AN Not being able to sleep for a week sucks. I can feel my brain turning into mush.
Btw, I made a DeviantArt account for my stories. I'm slowly uploading this story and when it's caught up I'll post new chapters (unbeta'd) so it should be updated faster. Links on my profile.
This chapter was Beta'd by shadowofmyself435
Roxas sighed as he stretched out on his old bed that he shared with Sora. The brunet was still out and Roxas was starting to get anxious; he needed to leave soon if he wanted to get back to the den before nightfall. Naminé was curled up at her brother's side, asking never ending questions. And Cloud, well, Roxas didn't know where he disappeared to.
"Were there any other wolves?" The small girl asked.
"Mmhmm," Roxas hummed while rubbing Naminé's side. "There's a whole pack, though I've only met Riku. He's really nice and helps out Axel whenever he can. And Axel has a little sister that's a month older then you. But other than them, I haven't met any." Roxas chose not to tell his sister about her future high school teacher also being a Lycanthrope.
Naminé's blue eyes widened. "Sister? What's she like?" The girl bounced on the bed. "Will I ever meet her? Can I meet her on my birthday?"
"We'll see."
The door that led to the basement opened and slammed. "Why is the light on?" A confused voice said at the top of the stairs. "Cloud's back!" A series of thumps were heard coming down. About half way a scream sounded and Sora tumbled down the stairs.
"Sora!" Roxas leapt off the bed towards his twin. Sora lay on his back, clutching the back of his head. A sharp pain went through the blond's skull and he fell to his knees in pain. Stupid twin telepathy.
Sora recovered from the fall first. "Cloud, did you find Roxas?" His hand was covering his eyes.
Roxas groaned and rubbed the back of his head. His brother could be such an idiot. When he was about to correct Sora, he felt tiny hands clamp round his mouth; Naminé brought one finger up to her mouth. "Sorry, Sora. Cloud couldn't find him. He said we should give up." The smile on the girl's face grew larger.
"What the fuck, Cl-" Sora sat up to yell at his older brother but shut up when he saw the wrong blond. "Roxas? Holy shit!" The brunet leapt at his twin, knocking Roxas over. "Where the hell have you been?"
Roxas flinched at the added weight on him and the loudness of his brother's voice. "Don't swear so much when Naminé's around, dumbass. Now can you get off of me?"
"No can do, bro," Sora said and hugged his twin so tight that the poor blond couldn't breathe. "You have to tell me everything!" The brunet gushed like a teenaged girl.
~X~x~X~x~
Cloud and Squall made a rendezvous spot outside of Braska's house. Since the old man pretty much ran the town, Cloud thought it would be best if they told him what was going on.
The blond knocked on the door to his grandfather's house. When the door opened, Braska looked surprised. "Cloud? What brings you here?"
Cloud looked nervous and wouldn't look the old man in the eye. "I'm meeting someone here and we need to talk to you about...umm...things," He lamely finished.
"Is that so?" Braska opened the door wider to let his grandson inside. When Cloud walked past him, Braska closed the door and didn't lock it for whoever was coming over. "You look tired. I'll go make us some coffee. How does that sound?"
Cloud was looking at Braska's bookshelf and nodded. "That sounds nice. Thank you." He turned away from the books to face his grandfather. "By the way, do you have any books on mythological creatures? Like the kind they believe are in Canta Forest."
Braska called out from his spot in the kitchen. "Canta Forest? Why would you want to know what's in there?" The older man started to grind up the coffee beans and the machine drowned out whatever his grandson was going to say.
Cloud sighed and scanned the large bookshelf. It was filled with books of various colors and thickness. Most of them were about the history of the town and a few were on legends and myths. Then his eyes landed on one single book. It was a thick book, probably holding hundreds of pages inside its binding. Leather made the exterior but it was old and dyed an ugly deep orange color. Gold writing embedded the cowhide with the name The Early Myths of Bevelle. Cloud grabbed it off the shelf and flipped through it.
The book had everything Cloud was looking for. About Lycanthropes and Nymphs and what they are. It even had a short chapter on Heartless.
The blond sat on the couch and scanned through the book while he waited for Braska.
Lycanthropes are one of the most deadly monsters that lurk in Canta Forest. They can change from wolf to human at will and will sneak into villages to abduct innocent girls. It is not known what happens to the victims but it's believed that the Lycanthrope will rape her and make her bear his unholy spawns.
Cloud didn't read much after that before a mug was held in front of his face. He took the hot drink from his grandfather with a small smile as a thank you. Braska took a seat in the chair across from him.
Braska eyed the book Cloud was reading. "Is there any reason you wanted to read about Lycanthropes?"
Cloud noticed the worry in his grandfather's voice. "No reason. I just flipped to a random page and it happened to be this one." Braska hummed and took a sip of the dark drink. The blond copied him and the two sat in silence for a while, just drinking, till Cloud decided to ask Braska a question. "Why is Canta Forest forbidden? What's exactly in there?" The blond knew his grandfather was hiding something and he was going to get him to admit what it was.
Braska pretended like he didn't hear the blond and took another sip from his mug. Cloud was going to repeat himself when the front door opened and Squall walked into the room. His normal camouflage clothes were replaced by leather and belts. Lots of leather and belts.
The old man changed the subject. "Ah, you must be Cloud friend. Please sit down and I'll get you some coffee." Braska didn't feel the need to introduce himself since he ran the town.
"It's okay; I don't need anything to drink," Squall said as he sat down in the open spot next to Cloud. He didn't know what coffee was but, by looking at the dark brown sludge in the blond's mug, he guessed it would taste disgusting. "So, I'm guessing Cloud told you I was stopping by?"
Braska smiled at the boys across from him and gave them a slight nod. He knew where this was going. "And I must say I'm happy you two came to me with this." Braska didn't like to brag but he was amazing at reading people.
The Nymph looked over at the blond next to him. "Did you tell him what's going on?"
Cloud shook his head. "No, I didn't. Granddad, what are you talking about?" He asked and took a sip of his drink.
"You two are dating. And you're coming out of the closet," The older man stated with a smile.
Coffee sprayed from Cloud's mouth and he coughed. "You thing I'm...him...what? Why would you think that?"
"Don't get all shy now. I've always known you were gay and hoped you would come out to me." Braska's smile got bigger. Squall thought he was way too happy about it. "It's all about the way you carry yourself. And by the way he dresses," Braska pointed at Squall. "Well, the way he dresses just screams it."
Cloud gave his grandfather a horrified look. "I'm not gay! I can't say the same for Squall, but I'm not."
"What do you mean by that?" Squall glared at the blond.
Cloud glared right back. "What I mean is you're a flower. That's pretty gay to me."
Braska didn't miss the comment. "What do you mean he's a flower?"
The blond looked away from the Nymph. "This is why we came here. He's a Tree Nymph I met while in the forest." Braska opened his mouth to yell at his grandson for going into the forest but Cloud kept talking. "Roxas told Naminé everything and she told me. I'll admit, I overreacted and ran into the forest to look for him." Cloud retold his grandfather everything that happened. "Squall's here to keep an eye on Vexen. He's a high school teacher and a Lycanthrope. We think he's going to do something to Sora."
Braska had his elbows on his knees with his fingers crossed and his chin resting on them. He listened to the whole story without interrupting. He wouldn't have believed a word of it but now that he was looking closely he could now see a faint green glow coming from the man who claimed to be a Tree Nymph. "That's quite a story. But why are you telling me this?"
Squall spoke up. "We think it would be best if you stayed in the loop with what was happening. You know, in case something goes wrong."
"I see. And where will you be staying?"
Squall looked down at his hands which were folded in his lap. "I haven't figured it out yet."
"You can stay here if you like then." Squall looked up at the old man. "It'll be easier for me to keep an eye on you. I can keep tabs on Vexen while I'm at it. And you'll need an easy way into the school, correct?" The brunet nodded his head. "Well, I'll just put a word in for you. With any luck, you'll be in by next week."
Both boys just stared at the older man. Braska chuckled. "You thought I wouldn't help? This is my town and it's my duty to make sure Mystics stay out. If what you say is right, then one made has its way in. And my grandchildren are involved so it's also on a personal level."
Cloud got over the shock first. "Thank you," He said in a sincere voice. He looked out the window. The sun was setting. "I think I should go and see Roxas off."
Braska stood up and gave his grandson a goodbye hug. "Can you tell Roxas I'm sorry? I feel awful for banishing him like that but I was just doing what was best for town. Tell him that if he promises to behave, he and Axel can visit," He said then pulled away. Cloud nodded and left.
~X~x~X~x~
Roxas stared at the box in his hand with shock. He told Sora everything. He confirmed what Naminé told him and he told him what happened in the last two weeks. Hell, Roxas even confided in his twin about his feelings.
Before Roxas could tell Sora about Vexen, the brunet grabbed his twin's hand and dragged him to the closest drug store, handing the blond a box of condoms.
"Sor, I don't understand what you're getting at here."
"And you're supposed to be the smart one," Sora grumbled. "If your Heat's making your head be all funky," The brunet chuckled. He still couldn't get over the fact that his brother could go through such a thing. "I think having sex with Axel will help you clear your head. Maybe once you do and you can think straight, you'll realize you can't stand the man anymore and have to come back here."
"Ah-huh. I get the first part. But, you know even if I don't love him, I can't come back. Uncle Auron and Granddad won't let me. And why do I need condoms?" Roxas waved the box in his twin's face.
"Details, details. We'll figure that out if it turns out you don't like him. As for the condoms, we took health class together; you figure it out." Sora winked at his twin and disappeared down the aisle singing Hakuna Matata.
Roxas threw the box into his basket and grabbed some things for the bathroom back at the den before following his brother. He found Sora waiting for him at the register with a goofy grin. Roxas placed his items on the conveyer belt with a blush. When the cashier scanned the condoms, she looked up at Roxas and smiled at him. The bond's red face grew hotter. He just wanted to get out of there already! The blond threw his money on the counter and ran out of the store.
He made it a block before he noticed Sora was behind him laughing. "You should have seen the look on your face! It was priceless!" Sora collapsed on his twin's chest because he couldn't hold himself upright.
"Shut up!" Roxas was trying to be serious but found himself following his twin's example; the two couldn't stop their laughter for the rest of the walk.
~X~x~X~x~
Kairi huffed as she watched Axel wash laundry. Her brother had decided to catch up on some chores while Roxas was gone. Axel had said Roxas would be back before night fell but the sun going down and the blond wasn't back yet. Kairi was getting impatient.
"Why isn't Roxas back yet?"
"He's seeing his family. I wouldn't be surprised if he didn't come back till late tomorrow." Axel said with a slight frown. He wanted his mate back just as much as Kairi did but if he let his sister know that then she would whine. The redhead knew if he went to get his young mate then Roxas would get mad at him and they were just starting to get along.
Kairi lowered her head and pulled the grass out of the ground. "Can't you go get him? I really miss him."
"I miss him too. But you know I can't. He needs to be with his family-"
"But we are his family!" Kairi yelled. Tears rolled down her face. She was getting frustrated that Roxas would rather be with other people than them. Axel and she were his family, not those other people!
Axel looked over at his sister when he heard her crying. He sighed and hung a shirt to the clothes line. The redhead picked up the crying girl and carried her towards the den; she was probably throwing the fit because she was getting tired.
When they got to the den, Axel brought Kairi into his room and placed her on the bed. "Go to sleep. When you wake up, Roxas should be home." He went to leave but he heard his sister cry again. Sighing, Axel kicked off his shoes and slid under the covers with the girl.
Kairi grabbed on to her brother, curled around him, and buried her face in his chest as she tried to fall asleep. Axel wrapped his arms around his little sister and rubbed her back to calm her down. The young redhead fell into a fitful sleep.
~X~x~X~x~
Roxas picked Naminé up, hugged her close and wished her a happy early birthday before he put her down. He turned towards his twin. Sora jumped on Roxas and wrapped his legs around the blond's waist.
"No, Roxas! Don't leave me!" The brunet fake cried. He screamed in surprise when he felt a hand grab the back of his shirt to haul him off Roxas.
"Thanks Cloud." Roxas smiled over at his older brother. Night would fall soon so Roxas thought it would be best to leave. All of the Jecht kids were standing outside the forest. Signs of winter were showing; there were barely any leaves left on the trees.
Roxas was about to leave before Cloud spoke. "Remember what I told you."
The smaller blond nodded his head. "I'll come back with Axel and Kairi soon. I bet she would love to meet you, Naminé." Said girl smiled. She couldn't wait to meet her new sister. Roxas gave one last wave before he disappeared into the forest.
Roxas couldn't help but smile at how the forest changed around him as he walked. There were more leaves on the trees. They were green and showed no signs of the true season. Roxas followed the trail Riku had marked for him but he took a few detours to explore. He found a small burrow where there was a family of rabbits, a mother doe teaching her fawn how to walk, and there was a small flower patch of different colored flowers that called for Roxas to pick.
When the blond finally made it back to the den, the sun had already set. Roxas got a little worried when he didn't see or hear Axel and Kairi. Roxas shook it off and hurried down the trap door into his home. It was dark. The blond thought it was way too early for them to be sleeping.
Roxas tossed his bag of toiletries into the bathroom before he turned towards the door that led to his room. What he saw made a huge smile spread across the blond's face. On the bed, Axel and Kairi were sound asleep. Axel lay on his back with his arms wrapped around the little girl who was clinging to his shirt.
Being as quiet as he could, Roxas grabbed a change of pajamas, a towel, lighter, and some candles so he could grab a quick shower.
~X~x~X~x~
Axel woke up when he heard the shower turn on. Roxas's back! The redhead would have sprinted into the bathroom to tackle his blond but the weight on his chest was hindering him. Careful not to wake her, Axel moved Kairi off of him and placed a pillow in her arms to substitute for him.
The redhead poked his head in the door to the bathroom and saw the room was light up with candles. There was a faint smell of strawberries from the new shampoo and conditioner the blond had picked up.
Axel smirked when he saw Roxas's silhouette behind the shower curtain. "You're back early."
The figure behind the curtain jumped from the sudden voice and Roxas poked his head out. "Sorry, did I wake you up?" There was a faint blush on his cheeks but Axel couldn't tell if it was from the heat of the water or if the blond was embarrassed.
"No, you didn't. I guess I got used to sleeping in the same bed as you and I just couldn't fall asleep without you there." The redhead scratched the back of his head. He couldn't believe he just said that.
Roxas smiled at his mate. "Go back to bed. I'll be out soon." Axel nodded and went back to his room.
Kairi didn't wake up as Axel crawled back into the bed but, as soon as he was under the covers, she latched onto him. He stared up at the dark ceiling and waited for Roxas to come in. It wasn't long until he heard the bedroom door open and felt the bed dip.
Roxas crawled next to the redhead and Axel pulled him down for a quick kiss. "Welcome home," The taller man said
"It's good to be home." Roxas kissed his mate again before he lay down next to Axel and the two quickly fell asleep.
AN Since I lost my computer, I feel like I'm getting lazy with this story =( sorry bout that.