My Neko 2: The White Shadow

Autumn was heavy in the air. Around the world the shaded colours of warm brown, sweet honey, glossy chestnut, and rustic red invaded, dappling their touch alongside the brimming branches of trees. Forests flushed and changed their paint, streams gathered the last scoops of silver fish, guiding them down river, and the harvests were ready for collecting.

On the delicate breeze rode the scented taste of plump fruits, sweeping the mind from its harsh concrete cage and taking it to a haven of mouth-watering delight. By the sun's last glaze of light the fireflies yawned and awoke, beating their slender wings, and the silent rush of the still waterfall cascaded down with foam pulping upwards. Fixed picket fences lined neatly trimmed fields, a cliff stood bold and rigid by the pool's surface, and in the secluded isolation an aged lark called out in desperation for the moon.

Rolling in the centre field with folded wings was a huge scarlet wyvern of incredible strength. It snapped its jaws together lazily, rolling onto its back and thudding its tail down across the land. The reverberations startled a nearby rabbit from the brush, and it scampered away unnoticed. Leaning against his wyvern, his arms folded as he basked in the last of the day's warmth and light, Axel peeked a lazy eye open and flicked his striped Tora ears.

The jade stare caught the haze of the landscape, and he stretched his arms outwards with a groan. His clothes were of breathable brown cotton, made light and airy for the unbearable stuffy heat of the weather; although autumn was fast in spreading its bronzing fingers, summer still cradled the temperature to a snug level.

Pulling a knee up to his chest, he fluttered his ears when a fly tried to land against the rough fur, smacking it away. The battering of hooves tearing up the ground pulsed over the ground, and through the treeline Axel saw the beast emerge.

Jumping a log and racing out over the brush, Roric was a breathless demon of eager charge. The black body shone as if it were the burnt coals being licked at by the last light of the sun's fire, the gleaming red eyes were focused solely on the guidance it was granted, and the translucent wings were shot backwards in an arrow-projection for increased velocity.

Sitting atop Roric, Roxas pressed his face to the beast's neck, peering over its head with his face flushed and his hair ruffled back. There was no saddle or reigns to cling to, only the beast's thick mane, which Roxas's fingers were curled tightly into.

Axel heaved himself up with a small twitch of a smile, wandering towards them sluggishly. He waited patiently by the wooden cottage in the centre of the fields, resting against it with the wind tugging on his shirt.

Roxas slowed Roric smoothly, bringing him from a gallop to a canter, then down to a trot, before finally the beast sagged its head at walking pace, wheezing desperately for air with spit lining its jaw. The blonde patted Roric's side, his white Neko ears folded back in exhaustion as he gasped and spluttered for air, occasionally coughing through the sharp breaths. His shoulders trembled with the effort, and in connection Roric's forefronts shook and shivered, threatening to crumble.

Axel's smile fell away and he kicked off the wall.

"I really wish you wouldn't push yourself like this."

Roxas climbed down, giving Roric one last pat before he gave him his freedom to go wade through the basin of cool, clear water collecting beneath the waterfall. Darkness crept over the shaded line of the trees, and Roxas fell back into Axel's chest, holding the strong arms around his stomach.

"I… I got to," he heaved. "I wanna be… be normal. C'mon."

He went to tug Axel along and into the house, but the Tora refused to shift. With a sigh Axel held him tighter, lifting his hand from Roxas's stomach and pushing down on the throbbing chest. He found the struggling half-heart's beat, and he rubbed over it tenderly.

"Kitten, stop. Catch your breath first."

"But, I-"

"Just catch your breath. There's no rush."

He kissed the side of Roxas's cheek and held him strongly, unable to see the rolling eyes he was given. Gradually the racing gasps steadied into even breaths, and finally they faded into silent inhalations with soft coughs in between. The chest slowed its pace, becoming one of normal rhythm with an irregular beat, and the pulse threaded through the bloodstream with disguised grace and extra care.

"There," Axel nuzzled his nose by Roxas's neck. "Wasn't so hard, was it?"

"I guess. Getting dark though."

"You were late out. I was going to give you another hour before I went looking."

Roxas laughed, still leaning into Axel's chest. "You worry too much."

"You make me worry. You know you have to be careful, Kitten-"

"I am being careful. I run the same track every day, so I know what I'm doing. And besides, I'm with Roric. If anything did go wrong I'd just pull him up into the sky."

Axel wrinkled his nose, and beneath his eyes the Tora birthmarks scrunched up. "Roxas, you know you can't do that anymore. Your heart-"

"Is getting better," Roxas finished. He turned in Axel's arms, bringing his arms around the Tora's neck. He felt the hands hold tight to his waist and smiled. "I'm getting better, Axel."

"I'm not saying you're not, but it's been eight months, Roxas. It's not much of an improvement for eight months' worth of work."

"It's still an improvement though, and that's something, right? I can ride with Roric longer now, and I can stay airborne with him for almost an hour before we have to rest. And when I was home the other day I could run over the roofs of the whole south before I had to stop."

Axel tensed, and the light of the dimming sun brought fire to his eyes. "You were free-running?"

"Oh…erm…no?"

"Roxas, you promised you wouldn't!"

Roxas pulled away with a groan, but Axel refused to let go. "I just wanted to see if I could-"

"And what if something would have happened, huh? Do Cloud and Zack know you were out jumping rooftops?"

Roxas twitched his ears, keeping his eyes locked on Axel's chest in an anxious attempt not to have his heart leap at the sight of jade eyes.

"They don't know, do they?"

"Well, maybe not exactly. I did tell 'em I was going out though-"

"Roxas-"

"I'm not fragile, Axel!" He insisted, playing with the buttons on the front of Axel's shirt. "Nothing's gonna happen to me."

"I'm not saying it will, but you scare the living daylight out of me," Axel mumbled. "Please, Roxas, please slow down. For me."

"Oh, c'mon-"

"For me, Roxas. You can't keep pushing yourself like this. Just for a little bit, alright? Just for a week or so. Then you can start training again."

With a deep sigh Roxas nodded. "Alright. I'll slow down for a little bit."

"Thank you-"

"But can I start next week? It's Hayner's stag night tomorrow, and we're supposed to be going out."

"Going out? Going out where," Axel asked, leaning in to nibble down Roxas's jaw and steal sweet bites from his skin. With a moan Roxas wrapped his fingers in the red hair, burying his blush by the side of Axel's neck.

"Just out."

"Yeah, but out where?" Axel asked again, kissing down his neck with rough lips.

"Just o-out, Axel. Yanno, a-around town, and-Ngh-ah! A-Axel, no fair. I'm sensitive."

With a rugged laugh Axel kissed the simple spot again before preying on Roxas's lips. Devouring the cries that were just for him, he slipped a hand around the Neko's belt, tugging it sharply and biting on Roxas's bottom lip. When the gasp was given he stole a deeper kiss with haste and pleasurable intent, delving in the taste and playing with Roxas teasingly.

When Roxas leaned in for more he neglected him, finishing the kiss and denying him his want. Roxas's shoulders slumped forwards with disappointment and he flicked his tail testily.

"Damn player."

"Heh, you sound cranky, Kitten. Maybe you should try getting some sleep in my bed."

"In your bed?" Roxas snorted. "There'd hardly be any sleeping going on, would there?"

"You know me so well," Axel husked, snatching another kiss and grinning. "So, this night out, where are you going?"

"Nu-uh. I'm not telling you."

"Why not?"

"Because if I do you'll probably turn up."

"So?"

"So it's Hayner's night, not yours. You and him… well, you don't exactly get along, do you?"

Axel scoffed, and behind them he could hear his Wyvern thunder past on its way to its bed. "Just because your damn Tour-guide doesn't-"

"Ya see, that's what I'm talking about. You can't call him that anymore, Axel."

"What? Tour-guide? Is that it?"

"No, that's not it. In case you've forgotten you gave him twenty lashes when you were General, remember?"

"I gave you twenty lashes, too. You've moved past it."

"That's different. I fell in love with you."

Axel smiled fondly, stroking a thumb over Roxas's cheek. "Yeah?"

"Yeah…"

"So, what you're saying is, I have to get Hayner to fall in love with-ouch!" Axel rubbed at his arm where Roxas had punched him lightly. "What? It was your idea!"

"It was not! We already have to put up with one of your damn stalkers, I don't want another one to compete with."

"Kitten, when it comes to you there's no competition. You win hands down every time. You always will."

"Aw, sappy."

"I'm serious," Axel said. "I love you."

"I love you, too."

Above them the dark sky began to throw stars along its body, but they only flickered for a moment before they were devoured by the rumbling roar of the ghostly clouds stalking them. Thin patters slipped out of the heavens and landed over them, and within moments it increased into a storm of warm rain falling so fast they could hardly see.

"Great!" Axel grumbled, shaking his arms uselessly. "Just great."

"You were overdue a bath," Roxas laughed, ducking away from Axel's playful swipe. "You go on in. I have to get Roric into the stable."

"Kitten-"

"I'll be right in, I promise," Roxas yelled.

Without waiting for Axel's response he sprinted off in search of his beast. Soaked from head to toe, Axel didn't need to be told twice. He pushed open the cottage door, stepping inside with a disgusted groan for the puddles dripping about his feet. His boots sloshed and squeaked when he moved, and he felt slimy in the wet clothes.

Inside was toasty and warm. The room itself was large, decorated plainly with only the necessities (due to Roxas's demand). Sinking onto the patched cream sofa, Axel yanked off his boots and peeled away his wet socks. Opposite him the hearth glowed and crackled with spitting flames, feasting on the logs with a hungry mouth and speaking to him in a foreign tongue. On his far left beside the window was a pine table, and on his other side was a door that led to the kitchen. Upstairs the small landing separated and was split by three doors; one to his room, one to Roxas's (although it was hardly used these days), and one to the bathroom.

With a grunt Axel pulled his shirt over his head, leaving it to fall with a splatter on the wood flooring. His hair was damp and began to frizz, so he pushed it back from his face and combed his fingers through it, slumping forwards.

The door opened and the whipping wind of the night taunted its way inside before the wood was slammed shut on its face. Axel looked up just as Roxas began to shake the water from himself, yelping loudly when the droplets caught his clammy frame and thoroughly soaked him.

"Ew, Roxas! What the hell?!"

"Sorry," Roxas laughed, ruffling his hands through his hair. "I'm drenched."

When Roxas lifted his shirt away the smooth skin underneath was revealed. Like a child stood outside a candy store, Axel couldn't tear his eyes away. The dapples of soft dewdrops trickled down to the blonde's belt, climbing over the strap and absorbing themselves in the trousers. Roxas shivered and threw his shirt over to Axel's, creating a less than modest pile.

The Neko amulet segment glowed deeply about his throat, and along his wrist the mark of the spy itched with a burning sensation at the aggravating rain. He scratched it absentmindedly, walking across the room and through to the kitchen.

"We got any dry towels?"

Axel closed his gaping mouth, shaking his head and stuttering. "Erm… I, er, I'm not sure."

"'S okay, I found one!" Roxas shouted through the walls.

He came back through with a white towel over his shoulders and a blue one in his hand. He threw the spare towel to Axel and leaned against the post, tugging his boots away and throwing them in a heap. Axel took the towel with a lump in his throat, rubbing himself dry.

"You shouldn't have sat down," Roxas mumbled, drying his hair. "That seat'll be wet now."

"Kitten, I-"

"Hopefully the fields won't flood. If they do the grass'll be no good and the animals will drown. If that happens Roric'll have to go elsewhere to hunt."

"Kitten-"

"And if the rain doesn't let up then Goddess knows what we'll do tomorrow. It's a long way for you to fly in the rain, right? Hopefully your dad or Xain will meet you, or-"

"Kitten!"

Roxas pulled the towel from his head, raising an eyebrow expectantly. "What?"

Axel gulped, threw the towel away, and patted his knee. "Come here."

With suspicion in his eyes, Roxas walked over. Standing before Axel, he felt the warmth of the fire on his back and shivered pleasantly. "Yeah?"

Axel tugged him down, sitting him comfortably on his lap. "Damn-it, Kitten, you know what you do to me."

"Do to you?" Roxas glanced down at Axel's tight trousers and blushed. "O-oh."

The cold fingers skimmed up his front, and Roxas's ears fell back with enjoyment. Finding the Neko amulet, Axel unhooked it and placed it on the cushion beside him carefully.

"Huh? Axel, wha-mmf!"

The kiss smothered him, drowning out his question and buffeting him under pleasure. Axel stood with Roxas's legs wrapped around his hips and his arms about his neck, holding onto him tightly. When the kiss broke Roxas heard the creaking of the steps, and he looked down with his ears half-raised.

"Hey, Axel? Where are we going?"

"My room."

"Do I get a say in this?"

"Do you want a say?" Axel smirked, diving down to Roxas's neck and sucking deeply on the sensual spot.

Buckling under the throbbing tingles, Roxas shook his head. "N-no."

"Good," Axel purred, booting his door open and resting Roxas on his bed. Taking a brutal kiss, he lowered himself over the blonde, pinning him down with their heavy breaths filling the air whilst the smashing of the rain on the window panes held them in their world. "I love you, Roxas."

"I love you too," Roxas whispered, reaching down for Axel's belt with a cheeky smile and a small wink. "How about we have some fun first?"

"Fun?"

"Mmm. I think I could teach you a few things."

"I doubt that, Kitten."

"You care to place a wager on that?"

"You think you could beat me?"

Roxas's eyes sparkled. "I don't lose."

"You lost to me," Axel rumbled, pushing against the younger male and landing harsh kisses down his chest.

Roxas bucked upwards, his fingers lost in Axel's hair. "Th-that's different. I wanted to lose."

"Nobody wants to lose, Kitten," Axel muttered, sucking deep on the pale flesh.

"I did."

Axel came back up to claim his lips, holding Roxas down. The smile on the blonde's face was quirky, but utterly perfect, and Axel fell further into the prison of love Roxas had captured him in. Their noses touched lightly and he swept his hands up the blonde's cold sides.

"Goddess, I love you, Roxas."

"I love you too, Axel."

"How much?"

Roxas laughed, pulling the belt free and reaching for the trouser button instead. "Roll over and I'll show you."

Axel woke dazedly, scrunching up his nose to hold back the sneeze. The blonde hair in front of him tickled his face, and he rubbed at his eyes with a fierce yawn on his lips. Returning his arm back down to Roxas's side, he pulled up the fallen covers and tugged them over their shoulders.

Roxas's deep breaths landed hotly on Axel's chest, and he cuddled him closer, shutting his eyes at the growing light through the window. The rain had stopped at three AM, and now the dew drops lay sadly on the window, eager to get in and away from the light.

Across the skyline a bird called again, singing a sweet masterpiece for free, and in his contentment Axel swept his hand down Roxas's warm skin, feeling the dip at the waist and flowing over the curves. A light groan was his response, and Roxas shuddered, scooting further into him and hugging his midriff loosely.

Sweeping a kiss over the top of Roxas's head, Axel shuffled, sitting up and leaning back on his elbows. The quilt fell down his chest in waves, and Roxas peeked his eyes open before snapping them shut. With a weary murmur he pulled the covers over his head, turning away from Axel and curling in on himself.

"Roxas, you have to get up."

"Ngh."

"Roxas," Axel snaked a hand around Roxas's belly, pulling him back to him. "C'mon, gerrup."

"Bugger off, Axel," Roxas moaned, pushing back on the redhead's chest and trying to wiggle free. "'M still tired."

Axel laughed, tugging Roxas back to him with a grin. "Oh? Whose fault's that?"

"Yours! You had me up all night."

"You said you was up for it," Axel shrugged, kissing Roxas's shoulder and placing a hand over his heart. "Besides, it's exercise. Isn't that what you wanted? To get better?"

"Don't make out like you was doing me a favour, Axel. It's not attractive first thing in a morning."

"Sorry," Axel said, giving apologetic kisses to Roxas's neck. "How about we just stay like this for a while?"

"Like this?" Roxas turned over to face him, wincing at the movement and tensing. With a heavy breath he relaxed, pulling the warm covers back up to his shoulders. "You wouldn't mind?"

"No, I don't mind. Hayner won't be here for a while, right? We'll get up in an hour or so and start getting ready then." He pushed Roxas's fringe out of his eyes. "Deal?"

"Deal," Roxas smiled, laying his head back against the pillow. On the single bed he had to scoot close to Axel, not that either of them complained, but it made for a sore night's sleep when one of them was restless.

"You sure you won't tell me where you're going tonight?" Axel asked, hugging Roxas to him and gently rubbing his hand up his back.

"I'll be fine, Axel. If you're worried then why don't you go back to your kingdom, meet up with your family, and come back for a few minutes. Hayner can reassure you that we're gonna be fine, and then you can go on to the Kuma Kingdom. Sound fair?"

"I guess so," Axel whispered, but his slipping smile betrayed him. "You won't do anything stupid, will you?"

"Like what?"

"Like get drunk and end up in a ditch somewhere."

"Axel, nothing like that's gonna happen. Hell, Xion'd have my head if we didn't turn up to the wedding on time."

"I wouldn't let her," Axel said, holding his fingers over Roxas's wrist and feeling the beat. "You're mine. Nobody's allowed to hurt you."

"'cept you."

Axel's ears flew back as if wounded. "What do you mean?"

"Well, you're a Tora. You aren't exactly the calmest companion in the bedroom."

"Oh! I thought…" Axel chuckled, shaking his head. "I asked if you wanted to go slower. It was you who-"

BANG! BANG! BANG!

"Roxas? Roxas, you in there?!"

"Sounds like Hayner's early," Roxas whined. He sat up, shivering at the cold air that affronted his chest before Axel pulled him down.

"I'll go, Kitten."

"Huh? But I-"

"You look like you could use another hour's sleep. Don't worry, I'll play nice." Slipping from the bed, Axel pulled on a fresh set of clothes from his wardrobe. Buttoning up the front of his shirt, he turned to Roxas with a wink. "Besides, I think I owe you breakfast in bed after last night."

"Breakfast with you would be better."

"Aw, my poor little Kitten." He laughed and ducked away from the pillow thrown at his head. It hit the wall behind him and exploded in a plume of white feathers, showering pieces of ducks over the back half of the room and missing Axel completely. "So, what do you want?"

"A better boyfriend," Roxas muttered darkly, poking his tongue out in Axel's direction.

"You don't mean that, Kitten. I know when you're bluffing."

"Oh yeah? How?"

Axel strode across the room, lifting Roxas's chin and smothering a kiss over him. Roxas melted into it, raising himself up onto his knees and wrapping his arms around Axel's neck, drawing him down and pushing back eagerly. When the kiss ended Axel swept a finger over Roxas's lips, smirking wickedly.

"That's how. So, breakfast. What do you want?"

"It's okay, I'm getting up," Roxas said, wrapping the covers about his waist and flinching at the cold floorboards on his feet.

"Don't you wanna sleep in?"

"Not with Hayner downstairs. Knowing my luck he'd probably come up." He rubbed his hands back through his hair, tugging a few of the knots loose. "Just let him in and I'll be down in a minute."

"You sure?"

"Yeah."

"Okay, Kitten. See you downstairs."

He closed his bedroom door to give Roxas some privacy, jumping down the steps and opening the door. Hayner stood outside, his mouth open in a wide yawn as he stretched his arms up over his head.

"'Bout damn time, Rox-oh… Axel, what-"

"Hey, Tour-guide." He stepped away from the door. "You comin' in?"

Hayner scowled at the nickname, following Axel inside and closing the door. Pushing his hands down into his pockets, he sank down onto the couch with a glare.

"Don't call me that."

"Lighten up," Axel muttered. Picking up the wet clothes from the other night, he proceeded into the kitchen and set to work on breakfast.

Left alone in the living room, Hayner twiddled his thumbs uncomfortably, glancing about uncertainly before he lifted his voice and coughed. "S-so, where's Roxas?"

"Getting changed," Axel yelled back. There came the sound of clanking and banging, followed by a fierce "Damn-it!"

"You okay?" Hayner asked, going to rise before he thought better of it.

"He's fine."

Hayner turned to the doorway, flashing his canines in a huge grin to see Roxas rubbing his eyes. Standing up to meet him, Hayner wrapped him in a tight hug, feeling the returning embrace.

"Goddess, I thought you'd left me with the damn Tora then."

Roxas laughed and sat down beside him on the couch. "So, no cold feet?"

"Not yet," Hayner said. "I can't wait, Rox! To finally have her as mine…" He held himself snuggly, emphasising his point. "Goddess, it's like a dream come true."

"And the baby?"

"Doing well. You know, you don't come down to visit often enough. It seems like forever since I've last seen you."

"That's what happens when you live on opposite sides of the world. I'll try to make more of an effort, but between my brothers and Axel it's hard. Not to mention every other damn kingdom keeps sending me invites to join them." He sighed, rubbing his forehead. "But hey, this is a start, right? I promise to visit more after the wedding."

"Actually, Roxas, there's something I wanted to ask you, and I hope it's okay. You have every right to say no. You don't have to say yes."

Roxas leaned back against the cushions. "I'm sure if I can help you I will, Hayner. What's up?"

"Well," Hayner rubbed the back of his neck, staring over at the pieces of coal the fire had chewed up in the hearth. "Ya see, Xion's nearly nine months now, and… well, the castle's going nuts. I can't get a word in edge ways, and it's my bloody kid, yanno? Seems like there's always maids and priests pushing and shoving at me until I'm forced to leave. It's really upsetting Xion, and what with her hormones all over the place she's crying half the time. They keep telling us that stress isn't good for the baby, but they're the ones stressing us out. I-I guess, what I was wondering was… well, you've got this place. I know you and Axel only spend two weeks a month here, but I was hoping you wouldn't mind if…"

"If what?"

"If me and Xion stayed. Just until the baby's born, I swear! After that we'll be out of your hair and back down in the Kuma Kingdom. Please, Rox. I don't have anyone else to turn to about this, and we're both so unhappy."

Roxas looked about the house Pete had given him, flicking his ears left and right. "Why don't you ask Lexaeus if he'll give you somewhere to go?"

"I have, dude. He bit my damn head off. He said that I wasn't taking his pregnant sister out of his castle, and definitely not out of the Kuma Kingdom, but after the wedding Xion'll be seen as mine in the eyes of the law. I was hoping I could bring her back here."

"Wow, sounds like you're in a crap situation."

"You have every right to say no, Rox. I completely understand. I just… Goddess above, Rox, I'm miserable. Having her in the same castle as me and not being able to see her for days on end is killing me. I don't have any friends up there, and nobody'll talk to me."

"Not even Xaldin?"

"Muscles comes to see me sometimes, but he can't ever stay long. Yanno, because he's Xion's protector and all that. I'm just so unhappy."

Hayner hid his face in his hands, sweeping his hair back with a thick frown. Beside him, Roxas picked up the Neko amulet from the couch, tying it about his throat.

"Hayner-"

"I completely get it, dude. You and Axel are just sortin' yourselves out, and you wanna have that time alone, and-"

"Hayner," Roxas laughed, placing a hand on his friend's shoulder. "I'm not gonna turn you and Xion away."

"You're not?" Hayner blinked twice, stuttering nonsense over his tongue. "B-but I thought… y-you and Axel, I mean-"

"You and Xion are my friends. If you're both unhappy then of course I'm gonna help. This house has two rooms, I don't see why we can't share."

"Really?"

"Really. You and Xion are welcome here anytime you like."

"B-but… but what about Axel?"

Roxas glanced nervously at the doorway, wondering the exact same question. "I'll deal with Axel, don't worry."

"Aw, Rox, I love you dude!" Hayner swamped him in a hug, his eyes washed in tears as he squeezed the life from him.

Constricted around his chest, Roxas bit his tongue, folding his ears back with a weak smile on his lips. The breaths tightened in his throat, and he struggled for air, panting and heaving when Hayner released him. But Hayner was too full of happiness to notice.

"Dude, tonight we're gonna get wrecked. I know this great little pub. The barmaid's friendly, if you know what I mean, so we'll get most of our beer free. Axel isn't er… he isn't-"

"He's not coming, Hayner. He's dropping by later, but he isn't staying. So, this little pub…" Roxas lowered his voice to a whisper. "Where exactly is it?"

Xion was beside herself with worry, fear, and anger – mostly the latter. She sat in her dressing room, beautifully made up for the first time in her life. Gone were the training clothes and the battle gear; the harsh weapons and the steel belts had been replaced, and now she stood perfectly in her wedding clothes.

Her dress was ivory silk that tightened around her full breasts and floated out over her large stomach. In her pregnancy she was eight months gone, and she could feel her baby kicking lightly. Resting her hand upon her belly, she looked at herself in the mirror. The dress reached her ankles and trailed backwards for five feet; mother-of-pearl, moonstones, and rose quartz lined the her breasts and a thick diamond choker was tied tight to her throat, glistening perfectly. Golden thread swirled up her sides like flowing water, and over her head was a delicate tiara of gold, emerald, sapphires and amethysts wrought into the shape of flowers.

Her black hair had grown since the battle with Serunday Vey, and now it brushed her shoulders. She pulled her swept back fringe free from the tiara's touch, sniffling with tears locked in her blue eyes. She clutched her bouquet of white lilies and soft red roses to her breasts, smelling the sweet scent and feeling cold.

A knock sounded at her door and she turned, wiping at her eyes hopefully.

"Hayner?"

"Not quite," Axel said, pushing the door open.

Xion's eyes darkened at the sight of him, and she scowled. "What do you want?"

Axel growled, but didn't push the subject. His trousers were black and they came to rest over his thick leather boots. Tucked into his belt was a shirt of amber silk with black slashes cast across it, seeming to show rips beneath and revealing nothing. He had no jacket, having already thrown it over his seat, and he had no jewels or objects of shiny or valuable interest, though Xion was sure his father would have insisted upon it.

"I'm looking for Roxas. You seen him?"

"Roxas? Roxas?!" She bristled, tears stinging her eyes. "I haven't seen him or Hayner and I'm supposed to get married in…" She looked up to the clock on her wall, and her heart broke. "Ten minutes."

"He really isn't here?"

"What do you think?"

"Alright. Jeeze, no need to take it out on me-"

"Out, Axel!"

"Okay, okay. Look, Sora and Riku arrived half an hour ago. I'm sure they won't be far behind."

"Please, Axel…" Her anger ebbed away and her voice broke. "Please go away."

"Xion-"

"Little Princess!" Xaldin charged past Axel, knocking the Tora into the wall. His grin was spread from ear to ear, his armour was of the finest polished ebony (made for decoration, not war), and his sword rested heavy on his hip. "Little Princess, Loudmouth Inu and Little Prince at gate! They come!"

"They're here?" Xion brightened, laughing lightly. "Where? Take me to them!"

She rushed from the room with Xaldin, leaving Axel spluttering and stammering by the wall. He chased after them, wincing at the way Xion knocked maids and servants aside in her excitement. She threw apologies back over her shoulder, picking up her dress and kicking off her heels to sprint down the corridor with Xaldin.

By the Grand Reception of the Kuma Palace she stood, clutching the railings and looking over the balcony. The chandelier glowed magnificently with the light of a thousand candles, banishing the growing dusk outside and inviting in the stars. The hall was of marble tile and white pillars, so smooth they felt more like milk than stone. The double staircase twisted against itself to the bottom with a red carpet rolled beneath, and the ceiling was a painted masterpiece of the beginning of the world, dipping into the beauty of colours.

Down by the centre of the hall Hayner had a grey silk blindfold tightened about his eyes. He stood in gorgeous white satin with a rose tucked into his top pocket. His hair was a mess, and a black bruise had fallen upon the left side of his cheek, but other than that he was unscathed.

By his side Roxas struggled to pull on his boot, cursing heavily with his ears thrown back whilst Hayner turned blindly around the room. Unlike the others Roxas wore simple black trousers tucked into his regular boots, his shirt was of black wool and over his shoulders his cloak hung loosely. Sweeping back his fringe, Roxas leaned on Hayner, tugging his boot on and stomping down hard to secure it.

"Damn thing-"

"You're here!" Xion laughed. She clasped her hands to her mouth, following Xaldin down the steps and rushing to meet them.

Roxas winced, rubbing his forehead tenderly. "Please, Xion, I have the worst headache ever."

"Snap," Hayner slurred.

"I didn't think you were gonna show. I was so worried that you-"

"Xion," Hayner reached out blindly for her hands. When he met something soft he clutched it tight. "I love you. Of course I was gonna show."

"I no Little Princess," Xaldin grumbled, batting Hayner away.

"Ah! M-Muscles?"

"I'm over here, Hayner," Xion giggled, taking his hands from Xaldin and holding them tight.

"O-oh. Sorry, I can't exactly see."

"Why are you blindfolded anyway?"

"It's bad luck to see the bride," Roxas muttered, fastening his cloak tighter about his throat. "Do I really have to wear this?"

"Roxas, whose wedding is this?" Xion asked. She frowned at him, unimpressed by his tardy behaviour and lack of enthusiasm.

"Well, yours technically, but I swore-"

"Then if you want to live you'll close your mouth and do as I say. When we met you you were Night Crawler and Roxas. It's only right that both of them be here now for our wedding."

"That makes no sense," Roxas grumbled. "You know I was Night Crawler. Why do you have to show it off?"

"I'm not showing it off, Roxas. Look, I'll argue with you later, right now I have a wedding that's due to start. Xaldin, will you help Hayner into the hall?"

"Be honour, Little Princess. Come, Loudmouth Inu!"

With an arm around Hayner's shoulder, Xaldin led him away and through the double doors on their right. When they closed Xion physically relaxed, taking a deep breath before she held up her bouquet and whacked it down over Roxas's head.

"Youch! What the hell was that for?!" Roxas whined, rubbing at his sore skull as petals rained down on him.

Xion huffed with her hands on her hips, glaring at him dangerously. "For a best man you were cutting it damn fine, Roxas! If there is one thing you do not do it's piss off a heavily pregnant Kuma princess on her wedding day! And look at the state of him! How did he get that bruise?"

Roxas rolled his eyes. "It was an accident. We went out and there was some trouble-"

"Trouble?"

"Nothing happened. Things got heated, Hayner got in a fight, I sorted it out and brought him home."

Xion's rage dissolved and her eyes lit up with worry. "You're both alright, aren't you? I mean, there's nothing broken or damaged or-"

"Xion, we're both fine. A few bruises and a couple of scratches, that's all, I swear. Now please, please, stop shouting. I can hardly think."

"Did he…" She blushed, fiddling with the arrangement of her flowers. "Did he meet any girls?"

Roxas raised an eyebrow, reaching out and taking hold of her hand. "Xion, do you honestly think Hayner has eyes for any other woman than you? He's head over heels for you."

"So, no brothel women then, or-"

"Tch. You really think I'd go in one of them? Gee, Xion, way to lower my standards."

"I didn't mean it like that," she mumbled. "But you hear stories, don't you?"

"If he went anywhere near one of them I'd personally castrate him," a thick voice laughed.

Both Xion and Roxas looked over to where Axel was walking down the steps with Xion' shoes in hand. Roxas grinned, placing his hands on his hips beneath his cloak.

"Oh? You think you could?"

Axel's smirk was devious as he stepped towards them. "I know I could, Kitten. How many times do I have to tell you? You're mine. I don't like sharing."

"Should I give you two a moment?" Xion teased, taking back the shoes Axel offered her.

"Why are you dressed like that?" Axel asked, stopping in front of Roxas and tugging on the cloak lightly. He brushed down Roxas' front, caught the way the gut lurched inwards, and he tilted his head to the side. Making a mental note to discuss it later, Axel held onto his waist instead. "I thought you was done with Night Crawler?"

"I am, but Xion and Hayner want me dressed like this for their wedding."

"Why?"

"Because that's how we first met him. It might not mean a lot to either of you, and I know you want to put your past behind you, Roxas, but it means a lot to me and Hayner that we go into this marriage honestly. We want you there as you was and are."

"That still makes no sense to me," Roxas said. "But it's your wedding, I guess. Speaking of which, shouldn't we be going in?"

"I'll slip in first. Dad'll kill me if you go down the aisle and I'm not in my seat."

Xion turned her eyes away when Axel stole Roxas' lips. Roxas brought his hands up to grasp lightly at the Tora's shirt, holding him for a moment as the rough lips found his own soft ones before Axel pulled away. He nibbled on Roxas's bottom lip for half a heartbeat, leaving him wanting.

"See you after the ceremony, Kitten."

"Y-yeah," Roxas stuttered, still lost in the moment.

"Oh, and congrats Xion!" Axel yelled over his shoulder, slipping back into the hall.

Xion looked at Roxas, waiting with a smile on her face before she snapped her fingers in front of his eyes. He jumped, blinking rapidly.

"Wha'?"

"He's gone, Roxas. You can stop drooling."

Roxas smirked, shaking his head in the empty reception. "I can't help it, Xion. Did you see how good he looked?"

"Was we looking at the same person?"

"Aw, don't be like that."

"I'm not being like anything, Roxas. I'm thankful to you from the bottom of my heart for bringing Hayner back to me and saving my unborn little one, which is why I'm worried for you. You're in over your head with Axel, trust me."

"Whaddya mean?"

"I mean he's a Tora, not a Neko. He sees this relationship differently to you, Roxas. I don't think he was joking about castration."

"It doesn't matter if he was or wasn't. I'd never cheat."

"That's not my point. Tora's are extremely protective over what they see as theirs. They're worse than the Ookami for it. Please, Roxas, if you're serious with Axel, at least tell me that you know what you're getting into?"

"So he's a little overprotective. Heck, I've lived my whole life wrapped up in the bubble Cloud and Zack made for me. Compared to them Axel's damn liberal. And maybe…"

"Maybe what?"

"Maybe I like the intimacy," Roxas admitted. "It's nice, yanno? I really like it, and I think I'm seriously falling in love with him."

"Really?"

"Yeah. I mean, it's been what? Over a year for definite-"

"So if he was to get down on one knee now, what would you say? I know he asked you before, and I know you said no because of everything that was happening, so…"

"If he asked me now?" He scratched the underside of his jaw, searching hard in his severed heart. "I think that now I've gotten to know him properly, and we've spent the time together away from the kingdoms and their spotlights-"

"Roxas, it's a simple yes or no answer."

Roxas mushed up his face, thinking for a minute before he nodded. "Yes."

"Really?"

"Yeah. If he asked me now, I'd do it. I'd marry him."

Xion's eyes lit up and she threw herself at him, hugging him tight with tears running down her face. "I'm so happy for you, Roxas!"

Roxas stiffened at the awkward hug, patting her on the back and prying her from him. "Xion, calm down, he hasn't even propo-"

"I know, I know." She hiccupped lightly. "I'm just so happy for you, and what with these damn hormones raging-"

"Have you picked a name for the baby yet?"

"A name? No, not yet. We're gonna wait until the baby's here and then decide. And stop changing the subject, anyway! We were talking about you, not me. So, if you love him, and you know what you're getting into, why don't you propose to him?"

"W-what? Oh, er… well, I guess… um…"

She snorted, rubbing the moisture from her cheeks. "Do you think of yourself as the woman, Rox?"

"What?! No! I just… I never thought about me having to do it, yanno? He was always so eager."

"Maybe he's waiting for you to give him a sign."

"A sign?"

"Yeah. You know, to let him know you're ready. Speaking of which, I'm ready to be taken in now. I think we've kept them all waiting long enough, eh, Night Crawler?"

"I hate that name," Roxas grimaced. He tugged his hood up over his face, hiding himself from view. Dressed from head to foot in black, he felt out of place in the glistening room. "Isn't it bad luck to wear black to a wedding?"

"That's white, Roxas. Stop trynna wriggle out of it and give me your arm."

He held his arm out and she took it delicately, offering him a soft smile. He squeezed her hand before the doors were opened by a pair of white robed maids.

Xion's heart fluttered and they entered the palace room. When all of the Royal Houses and the Lesser Lords stood for her Xion blushed crimson, shining prettily under the glimmer of the candlelight. The room was decorated with rivers of golden cloth looped and enrolled from the overlooking second floor, pillars of roses stood at every turn and petals lay scattered on the red carpet before them.

Roxas was grateful for the hood when the eyes turned on them. A harp played softly in the corner, and at some point violins chimed in when he guided her down the aisle. Avoiding the eyes that followed them, they reached the front.

Lexaeus greeted them, bowing to Roxas and taking both their hands. Dressed in gilded golden armour with the Kuma amulet heavy about his throat, the crown on his head glittered gold and he smiled upon his sister fondly.

"Night Crawler, do you hold this woman for Hayner?"

"I do," Roxas said.

"And you have safeguarded her in her innocence so that her sanctity may belong to that of your brother?"

"Er…" Roxas looked down at Xion's pregnant stomach. "Sure. I tried my best."

Xion blushed and covered her face, shaking her head as Hayner coughed and spluttered into the back of his hand, no longer blindfolded. Lexaeus smiled and released Roxas's hands, allowing him to stand over to the side as he turned to Xaldin beside Hayner.

Again he took both their hands, holding them tight. "Xaldin, my dear brother, do you hold this man for Xion?"

"I do."

"And you have ensured his conduct is proper and his dignity intact?"

"Loudmouth Inu have dignity? Is news."

"Xaldin!" Xion hissed, glaring at him softly.

"Okay, okay. Loudmouth Inu have good honour. Is good match. I give to Little Princess."

Lexaeus released Xaldin's hands, and he stepped away to stand beside Roxas. When Lexaeus took up both Hayner and Xion's hands the vows were exchanged, and beneath his hood Roxas stifled a yawn, glancing over the royal audience.

He searched for his brothers first. Cloud was in the middle of the fourth row, dressed in deep blue satin with black swirls and onyx gems sewn to the fabric; his collar was up and stiff, his blonde hair unruly. No Neko Amulet glowed about his throat. Instead it had been left at home, like the other fourteen pieces of Serunday Vey's amulet, so that they could not come together and be reunited.

Beside Cloud sat Zack, dressed with simple black trousers and a forest green shirt. On Cloud's other side was Sora, and beside him Riku, both of which were looking worse than healthy with bags under their eyes. Sora dozed lightly on Riku's shoulder, and behind them Kairi poked him awake with a small smile; she was dressed in a beautiful pink frock that was tight about the bodice with opal gems, but flowed out at her waist with ribbons of lace.

Aqua yanked her back, folding her arms and shaking her head. Beside her the Kitsune King huffed, looking less than thrilled at having to attend. The Tori Royal Family sat behind them, clothed in silks and jewels with their feathers gleaming brightly. On the opposite side was Demyx and his father, accompanied by King Goofy, the Inu Princess, and the ever smirking Cid.

Axel was leaning back on a chair, whispering with Demyx before Titan whacked him upside the head and pointed to the front. Roxas restrained a laugh, but before he could think of searching the other faces Lexaeus's loud voice overcame the soft music.

"The exchange of the rings has passed! I now announce this pair as man and wife beneath the Goddess's eyes!"

Applause battered the room, drowned out under yells of approval as Hayner swept Xion in for a kiss. The maids threw innocent lily petals over them, Roxas placed his fingers in his mouth and whistled, and Xaldin smashed his hands together so loudly Roxas feared he would become deaf.

Taking Xion's hand, Hayner bowed low to the crowd and Xion nodded her head, unable to curtsey past her large stomach. With a kiss to her cheek Hayner led her down the aisle, grinning from ear to ear as she laughed breathlessly beside him. Behind them Lexaeus raised his arms high.

"Let us celebrate! You are all welcome to the Great Hall for the feast!"

Roxas stayed at the head of the room, still hidden under the cloak as the lords and members of the Royal Families began to leave for the Great Hall. Sighing heavily, he let his shoulders sag inwards, grateful for the emptying space.

"Night Crawler, thank you for this," Lexaeus said. He stood before Roxas rigidly, his smirk chiselled upon his jaw. "I know it must upset you to have to return to this form, even just for one night, but I also know it means a lot to my little sister, and therefore to me."

"Yeah, well," Roxas rubbed the back of his head, looking down to where the seats were all practically deserted. "I guess I sort of owed them it, to be honest."

"You owe nobody nothing. It is a shame you do not know this by now."

"I-"

"Neko!" Pete yelled. He plodded over to them with his arms wide. The pink silk of his shirt was less than masculine in colour, yet Pete managed to carry it off with flare and style, and he embraced Roxas in a solid hug.

Roxas laughed into the perfumed scent. Pete pulled him back, clapping him on the arm and looking him up and down analytically.

"What's this? Night Crawler's back, is he?"

"Only for the night. It's sort of Hayner and Xion's wedding gift from me."

"Last minute shopping, eh?" Pete chuckled, shaking his head.

"It's what they asked for," Roxas shrugged.

Lexaeus left them to go see his wife and his seven month old little boy, and Xaldin followed him. Pete watched them leave with his Buta ears twitching, and then his eyes caught the final stray left in the room. With a smirk he winked at Roxas, catching the raised eyebrow and nodding in the last figure's direction.

"It seems to me that you have a visitor waiting to speak with you."

"Huh?"

Looking over the empty chairs, Roxas's ears flicked forward to see Axel still sat in his seat. The Tora prince had his arms behind his head, a lazy smile was blatant upon his face, and he had his legs up on the chair in front of him.

"I think you should go see him. Titan told me he was up all night worrying over you."

"Worrying? Why-"

"You weren't never the one for a quiet night in, Neko. Mix that with how cute you get when you've had a few beers and that's enough cause to give any man worry."

"Cute?"

"I mean that completely in a platonic way, Night Crawler. Don't go lettin' it get ta your head."

"I know, I know. Thanks, Pete. I'd best go see what's up."

Roxas left the Buta King and made his way down the steps, lowering his hood down from his ears. With his interest peeked, Axel sat up, watching Roxas approach with a glimmer in his eyes. Roxas stopped at the end of the row of chairs, drumming his fingers against the back of the wood.

"Hey, Axel, you want me?"

Axel scooted along the seats, sitting on the end one and pulling Roxas down onto his lap. He swept Roxas's blonde fringe from his eyes, pushing his hand against his gut lightly and frowning to hear Roxas wince.

"You're hurt."

"No I'm not…"

As the room emptied to leave only them in the open hall, Axel swept his hands lightly under Roxas's woollen shirt. Roxas grabbed his wrist, stopping him from lifting the fabric.

"Axel-"

"You're a bad liar, Kitten. Please, what is it you're hiding from me?"

"I'm not hiding anything from you," Roxas sighed, shuffling in Axel's lap and folding his ears back. "Hayner got into a bit of a mess at some pub. I helped him out, and…well…"

With a glance about the room, double-checking they were alone, Roxas lifted his shirt. Axel's fingers gently moved around the black bruise, and he snarled. His body tensed, and he tugged Roxas' shirt back down, holding him steady.

"What happened?"

"I told you. Things just got out of hand-"

"Who did it?"

"I dunno. Some big guy. It doesn't matter-"

"Of course it matters, Kitten." He brought his hand up to rest over Roxas's heart, rubbing his thumb over the material as if it could magically make it better. "With your heart you have to be-"

"Careful." Roxas pushed his ears back. "So you keep saying."

Axel wrapped his arms around the small of Roxas's back, holding him tight. "I don't wanna lose you, Kitten."

"You won't, Axel. Please, nothing's gonna happen to me. Stop worrying."

"Kitten, I-mmf!"

Roxas silenced him with a kiss, wrapping his arms around Axel's neck and running his fingers back through his hair. The red strands were soft to his fingertips, and Axel opened his mouth hungrily, drawing Roxas closer to him until their chests pressed against each other. The heat flushed over Roxas's cheeks when Axel's tongue trailed along his bottom lip and his teeth nipped lightly in desperation for entrance.

With a gasp his mouth opened and Axel took full advantage, deepening the kiss and holding Roxas into it, taking control from him and growling low with a purr rumbling through his chest. His hand swept up Roxas's shirt, drawing a shiver from him when his hands explored the bare skin beneath.

"Hey! What was our deal?!"

Roxas groaned, breaking the kiss. He looked over Axel's shoulder to where Cloud and Zack stood in the doorway – Cloud with fury imbedded on his face and Zack with a disapproving frown.

"I can't leave you alone for five bleeding seconds," Cloud snarled, striding into the room with Zack close behind.

"You said I was okay to do what I wanted after six months," Roxas complained, hugging tight to Axel's neck as the Tora's hands slipped from his shirt. "It's been eight, Cloud. When are you gonna release me from that damn crown? You promised!"

"Watch your mouth," Zack muttered, more out of habit than actual scolding.

"I know what I promised, Roxas, but there have been some complications. The Neko Kingdom has specific laws about who it considers an approved partner for the Royal Family. I can't go against that. Trust me, I'm bloody trying."

Axel turned to look at them from over his shoulder, straining his neck to see them. "You can't be trying that hard."

"What the hell's that supposed to mean, Tora?!"

"It means that if you really did have problems with the law you wouldn't be banging Tifa, would you?"

"Wha'? I… How did you…? Roxas, you told him?!"

Roxas smiled against Axel's cheek. "I didn't tell."

"Then how?" Cloud spluttered, his face a bright, blooming red.

"I came to pick Roxas up on my birthday, remember? We did yell of you. Then again, you might not have heard. Tifa was moaning pretty loudly."

Zack snorted, but when Cloud shot him a glare he quieted with a shrug. "What? They've got you there, Cloud."

"It's not the same," Cloud muttered, still blushing furiously. "The Royal Court recognises Tifa as a good match. I've tried bringing up the situation of you two as well as Riku and Sora, and they won't have it."

"Why not?" Axel asked. "Dad and the Tora Royal Council has nothing against it."

"The Neko Kingdom is protective of its royalty since the upheaval of the Neko King," Zack answered. "The control of the rules has become ridiculous. The way they see it if anything happens to Cloud, Roxas is next in line for the throne. Now, if you two are together, where does that leave the Neko Kingdom in relation to an heir?"

"Oh, here we go," Roxas growled. "I am not having this conversation again!"

"Again? Hang on, you mean you've had it before?" Axel asked. "Without me? Why wasn't I present?"

"It was a meeting with the council. They'll agree to us," Roxas moved a hand between himself and Axel. "But in exchange I'd still have to have an heir. And they don't know about the effects of the Neko amulet."

"So what you're saying is that they want you to cheat on me," Axel snarled. "Fuck that. No. I swear to the Goddess, I'll-"

"I already told them there's no chance of that ever happening," Cloud said. "But that doesn't mean they'll listen."

"You're the damn king! Put them in line!"

"Neko Law is different to Tora Law," Zack said. "Cloud's judgement can be overthrown if the council has a majority of over fifty percent agreeing to a particular side of the vote. His hands are tied."

"I'm sorry, Roxas. I really have tried," Cloud said. "The Goddess said that all people of royal importance and all those that knew you as Night Crawler will remember. That stupid false Neko King showed you off to the Neko Capital before he shipped you off as a spy, remember? The council knows you were Night Crawler, and they're eager for you to have an heir. It's frightening."

"Frightening?" Roxas frowned, shuffling uncomfortably on Axel's lap. "Why?"

"Because if you ever do have a kid it'll be the descendant of Night Crawler," Zack muttered. "That's a very powerful weapon the Neko Council can boast about. Imagine it, both Night Crawler and his descendant within the Neko Capital… There's not a doubt in our minds that they'd stick you on that throne."

"They can't!" Roxas growled, clenching his fists tightly. "I don't wanna go anywhere near that damn thing. And besides, Cloud's king-"

"Exactly. You think they won't knock me off, Roxas? As far as they're concerned I'm just some idiot who's climbed the ladder too fast. What they want is someone with status on their throne. Someone who can frighten the other nations into doing what they say."

"Didn't my sacrifice mean anything to them? I did what I did for peace, not so the Royal Council could bully everyone else!"

Cloud shook his head sadly and Zack pulled Roxas from Axel's lap. Axel didn't hold on; he let Roxas go, his mind swimming with a mix of dangerous emotions.

"So, what you're saying is we can't get married, and we can't have kids, because if we did they'd kill you and stick Roxas on that damn throne?"

"I'm sorry, Tora."

"You can go fuck your apology, Cloud." Axel stood, barging past Cloud and stomping away from them.

Roxas went to go after him, calling his name, but Zack held him firm. He looked up to his adopted brother, his eyes begging to be freed, but Zack could only fold his ears back and close his eyes, shaking his head dismally.

Snarling, Roxas shoved hard on Zack's chest. The older Neko staggered backwards, his grip loosened, and Roxas bolted from them, fleeing from the silent room in the opposite direction to Axel. Cloud winced to hear the door slam, and he sank into a chair with tears hard in his eyes.

"Cloud," Zack rubbed at his chest, looking down on the blonde. "It's not your fault-"

"Yeah it is, Zack. Now both Roxas and Sora hate me. I don't…" He shook his head, and when he blinked the tears slid over his cheeks and landed on his lap. "Am I a bad big brother?"

"What? No! No, of course not. They'll come around, Cloud. They just need time."

Cloud rubbed his hands on his knees before he wiped his eyes, looking at where Axel had left. "No. No, this needs sorting tonight."

Zack tilted his head. "What are you gonna do?"

"What I should have done months ago. This has gotten out of hand – well out of hand. I'll put an end to it tonight."

"Cloud-"

"Keep Roxas busy," Cloud whispered. "I don't want him there."

He went to leave before Zack grabbed his arm. The grip was desperate, and Cloud spared him a glance over his shoulder. Zack looked afraid, something Cloud had never seen before.

"Cloud, please… Don't do anything stupid."

Cloud tugged his arm free, saying nothing. Grabbing the hilt of his sword, he left Zack alone in the empty hall with one thing and one thing only on his mind.

Author's Notes:

Welcome to My Neko 2! I hope you enjoy the first chapter, and I'm thoroughly sorry if there are any mistakes (my beta reader is hung-over and I daren't wake him). I'm really nervous about putting this up guys, so please, be nice on my first chapter!

- So, no mucking about, I've dived right into the deep end. This is set eight months after My Neko (as it explains), and there's quite a bit of friction. A new character presents himself in the next chapter, and there's a little bit of a surprise for Roxas, though I don't know if it's good or bad. I haven't shown all of the characters in this chapter, but in the next chapter they all make a bit of an entrance!

- I was thinking of adding three things to My Neko Collectables: Axel's 21st birthday, Hayner's stag night with Roxas, and Cloud's blooming relationship with Tifa. Would you want to read them?

mitzi-hindle - Haha, a few months wait isn't necessary. I wanted to get this up as soon as possible before I forgot. You are very welcome! I really enjoyed writing My Neko, and I know I'll enjoy writing this, too! But I agree, there is a lot of smut for smut's sake on this site, and it can be a little aggravating at times when you're looking for plot. Thank you so much! I'm so glad My Neko could make you smile! I'm so happy my story could help you progress with your own, too! That's always a good thing! :) Thank you so much, and I hope you enjoy My Neko 2!

akuroku lover - Aw, please don't cry! The sequel is up! And although there's drama and friction, at least there's no bloodshed and pain. Just a few bumps and bruises :)

AmyHeartXVIII - I agree. There are some very talented writers in the akuroku fandom. Aw, thank you so much! I agree that My Neko is incredibly long :) perhaps too long? Oh well. I hope you like My Neko 2!

Raviner12 - I'd like to think I'd be a goddess :) I have the wrong parts for a God haha, but thank you so much XD I'm so glad you liked the plot twists! They even had my own brain tugging and twisting itself in an effort to get around them haha. I bow back to you, my incredible reviewer!

Stalker - Thank you so much! Your review had me jumping for joy when I read it! I was so proud of myself! I'm so glad you enjoyed My Neko. It was a long story, most definitely a battle, but I fought it, and by completing it I like to think I won. I think everyone's a little worn out after My Neko, but I knew if I waited any longer to get the sequel up I would most probably forget, so I got it up early for everyone :) I cannot wait to hear from you again!