A/N: Just played through KH Re:COM and KH2 again to regain perspective. In KH2, Sora's all big, blue eyes and pouting lips. I was also reminded how much of a Baby Doll Roxas really was. Yes, Axel's a dirty pervert and I love him immensely. I believe this is my favorite chapter so far. Originally updated 12/31/08. Revised 2/19/09. 2nd Revision 7/22/09

Fandom: Kingdom Hearts

Summary: Wedding plans. Everyone's happy. Except for Riku.

Pairings: Sora in body(Roxas in mind)/Reno(Axel in mind), Cloud/Leon

Warnings: Shonen-Ai, OOC, ANGST!, Multiple Personalities (like whoa!), Cursing, Ref. to Character Death, Crazy! Eating Cloud

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters in this fan fiction.

Chapter 6 - Sympathies From The Heart

XXX

With Leon, Aerith, Tifa, and Yuffie's help, Sora planned to have his small wedding to Reno a month after he sent the e-mails to his friends in Destiny Islands and Twilight Town.

Acknowledging he knew absolutely nothing about weddings, Reno left all the planning to Sora. He stated he would do his part, by paying all the bills.

From what he had been informed, so far, Reno figured all he had to do was show up dressed in whatever Sora wanted, with golden ring in hand.

The wedding date now set, Sora speedily received an e-mail back from Kairi.

Ecstatic for Sora, Kairi couldn't wait to meet Reno, and she would be happy to be Sora's 'Best Man.'

Sora felt sad the role wouldn't be filled by Riku. But circumstances being the way they were, he just felt glad Riku hadn't caused any problems so far.

Kairi wrote Sora that she had been the one to tell Riku of Sora's impending nuptials. Blank-faced, Riku had walked out on her, and refused to talk about it since.

Sora couldn't wait for Kairi to arrive.

To further help Sora with the wedding, Kairi would arrive two weeks before the rest of the wedding guests.

To Leon's delight, Kairi also wrote her other best friend, Selphie, was coming with her.

When Sora talked to Selphie before, about his adoptive 'big brother' Leon, formerly Squall Leonhart, Selphie had jumped up and danced, stating she couldn't wait to meet her 'Squallie' again.

Sora had no idea how Selphie remembered Leon from her past life, since Seifer and the rest in Twilight Town didn't.

Then again, Leon always said Selphie Tilmitt was special.

Seeing his Light so happy at the news, Cloud actually smiled a rare little smile at Sora.

Roxas, in Sora's mind, was somewhat perplexed at all the to-do.

When Roxas married Axel, it consisted of a civil ceremony, with Twilight Town's Justice of the Peace. The only thing he had worried about was when the Justice had inquired about his age.

Snapping thin fingers, Axel had produced a hot-blue flame in his hand, proclaiming that Roxas was "way over 18."

The Justice, feeling the heat, took the psychotic-looking man's word for it. He married the odd couple in five minutes.

Like Reno, Roxas laid low, and waited for it all to be over. He had gotten what he originally wanted. He had his husband back. He also, gratefully, received Reno's sweet softness on the side. He brimmed with contentment.

In Reno's mind, a joyful Axel flung fiery chakrams all over the place. Instead of one beautiful Baby Doll, he now had two beautiful Baby Dolls. One blondie and the other brunet. Spice and Sweetness.

Axel never said the words out loud, since Sora had tearfully told Reno of his, and Roxas's, nightmares; but he still thought the reward worth dying twice over for.

Late at night, Axel whispered to Reno, he would be willing to die again; if they could get a redhead to complete the Doll lineup.

Groaning in his sleep, Reno told Axel to just die instead.

Reno, like always, was confused by the situation. The constant confusion now compounded with growing paranoia.

Reno still couldn't understand how he, and his dirt-bag Street Rat Nobody, got so lucky. He loved Sora and Roxas right down to their little baby bones. The love growing impossibly stronger every single day. His mates' returned warmth and love giving his empty life new meaning. A direction toward the Light he, and Axel, had never deigned to hope for.

Reno knew it wouldn't last. It couldn't. He was Reno. Good things were never meant for him or his Nobody. Sure, the pair had waved at Hope and Love, in their shared past, but they never thought it would come to them.

After dropping the Plate on Sector 7, Reno believed he didn't deserve the Light.

Feeling Reno's, and secretly Axel's, doubts, Sora and Roxas would reassure them nightly with kisses, caresses, and sweet lovemaking, lasting until the morning light.

Instead of helping Reno's mounting paranoia, the comfort only made it worse.

Reno just waited for the ball to drop.

XXX

The first one off the Gummi Ship was not Kairi, but Selphie.

Giggling, Selphie launched herself off the Ship's gangway, and ran into Leon's arms.

Both cried with joy.

Standing back, Cloud watched the two old friends pet each other with affection.

Sensing his beloved Darkness's rising tension, Leon gently drew a reticent Cloud over, while also releasing his Light to help calm Cloud down.

Selphie surprised Cloud, giving him a tight hug, and patting his cheeks. "Thanks for loving my Squallie! I know he can become a big grump, if he's left alone. He always needs someone to take care of."

Bathed in his Lion's love, Cloud managed a semblance of a smile. "Um. Yeah. Squall takes care of me great. He's my Light."

Releasing a squeal, Selphie bounced at the cuteness of it all.

If Cloud wasn't used to it, with Yuffie, he would have freaked. His innate craziness could only take so much.

Feeling Cloud's mounting psychosis reassert itself, Leon embraced Cloud with one arm. Kissing Cloud's cheek, he whispered his thanks in Cloud's ear.

Turning his head, Cloud kissed Leon deeply, reaffirming the love for his Light.

Selphie held clasped hands over her heart. So romantic!

Kairi was next off the Gummi Ship. Arms weighted down, with some of the wedding gifts sent from Destiny Islands. The rest of the gifts, still on the ship, would be delivered to the Strife's home by courier.

Running to her, Sora relieved Kairi of the heavy gifts.

With a sound hug, Kairi kissed Sora's blushing cheek. Eyes misty with happy tears.

The pair walked over to a slouching, nervous Reno.

Shaking Reno's hand, Kairi drew him down to kiss a pale cheek.

Sora had been correct in his e-mails.

Except for the facial tattoos and suit, Reno was the spitting image of Axel.

Kairi's lower tummy tingled a little. She would never admit it, but she had always found Axel attractive, even when he menaced her. "I've heard so much about you, Reno. I'm glad to finally meet you."

Reno scratched the back of his head. He had to think fast.

Kairi could never know Axel was alive and kicking in Reno's head.

Even now, the asshole filled Reno's flustered mind with whistling and vulgar gestures. Oh, yeah. Axel fondly remembered Kairi as well. Very fondly. Pervert. "Same here, Kairi. Uh. Let's talk more at the Strife's. Ya lookin' pretty tired, yo."

"Yes. It was a long flight."

With Leon and Cloud leading the way, the chatting group walked through the Marketplace back to the Strife's residence.

XXX

An hour later, the happy group had settled down for the feast Leon had lovingly put together, when Reno's "ball" dropped.

A firm hand pounded on the door.

Leon and Cloud looked at each other.

Cid had gone to Traverse Town, to pick up his spouse, Vincent Valentine, and bring him back for the wedding. He had dropped off the girls in The Land of Dragons, so the trio could shop for their wedding dresses.

All wouldn't be back for a few days, at least.

Merlin had gone to see an old rival, Madam Mim, who had fallen sickly. He also wouldn't be back for a few days.

With a shrug, Cloud answered the door.

Sora felt like crying, when he saw who stood in the doorway, blocking the twilight.

In Sora's mind, Roxas hissed in anger

It was Riku.

Cloud, never approachable on his best day, looked to Leon. He didn't kill living things, which irritated him now, unless Leon said he could first.

Coming up behind Cloud, Leon gave the silver-haired stranger a slight smile, while grasping Cloud's sword arm tight. "I'm sorry. We're just sitting down for dinner. Was there someone you're looking for?"

Riku's electric blue eyes scanned the room, until they rested on Sora's tear-stained face. The glare then moved over to the red-head sitting next to Sora, who was giving Riku a non-blinking stare-down.

Riku walked in.

Cloud snarled, but became instantly diverted by a quick-thinking Leon's embrace.

When he got right in front of Sora, Riku stopped. "Why? Why him? He looks like Axel. Bet he's just as psychotic. Does he beat you too? When I captured Roxas, he was covered from head-to-toe with bruises. He may be nice now, until you're married. Then he'll hurt you, and make you run away, just like Roxas. I swear he will."

Roxas, who had hated Riku from their very first meeting, reared his blond head. "You shut-up! It was your fault! All your fault! My Axel died because of you! Hate you! I hate you so much!"

Kairi, on the other side of Roxas, held his arm, stopping him from jumping over the table to attack.

Reno continued to take the situation in. Axel cursing, with hate, inside his brain.

Seeing Sora transform, for the first time, into Roxas, an astonished Riku took a step back. "…I…don't under-. I don't understand. You shouldn't even be anymore. Sora swore you had fully integrated. I would never have to see you again."

Roxas growled. Even now, Riku wanted him dead. It would always be Sora. All Riku wanted was Sora.

Riku would never accept and love Roxas, like Reno happily did.

Again, Roxas felt glad he had gotten Sora to dump Riku. "Never. We never integrated. He'll never be free of me. I'll never be free of him. Could you live with that Riku? You swore you would always love Sora, but I know you hate me. Could you still love Sora, knowing you would still have to deal with me every day?"

Backing up further, Riku shook his head in denial, even with the truth staring straight at him. Shocked blue eyes, once again, alighted on Reno.

Grimacing, Riku saw Axel's maniacal green eyes staring him down. "Your fault. Roxas would listen to Sora, if it wasn't for you. I knew you wouldn't stay dead. You'd find some way to come back and make my life hell. Why can't you fucking stay dead, Axel! Why!"

Reno actually let Axel reply. His Nobody had the right. "Come on, Riku. You still stink of the Darkness yourself. Pot calling the kettle black. Never going to die now. Not with my Baby Dolls by my side. So sorry. Choke on it, yo."

Riku's hands balled into fists. He snarled at a now gleeful Axel.

Axel always loved it when Riku lost his shit.

Mr. High-and-Mighty.

Riku had destroyed Axel's world, without a thought. It served him right to suffer now.

"Come outside and say that again, Axel. Roxas knows what I can do with Way to the Dawn. It's about time you did too. I'll make sure you stay dead. I'll learn to tolerate Roxas. For Sora's love, I'll do anything."

Slowly rising, Reno cracked his neck. His wide grin echoing his Nobody's inside. It had been a long time, since he had kicked silver-haired ass. Too long. Time to show this brat why people had feared the Turks.

The imminent battle was immediately halted by a sobbing Sora. "Stop it! Stop fighting! Gods, just no more fighting!"

Jumping up, Sora ran into his old room, followed quickly by Leon, Selphie, and Kairi.

Without his Lion to hold him back, Cloud grimly looked at Riku and Reno.

Holding up First Tsurugi one-handed, Cloud pointed the huge sword at a suddenly, fear-filled Riku. "You made Squall upset, Riku. If this had happened before my marriage, you would be dead. You know that. Squall already told me I couldn't kill you, but you know I can do a lot before you die. Get out."

Having witnessed first-hand, at Villain's Vale, how crazy Cloud could get, Riku held up his hands, showing he was unarmed. He looked back to a smug Reno. "See you later."

Saluting Riku, with a middle finger, Reno waved bye-bye.

Throwing the front door open, Riku slammed it behind him.

Flopping back down in his chair, Reno held his head in his hands. He knew it. It never lasted. Never ever.

Remembering his Squall-taught mental steps, Cloud placed First Tsurugi to the side, and resumed eating. He recited the mantras, until he got to the end, and started again. Unconsciously, he began to talk out loud.

Slowly raising his head, Reno stared at Cloud. "That shit actually work?"

Stopping for a moment, Cloud directed his glowing gaze towards Reno.

In response, to what he saw in Cloud's eyes, Reno sharply shoved his chair back from the table.

"Riku's head is still on his shoulders. Right? Must keep floors clean. No blood on floors. Squall doesn't like blood on floors. Floors clean. Squall happy. Must keep floors clean."

Not knowing what else to do, Reno began to eat the rest of the food on the table.

Reno felt like his life falling apart, but he could always eat. He never had a problem with that area. For the second time that day, both he and Axel agreed.

XXX

Meanwhile, Sora sobbed uncontrollably on Leon's shoulder.

Holding Sora tight, Leon crooned softly to his little brother.

Kairi patted Sora on the back.

Looking up, with concern, Selphie sat at Sora's feet.

Kairi spoke first. "I swear I didn't know Riku would come. He must have taken the Gummi flight right after ours. Don't cry, Sora. Please don't cry."

Sora stopped, a little, to hiccup."Y-y-you're n-n-not m-m-mad?"

Smiling, Kairi went from patting Sora's back, to petting his soft, spiky hair. "About Axel? Actually, I sort of already knew. After you sent me the first e-mail about Reno, Namine told me. She said Roxas finally found Axel again."

Drawing away from Leon's embrace, Sora stared wide-eyed at a bemused Kairi. "You too?"

Setting her hands back into her lap, Kairi beamed with happiness. "Unlike Roxas, Namine was willing to become fully integrated, but I refused. She never had a life. She was always in captivity. I'm glad to share my life with her. It's made my life so much richer. I know Roxas did the same for you."

Gently taking Sora's face in her hands, Kairi kissed both cheeks. "I was going to tell you at dinner, but Namine and I even have a job. I'm now a full-time illustrator for a children's book company. Before Namine came into my life, I had absolutely no direction. I love it. We've already been nominated for some awards."

Filled with joy, Sora gave Kairi a big hug. Not alone. Besides Reno, he now had someone else who knew of his experience with duality, and she was thriving because of it. "We're the lucky ones. Aren't we, Kairi."

"Never doubt it, Sora. Both Reno and I will support you when you do."

Getting up, Leon brought a happy Selphie with him.

The pair gazed at their still-hugging friends. Both old and new.

Leon had learned to love Roxas, just as much as he loved Sora.

Whenever Roxas came out, he reminded Leon so much of Cloud, when he got flustered. He even looked like Cloud, just like Sora took after him.

Selphie had become fast friends with Namine, once Kairi became brave enough to let her out.

Namine had painted a beautiful mural, on Selphie's bedroom wall, for her last birthday.

Leon politely cleared his throat, to get Sora and Kairi's attention."Cloud's run Riku out by now. We should join him and Reno before they eat all the food."

Sora sniffled and nodded. Jumping up, holding a laughing Kairi's hand, he ran out of the room.

The friends followed close by a smiling Leon and Selphie.

When Sora rushed out, Reno rose up from his chair. With fright, he stared wide-eyed at his Baby Doll. Had he lost Sora for good?

Reno, and Axel, gave a big sigh of relief, when Sora threw his slight body into Reno's arms.

Clutching Sora close, Reno inhaled his sweet smell.

Good thing for Riku, Sora had been so understanding.

Reno had killed for less. A lot less.

Axel still wanted to kill Riku. He just had to figure out how to do it, without Roxas snitching to Sora.

While still embracing Sora, Reno slightly turned, feeling Kairi pat his back comfortingly. He stared, in awe, when Namine's eyes smiled back at him.

"Just make it count, Axel."

With a grin, Reno leaned down to let Axel kiss Kairi's (and Namine's) tilted, blushing cheek. "For sure. You love proving me wrong. Don't ya, Namine? Us Nobodies actually got to be Somebodies, yo."