It's Just You and Me

by Nejinee (nejineeATgmailDOTcom)

EPILOGUE (of sorts)

Roxas folded up the last t-shirt in his laundry pile and gently squeezed it into his pretty stuffed suitcase. He walked into his bathroom, collected up the remnants of his being there: a toothbrush, couple boxes of unused soap and his loofah. He tossed the loofah in the large black bag beside his bed and stood back, toothbrush and soap still in hand.

Looking around his tiny bedroom, he felt a twang of regret. This home had served him well. It was a echoey shell of it's former glory. With his bedspread gone, curtains down and miscellaneous furniture already sold or shipped off, it looked completely sad. Roxas sighed and got back to the job at hand. It took him almost ten minutes to drag the oversized garbage bag to the bins near the curb. His luggage was almost as bad. When the car finally showed up forty-five mnutes later, Roxas was gently turning the key in the lock. He stood back and gazed over the small townhouse that had been his home on Destiny Islands.

Footsteps made him turn.

"Hi," came Sora's familiar voice. Roxas smiled, reflecting his friend's grin. The brunette was still around the same height as Roxas, though both boys had grown a lot in the last two years. Sora's hair was still a wild, untamed mess, but his features were more defined, less babyish these days. Roxas wondered if his own features had been marked by the years as much. He knew he was taller and heavier, but that hardly meant he was on par with Riku.

"Hey," he murmured, following Sora back down the front steps. "You all ready to go?"

"Yup," Sora yipped, tossing Roxas' luggage into the minivan. Sora's parents had decided he could 'inherit' the minivan, as he'd proven himself to be a competemt driver. It was pretty awesome, even if a few years old. Okay, maybe more than a few, but Roxas knew Sora loved the car. "My mom's still all sad and whatnot, you know ... she wanted to drive us."

Roxas gave a wry smile. Helen, Sora's mother, had thrown a going-away party for them the night before. It was her way of saying good-bye to 'her boys'. Roxas had appreciated the thought, knowing full well that the thought of her only son leaving home, was going to be a bit much to handle. "She'll be fine," Roxas said, climbing into the passenger side and buckling in. While Sora checked the lights, adjusted the mirrors, looked to make sure every blind spot possible was clear, he spoke," Yeah, she will EVENTUALLY," start car ,"but that doesn't mean NOW isn't the most traumatizing moment of her life." Turn wheel. "She hugged me every time I moved junk into the car, for crying out loud." As Sora indicated, checked, double-checked and turned into the road, Roxas looked over his own shoulder to the minivan's contents. "Wow," was all he said.

"Hey, no laughing," Sora crowed, "I need all my stuff!"

"Even your kite collection?" Roxas smirked and sat forward again. He caught Sora rolling his eyes.

"Duh." the brunette said as they turned onto the main road. Roxas watched the small town fly by, his hands gripping the armrests. He was going to miss all this.

"Here?" Sora said, nodding to a turning. The low-rise loomed up ahead.

"Oh yeah, good thinking," Roxas said, blinking. The minivan pulled into the aboveground parking and Roxas hopped out. He jogged up to the eighth floor and rang the doorbell. When the door swung open, revealing a tall, blonde woman, he smiled.

"Roxas! Oh no, is today the day? Really?" The young woman pulled him in for a hug.

When she released him, he sighed, "Yeah, time to get away, Stel."

She made a face and disappeared into the apartment within. The apartment Roxas was all-too familiar with. The apartment that looked nothing alike since ... he'd left.

When she reappeared, present in hand, Roxas frowned. "What's this ..."

"For Demyx. If you see him, tell him 'Happy Belated Birthday'" She grinned and shoved it towards Roxas.

"his birthday was in February..."

"Well, then keep it til next february and say happy birthday for me!" She came in for another hug. "I'll miss you, you munchkin."

"I'll miss you too," Roxas murmured. He had to step back to say good-bye, knowing his and Sora's time was being cut short by a million deadlines. "See you soon," he said, nodding his head bashfully.

"Bye Rox," she said, sad-face being overplayed.

"Stella's good?" Sora said, watching the traffic carefully as they turned into the harbourfront. The Ferry was packed already. Sora guided the minivan over to the heavy cargo loading dock.

"Yeah, all good," Roxas said, looking over the wrapped gift in his hands. Black with blue ribbon. Huh. It was just a box, but it seemed to have something small rattling around inside. Weird.

While Sora tried to find their loading and boarding papers, Roxas began unloading their cargo. Boxes, bags, a few small pieces of furniture. The inspection guy came round and stuck labels on it all, then promptly told Roxas to repack it back inside. "We can do that?" Roxas queried. The inspection guy gave him THE LOOK. "Okay, got it," Roxas mumbled, bending once again over all their shared stuff.

"JEEZ!" Sora wailed, reappearing once Roxas had repacked about eighty percent of it all. "That took FOREVER!"

Roxas smirked, "Did you lose the papers already?"

"No," Sora sniffed indignantly, bending to help load, "but the labels on the damn things are so complicated. Something like "transport permit for allowance of independent minors. Of transferrable goods in compliance with rule bla bla standard procedure what-not-crabby-patty. LAME."

Roxas chuckled, then jumped as a loud horn blew nearby.

"All aboard the nine-thirteen Traverse Ferry. Please board at the passenger dock. Ensure all personal belongings are labelled before boarding. This ferry will be departing in twenty-two minutes. Twenty-two minutes."

Sora grabbed Roxas' hand and hopped up and down. "Omigawd omigawd! We're actually leaving. Roxas!"

Roxas laughed and tugged on Sora. "Okay, okay, let's let the guys load the car and get it onboard." He nodded to a man nearby. Sora hopped towards him, listened to instructions as the man pointed to the ferry and Sora nodded. Roxas folded his arms and watched as the only three vehicles present prepared to board. Sora was second. He carefully backed up, drove the minivan onto the ramp and parked it neatly in the allocated spot. When he came jogging back, Roxas nodded appreciatively. "That experienced driver course came in handy, huh?"

"Hell yeah," Sora yipped, "Can we board?" his wide blue eyes, bright as ever, darted towards the passenger loading area.

"Yeah, come on," Roxas tugged on Sora's messenger bag, leading the way.

The wind was wet in his face. It felt weird. Roxas leaned on the Ferry's railing, looking out over the choppy water. He recalled the last time he'd been onboard one of these. It was his first time to Destiny Islands. He'd been alone, scared out of his wits and wet. With Sora beside him babbling away, Roxas felt calm. The roiling tumult in his stomach was easing. He wasn't alone this time and he knew exactly what he was doing. He was moving on, getting past high school, starting fresh. Again. It was so different this time. He was older, wiser, but still a little unsure. This was what he wanted. The time for decisions had come and now was the hour he'd been waiting for all summer.

"Riku said he'd meet us there." Sora murmured, his hair whipped back from his face. Roxas eyed his friend. Sora had grown too. They'd been friends for so long now, Roxas couldn't imagine not noticing how at ease Sora had become. He was still a bit of a ditz at times, but Sora had definitely matured some. The brunette had darker eyes, darker brows and a more limber physique than before. He'd joined Roxas on the swimteam in their junior year and has succeeded in developing his swimming, to a point where the team had needed his help in the finals that year. Riku had been very proud, his team claiming the championship in his last year as Captain. Roxas smiled at the memory. That had been over a year ago. It had been a while since either had seen Riku. The older boy had been on the mainland doing his univerity thing. It was strange at first, not having the seniors with them, but Roxas felt sure that they wouldn't lose touch. In senior year, Roxas had been offered position as captain on the team, something that he appreciated a lot, especially since Cloud had made the recommendation in the first place. Who'd have thought that the stoic blonde teacher would develop a soft spot for the gawky Roxas? Maybe they had more in common these days. As the senior group, the kids at Destiny Islands High had to start taking their futures seriously. A few hadn't in the end, done so, but Roxas and Sora had. Like Kairi and Namine, they'd researched, studied and massacred their way into relatively good standing for University applications. It had been pretty damn intense, what with studying, swimming, researching and studying some more. It had felt like the hardest slog ever. Roxas knew that it was really just a pinprick in time, but it had been so real to the four of them. School was coming to a close. Their childhoods were ending, there were no more excuses. Change was inevitable.

Namine had already left for the mainland, her scholarship to the art program requiring her to do so. She'd practically moved to another country and Roxas missed her quiet firmness already. Kairi was still at home, waiting. She had stuff to tie up before leaving home. Roxas had nothing tying him back. All he needed and wanted waited for him on the other side.

Sora tapped his shoulder, "You alive?"

Roxas blinked, "Oh."

Sora laughed. "Excited? Or nervous? Please say both, cos I'm both. I didn't tell my mom, but I'm freakin' out a little. I mean, freedom! Absolute freedom, Rox!"

The blonde chuckled, somewhat understanding his friend's excitement. Naturally, he'd had ultimate freedom all this time, but Sora's sense of the word was still valid. Breaking away felt weird.

"You'll love it," he said, throwing an arm over his friend's shoulder. Comrades-in-arms they were. "But you'll still have to work hard, y'know. I don't think this is gonna be a cake walk."

"Pfft," Sora waved his hand dismissively, "I'll be fine. Riku'll look after me."

With his friend beaming beside him, Roxas couldn't help but shake his head. So maybe Sora wasn't REALLY breaking away. How could he when he always saw Riku as his keeper? His saviour? They were an odd pair indeed.

The Ferry's horn bellowed into the new harbour, it's trip finally over. The luggage was already being unloaded while passengers waited, some already landed, others waiting their turn. Roxas grunted as he lugged his suitcase down the ramp. He hoped his transport was ahead of him and that the furniture had already arrived. Unpacking was annoying.

"D'you see him? Huh?" Sora stood on his toes beside Roxas. The bustling crowd moved towards the open dock area. Sora jumped around, hoping to spot a head of silver hair. "D'you see him?"

Roxas shook his sore hand, noting the redness from carrying his stupid case. "He'll get here."

As the crowd thinned, Roxas sat down to wait for the car to be unloaded. It seemed to be taking a while. Seagulls bawed nearby, begging for food. Roxas ignored them. He watched as the excess passengers wandered off and the car loading area was opened up. First came the old guy and his truck. Then Sora had to dash off, as he was the car-key holder. Roxas smiled as the old minivan came into view, reversing carefully down the ramp. Sora had definitely improved.

"He's gotten good," a deep voice said suddenly. Roxas jumped and looked up. His face broke into a grin.

"Hey, man," he said, giving Riku a hug hello. The older boy had turned up after all, "long time no see." Roxas looked him over. Yup, Riku indeed. His hair was a little shorter, still choppy and shiny as ever. The t-shirt he wore seemed new and crisp and his jeans more relaxed. Riku looked good as ever.

"How you been, Rox?" the older boy asked, eyes darting back to the minivan. "Made it here alive, I see."

Roxas snorted, "Yeah. I'm surprised he didn't fall into the ocean."

Riku nodded and laughed, knowing full well who Roxas referred to. His aqua eyes moved back to the minivan, where Sora was clambering out. The brunette ran to the trunk and peeked in the back window.

"He must be checking the cargo," Roxas murmured, sitting back down on his suitcase.

Riku didn't answer. He just watched, bemused. Roxas hadn't seen Riku in months. Last time must have been ... in May, just as Summer started. Riku had come home to visit but had returned, saying his summer job helped pay the bills. What bills, Roxas would never know.

"He looks ... a little different," Riku said then, his eyes following Sora, who still hadn't noticed his best friend. He turned to eye Roxas, "You too. Are you taller?"

Roxas laughed, "Maybe. Don't keep track."

"RIKU!" came a sudden shriek and both looked up. A Sora-bullet shot across the landing dock, target set.

"Oh boy," Riku chuckled, ready for impact. Sora slammed into him, jolting him backwards. Sora's arms were around his neck and Riku followed up with his own wrapping around the brunette. "Hi Brownie," he murmured, noting that he could no longer rest his chin on Sora's head.

"I'm so happy to see you!" Sora said, pulling back to look at Riku, eyes twinkling happily. Roxas turned away and rolled his eyes. He gave them a moment alone before he checked his watch. Time was getting close.

He heard them muttering and tapped his fingers against his jeans. "We gotta go, Sora," he said, looking out over the blue sea. Birds swirled in the sky above, bawing some more.

He heard a chuckle. Roxas looked over his shoulder to see Riku and Sora watching him. "What?" he queried, turning, "Are we going?"

Both boys grinned, "Yeah yeah," Riku said, tugging Sora back to the minivan. Roxas huffed and followed suit, hoping the other two weren't going to waste time getting into the city.

Sora insisted on driving, even when Riku commented on how busy the streets were going to be compared to Destiny Islands. "Shut up," Sora said, slamming the driver's door, "and buckle up."

Riku clambered into the passenger seat, leaving Roxas to shove his luggage into the back seat. Roxas slammed the door shut just as the minivan roared to life. "Seatbelts!" Sora cried loudly. "And off we go!"

The trip from the harbour into the city was longer than Roxas expected. Riku had been right; the traffic was insane. "Right at the lights," Riku murmured as they coasted along a main thoroughfare. He looked back at Roxas, "you okay back there?"

Roxas was holding the seat tightly, his eyes flicking between the scenery flashing by and the windshield. "Fine," he murmured. Okay, maybe he wasn't FINE per se, but he was better than expected. The city was so big! Traverse Town in all it's glory. Roxas had seen pictures, lots and lots of pictures, but nothing compared to the bright lights, sounds and colours he was witnessing now. People jammed the streets, horns blared, cyclists whizzed by. It was a madhouse of bustle and noise! Sora turned off at the street ahead and they coasted down a city block, the sun blocked off by the tall buildings.

"Okay, turn left at the stop sign. Yup," Riku pointed, knowing his way round.

"thank God you came with," Sora muttered, trying to not kill a pack of school children crossing the street. "We'd be lost in about two seconds otherwise." Riku snorted in agreement.

When they broke away from the tall buildings, the city neghbourhoods came to light. Here, Roxas could see generations of people living their city-lives as usual. People who had been born and grew up in the city were going about their daily regimes. They passed a high school with kids behind the fence. Roxas blinked. He wasn't in High School anymore. It felt weird.

"So, you all prepped for classes?" Riku asked, catching his eye in the rearview mirror. Roxas shrugged, "I guess."

"Sora?" Riku asked.

"Shush! Driving! Madness!" Sora hissed, sweat breaking across his brow. It took all his attention to make it through the streets of Traverse Town. Riku laughed.

Roxas felt jittery. He just wanted to get there already.

When they pulled up to a semi-detached house nestled in athe heart of Little Italy, Roxas couldn't help admiring the quaint building. Mint-coloured walls with white details and cute, old-fashioned windows.

"How many storeys is this place?" he asked Riku. Sora was popping the trunk door. Riku walked by to help.

"Three. Each level's being rented." He tugged at a wooden folding table, helping Sora with the load.

"So which one's ... uh ... yours?" Sora's? Riku's? Theirs? Roxas wasn't exactly clued in on the details.

"Third floor," Riku grunted. "Damn Sora, how much shit did you bring?"

Sora pouted as he yanked at his own luggage. "Just a few things, really!"

Riku puffed, "You realize we have two staircases to climb with all of this? And where's your bed?"

"Bed?" Sora blinked from behind his pile of kites. "I didn't bring it! I didn't know I was supposed to! You said this place is furnished!"

"It is," Riku groaned, "But I told you, my old roommate moved out with her bed. It was just a collapsible thing, but still."

"HER?" Sora and Roxas chirped. "You had a girl for a roommate?" Sora cried.

Riku rolled his eyes and began the long trudge up the front steps. He'd deal with THAT issue later.

By the time they'd finished unloading all Sora's stuff, all that remained was Roxas' luggage. Sora was beaming from ear-to-ear. He liked his new abode. It was, apparently, near enough to school and surrounded by the best in Italian eateries. "There's a fantastic pizza place open all night," Riku said. "Great place for midnight munchies."

Sora's eyes gleamed at the thought of food, whenever he wanted. Even at midnight! Awesome. Roxas had taken the tour of their little place. It was just a rental house, used to having student boarders. The first floor housed a grad student. The second: two girls and their pomeranian. The top floor was Riku and Sora's place. A TINY two-bedroom pad with akitchenette and seating area. It was cosy as hell and, because it was an old house, really had a great feel to it. "Heating sucks in winter, but I stocked up on blankets," Riku had said.

Roxas liked it. He wondered what his apartment would look like. He'd seen pictures, of course, but he hoped it wasn't any worse than Sora's. He also hoped it was nearby.

"So, we gonna go see Roxas' now?" Sora bounced onto the street.

"Actually, seeing the time," Riku looked at his watch, "How's about some dinner? There's a great bar near here. Most of the students visit there. They have great fish and chips."

Roxas was about to complain when Sora's stomach made it's presence known by growling like a demon. Roxas paused in saying he'd rather just get home by the sheepish look on Sora's face. Roxas sighed, "Okay, let's get some food. You just have to promise not to ditch me when you're done."

"We'd never do that!" Sora crowed, throwing an arm over Roxas' shoulder. Riku eyed the two of them. They were so alike, yet so different. To this day, he couldn't comprehend it.

"All right, this way," he said, turning on his heel. "We'll get to Roxas' stuff later. Later!" The two younger boys followed, awed by the dusk settling over the city.

Roxas' head rested on his hand, his eyes rolling to the clock again. It was ten o'clock. That meant that the three of them had been in PizzaWheels for almost four hours. Four! "Guuuuuys," he groaned, "When are we gonna go? I don't want to be unpacking at midnight!" He wasn't sure if his place was near here, but damn he hoped so. Sora had LOVED PizzaWheels upon entry. 300 toppings, any combination and a ridiculous menu item called "all-you-can-eat $25". "Twenty bucks? For real?" his eyes glowing at Riku. "For real," Riku had chuckled. What followed hadn't been pretty. The poor Pizza staff had their hands full with the three boys ploughing through sixty-four of the three-hundred flavours.

Right now, Riku was telling tales of University life to the wide-eyed brunette. "You drink the beer out of a pipe?" Sora looked disbelieving. "Why a pipe? Like a smoke pipe?"

Riku shook his head, "No, Brownie, like a tube pipe. you know 'glug-glug'" He mimicked a drinking action. Sora was perplexed.

"But that sounds sick. Really sick," he murmured, brows furrowed.

"I know, eh?" Riku grinned and cocked a rakish brow.

"Like puking all night sick ... right Rox?"

While Riku rearranged his features, Roxas sighed. "Can we gooooooo?" he whined. "I'm tired. I want to see my place, I want to lie down."

Sora looked at Riku fondly and they both smiled. "All right fine," Riku said, pulling out his wallet. Sora grabbed the other thing he dropped on the table.

"What's this?" he cried as Roxas added his money to the pile.

"A discount card. University students only."

"YOU GET DISCOUNTS TOO? I love University!"

Roxas walked wearily up the dark street. Streetlamps lit the place well, showing off the various types of cars on the street. A blue Jag ... an orange mini ... a black sedan. It was actually quite pretty. Very different to Destiny Islands, but then that was ok. Roxas was anxious. Anxiously anxious. He wanted to go. He wanted to move. He'd waited so long and now ... Riku was being a slowpoke.

"Hurry up!" Roxas barked at the pair messing about behind him. Riku laughed as Sora wrapped himself inside Riku's already-occupied hoody. Roxas sighed. Cute. Damnit.

When they came to Riku's apartment, Roxas stopped, shocked.

"Where's the car?" he said, voice dry. "Riku! The car's gone!" He spun around to see his friends. His stuff! His clothes, bags, things! gone! Some city hoodlum had stolen the stupid ugly minivan! WHY?

"Riku came up to him and hugged him. This was enough to make Roxas' eyes pop. What the hell? What was wrong with Riku? Wasn't he going to DO something!

"Now now," Riku said, "I just had a couple friends come over and get your stuff moved for you. Swear."

Roxas looked past Riku to Sora who smiled and nodded. "Yup, all planned out!"

Roxas stood back. "You ... you mean my stuff's ok? It's ... it's not ... gone?"

"Come on!" Riku threw his arm roughly round Roxas' shoulder, "Stop worrying! You're in the big city now! Let's get you home!"

"Not leaving, are we?" came a voice. Roxas blinked. A familiar voice. He spun on his heels to see two boys. One with a wild mohawk, the other, a trimmed blue faux-hawk. "Demyx!" Roxas squeaked, his blood pressure rising. "Zexion!" He was stunned to see them so soon.

"Sup shortstuff," Demyx grinned, coming forward. "Thought we'd come get you early."

Roxas bumped fists with both, having learnt the move a year before. It was just for these two. These two jokers.

"You look big, kid," Demyx said, eyeing him. "Jeez, you been on the 'roids or something?"

"Say no to drugs, Roxas," Zexion said, a smile across his face. He looked a lot sharper than last time Roxas had seen him.

"Nice hair," Roxas grinned. The older boy tapped at his spiky 'do. "Hot huh? I know, I look good in any cut and blow." He winked at Riku.

Riku just cleared his throat and pulled Sora forward. "Sora's here too," he murmured, hand still in Sora's.

Demyx and Zexion wlcomed the brunette as well.

"So what's the deal? You guys "housing" or what?" Demyx made quotation hand gestures.

"Yeah!" Sora crowed.

"Awesome," Demyx smirked.

"Fabulous," Zexion snorted.

"Can we go please?" Roxas said.

And finally, finally, the four of them took him and led the way down the street. Roxas sniffed. About time.

"So ... are we close?" he asked.

"Eh ..." Demyx shrugged.

"Maybe," Zexion added.

Roxas scowled. Were they TRYING to make him mad? "Aw, don't look like that, Shorty," Demyx laughed.

"He's hardly short anymore," Riku murmured candidly. Demyx shot him a glare.

"I can call him shorty till he's shorty-in-the-grave."

Riku rolled his eyes.

"Oh!" Roxas pulled his messenger bag forward. "I forgot about this," he said, digging in the front pocket. "From Stella," he pulled out the black box from before and handed it to Demyx. The street was pretty dim way back here. Quieter too, especially with the lovely tall trees.

The mohawked boy looked at the box and turned it over. He seemed to consider his thoughts, looking out at the dark, quiet street.

"For your birthday," he said warily. "You know? Stella? Your cousin? Blonde ... skinny ... girl–"

Demyx grinned just then and winked at Roxas. "Thanks kiddo." and before anyone could say anything, Demyx leaned back, spread his feet and lobbed the box down the street, arcing into the darkness.

Roxas' jaw dropped. "Demyx! What was that for? What's wrong with you! I know it's kind of late, but JEEZ! You nutbar!" Roxas jogged ahead to try and find the poor little black box. He heard Demyx's maniacal laughter. And from the darkness ahead he heard someone swear.

"Damnit! That hurt, you MORON! Got me right in the damn HEAD!"

Someone was coming up the street. Roxas saw the shadows move. He stopped, heart stopping. That someone was coming closer, he could hear the gravel crunching under footsteps. Roxas wanted to run back to his friends. He was frozen as that person came closer. Roxas' heart restarted, double-time. It was thundering like an engine in his chest. Crunch, crunch. Closer, closer. And next thing he knew, a young man came striding into the lamplight, all long legs, red hair and jeans. That was all Roxas could see. Axel. Axel. Axel.

His stomach did a flip-flop as the redhead's wide grin claimed that handsome face. Axel was ten feet away ... then three then ...

"YES!" Axel growled, picking up Roxas in a bear hug and holding him tight, his sneakered feet dangling. Roxas's eyes were wide, his hands grasping as he too held on tight. The smell of mint and wood chips came to him. It was Axel. His Axel, in his arms.

The redhead was thinking much the same. Admittedly, his entrance wasn't as perfectly planned, but now he had Roxas in his arms. FINALLY.

"Jeez, I missed you, Rox," he said softly so only Roxas could hear. Roxas's breath warmed his neck and Axel had to control himself from just heaving Roxas over his shoulder and running off. Not in polite company, Axel.

Roxas couldn't speak. He tangled his hands in red locks, eyes wide. This was kind of surreal, though he knew it'd be happening. He hadn't seen Axel in a while. Obviously life had carried on since the redhead had moved. But Roxas still felt like it was 'coming home' whenever Axel appeared.

"Ahem," Demyx cleared his throat.

Roxas wiggled and Axel set him back on his feet, leaving his arms around the blonde, hiding Roxas' pretty pink cheeks. Axel smirked. The kid was still shy as ever.

Axel's eyes lit up, "Hey! Sora. what's up?"

"Hi Ax!" said Sora happily. The brunette couldn't stop smiling. Seeing Roxas like that again was too endearing. Hid friend may have been quiet about Axel over the last few months, but he knew the blonde was just dying to get to Traverse Town, if just to get Axel curled his hand behind Riku and took his friend's fingers.

Riku flinched a little, but didn't let go. Still nervous.

"Well?" Riku said, clearing his throat, "Can we take him inside now?"

Roxas stood back and looked over at his friends. "Yes please!" he cried happily. He was almost home!

Axel tugged him closer, leaning down to whisper in his ear. "Here." Roxas looked down and felt the small black box in his hands.

He frowned, confused, "But this is Demyx's."

Axel chuckled, "Gotcha. Open it."

Roxas pouted, feeling played. what a weird bunch of friends he had. "Was Demyx in on this?"

"Axel growled and eyed his mohawked buddy. "Yes, but the frekkin' idiot didn't have to BRAIN me with it."

Demyx just cackled, "what? I thought it was more inspiring!"

Axel rubbed his forehead, where a small dent had been made.

Roxas ripped open the box. It was empty except for a metal object. A key with apaper tag. He pulled it out, heart leaping. The tag said "12 Nottingwood."

Roxas looked around at the houses beside them. "Eleven ... twelve!" He'd been standing in front of it all this time! The bright front porchlight glowed softly. A small detached townhouse, much like Riku and Sora's. With red brick, a small front garden, porch and ... a bright blue door. How perfect! He looked up at Axel.

"Yes?" Axel murmured, pulling Roxas along. The blonde then noticed the minivan hiding in the spot between two houses. Unpacked! He didn't have to do any unpacking! YES!

"Is this it?" Roxas asked, folowing the redhead up the front steps. The wood creaked underfoot.

"Yep. Entire ground floor to ourselves." Axel scratched his head as Roxas inserted the key into the lock. "Er, hope it's good. Took ages to find a place that was close enough."

"Enough to what?" Roxas queried, walking into the house. He flicked on a light. A warm, tiny lounge and kitchen met him. Not much furniture, but warm paint and a creaky wood floor were enough to appease him. The kitchen was intriguing.

"Close to school." Axel said, leading the rest of the boys in.

"Whoa!" Sora crowed, impressed. "I like this place!"

Riku scowled, "What? Better than our place? It's fuckin' hard to find a cheap enough home you know, without living in skeezeville Heroin-town–"

"Sh," Sora said, grinning. "I know." Riku bit his lip. Damn Sora. "This kitchen's bigger than ours."

"Yeah ..." Axel muttered, "I haven't used it much." Roxas eyed his boyfriend's skinny frame. Obviously Axel had been falling behind on his nutrition. Roxas would rectify that. He walked around the little kitchen, heart growing with fondness. A shiny new oven and flat-top stove. A spacious fridge. A dishwasher! Wow...

Roxas looked at Axel, his smile too adorable for words.

"Ugh," Demyx backed away, "Too cute, kid."

Zexion snorted. "Barf."

Riku had to agree. Clearly Axel had never used the kitchen, he should know. Riku had been round many, many times (sometimes too drunk to recall) and still wondered why the redhead had gotten such a place. It made sense now, of course. Plan ahead, Axel had always told him.

The redhead had been here just over a year and a half. The place he had before had been pretty gross. Bachelor, no blinds, a wonky lock on the door. Not good. Then Axel had moved into this neghbourhood. Once Riku had started school here, he found himself in the school housing system. Having nine roommates had been pretty awesome and much of a learning experience. Then, at the beginning of the summer, he'd staked out his new pad. His temporary rommate had helped with the rent, of course. And now he has Sora. Awesome.

Roxas loved the kitchen. He could test out all the new recipes he'd collected in the last few weeks. He'd even gotten Kairi's secret drowned meatballs recipe, something he figured Axel would love. Of course, even today he'd been thinking of what food Axel would love. What experiement with flavour he could dabble in. What scientific evidence for the tastebuds having preferences he could find. He'd never stop thinking about it.

"Hey nerd," Zexion said, nudging Roxas. "We gotta go, but you're welcome."

"Welcome?" Roxas blinked, "For ...?"

Zexion folded his arms, "For shipping your crap here and unpacking it all!"

Roxas blinked and looked around. Yes, he could see his pile of books over in the corner. And yes, there was his lone white couch. The delivery truck must have come early.

Axel gave Zexion a shove, "Shut up, asshole."

Zexion smirked.

"Thanks, I guess," Roxas murmured. Demyx and Zexion nodded before waving. "In the morning we expect pancakes!" Demyx cried.

Roxas watched them leave, still baffled. Whatever.

Sora came to Roxas and gave him a hug. "You gotta go too?" Roxas asked nervously. Now that the time had come, he felt like he didn't want Sora to go.

"Yep, it's been a long day, Rox." Riku nodded behind him, following that with a yawn.

"You'll ... you'll come by, right?" Roxas asked, arms arouns Sora's waist.

"Of course!" Sora wailed. "Pancakes. right?" He laughed evilly.

"Yeah, yeah, all right." Axel said, shooing Sora away. "Get 'er gone."

"Cheers Ax," Riku said, loping off behind Sora. "Be kind."

"Thank you for leaving!" Axel snapped into the night. He closed the door behind them, arms on hips.

Roxas watched Axel sigh and turn to him.

"Is this weirding you out?" Axel asked, coming over.

Roxas blinked and thought. "A little. But not really."

Axel sat on the couch armrest. Roxas walked closer, realizing he finally had this moment in hand. He'd gotten Axel back. He was with him. Living with him. Together. It was crazy. So much planning. So much time had gone into this, he couldn't fathom how this day had arrived.

Roxas looked his boyfriend over. He'd missed Axel so much. Once Axel had decided that his future was on the Mainland, Roxas had watched him move toward that goal. Instead of jumping into post-secondary education right away, Axel chose to define what it was he really wanted to do. He found himself attracted to design. Design as in industrial design. He loved making stuff for people. He'd done a lame pottery course in High school that wasn't anything to brag about. But once Roxas had expanded his cooking skills, Axel had been thinking. Roxas was an amazing chef. Not just on the grounds that he liked cooking, but on the grounds that Roxas understood flavours. From a scientific standpoint to a cultural one. The blonde was destined to do something there. And when Axel had one day presented Roxas with a handmade mixing bowl with his initial inscribed along the rim, Axel had found his calling. Nothing beat that surprised, happy look in those blue eyes. Axel liked that. He wanted to make a home. Make usable things. Make life and objects worth having. He didn't buy furniture. He wanted to make furniture. Once Axel immersed himself in the basics of design, he found he was a natural. He applied to the late program at Traverse U, only just making the cut. Then it was off the Islands and into the future. Roxas had watched Axel pack, watched Axel leave and even though he'd known he'd be seeing Axel still, he felt his heart ache.

With Axel gone for over six months before his first visit, Roxas had been sad. Sad sad sad. He still swam. He still studied, but he did so thinking Axel was elsewhere. Sure, they spoke on the phone, but that wasn't really much.

Now that Roxas was done school and done with Destiny Islands, he felt weird. Axel sat there, on the armrest, looking much the same, yet completely different. His hair was longer, his frame leaner, but his eyes stayed the same. They looked at him now, mischievous a bright.

Axel surveyed Roxas like he was a cupcake on a tray. Cute, perky and sweet. Axel eyed the blonde, taking in the changes. Damnit, he thought, He's gotten even bigger. It was a bit stupid to think that Roxas would forever remain cute and adorable and under six feet, but Axel still lived in hope. No, Roxas was taller, older. Still way too mature, of course. His blonde hair was still untameable, but unlike Sora, he kept it in line with regular trimmings. The hair was much blonder these days, thanks to the Island sun. And Roxas was tanner. As Axel looked him over, he noted how much leaner Roxas was. No more baby chubs. Axel would miss the chubs. Instead, he now had a fairly toned, taller, tanner version of his boyfriend. Probably with bigger feet too.

"Hey," Axel blinked at the voice. How did Roxas get in so close? Those big blue eyes looked him dead-on. Damn, Roxas was definitely taller. Sitting here, he was now eye-to-eye with Roxas. So that meant Axel was only a few, maybe five inches taller. "You okay?" Roxas asked. He surprised Axel, scooching to open the redhead's legs. This allowed Roxas to stand closer, wrapping his arms around Axel's neck. Axel felt his breath catch.

"Hell yeah–" Axel groaned, not quite keeping his voice clear. His hands went round Roxas, pulling him close. Those pink lips called him in.

Roxas leaned in, taking Axel's lips with his own. He was much braver these days, it seemed. The redhead nipped at him, pulling him in tightly. Roxas ran his hands up Axel's neck, making the redhead shiver. God, it'd been so long!

"Fuck," Axel groaned, licking Roxas' cheek.

"Ew," Roxas wiped at the mess. Axel licked his other cheek. "Augh, stop! That's so gross!"

Axel grinned, "Yeah, THAT'S gross." and he rolled his eyes. He gave Roxas a wet kiss on the cheek. "You taste the same. I missed your flavour."

Roxas looked into those green eyes. He'd been very anxious about this meeting. He thought that every time Axel left, was an opportunity for the redhead to fall in love with someone else. "I'm very happy to see you," he murmured. He leaned forward and gave Axel's cheek a little lick. "And taste you."

Axel growled, "Now that's more like it. How about we give the other three senses a run for their money?"

Riku watched Sora putter about the apartment. The younger boy was humming as he poked around the cupboards, peeked into boxes and basically made a nuisance of himself. Riku didn't mind watching his friend fiddle around like a mouse with the scent of cheese. It was cute. Sora was always cute.

"Ooo," Sora hummed, looking in the fridge. "Cake."

"For the welcome," Riku murmured. He was leaning against the counter, arms crossed, just watching. Taking in the sights. Seeing Sora was ... inspiring. He'd missed the brown-haired idiot. Admittedly, the idea of them living together was daunting, Riku'd decided it was for the best. He couldn't imagine Sora going through freshman year without him. All that eating, puking, drinking, puking and schoolwork... oi!

Sora came out of the fridge with pink icing on his nose. Riku was nervous. It had been a while. Sora was still, unfortunately, adorable to him. He thought maybe his feelings would have subsided, or reverted back to girls but alas, no such luck. It seemed those blue eyes and foolish grin were all that was needed to make him fall head-first. Riku chewed on his lip. This was weird. Sora had grabbed his hand earlier. That had been nice. But what now? What about the girls? The parties he'd had? I mean, Riku couldn't possibly have lasted without Sora all this time without SOME kind of release. Right? Should he tell Sora? Should he just recount the many times he'd ended up drunk, up against a wall with his hand up a girl's skirt, getting off to the images in his head of Sora? Damn, that might not help. Damn damn.

Riku wiped his hair away from his eyes. Nevermind, nevermind. Hormones aside, Riku was glad.

"So, you gonna show me the rooms?" Sora said loudly, breaking into Riku's thoughts.

"Uh, sure," Riku said, standing straight. "this way". And he led Sora down to the doors that stood side-by-side. "This is your room," he opened the door onto a blue-painted room with a view of the street below. No furniture yet, but surely Sora would fill it up with his junk.

"Sweet," Sora crowed, glancing around. "And yours?" His eyes were wide with interest.

"Well, don't you want to unpack? Or get your clothes out? I mean, it's getting late already ..." Riku trailed off. Sora looked at him expectantly. "Ok, FINE."

"Yay! I win!" Sora cried. Some battle.

"You always win," Riku griped to himself, opening the next door. "Ta-da," he groused, letting the smaller boy in. It irked Riku that Sora wasn't that small anymore. It was a tad foolish to keep thinking of Sora as the baby nowadays.

"Coooool," Sora said, looking round the room. It was decorated in sea-greens and brown furniture. Riku's high, dark wood bed was plush with duvets and pillows. His bookcase was spilling over and his desk was littered with paper and stationery. Sora went up to the pin board above the desk and took in the many photos Riku had pinned there. Lots of people Sora didn't know. University friends, he guessed. Lots of pretty girls. Too many, perhaps.

"Ah! There I am!" Sora cried, poking a photo of Riku and himself from way-back-when. Both were about ten years old, digging a sandcastle out of the Destiny Islands beach. Sora beamed wide at the camera, his puny limbs covered in sand. Riku grinned beside him, his arm around Sora's shoulder. They looked like serious trouble-makers. "Awww, we were so cute!" Sora chuckled.

"Yeah, yeah," Riku smiled.

"So!" Sora cried, spinning about, "You sleep here?" He jumped onto the bed. "Whoa, so high!"

"Careful you don't fall and crack your skull open," Riku sighed, watching the brunette burrowing into the bedding. "Lord knows I'll never be able to find that pea-brain."

"This isn't your stuff from home," he heard Sora mumble. A brown head poked out. "You got new stuff?"

Riku nodded, pulling back the teal and aqua bedding. "Gift from Mom. More grown-up, she said. I like it." He hadn't felt bad about leaving his Aladdin bedspread behind.

Sora pouted, "I brought my ... "

"Smurfs?" Riku added, "bedspread?"

Sora rolled his eyes. "Yeeeees. I feel kinda dumb now."

"Well," Riku pulled the brunette off the bed, "You are eighteen now. You can make your own decisions."

"You sound like Roxas," Sora sighed, letting go of Riku's hand. The older boy turned. Sora eyed the photos again. "You're right. I'm a grown-up now. It feels strange."

Riku sighed. As far as he was concerned, Sora would never be a grown up.

"Well," Sora said brightly, turning, "I like your room. And my first grown up decision is that it's now my room!"

Riku spluttered, "Wait, What?" He stubbed his toe against the bed. Oh the agony!

"Yeah, I like it," Sora tapped his mouth. I could squeeze my kites in here. Shove a few more books in, a couple boxes of comics, my laundry basket."

"Sora, you can't just kick me out of my room!" Riku said, annoyed. His throbbing toe made him stop and sit on the bed. "Ow..."

"Who said anything about you leaving?"

Riku's brain shunted to a halt. What? Could he even dare to think...? No. Nonsense. Sora was being silly again. "We can't fit in here with all our crap, Sora! Don't be an idiot. You've hardly been here two hours and you're already trying to–"

Sora laughed loudly and bounced over to Riku, silencing him with a hand over his mouth. "I sleep here tonight," he said firmly, grin in place. "Just tonight, okay?"

Riku's brain fizzled. "Okay ..." he said. "That sounds ... great."

"Thought you'd agree," Sora chuckled.

To be continued ...

More on the way! :)

Aha! A short epilogue of sorts, because I genuinely missed writing this tale. :)