0o0o0 Chapter 7 0o0o0
0o0
0
"Hey, Roxas!" an unfamiliar voice called from behind me. I perked up, turning around. I was utterly shocked when I saw it was Demyx who called my name. He probably wants to yell at me, I thought as I walked away from the approaching Demyx. Before I got far at all, however, a large hand clasped onto my elbow. I tried to tug my arm free, glaring at Demyx, but it was no use.
"Let me go!" I spat. Demyx towed me away from the large throng of people going to their classes. I groaned, I'm going to be late for class and Demyx wants something (probably bad from me.
The laughter of the other students got duller and duller as Demyx pulled me closer, and eventually into, the small area full of palm trees. My heartbeat quickened and my palms were slick. Desperately, I tried to pull away from Demyx, but the older boy was twice the size of me.
Eventually, Demyx stopped walking and turned around to face me. He didn't let go of me, but he gripped both of my shoulders now.
"What is it?" I asked, malice clear in my voice. Demyx rolled his eyes.
"I'm not gonna hurt you or anything, calm down," Demyx said. I scoffed, but Demyx ignored that. "I wanted to talk to you about Axel," Demyx continued. I cocked an eyebrow. Aren't Demyx and Axel best friends? What would Demyx learn from me?
"Okay...?" I said.
"Well, I haven't spoken to Axel a lot this past week. Ever since we kicked him out of the organization," Demyx said. My eyebrows shot up and the only thing I could think was, Why isn't Axel talking to his best friend?
"That's weird. You guys are best friends, right?" I asked him. Demyx nodded.
"We are. But lately when I text him he doesn't reply all the time, and in person he seems distracted and leaves in the middle of our conversation," Demyx said with a frown. Demyx's eyes seemed downcast, and his expression read like that of a sad puppy.
"Why are you telling me this?" I asked, desperate to get Demyx to say what he needed and to leave me alone. Demyx looked at me with surprised, almost like he forgot himself.
"Well, I want you to ask Axel about me. I just want you to tell me how he feels still," Demyx said, pleading in his voice. I frowned at Demyx.
"Why should I do any favors for you? You've done nothing but bully me," I said with disgust. Demyx frowned.
"I know I bullied you, I'm sorry for what I did. After Larxene got everyone to beat you up, I felt bad. It wasn't right that we did that to you, and a lot of the others feel that way too. To be honest, we only did it so Larxene wouldn't hurt us later, I mean, did you see what she did to Axel? That was horrible," Demyx rambled on. Larxene did that to Axel? Wasn't it a tradition to do that? I thought.
"Larxene...did it? I thought that happened to everyone," I said. Demyx gave me a horrified look.
"No! That has never happened before! Larxene just got really mad at him. Why would you think that?" Demyx asked.
"Oh, I just assumed," I lied. Demyx nodded slowly.
"Well, will you do it?" Demyx asked me, excited.
"No, I don't owe you anything," I replied. Demyx frowned and kicked at the ground.
"I understand that, it was stupid to even ask you. I just miss my best friend, you know?" Demyx said with ill masked sorrow in his voice. I felt a strange tug in my heart and an even stranger urge to help Demyx. I don't know why, Demyx was nothing but an asshole to me and he didn't deserve any of my time.
"I guess I could ask him," I said quickly. I regretted saying that as soon as the words left my mouth.
Demyx looked back at me with a big smile on his face. He hugged me tightly, yelling thank you over and over. I stayed stiff for a moment, and then pushed him from me in less than 5 seconds. I glared at Demyx with a scowl.
"Just because I'm doing this doesn't mean I like you or want to even act friendly with you. After I do this, you will never talk to me again, okay?" I said sternly. Demyx nodded.
"Thanks, man! I'm sure you can find me when you have to tell me. I'll see you later, Roxy!" Demyx waved goodbye and sauntered out of the woods. I watched his retreating figure with disgust. I can't believe that in my one moment of weakness that I agreed to help an ass like Demyx.
I walked out of the cluster of trees and check my phone.
I groaned as loudly as I possibly could when I realize that I missed class.
0o0o0o0o0o0
I went back to my dorm room, wanting nothing but to just take a long nap alone. My plans were sadly foiled, however, when I walked in to see Axel hunched over his desk.
Axel looked back at me, his hair pulled up into a ponytail to keep it out of his face. Axel turned away and hunched over again. I walked towards Axel, but before I could read what he was writing, Axel covered it with his hands.
"Hey, hey, hey! You can't look!" Axel exclaimed. I frowned at him.
"Why not?" I asked him. Axel looked back down at the paper, then to me.
"It's personal," he said. I sighed and turned away from him.
"Okay, whatever," I said.
I flopped myself onto my bed and watched Axel write whatever the hell he was so secretive about. He was deep in thought, the intensity was evident on Axel's face. His brows scrunched and his lips subconsciously pursed, just like back in Twilight Town. Where he was best friends with Demyx. Which unfortunately reminded me of something I promised to do.
"Hey, Axel, I haven't seen Demyx in our room lately," I said, trying to be casual. Axel's green eyes flitted to me for a moment, then back to his paper. Eventually, Axel put down his pencil and looked at me.
"I'm trying to stay away from the Organization, especially Demyx," Axel said quitely, sounding somewhat sad.
"Why Demyx? You guys have been best friends since freshman year back in high school," I replied. Axel let out a long sigh and turned away, slumping in his chair.
"We are best friends. I just can't see Demyx, he'll get me to join the Organization again," Axel said.
"Don't you miss him?" I asked. Axel looked down at his desk.
"Of course I do, he's my best friend," Axel answered. I nodded, then frowned, not believing what I was about to say.
"Then you should talk to him, he probably misses you too," I said. Axel's eyes flashed me, wonder clear in them. He laughed softly.
"I didn't think you would care about what homophobes felt," Axel said with a smirk. I rolled my eyes.
"I don't, I just don't want you to feel miserable without Demyx." And Demyx miserable without you, I mentally added. I didn't want Axel to know I spoke to Demyx about this. Axel smiled at me genuinely.
"I didn't know you cared about me at all. I think I'll go talk to Demyx right now," Axel replied. Axel stood up without another word, and left the room taking his piece of paper with him.
I turned back around on my bed and stared at the door Axel had just gone through. I didn't care about him, did I? I mean, I was worried when he got burned, that's true. But that was just because I was being a decent human being. He's still not my friend and I still don't care about him. Not at all.
I was ripped out of my thoughts by a ringing in my pocket. I dug out my cell phone and pressed it to my ear.
"Hello?" I asked.
"Oh, uh, hi Roxas. It's Xion," the soft voice on the other line replied. I haven't spoken to Xion in a week, what could she want so suddenly?
"Hey, Xion! Did you need something?" I asked. Xion was quiet for a moment.
"I wanted to know how your ribs and nose are feeling," she said. I smiled when I heard that she actually cared about me. I looked at the wall to the mirror hanging there. My nose was no longer swelled but now there was an obvious crooked quality to it.
"My nose doesn't hurt as much, my ribs still bother me, though. I still have a couple weeks or more until my ribs get any better," I replied.
"I'm glad to hear that! Well, I also had another question I wanted to ask you..." Xion said.
"Ask away," I said back.
Xion sighed nervously before saying, "Did you want to go see a movie tonight?"
"Oh, I don't know," I lied. I knew Xion had feelings for me, and if I went with her tonight, I knew things wouldn't end well.
"Oh, I guess I shouldn't have asked," Xion answered, sadness obvious in her voice. I sighed, the good person in me coming out.
"I want to go," I said, trying my hardest to sound sincere.
"Really?! You can meet me outside at 9, okay?" she exclaimed.
"Yeah, I'll see you later," I said before ending the call.
I groaned and tossed my phone away from me. I can't believe I agreed to go with Xion to the movies. I regretted accepting just so my friend wouldn't be upset. This day just gets worse and worse.
0o0o0o0o0o0
The sun was beginning to set when I finally reached Xion outside. She was dressed in white short shorts and a pretty blue blouse. I could tell she put on more make up than usual and that her vanilla scent was stronger than usual. Fuck, she was serious about this, I thought.
Xion smiled at me softly and gave me a light hug before looking me in the eyes.
"Are you ready to go?" she asked. I nodded lamely and followed her to her car. It was nothing fancy, but nicer than anything I could afford.
We got in and drove off. We were relatively silent the whole time. I imagine Xion was quiet due to first date nerves, however I wasn't talking so I could avoid the awkward situations sure to come.
As soon as we parked in front of the local movie theater and got out of the car, Xion attached herself to my arm. I stiffened, not used to being touched like this and not enjoying these touches coming from a female.
We walked in to a mostly empty movie theater. A couple of people were milling around buying snacks and what not.
Xion and I purchased our tickets and made our way to the usher. The usher was a guy around our age with shaggy brown hair and light blue eyes. He was tall and lean, and his facial structure was one that not even Axel could beat. I had to admit that he was pretty cute.
I gave him a large smile as I handed him mine and Xion's tickets.
Xion and I walked into the dark theater and found seats closer to the back of the near empty theater. Xion chose a rom-com to watch and I was dreading it. Most of the movie was spent in silence. Near the end, however, it got awkward.
I could feel Xion's heavy gaze as she stared. I ignored her as best I could. Xion scooted closer to me and reached her hand towards mine. Before I could move my hand, she had already clasped it, her fingers intertwined with mine. I sighed and tried even harder to ignore her.
Xion's thumb softly traced circles on the back of my hand. I betrayed myself and looked at her for a moment. That was a huge mistake. Xion was still looking at me, but the look she was giving me was different than any normal stare. Her eyes were heavy lidded and his lips were slightly parted. She looked like she had been waiting for this moment her whole entire life.
Slowly, she leaned into me until I could smell her minty breath. One of Xion's delicate hands lightly grazed the back of my neck as she softly pressed her lips to mine. Immediately, I stiffened at the contact.
It was so wrong. Her lips felt cold and strange against mine. Xion's hand on the back of my neck felt like pin pricks. I didn't like it at all. I roughly pushed Xion away from me. Her eyes were wide and her cheeks a deep red. Xion's pink lips pulled down in a frown.
"Was I bad?" Xion stammered with a quiver to her voice. I shook my head and looked away, no longer able to meet her gaze.
"No, it's not that. It's just, I don't feel the same way," I said softly. Xion moved away from me. I looked at her and saw that Xion was stiff, her hands clenched into fists.
"Why did you lead me on? I thought you were at least my friend!" she screamed at me. I bit the inside of my cheek, having nothing to say. Xion was right. I led her on and I hurt her. I tried not to hurt her by rejecting her, but I ended up making wounds deeper than I ever intended.
"I'm sorry," I said sincerely. Xion scoffed and stood up. I could see tears glistening in the corners of her eyes and threatening to spill at any moment.
"No you're not! Don't talk to me again, Roxas. I'm done with you," she exclaimed before running from the theater. I jumped up and followed her out.
"Xion, wait!" I shouted at her quickly retreating figure. Xion didn't stop until she got into her car and drove off, leaving me alone in the dark.
I cursed myself and trudged back into the movie theater. The movie Xion and I were in just ended, and the other movie-goers filing out of the theater and into the parking lot. I glared at them, jealous that they had a way to get home.
I completely messed everything up. Xion hated my guts and would probably get Kairi and Namine to hate me too. I ruined three friendships all because I was an idiot. I never seemed to stop fucking up everything. Losing friends seemed to be my specialty at this point.
I fought tears and grabbed my phone. I was about to call Ven or Sora to pick me up when I being interrupted.
"Hey, are you okay?" a deep voice asked me. I looked up to see the cute usher from before standing in front me.
I don't know exactly what triggered it, but I sobbed. I slammed my head down on the table in front of me and just sobbed. Everything had piled up on top of me and crushed me right in this moment. Everything with Axel, the Organization targeting me, ruining so many friendships and being a horrible friend to Xion. I blamed myself for so much of it, especially Xion. I screwed that up forever.
I heard the chair across from me pull out. A large hand appeared on top of my shoulder and soothingly stroked it. I looked up and saw the usher staring at me, concern clear in his eyes.
I smiled lamely and said, "I'm sorry. I'm just feeling overwhelmed."
The usher nodded understandingly. "You can talk to me about it, if you want. My shift ends in a couple of hours and it's a slow night, so I'm open to talk," he offered. I smiled wider.
"Well, a lot of it is because I really messed things up with a friend," I started. The other guy nodded. I continued on, and retold the story of Xion. How I lead her on with good intentions and totally let it get out of control. At the end of my story the usher frowned.
"I agree, you shouldn't have lead her on like that. You did mean well, but you should have told her you didn't feel the same way in the beginning," the usher said. I nodded.
"I know, but if I told her that I would have felt obligated to tell her that it was because I was gay," I replied. I looked at the usher to see his response, however his expression didn't waver at all.
"She would have understood. It's better than leading her on," he said. I nodded again. He was right.
"I need to apologize to her, " I said, pulling out my phone to call Xion. The usher placed his hand on mine. The action made my cheeks flare and my stomach felt full of butterflies. I looked up at him slowly and saw the usher shake his head.
"No, you should talk to her in person. I think she'll be happier to see your face when you apologize than to see your name, whatever it is, on caller ID," he reasoned. He had another good point.
"Yeah, I should do that. Oh, and my name is Roxas," I said. The usher smiled at me and stuck out his hand.
"And I'm James," he replied. "Now, how about I get you some ice cream to cheer you up?"
I perked up immediately. Ice cream had always been the love of my life, and sea salt was the always my first choice.
A few minutes later I was walking next to James across the parking lot to the large ice cream shop across the way. It was a bit chilly as it was inching closer to fall. I felt warm enough next to James, though.
In the shop, I scanned the choices. My mouth dropped open when I saw the last choice on the menu, Twilight Town Sea-Salt. I immediately ordered it while James took more time and decided on chocolate chip.
James and I sat by a window and chatted over our ice cream. I learned that James graduated last year from Destiny Islands University, though he came from Radiant Gardens originally. His favorite ice cream was Death by Chocolate and he hated Sea Salt ice cream (what a weirdo.) He didn't believe in the paopu fruit, and he was openly bisexual.
Yes. This attractive male who was treating me to ice cream and just gave me his number was bisexual.
I felt happier with James, and I didn't even remember what happened with Xion. James made me forget that, and he didn't seem turned off by my ugly crooked nose either.
By the time we finished our ice cream it was 12:30 and my eyes felt too droopy for their own good. James offered to drive me back to the dorms and I gratefully accepted.
In James car, we talked about our experiences in the Destiny Islands. It turns out the James was also victim to the Organization. That made me feel connected to him, like we had a special bond. When I told James about what the Organization did to me, he touched my hand softly and told me how sorry he was. I had to hide my smile behind my hand, because honestly I was happier than I had ever been in a long time.
Eventually, we got back to the University's island. With out arrival, our laughter and playful banter ended. James pulled into the spot closest to the building. We sat in silence for a few moments, me not wanting to leave and James not wanting me to go. I slowly unbuckled and opened the door, dreading having to go back into the building. I was suddenly dreading facing Xion.
As I was about to exit his car, James grabbed onto my hand. He pulled me back in and roughly brought me to him. James pressed his lips to mine, hard yet quick. I felt my cheeks flare and I couldn't keep myself from smiling.
James drew back, a pink blush evident on his cheeks. "Sorry about that," he muttered, avoiding eye contact.
I made one of my split second decisions and leaned across the divide in seat and softly kissed James on the lips. He looked at me and smiled.
I got out of his car and smiled at him. "Thank you for everything," I said. James nodded and waved, then pulled out and drove away.
As I walked back into the dorm building, I felt a strange mixture of happiness, sadness, and dread.
I'm so sorry this took so long! I just started school and I've been doing art requests, so I was pretty busy.
Don't worry, I didn't forget about Threats again c:
IN A REVIEW: Tell me what your favorite part of this chapter was (though not much really happened, sorry), and/or your least favorite part.
If you have any critiques or suggestions, please tell me in a review or PM.