A/N:

Notes: Sora and Roxas go to the same school and Xion is Vanitas and Ventus' older sister. I'm too lazy to change the facts on the past few chapters, here's a heads up.

thank you everyone for your support!

Roxas realized in life, decisions and truth can come a very long way.

It always depended on the person, wether trust and the truth were in one category or something was switched.

Roxas had his obvious run ins with these sort of things but nothing bad, just a few skirmishes of kids not liking his rebellious attitude to things he didn't like.
He never thought his caring sweet older brother had the worst kind of run-ins with it.
His brother was done, the exhaustion and obvious pain on his face that made Roxas want to get up and smash the Axel kids face in.

Bruises, burns, all littered across his twins body, a few cuts on his wrists that had him more then worried but was reassured Ven didn't do that. But knowing the truth about it all, how Ven had spiraled into something so deep for being himself... Roxas didn't know what to do.

For about an hour he lay on his bed, staring at the ceiling where glow in the dark stars had been pasted on. They had put them on as kids so those nights they weren't allowed outside they could view the whole sky on their bedroom floor.

Roxas closed his eyes at the thought, his memories lingering on those days. They used to invite Sora and Vanitas for sleepovers and always got in trouble because Sora and Ven would start crying at Vanitas' pranks. Childhood seemed so long ago, like it barely even existed right now.

He sighed, dragging a hand over his face before getting up and looking around the dark room. Ven was asleep, exhausted from god knows what but Roxas wasn't about to wake him up. He grabbed his black and white hoodie, his iPod and cell and left the room, as silently as possible.

Just earlier that day he had been at Demyx's place, celebrating his 16th birthday. There wasn't any surprise that the other got a new Sitar. Demyx was famous for his playing after all. With a new destination in mind, he grabbed a few tens from the coffee table in the living room before exiting the house.

Unlike his amazing father, he didn't own a bike, Roxas didn't appreciate the whole fast as fuck thing. He was different from Ven in that way. It was weird how alike they were, yet their personalities contradicted so much.

As kids he remembered their mom and dad having to label them for a bit. They knew who they were, their parents had a bit of trouble.

When he started thinking about the possibility of him being Ventus and Ventus actually being Roxas he stopped at that, didn't need to blow his mind out just yet.
He went down to the nearby convenience store, the small place being his favorite for their limited time sea-salt ice cream. Although it was night and the temperature was a little on the cold side Roxas determined any time was good for ice cream. He grabbed one for Ven as well, paying for it before leaving to return home. The walk hadn't done him very well on his thoughts though.

He nearly dropped his wrapped Ice cream at the squeal and arms wrapping around his mid-section.

"VENTUS! It's been forever!"

Ventus?! Wait a minute! That voice!

"Xion?! What the heck are you doing here?!" He turned sharply, a blush rising in his cheeks at the thought of Xion actually attacking him like that. The girl looked at him, a small part of him cheering he was finally taller then her, her blue eyes hidden by a pair of red rimmed glasses.

Now that he was inspecting her, at a good arms length, she was wearing a pair of jean shorts, pale thin thighs seen before her knee high boots covered it up. Her dark jacket looked warm, a beanie on her head with tiny bunny ears. She looked way too young for her actual age, that was for sure.

"Oh my god! I'm sorry, Roxas! You just looked like Ven and the whole white and black thing-!"

Well he could give her that, the two of them were identical twins. Everything was exactly the same, face, hair, eyes, body types, voices! (Though Ven was more practiced in the singing department.)

"Seriously, you two should get name tags!"

He blinked, brought back as he frowned at that. Of all people he expected Xion to be able to tell the difference between them. The perky 21 year old female was the older sister of the fair twins. Apparently it was a first stand from Zack with another woman. She was also a famous singer which probably was the reason behind her looks, covered up for island weather was a little strange to people.

She did poorly at these things...

"Come on, I thought you'd know by now Xion. Your brothers can tell the difference." Roxas grumbled, crossing his arms over his chest, making sure to dump the ice cream back into the bag for safe keeping.

Xion smiled, "Please, you two were good at messing with me when we were smaller. I haven't seen Ven in a while, how's he doing?"

The way she said those words brought an ache into Roxas' heart. He knew by now what she was hinting at. The Terra and Aqua incident still had him pissed as hell. His brothers best friends, older, but as close as anyone could ever be. Then... Then...

"He's hanging in there."

She turned somber as The blonde tried to ignore his pounding thoughts. If he could've, he would have taken the fall for Ven. He'd go in and save him. Imagine, playing as Ventus for Ven, to help him escape the hell of his home.

And then it clicked.

"Oh my fucking shit. Xion I love you."

The blonde smiled widely, hugging her tightly before taking off with a quick bye.
Xion frowned quietly, "Was really hoping he'd ask me to have ice cream with him.."

Roxas called it Project Ven.

Ven called it the worst kind of plan in existence.

"Ven, come on! This is perfect! This way we don't have to tell anyone!" Roxas pleaded, close to getting on his knees for the other to let him do it.
Ven sighed from his position on the bed, arms over his chest. He was wearing a loose white shirt Roxas was sure belonged to him. A few bruises could be seen and it burned to look at.

"Roxas, I am not putting you through that. I'm your brother, why the heck would I even want to do it?!"

"And you're my brother Ventus an I can't let you go through any of that ever again."
A thick silence hung in the air, Roxas sighing as he ran a hand through his blonde locks in frustration. "Listen Ven. This is the only shot we have. Let me do this for you. I want to do this for you."

Ven had averted his eyes, staring at his hands hanging limply on his lap. Roxas didn't like the sight. The paleness of Ven's skin contrasted to the image, lips turned down, long eyelashes brushing his cheeks. He looked like he was asleep, a doll without any fight and Roxas couldn't bare it.

"You don't even act like me." Ventus interjected, scaring Roxas at those vibrant blue eyes, he was close. Ven would give in soon.

"Summer break. We have a lot of time to perfect this. I also know exactly who can help us out with this."

He smiled, the blonde getting to his feet as he grabbed his cellphone from the desk in between their beds. He already knew he'd get his head chewed on by his twin, but hey, they did need an outer opinion for this.

"Hey Sora!"

"No, no, no!"

Roxas quickly moved, grin on his face as the other panicked, trying to grasp the phone from his hand.

"Yeah, wanna come over? Bring Vanitas too and- ouch! Ven!"
His brother had successfully tossed him on the bed, trying to make a grab. Figuring his best friend had taken the hint he dropped the phone of the other side, wrestling with his twin.

"What the heck, Roxas?!"

"The twins are the ones who know us the best! If we can trick them we can trick anyone!"

Except for their parents, but they'd cross that bridge when it happened.

"But- but!"

Ven huffed, rolling over and laying on his back besides the blonde. "I was really hoping not to tell Vanitas."

Oh.

Oh!

Now that Roxas thought about it, telling Vanitas would be a very bad thing. A high risk violent teenager acting protective over Ventus.

Mm... Yeah Roxas didn't want to attend an enemy's funeral.

"I'll think of something. But we need them Ven."

He didn't get a response, Ventus probably already planning out how he wanted his own funeral from not telling Vanitas about anything.

"Project Ven."

"More like Project what the fuck are you thinking?"

Ven heard Roxas sigh at Vanitas harsh words. Well, it was to he expected. Vanitas looked overall pissed. They couldn't elaborate. Only that Ven needed help and Roxas wasn't going to take no for an answer. Ven kept his eyes away from the raven haired male, knowing all anger would be directed at him for the next few days.
Sora was another story. The brunet was sitting on Ven's bed, facing Roxas with his knee propped up, resting his head on it. Beside him was Vanitas, legs wide open and leaning back with a dissatisfied expression. Ventus was beside him, looking as uncomfortable as ever.

"Vanitas, open mind. Sounds interesting." Sora chided lightly, his sky blue eyes glancing at the two beside him for a small moment.

Roxas looked grateful for that as he took a deep breath, "It's easy. All we have to do is switch places. You two are the only people who know us the best. So we need you two in order to make sure we don't get caught."

Ventus averted his eyes to the black haired twin. This was dangerous, very dangerous. Vanitas was fickle, Ven was lucky he wasn't already demanding answers.

"What do we have to do then?" Sora asked, meaning he was all for it. Getting Vanitas on board was going to be the more difficult task.

"Well... This is what I want to do. Me and Ven will just learn about each other over the break. Our habits and all that. And you two will help us out. Make us act more like the other. If we manage to fool you two, then we are able to fool anyone."
He had a triumphant look on his face, now Vanitas was raising an eyebrow in disbelief.
"That's not all though... I was going to ask you guys, since you have Xion-"

Wait a minute, no.

"Roxas."

"Get some antidepressants for Ventus."

Ven stared in disbelief. He hadn't expected the other Strife to make such a suggestion. Now Vanitas was staring at him as Sora as well.
Roxas didn't waver, giving a thick stare to the blonde twin.

He felt trapped, the stares pressing against him so harshly. They were judging him, concern and- was that pity?!

"I'm not some fucking charity case, god fucking damn it!"
His pent up frustrations boiled up, his posture shaking as he glared at Roxas. The other twin blinked, not expecting that sort of a response.

"Ven-"

"No! I'm perfectly fine. I don't need your help Roxas! You think you should help? You don't know shit about what it's like. Just because you got the better end at the better highschool!"

Oh fuck. Oh fuck, oh fuck, oh fuck.

Fuck.

Ven jumped to his feet, panicking as he left the room.
What the heck?! What was his damn problem?

His brother was just trying to help and he acted like such an ass, like an attention whoring bastard.

He was already at the door, expecting to just run when a hand grasped the back of his shirt, yanking him back forcefully. He collided against a hard chest, wincing at the feel of his own bruises suddenly awakening.

"Alright you fucktard. We're having a talk an you're not about to escape me. Sit your ass down and fucking explain to me, nice and clear before I decide to figure things out myself. And trust me, you do not want that."

Vanitas shoved him roughly out the door, shutting the door behind them with a slam. There wasn't even a choice as he was shoved onto the porch step.
The sun had set already the dark night sky was glaring at him. The porch light was on, allowing him to make out the male beside him.

Vanitas plopped down, a thick sigh leaving his lips, running a hand through his spiky locks. He turned his golden eyes to the other, narrowing them as a warning to start explaining before he got impatient.

And Ven couldn't fight it at all.

"Van, why do people hate me?"

A simple question, so much existing on that one sentence. The fact Ven had called him Van also settled in. They hadn't done that since they were kids.

"I mean. I tried. I try so hard and I just be myself. But people hate it so much, they hate me so much. What am I supposed to be if I can't be myself?"
Tears welled in his eyes, focusing his gaze onto his clenched hands on his lap. He wouldn't cry, he wasn't a girl. But Vanitas...

"Who said it matters, Ven? You think if we had the time to care about what people thought, we wouldn't be unique?" Vanitas huffed, the sound of his hand furiously rubbing his own black locks making Ven pause. He was nervous and in an awkward position, yet Vanitas was still there.

For the first time in a few years his heart beat raced, the warmth of knowing Vanitas was trying with him making this moment all the more touching. But it still hurt.
"

You're Ven, that's what makes you, you, idiot... Just... Hear Roxas out. It's a stupid idea, don't get me wrong but I'm serious Ven. Get help. Let him help you."

Let me help you.

The unspoken sentence making Ven look up, the tears in his eyes making it hard to make out the others figure but it was enough to know Vanitas was full on for this plan.
They were all putting in effort for him. With a few calming breaths, enough to get himself together and wipe at his eyes, he gave a nod.

Vanitas stood, smirk on his face as he held out a hand to Ventus.
"Then get your sorry ass up, You wuss. You have to apologize to Roxas."

Without a single hesitation, Ven had taken his hand and his warmth.

"I will kill you if you touch my cake."

Cloud stared for a moment, surprised at the outburst from his sons in the kitchen. There was a few grunts of a struggle before a 'clink' was heard.

"Oh my fuck, Roxas! That almost hit my foot."

"But it didn't."

"My. Cake."

"Sharing Is caring."

"Sharing is caring, up yours."

"Hey!"

The two froze, turning their wide gazes to their father who had just walked in. Cloud stared, a slice of cake from Leon's birthday was in who he assumed to be Roxas' hands. Ventus was reaching for it, pinning Roxas to the counter and a knife was laying innocently on the floor.

It was near the end of the kids break and coming home was a complete stress for him. Was it him or was Ven more sassy lately? It was like two Roxas' and it wasn't the nicest thing in the world.

He knew Ven was a smart ass, heaven forbid the kids be cute little angels, but he was more reserved about it. Roxas was a straight little ass.

"Roxas put the cake down and Ven, pick up the damn knife. I can't leave you for ten minutes!"

They looked at each other, sort of disappointed before doing what they were told. Whoever told him twins was easy to raise should be run over by a chocobo. A knock from the front door made them stare at each other and grin.

"Gotta go dad! Bye!"

They raced out, cake forgotten as Cloud sighed. The two were in the habit of coordinating with each other perfectly too. It was way too weird. They were definitely up to something.

He dipped his fingers on the piece of cake that had been forgotten on the counter.
Hey, it was good cake and sharing was caring.

"Ven! Will you stop moving?!"

"I can't help it!"

Vanitas struggled to fix the stupid helmet on the blonde, a scowl on his face as he continuously twitched.

Finished, tying the ends he shoved the blonde forward, ignoring the tongue Ven stuck out at him.

"Shit. I feel we just made him ten times more annoying. You so don't act like Roxas."

"Well you don't act like Sora and you don't see me bitching."

"Well, that was like Roxas." Sora chimed in, smirk on his lips at Ven who had a smug look on. Roxas rolled his eyes, setting himself down on the top of Vanitas car.

"Yo, off the car. I ain't paying for your ass stain on it."

Roxas rolled his eyes again at the ravens remark, easily settling himself into it, Sora jumping up to sit on there as well.

Vanitas scowled, but was dragged by Ven who wanted to try out the bike. They all knew Ventus was in love with the motorcycle Vanitas had been given. Roxas wondered why their dad hadn't invested on giving Ven one, yet. Maybe it was because of their mom.

As they got ready to take off, Roxas focused on Sora who looked as cheery as ever, but was actually silent, which was a bit of a surprise for him. It certainly wasn't what he was expecting.

"Hey, you think everything will work out with Ven doing this stuff? I mean, Ven didn't deserve everything that happened. If Aqua and Terra-!"

"Terra had decided."

Silence erupted between them, Sora's blue eyes looking completely guilty as he forced a bit of a smile. "Funny... He was the one who had said... Everything would work out..."

Roxas was slightly glad Ventus and Vanitas were gone for the moment, Ven managing the bike fine as Vanitas hung on for his life. The rich laughter that escaped his twin made him feel amazing inside.

"... OH COME ON! Cheer up!" Sora sprung off of the car, startling the blonde who nearly fell off. He fist pumped, turning to Roxas with a wide smile. "Three more days of summer vacation left! Let's make the most of it. Sooo~ that means ice cream!"

Needless to say the afternoon was spent eating probably twenty sea salt Popsicles as Vanitas and Ventus had their fun on the bike, actually entering in a race and winning it with Vanitas biker attitude getting them a few more bucks. It was an amazing day, one Roxas was certain even Ven enjoyed, the thought of actually going to school out of their minds. Though the constant twitching from Ven reminded him how hyped up his brother was.
"

For fucks sake, stop!" Vanitas whacked the blonde over the head, making him pout as he rubbed his head.
"

Don't bitch at me, you guys wanted me to get the damn pills."

"Yeah because you were having like three panic attacks a day." Roxas chimed in with a tint of irritation. Ventus draped himself over the car hood, annoyance on his face, "I'm a delicate, growing boy, cut me some slack."

Vanitas' snort of laughter brought a content smile to the blondes face as Roxas shook his head.

Sora raised his head from the back seat of the car, saying something out loud but wasn't heard by the identical twins. They looked to Vanitas for conformation who seemed to have that telepathy power with Sora.

"Oh. Get some more Ice cream from the shop so we can have some at your house later tonight... Fuck Sora, I swear you gained ten pounds this vacation."

A whinny pout from the brunet twin made Ven laugh out loud, getting up, about to jump off when Roxas beat him to it. "I'll get it, you had the last run."

With that said he took off, feeling content and bemused with today's situations. It was relaxing, it was fun, it was just like old times and it felt amazing. Their relaxing spot was by the beach, a small shop located nearby that knew the four of them since probably before they could walk. But walking into the store he realized the old lady actually had more customers.

Like usual, Roxas faded into his own world, wearing a black hoodie with the sleeves cut off, shorts and a pair of sandals cause he sure as heck wasn't riding the motorcycle.

"Ah, you boys run out already?"

Roxas gave a cheery smile to the old cashier, nodding as he bought another twenty pack.

"Yeah, Sora swallows these things."

Well, he ate more then Sora but he loved keeping up that image.

She rolled her eyes, obviously knowing as she rung him up. He hadn't even bothered to expect the other people in the store and nearly had a shit attack when an arm wrapped around his shoulders.

"Ven! Fancy meeting you here!"

Ven...?

He looked up, baby blue eyes meeting fiery green, if green could even be fiery. He had a feral grin, something uneasy in the pit of his stomach. "Excuse me?"

The others spiky red hair was gelled back, a blue haired teen near the back, completely emotionless. Aqua rang in his mind that he easily pushed out to address his current situation. These people knew his brother, were about his age...
They were from school.

"Aw~ come on Ven, don't be so pushy. Don't want you getting hurt." He was wrapped in a tight embrace, anger welling in the edge of his being as he grabbed the bag, shoving the male off him. "I don't really care."

The other looked shocked, before a spark entered his eye, scaring the living shit out of him.

He seemed about to reach for him when a voice cut him off. "I wouldn't touch him if I were you."

Roxas looked behind him, seeing a ticked off Vanitas, feral grin on his own face. "Ven, come on. I ain't fucking putting up with Roxas' bitching."

Ho~ nicely played. A smirk tilting on The blondes lips at the obvious jab as he walked towards the other. Vanitas had that effect on people, the biker teen worked in the dangerous company known to man and he enjoyed it.

Vanitas was a knight in probably blood stained armor.

"Hey-!"

"You still here? You still fucking around this shop? Harrison don't like that shit, get the fuck out."
G

rabbing the blondes wrist he dragged him out. The other teenagers didn't even get a chance to respond as Vanitas hightailed it the fuck out of there. Ven was on the bike(no surprise there) he eyed their hands before looking away, Vanitas slamming the other into the back seat. Sora sat up in confusion, looking outside as he yawned.

"Ven, I thought you were taking the bike." He laid on top of the confused blonde, brown spikes tickling his chin.

"Sora that's-!"

Vanitas stopped speaking, golden eyes looking at Roxas skeptical.

It took about a minute to click, another for Sora to sit up and understand and then, for Roxas to scream.

"PROJECT VEN FUCKING WORKED!"