WARNING:

This story contains references to drug, sex, and violence as well as depictions of such. Please read at your own discretion.

Please Read, Review, Follow! All forms of criticism are welcome.

ROXAS

I'd had her three times.

Once on the roof, another on the couch inside the library, and earlier this morning against the bookshelves and over a table.

It made sense why I was carrying her back to her dorm.

To be fair the third time wasn't my fault. She'd awoken before the alarm I'd set on my phone and woke me up by grinding into the erection that had formed in my sleep. My eyes almost fell out of my head when I saw her over me gnawing on her bottom lip only lit by the dimmed dawn. Maybe it was because it was new for her but her excitement for sex felt unmatched.

I'd worried about getting caught but security cameras were never a priority within Valorsea. Terra had said once with the amount of delicate information spread throughout the facility the masters had opted out of adding the extra security detail, especially after another bastille had been hacked into through their cameras back in Radiant Garden. When they'd rushed to put the establishment together they'd assumed their fancy alarm locks and night guards could keep young people in line but boy were they wrong and I'd never been more grateful for it.

It had been amazing to see Hikari writhing under and over me. She was gushing but tight and warm and too many times did I think I would explode. I'd never imagined just how good it would feel to be intimate with her, at least not so thoroughly. But I'd loved every bit of it. Maybe it was because I'd finally told her how I was feeling or maybe she was just that good but regardless, I wanted to keep her.

She'd been silent after the third time however, practically falling asleep against my back. I reached her room and punched in the same code I'd seen her do a dozen times. It was quiet and I remembered seeing in our chat that Kairi and Xion had gone for separate missions.

I carried her down the hall to her room, threw her stuff in the corner and finally laid her down in her bed.

"Thank you…" she whispered. I smiled before turning to leave. "Where you going?"

I looked back to the redhead pouting, still in a daze.

"Bed," I chuckled. I was exhausted too. When I'd promised to knock her out I'd ended up pushing myself just as far.

"So come."

She held her hand out, a smile on those perfect lips and I had no choice but to oblige. Besides I was way too tired to argue and it was just the two of us in her apartment. We didn't have to worry about getting caught at these early hours. The sun wasn't even out yet. I locked the door and threw off my hoodie.

"Can you pass me that?"

My eyes landed on the silk white, short nightgown that laid on her desk chair and my cheeks flushed. I grabbed the dress only to turn back and see a naked Hikari yanking off the red one that had just been on her body. The girl was so out of it she didn't even realize what she was doing. I couldn't help but laugh before helping her get into her nightgown.

"Thank you," she yawned. "Take your pants off…"

I stared at her and she only smiled sweetly. I did as I was told, shut her blinds and hopped into her bed in the darkness. Instantly, she snuggled onto me and nuzzled my neck.

"You're so warm…"

"It's just 'cause you're freezing," I kissed her cheek and dragged her blanket over us.

"Hold me…?"

"So demanding," I smirked.

She looked at me as she laid on my chest and kissed my lips once more before drifting off.

"I like you a lot."

Rubbing her back, I whispered, "I like you a lot more."

—

"No, no, no…!"

My eyelids fluttered before I realized Hikari was out of my arms. I sat up slowly, stretching and peered ahead to see the redhead only in a short black robe frantically digging through her desk.

"Hikki?"

She spun back, staring at me, worry all over her face.

"S-sorry Roxas, I didn't mean to wake you."

"You okay?"

Hikari shook her head before taking a seat beside me on her bed, "I bought this pill for well… You know."

"A morning-after pill?" I asked with a raised brow. Her cheeks flushed, making me chuckle. After all that she could still be embarrassed so easily?

"Mmhm, but now I can't find it," her palms were trembling as her eyes surveyed her room. "I have no idea where it is and I can't get pregnant. I'd be a terrible mother, I can barely take care of myself, clearly!"

"Okay, okay, calm down," I smiled and took her hands, bringing her attention back to me. "First of all, you take care of yourself just fine, you're like the queen of caution. I've never known anybody who bought a pill in advance."

She smiled shyly while I continued, "and we'll find it okay? We've got time, worse comes to worst, we'll just go pick up another one. They're not hard to get, alright?"

Hikari's creased brows softened and she nodded slowly.

Letting out a sigh of relief I asked, "okay, so where did you put it last?"

"Well first I put it in my room but it gets kinda hot and I'm not always here to regulate the temperature and in the heat it won't be as effect—"

"Hikari, stay on track."

"R-right. Well I put it in the cabinet in the bathroom."

"All right, let's ask Kairi and Xion," I suggested. "Maybe they've seen it."

"No!" Hikari exclaimed, jumping to her feet. She was back in panic mode. "I can't ask them! They'll want to know why and then Kairi will— Kairi!"

"What?"

"I gave it to Kairi a couple days ago," she groaned and then froze. "You weren't supposed to know that."

"Sora's having sex?" I cringed. "I thought it was just Riku— and you aren't supposed to know that."

"Even Xion's doing it!?" Hikari sat back down with a sigh. "Do you think Ven…"

I nodded as I remembered stumbling upon an empty box of condoms in his room when I went in looking for a textbook. I wasn't surprised per-se or even upset; mostly just uncomfortable.

"We both know Axel's been getting it in," she frowned.

"With whatever's cute and breathing," I rolled my eyes playfully. Girls had always flocked to Axel. He was tall, wild, and carefree, what wasn't there to like? The redhead held a confidence to him that just attracted them like flies to honey. He'd teased me about having my own little fan club but I never gave it any thought. I'd had Namine. But now… My eyes wandered to the pouting golden-skinned girl beside me. I shook myself from my thoughts, I had to focus.

"So everybody's doing it except us?"

I shrugged, "guess so."

"We're so lame," she threw herself back on her bed.

"I mean… now we did it so…"

She sprung up with a grin, "you're right! We're doing it now too. I mean again for you but still counts!"

"Yeah," I nodded. Her beaming smile made one spread on my own lips. "And we're pretty good at it too."

"So good! Nobody's better than us at it."

"Yeah, we did it like three times."

"Three whole times and it was incredible!"

I paused, "incredible?" Had I heard that right? Did she really feel that way?

Hikari's cheeks reddened, "y-yeah… I loved every moment of it."

Hearing her say that made my stomach churn. Loved every moment? My heart raced as I fought back the arousal building within me. "M-me too. I never wanted to stop."

We sat uncomfortably, blushing in silence.

"We should go get those pills," she finally said.

"Y-yeah! Let's head out."

"You go shower," she handed me a spare towel from behind her door. "I'll get dressed and make you breakfast. We can head out after."

As if she couldn't get any cuter, now she wanted to make me breakfast?

I couldn't hold back and kissed her forehead.

—

I left her bathroom in just my sweatpants patting down my wet hair with her towel. I could hear the strums of a guitar from down the hall, some moody electric pop song I remembered listening to. I made my way down realizing it was coming from a speaker. Poking my head into the kitchen I caught the redhead singing. I thought I'd heard something in the shower and was sure of it when I rubbed on her grapefruit lotion but now watching her was a whole other thing.

She was in a tight-fitted, strapless knit beige dress with a slit at the side. I watched her hips sway as she crooned along with the music, completely unaware of me

"Kiss me," I watched her scoop some batter from the mixing bowl she'd been holding. "We're on fire, babe…" Her head rolled back, just enough so I could see the smile on her lips, eyes closed and in perfect bliss. "Love me, take me to outer space…"

The pan sizzled and the smell of cinnamon brushed past my nose. "Kiss me, we're on fire babe…"

She turned over to one of her cabinets, still singing as she searched for plates. I watched her stretch on her toes and couldn't help but chuckle as I came behind her and grabbed the plates. Her blushing pushed me to tease her more.

"Covered in your water and I'm feeling' like a summer breeze," I mused in her ear, setting the plates down. "Submitted under power and you brought me to my knees…"

Her eyes rounded as she turned in my arms, holding a hand to her mouth. She stared back at me surprised but I only went on, leaning in closer to her.

"Submitted under power and you brought me to my knees…" I kept my voice close to her ear and her hand pushed me back as she giggled. "Use me, you're electric, babe."

"Don't stop," she sneered and placed her hands on my neck. "I love listening to you."

Smirking, my hands took to her waist, "whisper in my ear, I'm the only one you're lovin' on…" and I lifted my girl on the counter, my eyes never leaving hers.

"You're gonna burn your breakfast," she laughed.

"Take advantage of the moment, you're the only one that I want…" Lazily I leant over to the small stove and flipped the batter, I liked them crispy anyway.

"Kiss me, we're on fire babe…" I turned back to the redhead cooing me back into her arms. "Love me…"

"Take me to outer space," I joined in with her but only before placing quick kisses on her cheeks.

She laughed and leaped down from the counter and wrapped her arms around my neck once more and forced me to sway with her, that aimless smile on her lips and eyes glossing over.

"Kiss me, we're on fire, babe…" She carried my voice with her own, singing and moving in waves. Hikari could get so wrapped up in the romance of things as much as she hated to admit it. I saw it whenever she was telling me about a new book she was reading. There was a way her eyes would light up when speaking about romantic subplots, especially when they were good. There was a yearning there and in my arms now I could see it.

I'd never been the romantic type, sometimes I believed it played a role in my break up. I found this kind of shit cringey and uncomfortable, even with Namine who I thought I'd been in love with. I mean seeing her with Ven it was clear this kind of stuff was important to her and for that I could accept my fault in our demise. But here with Hikari; beautiful, sweet, tiny, sexy Hikari I wanted to give her the world. I'd sing her a million songs if she asked for it, shower her in pretty words just to see her smile; whatever my light needed I'd find a way to provide it.

Knowing this however did scare me. This time yesterday she was still just this girl I caught myself crushing on and fantasizing about, still torn about whether or not it was appropriate to even tell her my feelings. But now I had her. After all that bullshit I finally had her and even though it terrified me I'd do whatever it took to keep her. So if that meant getting sappy then so be it.

She slipped from me and back to the stove. Still singing as she pulled the first batch off the pan and planted another. I didn't want her far, even if only for a minute. I approached her from behind, pressing close into her back, my voice still crooning in her ear and my pelvis grinding gently against her behind. Her singing easily slipped into moans which instantly made me excited.

"Roxas," she tried to move away but with an ass like that it was impossible. "If you don't stop we'll actually be on fire."

"I see nothing wrong with that."

She chuckled, "not exactly how I want to go out to be honest. Go get some fresh clothes, I'll be done when you get back."

I groaned but she was right, "fine."

—

I snuck out of my room as quietly as I could in a fresh pair of black distressed jeans I'd stolen from Sora's room. I really had to do laundry when I got back. I slid my black bomber jacket over my grey hoodie and pulled down the black beanie I'd grabbed last minute. I'd heard winter's in Orenda were just chiller falls, we didn't even get snow. Not that I was complaining, I hated the cold. Plus, if weather like this meant I got to see Hikki in more clothes that revealed her curves I'd never complain.

"Where were you last night?"

I grimaced and looked at my tall and nosey best friend strewn all over our couch munching on a bowl of sugary cereal.

"And where are you off to now?"

"I got locked in the library again," I rubbed the back of my neck awkwardly. "Kind of passed out on the roof."

"That why you didn't answer my messages?" He took another spoonful of his breakfast.

"Yeah," I shrugged. "It was a long night."

"All by yourself on the roof? That's pretty boring."

"It usually is."

"Uh-huh," Axel turned back to the TV, watching some sports commentators prattle on about a blitzball tournament.

"You see Hikki there?"

Narrowing my eyes on the back of his spiky head I asked, "why would I have seen her there?"

"Well, I asked her last night if she wanted to hang out, you know keep her mind off things," he replied. "But she said she was going to the roof to be alone."

My teeth clenched, he knew all along I was lying, he just wanted to see what I'd come up with. My cheeks flushed as he turned his back, the corners of his lips curled.

"I-I must have missed her."

"Come on Roxas," the redhead pouted. "Don't lie to your best friend. You know I can see through all your BS, right?"

He was right. Sora I could have fooled, maybe even Riku, but never Axel. I sighed and headed to the door. The quicker the answer I gave him, the sooner I could leave.

"We hung out," I muttered. "Nothing exciting, we always do that."

"So why'd you lie about it?"

"Cause it's none of your business," I snapped back but it had no effect on him. Axel, like Xion, was used to my snippy attitude.

"What about those hickeys on your neck?" The cheshire grin on his mouth stretched on his face. "Those my business?"

My skin paled. I thought I'd managed to get away unscathed but now Axel was forcing me into the truth.

"Listen, I like Hikki," Axel began. "She's adorable and fits in the group really well. But you're my best friend. I just don't want her to be using you to get over him."

My lips pursed, "she's not. We talked last night and she really opened up to me."

"I can see that."

"Not like that," I frowned. Well, not just like that at least. "She… She gave me something really important to her. Something she said she always wanted me to have."

Before he could dig in any further I cut him off. "Listen, I don't know what's going on but you better keep your mouth shut. We're still figuring it all out."

Axel sniggered as I opened the door. "Now I know you really like her."

"How?"

"You're only threaten me to keep your secrets when it's something really special."

My cheeks flushed, "y-yeah… Well… she is special."

"Aw, you really like her. I'd be jealous if I wasn't so secure in our relationship."

Chuckling, I asked, "our relationship?"

"I'm your first love," he said with an air of confidence. "Too bad we couldn't make it work, huh?"

"You're such a dumbass," I smirked. "Seriously though, keep this to yourself. I really don't want to mess things up. She's… She's the best thing to happen to me in a while."

Axel's eyes focused for a moment, analyzing me. I hated talking about feelings like this. Hell, I hated feelings. But she made them into something wonderful. Every emotion I felt in relation to her was so raw and as scary as it was, I didn't want it to stop.

Axel smiled, kinder than his usual smirk. "I won't tell a soul, cross my heart and hope to die… Again."

"Thanks," I grinned and turned to the door.

"Hark, do you smell that? Is it.. Is it love in the air?"

Rolling my eyes, I ran out of our apartment. "Bye Axel!"

I wanted to get to her fast. We were on a bit of a deadline after all. I got to her dorm and punched in the code to find the redhead setting down a small platter of pancakes. She took a seat at her kitchen table and gestured for me to sit across from her. I obliged and licked my lips at the sweet smell of cinnamon.

"It's Xion's recipe," she said as she poured herself a glass of ice cold water. I grabbed the platter and dropped three hotcakes on the plate she'd setup for me. "But I added raspberries to it, hope that's okay."

"Anything's better than another bowl of Captain SugarFrost," I muttered and drenched my breakfast in the chilled syrup.

Hikari chuckled, dropping two pancakes on her own plate. "I don't know how you guys can eat that stuff everyday."

"No choice," I took my first bite and instantly moaned into the hot, sweet batter and sticky maple syrup. "This is so good."

"Thank you," she smiled and began eating away at the plate before her. "You do know they serve breakfast on base, right?"

"That would require waking up even earlier," I shrugged. "You know that's impossible for me."

Hikari groaned and my eyes shot to her instantly. Her hand slid to her head, clenching at her temple.

"Hikari?" I rushed to her side. "You okay?"

She nodded but her eyes remained shut.

"Have some water," she took the cup from my hands and sipped it slowly. Finally, her eyes opened and she breathed out an apology.

"Is it your headaches?" I rubbed her back gently and took a seat on the chair beside her.

She nodded slow, "It's just… I've been having these weird thoughts lately."

"What kind of thoughts?"

"About Halcyon," she muttered. "All I see is darkness and this pit of smoke raining above me. Voices I don't recognize, strange sounds… It feels like I've already been there."

"Have you told any of the masters?"

She shook her head, "it's probably the stress of all these missions."

I only stared back at her. With the way her eyes wouldn't meet mine I knew this conversation was over.

—-

Hikari hadn't talked much on our way into the city. I'd kept her distracted by talking about class and such but she was quite nervous. I had to hold back my laughter when we got to the closest pharmacy to the station. It was a pretty clean space filled with shelves upon shelves of medications, hygiene products, and other pharmaceutical devices. Luckily, the store was pretty much vacant but for the employees.

As nervous as she was, I did the work of asking for the pills as she hid away behind me. The pharmacist didn't seem to pay us much mind and only recited a spiel about the pill, it's symptoms and usage. Once we had it in hand, Hikari marched off to the bathroom straight away.

I was waiting for her back by the pharmacy, grimacing at the baby section when I heard her call.

"That's it," Hikari stepped out from the bathroom with her arms wrapped around herself and an unsure smile.

"You okay?" Straightening, I placed my hands on her shoulders.

"Y-yeah… Still a little shocked."

I smiled, it had been a pretty strange night. "Wanna head back?"

She shook her head but didn't say a word. I had to get her mind off this. She wasn't saying much but it was clear she was bothered by it. The guilt built in the bottom of my stomach but I was determined to make her really smile again.

"Let's explore the city."

"Hm?"

"There's lot of places you haven't been yet, right? Let's me show you some of my favourites."

Hikari's lips tugged upwards into a bright grin and I felt a calm wash over my instantly. I took her petite hand in mine and led her out of the pharmacy.

"Okay, Roxas… It'll be fun."

"Absolutely," I grinned. "And if it's not, you just let me know and I'll find something else."

She shook her head, that pretty smile still on those full, glossed lips. I felt her other hand hold me with her first when she said, "you make it fun. As long as I'm with you, I'll always be happy."

—-

"Alright, this is it!"

The fashion district was vibrant and busy, bursting with colour and noise from all over. It was definitely a good idea to bring the redhead here. With the winter solstice under way, the pier was brimming with activities. It wasn't too crowded either which was surprising on a Saturday afternoon but surely things would pick up towards the evening.

Hikari explained how she never attended too many festivals or fair back in Twilight Town so to think that I'd be the one she'd do it with in Orenda made me blush. As we chatted as we made our way to the fairgrounds, I could see her excitement build in her eyes. That childish wonder from this young woman was honestly endearing. It made it hard to look away.

There were lots of things we could do to get her mind off things: from trying exotic snacks at on of the dozens of food trucks to heading down by the lake and renting a boat for the afternoon. We could catch a show, take a painting class, try archery or axe throwing; not to mentions the dozens of carnival games with prizes to be won. This was definitely something fun we could get lost in.

"It's amazing," she beamed. "So many booths… Oh, look how clear the water is!"

I grinned, "yeah. Apparently when it's too cold to hang out at the beaches or near the lake, there's a skating rink that opens up nearby."

"Really!?"

I nodded, a smile on my lips at the sign of her much missed enthusiasm. "So what should we do first?"

She pondered, eyes scanning over the dozens of tents hosting all sorts of games. Her brows furrowed as she pouted and I stiffed back a laugh before she chimed.

"Oh! Sea-salt ice-cream!"

Cocking a brow, I asked, "what about it?"

"You said there were different flavours right?" I nodded for her to continue. "Well, I'd like to try some together."

I was surprised she'd remembered about that. Had this been something she'd wanted to to do a while? The thought made my heart swell a bit. It was stupid but thinking that I'd been on her mind at any time was comforting.

"Let's do it," I agreed and linked our hands together once more. She may not have realized it and I'd tried to keep playing it cool but I was far too excited to be out with her like this.

When we were like this it made us look and made me feel like we belonged to one another.

And I kind of liked that.

—-

"It's really funny, hold on…"

Hikari and I were back at campus from a late dinner. We hadn't really eaten much and since she wouldn't let me pay for dinner I'd treated her to dessert; thick golden brown waffles filled to the brim with whipped cream. I swear, her eyes had been glowing since the first bite.

We'd done everything we could at the pier, from window shopping, taking a ride on a ferry, all the way back to join a crowd to watch some street performers breakdance. And she'd been grinning the entire time. We tried archery which she surprisingly kicked my ass in but was too terrified to throw an axe. We even played a couple games and despite my best efforts, I'd only managed to win her a golden stuffed bunny. Those bloody things were rigged but I still felt like I should have been able to do better at more games. Hell, this one had just been darts and I still struggled.

But she loved it, she loved everything we did together there and she told me several times just how much fun she was having. And that made all those losses worth it.

However, we hadn't touched much though. Simply holding hands or having her back pressed into my chest whenever we ended up in a line. It wasn't like I didn't want to, over and over again I'd catch a glimpse of a spot where we could sneak off to but I didn't want her to think her body was all I was after. Besides, after all we'd done, it was better to stay on the safe side and keep a bit of distance. I was here to take her mind off of our little pharmacy trip, not give us a reason to go back.

Still, it wouldn't have hurt to kiss her.

We were behind curfew but sneaking in had practically become her second nature and had always been my best trait. As we scurried through the forest we'd prattled past the edge of the lake. Immediately, she was enamoured by the sight, calling it a secret and demanded we hang out there. I'd obliged and settled on one of the three ornate, black benches that framed with crystal clear waters and lush plant life. It really was a beautiful spot; quiet and serene with only us and the crickets for company. I'd stumbled upon it a few times before but never took the time to stay. I much preferred the roof, it reminded me of home. Judging by the rust forming on the metal it had to have been forgotten about, barely maintained by the overgrown vines creeping up the legs of the seats but weirdgirl was fascinated by it nonetheless.

I would have been too if I could just stop staring at her.

But I couldn't even though I wanted to, had to. We'd done things so fast and now in a moment of peace we had the chance to talk about it. Like, really talk. But I didn't want that either. I didn't want to rationalize these feelings and maybe come to Axel's conclusion. The thought of her using me hadn't even crossed my mind until he'd said it.

But what could she even use me for?

When we were hitting up Nightingale I'd message the group, making a point to say we would be there. It was petty but seeing the notification that Namine had read it made me feel just the littlest bit better until I realized how stupid I was being. But Hikari couldn't do that with Vanitas. We didn't run in any of the same social circles and I'd thoroughly gone through her social media after I found out what he did to her. I wanted to wring his neck but he was no where to be found.

Was it for sex? We'd done it three times; three incredible, mind-blowing times, but three nonetheless. Did she need another way to get her frustrations out? Is that all she saw in me? A walking, talking sex toy?

But I was her first, she said she wanted me to be. You wouldn't do that to your first, right? Plus I'd tried to go again at breakfast and she'd declined. Was it just being responsible or did she really want to slow things down and take our time?

I groaned internally, running all these thoughts in my mind and doubting the beautiful girl who sat beside me. God, she always looked so good. I watched her place her phone on her lap and bring her hands up to the hem of her dress. She heaved it upwards, trying to hide the cleavage that outfit provided but it did little to no good. My eyes only travelled up from there to her delicate collarbones then her slim neck and dainty jaw.

My attraction to her felt unmatched. I didn't know if it was because I hadn't been with anybody since Namine or because we got along so well. Since my break-up I hadn't looked at anybody the way I did her, I genuinely didn't care for it. Sure, I wasn't blind, I could recognize an attractive girl and I noticed when they had their eyes on me. But I just had no desire for them. They didn't make me feel anything, not like Hikari did. When I begun really considering my feelings about her, I realized it was when I noticed little things; like how she smelt like grapefruit and lavender but her hair smelt like roses. Or this habit she had in class where if she was really focused, she'd hum so softly and bop her head to whatever orchestra she was playing in her mind. A new thing I'd just discovered was her face when she finished. Each time, a grin would break from those full lips just as her back would arch and her eyes closed. It was like she was in ecstasy, completely off this plane of reality and watching it was a surefire way to get me to cross the finish line.

But it wasn't just the sex. We'd only just done that. I just fucking liked her. A lot. I wanted to talk to her all the time and make her laugh and protect her. I couldn't wait to see and just be around to tell her whatever stupid shit was on my mind. Whenever we talked, every time, she'd look at me with such wonder, like I was revealing the secrets of life or I was the center of her universe. She made me feel so special, she made me feel seen.

"Hmm…"

I blinked out of my thoughts to see the redhead rubbing her temples.

"Hikki?"

"I'm okay," she mumbled but I didn't believe her. "Headache."

"You wanna go inside? It's getting late anyway."

That it was. We'd watched the sunset together back on campus and had just talked about everything as if we hadn't slept together that morning; school gossip, missions, memes, just like before we'd crossed that line. Now I sat with a leg propped up on the bench, back against the arm rest, staring at weirdgirl as she searched her phone for something she insisted was hilarious.

"No," she replied and took a deep breath. "I like it here with you. Can we stay a bit longer?"

My cheeks flushed but I smiled, "c'mere."

Hikari tossed her phone back in her purse and scooted between my legs before getting up on her knees and facing me, grinning from ear-to-ear.

"Do you need me to keep you warm, sadboy?"

"Only in a way you can goldengirl."

"Goldengirl?" She repeated, a look of surprise on her face. "That's new."

I blushed further. Shit, I hadn't meant to tell her that one. "Yeah… It's cause of your skin. It's like a golden brown."

Her lashes lowered as she looked down at her bare shoulders and chest, squeezing her arms together in a way that pushed her breasts forward. Damnit, knelt over like this with her ass in the air and hands so close to my crotch she reminded me of yesterday when she'd taken me in her mouth.

I shivered. I had to get my mind out of the gutter.

"I guess you're right…" she finally responded. "I hadn't really thought of it that way."

"What have you been thinking about?"

The surprise returned before settling to think of an answer.

"These headaches, school, home, my friends… You."

Her eyes gleamed at that last one, I had to know why.

"What about me?"

She scampered in closer, hands on my thighs for support as her face beamed from below.

"I just can't believe this is real," she whispered. "I didn't think it was possible. Whenever anybody brought it up, hell, when we talked on the roof about it I just thought 'at most, I'm a shiny new toy for his infatuation. Like a pit-stop on his road to finding the one. He'll realize that and move on. I'm his friend he shared a moment with, no biggie. He can't like me, right? Like, really like me?' And then what we did… I just feel at peace with you. There's no secrets, no act, but it's still so exciting. Every day, being with you, getting to know you, liking you… It's so exciting."

She shimmered with her lips curved in that sacred smile I only wanted reserved for me.

"You make me really happy, Roxas."

Stillness entered the air as I stared back at her in wonder. I knew Axel was overreacting, I knew she really cared. She was what I wanted, needed, who I had to be with. This wasn't a pit-stop, she was the destination. My heart began to race, looking at those almond shaped violet-blue eyes that gazed back at me with vast trust and adoration.

My hand lifted to her throat, the pads of my finger tips caressing her jaw when I tugged her lips towards mine.

"Hikari," my voice was low, almost just a breath only for her ears. "You're not a toy or a stop, you're my end goal. These feelings that you've reawaken in me… There's no way I could just pass you by. You make me happy."

My lips captured hers in a deep kiss. I surrounded her, listening to the erotic whimpers come from her throat as I pressed on. Her small hands left my chest and tangled behind my neck as she pressed her soft breasts into me. My tongue begged for entrance upon her lips and catered to hers once I had it. Her whimpers turned to moans and my eyes rolled back behind their closed lids.

I didn't care where we were or who saw, I needed all of her again.

My lips pulled back, only for a moment, much to her dismay but with our foreheads pressed against one another I watched the lust flush her face.

"You make me so fucking happy," I breathed, my heart still beating a mile a minute. "I need you."

The sweater on her shoulders slid down her arms, resting on the crook as she bit her lower lip.

"Take me."

I kissed her hard, she yelped into it but settled quickly and my hands found her hips and then her ass. Bringing my legs together, I hoisted up the skirt of that dress, running my hands over the silky skin of her thighs. She straddled me. Her body pressed down on my groin as she rubbed against the hardness beneath my jeans.

I gritted my teeth and threw my head back. She was grinding into me, slowly but enough to keep me attentive.

She slithered over my upper body, purposeful in all her motions. Her hand cradled my neck while her tongue lapped against it. I could feel myself hardening further which meant she could definitely tell and it only made her more excited as she nibbled on my ear.

"One more time?"

The cool air fought against my arousal but the heat radiating off her was stronger.

"Four times… You'll never be able to walk again."

She giggled, her face finding mine, "I guess you'll just have to carry me then."

Taking her in my arms I laid her back against the rusted metal. It couldn't be comfortable, especially when I lay on top of her but the red tint on her face and the sensual stare she gave me told me to throw caution to the wind.

I cupped her thigh, bending her leg with a raise and rubbed the underside gently. She shivered, sensitive as always.

"Kiss me," she begged in that innocent voice. "And don't ever stop."

"Never?"

She shook her head, my lips inching towards hers.

"Ever."

That sent us into a frenzied kiss. I pressed into her further, wanting to become one with her once again. She squirmed against my crotch, the anticipation of what was expecting her made me light-headed. Her teeth scrapped against my lower lip before biting down softly. She'd found her dominance and was making a request. I let her in and guided her tongue to all the soft spots that made me groan against her mouth. She wasn't any better with her panting and moaning beneath me. It only made me cup a handful of her ass and dig deeper into her. A tiny yelp escaped her lips and I knew she was ready. In this heat, under the moonlight, I needed her just one more time.

"I'd be lying if I said I didn't expect this."

My neck snapped upwards. A pair of eerie, bright golden eyes narrowed on us. A tall figure stood confidently, dressed in all black, arms crossed around his chest. He smirked but it did nothing to hide the rage he was staring into me.

"Vanitas?"

Hikari scrambled to sit up, forcing me off her in the chaos and hiked down her skirt. I only glared at him, brushing the wrinkles from my clothes.

"What are you doing here?" Her voice was vicious, similar to when I'd upset her and it shouldn't have but it made me happy to see that level of anger directed at him.

"I came to see you of course, bulb" A hand brushed through his hair before he rested his hip against the bench closest to him. "But it looks like you had other plans."

"Oh, cut the shit," she snarled, taking a step towards him but instantly I stood before her. I didn't know what he wanted but I did know what he was capable of and if he came looking for a fight then he'd have it with me.

She gripped onto my arm, "you found somebody else! I meant nothing to you."

His eyes seemed to glow under the moon, like some kind of cat, a panther really. Yet, sweet, little Hikari really thought herself the predator. With those headaches going on, it wasn't safe for her to be trying to fight anyone. Not until we got that sorted.

"Is that what you think?"

"Think?" Her claws dug deeper into me. "It's what I know! I saw you."

That smile finally reached his eyes, "I don't care what you saw. We weren't together."

The pressure lifted, she'd frozen. Her eyes were wide as the words swallowed her. My rage was building, seeing her shutter, the tears welling after fighting so hard to finally make them stop.

"Vanitas," my voice was low, my approach slow.

He straightened on his feet, "hello, brother."

My hands curled into fists at the sinister sound of his voice. That word was like poison when it came from him.

"Leave. Hikari. Alone." I had to keep it simple or I'd lose my head and murder him. "You destroyed her and now you came back to what? Brag?"

He sniggered, "no need. I didn't do anything wrong. I never sold her on any of those pretty little dreams she made up in her mind. Bulb did that all on her own."

"You're a liar!" I roared. "You used her, did things to her all under the premise that you belonged to her! She would have never been with you otherwise."

"How can you be so sure?"

My feet halted in the ground. I was only a few more steps away from him and then I could choke him to death. I released a heavy breath and rooted my shoes further in the soil.

"Because I know her. I actually care about her. You couldn't care about anybody if your life depended on it. That's why you're alone. Not because of Ventus or Sora or any of that shit. You are alone because you are undeniably and inherently despicable and when you saw someone as pure and good-hearted as her it killed you."

That stupid smile dropped. Shock and soon anger washed over him but I wasn't done. I would never be done with him.

"It destroyed you to see all that goodness just go to waste on more good people. So you did everything in your power to corrupt her because at least if you had to be evil, you'd have this one good person to rationalize it; this one good thing so you wouldn't have to be alone."

His breaths were short, hands in fist, a vein on his neck pulsating. My own rage was equally matched staring at his dark hair and hopeless eyes.

"But I'm not Hikari," I growled. "I don't see the good in you because there is none. I see you for what you are: an insignificant, deplorable speck in the universe that has no right to exist."

The wind howled with the tension high and only made heavier by the fog of the night.

"You think you got it all figured out!?" He rumbled, steps like thunder as he met me in the middle. "You think you fucking know me, brother?"

"Yes," I glared. "Because I was you."

He snarled. His eyes were wide with fury while I trembled from my own ire. I'd beat him to death. I didn't need my weapons. I'd use my bare hands and rip him to shreds for what he'd done to her.

"Roxas," Hikari's soft voice was behind me in moments and soon her cool hands rose up my chest. I could feel her heart beating rapidly against my back. I'd frightened her and even though it was never my intention, I couldn't stop until he got the message.

"You're nothing like me," Vanitas snarled. "Because I don't lose. I'll have her back and leave you in pieces."

"You can try," I slid my hand over hers on my chest. "But that'd be a death wish."

His eyes flickered to our hands but only for a second, "Hikari… You were gonna be my everything. You still can."

She didn't move.

There was a sorrow in his eyes. Maybe it was finally settling in just how badly he'd fucked up. She was the very best thing to ever happen to him. She might have even been the one to bring him out of darkness in another reality. But even someone as pure as her couldn't save him. He was doomed.

"'Kari, ple—"

"Don't," I frowned. His eyes attention shifted to my face before he turned his back on us.

"We're gonna change the worlds together, little light," a black smog whirled in front of him before a dark portal appeared.

"Just you wait and see, bulb," with his hands tucked into the pockets of his black jeans, he tilted his eyes back to us. That cheshire grin had returned to him once more.

"And after we reset the universe, I'll have you all to myself again. Hm, I'll even get you that island you asked for."

And like that, the smoke swallowed him whole.

"Are you alright?" Hikari ran into my arms, squeezing me tight. "Are you hurt?"

"I'm okay," I stroked the top of her head, scanning the grounds for any other threats. "How are you?"

"A little shaken but I'm okay."

Her hands trembled as she clutched onto me. I cursed Vanitas for making her worry, I cursed him for this entire mess. Now she was bound to worry and lose sleep over this asshat again.

"It's alright," I whispered. "You're alright."

"I'm not worried about that!" Hikari shuddered with eyes wide open, almost pleading with me. "It's you I'm worried for Roxas. It's you."

My eyes raised in surprise by her honesty. It was a sweet notion but completely unnecessary. I could take care of the both of us. Sighing with a smile I took her head in my hands and placed a soft kiss upon her forehead.

"As long as you're here, Hikari… I'll be good."

AUTHOR'S NOTE:

Hello reader(s)! Just wanted to say thank you so much for reading!

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