Title: We're Not Done

Author: roxminallo

Disclaimer: I claim no rights in regards to the characters that Disney and Square-Enix own.

Rating: NC-17 with strong language and triggers including but not limited to depression and anxiety.

Pairings: AkuRoku, SoRiku

Category: Alternate Universe, romance, humor, drama, and yaoi.

Date Begun: April 27th, 2016

Date Posted: May 17th, 2016

*****Authors Note: Again everybody, thank you so much for the follows, the favorites, and the reviews. Bellilum: I get what you're saying, totally. I was planning on clearing all of that up in the next couple chapters, but I see what you mean. I'm going to finish the story, and then go back and add more into that, to flush that out a little better. This is actually the story of my best friends breakup, and I was the "Kairi" in this situation, so I'm basing it off of that, but I realize that when dealing with something like anxiety and depression, you need to really put a character in the right mindset, and fixate them on what is making them tick, and what is making them lash out and shut down. I really appreciate your review, and I'm definitely going to work on editing the past six chapters.

Chapter Eight: Lest Faith Turn to Despair

To: Axel

I wanted to apologize for the way I handled everything the other night.. Before I get in front of you, I know exactly what I want to say, and the minute you're there, I just freeze. I realize how I've been handling this situation is completely unfair to you, and I know you desperately want me to hear you out, but I just can't. I've heard enough, and before I break down further than I already am, I need you to realize that it needs to stop. It's so hard to be in the same room with you because I just want to hold you. But I also want to scream at you till I lose my voice, because I can't stop thinking about what you did to me, and then I start thinking about the rest of our relationship, and then I start wondering if our entire relationship was a lie, and what else you lied to me about. And then I start wondering if you even loved me, and then before I know it, I'm screaming at you about how I don't want to hear your excuses, and how I won't talk to you, and I am sorry, Axel. I really am, but I need some time to calm down. You say that you didn't cheat on me, but every fiber of my being can't accept that answer. I've tried to tell myself countless times this week that you're telling the truth, and that it's just a rumor, but I cannot let myself believe that. My mind is running with all these thoughts and I am scaring the shit out of myself. I need to you to promise me that we're going to try to move on from this, because it's ripping me up inside not being able to be near you. I want to be able to talk to you, or hang out with you one day, but I just don't know when that day will come. I'm really sorry that I can't say this to your face, and that you have to read this, but my mind runs so fast, and I freak myself out and break down when I'm in front of you, and this is the only way to get it out. I will listen to whatever you have to say back, and I will try to understand it, but I can't promise you anything Axel. I'll try my hardest, but I'm just not in a place right now to see you.

"We decided to set Romeo and Juliet in 1929 Berlin, four years before the start of the Holocaust," Kairi stated effortlessly, earning the attention from her entire class. It wasn't entirely hard to grasp their attention, because almost every project of the day had been a complete flop and waste of time.

"I'm sure we all know the plot to Romeo and Juliet, basically because we were required to read it, but if you happened to have 'forgot,'" Kairi emphasized the word with air quotes, earning a few snickers from her classmates. "It is a story about star-crossed lovers in an environment that was set against them from the start. Two families that couldn't have been more different, and the differences which end up killing their son, and daughter," she spoke. She nudged Roxas gently, motioning for him to continue.

"Um, yeah," he paused. "Many people have decided to take this basic plot structure, and re-create it and re-tell it in more modern times, like in the musical West Side Story," he said.

"Isn't that the one about AIDS?" Rikku asked loudly, raising her hand and swinging it in the air.

"No, it is the American Broadway classic about the harsh struggle of immigration, and two opposing gangs of New York City that stop star-crossed lovers, Tony and Maria from truly being together, educate yourself," Kairi said quickly, earning a round of laughter from the class.

"Anyway…" Roxas continued after the laughter died down. He caught Professor Xemnas's stare and decided that his reaction was intrigued, making him smile only slightly. "We decided to do our own sort of re-telling, like Kairi said. Set in the pre-holocaust era in Berlin Germany, just when the Nazi's were beginning to rise in power," he nodded; pleased that he was able to talk to the class without showing he didn't do any of the work. Kairi smiled, placing a trifold poster board onto the front desk and opening it up quickly. The board revealed pictures of costumes, and architecture, splattered with glitter glue and bubble letters galore. The poster did nothing to match the tone of the presentation they were giving, but throw glitter and bubble letters at any non-honors class, and you're off of the shit-list for at least two weeks.

"First, we have the Capulet's and their daughter Juliet. The Capulet's were a wealthy Jewish family. Juliet's father, a doctor in the heart of Berlin. In Germany in 1929, the Jewish population was split pretty much down the middle, with rich, and poor families scattered across," Kairi spoke easily.

Roxas sighed lightly, watching his classmate's eyes dance across the poster board. He could tell that they were all listening intently, simply happy that someone's project was finally interesting. He listened to Kairi explain the background of Germany, and the conflict with Romeo being German born, and being recruited for Nazi youth.

"Running away together wasn't entirely an option, because of the boundaries set in Berlin during the time. They both decided to go into hiding together, but like in the original play, there was a mix-up with their letter, the plan, and the sleeping medication, and thus the famous poison scene," Kairi finished happily, earning a small round of applause from their classmates and the professor.

"I just don't get how somebody can fail at poisoning themselves," Larxene prodded loudly, looking Kairi straight in the eyes.

"Well, you see-" Kairi began easily, before being interrupted by Vanitas.

"Apparently it happens," he shrugged. "Roxas knows all about that though. How many Ambien does it take to put you to sleep for good, huh?"

Roxas eyes widened, and he immediately felt Kairi's hand on his wrist. He shook her off, his body enflaming and throat closing. His breathing quickened, and he immediately felt warm, looking around the classroom at his classmate's puzzled looks.

"Or does that only happen when you mix that with alcohol and anti-depressants?" Larxene laughed, blowing a lock of hair away from her face.

"That's enough you two-" Professor Xemnas stepped in, placing a gentle hand on both Kairi and Roxas's shoulders.

"W-What have I ever done to you?!" Roxas stuttered, staring the two down while his body shook lightly. Tears dotted the corners of his eyes, and he swallowed hard.

"You've done plenty to me," Vanitas spat, standing up out of his chair quickly, Larxene's hand bolting to keep him sitting.

"Vanitas! Larxene!" Xemnas stated loudly, motioning for Roxas and Kairi to exit the room.

"He isn't worth it Van. Natural selection," she scoffed, pulling Vanitas down to his seat.

"I said that's enough!" Professor Xemnas shouted, slamming his hand against his desk startling the entire classroom. "Both of you to the office," he spat. "Now."

The bell overhead rang, signaling the end of the English period. Kairi closed the poster board quickly, laying it flat on the table and immediately running over to Roxas.

"Roxas, you're going to be okay. Just breathe," she said lightly, rubbing reassuring circles on his arms. She watched as the blonde took deep breaths.

"I don't know how they found out, but the rest of the class obviously didn't know what they were talking about. It's going to be okay, just breathe," Kairi said, grabbing the bottle of water that was in her backpack.

Roxas shook his head side to side, small white and black dots lining his vision as he accepted shaky breaths. He grabbed the bottle of water that Kairi had handed to him, and greedily drank the entire thing.

"Roxas, may I have a word with you?" Xemnas stepped in, his overbearing presence doing little to calm the nerves in the blonde haired boy. "I assure you that an outburst of that nature will not happen in my class again," he spoke easily, leaning against the desk in the front of the class.

"Professor-"

"Kairi I'd like to speak with Roxas alone," Xemnas said quickly, eyeing the redhead until she gathered her things and began to walk out of the classroom. She looked back hesitantly, and sighed lightly.

"I'll call you, Rox. It's okay. I promise," she placed a smile on her face, ignoring the impatient expression Xemnas was casting her. Roxas nodded gently, squeezing the plastic water bottle, creating a soft crunching noise that seemed to echo throughout the classroom.

"I don't want to make a big deal out of what happened this weekend-"

"How do you even know?" Roxas gasped gently, his voice slightly wavering.

"Is that really the point here?" Xemnas asked, crossing his arms lightly. He sighed, taking off his glasses to rub his temples. "Roxas, I've had a talk with the school counselor, and we think that-"

"I'm not crazy!" Roxas yelled. "I didn't try to kill myself, I made a stupid mistake, so everyone needs to stop blowing it out of proportion!"

"I didn't say what you did or didn't do," Xemnas spoke sternly, watching as Roxas's expression melted. "I am only saying that we think it would be smart if you talked to somebody about this that you feel wouldn't judge you. Somebody that isn't a close friend or a relative. You're seventeen years old, and in high school to top it off. Every one of you should be talking to a professional regularly," Xemnas attempted a joke. "You're going through a lot right now, Roxas, it's easy to tell. I'm not going to sit here and pretend like I know, but I am in a position of power, and I will use the resources I have available to me. You are going to meet with the counselor for one meeting," Xemnas paused, slipping his glasses back onto his face. "If you don't like it, at least you tried."

Roxas released a shaky breath he didn't even know he was holding, and hiked his backpack further onto his shoulder. Nodding weakly, he cringed when a strong hand clamped down on his arm. He slowly let his eyes meet his professors, and swallowed hard.

"Deal?" Xemnas asked, one eyebrow raised as if saying he truly had no choice.

"… Deal."

"Ventus!" Selphie yelled through the overly packed hallway, earning more than Ventus's attention. She smiled and waved her hands frantically, motioning for him to stay in place. She laughed, pushing a few people out of the way until she reached the end of the hallway, and the incredibly confused blonde boy at the end of it. "I'm so glad I ran into you," she laughed, placing her hands on his shoulders as if they were best friends.

"Can I help you?" Ventus questioned uneasily, obviously confused by the energy the brunette was emitting.

"Oh my god thank you for asking, yes. You can," she linked an arm through his and began slowly walking in the direction of the cafeteria. "I just have a couple questions for you, and it would be just super duper helpful if you don't resist."

"U-Um, sure?" He answered, hiding an unsure smile on his face. He allowed a small laugh to escape his mouth as they slowly rounded the main hallway, and into the cafeteria.

"Great. So Vanitas. Tell me about him," Selphie smiled, and then winced. "Wait, that isn't a question," she laughed. "Whatever, tell me about him."

"He's, um, nice?" Ventus spoke, eyes traveling around the room frantically. Selphie hadn't lessened the grip on the linked arms, and it was clear that Ventus was beginning to get uncomfortable.

"That's not what I heard. Was he a good boyfriend?" Selphie paused. "Was he controlling? I heard he could be quite controlling."

"U-Um… Can I ask you a question first?" Ventus asked gently, slowly removing his arm from her grip.

"Oh my god of course you can. Where are my manners?" Selphie smiled, stopping suddenly in the middle of the cafeteria.

"Who are you?" Ventus asked gently, wincing at the 'head-exploding' reaction that was now appearing out of the brunette's head.

"Fucking hell, I can't. I can't," Selphie whispered, shaking her head back and forth before exhaling heavily and placing an even sweeter smile on her face. "I'm Selphie, I'm sure you've heard of me, but that's not important," she smiled, pulling him into the lunch line, hiding the clear embarrassment on her face.

"No, actually-"

"Back on track," they stopped in line, Selphie's smile never faltering. "I'm doing a case study for my psychology class about relationships. I've already interviewed two ex-couples, and I wanted you to be my third. Nobody is going to see the interview but my teacher and me. You have my trust," she smiled.

"We have a psychology class?"

"First question!" Selphie laughed forcefully, dragging him forward towards the disgusting chicken patties and rectangular pizza. "How was he as a boyfriend? Don't hold back. Tell me everything," Selphie pulled her phone out, turning the voice memo on. "You don't mind if I record this right? I'll delete it right after I type it out," she smiled.

"Sure… That's fine," Ventus laughed lightly, grabbing a tray and placing it on the metal table in front of them. "Vanitas was a good boyfriend in his own way. We had our problems, but at the root of it, it just wasn't meant to be. We both knew how to push each others buttons a little too hard, and it just was doomed from the start," Ventus grabbed a piece of pizza and a small side of fries and placed it on his tray, moving closer to the register. There was a small amount of hesitance that accompanied his final statement, and that small amount was all Selphie needed. "He was an incredible boyfriend to me at times, but he was also an incredibly boyfriend to another person at the same time…" Ventus sighed, handing a five-dollar bill to the lunch lady.

"Ventus, if you-"

"You can call me Ven, you know. All my friends do," he smiled lightly, studying her expression.

"Ven it is," she smiled, pocketing her change and moving quickly through the labyrinth of lunch tables. Picking a table slightly off the grid, she sat down and set her phone on the table. "If you don't mind me asking… Who was the other person?" Selphie prodded, not entirely sure if he would comply and open up.

"It's fine, practically everyone knows," he sighed. "His name is Terra, he's already graduated," Ven took a slight pause, biting his lower lip gently. "Are you sure nobody else will see this but you and your teacher?" He asked, skeptically.

"Ven, I…" Selphie paused, suddenly feeling guilty for the entire setup. "Ven, I promise nobody will hear this," she reached towards her phone and immediately turned it off. She tapped her head lightly and gave him a small smile. "My ears only."

Ven smiled lightly before taking a small bite from his pizza. He chewed quickly and swallowed, holding a hand in front of his mouth while he began to talk. "Vanitas started acting strange around the last month of our relationship. Which turned out, had nothing to do with me, or his feelings for me," he explained. "It was with Terra. Terra started developing feelings for Roxas. He works at the diner that Kairi works at, and he would constantly see Roxas there. I guess they became friends. When Vanitas found out, it broke his heart," he finished.

"But that isn't Roxas's fault… Roxas wouldn't give Terra the time of day."

"Try telling that to Vanitas," Ven swallowed. "It's fine though. I have nothing against him. Everyone makes mistakes, it happens," he concluded, taking a sip from the water bottle in front of him.

"You don't deserve that, Ven," Selphie practically whispered.

"Deserve what?"

"You're validating what he did," she paused, gauging the others reaction. "Ven, nobody deserves to be cheated on. No 'if's, and's or but's.'"

"Well, he wasn't happy with me," Ven spoke smoothly.

"Then he should have ended things with you before moving onto Terra, silly. He shouldn't have hurt you so much. I know I don't know you that well, but where is your backbone? You seem like an incredible guy who deserves the same!" Selphie smiled, absentmindedly putting Ventus's problems before the single slice of pizza in front of her.

"He wasn't a horrible boyfriend, Selphie…"

"Really? Or have you managed to finally believe the lie you've been telling yourself?" She asked smoothly. She could tell that he felt uncomfortable. It was as if someone finally gave him permission to speak his feelings, instead of lie about them to protect not only himself, but also Vanitas's image.

"He was horrid…" Ven whispered. He raised his eyes to look into Selphie's and sighed. "He was so bloodthirsty for revenge on Roxas, and he always has been since Terra started flirting with him. Rox was totally oblivious to the entire thing though. But that's why Vanitas doesn't like him. He truly believes that Roxas was trying to get Terra to be with him. So Vanitas went to the next best thing and aimed to tear it down."

"Axel?"

"Axel," he sighed, pushing his tray slightly away from himself. "It's so disgustingly dramatic and insane, but he didn't mean to hurt anybody… He has some issues he needs to work out, I know, but…"

"Ven-"

"Selphie, I know we don't have a psychology class, and I know that you're best friends with Roxas. That's why I told you this. I trust you, as scary as that sounds within minutes of meeting you, but I do. And I want to help," he paused, a small smile forming on his face. "Seeing Roxas and Axel together was something I strived for. I always wished our relationship were that great, and now that theirs is broken… I hate that Vanitas did that."

"Wait, go back. You want to help?"

"Whatever I can do to help you bring Roxas and Axel back together. That… That would break Vanitas, and maybe it would help him realize that he has some issues to work out."

"Okay let me get this straight. So. You dated Vanitas, and he cheated on you with Terra. And Terra tried to cheat on him with Roxas. So Vanitas tried to cheat on both you and Terra with Axel, to hurt Roxas?" She asked, earning a small nod. "Jesus, can't you all keep it in your pants?"

AN: Sorry for the long-ish wait. I have a couple more chapters finished and just waiting to be edited, so the next wait shouldn't be long at all. Please please please, review, follow, favorite, anything! Your reviews truly help me craft better chapters, and they help me see each chapter in a different light. Please review even if you hated it, and let me know what could be better. Like I said at the beginning of this chapter to a reviewer: I am right now, trying to get the entire story out in one piece, the best that I can right now. It's been on the table for too long, and I just want to complete it. When it is complete, there will be a massive rehaul where I bring a beta in to chunk through it with me, while I work on another story. There will be mistakes here and there, so please feel free to call me out. I'm only human, I miss some things.

You guys are the best, and I'll have another chapter up very soon.