Hey, Cherry Blossom Cat here, this chapter took a while, and the chapter turned out much longer than I expected, so sorry for the long chapter.
The next few chapters will be just letting you get the idea of Ven and Roxas' life now, 3 years after chapter two.
Oh, and thanks to sunshinemeg82 and Hikari no Kasai for reviews and thanks to anyonw who watched of favorited this stroy! I really appreciate it!
Kingdom hearts belongs to square enix and disney, yadda yadda.
Chapter 3
(3 years later)
Ven's POV
I woke with a start, sweat pouring down my face.
Taking in my surroundings, I felt my breathing even out. I was home, well as close to home as you can be when your father is a workaholic who doesn't know how to handle us- not that it matters. At 15, we are perfectly able to take care of ourselves, but it still irks me- just a little, that that man can't leave is office for one stupid day, not even for his son's birthdays.
It was just a dream. I told myself. The same dream that had been plaguing me ever since Mom died. For the first couple of weeks, I would wake up screaming and sobbing, but I eventually managed to stop and prevent myself from waking up everyone it the house. But that didn't stop the dreams from coming. I used to cross the hallway to Roxas' room, just to make sure he's still there.
I traced the faint white scar on my neck, before, it was out of denial, and the scar was a constant reminder that the nightmare is still real. Now it is mostly out of habit, but that doesn't stop the memories from hurting, even three years later.
But its Roxas that I'm worried about. He's… changed to say the least. He's been more withdrawn, more quiet. He used to be more calm and collected, but still cheerful and carefree. Now, he won't open up to anyone in the family, not even me, but then again, I've changed too. I suppose I'm in a way, broken too. My friends and Roxas is really all that holds me together now, especially Roxas. Mom told me to keep him safe, and I won't let her down.
I quickly changed into my school uniform and headed downstairs. Twilight high school had a very simple school uniform. A white shirt, a muddy yellow vest that had green stripes on it, a dark green tie and a pair of black pants.
As I stumbled down the stairs, I almost walked into my stepbrother Sora.
"G' morning Ven!" Sora practically shouted. He was like a puppy, hyper, cheerful and eager to please. Sadly, he wasn't too bright.
"Morning." I replied, too groggy to try and make any form of conversation.
"So sleeping beauty is finally awake."
"Shut up Vani." I snapped back.
Vanitas, Sora's twin brother, rolled his golden eyes, as if saying Is that the best you can come up with?
"Good morning Roxas." A pleasant voice came from behind me.
"Ven." I corrected, glancing at my stepmother. She tries really hard to make a bond with us, but its hard, knowing she replaced my mom, and that the may very well be the only reason Mom is dead. I can't help but hate her a little for that.
"Ven! Come on!" I heard a shout. I looked out the open window across the room, easily finding Aqua's bold blue hair and Terra's tall figure.
I grabbed a piece of toast off the table, almost tripping over my shoelaces on the way out the house.
"Mornin' Ven" Terra ruffled my hair. "Roxas still sleeping?"
I sighed sadly. Roxas and I grew apart ever since Mom died, we were still close, but we didn't have the same bond we used to have.
After a couple minutes of silence, Aqua pointed out "You forgot your wristband today."
I looked down at my arm, surprised to find that my wristband was missing. Even now, well into the year, teachers still had trouble telling the difference between us.
I shrugged. Why did it matter so much?
As we walked to school, we discussed various subjects- class, what we were planning to do for spring break (even though it was still early March), and the various activities happening around town.
Aqua was laughing at a joke Terra just told, her unnaturally blue hair swaying in the gentle breeze. In short, she looked- and was perfect. I rarely felt anything other than respect towards Terra, but for once, I felt envious. I wished it was me making her laugh. I've had a crush on her for a long time, and I knew that if I didn't tell her soon, I'd lose my chance forever.
(In school)
Xion's POV
I slumped over my seat. How was it possible for anyone to be in a good mood at this time of the day? Everyone was starving and bored senseless.
I wasn't even listening to Mr. Ansem's lecture, something about building a time machine…? I wish. That would beat- what ever it is he is talking about. I looked across the room, scanning for anyone I knew.
Axel was sitting surprisingly straight- for someone who was asleep. His fiery red hair falling over his shoulders.
Behind him was Larxene, who was rather joyously drawing somebody bleeding everywhere. I shuddered. Larxene's sadistic nature scared me, but once you get through that, and make sure to press the right buttons while talking to her, she is actually a very good person at heart.
In the front corner of the room was Zexion, quietly listening to the lecture, completely oblivious to the minor chaos around him. He was often described as an 'emo', but really, he is just really thoughtful, and a genius.
It was ironic that so many of my friends were in this class, but some of us were in another class. Luxord, Namine and Demyx were in other classes, most likely slacking off too- well maybe not Namine. She's too nice.
I scanned the room to find the last two people I recognized in the class, Ventus and one of my best friends, Roxas. I could easily tell the difference between the two, for one thing, Ven had forgotten his wristband, and Roxas still had his zigzagged one, but Ven also had a long white scar across his neck. I often tried to pester Roxas into telling me what happened, but he says Ven never told him, and when I ask Ven, he immediately closes up and dodges all my questions.
There were also other small details, ones that other people would hardly notice, such as the slight difference in height and hair color, Roxas occasionally wore glasses, and the different personalities.
"Xion?"
I looked up to see Mr. Ansem looking up at me expectantly. He must have asked me a question. Crap.
"Can you repeat the question please?" I asked.
"Please define avarice Xion" He looked at me, I stared back blankly, completely dumbfounded.
Was avarice even a word?
He finally sighed, as if understanding my confusion. "Zexion?"
The blue haired boy looked up, his steel blue eyes swept underneath his long bangs.
"Show of" I mumbled under my breath. Not that that was true. If anything, Zexion preferred to keep quiet and absorb himself in some kind of overlarge textbook.
I let out a breath of relief as the bell rang. As the class headed out the room, we automatically broke into out small groups and cliques. I quickened my pace to keep up with Roxas.
"Hey Xion." He smiled warmly at me.
My heart beat a little faster. I couldn't help it. He's been my best friend since we both came here a few years ago, and I've developed a crush on him. It's not hard to like Roxas once you get to know him. Many people assume he's a nerd. He's not in half as many sports teams as Ven (so none), but he's really smart, and a great artist.
"Hey Roxas, do you remember the first day we met?" I asked quietly.
Roxas' POV
I blinked, surprised at the sudden question. Then I smiled.
"Like it was yesterday." I replied
About two years ago
Third Person POV
Roxas walked aimlessly down the halls, half- heartedly adjusting his glasses. He had no intention of going home just yet. What was there to go home to? A workaholic father? A stepmom who can't tell you and your twin apart even after a couple months?
Besides, he still had some time before Ven left soccer practice.
He was shaken out of his thoughts when he collided with a girl.
"Oh! I'm sorry!" she exclaimed, her black hair swept over her eyes.
"It's my fault, I wasn't looking where I was going." Roxas replied hurriedly.
"I've got to go" She got up clumsily, only to trip again.
He grabbed her arm to steady her. "What's the rush?"
"There she is!" Roxas turned his head towards the sound.
"We told you not to tell anyone Xion." The tallest person in the group of four glared at the girl, every word spat out venomously, his posse standing behind him defensively.
"So you expect me to let you get away with cheating Sefier?" Xion replied, just as spitefully.
Sefier was the school bully, of course he'd be cheating, but why bother? He seemed like the type who couldn't care less.
Roxas stepped in between the two groups. The last thing he wanted was to be caught in a fight. "What's going on?"
"Piss off, asshole" Sefier snapped. "This is none of your buissness!"
The next thing he knew, Roxas was thrown against the nearest row of lockers, a loud slam echoing through the abandoned halls.
Roxas shook his head, trying to get rid of the dizziness.
Xion let out a small squeak of horror, clamping her hands over her mouth. She knelt down next to Roxas, trying to help steady the blonde.
Suddenly, the sound of footsteps filled the hall.
"Aw SH-" Sefier swore, but someone in his posse, an grey haired girl cut him off.
"Come on! It might be a teacher!" she tugged at his arm.
Reluctantly, Sefier gave the two one final death glare before rushing out the hall.
The footsteps came to a halt when they got to the hall.
"Roxas?"
Roxas' POV
I looked up, slightly bewildered and disoriented from being thrown against the lockers. The voice- it was my voice.
Oh.
"Hey Ven." I tried to reply casually. I just met this girl- Xion, at least that's what Sefier had called her, and the last thing I wanted was for Ven to embarrass me. Besides, she may be the only friend I will have until Axel comes back from his trip to Destiny Islands…
In a few seconds, Ven had sprinted down the hall, got me up, and was already inspecting a bruise that had blossomed on my cheek, all while demanding to know what happened.
I swatted his worried hands away, slightly annoyed- not to mention he smelled disgusting and was covered in a thin layer of dirt and sweat.
"I'm fine." And stop embarrassing me! I wanted to add. But I kept my mouth shut. Knowing Ven, he would probably burst into tears at the smallest insult, even though for some strange reason he hasn't been even close to upset for a while.
What was Xion thinking?
I was surprised by her expression. While most people laughed or looked at me funny, Xion looked genuinely touched by our 'close' relationship.
Ven smiled radiantly at the dark-haired girl. Even covered in sweat and mud, Ven still managed to look cheerful and strangely good-looking.
"I don't believe we've met before. I'm Ven" He said, sticking his hand out.
Xion didn't seem too keen on shaking his hand, so I decided to intervene.
"I'm Roxas," I smiled, stepping in between them. She looked somewhat relieved, and smiled sweetly when she shook my hand instead.
"I'm Xion. Is Ven your-"
"Yes." I cut her off. "He is my twin brother."
Ven looked at me, frowning in mock offense. "Older brother"
"By TEN MINUTES." I snapped.
Xion giggled, clearly amused by this.
"Well, we better get going." Ven exclaimed happily.
"Where do you guys live?" Xion asked curiously
"Near Hollow Bastion." I replied. The large community was very popular among the school.
"Really? I live near there too! Mind if I join you guys?"
Ven shrugged. "Why not?"
The walk home was everything but awkward. Ven kept on yapping about various subjects, ranging from soccer practice to my most embarrassing childhood moments. It took every bit of willpower for me to resist strangling him on the spot.
"Hey Ven," Xion looked at the 'elder' twin curiously. "Where did you get that scar on your neck?"
The silence was almost instant, the color seeming to drain out of Ven's face.
"It-its…" Ven stuttered. "Hey Roxas, I have a lot of homework to do today, I'll see you at home okay?" Not even waiting for an answer, Ven winked at me before sprinting towards their new home.
I frowned. What was Ven implying?
"Did I say something wrong?" Xion asked, looking very apologetic.
"Nah, it's okay. He won't even tell me where he got it," I paused. Should I really open up to a stranger I just met? For some reason I felt like I could trust her.
"-but I'm worried about him. He's been… different lately."
"I see." Xion whispered quietly.
The atmosphere was awkward to the point that it was unbearable. Thankfully, I saw the edge of my house rounding the corner.
"There's my house" I gestured to the large townhouse.
"So… I guess I'll see you tomorrow?" I asked uncertainly.
"I guess." She smiled, giving a quick wave before continuing down the street.
Present Time
"Hey Roxas! Roxas!"
I blinked, surprised to find Axel towering over me. I didn't even realize I already made it to the cafeteria.
"Hey Axel."
"You aren't going to go all zombie on us again are you?" He asked, referring to my strangely quiet state when I first started school here.
"No, I was just thinking, that's all." I pouted. When did I even get my lunchbox…?
"Come on guys!" Xion grabbed my wrist, dragging Axel with her other hand towards the large cafeteria table where we all sat.
'We' being our very large group, consisting of Zexion, Axel, Larxene, Luxord, Me, Xion Demyx, and Namine.
We really couldn't be anymore different, but somehow, we all became friends and ended up sitting together at lunch. Occasionally Sora joined us, but that almost never happened, since only me, Xion and Namine get along with him, and he usually sits with Riku and his girlfriend Kairi. (I'm still stuck on what she sees in him)
As Xion sat herself between Namine and Larxene, the three immediately bursting into their girl talk, I sat at in between Demyx and Axel, snorting as Axel let out a low whistle at a Princess of the Heart (The school cheerleaders, they were called that for their 'pure' personalities).
"Forget it Axel, she's out of your league." Zexion seemed to agree with me, actually looking up from the textbook he was always immersed in.
Axel mumbled something, adding his signature "got it memorized?" at the end of the sentence, glancing sheepishly at a glaring Larxene.
"Hey Zexy, how's Ienzo?" He asked, trying to change the subject.
"He's fine," he replied, waving his hand dismissively at the mention of his (even less talkative) genius younger brother (not quite as smart as Zexion), "and don't call me Zexy."
Tuning out what would probably end with an eerily calm Zexion beating Axel with his textbook; I angled my head towards my brother's general direction.
I'm not really sure how, but Ven is extremely popular, the polar opposite of my social status. Even though he only sits with Aqua and Terra, with the occasional Vani there to torment him, he always has someone to work with for partnered projects and is always one of the first to be chosen for gym teams (Next to Sora and Terra of course). Then again, he's much more outgoing and athletic, unlike me. (The Mr. Aleus and Lexaeus extremely wary of me since I almost shot them during the archery unit. Three times.)
"Hell-o? Earth to Roxy!" Axel snapped his fingers in front of me.
"What now?" I snapped, glancing at Demyx who was air-drumming to whatever was playing on his iPod.
"Well look who's Mr. Touchy today!" Axel exclaimed. "We were just saying that Ven and Namine would make a very cute couple. Don't you think?"
I hesitated. I liked Namine, but I wasn't about to tell everyone just yet.
"I don't think so. Ven likes… someone else." I replied as casually as possible.
Zexion looked up from his card game with Luxord (who was probably cheating) and eyed me suspiciously, but thankfully said nothing.
Everyone else seemed to take the bait.
"No way! Ven likes someone?"
"Who?"
"Isn't it obvious? He likes-"
"Just tell us Roxas!"
I sighed. What did I get myself into? Even Ven didn't know I know who he likes, even though I have secretly made it my personally goal to get them together.
"Fine, fine. But you can't tell anyone ok? If you do, I'll have Larxene maim you." I gestured to the blonde haired girl. "That includes you two." I glared at Luxord and Zexion. Everyone seemed to gulp nervously at the thought, but agreed.
I whispered the name into Axel's ear and let the message pass around the table. Everyone's eyes seemed to widen. Aqua.
"No way! He likes A-" the words died in Xion's throat when she realized people might hear. "That's so cute!"
"But I though she-" Luxord stopped just short of saying something.
"She likes pie?" Demyx suggested stupidly.
"No Demyx, the last time I checked, she didn't eat too many desserts. She prefers cheesecake anyway." I told him. "So she what Luxord?"
The British tugged at his collar nervously, sipping tea from a thermal cup while sending pleading glances at Zexion.
"Hey look, isn't that Zack hitting on Aerith?" Zexion mumbled, just loud enough for us to hear.
Wait what?
Sure enough, the Terra's younger brother was talking to the girl, who was smiling sweetly.
The girls made "awwwwwww! That's so cute" noises while Luxord took a photo.
What were we talking about again?
A/N-
So, what do you think? Is that a little RokuNami and Larxle I see? (Its still a RokuShi fic.) I'm not sure where the Zack/Aerith thing came from, and more of Org XIII have been introduced!
So, it there anything you want to see in the next one or two chapters? since this will just be normal life, I'm open to any suggestions that won't spoil the plot.
reviews and constructive crtisim are appreciated! (and please suggest something you want to see!)
Ciao! CBC