tsuna16: Thank you for the kind reviews. I liked your answer as to whom the mysterious person could be.

Happy reading!

-Elegant

The next day when he went school, Roxas noticed people staring and whispering. Some cupped their hand over the side of their mouths so he couldn't see their lips move or have a fighting chance to understand what was being said. Roxas had grown used to staring and some murmurs but those were usually from girls 'admiring' him. All of the guys seemed to look in terror at him and Roxas didn't think too much of it until he made his way in the classroom. Sitting at his seat he thought about it a little more. His eyes widened when he realized one thing: 'they know.' That fact was painfully obvious to him and Roxas once more found himself running his fingers through his hair and biting his fingernails on the other hand.

He'd likely have to switch schools again and move to another place where people didn't know him.

"Roxas, you bite your fingernails?" Sora had never observed the peculiar habit on Roxas before so he was surprised to see it.

Roxas stopped biting to stare at his fingers. Embarrassed at having being caught doing one of his peculiar habits, Roxas placed his hands at his side and looked at Sora. "Only when I'm nervous."

"Do you have something to be nervous about?" Sora tilted his head to the side as he sat down beside Roxas. It was strange to see him nervous because Sora had never seen it before. It had to be something serious, right?

Roxas let out a heavy sigh. He leaned his head back in his chair and stared at the ceiling for a moment. He looked at Sora before he spoke. "You know how I transferred schools, obviously," Sora nodded to what Roxas had to say. He didn't speak up because he didn't want to cut off Roxas and he'd already given the affirmative that he was listening. "You don't know why I transferred schools." Roxas honestly didn't plan on telling Sora because he wanted to put it behind him.

"I don't," Sora admitted. "Why did you end up switching schools?" Sora was genuinely curious. It made Roxas nervous and that by extension made Sora nervous.

Roxas noticed people filing into the classroom so he mouthed the word fighting to Sora who looked cluelessly at him. Sighing, Roxas scrawled it onto a piece of paper and folded it in half before he passed it over to Sora. It took Sora a moment to pass it back to Roxas with his response.

You're kinda being vague. Fighting as in you beat people up, or defended yourself?

Roxas read Sora's response and wrote his own.

Both. I don't even know if I'm allowed to talk about it, Sora.

Roxas thought back to that time at his old school. Every time he blinked, he was back there, in the hallway with his bloody knuckles. The taste of iron in his mouth as one of his assailants had gotten a lucky hit on him. It had been three against one and Roxas didn't hold back one bit in the fight. They were uttering words like 'homo' and 'faggot', he felt not one ounce of mercy toward homophobic literal pieces of human garbage. The leader had been a renowned bully named Seifer whom Roxas had problems with a few times. Roxas' temper got the best of him some times but he never resorted to physical violence until that day. Being a practitioner of martial arts, he knew better. But he'd been left with no option other than to defend himself. They formed a triangle around him and one of the other guys Roxas hadn't bothered to learn the name of shoved him from behind.

Roxas spit out the blood and wiped his mouth. Grinning, that was all the incentive he needed. Seifer went for another punch and Roxas used one of the most annoying tactics Ba Ji Quan had taught him. Essentially tugging on his opponent's arm, he caught them off guard and would then use his palm to strike their chest, another to hit them in the stomach and two low kicks that caused Seifer to trip and fall. Despite them being seniors and having a height, weight, and age advantage Roxas was able to easily counter them. Switching into flamingo stance, he stood on one leg and slightly extended the other one out. Doing the 'come at me' taunt, Roxas pivoted on his left leg, using a high punch/kick combo that was essentially him striking quickly and not giving his opponent time to react. All seemed to be going well until the other bully kicked out his leg he was using to balance on.

Falling to his knees, Roxas got right back up and switched to a slightly unfamiliar martial art: karate. It was a basic fighting style so even though he was an amateur at it who only had a few sessions, Roxas was confident he could use the moves he had to kick some ass. Spinning around really fast, he elbowed the bully who'd kicked out his leg in the stomach, followed it up with a literal karate chop, a mid kick to the stomach that knocked him into the lockers, Roxas looked to the last guy who ran away.

Seifer got back up and Roxas narrowed his eyes. It was painfully obvious at this point that his opponents were out of their league and there was no point in them sparring any further. Roxas avoided another punch and hit Seifer in the gut as hard as he could with a straight punch. He crumpled over and Roxas got on top of him and started punching him in the face. He lost track before Axel had shown up and then multiple teachers and eventually the police. Classmates, as well as faculty, had vouched for him, basically said he wasn't dangerous- usually. And that Roxas had been a good, smart kid who for the most part kept to himself aside from the few close friends he had. Roxas' parents had thought the suspension was bogus so they tried to fight it but Roxas decided he didn't want to go back to that school. He needed to start fresh, and unfortunately, that meant he had to cut ties with the people he had been close with. Well, 'close' for him, anyway.

Cut out of his thoughts by something jabbing him, Roxas found himself once more back in reality as opposed to daydreaming. Sora had scribbled another response on the note and it seemed he'd been trying to gain Roxas' attention for some time. Roxas blinked and rubbed his eyes before he looked at the note.

Is it really that serious?

Instead of writing a response, Roxas looked at Sora and nodded. It was really serious. Parents threatened to charge him with assault but one of the school cameras had luckily caught the entirety of the fight and Roxas got off scot-free. Sora and Roxas continued to exchange notes for the remainder of their class and once they made their way to their lockers, Roxas found a mysterious note inside of his. It said Roxas only there was a heart over the o. He snatched the envelope before Sora had a chance to see it because frankly, he didn't want Sora to get the wrong idea. Stashing it in his backpack for later, Roxas wanted to put it behind him. He didn't need a sappy, crying boyfriend.

"What's wrong?" Sora asked. He noticed Roxas was sort of acting kind of strange on the way to their second class.

"It's nothing." Roxas didn't want to worry Sora. He'd basically cried when Roxas had a made-up first boyfriend and who knew how he'd react to an apparent note from some sort of admirer.

"Okay." Sora wasn't entirely convinced that nothing was the matter like Roxas said but he didn't say anything more because there was always the chance Roxas would get upset with him. "Do you still think people know your secret?"

Roxas thought about it for a moment and nodded. He kept his voice low so Sora could still hear him but other people passing by would hear just a murmur. "Well, people have been staring at me. And I know that 'doesn't mean anything', but they're also whispering. Guys seem afraid of me and the girls are gossiping about something to do with me I'm sure of it." Roxas knew he sounded like a paranoid schizophrenic but it seemed a little too 'coincidental' to him.

"No, it definitely means something," Sora had taken notice. Guys kept their distance and the girls were periodically looking at Roxas while whispering about something. Though Sora wanted to respect Roxas' decision to not tell him about why he'd been expelled, he couldn't help but be curious. What could be so bad that it actually rattled Roxas?

"You think so too?" Roxas asked grateful Sora seemed to agree. When the brunette nodded, Roxas let out a sigh of relief. Although he'd never been one to care about rumors or what other people thought of him, Roxas actually was having anxiety about it. He didn't want people to be terrified of him because they thought they'd be 'next' like Seifer and his loser friends. Roxas thought back to the letter he'd tucked away in his backpack earlier. Did that have something to do with this? Pulled out of his thoughts by the bell ringing, he made his way to the bathroom in order to change privately.

Rejoining Sora in the gym, Roxas observed the same peculiar behavior. All except for Sora moved away from him. Trying to ignore the strangeness, both of them ran their laps around the gym and tagged up as a duo as it seemed they were doing a bunch of activities in stations. Some of them were pretty straight forward such as jump ropes, steps, arms training, the works. Sora and Roxas rotated through the stations to the best of their abilities, which for them, showed up just about everyone else in the class.

Roxas thought back to the letter in his backpack. It had definitely been written by a girl, right? The heart had made it kind of obvious.

Brought out of his thoughts, the bell rang and they were all excused to get changed and eat lunch. Roxas made his way to the bathroom and once he finished changing, the letter was in his line of sight, mocking him. If it was another sudden 'love confession' he'd turn them down just like he had with that one girl. He had absolutely no idea who she was or how she 'knew' him. Her reasoning for attraction to him had also been flimsy. Being 'athletic, smart, and attractive' was shallow. Sora was all of those things and more. A literal prodigy when it came to martial arts but math was another story. Sora definitely wasn't stupid though and Roxas would knock the teeth out of any guy who said otherwise. Surprised at himself, Roxas shook his head. He was starting to get attached. Getting worked up over Sora and theoretical scenarios.

Roxas sighed and ran his hand through his hair. Grabbing the envelope with his free hand, he opened it up and read quite the interesting note.

Come outside at lunch. Meet me in the courtyard. I'll be waiting.

There was a kiss mark on the paper in hot pink, and it smelled oddly floral. Roxas frowned at the paper. It smelled? Doing a double-take, he sniffed it just to make sure. Sneezing from the perfume, he crinkled his nose at the page and sighed again, only this time a little more suffering. He'd have to go out there and properly turn the person down. Stashing the letter in the pouch of his hoodie, Roxas left the bathroom and found Sora waiting.

"There you are! What took you so long?" Sora's smile instantly brightened Roxas' mood. If the blond were being entirely honest, it also made his heart beat a little faster. One thing at a time.

"My allergies were acting up. There was a really smelly perfume and my nose didn't like it." Roxas gave an excuse that was valid and not exactly lying. It was part of the truth, just not the whole truth. Thinking more about perfumes, deodorants, and colognes, why did people - teenagers - tend to slather it on? Yes, it smelled good. But not when applied vigorously. Most of his classes were a never-ending hell because the myriad of smells blended into a new, strange odor. Shaking his head, he was getting off-topic.

Sora gently took Roxas' hand in his own. "Come on, the others are waiting!" He happily chirped and began to walk away but stopped when his arm was jerked. Roxas hadn't budged. Giving him a questioning look, Sora hoped it wasn't another fight with Riku. He really didn't want to have to pick between his best friend and his boyfriend. Again.

"I've got something I need to do. Save me a seat and say hi to the girls and...Riku." Roxas tried to say Riku's name like he didn't hate him and feel contempt whenever they were in the same room. He hoped for Sora's sake that his intentions had shown through. At least he didn't call him 'behemoth', right?

"Oh. Okay." Sora nodded. "We'll be waiting! Don't be too long!"

The moment Sora let go of his hand, Roxas felt a little lonely. It was strange to him. He always felt lonely being in a room full of people and had grown used to being left in the 'dark'. But Sora shone like a beacon. It was hard to have unpleasant thoughts when in his presence. Roxas found himself walking in the opposite direction and toward the double doors at the end of the hallway. Making his way outside, Roxas looked around for any sign of someone else. His search turned up no one. He spun on his heels and was about to go back inside when someone called out to him.

"Wait!"

Hearing a familiar voice, Roxas groaned when he looked over his shoulder. It was that girl again. The one who had given him his - first - confession at this school. The second having been mutual with Sora. "I don't have time for this. Someone asked me to come out here and I really can't do this right now."

"Oh, I know someone asked you to come here. That was me." She said matter of factly.

"Did you now?" Roxas asked, clenching his jaw. He'd told her no and that was supposed to be the end of it. Why was she wasting his time when he could be sitting with Sora and his friends, having an actual good time? Having a good time. That thought had surprised Roxas. When did he become attached to Sora's friends? Was it possible they became - his - friends too?

"I wanted to see if you'd reconsider," She said, pulling out her phone.

"No." Roxas instantly shut down that idea. There would absolutely be no do-overs. Even if he was in any capacity bisexual, this girl just didn't fit the bill. Roxas also knew he wasn't ugly and to be frank, could have his pick of the litter.

"Oh, that's too bad. Because, you know, I saw something really interesting the other day. Something that could change your life here."

Roxas scoffed. "And what would that be?"

The girl turned on her phone and showed Roxas the picture of him and Sora kissing, much to the intrigue of the blond. He didn't portray any emotion on his face because Roxas didn't want her to know he was at all interested in the photo. This girl really seemed to think she had some sort of leverage over him. Before he could reply, she spoke up.

"Haven't you noticed people acting strange around you today? Boys being scared, girls whispering something that you can't hear?" She tilted her head to the side as she tried to play coy.

"That was you," Roxas said, already bored of the situation. She nodded at him and he prepared himself. He was getting angry. If she were a guy he would've already made a speech about knocking her teeth out. But he didn't have that luxury right now. He didn't hit girls. At least, outside of the dojo where it was 'okay' because they were sparring and or in a tournament.

"We did say we'd start a rumor you were gay." She looked directly into Roxas' eyes, trying to see if he was crumbling over her knowing his little secret. He had such a pretty face and everything except for his personality seemed to be attractive.

"Oh no!" Roxas faked gasped. "The picture's cute- I'll give you that one. You should send it to me, I needed a new wallpaper anyway." Roxas played it off as not a big deal. He'd been 'out' in his past school and it really didn't matter to him. In fact, he'd let out a sigh of relief. People didn't learn about one of his big secrets.

"Cute. But how do you think he'll react to something like this?" She was doing her best to manipulate Roxas. But every time she pushed, he shoved right back.

Roxas snorted. "He's Sora. Do you really think he or other people would care if he's gay? In case you haven't noticed, he's the kindest guy here." Roxas' features darkened as he stared down the girl. "I don't care if you spread rumors about me, if you mess with me, but the moment you bring him into things like this," Roxas emphasized the words 'me' and 'him' and stepped closer to her so he towered over the girl. "Then we've got a problem. And no you don't have to worry about me hitting you because beating up girls is beneath me." Roxas took a proper look at the girl. She was wearing the hot pink lip gloss that had been on the paper, she smelled of the floral perfume, and dressed like a typical 'girly girl'. "See, the thing about him is I like him more than I've ever liked anyone. He never once gave up on me and decided to help me be a better person without any reason to. His smile makes my heart beat a mile a minute, his hand makes mine sweaty, and he never once asked me for anything because that's the type of person that he is. And me? I'm not 'kind' or 'nice' or of the 'light' like him and his friends. I know I'm mean, outspoken, abrasive, and generally of the 'darkness'. You don't even know the first thing about me, because if you knew anything about the kind of person I am, you'd know I still keep fighting. I've gone against the stream my entire life." Roxas' eyes actually changed color when he spoke. The blue managed to darken as if on cue.

The girl was actually a little afraid of Roxas now. He definitely was a much different person than she'd expected him to be. It was... interesting to say the least. Before she could speak, Roxas beat her to it.

"I'm bipolar. Not that you'd even care to know something like that. You're too busy basing things off of looks or ability to perform well in school. What happens when all of this ends and we graduate in two years? Will your precious reputation carry over to any actual real-life experience?" Roxas looked her up and down. "Some dress to conceal their true nature, others to reveal who they truly are. And you are rotten to the core. Go ahead and do whatever you wanted to do with the picture because I'm done with you. No more notes in my locker, calling me to 'talk' or harassing me, my boyfriend, or anyone in our circle. Because if you don't leave me alone, my parents and brother will be glad to know I have a stalker and they'll raise hell with the principal."

Having said all that he needed to say, Roxas went to leave the girl alone with the pieces of her broken heart. When he turned around, he hadn't expected to see Sora behind him, holding the door open. He seemed to be looking at Roxas in surprise. Roxas could feel his heart rate instantly pick up. How much had Sora heard? Standing there, like a deer in headlights, Roxas didn't know what to do.

Sora grinned at Roxas. Wearing that carefree look of his, he walked over to Roxas and gently led him inside by the hand. He went to let go when they were both back inside the school, but Roxas wouldn't let him. He gently squeezed Sora's hand, and Sora seemed to understand.

"How much did you hear?" Roxas asked. He was genuinely curious.

"Enough," Sora's grin turned into a smile. He didn't know he'd meant so much to Roxas. It was so refreshing to hear him say how he felt. Albeit he had to say it to someone else and Sora just so happened to overhear.

"What happened to lunch with your friends?" Roxas hoped Sora hadn't taken up too much of his time following after Roxas.

"They told me to come and get you, and... I heard something amazing." Sora's cheeks turned a hint of pink. Roxas had promised to tell him how he really felt after they sparred and if Sora had won, which he had much to Roxas' surprise. What he'd heard back then paled compared to now.

"Did you hear the other thing?" Roxas wanted to know if he'd heard him say he was bipolar. It was true. He wasn't one of those people who claimed to be bipolar because they could go from happy to crying in a moment. A doctor literally diagnosed him.

"...yeah." Sora gently squeezed Roxas' hand.

"I wanted to tell you," Roxas started to speak up. He'd almost told Sora once but decided against it because he thought Sora would be afraid of him. It wasn't like he had a police record or anything like that.

"It's okay. You would've told me when the time was right." Sora had every confidence that Roxas would've told him. Something dawned on him. "Was this the secret you were afraid of telling me?" Roxas nodded and Sora smiled. "I don't think any different of you. You're still the guy I like and my friends get along with. And I know you like me, so that's all that matters. Although, no more girls." Sora meant it as a joke and Roxas snorted.

"You caught me. I have the useless talent of attracting people I'm not interested in."

Sora had laughed at Roxas' joke and led him back to their friends.

"Roxas," Kairi called out his name, whispering as she cupped her hand over her mouth. "Did you know there's a rumor? People are saying you're gay." It didn't worry Kairi in the sense that she was homophobic or would come to hate him as she and Namine and Riku already knew him and Sora were more or less a thing or at the very least becoming one. She just hated having to hear whispers from friends about Roxas.

"Oh yeah, that. I am." Roxas didn't mind confirming it to Sora's friends. He'd be surprised if they didn't already know.

Namine shared a knowing look with Roxas that went over Kairi and Sora's heads. Riku had taken notice but didn't join in the activity. "Still, rumors like this are... unsavory. What kind of person goes around telling people another person's business? It's just... sad." Giving a sour look, Namine completely disapproved of the individuals who participated in such an activity. Some people really needed to grow up.

Roxas took a deep breath and decided to tell them the story from the beginning. Everything minus him saying he was bipolar. For now, that would be a secret he shared with Sora only. Well, Sora and his family members. When he finished, everyone at the table looked surprised. Especially Sora as it had been the first time he'd heard about their other encounter. All of them looked kind of shocked. Until Kairi spoke up.

Normally one of the more soft-spoken of the group, she genuinely looked mad. "Did you get a name? You might have problems hitting girls, but I don't mind getting into a fight for one of my friends. Right Namine?"

Namine despite her lack of physical prowess nodded. "I'll bite her."

"Namine!" Riku was shocked she said such a thing. Though he had let out a chuckle.

Roxas also couldn't help but laugh. The girls actually seemed to be getting mad over what happened and even Riku agreed the girl was extreme. Time seemed to escape the group as the lunch bell rang and they were off to their next classes. Sora and Roxas were able to breeze through the rest of the day. All of Roxas' anxiety seemed to melt away. Knowing they were all concerned about whether or not he was gay was humorous. At least it paled in comparison to being labeled a psycho by his peers.

At the end of the day, they were both able to walk home holding hands. Roxas couldn't help the smile on his face when met with Sora's. Every so often he'd steal a glance at Sora until they made their way to his home first.

Roxas started to walk toward the front door but Sora stopped him.

"I can't come over today." Sora shook his head and looked a little sad after the fact. "We've got family coming over so I have to visit with them."

"It's okay. I've had you to myself a lot lately. I understand you have to go. But before you do," Roxas closed the distance between them and slowly leaned toward Sora. His heart was beating a mile a minute and he could literally hear it pounding in his ears. Feeling that familiar warmth start from his ears to his cheeks, Roxas successfully stole a kiss from his boyfriend. It ended rather quickly, far faster than either wanted it to, but there would be plenty of time to make up for such a thing later on.

Sora smiled when Roxas pulled back. His cheeks were also pink. "I... gotta go now. I'll see ya at school."

"See you at school." Roxas smiled as he watched Sora walk away. To his surprise, the brunette turned around and flashed him a grin before he left. That look made it feel like his heart skipped a beat entirely. Making his way inside with an actual smile on his face, he felt like nothing could spoil his mood.