Kingdom Hearts Fan Fiction ❯ Behind the Smoke Screen ❯ Confusion ( Chapter 8 )

Note to Disclaimers: I do not and never will own Kingdom Hearts 1, 2 or CoM so…please do NOT sue me. This is way beyond standard at this point, doncha think?

A/N: Chapter 8 is done, W00t! All the same rules still apply. There will continue to be boy/boy love (sorry all—it's not the main pairing) and Mature themes (I.E. that means Rape, Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Gangs, cussing, blood, horrible things that SHOULD NOT happen to people, etc…) and that means this story is not for young ones! I can't stress that enough and I sure don't want a lawsuit. I am working hard to keep everyone in character as well as making them fit into the story's concept. The content is getting more mature and less friendly, so just know that. Okie, that's it.

Word coding: ' Thoughts' , "Speaking", Random flashbacks or other stuff, Everything else

:THERE IS SUPPOSED TO BE A LINE BREAK HERE:

Confusion

 

The bell rang too early for Namine the next morning as she and Roxas trudged to school, Namine wearing unusually long sleeved shirt and pants as she left the house. Roxas noticed but knowing her current situation he said nothing. For the past month or so—it might have been longer but Roxas couldn't remember exactly—she had been on and off with school, sometimes going, sometimes not. She'd been dressing warmly and though it was getting close to winter, they were still in the midst of the autumn. He didn't know the details of how things were progressing for her legally, but according to Axel, who had received a phone call from a Detective Strife; it seemed that the nice doctor who'd examined Namine had taken it upon herself to get them an attorney and a case. At first Axel had been furious that she'd done so, accusing her of not bothering to ask him, which she admitted she had not. However, when she told him who would be reviewing the case and working on it until Namine received justice, Axel had relented, somewhat shocked. Roxas remembered the conversation from a couple of weeks ago. He'd come in just as Axel was hanging up with a shocked look on his face.

 

Puzzled, Roxas had asked about it. “Axel, is something wrong?”

 

“We got an attorney for Namine,” Axel had replied, still shocked.

 

Roxas had raised a brow, dumfounded as well. “We…did? Who is it? How did you do it?”

 

“I didn't,” Axel had snapped as he fell onto the couch, seemingly in awe. “It's…the doctor lady, Doctor…er…Doctor Lockhart, I think it was…she managed to get Attorney Kosaka on the case.”

 

Roxas had dropped his breakfast to the floor that morning. “Att—Attorney Kosaka? Axel, do you have any idea who that is?”

 

Axel nodded. “Yeah…”

 

It had seemed like a dream that the famous Attorney Kosaka had decided to accept their case without an actual Police report, not to mention that their attorney was related to Riku, of all people. Roxas shook the memory from his head as they kept walking. They were a few minutes from the actual building when they spotted Sora and Riku waiting for them by the gates, both looking utterly harassed. He wondered, briefly, if Riku had any idea about his brother's new case. Riku had an angry look on his face and was, from how it appeared, arguing with Sora about something or the other. Sora, for his part, looked annoyed with his hands in his pockets and spiky brown hair flattened beneath a baseball cap. Roxas didn't feel like arguing anymore that morning since prior to his leave, he'd pretty much screamed at Axel that Namine should be allowed to go to school if she wished, which she did that morning. Not surprisingly, Larxene had barely come out of her room the day before so she had no say in what Namine chose to do. As for her, Namine had kept her hands over her ears to block out the argument; she didn't like it when people yelled, especially about her. Sighing, the dirty blonde made his way over to his friends as Namine stopped to adjust her shoelaces. He was hoping to shut them up before their pettiness could bother their friend.

 

“What the hell is going on?” Roxas hissed as he saw Namine stand and come towards them. They gaped at him, offended. “Listen, whatever you're arguing about, save it for later. Namine doesn't need this right now so just shut the fuck up while she's here. After she's gone you can tear each other apart about who really deserves Kairi, ok?”

 

Sora quickly nodded in understanding while Riku glared, not sure what Roxas was referring to. So judging by how Riku acted now, Roxas surmised that the silver haired young man had no idea about his brother's new case or Namine. However, all was forgotten or put on hold, rather, as Namine strolled up with a small, forced smile on her face. Immediately she felt insecure as Riku looked at her, his tall figure towering over her. She let out a small squeal, backing into Roxas' arms as Sora stood in front of them. “Hey, uh Riku…where is Kairi today? Wait…aren't you supposed to be in class?”

 

Distracted, Riku let out a sigh as he reached in his pocket for a cigarette. “Yeah, ten minuets ago. About Kairi, well… her uncle asked me to come to the school and ask you guys to get her homework.”

 

“Oh…is…Kairi sick, then?” Namine's timid voice broke through the tense atmosphere as Riku turned his gaze to her. She blushed, a little, not sure how to react whenever Riku looked at her, even more so now. His gazes were always so intense, especially with his beautiful shining but deep aquamarine eyes. “I um…I can get most of it since she and I have class together…except for her elective.”

 

“I think that's the most I've ever heard you say, Namine Isuki,” Riku answered, his aquamarine eyes laughing as he lit up his cigarette and inhaled. “Hm…all right, well, I'd better get to Kairi's to check on her so I can go to school in an hour, at least. Or I'm going to fail this stupid exam. Bye.”

 

Sora, Roxas and Namine watched as his disappeared down the block still smoking his cigarette while his steps remained light and carefree. Namine was the first to speak. “He's missing an exam to make sure she's got everything she needs…”

 

Roxas glanced at her. “Namine…let's just get to class, all right? We're going to be late.”

 

“Oh…yes, of course,” she answered quietly.

 

Sora just followed them, not sure of what was going on. He kind of figured, though a little later than most, that Namine liked Riku. But from what he knew about the silver haired young man, he liked Kairi or had for quite some time. He felt a small pang of jealousy as he thought about it, mainly because Sora himself liked Kairi. Mentally slapping himself, he continued on until he, Roxas and Namine reached their AP Chemistry class—he hated chemistry. However, he'd applied so he couldn't quite hate the class for itself. He decided he'd have to hate himself as well for picking it in the first place. For the rest of class he and Roxas couldn't quit drifting off into space, which he could tell they were since Roxas kept staring out the window. As for Namine, she was clutching her sketchbook, as usual, except that she looked as though she wanted to cry. So when the teacher finally dismissed them Sora and Roxas weren't surprised to see her run off, most likely to the girl's bathroom. Nevertheless, they darted after her to make sure. When they saw her figure disappear where they'd assumed, both young men fell against the wall with slight relief, neither speaking for a moment.

 

“Hey, Sora…heard any news from your brother or is he still working late?” Roxas inquired, trying to make conversation.

 

“What's with the small talk? We're friends Roxas,” Sora said, smiling as he stuck his hands in his pants pockets, the belts and chains making clinking noises as he did so. To the side of him he could see Roxas messing with the ring-like pieces around his fingers. The brown haired boy let out a heavy breath as he plastered a smile on his face and let out as happy a laugh as he possibly could. “Man, you worry too much! I'm fine, Rox, really!”

 

Roxas let out a somewhat solemn laugh, not deceived. “I wish I believed that. You're so full of shit Leonhart.”

 

Irritated, Sora nodded for he knew it was the truth; he let his smile drop a little, the crease in his eyebrows returning, which showed he was not happy. Roxas had always been able to see right through him. “I just…there are things that have been bugging me before you told me about Namine and with that I just…I'm tired, that's all.” Silence reigned for a second before Sora finally turned to look at his older counterpart. “Hey…when do you think they're going to notice, you know…everyone? I mean, Namine doesn't usually wear the kind of clothes she's been wearing and she told me she hasn't been able to focus on school…if her grades drop…”

 

“Her grades have dropped…and she's been crying a lot more,” Roxas cut in, bluntly. “I know what you're talking about…but no one can know.”

 

Sora blinked. “But don't you think if Kairi or Riku knew, they could help? Especially since Riku's brother is leading the case…by the way, does Namine even know that her attorney is Riku's brother?” Roxas shook his head vigorously, glancing around quickly to see if Namine was around. He didn't want her to know about it—orders from Axel and Larxene. Sora kept on, not seeming to have seen the vehement look in Roxas' eyes. “Shouldn't she know that? I mean, don't you think that Kairi and Riku have to know?

 

“They don't have to,” came a small voice from in front of them. Namine was shaking, tears threatening to fall from her eyelids as she hugged herself. Immediately Roxas and Sora broke from their conversation and stared at her in awe. She suddenly let out a choked sob. In response, both boys reached out and hugged her. Namine finally broke, right there, in the middle of the hallway in front of all her peers and not caring whether they saw her or not. It had been weeks since the incident and she'd known nothing about what was going to happen to her except that she did have a case with one well-known Attorney. She didn't know his name; they wouldn't tell her. She didn't know if she had to return home but figured she'd been lucky no one had come looking for her thus far. Sometimes, late at night, she'd hear Larxene screaming on the phone to someone and she had a pretty good idea who was on the other end. Just the thought made her shiver. But when she was with Sora and Roxas, almost everything seemed to melt away—except the pain and dirtiness she felt—and their warmth seemed to comfort her a little more. “I don't…Riku…if he knew…he'd think I was a slut or something, he'd see the dirt…he'd see the filth that I've become…he'd think me a whore....”

 

“Riku wouldn't think that,” Roxas replied fiercely. “And if he did, he wouldn't be worthy of you.”

 

They knew they were earning stares from the students filing through the hallways but none of them cared. “Nami, it's going to be ok. Roxas and I are here to help you. We love you, we really do.”

 

“Yeah, Sora is right. We love you Nami, so much.”

 

The tears flowed harder as she sank into their welcoming embrace, shaking uncontrollably as the bell rang for their next period. After all the students had disappeared and they knew they were late, Namine finally emerged, her eyes bloodshot but with a smile on her face. “Roxas, Sora, thank you so much. I…I owe you guys so much…you've been such great friends.” Both young men offered her a smile while wiping the remaining tears from her eyes. This time, she hugged them though it seemed slightly forlorn. “I…we should get back to class.”

 

“No, Nami,” Sora interrupted. “I think you should just go home for today, all right?” Roxas nodded his agreement. “Why don't you have Axel come pick you up?” She was about to protest when they both gave her a pleading stare. Finally she relented and allowed them to walk her to the infirmary where she sat, waiting patiently as Roxas called Axel. On their way out, Sora winked at her. “Don't worry Nami; everything is going to get better…everything.”

 

She nodded, giving them both a small wave. “Yes, thank you. Good bye! Oh…and don't forget Kairi's homework.” And just like that, they were gone. She counted the minutes, up to ten, which is when Axel arrived, flame red hair somewhat flattened; she guessed he hadn't fixed it in his rush to come get her. The lady at the front desk gave him a skeptical look but when everything checked out, she was allowed to leave with him. She willingly accepted his hand as he led her from the school building and down the sidewalk, his gloves feeling strangely callous beneath the softness of her own fingers. The walk home was silent for all but two minutes when she noticed, and quite rightly, couldn't stand how quiet her counterpart was. “Axel…you're so…quiet. Is something the matter? You're always so talkative and now…this is just…weird.”

 

He seemed to come to, smiling awkwardly. “And you seem to be talking more than usual…but as to your question, I'm fine Namine, thanks. How are you? Not feeling too well?”

 

She gave a small, nervous laugh. “No I…Roxas and Sora sent me home. I was ok though. I could've stayed.”

 

“Mm-hmm.” Axel didn't seem to be buying it, not at all.

 

Namine sighed, her blonde hair cascading over her pale skin to hide her expression, which was tense and upset at most. She wanted to scream at Axel for not believing her, but mostly, for not telling her what was going to happen with her. She knew her step-father was not looking for her, at least not actively or publicly. Instead, she heard him, every night, on the phone with Larxene as they shouted and shouted at each other. She knew he would not make any blatant moves to take her back because that would cause an uproar; especially now that she knew—and she suspected he knew, too—that she had an attorney. However, it didn't stop his lackeys from coming around every now and then, snooping about and trying to see her or anything suspicious that could be used against them. Despite all that, Larxene, Axel and Roxas had done an excellent job of keeping them out. She frowned. She hadn't seen Marluxia lately, or much of her sister for that matter. And that was saying something when it was Larxene house she was staying at the whole time. Demyx and Zexion had even neglected to come around as much as before. Something didn't seem right and through all of it, her crush on Riku had become stronger but she'd become bitter with the thoughts of what happened to her weeks prior. She knew that he'd think she was a dirty tramp, a whore who hadn't said no. `I…no…I…Riku could never like me, not after all this…' Tears pricked at her eyelids, itching for release but she did not let them fall, instead angling her face away from Axel as he looked at her.

 

If there was one thing she didn't like about Axel, it was his ability to read her so well. “Namine…what's on your mind, little one?”

 

She let out a slow breath as she reached for Axel's hand, taking it in her own before moving closer to lean on him. For her, Axel was like the big brother she didn't have and would never have. Roxas and Sora were like that too, except that she considered them more like the boyfriends she'd never have since Roxas was gay and Sora liked Kairi. However, it wouldn't have mattered since she was so smitten with Riku Kosaka. Leaning on Axel's arm, Namine began to speak. “I just…I'm confused and I'm trying to find a way to…” She paused, sighing again. “I can't even speak my mind…” She heard him chuckle. “What?”

 

He smiled, ruffling her hair. “Namine, it's not that you can't speak your mind. You're just really shy. You've always been very shy. And with a sister like Larxene well…who wouldn't be shy?”

 

She giggled good-naturedly. “Thank you Axel, that makes me feel a bit better.”

 

He nodded. “No problem.”

 

The silence dawned on them again as they saw the mansion come into view. They could see a lone figure sitting on the roof looking minute in the morning hours as the sun blared down on it. Namine blinked as Axel scratched his head. “I see Demyx had returned to his favorite part of Larx's mansion. It's been a while.”

 

“Yes, it has,” Zexion replied simply as they entered through the steel gates that separated them from the rest of the world and Twilight Town. “Where were you?”

 

“What does it look like emo-boy?” Axel replied as he jerked his finger in Namine's direction. “By the way, are you and Demyx staying for dinner tonight?” Zexion nodded. “Well, as far as I know, Kairi and Sora are supposed to join us…maybe Riku.” He noted how Namine cringed at the mention of the Kosaka's name. “Anyway…um…have you guys heard any news from Marluxia?”

 

Zexion shook his head. “Nothing in particular. Demyx won't tell me why he moved out so suddenly, though I think it's because he has no idea why. But he still texts, according to Demyx and his message log.”

 

“Oh? So he's still around?” Axel looked intrigued. “Say, Namine, how about you and me go on a lovely little mission while your sister continues to rave and Zexion stays here with Demyx?”

 

“Hey, I'm coming too,” the silver-lavender haired youth interjected. “You've peaked my interest.”

 

“That's a first, Zexion,” Namine said, her blue eyes curious. “Well…what do you want to do?”

 

“Mission Find Marluxia has begun!”

 

Both Zexion and Namine sighed at Axel's dramatic title, though the blonde was the one who gave a timid comment directed at the lavender haired man. “Gee…no wonder you were never interested in him.” And so the search began.

 

:LINE BREAK HERE:

 

The sun was nowhere close to setting as Marluxia rubbed his temples. He'd moved out of Demyx's house a few days after the incident. He hadn't really told Demyx much when he'd returned from the café, choosing to merely ignore any questions since he was agitated. But it was then that he'd made Demyx cry and had received a stony look from both his best friend and Zexion, which made him feel as though he should leave. And so he did. Without so much of a word, he packed up his small amount of belongings and departed during the night after he'd overheard Zexion comforting the emotional musician. He knew he couldn't keep beating up on his friend, not emotionally, verbally and definitely not physically—not that he'd ever done that. However, he couldn't live with it anymore. There were too many things going on and he couldn't force himself to be nice right now; change would come at a slow pace as it had been doing so. Sighing, the brown haired young man walked to the back of the café to continue his inventory duties, annoyed that he'd had to work later than usual. He was somewhat bitter that he wasn't rich or hadn't been left money to support himself like everyone else. He briefly knew of Axel having a rather large amount of money in his possession, something from his parents; but other than that, he didn't know much else. He knew the mansion had been given to Larxene but he didn't know how she kept it up since he never saw her working. It seemed like Demyx's music had taken off, if only a little. He hadn't had any gigs recently but it seemed like his CD was going to make some money. He wasn't sure what Zexion did for a living but he knew the young man worked since he'd disappear for long periods of time during any given day of the week. But mostly, he figured that he should be worrying about himself since he needed to support himself financially and mentally.

 

He knew he'd have to call Demyx back eventually. He'd been text messaging him for a while, letting him know he was fine but not giving any information as to where he was or what he was really doing. He didn't have the courage to actually call his friend because that meant talking about things he didn't feel like discussing. He let out another bored sigh, this one holding some irritation as he opened a box full of coffee bags, none of which were ground yet. He'd have to do that too. Something kept tugging at his mind, an image of a boy with chestnut brown hair that reminded him of someone he was trying to forget. And the worst part was that no one knew how close he was to Twilight Town. He was actually only a mere five to ten minute walk over the bridge into Traverse Town, working his once slightly privileged ass at a little café in the middle of the ruffed up town. Sure, he didn't like it nearly as much as Twilight Town but living in Traverse Town did have its perks, though minimal. For example, the biggest perk was not having to deal with Demyx or his friends and their craziness. The downside was spending one's night alone in a youth hostel with a bunch of other weird people, and having to protect everything you owned. Oh, and being completely uncomfortable with the fact that everyone was pretty much a criminal since Traverse Town's reputation was anything but good. That wasn't to say that he hadn't met some decent but real people; but he was uncomfortable nonetheless. He hadn't been beaten in a while and he didn't look forward to anymore beatings, especially by anyone other than his damned father. He snorted. `What a jackass…'

 

The mere thought of his father always enraged him and he didn't think that the reaction would stop anytime soon. He sighed again as he leaned against the metal paneling of the shelves, his brown hair matted to his forehead. He really didn't look forward to going back “home” at the moment. His thoughts were interrupted when his felt his phone vibrate, signaling that he had another text message, most likely from Demyx. He glanced at his phone. It was Demyx. He looked at the message before letting out another sigh and rubbing his temples in agitation. “Dammit Demyx…”

 

“You ok in there, Shimoto?”

 

He nodded. “Yeah, yeah…I'm fine.”

 

Snickering. “Really? Sounds like you're not doin so hot these days.”

 

“Fuck off Xigbar. I don't have time for this right now, and you haven't even known me that long” Marluxia replied, his voice holding annoyance. “Don't you have…something to do? Aren't you supposed to be serving people, taking orders or something?”

 

The man shook his head. “It's slow, and that Hayner kid is takin care of it. And shut your little trap about knowin you…I'm employin you, aren't I?” Marluxia nodded slowly, angered a bit but Xigbar merely laughed. “Calm down…it ain't no big deal, kid.” A snort. “Ah…like I said, that Hayner kid's got it.”

 

“Damn, such capable hands…” Marluxia said with heavy sarcasm, practically shoving the coffee bags into the shelf in his anger at the older man. “Go away before I snap that stupid eye patch off your head.”

 

Xigbar, the man in accusation, did indeed wear an eye patch. He was older than Marluxia by quite some years and the manager of the café Marluxia was working in though Xigbar did work there on occasion or when he was just extremely bored. Marluxia didn't know how the man got the café or why he bothered to work there for a living but Xigbar seemed pretty content with everything. Whatever the case, the slightly elderly man seemed fine doing his little job. However, he had noticed that his boss had a strange obsession with guns as there were tons hanging in the café as decorations, most which seemed antique and no longer usable. But given the circumstances he was sure Xigbar's crazy ass would use one, and it'd be his pleasure. He'd seen the older man's face when he'd spoken of each gun in the café, his face lighting up in an eerie way that made Marluxia's skin crawl. Sometimes Xigbar freaked him out more than he'd like to let on. He was brought back to the present when he heard the other man snicker again and slap the counter with a loud laugh. Marluxia looked vexed.

 

“What?”

 

Xigbar laughed again. “Listen, you're one to talk, girly boy…you look like a cross dresser with that pretty hair of yours and all that primping you do.”

 

“I do not primp!” Marluxia looked utterly vehement. “And who told you that lie anyway?”

 

“Oh…a little friend of mine named Hayner.”

 

More vehement looks. “I'm going to murder that stupid, two-faced son of a—wait, I didn't know he lived in the youth hostel too!”

 

“I didn't know either of you did!” The pirate looking man let out a loud bellow. “Man…am I gonna have stuff to tell Luxord tonight!”

 

“My shift is over!”

 

Marluxia rolled his eyes as Hayner came sauntering into the back area, his apron hanging over his shoulder while a mischievous glint went through his eyes. “Oh…hi there girly boy.”

 

“Shut the fuck up, Hayner, or I'm going to put spiders in your covers tonight…Poisonous ones,” Marluxia snapped in reply as he violently returned to shoving the coffee bags in the shelves. Hayner blanched for a minute until the brown haired young man let out another sigh. “Xigbar, I'm going home early.” There were no objections.

 

“Yeah, whatever…see ya, Marlu.”

 

“My name is Marluxia, dammit, you fuckin pirate wannabe,” He snapped again as Xigbar erupted into laughter again, this time with Hayner along. Too enraged to say much else, he simply dropped his apron on the counter, grabbed his keys and slammed the inventory door though it did nothing to drown out their laughter. He couldn't, for the life of him, figure out why he was even bothering with any of it. Call him slightly suicidal but he didn't see the point of doing anything. He didn't have anything left. He'd probably lost his best friend—or was going to; his mom was gone, his dad was an asshole and—he felt himself pause in the middle of the empty street. `And what, you selfish asshole?' he sighed. `I still can't even talk to myself about it…' rubbing his forehead with his now gloved hands, Marluxia continued on his way, hating the way his stomach growled from hunger and his heart pounded with denial. Sometimes he felt like he didn't deserve to live at all. `Not at all…damned memories…'

 

:LINE BREAK HERE:

 

She let out a nervous breath as they awaited the results of their evaluations, hoping against hope that nothing came up about them starting a case without the police report. True, they'd manipulated the system a little, getting the police report afterwards; but if Attorney Kosaka wasn't complaining, who were they to disagree? Yuffie felt a little antsy until she saw Tifa emerge from the Chief's office looking rather triumphant. Tifa usually exuded confidence but it was all over her this afternoon and Yuffie had to stop herself from squealing with joy. She was too excited about not being in trouble but knew professionalism was still a requirement and she had to keep up an appearance. The older, jet black haired woman nodded her as she passed, which meant “follow me” in Tifa terms. Yuffie figured this meant they were having lunch with Aerith again, as they had been for a while now. Sometimes Cloud was there with more information, sometimes not. Attorney Kosaka came too, on rare occasions, and Yuffie simply enjoyed watching them argue since Tifa thought him arrogant and he thought her too brash. It was interesting to watch and way too entertaining to miss.

 

“Are you even paying attention?”

 

Yuffie was pulled back to reality, answering with an eloquent, “Oh…sorry, what?”

 

“I didn't think so. You had that spacey look on your face…” Tifa trailed as she sifted through some paperwork on her desk. “Hm…we have to meet Aerith and Attorney Kosaka for lunch…and Cloud is supposed to be there. By the way, did you call those kids like I asked?” Yuffie nodded. “What did they say?”

 

“Well, a young woman answered this time but it wasn't the victim. Uh…she was rather rude and didn't say much except that she'd take a message for an Axel?” Tifa encouraged her to continue. “Oh and…uh…she said that she knows more than we might think so to wait for the opportune moment.”

 

Tifa blinked. “What? That's weird, and cryptic. Do we have any idea who she is?”

 

“Well, in Namine's chart, it says she does have an older sister so…I'm assuming it's the older sister,” Yuffie replied with a wrinkled brow. “But what I don't get is why she didn't bother to file the report herself, especially if she knew, which it sounds like she does. It…it's weird…and I'm beginning to wonder what's REALLY going on.”

 

“Yes, I agree…it is peculiar,” The older girl said as she turned to her younger counterpart thoughtfully. “I suppose I should send Cloud over there to check it out…or maybe you should go with him. He is a little weird sometimes and he might just scare the young woman.” She snapped her fingers. “Brilliant. Yuffie, you and Cloud are to report to Attorney Kosaka tomorrow and discuss the necessary procedures and questioning before you head over to the victim's household, understand?” Yuffie nodded quickly. “Great…but until then, what says you to that lunch, Yuffs?”

 

“Sounds awesome! But uh…are you going to invite Cloud?”

 

Tifa sighed, annoyed. “I suppose…though I'd rather not. I'm so not in the mood for this talk about Aerith…well, unless she's there.”

 

Yuffie laughed. “But won't she be? Attorney Kosaka is supposed to be there.”

 

“Um…right, yes…well, let's go.”

 

The younger woman nodded as they both grabbed their coats and headed out, the warmth of the afternoon making it unnecessary to wear the heavy material. `This weather is so schizophrenic…' Yuffie mused as she shrugged off the coat. Ahead of her Tifa was gabbing on her cell phone, probably yelling at Cloud. Sighing, the black haired young woman stuck her hands in her pockets, unsure of why she even bothered trying to convince Tifa to be nice to Cloud. Even though the two had been bets friend forever, Tifa seemed bitter that he chose Aerith over her. Truth be told, Tifa had been in love with the blonde for years, since they were little. Yuffie was amazed at how the ebony haired beauty managed to stay friends with the mahogany haired woman—they should've been sworn enemies. She was still deep in thought when she saw Sephiroth, Cloud and Aerith standing before her outside of a new place, some café she'd only seen but never been to. `Wow…that was uh…fast,' she let out a low whistle as the five of them entered the restaurant, relishing in the coolness of the air conditioning. Winter would be arriving soon but not quite yet, hence the warm weather. She quickly slid into her seat beside Cloud and across from Aerith, who was across from Cloud. Sephiroth was to her other side and across from Tifa, eyeing her strangely. But when he caught Yuffie staring at him he turned away, looking at his menu with unrivaled interest. She didn't believe it.

 

“So…how is the police report going?”

 

Lame conversation always tended to make Yuffie want to bash her pretty head into anything available. Her head slid on her hand as Tifa and Sephiroth made eye contact with Cloud who seemed flustered. Aerith was too busy looking at the salads to care otherwise. For his part, Cloud appeared as though he was trying to figure out how to answer the question under such intense gazes. Yuffie rolled her eyes at his response.

 

“Um…well, I haven't visited the victim yet…”

 

“Go figure, Strife,” Sephiroth replied with an air of arrogance as he turned the page of the drinks menu, eyeing a cocktail. “What have you done?”

 

Mumble. “Nothing yet.”

 

Tifa looked like she wanted to beat him with a stick. “Hmm…where is the waiter? I'm famished.”

 

“Oh, well, maybe if you closed your menu, he'd come over.”

 

Tifa looked positively murderous. `And so begins the daily argument.' Yuffie mused as Tifa and Sephiroth locked eyes.

 

“Listen, as fun as having another argument with you would be, Mr. Kosaka, I must refuse.” She slammed her menu closed as the waiter approached looking slightly cautious. She quickly turned to him. “Hi, can I please have a very large martini on the rocks please, with an olive?” The waiter looked incredulous but at her dangerous look he nodded.

 

He was walking off when Sephiroth spoke up, his voice commanding but soft. “Make that two, young man.”

 

Her glare returned as Sephiroth let out a smirk. “What the hell is your problem?”

 

The silver haired man returned to browsing the menu as the wait came back to take everyone else's drink orders. “Nothing criminal, I assure you. I'm simply ordering a drink. You have such fine taste Dr. Lockhart.”

 

“Stop mocking me,” she spat back, somewhat annoyed but surprised too. `Is he really flattering me this time? I can never tell with him.' She stared at him, hard. “I mean it.”

 

“And I mean what I say, good doctor.” He said nothing more as he concentrated on ordering food.

 

Her brow knitted in frustration as she watched him, his face a mask of complete indifference. `Why do I…?' She shook her head in anger as she felt her stomach growl. `I guess I'd better choose what it is that I'm going to eat before I don't eat anything.' Swallowing the biting comment she felt in the back of her throat, Tifa resumed her search for a decent dish. She hated that place they were eating at, especially since Mr. Kosaka had picked it out. She couldn't stand him at all. But if he wasn't the best lawyer in town, that might've helped too. She was beyond annoyed that he was being such a cocky bastard, as though he owned Twilight Town. “Actually that's probably Sumitse who does, the sick fuck.' She was relieved to see the waiter bring their drinks just in time for her to sip half hers out the cup the minute she picked it up. All occupants at the table gave her odd looks as she threw them a single death glare, ignoring them thereafter. She hated it when people stared as though she was crazy and drunk. `It's one damn martini.' She could see Yuffie giving her a wary look from her corner of the table but said nothing as the younger woman resumed her discussion with Aerith about garden salads and dressing, which she, coincidentally, found completely stupid and pointless. Needles to say, Tifa knew she was in one of her moods.

 

“So…Mr. Kosaka does visiting a victim's residence to ask questions and things…does that…violate any laws?” Yuffie inquired as Tifa order another drink before going back to her other one, nursing it lovingly with her angry glare; she seemed totally preoccupied hating Sephiroth to notice Yuffie's slight undermining. Sephiroth looked thoughtful and Yuffie blanched. “The reason I'm asking is because Tifa assigned Cloud and I to go speak to the victim tomorrow, sans cameras, recorders, etc. She wants the victim to feel safe enough to come to us when she's ready.”

 

“I'll have to look into it. But in the meantime, I'd advise against it until I get back to you. There would be too much legal stuff to deal with if you did decide to do it, and then it violates laws,” he replied as he took a small sip from his martini. He continued browsing the menu as they had yet to order. “Hm…this chicken does sound rather appealing.” Yuffie made a face to which Sephiroth waved his hand. “Don't worry, young Ms. Kisaragi. I am sure we will be just fine. As strong and powerful as Sumitse is…I will do everything that I am capable of in order to strip him of his perverse power. I vow to do my best.”

 

“Yes…that it why we asked you, sir,” Yuffie answered, blushing as he smiled at her. She didn't think he liked her at all but his smile sent tingles down her spine, the kind that make one blush as she was doing now. At his simple nod, she went back to twiddling her fingers under the table, only vaguely listening to Cloud and Aerith as they talked. Sometimes she felt like she needed to get away from them, from Cloud, Tifa, and Aerith—all of them. She was at least three or four years younger and had no love life to speak of since before high school. Sure, she'd gone out on some dates, maybe had two boyfriends or so but she never really connected with them at all. Trying to figure out how to speak around older adults wasn't a problem whatsoever; learning to speak around people her own age was a challenge she wasn't sure she was ready for just yet. Sighing, she let the thoughts swivel around her head in an endless whirlwind as she saw the waiter approaching again, this time to take their food orders. `I guess…that will have to wait till later.' Plastering a smile on her face, Yuffie forced herself to seem as cheerful as she usually was.

 

:LINE BREAK HERE:

 

Namine sighed as she took a drink from her cool frappuccino, her eyes hazy as she waited for Axel to emerge from the store he'd been in for too long, in her opinion. Sitting next to her, Zexion was busy reading a magazine for technology and computers, his own drink melting beside her in the cool autumn air. They'd been on the mission “Find Marluxia” for well over a couple hours, she hadn't done her homework, and they'd found absolutely NO sign of the flower loving visitor. As a result, Namine was tired and annoyed, hot and sleepy, while Zexion seemed content to keep his emotions to himself. Axel was so into the “mission” that Namine began to wonder. But at the mention of Roxas' name an hour earlier, she surmised that he would be willing to go home if she mentioned it again. Whenever she said Roxas's name, or anyone did for that matter, Axel would go nuts—she guessed he really loved his boyfriend. They had been together for quite sometime from what she understood and, at times, a part of her envied what they shared. She wanted it too, even if she was just a young girl. `I'm still a person, right?' Sighing wistfully, she swung her feet back and forth since they didn't quite reach the ground below her, amazed that she could even do that with even an ounce of enjoyment. Shaking her head, Namine watched as Axel finally emerged and signaled that it was time to depart, to return to Larxene's mansion, which both his counterparts were more than happy to oblige.

 

When they finally reached the silent, ominous mansion they immediately found that Demyx had moved from the roof to the front steps, a large glass of water next to him while his sitar lay against one of the mansion's tall wooden support pillars. He was whistling to himself seemingly lost in thought even though they were standing before him, Zexion looking thoroughly annoyed at not being noticed. Finally Axel cleared his throat. Demyx looked up, surprised though no one knew why.

 

“Oh…hey guys…where did you go?”

 

Axel looked utterly harassed. “We've been looking for your ASSHOLE friend for hours. Don't you care at all, you jackass?” Demyx hung his head warily as the redhead looked around, crossing his arms over his chest. “Man…Demyx…what is going on with you and Marluxia?”

 

“I told you,” he bit his lip. “I can't tell you. It's not my right.”

 

Zexion sighed this time, placing a hand on his lover's shoulder. “Demyx…I think it's time we went home. Namine, Axel, see you tomorrow?” He turned to his boyfriend. “Come on Demyx, let's go.”

 

Without so much as another word the pair was gone. Axel and Namine looked up just in time to catch a small glimpse of Larxene as she disappeared from the large window that served as their hangout room. Both gave each other skeptical looks before they shrugged and proceeded into the mansion. The sun was setting and both wondered where Roxas was since it was past the time he should've been home. Inside it was silent, everything placed meticulously in its place as though no one lived there at all, which irked its more loud occupants like none other. Namine waved to Axel as she retired to the empty guest room that served as her own while she was there; it'd been arranged so when they all decided that she needed to stay with them for the time being. Axel watched the young blonde haired girl leave, waiting until she had closed her door before pulling his cell phone out, flipping it open and dialing his boyfriend's number. But when Roxas did not pick up at all he began to worry, which meant he began pacing. And he was doing just that until his phone rang one minute later. He was in such a rush he almost dropped the fragile contraption in his desperate attempt to answer it. “Hello?”

 

“Hi Axel. Sorry I missed your call. Sora and I are visiting someone. How is Namine?”

 

Axel felt his blood boil even though he was relieved that his lover was safe and sound. “Roxas, what the hell? Do you have any idea how worried I was when you weren't here?” Silence then a loud sigh. He knew that Roxas was somewhat annoyed. “Look…it's just that…right now, none of us are safe by ourselves. When you don't call and aren't home I…I worry.”

 

“Look, I know I'm young and all, but you have to trust that I can take care of myself most of the time…I'm not as fragile as you think,” came the soft but firm reply. At Axel's silence it was Roxas' turn to return the affirmation. “But I appreciate you for worrying, and that you did. That's why I think you're so wonderful, remember?”

 

A chuckle. He could just imagine Sora laughing as Roxas as he spoke. “I think you're wonderful too, Roxie-bear.”

 

“I hate that nickname, and you know it,” was his somewhat vehement reply. “Listen, I'll see you in a bit. I have to go.”

 

“Ok, sure thing.”

 

Silence then another soft whisper. “Axel…I love you.”

 

“I love you too.” The red head heard the click of the phone as he leaned back on the couch. He was basking in the wonderfulness of the phrase cited from Roxas' lips when he saw Namine standing by the doorway in her pajamas, her fingers clutching the hem of it nervously. He beckoned for her to come forward, which she did, to curl into his lap as he stroked her hair comfortingly. It was more or less routine for her to do this, to come to him after a long day and cry between him and Roxas or just one of them. She would cry and cry, letting out the grief she'd tried to keep inside before Larxene agreed to leave her alone. He smoothed her hair under his palms as he stared out the window located in the kitchen even though it was small as hell. But something was different about tonight; he could feel it in the air. “Namine…what's the matter?”

 

She sniffled. “I just…I overheard you and Roxas and I…I just…” she cried harder. “I don't think anyone could ever love me that way…not now…not ever…”

 

He felt his eyes narrow angrily. “That's not true…and you should NEVER believe that.” He brought her to face him. “Anyone who doesn't love you just because of what happened does NOT deserve you, or your love. You're a prize Namine, and you always will be, no matter what.”

 

She looked surprised with her eyes wider than he'd seen in a while, her tears leaving stains on her pale cheeks and giving them a rosy hue. Suddenly she broke out in a smile. “Thank you Axel. I…I'll keep trying…so that one day, one day Riku will…” She trailed off, turning red as Axel gave her a sly smile. “Oh, Axel, please don't…”

 

“We're back!”

 

Namine jumped in Axel's arms as she heard footsteps approach. Axel looked guarded. `We?' Raising his head, he continued to smooth Namine's hair. “Who is `we' love?”

 

Roxas finally entered the house with Sora, Riku and Kairi, who looked like hell with a large blanket draped about her small frame. “We as in, Namine's friends.”

 

“Oh, Namine, what happened?” Kairi rushed over, dropping her blanket as she embraced the young girl who had slowly began trying to creep away. Namine shivered nervously as Kairi held her tightly. “Are you all right?”

 

Namine nodded. “Y-yes, I'm fine, thank you.”

 

“I'm so glad to hear it. I'm so sorry I was sick today…did I miss a lot in art? I didn't mean for you to have to do the project by yourself!” Kairi's amethyst eyes shone brilliantly though they were tinged with fatigue from being sick.

 

“Oh I…I didn't stay at school. I wasn't feeling well,” Namine replied, red coloring her cheeks as she saw Riku approach. She moved away just as he came to stand next to Kairi.

 

“Kairi, sit down. You'll over exert yourself Hashiba.” He led her to the couch where Axel made room for her to sit. “Hey, Leonhart, go get her some soup, will you?” Sora looked harassed but did as requested; anything for Kairi. Riku chuckled inwardly as Kairi shivered. “You're uncle would kill me if he saw the state you're in. Hm…but at least Yazoo took good care of you today.”

 

Kairi nodded. “Yeah, I'll have to tell him thank you.”

 

He laughed, patting her head as Sora returned with a bowl of soup. Seeing that Kairi was fine, Riku turned his attention to Namine who was standing a few feet away, her eyes wide like a deer caught in the headlights of a big rig. When he started towards her she let out a squeak, taking a few steps back before turning to dart towards her room. Roxas was busy talking to Axel while Sora cared for Kairi, all too wrapped in their own worlds to notice that Namine had disappeared with Riku behind her. She ran blindly, managing to make it through the back door into the vast yard without a sign of Riku anywhere. She panted heavily, trying to catch her breath as she leaned against the nearest sculpture, her legs tired and lungs burning a little. She wasn't usually physically active, and hadn't been for quite some time as it was forbidden by her step father. When the silken almost stifled her she felt comfortable enough to sit down and close her eyes. No sooner had she done it then she felt a presence before her. Opening her eyes, she backed up furiously into the statue, scratching her delicate skin.

 

“Isuki…are you…ok?”

 

She blushed, though it was hidden in the shadows. “Yes…I'm fine. What do y-you want?”

 

Riku leaned against the statue, casually looking around. “I just wanted to talk to you, that's all.”

 

“What about? I don't think I have anything interesting to say,” she answered quietly, bringing her knees to her chest as he loomed over her. Part of her was afraid while the other couldn't seem to run away.

 

He let out a laugh. “I highly doubt that. I bet you're one of the most interesting one of them all.”

 

“D-don't mock me…it's not nice…” She bit her lips as she backed even further onto the sculpture's sharp surface, slightly paranoid that Riku was even there in the first place, her mind racing as she tried to escape but saw no opening. He continued to stare at her, which was quite unnerving. After a moment he retreated, backing away enough that she felt a little safer to climb away from the sculpture, her feet settling on the ground. “Um…what did you want to talk about?”

 

“Anything you want,” Riku answered. “What do you do during the weekends when we go out?”

 

She bit her lip again. “Um…I just…I usually draw in my sketchbook. It's fun and I love it.”

 

“What else do you love?”

 

“Why are you so interested?”

 

Both glared at each other for a moment, not quite sure where to go now that they were running out of things to actually say to each other. Namine was the first to give in as she slid from her perch and headed back to the house, passing Riku without so much as word or glance. He continued to look at her as she passed his still form, his lips quirked as he tried to think of something to say to her; he wanted to say something. But before he could form a good sentence she had disappeared back into the house, her blonde hair gone from sight. So he stood there in the moonlight, silver hair glinting as he tried to analyze what had just happened. It didn't take a genius to realize that she was acting strange, stranger than usual. He noticed right away and Kairi had mentioned it a couple times even though she, apparently like he, knew nothing about anything. Riku would have convinced her to bribe information from Sora but when he had barely spoken the other boy's name Kairi had looked completely harassed, shaking her head fervently. She looked ready to explode at him, screaming at him about the audacity of him asking her to do such a horrible thing. He really didn't think it was that serious at all, but she seemed to disagree. He rubbed his chin, thoughtfully, as she contemplated what to do about her and the enigma that he saw within her. `Namine Isuki…you are a wonder,' he mused as he turned to go back inside as the air turned chilly. He had just about made it inside when a cigarette hit him in the head. He glanced up in time to see Larxene's figure appear, her wild wisps of blonde hair flitting back and forth as she glared though it didn't seem to be directed at him at all. She looked utterly distracted. `Best to leave that to itself,' he concluded as he stepped inside, closing the door behind him.

 

:LINE BREAK HERE:

 

The soft padding of footsteps could be heard downstairs as Larxene hugged her book—it seemed she didn't read it much anymore. Sighing, she watched as the sky darkened into a deep blue, the light shades of orange, yellow and red fading as it started to become night. She felt the weight of the book upon her chest as she tried to ignore the happy murmurs that surfaced from below, murmurs that she figured belonged to her sister and friends. She hated them all, hated them so much that she almost burned her own arm with her cigarettes because she was so unhappy. She hated the fact that Namine could prance around the mansion with Roxas and Axel and Sora like nothing was amiss when, in fact, everything was in chaos. Their step-father had been calling non stop, threatening Larxene as though his life depended on it, which she bet it did. However, a part of her, one that she'd never admit to, knew his threats were not idle but indeed very serious and he would not hesitate to take action. In truth, she wasn't sure exactly why he hadn't ordered them in, why he hadn't had her and Namine picked up or beaten or anything of the like. He wasn't exactly a normal man by any means. He was actually quite sinister and disgusting in her eyes, even long before committing the heinous act of raping her younger sister. She felt her insides boil heavily at the thought as she fought the urge to stick a dagger right through his eyes or temples or some other body part—pretty much any part of him sounded satisfactory.

 

Rolling her eyes, Larxene reached for her pack of cigarettes, courtesy of Axel previous weeks before. She was some what grateful that he was so giving when it came to Namine. He did practically anything for the girl, treated her like she was his own sister whereas Larxene treated her like a plague. `I'm the real plague.' She thought mildly as she lit the cigarette between her lips, inhaling the nicotine deeply into her throat as though it was her medicine in life. She wasn't a druggie by any means but every now and then she felt she needed it. `Ok, so maybe I am a druggie.' Brushing the annoying, miniscule thought aside she turned to her window, not sure why she'd chosen a room with such a small one. Part of her wanted to search for her last bottle of alcohol while the other did not care; she was a fiend for her liquor at times. However, at the moment she felt like she couldn't deal and therefore, she wanted her Everclear way too much for her own good. She had the sneaking suspicion that someone took it and stashed it. She also had the sneaking suspicion that she knew who it was as well. Letting out a low growl she pushed her book away with her foot, watching idly as the golden letters scratched away and the tattered cover scraped against the wooden floor. She always wondered who had done the interior decorating in the house, especially since Namine's room was so much softer in color and décor than her own. Her own wood floors were enough to make her sick when she wasn't in the mood to look at them. Even so, she knew that all of her thoughts were completely irrelevant when it came to the situation at hand, especially with her step father walking around and practically stalking them with threats.

 

Sighing, she blew at a piece of her hair, annoyed that she was even thinking about it in all of its entirety. She knew that it wasn't trivial, the fact that she was thinking about it so much, but the fact that she was thinking about it and not doing anything about it said something about her character—or so she thought. Mentally kicking herself in the ass, Larxene threw her cigarette out the window in a fit of anger that made her want to pull her own guts out and hang them from a skewer. She was that pissed off and heated about the entire situation. She watched, forlornly, as the cigarette molded itself to the floor beneath her and began to melt away in the twilight. She continued to hear the shouts that blazed from downstairs, shouts that pissed her off like no other. Angry, she stomped her way back to the bed in an attempt to calm herself thought it did nothing to ease how she felt. She was too angry to really focus on anything other than being really angry. In a way she supposed she was angry too much of the time but there was no way in hell she'd ever admit that to anyone. No one could see through her façade aside from Axel, at times. `Oh, then there's that asshole, Marluxia.' At this she literally slapped herself. Why had she thought of him? She had no clue and it bothered her to no avail.

 

“Fuck it all…” she murmured to the silence that surrounded her, glancing lazily at her book on the floor. She didn't know why she continued to beat up on the book or Namine for that matter. They were all she had left of the good parts of her life and she beat them, shunned them, tried to destroy them. “Axel…I hate that you're right…that you might be right. That…that he…that asshole…that he might be right, and he doesn't even know me.” Silence again but this time the air was tinged with uncertainty, laced with anger and fear. “No,” she told herself, her nails digging into her skin and drawing minimal amounts of blood. “I don't…that's not me. It's a fucking lie, all of it. Neither of them know, neither of them! I'm not kidding myself.” Convinced, if even for the moment, Larxene swung her door open and stomped her way towards the bathroom for a shower. When she realized it was occupied she promptly kicked the door even though she had the distinct feeling that it was Namine behind the door, probably scrubbing and scrubbing. Larxene smirked. `It's useless…don't you get it?' Part of her was annoyed that Namine kept trying so hard; nothing was going to change what happened. `Don't be spiteful just because—'

 

`DON'T GO THERE.'

 

She stopped, her foot only down one stair as she listened to Axel and Roxas talking in hushed whispers. She could clearly see Riku's silver hair by the bottom of the staircase and it appeared he was on the phone talking to someone, heatedly. She had no idea where the other two were but she didn't really care that much either. All she knew was something made her stop the thought she'd just had and she had no idea why; it just sent a shiver through her. Sighing, she shook her head and continued down the stairs, ignoring Riku as she passed and walked towards the kitchen. Axel and Roxas didn't say hello and Kairi was already starting to doze off on the couch. Sora was nowhere in sight and she figured it was safe enough to go outside on the porch to have a smoke. But that idea was shot the minute she saw the brown haired youth exit the front door and disappear into the darkness. Greatly irritated, Larxene made her way to the kitchen as planned, successful in retrieving a glass of water for her parched throat. She was staring listlessly out the window when she heard vibrating on the counter behind her. Genuinely surprised, she raised a brow as she spotted a phone blinking on the counter though it had stopped vibrating. `What the hell?' She instantly reached for it, opening it to see who it belonged to. A picture of a guitar flashed quickly before her eyes to signal it belonged to Demyx. `Damned Demyx…now I'll never hear the end of it.'

 

“A text message?” She whispered to the silence as she pressed the button to view it, her sky blue eyes narrowing at the sender. `Graceful Assassin? What the hell?' She scrolled down to continue viewing, all the while knowing that she was invading on privacy but she didn't really care. She was halfway through when she realized who had sent the message. `Marluxia…? What…but haven't they been looking for him?' Part of her was ready to flash his business to the entire neighborhood but another part of her had a plan, though it was abnormal for her. Tucking the phone into her pocket, Larxene went back up to her room just as Kairi walked outside, seeming to have awoken from her nap. Axel gave her a pointed look; she flipped him off. Roxas simply rolled his eyes and Riku waved politely to her on his way outside. She could still hear the shower running and gave up for the evening. She had a deal with Axel and, as much as she hated to admit it, she wasn't willing to go there even if it meant playing games. She wanted to live to continue playing them.

 

:LINE BREAK HERE:

 

Sora couldn't remember the last time he's seen Namine in the last five to ten minutes. His suspicions were confirmed when Riku entered the house looking harassed and annoyed as he plopped onto the couch next to Kairi. Roxas and Axel were discussing business and he was feeling extremely out of place until his cell phone rang. He quickly checked the caller ID log, immediately rolling his eyes when he saw who the caller was on the other end. “Hello?”

 

“Sora, where are you? It's late and you're supposed to be home right now. I called the house and you didn't pick up the phone.”

 

“Are you home?” Sora fired back at the person.

 

“Well, no, not yet. But I will be in about ten minutes,” came the exasperated reply. “Listen, mom said—”

 

“Look, I know what mom said, and honestly, this is utter bullshit,” the young brown haired youth replied. “Stop trying to be my parents.”

 

“I'm your older brother.”

 

“You're so full of shit Leon—you can't even be that half of the time,” Sora spat back into the receiver as he moved outside when he sensed the talk becoming hostile. “You don't even come home half of the time but you still expect me to abide by rules. Well, get this—you don't even really live with us! You're not home, just like mom and dad, so you have no say so as to what I do! I've been making my own rules and taking care of myself, and doing a pretty damned good job of it so just leave me alone.” Silence ensued with the exception of Leon's angered breaths on the other end. “I don't need you or anyone else.” Without another word Sora hung up the phone, falling back against the nearest pillar on the mansion porch as a tear slid down his cheek. `I don't need them…they've practically abandoned me anyway…'

 

In a sense it could be viewed as true: his mom was always on business, his dad too, and Leon—his older brother and supposed mentor—was always working late hours and pretending to live with them even though he'd left years prior for some unknown reason. He felt a sniffle coming on but stifled it just as the door opened. He made a quick swipe at his face in an attempt to dry his tears just as the figure emerged from the doorway, hidden by the shadows and the crappy light fixture hanging on the porch. It appeared the light bulb hadn't been changed in quite some time. Sora kept quiet as the figure shuffled further out onto the concrete, the blanket making a slight rustling noise as it moved. He was about to continue acting as if he wasn't there when the figure turned to him, unmoving. He felt his face flush as it moved closer after a it's initial pause, until it stopped right before him. Then it spoke, softly.

 

“Sora?”

 

He felt his face aflame. `Shit…' collecting himself, he nodded. “Hey Kairi.”

 

“Is everything all right? I heard you yelling and I thought…well, maybe you were fighting with somebody?” She blinked though it couldn't be seen very well in the darkness. She let out a small sniffle as the cold bit at her skin from underneath the blankets and she felt very much like sneezing. However, nothing came out, which was somewhat a relief. Her palms felt sweaty all of a sudden as she reached out to Sora, not sure if she was about to touch his face or not. She quickly retracted her fingertips when they touched his skin, and, strangely enough, what felt like liquid. `It had to have been his eyes so…tears?' She was speechless as he suddenly took a quick step back, retreating even further into the shadows as the silence began to intensify. She felt her skin grow hot, but whether it was from fever or something more was something she still didn't know. “Oh I…Sora, I'm sorry. I just came to check on you. I'll just be going.” She was halfway inside when she heard him call to her, though very softly. “Yes?”

 

“Um…thanks Kairi, for…you know…checking on me,” he answered in a low whisper as she nodded before disappearing into the house once again. Once gone, he leaned back against the pillar again, his weight fully supported as he felt another lone tear slide down his check. `I just have to…grow up…what am I supposed to do?'

:Again, imagine said line break inserted here:

(Finally, right? Well, things are getting good, hehehe. People's pasts are slowly unraveling, even Sora's! He's a bit hard to write into this story, I'll admit. Because he is really sweet but here…even that can go to hell at times. Ah…yes, and STILL no ACTUAL Leon appearance…but that's on its way! Blah…well, anyway, if you would like to flame me about it, please do! Flames are used to heat the glue gun for the plushie factory! Thanks to all who R & R'd…you guys rock my world and I love you. Will be working on a review thanks page in a bit. Oh, and go subscribe to the Lightening and Flowers amongst other things C2 community. It's mainly a Marluxia/Larxene C2 but anything is more than welcome! Bye for now, all!)

Sadistickunais