Chapter 9

It was finally Monday, a school day. The weekend was quick to end, causing Roxas to feel a bit frantic about facing Axel once again. The pile of homework Sora had handed to him was not completed. Unfortunately, there were no excuses for Roxas to stay home. His fever disappeared the day before, allowing him to have a bit more energy to move around the house. All of his symptoms cleared up except for a couple of coughs here and there. So, his mother was swift to wake him up the next day, urging him to get dressed and work his ass off at school. Reluctantly, Roxas prepared himself for school.

Roxas stepped into his mother's car, his mind quickly wandering off. There was a chance Axel would try talking to him today. The thought of that made him slightly nervous, mostly because of the insults he spewed out to the redhead. School was definitely a big NO for him right now. Roxas didn't really feel like dealing with anything or anyone today - not Hayner, not Olette, not Pence, not Sora, not Namine and certainly not Axel. Roxas started to wonder if he could fake not feeling well just to get away from hellhole.

But it was too late . . .

It seems as if the car already reached Oblivion High School. Roxas only stared out the huge school, watching as people crowded around outside while a few entered the entrance. Roxas glared at the huge glass doors, recalling how Namine and Axel kissed there. Honestly, it was a wonder how the two didn't get caught. Weren't they were basically skipping class?! How the hell did they even leave without a teacher snooping their noses into the situation? Roxas huffed, as he glared intensely at the door.

"Sweetie, why aren't you leaving?" Roxas snapped out of his thoughts, looking sharply back to his mom.

"Uhh, I just wasn't-" Roxas was still deciding whether or not he should just act ill. "- I ... don't feel so well, mom. Can't you just drop me off back home? I think I'm going to puke." Roxas wrapped his arm around his stomach, while a hand flew to his mouth. He just hoped he looked convincing enough. However, his mother had a doubtful frown gracing her face at the time.

"Well, I think you're going to have to deal with it for today.. If I take you home right now, I'll be late to work." Shelbie stated, gazing at Roxas with worry. "Don't worry, I'll be home by the time you arrive home to take care of you..." Roxas let out a small groan, shaking his head. He attempted to give his mom the saddest look he could muster, remembering how she would melt at the sight when he was younger.

"Mom, please? If I leave now, I might just faint in class. I really don't feel good." His mother let out a moan, feeling conflicted on what action to take. But luckily for her, a sudden knock to the window took them both surprise. Roxas immediately flashed his eyes to the window, dreading to find out who this mysterious person might be. With wide eyes, he stared at the person until a relieved sigh escaped him.

It was only Hayner.

Roxas rolled down his window, sending Hayner an annoyed frown which Hayner replied to with a grin. His mother looked particularly relieved to find his friend standing outside.

"Is there something you need, Hayner?" Roxas growled out, irritated his friend decided to interrupt his little discussion with his mom.

"Just wanted to say hey to your mother, ya know? I haven't seen her around that often nor have I been around here." Hayner replied, sending a wave to her as well as a cheerful grin. Then, he leaned in to Roxas's ear to whisper, "especially since you started to hang out with Axel." Roxas let out a frown, before opening the door harshly, smacking Hayner, who let out a startled yell.

"Roxas, I thought you weren't feeling-" His mother started.

"Mom, I think I'm feeling a lot better now. I'm going to walk to class with Hayner, alright? Bye!" Roxas rushed out, as he released his seatbelt. Then, he stepped out with a big sigh, stretching out his arms. "Hayner, let's go."

"Oh yeah, of course. Bye Mrs. Hayes!" Hayner verbalized, letting out another one of his big smiles as he turned to catch up with Roxas, who had a deep agitated scowl on his face. Hayner only stared at Roxas with confusion as he glared at the school. There was no way Roxas was going to be able to handle school, especially with Axel lurking somewhere inside the halls. "Uhh, is there something wrong, Roxas?" The blond only ignored his friend, as he walked forward. "Roxas? Roooooxas! HEY ROXAS!" Hayner was waving a hand in front if his face.

"What?" Roxas hissed, watching as Hayner sent him one of his perplexed faces. "I'm not deaf so keep it down!" People were staring at them, which was causing Roxas to clench his teeth in frustration. He didn't want to deal with people, not today.

"Man, I just wanted to know how you're feeling so chill..." Hayner grumbled, an agitated frown on his face. "I guess I'm not allowed to worry about my friend..." Then, Hayner was out of there, rushing into the school, leaving Roxas behind. Roxas took a deep intake of oxygen, internally groaning at himself. He was definitely on his way to the "worst friend ever" list. However, it wasn't like Roxas was trying to piss anyone off... Right?

With a groan, Roxas entered the school. . .

School was terrible. . .

It was horrible, absolutely horrendous.

The most horrifying part? Roxas was only halfway through the shitty day. . .

The first class for the day made a direct impact on him already, only foreshadowing the awful challenges that'll come ahead. Hayner refused to talk to him, which was understandable since he pretty much acted like a dick before class even started. But then that awful history teacher had to make things worse, especially with that cold smirk of his. Mr. Xigbar was despicable and he was in terrible need of some nice traits because Roxas was starting to find none.

The first thing that the teacher said when Roxas walked in was that homework was due. When Roxas tried to explain to the old hag that he was sick since Friday, Mr. Xigbar only declared there was no excuses and assigned him a pop quiz. Seriously, what the hell was that? Needless to say, Roxas left the class in the foulest mood ever... The only good thing that happened was that Hayner snapped out of his angry act and tried to cheer up the fuming teen which helped dampen his fury only by an inch.

Then, after a few classes, it was finally time for Health class. This period was the first time in any school day he would see Sora. . . plus Axel. But Roxas didn't really want to think about Axel. It wasn't because he hated Axel for kissing Namine... The reason was mostly because he felt a little bad. Actually, it was more than a 'little' bad. It was guilt. . .

Roxas felt guilty for telling Axel off when his friend was simply trying to help him feel better. He wanted to focus on the shame rather than the rage and betrayal he felt after he saw Axel with Namine. The sight of that sure did not set well in his stomach. Any thoughts regarding Namine only continued to infuriate him, making him want to weep bitter tears... So, he tossed the memory aside for now, trying to calm himself down as he entered his Health class.

Sora must've gotten there earlier because he was sitting in his desk, smiling at Roxas as soon as he saw him. Roxas only sent a strained smile back, weakly waving to the energetic brunet. Once Roxas reached his seat, Sora immediately started talking to him with his cheerful attitude.

"Roxas!" Sora beamed, wiggling in his seat as if he couldn't contain his excitement. "Are you feeling okay now? You're not sick anymore, right? Did you eat all the candy I gave you? Did you finish your homework?!" Roxas only stared blankly at Sora, his mind rushing to comprehend all the questions the brunet was hurling towards him but it was too busy focusing on the empty desk behind him. Where the hell was Axel? He's normally not this late, especially with a minute left until the bell rings. Roxas felt his stomach tighten in anxiety as he anticipated for the redhead's arrival. Roxas felt Sora's eyes on him as the seconds ticked by. "Roxas?"

"Uhh, yeah! I'm feeling a lot better now!" Sora only nodded, waiting Roxas to answer more. "Umm, I-I ate all the candy too..." Roxas quietly admitted, watching as Sora went wide-eyed with disbelief before he started sputtering with laughter.

"I KNEW IT! I KNEW IT! YOU ALWAYS EAT IT ALL!" Sora declared, pointing at Roxas accusingly. Roxas was too busy glancing back at the door, worrying about Axel's appearance to be fully upset at the statement. "YOU COMPLAIN ABOUT IT! BUT THEN, YOU'D EAT IT! YOU ACTUALLY ATE THE HUGE BAG OF CANDY I GOT YOU"

"I don't even ask for candy.. You would just give it to me.. I only eat it because it'll only be a waste to throw it away." Roxas argued, as Sora shook his head in refusal. The blond only felt his irritation flare up as Sora childishly denied. "I do not like candy." But his mouth decided to water at the thought of it.

"Yeah right! No need to deny it, Roxas! You having a sweet tooth is a fact! Everyone knows you're going to get diabetes someday!" Sora exclaimed. Roxas's eye twitched, as a furious scowl began to appear. All his nervous thoughts surrounding Axel began to vanish as he felt his annoyance prying in.

"I am not going to get diabetes, Sora! How many times do I have to tell you this!?" Roxas gritted out, staring daggers into Sora, who only smiled widely with a shake to the head. Sora opened his mouth to retort, which only caused Roxas to groan loudly. When was the bell going to ring? Where was the teacher? When the hell is this class going to start?!

"Yes, you will!"

"No, I won't."

"Yeah, you will!"

"No, I-" The tardy bell rang. Instantly, the Health teacher walked in, telling the class "good morning." Roxas only faced the front, deciding the conversation was over but Sora only turned to him with his big grin.

"Yes, you will..." Sora whispered, face triumph. Roxas only moaned, planting his face into the desk with a defeated grunt. The teacher was starting the lesson and Roxas didn't care less about paying attention. His mind had trailed back to Axel, wondering what on earth the redhead could be doing at this exact moment instead of being in class like a good student. Roxas felt jittery, as he tapped his foot against the floor. Did Axel decide not to come to school today? Roxas couldn't figure out any other reason why Axel wouldn't be in his seat by now.

A minute flew by... Then, five...

After the ten minutes passed by, a certain redhead dashed into the classroom, holding a pink sheet. Roxas felt his eyes traveling to Axel, feeling remorse jab his heart. Axel was explaining how he had to help his teacher out and how he was given a pass. The teacher accepted the note before instructing Axel to take his seat. This was where Roxas felt himself gain a heart attack, his breath stopping when Axel turned reluctantly towards his seat.

Their eyes met, a dashing green clashing with blue. Roxas was the one to hold the gaze, silently panicking while Axel whipped his eyes away from Roxas, a deep frown on his face. Then, Axel found his seat behind Roxas, not a sound of acknowledgement towards the blond. Roxas let out a little cough, wanting, needing Axel to talk to him. Roxas understood that Axel was a worrisome friend and that everytime he let out a sneeze or accidently tripped over air, Axel would be questioning the blond in his worried tone.

But Axel said nothing. . .

Now, Roxas felt dejected as he followed along with the teacher's words, wondering if he should be concerned about Axel at all. Wasn't there an old nursery rhyme that went, 'Stick and stones may break my bones but words will never harm me.' Surely that meant Axel wasn't hurt by his words? If anything, Axel probably didn't care about the word "fatso." Honestly, it's been so long since their childhood days and Axel wasn't even obese anymore... So, Axel shouldn't worry about his weight... However, Roxas got a feeling that appearance was Axel's sensitive topic and that he shouldn't even be talking about how fat Axel used to be.

Roxas tapped his fingers on his desk impatiently, conflict raging in his mind. Then, a small light bulb decided to appear on top of the blond's head, a silly plan forming. The blond only wanted to see how Axel was holding up so why not take a quick glance to his face? But since Axel was sitting right behind him, it would be plain obvious on why Roxas would suddenly turn his head. He wanted to make it seem unintentional..

So, the mechanical pencil that was lying right next to his hand was rolled to the ground. Nobody around Roxas decided to care about the dropped pencil, not even Axel. Roxas quickly slid off his seat, searching around for his pencil until he found it right next to Axel's foot. Somehow, the mechanical pencil must've rolled there but Roxas wasn't troubled. His tiny idea was working out smoothly.

Roxas sort of crawled over to his pencil since it was clear Axel wasn't going to pick it up for him. After grabbing his utensil, Roxas decided a quick glance wouldn't hurt. However, his look to Axel wasn't "short" at all.

Axel was staring at him but it wasn't any typical face Roxas was used to seeing. Roxas was expecting to see Axel looking a tad upset but that sure wasn't what he got. The redhead had a flat look going on, along with a side of coldness. Axel didn't seem amused at all and Roxas felt his "smart" plan crumbling away. It was intimidating to gaze up from the floor, only to find that dry stare directed towards him.

There were no words exchanged and Roxas hastily jumped back into his seat after gripped his pencil. Now, Roxas was certain Axel appeared unhappy to see him. Roxas only shrunk in his seat, his face flushing in horror as he recalled the way Axel stared at him.

Maybe he should just try ignoring Axel as well...

It was the end of the day, the class only left standing was Art which Roxas now dubbed his "worst" class ever. After entering the class, he was surprised to find Namine and Axel sitting in their seats already. Maybe they were earlier because they decided not to have their little make out session anymore. That definitely made sense to Roxas, mostly since he saw them kissing before Art class had started the previous week.

Roxas stood at the entrance, wondering what the fuck he should do. Roxas usually sat at their table, across from them, but he didn't know if he could stand staring at Axel or Namine. It was easier for Roxas when he was sitting in front of Axel with no way of staring at the redhead's face. However, he would have to deal with it if he decided to sit there...

There was no way in hell he was going to sit with them. So, Roxas opted to walk past the two before placing himself down on some random table. The group of kids only stared at him strangely but he shrugged it off and placed his face down on to the table, not caring about doing any work. Who cares about Art? Roxas wasn't going to spend his time attempting to make stick people or a glob of paint on his paper.

As Roxas tried to drift off, the loud voices of Axel and Namine kept blasting into his ear. Axel's voice louder than Namine's... Roxas scowled into his arms, frustration building up. Why did it feel like Axel was intentionally trying to piss him off? Roxas could hear Namine's angelic giggles and Axel's loud booming chuckles. Roxas could feel his jealousy returning. Why would Axel decide to stay friends with Namine after she destroyed our friendship? Wasn't Axel mad at Namine? Axel probably just wanted to ruin his life by talking to Namine. Not being able to take it anymore, Roxas stood up before stomping to the teacher, demanding for a bathroom pass.

After receiving his pass, Roxas ran out of the door, running all though the empty hallways and into the men's bathroom. Roxas felt sick, his stomach churning with nausea and his heart thumping with painful ache. He stayed in the bathroom, washing his face repeatedly until he felt better. Roxas didn't return until there was only five minutes left of school.

Once he entered the Art class, he noticed how quiet it had became. Axel and Namine weren't talking anymore, too observed in their work to say anything. Roxas felt a couple eyes flying over to him, including Axel's and awkwardly dragged himself to his teacher. He handed in his pass, before walking to his new seat, immediately planting his face into his arms. Roxas was anticipating for the bell, waiting until he could finally hear the ding.

BRIIIIIIIING

Roxas stood up before being one of the first ones to dash out of there. He was running to one of the many exits in the school, wanting to find his small group of friends. Before Axel, he would've normally walked home with Hayner, Olette and Pence. Though, in the winter, Pence's mother would've been the one to drive them home. Roxas would never ask to go home with Sora, understanding that the energetic brunet usually spent his time with Riku and Kairi at the mall after school.

He ran out the door, feeling a blast of chilly air hit him, glancing around wildly for his group of friends before finding them trying to walk down the sidewalk and into the neighborhood where Pence's mother was waiting. She was usually a block or two away because of all the car traffic next to the school.

"PENCE! OLETTE! HAYNER! WAIT UP!" Roxas rushed towards them, careful since the sidewalks were still a bit frozen. Olette glanced at him before smiling, waving to him happily. "Hey guys, do you mind if you take me home with you?" Roxas gasped out, smiling weakly at them. They all shook their head, though Hayner had this suspicious frown on his face.

"What happened to going home with Axel?" Olette asked, a curious smile on her face. Roxas only sent her a strained smile and shrugged.

"Something just came up so he's too busy." Roxas said, feeling his heart tremble at the lie. "Let's just go home already!" Olette just nodded, accepting his excuse. Then, they were all silently walking down the sidewalk, getting further away from the school. Roxas felt himself relaxing until a shout had him quickly tensing up and glancing back in alarm.

It was Axel, who had yelled at Roxas.

His group of friends only stared at the blond, confused, wondering what happened to Axel being "busy." Roxas only froze up, staring at Axel wildly before deciding to make a run for it. He could just walk home instead of finding a ride with Pence. However, as soon as Roxas started to dash, his foot started to slip and he was only able to widen his eyes in horror before his face slammed into the ground. Once again, he fucked up in his escape...

"Oh gosh, are you okay Roxas?" Pence questioned, reaching down to pick up his fallen friend. Roxas groaned into the frozen ground, feeling his cheek flare up in pain. There was a huge rock where he decided to fall... Greaaat!

Soon, Roxas rose up from the ground, clutching his cheek which was quickly warming up, knowing for sure there was going to be a bruise. Axel had finally caught up as well and he was silently standing there, refusing to acknowledge the group. The redhead was just staring straight at the blond but Roxas didn't want to take a glance, fearing to find a cold gleam in his green eyes. Everyone was silent for a couple of seconds until Hayner decided to speak up.

"So, what are you doing here?" Hayner spitted out, sending Axel a suspicious glare. Axel had ignored the venomous tone, only frowning slightly in worry at Roxas.

"We were suppose to drive home today.." Axel mumbled, narrowing his eyes at the red spot appearing on Roxas's cheek. "So, I'm here to take him home.." Roxas scowled, turning to Axel with a sneer.

"What makes you think I want to go home with you?" Roxas interjected but he quickly winced at the harsh tone behind his words. Staring at Axel wasn't making him feel better as well... Axel looked incredibly exhausted and his eyes were pleading for Roxas to shut up and follow him home. Roxas only frowned, glancing back at his friends. Olette smiled, sending Roxas a thumbs up.

"It's fine if you want to go with him, Roxas!" Olette verbalized but Roxas shook his head.

"B-but that's not what I want to do." Roxas replied back, sending her an irritated look but she looked completely oblivious to it.

"It's not like we won't see you tomorrow! So, don't worry!"

"Who says I'm wor-"

"Come on, guys! Bye Roxas!" Olette stated happily, dashing down the road with her other two friends. Roxas only stared after her in confusion, wondering why Olette was so eager to leave His friends were fast to disappear from his sight. Roxas shook his head slowly before turning back to the redhead, who looked at him in expectation. Axel opened his mouth to say something but Roxas shook his head again.

"I don't want to leave with you so drive home alone. I won't mind.." Roxas mumbled, before turning around, ignoring the redhead completely. He walked down four houses before glancing back, expecting to find Axel still standing there. To his astonishment, Axel was gone... Roxas only frowned, pausing from his spot in bewilderment. Roxas was so sure he was going to see Axel but now he completely vanished. The longer Roxas stood there, the lonelier he started feeling. The empty streets, darkening sky and white-covered grass wasn't making him feel better too. It was worsening the dejection Roxas was feeling.

It was also very cold and Roxas could feel himself shivering under his bundle of clothes. Winter sucked... At least from where he was standing. Deciding he'd rather not walk for how long, Roxas started running the other direction, praying Axel hadn't drove off yet. He finally reached the school again, where some students were still hanging around. Then, he went to the school's parking lot.

It wasn't hard to find Axel's car among the five that were still there. However, once Roxas found the car, he found Axel. The redhead wasn't inside the car like he was expecting. Instead, Axel was resting against his car, smoking a cigarette with a distant gleam to his eyes. Roxas slowly walked to Axel, bracing himself to talk to the redhead after a long day of stress. When Roxas finally reached the car, he quietly leaned against it with Axel.

"Axel, I changed my mind... May I go home with you?" Roxas whispered, ignoring the foul stench of Axel's cigarette. Axel glanced at him silently before nodding, then he dropped his cigarette, stomping on it before entering his car. Roxas assumed Axel would've been surprised to find him back but the redhead was probably expecting it since he was still standing here in this chilly weather. Roxas entered the passenger seat right after Axel started the car.

The whole car ride to his house was utterly quiet, not even a sound. The radio wasn't even turned on as usual. But Roxas didn't mind... He was too busy gazing out the window, too busy hearing Axel breathe, too busy in his thoughts to care. Then, they finally arrived at his house... Roxas walked out of the car without a word, before fixing Axel a deep stare, scrutinizing every last detail on Axel's face. Axel didn't say anything as he stared back. With a frown, Roxas turned away, trudging down his sidewalk and into his doorstep.

Roxas could almost swear he heard Axel whisper his name but a quick look back proved nothing but a blank stare and the car driving down the road. Roxas sighed, as the door opened and his mother welcomed him with open arms.

That night, Roxas's dreams were filled with his childhood days, surrounding around a certain redheaded kid.

A/N: I swear my updates are getting slower and slower. So yeah, sorry. I guess you can expect the next chapter to be sort of filled with his childhood days.