"Hello?"

"Zexion?"

"Oh hey Rox. What's up?"

"Look, Zexy. I'm just letting you know, so you don't get all jealous and suspicious, that I'm headed over to Axel's right now. I'm gonna straighten this whole thing out."

"What?!" the protest escaped the older boys lips before he could think to stop it.

"Listen. He's my friend, and nothing more, and I feel it'd be wrong to turn him down over the phone. He deserves a face to face answer."

Zexion was silent for a moment, "This isn't going to end well…"

The blonde haired boy sighed, "Zexion. Don't you trust me at all?"

"Of course I do! I just don't trust him," he scoffed.

"It'll be fine. I promise. I'll just tell him that you're the only one for me and that I hope he and I can still be friends."

"Do you find him attractive?"

It was Roxas's turn to pause, "I'm not gonna lie to you. Yeah, I do. But you know it takes more than just looks to win me over."

"But he's your best friend. You already like hanging out with him. Tch, I wish he'd never said anything. Now he's got you curious."

"No he doesn't! Would you listen to me?! Sure I like to hang out with him and sure he's good looking, but I don't want to date him! I'm telling you the truth!"

Zexion contemplated Roxas's outburst, "Roxas?"

Roxas sighed, "Yeah?"

"I love you."

Roxas paused for a moment, shaking his head, "I love you too Zexion and I'm not leaving you, I swear."

"Just, keep your guard up while you're over there ok? I know, he's your friend and all, but just be cautious, ok?"

"Alright, if it'll make you feel better. I'll be sure he doesn't try anything."

"I mean it Roxas, I love you."

"I know, and I love you too. Hey, uh, I gotta go. I told him I'd be over there by now."

"Kay. I'll talk to you later?"

"Sure."

"Bye Roxy."

"Bye Zex."

Zexion hung up the receiver and slumped back on the couch in his living room. He had a bad feeling about this.

Axel heard a knocking at his front door and scurried out of his seat to answer it, "Roxas! Hey!"

Roxas stood apprehensively in the doorway, trying his best to make eye contact, "Hey Axel."

"Come in!" Axel stepped aside, granting Roxas access.

The blonde took a deep breath and stepped inside. He'd done this millions of times before, but never had the act weighed so heavily on his heart. He was beyond nervous.

"Hey, come sit over here with me." Axel plopped down on the large sofa and patted at the spot next to him.

"Um, Axel. We really need to talk about this."

"Sure, I know. Just come sit down, and we can talk." The redhead smiled at the other boy.

Roxas let out a sigh and made his way over to the couch. He hesitantly sat down next to his best friend. "Axel." He decided to get right to the point, "We're just friends. That's it."

Axel seemed as though he hadn't even heard his friend, as he continued to smile on happily, "I know we are. Now."

"No, Axel. Not just now. Always," Roxas said firmly.

"Look, I know you're set on being true to your boyfriend, and I admire that, but I've been thinking. Just let me have one chance. A chance to change your mind."

Roxas closed his eyes and shook his head, "No Axel. Things'll only end badly. I'm only making one deal here. We stay friends or we don't. That's it."

Axel's smile finally faded, "But just one chance is all I want. That's not too much to ask, right?"

"I'm sorry Axel, but it's way too much. I'm in love with Zexion and I'm not gonna loose everything I have with him just to play your little game."

Axel pouted, "But I loved you first, Roxas."

Roxas looked away, "That may be so, but you never said anything until it was too late. And I'm not gonna pay for your missed opportunity."

Axel sat silent for a minute, "Then, how about one kiss?"

"No." the blonde stated bluntly.

"Just one. I… I know I screwed up and waited too long to tell you, but I just want to know what it feels like to kiss the one I love, even if it's just once."

Roxas frowned. He'd never heard his friend sound so sad before. But he couldn't betray Zexion either, "I can't Axel. I wouldn't be able to face Zexy."

"But, it'll just be this one time. I swear to you. And neither of us will ever have to tell him. Ever. We'll be the only two who'll ever know it happened."

Roxas stared at the floor as he thought, "I can't. I'd feel too guilty." He glanced over at his best friend and swore he could see his heart breaking.

The two boys sat in silence as a thick air of uncertainty loomed over them.

"Yeah, you're right. I know you are." Axel stood from the couch, "I should have said something a long time ago. It's my mistake, not yours. I'm sorry I've caused so much trouble. I just-"

"Ok." the redhead was cut short.

Axel perked at eyebrow in question, "Ok? Ok what?"

"One kiss. But that's it. And you never ever speak of it to Zexion." Roxas continued to focus on the floor.

Axel was now dumbstruck, unable to form words, but eventually managed, "You… you don't have to Roxy. I don't want you to feel guilty or anything."

"I've always wondered…" he trailed off.

Axel's eyes widened in realization, "You mean?"

"I'm not in love with you Axel, but I'd have to be blind not to notice your advances, and it's always made me wonder what it would be like if I was with you instead. I'd never leave Zexion of course, but one kiss, just to satisfy both of our curiosities, it can't be that bad. Right?"

Axel was doing his best to contain his exhilaration, "Right. It's just to finally get that naggy 'what if' out of our heads."

Roxas nodded.

Axel sat back down, a little closer this time, "So… um… do you wanna start or do we both jus-"

Axel's words were once again cut short as Roxas smashed their lips together. The redhead jumped slightly, but soon melted into the warm, soft lips pressed against his own. The lips he'd wanted to kiss all his life. He let his eyes slip shut as a wave of ecstasy washed over him. He was content with just lip to lip kissing at first, but eventually needed more. He let his tongue slide gently between the other boy's lips. Roxas seemed to pause hesitantly, but finally opened his mouth just enough to allow Axel access. The redhead dove at the invitation, quickly slipping his tongue inside the blonde's mouth. It was warm, wet and all at the same time tasted like nothing and everything he'd ever imagined. Roxas was trying desperately not to get too carried away, but failed to hold back a slight moan. Axel felt a chill run up his spine as the other boy's sound escaped into his mouth. He instinctually ran his hand up the nape of Roxas's neck. Again Roxas moaned in approval. Seeing that his friend was enjoying this as much as him, Axel decided to see just how far he could get. He let his free hand slip under Roxas's shirt and began to caress his chest. Roxas suddenly realized what was going on, and pulled away quickly, yanking Axel's hand out from under his shirt.

"Sorry!" Axel panicked.

"I um… I'd better get going," Roxas muttered, rising from his seat.

"Wait!" Axel grabbed Roxas by the wrist, "Did… did you like it?"

Roxas didn't turn to face his friend, but blushed furiously. He opened his mouth to speak, paused, then finally, "I need to think about it."

Axel stared at him for a moment, not sure how to interpret that response. Finally he released his grip and let his hand slid from Roxas's wrist, "Ok."

Roxas stayed standing, looking like he was about to say something else, but changed his mind and quickly left out the front door.

Axel remained sitting for several minutes after, wondering just what was to become of their friendship now.