mumbled, crossing his arms and puffing out his cheeks. That was, by far, the most annoying conversation he had ever had. Where did Axel get off thinking Riku was bisexual?! It was completely out of context! And besides, who goes around throwing accusations like that right in the middle of a steamed conversation. Riku sighed once more, rolling his eyes and angrily picking back up his work. Riku had only one word for Axel out of many. Pervert.

xxx

"What are you doing?"

His pale, almost emotionless eyes watched then younger blonde eagerly. Demyx had begun to stab wooden logs into the ground. His scratched, etched hands glided the logs utterly carelessly. Sweat poured down Demyx's face as he attempted to create something. Determination was strewn over hid face. Zexion walked from his spot on the beach to Demyx. Cocking his eyebrows, Zexion approached closer to Demyx. Blinking a few times, Zexion starred at Demyx's work. Well, it resembled shelter of some sort, but he wasn't really doing that great of a job.

"Huh? Oh, Zexion. Nothing of much importance, just practicing my songs. Same old." Demyx said, stumbling along his words. Demyx was a bit startled by the shady man's appearance. Instantly, Demyx dropped the logs he had been carrying to the ground in a gentle 'thump'. Stun then washed over Demxy's face, as his pale blue eyes observed Zexion. Why did the man need to know what he, Demyx, was doing?!

"But I didn't hear you singing..." Zexion explained, starring vaguely at the blonde. It was then when Zexion rummaged his hands through his almost lilac hair, making the scar even more so visible. Almost painfully obvious, but then again, Demyx wasn't one to catch onto things right off the bat.

"Well," Demyx stated, sweat beginning to pool down his face, "when you came over here I had stopped, and was searching for.. safety items.." Demyx concluded, trying to put on a cheesy, obviously fake, smile.

"Is something wrong? You're stuttering a lot." Zexion replied hoarsely, squinting his eyes at the blonde.

"Man, you're really over observant." Demyx replied, taking an offended step backwards, just starring at Zexion.

"It's not really over observing, it's just noticing the obvious." Zexion answered with a sigh. He rolled his eyes from the blonde's denseness and then rose them once more to meet Demyx's nervous ones.

"Ah, now you made me feel bad." Demyx murmured, still trying to act calm.

"Your welcome." Zexion snickered.

"Heh," Demyx chuckled as he spoke, which was then followed by a rolling of his eyes.

"Demyx, I want to show you something about the cavern." Zexion broke Demyx's peculiar chuckles with his icy voice. The blonde instantly stopped and glanced back up to meet Zexion's intense glare. In his mind, he wondered what it might be that had caused Zexion to physically find Demyx to show him.

"All right, but it has to be quick. Leon wanted to talk to me about something." Demyx told Zexion, as he reminded himself of his prior engagement.

"I promise it won't be long" Zexion replied, turning to walk towards the cavern, bearing an almost malicious grin.

As they walked down along the beach, Demyx had already began to break the peaceful silence by breaking out into song. Zexion tried his best to ignore this imprudence, by replacing Demyx's singing in his thoughts, with something more beneficial. So, as they neared the cavern, Demyx had finally stopped singing and ran up to Zexion's side. He glanced at Zexion for a few moments before the man entered the cavern, bearing now a serious stare.

"Here, look at this." Zexion entered the cavern and approached the farthest wall in. Inside this cavern was a damp, cave-like floor. Nothing too fancy, but it managed to stay dry for the most part, and block any damaging winds.

Demyx just starred at the wall Zexion was pointing at.

"It's.. a wall.." Demyx made known.

"Look closer." Zexion smirked as he pressed his hand closer to the wall, finding a small grove within the smooth stone. Almost as if planned, the wall creaked loudly and pushed gently to the side. It was almost like it was run by some sort of mechanics. Demyx blinked a few times, stunned and followed Zexion in through the now open door-like entrance to further in. Once inside was a large circular cave with a pool of water in the middle, as if it was some underwater channel. Instantly, Demyx's face lit up as he turned to Zexion.

"How, did you find this?" Demyx questioned, obviously excited.

"Sometimes things just happen," Zexion murmured and looked over at Demyx, "It's nothing of much importance, but I just thought that maybe you or Roxas would prefer to sleep in there, so it's less crowded out there." Zexion finished, and then pointed to the main part of the ocean side cavern.

"Yea, this place rocks. But I think Roxas would want it. He's been through a lot, I suppose the kid deserves it." Demyx replied with a good-hearted shrug. It was true, Roxas had been through a lot with Axel the stalker. Too bad Demyx didn't know the half of it.

"Spoken like a true celebrity," Zexion whispered, now bearing a smirk.

"Say what?" Demyx inquired, arching an eyebrow curiously at Zexion as they both took a seat against the cavern wall.

"Demyx, you were curious about my scar, correct?" Zexion asked, moving his bangs so the scar was now fully visible. Demyx gave an eager nod which was followed by a gentle, cascading sigh from Zexion. "Well, can you keep a secret, oh boisterous one?"

"Of course, duh." Demyx replied with a cheesy grin.

"A few years ago I was in the FBI," Zexion stated then paused. "One for the president you see, but there was this man. This man proved a threat to the president and tried to shoot him on one of his outgoings. He missed, and so I chased after him. Of course, that ended up in a street-fight between us. That was.. until I pulled out my gun to my aid and he unexpectedly slashed at my with a hidden knife. Ever since then, they retired me from the force, and stopped all contact. They think that I was somehow related to the guy." Zexion finished lazily and glanced at Demyx. "And I can tell by the look you're giving me, that you don't believe me."

"That's one hell of a story! You should have shot the S.O.B!" Demyx replied quickly, smirking insanely.

"You people are amused so easily by violence. It's sad.." Zexion answered and sighed miserably.

"I'm sorry about the scar, you know?" Demyx attempted, whipping away the smile.

"It couldn't be helped."

Zexion stood up from his slung against the cavern and abruptly left Demyx, just sitting there against it. Demyx's eyelids became droopy as he leaned against the wall, just sitting there. Was Zexion really telling the truth? Was he really in the FBI, and did that really happen? It sounded so unreal, that Demyx was having a hard time trusting what Zexion just told him.

xxxx

There he was once more, coming the beach for anything useful. The day was almost over, and at least he was still alive. At least they had some food and shelter. Something was better than nothing. By now, the island breeze had turned stronger, and Roxas had guessed a storm was coming in soon. It felt awful nice, just to stand there as the breeze danced across his light skin, and played games with his locks of blonde hair.

And it was a great time to think, after all. However, his peaceful short moment abruptly ended with a familiar figure striding into the scene. Roxas instantly froze, and grabbed the nearest stick. Axel.. Roxas glared ahead at Axel who was hurriedly approaching. Gripping the stick, Roxas pointed it at the taller, and older man, with defiance flashing in his brilliant blue eyes.

"You! Stay away!" Roxas warned, jabbing that stick at Axel eagerly. Axel paused and looked downward avoiding Roxas' eye contact. Something seemed different about Axel right now, but Roxas wasn't at the liberty to time to figure it out. Axel was a man of many mysteries that Roxas really didn't want to solve.

"What's wrong?" Axel finally asked, glancing back up at Roxas, extending a hand. However, it was quickly swatted away when Roxas slapped Axel's hand with the stick in defense. Axel paused, and withdrew his hand, starring at it for a few moments.

"Don't touch me!" Roxas made known, holding the stick even tighter now. Axel gazed back up, starring at Roxas for a few moments. Had he really made Roxas this tense? This.. screwed up in the head. Axel paused again, and sighed heavily and then attempted to lightly smile. Anything to chill Roxas out. And that's what Axel was trying to accomplish at this moment.

"Chill out, I'm not going to rape you" Axel replied, trying to make Roxas' go away. However, Roxas wasn't having any of this when he struck out again, jabbing the stick dangerously close to Axel. Axel cocked an eyebrow curiously and Roxas began to stammer angrily.

"Yea, molesting is good enough for you!" Roxas replied sarcastically, trying to hide his fear with witty comebacks. Axel thought for a moment, and now was overcome with a new sinister look. Well, if Roxas wasn't going to have it the calm and civilized way, Axel was going to try the Axel way. Seduction and Manipulation.

"You can't call it molest if you enjoyed it." Axel replied, still snickering almost maliciously once more. Roxas' eyes widened open as he dropped the stick on the beach. By now Roxas had been completely overcome with a wave of fear. If he hadn't been afraid before, he was obviously now. Legs beginning to give out, Roxas held his faint head, trying to get his words out without slurring them.

"What kind of physco are you?!?!" Roxas finally hollered.

"If you only knew the half of it..." And then Axel had turned back.. into something Roxas hadn't seen before. Roxas paused from his tantrum and starred at the now gloomy red-head. Tilting his head, Roxas took a dangerous step closer.

"What?.." Roxas dared, suddenly interested.

"Come." Axel beckoned, taking a step away from Roxas and in the direction of a different part of the beach.

"I don't trust you! You're going to get me somewhere dark and start-" Roxas began, frantically making hand motions as he grabbed for his fallen stick and began to jab it eagerly at Axel. However, Axel had cut him off before he could finish his sentence.

"I'm not going to molest you, so stop with the stick already." Axel murmured, glaring at the stick.

"Fine.. but if you try anything.. I'll hurt you." Roxas warned, walking over to Axel. His heart was skipping beats, wondering if this was the right thing or not. Was Axel going to try and hurt him again? Then again, was it really hurt, or was it an attempt to reach to the quiet and shy boy. Either reason, it had confused Roxas beyond comprehension.

"As if," Axel replied under his breath as he led Roxas to a few yards down the beach, completely out of sight from the others. Axel paused and glanced back over at his young friend. "Now, you're probably wondering why I did what I did yesterday."

"Duh.." Roxas replied, with a wide eyed expression. His legs once more turned to jelly beneath him as he watched Axel nervously.

"You see, Roxas." Axel began as Roxas rose his eyebrow when Axel had said his name. Axel paused for a few moments and then dared to finish what he had started. "Before this, I was a hooker."

"AH!!!!!!" Roxas attempted to scream and bolt away, but Axel had latched onto his arm, holding the blonde back. Roxas starred defiantly at Axel. Once more, Roxas shouted. "I knew you were a pervert!" Too bad they were too far away that no one could hear them.

"There's a fine line between hooker and pervert. Now listen." Axel attempted, letting go of Roxas. Once more, Roxas starred intently, trying to figure out where Axel was going with this. So far, all this conversation did was cause Roxas to hate Axel even more.

"..." Roxas didn't say anything at all.

"A few years before the plane trip to hell, my brother shot my girlfriend." Axel began , looking downward almost overcome by sudden depression. His expression was rather dull, and his piercing cat-like eyes were now round and pale, if that was even possible. Roxas continued to stare at Axel, not buying anything Axel was saying.

"Now you sound like you're making this all up.." Roxas made known, showing how corny Axel's story was turning out.

"Shut it and let me finish." Axel replied harshly, glancing back up at Roxas.

"Fine.." Roxas had finally gave in and was going to listen, but for how long?

"Her name was Larxene, and Marluxia wanted her for himself. 'Cept he ended up shooting her instead of me, 'cause when he shot at me, she jumped in my way." Axel tried his best to explain in vague detail. Roxas held back a wave of laughter, not believing this for one moment. Stuff like this never happened in real-life, only on day time soap operas or movies. Never in real life, or so he thought at least.

"Sounds like some cheesy movi-" Roxas began.

"I said shut it!" Axel cut in angrily, clenching his fists tightly.

"Sorry.." Roxas whispered, now avoiding eye contact.

"And then, of course, he tried blaming it on poor little me! So I had to move from New York to Chicago, to get away from the police. I had nothing. so being a hooker was my only option. But in the end it was.. fine because I met my partner in crime, Seifer. But, I wanted out, so I decided to go to Rome, where the police would never find me! But... now I'm here." Axel finished his story, giving a long sigh. His life truly was some cheesy movie. But the sad thing was, it was all true, no matter how hard Axel tried to convince himself otherwise.

"Are you sure you aren't making this up?.. This seems too.. I don't know, unbelievable." Roxas came again, obviously still not believing the red-head.

"If you don't believe me, I don't care," Axel replied with a glare towards Roxas.

"And anyway, how does this explain you trying to molest me?" Roxas had finished his question was a small cracking of his voice. Quickly, the blonde clasped his hand over his mouth to hide the fact he had just squeaked.

"Nothing," Axel replied with a smirk. Time to turn back on the Axel mode, and enough with the past.

"What the hell?!? So why did you!!!" Roxas demanded, stomping his foot into the sand beneath him.

"You remind me of Seifer, that's all." Axel replied with a shrug, curiously watching Roxas.

"You and him weren't together, were you?" Roxas answered, trying to hold back a gag. The last thing Roxas wanted was Axel comparing him to his old boyfriend. Now that'd be beyond the point of creepy.

"Never mind, you wouldn't understand, punk." Axel snapped, rolling his eyes.

"Don't call me a punk!" Roxas snapped back, now walking right up to Axel. He had about enough with Axel's cocky attitude. Shoving his fist near Axel's face, he began to shake it menacingly.

"And what are you going to do about it?" Axel chuckled lightly, watching Roxas' expression, only inches from his own. Roxas had finally had enough. Enough of Axel's talking, and enough of that grin on his face. Unexpectedly, the blonde offensively reached out and dragged Axel's face closer to his, fluidly locking his lips within Axel's. The red-head was shocked, but the shock had soon faded into enjoyment as he pulled Roxas close to him, if it was even possible, trying to get more out of this than Roxas was looking for. But right now, all Roxas could do was kiss that man that made him so angry. Feel his lips against his, just take in the way he felt. And the almost electric feeling he got when he did so.

And when Roxas did need air, he stepped back, almost washed over from stun. His whole face was pale and he bore an almost dead expression as he rose his hand to his lips, gently touching a finger to them.

"You're not as inexperienced as you look," Axel complimented, proud fully rubbing his chin and then touching his own lips with his fingers. Roxas, who was still in stun, looked frantically at the man he claimed to hate so much.

"Did I just," Roxas began to stammer, not feeling his legs once more.

"See you 'round blondie," Axel spoke, ruffling Roxas' hair affectingly before walking back to the beach, wearing the biggest grin of his life. For that moment, in Axel's opinion, was truly a blessing in disguise.

"WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME?!?" Roxas whimpered loudly, collapsing to his knees, trying to figure out why he had just done what he did. Was it possible that... he wanted compassion from the red-head? Was it even possible that he, Roxas, was far more interested in Axel than even describable?... As the clues showed, Roxas was beginning to feel so.

xxxxx

It honestly felt like he was tangled up in a web of confusion. Everyway he turned, another complicated situation faced him down, threatening to de-root his life, bit by bit, day by day. And even when things were going smoothly, they always turned out for the first. Like Naminé, his sister. She had been the best thing in his life, always there to put a smile on his tear-stained face. But, she was torn away from him, ripped from his fragile arms and heart, leaving him with the bitter emptiness of losing the only person he ever cared about. His only sister.. his only friend.

Glancing up at the moon, Riku paused. He laced his fingers together delicately, and placed them lazily in his lap. He was sitting there, knees high and feet in front of him as he lounged back. Balancing came easy to him in this position, as he just starred openly. Everything always seemed so peaceful at night. It was now, t he third night of being stuck on this island. Things were getting worse, and the people he was forced to live with were showing their true colors.

And now, more than ever, did Riku want to get away. Get away from the undignified and malicious people that were all around him. Closing his eyes, Riku basked in the pale moonlight. The way it lit up his pale skin was almost... entrancing. Cracking open his eyes, a gentle whisp of air escaped his lips.

"This is the moon me and Naminé used to look at..." Riku whispered, eyes keen on the fluorescent moon above him. It was true, Naminé and him used to spend countless hours at night, just watching the moon float gracefully in that endless sea of black. They talked hours and hours on end.. about life and their friends. About Demyx, about their parents, and about.. anything. And when that ended.. Riku lost the ability to talk to anyone about his past. About how he truly thought and felt.

"Did she know that I wasn't her real brother?" The question had been lingering on Riku's mind for quite some time now. Had Naminé known that Riku really wasn't her brother, but her adopted brother? Then again, knowing Naminé, she wouldn't have minded, or cared. She'd probably cock her head as her gorgeous blonde hair fell down to her shoulders, smile and tell him it didn't matter, that he was the best brother even if it wasn't true. Sighing, Riku wished that he had told his sister of that... that he wasn't really her brother.

"Why.. do I feel so weak, so tired when I usually never am" Riku murmured, unlacing his hands and starring down at his un-cupped hand. There, across it, was still a gauge from the previous days. Wounds still remained from the crash, and the internal scars went on and on. Blinking a few times, Riku glanced back up at the moon, feeling almost content with talking to himself. Because, it helped.

"Then again, why should I be worrying about myself.. I'm not even hurt, while," Riku paused and glanced over his shoulder, back to where the shelter rested. His mind wandered to the young, sickly boy inside it. Was he going to be okay? What did he have, was it a cold? The flu? Was it.. cancer? "Like I should care..." Riku grumbled under his breath. "He's just another idiotic person on this damn piece of land."

And even though Riku wanted to believe that, he couldn't.

"Riku?"

A small, almost innocent voice seeped out through the darkness and danced into Riku's ears. The older teen cocked his head slightly, to peer over his shoulder, and noticed Sora had awoken and was standing a few feet behind him, gazing vacantly. His usually tidy brown hair was in a rather messy fashion, and his eyes seemed filled with grief and pain. Pain that Riku could recognized right off the bat, of course. Riku waited for Sora to walk over and take the seat next to him, getting in the same position Riku himself was in.

"Why are you up so late?" Sora whispered. His voice barely even reached the level of a whisper. Riku glanced down at the sand beneath him, pondering the answer. Sora really didn't need to know that Riku didn't sleep much. Sora didn't need to know anything, because he probably didn't care. The thing was.. even though he didn't need to know, and he probably wouldn't care.. he did need to know and he did care.

"I don't sleep much. No big deal." Riku confirmed, avoiding all contact. What was there to say to Sora? So, how are you feeling, is that sickness over? Dead yet? No, anything like that would sound cruel and unfeeling. Then again, Riku was that type of person. But he had a small tolerance for the sick.. just like Naminé.

"You look really tired," Sora replied softly, emphasizing really. Riku lifted his gaze and met Sora's gentle one for a few moments. And for the first time in his whole life, Riku couldn't read Sora's eyes. It had always been a trait Riku excelled in, the ability to read eyes and tell emotions. But right now, Sora was unreadable. Almost like nothing was in those pools of aqua. "Riku? What's wrong? You're blanking out on me..." Sora spoke, stammering a bit.

"Huh?" Riku blinked a few times, and noticed he had suddenly turned silent. Shaking his head, he crossed his arms, still lounging. "Nothing's wrong. Nothing that would concern anyone anyhow." Riku murmured bitterly. He paused, and then continued, "You really shouldn't be out here."

"Stop treating me like I'm two." Sora began but coughed mid sentence. Riku paused and glanced over at Sora, alarm flashing in his emerald eyes now. Sora gazed at those emerald eyes, as if he hadn't meant to cough. "Sorry.."

He was.. apologizing for coughing?..

"Sorry for what?" Riku asked, arching an eyebrow at Sora's comment.

"I'm sorry I'm such a nuisance to you.." Sora whispered, looking down at his bare-feet. "It's just.. I've never been away from my family this long before, I miss them. They're always there, to tell me good night, to wake me up in the morning with smiles. It's just so... unreal to not have them here. And.. I'm sorry if I'm trying to make you take their spot while I'm here. I'm nothing but a big pest.. a big... stupid pest." Sora finished, now trying to avoid Riku's gaze.

And, by far, that was the most sincere thing Riku had ever heard.

"If anyone's a nuisance on this island, it's me." But Riku would never let on how sincere the boy sounded. It wasn't his place. He barely knew the boy, so he didn't have the right to speak. Sora slowly raised his gaze to meet Riku's once more. "I'm useless.. I haven't done anything at all since I've been here while Leon and the others are busting their asses off to keep us alive. I'm just a cold. .. shallow.. useless model who can't do anything right.." Riku glared down at his own feet, a bit angry at himself.

"That's not true." Sora whispered. Riku was about to cut in and demand to know why Sora had the right to say that when he barely knew him, but Sora had continued too quickly. "You have done something since you've been here... two things in fact. You saved my life, and you became my friend.. if you still consider me one."

"..." Riku remained looking a this feet, amiss for words.

"Can I ask you something?" Sora asked softly, tilting his brunette head. Riku rose his head and tilted it slightly in acknowledgement. Sora nodded softly and began, "I heard what Axel did to Roxas.." Sora whispered. "Is Roxas okay?"

"Why wouldn't he be?" Riku asked, a little taken back from the question. Sora shook his head as his brunette locks fell gently in front of his eyes. He casually moved them aside and put on a slight frown, trying to word what he was going to say perfectly.

"It's just, if I was in Roxas' place, I would be a nervous wreck." Sora began, now closing his eyes.

"I'd understand avoiding Axel, but why a nervous wreck?" Riku dared, now intrigued.

"Because," Sora opened his eyes. "I don't support bisexuals.." Sora murmured, making it known. Riku paused, glancing at Sora for a few moments. It didn't really phase Riku that much. He hadn't really gave much thought to the different side of life. Where people of the same gender fell in love. Riku really didn't support it, nor disgrace against it. It was just there for some people, and Riku just ignored it. "Do you?" Sora asked, snapping Riku out of his thoughts.

"I've never met one, honestly. I guess it all depends on the person. I mean, if they're in love, I suppose it's all right. Even if they're both guys." Riku was saying it with a straight face but when he looked over at the expression Sora was giving, he couldn't help but grin. "What? What's so wrong with what I just said?"

"It's just weird for someone to put it that way. How can two people of the same gender fall in love?" Sora asked, tilting his head once more in curiosity.

"You want me to explain bisexuality to you when I have no clue how people like that work?" Riku asked, raising his eyebrow even higher this way. Sora shrugged, not finding it funny any more.

"I just don't really get it. Weren't we made to fall in love with someone of the opposite gender, get married, and have kids? How can bisexuals go against that? It kind of scares me," Sora spoke, looking downward.

"Does the aspect of bisexuality scare you or the bi's themselves?" Riku asked, now wondering why he was having a conversation about bisexuals with his younger 'friend'. He didn't real know anything about them. Then again, he could ask Axel after all. He appeared to be one. But Riku and Axel weren't really on good terms at all.

"Both." Sora finally declared.

"What if Roxas turns out to be that way?" Riku asked, thinking about his early conversation with Roxas that day. Sora's eyes instantly widened with fear as he took an alarmed deep breath in response.

"He's not is he?!" Sora asked, in much alarm.

"Chill. You get too over-worked about something as stupid as bi's." Riku murmured, rolling his eyes. Sora just sighed again.

"I just don't like that stuff. Hate it, I guess." Sora spoke. He glanced up at the moon. "I'm going to go to sleep.. I need some more rest. I'll see you in the morning, okay Riku?" Sora asked, scrambling to his feet. Riku gave a nod in response and starred at the boy. A few words lingered across Riku's lips but the only words to pass were,

"Right, good night."

Sora just stood there, as a light smile passed his lips. The boy retreated to his shelter. It hadn't dawned on Riku why Sora had smiled until he left. Sora said that his family was always there to tell him 'good night' and Sora was afraid he was passing the buck to Riku, and forcing him to do that. But Riku had done it without even noticing it. And it made Riku felt important.. like his life mattered in the smallest, insignificant way.

Did his life really mean something? Did he really find a friend to take Naminé's place?