When Vanitas was able to stop crying, Terra gave him some space and watched him as he dried his tears with both hands, sniffing while trying to regain his self-control. The teenager breathed in and out a few times; his head was throbbing nonstop and all he wanted at the moment was to sleep. Terra saw how tired he was and put a hand on his shoulder, speaking calmly.

"You're excused from my class today. You can stay here or go to the schoolyard, whatever makes you feel better" Vanitas nodded in silence, staring to his own hands now resting over his legs "Whose is next class?"

He thought a little bit "M... Marluxia's , I think"

"Good. I'll talk to him so you won't have to worry about his lessons either. What do you think?"

Vanitas nodded again. He felt even more tired now but lighter than before. God, if his father saw him crying like that he would be so angry... "Thank you, professor"

"There's no need to thank me!" The adult replied and smiled with care, standing up. He looked to his watch; there were five minutes left of break "I'm going to get coffee. Do you want some? It might do you good"

"Thank you, but no" If he drank coffee he would end up waking up and right now he really wanted to fall asleep. The teacher then turned his back to him and walked to the door but was called again.

"I'm sorry for wasting your time" Said the teenager.

"You didn't waste my time. Everything's fine, Vanitas. Oh, and..." Terra smiled again "If you need something, and I mean anything, don't think twice before looking for me alright? You can trust me!

That teacher might not have as much control over his students as his wife, but had a heart as good as hers. Vanitas thanked him once again, truly grateful, and let him go get his coffee before laying his head over the desk and closing his eyes. It didn't take him long to fall asleep.

It had been a while since he slept so easily. He was exhausted and, regardless if it happened at school, those few minutes of sleep made him feel better. In fact, he wasn't sure of when he would've woken up if the teacher hadn't called him.

He felt a soft shake in his arm and lifted his head trying to see who it was, very sleepy. Marluxia was calling for him.

"Class is over, young man. Time to go home"

There was no one else in the classroom. Vanitas rubbed his face with his hands, forcing himself to wake up despite the absurd will to lay down and sleep for the rest of the day. From the moment he stood up he only thought of his bed and felt a tremendous relief when he finally arrived home.

"You're late again" Grumbled Xehanort while watching TV.

"I'm not feeling well" His son replied without looking at him "I'll go to my room"

He wouldn't be surprised if only minutes later Xehanort came to bang at the door but he felt so happy just for looking to his bed that, even if that did happen, he would hardly wake up. Vanitas didn't even change his clothes before letting himself fall over the mattress and enjoying his laziness.

"You what?" Axel asked exasperated from the other end of the phone.

Although it had already been four days since Roxas had faced Vanitas he had said nothing to Axel until now. He would have told him everything on that same day if it wasn't for the guilt he felt for leaving Ven even more depressed. He expected Axel to react like this of course and sighed.

"Roxas... I know you care about him. He knows that too but did you really think it was a good time to do that?"

"I wasn't even thinking back then" Replied the blonde, curled up on the sofa. His brother was in their bedroom doing who knows what and his parents had left for shopping "When I saw Ven crying I got nervous!"

"I know, Rox... But you need to be sure of things before doing something. It was just a silly misunderstanding but it was enough to affect Ventus. How is he now?"

"He's quiet... Angry, I think, and depressed too. And Axel... You were right."

"About what?"

"When you spoke of... How he looked to Vanitas. He told me, Axel. He said he really likes him"

"No wonder he's so sad then. To lose a friend is hard enough but even harder when you like someone that way... Anyway, what he needs now is your support, Roxas. There's not much to be done, unless..."

Silence. Axel thought a little bit.

"Unless what?"

"I'll talk to Vanitas"

"What?"

"You may not like him, Rox, but from what little I spoke with him I know he used to stay around us because he truly enjoyed doing so. If not he wouldn't even have a reason to go your house the other day. I think something happened... And I'll find out what it was"

"Axel..."

"Stay calm. I won't get anyone else involved"

Roxas sighed. What could he say? He wasn't in a favorable position to do it anyway.

"Alright, just... Tell me about it later"

"Will do!" That said, they changed the subject. Soon they were laughing again, talking about ordinary stuff while upstairs Ventus watched the street from their window. It wasn't the first time he saw Max and his friends walking around the place.

Vanitas only woke up on the next day when his cellphone alarm went off. He turned on his bed lazily and stared to the ceiling, wondering if he could skip classes... He changed his mind however when he remembered he hadn't spoken with his father yesterday. Was he angry? He hated being ignored for too long.

Ugh...

He went to school. Not that it made too much of a difference since he had stopped paying attention to the lessons a few days ago. He waited anxious for break where he could just sit somewhere and not worry about paying attention to anything at all, so once the bell rang he was the first one to leave the classroom.

Although a little down, Vanitas felt a lot more relaxed now. Besides sleeping more than he had slept the entire month, he had gotten a lot off his chest. He didn't like crying and hated to feel like he was weak, but he couldn't deny he was feeling a lot better now.

He was sitting alone at one of the tables, watching the younger students play volleyball a few meters from there when he heard someone approaching. His heart sped up unconsciously and he asked himself why he thought it would be Ventus. Still, he didn't complain when he saw who it was.

"Do you mind if I stay here with you?" Asked Terra, standing by his side.

"N... No. Feel free"

Terra did it then, joining him in observing the other students. Vanitas crossed his arms, suddenly embarrassed as he remembered how Terra had seen him in such a vulnerable state.

"Do you like sports?" Asked the adult.

"Only as a hobby" Vanitas replied without taking his eye off the others.

"What do you like to play?"

"Volleyball is nice. Prisonball is cool too"

Months ago the boy would have replied harshly, but he had no motives to do that now. He remained calm, only waiting for the teacher to ask more questions.

"Prisonball is great! I loved to play it when I was younger" Terra laughed and crossed his arms as well "It was the only thing I did well back when I was a student"

It was then that Vanitas looked to him, unsure of what he meant. The man continued.

"I was a slow learner. Couldn't memorize too much, you know. It was one of the reasons why I started to isolate myself"

Vanitas didn't take his eyes off him. It was funny to think that someone with a learning difficulty had become a teacher.

"And what happened?"

"I met someone" He smiled and turned to the teenager "Coincidence or not, she's my wife now"

"Oh" Vanitas wasn't expecting that and turned his gaze away and back to the students.

"But she wasn't back then. You know, Aqua... Was the first person who I could truly count with. Before I met her I had no one. It took me a while to feel comfortable around her, but after some time I realized she just wanted to help me overcome my fears"

"That's a beautiful story" Vanitas said, sounding more ironic than he wanted to and quickly apologizing for that "For real, it's... Good that that happened."

"Yes, it is. I always thought I was... Broken. Sometimes I hated myself for being unable to do something no matter how simple it seemed to be. But that wasn't true, it never was. Sometimes we just need someone who can give us a direction. To show us not all is lost"

Vanitas looked to him again. The professor smiled not waiting for an answer or reaction, but the teenager wanted to ask something.

"Did it take you too long to realize it? That you weren't... Broken or something like that?"

"A few years. But even now the thought comes to me sometimes. And it'll keep coming until my last day on this Earth. It's what makes us humans, you see. To live and feel is something normal for us. Something no one should ever feel ashamed of"

The teen looked down. Easier said than done when he had been told to fight back whatever emotion he was feeling his entire life. He stood like that for a while until Terra spoke again.

"I'm sorry if I made you feel uncomfortable, that wasn't my intention. But... Try to think about what I've said. Alright?"

Terra then stood up ready to go back to the staff room when Vanitas spoke.

"Professor-"

"Yes?"

The boy stood in place looking at him, the words stuck in his throat. He wouldn't be able to say it, he knew that, but before he could give up the adult spoke for him.

"Do you want me to stay here with you?"

Vanitas looked down to his own feet and nodded ashamed. Terra smiled and sat next to him again, waiting for the time to pass in his company. He didn't mind being there for him, he wanted to help the boy somehow, and Vanitas once again felt that weird but warm sensation in his chest even if for just a few minutes.

"... Thank you"

Once he arrived home Vanitas went to the bathroom, noting that Xehanort wasn't there. After washing his face and changing clothes he went to the living room, laying for a bit on the sofa to rest . He picked his cellphone from the backpack and was about to spend a few minutes seeing something on the internet when he realized there was an unread message.

Axel
What's up, man! - 3:23 PM
I wanted to talk to you, let me know when I can call - 3:23 PM

Vanitas frowned. What did Axel want with him? Thinking a little about it, Vanitas sent him a message asking what exactly he wanted to talk about and went to the kitchen to get something for himself to eat.

He loved the silence when his father wasn't home. It seemed as if all that negative air disappeared and he could even breathe better. Vanitas got himself some cold chocolate milk and walked back to the sofa. He wondered if his father would take long to return...

The raven ignored that thought and stretched his legs over the sofa, seeing that Axel had already replied saying that he wanted to talk about what had happened at school. Vanitas laughed unwillingly; many things had happened lately. Somehow apprehensive he said Axel could call him and only a second later his cellphone rang.

"Heya!" Greeted Axel in the most friendly way possible.

"Hey"

"How are you doing?"

The raven rolled his eyes "Good. You can go straight to the point now"

Axel sighed "Roxas told me what happened on friday"

It was Vanitas' turn to sigh. There really was no running away from that, was there? Since he went quiet Axel continued.

"You know... I might be a no one to you, but I feel there's something wrong in this situation. I mean, you two got along so well for it all to simply end like this. I really didn't want to intrude, man, but I like both of you and I don't want to see you sad like this. It's enough for Roxas to get all stressed out"

"Yeah, well... Whatever. I think it's a little late for that now, Axel" He replied at last.

"Why would it be?"

"Because..." Vanitas took a deep breath. No use lying anymore, not after crying like a child in front of his teacher "Because I was an idiot. I... I said a lot of horrible things to Ven because of my own problems. He had nothing to do with them"

"Okay... And did you say that to him?"

"He's avoiding me. And with good reason. I don't want to risk hurting him anymore"

Axel smiled "Of course, because you care about him. Even if you try to deny it sometimes"

Vanitas felt his cheeks blush, thankful for being alone. Of course he cared, he cared a lot! He finished drinking his milk and lay down, allowing himself to relax while talking to Axel.

"Look, Vanitas... I won't deny it, Ventus is still really depressed. He got really close to you, you know... And that's why I think it is not too late, on the contrary. It's common for friends to have arguments sometimes. This one might have been a really bad one, but... Ven has a big heart. If you tried talking to him I'm sure he would listen"

"Yes, he's... Way too good" Agreed Vanitas, remembering the blonde was always happy while teaching him how to play chess despite his own temper.

"See? Look, if you really like him you'd want him to be close to you, right?"

"Of course!"

"Then what are you waiting for before apologizing to him, damn it?"

Vanitas thought about it. What stopped him from going after Ventus...

"I think I'm afraid of his answer" It was Axel who went silent this time "Ventus is a good person. He didn't deserve to be treated like that, but... I couldn't hold myself and now it's done. I think about apologizing all the time, but I fear he-"

"Why don't you give him something? You know, to... Break the ice? So you two can talk"

"Something like...?"

"Well, you know him better than me. What does he like?"

The first thing that came into his mind was the candy Lucky Lucky that he so much loved. Then he remembered he liked plushies and thought about that little dog they almost got at the mall. Both things however were just objects. Vanitas wanted something meaningful! Something that...

They say that if you share it with someone, you're destined to be with this person forever.

The Wayfinder! Of course, why didn't he think of it before? He had made it with Ventus in mind in the first place, just never managed to actually give it to him. His pride hadn't let him that day, but right now he needed to put that aside if he wanted his friend back.

"There is something... That I think he might like"

"Great! As long as it's something meaningful, you could give it to him. And if he accepts it you two can talk about what happened! There's nothing wrong in being honest about how you truly feel, you know."

Vanitas nodded unconsciously. That was a way, of course... He could do it. Even if Ven ignored him after that, at least he would've tried.

"I'll follow your advice" He said at last. Axel laughed from the other end of the line.

"Don't forget to tell me about it later!"

The raven sneered, laughing "Leave it to me"

On the following day, Vanitas woke up a little more tense than he should be. He had left the red Wayfinder over his bedside table before sleeping and now looked at it wondering if he should actually take it or not.

Deep inside he was ashamed for doing this; he wasn't used to go around showing his feeling like this. Still, there was no denying that he wanted to at least apologize this this time, so he put the object inside a small box so it wouldn't break and put it in his backpack.

On his way to school he started to think about when and how he would give the Wayfinder to Ventus. He couldn't do it during class or at the schoolyard, it would draw too much attention. At the entrance... He grumbled. He would only be able to do it after all classes but there would still be too many people around. Of course he could put the object inside the boy's backpack once he left for break, but he didn't want to do that. He wanted to give it to him!

As soon as Aqua entered the classroom she gave him a caring smile. Vanitas blushed and lowered his head. She surely knew what had happened by now. If Terra had told her how much he cried she was probably thinking of him as a child right now.

"Did everyone do the homework?" She asked, starting her lesson and filling up the blackboard with the answers to the questions she gave them. Vanitas didn't pay attention to that and instead took a quick glance at Ventus. He didn't look depressed like before but he looked... Angry. It was then that the raven realized Roxas hadn't come that day. Did something happen?

The morning came to an end and Vanitas still hadn't given his Wayfinder to the boy, so all he could do now was to go after him before leaving... But that turned out to be a problem because the blonde left the moment the bell rang. As if that wasn't enough, Braig called for Vanitas the moment he stood up.

"You there! I want to talk to you!"

He knew that teacher very well; he was probably gonna get busted for not doing anything during his class again. He wouldn't really care about that if he wasn't in a hurry, so he decided to merely agree with everything Braig said to end the conversation as soon as possible... And that still took him ten minutes. Once he finally managed to leave school, Ventus was nowhere to be found. Determined to find him, Vanitas walked as fast as he could and followed the path to the twins' house.

Ven wanted to arrive earlier at home; he had an assignment for tomorrow which he hadn't even started yet! The blonde walked fast, his stomach rumbling with hunger. He could almost smell his mother's food...

Then he heard footsteps behind him. Not that it was uncommon to see someone on his way back home but that specific place was always quiet; many people avoided it because of the scary dark alley down the street.

He didn't even think about the alley though, only about how the footsteps seemed to be in a hurry too. Ven took a quick glance back, surprised to see Max and his friends there. Trying to ignore them, he continued his path but only seconds later they had already reached him.

The three stood side by side with him. Ventus tightened his grip around his backpack strap, tense.

"What's up!" One of them greeted him, smiling "You brother couldn't come today?"

Ventus glared at him "Why?"

"It's very unusual to see you walking home by yourself" Replied Max "We've been watching... And we all agreed that it's not a good idea to let you go all alone like this"

"I can take care of myself, thank you!" Replied the blonde before hurrying up but he didn't make it far. Max put a hand over his shoulder, keeping him close.

"Kid... I said it's not a good idea to let you go alone. So you'll let us walk with you and take you home in safety."

"Let go of me!" Exclaimed Ventus as he pushed the older teen away, which only made him even more insistent and nervous.

Max grabbed him by his shirt, pushing him against the wall "You really don't wanna go around giving me orders, blondie!" He looked around the street and, when his colleagues guaranteed it was empty, pulled Ventus and forced him into the alley. The boy stumbled, turning to them scared.

"What do you want?!" He asked, wondering if he should run. He didn't want to get into a fight, he was outnumbered and was the youngest of them all!

"It's nothing personal. Not with you, I mean" Said Max, cracking his knuckles.

Ventus eyes went wide and he ran to the other side as fast as he could. He heard the three other boys running after him and didn't dare looking back, but soon felt a tremendous force against his back when one of them jumped against him and knocked him down. He hit his chin and groaned in pain, trying to get up but the tallest of the boys pulled him by his arm and prevented him from running, taking his backpack and throwing it on the ground. Ventus tried to hit him somehow but lost his balance when he was punched on the face, stuttered back and fell.

He didn't understand why that had started so suddenly, but he knew he had to leave as fast as possible or he could get really hurt. The three laughed at him while he looked around and tried to find a way to escape.

"Pete, he's all yours" Said Max, crossing hims arms and letting his friend make Ventus stand up by force. The blonde wasn't strong enough and as much as he tried he couldn't free himself of his grasp. He felt himself being pushed against the wall again.

"Let me go, you asshole! Let me-" Ventus gasped when he was punched on the stomach, bending forward. Pete wanted to make sure he would shut up before someone could listen... But someone already had.

"Ven?!"

Max turned around, smiling "Ahhh, look who's here!"

"Vani-!" Ventus lost his breath once he has hit again and that was more than enough. Vanitas left his backpack on the floor and ran to Pete, so fast and with so much hatred that he avoided the other two without even knowing how. He threw himself against the older boy and punched him to the floor, hitting him continuously.

"Ventus, get awa-" The raven was thrown to the side, falling and receiving a punch directly on his right eye. Ven tried to pull Pete away from him but was easily stopped by Max while Julius joined in the attacks against Vanitas. Max dragged the blonde away and held his hands behind his back, watching as the other two kept on beating and kicking Vanitas, who tried to stand up while protecting himself with his arms to no avail.

"Just look at you. You're so pathetic, Vani!" Mocked Max while holding Ventus with force. Vanitas managed to hit one of them but was kicked so hard on his back that he squirmed and closed his eyes in pain.

"Let him go! Leave him alone!" Exclaimed the blonde and threw his head backwards, hitting Max on the nose and feeling the grip around his hands loosen. Ventus then kicked him on his knees before running to the other two, doing all he could to get them away from Vanitas.

"Get out of here, kid!" Julius exclaimed already getting up but Vanitas held him by his legs with as much strength as he could muster. He couldn't let them hurt Ventus and they were really capable of doing it!

Pete also got up and ran after Ventus but Vanitas put his leg in front of him making him fall. Ven jumped over him, throwing himself against Julius to knock him down, but he had not strength for that and was hit on nape of his neck. He fell on his knees moaning in pain and Vanitas, now free, stood up as fast as he could and kicked the other boy on his back before bending over next to his friend.

"Ven, are you okay?!" Was all he managed to say before the two attacked him again, each holding him by one arm and forcing him to stay up while pulling him away from Ventus. He tried to free himself but that only made them tighten the grip around his arms. Max then approached Ventus, who was still dizzy, and kicked him, stepping on his back so he wouldn't be able to get up.

"What are you going to do now, Vani?"

"Let him go, Max!" Exclaimed Vanitas, nervous.

"Why should I? What can you do now? You are so full of yourself... But are always with a tail between your legs when you get beaten at home. Stop lying to yourself, Vanitas, you know you're not capable of doing anything for anyone!"

Vanitas swallowed, not taking his eyes off the boy he so much hated and Ventus, while unable to move, paid attention to what Max said.

"If you stay down, there's no need to worry about the blondie. All you have to do... Is do nothing at all" Said Max and smiled to Ventus with malice in his eyes.

Vanitas wouldn't be able to explain what took over him, but on the next instant he freed himself from the two who were holding him, hitting Pete on his chin and kicking Julius between his legs before running against Max.

The two fell over Vanitas' backpack, hitting each other. Ventus was still getting up when the other two pulled Vanitas away from their friend and threw him on the ground. He fell powerless this time, grumbling in pain and covering his hand with both hands as he waited for the imminent attacks.

Before they could hurt him any longer, however, Ventus ran to him and put his arms around the raven, holding him tightly and standing between him and their aggressors. If he couldn't fight them, he would do whatever he could to make sure Vanitas didn't get hurt anymore!

Max's nose was bleeding but he smiled in delight. The raven had fared worse anyway, just as he knew he would. He looked to Julius, who was about to hit the blonde, and told him to stop.

"Stop it, Julius! That's enough for today."

Vanitas was panting, his eyes closed tightly. When he felt Ventus hold him however he opened them only to see the three boys turning their backs to them and leaving through the same path from where they came. Ventus turned around to look, only letting go of his friend when they disappeared down the street.

The older teen tried to stand up but fell due to dizziness. His right eye was already swollen and there was blood on his teeth and flowing from his right temple. Ventus stood by him, worried.

"W-Wait for a second! Don't move!" Exclaimed the blonde. He had never gotten into a fight before and now that he realized what had happened he felt more and more tense. The boy looked to both sides of the alley, worried about them coming back but he didn't have much time to think about it.

"Ventus, did they hurt you?" Vanitas asked, holding him by his arms. Ventus blinked a few times with no reaction.

"N... N-No, I... Why are you asking about me?! Look at you!"

Indeed, Vanitas didn't look very well. His entire body ached due to the continuous kicks and there were already a few bruises on his face. Ven had a small cut on his mouth and his neck hurt but he was perfectly fine compared to Vanitas!

The two said nothing for a few seconds. Ventus stopped to think about why they had been attacked like that; they didn't give them motives, did them? At least he didn't. And what was Vanitas doing there? Why had he come down that wa-

"I'm sorry" The raven said suddenly, staring to the floor. Ventus turned to him "Ventus, I'm sorry. I... I was an idiot. I said things that aren't true!"

Ven widened his eyes, listening to him almost breathless.

"It was never because... Because of that damn bet, I didn't even remember that!" He exclaimed angry with himself while speaking "Ven, what I said that day, that wasn't me. I would never say such horrible things to a friend, even less for you!"

"Vani..."

"Look, you..." Vanitas breathed deeply, now looking to the blonde who listened with attention "You are important to me, okay? Even more than you might thing! And... And I'm sorry I did that to you"

Ventus didn't know what to do at that moment. Vanitas now stared at him and breathed fast. He was tense, he was nervous and he wished he hadn't said anything but now he had already started.

"I'm sorry I hurt you so much. I just want you to know that... You're especial, Ven, nothing will ever change that. Even if-"

He was interrupted when Ventus pulled him closer, hugging him tightly and laying his head over his shoulder. Vanitas froze in surprise, not expecting that.

"Just..." Ven started. His voice trembled and he teared up but this time it wasn't with sadness. He tightened his hug "Don't do that again, 'kay?"

Vanitas still remained motionless for a few seconds before reacting and hugging the boy back. It was enough for them to forget what had just happened and they stood like that for a few minutes, calming down as they breathed in and out together. Vanitas couldn't believe this was happening and truly thought that Ventus would let go of him and leave him alone but he didn't. Instead, he giggled and caressed Vanitas head with joy before pulling away and smiling to him. After so long, Vanitas smiled too.

"We... Ahn, we should be going now!" Ventus started, his cheeks blushing "You're hurt, we need to clean up this blood!"

"This is nothing, Ven. You shouldn't worry too much"

"Yeah, well, complain as much as you want! You're coming home with me and I'll only let you leave when you're feeling better!"

Vanitas stared at him, surprised by the way he spoke. He was determined to do that and, well, who was he to deny it? Going to his house after what he did wasn't exactly the first thing he wanted to do but there was no way out this time. He sighed but smiled, only to groan again as a sharp pain shot down his back. Ventus picked him up before he fell and waited for him to catch his breath.

"Your... Your back-"

"I'm fine. They just... Hit it too many times"

"... Kay. I'll help you then"

"Heh... Can you hold me?"

"Of course I can!"

Ventus picked both their backpacks and Vanitas leaned on him so he could walk until the pain subsided. The street was still silent but it didn't matter anymore. Ventus was glad he could help Vanitas somehow. Vanitas was happy Ventus was there with him.

When they arrived Ventus knocked on the door and waited for his mother to open it anxiously. It didn't take long for them to be answered.

"Hello sweet- Oh my God!"

"I'll explain later, mom!" He replied, excusing himself and going to the bathroom while holding Vanitas close. The raven felt embarrassed for entering that way but didn't manage to say anything about it and, when he saw it, they were already in front of the sink.

"V... Ventus, what happened? Do you need help?" His mother asked worried.

"No mom, we're fine. Vani, sit on the toilet"

"Ven-"

"Sit on the toilet!" Replied the blonde, bending down a little to take a good look on the cut over Vanitas' temple. It had already stopped bleeding so he washed his hands, wetting a small hand towel and cleaning the blood. Then he rubbed the area with soap and once again ran the hand towel over it carefully.

"I... Could get some ice for you to put on your eye" Suggested the young boy, crossing his arms. Vanitas had said nothing all this time, just watching while Ventus helped. He felt strangely calm right now, even after all that beating.

"There's no need for that. Here" Vanitas stood up with a little bit of difficulty, picking the hand towel that Ven was using and wetting the other side of it. Ventus had ignored the cut over his own mouth but Vanitas could at least clean it for him as well "Look at me"

The blonde did as he was told. Vanitas looked at him with calm and gently lifted his chin a little bit to look straight to it. There was silence while he cleaned the spot, feeling how soft Ventus' skin was. The boy stared at him with slightly blushed cheeks, showing that innocence that Vanitas liked so much and had gotten so attached to. He didn't take long before finishing and lowered the hand that held the towel.

Now a little afraid, Vanitas put a hand over his face and caressed him while slowly approaching. The blonde widened his eyes and his heart started racing at once, but when he felt Vanitas' delicate touch he let himself relax and closed his eyes like him. For an instant, he could almost feel Vanitas warm breath over his lips-

"He did what?! Who?!"

- but Roxas' sudden scream from outside the bathroom alarmed them and Vanitas pulled away, sighing. Ventus lowered his head slightly but there was no discomfort between them and they merely blushed, smiling to one another before agreeing they should leave.

Ventus left first, seeing his hot-tempered brother next to their mother.

"Ven-"

"Calm down, Rox! You don't even know what happened!" He exclaimed and Vanitas came right after him, stopping next to the younger boy and looking to Roxas.

"You- What is he doing here, Ven?! Why are you hurt?"

"It's not his fault! Vani helped me and ended up hurt because of it!"

"Helped you how, Ventus?" Asked his mother, worried with his well-being above everything else "What happened?"

"It was Max and his friends, Rox!" Ventus said "They... They forced me into the alley and threatened me"

"My God!" Exclaimed the woman now even more worried, but Ventus tried to calm her down.

"But it's alright now, mom! Vanitas helped me, he protected me from them! I brought him here to help with his wounds! And... And everything's alright now" Replied the boy, trying to say that things were alright between them as well. When silence took over, Vanitas finally spoke.

"I'm sorry for the way I treated your son before. And I'm sorry for Max and his friends; we don't get along and they went after Ventus to reach me"

"Oh sweetheart" She smiled to him "You protected my little one. I'll be forever grateful for that!"

Vanitas looked to Ventus who gave him a smile from ear to ear. God, he had missed that smile so much...

"But who are those boys? Are they from your school?" Continued the twins' mother "We have to tell that to your father and talk to the school's Principal!"

"Of course we will!" Agreed Roxas, a little confused. He didn't really like Vanitas being there, but he was happy to know his brother was in safety thanks to him. Ventus nodded, turning to Vanitas.

"Can you walk better now?"

"Yes, I'll walk slow. Relax, Ven"

Ventus frowned "Rest a little before you go, you must be in pain!"

"I can rest when I get home. You helped me a lot already, I'm ready to go now"

"You can't go alone! What if they're still there?"

"They won't be, Ven-"

"What if they are?!"

"He's right, Vanitas" It was the boys' mother. Roxas was silent "You shouldn't risk it that way. I can take you home"

Vanitas widened his eyes "N... No need for that, thank you. I mean it, thank you very much but-"

"Yeah, Vani! Please, we'll take you there! We don't have... To leave you at the door if you don't want to"

Ventus looked away and then Vanitas remembered what Max said. Did... Did Ven pay attention to his words? Did he believe in them?

"We can take you straight home, Vanitas, it's not a problem for me" Replied the boy's mother.

"To... To my neighborhood is great" He said, thankful to Ven. The blonde smiled and then turned to Roxas.

"Are you coming with us, Rox?"

"No, Ven, I'll... I'll stay. But Vanitas-" He stared to the raven deep into his eyes, speaking with sincerity "Thank you for protecting my brother"

Vanitas nodded and soon the three were on their way. When they left the house Vanitas mumbled something and opened his backpack, sighing irritated.

"What happened?" Asked Ventus. Vanitas took the box out of it and opened it; his Wayfinder with the shape of a red Paopu was there, almost completely broken. He sighed depressed as he let Ventus see it.

"Damn it. I wanted to give it to you... But looks like things didn't go as I planned"

Ventus held the object in his own hands. He remembered how perfect it looked the day it was made and felt sad seeing it like this, but...

"Give it... To me?" Asked the blonde. After looking at it for a few seconds, he continued "I don't even know what to say"

"That it's broken, maybe" Laughed the older teen, sad that it didn't look like what he wanted but Ventus didn't seem to mind. The blonde gave him a tight hug and smiled.

"It's okay! We'll fix it together!" Ventus said and, not thinking too much before doing it, held Vanitas' hand and walked to the car with him.