Ah, and here we go ^^

Please enjoy and happy reading!

Don't lose your faith in me

And I will try not to lose faith in you

-Ray LaMontagne "Be Here Now"

Just the smell of him seemed to put his mind at ease. Sure, it didn't quell the lurches his stomach gave with each passing thought, but at the moment, this was the best thing he could have. Sitting on the edge of his bed –their bed- he couldn't be bothered to get up and help the others. Their voices drifted up from downstairs, right through the open doorway and he couldn't really block it out. Someone asking if there were still boxes to use, another giving instructions, laughter. The laughter was so misplaced, he thought.

No, he couldn't move from where he sat, hunched a bit and staring at the floor. He didn't know if he could handle it. He'd rather wait right there in the room that was now significantly emptier and lonelier and somehow not feeling like their room anymore. The purple paint was still the same, the bed comforter messed up as usual, the purple curtains thrown open from the door to the balcony. But now there was a missing laptop, the dresser drawers held less clothing than they had mere days ago, and there was a distinct lack of presence already from the other occupant of the room.

Footsteps could be heard climbing the stairs, voices that he chose not to hear exchanged words and finally someone stepped through the door, looking just a bit frazzled and far more cheerful than he would have liked them to be. "Hey Rox, have you seen my purple sweat…shirt…"

He hated that his eyes were misty and he couldn't look up to meet Axel's look. Roxas continued to stare down at the floor, hugging Axel's sweatshirt tightly to his chest with his nose pressed to the fabric. A loving hand was placed atop his head and the blonde tried his best to keep his tears at bay. He was unsuccessful and the first drop slid over his cheek, soaking into the purple fabric he clutched. The bed shifted as Axel sat beside him, pulling his boyfriend close in an uncomfortable side hug and resting his head on the blonde's.

"This is hard for me too," Axel spoke and he held the boy tighter. "I didn't want this day to come either. But we've been prepared for it. Remember what we agreed on? Even though we'll be distanced, nothing between us will change. At least, you'll never be less to me than what you are now. This is a challenge. If we can get through being apart, nothing can split us."

Roxas still didn't want to admit that Axel was right, instead wanting to throw a tantrum and angrily spat that this could never work; long distance relationships were just made for disaster. He had believed he made his peace weeks ago over the summer but it seemed that he wasn't truly prepared for this. His heart was thumping away and more tears spilled. Axel was quick to wipe them away, kiss them away, kiss him everywhere. But it didn't help, it just hurt more.

Still, this wasn't going to help. The tears wouldn't stop anything from moving forward, so it was time to really come to terms with what was going on and that was that. So with a deep breath, Roxas wiped his eyes and took a moment before he turned to wrap his arms tightly around Axel's waist and bury his face in that hard chest. "I'll be fine. I just had to be upset one last time." He knew he'd be upset many more times.

"Roxas, I'll be a phone call away," Axel promised and folded the smaller boy into his hold. "I'll be up here at every possible moment. Any weekend I can get free I'll be here."

"It'll be lonely here all alone," Roxas admitted, one of his fears finally surfacing. The house truly wasn't meant for only one person. How Axel and Demyx managed this huge place on their own was still a mystery to Roxas, but the idea of having a large amount of space to himself gave him a sinking feeling.

Axel's chuckle made Roxas bristle on the inside and the redhead was quick to explain. "I have a surprise for you," he spoke.

Roxas looked up questioningly. Axel just smiled. "You won't know till later, though. And we should get going. Our stuff should be packed up, so it's time to go."

As much as he didn't want to go, he was just as curious to see where Axel, Demyx and Zexion were moving to. He had reluctantly agreed to tag along when they moved the rest of their belongings into their new place in Radiant Garden where all three would be attending Radiant University. Instead of dorms, they were renting a place a few blocks from the university.

Axel stood, bringing Roxas along with him. He wasn't happy or thrilled. He was anxious and sad. But Axel was still there beside him, arm wrapped around his waist as usual. And for the moment, everything seemed normal.

How long ago had the trees given way to apartment buildings and cafés? The grassy fields were now cement sidewalks and the long stretch of highway had transformed into clogged streets of stoplights and crosswalks. Radiant Garden was definitely not Twilight Town.

The drive to the city was two hours of country road which was very pleasant and peaceful, reminiscent of Hollywood family road trips. But the city is like a brick wall and before you know it, you've slammed straight into it with only a barely noticeable "Welcome to…" sign as your warning. Bada-bing, you are in the city.

It wasn't so bad, Roxas thought, but he knew he would never be able to live in the city. He liked his small town and anyone who wanted to live amongst skyscrapers and concentrated air pollution was a nutcase. He was also feeling bitter towards this particular city that was snatching his boyfriend away so his thoughts were most definitely bias.

The downside to the long trip had been the ample amount of time he was left to sink into his own mind, drown everything else out and think. He was in the back of Demyx's Audi next to Axel, their hands clasped. Axel was chatting it up with Demyx who was driving; Zexion was sitting in the passenger seat listening with interest. Roxas was busy with watching the passing trees. He had tried to avoid plunging into his depressing thoughts and instead did his best to focus on Axel's hand and how warm and comforting it was. But when he thought of that hand, he just thought of Axel. He then thought of Axel and being sad which led his thoughts to Axel going away. Axel leaving him, rushing off to rehab back in January.

And how horrible had that been! He'd become a listless puppet to daily life, only doing what he needed to do. It was sickening how much he seemed to cling to Axel now that he thought about it, but Axel was someone he felt deeply bonded with. Everyone had their own person and Axel was his. Without him, he'd lose that special someone he was connected with. Everyone was leaving and he would be alone. And Roxas didn't want to be alone.

"It's just a few block away," Axel said next to his ear and Roxas jumped violently, his heart racing. He found that he had to let go of Axel's hand when he realized how sweaty his had become (was he that nervous?).

Demyx stopped at a streetlight and spoke, "It's right up there. I can see dad's car." Arion and Mariana had made the trip before the boys had left. Their car had been packed tightly with most of Zexion's possessions as well as some of Demyx and Axel's. There were a few boxes in Demyx's trunk but most of their items had been brought here days earlier.

When the light finally turned, they moved forward, luckily finding the spot behind Arion's black Lexus. "Looks like your parents already went to work," Zexion commented as he unbuckled his seat belt. Demyx and Axel were parked on the street side and opened their doors cautiously to passing cars.

"Like mom would sit in the car and wait," Demyx laughed.

When Roxas' feet were set on the sidewalk, he just stood by the car and took a look at where they were. It seemed to be that most of the aligning city blocks were made up of townhouses. The white exterior of the townhouse they stood before had a rustic look and feel and the large picture windows at the front looked like they would ensure plenty of sunlight any time of the day. The building was narrow and tall with two separate doors. Must be nice inside, Roxas mused reasonably. As though Arion and Mariana would allow their boys to live in a common college apartment. As he observed the planted trees that were evenly distanced along the sidewalk, he wondered how far away from the university they were. Luckily Roxas didn't have to suffer through a tour of the entire campus. The plan had been to spend a bit of time at the new apartment before returning back home.

The four boys approached the door which was flung open, a pretty and slender blonde smiling away in the doorway. "I have to say, boys," she spoke and moved aside for them to enter, "if I ever have a fight with your father, I'm moving in with you."

Upon entering what will become Axel's new home, Roxas understood immediately that the rent was going to come from Arion's pocket. What he walked into was what he guessed to be the living room. The basic furniture was set up: a black leather L-shaped couch that looked plush and easy to sink into. An elegantly designed glass coffee table was completely bare of any personal belongings. Already a large flat screen was mounted on the wall though Roxas didn't believe it was hooked up at the moment. They removed their shoes at the small tiled rectangle before the door and stepped onto springy pristine beige carpeting. Taking in just this part of the apartment, Roxas was sure an entire family could live comfortably here. At the far end of the room, a shiny wooden staircase ascended at a curved angle.

Roxas' eyes were busy scanning the area and he didn't notice that Mariana stepped next to him. "Kitchen is on the second floor," she said. For the second time that day, Roxas jumped. She laughed that mirthful laugh of hers and hugged the boy lightly. "I'll give you the grand tour since it seems the others are eager beavers." Indeed, it did seem that the others had rushed off to do what needed to be done. He felt a bit high and dry right then. Shouldn't Axel be the giving him the tour?

"Where's Arion?" Roxas asked as he was led up the curving staircase and to a large kitchen and dining area that didn't seem to belong in such a narrow place.

"He was upstairs," the woman answered. "And now here, we have the wonderful kitchen. Complete with black glass countertops, missing counter appliances but a working refrigerator, oven, and even a sink!" Mariana was truly a beautiful woman and her showgirl poses looked like they were from experience. "I am worried, however," she said as she turned to the stove. "I suggested that the stove be taken away. But Demykins insisted that if we do that, there would be an awkward oven shaped hole in the kitchen." She shook her head. "But those boys are a hazard when it comes to cooking.

Roxas understood her concerns all too well. He didn't mind that he was the cook at their home. He truly loved cooking and did his best with everything he made. Being in the kitchen always made him think of his mother and the times they would cook when he was younger. But Axel and Demyx were truly lost causes. He wouldn't so much as allow Axel to chop veggies.

"I just pray they won't try and actually cook anything. Do you know if Zexion can cook?"

Roxas had seen Zexion in the kitchen a few times. Basic cooking skills seemed to be his specialty but if it came down to him having to prepare dinner every night, Roxas seriously doubted he'd be able to manage. "A bit," he concluded. He took a step to the large open space opposite of the kitchen setup. The floors were some wood, deep in color and glossy.

Off to one side was a railing and a view of the downstairs living room they had just been in. To the other side was a pair of French style doors that opened up to a small patio. Roxas approached the doors and peered out, finding a stone tiled patio that was mostly empty except for a small professionally built fire pit that looked like it would serve as a nice place to sit and chat after dinner. The stone tiles gave way to a patch of green grass that was modest but not the expansive maze of flowerbeds in their own backyard.

"That fire pit is just a calling card for Axel," Mariana sighed from the kitchen. "I swear, he'll have the backyard torched by day three."

"You're talking about me," came Axel's voice from the staircase. He stepped onto the landing, holding one of the boxes that had some of the clothes he packed. He shifted the box under one arm. "That's not very nice. Mothers don't talk about their children behind their backs," he cried melodramatically.

One amethyst eye leveled the redhead with a look. "I am only vocalizing your faults, sweetie. You just have so many and I was only expressing my concerns," she joked.

Axel pouted. "I'm not the only one with faults, mother."

"Are you saying I'm not absolutely perfect?" Her voice turned utterly sweet and she batted her eyelashes.

"Well…"

In an instant Mariana went from sweet to playfully sour. "Axel Shaozi, you tell me right that now I am the most beautiful, amazing, kind, loving and perfect mother. Now." Roxas watched the spectacle with a light grin. In that moment, surrounded by the harmless teasing and playful antics, everything felt like it was okay.

"Help me out, Rox!" Axel hissed.

Roxas cracked a real smile and shrugged. "You could just admit the truth. Don't feel like you've lost."

Mariana demanded, "Listen to your wife! He knows how to charm a little old lady like me."

Axel gave a laugh. "I must have not been invited. Roxie, when did we get married? Since I don't remember, we'll just have to have another wedding." And with that, he moved to a second flight of stairs next to the stairs he had stepped off of.

Mariana moved to the stairs. "You're a brat; you never told me I'm perfect!"

"You're beautiful mom, you already know that."

The woman huffed cutely. "Let's go after him Roxas. There's more to see." And she ascended up the stairs after her adopted son. Roxas followed; this staircase was straight up instead of curved. It was covered with that same beige carpeting and when he got to the top, he stood at the beginning of a short hallway. There were three doorways, all of the left side of the hallway. Axel had walked through the first doorway. The other doors were already open and Mariana slipped into the third one down. At the end of the hallway, there was yet another staircase leading up.

Roxas walked through the door that Axel had gone through, finding a medium sized room. It was unique in that a large portion of one corner of the room was elevated a few feet with small steps leading up to this area. A short railing (most likely for decoration) surrounded the section.

"My bed goes up there," Axel said after placing the box down next to many others in the center of the room. It was carpeted in here as well. "Pretty cool, huh?"

Suddenly feeling overwhelmed, Roxas walked to Axel and fell into his chest, hugging him tight. Standing there in what was to be Axel's bedroom was sad. They'd gone a few months shy of a year sharing a room, a bed, together. Roxas realized then that he would miss having a warm body next to his and arms that wrapped around him like out of control ivy. He wouldn't have the struggle of waking Axel up each morning. "I won't have to pull your ass out of bed. Or yell at you for leaving your clothes on the floor. Or harass you to make the bed."

Axel's grip tightened in response. Roxas knew Axel was sad too, but he didn't want to believe the redhead was sadder than him.

The fourth floor of the apartment gave way to a study and den. It seemed to also double as a library as there were built in bookshelves lining one of the walls. Here the wooden floors gave an office feel and already there were desks set and waiting for use and to be covered with knick-knacks. A single window door on one side of the room opened to a small balcony that overlooked the street below. "The terror about this place is moving the big furniture through it. Not sure how it'll happen. I think mom's getting movers. The stuff downstairs was easy enough." Axel explained this as they climbed up the stairs, the couple reluctantly letting each other go when Demyx called to them to hurry upstairs.

"You can't tell me there's another story, can you?" Roxas asked when he found yet another staircase to the back of the room.

"Technically," Demyx said and moved to the stairs. Roxas followed with Axel and Zexion behind him. The stairs led up a small little alcove and at the top was an oak door. Demyx led the group through the door.

He didn't know what he was expecting, but Roxas wasn't really expecting the feel of a bedding of small rocks beneath his feet. The air was warm against his cheeks and the sun was hidden partially behind puffy white clouds. Looking out, the blue sky was obscured by countless buildings. Standing on the roof of that tall building and seeing the city spread out before him was more exhilarating than he believed something like this could be. He joined Axel who was walking towards the side and just looked out at the city ahead. Buildings rose into the sky at varying heights, and tiny visible sections of streets proved that Radiant Garden was indeed a bustling city.

"There's school, over there," Axel said, pointing to a grouping of tall buildings. There were four large buildings jutting up and one skinny tower, taller than the rest, amongst them. "The four buildings are the dorms and the skinny one is the central tower where the fountain is. Believe me, the campus is huge."

"It's a big change, huh boys?"

Arion and Mariana stepped up to the roof. Arion's aqua eyes were filled with a subtle cheer and he held his wife's hand firmly in his own. "Not like the country, is it?"

"We can handle it," Demyx spoke, still looking out at the city.

Arion spoke, "Change is good. It's an obstacle that pushes you forward."

Roxas' mouth was dry and Arion's words stuck in his head. Change is good, he thought.

How good?

The trip home seemed to be just as depressing. There was far less talk and as they passed grassy fields and farmland, the sun was descending down the horizon.

By the time Demyx was pulling into their driveway back at Twilight Town, dusk had taken over and the first stars of the night were becoming visible.

"That place is nice, but nothing beats home," Demyx sighed as he climbed out of the car. He had stopped before the short stone path that led to the front door and smiled to Axel before taking Zexion's hand in his own. "We're gonna go for a really short walk, okay?" Zexion's face had a knowing shadow veiled over it and the two set off toward the road.

Roxas was a bit curious about everyone's questionable behavior. Demyx and Zexion never went off for walks by themselves. And the odd quiet in the car had been questionable as well. So when he turned to ask Axel what was going on to find the man at the front door, testing the door handle to find it unlocked, he knew something was up. They locked the door before they left.

"Hey, is something up?" Roxas asked. Axel just flashed him a smile and swept his arm out, falling into a bow at the waist.

"Please, master, step right inside."

"You aren't a butler, Axel. You've got nothing on Sebastian."

Axel straightened and frowned at his little blond who walked into their house. "I'm part demon," he muttered. But Roxas became deaf at that moment with the sight that greeted him.

There was his best friend, standing beside the kitchen island with clenched fists saying, "And I told you that bringing so much stuff was pointless! We still need some things at home; we're not coming here right away!"

"Shut it, wuss." And sitting on one of the stools was none other than his best friend's boyfriend. "If we get as much now, that means less work later."

Hayner wasn't pleased, most likely from being referred to as a "wuss" and was about to verbally attack when Seifer said, "Hey, Roxas." And instantly, Hayner's figurative claws retracted and his lips curved when his chocolate eyes found his dumbfounded friend in the doorway.

"Hey, man. ' was wondering when you'd get back."

Roxas looked from Hayner to Seifer to Axel. "What's going on?"

Axel pushed at Roxas' back. "Don't be shy now. Go and play with your new roommates."

"What?" What in the world was Axel talking about?

"Guess we'll be keeping you company when everyone else is gone," Hayner informed his friend.

Roxas just stared at him for a moment before the words started clicking. But there was a no way, they were joking! How in the world did this all come to be? "You're saying…?"

"For fucks sake, we're moving in with you," Seifer announced brashly. He ignored Hayner's glare and sat back against the counter behind him.

And just like that, with those crudely chosen words, Roxas suddenly felt a warm happiness seep through his system. He didn't hold back the excited grin and he couldn't help but think that his fear of being all alone was ridiculous. Of course his friends would never leave him to live in this huge house all by himself. He was relieved, he was joyful. "When was this decided?" he asked. Axel moved to stand opposite Seifer at the island and Roxas followed.

"I asked them about a month ago," the redhead said. "Like I'd let you stay here by yourself, Rox. I could never. Someone needs to take care of you." Roxas scoffed but let it go.

"Your parents said it was okay?" Roxas asked, looking at Hayner who had taken the stool next to Seifer.

"You know mom," Hayner grinned. "She was all worried about her only child moving out on his own. But when I told her that if I didn't go you'd be living all by yourself, she practically melted and packed my bags for me." Hayner was shaking his head. His mother did always fret around him. She was protective of her son and that motherly love had always extended to his friends as well.

"And my parents really couldn't give a shit," Seifer spoke indifferently with a shrug.

Roxas leaned forward against the countertop, still smiling away. He heard the front door open and caught a brief glance of Demyx and Zexion walking in. "Okay, but what about your mom?" he asked as he gazed up at his boyfriend. "I know the rules."

"Ah," Axel chuckled. "Remember that time a few weeks ago I said Luxord and Xigbar needed to be bailed out of jail?"

"Worst excuse ever, Ax," Demyx laughed from the couch in the living area. The television had been turned on but the couple was still listening.

Axel pursed his lips. "Give me a break; it was creative enough for being short-handed of good excuses! Anyways, I took a little trip up for dinner with this lovely couple here." His joking words indicated he believed Hayner and Seifer to be anything but a lovely couple. "The rest is history. You know mom."

Seifer's arm went around his middle. "Not even kidding, I heard a rib crack from that hug. That woman is tiny, where does the power come from?"

Demyx laughed, "Personal gym in the basement."

Roxas stared Hayner down. "What'd she ask you?" Mariana was infamous for being blunt and a bit nosy (in a good mannered sense) about everyone's relationships.

Hayner pursed his lips. "She asked how good the sex was."

All the occupants laughed to their own degree. "And you answered how?" Roxas asked.

Seifer smirked. "Fucking mind blowing."

Ah, I'm still getting into the grove of things. Comments are welcome and appreciated. I'm hoping things won't be too slow at the beginning. I just don't wanna rush anything ^^'