I was in the kitchen, cutting up an apple. I set the slices on a plate, making my way to the living room. The TV was showing some cop movie; I watched it idly, munching on my fruit.

Axel was set to pick me up in about half an hour. I was wearing a black turtle neck and dark jeans. I was planning on wearing a bunch of other winter clothing too, of course.

Sora was off hanging out with his friends. He had been doing that a lot. Over the weekend, I saw my old high school friends as well, which was pretty nice. My parents were busy working and decorating the house and other holiday activities.

"Roxas?" My dad entered the room.

"Don't you have work today?" I asked, confused.

"I got out early."

He sat down next to me, sinking into a plush recliner as guns were blaring on the screen. "I've been thinking."

Well this was bad. If he says anything about Sora, I'll bolt out saying I'm late for something.

"Oh yeah?" I managed. I shuffled in my seat, resisting the urge to leave.

"Maybe it's time you get a job."

"…a job?"

"Yes." He leaned closer to me. "It'll be great for you."

"How so?" I asked warily.

"You can learn to be responsible! And not to mention, it'll look great."

Of course. "Alright," I said, trying to avoid any committal answers.

"Just think about it, son." He started to get up. Quick and all business, just like him.

"Alright," I said again before he left.

I began shaking with anger. Son? How dare he call me that! And to "look great" is not a good reason to get a job. He knows I'm not very good with people, so what low level job could I get? And it's not like money is a concern! What would the point be—other than appearances? Does he just want to tell his friends how much his "son" is doing? Seriously…

I walked to the kitchen to dump my used plate in the sink. The clock informed me that Axel should be arriving soon, which reminded me that I had yet to tell anyone I was leaving.

"Mom?" I called.

"Yes?"

I found her upstairs in her room. "I'm going out soon."

"Oh ok, where are you going? Do you need the car?"

"No, my friend is picking me up. We're going to that ice rink downtown."

"Oh really?" she smiled. "Too bad Sora isn't home today. You guys used to love that place."

"Yeah I know, so I am gonna get going. I have my phone."

I was about to step out, but she giggled and asked, "Who is she?"

I turned back to her, confused. "Huh?"

"Your date."

"…for ice skating?" I asked slowly.

"Yes." She straightened from where she was folding laundry, clearly excited.

"It's a friend…"

"Oh." Her arms, holding a shirt, fell in what was probably disappointment. "You can tell me if you have a girlfriend. I'd love to hear about her."

"But I—"

"But you're always texting!" she insisted. "With that look on your face," she added teasingly.

"Um….mom, I really don't..." I blushed.

"Really?" she pouted, looking just like Sora.

"Yeah—" I was cut off by the beeping of a car horn. "Oh, he's here. Bye!"

I rushed to grab my jacket, checking my hair quickly, and running outside. Axel was grinning in his tiny car, and I slid inside. "Did you find my house ok?" I asked, buckling in.

"Yep. So you'll have to show me the way to this place." He shifted into gear and backed out of the driveway.

"No problem, I went there a ton as a kid."

"Sweet." The drive didn't take too long; music was playing in the background and I led the way downtown. Buildings flew by as Axel drove, perhaps too fast, through the streets. I snuck a few glances over towards him. He was wearing a cool black jacket with a bunch of buttons and jeans, like usual. His hair was styled like it always is, and a pair of gloves sat in his lap.

We pulled up to the place, and Axel parked the car with a jerk. He shoved his keys in his pocket, and then put his gloves on, sneaking a look over towards me. "So, umm, I need to tell you something."

I had my hand on the door, but stopped. "What is it?"

Axel cast his eyes down in his lap and muttered something.

"I can't hear you."

"I," he cleared his throat, "can't ice skate…"

I stared at him for a second before laughing. "Oh, come on, Axel. It's not that hard!"

"I've never done it before!" he countered, now looking at me furiously.

"Really, it's easy."

"Alright…" he said, unconvinced.

We finally stepped out into the cold and crunched our way through the snow and over to the small building where we would rent supplies. There was a group of teenagers sitting inside, all crouched over their friend who was holding some portable gaming device. Cheering randomly erupted from them as we got our ice skates. It took me a little while to get the right size, so I found myself wiggling my feet into an older looking pair while Axel sat in a chair, looking incredibly nervous. He watched me the entire time as I got fitted. Once I was done, I asked, "Ready?"

"Roxas…" he said, gripping onto his seat.

"Yes?"

"I'm afraid to get up."

"You'll be fine."

He frowned at me, and shakily stood up. We wobbled outside. I would've been laughing if it was only him who looked stupid; it was awkward and difficult trying to walk around in ice skates. You had to walk flat-footedly with small steps, especially over the uneven, snowy ground. Axel had to grab my shoulder a few times when he grew unsteady.

But when we arrived out to the ice, he gasped. I knew he'd be surprised when he asked why we were going so late in the day. There were lights strung around the rink, with a Christmas tree smack in the middle. A few people were circling and the sun was beginning to set.

"It's….wow," Axel said.

"Beautiful?"

He nodded, staring at it. Then he turned to shoot me a smile. "Like you."

"Don't call me beautiful," I huffed. "Come on."

More awkward shuffling and we stepped out onto the ice. I was excited to get moving quickly because the chilly air was already biting at my face. Axel, however, stood shock still. "Won't this hurt if I fall? It's ice!" he exclaimed.

"It's not too bad. Come on," I repeated.

I slid forward a bit. "Show me how to ice skate," Axel said, still immobile.

I skated forward a few feet, and began to make small circles around him. I gave him a few instructions, but it was hard to explain. "You just have to try it."

Axel moved forward finally, his ice skates scratching against the ground. At first, he copied me pretty well, and you could see the relief on his face; sadly, right after gaining confidence, he started to tip over.

Of course his reaction was to latch onto me. I held back my laughter and tried to encourage him more.

It took us some time to loop the area. Axel seemed to be doing ok, as long as he was concentrating. I started to pull ahead, wanting to go faster. The lights spun in my peripheral vision and it was like being a child again. I pushed against the ice harder, relishing the feeling. My ankles and feet did the work, and I was gliding. It was getting dark fast, and the silver lights appeared to get brighter and brighter.

"Roxas."

Axel's voice reached me. He sounded desperate. I rushed over to him, and his hands wrapped around my arm. I wasn't prepared, even though I should've expected it, and I flung backwards. We both landed on our butts, hard. I could feel the cold ice pressing through my clothes as a surge of pain ran up my spine.

"Shit," Axel cussed, wincing.

I helped him up, and we stood still for a second. "Sorry," I apologized.

"No, I'm sorry, I felt like I was gonna fall…and damn that hurt."

"Yeah," I agreed. "You having fun?"

He awarded me with a weak smile. "I don't know if I would say that."

"You should've told me you don't know how to skate."

"That would've seemed lame!"

"You look so much better right now." I rolled my eyes.

"Shut up!" He moved to playfully bat my arm, but I slid away and he landed right back on his butt.

Seeing Axel sprawled out on the ice, looking surprised with his long limbs spread out around him, made me laugh really hard. So hard my stomach hurt, and he grabbed my legs until I fell over too.

"God." I shoved him away from me, still laughing, and he gave me a half hug.

"Help me back up."

I did so and started to skate with him again. He started to get nervous again, and kept moving his hands to my arm when he felt uneasy. At one point, his hands were hovering towards me for so long, I just grabbed him.

He looked surprised. "Easier this way," I explained, intertwining our gloved fingers. I felt a little embarrassed..but it was ok right? My stomach flipped over, waiting for his reply.

"Oh ok," he replied. See? Fine. Normal.

"This is how me and my brother learned, holding our mom's hands."

"Sounds adorable."

We skated for a little while longer, just going in wide circles around the tree. There were a lot of couples around, but they were all very good at skating so we never ran into them or anything. Axel seemed to get a little better although he never let go of me. Eventually, the feeling in my toes and fingers disappeared. "You almost done?" I asked.

"Hmm?" Axel asked.

"My toes are numb."

"Oh yeah," he laughed. "I'm not cold at all."

"Pfft. Did you wanna skate for longer?"

"Whatever you want, Roxie."

We returned our rentals, and I was surprised when Axel walked past his car. "Where are you going?" I asked.

"I'm not done hanging out yet!"

"Alright…"

We crossed the parking lot and entered a nearby street. Downtown was decorated much like the ice skating rink; red bows, dazzling lampposts, Christmas lights. "I did some research," Axel said as we stepped down the sidewalk.

"Oh really?"

"Yep…aaaaaand ta-dah!" He spread his arms out in front of a small café named Calida Café. "Hot beverages!"

We entered, and the warm air was very pleasing. Inside was filled with a few tables and chairs with a glass display in front. A kind looking girl greeted us, leading us to a table. The whole place smelled delicious, and the décor was all happy, pastel colors.

She gave us both menus and went back to the front. She appeared to be the only one working, which was odd especially since she seemed close to our age.

The font was girly and the items offered seem to mostly be pastries or coffee.

The prices caught my attention.

"Jesus, Axel, this place is expensive," I hissed.

He looked up at me. "Yeah, kinda."

"I only have like twenty dollars on me…"

"That's more than enough. Besides, I'll pay."

I narrowed my eyes. "Don't I still owe you money? And how do you even have money? You don't have a job or anything."

"I work odd jobs and stuff during the summer," he shrugged. "And don't worry about it."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, Roxas."

This conversation reminded me of something. "So my dad said I should get a job…"

"Probably a good idea."

"His reasons are terrible!" I burst, laying my menu down.

"Why?"

"He wants me to look good. You know."

"Oh right. Your family," he said simply.

"Yeah..so fake…" I muttered. "I mean, I wouldn't care if he wanted it for extra money or experience or—"

"Are you guys ready?" the employee smiled at us.

"Oh, uh…" I began.

"Just two hot chocolates, please," Axel said smoothly. "Unless you want anything else, Roxas."

"No that's fine," I said quickly.

"Great," she smiled, taking the menus back.

I pulled my chair forward a little, scrunching my toes up in my shoes. They were beginning to get their feeling back, and were tingling a bit. "So how has your break been going?"

"Fine," he shrugged. We talked about Demyx for a few minutes. Apparently his roommates were very strange. Not unpleasant, not exactly mean, just…strange.

Our hot chocolate came quickly. The large mugs were steaming, and whipped cream was piled on top. I took a sip, blushing a bit when I got some cream on my nose. Axel called it "cute" and I kicked him under the table. At least it was very very good; there seemed to be a hint of cinnamon mixed in, and the heat gathered in my tummy, making me pretty happy. I was finally thawing out.

We drank kinda quickly. At the end, I felt very satisfied, and I began to wonder when we were going to leave. We had been sitting there for a while, no food or beverage in front of us, and I was wondering when we would be kicked out. That's what happens right? They want their valuable table space?

Not that there are many people here this late; I noted a sole man in the corner.

But Axel kept talking. I listened, and contributed when appropriate, wondering why he was talking so much. It was like he had turned into Sora or something.

"So I know it isn't Christmas yet…" he said suddenly.

"Yeah?"

"I just wanted to give you this when I had the chance." He scratched his head, and pulled a wrapped package out of his jacket pocket.

"How did that fit?" I laughed, hiding my surprise.

"Amazing pockets," he smiled.

"…what did you do to it?" I asked horrified. The package looked mangled, with crumpled up, red wrapping paper and tons of tape.

"I'm bad at wrapping things," he muttered.

"And ice skating. What are you good at?" I teased.

"Just open it." He averted his eyes.

I slid through the paper carefully, a habit I picked up out of trying to annoy Sora. He always rips through the paper, and it drives him nuts if you're careful with it. Too much anticipation, I guess.

My fingers ripped through it easily, revealing a novel. A bit of fabric fell out as well, as I heard Axel explaining, "I know you like books, and the lady said it was good…"

It was a critical acclaimed book that I had vaguely heard of before. I flipped through it for a second, then grabbed the fabric.

"That's a bracelet," he said quickly. "I thought it suited you."

It was simple, with a black and white checkered pattern. He was right, because it would match just about everything in my closet. I didn't really wear any..accessories, but it was a thoughtful gift, and the book looked interesting.

"Thanks, Axel," I said, slipping the bracelet on. It was smooth and comfortable against my skin.

"You're welcome," he said, a bit shyly. Weird for him. I kinda liked it.

"Oh, uhh, sorry I didn't get you anything…" I said awkwardly.

He waved me off. "It's ok."

"Thanks again."

He grinned. "Aren't you glad your roommate is so great?"

I snorted. "You were so annoying."

Axel's eyes widened dramatically. "Past tense?!"

I caught my mistake. "I meant you are! You're still annoying!"

"You can't take that back!" he exclaimed, far too joyously.

Axel jumped up, hooking his arm around mine and he led us back out to his car, still gloating about his new "non-annoying" status.

"Axel, my god," I groaned after getting in.

"I don't annoy Roxie anymore!" He was still exclaiming nonsense.

"You're an idiot," I chuckled.

I started the book that night and had to fight Sora off with all his persistent questions.