Axel's POV

The days without Roxas didn't feel real to me. I often found myself knocking on his door, just to be met with silence. When I opened the door, I was faced with an empty room. When I sat on his bed, I could still smell him on the sheets. It truly hurt, because it felt like he was here, even if only for a moment.

On missions, I pushed myself to keep up appearances, so the others Organization XIII members wouldn't catch on to what was going on. But after my work was done, and my witty one liners were delivered between hearts being collected, I sat on the Clock Tower's ledge. A sea salt ice cream would rest in my gloved hand, and began to melt a little as I let my thoughts wander. I'd bite into the cold ice cream, feeling the familiar taste dance across my taste buds.

The icing on the cake.

My words rang through my head, and I felt a small smile creep on my lips as I looked over to my left, imagining Roxas sitting beside me, his own body dressed in leather and silver zippers adorning his body, as he laughed.

Roxas... I miss you... every single day.

I'd finish my ice cream as the sun began to set over the town, and before it set completely, I'd blink back some tears, only to let a few of them fall as I peered over at the empty ledge.

xxxxxx

At night, I'd dream of Roxas. Usuaully of him returning, and us doing what we always did. Eating ice cream on the roof, playing Never Have I Ever, and of course, sharing a kiss when it felt right. When I'd wake up, I'd feel heartbroken all over again, knowing that it was just my subconscious that had brought him back to me.

So, of course, when I had fallen asleep on the roof of all places one afternoon, and been stirred awake by what looked to be my blond best friend, I rubbed my eyes, and moaned,

"Aw c'mon, not this trick again."

The boy looked at me with confusion and curiosity.

"Trick?" He repeated.

"Yes! The trick my mind has been playing on me every single night since you disappeared... literally... from my life. I know you're not here. And you're never, ever... coming back..."

I sulked, hanging my head low as I began to cry, the tears flowing freely before I could even think to stop them in their tracks.

"Axel... I promise you, I'm not playing a trick on you."

I felt a hand on my shoulder, and then another hand cupping my chin, lifting my tear stained face up to look at him. He smiled at me, his blue eyes shimmering as he looked at me.

"I really missed you, Axel."

I blinked, feeling my tears pause their continuous stream from my eyes.

"R-Roxas?" I choked out.

"The one and only." He said with a friendly chuckle.

"Roxas... you've been gone... for what feels like forever..."

He withdrew his hand from me, scratching the back of his head nervously.

"It has been a while. Months, in fact. Maybe longer."

I peered down at my hands which rested idly in my lap, extending my pinky out.

"Our promise... I wanted it to be real..."

Roxas frowned.

"I did too... but it's not too late... to fix it, is it?"

I turned to him, mulling over his question to me.

"I guess we'll have to find out for ourselves."

The blond smiled, extending his pinky finger to me. I took a deep breath, letting myself calm down from crying before hugging my finger with his.

"Roxas and Axel... friends forever... "

We released each other, and gazed out at the setting sun, like we had so many other afternoons before his disappearance.

I woke up in bed, still feeling a smile tugging at my lips. But as I realized I had dreamed it all, I began to sob into my pillow. Why was my mind doing this to me? Every single night, no less?

I wasn't sure how much more I could take.

As I lay there, crying, feeling my chest ache with anguish, I realized: I couldn't stay here anymore. If I wanted any chance of healing, of getting over him being out of my life, I had to get away from this town. Too many memories remained here.

xxxxxxx

Leaving proved to be easier than I thought it would be. I went on a mission, and after finishing my daily grind of collecting hearts for the Organization, I simply took a different route than usual. No more afternoon rendezvous at the Clock Tower for me. As I turned, watching it disappear in the distance, I shed a tear, thinking of Roxas, and all of our conversations and laughter over sea salt ice cream. I would miss it with all my being.

Goodbye, Twilight Town. Thanks... for such a good summer.

I smiled a little, before letting it become what would be just a memory in my mind.

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"Disney Town, the happiest place on earth! With all of the best Mickey themed snacks, of course, for sale!"

A vendor's friendly but loud voice rang in my ears, breaking me from my thoughts. I sat on a bench, observing all of the happy go lucky people enjoying snacks, rides, and games around the park. When I was stuck on where to go, I just figured I should go where Roxas never got to go. And I settled on Disney Town.

I stood up, looking down at myself in my normal clothes, a Mickey mouse plaid shirt, blue jeans, and sneakers. And of course, to complete the look, a black pair of Mickey ears atop my spiky red locks. I felt much more like myself outside of Organization XIII clothes. I had noted this before, but had never really paid it much attention.

I walked over to the vendor, giving a friendly smile.

"Can I get one pepperoni Mickey pretzel?"

"Coming right up." The man responded.

I felt a tap on my shoulder, and I turned, seeing an oh so familiar blond standing in front of me, his own hair donning white Mickey Mouse ears.

"R-Roxas?"

He grinned from ear to ear. "You gonna get me one of those pretzels too, Axel?"

I felt tears budding in my eyes. "Roxas!"

I ran to him, embracing him closely and as tightly as I could without hurting him.

"Are you... really here? Or am I dreaming again?"

He laughed, rubbing my back. "This is real. I promise."

"Don't you ever... leave me like that... again... you hear me?" I choked out.

He nodded against me.

"Never again... I can't be away from my best friend like that. Was hard enough the first time."