1 DAY EARLIER

It is exactly one day until my birthday and I am so pumped to finally be eighteen. Obviously it's Sora's birthday too but I've learned to share over the years. Demyx planned a party for us in the hosue and mom was surprisingly unworried about leaving the house to us for the night.

But today, however, I had accompanied Kairi. She had decided to go the sanlot to watch Seifer struggle. Kairi had informed me that Seifer had won a couple of championships and had an odd friendship Hayner. The two were struggling in the middle of the sandlot being observed by three parties. The first was me and Kair, the second was Pence and Olette and the third was Fuu and Rai. Fuu and Rai were whispering to each other while taking glances over at me and Kairi. Eventually they stopped whispering and stalked over. Fuu was the first to speak,

"You're Kairi?" her voice was soft but sharp at the same time,

"Err…Yes, I am," Kairi replied, clearly unsure of what their agenda was,

"Hey, you- " Rai began to speak but Seifer had walked over with Hyaner to silence him,

"I see you've met Kairi," Seifer smiled as he put his arm around Kairi's waist as she stood up, "I'm sure you'll treat her how you'd treat me,"

Rai engaged Kairi in conversation while Fuu stayed silent and observed. Amongst the growing group, Hayner's friends had made their way to talk to Hayner.

"ROXASSS!" everyone turned towards the direction of the one screeching my name. It was Demyx. Of course. Demyx waved, nearly elbowing Axel who was next to him. Zexion was safe since he must have linked arms with Demyx a long time ago to prevent this from happedning. Axel walked slightly faster than Demyx and Zexion to make his way to me quicker. He strode up and kissed me full on the lips which brought surprised faces and raised eyebrows from everyone.

"See, if Xion would have said nothing I wouldn't have been able to do that!" Axel grinned and slung his arm around my shoulder to lean.

"Yes, but that doesn't stop anyone here from being surprised," my voice was similar to that of a sarcastic tone and I turned to face Axel.

"Ergh, guys stop flirting it's still weird to see my best friend with my younger brother! Please not in front of my sweet, innocent eyes!"

Kairi suddenly burst into a fit of giggles, "In- innocent!" clearly she knew otherwise.

"Anyway, you're all invited to my little brothers' party tomorrow. It's for their birthday. We're going to play and dance and eat- "

"I'm not turning eight, Demyx,"

"I know! It was a joke!" Demyx appeared to look slightly offended… Who cares? It's Demyx!

We had been at the sandlot for several hours and now the sunset was looming. I had taken to sitting with Axel against the side of the stage foundation. Our legs were sprawled out, Axel's legs intertwined. We were holding hands, talking and Axel occasionally kissed the back of my hand.

"Roxas, I know you now like you know the back of your hand. I've thought about this for a long time and I know. I'm positive and I will never go back on this," Axel turned to look at me and took a deep breath, "Roxas, I love you,"

I gasped and gazed into those emerald eyes, "It wasn't said by accident…"

"Take your time. But I'm sure," Axel once again smiled and closed the gap between us.