Ijustwanttoreadsomestories: You're too kind. Readers like you are the reason I continue to write the stories that I do. I took a bit of a hiatus on the story to work on other projects but it's definitely not forgotten. Hopefully, this chapter meets your expectations.

KingofHeartless: Roxas is cold for a menagerie of reasons. The secret he wanted to tell Sora is one of them and it is a big secret I hope to get to at some point. I also wanted to elaborate on Roxas' backstory some more in side stories if at all possible.

Also just in case, anyone was wondering: Italics are texts/ 'italics' like this are thoughts.

Bonus points for anyone who knows the mischievous individual.

-Elegant

Roxas found himself in a situation he'd never been before: picking out clothes for a date. No matter how many combinations he tried it seemed he was losing the battle. Subconsciously biting on his fingernails to quell the anxiety he felt, Roxas caught himself in the mirror and stopped. It had been years since he'd bitten his nails. At least he didn't bite his nails off. Letting out a deep sigh, he ran his fingers through his hair and flopped backward on his bed. Exasperated with the situation, he let out a groan.

Hearing a knock at the door, Roxas called out. "Come in."

Ventus opened the door and stared at the menagerie of clothes strewn about. "What's up?"

Roxas thought about telling Ventus everything. But first, he'd need to make sure his brother didn't get overly excited. "If I tell you... You have to promise me you won't make a big deal out of this."

Ventus could tell his brother was absolutely serious. Swallowing and nodding, Ventus could see Roxas was looking for a little more so he spoke. "I promise."

"I'm going on a date," Roxas spoke five simple words and took notice of the fact that his brother had frozen in place. Ventus didn't seem to react to the news in any way, shape, or form. He also didn't blink which was starting to weird out Roxas. When he finally spoke, he said something that Roxas hadn't been expecting.

"Oh. Like a study 'date'? Or is it one of those 'group date' things you just happened to get roped into?" Ventus had more or less brushed aside the term 'date' as he knew Roxas didn't go on those or care enough to bother. Wearing a carefree smile, he waited for his brother to speak.

"Okay is it really that hard to believe it's an actual date?" Roxas sat up so he could properly look at his brother in the eyes.

Ventus had paused for another moment then his face changed from several emotions the most prominent of which were shock, surprise, then almost...pride(?). Ventus couldn't help the grin that spread across his face. "Really?" He knew Roxas didn't lie to him but he still wanted him to confirm it again.

"Yep. I don't do jokes, remember?" Roxas didn't tell jokes often but he also didn't go on dates very often - at all - so it stood to reason that Ventus had been confused on hearing something foreign to him.

"I remember. So, is it Sora you're going on this date with?" Ventus wanted to know if Roxas and Sora had actually gotten together. He hoped his words had helped Roxas to see he actually liked Sora and needed to start treating him like a person instead of a hindrance.

Roxas smiled and avoided the answer. "Maybe."

"Riku?" Ventus asked with a grin. He knew Roxas wouldn't like that answer but it was easier than playing the guessing game with him.

Roxas' features changed to a disgusted face. "Not even if he were the last man on Earth."

"Well, you know mom and dad are gonna be excited either way," Ventus was withholding a little bit of information because he wasn't sure how he'd take things.

"Mom and dad? It's a little early for that, don't you think? Plus, wouldn't the whole 'gay' thing shock them?" Roxas didn't see a point in telling them about Sora right now. They'd probably get over-excited and worked up over it like Ventus.

"You never know until you try. And I'm pretty sure they won't care about you being gay." Roxas sent a look his way and Ventus raised his hands in surrender. "You know what I mean. They won't care that you're gay in the sense that it's okay and not them being homophobic. They'll also likely be a little relieved." Ventus averted his gaze as the older brother thought about what their parents had said. They were genuinely curious about Roxas because he withheld certain parts of his life. Obviously, he'd tell them about the gay thing when the time was right, just like he'd done with Ventus. Though if he was being honest, Ventus always had a clue.

"I knew what you meant, I just wanted to watch you squirm a little." Roxas smiled. He'd tell them when the time was right. "Wait what did you mean by relieved?"

"Your sense of humor is at least still the same," Ventus smiled back at his younger brother. Avoiding eye contact with Roxas, Ventus scratched the back of his head and decided to be out with it. "They thought you were asexual."

Roxas' mouth actually dropped open for a second. "Why would they think that!?"

"Because you never really showed an interest in other people and were always content by yourself. You know, after the thing we don't talk about happened." Ventus knew that him alluding to the incident in question would be enough to explain to Roxas.

"Okay. All valid points, especially the last one, but come on. I'm 16 years old. They really had to put all their eggs in that basket?" Roxas didn't have a problem with people who identified as asexual but he didn't belong to that particular clique.

"Well, you aren't always the easiest person in the world to talk to. It's not a jab at you either. I'm just making a point." Ventus began to sift through Roxas' clothes to try and find something for his date with a yet unknown person he suspected to be Sora.

"Good thing I'm not overly sensitive... anymore." Roxas shrugged it off. Grateful that his older brother was helping, with the two of them on the issue at hand they'd surely be able to find something he could wear.

Ventus chuckled. "You know, you can be really charming and charismatic when you're not being difficult. I'm sure Sora will appreciate your sweet side." Picking out the best outfit he could, Ventus decided for Roxas that he was going to ditch the uninviting gloomy look and try something a little more inviting.

About to retort, Roxas thought back to the last time he saw Sora. He'd stolen a kiss and made Roxas blush. It had been an entirely new experience for Roxas as he'd never really felt giddy or flustered about someone before. Sure there had been an attraction to other people but that obviously didn't work out because he either didn't try or it burned bright and burned out. "He hasn't really seen my 'sweet side'." Roxas didn't look at anything in particular when he spoke, in fact, he'd almost whispered the words.

"You took home a kitten because you knew he liked it, you let him and his friends stay over at your apartment, hung out with them all day even if they aren't necessarily your friends. You also won him a Chocobo toy because you were jealous and got upset with another guy made a move on him. I'm pretty sure he's seen a lot of your kindness. He may not understand you yet, because you're a person who conveys things better through actions rather than words." Ventus knew Roxas routinely thought he was a bad person who didn't deserve love and to be loved but his younger brother could be quite the charmer if given the chance. Sora inspired a lot of good changes in his younger brother so he had Ventus' seal of approval.

Roxas was surprised Ventus had seen so many embarrassing things. He clearly understood Roxas very well owing to the fact that they'd grown up together and Ventus had always been a person Roxas looked up to. He was so good, pure, patient and 'light' just like Sora. Maybe subconsciously he'd sought out someone with those desirable qualities he lacked. "Maybe you've just hung around me for too long. You understand me too well." Mentally scolding himself, he didn't know why he did that. Always putting people within arms reach but never being fully open with them because on some level he was afraid of losing them.

"There you go again saying harsh things. It's okay, I know that really means 'I'm glad you came'." Smiling, Ventus handed over the articles of clothing he'd picked out for Roxas. "I do understand you, Roxas, that's just the way siblings are. You're my troublesome little brother who's bad at saying what he really means." Chuckling, Ventus felt Roxas' gaze on him. Roxas was glaring but Ventus knew he said what needed to be heard. Leaving Roxas to get changed, Ventus began to busy himself with the troublesome little kitty who needed affection.

Roxas changed into the outfit Ventus had picked out for him and to his surprise, he looked really good. Admittedly at first, he wasn't sure of the zip-up black vest or the checkered patterns but on his shirt that covered the vest but it looked cool. Roxas made a mental note to wear the outfit more often. Feeling a vibration, he opened his phone to see multiple texts from Sora.

Hey! Are you up?

Hey!

On my way over!

Roxas looked at the texts and saw the first two were received well over an hour ago but the 'on my way over' was recent. Hearing a knock at the door, his heart almost stopped. Nothing could have prepared him for hearing the 'coming!' from his older brother and the sound of squeaking floorboards as he walked past. Roxas scrambled to the door and nearly fell headfirst into the wall in doing so. Rushing to the front door, he found Ventus talking to Sora. Both of them seemed to be laughing about something and Roxas was - admittedly - jealous to a certain degree that he couldn't share in the moment. If he were to be completely honest, he wanted to monopolize Sora as much as he could because a person like him was the rarest to come by. Roxas knew Sora would probably break up with him when he realized what a bad person he was. Or if he learned his secret he almost shared the other day.

"Right, Roxas?"

Roxas hadn't realized it, but he'd totally zoned out and was staring off into space. "Huh? Yeah." Instantly agreeing to whatever was said, Roxas hoped he wouldn't regret whatever was said.

"Are you sure?" Sora asked, surprised.

'Damn it.' Roxas was in too deep to ask what was happening. Nodding his head yes, he saw the last person he ever thought he'd see: Riku. His heart sank and Roxas knew there would be absolutely no fun whatsoever in this evening. Of course, he would probably play the 'best friend' card to weasel his way into their date that they hadn't told anyone about. Well, almost no one. Roxas stole a glance at Ventus who definitely gave him a sympathetic look. Ventus quickly left the open doorway and went to the living room where the kitten was waiting. 'Chicken shi-' About to finish that thought, Roxas was surprised to feel his phone vibrate. "Hang on a sec."

Okay I know it's not what you planned on doing but what if I come along and do a little damage control?

-V

Roxas had never been more relieved to receive a text from his older brother. Glancing from a smiling Sora to the phone, Roxas sighed. "Why don't you two come in?" Stepping out of their way, he was already texting Ventus a reply.

Keep the filth away from me.

-R

He knew it would get a stir from his older brother and Roxas couldn't help the snort. It also happened to coincide with when Riku was walking past him and the behemoth grunted in turn. Roxas rolled his eyes and looked at his phone.

Roxas! Don't be so mean!

Roxas chuckled. It was refreshing to be scolded by his older brother for a change. Things really seemed to get back to normal after what had happened at his other school. Shaking his head to clear the negative thoughts, he joined the others in the living room. To his amusement, the kitten hissed and ran under the couch the moment he stepped into the room. "I don't really believe in wasting time. How about we all go hang out at the beach and make fun of the deformed palm tree?" It seemed like something to pass the time and an excuse to devour that delicious ice cream again.

"Okay." Sora happily chirped, eager to go just about anywhere with his best friend, boyfriend, and his new friend Ventus who just so happened to be Roxas' doppelganger. He'd swear they were the same person if he didn't already know Roxas well enough to tell them apart.

"No argument here." Ventus didn't really mind where they went, so long as he would be able to keep Riku preoccupied.

Riku simply nodded instead of vocally responding to what Roxas had said. He wasn't here to make friends with Roxas, he was simply coming along to make sure he didn't mistreat Sora.

Roxas sent him a dirty look that changed the moment he locked eyes with Sora. A small smile spread across his face when met with Sora's own. It was hard not to be swept up in the moment when met with Sora's constant upbeat attitude. Somehow he felt bits and pieces of his former self return when in Sora's presence. It was both soothing and a hindrance at the same time. Before he could stare off into space and get stuck in his own head, Sora gently took Roxas' hand in his own and led him to the front door. Roxas didn't question it, neither did Riku or Ventus. Riku brushed it under the rug simply because it was very Sora which was hands-on and somewhat in your face.

Ventus obviously didn't question things because he already knew the two of them liked one another and he was rooting for his younger brother. Following the trio out, he was decidedly left a few paces behind Sora and Roxas to walk with Riku. "Penny for your thoughts?" Ventus had glanced Riku's way and saw a dirty look plastered across his face. Riku's look didn't change when he turned his attention to Ventus. Determining that look to be scary, Ventus made a mental note of not pissing him off. He was very tall for his age and Ventus didn't have Roxas' fighting prowess.

"I just... Don't get why it had to be him." Riku tried to look like he didn't want to kill Roxas but he couldn't help it. As a best friend, he was always Sora's 'number one' but now Roxas had caused chaos in their friendship. They'd already fought about this and Riku had said his peace to Sora about it. He wouldn't say any more on the matter because it was painfully obvious that since this was Sora's first relationship it was something special.

"Who knows?" Ventus shrugged his shoulders. "He saw something in my little brother that you can't." Observing Roxas and Sora holding hands while the two of them were seemingly getting along, Ventus smiled. In all his years he'd known Roxas he never would have guessed he'd end up with someone like Sora. He knew Roxas was 'difficult' and even that was definitely saying something.

"Yeah, he sees him as a person. I see him as a brat who hurt my friend's feelings and caused a rift between the two of us." Riku didn't know why it was so easy to open up to Ventus despite him having a despicable person's face.

"That may all be true, but holding onto grudges is bad for the heart and soul. He's not someone here to steal your friend away, that's not how the story goes. You're his best friend, right? Then that means you have to support him and his decisions. Trust that he's doing what's best for himself and that Roxas makes him happy. I'm not saying you need to forget what happened because that can't be done. I just hope that you'll forgive Roxas one day." Ventus knew more than he was leading on but it wasn't his secret to give up.

"Sora can be dense and doesn't always know what's best for him," Riku observed Sora and Roxas, he could see the smile on his best friend's face and the way he was with the blond nuisance. Roxas also smiled in his own way that abruptly ended when he locked eyes with Riku.

"That's what life's all about. Making mistakes and learning and growing from those mistakes. No one ever gets it right the first time. They're learning something entirely new." Ventus knew it was too early to tell if they were in love or not but if they didn't have Riku standing in their way and third-wheeling them all the time then their relationship might stand a chance.

Riku grunted. He hated that Ventus was right. It was also infuriating that he looked like Roxas but wasn't a bad person. Riku wanted to dislike him but he honestly couldn't find a single reason to. "I just... don't want him to get hurt."

"That's okay. I don't want either of them to get hurt, either. But you'll never know if you don't let them try."

Letting his words sit in the air, Ventus was surprised to see they were already at the beach and it seemed like some sort of celebration was going on. Either that or the town really liked fireworks as they were set up and almost ready to go off. Taking Riku by the arm, Ventus called out to the other two. "We're gonna go get some ice cream. Go find some good seats." Smiling, Ventus walked off when the duo gave their 'okay'.

Riku was surprised Ventus dragged him off in a familiar manner. Actually, very familiar. He couldn't help the chuckle that came out. Ventus sent him a questioning look and Riku tried to compose himself but he couldn't. "You're... just like him."

"Him?" Ventus had a vague idea but he didn't know for sure.

"Sora," Riku spoke his best friend's name and finally began to observe Ventus properly. He'd ignored him to a certain degree because he was literally Roxas' doppelganger. Or was it the other way around because Ventus was older? Either way.

"Huh?" Sora asked, turning his attention from the fireworks that got him admittedly excited. It was hard not to be. The last time he'd seen them, Roxas had kissed him. And then there was the other night where he'd kissed Roxas before going inside his home. His heart had felt like it was going a mile a minute, like right now.

"Happy our chaperone's are gone?" Roxas could see something was definitely the matter with Sora. He wasn't acting his usual self. Well, okay, he was. But there was something else bothering him.

"I'm not 'happy they're gone'. I'm just... happy to be with you." Sora's grin turned into a gentle smile. He took Roxas' hand gently in his own without asking. Roxas told him to be bold and go after the things he really wanted.

Roxas felt a familiar sensation spread across his face. His ears turned pink and a gentle blush spread across his face. Leaning close to Sora, he was cut short by Riku who shoved ice cream in between them. Roxas sent him a look and Riku pretended like he didn't know what was just about to happen. "...thanks." He grumbled, sitting properly.

"You're welcome." Ventus happily chirped. "Hey, did you guys hear? Apparently the palm tree is the best place to sit during the fireworks. The vendor told me." Looking at Roxas, he winked.

"Should we all go there?" Sora was excited and happy to be surrounded by friends. He was excited for other reasons but Roxas swore him to secrecy.

"You two should go ahead. Riku and I will catch up." Ventus figured him and Riku had more to talk about and it would give Roxas and Sora the excuse they needed.

That was all the encouragement Roxas needed. To his surprise, Riku had nodded to him and grumbled about something he couldn't hear. Roxas understood what Riku meant and he nodded back. Leading Sora by the hand over to the deformed palm tree where literally no one else was, both boys sat down and ate their ice cream in peace. There was a peculiar fruit in his that Roxas couldn't identify. Was it tropical? "Hey, Sora. Do you know what this fruit is?" It looked like a yellow star and tasted, unlike anything he'd tried before.

"It's... paopu fruit. In the stories, it was supposed to link two people together forever if they both shared the same fruit." Not cluing into the fact that he also had paopu fruit in his ice cream, Sora ate his blissfully unaware.

Roxas stopped eating his to look at Sora's. Looking from one treat to the other, he felt his cheeks get warm again. There were definitely worse people to be stuck with forever. 'Like the behemoth.' Okay. Roxas sighed and knew he had to stop doing that as they seemingly had a truce of some sort. Whatever Ventus said to him clearly had worked and Roxas made a mental note to thank his older brother. Startled out of his thoughts by the fireworks, he once again watched Sora instead of the display. The way his face lit up, his smile, excitedly calling out to Roxas and telling him to look. Roxas smiled softly. His hand felt sweaty, his heart was racing, and he was actually blushing because of another guy.

Sora stopped looking at the fireworks to glance at Roxas. He seemed deep in thought about something on his mind and Sora saw his chance. Earlier Roxas had wanted to kiss him, right? He wasn't making some horrible mistake? Sora closed the distance between them and kissed Roxas again. His eyes remained open as he wanted to see Roxas' reaction.

Roxas had been surprised at first but he relaxed. Sora was taking his advice, so how could he possibly be upset? Roxas actually managed to smile and not the usual half-smile either.

click.

Both were blissfully unaware of the camera on them or the giggling that ensued afterward.