Okay, the chapters will no longer be in chronological order. They'll be shuffled and cute and you'll enjoy them, I promise. Have fun! Please read and review. For Axel. Do it for Axel.

Chapter Two: Almost Had You

With its hushed cobblestones, dim windows, and cool breeze, Twilight Town was the most peaceful at night. All the kids were home with their families, getting ready to turn on their fans for relief from the summer heat. That night, though, Roxas didn't feel like returning to his room with its crammed shelves and blue fish light. He needed to wander.

Silently he stepped through the side streets, winding through his town of dreams and friends. Friends, yea… Roxas dug a hand into his pocket, hoping that the blue jewel from the Struggle Competition would reappear. Only a loose string and cloth met his grope. Defeated and confused, the blond stopped his aimless quest and sat on the edge of some sloping street.

A few days ago, everything had been perfect. Summer was drawing to a blissful close and the possibilities of the last week had seemed endless. But then the weird thieves had come, the guy with the red bandages, the girl in the white dress, that weird key thing, Hayner suddenly hated him, and that guy with the red hair… who seemed so familiar…

A streetlight down in the small square where Roxas had worked as a street performer turned on, bathing the concrete in warm electric glow. Who was that guy with the spiky red hair and bright green eyes? Shivers from the cool stones he sat on crept up Roxas' spine as he tried to remember if he had known the man. But, how could he forget anyone like that? Surely Roxas would have recognized him from somewhere. A small cat slinked across the square, momentarily stealing the blue gaze.

Grudgingly, Roxas had to admit that the stranger was handsome, that was the only good he could find in his life right now. It wasn't like he was gay or anything, that was the last thing he needed, he just appreciated the defined cheekbones, the angular shoulders, and the soothing, languid voice. He wasn't comfortable with the baffling words the red head said, but he felt like he had heard that name before…

"Axel…" Roxas breathed against the breeze. Maybe he was going crazy.

"You rang?"

Jumping from his seat, Roxas stumbled back to a building's side, a flash of red catching his eyes. Standing in the shadows was that stranger in the tight trench coat. Roxas' first instinct was to run, but his need for answers and curiously familiar fluttering prevented it. Instead, they stared at one another. He hadn't noticed it before, but the green eyes covered a deep, gaping wound that was veiled by one of the fakest smiles Roxas had ever seen. The stranger had been through something terrible, and Roxas was swarmed with guilt and pity.

"…so you still don't remember me." Fight and resentment had abandoned the voice, leaving tones of helpless hope and disappointment walking the line between sadness and mourning.

"You can't remember someone you've never met." As soon as Roxas shut his mouth he regretted what he had said – the bloodstained eyes turned down. But he didn't really know this person… did he? Nothing Axel has said made sense. Organization XIII, being friends, the others? The only people he had worked with were through those job applications. Omnipotent denial yelled that this poor, pathetic sod was crazy and that Roxas should just go home… but Roxas always had a hard time listening to authority. Something colder than the wall paralyzed his back – what if he had forgotten someone? What if this guy really had been his friend? What if he really was the cause of that wound?

Sighing, the man ruffled his red spikes, sinking lower under his burden. "I had promised so much… and just let you leave like that… Now even if I apologize, it won't be enough." Though the comment seemed meant for himself, Axel turned his eyes back to Roxas, drinking in what he had missed like air. Suddenly, he became aware of the world again, and took six bold steps over to the young boy he had known. There was still something he hadn't tried.

Fearful, Roxas flattened himself against the wall, melded to the spot. He stared into the fiery green eyes, nearly burning with them. This feeling… it was familiar, but from where? The redhead smiled down at him, making Roxas' heart pound. How had he gotten so close?

The cinnamon lips drew nearer. Roxas' cheeks ignited and his tightened chest fanned the flame. "Is this familiar?" Axel's breath ghosted over the shy mouth. It was, no reason why or how, but it was, and Roxas wanted more. He felt dizzy and hot and confused and the lips-

He was captured, defeated, and raised up on a throne of pearly ecstasy. His lids closed and his lips melted into the warm, strong mouth seizing him. Axel lifted Roxas' chin with his gloved hand, massaging the peach lips with his own the way Roxas used to like, back when he was his, back when they laughed in the hallways, back when they lived for tiny moments and stolen sweets… Heated minutes later, Axel slowly kissed Roxas' mouth closed, and the piece of heaven fluttered away. The stranger pulled back with a dashing smile covering a hallow hurt that knotted Roxas' stomach.

Then a black portal swallowed the man up, and Roxas was again alone in the streets. He swooned, and fell to the ground, panting to keep up with his heartbeat. That kiss… that smell… that feeling… how could he ever forget something like that? But still, the memory wouldn't show itself, and he was left alone and confused.