Author's Note: I've got a few ideas for this story. But, as you know i get bad writer's block, so if anyone has any suggestions, at all for this story, then please let me know. Also, if any one wants me to add pairings or mention any characters more, lett me know.

Crimson Tears

9. Back to the Beginning

The title says it all; we're back to the beginning, well almost. Like I said in the beginning, I gave Zexion sympathy at some point. Well, this point is drawing near.

The next morning, a Thursday, I was still trying to figure out what to do about the whole not-getting-arrested thing. I bet my face was breaking out because of all the stress. Morning news at breakfast didn't help my churning stomach and sickened feelings of despair at all.

Sora was absent from breakfast again, maybe even from the whole school. He was still different, only different with a motive. Something told me it wasn't a very pleasant goal he was working toward. Now that he'd changed, I could practically envision him helping organize a murder. Although, no matter how I saw it, the Sora he was now didn't look like the type to work with anybody, let alone help them kill someone. Though… its not entirely impossible Sora isn't the real killer.

I twitched visibly, almost as if I was afraid Sora might be hiding somewhere, hearing my thoughts and planning my demise. And my suspicions were no longer paranoia, thank you very much. If you saw the brunette, you would suspect him too. Hell, you'd be afraid he'd come after you next.

At least, I was afraid of that. Every time I saw Sora, he seemed to directing a look scarier than death at me, and me alone.

Roxas dropped his spoon and ceased eating. I quickly returned my attention to the news. " A pocketknife has been found at the scene of the crime." A picture of a knife with fire painted along the handle flashed on the TV screen. I think I lost all color at that moment. "No fingerprints have been found, likely due to the rain. But still, the cops say, this clue may be useful." The newsman said. "Back to you Susan."

"Thank you William, in other news-"

I zoned out, staring blankly at the TV, not taking in any of the words. That is my knife! I thought, fear rattling my brain. How the fuck did it get there?

"Wait! More information regarding the recent murder is coming in. It may not be important to the case though. The body was found with lacerations all over his body. Perhaps the killer was a sadist-"

I blinked, staring again at the TV, this time in disbelief. "No it didn't…" I muttered. Demyx didn't have any cuts when I found him. Some ripped up skin, certainly enough for blood to pool from, but no clean cuts. No knife cuts.

"Huh?" Roxas looked at me, he had heard me. Shit.

"I'm just… I can't believe a fucker would do this to…" I looked down, "Demyx."

Roxas looked down as well, sadness on his face. "Sora says he'll kill him." The blonde looked back up. "The guy who did this."

It took a moment to register. So that's what Sora was doing. He was finding the guy who did it. Oh god… the way he looks at me, what if he already knows?

Gotta calm down, what if Roxas sees you freaking out. I stood up then, "I don't want to watch the news anymore. See ya later Rox." I waved goodbye half-heartedly and left. As soon as I was out of sight of the cafeteria I hugged my chest and leaned against a tree. God, what was I gonna do?

By then I knew one thing, I could not have done it. I would never do more than punch the blonde, let alone play cutter with him. But whoever had cut him… with my knife, they must've come right before the sirens, why was there no fingerprints. Was I being framed… or was someone trying to direct the attention away from me.

No, whoever had the nerve to show up right before the cops and cut him up must've been trying to frame me. But how did they get the knife…?

Maybe I dropped it. That would've worked out in the killers' favor. But why would they purposely add the cuts? Just so there'd be physical evidence linking to my knife, and me?

Or did the killer have an alternative motive?

My head was spinning, so I didn't notice it when Zexion came back to the school, and Xemnas stopped to 'talk'. But I did notice by the time a crowd had gathered. I pushed my way through the people, towards the front.

Zexion looked beyond pissed.

"That little prick was a waste of space anyway," Xemnas stated, confidence in his voice. Then came the taunting, "It's not like you to grieve Zexion. After all, he's not coming back this time."

That heartless fucker! I didn't think, I simply lunged at the uncaring bastard.

Crack.

Xemnas's nose was bleeding, I smiled, slightly psychotic, before giving a glare to rival Sora's new one. "Learn to shut your mouth jackass."

I could faintly distinguish the approving sounds of the crowd as Xemnas walked off, he hadn't predicted me, that was for damn sure.

I turned to look at Zexion, he was staring at me, unreadable expression. Then he ran. He ran towards the forest. "Wait!"

I ran after him, barely aware of why I was even doing this. "Zexion!" I shouted, trying to catch up to him. For a small guy, he could cover quite a bit of ground in a short time span.

"Zexion!" I pleaded again.

The lilac haired teen ran into a tree, I rushed forward. It wasn't like him to run into things. As I approached he slumped to the ground, making weak little sounds.

I could feel my heart swelling with sadness at his weakened state. I shook my head slightly. I refused to feel sympathy for this guy. No matter how bad his predicament is.

As I crouched down to look him in the eyes, I couldn't help but wonder if all killers felt sympathy for their victims' friends. I doubted it. Maybe that's what made me crazy.

Zexion's lips were in a pathetic scowl, it looked forced. His eyes were watery and red. "Zexion…" I murmured, reaching up to wipe some water from his face.

He stayed frozen in place until I removed my hand. All was silent for a moment. Then Zexion unfroze. He whimpered, falling forward into my torso and sobbing quietly.

I couldn't deny it. I. Felt. Bad.

I felt sympathy for the guy.

Wrapping my arms around him, a rubbed his back and stroked his hair. My chest felt sticky as we continued to sit there, Zexion sobbing into my embrace.

I had never seen him so weak, so emotional. Like some string holding him up had snapped, and during the fall he'd shattered.

We sat like that forever, me holding him, keeping him from falling further.

I have to admit. I never wanted to let go.