Dear Roxas,

It was the fifty-first day I knew you and the first full day of my suspension. It was also Riku's twenty-second birthday, which had completely slipped my mind. And since I had ended up sleeping on and off throughout the night, I had yet to see Marluxia since the fight.

"How'd you sleep?" Kairi checked as I slugged my way into the kitchen once I finally decided it was time to wake up.

"Feels like I didn't sleep at all," I said.

"Oh good, you're up," Naminé then announced her presence, walking in from where the bedrooms were.

I let out a short sigh. "Nami, I wanted to apologise—"

She shook her head. "You don't have to apologise to me. Just keep in mind that Marluxia will still be coming over tonight."

"How is he?"

"He's okay. I'm sure he feels the same as you do about the whole situation."

"By the way, we've already discussed everything that happened with the others," Kairi spoke up. "That way none of you need to actually talk about it."

"What are Zexion and Marluxia gonna do now?" Olette said as she and Seifer joined us in the kitchen.

"Zexion most likely already has something figured out," Seifer said.

"Just know, Ax," Riku started as he also walked in, "if you and Mar need time away from each other, I'll be glad to switch apartments with you temporarily." He winked at me jokingly.

I laughed. "Happy Birthday, man."

He smiled. "Thanks. And remember, there is to be no fighting tonight or I'll have to kick both your asses myself."

"Don't worry, we'll be able to control ourselves this time."

"You better be able to," Naminé spoke back up. "Though, I must admit, you did do more damage to Marly than he did to you."

I had to hold back a tiny grin. "Yeah, that's what Roxas said."

"Oh, so is there any other news on Aqua and Terra's status?" Olette then changed the subject.

"Unfortunately, no," Kairi said.

"Well, is there a specific reason Aqua thought he was gonna propose?" Seifer said. "Like, besides the fact that they've been together for so long?"

Naminé shrugged her shoulders. "He kept dropping hints, apparently. Kept asking her all these questions about marriage and her ring size and just really obvious hints."

"Yeah, he hadn't been trying to be subtle," Kairi went on.

"Right. Then the morning of her birthday he told her that he had an extra special surprise for her."

"What did it end up being?" Riku asked.

Kairi rolled her eyes. "A necklace and a bracelet."

"So…why is she complaining?" I said.

All the girls stopped and glared at me. The guys laughed at their reactions. I felt as if I was about to die.

"A ring is basically the most important piece of jewelry any girl could ever receive from her boyfriend," Olette spoke up first.

"And not receiving one after your boyfriend dropped so many hints is like being wrung out and left to dry," Kairi went on.

"It hurts, to put it simply," Naminé said.

Riku cleared his throat, calming his laughing fit. "Should we talk to Terra, then?"

Naminé's face lit up. "Could you?"

"If we do, then you obviously can't say anything to Aqua," Seifer said.

"We know that," Olette said. "And we wouldn't."

Now I let out an overly dramatic sigh. "I guess we can think about it."

Seifer chuckled at me. "Well, I gotta go get Hayner and Pence." He kissed Olette on the cheek. "I'll be back later."

As he left, you walked in, Ventus and Sora trailing along behind you.

"Hey, what are you three doing here so early?" Riku said. Then he grinned. "Did Sora miss me?"

Sora laughed. "Shut up, jackass."

"Aren't you supposed to be working?" I said to you.

You shrugged your shoulders. "I finished early." You looked around at the others. "Uhm, wanna go for a walk?"

I nodded my head, maybe a little too eagerly. "Yeah, sure. Fresh air would probably do me some good."

We then headed out for the walk. The weather was finally starting to warm up, too, which was nice.

"All right, so…what's up?" I broke the silence after a few long minutes. "You sounded almost urgent when you asked me if I wanted to go for a walk."

You nodded. "I was gonna tell you, but now that we're out here I'm no longer sure if I'm ready to."

"Wait, tell me what?"

"About my family."

"Oh." I paused. "Well, like I said, you can tell me whenever you're ready. I'm not gonna push you or anything."

"Thanks."

We fell silent. I watched you as you walked. You didn't seem to notice.

"What do you plan on doing during your suspension?" you broke the silence now.

"I dunno. I'm probably gonna end up spending a majority of my time at the Nocturne or something."

"Maybe I could join you?"

"I wouldn't mind that." I smiled. "You're good company."

You smiled back at me. "I'm glad you think so."

"So…you think you will be ready at some point to tell me?"

You nodded, swallowing hard. "I think so."

"What made you almost ready this time?"

"Ven, Sora, and I visited our family while you were gone because of—" You swallowed hard, shaking your head. "There was an incident."

I raised an eyebrow. "An incident? Was anyone hurt?"

"No, everyone's fine."

"That's good, then."

You inhaled sharply. "Yeah."

We were silent for the rest of the walk, just enjoying each other's company. By the time we returned to the apartment, everyone else had already arrived. Before anyone allowed the party to actually begin, though, everyone made me and Marluxia sit down and talk things out. So, we sat down, and we talked. And since it was us, we were able to sort everything out without any other problems. We both apologised to one another and the party officially began.

Fights amongst the group never lasted long. Tch. Wish I could say the same about you and me.

It had been a good night. And about halfway through the night, I started to notice how you spent most of your time next to me, whether we were sitting or standing. Wherever I looked, you were always right there. And I found that reassuring. Never had I thought that I would ever need any sort of protection, but you made me feel protected.

Now I feel vulnerable.

Yours Truly,

Axel