Saving Axel
Chapter 4: Parties and Closets
Roxas's POV
I went back to school about a week ago and suffered through the relentless questioning of what happened and how I was. I knew they only cared so they could touch base with Sora, Riku, or Kairi, and that hurt a little. I think the only people who cared about me were Naminé, Hayner, Pence, and Olette.
I was sitting in art class while Naminé and I brain stormed about Sora's birthday party since we were already done with our project.
"I'm thinking we have it at that game place. He loves his video games and would thoroughly enjoy that," I suggested, and she wrote it down in her notebook.
"But," she tapped her pencil on her chin with a thoughtful face, "we only have $500 dollars between us, and it might just be too expensive." We both sighed. We had already shot down several ideas already between the two of us, and his birthday was Saturday.
Today was Thursday.
"I'm out of ideas." I put my head down, and she looked away sadly. "He can sing on a cookie in the garage for all I care," I mumbled into the table. Then I felt a thump and my head was lifted to meet Naminé's excited eyes.
"That's it!" She smiled widely. "We'll have it at Kairi's mansion in the back yard." I picked my head up and began to think.
"He did say he didn't want anything too big, and only wanted close friends and family there. He wanted it to be simple~"
"But fun!" Naminé finished excitedly, and we high fived.
"It's perfect!" we cheered in unison, only to receive stares from everyone in the class. We both looked down sheepishly and quietly discussed what we would need to buy.
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"Okay, we need napkins…" I searched the aisle while Naminé checked the items we already had off the list. "Should we get the 400 pack or the 200 pack?" I asked and she looked up.
"Which is cheaper?" she asked, and I looked back.
"The 400 is on sale," I informed her, and she nodded.
"Grab that one then." She smiled as I grabbed it off the shelf and put it into the cart. We walked to the drink aisle, and she began to look around. I felt my phone vibrate in my pocket and I picked it up.
"Hello?" I asked kindly as Naminé picked up a six-pack of waters.
"Hey, I was wondering when I pick up Sora tomorrow," asked none other than Riku. I shifted on my feet trying to remember and looked down to Naminé's book.
"We need you over at my place for nine a.m.; can you do that?" I asked, and there was silence.
"When do I bring him over?" he asked, and I thought again.
"Around five."
"Alright, I can do that," he said brightly. I knew it was a long time, but Riku and Sora have been friends since age three, so I don't doubt that Riku can successfully distract Sora for seven hours. "Thanks, talk to you later." He hung up and I stared at the list.
"Damn," I cursed while Naminé put the fifth pack into the cart.
"What happened?" she asked worriedly, and I shook my head.
"Nothing, we just forgot something we already passed. I'll go get it." I smiled and she nodded as she headed off to the snack aisle while I headed to the produce section. Olette has no taste for sweets (weird, right?), so she asked if she could bring some apples. Of course, Naminé said she would provide it, so we will. I was grabbing a plastic bag and turned to head for the apples when I ran into someone and feel back onto my butt.
"Damn it, I'm sorry," I cursed and looked over to see none other than Axel on his ass in front of me. "Axel?" I asked, shocked. He stared back at me equally shocked. I struggled up to my feet to offer him a hand, but he dropped the shocked look and it morphed into him looking pissed. He shoved my hand away and stood up himself and walked away.
"Hey, wait!" I called. I ran over and grabbed his arm, but he flinched. I didn't know I grabbed on that hard and then he turned sharply, and I let go.
"What do you want, Strife?" he growled and glared daggers at me. Then my kind face fell as well.
"Nothing anymore, Lea," I said angrily and turned away and walked off too. Stupid red head; I hate him! I was going to apologize for being so cold, but if he was going to be cold too, then to hell with that plan. I grabbed a few apples and saw that he was bagging some peaches, and I turned hurriedly to leave. I didn't even want to be near him right now, so I marched, upset, to Naminé as she walked toward the check out.
"What's wrong, Roxas?" she asked quietly when she noticed my narrowed eyes and frown.
"Nothing," I muttered, and she nodded as she unloaded the cart. I still was thinking about our little run in and sighed, because I didn't want to think about that kid at all. Luckily, Axel wasn't close friends with Sora so he wasn't coming. He may be friends with Riku, but that's it.
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"Happy Birthday, baby!" Yuffie smiled when Sora walked into the kitchen Saturday morning, and I smiled as she squeezed her son who squeezed back with the same gusto. She pulled away and kissed his forehead and she backed up as Leon gave Sora an extremely rare hug. I put the bowl of cereal on the table and Sora sat beside me and looked at the bowl. I took the liberty to cut the strawberries to spell out 'Happy B-day' on his cheerios, and he hugged me for it.
"Thanks, Rox!" he smiled as he began to eat happily and hurriedly.
"Sora, you can take your time, you know," Yuffie reminded him and he shook his head.
"I don't want to be late when Riku gets here. We're gonna have so much fun!" Sora informed us around a mouthful of food. He finished his food in record time and was ready beside the door. I walked over, still in my PJ's, and stood beside him.
"You're excited." I smiled coyly, and he nodded.
"Since Riku is always at some sort of practice or game, we never have much time together," Sora started sadly, "and then when he suggested we spend my birthday together, I was so happy! I love hanging out with him; he's really fun!" Sora told me, though I already knew. I heard the knock and opened the door to reveal Riku who was tackled by Sora.
"Sora, calm down," Riku said and patted his back. "Happy Birthday, Sora." He smiled when Sora pulled away.
"Have him back by five," I stated like an angry father on his daughter's first date.
"Alright, I will." Riku smiled and Sora tried to crawl onto his back. "What?" he asked Sora.
"My birthday," he started, "I want a piggy back ride!" he commanded, and Riku laughed and helped him up as he turned to leave. I shut the door, but ran to my room to watch them go and could still hear them.
"Where to?" Riku looked over his shoulder to look at Sora.
"Don't care. I just wanna spend my birthday with you," Sora informed him and they walked out of view. Little naïve Sora; can he not see how Riku feels? Oh well, I gotta get ready to head over to Kairi's to help with party set up.
I went to the bathroom and took off my glasses. I got into the shower and relished in the warmth. It was warm like when Axel was next to me in the hospital~ where on earth did that come from? He may be warm, but~ NO! Stop thinking about Axel Lea, self! I got out of the shower and wrapped a towel around my waist. I put my glasses on and stared at my reflection. My head looked a lot better since the bruise was almost completely faded, and the marks were gone. It could easily be hid by makeup, but don't judge me. I don't want to look at it, so I ask Yuffie to cover it for me.
I dressed in old jeans and a white T-shirt shirt and left my hair alone, since it styles naturally, and I packed my party clothes in a bag. I walked into the hallway and knocked on Yuffie's bedroom door and opened it to see the bathroom light on. I walked over to see her puking her guts out in the toilet and ran to her side.
"Yuffie," I started and held some of her hair out of her face, but it wasn't that long to begin with. When she was done, she sat back and went to her sink and didn't look at me.
"Wait for me in the room," she said quietly. I nodded and went to sit on her bed thinking I should just leave since she was sick, but she emerged holding her makeup with a smile. "Let's cover that up!" she said with her normal, perky voice. I looked at her as she began to put the powder and other items on my bruise. She looked okay, but was she really?
"Are you feeling alright?" I asked her when she was done, and her face fell.
"I'll be fine; I must not have cooked the sausage enough this morning," she suggested with a smile, but her eyes weren't in it.
"You're lying," I stated. She sighed and sat beside me.
"I'll tell you later, but don't tell Leon or Sora… or anyone for that matter," she asked pleadingly, and I nodded. She kissed my forehead. "Don't worry about it, okay? Have fun at that party today, and we'll all go out tomorrow for an after birthday party as a family." She smiled and I rose from the bed and left.
I walked down the stairs, out the door, and onto the streets. I walked to the corner of the street and waited at the bus station for a few minutes. Naminé had brought all of her supplies and slept over at Kairi's house, so I just had to show up.
I rode the bus to the other side of town and got off at the last stop before the bus loops to go back into the downtown area. I walked up the cracked sidewalk to the large, white mansion. There was a large porch and several huge windows on the place. I had only been here a few times in my life, and each time I was staying in the basement the entire time. I walked up to the large oak door and rang the door bell and waited. The door opened and I smiled.
"Hey, Reno," I said, and the tall man in front of me opened the door wide.
"Glad you could make it, Roxas. The girls are already out back while I slave in the kitchen," he sighed dramatically, and I laughed. He shared the red hair of this family, but his was nice and bright. He had little half-moon shaped tattoos beside his eyes and almost everyone who sees him falls for his smile. You could say he was good looking, and his hair was in a pony tail with little spikes at the top along with his sunglasses.
"Stop complaining!" I smiled when I saw Kairi walk into the room. Reno put a hand on his heart with a fake, hurt look on his face.
"That cuts deep, sis," he said with fake sadness while she stuck her tongue out at him.
"Come on, Roxas." She motioned for me to follow while Reno returned to the kitchen. "Who's entertaining Sora?" she asked curiously, and I smiled slightly.
"Riku, of course," I informed her and her face fell for a minute, and she looked jealous, but her happy face soon reappeared.
"Naminé! Roxas is here!" she yelled to the girl on a ladder in the back. She was hanging some streamers in the trees and came down quickly. She was dressed in shorts and a large shirt with her blonde hair in a high pony tail.
"Great, could you start to set up the tables and chairs? The tables are too hard for either of us to open." She sighed and I walked off as she hurriedly climbed back up her ladder while Kairi worked on blowing up some balloons. I had a feeling this would take a long time.
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"It's done," Naminé sighed while she draped both of her small, pale arms around Kairi's and my neck. We had been working nonstop since 9:30 a.m., and it was finally 4 o'clock. She stood up straight as we admired our work. There were streamers in the trees lined up on the edges of the yard and a large sign that read 'Happy Birthday, Sora!' in the back taped to the fence. There were three tables by the sign where the food will go when Reno and Kairi's mom bring it out and a few more where people could sit and eat. There was a large DJ station where Zexion would play music at Naminé's request and enough room for people to dance if they wanted.
"I think we really out did ourselves." Kairi smiled and walked back toward her house. I wiped the sweat from my brow and Naminé sat on the steps of the patio and sighed tiredly.
"You should go get dressed, Nami. I'll handle food arranging before I get dressed," I promised. She nodded, and I helped her up as she walked into the house. I walked in with her and signaled for Reno and Mrs. Kutler to start to bring the food out and put it on the tables. I rearranged it all with Reno's help while Mrs. Kutler went to go pick up Sora's cake.
"Hey, Rox," I turned to see Reno standing beside me, "why don't you use my bathroom to get ready and I'll help out the guests till one of you three get back," he suggested, and I nodded. "Top floor, last door on the right," he informed me. I walked into the house and up the grand stairway. I reached the top floor and turned to the right making my way to the last door. I opened it and saw my bag of clothes already up here and smiled. I thought getting a shower might be nice, or rinse off at least. I grabbed a towel and opened the bathroom door.
My jaw dropped.
I saw Axel shaking his long red hair in an effort to dry it while his boxers were dangerously low on his hips. I noticed he had a lot of scars on his torso and back. Then he saw me, and our eyes locked.
Awkward!
"I'm sorry!" I yelled and slammed the door and leaned against it heavily while trying to get that image out of my head.I can't believe he was here! Why was he here? Does God get some sick kick from embarrassing me in front of Axel and putting me near him? If he didn't hate me before, he could call me a freak now since I just sort of walked in on him. I was so lost in thought that I didn't hear the doorknob being turned. The door opened and I fell back onto my ass. I stared up at Axel who was now fully dressed in jeans and a black hoodie.
"I'm sorry," I said pathetically. He stared at me and walked over me and shut the door to the main room behind him with a loud slam. Man, I am such a screw up!
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Sora's POV
"We should go home," I said quietly as I munched on my cotton candy Riku bought me. We played video games for three hours at the arcade, and I spent $30 on game tokens. He bought me a sit down lunch with him for a total of $35. He then took me to the pier and let me buy whatever I wanted in the shops. I bought about $50 worth of useless souvenirs, and he bought me a cotton candy for 50 cents. Basically, he spent a grand total of $115.50 on me in seven hours, and I felt kind of bad.
"Why? I thought you were having fun?" he asked worriedly, and I shook my head.
"No, I've had a blast, but…"
"But?" he prompted me, and I looked down and stopped walking.
"You've done so much to make this an amazing birthday, but I feel bad because I did the math." I was going to leave it at that, but he looked at me expectantly and I sighed. "You've spent $115.50 on me today and I feel really bad~"
"Stop." He held his finger to my lips to silence me. "I made a decision to take you out on your birthday about four months ago and saved around $500 to ensure you have fun." He smiled and I did as well. "Let's walk on the beach." He pulled me down to the little wooden walk way to get to the beach. We walked on the beach in silence until I just fell backward in the sand, and he sat beside me.
"You're the best, Riku," I sighed in content, and he hovered over my face.
"I know I am," he said smugly, and I shoved his face away playfully. I sat up, and we stared out at the water. "Happy Birthday, Sora," he said quietly.
"I've had a great 18th birthday, Riku."
"Yeah, now you're as old as me… even though you act like a seven year old half the time," he finished, and I shoved him playfully on the arm and he fell over. I fell on top of him and we laughed for a bit, but neither of us moved. Even after the laughter disappeared, we just stared at each other. I came to my senses and crawled off him quickly.
"Sorry," I apologized, but he didn't say anything. I saw a strange emotion in his blue-green eyes… one I wasn't familiar with when he thought of me. Was that…lust? Love?
Want?
"I gotta get you home," he said finally as he stood up. I nodded and let him help me up as he walked ahead toward his car. "Kairi called me saying she needed to give you your present," he explained nicely, but I knew something was bothering him still. I sat in the passenger's seat of his crappy car and he started it up to drive away. I couldn't help but think I did something wrong.
XxXxXxXxXxX
Roxas's POV
I was dressed in black jeans and a long sleeved black button up and my nice DC shoes. I was waiting inside the house for the party to end. Sora was surprised and super happy when he got to Kairi's. It had been awhile and it was already dark out. I grabbed a slice of cake, but no one really talked to me. Some friend of Sora's brought some beer,so I decided to go inside. Right now I was trying to think of a way to explain why Sora will be drunk when I bring him home…and have nothing. I sort of hate parties a lot, so I was hiding I guess. Sure, I love loud music, and Zexion was probably the best amateur DJ out there, but I'm not very social.
It's not like I don't try to make friends, I just don't make them as easily as some people. I just got a free pass by being Sora's cousin. Even still, people ignore me, bully me, or treat me as if I'm just air. I slid down the wall of the front hallway and sat on the floor. I hadn't even seen a single friend, not even Naminé, because they were all partying. Guess they don't like me as much as I thought they did, but that doesn't surprise me one bit.
"Hey."
I looked up to see Axel standing in front of me holding a root beer in his hand and a grape pop in the other. "You look bored," he informed me. He slid down beside me and handed me the pop.
"Thank you," I said softly and we sat in silence for a long time. I wanted to apologize for being a dick, but he had to apologize first. He started this and that's the story I'm sticking to. He looks angry and bored. Maybe I should apologize first. Maybe be nice; I can do this! Just apologize first by swallowing your pride. Do it!
"Why were you here earlier getting a shower in Reno's room?"
Okay, that's a start.
"I should ask you the same question, Strife," he said. He smiled slightly as he leaned his head back with his eyes shut.
"I asked you first," I defended. He opened an eye and looked over to me and then closed it again.
"This is my aunt's house," he started and I stared in silence. "Yes; Kairi and Reno are my cousins on my dad's side," he explained to my shocked brain.
"She never said anything…" I trailed off quietly and he leaned forward on his knee again and looked to me.
"She's embarrassed of me since she's so cool, and I'm not," Axel sighed sadly, and I nodded. We sat in another silence until I spoke up.
"Party set up," I said simply. He turned to look at me and I looked over as well. "You asked the same question. I sweat my ass off and wanted to clean up before the party," I explained and he looked away, but I didn't want another silence.
"I'm sorry," he looked over with wide eyes, "for being a dick after you helped me out the other day. Also for tutoring me," I finished lamely, and he looked away.
"About tutoring…" Axel trailed off and looked to the ground. "Sorry for the first day; what I did, I mean." He scratched the back of his head nervously. I looked over to him.
"Why did you kiss me?" I asked, and he looked away.
"I guess… I just wanted to," he said distantly, and I guess that was what set me off.
"You just wanted to?" I asked loudly in disbelief. I stood up and glared down at him.
"What? You were sitting there, and it's not like I have an angry boyfriend to deal with," he growled as he got to his feet as well.
"Yeah, but you have one pissed off Roxas to deal with!" I yelled in his face, cursing my short stature. "What right do you have to call me out on a lack of partnership, much less my preferences? You don't know jack shit!" I yelled at him.
"I know enough that you liked it, because you're a little fag," he said, and I was taken aback by his name calling.
"How dare you say that to me? Obviously you liked it too!" I glared angrily, and he softened his glare a little. "Just because I swing that way doesn't mean you can just play on my emotions because you want to. That's just wrong! Do you even care about anyone else besides yourself, or do you only think with the head between your legs and not between your ears?" I yelled at him as his glare morphed into a shocked stare. I guess no one told him off before.
"I~"
"I don't even want to hear it! You're just an asshole who hates me for no goddamned reason! What did I ever do to you? I didn't even know you until you rudely ran into me and took my stuff!" I continued. It felt good to yell at him. "I just want you to know how much you bug me; don't even try to explain anything 'cause I don't care~!" Axel then pushed me against the wall and pinned my hands above my head.
"Get off of me!" I yelled loudly, and he took both of my hands in one of his and put the other over my mouth. I could still breathe, but it still bothered me that I'm pinned to a wall by Axel freaking Lea.
"I think that's what I like best," he stated, and I stopped struggling and stared at him in confusion, "The real you, the one that doesn't take shit from anyone. I never met you in person, but I always knew when I saw you there was something underneath," he explained. "I wanted to know what it was, and I found it. No one has spoken to me like that… in a long time," he finished. He uncovered my mouth, but I still stared, confused. "I'm sorry to have offended you. I'd better go," he said and let go of my hands and walked toward the kitchen leaving me on the wall.
"Roxas!" I turned to see Kairi running over, "Naminé is looking for you…to make out with you." I stared shocked, and her face fell into one of pity. "She shouldn't have taken that punch from Marluxia."
I heard Naminé calling my name, and I freaked out.
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I feel so pathetic right now.
First Axel comes over to my brooding corner, pisses me off, then pins me to a wall and just leaves me. Next, Kairi comes to tell me Marluxia slipped alcohol into Naminé's drink and she was looking for me. That's how I got to the top floor, charged into Reno's room, and hid in the closet. I was hiding in the dark, hoping to god she didn't find me. Don't get me wrong, Nami is a very pretty girl, and she would be a great catch for any guy, but I liked her as a friend. I was lucky, I guess, since I wasn't claustrophobic, because I have no idea how long I'd be stuck in here. I blinked in the dark and looked around while I shifted to get more comfortable on the box in the closet I was seated on. That was when the door opened, and I yelped.
"Why the hell are you in Reno's closet?" Axel asked me with a tired, irritated face. I probably looked like a deer in the headlights right about now.
"I was just…admiring Reno's…" I looked around frantically and grabbed the nearest jacket, "leather jacket," I finished with a faux smile. He just stared at me.
"Right," he said disbelievingly.
"Why are you here?" I asked, and he looked over his shoulder.
"The guys wanted to play spin the bottle and use this closet. I was told to go make sure it was clear." He gestured to me sitting in the closet. "Obviously, it isn't. I'll let you get back to~"
"Roxas!" yelled the female voice of Naminé. That was my number one clue something was up; she never yells. Axel slammed the closet door quickly, and I pushed my ear up to the door to listen.
"Where's Roxas? I wanna give him something!"
"Roxas isn't in here, Naminé. Maybe you should head back downstairs and wait for him."
"Oh… okay. I want another fruity drink from Mar-Mar!"
I sighed when the bedroom door closed, and then Axel opened the closet.
"She shouldn't drink," he said simply, and I nodded in understanding. "Now get out of the closet~"
"AXEL!" shrieked a female voice, and Axel's face changed into one of fear.
"Ah, shit!" he cursed silently and hopped into the closet himself, pushing me aside as he got in leaving us alone in the closet.
"Axel, where are you? You owe me a big fat kiss, sexy. I know you're in here!"
I gulped wondering who this girl was that caused Axel so much fear.
"Fine! I'll get it Monday." The door to the bedroom slammed shut, and we both let out a sigh of relief which led to our laughter. It was fun hiding from girls in a closet.
"Okay, closet time's over~ oh no," he stated lightly, but finished worriedly. "I slammed the door shut, and we don't have a handle in here."
"We're stuck in here?" I yelped worriedly, and he must have nodded, but I couldn't see. "Perfect," I muttered angrily. I heard the clothes shifting, and I looked forward in the dark and felt a warm hand on my lap. "Axel!" I hissed.
"Sorry, looking for leverage," he apologized while drawing his hand back as if it were burnt. I felt heat in front of me and realized Axel was stretched in front of me, and I blushed slightly. He really was warm… No! Don't think that way; you hate this guy! Axel shifted, and light blazed in my eyes.
"Ow," I muttered and rubbed my eyes.
"Sorry," he muttered quietly, and I nodded as he leaned up against the other wall. "So…" he started quietly.
"How are we gonna get out of here?" I asked worriedly, and he shook his head.
"We could yell really loud and hope someone is taking a shit?" he suggested, and I nodded. Neither of us had phones because I left mine in the hallway after I got up to yell at Axel and never grabbed it again.
"HEY!" I yelled loudly when I was facing the door.
"ANYONE UP HERE?" Axel yelled standing beside me. "HELLO?" he continued, as did I. After about ten minutes of screaming, my throat hurt, and no one was coming. I sighed in defeat and took a seat again.
"This is pointless. No one's up here," I whined. He looked away and slid down the wall and sighed as well.
"Reno checks his closets every night; he'll find us eventually," Axel informed me, and I stared.
"Who the hell checks their closet before they go to bed?" I asked curiously, and he shrugged.
"Dunno. He just does," he said as he shrugged. I nodded, and we sat in an awkward silence. We just seemed to always have one.
"Are you hot?" he asked suddenly, and I whipped my head around to stare at him funny.
"What?" I asked and he looked relaxed, if not a bit red.
"I'm sweating, but," he looked away, "would you mind if I turned off the lights?" he asked, and I shook my head. It was rather warm. He stood up by shimming up the wall and then he leaned over me again. If I had blushed before, I was a rose at this point since his shirt rode up and you could see some of his lower stomach muscles… that part being in my face. He shut the lights off and moved so he was right in front of my face with his glowing green eyes. I decided I love that green because they were just so amazing. My thoughts turned from his eyes when I felt hands on my face, and I looked away, effectively pulling free from his hypnotic stare and warm hands.
"Maybe we should try calling again?" I suggested. I don't know what his reaction was since it was dark. His eyes left my view and we started yelling again until Rude, Reno's best friend, found us. I sighed happily when I was free, but Axel just walked away hurriedly. I felt bad.
I walked out soon after and down the stairs to see Riku, Reno, Sora, and Marluxia in a game of strip poker with the party going on around them. Let's just say that Sora was one hand away from being completely exposed, not to mention he was as drunk as can be. Riku had just lost his shirt, Reno was lacking a shirt and pants, and Marluxia was fully clothed.
"Sora, we're leaving," I stated, and he turned his head to me clumsily and giggled like mad.
"Don't be a fun killer, Roxxasss," he drew out my name with a slur while hiccupping between some of his words. I sighed and grabbed his clothes and helped him up.
"Thanks for taking care of him today, Riku," I stated professionally. "Next time," I looked to Sora as he giggled at nothing, "no drinks," I said and started to head toward the door. I stopped him by the door and put his clothes on while receiving no help from him. We then walked out the door and headed for home.
I dropped him off in bed with a garbage can beside him for when he hurls, because I know he will. I sat in my room and took off my glasses. I sighed with closed eyes, but I couldn't get Axel out of my head.
Ok. I think they may get longer from this point on, maybe…depends on what you people think. Let me know if you prefer shorter chapters or longer ones.