Sometimes I wonder why I even exist.

I'm treated like dirt by everyone around me, especially my father. According to him, I'm worthless and a mistake. Nothing I do is ever good enough and I'll never be able to be as perfect as my older brother, Cloud. You see, Cloud is absolutely flawless; he's the most popular guy at school, star of the football team, has a beautiful girlfriend, gets the highest marks.. the list goes on and on.

Unfortunately, I'm the exact opposite. I'm painfully shy and I have a difficult time talking with other people. I've always loved painting and being by myself, but my father has constantly told me that I'm a freak because I enjoy the solitude. Also, I'm extremely frail and weak, which is why I've never had any interest in sports. I'm really small and get sick all the time.. This is another trait my father hates about me.

"Why can't you be strong and tough like your older brother? I swear, you're so worthless! Stop being such a freak!"

But I've learned to accept the hatred I receive. I knew that I was different, that there was a reason why I wasn't like my brother. But even though I accepted all of my flaws and differences doesn't mean that everyone else was as understanding. Because my older brother is so popular and well liked, everybody at school refuses to talk to me. It's like I'm shunned because I'm not good enough. So I've honestly never even had a friend before.

My insides have always felt numb, though I've gotten used to it. I guess it's because I've never felt anything else before in my life. I can never remember feeling happy, or wanted..

As I walked home from school, I decided to take a small detour and head to the park. It's not like I had anywhere else to be, plus it was totally deserted. I sat down on a swing and rocked slowly, back and forth. I admired the cherry blossom trees that were in the distance as I slowly closed my eyes. It was a warm day, with the rays of sun shining brightly on my pale face. I didn't particularly like the brightness, but the sun did feel nice as it warmed my face.

"Hey, loser!"

I opened my eyes and spotted my brother walking towards me.

"You know if you're late for your chores you'll be in trouble, Roxas. Since father won't be home for a while, I guess I'll have to punish you for coming here instead?" Cloud said wickedly.

I knew what was coming. Whenever I did something wrong, I got hit, punched, you name it. Getting beaten was supposed to make me be "more obedient" as my father says. On occasion, my brother beat me as well. It was when my father was gone so I never had any proof. Cloud is so much stronger than me, and he always beats me like a ragdoll. He's not stupid, though. Every punch is always in an area that no one can see. I closed my eyes and flinched, expecting the usual.

A few seconds passed before I realized nothing had hit me.

Slowly, I opened my eyes and saw that there was someone else in front of me, blocking Cloud's fist. He looked around my age and had the craziest hair I had ever seen before. I noticed that he also had the most stunning green eyes I had ever seen.

"Who the hell are you? Mind your own business!" Cloud shouted.

"Tsk, tsk. You're really rude, y'know? And why would you even think about hitting him? You're twice his size, coward!" the guy replied.

I watched in awe as Cloud pulled his fist away angrily. No one ever stood up to Cloud!

"You got lucky, loser. And you better hope I never see you again, freak, or I'll kill you!" Cloud said to my mystery rescuer.

I felt my body tremble and shake from fear, knowing that Cloud would definitely find me later and hit me even harder. Although I had escaped getting beaten for now, I knew that Cloud had a terrible temper and would dish it out later. I tried to keep my tears from falling so I wouldn't embarrass myself in front of the guy who just saved my neck.

"Hey, blondie, are you ok? You're shaking.. does that guy hurt you?" He asked softly.

I weakly nodded and tried to avoid his gaze. Before I could say anything I felt him push my long shirt sleeves up and watched as he gasped and looked at me, terrified at what he saw. I had scars, gashes and horrid bruises covering my arm. He then carefully lifted up my shirt and saw the burns on my stomach, as well as how my ribs were protruding slightly from my skin. I felt so ashamed and couldn't even speak to this guy.

"It's alright, you're safe. Try and calm down, don't move too quickly ok? My name is Axel, by the way." He said soothingly.

Axel..

This guy, Axel, softly grabbed my hand and led me over to a bench to sit. He asked me about my brother, why he was so hostile, and then he actually asked about me. Nobody had ever had a conversation with me like this, so I was nervous. I kept stuttering and looking away, unable to act normally. Why was Axel being so kind to me? Everyone else ignored me or made my life a living hell. Was I dreaming? I had to have been dreaming, because I knew it was impossible for someone to actually care for me.

"So, Roxas, would you like to go and get a bite to eat with me? My treat." Axel smiled.

"I, um.. I can't. See, I have to get home soon. And.. I don't deserve to have anything bought for me. I'm so sorry." I said timidly.

Axel stared at me with a look of worry and concern. I was so confused as to why he hadn't screamed at me yet like everyone else, because I had turned down his offer. I can just imagine if I had said no to my brother or father. That would be the worst beating of my life, no doubt. Also, there was no way I could have Axel buy me something. I don't deserve anything..

"Roxas? Here, look at me. I want to buy you something to eat, it looks like you haven't eaten in days. And you most certainly do deserve it. There is no way in hell that I'm letting you go back to a place where you're ruthlessly beaten and hurt. I promise you'll never get hurt again. Ok, Roxas? Just trust me, blondie." Axel said, smiling.

Axel helped me up before I could protest again and held my hand tightly as we walked. Not a painful kind of tight, but like he was afraid that if he let go, I would die or something. I don't know why but I felt a flush of warmth flow through my body being near Axel. Even though I had just met him, I swear it feels like I've known him my entire life. A feeling of safety and comfort surrounded me, something I had never experienced before. Surely I would wake up from this dream soon..

Before I could think again, we arrived at a small cafe. Axel gently told me to sit at a table and went to order our food. A huge feeling of guilt filled my body; knowing that I was having something bought for me made me feel absolutely terrible. I don't deserve to eat, and I honestly don't deserve the kindness I'm receiving from Axel. He was a complete stranger, yet he made me feel like I actually mattered. There goes another pang of guilt through my body.

"Here, Roxie. I got you a coffee, fruit salad, sandwich and a parfait. There were so many different choices I couldn't pick just one, y'know?" Axel laughed.

My face fell at the sight of all of the food in front of me. My conscience felt guilty at the thought of Axel buying me one thing, but he had gone and bought me all of this himself. I felt tears spill down my cheeks and looked down so I wouldn't meet his eyes. Axel then moved closer and put his arm around me to comfort my crying, all the while trying to find some tissues for me.

"A-axel, I can't accept all of this! This p-probably cost you so much.. you're being so nice to me and we j-just met! I can't.." I sniffled.

"You know, I'm not sure what it is, Roxie. We've only known each other for what, an hour? But I feel like I need to protect you. You're the kindest, most sincere guy I've ever met, and you don't deserve to be treated the way you do. You need to eat, though, Roxas. If you go much longer without eating right you'll get sick. Now open up, say ahh!" Axel said teasingly.

I opened my mouth as Axel made me eat. To be honest it felt wonderful to have real food in my body after so long. Whenever I'm at my house I had to sneak food from the kitchen when my father and Cloud were asleep. I was never allowed to eat meals because I wasn't "good enough," and it would go to waste if I had any. This is why I'm so small and weak. The food I eat at school barely keeps me going. I was surprised at how good I felt after eating the food from Axel. When was the last time I had fruit salad? I sure as hell couldn't remember, so I enjoyed it while it was here.

"See? You feel better now, huh? And I'm happy that I made you happy. So no feeling guilty, 'kay?"

"Oh, and you're going to stay with me Roxie, no ifs, ands, or buts about it! Got it memorized?" Axel said with a grin.

Staying.. with Axel? Of course I would be ecstatic to stay with him, to be far away from my father and Cloud. But I couldn't help but wonder what would happen if they found me. Or if they would hurt Axel. I couldn't live with myself if Axel got hurt because of me. Axel seemingly read my mind from my worried expression and ruffled my hair.

"Don't you worry, Roxie. They won't be able to find us, I promise."

Hearing what Axel said sent a rush of warmth through my body. I felt happy for the first time in my life. It was difficult to explain the feeling, but I never wanted it to go away. I'd be safe, and I would be with Axel..

That thought alone made my heart skip a beat.

Ok, so I know this was really sad. Poor Roxas.. :(

But! I wanted to try my hand at writing a more serious/dark story. This is my first attempt, so please be nice if it was terrible! I know it seems a tiny bit unbelievable but I do like how it came out. Axel is so sweet to Roxas!

I have some more ideas to continue this, but I might leave it a oneshot. I haven't decided;)

I hope you enjoyed it, lovelies! xx