Sorry for the wait guys! ^^

Since you didn't sign in or anything maxam I'll answer your review here…

Um…I'd prefer if you DIDN'T use the storyline elsewhere to be perfectly honest-not that this is a horribly original plot or anything …Unless it's just a private RP between you and a friend or using the "fall asleep on someone on the bus thing then that's fine since I've got no claim on that plot device or anything I appreciate your suggestions however Keyblades don't exist in this universe seeing as there's no reason for them to. Thanks for reading! :)

Chapter 9

He pulled on his jacket and wrapped his scarf around his neck-the weather channel had said the weather would be horrible. Good thing Olette didn't back out. Hayner would have. But the girl just put on a lot of layers then smiled, "ready to go?"

"Uh…yeah…"

For some reason his stomach was doing flip flops like he was nervous. Which was completely ridiculous because why the heck would he be nervous going to see Axel? With Olette. What if she thinks he's a perv and tells my mom?! He turned to look at her, face no doubt whiter than paper or close to it. How does she not look worried at all?! But she looked cute which was exactly what he was banking on when they ran into Axel and Demyx. If he likes her then he'll probably kidnap her or at least keep them both busy enough that they stay away from me and Axel. Of course they both had their textbooks so they could "study" seeing as this whole thing was apparently all about that which the brunette had been more than a bit happy about.

"So what's he like? Your tutor?"

"…Uh…a guy?"

"Roxas! You can't even give me a name?"

He scratched the back of his neck then blinked-crap. Stupid Axel. Next I'll have a lighter and start flicking it open and closed. The blonde shrugged, "it's Axel. I know he's older than me but-"

"Mm. Well, I know girls like older guys a lot so why not you?"

"…Oh. I thought…"

"I can't stop you from doing what you want Roxas. I realize that now. I'm your friend not your mom," she laughed and slung her backpack over her shoulder, "so if you like him I'll help you get him!"

Is…Is he a Pokémon now? Does she mean it or is she just gonna say that then go tell my mom? Roxas gave a small smile and off they went. The bus didn't take too long to arrive though they ended up being half an hour early. The cold drove them inside the mall and he figured out why Olette was being so nice to him when she started handing him shopping bags. Mule again. Could be worse though I guess… His eyes kept scanning the space for the familiar long haired security guard but he didn't appear. He spotted Zexion in the arcade playing House of the Dead of course but unsurprisingly didn't feel any urge to go inside. Not even to gloat about how he'd still managed to talk to Axel even though the emo guy had tried to stop him. He glanced at the clock on the food court wall-Only 5 minutes until the meeting time… Olette caught him and shook her head, "don't worry, I know what time it is. Let's go. Remember, be yourself!"

Right. Myself.

~~**~~

Demyx immediately latched onto Olette-wrapping his good arm around her head and shrieking rather loudly, "oh my god you're so cute!"

Her arms flailed, probably trying to signal Roxas to come save her but he remained standing beside Axel. The red head didn't step away though his hands were carefully tucked into the pockets of his jacket presumably to keep them from brushing against the blonde's accidently.

"You'll kill her Demyx."

"OH!" the music student pulled back and flattened down the girl's hair with his hand, "you're still alive right?"

"Um…Yes? My…My name is Olette, nice to meet you," she stuck out her hand.

Demyx stared at the outstretched appendage then took it, "Demyx! You can call me Demy if you want!"

"O-Okay."

She looks so disturbed…His breath pooled in the air as a white cloud before ascending to the sky-a few flakes of snow began tumbling down in its place. He cast a glance at Axel who had made a grave error by only wearing a zip up sweater despite the rapidly cooling weather. Idiot. And you think you'll be able to walk around all day like that? Roxas buried his nose in his black and white checked scarf then shoved his hands into his pockets.

"We should get going," he muttered, voice muted further by the fabric in front of his face. His words got mostly carried away by the wind and lost to everyone but Axel who stood barely a foot from him.

"Yeah, it's freezing out, let's go."

"It's only cold because you didn't wear warm clothes! That's why I'm glad Xiggy made me wear his gloves and stuff."

"Oh yeah? Well what about him then?" the tallest one raised a short eyebrow.

"AH! What if he's freezing to death RIGHT NOW?!"

"Well maybe he's not going out so that's why he gave them to you?" Olette chimed in. She wore a cream coloured coat that hung halfway down to her knees and a loud pair of orange earmuffs and mittens.

"Oh. He did say he had a lot of studying to do…"

"So he'll be inside all day. So he won't be cold."

Why does he look so calm when she tells him something but whenever someone else says anything he won't listen? Axel had begun hopping from foot to foot presumably in an effort to warm himself somewhat.

"Alright. Good that we got that sorted out so can we move? Preferably now?"

"Why don't you give him your scarf Roxas? Your coat has a high collar," the brunette suggested. She had a horrible gleam in her eyes that made him worried for his pride as a man.

Why didn't I think of that? Roxas pulled the fabric from around his neck and turned to face the man who scratched the back of his neck in yet another demonstration of his various nervous habits. At least it's not the lighter flicking one this time. He had to stand on his tippy toes-and Axel had to hunch over-to loop the scarf around the college student's neck a couple times.

"Idiot."

"At least I don't have an ugly scarf."

"At least it's not an umbrella with flames on it!"

"That umbrella is cool."

"No it isn't! Olette? Is his ugly umbrella cool? IS IT?!"

She and Demyx stared at them both and started slowly backing away without saying anything. The teen glared, "I'll strangle you with that scarf and you won't be able to do anything about it."

"Oh yeah? You have to be able to reach my neck first," Axel leaned forward, his hands on his hips with a smirk on his face, "short ass."

"I'm NOT SHORT! You're a mutant Axel! A mutant okay!?"

"…Wow…What a couple…" Demyx murmured mostly to himself. I'm scared! What if they go on a killing spree?! Olette had grabbed onto his coat in what he decided was a definitely adorable gesture.

"…Roxas is so…loud…is this his real character?"

Roxas continued snapping insults which didn't go unanswered by Axel of course. So the two not arguing just continued on their way while the mortal kombat couple kept their string of angry remarks going as they too walked a considerable distance behind Demyx and Olette. He didn't mean any of them of course, except for the one about the umbrella because it really was ugly and completely tacky and hoped Axel really doesn't think he's short. It's not like I can help it. Everyone in my family is short… He looked down at his hands, or rather the pockets they were hiding in. The pair both shut up suddenly when they found themselves standing at the subway platform on their own. What the hell happened?! Did they just go on without us?! The blonde immediately texted Olette to inquire not so nicely about her location. Only to get a reply in the form of "oh I don't know…I guess you'll just have to meet us at the college ;)". Oh, great. This is great. Now I've got my best friend trying to set me up with someone who always complains about how we can't be together.

"They ran off without us."

"Dammit Demyx."

"So what do you want to do?"

"Go somewhere warm?" Axel laughed but a genuine shiver sent a tremor through his body.

"Skinny freaks like you should wear warmer clothes."

"Oh but Roxy I was so looking forward to torturing myself with the sight of you that I forgot to put on actual clothing," the reply came out sarcastic but Roxas detected a hint of truth in it considering the man's past record with acting stupid.

They stood waiting-though not for long-for the next train to come then shoved their way on with the rest of the people on the platform. His hand instinctively went to the red head's shirt to hold on while they swayed along with the subway as it rocketed down the track. One of Axel's long fingered hands had wrapped around one of the poles to keep them both mostly stable on the short ride. They jumped out of the doors at the next station which was when he struck. Before the man's hand could go back into his pocket Roxas grabbed it, not hazarding a glance at his face then pointed.

"That's the exit right?"

"The…Exit…Yeah, yeah it is. Commit it to memory, got it memorized?"

Did I break him? The teen laughed quietly to himself and pulled his brain fried companion along with him up the stairs to the station. People pushed in on them from every direction but he only tightened his grip when they got to the fare booth area. He noted with much satisfaction that no one looked at them like they were out of place or weird. They probably think I'm just short. He let a smile creep onto his face.

"Where to from here?"

"The uh…uh…"

"Axel, come on. No one cares."

"Okay. From here…oh yeah, I have to pick up some food so let's go to the supermarket."

Okay. Not really what I had in mind but okay. I don't mind grocery shopping. He nodded, wondering what exactly Axel ate since people definitely couldn't live off handouts two times a week from the kid you were tutoring's mom. He knew the man didn't care for pudding or coffee though. He probably likes spicy food. The cold returned with a vengeance once they stepped outside the subway station but his hand at least was warm clasped in Axel's gloved one.

Demyx and Olette were nowhere to be found when they finally reached the dorm room much to Roxas' extreme delight. A piece of paper had been taped to the door that said "went out to give Olette a tour!" in barely legible writing. The man visibly stiffened and his mouth opened and closed like a fish. He stuck the key into the lock after depositing a couple bags onto the floor. He swallowed thickly and opened the door.

"Welcome to my room. You can sit on Demyx's bed if you want."

Roxas put the bags he'd been holding onto the floor beside the empty case of energy drinks and sat on the bed. His jacket slipped off his shoulders to form a force field around where his butt met the comforter. Axel's face fell. I guess I chose the right bed. Despite the 'I better run' vibes coming off of the man in waves he stepped inside letting the door slide shut behind him with a click.

"What now?"

"I don't know. What do you wanna do Roxas?"

"I don't know," he shrugged. Is this gonna go on for the entire time I'm here? It took me long enough to get him to let me come here…

Axel stared at him and ran a hand through his hair in that annoying way. He sighed then took a sip of his apple juice. Who drinks juice at a coffee shop anyway?! For a couple of minutes neither of them said anything and took to looking out the window or at the other customers. The owner-a bespectacled man with brown hair and a small amount of facial hair-stood behind the counter talking to two kids about Roxas' age about cell phones. That kid's hair is as orange as Axel's is red…weirdo… The blonde prodded at the muffin he'd bought with his finger wondering what kind of nuts were in it since he hadn't really looked at the sign while ordering.

"Okay, fine. You can come to my dorm. But you're bringing Olette."

"You didn't make me bring her this time."

"This is a public place. Besides, Demyx wasn't available."

Don't sound so excited, you might break something… The teen rolled his eyes, "whatever. Meet me after school then."

"Yeah, okay. I guess we better get going to your house."

"Sure."

That was painful. Even before then I had to call him three times before I convinced him fully. The red head leaned forward, a few strands of hair falling into his face. Even if he didn't want to admit it, Axel did look pretty conflicted about the whole thing. Maybe…I should just give up…What if this is just an excuse and he's trying to say he doesn't like me… His heart felt like it was pumping more slowly, like it was harder to breathe almost. But Axel was still wearing the scarf. That had to count for something, right? I should've talked to Olette more about this…What if…

"Cheer up emo kid. I know I'm boring but that's no reason to pout, got it memorized?"

"Tell me something."

"I put hot sauce on everything…?"

"Stupid. I mean… …Do…If you don't like me just tell me!" Just say you don't so I can get over this already. …Or say you do and stop being such an asshole about this.

"I do like you. Stupid," the skin under the teardrops went red.

"L…Liar!" he got to his feet and balled his hands into fists. Then why don't you prove it?

He didn't expect the man's eyebrows to lower in a harsh arc, a frown flashing across his face. "I'm not a liar Roxas."

Is he actually mad? Axel stood up, "I know what you're trying to pull Roxas. I'm not an idiot."

They met in the middle of the room with Roxas grabbing a hold of his own scarf and glaring upwards, "You act like it though."

"Shut up."

He almost punched Axel in the face except that he couldn't reach. So he kicked him instead. Right in the shin. Of course the red head went down to his knee hissing in pain then punched the blonde hard enough in the thigh that he got knocked off balance. They glared at each other from their places on the floor. Asshole. Why would you hit me!? He snorted and looked towards the window.

"You know you're really spoiled Roxas."

He tried to think of a retort but nothing came to mind. What could someone say when they were called spoiled? It's a yes or no thing…and even if I say I'm not I'll just end up looking stupid… The teen just stayed silent-short of saying that Axel was the spoiled one he had nothing to say. So they lapsed into silence that made him want to just go home and forget the whole thing. But Olette is still out with Demyx. I can't just leave her…

"Are you trying to make me hate you?"

"…Why would I do that?"

"You are a freak."

Axel nodded, "yeah."

Why so serious? He's giving me that look again.

"Sorry I hit you."

"Me too."

Roxas sighed, "idiot."

"Speak for yourself. Roxas…it's not that I don't like you, got it memorized? Back in high school I used to be a pretty bad kid. I burnt a lot of shit down because I wanted attention," the man laughed, "this is getting a bit like a soap opera."

"I think my mom said something about it…I heard her talking about this serial arsonist going around…I was scared our house would get burned down too. But I didn't cry about it like Sora did."

"Sure. You would've been a kid then right? I got off easy since I was a minor and my dad is pretty rich. But my parents never really forgave me for it-we had to move and everything so they were pissed. So I can't afford to get into trouble again Roxas."

I was only six…I should just forget about this. He's not changing his mind. He didn't bother looking at Axel for fear that he'd start crying like an idiot so he kept his eyes focused on the man's shoes. Which looked like cheap rip-offs of Chucks and of course red. He nodded.

"Okay…Once Olette comes back I'll go home."

"So you're giving up."

"You want me to! I should just do what you want right?!"

"I guess so."

"Fine. It's goodbye then."

"When Olette and Demyx get here."

"I'll wait outside."

"Okay."

He made sure to slam the door behind him but couldn't be bothered to yell obscenities as he left. All I want is to call Olette and go home. And forget about that idiot. He wouldn't cry about this, not until he got home anyway or at least until he and Olette got on the bus. Considering the fact that he was a high school kid sitting in front of a college student's dorm room he wasn't surprised when a couple of people spared him a glance but occupied himself with texting Olette over and over until she finally picked up her phone. He didn't say much other than "I'm going home" but she still ended up saying she understood and showed up 10 minutes later with Demyx.

"…What're you doing outside Roxas? Axel did something stupid didn't he!?"

"No, it was me. Tell him I'll talk to my mom about the tutoring thing."

The music student cocked his head to one side, "…O…okay! Are you guys leaving already? But me and Olette were having so much fun! That stupid Axel!"

"Sorry Demyx. I'll call you and we can go out sometime!" the brunette girl smiled before turning to Roxas. 'Are you okay?' she mouthed soundlessly.

He shrugged and got to his feet, "see you later Demyx."

"Okay. Get home safely!"

"We will!" she looped her arm around his and they started on their way out of the campus. It was still cold, colder than it had been in fact and he didn't find himself too willing to stand outside waiting for the subway then the bus. And Olette's gotta ask sometime… Only she didn't the entire way home and he didn't feel compelled to talk about it either. I guess this stupid drama… is over.



I shit you not I did not intend for this to happen. Somehow, SOMEHOW they did this. I never try and force the characters into doing what I want, I essentially let them write the story. UNFORTUNATELY these shitheads are stupid and are not doing anything remotely CLOSE to what I wanted. How do you guys go from holding hands to now saying "okay bai."?! I don't understand. This now enters into the "Roxas and Axel further try to convince themselves they hate each other by dating other people unsuccessfully phase". :/ I didn't want this phase to exist. I really didn't. I literally write things as they come. I rarely go back and revise though for this chapter I did. I think that's the problem ha ha. Orange haired guy is Neku from WEWY and Joshua is the other guy with Mr.H being the one talking to them about cellphones! ;D