Hah! Took me like, tens seconds to upload this one! I should have waited for reviews but I figure they'll come quicker this way. And I was too lazy to wait for a couple of days then put it up.
Paintballs and Axel
Part 2
The gates were locked as usual but there was no Roxas in sight. I felt frantic now, not knowing where he was. I ran back out to Tram Common and sprinted down the tunnels to look for him in Sunset Heights. He wasn't there either; I searched everywhere and couldn't find him. I ran back to The Usual Spot and burst though the drape that covered the entrance. Everybody was gone. I calmed down and went to check Station Plaza and in the Station too but still no Roxas and none of my friends. I sat on the steps and tried to keep the tears from slipping down my face as I cradled my head in my hands. Many people passed by me without so much as a second glance and I was about ot leave when I heard a familiar voice.
"I wanted to get you alone. I have to tell you something." It wasn't Roxas' voice but-
"Yes, Riku?" It was Yume. I hid behind a trashcan and watched as they sat on the railing of Station Plaza. The sunset illuminated everything and was breathtaking at this time in the evening.
"I…uh…really missed you." He told her as he rubbed the back of his neck. "A lot."
Yume blushed and turned her head away. "I missed you too."
Riku's face lit up. "Really?"
Yume seemed very shy, I had never seen her like that before. "Well, yeah. It's kinda funny."
"What's funny?"
She giggled. "I don't usually go for guys with long hair."
Riku chuckled. "So you are 'going' for me?" he teased.
Yume's eyes widened. "I-I-I meant that…I-I…" Her face was almost blood red, and the sunset cast a reddish glow over them only enhancing the redness.
He grabbed her shoulders, "Calm down Yume. I was joking."
"Oh, I-I know that." She stuttered. I could tell she was getting really nervous.
He must have noticed and turned away from her to look out over the horizon. "This place s always so beautiful isn't it?"
"Yeah. That's why I love living here." She stood up. "C'mon, I'll take you to where you can see the sunset even better but we have to hurry." She grasped Riku's hand and pulled him along. Riku protested.
"I'd much rather stay here." He pulled back. "I can see the sunset fine here." He ran a hand through her hair.
'This is getting good.' I thought to myself as I watched from behind my trashcan.
Yume shivered and pulled away. "I'm sorry."
"What?" He asked, confused.
"I'm just…afraid of what the others would think if they saw us." She said.
'They wouldn't care, hello! We have been trying to get you guys together for a long time and finally all this hard work is paying off.' I thought again.
"I don't think they would mind." He said. "Haven't you noticed how they were always putting us together on purpose?"
'Bingo! This boy never misses a thing!'
"Well, yeah I just never thought you enjoyed being with me."
"Why wouldn't I? You're smart, funny, nice and pretty." He told her. I almost wet myself from the excitement.
"I didn't know you thought that." She looked up at him. "I've always thought that you didn't want to be around me, even though I always wanted to be with you." She confessed.
He smiled. "I always thought you hated me or something but I just got over it."
"I never thought that!" She defended. "I would never think that! I love you Riku! How…could …I…." Her voice trailed off and again her face reddened and she lowered it.
Riku looked completely shocked. "You…you love me?" He asked incredulously.
Yume looked up at him with tear filled eyes and nodded. "Yes. Now you can hate me because you know the truth…I didn't mean to say that… I just" She kept rambling on and on making not sense at all until Riku silenced her with a kiss.
I almost let out a high-pitched squeal but covered my mouth and bit my tongue to keep from doing so. They broke apart and Yume had stopped crying, now she looked shocked and confused but Riku smiled.
"Calm down. I love you too." He told her.
"Wh-what?" She wiped her eyes. "You do?"
"Yes. I liked since you started to stay away from me. You acted all mysterious and I thought you hated me so for some odd reason I started to like you, a lot." He blushed a little.
"Wow, that's the best news I've heard since...forever." She grinned.
I was trying my hardest not to squeal but it was building up inside me I was so happy for her. I wished they would go somewhere else or turn their backs so I could 'appear'.
"Heh, yeah." He turned around and looked out over the horizon again and Yume did the same. I saw my chance and I slipped out from behind my trashcan and went up the stairs and slowly opened the door and walked in, closing it behind me quietly. Inside I got on the train and went to Sunset Station to find Roxas.
After arriving, I heard someone call my name. I spun around expecting to see Roxas but instead I saw Pence. He waved over and begrudgingly; I walked down the steps to him.
"We've been looking everywhere for you." He told me.
I lowered my eyes. "I don't care."
"What's wrong?" He asked.
I could feel the sting of tears at my eyes again. "I can't find Roxas. He isn't anywhere."
He placed a hand on my shoulder. "Did you look-"
I pulled away from him. "I can't find him anywhere! I've checked through the tunnels and everywhere! He just-" My throat constricted. "vanished." I squeaked as I tried to hold back tears.
"He's got to be around here somewhere." He looked around. "Did you check up there on Sunset Hill?"
I lifted my head. "No. I'll go look." And I took off running, I didn't think he would be there but it wouldn't hurt to look. After making sure that Pence wasn't following me, I let the tears come. Upon arriving, I saw not soul going up or coming off of the hill and when I got up there, my worst fears were confirmed. He wasn't here. I sat down on the ground and cried, the hot tears rolled down my face and formed small circles in the dirt. I wanted to know why he left me and why I was crying for him.
A sound behind me made me spin around quickly to see who it was. A figure was stepping out of the shadows and walking towards me. In the failing evening glight, I couldn't see who it was so I stood up and wiped the tears from my cheek.
"Who are you?" I demanded.
"Why were you crying?" Came a very familiar voice.
"R-Roxas?"
He stepped up to me and grinned, then all seriousness covered his face. "Why were you crying?"
I wasn't sure what to tell him. "I…wasn't?" I lied. He gave me a look of disbelief and I grinned. "I was upset…because…" How could I tell him this? It would be so weird. "I couldn't find you…" I mumbled and looked away.
"You were crying for me?" He asked in disbelief.
I nodded. "You just vanished and I couldn't find you anywhere. I got really scared because I didn't know what happened to you." I confessed.
"I didn't know you would be upset like that. I figured you didn't care about me you wanted to hang out with Sora and Riku." He lowered his gaze. Something glinted on his cheeks, I looked closer and saw tear stains.
"Roxas, I care about you. I just haven't seen Sora for a really long time, that's all. You're still my best friend." Oh God was he cute like this. I wanted to go and hug him.
He seemed to light up. "Really?"
"Well yeah. We grew up here, so why not?" I smiled. "Where did you go anyway?"
"I went to call your brother so he could be here." He said.
I was confused. "You called Axel."
"Yeah, I figured he's want to be here to see Sora."
"YOU CALLED AXEL?" I exploded.
He cringed backwards. "I thought you would be happy! I know he wanted to see Sora too!"
"WHAT WOULD GIVE YOU THE IDEA THAT I WOULD WANT MY BROTHER HERE? EVEN IF HE IS YOUR BEST FRIEND?"
He laughed. "I think I liked it better when you were crying."
I threw my arms up in the air in defeat. "You boys." I sighed but I couldn't help to crack a smile. "When's he coming?"
"Sometime tomorrow."
"WHAT? Tomorrow? Oh great, I don't have a prank planned yet!" I said frantically. I grabbed Roxas' wrist and pulled him along. "Let's go!"
OOOOOO
"Everybody agree then?"
"Yep." Came the simultaneous reply.
"You all know what you are going to do then, right?"
"Yes." They all chortled.
"Good." I sighed and ran a hand though my hair. Roxas winked and jerked his head in the direction of Yume and Riku, who were sitting close together. Yume had her head on Riku's shoulder and he was fiddling with her hair. I still hadn't told her I saw them the yesterday but she told me what had happened so there was no need to. The plan was ready and Axel should be here around noon. I glanced up at the clock. 11:00, we had approximately and hour.
"Alright guys suit up and head out." I got weird looks from them. "You guys don't watch enough TV. Get your gear on and head to your positions." I sighed and placed a hand on my forehead. They all put on their protective gear and loaded up their paintball guns. I picked up my own which I had retrieved the night before and loaded it up. I stocked the little pack I had with paintballs and CO2 tanks and slung it over my shoulder. I grabbed my mask and slipped it on top of my head then grabbed a Walkie Talkie and waited for the others to get ready. Nervously I glanced at the clock, 11:20.
"Everybody ready?" I hear various mumbles and they all nodded their heads. "Move out!" Sora looked at me funny. "I've always wanted to say that." I shrugged.
"You watch way too much TV." Olette said. Roxas poked my side in agreement.
"I do not, you guys just don't watch enough!" I defended. Everybody chuckled and he headed out of the Usual Spot and to various points in town. I went to Station Plaza and hid behind the trash bin. Olette and Sora went Tram Common, Riku and Yume went to the Sandlot and lastly, Roxas, Pence and Hayner picked their own places to hide. After I got settled in, I checked the positions of everybody. They were where they were supposed to be and all was good. Then I spotted the familiar red, spiky hair of my brother and I grinned.
"He's here." I whispered into my radio. I stealthily followed him as he went down the street carrying a large bag. He turned into the alley and I stood just out side it and watched as he walked into the Usual Spot. He came back out looking confused then went to the sandlot. "Heading to the Sandlot." I whispered again as he walked down the steps. He stood in the middle of the area and scratched his head.
I grinned into my radio. "Fire!" and right after I had said that, three splotches of blue, purple and neon green paint appeared on him. All of us had hit him. I laughed and ducked behind another trashcan.
"ALEXA!" I heard him scream and it took all my self-control to not laugh. I peeked around the corner of the bin and saw him head to Tram Common.
"Great job guys." I praised Riku and Yume. I saw them peek their heads out from behind their hiding spots and give me the thumbs up. "Headed to Tram Common from the Sandlot. Sora and Olette, be ready." I said into the radio.
"Gotcha." Came the fuzzy reply from both of them.
"I'm on Market Street. Want me to cover Tram Common also?" Came the voice of Hayner through my radio.
"Negative. Sora and Olette have it covered." I said back as I got up and followed Axel to Tram Common.
"I'm in the Forest." Came Pence's voice. I watched as Axel headed that way.
"Good. He's headed to you Pence. Everybody hold your fire, let Pence have him." Axel walked into the Forest and a few minutes later came running back out with an orange splotch on his chest. "Great job Pence. Okay. Sora, Olette, Fire at will." After a couple more minutes he was sent running again, this time with two red splotches on his back.
"I missed." Olette confessed.
"I got him for ya." Sora's voice said.
"Headed out of Tram Common to market Street." I said into my radio.
"Good." Came two voices, Roxas and Hayner. Axel ran up Market Street and I followed. "Fire!" I shouted into my radio. A frenzy of paintballs came flying in every direction. Axel got hit three mores times then spun around to see me standing there and he ran after me.
"He's spotted me! I'm running to Tram Common! Get him off my back!" I shouted into my radio.
"Roger!" Came the reply from Riku.
"Alright." Said Olette and Sora together. I ran for my life as the pounding of my brother's footsteps became closer. I ran through Tram Common and I could hear the shots from the paintballs and Axel would grunt in pain but he never let up. I stole a glance backwards and saw he was closer than I thought. Quickly, I ducked into the Forest and screamed for Pence to shoot him but he was gone. I started to panic; Axel would surely beat me to a pulp. I had no choice but to run to the gates of the Mansion and hold my ground there. I was a trapped rat, backed against the gate of the Mansion to try and hold off my fate. Axel glared at me with such ferocity I stared at him like a deer in headlights. Bringing my gun to my shoulder, I shot three times and only one splotch of neon green appeared, and it was on his leg.
I was terrified and I felt my heart pounding, my brother had never looked at me like that before. It was too scary to comprehend; he looked like he was really going to kill me. He came closer, and closer I shot until I ran out of air and I fumbled to unscrew the chamber but my hands were shaking too bad. Closer and closer he came, it seemed like everything was moving in slow motion. I dropped the gun and as I reached to pick in up I heard a shot ring out and saw Axel fly forward and fall to the ground in pain. On his back was a large splat of silver paint.
"Roxas?" Sure enough, standing about five feet behind Axel was the blonde haired hero. He ran up to me.
"You alright?" He asked. I just stared and slowly moved my head up and down.
"I'm not." Axel growled as rubbed the small of his back where he had been hit. Roxas stepped between him and me.
"Leave her alone Axel."
He waved his hand. "I ain't gonna risk getting hit like that again." I watched as he picked himself up off the ground and tenderly touched the spot that he had been hit. "That hurts like you wouldn't believe."
Roxas' face was stony. "You shouldn't have tried to hurt her."
Axel snorted. "I wasn't going to hurt her. Got it memorized?"
"Y-you weren't?" I stuttered, still shaken up.
"No." He glared. "I wasn't sure what I'd do once I caught you. Probably make you clean the toilet with your toothbrush or lick my foot or something."
I shuddered. "That's disgusting. I wouldn't have done it I hope you know." I placed my hands on my hips.
He grinned maliciously. "Oh yes you would have. Or else your secret gets out."
I glanced to Roxas nervously. Axel knew, he knew that I liked Roxas. "Y-you're bluffing."
"Am I? Funny, diaries hold so many secrets and I read the juiciest one."
"You read my diary?"
"You read her diary?" Roxas said at the same time I did.
Axel grinned. "I can't help it if you pick the dumbest hiding spots. Like, under your pillow."
I hoped he didn't say it. "Shut up! You're bluffing!"
He pulled off his shoe. "Lick my foot and I won't tell your biggest secret."
I looked at him repulsively. "NO!" I screamed.
"Fine then, you leave me no choice." He cleared his throat and turned to Roxas. "She loves you."
Roxas looked dumfounded. "Wh-what?"
"You heard me. She loves you. L-O-V-E. Got it memorized?" And with that he walked off cackling leaving me to blush puce because Roxas knew how I felt.
The heat kept rising in my face and felt tears stinging at my eyes. I couldn't believe that my own brother would do such a thing. Roxas looked at me with concern as I hid my face and sat down on the ground. A small tear made its way down my pink face and landed on my blue jeans leaving a small dark spot. I leaned against the cool metal of the Mansion gates and cried. I wanted Roxas to leave but he stood there and stared unbelievingly at me. This was exactly why I didn't want to tell him, he would reject me, but why wasn't he leaving yet? I felt him kneel down beside me and I pushed my face into my arms harder, trying to shut him out.
"Lex?" He touched my arm. "Lex?"
I didn't respond. All I wanted right now was for him to leave me alone.
"Alexa." He said a little more gruffly this time. "Alexa!" He rose his voice, this time pulling my arms out from under my face. I kept my head down and wouldn't look at him.
"Alexa, look at me." He said with sincerity.
"No." I mumbled. "I know you don't like me. Don't try and make me feel better."
"Lex, I-"
I pushed him away. "Just go away." I hugged my knees to my chest and looked away. I could feel his eyes burning into the back of my head. A couple of times he took a breath like he was going to try and say something but let it out in a sigh. Finally he got up and left, leaving me to wallow in self-pity and cry. I heard him walking away and I lifted my head to watch him leave. He stopped before entering the Forest and glanced back, I quickly turned away but I could hear him sigh. I waited for a while, just letting silent tears slip down my face then I stood up and wiped them away, heading back home.
It was getting dark as I dragged my feet along the stones in the street, carrying my gun and pack with me. I wanted to go home but I wasn't paying attention to where my feet were taking me. I heard a couple of voices and turned to my left as I made my way through Tram Common. Riku and Yume were sitting on the bridge, holding hands and talking about something. I shook my head and grinned then continued on. Eventually I ended up at the usual spot. To my surprise, nobody was there and I set my stuff on the floor then flopped down on the couch. I heard a crinkling down when I laid down so I sat up and saw a small piece of paper on the cushion.
Alexa,
I love you too.
I instantly recognized the scraggly writing. You can't study hours on end with someone and not be able to recognize their handwriting instantly. I smiled and jumped up, sprinting to Station Plaza. I knew he'd be there it is favorite place. I got up to the Plaza and sure enough, there he was, sitting against the railing with his arms folded across his chest.
He stood up when he saw me and looked anxious. I didn't stop running and flew right into his arms, sobbing. Somehow, my lips met his for a second then I lowered my head into his chest. I was surprised that it had happened but I didn't say anything. I hugged him around the waist and he seemed confused at first but wrapped his arms around me. I cried into his chest and sniffled, trying to control myself.
"I love you." I choked.
"I love you too." He said. I couldn't help but smile as I wiped away my tears. Behind us someone cleared their throat. I turned to see none other that Axel looking quite comical standing there. His mouth was open and he had his hands hanging limply at his sides, the toothpick that was in his mouth had fallen to the ground and his eyes were almost bulging. He simply stared, his mouth opening and shutting as he tried to process what he had just seen. I began to wonder how much he had seen but I didn't care.
"What did you just do?" He asked.
I shrugged. "Nothing, just hugged him."
He stared at me for a while. "I thought…"
"Thought what?" Roxas asked, catching my drift.
Axel shook his head. "Never mind." And he stalked up the steps to the Station. "I'm leaving." He called over his shoulder.
"Love you brother!" I called mockingly.
"What ever." I heard him mumble as he entered the doors.
I turned back to Roxas. "Where did everybody else go?"
"I think they went to get ice cream and then to the clock tower to sit. You wanna go?" He asked, pulling me close.
"Yes." I kissed his cheek. We walked to the ice cream stand and then joined up with Hayner, Pence, Olette, Sora, Riku, and Yume on the Clock Tower. I sat with between Roxas and Hayner whom I was tempted to shove off the Tower because of his obnoxiousness. Yume and Riku were on the other side of Hayner, Olette and pence were further down. Sora was on the other side of Roxas. We all sat in silence for a while just enjoying each other's presence. I glanced over at Sora who was leaning back on his trademark pose, hands clasped behind his head and his ice cream stick poking out of his mouth.
Everything was perfect. And I felt content here with these people I loved. We all loved each other; words need not be used to express it. I leaned my head on Roxas' shoulder and again almost shoved Hayner off the Tower for making a smart remark.
"Hayner?"
"Yes, Lexy-wexy poo?" He cooed mockingly.
"Can you fly?"
He was confused. "No."
"Then shut up before I push you off." I grumbled. Everybody laughed and Hayner scooted back from the edge. I heard a shout from below and saw two female figures down there.
"Kairi and Naminé!" I gasped. Sora immediately scrambled to the edge and peered over. He waved at the girls and they waved back. I watched Hayner peak over the edge, watching me warily out of the corner of his eye.
"We'll be right down!" I shouted then we all scrambled up and ran down the stairs of the tower to meet them at the bottom. Kairi flung herself into Sora's arms.
"What are you doing here?" He asked, breaking the embrace.
" I finished early so I caught the train and, here I am! I brought Naminé along with me." She gestured to the girl in white.
"I haven't seen you for so long!" I squealed, embracing Naminé and Kairi simultaneously. Olette was right behind me then Yume. We exchanged what things had happened and Kairi asked if Roxas and I had gotten together yet.
I blushed, as did Roxas. "Yeah, sorta."
Olette looked as if she had just gotten done running a race, her face was red. "WHY DIDN'T I KNOW THIS?" she shrieked.
Roxas and the others cringed in fear. "Because we were afraid your head would implode!" I yelled right back.
"Oh." She said happily.
Everybody looked at her in disbelief. "I swear she's bipolar." Hayner whispered to Naminé.
We all went happily to the Usual Spot, chatting and laughing all the way. When we got there, everybody dispersed and sat in their usual places. We all sat in pairs though. Me and Roxas, Hayner and Naminé, Yume and Riku, Sora and Kairi, Pence and Olette it was slightly disturbing. Everybody was feeling great until the sun set and Kairi, Riku, Sora and Naminé announced that they had to leave. Yume cried, heartbroken that Riku had to leave so soon. We watched as they boarded the train and set off, looking sadly back at us as they left. I saw a tear creep down Riku's face as he looked out the window and waved. Naminé was crying also, I glanced at Hayner who looked frustrated and upset. We dispersed after they left and went home. I kissed Roxas goodnight before leaving and tramped down the street to my house.
(yawn) I hope you enjoyed that. I spent two hours on it today. Don't forget to review!