Chapter 12: Day is Done...

Poor, poor Roxas. What a horrifying experience. I know it's just a story... But I just can't help but feel like a jerk for doing that to these characters! :(

Oh, and candy3314, your very silly. I made many references to Sora's wheelchair. You need to read a little closer! XD

We're closing on the first day of this story... it only took me twelve chapters... lmao. Don't worry; time will start passing faster now.

And yup, as always... I do not own.

…...

Axel and Roxas sat together until the first stars began to come out. They had sat in silence for so long, Roxas' whisper sounded abnormally loud in Axel's ear.

"I should probably go home soon..." he said, but made no attempt to move from Axel's arms.

"Yeah... do you think you're okay to go home?" Axel asked. Because I would sit out here with you all night if you would let me...

"I guess. My mother is going to freak out on me for being gone so long." this time, he did pull himself out of Axel's embrace. Roxas looked up at him, seeming to search for words for a moment.

"Thank you, Axel. Thank you so much."

Axel said nothing, just stood, and held out a hand to Roxas. The blonde took it, and he pulled him up. They dusted the dirt from themselves, grabbed the remains of their food, and headed back through the trees to Axel's truck.

They hopped in the rusty pickup and headed back towards the main drag. "Do you mind if I turn on the radio?" Roxas asked.

"Sure." Roxas pressed the button, and 'Fallen Leaves' by Billy Talent started playing. Roxas began to sing along softly.

"You have a beautiful voice." Axel said.

Roxas turned pink. "Thank you. So do you. You were great in the auditions today."

Axel smiled. "I think this is the first time the solo parts won't automatically go to me and Demyx."

"Really? I mean, you're both so good..." Roxas blushed more at the praise. God, he's cute. "Namine says that she's sure it will be you and I that get the solos."

"She's probably right. Which will leave Demyx just tickled pink. He doesn't really like doing the solo parts; he just does it because I do. We've been each other's only real friends since Zexion graduated early. And Demyx has always been kind of a follower. He generally just does what I do." Axel slowed down as they pulled up to a four-way intersection. "You're going to have to tell me where to go from here; I have no idea where you live."

Roxas blushed again. "Turn right here. Sorry, I didn't even think about that."

"No worries. So, just out of curiosity, do you play any instruments?"

"I play the piano, the guitar, the cello, the violin... pretty much anything with strings, I can play. I used to be in a band, before... before it happened. Afterward, though, everyone pulled away from Sora and I. Sora used to be a major athlete, and I think everyone blamed me for taking away their star. And they didn't really know how to behave around Sora once it came out that he was paralyzed. That's why we moved." Roxas made a face. "And that's a lot more information than you asked for. Sorry. Turn left up here, I'm the third house on the right."

"You apologize a lot, Roxas. Don't worry so much. I'm not going to bail on you for something like that. And I really don't mind. I like learning more about you."

Axel pulled up to the curb and stopped the truck. He reached behind the seat and grabbed Roxas' backpack. Handing it to him, he said "I guess I'll see you tomorrow. Do you want a ride in? I imagine Riku will be picking up Sora on his way in, most likely."

"That would be great, if you didn't mind. I haven't got the money to replace my car yet."

"No problem. I'll be here at 7:45."

Roxas hopped out of the truck. He turned back to look at Axel. "Thank you again for listening to me. And, someday, when you decide you need to tell someone your story, I would really like to return the favor." without waiting for a reply, he turned and headed up the walk. He went up the step, and turned back to wave before stepping into the house.

Wow... Axel was lost in thought as he pulled away from the curb. He's amazing. To be able to come back from all that... I don't know many people who could have survived something that traumatic... I don't know if I could have. He's really incredible.

Axelstoppedcold.

Shit. Now there's no way I'm going to be able to stay away from him. God damn it.

In a crooked little town, they were lost but never found, fallen leaves, fallen leaves, fallen leaves on the ground. Run away before you drown, because the streets will beat you down, fallen leaves, fallen leaves, fallen leaves on the ground.