"Unconscious? What do you mean by that?" I asked, rushing out of the cafeteria with Axel.

"Meaning he's not awake!" he irritably shouted back at me. I knew he was just extremely worried and that was why he was shouting, so I let it slide. "He stood up to get something and just collapsed on the floor! He's barely breathing and I need to get there!"

Axel led me to his old red truck parked in the student parking lot. We hopped in and Axel took a moment, cursing, as he tried to start the truck up. It revved to life, finally, and we took off to, what I was guessing to be, Demyx's house.

We pulled into the drive way and Axel threw open his door, not even bothering to pull his keys out. I turned the car off and grabbed the keys for him, following Axel into the house. When I walked in, a blonde boy with this weird mohawk sort of hair style was cradling a smaller boy with slate-colored hair that was cut so it covered half his face. These were the kids I always saw Axel with so I was guessing they were Demyx and Zexion. By Demyx shouting Zexion's name and Axel yelling at Demyx to calm down and explain better, my assumptions were confirmed.

I looked around the small house, noticing it wasn't furnished well. There was a couch, a TV from like, the 90's, a TV tray with two empty plastic cups, and a blanket. I looked over to the small kitchen, which simply had a crappy fridge, a dirty stove, not a lot of counter space, and a few cabinets. There was a hallway broken off to the right that probably led to a bedroom or two and a bathroom. All in all, it was kind of a shit hole. I could only wonder what kind of situation Axel's friend could have been in to end up like this.

"Zexion! Zexion, c'mon! Axel, I thought you said he'd be okay!" Demyx shouted, cradling Zexion in his arms. I noticed how tears welled up heavily in the dusty blonde's eyes and how badly he was shaking. He must've been terrified.

"I thought he would be! He didn't have any injuries besides soreness on his wrists and ankles! I thought he'd be fine as long as he could just stay out of school! I thought it was just shock!" Axel defended himself. He was shaking, too. I wanted to comfort him, and surprisingly Demyx as well, but I've never done anything remotely like that. So I just stood there quietly, waiting for someone to tell me what I could do.

"Why is Roxas here?" Demyx asked suddenly, making me jump.

"I thought he could help," Axel explained before he stopped and turned to me. "Roxas, could you please call an ambulance? I actually don't know what's wrong with him!" Axel pleaded. I nodded, pulling out my cell phone and dialing 911. It rang once before Axel held out his hand, asking for my phone. I put it in his hand as he took it and answered, giving the person on the other end the necessary information.

I turned my attention back to Demyx. His own breathing had calmed down immensely, but he was still trembling and the grip he had on Zexion was strong. Like he was afraid if he let go, Zexion would disappear or something. Axel got off the phone, handing it back to me, before going back to making sure his friend didn't break down. He was talking to Demyx, just trying to get him to keep up a simple conversation. I don't know how that was supposed to help, but it seemed to be working because Demyx's grip on Zexion lessened a bit and tears had stopped falling from his eyes.

A little bit later, the ambulance came by, loading Zexion up in the back. We were all offered to go, but Axel said I didn't have to if I didn't want to. I told him I was worried about Zexion, which I was, and that I was going with him whether they offered us or not. He and Demyx both thanked me before we boarded the ambulance and sped off to the hospital.

Axel and I were sitting in the chairs in the waiting room while Demyx paced back and forth. Axel's leg was bouncing irritably up and down as he held his face in his hands. Their worry was starting to make me worry. It was just a worry fest. The doctor finally came out after a few more moments of bouncing and pacing, and both boys shot up, holding their breath as they awaited the news on their friend.

"Your friend is going to be fine," he said, Axel and Demyx letting out huge sighs of relief. "It seems it was just a case of sleep deprivation and stress. What's stressing him out so much that he passes out?" the doctor asked.

"Just some stuff at school," Axel quickly said. "He takes a lot of advanced courses, so he doesn't rest much. It must've just caught up to him." Damn, Axel was a pretty smooth liar. I admired that for some odd reason. But all the same, I also feared it. Lying was one of the few things I simply couldn't stand.

"Ah, I see. Well, we're going to keep him over night just to be on the safe side. We've already alerted his family, so don't worry. You can go see him now, if you want, but please try not to wake him." At that, Demyx quickly thanked the doctor before rushing down the hall, and almost running over several nurses, to get to Zexion's room. Axel and I followed suit.

Axel entered the room after Demyx while I stayed in the doorway. I barely knew Zexion, so going into his hospital room would've felt awkward. Demyx had pulled up a chair by Zexion's bedside and was holding the slate-haired boy's hand tightly in his own. Axel took a seat next to Demyx, glancing worriedly at both of his friends.

"Axel, maybe we should've brought him here in the first place…" Demyx said absentmindedly, running his other hand through Zexion's hair.

"Demyx, you know I never thought this would've happened. You trust me, don't you?" Axel said, sounding like he was snapping a bit.

"I do trust you, Ax, you know I do… Sorry," Demyx sighed.

Axel placed a hand on his friend's shoulder reassuringly. "It's okay, dude." He smiled to Demyx again before standing up and walking to me in the doorway.

"Axel, I'm confused," I immediately stated.

"You're wondering why I didn't bring Zexion to the hospital, aren't you?" he asked with a playful, yet sad smirk. I nodded and he led me out into the hall, closing the door shut behind him. "My dad's a doctor, first of all. It's not really my place to say too much, but because of Demyx and my childhoods, I had to read a lot of my dad's medical books in my free time. I'm pretty much a really amateur doctor, I guess you could say."

"So why didn't you want to bring Zexion here?"

"I looked him over and honestly, I just thought he would be able to sleep off the shock. The only physical damage he had was some scratches and bruises. I couldn't do much for any psychological damage; I don't know Zexion that way. I was hoping Demyx would be able to take care of that for me…" Axel trailed off, looking defeated. "I got cocky and now Zexion could be in an even worse state… It's all my fault…"

"Axel…" He looked like he was about to cry. I certainly didn't want that, so I did what I thought felt like the right thing to do. I wrapped my much smaller arms around his stomach in an awkward hug. "You tried to help. That's all that matters. Besides, the doctor said Zexion just needs rest. You weren't entirely wrong, Axel. I think that's impressive that you were able to give Zexion a diagnosis just from reading a few medical books." I smiled on his chest. I honestly was impressed that something this smart was mine.

Wait. I have to remember to keep a distance. I can't let myself think like that. Axel's just a project. One last task before I leave. My final question needs to be answered. I'm only staying for a month. One month, and my question will be answered then I can leave. That's it.

Axel had wrapped his arms around me, too, returning the hug. Some kind of feeling arose in me, but I wasn't sure if I liked it or not.

It was the feeling of being protected.

I don't even know. I haven't felt that way in a long time. And suddenly, with just being here in his arms, I can feel it again. I have no idea how that's possible, but it is. Maybe he just has magic arms or something. He let go, and suddenly the hallway seemed freezing cold. He walked back into Zexion's room, whispered something in Demyx's ear – which Demyx nodded his head to – before coming back out into the hall with me.

"Demyx is gonna stay here for the rest of the afternoon. He may even end up staying here with Zexion," he informed me. "So, you have two options. We can either go to your place or mine for a sleepover," he smiled, ruffling my hair.

"What? Who said a sleepover was okay?" I asked irritably. I hated it when people made decisions for me. I can think on my own, you know!

"Well we don't have to. But I'd like to, if that's okay?" Axel took my hand in his and gave me a smile. That's when I realized he was shaking. Really badly. He must've taken all this stuff with Zexion harder than I thought. He was trying so hard to hide his fears. I don't know why, but I didn't want to leave him alone.

I held his hand back, giving him a small smile. "Well… I guess one sleepover wouldn't kill me. But no funny business!" I made sure to remind him. His smile grew and I felt my heartbeat increase just from that. He seemed really happy.

"So, my place?" I nodded. Axel had already been to my house and I was interested to see his. Besides, all my pills and such were still stashed at home. If Axel found them, then I'd never hear the end of it – even though I'm serious about my promise.

"Welcome to Casa de la Axel!" Axel said, opening the door and leading me into his house. His house really looked like the home of doctors. Everything looked like it came out of one of those home furnishing magazines. All modern and set in neutral colors. It seemed very boring and very un-Axel like. I was actually thinking Axel had gotten the wrong house for a moment. "C'mon, let's go to my room.

He led me up a – you guessed it – spiral staircase that led to the second floor. At the end of the hall and to the right was Axel's room. He opened the door and then I was positive he got the right house. The walls were painted black with chalkboard paint and things had been written everywhere. Well, wherever there was space around all the band posters. Axel certainly did like music. Clothes, books, and CDs were tossed almost carelessly around the room, but it did have those random areas where it was organized.

"Sorry about the mess," Axel said, setting my backpack next to the door before flopping onto his bed.

"It looks better than the rest of the house," I commented.

"You did see the rest of the house, right? My room's a pig-sty."

"I'd like to think of it as organized chaos. It seems to fit you more than the rest of the house."

"Well, it is my room, after all," he laughed. "My parents don't like it, but they don't really complain as long as I don't leave my stuff all over the house – which is never an issue," he said.

"Your parents seem really strict," I said, taking a seat at the foot of the bed.

"Yeah, but it's whatever. When you grow up with busy parents, you just get used to it." Axel leaned over the side of the bed, picking up a novel that was next to his nightstand and quickly opening it to a page with a bookmark.

"What're you reading?" I asked.

"I'm not even sure; it's something Zexion said was a good book. So far, it's not," he answered, looking slightly disgusted as he skimmed the pages, seriously not interested in the book.

I leaned in a bit closer to Axel to see the title of the book and when I read it, also gave a disgusted look. "Seriously? He's making you read Twilight? Gross!"

"That's what I said! I think he just wanted to prank me or something cuz he knows I can't just give up on a book once I've started it. But this is so baaaaaaaad! I don't know how much more of this utter bullshit I can take!" Axel whined, holding the book away from him.

"Burn it or something!" I exclaimed, scooting away from the book.

"I would, seriously, but for one, it's Zexion's sister's. And second, it's still a book and there's no way I can destroy a book; no matter if it should actually be considered 'literature' or not."

"Darn." I looked around his room as he reluctantly went back to the book. I started reading the things Axel had written on the wall and I noticed they were song lyrics. "Did you write those?" I asked, standing up and walking to the wall to get a better look.

"Some of them. The others are by bands I like and have meaning. They each tell a story," he said, not looking away from the book.

"Can you tell me those stories?" I asked unconsciously.

"Hmmmm? You interested in me, Roxy?" he said in a slightly mocking tone. I could hear him smirk as he closed the book and set it back down on the floor. I blushed, my silence now counting as an answer. "One day, Roxas. One day I'll tell you."

I could hear him get up off the bed and maneuver around his room to get to me. He dropped to his knees behind me and wrapped his arms around my shoulders, resting his head on top of mine. "I have a feeling you'll relate to some of them."

"Oh really, now?" I asked in a mocking tone back, smirking. He nodded and we fell into a somewhat comfortable silence. We both just admired the wall in front of us and the many lyrics, words, and posters spread across it. Axel's room fascinated me. "So where're your parents?" I asked, breaking the silence.

"Well…" he pulled his phone out and checked the time before putting it back and wrapping his arm around my shoulder again. "It's about almost four, so they're probably still at the hospital."

"When do they usually get home?" I didn't want to stay in another person's house without meeting their parents. That was just kind of rude, in my opinion.

"Who knows? If you're lucky, they might stop by for a change of clothes," Axel shrugged.

"Are you always here by yourself?"

"Most of the time. My parents are pretty famous in the medical world, so they work a lot." I kind of felt bad for Axel. It seemed like he practically had to raise himself, if his parents were never home. "If you're thinking I raised myself, then I'll stop you right there," he said, reading my thoughts.

"Don't tell me Demyx raised you," I joked.

"I wouldn't have turned out this awesome if he had," Axel joked back, me smiling. "My brother, Reno, raised me. He's almost twenty-five."

"Does he live here, too?"

"No, he moved out when I started high school. But he comes around a lot to make sure I'm still alive." I don't know why, but learning about Axel was kind of fun. I was going to ask about Reno when my stomach interrupted, alerting us that it wanted food.

Axel laughed, using my shoulders as leverage for standing up. "C'mon, let's get you something to eat." I stood up and followed him back down to the kitchen which was, shocker, just as magazine-like as the rest of the house. I was slightly scared to see the bathroom at this point. Axel started rummaging through the cabinets and the fridge, looking more and more disappointed with everything he looked at. "Ugh, why is there never any good food here," he complained when, actually, there was food in every cabinet and the fridge was completely full. "You wanna order something?"

I shrugged. He grabbed a number for a local pizza joint off the fridge and dialed the number, asking what kind of pizza I wanted. "Pepperoni is fine," I said, sitting down at the loveseat and looking for the remote for the gigantic TV. Axel placed the order before running back up to his room to get the money. He came back down and sat next to me, throwing his arm back over my shoulders.

"The remote's right here, Roxas," he said, waving it in front of my face. Where he got it from, I had no idea. I took it from his hand and flicked on the TV, immediately starting to channel surf, only to find nothing of interest. Fucking cable, why you not entertain me. I scowled, turning the TV off and throwing the remote across the room to the other couch.

"You're TV is broken. Nothing good's on," I said, pulling my knees up to my chest and pouting.

"Well then do you want to watch a movie, then?" Axel laughed, getting up and walking over to a bookshelf that had a shit ton of movies on it. And when I say a shit ton, I mean a shit ton.

"Sure." He started skimming through the multitudes of shelves before he pulled a few out and set them on the coffee table in front of me. He told me to pick, so I picked the only one he grabbed out that I actually knew, which happened to be "Howl's Moving Castle."

About ten minutes or so into the movie, our food arrived. Axel had gotten a medium pizza for each of us so he grabbed two sodas out of the fridge and we indulged in pizza and Miyazaki. I finished my pizza near the end of the movie and was starting to feel tired. I started to doze off a bit and Axel clearly noticed by the way he was annoyingly poking my shoulder.

"Are you seriously feeling tired this early, Roxy?" he asked, amused. I simply glared at him for making fun of my sleepiness. It was about five, so I didn't understand why I was tired, either. All I knew was that I was about two seconds away from passing out on Axel's freakishly comfy couch. "C'mon, we can go to bed early if you want if you're really that tired."

Axel got up, grabbing my wrist and pulling me up with him. For some reason, pain flashed across my head and I lost my balance, falling back on the couch. Axel gave me a worried look, asking me if I was okay. My head hurt too much to talk so I just shook my head. He ran off to the kitchen, returning with a Tylenol and a glass of water. I downed them quickly, taking deep breaths to keep from groaning or screaming in immense pain. I don't even know what caused it.

"Maybe you're more tired than I thought. Did you sleep at all last night?" I heard Axel ask.

"No, I still hurt from yesterday…" I managed to say.

"Oh crap, I actually almost forgot about that. You need to sleep." I felt Axel put one arm around my shoulders and the other under my knees and pick me up bridal style. I wrapped my arms around his neck; a little scared he was going to drop me. He simply laughed a bit as he brought me back to his room and set me down on his bed. He went back to my backpack and tossed it to me, saying he'll give me three minutes to put my PJs on and that I better or else.

In exactly three minutes, I put my PJs on and tossed my clothes back in my bag as Axel walked back in. Axel set my bag back on the floor and peeled his shirt off, turning off the lights and climbing into the bed with me. I was mesmerized by his chest for a few moments before I managed to ask, "Axel, what are you doing?"

"Going to sleep? Like you should be, now c'mon." He grabbed my arm and pulled me back down onto the bed next to him. Axel threw his comforter over the both of us and snuggled into his pillow.

"No, I mean why are you in the same bed as me?" I knew were dating and all, but I wasn't sure I was comfortable enough with Axel to be in the same bed.

"Relax, Roxy, I'm not going to do anything. And I'm here because the only other place for a guest to sleep is the couch and I'm sure as hell not making you sleep there. And I've spent many nights there to know it's not as comfortable as it looks," he explained. "But if you don't want me to sleep with you, I'll go back to the couch," he said, sitting up.

I don't know why, but I quickly grabbed his arm, making him stop. For some reason, I was really afraid of sleeping by myself. Maybe that's why I didn't sleep all too well last night. Either way, I didn't want Axel to leave. He lay back down, pulling the cover back over his shoulder and up to my chin.

We mumbled good night as he flipped on his side while I remained on my back. After a few minutes, Axel almost fell off the bed. I laughed a bit as he got back up and flew the covers back, the cold air making me cringe.

"Here, we'll both be more comfortable this way. The bed is too small for you to sleep like that, anyway," Axel scolded. He flipped me onto my side and laid down, snaking an arm around my waist and spooning me.

"A-Axel, what're you – !" I tried to protest.

"C'mon, Roxy, it's just for one night." He pulled me close to his lean, warm chest, my back pressed comfortably against it. His comforting scent surrounded me, making me go insane. His overwhelming body heat made it freakishly warm under the blanket, but there was no way in hell I was going to complain. Before I knew it, he was fast asleep, his breath evenly coming down on the nape of my neck and making me shiver a bit.

This was wrong. This was wrong on so many levels. I shouldn't be letting Axel get this close to me. Why? Why the hell was I letting him mess me up so easily? He actually had me questioning my resolve to leave. Was… Was I falling for him?

No! No, I couldn't be! I already learned the hard way that people couldn't be trusted. There was no way I could let myself be tricked again. There was just no way! And yet… there was just something about Axel… I wasn't sure what it was… but for some reason, I found myself extremely eager to find out what it was. Could I really do that to myself again? Could I really break every promise I ever made to myself not to do any of this? Could I do that all and be totally okay?

I wasn't sure. But that didn't mean I wasn't willing to at least try. But just this once.

I put my hands over Axel's, letting my eyes fall shut as I snuggled into the warmth. "Good night, Axel."

Yaaaay I actually managed not to get a shitty writer's block for once c: So that's good news~
Anyway, I- ... Actually, I don't think I have much to say about this chapter :| ... Well okay then.

So, Zexion's okay, and we learned a little something about Axel! But all together, Roxas is still getting confused and doesn't understand his own emotions. That's always a fun game, now is it? Well, we'll just have to see if Axel can ever change Roxas's mind. Hopefully before it's too late.

DUN DUN DUN DUUUUUNNNNN, lol.

Characters (c) Tetsuya Nomura
Beta-d by the lovely Elizabeth Anne19 c:

Reviews make Roxas smile c: