about the bits & pieces

This is where I'll post bits and pieces of fanfiction that might see the light of day.

[mindtinkerings]

“That seventh cup of coffee might have been a mistake.”

“Roxas… I told you that five cups ago.”

“Seriously though, I don’t think you’ve blinked in an hour.”

“Plus.. I don’t think you’re foot has stopped bobbing..”

The trio looked at their blond friend- surrounded by books, papers, pens, highlighters, honestly the spikes of his hair could barely be seen. He’d been sitting in the student lounge working on the paper that could make or break his college career and.. he wasn’t talking the pressure very well.

“Honey..” Olette stated, her voice soothing as she pen from her friend’s hand and the highlighter for behind his ear. “I think it’s time to call it quits for now. Don’t you guises thin so?”

“Dude, she’s right.” Hayner stated, dropping down so his chair was on all four legs. “You're stressing this way too much.”

Before the statement was retorted to, Pence spoke up. “You’ve still got three month before it’s due.. I think you can slow it down.”

A contemplative look passed in passed exhausted blue eyes before they were forcefully closed and he nodded, “Alright.”

Olette noded, “Good.” and with that began to close up all the books, file all the papers away in folders, close the notebooks, cap the pens and highlighters and instructing the other two boys to gather everything together and get the car so they can go back to the apartments.

The one thing she failed to realize was how much of a... flight risk the over caffeinated blond could be.

So, while the three of them were away pacing up the car not a few feet away, Roxas was out of his chair and out the opposite set of doors, taking off out into the courtyard.

In the middle of winter.

In the middle of a storm.

It was about ten minutes into him running that he realized how exhausted he was and just stopped dead in his tracks. Blue eyes blinked in and out of focus, slowly as he could feel the pull of sleep. “Yep. Seven cups of coffee.. too much..” He said to himself.

“Damn, I’d say so.”

Brows furrowed in confusion at the second voice, not recognizing it in the least and like the sleep deprived person he was said, “That’s.. not my voice..”

A chuckle sounded from behind him and he stumbled into turning around- having to pause every few seconds to steady himself, facing the tall, lanky red head before him.

He was bundled up in what was probably four layers of clothes and had a giant lime green umbrella above him. Unlike Roxas who was just in a hoodie and a pair of joggers.

“That coffee’s really hit ya, huh?” The stranger… stated more than asked,  a small smirk to his lips.

“I’m.. really tired..” Was Roxas only response before the redhead blinked in and out of existence a few times and he began to lean forward.

The last thing he remembered was seeing a spazzed out stranger before the world went dark.

The first thing he saw when he woke up was a pair of confused aqua colored eyes.

“Why the hell is there somebody asleep on our couch?”

There was a small crash from.. somewhere behind Roxas and he was honestly contemplating going right back to sleep before a pair of emerald eyes filled with concern came into view.

He could stay awake a bit longer for that.

“Ya had me worried, blondie. Didn’t know if you were actually gonna wake up.”

It too a few moments of the blond blinking to get his wits about him. Once he did, he asked, “What time is it?”

“Uh..” The redhead’s voice trailed off before answer voice answered- the one from when he first woke up-, “Seven nineteen.”

“Mmmm.” He hummed, nodding softly. When the time fully registered, he shot up from the extremely comfortable couch- eyes wide. “I was out for nine hours..”

“Exactly. Was beginning to wonder if you turned into Sleeping Beauty or Snow White on me.”

Roxas couldn’t help but roll his eyes, “Both lame princesses- but nice reference.” He said with a small smile before patting down his hoodie.. that was no longer on him..

“Don’t freak out. It was soaked so I dried it for ya. Though you might want to call Olette back.” A hand was on the back of his neck as he laughed lightly, “Pretty sure I almost got murdered.” HIs phone was handed back to him from where it was on the coffee table behind the redhead.

“I promise she’s a sweetheart.. when she wants to be.” He said, shaking his head with a small laugh. “I’ll tell her..” His voice trailed off, looking for the other’s name.

“Oh! Axel, the name’s Axel. Kinda know you’re Roxas already- Olette and all.”

“Alright then, I’ll tell her that Axel is a real knight in shining armour.” A quick text was shot shot off to the brunette, hoping it would calm her down. “Could I repay you by paying for a pizza?” He wondered, pulling his shoeless feet on the couch with him as he turned to face the redhead.

“I’m never one to turn down pizza.” Axel said with a grin, standing and plopping on the couch beside him.

“Well then, pizza it is.”

A hour and a half later found Roxas back asleep on the couch, this time with Axel for a pillow.

Riku- who had been a good roomate and hid in his room, came out to the sight and shook his head while stealing a slice of pizza. “Morons.” He muttered, mouth full and waltzing back to his room.  

[mindtinkerings]

“Roxas-” “I'm fine.” “Rox, really it's okay to be upset. You've been crushing on its guy since he transfered here.” “I told you I'm fine.” “Would you stop lying to us and yourself? This guy from childhood pops outta the blue to take the guy you like away from you and you're just-” “What does it matter if a guy Axel liked since they were ten shows up? It doesn't matter. ..Not anymore.” A silence fell between the group of friends before a sigh broken it and the blond stood up, “I'm going over to Marluxia’s.” “Rox that’s not goin-” “Drop it Sora! This is something you can't understand.” His voice dropped to a whisper, “Just.. let it go.” The brunet wanted to fight more, but knew the other was right and gave a small nod. Soon, the sound of keys jingling and a door opening and closing could be heard.

[mindtinkerings]

Drawers were opened and closed, folders and frames being moved from one place to another as the new director, Xemnas, settled into his office.

The button for the intercom was pushed, “LeeLynn, could you send Agents Larxene, Axel, Vexen and Roxas in my office please.” He waited for the ‘Yes sir’ before letting go and fanning out the files that read ‘CLASSIFIED’, printed in bolded letters.

Said agents had just walked into the building,  “The funeral for the former director of NCIS’, Xion, was held today. Many..” The TV seemed to fade out as the team started to make their way to their respective desk, only to be informed of the summons.

The walk up the stairs was a silent one, everyone dressed in their Sunday best and making room for each other in the office. They all seemed to hover near the double doors, not wanting to bring back any memories than need be at the time.  

Xemnas turned to face the four of them as them as the settled in, “Not the best few days.” He stated simply, arms folded behind his back looking at each one of them before settling on Roxas. “Officer Roxas, the liaison position is no longer required. You are going home.” The young blond’s seemingly neutral expression cracked at the news, blue eyes watering and water enough to shine.

The team began to look look at one another in confusion, hoping what was starting happen.. wasn’t going to happen. “Vexen,.. ”  The older man’s gaze was cast to the director, green eyes hardening a fraction, “You are being moved to Cyber Crimes, effective tomorrow.”

A sharper pair of green eyes were staring down Xemnas (even though the man probably had a good half a foot on her), arms crossed over her chest as she blinked a few slow blinks, taking in exactly what he was doing to her team.

“Axel.”

The redhead’s jaw worked as he locked with the his new boss’ boss’ amber eyes, “SIr?”

“You have been reassigned as,” The words had the agent taking a few slow deep breaths, glancing up at the ceiling, “Agent afloat on the USS Destiny. You are going to wanna go on and pack, you fly out tomorrow.”

The folders on his desk were scooped up and shuffled together so they were even, “Agent Larxene,” He rounded his desk until he was standing before the woman, “This is your new team.” She simply stared at them for a moment, before blinking at him and taking the folders.

[mindtinkerings]

Roxas knew it was going to be a shit day the moment he realized he was thirty minutes early for work.

It was after that that things continued to spiral down hill for the blond and by the time his lunch break rolled around, he was done with everything.

A few minutes later found him at the Greenway- a shaded place for picnics, and a trail to be ran/walked or biked. But, he chose to stay on his car, sipping at an iced coffee with silent tears rolling down his cheeks. HIs nails were pulled to his chest and leaned against the steering wheel as he reached in the passenger seat to grab up the Hello Kitty word search and highlighter given to him by one of his co-workers.

He was a couple words into his search when there was a tap on his windshield that had him almost jumping out of his skin. Blue eyes blinked owlishly at the.. lanky redhead with worried green eyes that were staring him down, “Are.. you alright?” he asked, breath a bit out of whack because- if the tank top and basketball shorts the other wore to go by- was out for a run on the trail.

“Uh..” Roxas quickly attempted to composing himself, scrambling to sit up in his seat and scrub at his face to rid the tears that were still streaming down his face. “Um..”

There was a frown on the redhead’s face and his eyes glancing over to notice his work uniform and smiling softly, “Shit day at work?” His wrist was turned to glance at his watch, “Must’ve been quite a day, it’s barely noon.”

A shaky laugh was given from the blond, nodding and taking a deep breath, “You could say that.” he said, grabbing for his coffee and taking a sip.

The redhead grinned at seeing the coffee before leaning back and reaching into his pocket for his wallet. A second later, he pulled out a card and handed card over to him with a grin, “Here. Take this to the Starbucks down on tenth street and any drink is on me. Just give this to whoever’s working.” An alarm sounded from his pocket and a  phone was brought out, “My break’s over. Hope your day goes a lot better  goldielocks.” He said with a grin before taking off  for the trail and disappearing around a bend.

Roxas stared at the card for a minute, turning to over in his hands and seeing the fire place that showed it had to be a gift card from Christmas- and it was almost September, so that.. was a bit odd. But the card was tucked into his wallet and the word search his was working on was finished up before heading back to work.

It wasn’t until his shift was over for the day that he went to the Starbucks, looking.. not quite as worse for wear. The rest of his dea had gone marginally better- stock was put up quickly, his manager left early and he joked around with many of his co-workers till it was time for him to clock out. So, still in his work uniform, he stood in line to grab him a drink.

But it was as he was standing in line that he realized he had no idea how in the hell to give the card back to the redhead who had given it to him in the first place. It was a thought he pushed to the back of his head as he stepped up to order- taking in the barista's .. odd style of spikes. The name tag read ‘Demyx’ with a smily face that he couldn’t help but smile at a bit, causing the other to grin back at him before Roxas gave his probably more complicated than need be.

It was when he handed the card over that an odd reaction was given.

“ZEX! Check it out! Ax gave somebody his Starkbucks card!” Demyx said, a hopping to his co-worker- a slate haired male who rose an eyebrow at the taller blond.

“I can see that, now what is his order so I can get it started. The guy looks like he’s had a rough day.” ‘Zex’ or as his name tag read ‘Zexion’ gave Roxas an “I’m sorry for him look” and began to flawlessly work the machine to prepare his order as it was relayed  to him.

“You’re all set man, everything’s covered.” Demyx said, handing over the card with a bright grin.

“Thanks..” He responded, tucking the card and his wallet away and stepping outta the way in wait for his drink.

A minute or two passed before a soft, “Here you go.” Was said, drawing him outta the slight daze he’d fallen in and turning to face the man with his drink. “Axel always shows up every Sunday afternoon. Sits right out there,” A nod was given to the table outside on the patio, “And mooches off our internet.”

Blue eyes stared at the other, blinking as he took his order, “Um, thanks.” he said, sipping it and sighing happily with a grin, “Amazing.” he murmured nodding to the other and making his way out of the building and to his car.

He glanced over at the table that the redhead seemed to frequent weekly, sipping at his coffee with a happy hum and making a mental note to.. possibly show up this Sunday.

To return the card of course.

[mindtinkerings]

“You were not wrong about these hot dogs.” Axel stated, sitting back in his lawn chair and patting his stomach with a large grin.

Roxas wiped the bit of ketchup he could feel on the corner of his lips, “You’ll find that I hardly am wrong.” He responded with a hum and smirk.

A smirk of the redhead’s own formed as he picked up his styrofoam cup, holding the straw between his lips and obnoxiously sipping what was little was left of his soda, “I will keep that in mind.” There was an eye twitch from from the blond- something that was obviously picked up on if the “cat that ate the canary” grin was anything to go by. “The trips about.. two and a half hours- give or take traffic and I bring my cats along.”

“You know, somehow that doesn’t surprise me.” The blond put his elbows on the plastic table they were sitting at outside of the family own restaurant they stopped at, putting his weight on them so one could hold up his chin while the other held his cup that was shaken to loosen the straw from the ice so more drink could be gotten. “I think I can handle that. Driving music though.. that’s gonna be something we’re going to have to see about.” His last words were said with a gesture of his cup.

“Well, I’ve usually got Spotify radio going.” Axel held up a hand, “Don’t judge me, I’ve got the prime shit or.. whatever it’s called.” But he shrugged his shoulders, leaning on the table as well arms crossed over the top of it as he chewed on his unneeded straw, “But really, I’m cool with anything.”

“Sooooo..” His voice trailed off, cup sat down as he began twirling it around using the straw, “What I’m hearing is, I can pick the music..?”

Axel laughed, the sound sounding like music itself and his green eyes lighting up enough to have the photographer grinning at having caused it, “Sure, I guess that’s what I said. But- I get veto powers.” A bony finger was pointed in his direction, a.. barely there eyebrow raise given.

Hands flew up- cup somehow not completely toppling over with the action, “You have totally veto power.” He gave in with a nod, grinning a bit, “Though I’m pretty sure they’re not gonna be needed.”

The grin was matched by the redhead, “I’m leaving like.. day after tomorrow though. Is.. that going to be a problem job wise or..?” His voice trailed off, seemingly not wanting to assume anything for against his new friend.

Roxas couldn’t help but laugh softly, waving him off, “There’s no problem. I work freelance, so I’m my own boss. I think I’m due a beach trip.” What could only be described as a placid smile settled on his lips as he went back to leaning a chin on a hand. “Pick a time and place, and I’ll be there.”

There was a .. pensive look on Axel’s face, as if he were trying to read underneath the blond’s apparent nonchalance. “Why don’t we meet up at the park again? Same spot about.. five-thirty Tuesday morning?” A shrug was given at the blink that was thrown his way, “Roads are the clearest at that hour and we’ll beat the morning commuters down there as well.” He went on to explain.

“It’s a date then.” Roxas said, smiling at the other and glancing at his watch before standing, “I’ve got a club that I’ve got to shoot some pictures for, yearbook I think. I’ll see you Tuesday though,” As he spoke, his cup was grabbed up and he began walking backwards to keep the redhead in his sight before having to turn around- not trusting himself to run into anything.

But, before he completely left, a final look was cast from behind a minivan parked a decent distance away to find the other still chewing on his straw, but a hand was calming through his mane of spikes and the other was holding his phone- a smile settled on his lips. A quick picture was snapped before he quickly disappeared back to the park, the whole time he told himself that last picture was totally not creepy or stalkerish.

After the environmental club shoot was done and his check was handed over with an email address to send the photos to sent to, the blond settled back on his picnic bench where he was soon joined by his rodent friends. “The both of you are terrible.” He said, looking through his photos of the day.

“Oh we’re the worse.” Gabriel said with.. what could only be called a grin if.. squirrels could grin. “We’re so terrible that we got you a date!” A fluffy tail was swiped into his side, “My boy!”

“Gabe, will you stop.” Gracie- living up to her namesake- said, batting her own tail at him with a huff, “It’s not like he needed any help.” Her voice trailed off, a paw going to her lips in thoughts, “Though.. he hasn’t gotten a date in the year he’s been here..”

“I wonder if it’s cause I’m the weird kids that talks to squirrels.” A sharp look was given to the two mammals making them chuckle brokenly, “But.. I guess cause of you guises I get to go to the beach.” The wistful tone entered his voice again, “I’ve never been to the beach..”

“Now you are!” Gracie said, easily climbing onto his shoulder and poking his nose with her paw, “Go on and get home. You’ve got pictures to edit and a beach date to get ready for.”

Gabriel settled on his thigh, “That’s right! I demand all the details.” He seemed to think about his words, “Okay.. not all of them because you humans can get into some weird things. Just the other day I saw a pair of them down but the off ramp, clothes half off-”

A hand was slapped to his forehead,“I get it Gabe!” It was slow slid down his face till he sighed, honestly not believing that this was his life- talking to squirrels in a park about humans having sex. “I’m going to head home now.” The animals climbed back to the picnic table before goodbyes were said and they went their separate ways.

His separate way happened to be just a block away over a barely open knick knacks shop. He settled into comfortable clothes for the night, in front of the computer, humming softly to himself.

There was quite possibly a smile the whole entire time.

[mindtinkerings]

Roxas couldn’t do much but simply stare at the man before him, opening and closing his mouth a few times as he did. For a few moments, he chalked it up to his brain being not only sleep deprived but having just woke up from what hardly could be called sleep- yes both things were possible, it had been his life for the past month, almost month and a half. His notebook was closed and sat back in his back, giving him enough time to collect himself and fully face the redhead, “Um.. what?” was his always articulate response.

“I-It’s really you.” The man breathed, seeming to scrambled off the bed so he could get closer to the blond. His hands seemed to hover just before his face- as it touching him would make him disappear.

Mouth opened and closed a few more times, “Well, yes it’s really me, uh, Roxas.” He said, leaning back in his chair and blinking, “But exactly who the hell are you?”

He wanted to take the words back as soon as he said them, watching the other’s face completely fall in the most heart broken sort of way possible. His hands did flailing around, trying to take back the words.. without actually taking them back. “Oh no, don’t do that. I’m sorry.” A hand was ran through his hair and he leaned back in the chair, trying to get space between him and the other.

“Okay, uh.. Mmm.”  His mind raced of what he should do or say. So, the one thing he knew to do in a situation like this:

Ignore it and handle it later.

The chair was slid back- cringing at the sound of metal against linoleum- as he stood to make his way to the door, but was frozen in place when a hand grabbed his arm. “I’m.. I’m not going anywhere, just stepping to the door to get the doctor.” He told the other calmly, before watching as the redhead actually took in his surroundings. It was in that split second that he made his way to the door and peeked a head out, “Um, he’s awake? Not.. sure if you want to check on him or-?”

What he was about to said was cut off by a rather loud, frantic beeping coming from inside the that had his heart races and the blond ducking back in. Low and behold was the redhead climbing out of the bed, IV laying where he once was and the heart monitor going bananas over not being connected his finger. The man seemed to stumble slightly as he went for his coat laying across the table to the side muttering to himself about: “I’ve officially lost it..”, “Cid is going to murder me..” and “Kairi not being a better fucking teacher..”

“Whoa there, dude!” Roxas called to him,grabbing an arm as he swayed again. “Pretty sure you should not have done.. any of that.” The nurse that he’d flagged down at stepped into the room, not looking the least bit surprised that any of it had happened.

“Sir, you need to get back in bed. You are still dehydrated and may have a minor concussion.” She told him, taking a few steps closer to the pair of them. But as she did, it seemed that almost in an instant he was behind the redhead that was in a protective fighting stance and. seemed to be staring at his hands at a lost. Seeing the exchange, the nurse peeked around to face the blond, “Think you could get your friend back into bed and explain what’s going on? Then I’ll be back in.”

Before he could even begin to explain how he literally just found the guy in the middle of nowhere, she was gone leaving them alone.

Scrubbing a hand over his face, he patted the redhead’s back, “Good job, you protected me from the big scary nurse, now go sit down.” With a gentle push and point of his giner, Roxas had him back on the bed and stood before him. “Here’s the story. I found you in a field, unconcious. I brought you here to make sure you weren’t dead. It’s been..” His voice trailed off before he made a thoughtful noise and pulled his phone from his back pocket to check the time. “Shit.. three and a half hours.. Okay, no big deal..” He muttered to himself before looking back at the redhead and going on. “And now you’re awake.”

The whole time he spoke, the redhead simply watched him. Well, it was more like stared him down, emerald green eyes still holding their disbelief. That’s not unnerving at all.

“You know my name,” For some fucking reason, his brain added in, “But.. what should I call you? Pretty sure just calling you ‘dude’ and ‘that guy’ are gonna get old so-”

“Lea.” He was interrupted in a soft voice, the heartbroken look settling into his features.

A soft smile formed on the blond’s lips as he nodded, “Okay then, Lea. I’m going to get the nurse back in here- she’s just going to check you out make sure everything’s okay.” Roxas watched as the redhead tensed up, his hand.. seeming to try to reach for air. “Hey.. it’s safe here, promise.”

It seemed only at his words had Lea relaxing- if only a fraction, bit he would take it- a small smile forming on his lips as he nodded. “Alright.”

A step back was taken, still facing the other, but once he saw that nothing else was going to happen, he turned on a heel and made his way back to the door.

The nurse was pulled back in, medithocially checking her patient's vitals. Roxas made sure to keep out of the way, but close enough to where he could try to calm the other down if something would happen.

“I promise I’m not going to freak out again.” Lea ended up sayings as the nurse made so notes in his files with a small hum. “You don’t have to hoover.”

The words had the blond scoffing, “I’m so not hovering, shut up.” A small flush dusted his cheeks as he crossed his arms over his chest with a huff.

“Everything looks good. Probably should stay for another hour or so- just to make sure that there’s memory lost, brain damage- things like that. But after that you should be all good to go..” Her voice drifted off in search of a name.

“Lea.” Both the men in the room answered at the same time, surprising the nurse slightly.

“Right, Lea.” She nodded and closed the folder in her hands before turning to Roxas, “You should be able  to take him home soon.”

His mouth opened and closed a few times, before he simply gave up and nodded, thanking her as she walked back out of the room. “You look exhausted.”  Looking at at the voice, the concern on the redhead’s face registered before the actual words, that had him laughing softly. “You’re not wrong. But looks like I’ve got another hour or so before I can contemplating beginning to fix that so..” A hand was ran through his hair, “I’m going to get some coffee. You should probably get some more sleep.”

It was with those words that Roxas completely didn’t scurry out of the room and down the few halls to the machine that dispensed the terrible coffee. A deep breath was taken as he dropped his head to the machine, “I just wanted to do more research..”

[mindtinkerings]

Being a photographer, one found themselves in.. odd places.

Which is why Roxas was half laying under a picnic table, Nikon to his eye as he watched a pair of squirrels darting between a set of trees a few feets away from him. A soft smile was on his lips as he did, snap a few pictures of the critters as they went about their business.

The smile fell away as feet appeared before him and a voice accompanying them as they were passing, “There’s that kid again.. why is he always on the ground with that camera?” A second pair joined the first along with another voice, “He’s always taking pictures of like.. squirrels and shit. Who does that?” Their laughter followed them as the pair walked away, causing the blond to sigh softly and tucking his camera closer.

“One day you’ll let me run up somebody’s pants leg.”

A blond brow rose as he looked to the squirrel beside him, “Gabriel, we’ve talked about this. You’ve gotten in trouble with Animal Control twice already, I’m running out of excuses.”

“Really, Gabe, you should be more considerate.”

Roxas couldn’t help but snort, “Yes because you are so much better Gracie.” He stated, staring at the other rodent who was currently stuffing her face with what was probably fruit from a picnic not too far away. “You two, I swear..” Blond spikes were swayed as he shook his head before he got himself from under the picnic table to sitting atop it to browse through the pictures he had taken proudly.

Ever since he found a pendent of a four pointed blade in a thrift shop about three years ago, he had picked up the ability to talk to animals. It had made his love of photography and animals that much stronger. Not to mention his possible future career in being a well known animal photographer.

“Are you talking to those squirrels?”

The human and to critters froze in place.

Gabriel and Gracie took off for the trees behind him, cause him to mutter, “Traitors..” before spinning so his converse clad feet were on the opposite set of benches, “Um, well..” His voice trailed off because one, was he really going to admit to talking to animals?, two, he wasn’t sure what to say if he decided against this, and three, the body of the voice was beautiful.

The man was tall- over six feet- and had a shocking mane of flaming red hair that framed a fair, angular face. A set of triangle tattoos were settled on high cheek bones under a pair of emerald eyes.

It took all his willpower not to bring his camera up and take a few pictures of the man.

“If you are, good. Because I thought I was the only one. Well.. not squirrels really, usually the pair of cats I have at home.” He laughed lightly, running a hand through his hair.

Blue eyes watched as the spikes seemed to pop back into place. Huh, he thought his hair only did that..

“I mean, yeah. I was. Just, thanking them for the pictures. The pair are some are my best models.” He found himself saying, a half smile on his face as he fiddled with the strap from his camera. “Well.. currently there my only ones. The birds around here are a bit too stuck up to let me get some pictures of them.”

The redhead had moved to join him on the picnic table. Even though there was plenty of space between the two, it still felt like the other was towering over his five foot nothing self. “Could I see ‘em?” He wondered, “The name’s Axel by the way.” A wicked grin formed on his lips, finger tapping his temple, “Got it memorized?”

This time, he couldn’t help the automatic motions of capturing Axel on film.

“Oh.. I’m- Wow. Really sorry about that. Jesus Christ.. Um..” He knew a blush was flooding his cheeks and, it could have just been his imagination, but he distinctly heard laughter coming from .. the tree branches overhead. “I’m Roxas and yes.” It’s the least I could do.. He couldn’t help but thinking, hitting a few buttons for the playback and turning the camera for the redhead to see.

After a few minutes, Axel grinned, “Shit, these are.. National Geographic worthy.” Green eyes were turned from the camera, to him, “Ever thought about submitting them?”

Roxas couldn’t help but laugh a bit, covering it with a small cough, “That’s flattering really, but.. it’s just squirrels. I’d have to.. get pictures of like..” His voice trailed off, taking on a soft, wistful tone, “Lions.. polar bears.. dolphins-”

“Oh my?” Axel interrupted with a smirk, leaning back on his hand and simply watching him.

“You’re not funny.” The blond stated, pointing a finger at the other, but despite his words, a smile was on his lips.

“Ya know, I’m heading out in a few days to a beach where dolphins usually frequent.. You could tag along if you’d like..?” There was.. a hopeful tone to the redhead’s voice, though he tried to look nonchalant about it. “Going to meet up with an old college friend that decided to move there. It’s a good drive but..”

It was his turn to grin wickedly, “Axel, are you trying to trying to whisk me away to the beach without even offering to buy me dinner?”

Axel mouth opened and closed a few times, “Well.. that’s.. I was just..” A dusting of a blush had formed on the other’s cheeks, a hand coming up to rub a the back of his neck.

“How about some lunch? There’s a great place down the street with the best hot dogs, I swear to you.” His grin softened to a small smile, “We could talk about that beach trip?”

Lanky legs were planted on the ground as the redhead made to stand up, hands settling on his hips as he turned to face the blond. “It’s a date then.” A hand was held out for him to take in offering.

“It’s a date.” Roxas nodded, tucking his camera back into his back and shrugging it on his shoulder, he took the offered hand.

[mindtinkerings]

“He was unconscious when I found him.”

It was honestly the first thing Roxas could think of when he was questioned at the reception desk of the local ER.

The blond had been minding his own business studying the stars- like the good astrophysics student he was. Now, the fact that he was use to be a cornfield in the middle of nowhere was another thing entirely. But from his studies, that particular field was the prime spot to spot that rare shooting star that supposedly only happened every few thousand years.

To say he was a little excited to see the bright ball of gas bursting through the sky about twenty minutes later was an understatement.

All his things were shoved in the back of his run down van and he was zooming of to follow the star to where it was seeming to be about to land.

What he hadn’t expected upon finding the giant hunk of space matter (that.. sort of looked like a small space ship now that he thought about it..) was a person lying beside it in what appeared to be an odd.. cloak of leather.

“Holy shit..” Roxas had breathed, blue eyes wide as he looked between the unconscious form and the once shooting star. With an eye twitch and muttered, “Dammit!” his current location was saved in his GPS before he was hauling the unconscious person- a guy from the sharp angles of his face,  with literal red hair. Not ginger, or auburn or.. strawberry blonde, red- into his van.

Which was how he ended up at the ER, hoping to just drop the guy off and leave, but apparently that wasn’t the case.

“I have no idea who he is or why he’s unconscious.” He told the nurse, beginning to talk with his hands to the seemingly unamused woman, “I was in a field, followed a shooting star and he was what I’d found.” Of course it wasn’t the only thing he found, but some things he figured he should probably keep to himself.  

The nurse took pity on the blond and shooed him on, to which he gave a thankful sigh and ran a hand through his hair, trying to decide what to do now. He had space things to investigate.. but something was telling him to at least make sure the mystery guy was okay.

Plus.. he could use some coffee. He could feel exhaustion beginning to set in, days of barely any sleep and endless research were beginning to set in.

Five minutes later found Roxas sipping at his second cup of shitty coffee when a doctor came waltzing in, looking around the empty ER before landing on him with a raised eyebrow, “Are you the one that brought the unconscious gentlemen in?”

Sitting his styrofoam cup down and standing, he met the doctor half way, “So.. he’s not dead right?” It hadn’t even occurred to him to check to see if the guy was even alive before he brought him in.

The doctor laughed softly, “He’s alive and well- just a bit dehydrated. All his vitals are normal and it seemed he’s simply unconscious. Though..” At this, the chart he had was flipped through and puzzled expression formed on his face, “There.. really isn’t much to go on.. But.. for now, he’s in a room and your free to look in on him.”

“Oh no, I don’t really know him. I really just wanted-”

“He’s in room 813.” Were the doctor’s parting words before disappearing back down the hall to, from what the blond can only guess to make his rounds on other patients.

A sigh left him as he scrubbed his face, “I’m not getting back to the field tonight..” He murmured to himself as he went to scoop up his coffee again and made his way to the room number he was given. Turning the handle slowly, Roxas quietly entered the room- taking in the heart monitor beeping and the IV drip at the redhead’s bedside.

There was a chair to the other side of the medical devices that he took up, mentally thanking himself for not leaving his messenger bag, his journal was pulled out along with a pen and he got to work on notes of the night.

The sounds of rustling and his legs being bounced softly was what brought him back to consciousness. Not sure when he really fell asleep, a soft whine left him, “Oh c’mon, I was actually asleep..” Which seemed to be something he hadn’t done very well in.. what was probably a month. Feet dropping down to the floor, the blond sat up, rubbing at his eyes with a small yawn before his surroundings came back into focus and he remembered where he was.

It was only when he felt eyes on him, that he turned to face the ocupant- only to freezing at the piercing emerald eyes staring him down in.. what he could only register as shock. Before he could say anything, the redhead spoke- more like breath one word:

“Roxas.”

It was then that he realized, his research was going to be put on hold for quite awhile.

[mindtinkerings]

Roxas came to a halt cause his twin to run into him- a sheepis grin was matched with a glare. "Yes. Now, I have books to get and a coffee to drink. " His match was stepped around so he could continue his walk, ignoring the shouts that were thrown hus way. About thrity minutes later found him set up at a local café- largest cup of coffee in the midsle of half a dozen books. It was after a few sips and a few pages into the first book that a gruff voice spoke, "Another one?" The blond looked up to the *Cid description here* all black uniform of the café and a maroon apron. "Vincent." He nodded with a small laugh, "Uh, yeah. Apparently I'm a hell of a fighter." The barista was the one of the few people he'd talk to about the.. dre- memories and didn't think he'd lost it. "Figured that, kid." He stated with a smirk, setting a couple of brownies on a plate beside his coffee. "Feel like talking?" "Not about this one." A head shake was given, knees brought up to prop his book up in his lap while they used the table as leverage. Cid gave a nod back, "Don't stress yourself over yer research now." Were his parting words as he went on about his job.

[mindtinkerings]

A harsh laugh left the blond, giving the man before him a few slow nods, “Ah, I understand.” His hands slipped into his pockets and he couldn’t meet emerald eyes. “You see, I’ve been down this road.. multiple times and.. I’m not going back down it.”

It was then he actually looked Axel in the eye, tired blue eyes refusing to water like they wanted to. “So, whatever this,” A gesture was made between the two of them, “Is, is over. Because your apperance at work isn’t worth more than me.”

[mindtinkerings]

"You two look exactly alike. " "Not exactly. You've got a cute mole right there and your eyebrows are brown, not blond and yoir eues are a darker blue. "Please don't mind him. He has this thing of picking up on itty bitty pieces of people that they hardly ever notice."