Hello everyone! Thanks for making it this far! This chapter I wrote six years after I posted chapter 4... I can't believe I came back to it honestly. The writing style might be a bit different considering I began this story when I was 16 and now I'm 24. DAMMIT WHY CAN'T I STOP AGING. Anywho, reviews are greatly appreciated. If you like this story and would like me to continue with it, please let me know! I appreciate you all for reading my story!
I closed the door behind me gently and released a deep sigh. I rest my head against the door, my hand still clutched on the doorknob. I almost don't want to leave Sora in there all alone, I almost feel guilty. But I can't take being in there. My anxiety is starting to get to me, and I can't let Sora see that side of me. The only one that could help me with my mental breakdowns was Roxas, but with the way he left, I don't think he wants to see me ever again.
I look around my apartment complex, thinking that Roxas might actually still be around. I did come out here not even a minute ever he left, but he was nowhere to be found. He must have left in a hurry, but I blame him? I would be mad at me too. Well, there's nothing I can do about it right now, I thought. I don't think I can try talking again; I don't think he would let me at this rate. Hell, I might as well accept I just lost my best friend again.
My anxiety starts to worsen as I let these thoughts creep into my mind. I can feel myself start to shake. I wrap my arms around me and take a few deep breaths. I just need to start walking, that'll clear my head. Roxas always said that a walk outside fixes any problem you may have, gives you clarity. I compose myself and start walking towards downtown.
It's actually been quite some time since I walked downtown at this time of night. They definitely don't call this city Twilight Town for no reason. As the sun starts to set, that is when the town becomes most alive. It's almost as if the buildings start to sparkle, making the stars in the sky envious of their glow. There's not a single street light in this city, but there is no need for it. Twilight Town is its own world, and Roxas and I swore we were going to make our mark here.
As I continue down the bustling streets, I stumble upon the town's favorite ice cream spot. Gosh it's been like two years since I got ice cream here. Roxas and I used to always get our favorite sea salt ice cream from this place. Oh yes, I remember the last time I got ice cream here. It's followed by a bad memory that I tried so hard to suppress, but it's coming back to me now.
Two years earlier
It was nearing the end of the summer and it was the hottest day of the season. Roxas and I finished high school and we swore we were going to make it the summer that we wouldn't forget. I couldn't believe that we were finally done with school, well, he was anyway since I was going to be starting art school in the fall. We started out as a couple of five-year-olds always getting in trouble for staying past recess and going on our own adventures to now being 17-year-olds with dreams and ambitions.
Now that we were done with high school, it was time for us to have the best summer ever. But it wasn't turning out that way. During our last year of high school, Roxas started hanging out with a different group of friends. They were always clad in black and always up to no good. I especially didn't care for that Axel guy; he seemed to always be up to most mischief. But worst of all, Roxas started hanging out with them more and more and seemed to forget that I existed. And this summer was no different. We started out strong but as the summer progressed, our friendship seemed to dwindle farther and farther away.
But today seemed to change all of that. Roxas told me he had some big news for me today and to meet him at our favorite ice cream shop at sunset. I was so excited, I could hardly contain myself! Maybe he was going to tell me that he decided he didn't want to hang out with that group anymore and realized that I was a much better friend? Gosh I have been missing him so much and I was just relieved that he wanted to actually spend some of the summer with me. I don't think he even realizes that once I started art school, I wasn't going to have as much free time as in the past. I need to debut my art; I'm going to make my mark on this city. And he was going to make his mark too; the best street performer this city has ever seen with his Struggling. We're both going to make it, but not if he keeps spending time with those goons.
I reached the ice cream shop and the sun was still high in the sky. I was probably at least an hour early, maybe two. But I couldn't help it. I just wanted to spend time with him so bad. Roxas is my best friend and my only friend. This summer hasn't been the same without him, and I'm glad he was the one to actually make plans to see me. Now all I have to do is wait, even if it feels like years.
The sun was finally setting, so it shouldn't be too much longer for Roxas to arrive. The buildings were starting to emit their infamous glow. It doesn't matter how long you've lived here; it never gets old. I looked around and still no sign of him. The sun just started to set so I shouldn't be too worried but I couldn't help but feel anxious. I know he's not one to show up on time, but this sounded important so why wouldn't he be here by now?
It feels like hours since I've been standing there… maybe it has been? I couldn't see the clock tower from the ice cream shop so I had no idea how late it was. It was starting to get dark now though and the shop will be closing soon. Where are you, Roxas?
"Hey, Nami."
I whipped around so quickly I thought my neck was going to snap. I could feel my face beaming because I was so excited to finally see him, but my smile drastically changed to a frown when I saw who it was. Obnoxious long red spikey hair, that demeaning grin, cold green eyes; I really can't stand this guy.
"Oh, it's you Axel. Don't call me that."
"Why's that? I thought you liked that nickname? Or is that something just between you and Roxy?" Axel chuckled lightly and took a few steps closer to me, his stupid grin still plastered on his chiseled face.
I ignored his comment; I'm not giving him that satisfaction. "If you're looking for Roxas, he's not here," I said as I glanced around just to make sure.
"Oh really? I thought he would be done talking to you by now. I stopped by to pick him up actually. But maybe he changed his mind and didn't want to see you. Tragic," he said as he changed his smile to a tacky remorseful expression.
"You may be his newfound groupies and maybe he likes to tell you guys a little too much, but he wouldn't just abandon me when he said he wanted to meet me."
"Hmm, maybe you're right about that, but I know I'm right when I say this: you probably don't want to hear what he has to say. Got it memorized?" He started walking past me and his long black jacket brushed against my shoulder. Just his mere presence gives me the chills.
"Good luck, Nami," he said as he continued down the street with his both his hands folded behind his head. He started humming in an irritating way, and I swear I could still here it even when he disappeared into one of the back alleys.
I know I couldn't trust Axel and he was always up to no good, but I couldn't get his words out of my mind. Is Roxas really not going to show up? If he does, is it really going to be bad news? Why is Roxas telling Axel all of this? I could feel my anxiety start to bubble up inside me. Tears were starting to swell my eyes. I wiped my face with my arm. No, I must keep myself composed, I said to reassure myself. He will come and everything will be explained. I can feel it.
"Hey, Nami."
This better not be that red-headed jerk again. I sighed deeply and looked to my left, and to my amazement, it was Roxas! He really did come! But I was slightly disappointed to see him in that tacky black jacket belonging to that group. He was dressed almost in all black, but nothing else seemed different about him. He even still wore that black-and-white checkered bracelet I made for him, but I think he was trying to hide it with his sleeve.
"Sorry to keep you waiting. I was caught up with… something. But it's taken care of now."
"N-no, it's fine. Completely fine! I'm glad you're here. C'mon, let's get our favorite sea salt ice cream before they close!" I couldn't help but smile from ear to ear. He even showed a small smile in return.
We both got our ice cream and started walking downtown towards the clock tower. It was our favorite hangout spot. We would use to go to the top of it after school so many times. I'm surprised we never got caught, but I think we would still keep doing it even if we got in trouble for it. I'm glad he wanted to go there.
As we were walking through the streets, several people kept giving us odd glances. Some were concerned, some were in awe, some were even angry. Many of them knew us as that odd couple of friends that never left each other's side, but I suppose it is a bit odd with me wearing a simple white sundress and sunhat and him wearing all black with that notorious organization's black jacket. Maybe Roxas has made a few enemies this summer? But I don't care; he's still my best friend and I'm glad he's here with me.
We finally reached the clock tower and made our way to the top. I noticed the clock and that it was almost 9'o clock. But the sky was still bright orange from the sunset and still so beautiful. We were talking so much and catching up that I forgot that I had ice cream in my hand. It was pretty melted, but I took a few bites and still tasted so good. This was just like our high school days; this was perfect.
We both watched the sun set deeper into the horizon and buildings became a brighter glow. Although I was so glad that I could spend this evening with Roxas, it was still bittersweet. This is going to be our last normal summer together… even though we didn't spend much time together.
"I guess it's going to be a little bit different when I start art school," I said as I looked thoughtfully at the stars that were faintly starting to appear.
"Probably, but it's for the best. You've wanted to study art for as long as I've known you." He looked just as thoughtful as I did. I did a side glance towards him and the sparkles from the buildings were emphasizing the shine in his baby blue eyes.
"I suppose you're right. I'm a bit nervous though. And I don't know how I feel about my instructor, Tifa Lockhart. She seems a little too strict for my liking… and I think she has a temper. But I guess I can deal with the temper since I'm so used to yours."
"Hey, I'm not that bad," he said as he lightly punched my arm.
"Nope, you just hit me. I'm calling abuse. You need anger management, sir!"
"Oh sorry, would tickling be better?" He reached over and wriggled his fingers up and down the sides of my torso. I hate that he knew how ticklish I was and exactly what made me squirm the most.
"Okay, okay! I give! I would rather take the punching." I caught my breath as he relieved me from his vicious hands of tickling doom. But sadly, most of my ice cream fell off of the popsicle stick to the ground and some onto my face.
Roxas noticed the ice cream on my face and pulled out a handkerchief from his jacket. He chuckled lightly. "Geez Nami, you're such a mess," he said as he gently wiped the ice cream from my face.
"Hey, this is your fault," I said as I returned the laughter.
His smile became a bit more sad as I said those words. "There's still something I have to tell you."
I didn't like that new look in his eyes, but I did suddenly realize that he wanted to meet for something important. I just hope it's not like anything that Axel we implying.
He was still looking at me, but I had this feeling that it was hard to do so. "Naminé, I'm moving out of Twilight Town."
"W-what?" This has to be a joke, right? How long was he planning this? Did that groupie of his put him up to this? I don't want to hear this, not after we finally reconnected after having such a lonely summer without him.
"I know this isn't what you want to hear, but it's for the best. The Organization is granting me access to their private island and there's so many opportunities for me there Naminé, like you wouldn't believe."
"Oh, so you're doing something reckless for this group again? Have you really thought about this? What about your opportunity here in Twilight Town? Did you forget about that?"
"There's nothing in this city for me. You know that. Even if I became the best Struggle street performer this city has ever seen, is it really going to beyond that? I'm not taking that chance."
"So you're not going to even try? When did the Roxas that I've known since elementary school become a quitter?"
"I'm not a quitter; I'm a realist."
"And what about me? About us? Is our friendship suddenly not good enough for you anymore?" I could feel the tears start to burn in my eyes. I didn't know if they were from the sudden realization that I was no longer going to have my best friend by my side anymore or from anger that this Organization put all these stupid ideas in his head.
"Oh, so now it's about you? Did you even think about how well the Organization has treated me and how many doors they have opened for me?" Roxas was now standing up, his fists clenched so tightly I thought he might break his skin and bleed.
"That group is bad news and you know it! And yes, I do feel like I have a right to be somewhat involved in your life since for almost our entire lives all we had was each other. What's gotten into you, Roxas? This isn't like you."
"And what the hell do you know about me, anyway? You have your art school now, so just go start your new life and don't concern yourself about me anymore."
I have never heard such bitter words come out of his mouth before. I couldn't keep back the tears anymore. They were freely flowing down my cheeks. I hate this, I hate this so much. Why is he throwing away our friendship like this? But I can't change his mind; he has new dreams and new friends now.
I stood up calmly and looked deep into his eyes. "Alright, if that's what you want. I guess this is where we part ways." I started walking towards the stairwell to exit the clock tower. He didn't even try to stop me; I guess this is what he wants after all.
I stopped and turned around to look at him one last time. "I won't forget the memories we shared. Thank you for being my best friend for all those years. Take care, Roxas."
I started walking down the stairs and I thought maybe I could hear Roxas call out for me, but I was probably just hearing things. My walk started turning into a run and I didn't want to stop. This is what he wants, and I can't stop him. Starting tomorrow, my life starts anew without him.
That tomorrow turned into two years later, and it was the hardest two years of my life. Luckily I had Tifa during those two years to help me get through those tough days when I really missed him. She taught me to transform my emotions into art. She taught me so many things and was there for me when I needed a friend; she was like the sister I never had. There were so many paintings I had made to relieve some of the sadness I kept with me, but she said that was my most beautiful work. I'll admit I was pretty mad at first when she surprised me with the news that she was going to showcase those intimate, private paintings in our art gallery at school, but that's what got all those professional artists to come see me. Tifa really is something else.
But now she's gone. I'm so happy that she's going to be marrying Cloud. He makes her so happy and I want her to continue to smile the way he makes her do. But it's going to be so lonely without her. And now Roxas suddenly shows up as if we never had that dispute two years ago? Is he really trying to make amends with me? I sincerely doubt that after the way he reacted when I couldn't tell him about Sora. What does he expect? Of course it would be difficult to tell him about it since he chose to walk away from our friendship. I don't get him at all. He's so infuriating!
I snap out of my deep thoughts for a moment and realized how dark it really has become. I completely lost track of time… and where I was going because I have no idea where I was. I remember stopping by the ice cream shop and now suddenly I wind up down a street I've never been down before. I sigh heavily. Roxas wasn't kidding when he said that my overthinking is going to get me in trouble one day. Ugh, how is he still impacting my life even when he's been out of it for the past two years!
I look around me to see if I could see anything familiar. I didn't see anything at first, but after walking around a couple of blocks, the clock tower was in view. Well that's reassuring, I thought. At least I can head that way and make my way home from there. I may not get home still midnight, but at least I won't be lost anymore. I hope Sora is doing okay by himself in the apartment. It's still so odd to think of him as a living being. There's so much I have to figure out since Sora doesn't know much more than I do. I better not think about it too much right now, otherwise I'll get lost again.
I started to make my way to the clock tower but stopped suddenly when I heard a whistle come from one of alleys I walked past. I looked toward the direction the whistle came from. I could make out some sort of figure, but it was hard to make it out in the darkness of the alley. I had a bad feeling about this, so I continued my walk, a little bit faster this time.
"Hey Naminé, didn't you hear me calling for you?"
I turned swiftly around and couldn't believe who the figure in the creepy alley turned out to be. His light blond hair was almost covering his eyes, but his black beanie was keeping his hair from doing so. His black tank top was showing his refined muscles that he was so proud of. His crooked smile was too big for my liking, and I was already creeped out.
"Seifer? I haven't seen you since high school. I never thought I'd run into you again."
"Now, now, I didn't think you would be so excited to see me. I guess you did miss me. I know I missed you."
Well his creepiness definitely hasn't changed. The smell of smoke suddenly came into contact with my nostrils and it almost made me gag. I noticed a cigarette that was in Seifer's left hand. Since when did he start smoking?
"Not really. I'm actually on my way home, so if you'll excuse me," I said as continued in the direction of the clock tower. Suddenly he placed his hand on my shoulder and I instantly shivered.
"I see you still want to act cold towards me. You know, you're the only girl that hasn't fallen for me. You are so intriguing. Since Roxas is gone, I thought maybe you might actually notice me. But I do love a good chase."
"Regardless if Roxas isn't here, my feelings haven't changed. I'm not interested, nor will I ever be." I pushed my shoulder out of his grasp and he simply chuckled. Why does he find pleasure in antagonizing me?
"You can't tell me weren't impressed when I beat him in that Struggle competition two years ago? That's the one thing he was good at and I still won with flying colors."
"Yeah, and I'm pretty sure you cheated too."
"Maybe I did. But that just shows how much smarter I am than he is."
I rolled my eyes and snorted. "You are absolutely repulsive. I'm going home now. Goodbye, Seifer."
I started walking away once again, but he gripped my shoulders once again, this time tighter and turned me around with brutal force. With one hand still holding onto my shoulder, the other he dropped his cigarette and clenched my chin and brought it close to his face.
"Oh no, you're coming with me." As he breathed these words, the smell of alcohol was succumbing my entire face. This explains why he's more forward than usual; he's stupid drunk. He's dangerous without alcohol, I don't want to find out what he's capable of with a few shots of whiskey in him.
"Let me go, Seifer. Do you even realizing what you're doing?"
"Oh yes I do. And now that Roxas is out of the picture, he's not here to take you away from me. Honestly, do you even have anyone else to go anymore? Wouldn't you rather have me around?"
I tried to struggle out of his grip, but he is too strong. Now I'm starting to get scared. Roxas was usually around and keep me safe from him when we were in high school. I am so pathetic. Maybe Roxas was right. I am pretty selfish, thinking that I'll always have him around to help me get out of bind. But when am I actually going to start taking care of myself, without relying on others to help me every time?
"Hey! Let her go!"
Was it really Roxas? Was he really going to save me once again even after everything that happened? I looked to my left, and to my astonishment, it wasn't golden blond spikes I was looking at. It was bouncy light brown spikes.
"Sora?!"
