I apologize greatly for the slow update, half this chapter was done a while ago but a short chapter after the long break wouldn't be right. And I didn't want this chapter to be in two pieces. Reviews warmly welcomed and thank you guys for the alerts and favorites. I really can't thank you enough.

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Roxas lightly tossed a basket ball up and down as he lay on his back on Zexion's sofa. In the time from his first visit to his new found friend Roxas's family had begun settling into their new home. Boxes had been moved out but they were still no where close to settled. Roxas's mother Tifa had been able to store her things in with Cloud's but the same could not be said for the two boys. Most of their clothing had been piled up in stacks; on the floor, on couches, beds and corners. Sora and Roxas had rotated sleeping on the couch and floor and traces of their last fight had disappeared; though Roxas new Sora would never truly forgive him unless he spoke up. Still unable to get on a hand on his temper Roxas continued to leave home unannounced.

Today was no different, his mother pestered him about joining in with the family more and he declined; but she wouldn't let up on the matter and as a result of that Roxas was spent spiraling into one of his rages.

"I know it's important to spend time with family, but what's the point if you're just going to make everyone else miserable?" Roxas said catching the ball then throwing it back up.

He stared at the black white ceiling, when focusing he could make out all the little bumps which he noted where quite spiky. Seems that the old house wasn't the only thing made in mind when cutting corners.

"That's a good point Roxas, true; your attitude will affect those around you and may leave a negative impact. But consider this; what the trying of your effort will mean to them." Zexion replied as he read silently from his thick book. A thin pair of frames seated on the end of his nose. Adjusting his glasses up a fractional bit he waited for the other's response.

"I know but, I'm afraid." Roxas said then noticed in the peripheral of his gaze Zexion changing his position to watch him more closely. The mention of fear must have aroused his interest, which was no surprise since after all their little therapies together not once had Roxas mentioned any underline feelings.

"What if I let them down, what if I make even more of mess and they hate me? I really want to be close with my family again but with enough freedom not to feel like I'm suffocating. But I what I want is to be with my real family, not this imposter."

For once it didn't matter that he was letting out his personal feeling, though it was frankly obvious what he truly wanted it didn't mean it was going to happen. Zexion sympathized with the other.

"Do you miss your father Roxas?"

"Yeah,"

"Would you consider letting Cloud take that role?"

"No."

"I see." Zexion said removing his small glasses and setting them aside. "You're father's gone Roxas, there's no way to bring him back."

"You don't think I already know that!" Roxas yelled and threw the ball aside; unexpectedly it hit a shelf which rattled and a picture fell to the floor. Roxas gasped and sat up quickly not believing what he just did.

"I'm sorry!" Roxas weep then ran over to pick up the broken frame that had cracked and its glass shattered into pieces.

"It's alright Roxas, it's only a picture." Zexion said calmly.

"No it's not alright!" He yelled back shaken. "It's not alright…" Roxas sat on the ground hunched over, broken frame still in hand but he was unmoving. Sensing the other's distress Zexion got up from his chair and knelt down by the other.

"It's going to be alright Roxas." He said reassuringly and placed a hand on the other's shoulder. Roxas looked up, his eyes wet with unfallen tears. He nodded slowly and handed the other the broken frame. The frame's golden metal boarder had dented and at a corner had split open while the glass itself was shattered mimicking a spider's web. Zexion smiled and took it from the other.

"Only the frame is broken, the picture's fine."

"That's good." Roxas said quietly, and then stood up with the other.

"Feeling better?" Zexion asked, Roxas looked up at him and smiled lightly.

"Would you like something to drink? You look a bit dehydrated."

"Yeah, water sounds nice right now."

"Would you like ice in it or straight from the tap?" Zexion asked.

"Ice sounds nice." Roxas answered.

"Sit down, I'll be right back." Zexion said placing the broken frame on the counter top. He retrieved a dry clean glass that was placed upside down on a rag next to the sink. He filled a bit of the glass with ice from the freezer. Then he ran the cup under the sink facet, water pouring though using the filter attachment.

"Here you are." He said handing the cup to Roxas who thanked him then took a large gulp. Sitting back down, Zexion picked up his book once more then reached for his glasses.

"Roxas pardon my curiosity, but had we not met, what would you do during these times? Would you wonder around the streets looking for some other means of escape?"

Roxas thought on this answer, without anyone to talk to he would just wonder around. No one else seemed to need him so he figured he was just better off alone.

"Yeah, I guess that's it. But I'm glad you found me, it's a lot safer this way and you've really helped me a lot. Thank you Zexion, I don't know what I'd do with out you." Zexion smiled, his glasses still in hand.

"You're welcome Roxas." He said before finally slipping them on.

"And I'm guessing you haven't been asking permission before you come here then?" Roxas chuckled nervously and let that be his answer.

"Thought so."

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The following day Roxas found himself in an office with Sora and his mother sitting together quietly waiting to be seen. He was thankful there was no cheesy, low cut, classical music playing while they waited, nor any other genre of music for that matter. He wasn't in a very musical mood. Sora kicked his legs back and forth as he sat and played with his hands, never liking to be still for long amounts of time. His mother sat with her legs crossed and looking over transcript papers for the two of them making sure she had all of their valid information. Roxas embedded his nails into the old polished handles of the barely cushioned chair he was sitting on. The day had finally come to set up their registration at Lion high school.

It wasn't a terrible place unlike their current household but nothing about the school really stood out either. Walking into the building he saw that the walls in some places where whiter than others. The large head of a lion with its mane whipped backed and its mouth open in an endless roar was posted in many places. True, it came off fiercer then his old schools caricature of an eagle but a picture wasn't going to win him over. Deep blue banners with golden rod colored lining hung dormant in the high ceilings of the central hallway. In comparison so far things were going well, but Roxas remained skeptical.

His old school was much more hospitable despite the fact they didn't have as much and their fundaments were more simple. He remembered their decorations were primarily the handy work from art classes, and there always being a sugar bowl set out filled with candy. A smiled briefly grazed his face, he favorite treat was the hard strawberry flavored candy that was put in a wrapper designed to match the fruit. After a few more minutes of waiting a woman walked out from a long hallway that was attached from the office itself.

"Sorry for the hold up, if you'll follow me I'll get you set up right now."

"Okay, come along boys" Tifa said to them. Sora got up quickly and Roxas waited an extra moment to stand before following the group. The woman led them into the office then told them the vice principal would be with them shortly.

Roxas pretended not to listen to anything she had said the whole while. Despite not being very cheerful or musical as he so put it Roxas had brought with him his music player. The ear buds wear still plugged into his ears and the wires creped out from one of the layers of his shirts. Out of minimal respect when they came into the second office Roxas removed one of the phones to show he was in fact attentive. The ear piece dangled over the collar of a shirt and lay over his chest, completely silent as the device was not switched on. Glancing down at his shirt Roxas looked at the X arrowed pendant that hung around his neck. He often removed the pendent itself and placed it on zipper and other holds of clothing, but today it rested on the chain it had come with.

The pendant had been a gift from his father that had been brought over seas during his time serving in the army. Sora had a similar one in the shape of a crown, a crown: not that he was favored more but they both had been given the choice of either one and both choose accordingly. Reminiscing on it, Roxas knew he had made the right decision; as the boys grew the crown icon seemed more premature and childish; not to mention a bit egotistic.

Honestly, who went around pronouncing themselves as king? Of course Sora was nothing like that, though he did have an unwitting nature to pursue as a lead role, or at least to play an important part in events. Like him, Sora always wore his pendant, though he kept it on the strong chain it had originally come on. It was sort of funny really; they must have looked quite foolish when they were little wearing the enormous chains on their small bodies.

A woman walked into the office, breaking him from his chain of thought. Lifting his head and examining closure Roxas realized is was not a woman, but in fact a man with a slender figure and long hair.

"Good day" said the man as took a seat behind the desk. He stared at them with striking yellow eyes, blue tresses draped over his shoulder. Roxas resisted shuddering, the man had an X shaped scar on his face. It wasn't the type of scar that was over built in skin tissue but was level as the rest of the skin on his face.

"Greetings, my name is Mr. Lumore. I am the assistant principal of this school. My job is to insure each of the students are attended for in classes and to regulate school discipline when necessary." Tifa looked alarmed and Sora simply smiled. Sora wasn't worried since he was a good attentive student. The worst thing he ever did was the basics; not pay attentions in class, talk or have missing assignments. Roxas on the other hand felt differently. He had never had a problem in school before, never a phone call home or notice. But the circumstances where much different now, with his new out break of rebellious behavior he would have to watch his back.

Roxas was almost afraid to know what caused that scar on the other's face now. High school was no push-over and regularly filed with a lot of punks and thugs. Maybe one of the students had carved his face for pushing them too hard. If so, what had the other done in response? He continued to stare at the other's marking, his imagination running completely wild with possibilities at this point. His staring didn't go unnoticed, and before his mother could correct him spoke up instead.

"Is there something you would like to say, Roxas?" The man asked.

Glancing down briefly at the desk Roxas saw the name plate had read 'Saïx Lumore.' He turned his glaze back towards the other, and without thinking bluntly said:

"Yeah, what's wrong with you face?"

Tifa looked like she was about to have a heart attack and fall out of her seat, Sora sat up ready to catch her if she did.

"Roxas!" She yelled, her face flushed in anger and embarrassment.

"Please forgive him I thought I had raised him better than that." She sent Roxas a look promising they would have a talk about this later.

"It is alright, kids at this age can be quite troublesome." Saïx said. In his mind Roxas had no intention of referring to his man in a 'sir' title of any form. Roxas slouched in his seat and crossed his arms. He drowned out the others' voices as he dwelled on all the possible horrors this school would bring him. Saïx probably wouldn't forgive him for that little remark and would be sure to watch him closely. Just waiting for any chance to call him out and write him up.

"Ms. Gainsborough at the front desk will have your schedules for this first semester, and I've assigned a student representative to show you all your classes." Tifa looked at her boys, and they started back at her with matching confusion.

"Doesn't this school have an orientation we can come too?" She asked. Mr. Lumore paused a moment before answering

"The school's funding has been greatly reduced in the past year, and such an event would take too much unnecessary money out of the budget. So we schedule meetings in advance and call on honor-roll students so assist the new pupils."

"Oh, I see..." Tifa didn't want to show her disappointment but it was quite obvious. As a loving mother, she didn't want to put her sons into a second-rate school, but of right now they have no choice.

"Thank you for your time." She said, then stood up and shook the vice principals hand. They family left briefly and received their schedules front the front desk.

"What, we only have one class together!" Roxas yelled, starting to rip up his paper.

"Roxas stop that!" Tifa yelled and snatched the paper away; he had only torn the bottom half so there was no actual damage done to the schedule itself. Sora looked at his brother concerned then back down at his own schedule.

"At least we have the same lunch right bro?" Sora added in a weak laugh hoping to lighten the mood, but to no avail.

"Hello, you two must be the new students." The three glanced up finally noticing a boy standing there in the hallways. Sora felt his mouth dry and jaw nearly drop. He couldn't remember the last time he had ever seen someone so hot up close. The boy had on loose jeans, a studded belt and a black zip up shirt that showed off part of his toned stomach. On top his black shirt he wore a white and yellow vest.

"Hi, my name is Riku and I'll be your tour guide for today." Roxas looked disinterested; this boy seemed like the preppy type. And even though he'd just meet him, he suddenly wanted to kick his ass for no apparent reason. Sora also wanted to jump him, but for entirely different reasons. He could feel moisture returning to his mouth and he swallowed it back as his explored the other with his eyes. He mainly stared at the other's pale arms and stomach. From what he could see he had a great body, but showing off that extra bit of skin- what a tease!

"Hello, nice to meet you these are my sons Sora and Roxas, we'll be attending your school this year for 10th grade."

Riku smiled at them sort of crookedly and Sora felt his heart take off. "Sophomores huh, that's just a year younger than me. They normally don't allow juniors as representatives but they were low on staff this year so I opted to help out."

"He's so considerate." Sora though, tempted to run up and embrace the other. Roxas shot his brother a look warning him not to do anything stupid.

"That's very kind of you to help out, I had no idea orientations would be done this way so I didn't plan for this. I'll have to pick them up later but I trust they'll behave."

"Mom..!" Sora whined, feeling embarrassed she was talking to them like little children.

"Oh right, I'm sorry, well until you can drive you're my responsibility." Roxas looked up, a hopeful gleam in his eyes.

"-And, until you have a job, can afford a place to live on your own and cook for yourself." She added.

"Kill joy." He muttered and moved closer to Sora.

"I understand," Riku said "it should only take 30 minutes to do the tour and find their classrooms, put since it's two it may take a bit longer."

"We'll call her when we're ready." Roxas butted in wanting to end this ridiculous ramble.

"Make sure you do, I'll see you guys soon okay?" Tifa left without another word, skipping the usual hug she gave them not wanting to embarrass them anymore in front of the other student.

Sora moved ahead quickly to stand right beside Riku, more excited than he had ever been about anything school related . Roxas sighed as usual and made sure to keep a few feet distance.

"Okay, so the lay out of the school is pretty basic. There's this main hall and four other halls leading off from it. Outside of those is another section of the school and the portables. Let's see what your schedule says so we know where to go." The twins' both handed Riku their sheets, and Riku was a bit surprised to see one torn in half.

"Roxas tried to eat his paper." Sora said quickly as a joke which ultimately did receive a small chuckle from the other.

"Sora shut up, I did not." Roxas growled, not wanting to be a score of amusement through which Sora would try and get into the other's pants. Which wouldn't be hard, considering how baggy the other's jeans were.

"Okay, if you say so." The classrooms were adequate enough, but Riku warned them not to stick there fingers under the desk.

"Why not?" Sora asked.

"Well unless you like chewed gum I wouldn't recommend it."

"But it's free right?" Riku laughed again which made Sora feel really good and he smiled brilliantly, not wanting their time together to end. Roxas wasn't buying it though; Riku was probably only putting on a show for them. By the time school started he'd be pushing Sora into lockers and knocking his school supplies out of his hand.

"What are the kids at this school like? Are most of them jerks who like picking on others to make themselves feel good about their crappy lives?" Roxas finally stated after Sora threw out a few more jokes.

"Ah.... no?" Riku looked at him bewildered, not really sure on what answer to give.

"Oh yeah, if you saw one of us get knocked over in a hallway what would you do?" Roxas continued to pester the other, crossing his arms to-

"I'd help you up of course. I can't stand bullies and our vice principal is pretty hard about nailing down on them. If you do have any trouble though you can come to me." Riku replied honestly. Roxas only sneered and glared off to the side. Sora had gone silent, humiliated by his brother and the joyous mood totally broken.

"Oh great;" Roxas thought "I did it again..."

They continued the tour in over all silence, with the exception of Riku informing them about each room and the things they would probably be doing in each class. At the end of the classroom tour Riku lead them outside across a courtyard that lead to the cafeteria.

"Across the cafeteria is the entrance to the basketball gym, or the new gym. It's where all the assembly will be held."

"You have a basketball gym?" Roxas spoke up, for the first time during the tour sounding slightly intrigued.

"Yes actually, do you play?"

"A little, I think I might be interested in trying out for the team."

"Oh, well that's great. Have a talk with our coach and tell him you're interested. Try outs take place a month after school begins so students have creditable grades to show for." Riku answered him, though he didn't want in courage a quick whim of a new kid, having seen enough disappointment in his time.

"Well that's the end of the tour, have anymore questions and just ask the front office or myself." Riku said casting a friendly smile at Sora.

Ahm, right.

"Well we have to get going, now, I'll we'll see you later." Roxas bantered impatiently and whipped out his phone and hit the contacts button to find his mom. Sora stood there with Riku, having more easy-to-answers questions for him and finding out more personal interests he had. Roxas made sure to hurry the conversation with their mom and told her they could meet her at a closer location. The prefect excuse to get away from the school and from Sora's new preppy friend.

"Come on Sora, mom wants us to meet her." Roxas said and made sure to keep his glare on Riku as subtle as possible.

"Oh, okay then, catch you later then?' Sora asked Riku, trying to be as aloof as possible.

"Sure, see ya then." Riku answered. Roxas turned his back and made an impression of puking before grabbing Sora's wrist and dragging him off quickly.

Heading down a few blocks they stopped at a Wendy's and sat outside at the table waiting in boredum.

"Roku, I thought you said mom was waiting for us."

"I lied." Roxas plainly stated

"Why?

"Because I couldn't stand being around that phony prep any longer, he was so fake Sora it's not even funny. Besides, if you want someone to drool over go google Pete Wentz pictures." Sora gasped and looked alarmed, then glared at his bother blushing.

"One time that happened, and I wasn't drooling over googled Pete Wentz pictures I was looking up album art!"

"Album art Sora, is that the best you've got?"

"Shut up, besides I'm not gay..."

"I don't care if you are or not Sora, just drop it please." Roxas groaned and laid his head down on the table, not caring or not thinking how dirty and germ ridden its surface must be.

"Do you really mean that Roxas?" Sora asked a bit hopeful. Groaning loudly and clearly annoyed Roxas answer yes. As he did their mother's green mini van pulled into view and parked besides them. The two got up and sat in silence on the way home, Roxas laid his head against the cushioned sit and began to drift asleep.

He really didn't care.

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Trying to use less popular school names though mistakenly I made many Degressi references.

SoraxRiku, cliché but it's extremely relevant to the plot.

Lumore: a combination name of the words lunar and claymore.

I'm not a 'bishi' lover, so having Sora act all giddy over Riku was strange to write...

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Question of the chapter; when the story said "Roxas realized it was not a woman but in fact a man with a slender figure and long hair." Who did you FIRST think it was referring too?