I Wish That She Was Mine.

Okay, so I definitely wasn't expecting that.

Axel stared at our dumbfounded expressions and smirked. "Surprise, surprise."

I shook my head. "Wait…" I shifted my fingers through my hair, "I don't get it…"

The redhead leaned back against the couch and rested his arms on top of the backrest. "Yes you do. Think about it."

I frowned and crossed my arms again. Think about it.

All they ever do is...well, y'know, so I guess that makes sense…

Larxene coming late to work in the morning…

Oh.

"Well then…" Demyx awkwardly scratched the side of his head, "Erm, congratulations?"

Axel laughed bitterly. "Thanks."

"When did you find out?" I asked.

"Weekend, obviously," He placed his arms on his thighs again and hunched over, "I called her on Sunday but she wasn't picking up, so naturally I got worried and went over to see what was going on. When she didn't answer the door I resorted to breaking in-"

"You broke in?" Demyx and I exclaimed simultaneously, and our eyes bulged even more when Axel nodded calmly.

"Well what else was I supposed to do? Anyways once I got inside she was in the bathroom. She was feeling sick all morning." He rubbed one eye. "The second she saw me standing there she just blew up, telling me how this was my fault and everything. She didn't exactly say why it was my fault, but I pieced everything together and found out."

"Wait, so you're only assuming she's pregnant?" I raised an eyebrow, "Maybe you're just over-thinking things."

"Oh no, no, she's definitely knocked up," My redheaded friend replied tiredly, "She threw the pregnancy test at me before kicking me out."

Demyx wrinkled his nose. "Ew."

My frown deepened. "I'm guessing Xemnas already knows." When Axel nodded I glanced at him. "He's cool with it?"

"He really has no other choice," He shrugged his bony shoulders, "You can't really replace us - we're the best he's ever had...well I dunno about Demyx-"

"Hey!"

"-but yeah," My male best friend continued, "He's letting Larxene work until the last three months or something. The only reason why I know all of this is because the boss man approached me himself and gave me a talking-to." He laughed that bitter laugh again. "Funny how I had to hear this from my boss and not the girl I got pregnant…"

"So that means you're keeping the baby?" I ruffled my hair.

"Yeah - well, I guess Larxene decided for me."

"But what about you?" Demyx asked, "Do you want to keep it? It's yours too, y'know!"

Axel glared at him. "I know that," He spat, "But she won't talk to me. It's my burden to carry too...and I'm willing to share my half of the load - maybe even more than half." He sighed deeply and shook his head. "I don't know how I get myself into these situations."

"Well you're gonna have to talk to her eventually," I pointed out, "And I personally think she's been given enough time to cool off. You should just keep trying to reach her, Axel. Let her know that you won't let her raise the kid alone."

He sighed a third time. "But you know how stubborn she is. It's gonna be hard to get through to her." He chuckled sadly. "Geez, she's acting as if all of this was totally my fault." Demyx snorted, and Axel raised an eyebrow. "What's so funny?"

The dirty blond snorted again. "I'm just trying to picture you as a dad."

I couldn't help but laugh. That was pretty funny…

Axel whipped a pillow in Demyx's direction and roared with laughter when he got him square in the face. "Serves you right, idiot." He turned to glower at me and I immediately shut up. "That's what I thought." He stood up and stretched his arms. "Well...it's high time I got outta here. I need to sleep this hangover away."

"Don't sleep the entire day away," I rolled my eyes as I led him and Demyx to the door, "You should try talking to Larxene tonight."

The redhead groaned. "Do I have to?"

"Just keep trying," I insisted as I unlocked the door, "You're gonna get to her eventually." I waved to Demyx as he walked outside, but just as Axel was heading out he stopped. "What?"

"Ah, what the hell," He turned around and smirked, "I was gonna tell you not to tell a soul but I already know you're gonna tell your lady friend."

My cheeks grew hot. "I wasn't planning to-"

"It doesn't matter, Roxas. Everyone's gonna find out anyway - better sooner than later, right?" He laughed and gave me one of his salutes. "See you Monday."

I guess I had to tell Naminé now…

Well I couldn't tell her now - she was going on a date with Riku later tonight. I guess it could wait until tomorrow.

I lounged around my apartment for the remainder of the morning, trying to find something to do. I cleaned up a bit and played around with my guitar, but other than that I was bored to death. Maybe I should've asked Demyx and Axel if they wanted to hang out…

I heard my cell phone ring from my room, and I rushed to answer it. I raised an eyebrow when I spotted Naminé's name blinking on the screen. "Er, hello?"

"Hi Roxas," She chirped, "How are you?"

I rumpled the back of my hair as I crawled onto my bed. "Uh, I'm alright. You?"

"Peachy. Say, are you busy tonight?"

As if I wasn't confused enough… "No, I don't think so-"

"Oh, that's great! Do you wanna hang out with me and Riku?"

My heart was so ready to burst out of my chest at that moment. "Um...come again?"

"Riku and I are going out tonight, but I talked to him about it and he said it would be really cool if you came too," She explained happily, "He said he really wants to meet you!"

I laughed nervously; my other hand was still in my hair, "W-why would he want to meet me?"

"Because I told him about how awesome you are, duh." She paused for a minute, probably to tug on her hair. "Um...is your dad okay?"

"Er, yeah. I just talked to him this morning. The cast's a little itchy but other than that he's fine."

Naminé giggled. "That's good to hear. So...do you wanna come out tonight?" She then added in a slightly quieter voice, "I'd love it if you could."

I could feel the guilt flooding my lungs, and I clamped my eyes shut. "Yeah. I'll come." When she yipped for joy I inhaled slowly to ease the tension squeezing my stomach. "What are we doing tonight, exactly?"

"Nothing major - probably just dinner. I'll give you the directions." After telling me where to go she let out a high, airy laugh. "Ah, I'm so excited. I get to see my two favourite people tonight!"

A lump formed in my throat. "Yeah, I'm pretty sure it'll be fun. So...what time do you want me to meet you there?"

"Does seven sound okay?"

"Yeah, that's fine. I guess I'll see you at seven."

"Yep," I could hear the smile in her voice, "See you, Roxas!"

When she hung up I stared at my phone for a good five minutes. I've third-wheeled many times before with Axel and his kajillion 'girlfriends' in the past, but this...this was gonna be different, I know it will be.

My jealousy was bad enough when Riku wasn't around...and that time when I spied on them on the theatre...I almost lost it! How bad was it gonna be now that I was gonna interact with the guy face-to-face?

I lowered the rest of my body onto the mattress and closed my eyes, groaning in defeat. I was going to experience Riku's perfection head-on tonight. Was I ready for this? Was I ready to see just why Naminé found him so much better than me?

My phone was still in my hand. I wanted to call someone, talk to someone...but I didn't know who. Axel was busy getting over his hangover, and now I know that he has a way bigger problem to take care of at the moment I figured bothering him with more Naminé-related stuff wouldn't exactly help him right now. Sora's busy with his family today…

A lightbulb flickered in my head. I dialed quickly and held my phone up to my ear.

"Hello?" My oldest brother answered after the second ring.

"Ven," I breathed, "I need to talk to you."

He chuckled. "I didn't think you'd need my help so soon. Why, what's up?"

I thought about Axel, and I figured I should tell him now while I'm talking to him. "Well, first thing's first: Axel's gonna be a dad."

"Huh, interesting." He sounded awfully calm.

My eyes dulled. "How do you sound so calm?"

"I dunno...isn't that a good thing? He's gonna be a daddy. Was that why he got drunk the night before?"

"Well, it's actually more complicated than that-"

"Then I don't wanna hear any of it," My brother replied casually, "If he wants to tell me, then that's cool, but for now let's just leave it at the Axel's gonna be a dad part. I'd rather keep the story happy."

I sighed. Ven never was the type to take part in gossip - I mean, I never was either but my brother was one of Axel's closest friends. I figured he would've wanted to know. "Alright, fine…"

"So...you said you needed to talk to me?"

"Oh right - um, Naminé asked me to hang out with her tonight."

"That's good."

"Not really," My hand moved to the back of my hair, "Riku's gonna be there."

Ven let out a low whistle. "Ah, so you're stuck as the third wheel."

I hung my head. "Yeah."

"Well, why did you even agree to hang out in the first place? You know it's okay to say no."

"I know, but...I can't say no to her! I don't know why-"

"You must be head over heels for this chick, eh Roxas?" My brother chuckled, and my face flushed red. "Well, I guess there really isn't anything you can do at this point but suck it up and go with the flow."

My fingers shifted through my hair. "Is...is he really as cool as everyone says he is…?"

"To be honest with you, bro...yes, yes he is that cool." My heart sunk as he laughed. "You should at least have a vague idea, since you've met him at the art gallery. Naminé probably talks about him nonstop too."

"Don't remind me."

"Sorry. Well, you made your bed Rox - it's time to lie in it. Just try to have fun, alright?"

I frowned. "I'll try. Thanks."

Well, that conversation didn't help one bit. I groaned again and rolled onto my stomach, grabbing a pillow and shoving it on top of my head. Why didn't I say no...why didn't I make up some kind of stupid excuse...

I somehow managed to get through the afternoon, but as the time edged closer and closer to when I had to meet Riku my pulse quickened and my worries increased. What was I going to do? I was going to look like a total dork in comparison to godlike Riku...Naminé would be ashamed to have me as a friend.

I changed into jeans, sneakers and a red, black, blue and white plaid flannel shirt. Before leaving my room I spotted the small blue paper crane sitting on top of my clock radio, and for some reason I gingerly took it into my hands and slipped it into my pocket.

I absently rolled the sleeves up to my elbows as I trudged to the front door, and when I dragged my feet down the hallway my fingers unconsciously fumbled with my collar. I didn't turn on the radio when I languidly clambered into the car.

The restaurant was in a nice location, right on the edge of the city next to the water. It had an outdoor patio with strings of lights crisscrossing overhead, and catchy rock music was playing from the speakers. I spotted Riku and Naminé immediately; they were both wearing a light, creamy turquoise. I wondered if that was planned.

"Roxas!" Naminé bounded from her chair and I caught her just as she flung herself towards me. She grinned up at me and I tried my best to smile for her. "You made it."

'Yeah," I gulped as she grabbed my wrist and pulled me over to the table Riku was sitting, "Uh, this is a pretty nice place. Has a nice view."

"I know, right?" She beamed as she sat beside Riku; I awkwardly took my seat across from them, "Anyways, Riku...meet Roxas. Roxas, meet Riku."

Riku stood up, and so did I; he was only a few inches taller than I was...maybe around Ven's height. He extended his hand and I took it wordlessly; I could feel the callouses from where he probably spent long hours with a paintbrush or whatever stuck between his fingers. "It's so nice to finally meet you," He flashed me a million-dollar smile, and I suppressed the urge to cower, "I've heard a lot about you, Roxas."

I brushed off my jeans as I lowered back into my seat. "I-I've heard...heard a lot about you too. I-it's nice to finally meet you...t-too." Ugh, I sounded so stupid. Naminé was silently giggling behind her hand, and I was pretty sure she was laughing at me. "So...you and Naminé, eh?" I didn't mean for that to sound bitter, but I guess I couldn't help it.

Both Riku and Naminé blushed slightly. "It's funny how things work out," He laughed a bell-tone laugh and reached for Naminé's hand, which was resting on top of the table. I tried not to notice the way their fingers weaved perfectly together, "I guess everything really does happen for a reason, huh?"

So he was into the cheesy stuff too. "I guess." I gave them a faint smile, and when they squeezed each other's hands I awkwardly cleared my throat. "So...have you guys been here before?"

"Yeah," Naminé smiled as she let go of Riku's hand to reach for the menu, "It's one of the first places we went to when we started going out. The food here is great."

Going out. They were going out. Did that mean their relationship was official? Were they legitimately boyfriend and girlfriend?

Naminé never called Riku her boyfriend before...and she still hasn't referred to him as her boyfriend - yet right at that moment she said they were going out. Did that have any significant meaning?

I'm over-thinking this, aren't I?

I took a menu and browsed through it just for the sake of having something different to look at rather than the couple sitting in front of me. "Hm, everything does sound appetizing."

Naminé stood up and smoothed out her skirt. "I'll be right back - gotta use the bathroom." She skipped off to enter the restaurant, and I was left with the god himself.

Riku was slightly hunched over, perusing the menu. The wind swept through his long silvery hair, and his turquoise golf shirt was just as vivid as his turquoise eyes…

Okay, let's not fall in love with the guy…

"Y'know, Roxas," He straightened up and cleared the bangs away from his eyes, "You look very familiar."

I gulped. Uh oh… "P-pardon?"

He laughed another perfect laugh. "Have we met before? I swear I've seen you somewhere…"

The lump in my throat grew larger, and it was getting difficult to swallow. "I-I don't think w-we've-"

"What did you say your last name was? Did you even say what it was? I can't recall." He gave me an apologetic smile.

"A-Atsumori," I stuttered, "My last name's Roxas - I mean, my full name's Roxas Atsumori."

"Atsumori!" He exclaimed, and my eyes widened in fear, "No wonder you look so familiar! You're Sora's brother, aren't you? His twin?"

I wasn't sure whether it was right to feel relieved or even more frightened. "Y-yeah, he's my brother."

He chuckled and shook his head, his silvery tendrils of hair flowing gracefully around his chiseled face - no, I don't have a crush on him...I'm just describing his perfection. "Why haven't we spoken before? I've known him since college and we keep in touch, yet I've never met the rest of his family!"

I chuckled sadly and ruffled my hair. "I have no idea. He mentioned you briefly once, I think."

"Briefly?" He scoffed jokingly, "Huh, some friend he is." We both laughed - mine forced, his genuine. "He's a good guy, your brother. I see him every Sunday."

"I know - I babysit his kids while you're off having fun."

"Oh, so you're the one who looks after the tykes," Riku laughed again, "Miyo and Koji...they're adorable. Koji's exactly like his dad - it's kind of scary."

"He really is," I agreed as I closed my menu, "He can be a handful but he's a good kid overall - and Miyo's a sweetheart."

"Just like her mom." Riku closed his menu and flicked his bangs away again. "You're a very lucky guy, Roxas."

I blinked, confused. "H-how?"

He winked just as Naminé came back. "Did you guys order yet?" She asked as she returned to her seat; she reached for Riku's hand again, and they entwined their fingers.

"Not yet. We wanted to wait for you. Say," He turned towards her and when she gave him an adoring smile my heart clenched together, "Did you know one of my closest friends just happened to be Roxas' twin brother? We just found that out right before you came back!"

Naminé's head immediately snapped towards me. "Why didn't you tell me Sora was Riku's best friend?"

"Er," I reached for my hair, "I-"

"Then…" Naminé returned her attention to Riku; she reached for his other hand and glanced up at him, "It must be fate." She sighed dreamily, and Riku laughed as she moved to rest her head against his shoulder.

For some reason this reminded me of one of Naminé's dumb Korean dramas. It must've been the cheesiness.

We eventually ordered our food and ate while chatting casually, but the entire time I was getting to know Riku I couldn't stop thinking about what he told me.

"You're a very lucky guy, Roxas."

What did he mean by that? There were so many possibilities…

"It was really great meeting you, Roxas," Somehow we ended up in the parking lot; Riku shook my hand and I shook his half-heartedly, "I hope we hang out again soon. This was fun."

I smiled vaguely. "Y-yeah, it was."

Naminé was hugging Riku's arm. "I'll be waiting for you tomorrow, Roxas."

I gave them a small wave as I headed to my car. It was hard driving back since I was in a complete daze; I could barely remember leaving my car and riding the elevator all the way up to my apartment. When I finally reached my room I sat on the edge of my bed for a very long time. I pulled out the paper crane from my pocket and fiddled with it in between my fingers. It was still perfect and intact.

"You're a very lucky guy, Roxas."

I pictured their joined hands on top of the table. I remembered the way Naminé's face lit up when he looked at her. I envisioned the way she held on tightly to his arm before we said goodbye.

"You're a very lucky guy, Roxas."

Was I really so lucky?

A/N: Chapter Inspiration: I Want Your Girlfriend To Be My Girlfriend by Reel Big Fish.

Some of the music I pictured playing in the restaurant: Hero/Heroine by Boys Like Girls, Semi-Charmed Life by Third Eye Blind, Cliff Diving by (+44) and Kiss Me by New Found Glory.

Thank you to all who have read, reviewed, favourited and alerted this story so far! I love you all =)