Hello, all! sorry for the late update, i had lots of things going on. I haven't given up on this story.

I hope you all enjoy this update.

Elegant

Owain, and Selene arrived early in the morning, but their sons were used to such a thing, so they managed to be up while Sora and Terra slept. Roxas and Ventus had everything ready for their arrival, the coffee, the baked goods. Both were delighted that everyone could get together, it had been a while. What with Ventus' school and Roxas' moving.

"So, how are my boys doing?" Owain asked with a smile. Through Ventus, he had heard some wonderful things, but it would be nice to hear it come from Roxas as well.

Ventus and Roxas shared a look, not wanting to out the other. Both looked back at their dad, who seemed eager to hear absolutely everything. Ventus could tell Roxas was nervous, so he went first. He talked about school, friends, and the tastefully edited version of events that kept Roxas in the clear.

Owain held his smile, praising Ventus for all of his achievements. "And how is my youngest boy?"

Roxas had kind of been dreading speaking up, so when he took a moment, his father got up and walked over to him. Owain placed his hand on Roxas' shoulder, and could tell his more private son had something to say. Probably not in earshot of his mother.

"How about we step out for a moment?" Owain motioned to the door, and began walking over to it.

"Sure," Roxas hadn't meant to be quiet, but his reply was almost a whisper. Following his father outside, Roxas was somewhat relieved for it to just be the two of them. He didn't dislike his mother, or Ventus, but there were a few things he wanted to tell his father first. To test out the waters. There was absolutely zero chance his father would flip that Roxas had a boyfriend. Owain was very kind and understanding, he always had been.

"So, what's on your mind? I noticed you seem to have pets, I'm surprised. You just… never seemed to get along with them when you were younger," Owain remembered all of the trouble they went through, trying to find Roxas a suitable animal. Nobody blamed Roxas, he didn't do anything wrong. It was just kind of eerie.

"Dad, there's so much stuff I want to tell you, and mom… I barely even know where to start," Roxas chuckled and scratched the back of his head. "If you can believe it, I made friends… and even more unbelievable is I'm dating someone, right now. I really think you'd like to meet him, he's really kind, and helped me to get the animals."

Owain listened to every word, grinning when his son told him that he'd made friends. Even wider when he heard that Roxas had found someone.

"Aye, so you've been busy. I'm proud of you," Owain put his arm around Roxas' shoulder, messing up his hair and chuckling. Roxas never protested when Owain was the one speaking.

"Yeah, I kinda have…" Roxas began to fidget a bit. It was basically subconscious at this point, he fiddled with his hands.

"So, am I going to find this special person in the house at the moment?" Owain was still a protective father. It was nothing beyond wanting to meet the person Roxas spoke so excitedly about.

Roxas chuckled, and nodded. "Yeah. He's in there."

Owain was still so proud. "I want you to tell me everything, at some point. But for right now- I want you to know, son, I'm blown away… I am beyond proud of you. I always knew you'd do great things just like your older brother."

Roxas was momentarily stunned. After a moment, he moved again and smiled back so hard at his dad. "His name, is Sora," Roxas wanted to tell him a few quick things.

"Sora. Well, tell me a bit about him, so I get a picture," Owain could tell Roxas wanted to say something, so he wanted to listen to his youngest.

"Well, when we met, and I know this sounds completely full of myself- but I think he liked me. I don't know if it was love at first sight, but he knew to break down my emotional walls and make me his friend. I think we both realized a little later than we'd like to admit that we liked each other." Roxas hoped he said things succinctly for Owain to understand.

Owain nodded as he listened, and smiled in a knowing way, letting out an amused chuckle. "So, my boy was a bit difficult in the beginning… playing hard to get," Ruffling Roxas' hair once again, Owain was beyond happy. "My stubborn young man. I wonder who could have been holding out…?"

"Okay, you got me. It was me, and- I was… not always my best around him," Roxas felt like he had to confess that he was mean to Sora.

"Yet he stuck it out anyway, and made you happy in ways I've never seen before. Roxas, I don't think you've realized this, but… I feel like this is the most you've spoken. In years. I'm not trying to make digs at ya, but. You kind of shut down," Owain had been so worried after the passing of his brother, and of course sister-in-law. It had been a huge blow to Selene, and Ventus, and Owain. In the blink of an eye, both twins lost their other sibling, yes. Their pain, as great as it was, none of them could fathom how the weight on Roxas' shoulders felt. Roxas lost his biological mother and father… in the blink of an eye because of some freak accident.

Roxas' eyes widened for a moment as he realized that he'd been so emotionally detached. His eyes watered. "I'm… sorry- I- I didn't mean to worry anybody. I just wanted to be how I felt, which was alone…"

Owain heard Roxas' voice crack when he said 'sorry'. His heart sank, hearing how pained Roxas felt. "No. No, you'll never be alone. You've got your brother, and Selene and I, and it sounds like you've met a real charmer. It's okay to let it all in… but you also need to remember to let it all go," Owain pulled Roxas into a hug. The father hugged his son a little tighter than usual but not enough to crush him.

Owain couldn't help but be reminded of that time… when he was forced to come to the hospital. The staff had told Owain that there was an accident, with only one survivor: Roxas. Honestly, Owain didn't know how he kept it together. It must have been some form of shock, as he felt unbelievably heavy. Getting Selene, and, Ventus, they rushed to the hospital.

Selene and Ventus' reactions to being told what happened were devastating, and piece by piece, Owain's heart began to crack.

Owain was forced to look between Selene and Ventus, and knowing it wouldn't be the same, was trying to compare how his nephew must have felt. A nurse came to fetch Owain as the receptionist hurriedly told them Roxas' emergency contacts had arrived.

When she looked Owain in the eye, she seemed rather pale. Like she had seen a ghost. Absentmindedly, she called out the name of Owain's brother, Roxas' biological father. Forced to correct her, and explain that they were twins, especially when the nurse looked at Selene and Ventus. It must not have been every day she met doppelgängers of people declared dead show up.

Following her to the room Roxas was currently in, Owain's heart sank further. Roxas had a few broken bones, evident from the casts, and his head was bandaged. Despite being told, Roxas called out to Owain. What he said, Owain would never forget throughout all his days.

Dad.

Owain made his way over to Roxas, and instantly took him into a hug. His heart shattered.

It felt so laboured just to keep on breathing, but Owain knew he couldn't give into this type of despair. There were too many people depending on him, and now his orphaned nephew was going to come home with them. He promised his now deceased younger twin brother, and sister-in-law, that he would do everything in his power to raise Roxas like his own. Owain hoped that Roxas would be able to heal from this incident. Not just physically, but emotionally, too.

"Thank you… Dad, for believing in me," Roxas' voice lowered to barely above a whisper. He felt his eyes water, and didn't care. Tears fell.

"And thank you, for not giving up, son… and for making my family complete," Owain pulled out of the hug, and, to his surprise, Roxas had been crying too. Maybe it was too much wishful thinking, but was Roxas also reminded of so long ago? When Owain saw his brother, and sister-in-law for the very last time, he had made a promise to both to take care of his nephew.

Roxas smiled and laughed. He did his best to not completely breakdown so early in the morning. In either case, he and Owain wiped their tears away. Having always been a 'family' person, Roxas was so grateful Owain, Selene, and, Ventus all took him in. Thinking back, Roxas wondered if Owain ever rejected being called his dad?

"Now, should we go see how the others are doing?" Owain motioned toward the door, but he would remain outside if Roxas wanted.

Roxas nodded. "Yeah, let's go back in."

Owain walked in first, followed by Roxas. To Owain's delight, there was a blue eyed, brunette at the table. Selene was also sitting at the dinner table, happily continuing the conversation between her, Ventus, and, of course, Sora. Joining the group at the table, Owain gave absolutely nothing away about what was said. He wouldn't betray Roxas' trust like that.

"Uh oh," Roxas spoke up, because he had heard before everyone else. He had grown rather accustomed to hearing her scream.

Absolutely no one got in a word before there was a frantically squawking Chocobo chick berating Roxas. Sighing defeatedly, as he knew this wouldn't end, Roxas gave one word answers, and plugged the ear she was yelling at. Once finished, the Chocobo chick instantly went into his hair to sleep.

Selene couldn't help a chuckle or two. "Darling, you've got yourself a feisty woman in your life… I was not expecting a baby Chocobo… did you give her a name?"

Roxas sheepishly smiled, and shook his head. "No, actually. I was waiting to see what personality traits would come out. She's definitely the jealous type."

"After a lashing like that, and since she is a fiery beauty… Perhaps, Aphrodite, fairest of them all?" Selene sipped her coffee, and Roxas nodded. She noted how her son didn't always respond verbally when in a conversation. It didn't bother her in the slightest, her youngest was just a very particular young man.

"Aye, that'd be a good name," Roxas didn't even notice he'd put on a Welsh accent. That is, until he noticed Sora staring at him. Wondering if it was a good or bad reaction, Roxas suddenly felt a bit more self-conscious. Sora was eating his cookies, and Roxas began to fidget absentmindedly. His family, and Sora had gotten used to it, and Roxas barely noticed it anymore. It was more reflexive.

Sora hoped Roxas was doing alright. He was still a little sleepy, and it had been a little strange to wake up without Roxas. Roxas' frantic Chocobo chick had been the one to actually wake up Sora who otherwise would've slept a bit longer. Sora gave a thumbs up after finishing his cookie and smiled at Roxas. To his, and, Selene's surprise, Roxas smiled back at him. It was softer, as if he wasn't sure he could be that vulnerable.

No one said anything, as they didn't want to jinx it. Owain looked like a proud dad, and to his delight, Roxas was coming out of his shell. Ventus also noticed, of course, but he and Roxas had a truce not to tell on the other.

Owain chuckled, trying to devise a way to speak one on one with Sora at some point. Never much one for coincidence, Owain took note when Terra came out of the bedroom, and instantly glanced at Ventus. Ventus actually sat up straighter under Owain's gaze.

Obviously because he quite literally watched and helped them both grow up, Owain knew their tells. Ventus' cheeks were flushing, not unlike Owain, when he was making a fool of himself in front of a younger Selene. And Roxas, who bullied his significant other a bit, made a bit of a fuss, and gave in. Much like his late brother. Still a proud father, he wondered when the talk between himself and Ventus would really begin. The one where his 'college roommate' turned out to be his boyfriend. Grinning at his son's wooing their significant others, Owain found it adorable they both seemed to have a 'type'. Brunette, blue eyes, tall, kind.

There were surely other qualities, but his boys were picky about who they'd bring around Owain and Selene. As if their parents would turn anyone their sons brought over, away.

Selene picked up exactly on how Owain was feeling, she was eerie like that. But it always came in handy. "How about my boys assist me in the kitchen? I have a few recipe tweaks to go over," Smiling knowingly at Owain, and delighted when they both agreed. Ventus, and, Roxas followed her, with Roxas flashing Sora a quick smile.

Owain found it incredibly charming that Roxas was opening up, truly, and finally. If Sora was the cause of that, then consider him already family. Owain would also have to meet Terra formally one on one later, he needed to see the miracle worker in action. "Hello, Sora, was it? It's lovely to meet ya, I'm Owain." Offering his hand to shake with a charming smile, Owain was delighted when Sora had a decent grip.

"Yeah! It's so nice to meet you, Owain," Sora could definitely see how people went crazy over Owain. If he was a preview of what Roxas/Ventus would look like at that age, then Sora was over the moon. Though he could also safely say he wasn't immediately in love with Owain, yes his heart was going crazy, but it was because he was meeting his boyfriend's family all at the same time, save for Ventus.

Owain smiled and Sora immediately returned the gesture. Glancing over at the kitchen for just a moment, he saw his boys and Selene all cooking together. Per usual, her and Roxas would butt heads over certain things as they had particular ways of doing things in the kitchen. Owain didn't so much mind, they both made amazing food, and he'd try anything at least once. "It looks like they're going to be busy for a little bit, would you mind showing me around town? There are a few ingredients Selene, and, Roxas want me to grab."

Sora enthusiastically bobbed his head up and down. "Yeah, I'd love to!" Already having a destination in mind, Sora couldn't wait.

Owain chuckled. "I don't have much knowledge of this place, have you always been here?" Making small talk once they left the apartment and their way downtown seemed natural. Though he knew they weren't little anymore, Roxas, and, Ventus would always be his boys. Owain couldn't help but feel protective.

"Yeah, I've lived here my whole life! It's a really fun place to live, especially because of all the tourists. There's also a few legends here and there, and hidden spots only locals know about," Sora thought of the secret cave that he mentally scolded himself for forgetting to take Roxas to. A few more pleasant areas, and, of course- Sora shuddered. The Haunted Mansion. It wasn't necessarily his favourite place to be, but he had good memories there. Roxas decided to hold his hand, and even spoke highly of him.

Owain nodded and saw the look on Sora's face- the look of a smitten boy. Proud of his son, for growing out of his shell, and even going so far as to date someone who liked him was wonderful. "Is that so? Well, it sounds like Roxas certainly picked the right place to be. I'm glad, he found someone like you."

Sora chuckled and grinned. "I think I'm the lucky one… He just- he taught me so many things, and I don't mean with school stuff, though he's really good at that, too… But he helped me understand more about myself, and others," Sora noticed himself rambling, but Owain didn't seem to mind.

The way Sora gushed about Roxas to Owain was really sweet. "It's almost like you two meeting each other was fated."

"You think so too?" Sora didn't mean to blurt that out, especially in front of his boyfriend's dad. It was a bit embarrassing, and Sora flushed lightly. He was starting to feel giddy that Roxas' family seemed to like and think highly of him. Of course, he hadn't had one-on-one time with Selene, but Sora hoped that would go well.

"Aye. You've done more than you know," Owain was impressed at the scenery of this place. There was a nice boardwalk, shops, tourist attractions, and just about everything you'd want in a town. Seeing an ice-cream shop with a fruit he'd never encountered before, Owain must've been staring, because Sora spoke up.

"It's a paopu fruit… People eat them because the legends say if you share one, you and that person will be together forever," Seeing the ice-cream shop, Sora was reminded of recently with Roxas, and then, but not in the same aspect, Ventus. A whole new idea formed.

Owain wondered if his boys knew of the legend and had tried. He'd have to ask Roxas, because Owain didn't know Sora's tells quite yet. Caught in his thoughts, Sora gained Owain's attention to say he'd be right back. A moment later, he had a frozen treat being offered. It was a little early in the morning, but Sora seemed to eagerly want Owain to try it.

"Trust me, I think you'll wind up liking it… a lot," Sora did only have Roxas, and, Ventus' reactions, but Owain was their dad, right? So there was a decent chance they got their sweet tooth in part from Owain.

"Thank you," Owain didn't want to be impolite, so he showed gratitude before trying the ice-cream. To his immediate surprise, it was one of the best things he'd ever tasted. It was pretty far up there, but he'd have to say, Selene, and, Roxas' cooking was his favourite.

Sora couldn't help but grin as he saw Owain eat it in record timing, much like Ventus, and, Roxas. It was becoming sort of tradition at this point that Sora introduced their family to the ice-cream. It was really good and he couldn't blame them either. "How was it?"

"Amazing. Roxas, and, Selene are able to make treats just like this. I'm sure you've had some of the baking Roxas can whip up," Owain's waist line had definitely seen better days, but his son had a passion in him. Roxas, and, Ventus were so unbelievably talented that it blew him and Selene away all the time.

"Yeah! He's amazing at it!" Sora once again found himself gushing, and lightly blushing. Not because he had a crush on Owain, Sora just figured that he knew how awesome Roxas already was.

"Aye, and I'm sure whatever they have planned is going to blow us all away." Owain continued to find it charming that Sora was so into Roxas. Roxas seemed to be on the same level. His little troublemaker. Who would've thought his son would change towns and meet someone willing to help him come so far out of his shell?

Going to the grocery store, Owain picked out the specific items Selene had asked of him. Sora helped find anything Owain had trouble with. He wondered how Selene, and, Roxas were handling the kitchhen together. They both usually clashed in one way or another. Nothing too serious, both were just particular in how they liked doing things.

Roxas was delighted to be cooking with his mother once again. Ventus helpfully brought out the ingredients requested, and assisted to the best of his capabilities. But he was by no means a baker like Roxas, and, Selene.

"Roxas," Selene was impressed. Her boy had quite the collection of extracts. "Is this a homemade vanilla? It smells unlike anything I've sampled before." The label read 'Island Vanilla'.

"Yes, it is. I bought the beans from a specialty shop here, they pick them on the island. Hence the name, 'Island Vanilla'," Roxas wasn't trying to sound snarky, and his mother knew as such.

"You always had a knack for making the most interesting things! I'm sure the treats you make with this are amazing," Selene would need Roxas to make her a batch so that she could also do some testing with it. She also noticed when she brought up baking, Roxas' ears and cheeks flushed a light pink. Smiling knowingly to herself, Selene would not tease Roxas about his… friend.

Selene would never intentionally discourage Roxas from branching out, it was amazing to her that he had gotten so close to someone in the span of a few weeks. The fact that her baby bird was finally becoming the brilliant young man he had the potential to be, was amazing.

"You really like it? I uh, I've been testing out a lot of recipes with it," Roxas could feel his cheeks warmth, it was strange to him to get so used to such a feeling. Ever since he met Sora, he'd been doing that, a lot. And baking. Sora loved sweets, but Roxas also enjoyed trying out new flavours. The paopu fruit was going to make a very unique extract. That is, if Roxas' guess that it could be used with an alcohol base was spot on. He hoped the recipe didn't flop.

"'Like it'? I love it! And I'm glad to hear that you're keeping busy. You know, when you first suggested a new community, and a fresh start… Your father and I were a bit worried," Selene put her hand on Roxas' shoulder, not daring to further mess up his still messy hair.

"But after visiting and seeing how happy you are, I think this was one of the best things for you. Destiny, can be such a funny thing," Selene very much believed in fate, how could she deny such a force? Though their lives hadn't panned out the way they'd hoped in losing Roxas' parents, which would have been enough to break any family… But Selene, Owain, and, Ventus didn't give in to despair. Instead, a cherished nephew became a loving son.

No, their lives weren't always perfect, but Selene hoped that Roxas had would one day heal from the experience. Being the sole survivor of a horrific accident like that would have made anyone jaded. Roxas didn't always show love in the typical fashion, but Selene could tell her youngest was very smitten with Sora.

Roxas smiled, albeit softly. Different from how he usually looked at Sora, who managed to capture his heart. It was hard, to admit that fact. Pride, and, fear of losing another person he had an attachment to made him initially reject Sora. Reject. Almost scoffing at his own thought process, Roxas knew that word was putting it lightly. He full-blown tried to push Sora and his friends away, by being a rotten version of himself.

Thankfully, Sora was just as stubborn and decided not to give up on Roxas.

"Yeah, I think so too. But it doesn't mean I don't miss you all like crazy. It's just… back home, there wasn't much of a life for me. After everyone in school says you're a psycho who beat up a known bully, and, terrorized a group of three that were against one…" Roxas sighed. He didn't mean to rehash old things.

Selene completely understood. "Anyone who has such a narrow minded opinion can gladly say so in front of me."

Roxas resisted a shutter, but Ventus wasn't quite so lucky. When their mother got upset, she could truly make that individuals time unpleasant. And no, she didn't have to get physical or violent, Selene was an expert at playing the long game. "It's okay, Mom. I don't care about those people anymore. It feels like so long ago, and I honestly haven't been thinking about it as often."

Selene's darkened expression went away, and she looked completely loving toward Roxas, and, Ventus. Pulling them close, she let out a contented sigh. "My baby birds. Look at how you've flown the nest. Soon, you'll be making your own families."

She didn't mind one bit if that was just a partner, or, child(ren), she'd even settle for the pets Roxas seemed to be collecting. Of course, the young Chocobo chick came over and chirped at Roxas angrily. Plugging his ear, and, once she finished, the Chocobo chick roosted in his hair.

Chuckling, Selene found her charming.

"Mom, I… have a boyfriend," Roxas kind of blurted it out. He wanted her to know, and, Ventus already knew. Selene was also usually perceptive and likely noticed already.

"Is he the young man I met?" Selene asked, sincerely smiling wide.

Roxas nodded, and, felt his face get hot. Even his ears felt warm. He wasn't embarrassed, just didn't know what to say. Hopefully she approved.

"Does he make you happy?"

Roxas nodded again. His heart was pounding, partly because he just told both of his parents about his boyfriend, and, of course his love for Sora.

"Then I'm happy for you. You've always been a particular young man, doing things at your own pace. How you've grown, in such a- what feels like short time despite knowing it's been a couple months. I am beyond proud of you, my little bird," Selene pulled both her boys close once again. She'd probably never feel comfortable with them leaving the nest, but what parent did?

"Thanks, mom," Roxas felt so much better having told literally everyone in the family about Sora. All of them were supportive, and, elated about Roxas finally having found someone… Stupid anxiety told him to keep it all to himself. What was there to be scared of?

About to say more, all heard the front door open, and, Sora, and, Owain walked back inside. They were talking about something, and, not that the trio in the kitchen were trying to eavesdrop, but it sounded like murmuring. Rounding the corner, Owain chuckled with Sora.

"Aye, if ye need more stories… Ask Ventus," Owain held his smile as he looked at Selene, and, handed her the bag with paopu fruit in it. "Wife," Owain playfully called to Selene.

"Husband," Selene waited for him to say what he wanted. She smiled in return.

"According to local legend, two lovers are meant to share one of those fruits. How about it- eternity with me?" Owain's smile turned into more of a grin.

"I already made that pledge, but I'd gladly do it again," Selene held her smile, but in a way that was different from how she smiled at her children, and, even Sora. How could she spurn Roxas' first love? And, she loved Owain the same way Sora, and, Roxas seemed to enjoy each other.

Roxas made his way over to Sora, leading him into the living room. Being a sort of private person, he wanted to speak one on one. His hands were shaky a bit— coming out to both of your parents on the same day had that effect. When he looked at Sora, he was smiling and waiting for whatever Roxas had to say. How did I get so lucky…?

"Sora, I- I know I should have asked, but I told my parents about us. I just couldn't keep something this major from them, and I hope you understand…" Roxas didn't mean to avert his eyes, he just felt his heart rate pick up when Sora stared at him so lovingly. It made him anxious, but in a good type of way. Flustered?

Sora chuckled, and, took Roxas' hands into his own. "I think that's the type of thing you're allowed to share with your parents. You didn't need my permission, and, I do understand."

Roxas felt a smile spread across his face, and, before he could respond, Sora had kissed him. His heart was going a mile a minute, and, Roxas wondered how Sora could be so outright with his affection? Sora was a total opposite of Roxas, who was a bit hesitant to initiate physical contact. It definitely wasn't because he didn't find Sora attractive, mostly that he had never really been the physical type of person. Hugs, tender moments… Not since, well… since his original set of parents died. Holding onto his throbbing head, Roxas felt dizzy thinking about them.

"…xas, Roxas…"

Pulled out of his troublesome thoughts by Sora gently calling his name and looking worried.

"Sorry, I- it's nothing. I was just having intrusive thoughts, about things I thought I was okay with," Roxas hated how he couldn't let himself simply be happy. He had to think of negative things to bring himself down. One of the things his psychiatrist was trying to get him to work on.

Sora hugged Roxas, holding him close. "I hope I'm not upsetting you."

Roxas' initial reaction had been to stiffen up. But he decided to try. Reciprocating the hug, he felt his cheeks, and, ears, get warm. "It's not you… I'm just, dwelling on the past. If anything, you're helping. A lot."

Sora felt Roxas hold onto him a little tighter, and, did the same. Grinning so wide, he sighed happily. "Anything I can help with? Sometimes, it helps just to say things out loud."

Roxas thought about it, and, maybe it would do him some good. "I was just… remembering my life, before the accident. It's hard, because things were so different… Growing up without hearing my mother singing, and, my dad being my best friend. It wasn't that either parent treated me differently, I just- felt myself missing them. Selfish as that probably is."

Sora pulled back a bit from the hug, and tilted his head so that their foreheads met. "Roxas, it's not selfish to miss your parents… Especially if they died. You don't sound ungrateful, you love your family a lot. You seem to love wholeheartedly, and I'm glad to have met you."

Roxas smiled tenderly at Sora. He kissed the brunette, and held it a little longer than usual. "I'm glad I met you, too."

Sora could see that Roxas genuinely meant it. That, and his cheeks/ears were flushed light pink. He could feel warmth on his own, and Sora couldn't help his grin. What was a touching moment, had been interrupted by the needy chirping of Roxas' Chocobo chick. Chuckling, Sora loved that she would give Roxas an earful.

"Does she still not have a name?" Sora wasn't judging, he just wanted to know whether or not she had a name to go by yet.

Roxas thought about it for a second, genuinely. "Actually, mom suggested Aphrodite. Might call her Aphro or Dite."

"That's a cute name," Sora watched the Chocobo chick nuzzle Roxas affectionately. It was super adorable, and he genuinely seemed to enjoy her companionship too. Hopefully she didn't have immense growth spurts, or she wouldn't be able to stay in the apartment anymore. Brushing aside such thoughts, Sora was happy for Roxas.

"I thought so too. Thank you, for convincing me to take her home with us. If you hadn't, I would never have tried," Roxas smiled at Sora, and closed the distance between the two of them. Kissing Sora lightly, he made a mental note to thank him properly for everything. It seemed that nothing but good things happened since the two of them met. Sora knew just how to get Roxas to do things, in a way that no one else other than family really had.

Sora's cheeks were lightly flushed, but he grinned back nonetheless. "I can't take all the credit- she was super cute. You also knew we couldn't leave her where she was found. Plus, I definitely owed you a pet. I wouldn't have Coal without you... I wouldn't have lots of things, without you."

Roxas chuckled, and scratched the back of his head. "I think that's my line. Sora, when I met you, I was- not a very happy person. I shutdown, and didn't feel like trying or feeling much of anything anymore. But you just… saw something in me, worth saving. I'm thankful to have met you, and I hope to repay all that you've done for me, someday."

Sora listened to Roxas' explanation of himself. He truly didn't think much of himself, and, when Sora saw him in the classroom that fateful day, he didn't look happy. Placing his hand on the side of Roxas' face, and, smiling sincerely, he spoke up. "Your worst critic… can often be your inner voice. The one in your head that steers you toward one choice or the other, sometimes… It's not nice. I don't know what yours tells you, Roxas… but you are good enough. You're a kind person, with a good heart."

"You saying that, makes me want to believe it," Roxas wasn't trying to be pessimistic or edgy. He just didn't think highly of himself in the kindness department. How could someone who was 'kind' treat Sora, and, his friends the way Roxas initially had?

"Then I'll keep saying it until you do. You're a good person, you're an amazing person, and, you're-" Sora leaned in and continued to speak, whispering in his ear. "-my favourite person."

Roxas' eyes widened, and, he took in a sharp breath. He hadn't been expecting to hear something like that. Sora was really good at flirting, somehow. "You're mine, too."

Sora chuckled, and, pulled Roxas into a hug. "I'm glad to have met you."

"Yeah, me too. I was so lost, when I walked into that classroom. I was just so ready to push everyone away, but you- I don't know how you did it… You helped me in so many ways. Sora, you made me want to be a better person," Roxas hugged back, which was something rare for him. Sora showed affection through physical actions, and, Roxas was usually the opposite. Maybe it was time for change, and, time for him to finally let go of all the things that hurt him.

Sora pulled back from the hug, and, saw how earnestly Roxas was looking at him. Roxas may not have known this about himself, but his eyes regularly changed colours. They would glitter when he was happy, and, seemingly sparkle like the ocean. Angry, upset, they would darken. Putting his hand gently on Roxas' cheek, Sora smiled. To his delight, Roxas had smiled back.

"You wanted to change, Roxas… you just didn't know it." Sora held his smile, and, Roxas leaned in. Feeling his heart pound like crazy, Sora began to lean in as well. Before their lips connected, Selene called from the kitchen.

"Next time," Roxas promised. His heart sank, and, Sora definitely seemed slightly disappointed. Making a mental note to put a pin in that, as Sora pouting made his heart flutter. But whatever his mother had been making smelled amazing.

Sora instantly perked up and chuckled. Going back into the kitchen/dining room with Roxas, both boys tried to play it cool.

Owain noticed something was up. Roxas' cheeks were flushed, and, parts of his ears. Sora, though relatively new to Owain, also had a flush that was more subtle. Grinning, he was so glad Roxas managed to find someone.