Axel took a deep breath as he sat across from Saix. Things were going well so far for not saying a word, Saix was writing some pointless paper for a class, while Axel lounged on his bed.

"Dude, it's April, why do you still care?"

"I've worked hard for too long to quit now, it'd be against my nature." Saix turned to face him. "Anyway, what's so important you decided to come over."

God, how was he supposed to do this? How could he hurt someone who had been a constant presence in his life since Kindergarten?

"I'm gonna cut to the chase," Axel scratched his head nervously. "I'm going to Oblivion University."

A million expression flashed across the other young man's face: confusion, anger, hurt, before finally setting on disgust.

"This better be some sick joke." Coldness seeped through his words.

"Saix, you're destined for such great things. WTNW is perfect for you, but not me."

"I see." Saix turned back to his laptop. "It doesn't matter that we've spent years dreaming about this." Axel tried to interrupt but Saix cut him off. "I know what comes next. I slaved away to keep this from happening, but hey that's life. Just go."

Axle desperately wanted to say something, anything to placate his boyfriend, but nothing helpful came to mind. "You know I still love you, right?"

"I said go." He didn't raise his voice at all, but his message was clear.

"Fine, be that way." Axel left the bedroom, wondering if this will be the last time in the Moran household.

By the time 6:00 came around, Xion had pulled herself together and fasten on a plastic smile. She followed the directions to "Mercedes'" house, hoping to forget everything terrible about that morning.

She came up to an average-looking house where she assumed Namine was and ringed the doorbell anxiously.

A short, round woman came to the door, a smile fading when she failed to recognize Xion.

"Who are you?" She spoke in a heavy accent.

"Xion Kent." She willed herself to continuing speaking. "I'm Namine's sister, she Mercedes' friend?"

"Ah!" With that she turned around and started yelling in what Xion assumed was Spanish. After a few minutes Namine and another girl came running down the stairs.

"Thanks for inviting me over, Mercedes." She leaned in to hug the other girl.

"No problem, it was fun!" After a few more parting words, Namine finally came out to join Xion.

"Hey Xi," she smiled so easily. "I thought Vexen was picking me up?"

"He's working." Xion curtly answered. If Namine thought anything was wrong, she didn't say anything. Instead she rambled about how they talked about plays and stuff for next year.

"Mercedes really wants to do a musical, 'specially since it's her last year. What do you think?"

"Huh?" Xion tilted her head in confusion. "Sorry, wasn't paying attention."

"You ok?" Blue eyes shone with concern.

"Just feeling down, nothing out of the ordinary." Xion smiled as he waved away the question. "Don't worry."

Namine pressed her lips together. "You're starting to sound like Axel now."

"I swear, I'm fine." Xion sighed. "You're one to talk with the way you've handled Riku." Namine looked as if she had been slapped.

"First Axel, now you?" Her voice quavered.

"Oh shit, I didn't mean that, I'm sorry, Namine." Xion moved to cup her twin's face. A pregnant pause hung over the two, Xion feeling like a monster.

"You know what?" Namine replied after an eternity. "I'm the one who should be sorry."

"What?"

"It's true." Namine continued. "All my life, you've looked after me, I haven't been a very good big sister, have I?"

"No it's fine-"

"Will you just listen!" Namine interrupted. "I've been wanting to bring this up for a long time. I love you, but I feel like I should try to stop depending on you to defend me all the time."

Xion knew Namine meant no harm. That didn't lessen the pain anymore. All her life she had stayed strong because of one reason. She was needed. Even at her worst, Xion woke up everyday, because of Namine. Without her she was alone. So alone…

"I don't want to burden you, Xi." Namine spoke in a small voice. Right then Xion knew even if Namine didn't want protection anymore, she could break her heart and voice her fears.

"I see." That's all she could say without breaking down in tears for what felt like the thousandth time this year.

"I'm glad you do." Namine smiled warmly. After that, she went back to chatting more about Drama Club, while Xion tried to pick up the pieces of her fragile heart.

That Sunday afternoon, Roxas looked up once again from his AP Word textbook as Axel entered their room once again.

"You ok?" Roxas asked the redhead.

"Eh, not really, but I'm getting there." He sighed. He had told Roxas all about how it went yesterday. It wasn't much, but Roxas knew it was a big deal for Axel to be so open. But even if he didn't say anything, it must hurt like hell to lose a boyfriend and a friend in the same day.

"That's it." Roxas said as he closed his textbook. "We're going."

"Where?" Axel asked, confusion painting his feature.

"The Clock Tower" He replied with a smile. "It's April, when was the last time you came? I'll pay for the ice cream."

Axel opened his mouth to say something but closed it and sighed again. "Sure buddy." He ruffled the blond's hair.

After the brothers got their precious dessert, they came to find the Kents had beaten them to their spot.

"Axel?" They replied in unison. Instead of answering, he just gave a little wave and a grin.

So many things could have been said, so many angry remarks or hurtful words, but none were exchanged. All they did was share they seasalt ice cream Roxas had bought and talk like a day hadn't passed since Christmas.

Roxas couldn't recall what they had talked about for so long.

But he can't say he really cared.

Later that night, Xion furiously typed a reply to Roxas, while Namine was fast asleep.

"Today was a lot of fun, uwu,"

"Yeah but I'm so behind on work, =_=." He responded a beat later

"I forgot all about it, oh well there's always Study Hall."

"I wish I could blow it off, but I gotta test I really need to study for," She could practically hear the blond grumbling.

"I guess I'll stop bothering you then."

"Alright, night Xi."

"Night Roxas love ya" With that she closed her laptop and climbed into the top bunk. As sleep overtook her she thought about Roxas, his blue eyes and easy smile. If there was someone she wouldn't mind cuddling with her right now, it'd be him.

Before she could realize the implications of her thought, the raven-hair girl was fast asleep.

A.N. It's taken 20,000 and 11 chapters but we're here! This will probably be my last update til December with Nano and all, but hope this will help you guys wait easier.