D O N T P A N I C ;

Chapter eight; because that's just who I am

-RxN-

"What's up, Spunk?"

My head lifted to meet the cerulean eyes of none other than Cloud. For but a split second, my heartbeat increased when I met these eyes, thinking for only a moment that it was him-- But that was just stupid. Roxas would never call me 'Spunk', a name given to me specifically by that lovely older brother of mine.

"Oh, Cloud..." I greeted, sounding unintentionally unenthusiastic. His orbs darkened with what looked to be concern, and for some reason, he approached me. He swung his backpack off of his shoulder and set it down on the floor, taking a seat across from me in the stairwell. I simply stared at him, eyes wide with confusion.

He looked me dead in the optic and just came out with it. "Why did you leave without me this morning?"

I lowered my head, slightly ashamed. Though I didn't show it very well, it truly touched me how Cloud showed me such regard. The way his eyes looked when we spoke was always so comforting...

"Did something happen?" He inquired when I didn't reply to his previous question. I shook my head.

"N-No..." I stammered quietly, nervously.

"Naminé, I was worried."

My head instantly snapped up, meeting those familiar eyes of his. I was trying to pay attention, really, I was... But when I saw that shade of blue, the blond hair, all I could think about was Roxas.

"I'm sorry." I apologized genuinely, re lowering my gaze. "I didn't mean to scare you..."

He smiled warmly at me. "It's okay. Just promise me you won't do it again."

I cocked my head to the side curiously. "Why?" I couldn't help but ask. I knew that Cloud worried about me when I wandered off by myself, but he was acting a tidbit too serious, I thought.

He chuckled. "Think about it... Imagine if I didn't walk in the morning? What would you have to listen to?"

I obeyed him, and thought about it for only a moment. Of course, it didn't take long for me to figure out what he meant. "Oh, god... Kairi and Xion."

Cloud nodded defiantly. "Exactly. So, if you're gonna run off in the morning, for whatever reason, at least let me know? We can ditch the evil step sisters and just walk together."

I giggled and concurred, always amused with my brother's sense of humor. "That sounds great."

I wanted Cloud to stay with me for the rest of the lunch period, but unfortunately for me he had a meeting of some sort. After all, being on the newest nominee for the upcoming Student Body President election came with some duties. And so I was left there, by myself once again, not that I really minded. The only person's company I longed for was that of Roxas.

As I sat there cross legged, blank sketchbook sprawled across my lap, I just couldn't seem to focus on drawing. My thoughts were all jumbled; Thoughts of Cloud and how sweet he was to me, and thoughts of Roxas and where he was. It was needless to say I was worried about him; What if those men really did find him again while walking home? What if they...

No.

I didn't allow myself to think such... Impure things. Roxas was alive and Roxas was well. At least, as far as I knew.

Appalled by the vision I had almost thought of, I allowed my mind to wander elsewhere. And naturally, I went to Cloud. A small smile tugged at my lips, as comforting childhood memories rushed back into mind. I recalled days where I could actually feel happiness-- Where I was nothing but a child. I wondered how I'd allowed myself to become so distant...

Why was I the one left out? Why was it me who was overcome with such depression, and not Kairi or Xion? Why did I end up being the girl sitting alone every lunch, too afraid to look strangers in the eye?

Because that's just who I am.

I was beyond that 'why me' stage of my life. Now, I was simply trying to get by.

* * *

Days passed, and still no word of Roxas. By Friday, I began to get really, really worried; What if something bad really did happen to him? Just thinking about it made my skin crawl... But even still, it was all that could run through my mind.

The day was a particularly chilly one as I walked home, sketchbook clutched to my chest. Sadly I hadn't thought it would be so cold, so I didn't bring a jacket. I definitely regretted that decision. My mind, evidently wasn't focused on the cold, though. The day was over and I'd been thinking about it forever, but I still couldn't get Roxas off my mind. It was a new kind of worry-- It was more like panic. If only I had some way of contacting him...

And that's when I ran into Axel.

"Oi, Naminé, that you?" His familiar voice sounded from somewhere nearby, and I turned on my heel in alarm. And sure enough, I met his shockingly friendly green eyes.

"Oh, h-hello." I greeted awkwardly.

"Long time no talk!" He chuckled, walking towards me. For some reason, I felt slightly scared, but quickly reminded myself that Axel couldn't be dangerous. He was friends with Roxas, after all, and I'd already been in the guys house, so... "How you doing?" He observed me more closely, catching me off-guard before I could even contemplate his question. "You look upset. Something happen?"

"Uhm, no, it's nothing..." I muttered avoiding eye contact, a bad habit I always did whilst lying to someones face. I hoped that Axel wasn't clever enough to figure that out...

"Is it about Roxas?" He suddenly blurted out. My eyes snapped to his, shocked by his random assumption.

"R-Roxas?"

He nodded. "Yeah. Kid hasn't been in school for a while, I just thought you'd have noticed."

"Oh, yes... I have noticed."

"Aaaand let me guess... You have no clue where he is, and are worried to hell?"

My eyes widened. Is it that obvious, or is he physic? I guess that Axel could tell what my answer was just by reading my expression, because his face instantly changed. He went from completely casual, to utterly serious before my very eyes.

"Naminé... Why don't we take a walk?"

Author's note: Hey everyone, thanks so much for the reviews! I got more than I expected, which made me very happy :)! Sorry that this chapter is kind of short (and late!), but it's all relevant.

Y'know, this is one of my least popular stories, but it's probably one of my favorites... I just love writing it :o.

Please review! Your support keeps my motivation alive :)