Disclaimer: Kingdom Hearts not mine.
A/N: I'M SO SORRRRRRRRRRRRY! This is my most popular story amongst my KH fanfics and I've completely neglected it! Runs from angry mob I'm sorry! I've been getting a lot of nice comments (Lots of people like Riku), but I would like some critisism please! I like an inflated ego, but I'd prefer to grow in my writing. Anyway, enjoy!
This Version is Beta'd
Loving Under Influence
Chapter Three: A Horse of Another Color
The weekend passed without much more surprises, much to Roxas' relief. It was Monday morning now, the week starting anew with his ordinary high school life. No flaming men to hit on him, the only learning took place in this vicinity, at least, for most of the school day.
Sora had tried all weekend to coerce Roxas into spilling more about the night. He didn't quite believe the story about being at Hayner's, considering Roxas would have called if he was at the said boy's house. Either Sora would be indiscreetly pushing the truth, or teasing Roxas about how drunk he had been.
So, it was a relief to be sitting in class, pretending to listen to his teacher as she spoke. Roxas toyed with his mechanical pencil, weaving the utensil through his fingers to occupy himself. He could have doodled, but then his notes would become too messy to read.
Roxas eyes drifted to his open desk, where his read English textbook lay closed. He stared at the book - no, at the color of the book.
Red.
Red was the color of his hair. The same color of the spiked locks that defied all logic. Roxas frowned. He shook his head, trying to force his mind to something else.
Roxas looked at the student in front of him. She wore a bright green shirt.
Green.
Green was the color of his eyes. The same color of the mischievous orbs that made Roxas forget to breath. The frown came back.
"Stupid Axel," muttered Roxas under his breath. He didn't care for Axel. He was a boy, first of all, and he was his girlfriend's cousin! What in the world had possessed him to sleep with him? Oh yes, alcohol.
"Roxas!" rang the stern voice of the mention's teacher. Roxas looked up, surprised to see his English teacher standing right in front of him.
"Yes?" Roxas answered, trying to look innocent.
"That was the forth time I called you," His teacher informed, a worried expression plastered over her face. "Are you feeling alright?" No one would suspect Roxas to just be zoning, for he was a 'good' student.
"Uh," Roxas answered dumbly. He was fine, except for the fact he had slept with his girlfriend's cousin. "Um, not really… I have a bad headache. May I please go see the nurse?" He asked. He did have a slight headache, but it was from trying to control his thoughts.
"You may. Remember to sign out," the teacher said as she returned to her lesson, walking back to the classroom. Roxas got up slowly, signed out, and then headed out of the classroom.
Roxas footsteps echoed softly as he headed down the hallway, towards his desired destination. His back was slightly bent, giving him the appearance of a defeated soul. He stopped in front of a familiar and friendly door labeled 'Nurse' and pushed in slowly.
"Good morning, how can I— oh Roxas! Hello!" greeted the sweet feminine voice of Aerith Gainsborough. She smiled warmly at her old friend. She had been a senior when she met Roxas, a freshman and also her current -at that time- boyfriend's cousin.
"Aerith," he greeted in return, trudging over to one of the sick beds and dropping himself face first onto the cot.
Aerith, who was occupying the chair in front of her desk a few feet away, looked at the blond with concern. "I suppose this isn't the normal 'I'm ditching class' visit. Tell me what's wrong." Aerith said as she got into her school nurse mode. She had only been the nurse since the beginning of the school year (which was only a month ago) but she was serious about her job when it came to the troubles of the students.
"My life," replied the boy in a muffled voice, his face still buried in the mattress.
Aerith frowned at Roxas' answer. "If this is the normal teen angst…" she started with a threatening voice.
Roxas looked up at the girl, his scowl ruining his childish face. "No, more like a prime time soap opera dilemma," he retorted. He looked Aerith in the eyes, and noticed she had green eyes. But Axel's are so much more vibrant. With the thought of the man he could not escape, Roxas plunged his head back into sheets, groaning in frustration.
Aerith peered at the boy quizzically. "Roxas?" she asked, her tone very much concerned. The last time she had seen Roxas so frustrated was when Sora and Naminé had started dating years ago. "Roxas, what's wrong?" she urged, gently touching the younger boy's shoulder.
Roxas slid his head so his face was visible, but he did not look at Aerith. "I," he started, his voice quivering, "I cheated on Naminé." It sounded so much worse out loud. Roxas glanced at Aerith, who was currently looking like a deer in the head lights. "Aerith," Roxas said hesitantly, concerned for the lack of reaction, the calm before the storm.
"You," Aerith began uncertain. "You, Roxas Hikari, cheated on the ever so sweet Naminé?" Her voice was so distant and cold, making Roxas shudder in terror.
"I—"
"Explain!" Aerith screeched, suddenly rising from her chair. For a moment, Roxas was really considering suicide so that he wouldn't have to endure all the torture the woman was concocting in her head. But after a few moments of heavy breathing, Aerith regain her composure and sat back down in her chair. "Explain," she repeated softly.
Roxas complied.
By the end of the tale, Aerith's anger had been replaced with the deepest sympathy.
"Oh Roxas…" she sighed in a sad and understanding manner.
Roxas frowned a bit. "I like Naminé, I really do. And I don't understand how I could even think of cheating on her, whether intoxicated or not," Roxas bit his lip, hard enough to leave a temporary mark. "Axel is different. I like him but not the same way I like Naminé." He explained, as if trying to explain to himself. The more he though on the subject, the more confused he got.
Aerith looked him over for a bit, letting his words sink in. "I understand your confusion. But above everything else, you must tell Naminé. She deserves the truth."
Roxas nodded grimly. He had every intention of telling the petite blonde, but certain complications had to arise. "I think I've vented enough." Roxas commented as he pushed himself off the cot, brushing the wrinkle out of his clothes the meanwhile.
Aerith swirled her chair around to face her desk. She quickly jotted down a pass on a sticky note, signing it messily, and then handed it to Roxas. "Just remember, everything happens for a reason," Aerith said ambiguously.
Roxas raised an eyebrow at the comment. He nodded slowly as he took the small piece of paper and then headed back to class.
"Lunch time, lunch time," sung Selphie as she skipped next to Roxas. They had the same period before lunch, hence the current companionship.
Roxas sighed dejectedly. He liked lunch, dare to say, he loved lunch, but the gnawing feeling in the pit of his stomach as the two of them walked to the usual spot gave him the feeling of foreboding. Something bad was crouched behind the figurative door.
"Good afternoon, Roxas, Selphie," waved a girl with uniquely waved and cut brunette hair, commonly known as Olette. Or Omelet, if you wanted to tease the aforementioned girl (When she in learning how to spell her name, she had accidentally added an 'm' to her name, thus earning her the permanent nickname). She—along with Hayner, Sora, Kairi, and Tidus—sat in the corner of the cafeteria, alongside the window which adorned an edge about two meters wide. Each one of the teens sat atop or against said ledge.
Roxas sat himself down in between Olette and Hayner who had parted to give the blond room. Selphie placed herself on the floor next to Kairi, their backs against the wall that was perpendicular to the ledge. Roxas stole the sandwich which Hayner had been engulfing and took a large bite, despite the protest. "Get your own lunch!"
"Oh that reminds me," chirped Sora, his voice obviously ringing with mischief, "Hayner, what did you do last Friday evening?" His voice was cavity sweet. Roxas glared as he swallowed the stolen bits of bread, turkey, tomato, lettuce, pickles…
Hayner, distracted from rescuing his yummy sandwich which only his mother could produce, looked over at Sora curiously. "I spent the whole night channel surfing. Mum grounded me from getting in another fight with Seifer. Why?"
Sora's smile grew wider, and much more devious. "Oh, just wanted a little confirmation, that's all." He turned his gaze to Roxas. "Of course, I'd still like to know what Roxas did that night…" Roxas continued to glare.
"I thought you guys went to visit Riku at that party." Commented Kairi as Selphie painted the auburn haired girl's nails, both listening to the unraveling mystery.
"We did," Sora said as he kicked his feet up a bit. "But then Roxas got plastered and disappeared for the remainder of the night."
Enter silence, followed by loud gasps. Multiples of: "What! Roxas?!" rang amongst the group of seniors. All eyes turned eagerly to the blonde in questioned, all other activities ceasing.
"Yes, I got drunk," Roxas spat out rather coldly, his eyes glued to Sora's.
"Man, out of all of us, I never thought Roxas would get shit faced." Tidus leaned back, a low whistle following his comment. "Wonder what kind of drink he is," he continued to ponder.
"A flirty one," Sora said his and Roxas' staring contest never breaking. "He was dancing on a table. Oh, and also stripping." Sora said, pretending to forget what had happened to add an extra punch.
Hayner laughed in response. "Wow, wish I could have seen that." Roxas punched the boy in the arm, never disconnecting his eyes from their current target.
"But, sadly, I lost him after that. The question is, where did you go, Roxas?" Sora said triumphantly. He was so close to the truth he could almost taste it.
"He was with me."
The staring contest had broken as all eyes fell to the speaker. Naminé, accompanied by Pence, smiled as she sat down next to Roxas (Olette scooted down into the corner as humanly possible).
Sora cocked his head slightly. "Really? How'd that happen?"
Naminé laced her fingers together in her lap. "Roxas called me, quite drunk, and asked if he could come over. I picked him up and let him spend the night. Isn't that right, Roxas?" she said, turning to the blond who seemed to be struck speechless.
"Y-yeah…" he choked out, playing along with his girlfriend's lie.
Sora narrowed his eyes suspiciously. "How come he lied then?"
"I asked him to," Naminé replied with ease. "I didn't want anyone to misinterpret the situation. You saw Roxas drunk; he is a bit silly."
Sora absorbed the lies like a sponge. "Oh, I see," he nodded his head thoughtfully.
"Now that's settled… How's Riku?" asked Selphie as she returned to painting Kairi's nails a soft pink.
"He's great, same as always." Sora said, his smile returning but in pure innocence. "Actually, he's started working at Kingdom Coffee."
"I miss him," Kairi said, smiling nostalgically. "Not only Riku, but Wakka and Yuffie too, and all of our old upperclassmen."
"One more year and then we'll all be together again. Not only that, but Yuna will be there too." Tidus said, a giant toothy grin plastered across his face. He could hardly wait till he could go to the same school as his sweetheart. Her going to that private girls' school had been torture.
"Yup, just one more—" Sora was promptly cut off by the vibrating of his cellular phone. He fumbled to get the device out, flipping it open to see he had received a text from a certain platinum haired individual. "Riku!" squealed the brunet happily as he opened the file, completely forgetting he was talking to his other friends only seconds before.
"Sora, you're such a dork," Hayner sighed as he rolled his eyes fondly.
Olette giggled softly. "People act stupid when their in love." She stressed in a playful tone.
"Are you suggesting Sora likes Riku?" asked Pence before he bit into his lunch roll.
"Aw, come on, Sora's not gay! I mean, he's dated all the girls here and more." Tidus said with a laugh. Sora was too absorbed in mailing Riku to protest for either argument.
"There's nothing wrong with being gay," Kairi said as she glared at the ground, her voice distant and hurt.
All—except Sora—stared at the girl confused. Naminé's face fell into that of understanding. "That's right," she said, breaking the silence, "Axel's gay and still the best relative a girl could ask for."
Roxas raised his eyebrows in surprise. "You know about Axel?"
Naminé nodded.
"Axel used to be bullied a lot." Kairi added her eyes still downcast.
"Who's Axel?" asked Olette curiously.
"My brother/cousin," answered Kairi and Naminé simultaneously.
Selphie finished applying the last coat. "I didn't know you had a brother," she said tapping her cheek thoughtfully.
"He's my half brother, before my dad married my mom." She clarified as she looked at her nails to distract her eyes from having to look at anyone.
"Then why isn't he staying with you?" Roxas asked before he could stop himself. He wasn't always the most sensitive of people.
Kairi wiggled her fingers slowly, still distracting herself. "Axel and Dad never got along. Dad is a major homophobe, so when he found out about Axel's preferences, he kicked him out. I hardly get to see him anymore."
A thick depressing atmosphere plagued the group of soon-to-be graduates.
"Guess what! Riku's invited us to go hang at Kingdom Coffee!" Sora exclaimed as he shut the device, finally straying his attention to the group. Everyone, sans Kairi, stared at Sora dead panned. "What?" asked Sora, confused about the looks of exasperation.
Roxas, Sora, Naminé, and Kairi headed down the busy streets of Destiny Islands . Hayner and Tidus had practice to attend, Olette and Pence had a project to work on, and Selphie was occupied with volunteer work, leaving the four to meet up with the awaiting college student.
Kingdom Coffee was located near the center of town, also known as the shopping district. The shopping district was about a 15 minute car ride from the public high school. Public transportation had been used to get to their current location; considering none of the four teens had permanent possession of an automobile (having to barrow from one's parents could be very inconvenient).
On the way to the desired location, Naminé and Kairi passed by their favorite clothing store and had to be dragged past it in order to get the girls away. Promises were made to visit later on the way home.
A small familiar chime of a bell rang as the four entered the calming Café, the scent of coffee mixed with the sound of soft tunes. Kairi and Namine headed to the powder room to freshen up while leaving the boys to find the last of their party. Sora quickly scanned the shop for Riku, and found him quickly.
"Riku!" called Sora as her practically skipped over to the said boy. The Silver haired male tuned to Sora with a welcoming smile. Sora stopped in his tracks as he noticed another man sitting in the booth with his friend. "Who's he?" Sora said his voice borderline rude.
Roxas looked over to the figure and his eyes widened with surprise. "Axel!?" He exclaimed, his voice slightly cracking from surprise.
Axel chuckled in reply. "Nice to see you too, Roxas," he said as he waved.
"What are you doing here?" Roxas said as he walked over to the red head, his eyes slanted in suspicion.
"Well, after a long day of classes was done I decided to go have some fun. Then I noticed how famished I was with a stomach growl and decided to go eat. So I thought, 'hey, why don't I go to that café Roxas and I went to that other day'. Then I met up with Riku," he smirked, "Want me to go into further detail? I could start with how I got up after having wonderful dreams about y—"
"That's good enough," Roxas quickly cut off as he pushed at Axel's shoulder to push the male further into the booth to make room for himself.
Sora, who was still standing, looked to Riku in confusion. He was too preoccupied during lunch to hear the conversation about Axel. Riku, knowing his best friend more than anyone, answered Sora's silent questions. "He's Axel, Naminé's cousin and Kairi's brother. I met him the other day when Axel and Roxas were on a date."
"Were not!" exclaimed Roxas too quickly.
Sora breathed a sigh of relief as he sat down next to Riku. "Ok," He said nodding. "As long as he's with Roxas…"
"Don't believe everything that thing says!" Roxas continued to shout as he pointed an offending finger over Riku.
Axel smiled at the familiar scene, which vaguely reminded him of the last time he was here. "Aw, c'mon Roxy-baby, where's the love?" he teased happily. His smile fell to a plain look as he stared straight ahead, his attention falling to something new.
Roxas glanced over to see what had distracted the male. Naminé and Kairi were heading towards the table, Kairi looking a bit distressed as she lagged slightly behind her blonde cousin.
"Well, well, if it isn't Princess?" Axel said with a kind and soft smile pulling at his lips.
Kairi looked over to her brother. "Hey Axel," she said, he voice shaking and pushing to sound normal.
"Sit," he said as he pushed Riku and Sora out of the booth so Kairi could take her seat next to him. Riku and Sora complied and then Kairi slid in, too reclusive for the regularly peppy girl. Naminé proceeded to sit on the other side of Roxas.
"How have you been, Princess?" Axel said, still smiling fondly, completely contrasting Kairi's look of distress.
She glanced down at the table, refusing to meet his sharp jade eyes. "F-fine," she stuttered, looking up at the male but then quickly averting her eyes. A prickling sensation threatened her eyes.
A waitress proceeded over to their table, a professional smile on her lips despite the heavy air. "Are you guys ready to order?" asked the girl as she flickered her eyes over to her coworker, Riku.
"Sorry, just a bit more time," Riku replied, turning the girl away for the third time that afternoon.
"I," Kairi started up suddenly, and then lost her confidence quickly as she played with her hands nervously. "I," she tried again, her voice getting weaker the more she tried. "I'm sor—"
She was cut off when Axel lightly whacked hit on top of her head, affectively quieting her. He then proceeded to rub her head, running his fingers playing along her soft locks. "No need," he said as he continued to pet her. "It was his fault, not yours."
Kairi's surprised face changed to a pout, then a smile. "Right," she said, her eyes slightly watering. Axel's soft pet turned into a harsh rub, making the auburn haired girl whine in protest. "Hey!"
"Alright now, where's that waitress?" Axel said, as he pushed the girl on the head for a final climax. Riku beckoned the girl over, and each member ordered a treat and/or drink. Soon, conversations started that completely opposed the earlier mood.
While Axel was distracted with Sora in a conversation, Roxas stole a glance of the male, noting how easily he fixed the entire situation.
"Axel's amazing, isn't he?" Naminé said, whispering so that only Roxas could hear her. Roxas froze suddenly, acting as a child who had just been caught with his hand in the cookie jar.
Roxas laughed nervously. "Yeah, I never thought he could be so nice," he commented, looking back at Axel who was currently engaged in an arm wrestling tournament with Sora. He wore that feral smirk, the same smirk that Roxas was getting so accustom to.
"He really is," Naminé said and then took a sip of her paopu flavored iced tea. "He used to be in love with his best friend Demyx, but then helped set him up with his other friend Zexion because he'd rather see them happy. He's such a sweetheart." She then sighed. "Sometimes, I wish he'd look for his own happiness for once. Be a little selfish."
Guilt started to prickle at Roxas chest once again.
"Hey, what are you two talking about over there," Axel said as he turned to the two fair haired teens. "Didn't your parents tell you telling a secret is wrong?" Axel scolded lightly, a smirk plastered as usual.
Roxas raised an eyebrow. "They also told me not to talk to strange men, but here I am," Roxas retorted, his smirk mirroring Axel's. All, excluding the two currently conversing, began to laugh at the red head.
Axel placed his hand over his heart, sighing dramatically. "And here I thought we had finally bonded. You hurt me, Roxas, you really do," his over dramatic performance encouraging the laughs of the spectators. Roxas rolled his eyes, a fond smile gracing his lips.
The group exited Kingdom Coffee, tummys satisfied until dinner. Soon they would part into two groups—Sora, Riku, and Kairi would head off to the play island while Roxas, Axel, and Naminé would make a quick shopping trip then head to their respective homes.
Before they parted ways, Axel beckoned his younger sister to his side. He stood with his hands in his pockets, shoulders slightly tense. "You know, Princess," he started his voice low and unsure; "If Dad's ever being Dad then just call me up. I'll be your knight in shining armor." Confidence had been replaced as he spoke.
Kairi smiled widely. "Of course," She then gave him a tight hug, her arms wrapped around his middle, showing the difference in height. "I've missed you," she said, burying her face into his chest.
Axel patted her comfortingly on the head. "Three years is way too long."
Kairi let herself loose, nodding once as she wiped the tears that threatened to fall. "Call me. I'll make sure Dad doesn't find out this time." She then walked over to Sora and Riku, and the three of them proceeded towards their destination—the play island.
"Hey, doting brother, let's get a move on," called Roxas teasingly. Axel looked over to the boy, a seductive smirk on his face.
"Don't be jealous," Axel cooed, walking passed Roxas to meet up with Naminé. "My attention can't always be on you, Roxas," He looked back triumphantly.
Roxas slanted his eyes in return. "In your dreams," Roxas said as they began to walk down the street towards the clothing store that Naminé and Kairi tried to sneak into earlier that afternoon. The walk was short, and consisted of Roxas trying to fend off a particular redhead while his girlfriend laughed merrily.
Once they entered the store, Naminé raced off to the racks of clothing, scanning the outfits for something perfect.
Axel clicked his tongue at the sight. "Typical female," he said shaking his head in fake disapproval.
Naminé grabbed a few items than turned to her entourage. "I'll quickly try this on. Tell me what you think, okay?" She then headed over to the changing rooms.
"Fastest when shopping, though," Roxas said, not surprised. Naminé knew what she liked, and since she had a nice figure, finding a nice outfit was a simple task. A few moments later Naminé stepped out, revealing her outfit.
She was wearing a white halter top that held closely to her figure. Two strings ran from the shirt and rapped around her neck once and then were tied in a boy on the side of her neck. To occupancy the shirt, she wore a beige skirt that fell loosely to her mid thigh. Her legs were covered with black stockings, but lacked shoes to cover her feet.
Axel whistled lowly. She giggled softly as she laced her hands behind her back in a slightly shy manner. "So, what do you think?" she asked, looking to her boyfriend.
Roxas smiled, a slight blush staining his cheeks. "Perfect," he replied. Naminé nodded her head as she slipped back into the changing room to get back into her original outfit.
Axel looked over at the other male with interest, his smile less radiant as he noticed the boy's reaction. "You really like her, don't you?" Axel stated a hint of jealousy so small it was unnoticeable.
Roxas was pulled out of his reverie at the sound of the college man's voice. Axel wasn't smirking, instead a forced smile played upon his sharp features. "I do," Roxas said as he glanced back at the changing room. "But," Roxas bit his lip, "I like you too, not like Naminé though." Roxas was sure his face was heating up. "I'd really like to be friends."
"Friends," Axel said, testing out the word. "I guess I can settle for 'friends'," he finished as his face lit up once again. He threw an arm over Roxas' shoulder, leaning his weight into the shorter boy. "But this doesn't change how I feel."
"Yeah, yeah," Roxas muttered, averting his eyes to the opposite direction. He was positive his face was dark red. Despite the fact he asked to be friends, when the words flowed from his mouth, they felt like a love confession.
The curtain to Naminé's changing room opened; Naminé stepped out with the outfit in hand. "Ready to go?" She asked, as she walked over to the cashier, paying for the clothing.
"Yup," chirped Axel who was still latched onto Roxas.
Roxas sighed. "Yeah…"
Extra: Princess
A young girl the age of 7 lay on the ground, her feet kicking around in the air as she watched one of her many Disney movies. She sighed longingly as the cliché story of a princess going against through a trial with her beloved and then ended up with a happily ever after.
"I wish I was a princess," she yearned as Ariel began to sing of the outside world.
"You? A Princess?" asked an older boy with spiked red hair, sitting casually on the couch with a bag of potato chips. "Don't you have to be pretty?" He teased.
Kairi sat up, a deep frown plaguing her childish face. "Axel, you're so mean!" She exclaimed with her eyebrows knitted together.
Axel laughed. "Aw, c'mon Princess, that look isn't helping any," he commented mocking the dreamer. "Keep it up, and your prince will run off with the maid," he continued to laugh.
"Axel!"
A/N: Alright, I love Kairi and Namine. Their awesome character's, but I just prefer slash couples. And yes, Roxas does love Namine, but a first love isn't always the last.
I added Kairi's and Axel's relationship after I started this story, so I had to make up a story as to why they couldn't be together. I like how their parts ended up, though.
Axel and Roxas needed to develope a relationship before anything happens, because you can't just fall in love over a one night stand.
Next Chapter: "Meet the Organization, Roxas!"