Sora wasn't sure what came over him, but that night he couldn't stop thinking about Roxas. Finally knowing his other self was oddly electric. It wasn't a surprise when his thoughts melded into his dreams.
In the dream he watched as a specter as Roxas live out his life. But when it came to the vital decision of freeing Kingdom Hearts that had resulted in his capture and dissolvement, Sora stepped in. Sora in a thought-hopeless attempt reached out a phantom hand placing it on a startled Roxas' shoulder. The blond gapped, seeing him for the first time, yet staring into those eyes Sora knew that Roxas knew everything. He knew the outcomes of his actions. He knew who Sora was. The Nobody smiled lonely before faded under the brunet's hand.
"No!" Sora called in anguish. Didn't Roxas deserve life and happiness as much as he did? Even in dreams fate was set upon them like a shackle. And Sora knew without a doubt in that moment that it was a dream. "Roxas, can you hear me?" he called without answer. "I don't care what it take I'll break these shackles. You will live." A whimper filled the air, and the atmosphere shook till all turned black.
"Thank you," spoken softly was the last thing he heard.
Waking did not find Sora, but Roxas. The blond felt groggy, thus his situation did not register until he passed the small mirror in the Gummi ship bathroom on the way to the toilet. Blond hair sat where brown should have, he wore white and grey clothes instead of red and black ones, and a face shaped by loss and resentment replaced the caring, goofy grin. He stared at the mirror memorized. If he looked hard enough he could notice subtle representations of aging, namely his lengthened hair and the stretch of his face. Ever so slowly, he brought a hand to his face. It felt as he remember, but it was smoother, softer somehow, and the act of touching gave him a warmness new to him.
"Sora, are you there?" his voice was a bit frantic. A real, live body invigorated him, but he didn't want to be alone. The response was slow but finally came.
Yes.
"How is this even possible? I still exist, and now my body is here too?"
I don't know any more than you, but I would guess that my body just transformed. Maybe matter reacts to our souls?
"How are you so calm? What if you never take over again?"
I trust you, Roxas. We can both share this body, can't we?"
Without warning Roxas was overcome with Sora's memories. He saw knew sides to people he already knew. Riku, who had contributed to the downfall of Roxas' life, one of the people he'd come to resent, was actually a caring friend and companion. He witnessed his other's childhood friend's less-than amiable actions through his other's rose-colored lens. Riku was Riku; he was not his actions. His intentions were more important than the deeds. Roxas' chest pained when he remembered that Axel's actions had been much the same.
He really didn't deserve this kind other. Sora trusted so easily. He remembered the time he had been naïve enough to be that way, but life had quickly killed that naivety. Could he ever find the ability to truly trust again? If anyone, Sora would carve trust into him, like it or not. No secrets could be hidden this way, and what scared Roxas the most was not knowing, not understanding. He'd lived in the shadows too long.
He also learned more about Namine, about her tragic, lonely existence, about her regrets and longings that Sora pretended to ignore. He couldn't do anything to help her, and now she could be content with Kairi. Kairi. Roxas had spoken to her only briefly, but now he saw her for the beautiful flower that Sora saw her as. She was a glowing flower of Light, but also a fiery thistle, ready to tell you what-is-what if needed. He couldn't wait to meet her in person.
"As long as you are okay with it, I would love to."
Of course. He could feel Sora's smile then a chuckle. You know, you don't have to talk to me aloud.
"I know. It's just, talking feels nice."
Oh. Then don't let me stop you.
"I wasn't going to." Roxas started at the smirking face staring back at him and felt more content than he had in a long time.
Well, ready to go meet those friends of yours?
"Crap! I forgot. I gotta pee!" Roxas scrambled a few steps to the right before relieving himself, Sora laughing all the while.