If it Never Happened: A slice of life take on what the Kingdom Hearts characters from the FemSora universe would be going through if the events in the game never existed.
Author's note: Disclaimer- I do not own the lyrics to "Hold Onto You" by NateWantstoBattle. Be sure to check out the song and Music Video on YouTube and support this amazing artist!
Chapter 11: Axel Makes a Move
Vanita had only been on the island for two days and already she was highly popular. The girls found her fashionable and cool, while the boys found her hot and empowering. She liked to flirt, showing just the slightest attention to each boy that approached her to make their knees go weak. It was a skill she'd perfected and flaunted.
"No shame…" Roxas grumbled as her and Sora stood off to the side watching their cousin getting crowds of attention. "The girl has absolutely no shame!"
"Don't pay her any attention, Roxas." Sora pat her shoulder and cocked her head in Terra's direction. He was probably only one of few males in the area that was ignoring her. He was with Riku on the docks, the two of them in deep discussion about something. "Terra's not. Let her do what she wants, it doesn't have to affect you at all."
"I guess you're right… but still just having her here in the same vicinity is… unnerving." She shuddered the word and rubbed her arms. She walked the few extra feet down the wooden bridge on the little island. Sora ran ahead of her and climbed onto her usual spot looking out to sea. "You said you talked to Venus?"
"Yeah, I asked her why Vanita is being made to live down here and she said it was their mom's decision. Apparently she's being punished for getting kicked out of school."
"Tch, that figures. What did she do?" Roxas lounged back on the tree looking up at her sister who sat upon the bent trunk.
"That's where it gets weird… according to Venus, Vanita was already in hot water for causing problems at school… but this time she copped to something she didn't do." She glanced over her shoulder at Vanita who let out a husky laugh as Tidus tried to impress her by doing one armed hands stands. "One of Venus' classmates claimed Vanita pulled a cruel prank… something involving jockstraps and superglue."
"Yeesh… gross. That sounds like something she'd do. Why is Venus so sure Vanita didn't do it?"
"Because Venus says she knows who really did it. Vanita knew too, but still took the blame and the punishment."
"Are we sure we're talking about the same Vanita? Why the hell would she cop to someone else's crime, especially if she was already in trouble for her own acts of evil?" Roxas pointed out lifting a finger and tapping the air. "Something about that doesn't add up."
"If I'm being honest, I think we're just going to hurt our heads if we try to understand her." Sora suggested kicking her legs back and forth. "She's not living at our house… and for the most part she's behaving. My suggestion is we keep a wide berth and just let her do her time."
"I suppose you're right." Roxas sighed. "Still…"
"Yo, ladies!" Axel strolled up and twin heads glanced in his direction. "Why aren't you joining the party?"
"Isn't it obvious?" Roxas tugged on her hair and Axel stifled a quick grin by rubbing his mouth.
"Right… So she's THAT cousin... Still that was years ago, surely she's matured some since then, right?"
"Please…" Roxas jerked a thumb at Vanita who sat regally atop of Tidus and Wakka's shoulders as they walked her around the beach. "You call that, maturity?"
"Better than tugging on your pigtails, am I right?" He gave Roxas' hair a teasing tug and had her cheeks flushing. "Honestly when was the last time you interacted with her? She may not be so bad."
"Easy for you to say, she'd didn't set you on fire." Roxas pouted.
"Point taken. I'm just saying that people mature. They change, most of the time for the better, so give 'em a chance. They may surprise you."
Something in his voice had Roxas' eyes going soft and affectionate. In the back of her mind she knew he didn't just mean Vanita. He was talking about himself.
She wanted to be friends with Axel… but having him be relaxed and intimate around her again just reminded her why she'd fallen in love with him in the first place. It was dangerous… and painful.
"I'll think about it," She brushed his hand away and turned her head so she wouldn't have to look into those alluring eyes. "...but I doubt I'll ever change my mind."
Down on the beach Vanita glanced up just in time to see the interaction between Roxas and Axel. Her brow rose curiously.
"Hmmm… I didn't know Roxas has a boyfriend."
"She and Terra have been dating for weeks now. Surprised us to, ya?" Wakka glanced at Tidus with a weary smile. He was starting to lose feeling in his left shoulder.
"Terra?" Vanita looked surprised then scowled. "She's not dating the red head?"
"Who Axel? No, but they have history."
"Yeah, Roxas dumped him, said he wasn't taking their relationship seriously, and moved onto Terra who was rebounding from his own breakup with Aqua." Tidus grunted before he and Wakka fell face first into the sand. Vanita landed smoothly on her feet in front of them.
"Humph… is that so?" Her eyes veer towards Terra her lip twitching with some amusement. "You haven't changed a bit Terra." she muttered under her breath and casually strolled in his direction.
Terra felt her coming and every muscle in his body tensed up. He glanced up towards the platform where Axel was now talking with Roxas and Sora.
"Riku...you may wanna go intercede on Axel. I don't think it's sunk into his brain that Sora and Roxas are both taken."
"He knows, he just doesn't care." Riku grumbled but started making his way over anyway. Terra let out an easy breath then straightened his shoulders so he could face Vanita.
"Can I help you with something?"
"So cold...we haven't seen each other in three years and yet this is how you greet me?" Vanita gave him a cool smile. "We've been living in the same house for the past day and a half and you've barely spoken a word to me."
"If I recall correctly the last time I said anything to you, you threatened to rip my lips off." Terra reminded her.
"I think it was justified." She scowled at him. "Considering I'd just found out the real reason you asked me to be your girlfriend." She glanced over her shoulder. "Your taste in girls hasn't changed much. First me, then Aqua, and now Roxas? I wonder how she would feel knowing she is just Venus' replacement."
"You shut up, you don't know a thing about my relationship with Roxas." He told her in a warning growl.
"Tch, please… I know better than anyone. You openly choose to date the poor imitations because you can't have the real one."
"Roxas and Aqua aren't the poor imitations...you are." The hurt and anger flashed so hot and clear in her eyes he nearly regretted saying it… but her smile came back quick and cunning.
"You may be right about that. It's a good thing we went our separate ways or I might have gone soft. I was so stuck on you I went blind to your true goal, but not anymore. I know your game Terra, so go ahead and play with Roxas. It's of no consequence to me as she's the closest thing you'll ever get to playing with the original." She flipped her hair over her shoulder as she turned her back to him.
"Tch you've always been like that." Terra sneered. "You think you can shove everyone away from your sister and that'll keep her safe. What you're actually doing is making her rely on you, and keeping her from making any real friends… but now she's free from you. As annoying and infuriating as you are to me I'll take it all knowing she's better off without you."
"Even if I'm not with her I'm still protecting her. We're twins and that's a deep and special connection nothing can break, not even space and time." Vanita stretched her hand up to the sky and clenched it into a fist as if to catch the sun . "She may be far away… but we're bound together like Day and Night. I'm the night, and Venus is the day. Venus will shine brightly and bring light to the world..." She glanced back, those gold eyes cold and her smile wicked. "... But sooner or later night will come, and cast the world into darkness."
~Later~
The garage door was wide open letting out the smooth bumping sounds of rock. Axel stroked the strings of his guitar with Demyx playing bass beside him. At the drums was Saix who stoically tapped a rhythm.
They'd formed the band "Nobodies" at the beginning of high school, and it'd been their dream to eventually travel out to the mainland and perform for the masses. Little by little they saved up going to earn enough for that trip… but after the past few years of disappointment and failure all three of them were letting go of that dream, and continued to play just for fun.
Axel closed his eyes and just let the melody come to him and flow from his vocal chords.
"I've done my best to look inside, but I found nothing no shame no pride. I need something to hang on to. I miss when you were here by my side."
He lost himself in his own lyrics. He'd written the song right after his breakup with Roxas and nearly tossed the song away because it was too… revealing. That was the point though...emotional songs always struck a chord with others. So instead he'd tucked it away, hoping to just move on and forget about Roxas... But found he couldn't.
"They dress you up to fit the part. Believe that you don't have the heart. Now I've grown so sick of running, to find I'm only at the start… i'm at the start"
He'd hoped Sora could be the key to healing him. In her he'd found a friend and someone he'd come to truly like with the potential of love...but the more he thought about it the more he knew Sora could never replace Roxas in his heart. She belonged to Riku… and he was right back where he started in heartbreak city.
"Remember, remember, please remember who I used to be."
That's right, he sighed a little between verses. Remember me, Roxas. Remember why you love me, why I'm the only one for you!
~Flashback~
"Do you really have to do this?" Saix climbed out of the boat crossing his arms. "You're just gonna make a fool of yourself."
"Gee thanks for the vote of confidence," Axel said with a smirk over his shoulder. "Relax, I know what I'm doing."
School was always a bore but once summer hit the island was full of promising adventures. He didn't go to the little island often, but today he was on a mission.
The girls Selphie, Sora and her sister Roxas sat on the beach watching Riku take on Tidus and Wakka in a little fighting match. Though they all lived in the same neighborhood Axe hadn't had much interaction with them outside of school. His closest friends were Saix and Demyx who live across the street from him… still he'd heard about Riku's strength and wanted to test his own abilities against the guy. He also wouldn't mind showing off for the cute girls Riku was always surrounded by.
"Do you really have to do this?" Saix climbed out of the boat crossing his arms. "You're just gonna make a fool of yourself."
"Gee thanks for the vote of confidence," Axel said with a smirk over his shoulder. "Relax, I know what I'm doing."
"Fine, but don't come crying to me when you lose." Saix held his hands up in defeat and went to go find a suitable spot to watch.
"Alright then…" rolling his shoulders Axel jumped down onto the sand and called out. "Hey Riku! How's about a fresh challenger?"
RIku glanced up from helping Wakka and Tidus in the sand and had to laugh. He crossed his arms in his traditional confident pose.
"You mean you? I doubt you'll be much of a challenge."
"There goes his ego…" Sora sighed heavily and cupped her hands around her mouth. "You gotta lose sometime Riku!"
"Maybe, but I doubt I'll lose to him." He jerked a thumb in Axel's direction. "Why don't you take him on instead, Sora. If he can beat a novice like you then maybe I'll consider his challenge."
"Novice!? I'll show you novice you jerk!" Sora got up, grabbing her own sword and rushing across the sand jumping head first into battle.
"...and there goes Sora's pride." Roxas sighed.
"Yeah go get 'em Sora!" Selphie jumped to her feet to cheer for her friend. Roxas shook her head and got to her feet. She walked over to Axel offering him a gentle smile. "You may wanna sit down. This could take awhile."
"Are they always like this?" Axel asked leaning back on the dock his arms crossed over his chest.
"Yes, they've been friends since before they could talk and have had this friendly rivalry that's always kept them close." She stood beside him, tucking a piece of blonde hair behind her ear.
"Sounds like you're a little envious of that." he noticed and glanced down at her. She watched the battle with somber eyes, but a hint of a smile twitching at her eyes.
"Maybe… Sora and I are twins but she's always had an easier time making friends. Sure I have friends like Selphie, Tidus, and Wakka but…" She played with the ends of her shirt those eyes going somber again. "I just haven't really found anyone I connect with like Sora does with Riku."
"Maybe you just did." Axel turned holding his hand out to her. "We haven't really been introduced. The name's Axel… got it memorized?" He used his free hand to tap his temple.
Roxas looked at his hand then up into his eyes. Her smile went sweet and genuine and she look his hand, their palms clasping.
"Nice to meet you Axel… My name's Roxas."
"Roxas huh?" He let the hold linger a little, liking the way her palm fit into his. "So tell me something, Roxie…. Do you like ice cream?"
"I love ice cream!" Her eyes went bright and she turned to him fully as their handshake broke. "My favorite is Sea-Salt ice cream."
"Cool, let's go get some." He wrapped an arm around her shoulder and guided her towards the dock.
"What about your match?" She pointed back at Riku and Sora who were still arguing.
"Ah, forget it..." He grinned at her. "I think I've found something I like doing better."
"What would that be?" She took his hand letting her guide him onto the rowboat. When he climbed in to join her, his fingers reached out to tug at the ends of her blonde hair.
"Spending time with you."
~End of Flashback~
As the song began to end he opened his eyes, that teal color brimming wet as the pain hit fresh. He couldn't move on. He couldn't let go of the precious memories he and Roxas shared. The two of them belonged together, damn it… and he was bound determined to prove that to her.
"...but I can't believe that it's true. You're a memory I can't lose. I'll hold on to you."
The solo applause snapped him back to reality and he looked up to see Vanita leaning against the opened garage frame.
"Very nice… you've got some serious pipes, red." She crossed her arms, the smile on her lips mischievous and seriously attractive.
"Thanks…" he glanced at the others. "Let's call it a night, guys. We can pick this up same time tomorrow."
"Fine by me, I've got errands to run for my parents anyway." Saix said setting his sticks back down.
"Yeah, and I'm late for dinner. See yah, Ax!" Demyx jogged with his bass still strapped around him.
Once alone Axel stuck his hands in his pockets and walked to Vanita.
"Can I help you with something?"
"You know, that's the second time a boy's asked me that today." She laughed and looked him up and down. Hmmm, fairly attractive, unique, and his voice had a way of piercing through the heart. "I was actually hoping I could help you out."
"Help me?" Axel laughed. "Why? We don't exactly know each other… but I've heard a lot of stories about you, Vanita."
"All true," she winked. "I'm not at all ashamed of it either… but there are some things you just grow out of… and pulling pranks is one of them." She stood up straight. "I hear you used to date my cousin, Roxas."
"True fact… what of it?" His friendly smile fell at the direction this conversation was taking.
"You're in love with her?" She asked her own wicked smile still present. Something in her eyes had Axel fidgeting uncomfortably.
"That's not really your business. Do you have a point, Vanita?" He tapped his fingers along his bicep.
"Yeah… I've a proposition for you." She stepped towards him, their bodies brushing.
"What kind of proposition?" He took a step back but she kept walking towards him. His back hit the opposite frame and she now pressed into him. "Hey, knock it off, will yah?"
"This kind." Her arms came up and around his neck and she stood up on her toes and pulled him into a deep long kiss. Axel's eyes went wide and his fingers dig into her hips to try and pry her off… but couldn't seem to find the willpower to do so.
After a moment she pulled back, those gold eyes glowing in the dim light. He blinked.. .shock and confusion clearly on his face.
"What the hell was that for?"
"Like I said, it's a proposition. I know all about heartbreak, Axel. I know what it's like to love someone, think they're your one and only… but come to find out you're not what they want. You never were." She stroked her hands up his chest and he grabbed her hands to keep them from wandering. "I'm offering up a chance to move on… to find someone you can connect with. Or do you want to pine for Roxas for the rest of your life?"
Axel narrowed his eyes. He'd have shoved her away at the notion… but noticed the sadness and hurt that had flashed in her eyes when she'd spoken of heartbreak. She wasn't lying… she wasn't baiting him… his gut told him these feelings she was expressing were real.
"I don't want to pine… but I don't think dating you would be the answer. No one can take Roxas' place in my heart. Believe me I've tried."
"Maybe not… I'm not asking you to forget about her. I'm not wanting to replace her either. You can't forget about your first love, no matter how much you want to. Still you can't just let it ruin you for any other chances you have at happiness. So consider it a temporary arrangement." She held up three fingers. "Three months… date me for three months and if things don't work out, no hard feelings. We can go our separate ways and hope that with time our hearts will mend themselves." She stepped back and offered her hand. "Deal?"
Axel frowned at her hand... and gave this proposition some thought. Roxas was with Terra… she was happy with him and it didn't look like the two of them would break up anytime soon. Still… he couldn't just give up on her. He didn't want to give up on her. He still had a chance to change her mind… didn't he?
"I'll think about it... but I doubt I'll ever change my mind."
Her words, and the fact she'd brushed him off had the last bits of his resistance failing. This could damn him or save him… either way he couldn't just keep pining for Roxas. Something had to change… HE had to change. If Roxas wasn't going to come back to him, he needed to move on. Gritting his teeth he ignored her hand and grabbed a fist full of Vanita's hair to pull her in for another kiss.
Kissing her was like indulging in too much ice cream… Sweet, satisfying and yet there was this ache in his gut he couldn't ignore. He'd have to suffer through the consequences of this wild spontaneous action… no matter what it cost him.
"Deal."
~Ask Briry~
Briry: Sorry for the long delay! I hope it was worth the wait! I'll be bouncing back and forth between this and "If we had Hearts" but expect more frequent updates from now on! Thanks for the support and patience!
Next Chapter: Rivalry in Love