Next chapter, my loves!

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Fate is cruel to us. It seems to be that when we're both lost from each other we're out seeking the other. And when one of us finds the other, it's as though there is some complication that prevents us from having time together. One of us usually ends up waiting or loosing the other and having to go and find them again. I'm just glad to know that he should be waking up soon. No more waiting. I need to be with him.

I didn't expect it to be like stepping into one of my dreams. But when we stepped out of the dark portal, everything went from deep darkness to blinding light. Everything was white. The walls, the ceiling, the floor, the giant marble chairs that towered over me and Axel at varying heights.

I also wasn't expecting to be greeted by people. Lots of people, all dressed in the same cloak that Axel adorned. They all sat in their chairs respectively. I couldn't see their eyes for they were veiled by their hoods. Despite that, I felt each and every pair of eyes on me. I looked around. There were eleven of them, all sitting, waiting, watching.

"I see that you have succeeded Axel. I must say, I'm surprised you convinced the boy and didn't have to resort to other…options. That is most fortunate." The voice was definitely familiar and sent a nasty vibe through me. I had a feeling that I should be intimidated, and I was. If I recalled correctly, that was the voice of the Superior, wasn't it? It had to be. Especially judging from Axel's defiant look and defensive stance.

"Yes, I got him back. May we please be excused so I can help get him settled in here and comfortable? Not all of his memories have returned, so he has no idea where he is." There was a sure vehement bite in Axel's words and his eyes were narrowed and guarded. He stood partly in front of me in what I understood to be a protective way. I stood up straight, hoping to not look as intimidated as I felt, but my insides were melting into gross jello and my face was surely depicting just how I was feeling. Again I became well aware of the eyes that were looking down upon me.

"Not quite yet, VIII." The Superior spoke slowly, drawing his words out purposely to annoy the redhead. I visibly noticed Axel's jaw clench. I swallowed my nerves and wondered just what insane part of me was convinced to come to this place. It seemed familiar, I just got that feeling. But I couldn't remember any specific time when I was in this room. I just felt like I knew it.

I let my eyes scan around until they locked onto one of the chairs that happened to be empty. Two of them were empty. And I just knew, somehow, that one was Axel's and the other was mine. Axel's, I knew, was the one located higher up than my own.

Axel didn't respond to the leader's comment. He threw the man a questioning look and shifted slightly where he stood. "I'm assuming that you would prefer to be partnered with Roxas, would you not?"

I felt a flare of heat emanate from Axel. I had to squint my eyes; it felt like I had taken a step too close to an open fire. Again, Axel said nothing. I didn't understand what he was talking about, but I saw the others in the room shift, like a cool draft blew through. I wished that I could see their faces and be able to observe their looks, like researching who was friendly and who wasn't. Then again, looks can be deceiving.

"What are you proposing?" Axel finally asked. I had a hunch that he already knew what was about to happen, even if I didn't.

"You know very well," the Superior announced. He raised his arms up and there was a second where he truly looked like a god. "Everyone." At that one word, all around me the people moved, all of them removing their hoods. My eyes led themselves, looking at each individual. Similar to how I felt with Axel, there was a sense of familiarity about them all. I knew all of these people, or at some time I did. And perhaps, one day memories that I may have shared with them will return. But for the moment, I couldn't place a name with the faces except one. Demyx was the exception.

"I have already made preparations just in case VIII had succeeded in bringing number XIII back to the Organization. Immediately after this meeting we will change partners and will make the appropriate moving arrangements." I was watching Xemnas at this point and felt any self confidence I may have had wither away like a dying flower. His eyes were directly on me, intimidation in its finest. A smile curled onto his features. "I believe that most of you will find your partners to be…most suitable."

"Heh, this sounds like a good change, dude." Up to the right on a chair that was second tallest to the Superior's, I saw a guy with gray streaked hair, pulled back in a low ponytail. The scar running down his face crinkled as he grinned down at me. I looked away quickly and moved closer to Axel.

"Indeed it is, II. You especially shall find it most pleasing. So without further ado, here it is."

He said without further ado, yet he took a moment before he spoke again. It was like he liked making them all live in suspense and even I was getting anxious to hear what he was talking about. I was so confused at the moment; about where I was, what was going on and who all these people were. I seemed to have a feeling that they all knew me. And it was funny, I thought as I looked around at them, trying to be discrete. They were all so varied. From the previously cheerful, now downtrodden looking Demyx to the eccentric guy with bubblegum pink hair who smirked at me when our eyes met to the stoic and mean looking guy with the dreadlocks. They were a strange group of people and I wondered how they had come together to form what seemed to be a civilized organization.

"Number II, you'll be pleased to learn that you will be partnered with number X." I took notice to the gray haired guy's smile grow more and his eyes were directed towards someone across the room from him. I looked around and spotted a man with short blonde locks and facial hair who also looked pleased.

"You're getting good at this, Xemnas," the first guy spoke and winked. "Alright dude, what's our name gonna be? Come on, make it a good one."

The Superior grinned lightly, almost in a evil fashion, like he knew some secret about someone. He lifted his chin a bit, his silver hair falling back from over his shoulder. His eyebrows arched delicately, annoying me. He seemed too smug for his own good.

"Patience now," he said. "You're name, number II, will be Timeless."

The room was still. I was half expecting the gray haired guy to say something else, but he was silent and looked a bit stuck. His cheery look quickly melted into one of confusion and shock. I shifted my gaze to the blonde that was announced to be his partner, and he too looked baffled. No one said anything and I felt uncomfortable and I shifted my weight from one foot to the other. Axel must have sensed my discomfort and he placed a comforting hand on the small of my back and pulled me a bit closer.

I couldn't comprehend the sudden increase in tension wafting around the room. I just kept still, hardly registering Axel's touch in my mind and continued to listen.

"Next will be number III." No one moved that I could tell. I looked into the finer details of everyone's faces and noticed a few eyes shifting towards someone. Not sure if they were leading me in the right direction or not, I looked up at the mean guy with the dreadlocks. His glare was pointed towards the Superior, his mouth pulled down into a tight frown. He really didn't look too friendly. "You will be paired together with number V." And upon hearing that, his looked didn't change…much. He looked almost…relieved as he nodded his head. And this number V? I couldn't tell since I didn't know which one that was.

"And your unit name will be Soundless."

That relieved look left his face just as soon as it was placed there. I could tell that he wanted to say something and I wasn't sure how nice it would be. But he held his tongue and sat there, still as he had been with a very cold look.

As I stood there, waiting for the silver-haired leader to continue on, I could feel an ache forming behind my eyes. Faster than a normal headache, the pain grew and began to throb, but I did my best to conceal the pain I was feeling. I'd rather not draw attention to myself.

"Number IV," Xemnas continued on without a hitch. The pain in my head continued to grow, now at a slower rate and I found myself leaning on Axel a bit. I was starting to feel sick to my stomach. I didn't know who IV was so I kept my eyes peeled for facial reactions. "Your new Sacrifice will be number XI."

There was a quick outburst that I wasn't expecting but it didn't phase any of the others. "What? Excuse me for my rudeness, but that's preposterous!"

The shouts came from the blonde with light golden ears sitting off to my left. He had sat up in his seat, leaning forward his with hands gripping the arms of the chair. His emerald eyes were narrowed with anger and he looked thoroughly appalled.

"Oh Vexen, I'm not that bad," someone else said. I turned my head to the right to see the strange pink haired man smirking. "Besides, I believe I should be the one to complain."

"Oh that's rich, XI. You of all nobodies. Sir, isn't there someone more suitable?"

"Going to defy orders now? You survived with Xigbar, you can survive with me," the pink haired guy said.

"Even Xigbar has more control when it comes to sexual urges. Besides, he doesn't think that consistently messing around with my lab is the most amusing way to pass the time,"

"Oh please. He thinks it's funny enough. He just never really bothered with it because he and his little British boy were always around drinking or having a good fu-"

"Enough you two," the Superior cut in, rubbing the bridge of his nose. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes. My head jolted with a nasty throb and my ears fell back. The hand on my lower back began to rub circles, the arm pulling me tighter against Axel's body. The warmth of his body heat was soothing but it didn't help the pain in my head.

"You two already sound like a grumpy married couple," number II said. He let out a roar of a laugh and was met with two glares.

Xemnas spoke up before anyone else could comment. "I've made these choices and I have good reason for all of you being paired the way you are. If you don't like it, then I must inform you that I'm not changing anything. If you wish to defy my orders, than you can be eliminated. Take your pick." No one said a word. I noticed number XI sit back in his chair with a huff and he crossed his arms. IV did a very similar action.

"Now, you two will be the Depthless unit. Any protest to the name?" Again it was silent. "Good. Number IV, I'm expecting you to be mature about this. I understand that you and XI have your own conflicts with one another, but I trust that you can work this out. You'll understand in time. Now," he went on. My eyes were beginning to water at this point, but I did my best to wipe the moisture away without anyone taking notice. Throb, throb, throb. Why did my head hurt so much?

"Number VI, your partner will be number IX." My eyes were watering more and I couldn't see clearly. I wiped the tears away again and let a hand run up through my hair, staying there for a moment while I rubbed at my temple slowly with my thumb. I couldn't see who either of those number belonged to. "And your name will be Dreamless."

I bit my lip then to prevent a small sound of pain from leaving my mouth. It felt like my head was splitting in two, the pain white hot.

"XII, we've already had a talk."

The words seemed so clear, louder than what they should be. And they were piercing. I couldn't fathom just what was going on. I felt the heat of Axel's stare and knew he was trying to figure out what was going on as well. My tail swished around like a whip lashing out. My muscles tensed and I could suddenly see images in my head. Faces…the faces of the people in the room with us now. And with each face came a whispered name.

Eye patch and a larger than life personality.

Xigbar.

Dreadlocks and a fierce gust of air.

Xaldin.

Cold eyes and an equally frosty attitude.

Vexen.

A stern face and hard stance.

Lexeaus.

Calculating and level-headed.

Zexion.

Carefree and melodious.

Demyx.

Piercings and a love of chance.

Luxord.

Roses and a teasing personality.

Marluxia.

Evil fun and sadism.

Larxene.

I already had memory of who Xemnas, Saïx and Axel were. My eyes were bleary as I looked around the room and I was amazed with myself that I was able to place a name with each face. And just like that, I felt like I knew each person, their personalities and everything. It was disconcerting and I felt myself freeze with shock.

And as fast as it came, the pain in my head was gone. I was left on shaky knees and feeling terribly drained and exhausted. I was sure that Axel felt the weight of me become heavier as it became more difficult to hold myself up. He supported me, holding me up so I didn't collapse on the floor. He showed no serious reaction to what was happening, but I could feel his nerves running on edge and he had a sharp strike of panic flow through him. I had no way to tell him I was fine. I insisted it in my head, hoping that whatever connection between us would relay the message.

"And for our final two," Xemnas spoke as he turned to me and Axel. We continued to stand in the middle of the room and all eyes were on us now. Xemnas looked satisfied and almost excited for whatever he was about to tell us. I gained the sense that he wasn't too fond of Axel or me or just both of us and I couldn't explain why.

"Our famous little duo. To see you two fight again certainly shall be a nice treat, wouldn't you say? Now, what name could be given to such a formidable pair? Only something of high standards and meaning will do, no?"

Axel wasn't enjoying this at all. Again his body temperature rose and I could feel his murderous intent. He really hated this guy.

"What name would be appropriate, Axel?" Xemnas inquired. But the redhead kept his lips sealed shut and didn't offer him anything. I didn't know how many people here were brave enough to meet someone so intimidating eye to eye, but Axel wasn't bothered and he stared Xemnas down.

"You've nothing to offer? Because I believe I have the perfect name for you." I didn't know what to feel. I didn't know what was going on. I couldn't understand why there was such hatred in the air and something told me it went way beyond the events of my dream that had involved the Superior.

"How does Breathless sound to you?"

I felt the most wild pulse of rage from Axel's energy and he didn't hesitate this time to summon full flames into his palms. His grip on me completely let go and it was so unexpected that I had no time to regain my balance and I fell to my knees on the floor.

"No!" Axel shouted. "There is no way, I can't accept that! What do you have planned? I know full and well that Xig and Lux and Xal and Lex are all True Units. Why would you permit that?"

"Silence, Axel," Xemnas said calmly, yet powerfully. The expression on his face was annoyance and satisfaction and his orange eyes were closed. "Times are going to get rough now that the Key bearer has awakened and he is with his Fighter. I need this organization in top form and that can only happen when you are all paired up with your respectable partners. At least most of you. And a Unit's true Name unleashes true power. Now, if you have problems with any of this, then you will have to deal with it."

Axel was visibly shaking. I was shaking as well and my stomach was churning. I didn't want to stand for fear of falling again and I didn't know how much help Axel would be when he was as furious as he was now. Luckily the fire in his hands had extinguished.

"This matter is over. The change is done and when this meeting has been adjourned, you will all make the move to your new rooms." He paused and let the room fall quiet to ease the mood. Axel refused to look at anyone and turned his eyes down to me. He reached a hand out and pulled me to my feet, a bit rougher than he meant to, and let go of my arm in favor of clenching his fists.

"No missions will be assigned for the rest of the day as you all move. Tomorrow though, assignments will be made. Things will be acting up once more seeing that Sora is now awake. We are in luck though. Seeing that Roxas did not join together with Sora, not all of his memories will be returned and he will not be at full power. It's surprising that he even woke up and that matter will have to be explored in time. For now, we'll resume regular duties. Also, I believe that giving Sora a proper greeting at some point will be in store as well." I wish I knew what was going on and what all this talk was. "For now, you are all excused for the rest of the time till tomorrow comes."

My head was spinning as I was pulled through the dark portal and into a room that I didn't recognize. Axel was in a bad mood and I didn't know what in the world I was supposed to do. We were very much in a large bedroom filled with various novelties that were a striking contrast to the previous room that was void of everything but the chairs. This room was much better, not as empty and feeling like an actual place, not just a void space. The main feature was the extremely large four poster bed that dominated the room. The bedspread was a rich maroon lined with sapphire blue and looked very comfortable right now.

I didn't realize how tired I was until now. My eye lids began to droop as I studied the bed and I could feel my body beginning to shut down. My brain was giving up and my knees became weak once again.

I was suddenly swept up into Axel's arms and he carried me, bridal style, over to the bed. He set me down gently, my head coming to rest on the squishy pillow as the redhead moved and began to unlace my sneakers. He slipped my shoes off and set them on the floor before approaching me again and lifting my body with one hand, the other hand pulling the covers out from under me. He covered me up to my shoulders and gave me a reassuring smile. I could still feel his fury in his energy.

"You don't have anything to worry about, Rox," he spoke softly. He leaned down and kissed my forehead and I could feel my eyes closing on their own, a small smile crossing my face from the loving gesture. But it wasn't enough and I wasn't sure why. So when he began to straighten back up, I grasped the side of his face with my right hand and guided him back down so our lips could touch, just barely, in a delicate kiss. It sent a shock through my system since I didn't know what compelled me to do that, but I was glad afterwards. His energy swelled with a different emotion and I could feel it sweep around me warmly like a protective blanket.

"You were really angry back there." That's all I could say.

He straightened up this time and rubbed the back of his neck. I didn't know if I had any influence with it, but he didn't feel as angry anymore.

He scoffed and I felt like I was missing out on something. His eyes narrowed as he turned them to something else in the room. "If you could remember everything, you'd understand."

That made me feel like a burden. Like I should have my memories back already and there was just something wrong with me. The way Axel said it was a bit much, but I knew he didn't truly mean anything harmful by it. Thinking about it now, this couldn't be the best thing for him either, seeing that he has to take care of me. The hurt I felt though must have reflected on my face because when his jade eyes turned back to me, he looked immediately regretful.

"Look, I didn't mean anything by that. Everything is just out of whack and I know this situation is worst for you than it is for me. Just don't take any of my comments personally."

He was apologizing to me but I wanted to apologize to him. I was still lost as to why he brought me to this place, but there obviously had to have some meaning behind it.

I was about to start asking questions when a long yawn escaped my mouth. "You need to sleep," Axel said. He brushed the hair around my face back and kissed my forehead once more.

"What are you going to do?" I asked him. I felt nervous thinking about Axel leaving me all alone.

"I have some things to do. Don't worry, you'll be fine. And once you wake up, we have a lot of talking to do."

That seemed fair enough. I was tired enough that I thought I wouldn't have a problem falling to sleep.

But a few minutes after watching Axel disappear through his dark portal, I laid there in bed with no capability of drifting off.

Demyx was expecting the dark portal to open in his room. So when it did, and Axel took a step out, he wasn't shocked. He remained on his bed, his sitar in his hands as he tuned the strings. What use was his weapon if it was fine for battle use but didn't sound good?

"Do you need any help?" Demyx asked without looking up. He plucked one of the strings, listening to the sound resonate before twisting the knob to tighten it.

Axel looked around the room and knew that there wasn't much to grab. All he had stored here were cloaks and other clothes, as well as some of his things from the bathroom. Most of his belongings were still located in Roxas' room. When they had switched partners after Roxas had left, he had no desire to move everything out of there. The room sat, un-occupied aside from the moments when Axel would wander in there to sit and just be in the room. He felt no need to move all of his things into Demyx's room. He always had it set in his mind that Roxas would return, or that he would find the boy.

"It's fine. I don't have much," Axel said with a dead tone. It wasn't that he was trying to be mean to Demyx, he was just trying to show Demyx that he had to let Axel go. The redhead knew that the blonde held some sort of feelings for him, though technically it was supposedly impossible. It wasn't an annoying thing; Demyx was one of his best friends, aside from Roxas. He didn't want to hurt the other Nobody, but he wasn't fond of Demyx and his miniscule amount of resentment towards Roxas.

He figured that when Demyx found his Soulmate, he would understand why Axel was so attached to the small blonde. Roxas was his life, and everyone knew that besides the boy himself. But he'd remember one day. And Demyx would find that person that he was supposed to be with.

"How's Roxas?" Demyx asked, still refusing to lift his head. The strings of his sitar were tuned to his satisfaction and he strummed them all together.

"He should be sleeping right now, but I know he's not. I can feel his anxiety." Axel grabbed his clothes and folded them over his arm before moving to the large bathroom attached to the spacious room.

"Can't blame him. It's like when we first joined. I was terrified to be here."

Axel, having all the items he needed nodded to display that he understood. He walked back out and stood before Demyx who finally caved in and looked up. Axel sighed when their eyes met and shook his head a bit. Demyx understood that the redhead could read him and he lowered his eyes once more. He did his best to remain completely blank, but that was like asking a fish to live out of water. Nobodies or not, he was very expressive, mainly against his will, when it came to what he was feeling.

"Buck up, Dem," Axel said. He offered his friend a smile. Demyx didn't return it but he offered Axel the image of his face once more.

"I know Zexion doesn't like me."

Axel scoffed before he could say anything else. "The guys hardly knows ya. And if he doesn't, well he's a hard ass anyways. He'll stay out of your way since he spends most of his free time in his own area. So I don't think you'll have to deal with him too much. But maybe you should try to talk to him. I've communicated with him before."

Demyx seemed a bit reassured by Axel's words. "Was it okay talking to him?" he asked, sounding hopeful for a good reply.

"Absolutely not. He thinks I'm an idiot. Damn kid doesn't recognize my talents. Maybe I don't think as much as him, but when I do, watch out baby! Once these brain gears get started, there is no telling what they might produce."

Demyx laughed which was what Axel wanted to hear. He knew the boy wasn't pleased about the switching of partners. He knew that Demyx knew that they were just friends and nothing more. Roxas was made for Axel. Demyx just needed to find the one he was made for.

"I have to get back to Roxas. I don't like being away from him for too long. So, good luck with the King of Torture and come to me if you need anything. You're welcome in our room anytime, except at night while I attempt to rid Rox of those ears." He grinned, his teeth glistening in the light. Demyx felt heat pooling in his cheeks and his own dirty blonde ears flattened against his head. Axel balanced his things in one arm and reached to tug at one of those ears, enticing the Nobody's tail to flicker.

"You'll loose them someday. Who knows, maybe you and Zexion can loose them together." He laughed, loud and teasing and stepped through his dark portal before Demyx's shouts of protest could reach his normal, human ears.

I missed the comforting feeling I used to have when I went to sleep. For a long time now I haven't had the luxury of falling into an easy sleep without something on my mind.

After being thrown into the situation I was in now, there was no room for expectations that I would drift off. I knew it was impossible. Axel surely knew it was impossible.

At that thought, I found my other thoughts turning to the redhead and what he could possibly be doing at the moment. He said he wouldn't be long, but ten minutes had passed by already and I was anxious. The feeling of yearning was strange, but I felt it coursing through my body fluidly and there was slight hope that Axel would feel it and return here quickly.

My eyes were trained on the room I was in; there was so much to take in. The room was large. One of the most eye captivating features were the neon signs and novelties. I looked at each, following the glow of colors that illuminated the dark room. I wondered then if there was a main light switch. It didn't matter since the light features did more than enough in at least making the room functional as far as being able to see.

I sat up in bed and looked around, allowing my eyes to follow the lights that caught my attention. From the bed, directly in front of me, was a large bureau, deep stained wood and carved to perfection. A dresser was set up next to it, shiny wood as well. In the far right corner were multiple beanbag chairs, all different and bold colors that didn't match well with the deep color of the wall. As far as my eyes could tell, the walls seemed to be red, possibly the same red of the bedspread that covered my lower half.

On the left side of the room was a large desk, covered with nick-knacks and more neon lights. In the center was a large ball, like one of the crystal balls that fortune tellers possessed. Streaks of light that imitated lightening swirled around the ball, a nice blue color that I instantly liked. I couldn't help it as I pushed the blanket covering me aside and I stood up off the bed. My feet carried me to the desk and I looked at all the objects set out before me. Pens, pencils, colored pencils, paper. Then everything else, looking thoroughly unorganized, appeared to be souvenirs of sorts.

There was a mini, what appeared to be a replica, lamp, like a wishing lamp. A small wooden dragon that was expertly hand carved and painted, as far as I could tell. My brows quirked with curiosity when I found a pair of dice and a deck of cards. Maybe Axel was a gambler? Then there was a small pouch, tied tightly, sitting near the back edge. Curiously I picked it up. It was light, weightless as though empty. But upon appearance, the bag looked full. This grabbed my attention and sucked me into the mystery further. Worried I might get caught, I was hesitant about opening the bag, but my wonder won out and I pulled the draw string to open it. And with a small 'poof!' a shower of glowing golden sparkles blew up in my face. I backed away instantly, the bag falling to the desktop. I blinked, wondering if any of the stuff got into my eyes and if it was something I should be worried about. Immediately my thoughts turned to Axel and if he would notice that I had been messing around with his things. Would he be mad at me for snooping?

Then I felt strange. Vaguely I couldn't help but question if that powdery stuff was some sort of drug or something of the like. It was scented faintly, smelling of something spicy, almost like an aftershave, and something charred at the same time. Strange, but even more strange was that it was pleasant. At that moment though, I felt weightless, like I'd lost all weight to my body and the gravity of the room was lifted away. And then looking down, I came to realize that my feet were not touching the ground.

I freaked. I was…floating? I swear my eyes were popping out of my head and I didn't know what in the world it was that I had just inhaled. Was it some hallucinogen? Was I imagining myself flying in some strange high? Just to be safe I probably shouldn't move, for risk that my feet were really on the ground and I could possibly bump into and break something. But what if this was real, that I was really floating off the ground? Could it be that powder? Magic flying powder? I still couldn't understand and now I was hurriedly growing more and more worried about touching back down to the floor.

I felt silly as well, since my limbs were flailing, if only slightly. I could only guess that this was like swimming, there was just a massive absence of cool water. I tried to shoot myself forward, propel myself to float around. I began thinking of Hayner, Pence, and Olette and how much I wanted to show them whatever this powered magic substance was. The four of us flying around Twilight Town? Pure havoc.

At that thought I found myself lifting higher and the flying was coming easier to me. This was like sprouting a pair of wings and there was nothing to hold me back from using them. It was thrilling, like nothing I'd experienced before. An adrenaline rush overwhelmed me and I found my uncertain frown turn around into an excited smile. This was pure joy, a dream that many could only keep dreaming. I was flying! All around the large room I zipped around, brushing my hand along the high ceiling, something I'd never have been able to do any other time.

"I see you snuck into the pixie dust, didn't ya Rox?"

Suddenly the presence that had returned to the room was so heavy, I expected myself to be pulled to the ground like someone just flipped a gravity switch. Instead, as my eyes found Axel, walking to the bureau to put some clothes he had bundled up in his arms away, the weightlessness seemed to increase drastically and I continued to float around. I forced myself to descend back down. I went to the bed, hovered just above it since I didn't want to loose the sensation I was feeling. I crossed my legs, sitting Indian style just above the mattress. I felt like some higher being practicing telekinesis and I chuckled inside my head. Being here in the room, Axel walked around to put the items he had in his hand away and me floating after just having the best rush of my life, I was comfortable, feeling at ease, almost like I was at home.

In truth, I didn't know where I was. Part of me was claiming that this place was where I should be, that maybe this was my home. But I yearned to be in Twilight Town as well, free of the crazy spin that was thrust into my life. I wanted to be in the Sandlot, practicing for the Struggle or in the Usual Spot just hanging around and playing darts with Hayner.

Then again, watching Axel come back into view from a room he had just previously been in, his arms now devoid of any objects, I felt a swelling in my chest that seemed to build with more pressure as the seconds ticked on. He stopped in front of the bed, watching as I hovered in place. His lips upturned and he climbed onto the bed, crawling up from the bottom like a predator stalking its pray, now smirking devilishly. I gulped down the lump that developed in my throat, lost concentration and fell to the bed with a cushioned thud. Axel didn't stop before me though, he continued on, forcing me to lay back, my head falling to the plush pillows. He climbed right on top of me and stayed there. I was able to pick up, faint as the connection might be, the desire flowing through him. The lust he was experiencing grew with the passing of time and I began to feel consumed, unable to decipher his emotions from my own.

I couldn't tell whose excitement it was that was making my heart thump almost deafeningly but everything seemed to meld together into a confusing jumble of feelings. My heart seemed to leap into my throat and I had two desires; tell him to wait, to push him off so I could figure out what this feeling inside of me was and to try and comprehend my immense and sudden attraction. The other feeling was to lean up and plant my lips on his and just forget about everything.

His face was right above mine, so close and not uncomfortable, definitely a questionable thing. I wanted to kiss him, or rather I wanted him to kiss me but I just wasn't sure. My brows were knit and I searched his eyes for a clear understanding of what he was feeling. Those acidic orbs were just as clouded as our connection, frustrating me a bit. Whether Axel felt my sudden new mood or not, he sat up further onto his forearms and he was now looking at me with question being displayed over his face.

"Rox, what are you thinking?" he asked me calmly.

I knew what I wanted to say but arranging the words to form a coherent sentence was proving to be more difficult. I found myself choked up with no ability to speak. I could only stare at the impossibly handsome face and want to touch, explore and become acquainted with. Or maybe it was reacquainted.

My question built, took form and was forced out of my mouth. "Axel," I asked, sounding like a small child which was truly an embarrassment. "Why? Why all of this, why are we close? Why do you kiss me like we're together? Why…?" That was the true question, was it not? That's all I really wanted to know. So I summed everything I had just asked and inquired, "Why?"

Axel leaned down and I waiting for him to kiss me, closed my eyes in anticipation. But no lips fell upon mine. Instead I felt the unnaturally warm feel of his skin, feeling like a small fire upon me as he rested his forehead on mine. I kept my eyes closed, drank in the good feelings he surrounded me with. Amazing, my mind reeled. No one has made me feel like this, and yet, here I was, being so close and intimate with a person that filled me with odd feelings and a mass amount of uncertainty and confusion.

"Roxie, there's a lot that you don't know. But, please, never question how much I love you."

This one was a pain to dish out. But it's done and your thoughts would be highly appreciated.

To be continued…