Hi everyone! Jasmine here! Um... I actually don't have anything to say. :D So... here's the next chapter!
We don't own KH or FF.
XXXX
Late that afternoon, Larxene pushed open the front door of her apartment, poking her head in apprehensively and preparing herself for yelling.
Hearing the front door, Cloud left his room and entered the living room in time to see Larxene closing the door behind her and taking off her shoes. He crossed his arms, leaning against the doorway. "Larxene."
Larxene waved, "Hey, Cloud." she said, still mentally prepared for an onslaught, but pushing her confidence to the front of her mind.
"Why? I think I deserve to know that much, don't you?" Cloud asked, his voice tense but otherwise holding onto his calm. "You know, of all people you should know, what Zack means to me and how pissed I was getting at these pranks. So why?"
Larxene leaned against the kitchen counter, "For exactly that reason." she said, "I know Leon well enough to know that he'd let you stay over if you were pissed enough at me that you were afraid you'd hurt me. So, I made you pissed." she said, "I've known you a long time, Cloud."
Cloud's mouth fell open in shock and his calm promptly flew out the window. "You WHAT?" he yelled. "You did it on purpose? Jesus Christ, I knew you were crazy, but I didn't realize you were completely insane! God, Larxene, you know how I get when I get that pissed! I could have hurt you!"
"But you didn't." Larxene reminded him, "I came home last night with every intention of letting you be pissed at me if you hadn't gone to Leon's, but you did. And I avoided the house this morning just in case you were still pissed. And seeing as you haven't attacked me yet, I'd say something went right somewhere along the line, right?" she raised an eyebrow, smirking lightly.
Cloud shook his head, fists clenched and shaking slightly, too overwhelmed. "You still haven't answered my first question: why? I can see your twisted reasoning for asking Zack to do it - I still say that makes you crazy - but why do it at all? Just to see how far you could push me? To pull something on your boss?"
"No, nothing like that." Larxene said, "I know Leon pretty well, and it seemed like the two of you would get along pretty well." she smiled, "Also, I may have put money down on that bet that Seifer and Xigbar have going on."
"...You intentionally pranked us, involving Zack, because you think me and Leon will make a good couple? You intentionally brought me to my breaking point, for money?" Cloud whispered, fury and hurt lacing his voice.
"Mostly the first one." Larxene said, "The money was a bonus, but not worth losing a friend over. If you want me to, I'll let Xigbar or whoever win the bet." she shifted uncomfortably, "Look, Cloud. I know my methods are... not normal, and not nice. But I know they work. It worked, didn't it?" she asked, eyeing him, "You and Leon both deserve a little bit of happiness, and I know you two too well not to think you could find it in each other."
Cloud closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He reopened his eyes and studied Larx carefully, noticing the concern and sincerity most others couldn't see. "You need to call Zack and apologize. And you need to swear you will never do something like this to me again - I really really hated wanting to hurt you. God, Larx, I practically broke down in Leon's living room at two o'clock this morning."
Larxene frowned at the last part of his statement, but spoke, "Already did. Called Zack last night and explained everything and apologized for it. I knew you'd be more likely to forgive me if I did that, and I did feel bad asking him to do it in the first place." she pushed herself off the counter, "And I don't think I'll ever need to do something like this again, so I'll go ahead and promise that." she smirked, sincere about the promise.
"Good. Then I guess we're okay. Just don't do anything like that again. Seriously." Cloud said, steeping forward and opening his arms to hug Larxene.
Larxene chuckled, "I already promised, didn't I?" she smiled, hugging him.
Axel walked into the room, "Well, isn't this cute?" he laughed, "Great, now that you two have made up, I can stop worrying about one of your killing the other and focus more on what the heck to do with Roxas this weekend."
Larxene pulled back from Cloud, glancing over at Axel, "Well, you could-"
Axel cut her off, "I mean, where to bring him on a date. A date."
Larxene rolled her eyes, "You're no fun."
"Whatever you end up doing, you should bring him here first to meet everyone. Although, I, ah, don't know exactly when I'll be here this weekend. I might, kind of, probably, have a... date myself." Cloud said, blushing slightly. He turned to Larxene, pointing sternly at her. "Not. One. Word. I mean it."
Larxene zipped her mouth shut, smirking all the while. A second later, though, she unzipped it, "Wait, wait. I have a question. Do I get to cash in on the bet or not?"
"Sure. And then you're going to turn around and give me the winnings, as a consolation for going through your crazy version of matchmaking." Cloud said, smirking.
Zexion walked in, hearing the tail end of what Cloud had said. "Matchmaking? So Larxene's plan actually worked? Wow."
"Half. I'll split it with you." Larxene said, "I should get at least half for actually helping you two get together."
"Did everyone know your ridiculous plan?" Cloud asked, throwing his hands up. "Fine. Half."
"Well, yeah. She kind of had to tell us when we were prepared for you two to be fighting." Zexion stated. "Oh, yeah. Cloud, what's the big deal about Zack? They wouldn't tell me."
Cloud eyed Axel and Larxene. "You didn't tell him anything?"
"Just that it was something between the two of you and that you would have to make the decision to explain it to him." Axel said.
Cloud ran a hand through his hair. "Short version? Zack had a really shitty home life, growing up, but somehow remained the most optimistic and helpful person I've ever met. Lots of people tried to take advantage of that, and I made it my job to stop them and to protect him. So when Larx dragged him into this pranking thing with Leon, I freaked because she knew how protective I am of him and I didn't like him being used. That'd also be why I didn't come home last night - didn't want to hurt Larx but couldn't look at her without doing so. So it's also her fault I had my anger breakdown at Leon's apartment."
Zexion frowned, but nodded, accepting the explanation.
"So, who wants food?" Larxene asked, "I say we order something that's NOT pizza, though, since it seems like we've been eating a lot of that the last few weeks."
"Chinese?" Zexion asked, going into the kitchen to get the menu of a Chinese take out place not far from the house.
"Sounds good to me." Larxene nodded.
Axel shrugged, "If it's food, I'll eat it."
Cloud rolled his eyes. "Why does that not surprise me... Chinese is fine, Zex."
Zexion nodded as he reentered the living room holding the menu. "Hurry up and place your orders, then, so I can call it in."
XXXX
Glancing at the clock, Namine sighed as she realized she still had several hours before Reno would be home. Standing and stretching, she made her way over to Riku's bedroom door and knocked softly.
"Riku? Are you hungry?" She asked, trying the doorknob and finding it still locked.
She frowned when she got no answer. "Riku? Are you okay? Riku?"
Riku groaned, throwing his pillow at the door. "I'm not hungry, okay? Leave me alone!"
Namine sighed. "Riku, you know you'll eventually have to come out and face this."
"Says who?" was the muffled response.
"I do! You're never going to feel any better if you just mope in your room! I understand you're hurt and angry and upset, but you need to do normal things like eat and sleep and go to work. You would feel better if you talked to someone. Please, Riku." Namine said.
"I don't want to talk - I just want to be left alone! Nami, please..." Riku said, once again on the verge of tears.
Namine sighed. "All right. Just... just know that I'm here for you. But if you aren't out of there and at least talking to me and beginning to heal by the end of the weekend, I will personally kick this door down!" Namine turned and headed towards the kitchen, not hearing Riku's whispered "Thanks, Nami".
She opened the fridge door, glancing at its contents before grabbing some left over pizza and finding a plate, placing it in the microwave to heat up. As she waited, she looked around on the counter until she found Reno's cell number, and programmed it into her own phone. Grabbing her now-heated pizza, she returned to the couch to continue her vigil.
XXXX
Sora pushed his way through the crowds gathered around the large television that was currently playing some Blitzball game he didn't care about, and plopped into a chair at the bar of the restaurant not too far from his house.
He could've just drowned his insecurity at his house, but that seemed a lot less appealing with his mother home for the night. So, to the bar it was. He had been sitting less than ten seconds before Reno was in front of him.
"Hey there. What can I get you?"
Sora glanced up. The redhead looked familiar, but not enough for Sora to place who it was in his slightly dazed state.
"Just a beer sounds good." He said.
"Sure. One sec." Reno nodded, walking away to get the brunette his drink. While he was filling the glass, he was trying to decide what to do.
The source of his half-brother's heartache was sitting at his bar. Should he call Riku? Definitely not.
Maybe he wouldn't say anything. Be the typical bartender and act as Psychologist. Maybe he'd be able to figure out what was going on—namely why the fuck Sora would turn Riku down.
With that in mind, Reno walked back over to Sora with his beer, putting it down on the counter in front of him. With most customers distracted by the Blitzball game, Reno had a chance to talk to Sora.
"You look pretty distressed. Wanna talk about it?"
Sora glanced up at the bartender from his drink and shrugged, "Just some shit going on with my friends."
Friends was plural, Reno noted. He nodded, urging Sora to continue.
Sora sighed, "I don't know if I really want to talk about it."
Reno nodded again, understanding. "That's alright. I'm here almost every night if you change your mind." He smirked, and then walked away to serve another customer. If Sora was like any other bar patron, he'd loosen up eventually.
XXXX
Axel parked his car in the driveway of the house he lived in with Zexion, Larxene, and Cloud, and glanced at the blonde in the passenger's seat. "I didn't tell them I was bringing you over. If you don't want to meet them, we can go somewhere else... like the park. The park is safe."
Roxas rolled his eyes. "Why are you so nervous? I want to meet them - they're your friends, right? Unless... unless you don't want them to meet me because you don't think we'll be together long or something...?"
"What? No." Axel said, "That's not what I meant. It's just that... Larxene and Cloud are kind of..." he paused for a moment, "Destructive? Obnoxious? Idiotic? I'm worried they'll scare you off." he chuckled, "Zexion should be fine though..." he added under his breath.
Roxas smacked his arm. "Stop being so nervous! You're making me nervous! I'm sure I can handle your friends - trust me when I say they cannot be as psychotic as Hayner. Let's just go inside already! If nothing else, I want to be able to come over and hang out with you whenever I want so I need to meet them so I can do that." Roxas got out of the car, closing the door behind him and stuffing his hands in his pockets, waiting for his redhead.
Axel sighed and took a deep breath before hopping out of the car and locking it, grabbing Roxas's hand as they headed up the path to the front door. The door was unlocked, and judging by the fact that Zexion and Larxene's cars were in the driveway, he assumed that was why. There was no sign of Cloud's bike, so he guessed he was still at work.
Pushing open the door, he led Roxas into the living room. Larxene was lounging on the couch, flipping through television channels as she sipped a soda. As the door shut, she put her soda down and turned around so she was facing the two of them.
"Oh, hey." she grinned, ignoring Axel, "You must be Roxas."
"Hi. Larxene, right? It's nice to meet you!" Roxas said, offering his hand to her.
"You too." Larxene said, shaking the younger boy's hand.
"Where's Zex?" Axel asked.
"In his room." Larxene rolled her eyes, "Where else would he be?" Before Axel could offer to get Zexion's attention and hopefully keep him in a good mood, Larxene hopped off to the couch and started banging on the wall behind the television.
Zexion threw his bedroom door open with a bang, a book in one hand. "Larx! What the hell- Oh. Um. Hi."
Roxas held back laughter. "Hi. So you're Zexion? I'm Roxas. Nice to meet you."
"Cloud should be home from work soon enough." Axel said, "He's only working 'til noon today, right?"
"Something like that." Larxene shrugged, "I don't memorize his schedule unless it's profitable for me."
"Speaking of that, did you ever pick up the cash from winning that bet?" Axel glanced at her.
"Not yet. I figured I'd wait until Xigbar and Seifer had a chance to figure it out or get told. I'm curious to see if they try to get out of it." Larxene grinned.
Roxas looked between the two, confused, before deciding to ignore them and focus on Axel's other roommate, Zexion. "So what're you reading?"
"Oh. It's an old mystery novel of mine. I felt like rereading it." Zexion answered.
Roxas tilted his head, thinking out loud: "But if you've already read it, you know the answer to the mystery. Isn't it boring?"
"No, each time I read something I discover another aspect of it." Zexion explained.
"Huh." Roxas said, shaking his head. "I gotta tell you I don't read much. It's not really my thing."
Just then the front door opened and a tall blonde entered, carrying a motorcycle helmet. "Hey!" He called out in greeting, slipping his shoes off. "Axel, is this him?"
"Yep." Axel smiled, "Cloud, this is Roxas. Roxas, Cloud."
Roxas smiled. "Nice to meet you."
Cloud looked him up and down. "He's a little short. And kinda young, don't you think?"
Zexion frowned. "C'mon Cloud, he's older than me!"
Cloud gave Zex a sideways look. "But I doubt he's as smart. Or mature."
"I'm standing right here, you know." Roxas said, crossing his arms.
Cloud smirked. "I know."
"That's enough." Axel sent a halfhearted glare at Cloud. "I didn't bring him here to be insulted by you, Cloud."
"I'm sure Cloudy didn't mean anything by it." Larxene laughed, stealing Zack's nickname for her blonde friend.
"Larx, how many times do I have to tell you not to call me that!" Cloud glared.
"It's fine, Axel. He's allowed to hold his own opinions. However wrong they are." Roxas said with a smirk.
Zexion grinned. "I like you." He declared. "You'll be able to keep up with Axel. Welcome to the group, Roxas."
Cloud turned his glare to Zexion, but it was halfhearted. He reappraised Roxas before stepping close to him. "You ever hurt him? They'll never find all the pieces. Got it?"
Roxas' grin faded as he looked up at the completely serious blonde. He nodded solemnly. "I wouldn't ever intentionally hurt him."
Cloud nodded, stepping back. "Anyone want a drink?" He asked, heading to the kitchen.
"Grab me one." Larxene said, glancing at him, and then turning back to Roxas. Appraising him for a moment, she shrugged, "I don't have any choice in who Acid-Eyes dates, but I guess you'll do." she said, as if comparing him to someone else, before striding after Cloud into the kitchen.
"Gee, thanks." Roxas muttered, before calling louder, "If there's any soda, I'll take one."
"Me too!" Zexion yelled, going into his room to carefully bookmark his book.
"Well, I've apparently gotten approval to date you. What now?" Roxas asked, turning to face Axel, staring up into his green eyes smiling.
"Aw. You two are cute." Zexion said as he passed them on his way to the kitchen. Roxas blushed slightly but ignored him, focusing on his boyfriend.
Axel still looked a little irked for Larxene's comment, but turned to Roxas with a grin, "Everything gets ten times easier and I stop being afraid to invite you over?" he guessed.
"You're such a big softie, Scarlet!" Larxene called out of the kitchen.
"Shut up, Lightningbug!" Axel snapped back. He glanced at Roxas, "Sorry about the nicknames."
Roxas shrugged. "It's cute."
Cloud reentered, carrying a couple cans of soda, which he dropped onto the table. "Help yourself. I'm gonna shower." He disappeared down the hall.
"I'm going to finish that book. Try to keep it down." Zexion said, reentering his bedroom and closing the door behind him.
Roxas grabbed a soda and popped it open, taking a sip. "Gonna show me your room?"
"Sure." Axel grabbed a can as well, before leading Roxas down the hall to his bedroom. His room had bright red walls that looked like he'd taken to them with a single can of paint, so they still showed some of the off white they had been before. Not that you could see the walls in many places, as any free space he'd been able to find was taken up by posters and paintings of various things. All along the floor, stacked up against the walls, were paintings, paintings, and more paintings. There were a bunch of different paints stacked in one corner of the room, and the only place seemingly untouched by the paints, paintings, and paintbrushes was Axel's bed.
"Wow." Roxas said, looking around. "These all yours?"
Axel looked momentarily flustered as he nodded, "Yeah. I don't get as much time to paint anymore, now that I'm working, but I managed quite the collection during college and unemployment." he chuckled.
Roxas stepped closer to the walls, slowly making his way around the room. He was awestruck by the sheer amount of painting Axel had done. And they were really good, too! "Axel... these are amazing! Why aren't you a world famous artist?"
"Because no one buys my stuff?" Axel laughed, "I was an art major, but it's a horrible job market, since most artists are self employed. Besides, they're not that good."
Roxas just shook his head. "You clearly have talent. Don't give up. And they are good. I like them." Roxas turned to smile at Axel, carefully setting his soda down next to some half-empty paint tubes before giving the redhead a loose hug.
Axel pulled him in closer to his chest, making the hug tighter, "Well, you're welcome to any of them if you want one." he said, "And thank you."
Roxas pulled back, showing Axel his grin, before trailing his hands up to Axel's shoulders and trying to tug him down a little. Standing on his tip-toes, Roxas pulled Axel close enough to lightly press their lips together. He sighed, closing his eyes and kissing Axel again, moving his lips firmly against his boyfriend's, letting his fingers play with the strands of red hair that fell across the back of his neck. Tilting his head a bit, he tried to stand even taller, pressing his body into Axel's.
Axel decided he'd had enough of Roxas struggling to kiss him and leaned down, letting Roxas's feet fall flat, and his neck to stop imitating a giraffe, and clutched the blonde closer to him, smirking into their kiss.
Roxas pulled back only far enough so that their lips were no longer touching, opening his eyes and staring into Axel's. "Axel..." He whispered, ghosting his breath over the redhead's lips, a light blush dusting his cheeks.
"Well, aren't you two just adorable." A teasing female voice said from the doorway.
Axel turned his head slightly, giving the intruder a heated glare, "Larx-"
"Hey, you're the one that didn't bother to shut the door, and I'm the one that happened to be wanting to go to my room, which is further down the hallway, and happened to need to pass your room to do it." Larxene teased.
"And you've passed. Now leave." Axel said, letting go of Roxas and grabbing the door. "Don't make me make you, Bitchmuffin."
Larxene rolled her eyes, "Fiiine. But don't expect me not to comment next time you leave your door open." she winked, and then continued down the hallway as Axel shut the door.
Roxas' blush had deepened and he just watched Axel close his door. "Um... does your door have a lock?"
"It's getting one." Axel said, "Today. I trust Larxene, but I don't doubt she'll open the door and peek in on occasion to test the limits of that trust."
"So... ah..." Roxas cleared his throat. "How long have you all been friends?" He asked, reaching for his drink and taking a sip, trying to will his blush away.
"Years." Axel said, sitting down on his bed and pulling Roxas down next to him. "I've known Larx since middle school, and we met Cloud right before we entered high school. Met Zex and started kind of taking care of him when we were in college, since he was so young."
"I guess I didn't really think about what it meant exactly to be 18 and already out of college. Did he get bullied a lot?" Roxas asked.
"Yeah, especially in the beginning." Axel sighed, "It started to dwindle a little as soon as we practically adopted him, but teenagers will be teenagers." Glancing at Roxas, he added, "Sorry," and quickly continued, "Turned out they were still teasing him when the three of us weren't around, but Larx, Cloud, and I took care of that as soon as we knew about it."
Roxas shook his head. "People can be assholes no matter how old they are. And I think it's really sweet that you guys protected him." Roxas placed his soda back on the table before leaning in to Axel, sighing.
Axel wrapped his arm around the blonde, "Well, tell me about you." he said.
Roxas tilted his head up from its position on Axel's shoulder. His gaze flickered between the redhead's eyes and his lips. Licking his own, he asked: "What do you want to know?"
Axel thought for a minute, "Tell me about your friends."
Roxas glanced once more at Axel's lips before lifting his head with a sigh. "Well... Hayner has been my best friend since forever. He has a sister, Olette, and they were born in the same year so the three of us usually hung out together. We met Pence in school and he just kinda melted into the group. They're my usual group of friends, but I know Riku pretty well since he's always hanging out with Sora. Same for Kairi and Namine, twins who live down the street from me. They're really Sora's friends, but they do hang out at my house, so I guess we're kind of friends."
Axel smiled, "That's good. Sora's your brother, right?"
"Yeah. You've met him, he's the one Riku sends lovestruck looks to all the time, with brown spiky hair? You'll probably have to re-meet him as my boyfriend, though. He's going to try to scare you, just so you know. Ignore him." Roxas said with an eye roll.
"Living with Larxene, it's hard to scare me." Axel chuckled, "Larxene is one of few things that still manage to scare me."
Roxas grinned. "Good. 'Cause I don't have any plans of letting you go." Roxas leaned in, giving Axel another kiss, but just as he started to wrap his arms around the redhead's neck and scoot closer, Axel's bedroom door opened with a bang, causing Roxas to jump back from Axel, blushing.
Cloud cleared his throat. "Right. Guess this is gonna become a usual thing, huh? Well, don't get loud or I'll be forced to come in here and if you're being loud, I really don't want the visual aid. You guys hungry? Larx, Zex, and I are thinking of ordering some lunch."
Not moving, Axel grumbled, "Definitely getting that lock. Today." Glancing at Roxas, he spoke again, "You hungry?"
Roxas tentatively nodded. "What're you going to order?"
Cloud shrugged. "Probably pizza."
Roxas frowned slightly, glancing from the blonde in the doorway to the redhead beside him. "I didn't bring any money... I could cook." He offered.
"Nuh uh." Axel said, "I'll abuse your love of cooking later. We use Zexion's trust fund to buy food here." he said, "You don't have to pay anything, 'cause me, Cloud, and Larx won't be."
"You can cook?" Cloud asked, perking up. "Well, then. I guess that settles it. You're welcome anytime, Roxas. Especially if you're going to cook for us!"
Roxas offered a small smile to the blonde, but was still slightly frowning over ordering out. The others were roommates, and he was sure they did other things to make up for Zexion always buying them food. But what could Roxas do? Suddenly having an idea, he stood up and pulled Axel to his feet. "Let's get out before they order some horrid combination!"
Axel's eyes widened, "Huh?"
Roxas rolled his eyes, tugging on Axel's hand to get him to follow him, muttering "You forgot already?". Cloud shook his head and walked into the living room where Larxene and Zexion were arguing over what type of pizza to get, Roxas and Axel right behind him.
"Zexion." Roxas said, getting his attention.
Zexion blinked. "Roxas?"
"What's your favorite dessert?" Roxas asked.
Zexion blinked some more in confusion, glancing curiously at Axel before answering, "Cherry pie with whipped cream. Why?"
"I should have everything I need..." Roxas muttered before smiling at Zexion. "Okay! I'll bake you one in exchange for lunch today!"
"You don't have to!" Zexion said, waving his hands. "Really! It's okay."
Roxas frowned. "No, I can't let you pay without paying you back somehow."
Cloud shook his head. "I'm surprised, Axel. Your new boyfriend has standards. Unlike you."
"You know what, Cloudy, I'm not even going to comment." Axel rolled his eyes.
Larxene laughed, "I think the nickname's gonna stick."
Cloud growled. "I think I might have to kick both of your asses until you 'forget' that nickname."
Zexion laughed. "Sure, Cloud. You know you won't."
Cloud grumbled but didn't say anything more.
"So what are we getting? I vote something normal, please." Roxas said.
"Why don't we just get more than two pies?" Larxene suggested, "That way Zexion doesn't have to lose again. I mean, all we ever do around here is order food anyway, so having leftovers won't kill us."
Zexion shrugged. "Sure. And I'm with Roxas; I'm in the mood for the classics."
Cloud shook his head. "If you're going to get pizza, you have to load it!"
Roxas gave him a look of horror. "Axel, please please tell me your roommate is not one of those crazy people who puts weird things on a pizza!"
Axel shook his head, "Unfortunately. We usually ignore him when we order, but if we're getting more than one, Larx will be happy to share with him." He smirked at the blonde.
"Now listen here, Flameout, I refuse to share pizza with his tastebuds." she shook her head, adamant, "And I know pretty much all of your secrets, so don't push it."
Momentarily forgetting the horrors of food piles masquerading as pizza, Roxas perked up and focused on Larxene. "Oh? Like what?"
Cloud chuckled. "Oh man, you're in for it now, Ax!"
Zexion stepped in the middle of them all, holding up his hands. "Wait, wait. First we need to figure out what we're ordering. Then you can torture Axel."
Axel sighed, "Larxene, stop. Zexion, we'll order three. One with whatever crazy combination Cloud wants, one to satisfy Sparky, and one normal for the three of us." he said, "Cloudy, the nickname stuck, sorry."
Cloud held up his hands in defeat. "Fine, fine. But just because I won't tell your blonde all your dirty little secrets doesn't mean someone else won't. Zex, order me a sausage, onion, pepper, and pineapple pie, okay?"
Roxas cringed and hid behind Axel. "My stomach hurts just thinking about that combination! There's no way that can be called pizza!"
Cloud raised an eyebrow. "You don't have to eat it, you know."
"It's an abomination! I protest as a cook and a decent human being!" Roxas declared.
"Duly noted and ignored. Call me when the pizza's here." Cloud said, leaving and going to his room.
Zexion just rolled his eyes. "Sorry, Ax, but I gotta order the pizza. Good luck. Roxas, don't be too hard on him. He was young and stupid. Now he's old and stupid." Snickering, Zexion took out his cell and retreated to his room before the bickering could start.
Axel rolled his eyes and grabbed Roxas, pulling him down onto the couch as Larxene sat in a chair, glancing at the two of them with a thoughtful look in her eyes.
"What?" Axel asked her.
She shook her head, "Nothing, nothing." she said, leaning back to stare at the ceiling.
Axel raised an eyebrow, knowing the blonde girl better than that, but decided he'd ask later.
"Did I miss something?" Roxas asked, looking between the two, settling himself against Axel's side, Axel's arm automatically going around him. Roxas smiled softly. He liked the feel of that. Snapping out of his private glowing, he leveled a look at Larxene. "Don't tell me all of his secrets - then it won't be any fun for me to get them out of him one by one. Just tell me what you think I should know." He said simply.
Larxene glanced at Axel again, and noticed that he seemed to be pleading with her not to say anything weird. She resisted the urge to roll her eyes at him and looked at Roxas. "Axel gets in these..." she paused for a moment to think of the right words, "Artsy moods. They're a little startling at first, so I feel you should be forewarned."
"They're not startling." Axel rolled his eyes.
"Axel, you've been getting in these moods since middle school. Just because they don't startle ME anymore does not mean they are no longer startling. Despite what I may tell you, I'm not the center of the universe."
Axel threw a pillow at her. "Shut up, lightningbug."
"Hmmm..." Roxas said, looking thoughtful. "Well, he hasn't seen me freak out yet, so I suppose we'll even out."
Larxene raised an eyebrow and nodded, "Honestly, I'm surprised the nicknames don't bother you." she commented, "They've scared off many an Axel-admirer for thinking the two of us were involved."
"You were using too many on purpose." Axel said, not really angry, but a little surprised.
"Maybe." Larxene said, "I was curious to his reaction."
"Axel is with me right now, regardless of whatever's happened in the past between you. You're roommates, so I expected some kind of bickering that comes with living with someone. Besides, like I said, Axel is mine. As long as you remember that fact, and the fact that I will personally gauge your fingernails off one by one if you touch him, you can give him any nickname you want." Roxas said sweetly, smiling and placing his head on Axel's shoulder and his hand on the redhead's stomach right above his pant line, very very close to his crotch.
Larxene laughed, "Finally an understandable reaction." she grinned, "I like you, kid." she smirked, leaning back in her chair, "No worries, I don't plan on touching Axel. Had enough of that years ago. I'm the reason he's gay, did you know that?"
"Larxene..." Axel warned.
"Alright, alright. I'm the reason he found out he was gay." Larxene rolled her eyes.
Roxas grinned and in a singsong voice, he said: "I can certainly see that."
Larxene raised an eyebrow, "Don't push me, kid." she said.
Luckily, they were interrupted by the doorbell ringing.
"Nobody panic, that's probably the pizza." Zexion said as he made his way to the door, collecting the pizza and paying the delivery guy. Quickly carrying the boxes to the kitchen, he called out loudly enough for Cloud to hear in his room: "Food!"
Cloud's door opened and he made a beeline for the kitchen, his stomach growling.
"One: you started this. Two: I don't appreciate being called a kid. Three: you're the one who purposefully tried to make me jealous and the fact that you did it to make sure I was good enough for Axel and not out of malice like you seem to think I'd believe is the only thing keeping this civil. So, then, Larxene. Let's not push Axel in the middle of something, hm?" Roxas said, slowly standing up and looking down at Larxene.
"You know, any one else's boyfriend, and I probably wouldn't care." Larxene sighed, "Axel's made me soft." she nodded at Roxas, "Alright. Won't call you kid anymore. Not lightening up on the nicknames, though, 'cause those are normal and I'm not changing my everyday routine for you."
Roxas nodded. "That's fine. It's good to know someone'll watch his ass when I can't." He smiled and winked at Larxene before turning to stand before Axel. "You've been awfully quiet over here. Want food or want to talk?"
"Food sounds good." Axel said, before mumbling, "Like I said, Larxene is one of few things that still manages to scare me."
"I wonder what it says about me that I find her not scary in the least." Roxas mused, offering his hands to the redhead to pull him up.
"You haven't known her as long as I have." Axel said, accepting Roxas's hands, "She's one of those things that gets scarier with time, I think. Or maybe it's just because she knows so much about me because we've known each other so long." he shrugged, "Either way, it's not important."
Roxas smiled softly. "All people close to you know a lot about you. I shudder to think what Sora and Hayner will be telling you about me before long. But I like your friends, Axel. And I like you. A lot." Roxas leaned down, kissing Axel before tugging on his hands, pulling him to his feet. "Let's grab some pizza before it's all gone."
"Sounds good." Axel smirked.
XXXX
Uhhhh... Oh, right! Cami and I are participating in JulNoWriMo, so that might effect our updating. We still have one or two chapters stockpiled, so then again, it might not. Just thought you all should know just in case it does.
Hope you liked the latest chapter! I went through the old chapters and edited a bit, taking out the glaring mistakes. :P
Review? :D