Love:: Misunderstanding

 

Chapter 14 : A Pocket Full Of Promises

 

January 7th, 2013; 1:04 am

 

“Grrbrk.”

 

“Grooooss. Don’t talk with your mouth full.”

 

“Oh, stop being such a jerk.” Yuffie stuck her tongue out at Roxas then dabbed her husband’s cheek. 
“He’s one of those rare wonders, you know?”

 

All these years later, she still managed to make Demyx blush. He swallowed then panted, “What exactly do you like about me?”

 

Yuffie leaned on her elbow and cupped her chin with a goofy grin. “You’re a man who talks to your vegetables.”

 

Vincent coughed into his coffee and raised his brow at Roxas, who rolled his eyes. “That’s because veggies are the only things he can relate to.”

 

Yuffie slapped Roxas’s thigh and Demyx squawked. In the corner behind the leather couch, a low growl suddenly reached their ears. Vincent craned his neck, scowling. "Does she do that often...?"

 

Demyx glanced over with a roll of his eyes. "It's best if we just leave her be. My cousin is....special."

 

"Larxene", Roxas called over. "You'd better not be tearing up my couch again!"

 

A louder growl and fluff floating in the air was his only answer.

 

"Larxene", Roxas barked. "Knock it off."

 

The decapitated head of a teddy bear flew his way. Roxas caught it with one hand, sighing through his nose as he set it on the table and tapped his pen against the legal pad. Silence followed and after a moment Roxas turned back to an offended looking Vincent, smiling pleasantly. 

 

"Oh what, like you've never decapitated a plushie before." A peroxide blonde woman rounded the couch and flopped on the floor in front of Demyx and Yuffie. Yuffie patted her head.

 

Vincent continued to look scandalized.

 

Axel made his presence known as he groaned and turned his head to the side, burying his face in Roxas's thigh. "Baby, when're you gonna be done? I'm tired." He turned his head back around again and gnawed on his husband's knee to drive home the point.

 

“Shh, hshh. Let me finish this.” After running his fingers through Axel's wild locks to quiet him, Roxas readjusted his pen and glanced at Vincent. “Now, where were we?”

 

_o_o_o_o_o_o_o_o_o_o_

 

Shelke dug through the desk drawers before getting frustrated, taking out the whole thing and dumping it upside down. He toed through its contents with a scowl; a few stray paperclips, some old school papers, scarred with crinkles like they'd been wadded up then flattened again with care.

 

It was junk to any outsider, only having meaning with its owner.

 

The young thug crossed his arms. "Where are you Vin", he mumbled. 

 

A gun clicked behind him, the cold barrel nuzzling the base of his skull. "Right here kid."

 

Hands folding behind his head, the boy turned to find the one he'd been searching for smirking. "Oh God..." Shelke bowed his head, his lips squishing together. "Y-y-you're really ok." Blood throbbed in his ears like a tribal drum. The boy drew in a few shuddering breaths. He wasn't sure now if this was good or bad.

 

The gun clicked again, Vincent propped the muzzle towards the ceiling and his smirk softened into a genuine grin. "No crying now. Hojo would shit himself if he knew one of his men was wussing it up."

 

"He's been, you know, making with the ...uhm... since...well, you know..."

 

"Since he tried to kill me?"

 

Shelke looked away.

 

"I came here to check on how the repairs were coming, instead I find my favorite little mouse scratching around somewhere it doesn't belong."

 

Shelke's shoulders sagged with relief, a smile hitching on his own lips. Definitely...this was definitely good. It was almost imperceptible, but he could see it in Vincent too. "The best laid schemes of mice and men", he murmured, "often go awry."

 

The smile dropped. "How've you been?"

 

"...coping."

 

"Why are you here?"

 

"...."

 

The gun lowered again, and Shelke flinched a little when it slid like a lover's hand back into Vincent's thigh holster.

 

"Come on boy. You know I don't like to wait."

 

"Baby, you in there?"

 

Vincent cursed and glanced toward the open door where Cid was shuffling some splintered wood out of the way. "Who's that?"

 

Shelke twisted out of reach before Vincent could grab him. "An old friend", the ravenette smiled through gritted teeth.

 

His lover regarded the boy and shook his head. "That's disgusting."

 

Vincent came to stand by him, a vaguely offended look on his face. "What, that I actually have friends?"

 

"No", Cid grumbled. "That I know of only one place you could've made friends." He turned the full force of his glare on Shelke, yet the boy could sense it was directed more at what he represented. "They sure are getting younger."

 

"Don't..." Vincent murmured. "Don't do that to yourself."

 

Shelke's brows furrowed as he watched his old mentor pull out a phone and flip it open. "I've got it covered here. You can go to work now."

 

The older man's eyes narrowed into slits of ice. He placed his grizzled hand over Vincent's smooth one and gave a squeeze. "If you need me--"

 

"I'll call. Go." Vincent smiled when Cid leaned in for a kiss then cast a final look at Shelke. He turned without another word, shaking a stick out of his pack and lighting up on the way out the door. Vincent watched him go with a tender expression. 

 

Shelke's eyebrows rose higher. "What....in the hell was that?"

 

Vincent snorted and tucked his phone back in his pocket before crossing his arms. "Yeah, yeah. Question for question brat. You know the deal and I asked first."

 

With a roll of his eyes, Shelke said, "You've been replaced."

 

The other male sighed and cocked his hip. "Figured as much. And?"

 

"And the replacement has a special interest in messing with Roxas...and tracking you down."

 

"Hm", Vincent mused. He glanced around at the damage. "So you're here on reconnaissance?"

 

Shelke stiffened. "No..."

 

"Don't lie to me little one." Vincent backed Shelke against a wall and pinned him with his crimson stare.

 

"N-not lying." A blush stained Shelke's cheeks. "I was worried about you, asshole. So I came to see if--"

 

"Okay", Vincent cut him off, ruffling the boy's hair. "I get it." He smirked. "Thanks."

 

Shelke pushed his hand off then gave him a once over. "So the rumors are true then? You've been tamed."

 

"Not even", Vincent scoffed. "I'm just sticking close until the heat dies down."

 

"It won't." Shelke swallowed. "Not until you're dead. You know Hojo, how he's like?"

 

"Yeah."

 

"The new guy is just like him. Same chip on his shoulder and everything. And they both want your hide."

 

Vincent rolled his eyes. "Cool."

 

"Its not safe here for the kid anymore."

 

"I know." Vincent sighed and rubbed his temples before meeting Shelke's admiring gaze. "I have a cellphone know."

 

The boy chuckled at their inside joke and pulled out his own. "I noticed." They tapped the bases of each phone together, exchanging numbers. "Stay happy while you can. I'll be in touch." Shelke walked out the cracked doorway with more confidence than he'd felt in a long time. Vincent was alive. He shoved away the dread tickling his chest. At that moment, the relief singing through his veins drowned out his fear of Hojo and the others. He squeezed his phone. Mission accomplished.

 

_o_o_o_o_o_o_o_o_o_o_o_o_

 

Roxas's pen paused. "So he was in my apartment...and you let him go?"

 

Vincent hid a smirk with his coffee cup. "It all worked itself out in the end, didn't it?"

 

The blonde twisted his lips in irritation. On his leg, Axel swiveled his head and a delirious laugh escaped him. "Babe", he whispered loudly. "Babe liiiiisten." 

 

Twin slits of blue flicked down to his husband. "What Axel?"

 

The redhead giggled again and stuck the tip of his tongue between his teeth. "Remember...remember those old preparation H commercials?" His eyes crinkled shut as he snorted to suppress more laughter. "Hey...did you know?"

 

Roxas palmed his face to wipe away the grin tickling his lips. "Know what Axel?"

 

The other male waved his hand, beckoning his husband down so he could whisper loudly again. "They used it cause their butts hurt!" He didn't bother with pretense as he slid down Roxas's leg, rolling around on the floor and laughing until he clutched his sides.

 

"Axel's tired", Roxas said flatly.

 

Yuffie looked up from petting Larxene's head. The peroxide blonde had fallen asleep against her knee while her husband was curled up against her stomach.

 

"Time to go", she asked. 

 

"Please", Roxas answered. He glanced at Vincent, his gaze apologetic. "Let's continue tomorrow? I gotta get him to bed."

 

The other man nodded and rose to his feet. "Need help?"

 

Roxas shook his head and walked them out, Larxene grumbling and leaning heavily between her cousin and his wife.

 

"Thanks for stopping by guys."

 

They waved at him as the headlights exploded to life in the fog. The sound of tires crunching over gravel faded when they were far enough down the sweeping drive. Roxas nodded at Vincent who tucked his hands into his pockets and disappeared into the roiling mist, jacket billowing behind him. His steps were still predatory and practiced; the edge would never dull.

 

Even after all enemies were vanquished, the threats only slept. More could awaken at any time.

 

Roxas snorted and closed the door, setting his back against the wood as his toes curled into the lush carpet of his entryway. He blinked at the soft light, took a deep breath that smelt of cinnamon and vanilla. In this moment, he realized how lucky he truly was. 

 

Leon came out, toweling his hair dry en route to the kitchen. He stopped when he saw Roxas.

 

"Everything ok squirt?"

 

He opened his mouth to answer when a howl sounded from the other room. Both males scrambled then ran towards it.

 

"What's--"

 

"Liiiiiick-a lick-a lick-a."

 

"I swear to god, Axel GET OFF!!" 

 

"Liiiiick-a lick lick!"

 

Leon's lips pressed into a tight line.

 

"Don't you dare laugh, you prick! Get him off!!" Tidus was barely holding the larger man at bay, his fingers digging into Axel's cheeks as he held him at arms length and shrank into the sofa. "He attacked me!" Axel slobbered on his fingers.

 

Leon glanced at Roxas who shrugged. "He said he was tired, but I didn't know he was this tired."

 

"Still haven't broken him of that random licking habit yet?"

 

"I'm working on it", he snapped. "But vinegar in the spray bottle can only do so much." Roxas strode forward and looped his arms around his husband's shoulders, hauling him off Tidus who scrambled further back. Axel groaned and threw himself at the blonde.

 

Leon stepped around them and collected Tidus. "He licked me Lee. What are you gonna do about it?"

 

The brunette's chest rumbled with a chuckle as he nipped at Tidus's shoulder. With a sleepy whine, Tidus buried his face in Leon's neck. Roxas grunted, alerting them that they weren't in their room yet.

 

Leon shifted Tidus to get a better grip on him then loped for the doorway. "See you in the morning Rox." Tidus raised his arm in a lazy wave over their shoulders.

 

"Hey Roxas."

 

The blonde jerked at the hot, breathy voice in his ear. Goosebumps exploded down his arms as he hauled Axel to his feet. The redhead draped over him and they took their first wobbly steps. "Baby", he whispered.

 

"What", Roxas grit out. He could use a little help here...

 

"Im'a make your butt hurt." A slippery tongue followed his words, tracing the shell of Roxas's ear before drawing the fleshy lobe between his teeth. He worked his jaw a little, making his mate shudder and bite his lip.

 

"Ax-el..." The blonde jerked and gasped. They stumbled.

 

With a scratchy chuckle, the redhead straightened and they made it the rest of the way to the bedroom before flumping on the bed.

 

Axel rolled over and giggled again, slapping a hand over his face. "Butt cream", he mumbled. The redhead sighed when Roxas rolled him on his back and began working the buttons of his shirt open. "Sorry I made you wait so long love", the shorter male murmured.

 

He smirked sleepily. "It's k. You waited for me."

 

A stab of pain wrenched Roxas's heart. His fingers trembled then paused. Green eyes cracked open. Axel's hands rose and closed around his husband's, giving a squeeze. "I love you."

 

Roxas scrunched his eyes shut. Axel reached for him.

 

_o_o_o_o_o_o_o_o_o_o_o_o_o_o_o_o_o_o_o_o_

 

October 7th, 2007; 10:34 a.m.

 

Awkward.

 

That's how it felt, trapped in the plastic chair for the next hour. Xion sat in Axel's seat as if he belonged there, as if he'd been there the whole time. He kept his eyes forward but his presence was enough to set Roxas's teeth on edge. It wasn't particularly evil, but...

 

When the bell rang, signaling the end of homeroom Roxas was surprised at how heavy his body felt. He couldn't get out soon enough. It was difficult to ignore the methodical smile branding itself into the back of his shoulders as he peeled into the hallway, but he didn't have time to dwell on how much of a prick Xion was. He had to find Axel.

 

He had to know just who Xion meant to him. Their relationship was still so new, like fresh skin after a popped blister; tender enough that if it tore it would leave a scar when it healed.

 

He blinked through the sting that erupted behind his eyes. 

 

In the countless seconds he'd find himself with later, Roxas would realize how easy it was to forget about the bigger issues in life when you are confronted with little stumbling blocks along the way. Kind of like walking around a place after a natural disaster strikes, with bodies and debris lying everywhere.

 

The ones who are stubborn enough to stick around despite the chaos are left to wail at the sky and curse their Gods as they cradle their lifeless loved ones and pick through the remains of their memories.

 

They, like Roxas, are presented with a choice.

 

He still knew little to nothing about Axel. In that way, despite how many times they'd slept together and the bond they thought they had, Roxas was an outsider. He could still get left behind.

 

So here he was.

 

Axel had chosen to soothe his own pain and guilt, over his father, over whatever his past held, by lending a hand in the cleaning and reconstruction that riddled Roxas's life. Xion had caused him pain. With not even a word, that boy had driven Axel out of the room. He couldn't be the outsider. He would not just step aside and leave Axel to pick himself up from the dust. He was here, as Axel had been for him, to lend a hand.

 

No, Roxas didn't know much. But he'd met the man that called himself Axel's father. It wasn't a far reach to guess from there. He'd find Axel and let himself be used as a ready distraction from the redhead's grief…it was the least he could do.

 

Roxas's mouth drooped into a frown, remembering as Axel's face drew taught and haunted with pain. 

 

He glanced around as he shuffled down the hall. Where would Axel be? The redhead usually stalked him, not the other way around. He wracked his brain as sandy brows pinched together. Even though they had lunch together, there was no guarantee he'd show. Class was another matter but they didn't share one until the last period of the day, and he really couldn't wait that long. His chest constricted with distress.

 

This was the first time in a long time they'd been apart...and he didn't like it.

 

His heart fluttered as he caught a chaotic glint of familiar blonde by the water fountain. Pushing through the crowd he managed to clasp a startled Demyx by his elbow.

 

The taller boy turned to him and pushed himself up from his leaning position against the wall. "What's up Roxy?"

 

Ticking a brow, Roxas wheezed, "Where's Axel?"

 

Demyx's lips twisted from side to side as he blinked intently at the lockers across from them. He screeched when a voice suddenly chirped behind him. Peeking around, Roxas noticed that he had been standing in a loose circle with some other people. He recognized a messy head of brown spikes that exploded outward in odd directions and a curtain of sterling that shaded suspicious seafoam eyes. He didn't know the others.

 

"I thought I saw him rush into the upstairs bathroom earlier. He didn't look too good", the brunette mused. Twin pools of blue sparkled at Roxas in a friendly way. He leaned against the older boy when a tan hand plucked his hip. "Did something happen?"

 

His companion shook his shaggy waves and frowned. "Don't get involved Sora."

Roxas narrowed his eyes into irate slits. He didn't miss the protective way the hand on Sora's hip tightened. Leaning over, he nuzzled the shorter boy's ear to cease his incessant verbal musings. "Riku, quit it!"

Mildly disturbed at the lack of assistance Axel's friends were offering, Roxas stepped back.

 

"It's a seahorse."

 

"Woman, you're crazy, it is not a fucking seahorse! Sora, back me up!"

 

With that, the boy's attention was effectively diverted.

 

Roxas grit his teeth and turned around. He didn't have time for this. A hand on his elbow gave him pause. Turning, he found Demyx staring at him again with that eerily serious expression. Demyx was searching his eyes for something and Roxas didn't know what to offer, but at that moment he would've given anything if the blonde would lead him to Axel. But then, he might not get straight answers. Getting information, no matter how seemingly innocent was like pulling teeth when Axel was concerned.

 

Roxas steeled himself. Glancing around at the rag tag group he asked, "Is there anyone here who can tell me anything about Xion?"

 

They all shot him such a sharp look that he took another step back. So it wasn't just Axel who had that reaction when Xion was mentioned. Interesting...

 

"Why do you want to know", a pale girl with even paler hair spoke up. She jutted her chin forward—challenging, intimidating, and even though she was short and frail it worked.

 

Roxas shifted his weight. "He's the reason I can't find Axel."

 

The sharpened glares dulled into blank scowls.

 

"Did you just say he?" Another blond boy with his arm slung over the shoulder of a girl with chestnut locks spoke this time. He was the one who'd been talking about seahorses earlier.

 

"Well, yeah", Roxas scowled. "Is there another Xion I should know about?"

 

"But I thought Xion was a girl. And she isn't even here. Why would Axel be running from someone who isn't here? Is he on drugs again", Sora pondered. He squeaked and turned into the taller boy next to him as his ear was liberally nibbled. "Riku, stoooop. Wait till we get home."

 

Roxas's nails dug into his palms as he clenched his fists. Why couldn't these guys focus for just a fucking minu--

 

"Who are you anyway?"

 

Roxas jerked like he'd just been slapped and looked up again.

 

"Tidus don't be rude! You saw what Axel did for him this morning. It's obviously none of our business. I'm sure Ax will fill us in when he's ready." The girl tapped her nose and gave Roxas a knowing wink. He blushed and scowled at her.

 

"But Selph, he's an outsider."

 

He grunted as the girl under his arm elbowed him in the chest. He rubbed at the spot and glowered down at her, his smirk dulling the miffed look. "Yes ma'am, may I have another?"

 

She snorted. "You're such a masochist!"

 

He chuckled and gave Roxas a deliberate once over but let the issue drop.

 

A redheaded girl tapped Riku and Sora on their conjoined shoulders and glanced at her watch. "Come on guys, we're gonna be late."

 

"Kairiiii, you ruin everythinnng."

 

"Sora, I'll ruin you if you make me late again."

 

The boy cowered behind Riku.

 

Peeved at their antics, she grabbed both of them by an ear and hauled them off while stoically ignoring their protests. Roxas blinked as he watched them link fingers behind her back despite the grueling pace the girl was putting them through.

 

The rest of the group disbanded as well.

 

A furious muscle worked in Roxas's jaw. The anxiety was burning his chest. None of this was making any sense. He pinned Demyx with an exasperated glare. The taller blonde sighed warily. He turned and began walking away with his hands stuffed in his pockets. When Roxas didn't follow, Demyx came back and grabbed his arm.

 

"Hey, what are you—"

 

"Do you want answers, or not?"

 

He glanced up at the clock. Classes were starting. He winced as his heart clenched. Classes be damned. Roxas clapped his trap with a click of teeth and allowed himself to be hauled away.

 

_o_o_o_o_o_o_o_o_o_o_o_o_o_o_o_

 

It was like a manga or something.

 

Astonished eyes roamed the school roof. Up here it was quiet and they'd be able to talk in peace. Just to tickle his vertigo, Roxas peeked over the edge of the building and twitched when he saw a figure walking on the ground below. They were a few stories up, but it was still high enough to freak him out a little. He swayed.

 

A hand shot out and wrapped around his elbow, pulling him back.

 

His heart sunk when he saw the expression on the other boy's face. It was drawn, and grim. Demyx plopped down with his back against one of the cooling units and motioned for Roxas to do the same. He placed a palm to his eye and sighed again.

 

The fine hair on Roxas's nape prickled. Something was telling him he didn't want to hear this story, that once it was dragged into the light there was no going back. The boy swallowed and crossed his legs.

 

Demyx's solemnity was really starting to really screw with his head, enforcing the dread. After a long moment, his lips parted in a hesitant mumble. Roxas had to lean closer to hear.

 

"Go on! You just keep running! But I'll always be there to bring you back!"

 

"Huh?"

 

"Those were the last words Axel ever spoke to Xion."

 

Twin cobalt blinked as Roxas hugged his knees, waiting for the other male to elaborate.

 

Demyx closed his eyes as if the very words were painful while he dredged them back from the deepest precipice of memory.

 

"Xion and Axel were really close. I mean really close. Before she left, they were always attached at the hip." His lips pulled into a bitter smile. "Back then, our fiery compadre could barely keep a leash on himself because shit always went bad between his mom and dad."

 

Roxas nodded, remembering the husk of a man that claimed the title as Axel's father. Suddenly his seemed like dad of the year.

 

Demyx continued, "She died and his father was left with taking care of a son he never wanted. He beat him bloody every time he looked at him. As you might imagine, it did nothing for Axel's personality. He's always been standoffish but to say he was a scrapper back in the day is putting it mildly."

 

Jealousy and rage tore through him at Demyx's words. He'd seen it first hand, what the toxic relationship did to Axel. But to know that it had happened even while the redhead was a tender youth made him sick. While Roxas was being coddled, protected by his mother, Axel had no one...no one except Xion. his heart twisted in his chest again, making the blonde wince. His nostrils flared in protest as he focused on Demyx, who pressed on.

 

"None of us really knew how to handle Axel, and truth be told, none of us really cared until Xi came into the picture. In some cockamamie way she got through to that hot head. She brought him into our group and we all became really close. Beneath his barbs and walls, there's a good guy. You know?"

 

Roxas nodded.

 

Demyx stared ahead, his eyes glazed as he relived memories that felt private, even though he was laying them bare before Roxas. The blonde strained to hear every soft spoken word, hungry for everything he could get. He wasn't aware of the sweat on his palms, the way his hands were fisted into his uniform pants, or his clenched stomach.

 

The look that Demyx suddenly cut Roxas disarmed him. It was a naked accusation. "You love him?"

 

Roxas opened his mouth, scowled. He shut it and tried again. His breath caught.

 

Demyx's expression sharpened like broken glass. "You're not allowed to hesitate Roxas. Not. With. Him", he grit through his teeth. "He was left behind once. I won't let someone hurt him like that again."

 

Again...

 

Roxas's head shot up. This is what he'd been waiting for. "I love him", the boy croaked, his breath shaking. "I...love him. Please Demyx..." The redhead held his hand as if they'd been lovers for years, as if they were pieces of each other they hadn't realized they'd been missing until they came together. Roxas's whole body suddenly ached from Axel's absence. "Please", he whispered.

 

Demyx's shoulders sagged and his lips tugged into a knowing smile. "We were all together from that first rocky grade school rumble, until the day she had to up and move in the ninth grade. All of us were in on it, except for the one who had the most right to know. It was almost cruel. She was his first...in everything. He'd always been more grown up then the rest of us, I guess. And sex wasn't an exception. You could tell they were meant for each other. But Xi took to pushing Axel away after she found out she wouldn't be sticking around for much longer. She wanted him to hate her so that he wouldn't be devastated when she left. It didn't really work." He gave Roxas a droll stare. "I was there the day she had to leave. I was the one who had to hold Axel back so he wouldn't run after the moving truck. And he screamed those last words at her as she left him behind. I don't think he's ever really forgiven me. I doubt that he's forgiven her either, though I know he's never forgotten. But there you have it. Before she was torn away, Xion had been Axel's everything." He swallowed as if his mouth had suddenly gone dry and croaked out the next statement. "Then the descent started. By the time she was gone he had already worked his way into our hearts, so we helped him through some of the rougher times as best as we all could. But you can't save them from themselves, as the saying goes. Now we're all he's got. Until you that is." His gaze was no longer hostile, it was intent now as he gave Roxas another once over.

 

"Wait..." the other blonde said slowly. In all this excitement he almost forgot about one very crucial bit of information. He chewed his lip and scowled, wondering how to attack this. "Everyone…everyone keeps saying she, but the Xion Shio that just entered our class was a guy. Did she have any brothers…with, say…awkward Axel fetishes?"

 

Demyx blinked. Then opened his mouth. Then shut it and blinked again, vaguely resembling a goldfish. "Xion was a girl. An only child."

 

His blood froze. "Then…then that means…"

 

Demyx finished his sentence. "Woah, Xi became a 'he'. I'll be damned."

 

The look of shock on the other blond's face matched Roxas's own. Now what? It was too much at once and the boy hissed, realizing his hands had clenched themselves into excruciatingly tightened fists. He forced his fingers to uncurl slowly, wincing at the blood speckling his nails and palms. He stared dumbly down at the marks he'd carved; tiny, crimson crescent moons.

 

This was too absurd. Past flames, sex changes, and an MIA knight in fiery armor. Great… Looking up at the grey sky, Roxas wondered when it would start raining melon bread.

 

A pebble plunked lightly against his forehead, calling for his attention. Demyx had sobered from his shock and sat regarding him with another openly hostile expression. "You never answered my earlier question."

 

"Come again?"

 

"Just what are you to Axel? Believe me when I say that he has never been that touchy or easygoing with anybody since Xion. And I've known the boy for years. He's protective to a tee with all of his friends now, but with you he's…different…possessive. If what you say is true, about Xi being back and all, then what will you do?"

 

Roxas swallowed and struggled for words. What was he to Axel? He knew what he wanted to be, he knew what Axel was for him, but would the redhead drop his guard and let Roxas in?

 

"Are you prepared to fight for him?" Demyx's eyes smoldered at his hesitation. "Boy, you better do some serious thinking. I doubt Axel will feel the same about Xion now, but who's to say? If you step out and hurt him, we won't let you try and interfere with him and Xi. He deserves better than someone who won't fight to stick by side."

 

Roxas recoiled like Demyx had just slapped him. His heart felt bruised. Roxas crooked his knees and rested his elbows on them, hiding his face in his hands. He couldn't blame Demyx, really. This was how friends were supposed to act right? Not that he had much experience. Blonde brows pinched together.

 

Outsider was a term that had dogged his steps from day one. Why should it be any different with love?

 

He titled his head back up and slumped against the wall. This was going to be one hell of a fist fight. Demyx got up and dusted his pants off but didn't extend a hand to help the other boy up. Roxas wouldn't have taken it if he had.

 

The door suddenly flew open and a girl with peroxide blonde hair busted in."Demyx, you bastard!"

 

"Larx, babyyy", he drawled over his shoulder. His goofy grin pasted itself back in place. It was like a mask had settled against his flesh. This was the Demyx that Roxas had met. This was the face he chose to show to the world. The girl stomped over and snatched his hair, dragging him towards the door. "Ow, ow! Dammit Larxene, leggo!" He whimpered when she yanked harder.

 

"Not on your life shithead", she snarled. "You're the fuckin' reason I have to be so homicidal. Principal Maleficent is looking for you." She hauled him off the roof and down the stairs.

 

After a few steps Demyx managed to shrug her hold off. "Hey cous?"

 

She paused and glared up at him. "What?"

 

Demyx smiled and ruffled her hair. "Thanks", he murmured. She slapped his hand away then scowled. "For what?" She eyed him. "Are you high again?"

He snorted then tucked his hands in his pockets as he followed her. She was psycho, and way too overprotective, but Demyx wouldn't have preferred anyone else to have his back. He looped an arm around her shoulder as they continued down the hall.

Meanwhile, back on the roof Roxas meditated on the quiet squeak of their retreating Wabaki as they left him alone with his thoughts.

 

Or so he thought.

 

He stewed for a long time after the slam of the door faded. Suddenly, a voice above rent the air like a clap of thunder. "Are you satisfied?"

 

Roxas scrambled to his feet and squinted up. Axel swung his long legs over the edge and hopped gracefully down. He rose from his crouch and the blonde fancied for a moment that Axel resembled a tiger with the sun dappling it's fur red—ferocious, restrained, and weary of the world. The sky above swirled with dark grey clouds, a startling contrast to the beast stalking Roxas.

 

Hazy waves of…fury? ... betrayal? ... Something radiated off of his pale skin.

 

Blood drained from Roxas's face as Axel cornered him against the far wall. Gone was the compassionate, patient lover. In his place was a boy who was tired of being pushed around, of being left behind. In his place was someone who'd just had their past laid bare to prying eyes, all for good intentions.

 

"Answer me Roxas."

 

The shorter boy shook his head, at a loss. His knees quaked when large hands came up and slammed against the wall on both sides of his head. Now he couldn't run from Axel.

 

From this.

 

Tilting forward, the taller boy melded their bodies together like two pieces of a broken puzzle.

 

"Roxas…" The venom in his voice was gone as Roxas's name dripped from his lips. This wasn't demanding. This was questioning. It was a vulnerable request.

 

Glancing up, Roxas sucked in a breath as he drowned in those scintillating green eyes. He cupped Axel's cheek, his heart clenching when the redhead shut his eyes and his brows drew together. Axel titled his face so he could press a tender kiss into the blonde's palm. Roxas smiled, tracing his thumb over Axel's chapped lips and feeling a little thrill when the other boy shuddered.

 

Words would only cheapen the moment so instead Roxas's other hand came up, and both buried themselves in Axel's hair. The other male ducked his head and inhaled against Roxas's neck, his arms wrapping firmly around Roxas's waist.

 

They leaned into each other and stayed that way for a while. The two boys slid down the wall, not loosening their hold for even a moment.

 

A husky chuckle rumbled in Axel's chest as he clung to him. Roxas hummed and combed his fingers through the spikey locks.

 

"I keep saying I won't run."

 

"But you came back, just like you said you would. That's all that matters."

 

The storm tasted metallic on their tongues. Axel swallowed and buried his face in Roxas's chest, his heart giving a pleasant squeeze. He was here, and Roxas was his now. Thunder shook around them and the sky stretched on forever. Tan fingers danced over his brow, soothing the lines of his frown.

 

Axel began to tremble and sighed when Roxas's arms tightened around him. He mumbled something into the blonde's sweater.

 

"What's up?" Roxas shifted so he could hear his lover.

 

"Bring on the rain…"

 

Roxas hated the literalist in himself at times. He only took those words at face value, and if he'd been blessed with an inkling of self-awareness then maybe he could've prevented the coming storm.

 

---

:3 Goodness, what now?

 

You'll just have to read and find out! (In case you're wondering? Yes, I'm sticking my tongue out at you.) Really tired so I apologize for any typos you may inevitably encounter~ And for the shortness ;-; Many Uber thank-you's for the continued support. I said this on my other one, but my comp took a shit. I salvaged a lot of stuff though and it'll be slow starting again, but I will perservere! Hopefully this'll be enough to tide you over for a while @_@;;

 

Again, much love! Reviews make me feel good~