Disclaimer: i seem to have been forgetting to write these. it still doesn't mean i own anything :)

Shugo: Sorry for the wait you guys. It's just, with school and stuff... yeah, i'm tired

This one's a bit longer.

I apologize in advance for any mistakes. Both spelling and grammar-wise. If there are any, please tell me so I can try to go back and fix them. I don't really... have a beta-reader no more :X

And thanks for all the reviews you guys. Like, seriously. They make me feel all warm and fuzzeh inside :3

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sunshine in a bag

CHAPTER o6 : i'll keep singing this lie

''Are we growing up, or just going down? It's just a matter of time until we're all found out, take
our tears, put 'em on ice, cuz I swear I'd burn the city down to show you the light.''

-Fallout Boy 'Sophomore Slump or Comeback of the Year'

.x.Axel.x.

He scared the shit out of me the way he passed out like that. I nearly thought he was... y'know... pushing up daisies or something. But then I thought that was stupid to think. After all, who breathes when they die?

Man, the kid had it pretty rough. Well, I couldn't really say so since I didn't really know what went on in his life. I mean, some people have something wrong in their heads and it affects the way they think. Or maybe he's just plain emo. Either way, I couldn't help but feel bad for him. Be there for him. Even if he didn't want me around, he just... he just had that effect on me. It's not like my life wasn't fucked up either so I could compare somewhat to Roxas. Or maybe I was just comparing to the way he felt.

Sora arrived some five minutes later.

''He's asleep?'' was the first thing he said when he stepped in.

''Hello to you too,'' I scoffed, rolling my eyes.

''Oh, hey. Sorry,'' Sora replied sheepishly. ''So... is he okay?''

''He has a fever. Was coughing before and passed out just recently.''

''Oh,'' Sora said, frowning slightly. He walked over to the couch and sat down by Roxas' head.

I walked over to him and knelt down in front of the couch. ''I have to say, he's pretty cute when he's asleep... 'Cause he's not trying to bite my head off...''

Sora chuckled and nodded. ''Yeah.''

The both of us sat in silence for a few minutes, listening to Roxas breathe.

''Say, Sora...'' I began, trying to find a way to put my words together. ''What was it like when you guys were little?''

Sora blinked slowly at me and the unexpected question and the frowned. ''...Did Roxas tell you something?''

''Yeah he said-''

''I know, I know... It's not really true y'know. See, our dad died when were much younger. Roxas... he fell into melancholia. Like.. depression but worse. And, I don't know how come, but he just hated us after that. He hated us with passion.. So he moved out suddenly and without warning and we didn't see him for a while. But it's good to know he's in good hands.'' Sora turned to smile at me and I smiled back.

''Of course,'' I said.

But on the inside, my heart was slowly breaking. I knew what it was like to lose a parent. Like someone came up to you when you weren't expecting it and cut out a chunk of your life.

So instead, I pushed the topic away for another day.

''Hey,'' I whispered, nudging Roxas' shoulder. ''Wake up sunshine...''

Roxas groaned and rolled over to face me, gorgeous blue orbs blinking sleepily at me. I thought I nearly lost myself. I mean, have you ever looked into someone's eyes? Like, really looked into them? It's really hard to look away if you do. You should try it sometime.

''Roxas? I brought you some medicine.''

Roxas bolted upright and turned to face Sora, obviously not expecting to see his brother there. ''Oh... Sora. Um, hey.''

Funny how only moments ago, Roxas was spilling his hate to me about Sora and Cloud and his parents and now he was trying to act normal but it was kind of hard because all these different feelings had been boiling up inside him. Talk about awkward.

''You feeling okay?'' Sora asked, leaning down so his face was level with his brother's.

''...Y-yeah, I'll be fine. Thanks.''

''No prob,'' Sora said, grinning. He stood up, hands behind his head. ''Hope you feel better bro.''

''I'll keep an eye on him,'' I said before Roxas could even answer.

''Okay, cool.'' And with that, Sora left.

Roxas blinked at the door and then at me. ''What? Hey, why did you-?''

I leaned up, my lips only millimeters from his and he instantly shut up and looked away, blushing up a storm. Well, that was highly amusing.

''Okay munchkin, medicine,'' I said, ruffling his hair.

Roxas glared at me but said nothing.

Well now, I take it that Roxas has a sensitive stomach to medicine because right after I finally managed to shove that goddamn spoon in his mouth and he swallowed, he nearly gagged. I mean, like, I hate medicine too, but he turned so pale that I thought he was going to pass out again or something. And then he downed a bottle of water.

''Don't ever,'' he finally spat out, ''ever, make me take that stuff ever again!''

''Hahaha, Rox, you shoulda seen your face!''

His response was a comforter thrown in my face.

''Alright, I see how it is,'' I said with mock hurt, wrapping the blanket around me and sitting down on the floor.

I was instantly introduced to Roxas signature pout.

''Aaaxeellll, I'm cold now''

''Well, you should've thought about it before you threw it at me,'' was my smug reply.

''It's nice to share.''

''Well, I'm not that nice.''

''C'moooon! Ax-oof!''

I had reached out for his wrists and pulled him toward me, his small body landing in my lap.

''Are you feeling any better, Rox?''

''Y-yeah, a little...''

I pulled him against my chest and wrapped the blanket around the both of us. Partially to warm him up, partially to piss him off, and partially for my own enjoyment.

''Axel! Let go!'' Roxas wailed, squirming. Which only made me hold onto him tighter.

''Hey, kid, you did say you were cold.''

Roxas sighed, defeated, and leaned against me. And pushed me to the floor...

''Oops..''

''It's okay. I kinda like this position.''

''... LET GO OF ME!''

''Okay, okay, if you don't like it we could try... this...''

I effectively flipped Roxas over and pinned his wrists to the floor.

And then... man... I don't get how he did it but I think he somehow managed to pull one of my arms forward making me roll over on my shoulder and he used the momentum to end up on top of me.

''...What... the hell...''

And Roxas just sat on top of me, knees holding down my hips and his hands pressing against my wrists, grinning his ass off.

''Axel,'' he leaned over to whisper in my ear, ''I have a few tricks up my sleeve too...''

... Oh god... bad thoughts, BAD THOUGHTS! STOP THINKING! Great... now I'm going to be walking around with a hard-on all fucking day... great...

''Look, normally, I wouldn't mind you sitting on top of me. But one: you're sitting on my empty stomach, which fucking hurts. And two: I don't think you want to know what this is doing to the rest of my body.''

Roxas only smirked, pushing his hips down slightly.

Okay! Personal space being violated! See the little red flag going up? See it? There! There it goes!

''O-okay, wh-who are you and what have you done with R-Roxas?'' I said, flinching at the sudden pressure.

Something in his brain must have died because the Roxas I know wouldn't be doing this right now. Maybe if I smacked him upside the head...?

And he just burst out laughing all of a sudden. He only rarely laughed but I was in love with it already. For being seventeen, he could sure pass off as someone much younger. Seriously.

My hands found their way to the back of Roxas's neck as I pulled him down but he pulled away.

''Nope,'' he said, ''Friends don't make out with other friends.''

''Yeah, well, friends don't try to seduce their other friends.''

Roxas only rolled his eyes.

''Sooo,'' I started, sitting up, ''You admit that we're friends at least?''

''We're not strangers now are we?''

''Ah, point taken.''

We sat in silence for a few moments, me on the floor and him in the couch now. It was awfully quiet but not the uncomfortable sort of silence where you need to say something or do something just to keep your mind off the other person in the room. It was... nice. Nice to not be living alone. Nice to having some company. Nice to let my thoughts stray to someone else besides me. I was really falling for this kid. Sure he had started out as a pain in the ass but I could tell he was changing a little every day. I don't think that he was realizing it though.

''Hey... Axel?''

''Mm?''

''Do you think... do you think we could go out?''

I blinked slowly at him. ''Out as in 'out on a date'? Or out as in 'outside'?''

''I meant outside!'' he snapped back quickly.

I turned to face him and he was giving me a look that said ''Out on a date? Are you high?'' But hey, he was blushing. And it was damn cute.

''I'm sure you did,'' I said, smirking. Roxas pouted at me and crossed his arms.

''No, seriously, can we go out as in outside?''

''Okay, let's go.''

Roxas blinked at me. ''At least let me change! I'm not gonna go walking around in my nightclothes.''

''Why not?'' I asked, quirking an eyebrow.

He let out a frustrated growl and pointed at me. ''You. Change. Now.''

''So you're not changing then?''

''You- Just- Agh forget you!'' He threw his hands up and stormed into his room.

Ah, it was so much fun pushing his buttons.

x.x.x

''Nice clothes, kid.''

''What's wrong with them?''

I laughed. ''Nothing, nothing. Just a compliment.''

And he really did look fine. He was wearing these sick-awesome pants that were black from belt to knees and white the rest of the way down and a black, sleeveless, zip-up shirt.

So I decided to be lame and threw on a pair of loose jeans and some random green t-shirt I found hanging in the closet.

Okay, whatever.

As we walked out the door, I heard Roxas call ''Don't forget to lock the door.'' He was already halfway down the hall. Jeez, he was fast.

''Hey, I think I can remember to lock my own apartment! Hey! Wait UP!''

I jogged up behind him as he casually walked down the stairs next to me.

''Why not take the elevator?'' I asked him, finally falling into his pace.

''Got stuck in one once. 'Sides, this is healthier,'' he stated simply.

''Oh. So why the sudden urge to get out?''

Roxas shrugged and turned to me. ''Just... y'know, it's still pretty warm, even in late November, but it's still getting colder so why not go out while we still can?''

We both pushed the door open and a chilly blast of air greeted us.

''So where you wanna go?''

Roxas shrugged again at me. ''Anywhere. Around...''

I grinned and grabbed his hand running down the street toward the plaza. The good part was that Roxas didn't resist. The downside was that we nearly crashed into some little brunette girl and her dog. Scratch that. Roxas did.

''Oh! Are you okay?'' she girl asked. While I was beside myself laughing so hard.

Roxas looked up from the ground and frowned at me as the girl's Dalmatian ran circles around him. ''My bum hurts...''

I actually started crying from laughing so hard.

''Axel, shut up! It was your fault anyway!''

The little brunette blinked at us and went to grab the Dalmatian's collar. ''Sorry about Shigure. He's excited.''

''Oh no, don't be. It was all Roxa-''

''Axel! You were the one dragging me!''

I snickered and held him back as he tried to hit me.

''Calm down! Don't fight!'' the girl said through her laughs. ''It was no one's fault. Okay?''

Roxas huffed and crossed his arms, not looking my way.

''C'mon, Roxas, don't be like that,'' I teased, poking his side.

''I have every right to be.''

''Well,'' the girl began, ''I take it you're Axel and you're Roxas. I'm Selphie!'' She beamed at us and rocked back and forth on her heels.

''I take it we are,'' I said, smirking.

''Watcha doin' out here?''

''Well we were walking!'' Roxas snapped at me.

''Don't mind him,'' I said. ''Kid's got anger issues.''

''I do n-''

''Well, Selphie, we'll be seeing you. My friend here might spontaneously combust from embarrassment or something of the sort.''

''Alright. Seeya!'' She ran off down the street with her dog barking at her heels.

I could tell Roxas wanted me dead now. Dead and in a well. But toying with him was like taking drugs. Only this wasn't dangerous to my health in any way. Unless, of course, Roxas got so fed up with me that he decided to slip poison into my water.

I smirked and reached for his hand. ''C'mon, Rox.''

He simply pouted and let me pull him along.

The city's plaza was a favorite among people. They did everything here. Blading, sports, parties, parades, you name it. There was also this huge fountain smack in the middle. It was useful for concerts. You could stand on the edge to see over people's heads. Of course, you'd have to watch to keep from falling back into the water. And it wasn't just one of those fountains that when you look into the water all you see is concrete, or coins. This one actually had fish in them and lily pads larger than my head. Like, twice as large. Who knew who took care of all this, but hey, it was there wasn't it?

Roxas pulled away from me and sat down on the stone edge and pulled his legs up.

''So, Roxas, what college do you plan applying for?'' The only reason I asked was because... well... I forget, but I could've sworn I had a reason... Oh, yes, entrance exams were coming up early next year. Spring, I think.

He shrugged and dragged his hand through the water. ''I dunno. Maybe Traverse or Trinity. But those are hard to get into. Especially Traverse.''

''Well, what were your high school grades like?''

''Mostly A's, some B's...''

''Ohh, so we've got a smart one here.''

''So yeah. But... I don't know how I'll come up with the money for it. And... I'm sorta having trouble finding a job at the moment.''

I found myself rolling my eyes at him. ''Jeeez, Roxas, you should've said something sooner. Okay, look. I work two part time jobs. One is already full. But the other still has a space open if you're interested.''

''Depends what it is...'' he said, giving me a sort of wary glance. ''Better not be something crazy...''

''This girl I know, Aerith, owns a restaurant down in the Second District. I could show you later if you'd like. Not restaurant. Café I mean.''

''Yeah, thanks,'' he said, smiling. ''That'll be a lot of help.''

''That's what I'm here for. So Traverse, huh?''

''Well, I'd go to the one in Twilight Town if I still lived there. That one's not as hard to get into but I move around a lot and as you can see, right now, I'm nowhere near Twilight Town. And Trinity is a second option.''

''So you planning on moving anytime soon?'' I asked, feeling slightly disappointed.

''...Not unless you want me to,'' he said, his gaze fixed on me.

''So far, no regrets,'' I said softly.

Roxas smiled and eyes wandered to the water and he stretched out a hand to poke at a lily pad. I couldn't help but grin.

''What are you looking at?'' he asked. His head was resting on his knees and his bangs had fallen over his eyes and the lily was spread out in his hand... and just..

''Nothing... you just look friggin' adorable.''

His face steadily turned pink and he looked back at the water. I sighed contently and leaned my head back to look at the clear sky. I flinched when I felt something against my cheek. Something cold. And wet.

It took a few moments for me to realize that Roxas had his hand pressed up against the side of my face. His expression was unreadable but he was looking right at me. Water splashed into my face again.

''Hey! What the hell?'' I grumbled, wiping my face with the collar of my shirt.

Roxas only grinned and flicked more water at me. So I leaned back to avoid it but... um... ended up going a bit too far back. And I made Roxas tumble in with me.

I took one look at him and burst out laughing. He was clinging to the side of the pool, in the water from the chin down. And... there was a fish... stuck in his hood...

''I can't... fucking believe this...'' Roxas grumbled. He reached a hand back into his shirt and grabbed the fish by the tail, flinging it back into the water.

-- - -- - - -- - -- - -
.x.Roxas.x.

We had to get back to the apartment so we could change into dry clothes. I didn't have a problem with walking down the street while freezing my ass off and having people stare at me. Oh no. I had no problem with that. Right.

Well, anyway, when we finally arrived at the door, Axel spent about ten minutes trying to dig the key from his pockets.

''C'mon, c'mon,'' I urged, feeling quite unhappy. ''Before I catch pneumonia.''

''Keep your shirt on,'' Axel retorted with a roll of his eyes. '''Y'know, we wouldn't be in this mess if you hadn't been flicking water at me.''

''And I wouldn't be in this mess if you hadn't dragged me into the water,'' I huffed, crossing my arms.

''Well, now you know better, ne?''

''Pfft, 'know better' my ass. Did you find the key yet?''

''You don't have to shout! I'm not deaf!''

''Fuck you! Open the damn door already!''

''Yeah, that's right. Fuck me. That's nice.'' Axel added something on under his breath but I didn't bother listening.

The lock clicked and I barreled past him into the warmth of the apartment and instantly went in search of a towel. Axel was still muttering, but it's not my problem that he nearly lost his key in his own pants, now is it?

Axel was cussing by now as he towel-dried his hair.

''You wanna say 'fuck' one more time?'' I snapped, turning to face him.

''FUCK,'' he said, rolling his eyes at me.

We both ''hmph''ed at each other and turned away. We didn't talk to each other for about ten minutes before Axel finally said, ''Alright, c'mon shortstuff... we're going to Aerith's.''

''Yeah, whatever,'' I huffed. I didn't even bother making a retort for his ''shortstuff'' comment.

''I- wait Axel...''

Roxas what're you doing? I was asking myself. But the words were spilling out against my own will before I even knew what I was saying.

''Listen... sorry for bitching like that. I mean, I started it anyway, but it was just a little fun.'' I shrugged. Axel was looking straight at me as he leaned against a wall. ''...and I just killed it. So... once again, sorry.''

Wow. Me? Apologizing? Wow.

Oh, no, don't get me wrong, I'm not a heartless bastard. I'm just... usually slow to apologize. Blame my stubborn streak.

He was still glaring at me with icy eyes before his expression softened. He came over and ruffled my hair and I ducked down out of reflex.

''Heh, I can't stay mad at you, kiddo.''

''Stop calling me 'kid'!'' I wailed, resisting the urge to stomp my foot on the ground like a five-year-old.

''But you're so short.''

''Am not!''

''Are too.''

''Axel!''

''Roxas!''

I could only let out a frustrated growl. ''That's it. I take back my apology.''

Axel only crossed his arms and smiled smugly at me. ''Well, I already forgave you so you're too late. But, y'know, I think you owe me something for having me take you to Aerith's.''

I rolled my eyes and leaned against the kitchen counter. ''What, you want me to make you breakfast for a week or something?''

''That'd be nice but, last time I checked, your cooking SUCKS.''

''Well, gee, thanks for putting it so nicely.''

''No prob. Anyway, you owe me something else then.''

Normally, if someone said I owed them for something simple like getting a job, I would've hit them upside the head with a frying pan. Buuuuuut, I felt generous today so I gave in to it.

''Okay, fine. What do I owe you?''

I should've ran the second I saw that smirk and the glint in his eyes. Hell, I should've ran until I hit the next city. But instead, I remained rooted to my spot as Axel pinned me to the counter behind me.

His face was so close to mine. I was so tempted to just lean forward and... close the distance between us... I gave myself a mental smack upside the head for thinking this way. But his warm breath was already whisking across my cheek and down my jaw. His tongue was hot against my neck and-... w-w-wait a sec!

I practically shoved him away, feeling the heat rise to my cheeks like little flames. I think I saw Axel smirk before he moved away to the door, hands behind his head.

''Okay, let's go.''

I followed, keeping my eyes to the wall rather than in front of me... or Axel. He was talking but I only started listening after the first few sentences.

''There's a few things you'll need to know. One: Aerith's a nice person. Like, inhumanely nice. But don't push her buttons 'cause I swear, she'll kick your ass. Two: Most of her employees are her friends. And around my age. And there's a couple who are a little too hyper at most times, but don't get scared. They don't bite. Three: She likes a good appearance. So even if you come in with ripped jeans and a shirt, at least comb your hair and brush your teeth and stuff. Well... your hair is sorta... Anyway! Four: You don't always have to be at work. It depends on how many people are there and/or how much you want to get paid. There's probably more, but you'll get into the flow. So that's the basic picture. Got it memorized?''

I just stared at him with wide eyes and mouth slightly agape. Hell, I even stopped walking somewhere around the ''They don't bite'' part.

''Earth to Roxas,'' Axel laughed, waving his hand in front of my face. ''Say something or I'll have to kiss you.''

''What? NO!'' I screeched, suddenly turning a very bright red. I think the heat was radiating from my face.

''Aw look, you're blushing all over the place today.'' He ruffled my hair. ''Let's go, Shorty.''

''AXEL!''

''Okay, okay... sunshine.''

I've been down to the Second District a few a times. But I never really paid attention to it. It was the more old-fashioned part of town, with the old bookstores and other small shops... and, um, a bit more... rundown. Further into the district, near some weirdo antique shop that I didn't even bother looking at was an old-looking building with peeling, pale pink paint. The words Café du Aerith were engraved into the wall in what looked like gold. A few circular tables were situated near the windows with red and white umbrellas sticking from the middle.

''Here we are,'' Axel said, tilting his head back. ''It's sorta like my second home, actually. I never liked working at the mall, but Demyx is there so...'' He trailed off and shrugged. But he made no move to go in.

''Gonna wait for the grass to grow?'' I asked.

''Oh, right.'' Axel laughed nervously and took me by the wrist and pulled me in.

The minute I walked in, I was already feeling comfortable. Like, you know that feeling when you go somewhere new but the place just gives off this sorta... aura? And you can actually breathe normally without having your eyes dart around nervously?

So.

The inside was much nicer than the outside. I'm not saying the outside looked bad...

There were small circular tables for couples and larger tables for more people. Dark red lamps hung over each table casting an orange glow over the dark wood. And I just looked around and thought it was nice and some blonde-headed girl with an unbelievable number of braids in her hair bounded over to Axel and me.

''Axel!'' she shouted, hands planted firmly on her hips. ''How can I enjoy my day when you're here on you're day off? There is no logic in that I tell you! Absolutely none! Now go away.''

''Nuh-uh,'' Axel said, winking at the girl and slinging an arm over my shoulders. I tried to duck but he simply pulled me closer to him. I had to use practically all my willpower to keep my face from going red. ''It's an important mission, Rikku dear.''

I rolled my eyes.

''Roxas here needs a job. 'Cause he's a good kid like that.'' Axel ruffled my hair and pushed me forward as I grumbled back at him.

''Roxas, Rikku. Rikku, Roxas''

I looked up at the girl. I couldn't tell if she was just taller or older or both but she had a sweet face and twinkling green eyes. Either way, I felt shy, just like always.

Time to take a step forward.

''Um... hi?''

''AW YOU'RE SO CUTE!'' She squealed and threw her arms around me, crushing my lungs.

Wrong step.

So I struggled to free myself and she wouldn't let go and I was getting pissed and there was gonna be some stabbing involved if this girl didn't let go of me!

Axel finally came to my rescue by prying the both of us apart... with a crowbar.

''Well, I'm gonna get back to work!'' Rikku chirped and bounded off.

I gave Axel a look and he shrugged at me.

''Looks like you have that effect,'' Axel said, laughing slightly. ''Anyway, c'mon. You need to meet Aerith.''

We both walked into the back and down a hallway. There was a large door, painted dark green, with the words '' : Aerith : '' across it. Axel pulled me inside by the wrist. He seemed to be doing that a lot lately.

A tall-looking woman with braided brown hair was sitting behind a desk and talking to another, younger girl with black hair and charcoal eyes. The younger one couldn't seem to stop bouncing on her heels.

''No more goofing off okay?'' I heard Aerith say.

The short-haired girl nodded and turned to walk out, pausing for only a second to glance at me.

''...xas? Roxas?''

It took me a moment to figure Aerith was talking to me. Axel must've told her my name. That or she reads minds.

I looked down, slightly embarrassed and then looked back up, meeting her gaze. ''Can I have a job?'' I asked, going straight to the point. Yep. That's me. Wasting no time.

Aerith twirled a pen in her fingers as her eyes raked up and down me. ''Experience?''

''None... But I'm a fast learner...?'' I said hopefully. I've had lots of jobs. But not as a busboy. Or whatever.

Aerith stood up from her desk and walked around me, her eyes glued to me the whole time. I felt the heat rise to my cheeks. You all probably know that feeling. Like when you suddenly go from middle school to high school and you can't find any of your friends and you end up walking to your class alone. It's like walking through the halls naked. Yeah that feeling.

A few moments later Aeirth exited the room and came back with a bag in her hands.

''Your uniform,'' she said, smiling. ''You start tomorrow. And don't worry. Uniform's only for holidays.''

-- - - -- -- - - - -- - -- -
.x.Axel.x.

You wanna know something I learned about Roxas? Before I start, I just want to point out that it was Rikku and Yuffie's fault. Really. AND they kept us late. VERY late. Like, dark outside kind of late.

Anyway...

Roxas makes an adorable drunk. Seriously.

''Rox, I think you might've had a bit too much to drink,'' I stated as he continued to cling to my side. I practically had to drag him along.

''Too much... is never enough,'' he slurred, burying his face in my side and smiled. Actually, he didn't even slur his words all that much. But he hadn't let go of me ever since we left.

I dragged him a bit more before he stumbled and fell on his knees. He obviously found that extremely funny because he suddenly burst into a fit of giggles.

He was totally wasted. In his own weird little way...

''Rox?'' I said, raising an eyebrow at him.

Roxas giggled even harder, now clinging to my leg.

I couldn't help but laugh. This kid was something else, really. It was like he suddenly became a totally different person. Well, the alcohol would answer that but you know what I mean. He can be so bipolar.

...Yes, I'm enjoying this.

''Ax?'' he asked me through a yawn. ''I... I can' -hic- stand... Help me.''

''Sure, kiddo,'' I said, lifting him to his feet.

''An'... an' dun call me 'kiddo'...'' Roxas mumbled, punching my shoulder lightly.

I only rolled my eyes in response and slid an arm behind his back and under his knees, easily lifting him up.

''Sunshine, sunshine...''

Roxas smiled at that and snuggled up against my chest. I felt myself blush.

Woah... wait, what was that?

I felt myself blush.

Huh. Odd. I don't blush. But, here I was, with a totally adorable Roxas snuggling up to me and still drunk and now fast asleep. I swear, he's gonna wake up with a hangover no matter what. I don't think I want to be around him when that happens.

Okay, carrying Roxas to the apartment was one thing, but carrying him up the stairs was another. I could take the elevator, but, uh, I was sort of wary about it now...

I stared up at the apartment complex and sighed. Might as well as get it over with.

Shifting Roxas in my arms a bit to make it easier for me I managed to finally open the door... by kicking it. Yeah, that's how skilled I am.

After some while and a bit of painful progress (I nearly fell down the stairs) I finally shouldered the apartment door open and trudged in. I walked into Roxas's room and put him down on the bed, tucking the blanket around him and all that.

I myself felt totally spent and went to crash on my bed. I didn't even bother throwing my clothes off. Just as I was about to fall asleep, the loud, bullet-like sound of rain against the windows woke me back up. I rolled over on my stomach and tried to tune in to some other sound. My own breathing...

Until I heard Roxas groan from his room. It seems as though my hearing was more acute than I thought. Considering I couldn't fall asleep anyway, I stood up and made my way to Roxas's room. He was sitting upright on his bed with his head in his hands.

''Something wrong, Rox?'' I asked, sitting down on the edge of the bed next to him.

It took a few minutes before he finally responded though. ''My head is killing me...''

''Wanna take a painkiller?''

''Want me to upchuck my stomach?''

''...I see. Well if you won't take medicine, I suggest you stop complaining like you're dying and shut your mouth.''

Roxas pouted at me and grumbled under his breath. I reached out to pull him close so his body rested on mine. He sighed, one hand massaging his temples.

I smiled down at him, burying my face in his blonde locks. ''...Rox, listen... Hear the rain?''

Roxas nodded against my chest and pulled away suddenly. He crawled across his bed and pushed the window open. My apartment was high up and the bedrooms faced the city, so anyone could get a clear view of it from here.

Roxas leaned half of his body out the window, holding on to the ledge with nothing but his fingertips. I rested my elbows against the windowsill next to him just to make sure he wouldn't fall out. Roxas had his mouth open, catching the raindrop on his tongue, others clinging to his face and eyelashes and dripping from his hair.

I knew what he was doing but either way, I asked, ''What're you doin'?''

His response only confused me slightly.

''...Catching the stars.''

x.x.x

Shugo: Well, thats the end of this chapter.

i'm sorry if this switching between points of views is getting on your nerves. but its the only way i can seem to write it. i'm planning on making the next chapter come just from Roxas. I've been thinking about going back into 3rd person POV but that might throw things off. So Roxas it is.

I've already started chapter 7 so I hope I can finish it quicker. :)

review?