AUBADE OF DREAMS

by animeXIII

Reincarnation, rebirth. A second chance. Unless you remember your past life and no one else does. Then things start to get complicated. What happened in the next life? Finding each other might not be so hard. But will having a heart be the problem?

10. Dream IX

Chapter IX

…

"I guess I would like to know. What do you know about me... that I don't?" the teen asked from across the long white table that matched the white walls around them. Only the crayon draw pictures on the walls held color. The blonde girl saddened before choosing her words.

KhhhhhhhHHHH-STATIC-TskCHHHH

"You... were never supposed to exist, Roxas"

"What...? How could you even say such a thing... even if it were true?" the boy asked in a hurt tone.

SHHHH-STATIC-XShhhhhhhhhhhh

"I'm sorry. I guess something's... really are better left unsaid" she admitted sadly in remorse, as the wind blow into the room making the white curtains on the window dance against it.

Tshhhhhh-STATIC-Chhshhhhhhh

The image faded to white.

…

It'd been two weeks since the Dark Follower fight and Roxas was now able to lift his left arm without pain. The potions doing a great job of getting rid of the wounds left behind by the Shadows. Xion was doing well. The therapist was amazed that she had as much movement as she did. Though she still couldn't stand or move her legs. Her arms where completely under her use and it no longer bothered her to talk.

Roxas himself, after talking with Cloud more, had gotten a therapist of his own. But for very different reasons. Only Xion and Cloud knew about this though, Roxas not wanting the other too.

Was Roxas in group counseling. For the last two weeks, twice a week he'd been going. In those times he'd barely spoken to the group only giving them his name. He'd yet to feel comfortable enough to. His counselor had ensured him that was find and to take his time.

Her name was Claire Farron, or as she asked the group to call her Lightning. She was in her twenties and is a determining woman but also has a compassionate one. Her light pink hair draped over her left shoulder. Her pale aqua eyes on them as they spoke. She wore a white blouse with a high collar longer with a denim skirt. She'd told them that she had a sister Serah Farron who was engaged to a man named Snow Villiers. Apparently she didn't care too much for the man. He'd also adapted a boy name Hope Estheim after his parents died in a car accident.

Other then Roxas and Lightning the group was made up of four other people; Vaan, Zidane, Garnet and Vivi. All in the group for their own reasons and needs.

First there was Vaan. Seventeen years old orphan, around 5' 7", with tanned skin and sandy blond hair. And Roxas had yet to see the boy have on a real shirt, always in shorts and an open vest. His only family, his brother Reks, died two years ago. Leaving him on the streets to become a pick pocketing for a way to keep living, until he was caught being taken in by a woman named Ash. He dreams of being a pilot. He, like Roxas, was here because he wanted to be. Vaan had come to understand that he has spent his time running from his problems and blaming others. Ending up only hurting those around him, meanly his best friend Penelo.

Zidane Tribal was another thief. In counseling only do to a court order and been going for the past year. Sixteen, rather short, with shoulder-length blond hair and blue eyes. Wearing a teal vest over a white shirt with blue pants and several belts. He has large white and blue gloves and white boots. He insists that he doesn't need help and just goofs off most of the time. Roxas thought of him as a skirt-chaser at first, constantly flirting with Garnet and Lightning. But Roxas found he seems to care for Garnet, more then he lets on. Overall, Zidane's laid-back and generally friendly, if not, a little cocky. Lightning had pointed out to him more then once, that he harbors some insecurity about his past and loneliness, though he does not often express them.

Garnet Alexandroswas, a silent, petite sixteen year old girl; quite self-deprecating and often blames herself for events beyond her control. Long black hair pulled back loosely behind her, bangs cut to reveal her beautiful brown eyes. Roxas had seen her in both a dress and pants. Today it was a long orange spring dress. In counseling for three year now, after having her father killed before her. She'd been doing this the longest and most comfortable, as long as Zidane didn't get to friendly with her.

Vivi is an abuse victim. Being taken away from his parents and is the youngest in the group, only ten. He was very small for his age and looked more like six then ten. Though he doesn't speak he seems to taken a liking to Zidane. Who treated the kid like a little brother. Roxas had never seen the boy's face, being it's hid under his large witch like hat. That's was worse-for-wear. He's covered in a large blue rain coat and baggy green pants, his brown shoes barely see covered by them and brown gloves on his hands. Every inch or the boy skin covered.

They sat in the same simple room, which had classic music playing in the corner from an old radio. The calm atmosphere made by the sent of roses and the pale yellow walls around them. All making themselves cozy wherever they like. They sat in the room that held two tan sofa's; one by the large window looking down from their second story height, the other on the opposite side of the room close to the radio. One yellow chair siding against the back wall, in between them leaving space for the large black coffee table in the middle of the room. Lightning, sitting in the chair, asked the group to talk about their dreams.

"One of these days I'll fly an airship of my own. I'll be free to go where I want" Vaan stated proudly sitting on the sofa nearest to the window next to Garnet.

"That would be fun" Lightning agreed as Zidane shrugged from the sofa by the radio.

"Would be funnier to be a pirate"

"Do you want to be a pirate?" Garnet asked softly.

"Hell no" Zidane ensured, "I want to be free sure, but I don't care if it's with an airship. I just want to travel. Get out of this town and see the world, not just the sky"

"That would be amazing" the girl agreed. "I'd love to have an adventure" Zidane smiled widely before turning to look down at Vivi next to him.

"What do you want to do Vivi?" the boy meekly looked up before looking back down. Silent as he ever been.

"What about you Roxas?" Vaan shot at the blonde that was standing next to the door.

"I've never really thought about it" the blonde admitted, thinking it over slowly. "Only thing I have left I want now is stupid" Lightning looked at the boy.

"Share it anyway. Isn't that why you're here?" Roxas shrugged.

"I guess" Roxas shifted to his other foot as he leaned against the wall. "Other then finishing college, I've always wanted a chocobo"

"Wait" Zidane shot forward, "College? How old are you?"

"19" the group seemed shocked other then Lightning, who'd already known.

"Really I thought you were my age" Vaan confessed. Roxas shrugged.

"Age doesn't really matter much anyway"

"What kind of chocobo do you want?" Garnet asked getting back on subject.

"I don't really care. I like all of them"

Their discussion went on before changing to what they didn't want to do. Lightning listened, jotting down notes as the group talked. Some how the subject got turned again this time to how and why they'd started coming to Lightning.

"We already talked about this" Roxas stated.

"Yeah you're right" Zidane agreed, turning to Roxas almost devilishly. "But we don't know why you are" he pointed out, "Why don't you share?" Roxas stared back at him blankly.

"I'm with Zidane. I mean no offence but Roxas you seem pretty normal. Why are you even here?"

"So I don't seemed crew up to you. Is that what your saying?" the group nodded.

"Roxas wouldn't be here if their wasn't a reason" Lightning assured, "Roxas why don't you share with us?" Roxas stared at the woman, who acted like she didn't already know something she did.

"I suck at facing things and I don't talk to people" the blonde stated flatly.

"That's not that bad" Garnet said sweetly.

"Roxas why don't you tell them the whole truth" the blonde sighed stubbornly, knowing the counselor wasn't going to let up.

"My best friend fell into a coma and it was their when the motorcycle hit her. I have issues with dealing with things and run away. A problem left over from my childhood. Now my friend up and I don't know what to do. Is that true enough?" the counselor nodded in approval. Vivi eyes moved to Roxas, he could feel them watching him.

"But you seem so… okay" Vaan said slowly, "So normal"

"What does normal mean exactly? Everyone says it but really what is it?" Roxas asked. "Because whatever it is, I'm not it"

Just then the bell went off signaling their time was up. Roxas turned to the door next to him and stepped out. The blonde stopped when his name was called behind him. He turned to the pink haired woman.

"Roxas I'd like to talk to you" the blonde followed her obediently. Back into the room he'd just left and the others walked past him.

"What is it Lightning?" the woman turned to him.

"I want to talk to you about today"

"What about it? I talked, shouldn't you be happy"

"I am but I wanted to talk to you about how you acted"

"Am I acting badly?"

"No" she ensured "You acted guarded"

"I'm always guarded. I get hurt if I'm not"

"Roxas do you want help?"

"That's why I'm here" Roxas pointed out.

"Then you need to let us help you"

"I am"

"… I hope so" the woman said before letting him go.

…

Easter was coming. Roxas mind was racing, even more then before. Not only would his siblings be coming but the hospital said Xion could come home for a few hours. In two days to be exact. Tomorrow he'd be picking them up at the train station. Only bad thing was that Roxas had run into two more Heartless, only Shadows yes, but still worrisome.

Counseling was going alright. He'd gone once more since Lightning had pulled him aside. He'd yet to tell the group about his abuse as a child. He didn't want to, at least not yet. For now it wasn't a problem, being as they weren't meeting again for a week because of the holiday. His ribs where no longer a problem the pain gone, though they were still healing, the bruise was now a fading yellow mark.

Master Eraqus box of potions and elixir where hidden under his bed, only Cloud and Red XIII knowing about them. Riku and Sora hadn't been speaking with the blonde much. Mad at him for the night he'd fought the Dark Follower. A fight he hadn't told them about, not wanting to worry them. He'd also lost his phone. Roxas noticed the day the box from Master Eraqus arrived. Going to call and thank the man to only find he didn't have his cell phone anywhere to be found. The blonde figured it was at the church somewhere and that he'd find it the next time he was there. But with work, studying for exams that would start with school, counseling and Xion being awake, he hadn't had time to read a book let alone go for a walk.

He laid in bed now, Sora back to him as he tried to go to sleep. Roxas knowing he wasn't do to they tension in the brunettes shoulders. Red XIII slept on the floor that night, leaving Roxas without his furry red pillow. The blonde turned his eyes on the other body across the room. Thoughts flowing through his mind; Roxas knew it was going to be a hard night to sleep.

"Sora" he called getting no reply from the stubborn boy. "Sora I know your awake" still no answer, Roxas sighed. "I just wanted to know if your going to the station with me tomorrow?" again nothing. Roxas saddened turning away from the teen in defeat. The older muttered a fine before going back to silence.

…

The next morning Roxas woke to stare at 4:56am glowing at him from his clock. Groaning only had gotten less then five hours of sleep, he sat up fully awake. With his time he decided to shower and make breakfast. Done with both tasks by a little before six, Roxas threw the pancakes into the oven, on a low heat. Leaving a note on the counter telling them it was done. Wrapping up a plate to go, take with him as he went to see Xion.

Getting to the hospital around 6:27am, he knew Xion wouldn't be awake yet. Despite this, he went to her room on the second floor and took a set. Not beside her bed but across the room at one of the chairs against the wall. He looked over to see the curtain drawn, dividing the room. Xion had gotten a roommate a three days before. Her name was Kidagakash Nedakh, but she allowed then to call her Kida. She was a foreigner that just moved to the city recently. She was a slender woman white hair that stood out against her tan skin and her crystal eyes were almost intimidating. She was very smart and eager to learn more. Obviously caring and brave being as she was in the hospital for saving a boy from being hit by a falling piece of equipment at a construction sit. She'd broken her right shoulder and leg. The twenty two year old seemed to get along well with Xion, who enjoyed the woman's company. And the blonde could beat on his life that Dr. Thatch had a crush on the woman.

Roxas thoughts wondered until he heard the rustling of sheets. Seeing that Xion was still asleep he knew that Kida was now awake. He remained silent not wanting to startle the woman. Though he doubted he could, seeing as she seemed to always know what was going on around her.

"Hello?" he accented voice called.

"Hello" Roxas replied.

"Mr. Strife?"

"Roxas" the woman must have moved again, because the sound of sheets again filled the silent room. "Do you need anything Kida?" the blonde asked politely.

"If you don't mind would you pull back to curtain?"

"Not at all" he stood doing as asked.

"Thank you" she said smiling warmly at him. He smiled back before returning to his set.

"How are you feeling today?" Roxas asked, silence boring him.

"Tried" she said looking over to him, away from the window. "You?"

"Same, but I'm sure you're more tried then I am"

"You did not sleep?"

"Not well" Roxas confessed, "I was excited. My siblings are coming today for Easter" he explained.

"Siblings. How many do you have?"

"I have two older brothers Cloud and Ventus. Then my little sister Namine"

"That must be wonderful"

"It is most of the time. Do you have any? Siblings I mean?"

"No, just me and my father. My mother died when I was young" she said eyes saddening with the memory.

"My mom died when I was little too. I know it's hard" they changed topics to what kind of books they liked. They spoke until Sally came in telling Roxas he'd have to go because it was time for the girls to change. Roxas nodded setting the plate of food aside before saying goodbye, Xion still fast asleep when he left.

He'd kill a good amount of time at the hospital. Looking at one of the clocks on the street it was 8: 34am. Only leaving less then a half hour before Ventus and Namine's train arrived. Only ten minutes away from the station, the blonde thought it best to just spend the time he had left their waiting.

The station at Radian Garden was nothing like the clock tower station at Twilight Town. This station was smaller only have two trains passing through at a time. The modern look, build of gray concrete and the place seemed cold to Roxas compared to the color filled station in his home town. Here was small, having only two benches against opposite walls and only held one ticket booth by the entrance. The person working behind it was the only thing that gave life to the place. Smiling at those who came and left, greeting them as people did both. Roxas sat staring up at the black ceiling.

9:00am came around and there was still no sign of the train. Roxas sat on a bench waiting, patience where growing thin. Seven after could hear the rumbling of the train and soon after the bell. Roxas sat straight as he looked for a familiar faces. A crowd from those getting of the train thickened and Roxas stood to look for his siblings. He looked around; catching no sight of either blondes he was looking for.

"Roxas!" the blonde turned to the voice that called his name. He could help but smile widely when he saw who he was looking for. Ventus waved as a girl stood next to him. Her hair just as blonde as theirs, own pulled over her shoulder, a warm smile on her face and blue eyes focused on Roxas. She no longer wore the white dress Roxas remembered her in, but a long sweater dress that was light blue, lighter then her eyes, reached her knees. The sleeves covering her arms down to the middle of her palms, the pale skin of her shoulder stood out against it. Before Roxas could even move, Namine rushed forward. Her arms going out around Roxas's neck hugging him happily.

"Roxas"

"Hey Nam" Roxas hugged the girl fully back, picking her off the ground and spinning her around once, like he used to when they were kids. She giggled as he set her down, releasing her from the hug. Ventus walked up behind them with their bags.

"You're as tall as Ven" she said looking up at Roxas now. He looked down at her, smiling when he saw the bell necklace he'd gotten her hanging around her neck. Seeing his gaze she glanced down at it as well before looking back up.

"I'm glad you like it" she ran her hand over it.

"It's the most beautiful thing I've ever gotten" she stated warmly.

"I could say the same thing about your painting you sent me. It was amazing" She giggled again.

"Well I wasn't expecting a gift on Whites Day, let alone something like this" Roxas smiled down at her genuinely. She stared up at him happy to see her brother happy for the first time.

"I have to confess I had help picking it out though"

"Knew you didn't have it in you" Ventus teased with a smirk.

"I'm not a girl" Roxas stated looking at his twin. "Anyway only thing I had help on was whether to get it in gold or silver"

"Who helped you?" Namine asked Roxas turned back down at her.

"A girl named Marlene. She's like family. I'm sure you two will get along great"

"I can't wait to meet her" both boys smiled at her before Roxas lead them way from the dull station.

Namine had only her one bag on her back while the twins both had two in their free hand. She walked in between them hold each of their hands. Something they used to do when they where young. She smiled as she looked around the new place.

"So Roxas what been going on since I left?" Ventus questioned.

"Xion woke up" his eyes widened.

"Seriously?"

"No. I'm going to lye about a girl waking from a coma" Roxas shot sarcastically. "Of course she is"

"How long?"

"A few weeks" Roxas answered looking to Namine. "Did Ven tell you all this?" the girl nodded.

"I'm glad I'll get to meet her when she'd awake"

"You're both the same age. I hope you get along"

"I think we will" Namine ensured, "Anything else happen?"

"Sora and Riku are pissed at me"

"How'd you do that? Sora… well that kid just doesn't seem like the type to get made"

"Ventus he's stubborn, once he has his mind set on something there's no changing it"

"What did you do?" his sister questioned.

"I stayed out all night"

"That's it?" the both asked.

"I didn't answer my phone before hand because I was sleeping"

"Did you tell him that?" Roxas looked at Ventus seriously.

"He's stubborn" he stated obvious, "He's not about to listen to me until it blows over"

"You're not going to fight tomorrow, are you?" Namine asked worriedly.

"We not fighting Nam" Roxas assured, "I'm just getting the cold shoulder. I'll be invisible for a while. I don't mind"

"He really is stubborn"

"Hey just think about as I get to spend all my time with you two" they both smiled and agreed too.

They got to '7th Heaven' and Cloud was just getting home himself. He paused seeing the three blondes outside the bar. The twins and the young girl turned to the man that shared their blonde hair and blue eyes. Cloud shook his head and smiled at the three.

"You must be Namine" he offered his hand in greeting. Shyly the girl took his hand smiling up at him warmly.

"Cloud" he let her hand go turning to Ventus. "How are you Ven?" the boy shrugged.

"Same as always" the man nodded.

"Well I'm glad only one of my siblings will be giving me trouble" he stated glancing at Roxas who'd opened the door.

"I'm not that much trouble" Roxas pointed out.

"Keep that in mind" with that the four blondes entered the bar.

Namine and Ventus where staying with Roxas in his room for then next week. Sora staying with Denzel why they stayed, Xion saying it was fine for him to us her bed. So Roxas lead them to his room and let them put their things away. Namine eyes paused on her painting for a moment before smiling following Ventus lead in throwing her bags in the corner. The Diz's had just dropped their bags as Red XIII walked into the room. Namine gasped as the animal walked up to Roxas nudging his hand with his nose. Roxas looked down at him smiling before running his hand over the animal's back.

"What's up Red" the beast said nothing only looked to Namine. "Oh right. Namine this is Red XIII. Red this is my little sister Namine" he introduced.

"He's friendly?" she asked shaken.

"Yep" with her brother's okay she slowly moved closer to the beast. Red XIII stood unmoved as the girl came to him. Unsteadily Namine reached out petting Red XIII on the head. After a moment a soft purr came from Red XIII making Namine smile and become more comfortable.

"He'd kind of cute" she stated kneeling in front of him.

"One of the best friend's I got"

After Namine finished showering Red XIII with love, they moved down stairs to meet the others, who had gotten home during their time upstairs. Tifa was behind the bar putting out the clean glasses. Roxas lead them to her first, seeing as he knew Sora wouldn't speak with him anyway if he'd gone to him across the room.

"Tifa" Roxas called making the woman turn. She smiled widely seeing the other blondes.

"You must be Namine" she said warmly. "I'm Tifa Strife, Cloud's wife. Just call me Tifa"

"Namine Diz" she bowed politely, "It's nice to meet you"

"How are you Tifa?" Ventus asked charmingly, making the woman smile yet again.

"Very well Ven. How's school?"

"Almost over thankfully" Tifa nodded before excusing herself, getting back to work.

Roxas turned Namine to the two brunettes across the room at the pinball game. He pointed at each of them.

"The younger one's name is Denzel and the taller one with the crazy hair like Clouds is Sora. Go say hi"

"What about you?" the girl asked timidly.

"Sora's mad at me right now remember. Ven will go with you though" Ventus nodded with his twin, before leading Namine over, Roxas staying behind to help Tifa in her work.

Denzel turned before Sora did. His eyes paused on Namine before smiling welcome.

"Your Namine right?" the boy spoke making Sora turn away from the pinball game. Sora eyes just stared at the girl as she nodded.

"Roxas tells me you're Denzel" she paused looking over to Sora, "And Sora" the older only nodded.

"That's us" Denzel ensured turning to Ventus. "Hey Ven" the blonde smiled.

"How'd you know I wasn't Roxas?"

"Well mainly because he's helping Mom" Denzel said pointing to the spoken blonde before going on. "That and Roxas doesn't dress like you do" the blonde looked down at himself then over to his brother.

Denzel was right. Unlike Ventus who was wearing a white turtleneck, deep red casual cotton vest over it. His faded jeans fit cleanly with a white leather belt with one row of silver studs; the silver chain around his neck with his dojo's seal, an upside-down heart like sharp, hanging from the chain matching his belt. Roxas wore a black jacket vest unzipped to show the plain long sleeve white shirt under it. His pants, only slightly baggier then Venus, where held up by a black studded belt, while another checkered belt lay around his hips going through only one of his belt lops. He too wore a silver chain, but his held a sharp that liked like a ninja star, not a heart and his checkered wrist band that never seem to leave his arm could be seen through his white sleeves.

"I guess your right" Ventus said before joining the boys in pinball.

Namine wondered back to the bar, Roxas taking a place beside her, having finished helping Tifa. They spoke catching up over the six years he'd missed. She'd grown so much since he last seen her, inside and out. She was no longer the little girl in the corner drawing. But a young woman that wanted nothing more then to see the world and paint it. Still timid, but not nearly as shy as when they were kids, Namine was caring and honest. She spoke politely and softly.

Roxas was glad to hear she didn't have a boyfriend yet. He made her laugh when he vowed to kick any idiot's butt who even looked at her wrong. Soon she pulled out her sketch book show all of that she learn. Roxas looked over the pages in aw. Have of the paintings you where so well done he thought they could be photos. After a few hours talking they both went to get Ventus, deciding they would go hang out, seeing it was the first time they'd all been together in years.

Ventus was now in the middle of a videogame. He was smiling just as widely as Sora was. And even if Roxas hated to admit it, Ventus got along better with Sora then he did. Both were childish at times, happy, brave and caring. Though Ventus had more patience then Sora ever would and Sora was more energetic, the two had the same kind heart.

"Ven were heading out, you want to come?" the twin looked at the other.

"Out?"

"Roxas was telling be about this café he likes. And we haven't hung out together in a while" Namine explained softly. She didn't need to say anymore, before Ventus threw his remote to Denzel, jumping to his feet.

"Let's go"

"But the game?" Sora protested.

"Later" Ventus ensured before waving, following his siblings out the door.

They walked to the same café that Ventus and Roxas had gone to when he'd first found him, 'Kingdom Café'. Walking through the door that held the castle sign with the gold crowned 'C'. The café was near empty as the blondes took a set by the window. A moment later a waitress came with pen and paper in hand.

"Roxas?" a small gasped made them turn to the girl. Roxas eyes widened.

"Garnet" the girl stood in the café uniform, white skirt and crowned blue shirt, hair pulled into a loose ponytail like always.

"I didn't know you were a twin" she managed as she made her way to the table side.

"I didn't know you had a job" she giggled.

"I just got it a few days ago"

"Explains why we've never bumped into each other before then"

"Come often then?" she asked smiling down at him.

"Yeah one of my favorite place to get tea" she laughed again.

"You come to a coffee shop to get tea?"

"Don't like coffee" Ventus cleared his throat next to them.

"Roxas?" he questioned, the blonde turned to his twin.

"Oh right. Ventus, Namine meet Garnet. Garnet my brother Ventus and sister Namine" she bowed slightly to them.

"I thought you only had one brother and his name was Cloud?"

"Nope"

"Well it was nice meet you both"

"How do you know Roxas?" Namine asked kindly.

"We meet…" she paused realizing it wasn't the best thing to say.

"In a group we go to" Roxas helped the girl along, the girl nodded.

"But this is the first time I've seen you outside of it"

"Oh…" Namine and Ventus said together before placing their orders.

Garnet stopped and talked with Roxas again for a moment before a group of other costumers came in. The blonde left with a goodbye to the waitress. Roxas knew both Namine and Venus thought something was up with how he'd meet Garnet but neither said a word as they made their way back to the bar.

Cloud found them halfway home; Tifa having sent him out to get them. Roxas laughed as Cloud said it was movie night, pointing out it wasn't. Cloud shrugged saying what Tifa says goes. Roxas didn't blame him, Tifa was scary when she was pissed.

They got back to the bar to find a car out front. No one thought it odd think it was just someone stopping for a drink. Even if the place wasn't open, it wasn't odd.

Walking through the door, Roxas stood frozen at the sight of the man stood before him. He was in his late fifties. Long pale blonde hair was tied back by a red clothe; his short mustache and goatee the same color as his hair. He dressed in an expensive white coat with a red silk collared dress shirt underneath. His black shoes and black slacks fit perfectly tailor made; a red scarf around his neck. Not in all the Heartless he'd faced, had Roxas been as scared as he was of his one man, as his orange amber eyes moved over him. Roxas felt his heart pounding.

"Father" Ventus stepped forward. "What are you doing here?" he asked as the man's eyes stayed on Roxas.

"I came to fetch you" the man said deeply, "I will not have my children be associating with a nobody"

"He's your son" Cloud snapped not liking seeing the man in the first place let alone hearing this.

"That boy is no son of mine" he ensured cold. "No more then you are. Ventus, Namine its time we got home" the two blondes stood frozen, never having experienced their father act this way, let alone be here, coming after them. Namine was the first of the two to speak.

"No" she said in a small voice before speaking again. "No we're staying here" she said louder, "We're spending Easter with Roxas" the man's eyes moved to her.

"You're going to do as you're told and get your things so we can leave"

"We're not leaving Father" Ventus said taking a step in front of his sister. "You not even going to be home tomorrow. You have a business meeting. Namine and I are spending our Easter here, with Roxas" Ansem's eyes moved back to Roxas coldly.

"You did this" Roxas fear only grew as sharp eyes watched him. "You are nothing but a tool at best. What do you think your doing?"

"Existing" Roxas said unsurely, "Don't I at least have that right?"

"Nobodys don't exist" the older man walked over to him glaring coldly down at the boy only a few inches shorter. "You mean nothing to his world"

"I may not be much" Roxas hissed, raising his voice, gaining some courag.e "But I know I'm not nothing"

"Don't you raise you voice at me boy"

"I can do whatever I want, Diz" the young blonde snapped. Everyone's eyes widened as Roxas was thrown to the floor with one blow from the man.

"Don't you dare hit Roxas, you fucking bastard" Sora sneered; his eyes, usually so friendly and warm, narrowed. The man turned to him slowly eye paused on the brunette that he'd not seen before.

Sora stepped way from the steps. He'd come down only to witness Roxas abuse. The teen didn't know who the man in the room was. All he knew is he was going to pay for doing that to Roxas. The old man didn't know what was coming. When Sora was arm length away and had thrown a punch at the man. Ansem helded his jaw where Sora had struck him, while everyone stared wide eyed and speechless.

"Young man, do you know who I am?" Ansem asked slowly.

"Yeah the bastard that just hit my best friend"

"Sora stop" Roxas shot from the floor his lip bleeding.

"No" Sora said coldly. "Nobody hurts my family. I don't care if it's the queen of England. I'd still kick their ass"

"You must be Cloud's son" the man said lowing his hand from his jaw. "Same naive sense of justice. Just like his mother" these words threw Sora off.

"Wha?"

"Cloud come get this boy away from me" the man ordered. Cloud snorted.

"Sora can do whatever the hell he wants it's his home. It's you that needs to leave" Cloud said coldly, "I suggest you listen or I'll call the police" the two older men glared at each other.

"Call and tell them what Cloud?"

"That you just assaulted one of my workers in my bar" Cloud explained.

"Then I could do the same about your son" Ansem pointed out. "I could also say you're trying to kidnap my kids"

"They wouldn't believe it and you know it. After all I am Roxas's guardian. Don't you think it'd be odd? Their older brother kidnapping them when it a holiday. I already live with Roxas. They wouldn't believe that even if I had" Cloud known he'd won when the man turned away from him back to the kids.

"Ventus, Namine we're leaving"

"We're staying" Ventus said firmly, glaring at him just as hard as Sora was.

"You maybe Ventus but Namine is coming with me"

"No" she said looking at him sadly.

"If you two don't get in the car right now-"

"You'll what? Kick us out like Roxas" Ventus snapped. "You know what's funny" he laughed dryly, "I exactly defended you when Roxas side you bet him. Said there was no way. Yet here you are" Ventus eyes sharpened. "I don't even know you"

"Sounds like I'm not the only one that thinks you should leave" Cloud said.

"His is none of your business Cloud"

"Oh you see that's where you're wrong" Cloud walked up to the man. "Unlike you I care about family and I don't throw them away the moment they crew up or don't meet my standards. So go ahead and kick them out, over one little thing" he warned. "But really would you be that stupid? You lost two kids. Do you want to lose the last two, if you haven't already?"

"You don't even know what you let in with that" Ansem stated pointing to Roxas, but not taking his eyes off Cloud.

"That is my little brother. That is a living breathing flesh and blood is both of ours. No matter how many time or ways you say it. That boy came form you just as much as I did. Roxas is a good kid. He'd be even better if you did fuck him up" Cloud hissed his voice becoming angrier then anyone had heard it. "Roxas is far from a nobody. He's something. Something great and one day when he proves it, your going to regret every last word you've ever said about him. Even now he's three times that man you'll ever be" By the time Cloud had finished his rant Tifa and Denzel where now downstairs.

"Are you talking about Roxas or yourself?" the man questioned.

"Roxas" Cloud said surely, "You weren't wrong or right about me. I wasn't ready for the Solider, yes. But I wasn't ready to loss my best friend either, so that made you wrong. I fought for my friend, for my family, which made me a good Solider. Yes I was stupid and did things to fast. But it was my life to make mistakes with. And in the end at least I'm happy. Unlike you"

"You don't know what you're talking about" Ansem ensured.

"I don't? I was there. I was hurt to when my Mother died. Do you think it wasn't hard for me to have my Mother died? I was but at least I know I'm her son. While you… You're not even the man my Mother married"

This seemed to make the man snap. No one saw it coming other then Roxas. How'd seen it so many times before. Jumping to his feet Roxas moved faster then he'd had before. Coming up behind the man, Roxas threw his arms around him, trapping the man's arms to his sides. Ansem's head shot back, only to see a tuff of blonde as Roxas face was hidden in his back.

"Let go of me boy" he warned.

"No" Roxas muttered. "Not until you calm down" the man paused at this, "I won't let you hurt Cloud" Roxas grip tightened. "Or Ventus. Or Namine. Hurt me as much at you want. Yell at me, bet me, kill me if it makes you happy. But don't do anything to them" Roxas near pleaded. "I've never asked of anything in my whole life. Not until now. Please just stop before you hurt them. Please. They need you"

"Roxas" Cloud whispered as Ansem seem unsure what to do. Feeling the man calm and his tension vanish, Roxas slowly released him taking a step back.

"I didn't know Ventus and Namine didn't ask you if they could come" Roxas told the man, not daring to meet his eyes. "But you can't blame them for not telling you. You may hate me and I maybe a nobody to you. But to Ventus and Namine I'm their brother" he explained "And you more importantly are their Father. You love them. You've shown it. Don't throw them away over something like this… Ven said you have a business trip right?"

"Yes" the man replied slowly.

"So you're going to be gone. Would you please let them stay? They don't want to be alone and Flora, Fauna and Merryweather aren't going to be home because it's a holiday. Don't you think it would be better of Namine and Ventus to be here, then home alone? If it's me that's bothering you then I'm sure we come up with something"

"Roxas what are you saying?" Sora shot.

"Be quiet Sora. I thought you weren't talking to me" Roxas threw back, making the brunette shut up. Ansem seemed to be lost in thought. He turned to the other blondes for a moment.

"Ventus, Namine"

"Yes" they said together.

"I'll agree on one thing with you two" they nodded eagerly. "You will be home the day after Easter no later then noon. Roxas must keep his nonsense to himself. I do not want to hear anything oddly coming from you, is that understood?"

"Yes Father" Ventus said dryly and Namine just nodded. Ansem then turned back to Roxas.

"Walk with me outside" he ordered and before anyone could protest both were gone. Once outside the younger blonde walked the older to his car; a rental that Roxas didn't know year or motel. The older man stopped outside of the car, again looking to the boy.

"What?" Roxas asked emotionless.

"Do you know why I don't like you around my children?"

"Yes" Roxas eyes meeting his for a moment. "I won't say anything about my stupid dreams. I'll do my best not to be a bad influence" orange amber eyes didn't leave him.

"That is part of the reason" Roxas saw something pass through the man's eyes. Roxas flinched as the man raised his hand to his cheek.

Ansem was a little taken back when he raised his hand to find the boy pull back slightly and close his eyes. He didn't stop however as he gently touch his cheek. Blue eyes shot back open again staring dumbly at the man he once called father. Orange eyes, no longer dark and cold, but staring down almost kindly. Roxas remembered the look, but hadn't seen in since before his mother had died.

"Fa…" Roxas cut himself short knowing he wasn't allowed to us the name.

"You too much like your mother" he informed his hand falling form Roxas's face. "Aurora" Ansem sighed before pulling the door open. "Unlike you, Namine and Ventus got the lighter parts of her. Their sophisticate, kind and shy; things I can deal with. You…" Roxas listened not upstanding what he was hearing. Ansem turned back at him for a moment. "You boy got her self assuredness, charm, confidence and strong mindedness. Something I could never deal with in anyone, other then her" he finished slamming the car door behind him. Driving off leaving Roxas standing their dumbly.

Roxas stood their wondering if he'd heard the man right. Had he just said he hated him because he reminded him of their mother? Cloud came out of the bar, worried after the boy hadn't come in after a decent amount of time. He found the boy stating their staring blankly forward.

"Roxas you alright? He didn't do anything did he?" Roxas shook his head dumbly.

"He…" Roxas opened his mouth to continue only to close it again, after a moment trying again. "He was nice" Cloud blinked at his brother as he turned to him, "He hasn't been nice since Mom died. I mean not to me"

"Isn't that a good thing?" Cloud asked with a small smile.

"… He said I remind him of Mom, that's part of the reason why he hates me" Cloud's smile feel at his. "I just… I don't know what to do with that" Roxas stated, "I understood the dreams and the way I acted but…" Cloud ruffled Roxas hair, pulling him out of the thought.

"Roxas one thing I know about that man, is he doesn't deal with things well. Death the main one"

"What did he do when your mom died?" Roxas asked looking over to the other.

"Worked" Cloud stated staring off. "Worked, worked and worked. When he was home he never said a word. He just stayed in his office. It was like…"

"You lost both parents not one?" Roxas finished for him.

"Yeah" Cloud sighed, before both of them returned to the bar.

"I just hit my grandpa?" both Roxas and Cloud just through the door, paused, as Sora shouted. "He was Dad's dad?" Sora seemed panicked. "I'm screwed. People don't hit your grandparents its bad. It's like, going to hell bad" Roxas fought back a laugh as he came up behind the brunette, throwing his arm around his shoulders.

"I'm sure you not going to hell, Sora" the boys head shot to the side. "You'd never work with horns and a pointy tail" he teased.

"He's right Sora" Cloud added walking up behind them. "Wings and a halo suit you much better"

"Don't tease me!" Sora huffed pushing Roxas off. Roxas laughed, holding his side the got hit, a faint pain coming back. But nothing the blonde couldn't deal with.

"Seriously Sora, you're not going to hell" Roxas assured, "You have done nothing remotely close that would send you there"

"I just punched my grandpa though. Your dad" Sora pointed out.

"Who punched me first" Roxas pointed out right back.

"Your right… Why would he do that?" Roxas stared blankly at Sora.

"Sora… That's kind of normal"

"Alright" Tifa said clapping her hands to get everyone's attention. "Enough of his. Let get movie picked out. When that's done we'll call some pizza. There is no way I'm going to cook tonight with all the cooking I have to do tomorrow"

That got Sora's attention. He jumped into the air screaming pizza before rushing up the stairs. Cloud and Roxas pulled the sofa from the kitchen, where they keep it so it wouldn't get ruined in the bar, and pulled in front of the large flat screen above the bar. Denzel helping his mom decide on a few movies. Sora returned later with his own choices in movies.

In the end Ventus and Namine where the ones to pick, being the guests; Ventus picking 'A Knights Tale' and Namine picking 'Sleeping Beauty' her favorite movie. All took a set around the TV. Namine and Roxas sat in front of the sofa on the floor with Red XIII, Ventus and Sora on the sofa with Denzel, while Cloud and Tifa sat back at one of the tables. They watched 'Sleeping Beauty' first. Unknown to everyone, other then the twins, this was Namine favorite movie not because of the storyline or any other reason. It was Namine's favorite movie, because their mother played the lead role. Yes their mother was an actress. More famous for her singing, Aurora had acted in one movie before she'd died. Unlike Roxas and Ventus who had faint memories of the woman, Namine had none. She'd died shortly after giving birth to Namine. So it was understandable, Namine only knew their mother through her music and this film. That all three blonde loved, in memory of the woman they hadn't gotten the chance to know.

It finished and Denzel complained about having to watch a girly movie. Tifa laughed as Sora yelled at the boy.

"How can you not like that movie? It's the happiest ending!"

"That's just it, nothing ends up like that" Denzel stated throwing his arms at the TV that was now rolling credits. "I mean really, magic isn't real"

"Magic's real" Roxas cut in. "And that a great movie" the Strife's turned to Roxas like he'd grown a second head.

"This coming form the romantic hater?" Sora questioned in shock.

"Yeah, out of everyone I thought I'd have you on my side" Denzel added.

"Well I'm not. And I don't hate romantic, I just don't get it"

"I'm with Rox. One of the best movies in existence" Ventus said turning to Namine. "Right?"

"It's my favorite movie" she confessed.

"It was cute" Tifa added in her opinion. "It was one of Xion's favorite as a kid"

"Really?" Namine head turned to the woman.

"Yes she so badly wanted to meet the actress that plays the lead. When I told her she'd pasted away shortly after the movie came out she was very upset" the three blonde teens became quite.

"She died?" Denzel asked looking at his mother.

"Yes. I'm not sure how. I only remember because Yuffie was a fan of her Cds and told me"

"She was a singer?" Sora asked, loving music.

"Yes" Tifa said simple as she but in the next movie.

No one seemed to notice the three who sat, not watching, mind wondering to Aurora Rose; or as they called her mom.

…

Easter came and everyone was busy. Tifa and Namine where in the kitchen cooking, Denzel and Cloud had left to get Xion for the day, Ventus and Sora were cleaning up the bar and Roxas was baking. Everyone running around doing their own thing, while doing their best to stay out from someone else toes.

"Agh! I don't know which one's which!" Sora declared pointing at the twins. Roxas pie baking and thought he'd help clean. "Cant you guy where name tags or something"

"Why would we do something like that-"

"-went we're wearing different things?" the twins asked, finishing each the sentence together, naturally without thought. Only weird'd out Sora more.

"And don't do that" Sora ordered. "If I had a twin I wouldn't do that" Sora regretting his words the incident they left his mouth. Sora's face fell and became depressed.

"Sora?" the twins asked together walking over to him in concern.

"I'll get Tifa" Ventus said running off. He returned showing Tifa the very upset Sora next to Roxas.

"Sora what's wrong?" Sora looked at his mom, hugging her in an instant. Tifa gave the twins a look.

"We didn't do anything" they shot together. They looked at each other, not meaning to speak in unison.

"Then would you like to inform me what did?"

"We finished each others sentences"

"We don't try to it just-"

"-happens" Ventus finished for Roxas.

"Like that" Roxas added, "Just habit or something"

"I say it's the twin physic thing" Roxas rolled his eyes at Ventus comment.

"Is not"

"Is too"

"Not"

"T-"

"Boys" Tifa snapped, cutting them off. The twin attention on her stopped.

"Well that's what happened and then he stated 'I wouldn't do that if I had a twin'" Roxas quoted in his Sora voice before going back to his own. "And got depressed"

"I see" Tifa sighed hugging Sora back tightly. "It's okay Sora. Vanitas would understand you said that, I'm sure" Sora nodded into his mothers shoulder but still didn't let her go.

"Who's Vanitas?" Ventus asked in a whisper. Roxas just shook his head with a shrug, not knowing either.

…

Cloud and Denzel returned with Xion. She was in a wheel chair but she still smiled happy to be home, even if it was only a day. Xion was shocked to see two Roxas standing by the bar. Roxas and Ventus laughed. The blonde explained and said sorry for not telling her that his brother was his twin as well. Xion quickly forgot about not being told after meeting Namine. Both girls got along very well.

Dinner came after hours of games and candy. Sora eating a dozen 'Peeps', no one knew where he put the dinner. Pies eaten and dishes cleaned, Cloud left to return an exhausted Xion back to the hospital. A little more candy consumed and their own exhaustion everyone went to bed. Namine laying in Sora's bed with Red XIII and the twins in Roxas's, they talked unable to get to sleep despite their tiredness.

"I can't believe we have to go home tomorrow" Namine stated sadly as she ran her hand over red fur.

"At least he let you guys stay right" Roxas pointed out, "We had fun while it lasted"

"How can you say that?" Ventus snapped sitting up looking down at Roxas, who stared forward blankly, not looking at his twin. "He hit you Roxas. For no reason"

"Ven it didn't hurt"

"Didn't hurt?" the older blonde snapped. "You were bleeding"

"I've been through worse okay" Roxas sighed, "Calm down"

"Calm down? Roxas that man wasn't the Father I grew up with" Roxas slowly turned to look up at the other.

"Then forget you saw it" Ventus face fell. "It only happened because of me" Roxas sat up slowly, "I'm not around he's the man he was before Mom died. He's the man you both remember"

"Roxas, how can we just forget?" Namine stated sitting up as well. "I can just go home and acted like I didn't see or hear those things"

"He doesn't hate you" Roxas shot. "Don't hate him. Because one day, if you do, you'll regret it" Roxas turned to Namine. "You always spoke about being a bride one day Nam. That dream includes your father walking you down the isle" Roxas turned to Ventus. "You love him. I know you do. Up until now you idealized the man"

"I didn't know him. If I had then I would have seen him like I did yesterday"

"That's not him" Roxas snapped. "That the grief and alcohol. I'm not saying its right, I'm not making excuses. But what you saw is only for me. He does it to me, because he cares so much about you two. If that's happened when Mom died. What do you think would happen if you two left him?"

"Why do you care Roxas? You should hate him after what he did" Ventus pointed out.

"I don't hate him" the two blondes fell silent. "And if you two left him now. All those years I took it and pretended it was okay would be for nothing" their eyes moved to him. "Do you think I took it because I was stupid? I took it because I wanted to. Sure I was scared, but I was more scared for you two. I hid it and kept ruse going because I wanted you to only see the man he was meant to be. Not the one he'd fallen into"

"Roxas…" Namine voice was a sad whisper.

"I understand if you're mad at us. I understand if you don't look at either of us the same. But please don't cut either of us out of your life. At least not on a choose you came to over negative thoughts" Roxas explained. "Take in consideration all the good times before you think about the sudden bad"

"How are you always so smart?" Ventus questioned. "Aren't I supposed to be the wise older brother?"

"I'm not smart" Roxas ensured.

"Well you're sure of a lot stronger then I am" Ventus stated.

"I'm not strong either Ven" Roxas confessed, "I only say these things because I've already done them. I say this because I hated that I couldn't hate him. No matter how much I wanted too, I couldn't, because I'd see him with you two. He may have been more in the wrong, but it didn't put me in the right either. I could have said something or fought back" he pointed out, not pointing out the fear he truly had for the man or his other faults.

"It was because of your dreams wasn't it?" Namine asked softly. "That's why he does it? Because you always talked about those strange dreams?"

"Most of it was Namine" Roxas sighed, "But we said we wouldn't talk about this remember? Now let's go to sleep" with that Roxas fell back onto his bed.

"Roxas?"

"Yeah Nam?"

"Just tell me one thing…"

"What?"

"Were we ever there when it happen?" Roxas sighed and closed his eyes.

"Doesn't matter Namine"

Two set of blue eyes widened in realization. They'd been there. How couldn't they have seen it? Could they have stopped it? If Roxas would have called out, would have they heard it?

Both blonde looked at each other, knowing they had the same thoughts. Namine stood, leaving Red XIII in Sora's bed, joining the boys in their own. Roxas eyes opened as he felt the bed sink and his sister gone him. Ventus lay down, pulling Roxas over and making room for Namine. The girl lay to Roxas's back, wrapping her arms around him.

Roxas lay their, in between two of the most important people in his life. For the first time in a while, feeling protected. For an unknown reason, Roxas felt tears build in his eyes. They weren't from sadness or happiness, just relief. The other two blonde were puzzled as tears silently ran down their brother's face. Roxas shook his head, saying he was alright.

"I don't know what's wrong with me" he stated trying to wipe the tears away. "They won't stop" his siblings smiled at him and held him close again. Without a word they held him. Shortly they all fell asleep, Roxas tears still flowing.

…

Cloud opened the door to Roxas's room to find his siblings all together in one bed. They lay curled together like cats. Ventus and Namine hold Roxas close and protectively. Moving to their side, Cloud paused seeing the Roxas face stained by tears. Tears no longer flowing, but a line where they'd flowed stayed dried to the blonde's cheek. Cloud reached over touching Ventus on the shoulder. The blonde stirred before eyes blinked open.

"Breakfast" Cloud stated soft as he moved to wake Namine. She merely opened her eyes looking up at the man. Cloud didn't need to say a word as she sat up slowly.

Roxas feeling the other two shift, opened his eyes slowly. His hand automatically rubbing his face, muttering under his breath as he slowly sat with the others. Walking up on his own, Roxas lacked his morning crankiness. Seeing Cloud he knew food was on the table. Following their brother the blonde went down stairs after they all had a bathroom break. Looking in the mirror Roxas grumbled washing the tears stains off his face before joining the others.

Breakfast was nothing more then eggs and toast. They all eat talking among themselves. Roxas quieter then the rest, just enjoying his siblings company before they left in a few hours.

After breakfast, Namine went to shower. Roxas helped Cloud with dishes, while Ventus and Sora played as a team against Denzel and Tifa in charades. When Cloud and Roxas entered the bar Sora was standing in the middle of the room trying to act out his word. The key word 'trying', both blondes shook their heads holding back a laugh. The brunette looked as if he was trying to do the chicken dance. Roxas watched the boy for a moment before getting it, but without being in the game couldn't say a word.

"You know it?" Cloud asked leaning over as he whispered.

"He's a duck right?" Roxas whispered back "So it must be magic" Cloud nodded.

"How that boy ever thought duck meant magic is beyond me" the man stated about his son. Roxas laughed knowing just how he had done just that.

"I give up!" Sora declared. "How do you not get it" he shot at the three in front of him.

"All I saw was chicken" Denzel stated.

"I'm with him" Ventus added and Tifa just shrugged.

"Magic" Roxas and Cloud shot.

"See!" Sora said throwing his arms at the blondes. "They got it!"

"How was that magic?" Ventus asked.

"One thing you'll learn with Sora over time" Roxas stated.

"He has his own dictionary" Cloud pointed out.

"Oh that's right" Tifa laughed softly. "When Sora was younger he always stated that ducks were magic. I can't believe you remember that Sora"

"Well that's because they are" he huffed. "At least the grumpy white ones"

"I know what you mean Sor" Roxas agreed with a laugh. No one else in on the joke looked at him like he was crazy.

Not shortly after Roxas and Cloud had joined; making the teams split into the two blondes and Sora against Tifa, Denzel and Ventus; Namine come down telling Ventus it was his turn. She switched out with him joining Tifa's team. By the time Ventus came back down, the girls and Denzel where losing horribly to what they called 'the nonsense team'. Seeing as Roxas could stand up at act like he was flying and Sora would yell pixie dust, getting it right. Well Denzel could sat and make perfect sense of something and they could steal. Even Cloud got their randomness, even using it when it was his turn to go. Needless to say Ventus was very confused to come down to Sora acting like he was singing and Roxas yell mermaid, only to get it right.

"Roxas you must have a copy of that 'Sora Dictionary' Cloud was talking about" Ventus stated as they all walked to the station.

"No me and him are just on the same brain length. Honestly Ven, if I have twin physic thing, I have it with Sora" Ventus blinked and Sora smiled widely.

"Thanks Rox" Sora said jumping the blonde, "I'd say the same to you if it wasn't for you and Ventus's sentence thing" both twins shrugged.

"We don't do it that much" the said together only to glare at each other.

"Except when they don't want to" Namine giggled.

"I got it" Sora decided, "Me and Rox got the 'I know what your thinking' thing and Ven and Rox got the 'I know what your about to say' thing" he smiled widely. "Ven and Rox's thing is just because their twins. Me and Rox thing is just because where around each other all the time"

"He may have a point" Cloud stated. "Zack and I used to be able to tell what the other was thinking most of the time without saying a word. And were not even related"

"Used to?" Tifa questioned, "Still do. You and he are closer to each other then Aerith and I, your wives, are"

"I wouldn't say that" Cloud protested.

"Don't even go there with me Cloud" she said smirking up at him. "If you're not how do you explain the incident at Lea's birthday?" Cloud paled visibly, before coughing.

"That has nothing to do with his. And it was never to be managed again" all teens looked at each other then back at the two.

"What happened?" they asked together.

"Nothing" the man ensured, Tifa smiled.

"Why not tell them Cloud? They'll just drive you crazy until you do" the man muttered under his breath.

"I can't believe you brought this up in the first place"

"I could tell them then"

"No" Cloud stated looking away from the group.

"Okay now I gotta' know" Sora said nearly bouncing up and down.

"Well Cloud?" Tifa nudged.

"This is not something I should be telling our kids" he huffed.

"Oh it isn't that bad" Tifa ensured.

"I lost a beat. There happy. Told, now let it be forgotten" he stated.

"What kind of beat?" Roxas asked raising a brow at his brother. "Don't tell your kids all you want but I'm your brother. So please spill" Cloud sighed.

"Fine I'll tell you Roxas but you can't tell my kids" he leaned over whispering into the blondes ear.

"You did what?" Roxas blinked at Cloud as if seen him in a new light. "How the hell you get yourself into that?"

"I found a man that could, sadly, out drink me" he stated, "Never drink against a Gainsborough"

"Isn't that Aerith's maiden name?" Denzel asked. "You lost a drinking game to Aerith?"

"No" the man snapped, "I lost a drinking game against Lea Gainsborough. Her little brother"

"Damn Cloud I'll never look at you in the same light again" Roxas laughed.

"What that's it? That not that bad" Sora sighed, "I thought it was worse then that"

"Oh it is" Roxas snickered. "To bad I can't tell you Sora, you'd love it"

"What was it?" Ventus asked.

"Cloud?" Roxas asked, the man waved him off. Roxas smirked leaning over to tell and Namine what he said. Both eyes widened before laughing.

"That's great" Ventus exclaimed while Namine just laughed softly.

"Now I have to know" Denzel stated, "Come on" he begged.

"When you're older" Cloud stated. "Now let's go before we miss the train" the laughing blondes nodded following after him.

…

Namine and Ventus watched sadly as the train rolled into the station. They both hugged everyone. Namine giving Roxas and Cloud a kiss on the cheek as she said goodbye, Cloud was a little taken back by her forwardness, being she'd been shy the whole time with them. Roxas just smiled and stated it her way.

By the time they got home Cloud had caved under both Denzel and Sora begging him. The man explained it in more details then he had to Roxas only making it funnier.

He explained how shortly after he got back from being in Soldier and with Lea's nineteenth birthday coming up, he'd made a bet with the boy if he lost the drinking contest he'd go to the party in all-out drag. Not knowing Gainsborough's tolerance, do to the fact Aerith didn't like to drink and he never been around Lea much, Cloud agreed. To say the least Cloud ended up going to the party dressed as a girl. Come to find out Cloud made a good looking girl and no one even knew it was him. Normally he'd been happy about that, and at first he had been, until people started getting drunk. By the end of the night Cloud got a whole new out look on why girls think guys where pigs. Other then one person who happened to be his best friend, Zack, who if anyone asked know would declare he knew it was Cloud the whole time and was only saving his ass. Cloud would tell you he was to damn drunk to know his own name let alone who he was. Never the less Zack was a gentle man, even drunk, stayed with Cloud most of the night. Two drinks on top of his already drunken self, Zack wasn't doing so well. Cloud being his best friend, thought it would be best to get the guy home before he couldn't even walk, grabbed him and stumbled out of the party. Zack stumbling because he was drunk, Cloud because he was I heels. They got to Zack's house, Cloud lead the man inside and just before he pasted out cold, which could beat the hell out of him later for, kissed the blonde full on the lips.

Needless to say the teens where laughing their asses off by the end of the story. Not just because of Cloud's experience but of what Zack did as well. How would have thought Cloud had it in him to walk in heels?

"I still don't know how you'd look good in a dress" Roxas laughed, the man glared.

"I was twenty two at the time, give me a break"

"Wait…" Sora paused thinking. "Was I born when this happened?"

"Hm… I believe you where two and your mom was pregnant for Xion"

"I was" Tifa stated. "That's why I wasn't there. Aerith had Axel and Reno then too. They where five and six, so us girls stayed home that night"

"So Zack cheated on Aerith" Denzel gasped. "With Dad" he laughed.

"Oh Aerith and I were about to hand it to him"

"Were?" Sora questioned.

"Cloud did more then enough" the woman laughed. "Zack was black and blue all over"

"He's lucky I didn't kill him" Cloud darkened just at the thought. "Doing that to Aerith" he huffed.

"Aerith? You bet him up because for Aerith?" Roxas questioned.

"Cloud never explained his relationship with her did he?" Tifa asked. The boys shook their heads.

"She's like a sister to me" Cloud explained, "Though it took me a while to figure out that what my feelings were for her"

"You liked Aerith?" Denzel gasped.

"I thought I did. She was the one I went to when I was kicked out, much like Roxas was. But unlike Roxas I didn't have any siblings, I had Aerith. Before you ask, yes, Tifa and I have known each other since we were kids but we never were that close. I meet Aerith in middle school and we became very close"

"When'd you and Tifa get together?" Roxas asked.

"In high school" Tifa explained. "Cloud and I were in the same club, karate. Up until then we never spent that much time together"

"By that time I realized Aerith and I loved each other but only in the family way. Not that anyone believe it, being we were nearly always together"

"Zack came back from training and Aerith hit it off with him. Cloud approved and didn't scare him off. Wasn't long after that they got married and Cloud asked me to marry him after we found out I was pregnant"

"You weren't married when I was born?" Sora asked shocked.

"We were by the time you were born"

"Just rushed things along" Cloud added after Tifa. "I planed to asked her I was just waiting for the right moment"

"No better moment then be telling him I'm about to have his baby" Tifa laughed.

"How long were you two dating then?" Denzel asked.

"Three years" Tifa smiled at her son.

"Wow" Roxas said thinking about the new information. "I never knew that. I knew you and Aerith were close but I wouldn't have thought that"

"It's kind of like you and Xion" Sora stated to the blonde, who gave him a weird look.

"I've never liked Xion" he stated. "Sure she's my best friend and I love her, but I've never been in love with her"

"Oh…" Sora said confused.

"Sora I'll put it like this. You love Riku but you don't want to marry him"

"No, of coarse not" Sora shot disturbed by the thought.

"That's how me and Xion are" Roxas explained, "I love her but not the way you love Kairi"

"Okay I get it" Sora nodded.

"You know this is the third time I've heard you liking Kairi" Tifa stated looking at the boys, how'd forgotten the others at this point. Sora blushed and Roxas smiled weakly.

"It's nothing" Roxas ensured. "Well that is unless she breaks up with Hayner…" Roxas thought out loud before catching himself. "But even then the dopes got to get the guts to ask her"

"I'm not a dope!"

"You keep telling yourself that" Roxas said walking away, Sora following after him in protest.

…

Later that week Roxas found himself back in the same routine. Just getting out of work, Roxas made his way to counseling. The blonde sighed as his hands fell into his pockets. He had yet to find his cell. He'd even made a trip to the church to see if he could find it, coming up empty, he was left with one choice. Get a new phone. Roxas loved his old phone and hated himself for being careless and losing it. He sighed again as he came up to a familiar building.

The blonde stopped short as he caught something out of the corner of his eye. He turned to look down the ally to his left. His heart dropped when he saw Vivi in between two thugs. The boy sat against the wall his arms above his head, his hat gone. Roxas dashed forward.

He didn't say a word as he punched the nearest guy in the face. The thug fell holding his now broken nose. Seeing Roxas assault his friend, the other jumped at the blonde. Roxas dodged easily, compared to Heartless, this guy moved like a slug. With one swift kick to the gut, the thug joined his friend on the ground, gasping of air.

"I don't know what you think you're doing" Roxas spoke in a tone dark, "But you ever pick on a kid again, for any reason, I'll do a lot more then give you a few bruises" the two thugs ran with their tails between their legs, to scared to even throw back a comment.

Once out of sight, Roxas turned to Vivi. Picking up the boy's hat that lay a few feet away, brushing it off, Roxas kneeled beside the boy. His small gloved hands still over his head. Vivi didn't look up or move from his protective stance. So Roxas removed the boy's hands, setting the hat on his messy black hair.

"It's okay Vivi, their gone" Roxas said softly his hand on the boy's shoulder. The boy slowly shifted but still didn't look up. "They didn't hurt you did they?" the boy shook his head no. "Good" Roxas smiled.

Roxas waited patently for the boy. Nearly ten minutes passed before the boy stood slowly, his head downcast. Roxas stood soon after and the boy grabbed the end of his red shirt.

"You okay?" the boy again shook his head no. "You want to go home?" another no. "You still up for counseling?" the boy paused before shaking a yes. "Well then" Roxas said removing the boys hand from his shirt before kneeling before the boy, back to him. Vivi showed his confusion with his head falling to the side. Roxas looked over his shoulder smiling at him.

"…"

"Jump on" Roxas didn't know if the boy smiled or not, face shadowed by the hat he seemed to love, but without hesitation the boy jumped onto his back.

Vivi's small arms held onto Roxas as they walked down the street to the counselor's office. Roxas made a stop in the bathroom after asking the boy if it was okay if they cleaned up; Vivi being dirty from the ally incident. Roxas sat the boy down on the sink before wetting down some paper towels.

"Here wash your face while I get your hat" Roxas asked, the boys hands shot to his hat holding it. Roxas was paused for a moment. "I don't have to take it off it your don't want me to" Roxas assured, "Okay?" the boy's hand slowly lowed, washing his own face as Roxas began to work on the hat.

After finishing up in the bathroom, Vivi jumped back onto the blondes back and they made it down the hall. Late was something Lightning didn't tolerate. Roxas had learned this his second day when Zidane had walked in half way through the session. Though this time he hoped she'd understand. Knocking on the door softly, Roxas awaited his doom with Vivi, who didn't seem nervous at all, as he hugged the blonde from behind.

"Come in" Lightning called, an edge in her voice. Slowly Roxas turned the knob.

"I'm sorry about being late" Roxas said as he pushed the door open. He was met by a sharp glare. Roxas froze under her graze. Her eyes softened when she saw Vivi peeking over the blonde's shoulder.

"Vivi's with you?" Roxas smiled weakly.

"You see on the way here…" Roxas paused trying to think of a lie. "Doesn't matter. Their not coming back" he ensured kneeling so Vivi could get down. The boy did not run over to Zidane like he normally did. Instead he grabbed onto Roxas shirt again, standing next to him.

"Dude Vivi really likes you now" Zidane pointed out, "What you do?"

"Yes I would like to know the same thing" Lightning added. Roxas looked down at the boy before sighing, knowing there was no way to get out of it.

"I kicked some thug's asses for picking on him" Roxas confessed.

"You did what?" the counselor questioned.

"Okay I know that's not the best thing to do in front of a kid. And it's not being the best role model and all that crap" Roxas explained. "But they deceived it. I'm not going to lye. If anyone does it again, they'll be lucky if I don't kill them"

"You protected Vivi?" Zidane questioned.

"Yeah why?" the shorter blonde smiled widely.

"Good to hear I'm not the only one. Who were they?" Roxas shrugged.

"Didn't really pay attention, I just acted" Roxas turned back to Lightning. "Again I'm sorry I'm late, I know you don't like it. I'll try my best not to do it again" he ensured before moving over to Zidane. He sat next to the blonde as Vivi climbed in between the two.

"Roxas my I ask you something?" the counselor questioned.

"Isn't that part of your job" he pointed out.

"Yes" she looked down at her papers, "For what I gathered it's not like you to act like that. From talking with you, you don't seem to get involved with people you don't know"

"I don't. But if someone is getting hurt and I can do something to stop it. I'm not just going to stand aside and do nothing" Roxas stated flatly his tone darkening as he continued, "Anyway, I know Vivi and he's a kid. Anyone how hurts a kid is scum and worse then trash in my book" the room was silent as Roxas dark tone faded.

"Would you like to explain that farther?" the woman asked.

"What is there to explain? Hurting a defenseless kid is wrong. Hell hurting anyone is wrong. But hurting someone that can't even defend themselves pisses me off" Lightning's eyes moved to the blonde.

"Dude that's the first time I've heard you swear that much" Vaan pointed out across the room next to Garnet.

"Roxas" Lightning spoke before Roxas could. "I'm I safe to presume that his goes beyond just you not like it?"

"Can we just drop it" the blonde huffed standing for the sofa walking to the wall farthest from the group. He took his spot leaning against the wall next to the door.

"See my guess was right" she stated pointing to Roxas. "What you just did suggest that you're running. You've said yourself your not good at facing things" she explained. "Your action right now tells me something about you Roxas" the blonde looked away from the woman.

"I think she's right" Garnet said softly.

"That's her job" Zidane pointed out before Lightning went on.

"Roxas up until a moment ago, you were being protective of Vivi. That itself isn't odd. But you showed deep anger about what happen, beyond what happen to day. Then when I asked you about it, you stood and took your spoke there" she stood setting her papers in her set. "Your spot there tells more about you then you know. The spot it self for example; it's the farthest point from me, the closest to the door and your one your feet. That's not counting that you have your arms crossed over your chest" Roxas looked down, she'd been right. "All signs you're uncomfortable. This is normal. But there also signs of defense, meaning you don't trust us. Also normal. But also signs that you're scared of something and you're trying to protect yourself from something. You shouldn't be scared of us"

"I'm not scared" Roxas stated.

"You might not be now. But somewhere in your mind, unconsciously, you are. Or you're expecting to be"

"So I'm guarded. Last time I checked that wasn't a bad thing"

"No, not always" she walked forward in front of Roxas. "But you said you're here because of your not sure how to deal with your friend. I don't see any signs of that" she stated sadly. "You're showing signs of something else"

"What would that be?" Roxas asked dryly staring the woman down.

"Roxas where you abused at some point?" she asked bluntly. Roxas eyes stared blankly at her. "If you were and you didn't tell us that when they placed your case with me. I won't know how to help you. I may not be able to help you" the room was quiet as the two stared each other down.

"I'm here because I don't know how to deal with things. I'm here to be okay" Roxas looked away from the woman. "I can't just say something like that Lightning. It's not something I talk about. In time I'll be able to but…" Roxas became silent and Lightning knew she'd been right. The rest of the group stared at the blonde.

"Holy crap" Vaan sighed, "You were… Who? How? When?"

"Vaan's right" Zidane jumped in, "You look like you could kick ass" Vivi and Garnet stayed silent watching with sad eyes.

"Boys" Lightning turned to them, "Give him a moment"

"She's right" Garnet spoke softly. "He said himself he doesn't face things well" Vivi stood from his spot walking over to the blonde. In between the pink haired woman and Roxas, Vivi stood taking the blondes hand silently. Roxas looked down at the boy, his small hand holding his own.

"You to huh kid" Roxas said softly staring down at the boy. Roxas kneeled in front of him looking up at his shadowed face. "Life gets better" he promised, "Just don't be a fool like me and not ask for help along the way" Vivi nodded.

"What?" Vaan asked not getting it.

"Roxas are you saying Vivi…" Zidane heart fell with realization. "Lightning he's wrong right?"

"No Roxas isn't wrong, I told you he was an abuse victim" she stated.

"You made it sound like one time thing" Zidane snapped. "But Roxas… It wasn't was it?" Vivi turned to the others slowly. The boy stared at them all before slowly removing his hat.

All eyes widened at the sight of the boys face. His black hair was messy like many boy's his age. But his face, his face was covered in scares. His skin was tan, despite being covered all the time, making the pink scares that ran along his cheeks pop out more. It looked as if some one had taken a knife and carved into each side of his face. Roxas knew just by looking what happened to the boy was no accident. They matched to perfectly. One long scare that ran from his temple to the edge of his lips then another from the bottom of his ear to the corner of his eye; two uneven 'X's mirrored on both sides of his face. Along with a few smaller ones cut around his neck and jaw.

Garnet jumped to her feet running over to the boy pulling him into a hug. Zidane just stared at the boy he thought of as a brother, wanting to kill who ever had done it to him. Vaan's was close to the same and Lightning only watched sadly, already knowing about the boy. Vivi pulled his hat back on once Garnet let him out of the hug.

"Roxas please tell me your not…" Garnet spoke sadly not able to look at him. "You looked so happy at the café with your siblings"

"I'm not… Compared to Vivi what I've been through is nothing" Roxas ensured. Just then the bell went off signing the end of the session. Everyone stood looking at Lightning for a moment.

"We'll continue this next time" she said looking from Vivi to Roxas.

With that they left her office. Leaving Lightning to wonder if she really was cut out for this line of work, nevertheless she got ready for her next group.

Outside no one ran off like they normally did. Vaan and Zidane stayed close to Vivi and Garnet walked close to Roxas.

"So…" Vaan stated hoping to break the cloud of doom that seemed to form over the group.

"We're not in there anymore. How about we forget the shit in life for a moment" Roxas said for him. "I don't have anything better to do so is anyone up for pizza?" the group was taken back by his forwardness, normally not wanting anything to do with them, in or out of counseling.

"I don't have money" Zidane pointed out. "Could get some though" he said looking around the street. Roxas smacked him in the back of the head.

"Don't even" he warned, everyone laughed not expecting Roxas to do such a thing. "I have money, I wouldn't have offered if I could pay for it"

"Free pizza?" Zidane asked hopefully, rubbing his head.

"Heck I'm not passing up free food" Vaan said jumping to Roxas side. "Here to?"

"Only place I go to get pizza, 'Tonys'" Roxas stated looking to Garnet and Vivi. "You two in?" the girl shook her head.

"I have to get to work" she stated with a small smile. "Maybe next time"

"Alright" Roxas shrugged looking to Vivi "You" the boy lifted his arms at him. Roxas laughed kneeling, getting the idea.

The boys left after seeing Garnet off, making their way to 'Tonys'.

…

Roxas got home that night exhausted. He should have known that taking two thieves somewhere wasn't a good idea. Though they didn't steal anything, they sure thought about it enough, and Roxas was sure if he hadn't smacked Zidane, he would have done it. Vaan had been better about it but he didn't help with his encouragement he gave Zidane.

He back home around 8:00 and the bar was still busy. Tifa called him to the bar to help, nevertheless, Roxas helped. By 10:00 the blonde was about to fall asleep standing up. No one seemed to notice though. He sighed throwing out the next drink. Around 10:30, the bar was near dead only a few people that lived close by where left.

Roxas was about to head for bed then the door shot open and someone ran into the bar. Tifa and Cloud looked up, but Roxas kept heading to the stairs. He would have left all together if Clouds statement hadn't stopped him.

"Kid, you're not allowed in here. What are you doing out this late anyway?" Clouds voice asked was he walked forward. "Hey!" Cloud yelled as the sound of feet echoed through the bar. Roxas turned see what the fuse was about just in time to feel a body run into him. He wasn't thrown back or knocked over. Roxas merely looked down to see a familiar hat and small arms wrapped around him.

"Vivi?" Roxas gasped pulling the boy away so he could kneel in front of him. "What are you doing here?" Roxas question was answered when the boy raised his head to look at him. Blue eyes widened to see blood on the boys face. Roxas picked the boy up quickly rushing up the stairs, paying no attention to the calls of Cloud and Tifa.

He rushed into the bathroom and took the hat from the boys head. His face was covered in a large bruise and his cuts were dark. Roxas knew what had happened. Unlike earlier in the day, Vivi hadn't been attacked by people, but Heartless. The boy began to cry and hugged Roxas, the fear setting in. Roxas hugged the boy back.

"It's going to be okay" he waited for the boy to calm down a bit before pulling away. "I'm going to be right back. Wait here" the blonde said, the boy nodded and he rushed to his room. He didn't even acknowledge Sora as he burst into the room.

"Roxas?" Roxas didn't even look over to Riku who'd asked the question. The blonde only dropped to his knees digging under his bed.

"Seriously Roxas what's up?" Sora asked again as Roxas pulled out the box he was looking of. He pulled off the lid looking over the contents.

"Okay he shouldn't need a elixir… but then again I better be safe then sorry" Roxas muttered to himself grabbing on green bottle and one gold before throwing the led back on the box and shoving it back under the bed. He jumped to his feet and rushed out quicker then he'd come. Both Riku and Sora looked at each other worriedly before following after him. They journey was short as Roxas shut the bathroom door behind him. Only leaving the boys even more confused.

Roxas kneeled again in front of the boy. His large gold eyes stared at him as he pulled out a washcloth; pour the green liquid onto it. Gentle Roxas began to put the potion on the Heartless wounds.

"It might sting a bit but just bare with it" the boy nodded as Roxas began to work. When the boys face was cleaned and treated Roxas the elixir. "Vivi can you drink this medicine for me" the boy took the bottle drinking it slowly. Vivi stopped and stuck his tongue out. Roxas laughed softly. "I know it doesn't taste good. That's how medicine is" he stated looking the boy over. "Did you get hurt anywhere else?" Vivi paused taking off his rain coat to reveal a white shirt and a cut on his arm. Roxas applied the potion to that wound as well before wrapping it with a bandage. Asking again if he was hurt and getting a no. Roxas put the things away as Vivi returned his hat to his head. Roxas took the boy in his arms again and moved to the door.

Opening the door Roxas was met with Sora, Riku and Cloud. The three turned to Vivi who was hugging Roxas and hiding under his hat, the bandage on his arm showing his coat in Roxas's hand with the two empty bottles. Roxas didn't give them time to question anything as he spoke.

"Everyone meet Vivi. Vivi meet my family and friend" Roxas said with a faint wave. "Now if you excuse me I think I should call him home and tell them he's here before they have a heart attack" Roxas stated moving to the office two doors down to him. Once inside Roxas moved to the desk and grabbed a paper and pen handing it to Vivi. "Could you write down your number" the boy silently did what he was told.

Roxas dialed the number and the phone began to ring. No one answered so the blonde hung up and tried again. On the fourth try Roxas gave up calling the police in worry. The blonde knew if the boy had been attacked their might be a good chance others had been. Getting through to the police Roxas asked for Leon and was put on hold. A few clicks later he got who he wanted.

"Yes, this better be imported" Leon snapped impatiently.

"I told them not to bother you if you were busy" Roxas huffed "Anyway Leon its Roxas"

"… Don't tell me you ran into another one"

"No not exactly"

"What do you mean not exactly?"

"A boy I know came running into the bar. He was attacked by them" Leon was silent for a long moment before speaking.

"This kid wouldn't happen to be Vivi Orunitia, would it"

"Vivi is your last name Orunitia?" the boy nodded "Then yes it would be" Roxas said back to Leon. "Did something happen?"

"The kids alright then?"

"Yeah a few cuts and bruises, a little shaken up, but he'll be okay"

"You think you can keep an eye on him for the next few days"

"Sure why?"

"The home he stayed at was attacked" Roxas heart near stopped. "Luckily it seems they only ended up with a few in the hospital and no one was killed. I can't say the house was so lucky, it a pile of ash" the man explained, "We thought the kid was the only casualty until you called with him."

"Not that I'm not glad or anything, but how did everyone get out okay?"

"Same thing I'd like to know. No one form the house can explain it. The Heartless popped up out of no where. Then the next thing they know his the house was on fire. Best thing I can say happen, is the fire scared the Heartless off" Roxas looked over to Vivi who sat in the office chair, spinning himself.

"So everyone was okay?"

"Yes. But like I said the house is gone. Now I have a lot of homeless orphans on my hands. One thing for those beasts to attack people, but to attack an orphanage is low. Even for Heartless" the man hissed.

"Agreed" Roxas sighed, "I'm going to let you go Leon"

"You never told me what you wanted" the man stated.

"Just calling about Vivi. I was worried when I called the number he gave me and no one answered. So I called you. I got all I need" Roxas explained. "Be careful Leon" the man snored.

"I could say the same to you" he shot before handing up after a faint goodbye. Roxas hung up the phone and turned to Vivi.

"Looks like your bunking with me for a few nights Vivi" Roxas said taking the boys hand. "Seems your house got burned down" the boy nodded, "You knew?" he nodded again. "Alright you hunger?" the boy gave him a no. "Good because I'm ready for bed" Roxas stated leaning the boy down the hall.

He wasn't surprised to find the same three in the room waiting for him. Two sets of blue and one set of aquamarine stared at him as he walked over to his bed. He told Vivi to make himself comfortable before turning to them.

"So you want to know what's going on?"

"It's my house. I'd say I have the right" Cloud stated seriously.

"Vivi is a friend of mine. I just called and found of his house is gone. I was asked to keep an eye on him" Roxas explained looking at Cloud. "It is okay if he stays for a few days right?"

"Explain his house being gone"

"Burnt to the ground" Roxas sighed taking a seat on the bed turning to the younger. "Vivi you know these monsters you saw" the boy nodded, "Their called Heartless" the boy slowly nodded again as Roxas turned back to the others. "Leon said everyone got out okay but the house is gone"

"Dad?" Roxas nodded to Riku.

"I called him when I couldn't get through to Vivi's house. I knew if Vivi was attacked by Heartless then their was a good chance that others may have been"

"How'd you know?" Sora asked worriedly.

"He was covered in black cuts"

"That's why you rushed off?" Cloud questioned.

"He was bleeding what do you what me to do?"

"Where do you know the boy from?" Cloud asked looking the boy over. "He looks like he's seven"

"Ten" Roxas corrected, "I meet him through Lightning" Cloud the only one that understood that asked another question.

"Is he going to be okay here?" the blonde shrugged.

"I don't know. I'll stop by Lightning's after work and ask her. But I think he'll be fine. The only thing is he doesn't talk"

"Alright, but you have to stop at Lightning's" Cloud ensured turning to the two other boys. "You two don't press the subject" he warned before leaving the room to inform his wife of the news of their guest.

With Cloud gone Roxas got up and grabbed some PJ's. Looking around for something for Vivi to ware Roxas paused. He turned to Sora.

"You think Denzel has anything that would fit him?"

"Um he might" the blonde nodded.

"Watch Vivi of a second" Sora and Riku watched the blonde go. Only to turn back to the hat wearing boy that was now playing with Roxas's chocobo plushie he'd gotten at Christmas.

"I guess our plans are out the window" Sora whispered to Riku, not taking his eyes off the boy across the room.

"Something seems off about that kid" Riku whispered back, "He's dark"

"What?" Sora whispered sharply, "How can he be dark?" the man shrugged.

"I don't know. He just had a really dark energy" it was then Roxas came back into the room handing clothes to Vivi.

"I know their big but at least they'll fit better then mine" the boy took them before looking over to Sora and Riku. Roxas looked back then forward again. "You want us to leave while you change?" the boy nodded. Roxas walked over to the other two pulling them out of the room.

"Hey!" Sora protested.

"Is this necessary?" Riku huffed as they stood in the hall.

"Give the kid a break. He'd had a bad day" Roxas informed. Not a moment later Vivi opened the door. He was dressed in a baggy green t-shirt with a star on the front and a pair of striped white and green pants to match, the pants rolled up at the ends and the shirt loose on his shoulders. His hat still placed safely on his head.

"…" the boy didn't say a word as he walked over to Roxas grabbing the edge of his shirt. Roxas smiled down at the boy before leading him back into the room. The blonde changed and checked with the boy if it was okay they shared a bed before joining him. Red XIII luckily stayed with Denzel that night and Roxas lay in bed as Vivi hugged him around the waist. Vivi falling asleep quickly, unlike Roxas who felt eyes on the back of his head.

"What?" he near hissed at the two.

"Who is that kid?" Riku asked first.

"A friend" Roxas ensured.

"Roxas I know you of all people can feel it" Roxas glared over his shoulder at Riku.

"He's not evil"

"He's dark Roxas"

"So are you" Roxas pointed out, "It doesn't make you evil"

"Roxas…" Sora stared the blonde down.

"He's a good kid" Roxas told them. "He's been through a lot of stuff and sure he maybe on the dark side. But Riku you found a way once to live with dark and light. Why can't Vivi do the same?" Roxas words were true. Neither Sora or Riku could deny it. The nodded before leaving Roxas alone, the blonde fell asleep to Riku and Sora's voice in the background.

…

Vivi stayed with Roxas for the next few days. He followed Roxas everywhere. He went to work with him sitting at the counter with the girls, when to town with him holding his hand and stayed with him at night. Lightning had said it would be best if he was with someone that made him feel safe. Roxas seeming to do just that, the boy even smiled at Roxas a few times. Xion loved the boy. Though she couldn't see his face, she stated he was the cutest thing ever. Roxas could picture the blush on the boy's face as he hide behind him and looked down.

Four days after the boy started staying with him Leon came by to pick him up. Come to find out Vivi would now be under the care of Leon and Rinoa. Riku wasn't happy about it at first until Leon explained things and where Vivi had come from. Roxas also pointed out, if Vivi did have darkness, Riku would be the best to help him with it. Riku only reply was that he doesn't live with his parents so he could do a thing. Roxas smiled at his friend before teasing him about being a bad actor and not to quit his day job.

The day after Vivi had left, Roxas made his way to Leon's house to pick the boy up for counseling. The boy was lead out by Rinoa who made sure the boy had everything. Coat, hat, bag, and shoes tied; Vivi was free to go. Rinoa waved to them from the door as they went on their way. Roxas held the boy's hand as they walked down the busy streets.

Halfway there Roxas stopped when Vivi paused pointing to their right. Roxas turned and say Pence waving at him.

"Roxas!" the boy ran over with Hayner and Olette. Roxas couldn't help but smile at the three.

"When'd you three start hanging out without me?" Roxas teased.

"When you stopped answering your phone" Hayner pointed out. Roxas slapped his forehead.

"That's right I have to get a new phone"

"Huh?" the three said together before looking down at Vivi, who stood behind the blonde still holding his other hand.

"I lost my phone a few days before Easter. I've been meaning to get another one" Roxas sighed, "I can't believe I forgot that"

"Explains why we all thought you were ignoring us" Olette said looking down at the boy. "Who's this?"

"Vivi" Roxas looked back at the boy, remembering his appointment. "Speaking of him we have to be getting somewhere and I really don't want to be late"

"Are you sure you're not trying to ditch us?" Hayner asked crossing his arms over his chest.

"Yes" Roxas pleaded before picking Vivi up. "Now seriously we have to run to get there in time" Roxas took a few steps back. "I'll talk to you guys later, promise" with that Roxas was off, running down that street. Vivi holding onto his hat so it wouldn't fly off.

"You think he was lying?" Hayner asked the other two.

"No he looked like he was scared to be late" Olette stated, "That and I think Xion did say something about him losing his phone"

"Why didn't you tell us before?" the boys asked the girl. Olette shrugged.

"I didn't think of it"

Roxas and Vivi got to Lightning's office with only moments to spare. Vivi pulled the blonde over to Zidane and sat down.

"Now that everyone's here why don't we pick up where we left off" Vaan offered.

"How about we share what's new. Then do that" Lightning said.

"I found out where Garnet works" Zidane stated, "I found it yesterday" he smirked.

"Stalker" Vaan teased.

"Am not"

"If he is, I am. I ran into her at the café too" Roxas stated.

"Yes, how are your siblings doing?" Garnet asked.

"Good last time they called" the girl looked confused. "They were only here visiting. They live in Twilight Town" Roxas explained.

"Oh" she smiled, "Really thought I wouldn't had thought you had a twin"

"You have a twin Roxas?" Lightning asked.

"Yeah"

"You never told me" she stated looking at her papers.

"I told you about Ventus"

"You only stated that he was your older brother" Roxas shrugged.

"Didn't cross my mind then"

"Your twins? Like identical twin?" Zidanes asked across Vivi.

"Yep, most people can't tell us apart"

"What that hard growing up?" Lightning asked.

"No" Roxas lifted his arm showing off his checkered wristband. "We got these so people could tell us apart" Roxas pointed to the black base. "Mines black and Ventus's is white. People we cared knew that so we never got mixed up" Roxas lowered his arm. "Those who didn't know where to look. We just messed with them" she raised a brow at this, "Switched classes in school. Stuff like that"

"It never bothered you to have people mistake you?"

"Honestly it didn't happen much. We were only together as kids. After that we were sent to different places"

"What do you mean by that?" the woman asked.

"Ventus was smarter then me. Got into a better school" Roxas stated. "That and I wasn't like much by…" Roxas paused for a moment, "By Diz"

"Who's Diz?" Vaan's asked not getting, unlike the counselor.

"Would Diz be your father?" Lightning asked.

"Yeah, something like that"

"You don't have a good relationship with him?" Roxas laughed at this.

"Relationship, right" the blonde's dry laughs died, "Man hates my guts. Said so on many actions. Made it very clear I'm not his son"

"What you do to piss him off?" Zidane asked.

"Exist last time I checked" Roxas said in all seriousness. "That and act to much like my Mother"

"What's your Mom like?" Garnet asked.

"Don't really know" Roxas confessed. "Died when I was three… Could have been four" the room was silent.

"The more I hear about your life the more I don't like it" Vaan's stated, "And here I was thinking you had it easy when I first meet you"

"I have compared to some" Roxas ensured, "Anyway weren't we talking about what was new?" Roxas said changing the subject back to what it had started.

They explained what was new. Roxas explaining for Vivi what was up with him. Mainly that he'd stayed with him for a few days and that he'd gotten a new home. Slowly everyone turned the subject back onto Roxas and Vivi, about the abuse they'd both suffered.

"Come on Roxas" Zidane begged. "At list tell me the person who did it's rotting in a hole and never will see the light of day again" Roxas didn't look up from the floor, that he'd found interesting for the last hour.

"I can't Zidane"

"Why not?"

"Because he's not" Roxas explained, "And I don't want him to be"

"How can you say that?" Zidane snapped.

"He's right" Vaan added.

"Shut up" Roxas warned, "You don't know anything. You don't know a thing" before anyone could say a word Lightning stood walking over to Roxas holding a piece of paper out to him.

"This is the name of a man you'll be going to see after his session is over" she explained. "It seems this will be your last time with his group"

"What?" the group snapped.

"So just like that? You're kicking me out?"

"No Roxas" she ensured and explained, "When you came to us you told us about the accident. Not about your past abuse. Not knowing about it, we put you in this group, which if you didn't have that abuse could help you. But because you do have more of a history then you first said, I'm not qualified to help you"

"Passing the problem along" Roxas said dryly.

"No. Roxas this group won't be able to help you in the ways you need. Though if you want to come for help with the accident trauma, we'd be happy to have you" she said with a smile. "Roxas all I'm saying is you need someone to help you with your past. And our group can't do it"

"So he can still come?" Garnet asked.

"Yeah he just started to be our friend" Vaan pointed out.

"And Vivi likes him" Zidane added.

Roxas looked at the group and had to admit he'd miss them if he didn't see them once and awhile. They knew he was crewed up and still talked to him. The blonde didn't know what half of his friends would do if they'd do. Sure they wouldn't stop talking to him, but nothing would be the same again. Roxas smiled.

"I'll go to this guy, but you people better schedule it after this thing" he said to Lightning, who smiled.

"You do know you'll have to pay for both" Roxas shrugged.

"I have money coming to me after stopping paying hospital bills anyway"

That was that. After that session, Lightning escorted him down the hall to a man named Sazh Katzroy. Lightning knocked on the door.

"Come in" Lightning opened the door to reveal Sazh. He was a middle-aged man with dark skin and a distinctive afro, where much to Roxas's shock, had a chocobo chick sitting atop of. He wore a long, olive coat over khaki trousers. A white button-down shirt and black buckled engineer boots were crossed resting on his desk.

"Sazh" Lightning said to the man. "This is Roxas Strife and his paper work" she said walking forward to drop the papers next to his boots. "I talked about him before"

"You said you had it under control" the man said removing his boots from his desk.

"Yes well I was wrong" the man sighed looking over to Roxas who still stood in the doorway.

"He must be something if you admit your wrong over him" the man stated good-naturedly. "Come on in" Roxas didn't hear him at first to busy staring at the chocobo. He stepped in nevertheless, taking the place at Lightning's side.

"I'll leave you two alone then"

"What?" the man said making her stop short.

"Do you have appointment?" she asked.

"No"

"Then I don't see the problem" she smiled before leaving, shutting the door behind her.

"Chocobo... we just can't catch a break, can we?" the man said to the small chick before grabbing the paperwork to look over. "You can take a sit wherever" the man said. Roxas looked around the office then.

The walls were brown and the rug was a dark green. On the wall to the door, was a bookshelf and a chair. On the wall to his left was a brown leather couch and another bookshelf. To his right was a table that held a few pictures and odds and ends. Other then that was only the man's large desk that sat in front of him. So Roxas decided, moving to the chair in the far corner of the room. The psychologist looked up at this giving him a questionable look.

"I don't like leather" Roxas stated. He really didn't. And no it wasn't because he wanted to save the cows. It was because it was either too hot to sit on or too cold. Needless to say he'd much rather sit in a chair without it.

"Alright" the man turned back to looking over the papers quickly. After six minutes of silence he set them aside and looking up at the blonde, who was at the moment, across the room.

"Do you want me to move the chair closer to your desk?" Roxas asked seeing the man ready.

"That would be great" Roxas did just that, taking a seat in his new place. "So why don't I tell you a little about myself. My names Sazh Katzroy. I'm 40 years old and a Libra. I lost my wife three years ago to cancer, leaving me with my six-year old son, Dajh. I grew up in Traverse Town and moved here after college, been here since. I love guns and chocobos" he finished looking to Roxas.

"I'm Roxas Strife. I'm 19 and a Leo I think, I'm not really into that stuff. I lost my mom when I was three almost four. I grew up in Twilight Town and moved to Destiny Island when I was fourteen. When I was sixteen I moved here with my brother's family, which I've been living with for the last five years. I also don't know why I'm telling you this because I'm sure you just read it all on those papers you just finished reading" Roxas stated.

"I just get a feel of a person better when I hear it coming form them. Not reading notes from someone else. Like I wouldn't know you were so blunt if I didn't" he stated with a smile.

"Pessimistic, sadistic and sarcastic too" Roxas added.

"Troublesome mix" the man huffed, "I see why Lightning gave you to me"

"Ha ha" Roxas said dryly, "She threw me to you because I didn't tell you enough when I first started. I guess abuse puts you in a different category"

"You're very open about it"

"You already now about it" Roxas pointed out. "No point trying to hide it. That and where would that get me? I came to get help, not deny it" the man smiled.

"Good at list we're on the same page"

"Yeah but anything I say you can't tell anyone. No even the cops. I don't care if I'm in harm or anyone else is" Roxas added, "I can take care of that myself"

"So you're saying if you tell me you're going to kill someone I'm not allowed to say anything?"

"No that's not what I meant" Roxas said to the man rolling his eyes. "I meant I'm going to have to end up telling you who abused me. I don't want you to call the cops about it. Or if I tell you other things. You're going to think I'm crazy, you wouldn't be the first. But I ensure you I'm not. I can take care of myself when it comes to fights. And anything else I'll just deny"

"Is that so" the man listened. "Why don't you tell me some of these things? Tell me what's on your mind"

"Hell why not. Minds well get it over with" Roxas took a breath. "I been abused by my dad since my mom died. Physically it didn't start until I was eight. I been told not to call him father and I'm not his son. He kicked me out at fourteen that's why I moved. I never saw him again until a few days ago. Called me a nobody and punched me in the face. He was right in a sense but yeah. He hates me because I have dreams of the past that isn't mind and he thinks I'm crazy. Recently I found out I also remind him of my mom and that's another reason. News to me. My friend Xion what hit by a motorcycle and but into a coma for two years because of me. She just woke up and I have no idea what to do. Though I did talk to her now. My past life has been bugging me for awhile and Heartless have been popping up again. I lost my cell phone but that's not important. I also haven't really talked to my friends much because of it. Oh and it's been bugging me since I came in here. Why do you have a chocobo chick on your head? And can I hold it?" Roxas finished and the man only stared at him.

"… So let me make sure I heard you right" the man started slowly, "Your father abused you and kicked you out at fourteen" Roxas nodded. "Your friend was hit by a motorcycle and you blame yourself?"

"No it's my fault"

"How?"

"If I hadn't called her name when I did she wouldn't had stopped in the middle of the street and she wouldn't had been hit" the man took in the information before sighing.

"Okay well get back to that" he ensured before continuing. "She awake okay now though?"

"She will be" he nodded.

"You said your past life had been bugging you and something about someone being heartless"

"Not some one being heartless. The Heartless" Roxas corrected.

"Let's act like I know what that is"

"Go to the library and look up the Key War. I'll tell you after that. Because if I do now I'll be sent to a mental hospital and I really have been doing my best not to be since I was eight" Roxas explained. "But yes I did say the thing about the past life"

"That I can answer now" the man ensured, "It's a past life. Key word 'past'. You can't do anything about it, so don't let it get to you to badly. Now moving on" Roxas stared at him. The man really didn't get it, but then again the blonde hadn't expected him to. "The cell phone, get a new one"

"Yeah been meaning too" Roxas agreed.

"I didn't catch the rest, sorry. But I did hear the chocobo thing" he said taking the bird from his head. "My son wanted one. So for his birthday I got one for him. I just take care of it when he's at school and yes you can hold it" Roxas took the bird eagerly.

"Always wanted one" Roxas confessed. "Your son's lucky to have a dad like you" he pointed out to the man as he ran his finger over the birds fluff yellow feathers.

Sazh watched as Roxas held the chocobo gently running his finger over it softly. The blonde smiled down at the bird and Sazh realized that maybe Lightning had been right to send the boy to someone he could talk to. Because from the sounds of it, he didn't do it often and he seemed to need to. But then again, so does everyone one.

"Roxas" the blonde looked up at the man. "You don't seem to have trouble talking about what happened to you. So why haven't you until now?" the man asked, the blonde paused.

"I guess I didn't want to make anyone worry. And admitting it makes it real" he explained getting back to petting the chocobo chick. "But it seems to be doing that, me talking about it, or not…"

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AN: Drama, drama, drama. Anyway! Hope you like the update. At this point I have finished writing this story. I just have to get around to posting it all. Honestly I'm not too worried about it. Seeing as I dont think many read it. But those that do. I promise it will be finished. :)