Five Things

-Roxas-

Rocky

Sometimes people get the impression that Roxas and Namine's relationship is flawless, like a well trodden road.

No bumps, no curves. Nothing unexpected. Just sunlit fields and blooming flowers.

However, that is not true. Like any road, and any relationship, sometimes the sun fades and clouds appear. Sometimes silver rain falls. The road didn't have bumps? That was because they had been removed. The rocks had been taken out.

Like now. Roxas was trying to get Namine to talk to him, but she just kept turning her head to the side.

"Namine, please." He begged, taking her hand. To his astonishment she removed her hand from his.

"Roxas…how could you?" She whispered, a tear on her cheek.

"I-I thought you knew. I'm only loosely with them, but sometimes I have to do something, Namine. Please, understand." Surely…only she could understand him…?

"Roxas." She whispered, sadly turning her head. "You helped them…rob someone?"

"It was important for the gang! You can't…expect me to…drop everything…"

Namine placed her fingers on his lips. "Please, Roxas. I know. I'm not asking you to leave the gang, and your other friends. I'm really not…" She paused. "But…I don't know…anymore…you said you were worried for my safety, didn't you?"

Roxas nodded mutely.

"Well, how do you think I feel? Having to worry about where you're going when you actually…well…do the jobs they ask you."

"I'm really sorry, Namine." He repeated softly, taking her fingers in his. "Please, understand." He begged in a quiet voice.

"I know you have to. But tell me when you do. We're in this together, right? Then let me come with you."

Roxas's heart skipped several beats. Panic suffused him.

"I can't take you. Imagine if the other gangs…"

"But then how will I know you're all right?" She argued.

Roxas sighed. "I'm sorry. I can't take you with me. I'm afraid of what will happen to you. Besides, I don't want to drag you into the muck with me."

He took both of her hands and stood up, smiling.

"I promise I will come back from each and every mission, even if the Mafia themselves get in the way." He grinned cheekily, and Namine laughed, hugging him. He stroked her hair.

"Okay, Roxas. But don't forget. Wherever you go, I'm always with you."

Suddenly, a voice called out, "Hey, that's my line!"

Roxas and Namine jumped apart, blushing, to see a giggling Kairi, come to visit from Destiny Islands, sprint by, with Sora in tow.

***

Sometimes he was torn between his friends and her.

Sometimes she wished she could go with him.