Holy Hell High

[Reno]

Terra looked back seeing his boss and he smiled. Aerith was becoming one of his very close friends. In so little time she had helped him so much... Him and Ven both. Listening to his complaints, paying for his bills, and helping Ven get Zack as well as finding the studio...

He just wished he could repay her somehow. He looked away sighing some and shrugging. "Nothing much." The brunette murmured, thinking of last night.
"A-Ahhh.... fuck Terra! .... TERRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!" The blond cried, backing arching as he was pounced into, the lips latched around one of his pierced nipples making his hips give a jerk as he came all over them both.
"Just the same old same old." He grinned a little. His graduation 'gift' was now one of his favorite places on Ven's body.

The only thing he did hate was, not only did he had to see himself in that ugly orange flock every time he turned on the TV, he aso still had it in his closet. Mom had said to keep it for sentimental reasons, blech.

"What about you?" Terra asked with a grin. "I hear you and my brother are getting along quite well."


Roxas smiled but nodded obediently, following after the other seeing how down he looked as he put up another flier and knew why as well. "Don't worry Axel... Rufus has a good chance of winning really!" He knew Terra and Aqua were both voting for him too, and of course Riku. And he and his brothers also. Sure they were only seven out of a couple thousand but it was something ri---?

He frowned suddenly, but not over Axel's sudden depression. Something... felt off. Really off.

He shook a little, a phantom fear passing his mind, but he brushed it off and wrapped his arms around Axel again, bringing him into a hug. "Hey Ax... I need to use the pay phone really quick." He murmured softly, sounding troubled.


"Uhhhn..." Sora groaned softly as he was tugged into another kiss, hips twitching a little at the fingers dancing at his pelvic, pushing against the other in askance for more. Meanwhile his hands slipped from soft silver locks and tugged up the silverette's shirt, feeling the contours of the others back. However something interrupted. something loud.

Halo trailed after Sirocco harmlessly, having fun with her little game. she sat down nearby the office as he gathered his things, ears twitching upwards and, as he stepped over her, she quickly followed after, taking to the stairs much easier then she had six months ago.

However her trailing didn't last long as she noticed his demeanor change and, at the yell, her ears came down and her tail slipped between her thighs as she about-faced and rushed down the stairs and out of sight.

In their shock and surprise at the door slamming and the furious voice, Riku's jaw clenched, biting down on Sora's tongue while fingers raked a burning trail diagonally along the silverette's back. They broke apart, both hurt but too startled to notice and Sora nearly toppled OFF the bed, catching himself on his hands.

His wide blue eyes breathed hard as he turned his head... to face his worst nightmare. His father. Standing at his doorway... looking ready to commit murder.

"What are you doing home?!" Sora cried because it was the first thing that popped in his head. At the venomous glare he reached however he cowered, fear bubbling in his stomach. He'd never seen his father so... angry at him before. "D-Dad...?" The brunette whispered softly, terrified.

[Rikugurl]

Aerith smiled as she heard the content reply, not knowing what was 'same old, same old' to Terra. At the mention of Zack though, she turned away, blushing, as she put her finger tips together. "Oh... nothing really... we uh... just uh..." She blinked when the bell of the door rang and she looked up, seeing a woman walking in and starting to look around.

Aerith gave a nervous laugh before quickly walking to the woman. "Oh, welcome! Is there something special you're looking for?"


Axel smiled weakly as he listened. He knew Roxas was just trying to cheer him up... because he already knew how bad the popular vote was doing for Rufus. Sometimes when Roxas wasn't over, Reno and Rufus would stop by and talk with Sera about things. The election of course was always brought up and Axel sighed when he heard about the stats... and the things people were saying...

He blinked though when he got the sudden hug... and then the sudden worry. His eyes became concerned as he stopped hammering the nail and looked down, seeing the worried look on Roxas's face. "Y-yea, sure. You alright...?"

They walked to the nearest phone and Axel dug into his pocket, pulling out a quarter that he had gotten in change at the ice cream parlor. "Here."


Riku grinned into the kiss, feeling the other's hips pushing, asking for more. He could already see where this was going...
Or...at least he thought he did...

His aquamarine eyes widened as he accidentally bit down onto Sora's tongue and pulling away, trying to cover up what was going on.... but it was too late. He quickly got to his feet, only glancing at Sora for a second as he hit the floor.

Sirocco took a step into the bedroom, his glare moving from Riku to Sora as his son asked him the question. "First, Ventus gets obsessed with a college boy, then he moves in with another boy. Next was Roxas dancing with another boy and now spending all his time with him and NOW YOU!? I KNEW this was going to happen! I fucking knew it! God damn, long haired FAGGOT as a friend!"

Riku's eyes widened before he clenched his fists. "EXCU---"
"SHUT UP!" Sirocco yelled over the silverette and growled. "You both... get the fuck out of this house!"
Sora started to say something next but Sirocco once again yelled over him. "NOW! PACK YOUR SHIT AND GET OUT OF HERE! And take your fucking dog with you!"

[Reno]

Terra couldn't help but laugh as Aerith RUSHED to help the new customer, shaking his head. Saved by the bell. He smirked mysteriously - he'd just have to get the story from ZACK instead~


Roxas bit his lip at the question and shook his head. "I... don't know..." He murmured but he took the quarter gratefully as they came to the pay phone, leaning up and kissing the other on the cheek. "Thanks."

He rushed into the phone and took it off the hook, putting in the change. He got the dial tone... then paused. who was he going to call? Automatically his mind said home but... his logical side told him no one should even BE home... Dad and mom were at work, and Sora was out with Riku...

But Ven... Ven he could get a hold of. He shook and dialed the blonde's number, shakily listening to it ring. "Hello?!" He heard the other answer on the other end, sounding just as uneasy as him.
"Ven..." Roxas breathed, hearing his brother his brother sigh his name as well then as one they asked, "Are you okay?!"

A pause, then Roxas chuckled. "Y-Yeah I'm okay..." He got a similar answer in return and in an instant it dawned on them who was left. "Sora..."


"-long haired FAGGOT as a friend!"
Sora's eyes widened and his heart gave a vicious tug of pain. How could his dad... even SAY something so horrible about someone he loved so much? He watched his dad and boyfriend have a small spat that ended in failure.

But when he was told to get out he scrambled to his feet, "But... but dad-" He started only to get screamed out again. He flinched and bit his lip bowing his head feeling shame and guilt wrap into his stomach and squeeze so hard he felt dizzy and ready to throw up. Was this really happening?

He knew the books had told him time and time again never to try to reason with someone while they were angry - they would be too irrational and impossible to get through to. That the shock could sometimes be too much and a family member would need days to even YEARS to cope with it...

But Sora always put his heart before his mind, and slowly he walked forward much like an abused dog would to a stranger. His blue eyes looked up at his dad searchingly, imploringly. "Dad please... please let me explain. Let me talk to you!"

[Rikugurl]

Ven sighed as he put the pen down and tore the check out. He was placing it into the envelope when he stopped, a weird tingling going through him. A sad one... and it was a little overbearing. He reached up, wrapping his fingers around the charm when

Riiiiiiing
Riiiiiiing

"ACK!" He looked up in shock and shot to the phone, picking it up. "Hello!?" His face looking worried. He blinked though when his brother breathed his name. "Roxas..." He calmed down a bit... but the feeling wasn't going away. "Are you okay?!"

He blinked as he heard an echo from the other end and shook his head. Sometimes... this was a little weird....
He frowned as he heard Sora's name... but the feeling... it matched. What... might be wrong? Had Riku said something...? He wouldn't believe it. Riku was a good boyfriend to Sora ever since they started dating... and he had always been such a good friend...

Why didn't Sora get a cell!?

"Did you... call home?"


Sirocco glared at his son, not one inch of him feeling beaten down by those eyes. "I don't want to talk to you Sora! I want you out, RIGHT NOW! I don't want to see your face!" When Sora insisted, the man grabbed his arm and pushed him out the door. "GET OUT!"
"HEY! LEAVE HIM ALONE!" Riku cried as he rushed after Sora and made sure he was ok.

The silverette looked at the man, his eyes dark with a frown on his face. "L-let's just go, Sora..."
"I'm really starting not to like your dad, Sora" The silverette sighed as he listened to the fire crackling.

[Reno]

"N-No..." Roxas said tentatively as he dug through his pockets, thankfully finding another quarter. "No one should be home but I could try. But the thing is is Sora said he was spending the day with Riku so..."


Sora bit his lip as his offer was shot down and he took another step forward. "Dad please!" It was the breaking point. Sora gave a cry as he was grabbed and harshly thrown out his OWN bedroom door. he stumbled in surprise, nearly toppling over but managed to catch himself on his hands and knees.

Riku helped him back up though, his face full of concern. He shook against the other but nodded slowly at his words. "O-Okay..." He looked back at his dad who was still steamed and without another word went down the stairs with Riku. He gave a weak whistle and Halo came running to his side, heeling without being told. she looked a little spooked and uncertain, but her tail wagged some as she saw them approached the door. A walk?!

Riku was snatching up her leash that was on the coat hanging and clipping it to her collar while Sora opened the door. Riku walked out with Halo first while Sora turned back around and looked up the stairs were his father was, looking down at him and glaring in disgust, just waiting for him to get out.

Sora bit his lip before reached into his pocket, taking something out. His house keys. They jingled softly as he set them on a small shelf nearby the front door. He didn't care at the moment that he was leaving behind his clothes, his things, his harp... that he was now homeless with no possessions except what he was wearing and his dear dog...

He just looked straight at his dad, his eyes sad. "I'm sorry dad that I couldn't be the son you wanted me to be." His father said nothing.

He turned away, grabbed the door and shut it softly behind him before he and Riku with Halo between them crossed the yard and walked down the sidewalk, heading for Riku's house that was blocks away. Sora stuck his hands in his pockets, staring at the ground emotionlessly while his brain was still trying to wrap around what had just happened.


In the Holani house the phone began to ring.

[Rikugurl]

Ven nodded as he slowly as he hung up the phone. He frowned as he looked down, still feeling that twist in his stomach that something was wrong. Very wrong...
Slowly he walked back to the bed and instead of continuing what he was doing, he got under the covers and curled up.


Riku's hands shook a bit as he snapped the leash onto Halo's collar and she happily went outside. His eyes were still dark as he waited outside for Sora... trying to block out what the other was saying. Was this.... really happening. He closed his eyes and sighed shakily as the brunette came to his side. Slowly they headed down the street, Riku knowing that it would take ten minutes to get to.

He glanced at Sora, seeing the horrible look on his face. His free hand slowly reached out and pulled Sora's wrist from his pocket. His fingers slowly moved down and intertwined with Sora's, squeezing their bond tightly.
Sirocco... didn't mean it..... right?


The man growled as his son closed the door, running a hand through his hair. "UGH!" He cried as he heard the phone and went down the stairs, picking it up. "Hello?" He asked, a bit irritated. When he heard Roxas's voice on the other end, he frowned. "What do you want?"

[Reno]

Sora blinked as he felt warmth at his wrist and he glanced down, seeing the pale white hand tugging his own out of his pocket. He squeezed back as their fingers intertwined, raising his head to smile weakly at Riku.

Halo looked between the two, her happily wagging tail slowly drooping. Something told her this walk was not going to be a normal one.

The ten minutes passed like an eternity, nothing was said. But it wasn't long before they were stepping through the front door of the Mizushima house and Sora dumbly just walked into the living room and fell on the couch, staring blankly at the floor.


Roxas frowned as his brother hung up the phone without so much as a good-bye. He shook his head before putting the phone back on the hook. He knew Axel was waiting outside but...

He took it off the hook again, quickly placing in the other quarter and dialed again, this time one much more close to his heart.

He blinked at the irritated tone he received after two rings and recognized it as his father's. "Dad, it's me." His eyes widened several fractions at the rude query, his stomach suddenly twisting with a dawning realization. It... couldn't be...

"I-I was just wondering if Sora was home..."

[Rikugurl]

Riku unleashed Halo as they got inside his own house. She seemed to want to sniff everything, it being her first time her.... but she went right to Sora's side.
He could only smile weakly. Sora had picked out the best companion ever... and Riku was happy he had gotten her for him. He was about to walk into the living room and sit with Sora when he heard a call from upstairs.

"Riku?"
He looked up the staircase as she walked down and smiled.... but her smile slowly faded as she looked at her son's expression. When she got to the first floor, she looked up at him, worried. "What's wrong, sweetie?"

Riku took a deep breath before nudging his head in Sora's direction. Carina looked over, seeing the blank expression of her second 'son' along with Halo. "Wha--"
"He was kicked out..." Her boy whispered, only to get a look of shock back. "What!? Why!?"

Riku looked away sighted and shook his head. "Maybe... you should ask him yourself..."

Carina nodded before slowly walking to the room, petting Halo when she greeted her before sitting down next to Sora. Her arm wrapped around his shoulder, bringing him close and kissing the side of his head. "Sora... honey, what's wrong....?"


Sirocco closed his eyes and frowned more at the question. "No, he's not. Not any more. He won't be coming back either. And if you're fooling around with that redhead behind my back, you can stay the fuck out too, Roxas." The slammed the phone down and grabbed his keys.

The front door opened and slammed shut as he walked back to his car.

[Reno]

Sora frowned as Halo came near her body a comfortable weight against his leg, He was dimly aware of the two silver-haired family members talking, but he was acutely aware of Carina when she came near, the feel of her sweet touch after his father's rough screams heartbreaking.

How could a woman not even related to him care so much about his pain when his own father...

He shut his eyes, smashing that thought quickly and he took a few breathes to even out the storm that was clouding his mind. Once he felt in control of himself enough to answer he leaned against her, murmuring softly.

"Me and Riku were up in my room kissing." He said softly. "I hadn't thought it would turn out like this... I just... no one was home and and-" Sora's voice started to break but he cut himself off and sighing heavily. "A-A-Anyways... my dad must of come home early or-or something because suddenly he was there and screaming at us and telling me and Riku to get out and he didn't ever want to see me again and and-" Tears spilled down his cheeks as his voice got hysterical.


The phone slipped from Roxas' numb grasp, swinging from it's cord as the dial tone rang from it. He started blankly at his reflection in the metal around him, seeing just how his face had paled and how slack his jaw was. Shock was his first reaction...

Anger was his third as he shook and grit his teeth grabbing the end of the phone and RIPPING it out by it's cord, the metal snapping loudly. "WELL FUCK YOU TOO DAD!!" He threw the plastic onto the concrete, watching it scrape and scratch before he smashed his fists down on the cradle of the phone.

The third was sadness as he felt arms curling around him and Axel crying out his name, holding the blond close even as he trashed. Yellow fliers flew everywhere...

and then the blonde was limp heaving in deep breathes as sobs wracked his frame. The explanation stuttered past his lips when the red-head asked what had happened. Sora had been thrown out of the house... and so had he... for their love.

[Rikugurl]

Riku swallowed as he leaned up against the frame of the room, looking down at the floor. He really didn't... know how to react. Everything was happening so fast in his life... nothing seemed real anymore. At least... his mother was always caring... no matter what....

"Oh Sora!" The woman pampered as she pulled Sora closer, her other arm wrapping around him. She rocked him and kissed his face, wiping his tears away. "Shhh, it's alright sweetie... don't cry." She couldn't BELIEVE Sirocco would do something like this to Sora! The boys were only kissing!

She knew more than that though. Riku had told her everything... and instead of being upset, she was delighted. Sora was only getting closer to the family!
She pulled away and dried the rest of his tears with her shirt before looking him in the eye. "Now calm down Sora... You just stay with us tonight, I'll make you your favorite dish and desert and tomorrow, I am going to have a word with your father. Everything will be fine, sweetheart, I'll make sure of it."


Axel sighed as he waited outside, wondering why it was taking so long.

That was when he heard it. His eyes widened as he heard the cries and the banging in the booth before he pulled at the doors, opening them to see a blonde going nuts. "ROXAS! ROXAS!" He called as he tried to grab the blonde, only for Roxas to flail all over, fighting the comfort. The fliers flew all over, scattering all over the booth and the sidewalk outside.

"ROXAS!" Long arms wrapped around the blonde, holding him tight so he could no longer pulled away. When Roxas realized he could no longer continue his second stage... his third kicked in.

Axel slowly lowered his boyfriend so that they were both sitting inside the booth. Axel started to rock the other as he sobbed. "Roxas.... wha.... what's wrong....?"
He slowly reached back and closed the door, bringing them some privacy.

What he got from between the sobs was that his dad had kicked Sora out because something had happened... and now Roxas wasn't welcomed back home either. "Baby...." He whispered, his hurt going to Roxas. He continued to rock his lover, his fingers running through the blonde hair soothingly.

[Reno]

Sora sniffled as Carina wiped away his tears, lips trembling just slightly as he looked up at her. He nodded slowly as she attempted to calm him down. She was a wonderful, beautiful woman for trying and he loved her dearly for it. But even the cajoling for his favorite dinner and dessert didn’t really help him see the silver lining in the whole affair. But could anyone really blame him…? He was still trying to figure out what was the correct reaction against what had just happened only minutes ago.

“O-Okay…” Sora finally whispered. “Can I… go lie down for now?”
When Carina said he could he smiled faintly at her, more for her than because he felt like it. He stood shakily from the couch and walked over Halo, ironically much like his father had down in a house only four blocks away and much the same way. He clicked his tongue and her ears perked and without a second word followed after. They passed Riku but the two boys said nothing to one another – what could be said…?

Sora went up the stairs to Riku’s room tugging off his shoes haphazardly before he climbed into the bed and curled up under the covers, Halo jumping up and laying at his feet. He shivered all over as his mind recalled, terribly, his father’s yells, the look on his face, the anger in his eyes… and like Ven, laying in a pool of his own blood in the music room, wrists wrapped in wire and violin bow defiled… this memory would never leave him.

He sighed his eyes lidding in exhaustion – all he wanted was to just sleep and forget… pretend it was all a nightmare. But for him this was something he couldn’t – and deep in his heart didn’t want – to escape. Because this was who he was… and no matter what happened to him in the world, he could only be who he was and no one else.

Awhile later he heard footsteps on the stairs and he looked towards the threshold, seeing his distraught boyfriend. He must have been talking to his mom…

He wondered if this was hard for him to accept too. Riku had known his family for almost as long as he himself had… and this had to be a shock to him too. No matter how much shit his dad had been saying over the elections and Rufus ShinRa, never had either of them expected… this to happen.

God and he hadn’t even thought of how his mom was going to respond… and what happened when Roxas came home or when Ventus heard the news? All he could see was his mother crying, his dad screaming, Roxas with his fists flying and Ventus shoving things over as he cussed up a storm. God… his family was going to become a warzone.

“Riku…” Sora whispered softly and it spurred the other into action and in moments Riku was laying next to him, both of them holding onto each other tightly. Halo adjusted, laying across both their legs.
The brunette sighed looking up into Riku’s aquamarine gaze and smiled a little. “You know what I’m thinking about right now? I’m thinking about prom and us dancing together... one leading one following but still working together in perfect harmony and just how one little thing – a shake in the ground, a change in the music… a declaration of love… to just break that togetherness.” Silence… a sad sort of silence.

Sora sighed but smiled more, snuggling closer. “But… but just for a little while. It just a simple question to get back onto the dance floor again.” Riku didn’t comment but that was because he understood it was a metaphor. Sora had a thing for writing and speaking in metaphors… annoying habit but sometimes it helped.


Roxas shivered as Axel only held him tighter after his story and he shook his head, not bothering to fight it as they sat there in the phone booth, soft shushing noises and the sound of the blond’s sobs the only thing they could hear. After a few minutes Roxas pulled away wiping at his eyes. “I-I’m okay sorry…” He whispered, looking a little ashamed over his outburst especially in front of Axel who didn’t even HAVE parents. He shouldn’t complain. His eyes dimmed as he tried to distance himself away from the emotions trying to cloud his mind and squeeze his heart. He wasn’t ready to deal with them right now.

“Come on we better finish putting up the fliers.” Roxas whispered. Axel seemed like he wanted to protest but the blond just shook his head and the red-head knew better then to push it. “Come on.”

He and Axel collected as many of the yellow papers as they could and went on with their project this time mostly in an uncomfortable silence. Any words that were shared were meaningless and short. It wasn’t until the sun was getting low in the sky and their papers had gone from two-hundred to two did Roxas ask, “A-Axel… can I stay with you for a couple of days?”

The red-head was only too happy to agree though he obviously wasn’t thrilled with the turn of events. He didn’t and never had wanted Roxas to live in his neighborhood… and neither of them were certain how long this stay would be.


“Hey I’m home!” A rough voice called, the door to a small apartment opening as a man walked in, skin grimy from working with plants all day. At least he smelled ‘flowery’ though. He hesitated when he received no immediate response but he saw the lump on the bed. “Ven…?” Was he asleep?

He shut the door and dropped his keys on the nightstand, climbing onto the bed and as he did the smaller turned too looked at him. He looked like a mess. “Hey are you okay?” Terra asked softly placing his hand on the other’s forehead. No fever. “You look sick…”

It took a few tries but finally he wheedled out the story about the bad feeling (that twin-epilepsy again), Roxas calling and figuring something was up with Sora and not hearing from him since. “No news is good news.” Terra said softly. That of course only yielded a hostile response. “Well have you called around? …… No of course not.”

Terra rolled his eyes before taking out his cell phone and a little address book they had on hand. It had been his idea in case they needed to desperately get in touch with someone. That was bound to happen considering his health record. There was no answer at the Holani house, so he tried both of the parent’s work numbers only getting the same answer ‘he had just missed him/her’. His fourth call was to Riku’s house.

This time he did get an answer of who he vaguely recognized as Riku’s mom. He asked her softly if he could speak with Sora but she announced he was napping with Riku. A few questions later he quickly found out what had happened. After he hung up with the woman he stared at his cell phone blankly before slowly looking at Ven…

“Baby…” He said softly and from his tone Ven knew this was not going to be good news.

And Terra was not the least bit shocked when the short blond threw a fit. He felt a bit badly for the vase and some of their picture frames though.


There was a reason no one had answered the Holani’s phone and it wasn’t because no one was home.

“WHAT DID YOU THINK I WOULDN’T NOTICE THEY WERE GONE!?” Was the echoing scream.

“WHAT GIVES YOU THE RIGHT TO THROW MY BABIES OUT ON THE STREET WITHOUT EVEN CONSULTING ME!? …. I DON’T GIVE A FUCK WHAT THEY ARE!!! THEY ARE MY SONS TOO! YOU MIGHT BE THE MAN AROUND HERE BUT YOU ARE NOT THE ONE RUNNING THE FUCKING SHOW DO YOU UNDERSTAND ME!?”

It wasn’t looking good for Sirocco. No matter what he said, he only dug himself further and further into the hole.

“I don’t really care if I know where they are Sirocco! The fact remains that they aren’t where they are by choice anymore but because you just threw them OUT of the house and they don’t have anywhere else to go. They don’t have their tooth brushes, Sora doesn’t any food for Halo, Roxas’ wallet is still here, they don’t even have their clothes…. WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?!”

After the fight, Sirocco was stomping around upstairs completely pissed still while Bryna was stewing in the living room… when something caught her eye. A painting. She stood up and looked at it, smiling at the poorly done clouds and the misshapen hot-air balloons and the mountains the just looked like splotches. Sora’s Christmas gift…

Not two minutes later, this telephone conversation would occur:
“Hi Sora.”
“…Hi mom.”
“How are you darling are you okay?”
“….Yeah I’m okay.”
“……”
“…..Are you mad at me too mom?”
“…..No honey no I’m not mad. I could never be mad at you…”
“But you’re upset.”
“No I’m shocked and confused and… and I don’t know honey it’s just been a crazy year. But I still love you darling no matter what. You and Roxas and Ven are my babies and you always will be.”
“I…I love you too mom.”
“Don’t cry darling, it is okay. Everything will be just fine just you wait.”
“But dad-”
“Me and Carina will take care of him in the morning don’t you worry. For now though I think its best we let him cool off so you and Roxas will probably just have to stay with your… friends for a few days okay?”
“…Boyfriends mom.”
“Right…. Boyfriends. Anyways darling do you need anything? Your jammies or food for Halo or anything?”
“I’m good for tonight mom… we fed Halo some leftovers and I can borrow Riku’s clothes.”
“Okay well then…”
“I guess... I’ll see you soon?”
“Of course sweetie. Get some rest darling and please don’t worry. For once just let the adults take care of this one.”
“I’ll try. Goodnight mom.”
“Goodnight honey.”

[Rikugurl]

Carina smiled and nodded. "Of course you can, sweetheart." She rubbed his head gently before letting him go so he could go upstairs. With a sigh, she watched Sora walk pass her son, both speechless. With a shake of her head and the sounds of Sora's feet hitting the top floor, she stood and approached her son.

"Riku.... did he....did he hurt him?" She bit her lip as she tilted her head in concern.
"N-no mom.... just pushed him to leave."
Carina just shook her head and sighed again before walking pass him. "Bryna is going to be so upset..."
Riku was silent but slowly started upstairs, towards his bedroom where he knew he'd find his boyfriend.

Why couldn't everyone be like his mom...?

When he walked into the threshold, he just silently looked in at the brunette cuddled in his bed. His eyes slowly looked down at the floor, pondering such things as... What now? Would Sora be kicked out forever? Would they have to find their own placed like Ven and Terra? His thoughts were interrupted when he heard his name whispered though and quickly looked up.

He walked into his room slowly and closed the door behind him before slowly getting into the bed with Sora. His strong arms wrapped around his thin waist, pulling him close. He only felt some soothing calmness when he felt the warmth of the other.

When the eyes looked at him, he frowned slightly, not seeing the bright blue in the dark. "Hmm...?" He hummed as he heard the question, knowing that he wasn't suppose to try and answer it. When he heard what Sora had to say, he looked away, silent. He remember that night perfectly.

He looked back at Sora as he continued, only to smile. It took him a good ten minutes before he finally said something. "I hope... so, Sora."
They laid in bed for hours, slowly drifting to sleep and wake up now and then. Both were awake and Riku nuzzled the brunette before blinking, hearing the telephone. He looked over at the caller ID.
Holani

The phone was picked up and a few minutes later, "SORA! IT'S FOR YOU HONEY!"
Riku reached over and grabbed his phone before turning it on and handing it to Sora.

He watched brunette talk to his mother, hearing her sweet voice on the other side. He knew she would make everything ok again. Besides, she was like his second mother. He remembered when he fell down and got his knee scrapped. Sora was so worried and called his mom, only for her to rush out and scoop him up. He remember calling for his mom, even when Bryna would ask him things.

All Riku wanted was his mother... but Bryna made his feel as brand new... just like his own mom would. He gave her a big hug... before chasing after that butterfly again.


Axel sighed as he nuzzled the blonde's hair, hearing him say that he was ok. Roxas was far from ok...
He frowned when the blonde stood, talking about putting up the rest of the fliers. "But Roxas..." He was stopped though and got that look, only nodding and standing up himself. He knew not to argue because it would REALLY not be ok.

He helped pick up the flyers and quickly they went back as if nothing happened, hammering them up and letting remarks fly over them.

When they turned the corner towards the gallows, Axel stopped as he heard the question. "M-my place?" Now, both Axel and Sera didn't want Roxas to hang out around the gallows and even when Axel brought Roxas over to have some fun, he still got an ear full when he came home from walking Roxas back.
It was... quite dangerous for Roxas to be there... especially now that he was tagged by the Turks... but he knew... something bad had happened at Roxas's house so...

"Sure." He smiled as he wrapped one of his arms around the blonde's waist. He leaned down, planting a sweet kiss on Roxas's lips before they slowly headed back to Axel's apartment complex.


Another blonde on the other side of the city as dealing with the pain himself... and not even having to felt it first hand. Something was terribly wrong with not one... but now two of his brothers. He didn't even realize how long he was in the bed until he heard keys in the doorknob. Terra was home? Already?
Blue eyes gazed back, seeing that it was indeed 8:32pm.

When the brunette got into bed, he turned around, sighing and slowly looked up at him. His face was pale with worry and he only sighed more when Terra checked his forehead. "It's nothing..." the blonde replied... but he should of known better because Terra didn't believe that. So... he told him... about a bad feeling he had, the phone call with Roxas and figuring out it was Sora.
"So... he called and.... I haven't heard anything since. That was.... about a few hours ago."

He looked up at the blonde and frowned. "No, I didn't realize what time it was until you got home." His answered Terra's question. When his boyfriend pulled out his cell, he sat up and folded his arms, listening to Terra call all sorts of places, nodding as Terra gave him some clues as to why he kept calling people. No one was around. He did frown and watched Terra as he talked to Carina though...

He swallowed when he got off the phone... and heard that tone in Terra's voice. Something bad.... did happen.
He was never expecting what Terra said though.

"WHAT THE FUCK!?" Ventus shot out of bed and growled. "ARE YOU FUCKING SERIOUS!? WHO THE FUCK DOES HE THINK HE IS!? HE CAN'T FUCKING DO THAT!" A vase that was close by, holding a fake rose that Terra had gotten for one of their holidays fell to the floor, shattering into pieces as the blonde stormed around the small room. "THAT FUCK! OH MY FUCKING GOD!" Some pictures flew, hitting the wall and cracking the frames.

Terra had learned how to duck and cover very well.

"FUCK THIS!" He cried before suddenly blinking.
"HEY IN THERE! QUIET DOWN!"
It was the old, deaf man from next door.
"FUCK YOU!" Ventus shouted back before picking up the phone and dialing a familiar number.
Bryna picked up.
"WHAT THE FUCK IS GOING ON MOM!? DID YOU FUCKING----" He frowned as he stopped, hearing his mother cut him off and started talking.

His fingers ran through his hair as he sighed and slowly calmed his guns. His eyes closed, shaking his head. A minute later, he felt arms wrap around his waist, providing him some more comfort as his mother continued to talk.



In the morning, the smell of french toast was in the air. Riku and Sora came down and ate breakfast, both very quiet. Oddly enough, Carina had a smile on her face. When they were done and she finished washing their plates, she walked in front of them and put her hands on her waist. "Alright boys. Get dressed. We're going for a ride."

Riku blinked, giving her an odd look but when she winked, he only sighed and stood, leading Sora upstairs.
They undressed and Riku gave Sora some clean boxers and a clean shirt. They could share those but unfortunately, their pant sizes were a little off... length wise.

They walked downstairs and out to the car, getting back in the seat and putting on their seat belt. As Carina drove, Riku reached out, taking Sora's hand and squeezing it. They both shared a smile that lasted until they pulled into the....Holani drive way.
Riku frowned, knowing where this was going. "Mom, I--"
"Let's go!" She said with a cheer in her voice that both boys couldn't fight.

They got out of the car and slowly walked up to the door. When Carina knocked, Bryna opened it and let them all in. She gave a hug to her son before they all walked to the living room where an unsuspecting male was reading a news paper.

"SIROCCO!"
The man blinked and looked over his paper, seeing Carina with hands on her hips, his wife, his SON and....Riku. Sirocco shot up and frowned, glaring at Sora.
"Didn't I---"
"Excuse me! I was talking, mister Holani." Carina snapped before slowly wrapping her arms around Sora and pulled him in front of her. Each one of her hands were placed on each of his shoulders as she glared at the man.

"How could you do this to your son... and of Sora of all boys. Sora is one of the most sweetest boys I have ever met and let me tell you, mister, I put a lot of time and care into your sons well being and I think I should have my two cents. Just because he's gay doesn't change that smile of his. Just because he's gay doesn't change that helpfulness. Just because he's gay doesn't change that's he's willing to go that extra mile. Just because he's gay doesn't change his good grades or his polite behavior. And just because he's gay doesn't change the fact that he's your son."

She frowned even more when he opened his mouth, quickly continuing. "ALL three of your boys are gay, Sirocco. And all three of their boyfriends have put life and meaning into their lives just as Bryna had done for you. Terra gave Ventus the will to live, Axel brought out the social butterfly and confidence in Roxas and Riku has given the glow back in Sora's eyes. I know all your boys have done something to change the other's life too. Terra never feels alone anymore, Axel has a better atmosphere and... my son smiles all the time now."

With a nod, she continued.
"You're suppose to support your children... not shun them because of a life decision they made. All the boys they're with are nice boys, caring and gentle. Things could be a hell of a lot worse and everyone has the right to love the person that they love without any judgment. The world will never be in peace if such differences continue to create such turmoil. Is loving someone really a good reason to get thrown out of the house. Doesn't that sound silly to you...?"

Sirocco swallowed, looking down at the floor. He wanted to say something... anything but... everything she said... made sense...



Everyone was leaning on the edge of their seat, watching the TV. Today was a big day for Radiant and other local towns.
It was election day and all booths were now closed. EVERYONE ended up voting, even though who weren't big on it.

Blue eyes watched the announcer closely as he opened an envelope. He pulled out a paper and started to read it before placing it back and smiling at the cameras. "Alright, ladies and gentle men of Radiant... I'd like to bring your the breaking news that for popular vote has been tallied and I must say that the votes that won won by just a few counts! This is the closest winning in all of Radiant history."

"Yea, yea... blah, blah. Enough with the bullshit..." The blonde uttered as he continued to shove some popcorn into his face.
The man nodded to a few people offstage and at the crowd that was present before looking back at the cameras. "Ladies and gentle men, Mr. Rufus Shinra will be taking the place of his father!"
Cheers sounds all around from the crowd on the TV.

"OH MY GOD!" Popcorn flew all over the place as Ventus threw up his arms. "WHOOOOOOOOOO!!!" He laughed happily as he wrapped his arms around Terra who was next to him, some popcorn in his hair.


Sound makers went off next to the stage at city hall where the public announcement was being held. Two redheads and a blonde were in the front, making tons of noise. "GO RUFUS! YEEEEAAAH!!" Sera cried happily as her son blew on a cute, paper horn next to her.

And Reno was worried that he couldn't get any camera time!

[Reno]

Sora smiled faintly as he hung up the phone before leaning over Riku to set it on it's cradle. He snuggled back down, laying close to the other. "Mom says she's gonna help your mom talk to my dad..." He murmured softly.

It was a great piece of news... because it meant his mom was still on his side. Maybe... everything would be okay after all.


Roxas smiled as he was brought closer, sighing happily as he leaning against the other. At least... Axel was always here for him...
"I love you... Axel..."


Terra winced each time something was broken or smashed. He looked forlornly at the flower surrounded by glass chips. Well there went their meager decorations...
"Why the fuck are we putting a girly vase with a girly fucking rose in OUR place?"
"Because I like girly fucking flowers in girly fucking vases!" Terra said as he set it down straightening the fake leaves tenderly.
"Fuck Terra when did you get a pussy?"
"When you grew one first, teddy bear." Terra said, throwing said get-well bear at Ven's face.

The brunette hunkered down as a frame went sailing over his head, smashed hard into the wall behind him. Well fuck... why did he have to break EVERY picture except his graduation one?!

"Ven... VEN!" Terra started to yell, trying to catch the other's attention - but a voice next door stopped him before he could. Wait... what the fuck?! Did they get new neighbors?!

He watched Ven quietly as he dialed home and started to speak with his mom. he sighed as he got off the bed and carefully went to Ven's side, wrapping his arms around him and bringing him close.

"Now don't you worry about a thing honey everything is going to be fine." Bryna said softly. "I already yelled at your father good tonight and Carina's coming over tomorrow to give him an earful too. We'll get this all straightened out so don't worry honey... But listen I do have an idea."
The mother and son talked for awhile longer until she unexpectedly ended the call. "Honey, I'm gonna have to go. I want to go downtown to make sure Roxas is okay. I love you, okay?"

She got an answer in return and she smiled, hanging up the phone before reaching for her purse and keys and heading out the door.


Roxas sighed as he stirred the soup in his bowl disinterestedly, unable to gather any appetite at all. "I'm sorry..." He mumbled to Sera softly as he pushed the bowl over to Axel. "I'm just... not really hungry today." The woman was just started to reassure him that it was alright... when a knock on the door surprised them all. Who could that be...?

Roxas sighed, slumping further in his seat as Sera went to answer the door. Axel was just reaching over to place a hand on his shoulder when a familiar voice rang throughout the small kitchen.
"I'm so sorry to drop in like this Sera, I was just looking for my son and-" Bryna was saying as she was ushered into the apartment.

Roxas' head jerked around, his blue eyes wide. "Mom?!"
"Oh honey there you are!" Bryna said softly smiling as she saw her boy.
The two seemed to hesitate, both unsure of what to do next... until Roxas slowly got to his feet and walked over and stood in front of her. "Mom... why are you...?"
"Oh honey I was worried about you!" She said softly, hugging him.
Roxas blinked but slowly hugged her back, smiling just a little. "Mom..."

The talk between them lasted much longer than it had for the hurting Sora or the furious Ven. She knew forgiveness, if her husband ever searched for it, would not be gained easily from their youngest.
"I can't believe he'd just throw us out like that...." and
"I don't even think I WANT to come home anymore. Not if he's going to act like such a dick."
Not in the least.

By the time Bryna had left, thanking Sera for housing her son for the night even if it was in a dangerous area. She trusted the woman and her nephew to take care of her boy. And Roxas... had a toothbrush and some toothpaste as well as his wallet and a change of clothes but was a little happier then he had been, just glad to of seen his mother. Like Sora, he was happy... that she still loved him.


The next morning Sora was fed dressed and carted off all within the first thirty minutes of the morning. He sat in the car next to Riku, wearing the others pants that were belted tightly around him and a shirt that, if he tried, could easily slip off of his shoulders.

He watched the houses pass by, his mind instantly recognizing the direction they were going. A left, a right, another left...

Unlike Riku he wasn't shocked at all when his house came into view. He sighed sadly, fingers grasping onto Riku's again but this time in slight fear. He wasn't... ready to face his father again...

He found out quickly he had no say in the matter as he was helped up the steps of his porch and, after a quick hug with his mother, was pulled inside... to the kitchen. He swallowed as his dad spotted him and started to move closer to Riku, attempting to hide behind him but Carina, bless her heart, stopped him before he said anything that he would regret...

Sora gulped as he was grabbed and placed in front of Carina and held in place as she talked over him. The brunette lowered his face, hiding his eyes behind his bangs so his dad couldn't meet them...

What shocked him was the moment of silence that happened once the Mizushima woman was finished. He tentatively looked up, his heart pounding and his hands sweaty with nervousness, only to find his father... looking at the ground?

"Darling..." Bryna said softly next to her best friend and son. Sons really, she had never though of Riku as anything apart from this family. He and Carina had always been close to their family... this almost seemed natural.

"I know this isn't easy. Believe me." Bryna said. "I'm still trying to realize I'll never had grandchild but..." She looked towards Sora. "I knew when I became a mother that there would be sacrifices. That there would be things our sons could not be and to expect them to be would only hurt them more... so when they were born I told myself I never wanted anything more than our sons' happiness. And if I could accomplish that then I knew I had done my job."

She glanced out the kitchen window before walked forward, placing her hand on top of his and rubbing it softly. "Honey... I think you need to come see this."

She tugged his hand, coaxing him into getting to his feet and walking him to the front door. Sora tilted his head confused, sharing a look between Carina and Riku. What...? He looked out the window... and his eyes widened before he hurried after his parents.

She opened it and stepped aside... revealing four boys standing on the lawn.

Terra had his arms wrapped around Ven's shoulders and had the boy pulled back against his chest both of them looking at Sirocco quietly unhappy. Beside them, Axel had pulled Roxas against his side, both of them glaring. They said nothing, their language saying it all. They wouldn't be anyone else for him.

"Dad...?" Sora said softly from behind the other, prompting the other to turn around. The boy looked up at his dad and smiled faintly. "... I love you dad... for every time you read me a bedtime story, for every time you helped me with my homework, for helping me learn how to ride a bike and drive a car, for every gift you ever gave me, for every lecture and every punishment, for showing up at every parent teacher meeting and for giving me advice when I needed it. I love you for just being dad And I know... every time you cared about me you were showing me you loved me too."

The brunette sighed. "I can't ask you to accept me for who I am dad. You'll just have to decide if you want to on your own. I just want you to know... that even if you can't right now, if you still want me to be gone... then that's okay. I can wait... and maybe one day will come when you do want to see me again, homosexuality and all. But for now... I'll be okay out there. I can make it. I learned from the best after all. Just remember no matter what I'll always be your son... and you'll always be my dad." He grinned at his dad before bowing his head.

There was a silence.

jingle... jingle...

Sora looked up curiously... and his eyes widen as his keys were held back out to him. He looked at them, then up towards his father;s hesitant face... and smiled.



A few weeks later, excitement was rampart as the announcement of Rufus' win in the election took over the town.

"YEEEES!" Sora cheered happily, pulling Riku up from the couch and spun around him in a mimic of the waltz until the silverette complained about being dizzy and they both toppled onto the carpet.

Terra was laughing as he hugged an enthusiastic blond back, pulling out pieces of popcorn from his hair before leaning over and kissing the other.

Roxas burst a little popper into the air, the glitter that shot from it floating down onto everyone, laughing happily. It seemed Axel was the happiest of them all though. Now the gallows would be cleaned up and they... could marry if they wanted to. The only thing that could of made it more perfect, is if Rufus gave Axel a license to arson.

~~~


"Come on Riku come on!!!" The thirty-two year old brunette said, jumping out of the car. There was a bark and out of the car came jumping an energetic looking dog. Of course, first he had to jump over the front seat to do so smacking his tail in the silverette's face.
"Cosmos!!" Both boys laughed. The dog, a half-husky with a brown and black and white coat and brilliant blue eyes, tilted his head a bit in confusion, but only panted happily and licked at Sora's fingertips.

Sora chuckled, petting the dog on the head, shutting the car door and looking over at Riku who was doing the same. "Well come on!"
He turned around and ran off and Cosmos yipping and following after.


"And this is the alpha male Granite and this is the female Ember and there pups Akela, Nariko, Raiko, Indra and Makkis. And then there's-"

"You know Terra," A blonde, very much alike to the one he was sitting next to, interrupted, "Most guys have pictures of their FAMILY in their wallets, not their pets. I noticed how there's not even one shot of Ven in there."
"Why would I want a shot of that ugly fucker? I have to put up with his face every damn day!"
"YOU JACKASS!" Said blonde cried as he dived over the table trying to strangle the brunette. "I'LL-"

"GUUUUYS!!!"
Roxas and Ven both looked back just in time to be enveloped by Sora's crushing hug. Cosmos barked excitedly, jumping around the three for attention but when Terra snapped she went over to the brunette, happily accepted the other's petting. Of course why wouldn't he? Terra had been his first owner.
"You're taking very good care of him." Terra praised as he checked the dog's ears, eyes, teeth and gums.

"Well of course I am! Now what are you all doing just sitting around?!" Sora chirped. "I didn't travel all the way back home just to be a bum! Let's skate!!" He laughed, grabbing his brothers hands and tugged them over to the ice rink ignoring his husband's eye rolling.

In just a few more minutes after that six men had all traded their shoes for ice skates and they were all gliding over the ice. Well not ALL of them. A certain bad-tempered brunette was holding onto the wall and was refusing to let go even when Ven came around to wheedle him away. That was until...
"I'll fucking un-marry you now get on the fucking ice!!!"
"....Fine~"
Ven had been the first to propose out of the three Holanis and it hadn't been long after Rufus' election. The ring was a simple band, nothing fancy or girlish and no gems (of course half the reason was because he couldn't afford it). Shortly after Terra had entered college and Ven had passed his GED, they had the wedding and, despite many worries among their parents that they were too young they were still together.

They now lived in a small town called Akbar where there were rolling hills, turbines, beautiful lakes, amazing falls, snowy winters... and a wolf preservation. Terra had been given the land from a rich man in town who told him that wolves in the town were sacred. Something about a long ago story of a sled-dog that was part wolf named Balto who rescued the town's children by delivering medicine.
It was just pure luck... but he was still happy he got to own the land and protect the wolves habitat and their food supply from poachers.

Cosmos, however, had been a surprise. The pup had gotten mixed in with one of the local wolf packs and was badly hurt when Terra had discovered him one year ago. He took the pup home with him and tried to find his owners while he cared for it. No one in town owned huskies though and it was uncertain if the dog had just traveled very far from home or if their were wild dogs living in the mountains that the brunette was not aware of.

Other than working on the wolf preservation, Terra also had a small job working with flowers and medicine. He was almost like a mini-scientist, taking properties from different plants and flowers of which he had a lot of knowledge of and helping to make different and sometimes new medicines. It was pretty well paid and it finally put his knowledge to good use.

Ven meanwhile, despite his believes he'd never get anywhere, ended up working with computers. He repaired them, he built them, he programmed them, Ven could do anything with them when asked and, surprisingly, it was not only well-paid but the blonde seemed to enjoy it, working in profession he understood so well. Terra knew it made the blond feel like he finally fit in somewhere after having so many intellectual follies over the years.

At first he was going to keep the dog, but whenever he went out to check on the packs, the wolves, usually very friendly to him or any humans really, grew hostile when they smelt the dog on him and nearly took off his fingers. He hadn't had a choice... and he called Sora, who only a year previously, had tragically lost Halo to parvo. The brunette was hesitant but accepted the offer to come see it, and not two days later he and Riku went out to collect the husky. The minute Sora had the dog in his arms though and started to coo over it, Riku knew they were taking the husky home with them.

Roxas just laughed skating close to Axel, holding onto his left hand. He ran his thumb across the gem on the other's ring finger, and gained a smile in return. Roxas was second to pop the question and he had waited until he gotten his associate's degree when he was twenty. Unlike Ven, he had made sure the ring was a beauty - he wanted to give something nice to Axel, considering he had never had many nice things in his life and truly deserved them. Axel's ring was white-gold with a fire opal as the 'diamond' and the engraving within said Love You Forever.

They still lived in Radiant. Neither of them had been willing to give up their roots to find somewhere else to live but they were happy. Roxas had made it in the music community both as a player... and as a conductor. Every lucky once and awhile he got to have a whole band play some of his written work and he told everyone it was a much more amazing feeling then playing his songs himself because with every instrument it really came alive.

Axel surprised everyone even Roxas however... when he went to get a degree for politics and succeeded! The red-head told them that he wanted to get higher up in the community so he could continue the job Rufus had started. He honestly wanted to help the kids in downtown, to provide them with better education and equal opportunities in life. He and Riku often worked together over the phone on some school issues, seeing as the silverette had a degree in business and helped Axel work out problems that concerned most financial issues especially the budget differences Hollow Bastion got versus Hercules High.

Cosmos watched the six skate around the rink again and again. His tail wagged in excitement and he barked, jumping to his feet and rushing out onto the ice... only to slip around on the freezing ground. With a yelp he went crashing into Sora's legs.
"Waaah!" The brunette cried and he fell over.
Riku paused and came back over, asking the other if he was alright and once he got that smile he knew all was okay. The man helped the other up and Sora gave him a little peck on the cheek, before he gripped the dog's collar and dragged him back to the edge.
Sora, naturally, was last. He didn't propose until they were both out of college... and had moved to Destiny.

Riku's wedding band was silver and had a star design over it and on the top one very small cut of aquamarine gem and one small sapphire gem that twinkled at the top together, one between the design of a crescent moon the other in the middle of a star design. Shortly after their wedding they decided to buy a house together down by the beach in Destiny... and despite the harsh finical years they had at first, they two loved the place too much to leave.

Sora worked two to even three jobs at times. He was a harpist at the fanciest hotel in the town, playing music for dinner guests and oftentimes on request. The job was nice, if only for the fact he and Riku often got to eat in that fancy place for free. His second job was a day job in which he worked with a children's daycare. He didn't get paid much for the job but he loved it anyways finding it hard not to like playing with the little kids and helping to keep them occupied while their mommies and daddies worked. His third job was writing. He hadn't written anything famous yet, but some of his books had sold fairly well and, maybe one day, he'd hit it big. He painted sometimes too but... well he never sold a thing there.

Riku meanwhile was a businessman for manufacturing companies and went to a lot of meetings in which he informed his co-workers of what type of materials to use on products and helped to predict how something might sell based upon consumer reports and what not and what needed to be done to advertise a product further. He was a big advocate on doing environmentally-friendly projects so it wouldn't hurt local wildlife and water resources and Sora was very proud of him for what he did, even if he didn't always understand it.

Of course, that isn't to say each couple hadn't had some sort of difficulty over the years. During the college years, Ven had started to cut again and tried to hide it from his lover by refusing to have sex with him and just becoming incredibly hostile. No one, not even Ven himself, understood what pressured him back into the dangerous behavior but once Terra had managed to find out, he dragged the blond back into therapy sessions and, consequently, attended over half of them as well. The behavior stopped and so far hadn't reoccurred again.

Terra had a second cancer scare only three years ago - luckily it was benign and the removing of it was, for the most part, painless. Meanwhile he still got sick ever year though Ven was incredibly supportive at those times and was always nearby to take care of him it seemed. The blond had a lot of difficulty dealing with the times he went to the hospital for incredibly high fevers however and oftentimes Terra would awoken to find the whole Holani clan staring back at him.

Roxas and Axel, meanwhile, had there own issues and chance of mis-luck. They got into pretty bad fights compared to most couples, half because of Axel's fiery temper and half because of Roxas' unwillingness to cope with emotions, so their arguing could force them into silences that would last for days. The longest they'd ever gone without speaking to one another was a month and a half - ironically... it was broken when Roxas got into a car crash when someone ran a red light and hit his side of the car. He came out of it alive with a concussion, a shattered leg, broken hip damaged spine and enough scars and stitches to last him a life time. But he said it was a good feeling... waking up to Axel's worried voice in a hospital room that was.

Axel lost Aunt Sera. The apartment complex had burnt to the ground when the boiler room above the red-head's old room exploded and, unfortunately, Sera had been in the house at the time. When Reno and Axel found out they had both been devastated because out of everyone they had ever come in contact with Sera was one of the first to ever truly believe they could make something of themseleves... and they owed her more than they could explain.

As for Reno himself, he and Rufus were getting along quite nicely (they were married as well now, apparently Rufus had been the one to ask) and, with Axel's assistance they were really taking care of Radiant Gardens.

Riku and Sora not surprisingly managed to have the quietest home life of of the Holanis. Their biggest fights seemed to revolve around working and not seeing each other enough in which Sora tried to convince Riku to take less house and Riku tried to make Sora quit one of his jobs. Those fights always ended in a sour note, but it never took them too long to apologize and make-up over it and luckily sora never held a grudge.

There only real tragedy so far had been in losing Halo. She had been fifteen years old and had been getting on in years. Sora could tell because her hips had been failing her, the cartilage between the joints deteriorating to make it hard for his old puppy to walk. And then one day, Riku had been in a rush and had gone to feed Halo for the morning before he went speeding off to work... and accidentally forgot to close the gate.

Halo got out and had fun exploring the town for the day and by the time Sora had gotten home and realized she was missing it was too late. She had already managed to meet a stray dog somewhere and contract the disease. Being at her age, she didn't stand a chance against it. She had been returned to the two after some nice man had found her wandering the streets and luckily read her tags and, not long after, began to show signs of being ill.

Taking her to the vet had been hard, but it was even harder to hear the news of exactly what she was sick with. Riku felt incredibly guilty over the whole affair, but Sora didn't blame him not one bit. they did their best to try and nurse the collie back to health, but after a week of suffering... they had her put down. It was hard on them, losing Halo and no one could replace her or her love.

"Heeeeeeey!!!! You bastards started without us!!"

Everyone was drawn in by the voice and a chorus responded. 'Fuu!!!' and 'AQUAFINA!' were the more prominent of calls. The women skated onto the ice fairly easily, especially for Aqua who, in her childhood, had been a figure skater. Forced by her mother of course. She totally couldn't help but tease Terra though by spinning on the ice and challenging him to races which he only fell flat on his face more than once.

They had been married for about seven years now and had moved to the next town over, Twilight Town. It was the city of romance since it had some of the most beautiful sunsets in the world. The two were living together just fine and, though it took awhile, Fuujin finally managed to talk in complete sentences if only to Aqua. They had their ups and downs like everyone else, a lot fueled by the discriminating remarks from Aqua's mother. One of the worst happenstances came when Fuujin lost her 'brother' Raijin. The man had moved on to become a cop, as did she herself and Seifer, and one day Rai was trying to stop a robbery... and got shot. The blow had been fatal.

The two women weren't the last to show up though. Hayner and Pence showed up. Pence was a photographer for some big magazine and Hayner coached PE for middle school kids. Seifer and Olette, now an interior designer, also came around - they had been married for nine years.... and had two children. An eight year old daughter named Lucina and a seven year old son named Gunnar. Sora had been very happy to see that family and enthusiastically led the two kids out on the ice to skate with them.

Kairi and Tidus, and their daughter, also happened to appear. Kairi, Sora and Riku had all made amends in their college years though tentatively seeing as the red-head was still a little sore over the issue. But she had found something special with the young cab driver who had driven her home years ago on her prom night... and she finally understood what Sora and Riku must of felt. Love. Real love. Now they were married with a nice house and good jobs. Tidus was now an ambulance driver and Kairi was a teacher.

Demyx and Saix, much to Axel's disappointment, couldn't show up They lived in India now and the red-head only ever heard from his best friend nowadays when he was in town to visit, or by mail. From what he heard though the two were doing very well and worked in a temple of some sort honoring their gods. Demyx was a musician of course... and Saix was some sort of temple-keeper.

Zack and Aerith, of course, did not either. Aerith still worked in her flower shop and Zack worked as a karate instructor. They also had their own little ones to care for and, unfortunately, most were a little TOO little for an ice rink. They had, ironically, gotten married not long after Terra and Ven had. Ven had been Zack's best man... and Terra had walked Aerith down the aisle. It was rather amusing, especially since Ven still had bruises from their honeymoon!


Hours passed as the families caught up and spent time with one another. cosmos especially got a lot of attention from the three children when Gunnar found a stick and the husky was only too happy to take chase, Seifer keeping a close watch. Terra was again showing off his wolves to anyone who would listen (at the moment it was Tidus), Aqua and Fuujin were getting a snack, Axel and Riku were talking about business much to everyone's chagrin, Kairi and Olette were gossiping over their co-workers.

And the triplets?

"RACE YOU!" Ven cried, speeding out onto the ice.
"HEY!" Came the indignant yells of his siblings as they followed after, Sora not far behind and Roxas last in line as they raced along the edges of the rink again and again just as they used to when they were kids.

Despite Ven's head start, Roxas won. He got a lot of practice living in Radiant still unlike his siblings who either didn't have much a place to skate in or never saw snow at all. After there playful race the three skated side-by-side, talking softly to one another.

Across town, the ringing of the medieval-like clock tower rang throughout the town, signifying the end to their day of fun. No one was worried though, they knew over the years they would continue to make plans to see one another and there was still the holidays and birthdays to think of. They knew there was always letter-writing and phone calls they could make. Even still the boys couldn't help but feel a little sad as they pulled off their skates and went their separate ways after saying their goodbyes to everyone and promising to make plans for something like this again real soon.

Above them all, the sky was blazing with color as Twilight took over the sky... and the very last color seen at the horizons edge before the sun disappeared completely... was a brilliant red.

"Hey Roxas, you wanna know something else about the color red?"
"Hmmm?"
"It's said to signify a never ending bond."
"A never ending bond?"
"Yeah. Just like the sun can never set without connecting it with the night sky by turning red, two people who really care about one another can never truly walk away from another without the strings of their friendship one day pulling them back together again."

The End!