a:

"You don't have to hide from him." Roxas is leering at Xemnas as Xemnas watches him curiously from the Suspended Bridge. He's sitting on the glassy window seat, high, high above any floor, but Xemnas can still see him.

"He's fond of you," The Superior continues to speak. Roxas wishes he would just go away. "Why don't you want him?"

Number XIII pulls his legs from the ledge, wrapping them to his chest and trying to hide himself away. It is childish, but he doesn't feel like getting up and leaving.

"I know you're still there."

Roxas snarls and everything falls into a strange, subdued quiet. Several moments pass; Number XIII believes His Lord has left.

"You'd never understand, anyway," Roxas mutters into his cloaked knees.

"You'd be surprised." Strong arms draw the young Nobody into a cold embrace. He's being pressed, close and tight, into the folds of a thick, black coat.

Damn him.

"I don't like Axel," Roxas is surprised by the sound of his own voice, "I don't want Axel."

Lithe fingers dance through his sandy hair. "Really, now?"

"He's stupid. I hate him."

"Hate, eh?"

"You're making fun of me." Roxas isn't asking: he's stating.

"Never."

---

for grey.

what? i like chapter fics, k?

general disclaimer applies here and now.

revised: 31.7.06