Oooooh! Welcome to the first chapter with Shounen-Ai! Thanks for keeping up thus far. More to come, I promise!

--Chapter 4—

The mansion never scared Roxas like it seemed to scare the others. It actually seemed a bit happy, amidst a field of beautiful rose bushes. He felt at home sitting in the front yard, watching the big picture-window for a sign of movement.

Suddenly he felt gloved hands over his eyes.

"Guess who."

"…Axel?…" The hands slid away as the man plunked down in the grass beside him.

"You really remember me this time?"

"Only from earlier. I feel like I may have met you before though. I just can't think where…"

"I've missed you." Roxas frowned a little. This was too weird. A stranger was telling him that they used to be friends and he couldn't even remember it at all.

"I'm sorry… I don't remember…"

"It's okay. I didn't really expect them to let you keep those memories. It's a bummer that I got locked away too though. We used to be best friends."

"What are you talking about?"

"I think Namine's chaining Sora's memories together as we speak so you'll remember soon enough."

"I… will?"

"I hope so. Then you'll remember me." Axel closed his hand over Roxas'. However, the younger boy pulled his hand away quickly and fiddled with the grass.

"Sorry." Roxas wanted to get away. Axel was making this all too awkward. Instead, he decided to break the silence.

"What was it like when we were friends?"

"Roxas… You made me feel like I had a heart. I hate not having that feeling. It feels… empty." Roxas blushed slightly, grimacing.

"Oh…" he whispered. "It's weird because sometimes I feel empty too… Like there's nothing inside. I can't remember who my parents were or my childhood… But when I look at you, I can almost remember. I want to know more than anything." Roxas glanced sidewards at Axel whose eyes were cast up at the large picture window. His smile was melancholy.

"Is there any way I can remember more quickly? I don't know who Namine is but I know I'm tired of feeling so empty.

"There is one way. Maybe you'll remember. Before you left us, you gave me something. Now I'll give it back."

"Huh?"

"Look up." Roxas looked at the sky curiously for a mere second before he found Axel's lips pressed against his own. He pulled away before he knew what he was doing. Axel's face remained unchanged.

"I didn't think you would remember."

"I don't." Roxas felt hot and his face was flushed red to the tips of his ears. He looked critically at Axel, making sure he was a guy. Why would he ever kiss a guy?

"I don't suppose you remember telling me you loved me either…"

"Sorry… It's all so…"

"Yeah well. You know. I never expected you to remember anyways. For now, I'll remember for you." He stood up tenderly, walked a few feet, and once again dissolved into darkness.

Roxas touched his lips curiously and felt tears welling up in his blue eyes. He had hurt someone he had once loved. He wondered if it was possible to forget loving someone. But then, Axel was the only one he hadn't completely forgotten. Maybe he had been in love once.