A Second Chance

Benched

https://l0nari.tumblr.com/post/617856666529153024/check-out-dreamer1024-on-a03-for-a-second

LOOK AT THIS! HOW CUTE IS THIS! go give my girl Airiella some love for this amazing drawing <3

Also I've been saving that gif for the first mention of replicas so here we are XD

[REALM OF DARKNESS]

"What would you do, if you were out of here?"

You tear your gaze from the dark waters before you, glancing to the side at the blond seated beside you on the beach. It was one of Roxas' visits, the bright spot of your time trapped down here. You'd been sitting in comfortable silence for a couple minutes, which Roxas' question promptly pierced.

"Hmm... I'd go to the beach," you decide, smiling as you swear for a moment you can feel the warmth from above as if you were back in the light. "Not like this one..." you add as Roxas gives you a funny look. "One with sun, and waves. And a food stand nearby cause I really miss fries."

"Huh. Never been to the beach," Roxas realizes as he looks out at the depressingly still water. "Is it fun?"

"Oh, yeah. You couldn't wear that, though," you add as you point to his Organization robes.

"What?" Roxas asks as he glances down at his all-black outfit he never takes off. He looks over at you, his eyebrows furrowed in confusion. "What would I wear then?"

"Seriously?" you laugh, though you quickly sober up when you realize by his unamused expression he's definitely serious. "Swim trunks? Shorts? Almost anything but a leather coat reaching to your ankles, sand would stick to that thing like crazy."

"Oh," Roxas hums, not really sure what else to say before a thought pops into his head. "Would you go with me?"

It was a stupid thing to ask. But for some reason, once he thought of it, he couldn't get the idea out of his head of doing something... well, normal with you.

"To the beach?" you clarify, and the blond slowly nods.

"Yeah. I-I mean, unless you don't want to, then –"

"Sure. Why not," you interrupt the rambling boy with a smile, to his silent relief. "Maybe someday, when I'm out of here..." you trail off, glancing out at the bright, mysterious light shining in the distance. "There's just a lot to experience out there, Rox."

You didn't know much about the blond who suddenly appeared one day, the splitting image of Ven shrouded in black. But what you did know is that he was sad, and led a sheltered life. All he did was work, and his knowledge of the worlds and normal life was shockingly minimal. You loved his visits, though. He was shy but also stubborn, and the more comfortable he got with you, the more you could see his true personality.

And the more time Roxas spent down with you, the more he could feel that dark cloud always following him lifting. His life was both chaotic and monotonous, the Organization providing a strange sense of turmoil despite pretending to be so structured. But the short time he'd spend with you would open his eyes to a life beyond the darkness. Despite being trapped in the dark realm, you were almost always positive. You showed him a kindness he never thought could exist, and the sound of your laugh lingered with him long after he was back at home. He never thought much of it, but he liked being around you. And that's all that mattered.

"What's up?" you ask as you reach out a finger to poke Roxas' cheek, distracting him from his thoughts

"Hey," Roxas chuckles as he shoos your hand away. "Nothing. Just thinking about what else is out there."