Dudes! What is up? This chapter is freking long! Seriously! Is actually a bit whacky! But I kind of like it that way!! For some weird reason! Anyways, college stuff, tests, grades, and all this stuff make things so hectic! Hope this is okay! And yes, Ocean's Thirteen rocks! Anyways, sorry for taking so long! But some part of the story are just so hard to write! Anyways, sorry for taking long! Luv ya! Review please!

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Summary: Well, after Demyx almost died, he is in need of much needed rest! Leon, having used some power he did not know he had, became tired. Roxas and Namine had to get to know people and become informed of what was going on. But what is up with every one loving George Clooney?

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Notes: this is done so some things could be kind of wrapped up, yet not really….mostly in the relationship, because there has not been a lot on that, so this is for that…..just to make some relationships stable and stuff….anyways, I also needed something that was not too serious! Because the action will be here soon….and I mean fighting!

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Calm Before the Storm

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The whole house laid in silence except for the soft snores, or the not-so-soft snores, of those inside. Serenity reigned over all those who lay deep in the house. The moon shone warmth upon every body, lulling them, protecting them. She stood still, seeming to stop everything, hoping to give them more time….more time before disaster struck…

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In one room slept six of the girls. Namine's hair was spread around her, like a halo. A soft smile played on her lips, balanced between melancholy and happiness. Kairi's red hair covered her face, cheeks a rosy red. Their hands were clasped together as they cuddled for warmth. Selphie found herself curled up into a little ball next to Yuffie, brown hair mussed away from her usual style. Yuffie laid face down on the bed, still and unmoving. She kept her hand under her pillow, hands clenched around her bataran. She was sleeping, but her ears were always alert. Aerith pressed herself against the wall, hair covering her face like a blanket. Tifa slept tensely on the edge of the bed. She was sleeping, but her body tense, ready for anything that could endanger the others.

However, no matter the state of their body, their dreams remained serene and happy, allowing for rest before the bloodshed began.

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Silver hair mingled, mixing, not telling where one ended from the others. Xehanort lay resting in Sephiroth's arm. He just lay there, meditating and resting, for he did not really need to sleep. Since he had arrived, Sephiroth had changed. It wasn't big, but he had. Xehanort was back to his old self, the young, optimistic scientist that he used to be. He had dark moments, bitter moments, and rather angry moments, but it was all because of his Heartless and Nobody experiences that were deep in his mind. He knew Sephiroth, not completely, but enough to understand things. Sure it wasn't the best, living, being with Sephiroth, but he was his charge. Sephiroth needed someone, and Xehanort was there. He was unsure if that was the only motive why Sephiroth showed who he was to him, because he was the only person around.

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Riku snuggled into the covers, trying his best to stay warm. One of his arms was wrapped around Sora, taking in Sora's warmth. Sora had a small smile on his lips, snuggling into Riku's chest. Yet Sora never let go of Roxas's hand. Roxas was under the covers, curled around Sora. They were two halves of a whole; they could not be separated. So Roxas slept there, as near to Sora as possible. The three just slept peacefully, forgetting about the past they had faced and not thinking of the upcoming battle.

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Cid was snoring off in the living room. It was a cold night. A red blanket covered Cid's prone body. He had his back pressed against the sofa's back. Blood red eyes and sounds of gunshot plagued his dreams. He could almost feel the silky raven hair on his face. It was all an illusion, yet to him, it was the most comforting thing.

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Cloud laid there, Leon's head on his lap. He couldn't help running his hand through Leon's soft brown locks. His hard blue eyes soften as he looked down at Leon. Leon had a tender smile on his face, sleeping without a nightmare for once. Cloud himself was relaxed, leaning against the headboard, shoulders slumped.

Cloud had never felt so relaxed, so light as if nothing was wrong in the world. He felt like he was a child again, with no care in the world. He was sure it was Leon's doing, just like he was sure that if he wanted he could easily push Leon's light away and engulf it with his own darkness. Cloud would not do that; not when he'd been waiting for so long to feel the light—to find his light. He reached down ad laid his hand on Leon's cheek, caressing him.

Cloud had always felt something for Leon, ever since they first met. He can still remember that day very clearly.

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"Cloud!" Aerith threw herself at him. There was a ghost of a smile on his lips. He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close, taking in her scent.

"Cloud!" another voice chirped before he almost fell back from Yuffie's hug.

"I believe he'll need to breathe soon, Yuffie," A cool voice cut in, but under the cold tone there was an undercurrent of amusement. Aerith turned and smiled warmly at the newcomer, which made Cloud a bit angry having been used to those smiles being just for him. Yuffie pouted but pulled back, which made Cloud realize that yes, he had needed some air.

"Squally! Cloud is no weakling! He could take whatever any one throws at him," Yuffie scoffed, folding her arms in front of her chest.

"I do not doubt it." The other amused, and Cloud felt like he was being made fun of and it irritated him even more. He dare not look at the newcomer, just looked to the side.

"Leon, this is Cloud Strife. Cloud, this is Squall Leonhart, but call him Leon." Aerith introduced them to each other. Cloud turned and found his breath catching in his throat. His eyes met silvery gray, sparkling with confusion, curiosity and hesitation. Cloud felt his eyes moving down, noticing Leon's built arms and very firm thighs and legs. Not even the scar that decorated his face, half covered by brown bangs, could mar Leon's beauty.

"Nice to meet you." Leon reached out and Cloud did not hesitate to shake his hand. Cloud felt a spark as shivers racked his body.

"Come on you two. Maybe a bit of rest would do every one good." Aerith smiled.

"I'm sorry but I have things to do," Leon spoke up and Cloud could see Aerith's hurt face.

"What? We're not good enough for you?" Cloud could not help himself and snapped at Leon. He had wanted Leon to come with them and so he felt like Leon had rejected him.

"Don't. You don't know me," Leon hissed, glaring at him.

"I've seen enough to figure out who you are," Cloud scoffed.

"So have I," Leon snapped, turning on his heels and walking off. Cloud growled, eyes never leaving Leon's retreating form.

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Cloud should not have been so rash, but he had wanted to talk to him, to hang out with him. When Leon said no, Cloud had felt like his world had crashed down. He had no idea why but he had been hurt and so he had lashed out. It made things a lot worse between them. Cloud was sorry for it, but he could never get the words out and every time he tried they would end up fighting. However, no matter how he acted towards Leon, there would be times when Leon would say something and everything would just fall into place. It was not sappy or said in a comforting manner, but somehow, it comforted him.

Now, as he looked down at Leon sleeping peacefully, he realized what he'd been missing. He realized what he'd been doing wrong and that there was always hope.

But risking him, knowing that he could loose him, it strung a certain terror in him. Cloud knew that a war would ensue sooner or later. People would get hurt. Leon was the savior, which meant he would have a higher risk.

Cloud acknowledged it was his job to stick by Leon, and he knew that even if it had not been his job, he would still have been by Leon's side. He smiled and lay back down, wrapping an arm around Leon's waist. Leon sighed and cuddled up to Cloud.

Cloud knew that there were many things still to come for all of them. He knew he needed to talk to Leon about what was going on between them. He had no idea what was going through Leon's head. However, it was late and he needed to rest. The only thing that consoled him was that he would at least have this night in his memories no matter what happened.

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Roxas groaned, stretching and moving to his back, pushing the blanket from his face and taking a deep breath. He couldn't help his big smile from taking over as he could feel the air and the texture of the blanket around him. He could feel the coldness as well as the warmth. It was all so familiar yet so new. It wasn't until he felt something move that he realized that he was not alone. It dawned on him that he was sharing a bed. He sat up and looked over, realizing that Riku and Sora were cuddled together. Roxas smiled a sad, melancholic smile. He hesitated, realizing that his shoes were all the way on the other side of the room and so he had to walk on the cold board. Gathering up his courage, he sat up and rushed to his shoes, making sure to not touch any of the wolves that lined the drawer. They seem fragile, and Roxas was not known for his balance, or at least he never thought so. Once he finished tying his shoes, he quietly made his way out side and to the living room already hearing some soft mutterings.

"Hey, squirt." Cid looked over at him, toothpick moving adamantly back and forth. Roxas was hesitant on what to do. He did not know any of them, except Xehanort. Sephiroth was looking at him critically, seizing him up. Xehanort said nothing, just nodded his head in acknowledgement.

"Good morning." Roxas settled for the universal greeting.

"We don't bite, or at least they don't." Sephiroth smirked, motioning him to seat down at the table. Roxas gulped but walked over nonetheless, not showing any other emotions for he was the Keyblade Wielder.

"My name is Roxas. Nice to meet all of you," Roxas spoke up after a few minutes of silence.

"My name is Xehanort, but you can call me Superior if you want," Xehanort spoke up, tone serious. If it weren't for the twinkling in his eyes, Roxas would have taken him seriously.

"I know who ya're, but my name is Cid." Cid grinned, raising his mug in a toast before gulping it down.

"I'm Sephiroth." Sephiroth was the last one to introduce himself, voice cold and indifferent, but Roxas realized that was who he was and took no offense.

"Y'er up early, squirt." Cid walked over to the table.

"I'm use to it…from….before…" Roxas glanced at Xehanort, who chuckled.

"I did not make you all wake up so early. I believe that was more of paranoia from the others. I myself would wake up a bit later than this." Xehanort smirked.

"That's because you didn't have to fear about waking up in an ocean, in a room full of fire, in the grip of a constricting vine, on a bed of ice, or woken up by cards hitting your face. There were also those meetings at seven," Roxas pointed out.

"True. It was good to be the Superior," Xehanort said smugly.

"Sorry to interrupt the beautiful memories resurfing, but we're going to need food since there's not enough for every one," Cid huffed, having already searched the refrigerator.

"Fine, we'll go get some food." Xehanort rolled his eyes.

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Axel looked down at his blond bundle. He couldn't help but smile in relief and contentment. Demyx was still there, with him. Axel was still reeling from the day's events. He'd never think that he would feel such hurt, so broken, as if his whole existence just ceased to exist. He had never felt that way, not even when he lost Roxas. Yes, it had pained him and it had broken him, but losing Demyx… it was like losing himself. He did not think too much about it, but even before, while they were in the organization, he still had some sort of feelings towards the Melodious Nocturne.

They were not strong, and he never questioned it either. He was too focused on Roxas. He still remembered though—the calming feeling he would get when around Demyx. Once Roxas was gone, the only person who could ever make him feel better and comfort him was Demyx. Axel never realized what was going on, and how his feelings were developing for the preppy blond. He knew he should have gotten a clue when a sudden pain hit him when Demyx vanished. It pained him, and he had thought it was because the organization had betrayed Demyx and had sent him to his death. He did not stop to question why his breath caught in his throat every time he remembered those sparkling light blue eyes. Axel had just pushed it away and did not think about it.

However, now that he had Demyx in his arms, it was like all those feelings came back to him, ten times their intensity. Suddenly, he felt very stupid, just brushing his feelings for Demyx away.

"Hmm?" Demyx groaned, eyes opening.

"Hey, you should rest some more," Axel muttered, running his hand through Demyx's hair, soothingly.

"Roxas…..Namine…..they okay?" Demyx asked, finally getting it into his head what he had done. He would have gotten up if Axel hadn't held him down.

"Shh. They're fine. They're staying at the headquarters." Axel gently held Demyx down.

"Are they really?" Demyx asked, feeling his eyes begin to close, feeling exhausted once again.

"Yes. Look, I'm going over there to check up on them, okay? You rest up," Axel ordered. Demyx yawned and nodded, allowing himself to be lulled back to sleep by Axel's warmth. Axel waited a few more minutes before extricating himself from Demyx. He had things to settle.

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"Now, you really look short with those long pajamas."

Roxas whirled around, glaring into emerald eyes. His heart gave a big lurch, and he realized that he had a heart now. Memories surfaced up in his mind.

"Axel," Roxas muttered, eyes softening.

"How does it feel to be back to your own body?" Axel asked, crossing his arms in front of his chest, looking smug as always.

"Weird….a bit unused to things. Is Demyx alright?" Roxas asked, remembering how pale the Melodious Nocturne had looked earlier. He had to thank Demyx when he saw him next time.

"He's fine; just taking a well needed rest." Axel plopped down on the sofa. Silence ruled over the room as Roxas sat on the other sofa, looking at Axel and waiting.

"I still haven't forgiven you for leaving," Axel muttered. Roxas remained quiet, looking down at the floor.

"I cared about you. You didn't even look back," Axel went on, needing to get it off his chest.

"I spent my time trying to find you; to bring you back. It was all pointless." Axel smiled bitterly.

"I thought I would never see you again. However, here you are and I feel like I don't know you," Axel muttered, looking over at Roxas.

"We're different. We all are, Axel. We're not the same, because we're not those of the Organization anymore. I look at you, and I don't see the Flurry of Dancing Flames. I looked at Demyx, and he was not the Melodious Nocturne I remember. The Superior, he is not Xenmas." Roxas stood up and walked over to Axel, sitting next to him.

"You've changed, we've all changed. Got it memorized?" Roxas grinned.

"Don't use my line." Axel mock glared at him.

"Friends?" Roxas stuck out his hand.

"Still." Axel nodded, shaking Roxas' hand.

"I have to go, Demyx might be waking up soon," Axel muttered, getting up.

"You….and him?" Roxas had to ask. Axel frowned, remaining silent for a few minutes before answering.

"Yes."

"Don't hurt him Axel or I will kick your ass. You hear me?" Roxas warned him, placing a hand on Axel's shoulder and squeezing tightly.

"Jeeze, you always make me feel so welcome," Axel muttered dryly, shaking Roxas off before winking and disappearing. Roxas smiled and shook his head. He figured as much. He always had this inkling that something was going on between the two, which is why it may have seemed like he did not care for Axel. Really it was just that he knew he would be fine. Roxas used to catch glimpses in Axel's eyes, of some hidden feelings for Demyx. Roxas knew Demyx liked Axel; he just never did anything about it. Roxas was not mad or hurt, he understood things perfectly. He needed Sora, because he was his other half just like Axel needed Demyx to make him whole. Roxas was happy for them; he just hoped that they all make it through the war.

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"Hey, we heard you talking to someone." Sora came down, Riku trailing behind him.

"Just talking to Axel." Roxas smiled brightly. Sora frowned, a bit hesitant about asking his question.

"Were you and him?" Riku spoke up. They both wanted to know more about Sora's other.

"Well, I think it depends….We were friends, yes. We care deeply for each other, yes, but that is as far as it goes between us." Roxas shrugged.

"You two didn't go out?" Sora asked, a bit too chirpy.

"Well….we didn't have hearts, remember? We didn't have much of a romantic relationship, if that is what you're asking." Roxas answered it as best as he could, not quite sure what they meant.

"Are you two going to have one now?" Riku asked, sitting in front of Roxas, looking at him as if he were some science project.

"Umm, no. Axel is my friend, and that's all. He's going out with Demyx." Roxas informed them.

" Oh, the cute blond one." Riku nodded, remembering whom Roxas was talking about.

"Yeah. Anyways, Cid went to get food," Roxas informed Sora, whom was looking through the fridge.

"Great! Hope they get here soon 'cause I'm starving!" Sora huffed, going over to sit next to Roxas.

"I bet they're on their way; it's been a while since they left." Roxas smiled, blushing a bit when Sora wrapped an arm around his waist and rested his head on Roxas' shoulder.

"You'll be staying with us, right?" Sora asked quietly after a few minutes of silence.

"I….I….I don't know…" Roxas answered just as quietly.

"Yes or no, Roxas?" Riku looked at Roxas, his emerald eyes staring intensely into Roxas's blue. Roxas broke the gaze after a few seconds, unsure of what it was they wanted him to say. He was barely back yesterday, he did not know if he'll be around by the end of the whole mess. How did they know they would survive? May be they all failed and every thing was lost. Roxas looked down at his hands, feeling fear begin to creep in.

"We'll make it through." Roxas looked up startled as his hands were held in a firm grasp. Riku smiled comfortingly, squeezing his hands. Sora smiled and squeezed Roxas's waist.

"Well then, I guess since we'll make it, then yes," Roxas muttered, the ends of his mouth twitching up into a smile.

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Namine giggled as Kairi ran the brush through her hair. Kairi smiled, enjoying the feel of the silky strands.

"Is it time to wake up?" Selphie muttered from under the blanket.

"It's too early!" Yuffie's whine was muffled by her pillow.

"Come on, you two. Get up." Aerith walked over to them and shook them.

"Just leave them, Aerith. If they don't get breakfast it will be their fault." Tifa smirked, putting on her tennis shoes.

That did the trick. Selphie and Yuffie bolted up from the bed.

"Well, I guess down we go." Kairi grinned at the two girls trying to put their shoes on as fast as possible.

"Kairi, are we going to die?" Namine asked softly, but every one in the room heard.

"Why do you ask that?" Kairi asked, taking Namine's hand in hers.

"This darkness that is taking over the worlds….." Namine looked at the others as well.

"Don't worry Namine. We're all going to be fine. We're together in this and we won't let you die!" Selphie vowed.

"Yeah! We're a team. We'll protect you!" Yuffie said comfortingly.

"What about you girls?" Namine asked, still a bit unsure.

"Oh please! Who do you think helped the guys? We are SO totally stronger!" Tifa winked at her. Namine couldn't help but giggle at that comment. She felt better.

"Come on, Namine. Let's go." Kairi followed the girls out of the room, never letting go of Namine's hand. Kairi turned to her and smiled, squeezing her hand comfortingly. Namine smiled and returned the squeeze.

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"Hey! Kids! We're back!" Cid called out, making his way in, followed by Sephiroth and Xehanort with arms full of groceries.

"Good morning!" Yuffie chirped as she bounced down the stairs.

"Just in time! Cid just got here with the groceries!" Sora grinned from his spot on the sofa, with his head on Roxas's lap. Riku was on the floor, eyes glued on the television while Roxas ran a hand through Riku's hair.

"Well look at you three. No worries, huh?" Kairi teased the three.

"What did you bring, Cid?" Aerith walked over to look inside the bags.

"He is a slave driver!" Sephiroth snapped, flexing his arms and glaring at Cid.

"You're just out of shape. You were only carrying two bags." Cid rolled his eyes.

"I shall have you know I am in the best of shape," Sephiroth snapped frostily.

"You two, stop the bickering. Its too early for that, besides, we all are hungry. So out of the kitchen you two go." Aerith pushed them out of the kitchen and began preparing the breakfast.

"What can we help ya with Rith?!" Yuffie bounced into the kitchen, followed by Selphie. Tifa smiled and leaned on the doorway.

"Hey, what are you two watching?" Kairi asked, plopping down next to Roxas and turning to the TV.

"Ocean's Eleven," Riku muttered, too enthrall with the movie.

"Jeeze, stop drooling over George Clooney already. He's an old fart," Kairi said, nose wrinkling in disgust.

"Oh, who is George Clooney?" Namine asked, sitting down on the floor next to Riku.

"The hottest guy alive! He's been number one hottest guy forever!" Riku said in what sounded like a dreamy voice.

"I kind of like the blond one better," Roxas interjected.

"See, it's all about Brad Pitt! He is a God!" Kairi smirked.

"She's right, Riku. Brad Pitt is like… a God. He is the epitome of hotness," Sora added.

"Brad Pitt?! Oh please!" Riku scoffed.

"I rather like the other blond one. The small one," Namine spoke up.

"I agree with her. Matt Damon is better," a voice chimed in. The five looked up to see Cid, leaning on the sofa and looking at the movie as well.

"Matt Damon? You have no taste," Riku scoffed.

"At least I don't like a seventy year old." Cid sneered.

"Matt Damon has such a baby face!!" Namine giggled.

"Brad Pitt has a great body! All big and firm! Best body ever!" Kairi piped up.

"Clooney has more experience! Has the older, more mature look!" Riku glared at her.

"I kind of like Julia Roberts, she is pretty and has a nice smile," Sora cut in, causing every one to look at him.

"The squirt is right, Julia Roberts is very appealing," Sephiroth added suddenly, coming over to stand next to Cid.

"Whatever! Who's been in the front of the magazine? George Clooney! I rest my case!" Riku hollered.

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"See! He is hot!" Kairi jumped and pointed to Brad Pitt when he is arguing with George Clooney.

"Not sleeping with you ever again!"

The seven people watching the movie looked up at the top of the stairs.

"I did not do it, I swear!!"

"I just magically woke up all bruised."

"Yes!"

The seven looked at each other, before looking back at the top of the stairs. Leon came stomping down followed by an apologetic looking Cloud.

"How did you two spend your first night together?" Riku smirked.

"You two were awfully quiet," Cid said, smugly.

"Shut up, perverted old man. Go back to drooling over Matt Damon," Cloud snapped angrily.

"Awww, you two are having your first fight." Sephiroth cooed sardonically.

"What's it about anyways?" Sora piped up.

"Cloud is an active sleeper but he doesn't admit it." Leon glared at Cloud.

"I ended pushing him to the floor," Cloud mumbled. There were a few seconds of silence before every one burst into laughter.

"I don't find it hilarious," Leon snapped, clearly not happy.

"I didn't mean to do it," Cloud sighed. Leon just glared at him, clearly not over it yet.

"Come on kids! Stop the bickering and sit down! Breakfast is ready!" Tifa yelled out. All that was heard was the stomping of feet and before Tifa could blink every one was already sitting.

"Hey! I wanted that one!" Riku glared at Kairi who had taken his pancakes.

"Whatever, Clooney lover." Kairi stuck her tongue out at him.

"George Clooney? Eww!!!" Leon wrinkled his nose in disgust.

"George Clooney is okay, though not my personal favorite." Xehanort sat down next to Sephiroth, even though he did not eat, he still grabbed some pancakes.

"I think Brad Pitt is the best," Tifa said, smugly.

"Oh please! Matt Damon totally wins!" Yuffie scowled.

"I still think Julia Roberts wins the beauty contest," Sora interjected.

"She is very pretty and a great actress." Selphie nodded at that.

"She also has a great smile," Sephiroth agreed.

"Matt Damon is also a great actor. Besides, he has such a baby face." Aerith smiled, getting into the conversation.

"Matt Damon all the way, I agree." Leon nodded.

"Matt Damon? I agree with Tifa, Brad Pitt!" Cloud smirked.

"George Clooney!" Riku snapped while Xehanort agreed.

"Julia Roberts!!" Sora, Sephiroth and Selphie said simultaneously.

"Brad Pitt!" Tifa, Kairi, Roxas, and Cloud interjected.

"Matt Damon!" Namine, Cid, Yuffie, Aerith and Leon argued.

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"Hey, Demyx." Axel smiled and walked over to Demyx, who was reading some book.

"How are they?" Demyx asked, placing the book down and looking worriedly at Axel.

"They're fine," Axel said, reassuringly.

"Good, I was worried." Demyx smiled with relief.

"How are you doing?" Axel frowned, reaching over and placing a hand on Demyx's cheek.

"Fine, now." Demyx's face began to heat up. Axel smirked and leaned in. Demyx slowly but surely, leaned in as well. Their lips were just millimeters apart.

"DEMYX! AXEL!!" Quistis appeared. Axel cussed under his breath as he pulled away and glared at her, before noticing her distraught look.

"Why does every one always charge in when we are about to kiss?" Demyx whined under his breath. Axel smiled and took Demyx's hand, kissing it before turning to look at Quistis.

"It is Twilight Town."

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To….

Be….

Continued…..

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Well, there you go…. I know…a bit random….but I was watching Ocean's eleven at the moment….so yeah….and I just dislike George C. and I'm a Matt Damon fan! Anyways! hope this was liked! It took me a long time to write it!! I had no idea what to write or where it was going! And this kind of changed the rest of the story, but its cool…just a bit more work! Anyways, love you guys! Review please! Ta!