A/N: No, I don't know where this came from. It's short, angsty, and really feels like it should be part of a bigger story. Unfortunately my muse did a runner after writing this, so this is probably all you get.

Warnings: Boy love, abuse, strong language

"No son of mine is a faggot!" Roxas winced, looking sullenly at the floor and trying not to listen to the murmurs breaking out. It wasn't his fault he had been found out. His dad had come at a bad time; a time when Axel felt like celebrating for being crowned King.

"-Axel Masaki!" Axel beamed, all teeth, as he bounded up to the podium and allowed the silver crown to be placed on his head. Roxas had to, grudgingly, admit he looked good in the grey striped suit and red tie he had sworn he wouldn't wear. Riku poked him in the side teasingly, making him aware the redheads speech had ended and he had been staring. Muttering half-heartedly at the muffled laughter he blushed and slunk down in his seat.

Axel was still grinning as he bounced back off the stage and instead of heading to the winners circle he all but skipped up the stairs to Roxas. "I won!" He announced needlessly, pulling the squirming blond to his feet. "Really? I never would have known." He remarked dryly, attempting to pull away. Axel grinned, holding him steady, and swooped down, pulling the smaller body against his in the same second. Exactly as he had known Roxas would do he gave a slight moan, hands that were moments before pushing him away now tangling in his hair. "Roxas Numara!" Roxas had never jerked away so fast. "Dad?"

He felt Axel place a soft hand on the small of his back and took a deep breath. "Listen, Dad, I-" His father cut him off, eyes blazing. "Come here." In sharp contrast to his face his voice was eerily calm. Roxas shook but he couldn't disobey. His feet took away from Axel –away from safety- and to the man before him. Before he quite knew what was happening he was flying backwards, stars in his vision and something warm creeping down his face.

He blinked dazedly as a kick was aimed at his side. He rolled over immediately, letting out the odd grunt until they suddenly stopped and soft hands were running over his arms, curled around his head. "Roxy?" He gave a small moan of acknowledgement as Axel gently scooped him up. Before he knew it they were on the other side of the gym.

Axel gazed down at him in concern before his eyes flashed to the spitting man. They hardened at once, a hiss of rage coming from between clenched teeth. "No son of mine you hear!" Roxas felt safe with Axel. He blamed him entirely for what happened next. "You can't change me!" He screamed suddenly, fists balled up. The man went silent, face purple before he opened his mouth again.

Roxas beat him to it, shouting out things he felt were appropriate. "And I told you that you wouldn't ever touch me like that again!" He fell silent, breathing raggedly, as his words echoed in his head. He paled drastically as Axel tightened his grip.

"Roxas? What do you mean by that?" Roxas was turned to face the redhead, his gaze directed to the ground. "Let's go get the blood out of my shirt before it sets, hm?" He said shakily, not looking at the questioning green eyes. "Has he hit you before?" Roxas flinched, and Axel looked murderous. With a snarl he leapt away from the blond, tackling the man to the ground and snarling obscenities as he pounded his face.

"Worthless, self-righteous piece of-" Zexion was struggling with Axel as he flailed, trying to get back to the bleeding man on the ground. "Axel?" He spun so quickly Zexion stumbled forward. "Roxas." He murmured, striding back to the quivering boy. "It's alright." His arms wrapped around him and he leaned his head against his chest, ignoring the whispers and the pain.

Somehow it was easier to do this time.