Twelve: Acid

Naminé's body refused sleep; it didn't matter how much effort she put into forcing herself, no method of hers prevailed. Perhaps it was the restlessness in her habitual movements. She turned over again that night, supporting the side of her head with one of her arms while the other lay at her side. The comforters whispered against her clothes and skin, sweeping about her body.

'I miss you, Hiro,' she sighed, unable to hold in the stale oxygen for too long. Her lungs felt emptier than before, full of anxiety and trembling with worry. She was always cold when she had no knowledge of his location; work created a large rift in their relationship. She wondered if he would become consumed by the influence of his family's company, and would have no time for her.

She sat up, not bothering to glance at the clock since she assumed it was well into the night. She pushed the covers away from her body, a sudden breeze claiming her. She hadn't noticed, too focused on the separation between herself…and her fiancé.

The name didn't sound right to say on her tongue and past her lips; she examined the creases of a missing ring on her third finger of her right hand. The ring flashed in her memory, as if it belonged there.

She paid no heed to her musings, stepping out of the confines of her bed and walked toward her bathroom. She pushed strands of her hair away from her shoulders, splitting her elongated bangs that tickled her eyelashes. Her tired expression was no surprise to gaze at; this wasn't the first night she was deprived of sleep.

The girl glared at the reflection in her mirror; darkened half moons claimed beneath her lower eyelashes, and bleak, cerulean pupils were supposed to be her eyes. She recognized who that was, but her memory begged to differ. She pressed the tips of her fingers against the sides of her head, just above her cheeks. She rubbed them in a circular manner in a languid fashion.

She hoped the source of this headache was a mild case of stress.

--

The morning after didn't fair any better. It was unfortunate, due to the fact her summer studies were rescheduled. She cursed to herself, berations echoing in her conscious as she tightened her hands into fists. Her knuckles were bone white from the amount of pressure she applied in her tiny appendages. A familiar silver limo pulled up to the curb, no more than fifteen minutes after departing with the young girl.

"My apologies, Miss Naminé." Duo made a move to open her door like always. She anticipated his movements, opening the door herself before stepping in and closing it. She kept her head bowed, staring at the intentional hole in her jeans.

Her fingers intertwined with the opposing digits, creating a stronghold that dared others to break it. Her frustration and worry was clear to see in her expression, but Duo couldn't push the issue. He had no authority, much less the right to speak to her unless it involved the young master or any important dates or schedules that pertained to her. He stuck the car the keys into the ignition, turning it once or twice before the engine received enough friction to start the car again. He set the limo into drive, moving about the busy streets and to escort Naminé back to the estate.

"Duo,"

"Yes, Miss Naminé?"

"How much longer is Hiro's stay at Traverse?"

"For a few more days, I believe."

Naminé bit her lip, dissatisfied with such an answer. She knew her rationality was wavering and her mind gave her false hopes, but she was desperate to be reunited with him after so long. He was traveling the country, visiting quite a majority of the branch companies so that his employees are acquainted with their upcoming CEO, but…

Wasn't she supposed to be more important than his work?

The answer faded from her grip before she could assume anything. There weren't any calls on her cell, no text message, not even a notification from his parents. She knew nothing of his employees at the main headquarters, and she'd rather not go within proximity of that large building anyway. Her worry and anxiety crawled up her torso, rattling her rib cage.

She wanted to admit her longing to see him, her emotional attachment to the man ever powerful. Most would think her insane, but she was in love with him. Yet a sense of doubt began to poke and nudge at her so called "love" and "devotion". She shook her head, defying her doubts over her relationship with Hiro. She reassured herself that her missing him was what blindsided her.

"Miss Naminé, did you hear what I just explained to you?"

She perked up in response, flustered by her tunneled hearing. She apologized, asking for him to repeat his statement. A smile spread itself across his lips, but she hadn't noticed at all.

"Master and Lady Takamura request that you try not to worry so much about Hiro. They know how much you wish to talk to him. But for now, you should be focused on other matters, such as your schooling and wedding."

She flinched at the last word he said to her, as if he were accusing her of committing a terrible sin in front of his eyes. She didn't understand as to why she reacted in such a manner. Her eyes averted from the rearview mirror in front of her, fluttering closed until her hand caught her sight again that day. She couldn't stop staring at the empty space of the third finger of her right hand. Something was supposed to be there, and yet, she felt as if the very ring held no type of significance for her in the first place.

She remembered the afternoon Hiro proposed to her, but most of that morning prior was a blank. She was sure she was thinking about someone, but "who" was questioned. The more she contemplated, the more the back of her head throbbed in agony, screaming and repelling her.

She grit her teeth, on the verge of spilling tears. She arrived before she knew it, the car coming to an abrupt stop; she arrived at the estate.

Naminé nodded to all of the servants who greeted her at the door; it was routine for her to see them smiling, feign or intended. She continued to walk forward, her driver shedding her jacket to put it on a hanger. She thanked him before traveling down the long hallway and toward her room. She shut the door behind her, isolating herself from a world she hardly knew.

She laid herself on the Victorian couch, the cushions and pillows sighed around her petite form, framing her position. She wasn't as comfortable as she hoped, frowning in response. "A few more days…" she said to herself; she raised her right hand, covering a part of the diamond lights above her, allowing a bit of luminance past the barrier of her palm and fingers.

By just lifting that same hand, it reminded her of her missing ring, but she dared to not tell Hiro. She was sure she had it somewhere, but the feeling of wearing that object of his affections was still…strange. As if she wasn't meant to wear it, or it had belonged to someone prior. She turned on her side, cradling her head with one arm while the other lay at her side, brushing her kneecaps.

Her sudden curiosity took hold of her during those quiet moments. She wanted to know what happened before she woke up in the hospital, but neither Hiro nor his parents would let a single word slip. His sister wouldn't know, since she was away at the time. She grasped her phone that had fallen on the floor a foot away from her, dialing a number she knew by heart.

"Hello?"

"It's me." Naminé's voice was low, kept toward the phone to prevent any outside ears from hearing.

"So, you're finally the big two-one, huh?" Riku offered Roxas a hearty slap on the back before smiling. The blond kept from spilling his drink all over himself, forcing some of the liquid back into the clear cup. The ice cubes clinked and clacked against one another when he set the cup down onto his countertop.

"I guess so."

Becoming older was never a good thing for Roxas—especially when it involved Riku, and alcohol. The last time he got within proximity of alcohol, he suffered a hangover that took a day or two to recover from. He wondered why Riku was such a party animal, and why he couldn't just lay back and enjoy something other than bright lights, loud music, and uncontrollable behavior. Roxas wanted Riku to--at least before meeting Trinity--for him to stay with one girl for more than half a day.

His fingers pressed against his temple, attempting to flatten out an oncoming migraine. He was finally twenty-one, the legal age for drinking. But it didn't matter to him, since he ended up drinking underage already. Riku smirked, "We have big plans for you tonight, so if you're thinking of just sitting here on your birthday, you have another thing coming."

Roxas turned to his silver-haired companion, "We?"

"Well, yeah! It'll be a guy's night out. It's about time you get your mind off things and have some fun for once."

"Anything involving 'fun' and 'you' is never a good thing, Riku." Roxas narrowed his eyes when Riku draped his arm around his shoulders, giving him a severe noogie.

Sora opened the door to Riku's apartment, thanking Trinity for giving him a key as he continued to talk to her through his phone. He clicked it off after telling her goodbye, turning his attention to his friends. He arched an eyebrow, "What's with the gloomy expression, Rox?" His Nobody did nothing more than glare at him as well, setting his lips in a thin line of annoyance.

"Apparently, I'm not going to be able to get myself out of this situation." he muttered, shaking Riku off of him. He stood, running his hands through his spiked locks again. He sat atop one of the stairs before shaking his head again, tousling his hair about.

Riku and Sora exchanged glances before shrugging at one another. Sora fetched a carton of milk from the fridge, indulging himself with the creamy beverage. Riku scoffed at Roxas' emotional behavior. He missed Naminé as much as everyone else, but there really wasn't anything they could do. They had no idea where they had taken her after Roxas signed himself out of the hospital. They would have followed her trail—if there was one.

All they saw were clean bed sheets where Naminé lied before.

"Look, Rox." Riku came by his friend's side, sympathetic thoughts roaming about his mind. He patted his shoulder again before chastising him for thinking of the past. He was saddened by the loss of Naminé too, but what could they do? As far as they knew, she could be in another country as soon as she was taken out of the hospital. All they could do is think of her, and hope to reunite with her someday, if…if her Hiro would allow it. The chances were slim, but Riku figured that if he saw her, he would talk to her.

"We all miss Nam as much as you. But moping and sulking about losing her isn't going to fix anything. I know it's 'easier said than done', but you're going to have to move on."

Move on…

The very words echoed in Roxas' chest, creating ripples that refused to stop speaking to his broken heart. He was unable to do much, let alone focus on his studies when he was supposed to. He shrugged at Riku, an aloof expression across his paled features.

"Hey, hey, hey." Sora broke the unruly silence, too uncomfortable with the gloomy atmosphere. He glanced at the clock before nodding to himself. "Roxas just turned twenty-one today, shouldn't that be something to be happy about?"

Roxas creased his eyebrows, contemplating a decision. That's right, he was now twenty-one, and he had no work, his homework was done, so—"Alright." He stood from his place at the stairs, wrapping his arms around his friend's shoulders, pulling them into a sideways embrace. "Let's go out, just the three of us. I want to party!" A smile replaced the thin, solemn line of his lips in a few seconds time.

"That's the spirit!" Riku smirked, offering Roxas a solid jab in his stomach, an act of brotherly affection.

The blond chuckled in response before walking toward his room. He went to retrieve his jacket, but decided to take a quick shower instead. He told Riku and Sora ahead of time that he needed a few minutes before leaving with them. They agreed, taking a few moments to speak to one another without Roxas' presence.

--

"Dude…" Riku smirked through the reflection in the rearview mirror. He turned it down toward him, gazing at the priceless expression in his companion's face. He knew this place would surprise him.

"Exactly."

"Riku, you're the man." Sora initiated a high-five in the passenger seat; Riku received the glory and recognition. The colorful atmosphere was similar to The Kosmik Starr, though more into the blaring music and huge crowds of celebrities and usual folk all around. The car was set into park at one of the spaces toward the back, giving them time to get out and gain their composure from sitting in there for so long.

"RIKU!" A large group of ladies clad in interesting attire came running toward the keyblader, surrounding him on all sides. Some took hold of his arms, others pushed their bodies against him as they continued to snuggle him with love. He wiggled his eyebrows at all of them, never breaking his stride to please and pull off his signature grin.

Roxas slapped his forehead and Sora shook his head. Typical. No matter where they went, Riku was always treated like a celebrity. They wouldn't be surprised if Trinity found out about his…popularity with the women at all the clubs he visited. The hordes of girls flaunted over him, asking him questions left and right, wondering if he would accompany them or if he could drink with them. The requests were endless.

"Now girls," Another voice broke through the large crowd. High heels clacked against the asphalt of the parking lot before coming to an abrupt stop. "No need to hog the Prince, there's plenty to go around."

She cupped her hips with her hands, adorned with fishnet clothing that twisted around her two middle fingers. Strawberry-blond hair was swept back into a high ponytail, while a chunk of bangs covered her right eye. Dark eyeliner dressed up her eyelashes, creating a mask to conceal her true features.

Her clothing stuck to her body like a second skin, giving off the impression that she wasn't naïve and proud to show off her curvaceous body. She eyed Riku for a moment before trailing her sight to the other two men that arrived with him. She raised her eyebrows at how Sora and Roxas fidgeted underneath her alluring gaze. She licked her lips, testing the uneasy air between herself, her group of partygoers, and her alleged company for the night.

"Long time no see, Riku." She drawled his name from her tongue, twisting the very word and batting it in between her breaths.

"Elle." He nodded in recognition.

"So, what was the last minute call for? Special occasion?"

"You read my mind." he smirked. He never expected anything less of her. Riku tipped his head in another direction, motioning Roxas and Sora to pay close attention. He quietly murmured to each girl to behave tonight, for he brought guests along with him. They giggled in response; a simple 'okay' and some nods made him satisfied of his power over them.

"My left-hand man, Roxas, turned the big two-one today. Of course, you already knew that Sora, my right-hand turned two-one last night. But I decided to have them celebrate it at the same time."

"Is that so?"

"You bet."

She narrowed her eyes until they were half-lidded slits. She smiled again, the rich shade of her lips gleaming beneath the moonlight. "Wonderful idea." She clapped her hands, signaling a few of her girls to come at her call. They obeyed like always, ready and awaiting her command. She whispered to them a proposition neither man heard.

They were bewildered, curious to know of Elle's antics. The two girls took Sora's hands, dragging him away from Roxas' side. Sora brushed against Riku, enough to stop and warn him of his relationship with Trinity—not to mention his own with Kairi. The girls would be furious if they found out they were here tonight. Riku waved the matter away, assuring them he wasn't going to cheat on Trinity, making sure he was going to be careful tonight.

Riku was more careful than people gave him credit for; in spite of his wild behavior, he's able to restrain himself from cheating on the one girl he has true feelings toward. He knew she wanted a serious relationship with him after the many times he pursued her. She caught the impression of him as being a suave player, careless toward the sensitive emotions within any girl. She may not have shown it behind her tough, unyielding exterior, but she was just as human as any other girl out there. Prone to getting hurt if the right person pushed her too far.

Sora was more worried about getting too close to girls, nervous as always. He wasn't one to flirt with women in general, too embarrassed. Roxas knew it took a miracle before his other half was able to confess his feelings to Kairi.

Roxas felt a pair of arms encircle around one of his own. "Twenty-one, huh?" He didn't have to look to identify the owner of the voice. "I'll give you a night to remember," she purred in his ear, expecting he fall beneath her seduction. He would have, if he were as gullible.

He smirked at her; he didn't dislike her behavior, but he certainly would not reject her if she was willing to help ease the stress that overwhelmed him for some time.

"Yes, I know. I'm sorry." Naminé played with a few strands of her hair, a nervous habit that was hard to break. "No…but I'm just worried. And lonely,"

She walked about her room in circles, unable to sit in one place for too long without twitching again. She leaned against the beam that supported her canopy bed, putting one foot over the other as her opposite hand gripped the bend in her elbow. She gazed at the ceiling, sighing to herself, but not out of relief. She thought the shivering in her heart was because of her longing to be with Hiro, having not seen him for such a long time.

The individual on the opposite line spoke again, breaking the daze in Naminé's thoughts. A question of concern passed from the receiver to her, asking of what they could do to help. She shook her head, smiling a bitter grin. The one person that could help heal this ache in her chest was the one who was absent in her life at the moment.

"Thank you. Oh, no…really, it's okay. I'll call you tomorrow, okay? G'night." She clicked her cell phone off, shutting it. She let it drop from her grip and onto the plush carpet. A blank stare dominated the usual shine in her fair skinned face; she wanted to be with Hiro, but his dedication to the family business had priority.

Their current relationship was consisting of empty flirting and occasional calls. She embraced herself, feeling no comfort from her feeble effort. She spotted a familiar shirt on her comforter, walking over to it. She grasped it and brought the clump of fabric to her nose, inhaling the distinct scent of her fiancé.

The tranquility that radiated off the sole evidence of him was enough to calm her down. She let the tenseness in her shoulders relax before falling backward and onto her bed. She remembered when he had worn this very shirt; it was during a warm autumn evening, holding her for hours without a single reason.

Tears pricked through the corners of her closed eyelids, running off the sides of her cheeks and into her hair. 'Where are you…Hiro?' She turned over to retrieve her purse, allowing her hand to rummage inside before something left her perplexed. Her keys to her apartment were missing, and her planner for work and rehearsals wasn't present either. She sat up, blinking the tears out of her eyes.

Naminé wasted no time to pick up her phone again, slipping on a light jacket and a pair of jeans before she was out the door.

Yumekii stopped her in the hallway, holding her arm in a firm grip. "Miss Naminé, you know that you are not allowed—"

"Please, let me go. I need to go get my—"

"I'm sorry, but I cannot comply with your wishes, Miss Naminé."

A low ember sparked in her eyes as she stared down at her bodyguard. The guard Hiro assigned to keep an eye on her. "My belongings are very personal and important to me." She pleaded with him before he cut her every sentence off.

"I'm sure Hiro would dislike it if you didn't listen to what I say." Her words made him freeze, forcing him to consider the chances of his return. He knew he wouldn't any time soon, but that didn't mean it wasn't possible. Yumekii sighed before asking her why she was so desperate to leave the premises at this time of night. She needed to retrieve her keys and a few other choice belongings from Hiro's apartment, nothing more.

Duo intervened seconds before her bodyguard insisted to escort her back to her assigned room. "I'll care for Miss Naminé. You wouldn't like to make her uncomfortable by denying her requests. Master Hiro did say to keep an eye on her and keep her out of trouble, but there isn't anything wrong with her being allowed to go to his apartment." He glanced toward Naminé, noticing the relief in her expression as she wrestled out of her guard's vice grip.

--

The two left the confines of the Takamura estate, "Thank you, Duo."

"My pleasure, Miss Naminé." He started the engine of the car, pulling out of the usual parking spot to get onto the road. They drove away in minutes, calmly enjoying each other's company through idle chatter. The two fell silent afterward, savoring the complete lack of sound other than the gears of the car. The young woman allowed herself time of deliberation, assuring herself that she was going to get her things and return before Hiro's parents discover of her…abrupt absence.

They arrived in no time, but something caught her eye for a moment. She noticed the slight change in the complex, and guessed that since it had been a while, they decided to remodel the building. She shrugged the matter away, getting out of the car.

"I'll be back in a few minutes." Duo nodded in response, advising her to be careful on her way up the steps. She smiled at him, turning away to begin her ascent.

She succeeded in getting to the top, happy to know his Japanese peace lilies hadn't died while he was away. She watered them with the outside can for a moment, and then reverted back to her main intention. But something else was peculiar. The door was ajar; a shiver ran down Naminé's spine, warning her not to step into the vacant home of her fiancé's. She shook her head, tousling her bleached locks about her face and neck.

No, she came here just to get her planner and keys; perhaps one of his maids just forgot to completely lock up. 'Right.' She pumped her fist in determination, stepping inside and closing the door behind her. She turned on one light, and it was more than enough for her to see the entire living space. She trailed her fingers along the leather couch arm, smiling at the time she sat with Hiro. He asked her out to dine with him, and she had a wonderful time with him.

Afterward he surprised her with a gift for her birthday. It was the year she had forgotten it, due to her hectic schedule. She located her planner and beloved keys, cradling them to her chest. But she heard a sound coming from down the hall. She pivoted to turn quicker, but the sound dissipated in the air. She wanted to make her way to the door, but…

A low pounding sound beat against the wall nearby her. Her knees trembled for a moment before she followed the low drumming. She drew closer down the hall, hearing other cacophonous sounds from behind Hiro's bedroom door. She couldn't define them, nor tell whether or not they were from a person or just the wind tricking her ears.

She was curious to know what was going on; she swallowed a deep breath, pressing her hand against the mahogany surface of the door. The very object was what separated her from the bedroom. It dared for her to push it open, tempting the shivers and trembles in her heart. She closed her eyes tight before opening them again. She gave in, turning the doorknob clockwise and nudged the door wide open.

A solid, profound gasp escaped her lips faster than she realized.

The guys were having the time of their lives, drinking their concerns of a hard life away. Each one was accompanied and enjoying everything in sight. Roxas had never felt so free since the time he went out with Riku several months ago. But the memory brought him back to his senses…for a moment. Elle ripped him from his conscious, purring in his ear about how she was going to make him feel good.

He approved by smiling at her. He didn't care if she was just saying those words out of acting; he wanted to have a good time, so why refuse her offer?

His hand trailed downward from her shoulders, locating the small of her back. He pressed her against him, her stomach melding into his hipbone. She growled at his challenging stare while he shrugged as if it were no big deal. She palmed his cheek before stealing his lips, meeting the slightly chapped ones belonging to him. He pushed against her, relaxing the ache in his muscles. He wasn't going to resist anymore. He was single, without a girlfriend of any kind. The love he still possessed toward a certain someone wouldn't rest on his heart, but it didn't matter anymore.

Time for you to move on, Roxas…

Riku's words sank in completely, aiding him to let go of the burden he carried on his back since the beginning. Elle pulled away, but not before tugging on his lower lip, begging to take more from him. He would give it to her, if she so desired. "Wasn't informed by Riku you were a good kisser."

"I'd think for him to not be privy of that information, Elle."

"Is that so?"

Roxas kissed her again, "Would you believe me if I said yes?"

"Should I?"

"You tell me."

Elle smirked at him, rearing at his evasive behavior. It was like poking her with temptation, showing it to her on a silver platter but slapping her hands away to keep from touching it. She felt her heart race at the sight of his attractive face glowing beneath the multi-colored lights flashing about, the ear-splitting music drowning out the rest of the world, leaving her with the blond "knight in shining armor".

She took his hand, leading him off the dance floor and toward the bar. She ordered them both drinks, feeling the need to loosen up. She waited to find a guy like him, and didn't expect Riku to bring a stud – two of them, rather. "So, how long have you known Riku?" She heard his question after a few moments, turning her body toward him.

She brushed her ankle against his denim-clad leg, curving along with his calf until finding the bend in his knee. He caught her leg, lifting it up toward him and raised his eyebrows in amazement. He didn't think she could be flexible too! He admired her physique before kissing the very joint that touched him seconds before. She giggled, "Quite some time, hon. First time I met him, I was seventeen. How about you?"

Roxas sipped the cool liquid of his drink, not knowing what it was. The consistency slid down his throat, parching it and leaving him wanting more. He assumed alcohol was in it, sipping more before chugging it entirely. The bartender refilled it to his request. "About a year before you, now that I think about it." The two continued to indulge themselves with the delicious beverages. One after another…

"I have an idea. How about we go to my place? I could show you around." She drawled, watching a light flush claim Roxas' cheeks. She found it enticing, and very cute. She wouldn't deny he was sexy, slurring his responses to her before leaning forward to kiss her neck. She let him before grabbing his hand and embracing one of her breasts. His heart jumped in his chest at the contact of soft flesh beneath a thin layer of clothing. But he was excited, nonetheless.

--

The night faded away when the two arrived at Elle's suite. They stumbled in through the door, laughing at their unorthodox movements, but the heat touched between them weren't deterred. The inside was dark, but they hardly noticed, intoxicated by one another.

Her hands pushed against his chest, separating them for a few seconds, "Happy Birthday, Roxas." She licked her lips before tugging on the tie fastened his ironed shirt, leading him to her bedroom. He followed with obedience unknown to him; the power exerted upon him was the very drinks he swallowed several hours ago.

He slipped out of her grip around his tie, pushing her against the doorframe. His body was flush as they kissed each other, wrapped up in temptation and lustful intentions. She managed to turn the doorknob, allowing them to slip into the room with little resistance.

She lured him further until the backs of her knees hit the frame of her bed, forcing her backward. She tugged Roxas with her, his muscular figure pushing up against her while clothes hindered their skins from meeting.

Fabrics of various colors, shapes and sizes were strewn about the plush carpet. Elle's hands traced every muscle and curve of his back as they rippled beneath her soft touch. Roxas reciprocated, using his left to stretch his fingers apart so they spanned the plane of the small of her back. "Take me." Left her lips as they prevented him from saying anything in exchange.

She pushed him over so he was on his back this time, giving her the opportunity to straddle his hips. She let her hair down from by unwrapping the elastic that held it in place. Her locks flowed downward in a smooth fashion, caressing her shoulders and neck. She moved down a little, teasing him by pulling his boxers down his hips a bit further. She caressed the more sensitive flesh of his lower abdomen, loving the smoothness as he struggled to hold in a groan.

Is this right?

She leaned downward to taste his body, suckling the skin to fulfill her thirst. He let her, his heart filling with a blurred sense of elation. But something inside told him that this wasn't—

What are you doing?

"Roxas…" The way she said his name was different. As if the two were tangoing, battling one another for dominance. Elle was far from innocent, nothing he'd come across before except Iena. She was bold and daring, but—

"Roxas, don't make this any harder than it already is…"

The affects of the alcohol were still at full power, locking Roxas in place and refusing to let go. The blond let a gasp escape when her saliva claimed the flesh of his abdomen, kissing further down while her hands pulled away at the final barrier between them. His drunken state was evident in his eyes, the glossed oceans shifting about to gaze at the shadowed face of a young woman.

He thought everything he was feeling was right, but at the same time, he thought of what it would be like to receive this from Naminé.

Naminé…

Her name was the sweetest thing he could ever think or say, the way each syllable rolled off his tongue with little difficulty. His eyelids drooped, the woman said something, still holding onto the elastic band of his boxers, just centimeters away from tugging them completely off.

"Nam…Nami—?" He couldn't say her name, no matter how hard he tried, and his slurred annunciation wasn't permitting him to say anything coherent. He damned the alcohol, but he didn't care. He saw an expansion of black afterward, the sound of his light snoring echoed in the room.

Disappointed and pouting, Elle crossed her arms over her breasts. She found it ridiculous that such a young, attractive young man had fallen asleep during her ministrations. She wanted to see the burning desire hidden away in his clothing, her hands ready to slide them down any minute. He felt his body struggling to turn over; she narrowed her eyes at him, getting off his hips.

She sat on the edge of the bed; her concern for lack of attire hadn't bothered her. She caressed his cheek before turning behind her, seeing the clothing spread about her floor.

They were so close…

She supposed in the morning he would make up for falling asleep. Her cell rang, startling her for a moment. Elle retrieved it, "Hello?"

"Mmm…alright. I'll be over in a minute," she purred through the receiver, cooing the young gentleman on the opposite line. She clicked the device shut, walking into her closet to get a new outfit for her night with another man. She pulled Roxas' boxers up to his hips again, tucking him in and kissing his lips.

"I'll be back, handsome." She didn't expect an answer, turning away and closing the door of her bedroom behind her. She was okay for not having sex with him, but would be satisfied with someone else as a sufficient replacement. A smirk plastered itself across her candy-flavored lips, satisfied for tasting him in the least.

The young woman's shallow breathing reflected the regret and anger in her heart. She kept running, but no matter where she went, cool tears greeted her. Her own were long gone, but still fell from the cracks from the entity housed in her chest. She clutched her things closer to her as she ran through the rain, in search of someone, anyone but him.

His betrayal was like molten lava rocks beating against her ribs, melting away at the strong, white structure. She couldn't believe his words, let alone the scene she had witnessed. What a horrible, bitter feeling that slid on her tongue. The raw airway of her throat wasn't any better, forcing her to swallow down the sobs that took her voice captive a few broken moments at a time.

The mortification in her eyes painted the once innocent azure was overcome by grief. He was guilty, trying to get her to listen to him. She wouldn't, refusing every word as she clutched the sides of her head, staring at the floor beneath her feet. He approached her, grasping her upper arms and shaking her.

She accused him of his absence, of his unhealthy obsession over work. He didn't blame her for those things, but wanted to calm her down so she could be rational. She heard the very words ringing in her head.

I told you.

Her hand stung for several minutes, the last part of her body was numb, overloaded by deception and distrust. She said something to him, spitting words while choking on the salted moisture that was evident in her eyes. She turned away from him, from his touch, from…everything.

Naminé ran out the door, out of his apartment. She forgot to pick up her fallen planner and keys near the doorstep. But what was the point when—

Why didn't you realize this before?

Her cell phone was the next victim to fall onto the ground, sealing its fate as she abandoned it. Her footsteps were erased, never leaving more than a faint print as it was washed clean. Her shoddy locks clung to her, as well as her clothing, as if preventing any kind of escape her to break through. Her legs whined and complained, aching and begging for her to stop. 'No.' she kept running.

She came to a stop in the middle of the sidewalk, covering her mouth to hush the tears. She crumbled to the ground, screaming beneath the thunder that rattled about her body. She couldn't stop, unsure if she was the one yelling anymore.

"How could you?!"

…

…

…

She couldn't see anymore, her tears and the rain blinded her at every turn. Her air was scarce, knocking her unconscious.

Sorry it's so late...school has a tendency to steal my free time. I promise to update and be on here more often, but I don't guarantee it.