Outside the sun was close to setting across the back of the Kuma castle. The water glistened with a pink twinkle, licking the sand with a thousand tiny tongues and a foam-driven laugh. Small grains of sun-soaked sand lifted high and swirled in the breeze, dancing for a time, lost in a rhythm without melody before they sank and swerved over the beach.

Axel couldn't care less for the beauty. Stomping harsh footprints against the ground he kicked at the silt and snarled, folding his ears back with his fists clamped tight and his jaw clenched. Alone in his solitude he hated the cheers the wind carried over to him, setting his eyes on the far side of the beach where his wyvern was basking with its brothers.

"So that's it?" A thick voice growled. "You're just gonna walk out?"

Axel stilled. He lifted his head to glare over his shoulder at Cloud, his eyes venomous. "Fuck you, Cloud."

Cloud laughed mockingly, pointing at him accusingly. "You're pathetic!"

The Tora ears twitched and Axel turned, every muscle stiff and shaking with anxious anticipation. "Don't test me, Cloud. I won't be insulted."

Cloud scoffed and rolled his eyes. The breeze picked up his fringe and blew it back, racing against him and driving the frothing sea up against the brittle rocks. Foam splashed over them, drenching them in a false rain, and over the cry of the gulls above them Cloud bellowed, his eyes hard and unafraid.

"I'll do whatever I want, Tora! You want him, and this is how you show it? It's no wonder I won't give him to you; you're useless. He can do a thousand times better than your sorry hide could ever give him!"

Again Axel's ears twitched and he reached his hands behind his back to where his chakrams rested. Catching himself, he flexed his fingers and pulled his hands away.

Cloud caught the action and smirked, feigning a laugh. "Oh, I see. It's like that, is it?"

"What do you want from me, Neko?"

Cloud drew his sword in one smooth, sleek movement. The metal gleamed against the dying sun, and over the horizon the red rays dipped over the waking sea, granting the blade a ruby hue of dangerous shade and tempting colours.

"Prove you want him. Show me why I should give him to you."

Staring at the blade, Axel shook his head. "I won't fight you."

"Coward!"

He said nothing, listening to Cloud's insult. Enraged at the lack of emotion Cloud twirled his blade in his hand, holding it tight.

"So you don't want him? I knew-"

"I want Roxas more than anything else in this world! Do you know how it feels to want someone so badly and not have them, Cloud? It hurts! To be promised something so important to you, and to have it delayed, and delayed, and delayed, until finally you feel like you're gonna snap with insanity because you're so fucking close but you can't have 'em! I want him so badly-"

"Then prove it!"

"What good is fighting you gonna do?" Axel snapped. "You're his brother, and as much as I hate you I'd never hurt someone so important to him. Not ever. So either put your damn blade away or run me through! I won't fight!"

"You won't fight for him?"

"I won't fight you. There's a difference."

"There's no difference. You're a Goddess-born coward! Maybe I should listen to the Neko Council. Maybe I should give him to some lord that can promise me gold and loyalty in return-"

"You'd fucking sell him?" Axel growled, and this time he snatched the chakrams up. He held them tight and swirled them, knowing the steel. "I won't let you d-"

"You want him?"

"You know I do! And he wants me! But between you and this idiotic council there's never gonna be a chance of that happening, is there?! You say I'm a coward? No! It's you, Cloud! You're a damn coward. You need to sort your fucking kingdom out and stop crying like a stupid little kitten."

Cloud smirked and lifted his chin. "How far would you go for him?"

"To the ends of the damn earth. And if he asked it of me I'd keep on going. I'd walk the world for him!"

"Then fight me!"

"No… He wouldn't want that." Axel stopped, relaxed from tensing, and turned away. He shook his head, still holding his chakrams tight. His eyes slipped closed and he held his breath, listening intently.

Sure enough there came the sound of feet kicking up golden sand, Cloud's snarl ripped through the air, and with a deep growl Axel span, lifting his chakram to counter the steel aimed for his throat and battering it back. He opened his eyes as Cloud dived for him, ducking away and kicking the Neko from him hard. Cloud staggered and rolled, jumping back up to his feet and raising his blade against the chakrams aimed at his head.

The steel caught and chimed, he smashed into Axel, throwing his sword away when the chakram flew free. Rolling in the sand he pinned the Tora down by his shoulders, growling over him.

"That the best you got, Tora?!"

"I grew up with two older brothers," Axel snapped, booting Cloud's lower back.

The Neko yelped and Axel smashed his fist across Cloud's face, throwing the Neko back and going to stand before Cloud yanked his feet out from under him. Grabbing Axel's collar he held him tight, his fingers closing hard about his throat, choking him, suffocating him, locking the air out as Axel struggled for leverage from him.

"C'mon, Tora! That it?"

With a grimace Axel grabbed a fistful of sand, throwing it in Cloud's eyes and gasping for air when the Neko tumbled from him. Jumping up, he booted Cloud's stomach, his bottom lip bleeding, going to kick him again before Cloud grabbed his foot and twisted it, dragging him back down and rolling them into the surf.

Drenched from head to toe, Axel coughed, clearing the water from his lungs before Cloud dunked him back under. He kicked up, the water fell over them, he turned under the waves and Cloud sank beside him, dipped under the water himself and spluttering beneath it, losing air bubbles fast.

They clawed and kicked, scratched and punched, booted and bit, nutted and ripped, desperate to score a point over the other until finally Cloud managed to scramble breathlessly from the surf after winding Axel painfully. He grabbed his sword, the handle slipped in his palm, and as Axel crawled onto the beach on all fours he stilled.

The steel rested bittersweet against his throat and he gasped against it. His nose was bleeding, his ears were drenched and deaf from the roaring sea, his shoulder was aflame and he was covered in bruises along his chest. Cloud looked no better; with a heaving chest he held his gut, the left side of his face fresh with blood as his right leg quivered under him.

"I win, Tora."

"You're gonna kill me?" Axel asked. He spat red blood out into the sea, rolling his shoulder with a grimace. "Fine. Get it over with."

Cloud's hard stare lightened, and he laughed. The honest sound had confusion flowing over Axel's face, and when the steel was pulled away and the sword was thrown into the sea he flicked his ears, staring after it.

"Wha'…? I don't-"

"Give me your hand," Cloud said, yanking Axel up with a grin.

Axel stumbled up from the cold water with his hands on his knees whilst night sank heavy around them. Shivering from the cold, Axel shook the water from his face, wiping his bloody nose and glowering.

"I fucking hate Nekos."

Cloud chuckled, leaning against Axel with his own breath following in chunky pants. "Yeah? That's no good, 'specially since you're gonna marry one."

"What?" Axel's eyes shot to him, his eyebrows high on his forehead and his smile tired. "Yeah?"

"Yeah. Sorry about er…" He motioned up and down Axel's body. "I had ta make sure you was good enough."

"Good enough? You mean following him all over a war-beaten world and fighting a demon god for him wasn't enough?"

"That was different. Times of peace and times of war bring different challenges. I just happen to be the peace challenge, and you passed. Maybe not with flying colours, but still…"

"Fuck me," Axel laughed, falling back breathlessly and sitting on the sand. "You were testing me?"

"I had to make sure you'd fight for him-"

"I did f-"

"I mean fight anybody, Tora," Cloud said, his eyes twinkling. "This Neko Council is a bitch and a half to deal with, but don't tell anybody I said that," he winked. "I'm not supposed to swear, remember?"

"So… I can have your blessing?"

Cloud clapped him on the shoulder. "I think so. You've definitely earned it, and as much as I hate to say it, Roxas likes you."

"Yeah?"

"Of course. He's obsessed with you. Did you know he counts down the days until you meet?"

Axel leaned back, staring up at the stars. "No, he never told me."

"Well don't say I said anything, alright? He's mad at me as it is."

"What about the Neko Council?" Axel asked. Worry crossed his face and he stood, going to retrieve his chakram. "Won't they…? Yanno." He slid his finger over his neck and Cloud's smile fell.

"I'll deal with the Neko Council."

"You sure?"

"Definitely. I want my brothers to be happy. If that means I have to put up with you until I die then fine, I'll take that price."

"Wow, sounds like you're excited to have me as an in-law."

"My joy is beyond words," Cloud grumbled. "Come on, it's time we went back in. Out of curiosity, when are you going to propose to Roxas? I can tell you now he won't be the one to get down on one knee. It's not his style."

"Heh, tell me about it. Well, seeing as this is my third proposal, I was going to do it properly. Someplace quiet with just me and him. I have a ring-"

"You do? Since when?"

"Since about a month ago. I've just been waiting for you to step aside so I can do it right," he muttered, following Cloud along the sand. "Demyx fashioned it up for me. The Ookami have some of the purest gems, so I pulled in a favour and he set to work on it."

"Yeah? Sounds like Roxas is gonna get spoilt."

"Don't you think he deserves it? Hell, he has everything basic back at our place. Seriously, nothing but the essentials."

Cloud shrugged, placing his hands down in his pockets. "That's what happens when you have nothing. You learn to take the little things as they come and you roll with the punches."

"Yeah, you were pretty good at that," Axel said, rubbing his jaw where an unhealthy green bruise began to sprout. "Hey, Cloud?"

"Mm?"

"If Demyx has the ring on him… would you mind if I did it tonight?"

"Tora you have my blessing, that's all you need from me. When I get home I'll find a way to set Roxas free from this crown."

"You're really struggling with that, huh?"

"It's harder than you might think. I think it's best we get cleaned up before we crash the party. You gonna be alright?"

"Yeah. It's only a few scratches and bruises. You weren't really hitting to wound, were you?"

Cloud smirked, shrugging his shoulders and striding away.

"Cloud? C-Cloud! Hey! Fine, walk away! Damn Neko."

Zack was anxious. Inside the Grand Hall was magnificent. Colours sparkled and shone in the palest and boldest of colours, scents of vivid and surpassing strength taunted his pallet, forcing his mouth to water, and his ears were sang to sleep with the gentlest of music. People danced, and laughed, and giggled, and kissed, and celebrated without control, exchanging words with whispered amusements in the over-crowded room.

Stood by the entrance, Zack checked the time again. It had gotten dark, and his stomach was beginning to churn. He wanted to slip out, to go and locate Cloud and make sure he hadn't been foolish, but he still had the twins to watch out for, and they were being less than easy to handle.

Over on the far side of the room Sora was practically sat on Riku's lap, talking animatedly with Kairi whilst Riku guzzled down rum and strong ale. From time to time Sora would glance over to him, the smile would slip to a small turn of the mouth and he would look down, not wanting to catch his brother's gaze, but feeling inclined to let him know that he knew he was being watched.

And then there was Roxas, the Neko Zack kept losing track of. When he had found him he'd been in a horrible mood, and it had taken Zack a bottle of wine, two goblets of rum and some heavy champagne to get Roxas to lighten up enough for him to bring him back down. Unfortunately as they entered the room toasts and celebrations had been passed around for the bride, the groom, and the two men to give them to each other. Needless to say, Roxas was now thoroughly and pleasantly drunk, so much so that Xion had dragged him up onto the dance floor for his fifth dance. When he complained she pushed a glass to his hand, and with a shrug Roxas took the bribe and let himself be led away, promising Hayner with slurred speech that he'd bring her back.

Zack wasn't sure if filling Roxas with alcohol had been the best idea, but it had taken his mind off Axel at least, and that was what Cloud had asked him to do.

"Zack?"

"Huh?"

He turned with an eyebrow raised, still leaning by the back wall. Aerith approached him, looking stunning and awe-inspiring. Her hair had been swept back into a bun of opal gems covered by a silver net; a loose brown curl had slipped free, and her green eyes glistened hypnotically. Her cheeks were perky and red, her lips full and dabbed with the lightest of gloss, and her Nezumi ears were fluffed up. Her dress was tight to her frame, exaggerating her curves and nipping her into emerald satin with golden glints and lace ruffles. She closed the gap between them and rested a finger under his jaw, closing his mouth.

"You look handsome," she whispered.

Kicking off the wall, he held her hand to his chin, kissing her palm softly. "Thank you, but I'm afraid I could never look near so good as you. You're beautiful."

She blushed harder, smiling sweetly. Taking his hand she tugged on the cuff, turning it about nervously and brushing imaginary dust from his front, using it as an excuse to touch him. "You should dress this smart more often. One would mistake you for a prince."

"O-oh, no, I don't think that would be, er… well, I mean, I'm just, yanno…" He coughed into his palm, blushing scarlet. "Coming from the streets, I-"

"Zack," she pushed a finger to his lips. "You talk too much."

"Huh? I-"

She kissed him. Her soft lips pressed lightly upon his rough ones, and she had to tiptoe up to reach, but it was worth it. Relaxing into it, Zack brought his arms around Aerith's lower back, holding her steady and sighing contentedly.

"Typical. I leave you with the twins and you're out scoring."

Zack was loathe to break the kiss. He skimmed a thumb up Aerith's cheek, turning with a smile to Cloud before it fell at the sight of the blonde. The blood had been washed away, but it still stained his clothes; the cuts and abrasions on his face were prominent, and his smirk was half-hearted.

"Goddess, Cloud… What the hell happened?" Forgetting the moment, Zack turned with Aerith on his arm. "You look like hell."

"Yeah, well, what you gonna do, really? So, the twins, do you know where they are?"

"Cloud, what did you do?" Aerith asked, her eyebrows furrowed prettily.

"Nothing," Cloud answered, looking over the crowd. "I just-"

"There he is! My little shit!" A voice boomed.

"Huh-ah!" Cloud yelped at the arms swung heavily over his shoulder.

Cid leaned over him, stinking of alcohol and not caring as he spilled his rum up Cloud's side. With his eyes hazed, he stamped his feet to a beat that wasn't there.

"Where ya been? You's look like shit, did ya know that?" Cid slurred.

"Goddess above, why are you here? I thought this was an invitation only party?"

"Yeah," Cid laughed, upending his cup for the last few drops. "I gorran invite. I'ma knight, yanno."

Cloud detached Cid's arm from around his neck. "Go away, Inu."

"Why?"

"Cuz I don't like you."

"Aw! Aw!" Cid pounded his heart, snorting deeply. "I'm wounded! Wounded! Call the nurse! A hot one, though. You'd do, princess," he said, wiggling his eyebrows at Aerith.

With a subtle growl Zack pulled her to him, wrapping an arm around her shoulders.

"Ohhh," Cid whispered. "I's like tha', is it? Well, I need ta get laid, so, if there's nout goin' for me here," he pointed out to the crowd of dancers, yelled "AWAY!", and sauntered off.

Pinching the bridge of his nose, Cloud shook his head. "Bloody Inu."

"Cloud, you said you were looking for Sora and Night Crawler, I believe?"

"Yeah. Sorry, got off track a bit. Have you seen 'em?"

Aerith pointed tentatively over to the dancers, and Cloud paled. Roxas was being grasped by a high lord with a warbled voice, a thick goatee, and small black eyes. The thin man was ignoring his attempts to escape and instead had escorted him over to where his daughter stood prettily and innocently, not taking no for an answer.

Cloud tensed and Zack pulled his arm back, both preparing to intervene before someone beat them to it.

Roxas pushed on the man's arm, trying to undue the tight fingers whilst politely rejecting the dance with his daughter. Again the man refused, pulling and tugging, yanking him forwards until he stumbled before Seifer strode up. Sweeping an arm over Roxas's shoulder, he heaved him against him, freeing him from the man and grinning. Words were exchanged, Seifer winked, and the Hitsuji took the dance instead, much to the man's dismay.

Roxas laughed again, feeling the world blur around him and hiccupping. No sooner was he free than someone else stole his arm, and he looked over at Namine. Dressed in a light pink gown with a red ribbon tied just beneath the bodice, she smiled at him, her eyes bright and alive.

"Night Crawler," she said, utterly breathless. "I haven't had chance to grab you all night!"

"I've been busy."

"Xion tells me it's your last night as Night Crawler, correct?"

"Yeah. She's been tellin' everybody," he laughed, rubbing his hand back through his hair and grinning infectiously.

"Well, seeing as I many never get a chance to meet with the saviour of the world again, will you grant this princess a dance?"

"Anything for a princess."

"Oh," she flushed. "I forgot Night Crawler could have a silver tongue."

"It's uncommon in rogues," Roxas winked. Taking her waist gently, he lifted her arms to his neck, holding her softly and guiding her through the flirtatious dancers. "So, Ventus," he asked, his breath hot on her ears as she cuddled by his neck peacefully. "He around? I don't think I've seen him."

"He's at our table. I just couldn't pass up the opportunity to dance with Night Crawler one last time."

"Oh?"

"Mmm…" She closed her eyes, listening to his heartbeat and frowning. "Are you alright? Your heart seems awful fast."

"Jus' drunk," he whispered. "I'll be fine."

"Night Crawler-"

"Dear sister, may I have this dance?" A cold voice asked.

Namine lifted her head, stopping her movements and looking to Larxene. Her hair was down and curled, her bodice of golden hue littered with gems of all varieties before the bottom puffed out and fell to the floor. Her eyes sparkled, and her mouth twisted to a sneer.

"O-oh, Larxene, I dunno-"

"It's alright," Roxas said with a shrug. "I don't mind."

"But Night Crawler-"

"Tell ya what, if you still wanna full dance tomorrow, I'll stick my cloak on just for you. We can dance at breakfast. Sound fair?"

She smiled, holding her hand to his chest. "You are drunk, Night Crawler, but I'll hold you to that. I want a whole dance," she teased, poking her tongue out before anxiously slipping away.

Larxene was taller than Roxas – not by much, but it was enough. She clamped her hands around his neck, digging her nails in painfully as he reluctantly grabbed her waist. In the open room beset with dancers she daren't hurt him, but that didn't mean she wasn't going to upset him.

"So," she rested her forehead against his, drawing a wince when she clawed just below his hairline. "Where's my husband, Night Crawler?"

"In my bed," he laughed.

She bristled, growling low in her throat. "Don't fucking test me, Neko!"

"Princesses shouldn't swear," Roxas mused, frowning thoughtfully. "It doesn't sound right, yanno? Sounds bad."

"What are you babbling about?"

Blinking innocently, Roxas pulled his forehead from hers. "Swearin'. You shouldn't do it."

"You'd dare to tell me what I should and shouldn't do, street rat?!"

"That's enough Larxene," Ansem growled. Looming over the pair, he dragged his daughter from Roxas, bowing low as Roxas half-bowed half-stumbled in return. "I am sorry for her tongue, Night Crawler."

"'S okay. How've you been, anyway? I don't think I've seen you since…" He stopped, folding his ears over and thinking hard. "Spring? Definitely spring…"

"I am well, Night Crawler. You should visit the Raion Kingdom some time. We do not see near enough of the saviour of our world."

"I'll add it to my list," Roxas muttered, giving him a sloppy thumbs up before a hand was clamped down over his mouth.

He looked down at it before following it upwards, smiling beneath it to see Xion clicking her tongue at him. She placed a finger to her mouth, emphasizing her point.

"Sorry, King Ansem, I think he's drank too much. People have been toasting with him all night."

"It is no problem, Princess Xion. Congratulations on your marriage."

"Thank you."

"How is the baby?"

"Well. Really well, actually. Thank you for asking."

"I am glad for you. I wish you all the best of luck."

With a low bow to the both of them, dragging Larxene down to a courtesy, Ansem left. Xion waited patiently for three seconds before she turned her glare on Roxas.

"If you don't stop licking my hand I'm gonna tear your nuts off." When he raised an eyebrow in her direction she scowled. "Try me, Roxas. I dare you."

She pulled her wet hand from his mouth with a groan, wiping it on her dress in an undignified manner. "You're gross."

Smiling goofily, Roxas opened his mouth to speak before he was tackled from behind. His legs were taken out from under him and he yelped, landing hard on his gut. Behind him Hayner snorted, completely lost under the alcohol's influence. He drummed his fingers on Roxas's back, pretending he was a drum and ignoring the light pushes Roxas gave him to get off.

"Dude! You've been busy all night. I haven't been able to grab you at a-ah!"

"Loudmouth Inu no jump Little Prince," Xaldin said, lifting Hayner high and keeping him airborne by his collar. "Loudmouth Inu too fat. Squash Little Prince flat."

"Hey, I'm not fat, Muscles! I'm slender." Hayner ran a hand down his waist pleasingly, proving his point.

"Is too. Look at podgy belly. Too many pies."

"Are you alright, Roxas?" Xion asked, helping him up and groaning at the pull on her back.

"Yeah, 'm fine."

"I am not fat!" Hayner whined, swinging around in the air when he tried to whack Xaldin. In his drunken mind he didn't think the action through, and as he swivelled and swirled he became dizzy. The sickness in his stomach lurched upwards, and Xaldin raised an eyebrow at him.

"Loudmouth Inu okay?"

Hayner grabbed his stomach, still twirling before he gagged, turned into Xaldin's chest, and barfed down his front. The sticky slime dripped from the shiny black armour, and as he held his stomach, still rotating, Hayner groaned painfully.

"Too much beer…"

Xaldin raised an eyebrow down at the slime, a tight frown on his face. "Loudmouth Inu lucky is wedding."

"Roxas, stop laughing," Xion giggled, smacking him lightly on the arm as he tried to restrain bubbles of laughter. "Hayner, are you alright?"

"Feel sick…" Hayner mumbled.

Immediately Xaldin turned him outwards and away from him, wrinkling his nose. "Is time Loudmouth Inu and Little Princess went bed. Uma, Ushi, and Inu royalty already left. Kitsune leave soon."

"Yeah, I guess it'd be pointless waiting up. Especially with Hayner not feeling well."

"Ngh," Hayner agreed.

"I go to. Go clean up," Xaldin muttered, still holding tight to Hayner's collar.

"What about you, Roxas? You gonna bed, too?"

"Nah, I'ma stay up a lil longer. Gonna fin' Axel, an'-"

"Roxas, you're drunk," Xion scolded. "Axel's probably already in his bed."

"I should…should…"

He fumbled over his words, and Xion leaned in. "Should…?"

"Go look," Roxas laughed, stumbling forwards and catching her shoulder. "Good idea, Xion!"

"Huh? No, Roxas, it wasn't my-"

"Ima go find him. Congrats, again! I'm so, so happy for you. Like, seriously." He smiled at the trio, fumbling with his hood and pulling it up over his face. "I'll see ya tomorrow, 'kay?"

"Are you sure you're going to be alright?"

"I'll be fine, Xion. G'night!"

With a small wave he slipped through the crowd, ducking out of the way of the hands that snatched for him, shaking his head politely to any and all who asked for a dance and tugging on his cloak when people snagged it. Stumbling for the door, he stopped when a hand reached out and cut across his path, blinking at it before his groggy mind decided to follow the arm up.

Tifa was not dressed like the other princesses. She stood in trousers of thick, coarse material, her belts were crossed diagonally over her waist, and her top was low-cut, revealing her naval and barely covering her breasts bar the two straps around her neck. Her wings were of oiled beauty, and Roxas couldn't help but smile.

"You wear that for Cloud?"

Her eyebrow shot up, and her mouth twisted into a smirk. "At least someone noticed it. People have been avoiding my cleavage all night. Am I flat chested or something?"

Flushed, Roxas looked down to her chest, shaking his head with a gulp. "Nu-uh. Definitely not."

"Aw, you're sweet. Makes me think I'm dating the wrong brother."

"Huh?"

"Cloud won't look twice at me, but we're supposed to be dating. Is it just me, or…?"

"Cloud's funny," he reassured her. "He'll be lookin', but only when you're not. Likes ta think he's peepin'."

"Oh?"

"Yeah, it's weird. He got caught lookin' on some girls when he was…twelve? I think twelve. They chewed him out. Now he don't look." He shrugged, fighting back a yawn. "You seen Axel? Can't find him."

"Axel? I think you should be finding your bed, not that bloody Tora."

"Probably hidin' in my bed," Roxas mused.

"So you and Axel have…?" She wriggled her eyebrows, and Roxas coughed into his hands.

"N-no! No, I wouldn't do that. Cloud told me not to. Where's your lot, anyway? I ain't seen Leon, or-"

"They've retired for the night. It is early morning now, Neko, and we've got a long flight back in the morning."

"Why you up then?"

"I told you," she winked and heaved her breasts up. "I'm waiting to be noticed."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah…" She sounded downhearted, looking over to where Cloud was peeking over people's heads to try and spot Sora. He was still stood by the ever faithful Zack, who was now conversing with Aerith's father and Xigbar.

"You're not gonna get his attention like that," Roxas said. "What happened to him, anyway? Looks like he got in a fight…"

"He won't say. Trust me, I've been trying to get that out of him all night."

"Ah." Roxas tapped his chin, his face covered beneath his hood. "You say you want Cloud ta notice you?"

"It would be nice to be recognised by my boyfriend, yes."

"Want my help?"

"Help?" She stared down on him, confused. "How can you help me?"

Smirking, Roxas grabbed some champagne flutes and her hand, walking over to a corner of the room. She followed him uncertainly, her wings folded neatly by her back. Holding her to the corner, hidden behind the wave of moving dancers, Roxas set to work.

"You trust me, right?"

"Night Crawler, that is a stupid question."

He shrugged. Unpinning her hair he let the strands fly free over her shoulders, taking a few between his fingers and curling them, pinning the others back up. The loose waves framed her face and he pulled a clip from behind his ear, tucking a piece back by the side of her head before he turned to her bodice.

"Erm… I'm not gonna… gonna…"

His voice cracked and became squeaky. Unable to finish he reached out to the fabric, catching the middle between her breasts and ripping lightly, pulling the corners back to give the slightest opening whilst revealing nothing. Slipping a knife free from his boot he pulled tight on her trousers, making sure he didn't nip the flesh as he slipped the blade in and dragged downwards. The effect was immediate, and he mirrored the rip on the other side, taking away the frayed edges so it looked like a design. Last to come away was his cloak. He tied it about her throat, tilting it to hang off her left side and raising the hood up half way over her head.

Stepping back, he nodded to himself. "Okay, that looks a little better. Showin' too much in one place is bad, but if you even it out it's okay. See? But there's one thing left to do…"

"What?" she asked, inspecting her new outfit with fascinated eyes.

"Erm…" Picking up the champagne flutes, he grinned sheepishly before he threw one over her. It splashed against her front and she squeaked, patting down her breasts uselessly.

"Night Crawler! I'm soaked!"

"Gotta go," Roxas mumbled, still holding the flutes as he half-sprinted half-fell through the crowd back towards his brothers.

Tifa chased him, yelling after him, and as Roxas reached his brothers he grinned and dashed behind Cloud, using him as a shield. Holding tight to the back of his brother's shirt he laughed and hid.

"Save me!"

"What have you done this time?" Cloud grumbled, lifting his arm to try and see him before Tifa stopped breathlessly before him, dripping wet with champagne and pieces of her skin on show, tempting him. Her hair was tussled perfectly, her chest panting upwards and outwards as she scowled half-heartedly.

"T-Tifa?" Cloud asked, his voice unusually high. His eyes were wide as he stared at her, his mouth dry and his throat tight with a heavy lump. "W-wow, er-"

"For Goddess's sake, Cloud," Roxas teased, shoving his brother hard and laughing when he yelped.

Cloud landed against Tifa's wet front, his hands slipping over her skin and drawing tingles from her. She caught him, almost falling back before he steadied her, standing tall with his cheeks a deep red.

Tifa lit up to see his eyes adoring her, wrapping her arms around his neck as he took her waist. "Hey, Cloud. Want to dance?"

"D-dance?"

"Yeah, you know, one-two-three, one-two-three," she laughed.

"O-oh, sure," he squeaked.

He took her hand and led her away, leaving Roxas by the back wall. With a quick glance over her shoulder Tifa blew him a kiss, offering him a wink. Capturing it, Roxas tried to leave before someone grabbed his collar.

"Not so fast, Squirt."

"Aw, c'mon, Zack-"

"I saw what you did. Real sneaky, Roxas."

"She wants ta get laid," Roxas said loudly, lifting his arms to try and undue Zack's fierce grip. "You of all people should know how frustratin' it is. You moan loud enough about Aerith-"

"R-Roxas!" Zack snapped, covering the blonde's mouth and offering hurried apologies to King Mickey and Xigbar, too ashamed to look at Aerith as his body swelled with heat. Excusing himself, he dragged Roxas outside and closed the doors behind them.

Roxas shivered in the cold frost of the room, fluffing himself up when Zack released him. "Can I go now?" he asked. "I gotta find Axel-"

"The only place you're going is bed, Roxas," Zack said. He placed his hands on his hips, scowling down on his little brother as Roxas rolled his eyes. "How much have you had to drink?"

"Why?"

"How much, Roxas?"

"I dunno," he mumbled, letting his ears flop and trying to count on his hands. "Don't think I've got enough fingers…"

"Heaven help me," Zack whispered, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Alright, come on. I'll take you to bed-"

"Wha'? No, I gotta find Axel-"

"Should my ears be burning?"

Both Nekos turned towards the stairs, Zack with disbelief and Roxas with a grin. Axel walked towards them, no longer bleeding from the fight but his shirt was still stained down the front. Stopping near them, he took one look over the situation and frowned.

"What's happened?"

"Nothin'," Roxas protested. "Zack's jus' bein' shy-"

"Close your mouth, Roxas," Zack defended. "And you… You're still alive?"

Axel scoffed, walking behind Roxas and threading his arms around him. "You sound disappointed."

"Try surprised."

"What happened?" Roxas asked, looking up to Axel curiously. "That blood?"

"No, it's ketchup," Axel laughed, running his fingers back through Roxas's hair with a grin.

"Looks like blood…"

"Roxas was just going to bed," Zack said. "He's had enough for tonight, haven't you?"

"Aw, but Zack-"

"Actually Cloud said I could steal him for a few minutes. There's something we need to talk about."

"There is?" Roxas asked. "What is it?"

"It's a surprise. Where's your cloak, anyway?"

"Gave it to Tifa," he shrugged absentmindedly. "She wanted ta get laid."

"Will you stop saying that?!" Zack barked, rubbing his forehead tiredly. "You're sure Cloud said you could take him?"

"I wouldn't dare say otherwise. Why'd you think I look like this?"

"Fair point. Alright, but make sure he's in bed soon, Tora. And no 'funny business'. Straight to sleep. And in your own beds too!" Zack growled, yelling after them as Axel took Roxas's hands and led him away.

Roxas's feet dragged behind him, scuffing his shoes, but he didn't care. Focusing his attention on not falling face-first on the floor, he pushed down the nerves in his stomach and squeezed Axel's hand. His answer was a stronger grasp and a toothy smile before Axel pushed open the doors to the inner garden, leading him outside.

The cold air caught Roxas's chest and cheeks, blowing his fringe back with nibbling fingers and leaving him breathless. A fountain of ornate marble spilled water outwards in a lapping pool, creating a centre piece that the darkened shrubs and drifting trees could lean and cuddle into. Axel led him around it, and Roxas trailed his fingers in the cool water, laughing when a small golden fish nipped at him before it shied away.

Jogging up by Axel's side with the stars bearing down over them, he cuddled Axel's arm, following him into the maze with the large hedges. His drunken mind couldn't comprehend where he was going, but with faith in his heart he didn't question it until finally they walked into the centre of the maze.

A wooden gazebo stood surrounded by tender flowers; vines crawled and itched upwards, standing for the moon, and in the silence they could still hear the rush of the fountain with the nosy fish. The smell of lilies rode the wind downhill, promising a night to remember, and in the hedges small birds and tiny mammals squeaked and peeked their small beaks and noses out.

The steps creaked as they walked up them. Axel picked Roxas up, sitting him on the railing and holding him steady. Latching his hands around the bottom of his back, Axel kissed him under the moon and stars, feeling Roxas's hands skim up his shirt to touch his warm skin with cool fingers.

"Roxas, I love you."

"I love you too," he whispered. The small hands pulled out from under the shirt to run back through red hair, feeling Axel's hands lifting his shirt so they could draw circles into the small of his back.

"How drunk are you?"

"Does it matter?"

"Not really," Axel husked, trailing kisses by Roxas's jaw and stealing bites along his throat. Above him the moans were loud and unclear, the fingers in his hair pushed him closer, and the body fidgeted, eager for more, but still Axel held him still. "I need to ask you something."

"Y-yeah?"

"Yeah." He pulled Roxas from the ledge, leaning him back against it.

Roxas frowned, his ears flopped as he held the wood for balance. The cold air kept him awake, slapping his cheek from time to time to ensure him he wasn't dreaming, and the he waited patiently.

"I need you to be honest, alright, Kitten? It won't work otherwise."

"Axel, you're scarin' me…"

With a small smile Axel kissed him, taking longer in an attempt to still his furiously beating heart. When it leapt into his mouth and Roxas trembled beneath him he knew he couldn't wait. Reaching into his pocket he pulled out a small velvet box, dropping down to one knee and opening it up.

Inside the ring gleamed. Two bands of yellow gold wrapped around a simple sliver of rose, keeping it safe; a flawless diamond took centre stage, chiselled into the magnificent shape of a blooming blossom, and circled around it were two dragons of platinum grace – one with sparkling sapphire eyes, the other born with emeralds. They stayed forever still with small diamonds flickering down their backs and tails, their wings cracked ebony opened up to safeguard the gleaming gem, appearing ready to take flight.

Axel sucked in a breath, closing his eyes tight. He could hear his heart, feel his pulse, his mouth was dry and he couldn't think. The world stopped for them, and in that moment Axel was so nervous he was ready to throw up.

"Roxas, I love you with all my heart. Cloud gave me his blessing at last and I… I can't picture even thinking about my life without you. I want what we have to last forever, and even longer than that. I'm not the best at speeches, but what I have is honest…I've never loved anyone as strongly as I love you. Will you marry me?"

Roxas stayed silent. Peeking an eye open, Axel dared to glance up, seeing the Neko's open mouth and shocked eyes with a fallen heart.

"It's okay if you don't want to," he mumbled. He rubbed the back of his head, going to stand before Roxas bowled into him.

Knocked from his feet he landed hard on his back, hitting his hurt shoulder and staggering for breath as Roxas kissed and kissed and kissed him, muttering hundreds of innocent yesses between them. Axel kissed him back, the terror washed away with deeply set relief. Holding the back of Roxas's neck he pulled him close, kissing him deep with tears set on his cheeks, feeling soft hands grasp his shirt and holding him snuggly. When he sat up Roxas fell in his lap, slipping down his chest with a small giggle.

"That a yes?"

"Yes!" Roxas said breathlessly, taking another kiss and nuzzling Axel's nose. "Yes, I want to marry you."

Axel took the ring from the box, holding Roxas's hand and slipping it on his finger. The fit was perfect and Roxas inspected the ring, twisting and turning his hand, running his finger over the smooth dragons and grinning.

"It's beautiful."

"So are you," Axel said, kissing Roxas's neck.

"Question though. Does this make me a woman?"

"Oh, Kitten, you can't be that drunk."

"No! I mean of our relationship…" Roxas whispered. "Xion said-"

"I think we're equal, Kitten."

"Then why do I always bottom?"

"Are you really complaining about my sex?"

"No, just wonderin' is all." He wrapped his arms around Axel's neck, smirking deviously. "Can I top tonight?"

"I don't bottom, Kitten."

"Aw, why not? I promise I'll be gentle-"

"Don't you enjoy being bottom?"

"Well, yeah-"

"Then what's the problem?"

"I don't wanna be a girl," Roxas sulked.

Axel chuckled, reaching his hands down to the front of Roxas's trousers. Slipping his palm inside, he grasped the soft length, tugging sensitively with Roxas mewling. The Neko's warm breaths panted by his ears as he moaned and thrusted lightly, cuddling into the crook of Axel's neck.

"I don't think there's any chances of you being female, Kitten."

"That's not what I m-me-ah! A-Axel…ngh…"

Axel teased him, rubbing gently before he pulled away. With a whine of protest Roxas stayed hugged against him, his trousers tight and unbearably hot.

"How about we go to my room," Axel asked, trailing wet kisses over Roxas's shoulder. "Finish this properly."

"Y-yeah?"

"Yeah."

Axel stood, taking Roxas's hand and helping him up. When his feet fumbled Roxas fell into him, laughing drunkenly by his chest with the ring glittering upon his finger. Axel wrapped his arms around him protectively, lifting him up and carrying him out of the gazebo and through the thick maze, knowing where he was going in the dark nest of thorns and vines.

"I can walk, Axel. Don't need a lift."

"You're drunk."

"You're covered in blood," Roxas muttered, rubbing his fingers over the crusted crimson.

"It's ketchup," Axel said, walking around the fountain.

The fish captured Roxas's attention again, drawing him off into his own world as he lifted himself up, peering around Axel's shoulder to spy the golden hue. Axel released him when they came to the doors, straightening his collar and ignoring the way Roxas rolled his eyes. The fingers tried to bat his hands away, but it was a futile attempt that became bothersome.

Taking Roxas's hand, Axel led the way inside. The hall was far from quiet, but there was no sign of anyone other than maids and servants. He marched to the steps, thanking a higher force that they wouldn't be seen and pulling Roxas along with him, jogging up the stairway with Roxas bumbling along behind him. On the second floor Roxas grew tired, his feet began to ache from moving all night and he could feel his severed heart banging ferociously in his chest. He rubbed at his eyes, still holding tight to Axel's hand as they ascended the final staircase.

On the third floor Axel led him down a corridor, stopping twelve doors down and turning the handle. They slipped inside and Axel locked the door behind them.

WARNING! SEXUAL SCENES BEGINNING!

Torches sparked and spat in their holders, casting dim shadows over the room and playing with them. The room was extravagantly made up with beautiful inscriptions along the furniture, painted images and tapestries hung from the wall with golden frames and thread, and over by the hearth was a mantelpiece of rich mahogany. A fire blazed just beyond the fireguard, sharing its warmth, and by its side was a door leading to a private bathroom.

With a sigh Roxas fell back onto the double bed, leaning back by the fluffy pillows and closing his eyes. He played with his hair absentmindedly, feeling the dip in the covers before a hand rubbed up his inner thigh. He reached down, grasping the rough palm and guiding it up to his crotch, leaving it there to tend to him whilst he arched his back and moaned. The warm glow cast its way over them and the bed dipped further.

The hand abandoned him and Roxas cried, reaching out for it before his palm was pushed up and restrained over his head. Held down to the sheets, he opened his eyes to see Axel hovering over him, pinning him down with a leg on either side of him, his jade eyes hungrier than the fire and desperately wanting. With one hand holding the blonde Neko's hands down, Axel slipped his other up his shirt, loving the trembles he drew forth and forcing hard kisses down on soft lips.

When he bit at the bottom lip Roxas opened for him gladly, anxious to meet the sweet taste of the other and drown out the sour alcohol stinging his tongue. He fought for freedom of his hands, wanting to explore, but with a pure growl Axel refused him, taking control from him and insisting he submit. Fighting was useless, and Roxas gave up, moving only to part his legs so Axel could slip a knee between them and rub his crotch teasingly.

He moaned, the sound swallowed in Axel's mouth, and the Tora retracted his hand in favour of undoing his belt. With a harsh tug he yanked it free, throwing it across the room and pulling his trousers down. He pried Roxas's legs further apart, positioning himself between them whilst Roxas bucked and moaned and writhed beneath him, desperate to be able to touch and kiss and think and feel. Instead Axel turned to his throat, finding the sensitive spot and kissing it smoothly, feeling Roxas turn his head to give him better access, taking the chance and biting down hard, drawing a bruise with Roxas's cry and pleading words, sucking deep.

Roxas wriggled harder, feeling his pants being pulled down over his knees and not caring. He gasped, unable to breathe as his skin quivered and shook beneath powerful hands, tingling wherever a touch met him and drawing from him soft whimpers. Again Axel bit hard by his neck and Roxas arched up into him, knocking their members together and moaning pleasurably at the deep rumble Axel gave him before he was forced back into the sheets.

"A-Axel?"

"Yeah, Kitten?"

He panted hard, opening his mouth to swallow back air before Axel kissed him, drowning him under pleasurable sieges. Slipping a hand free at last, Roxas threw it behind Axel's neck, drawing him in closer, deeper, wanting more. His fingers trailed up into red hair and he grasped it. Axel winced by his lips, and for moment Roxas was afraid before deep scratches caught his thigh and trailed upwards, scorching him tenderly with a dark bite on his lip that had him weeping blood into both their mouths.

Breaking the kiss, Axel couldn't control himself. He bit and sucked and licked and lapped and nipped the skin, leaving nothing untouched, nothing undamaged, nothing unclaimed. He took it all, leaving Roxas mumbling incoherent words in a euphoric meltdown. At last he couldn't keep his painful cock from throbbing, and he slid his underwear down, taking Roxas's with him and leaving them both half-naked on the bed.

"You ready, Kitten?"

"Yeah. Fuck, Axel, stop teasin'."

Axel lifted him up, sitting down comfortably and resting Roxas over his hardened length. The moonlight caught the flush along Roxas's face, and he held Axel's shoulders, gulping. Axel nuzzled their noses together before leaning down to capture his lips, pulling his cheeks apart and stroking him gently with the drenched tip.

"You alright?" Axel asked, holding Roxas's waist with one hand and bringing the other up to his pounding heart. "I don't wanna hurt-"

"You have to stop worrying," Roxas whispered, snatching Axel's lips in a rugged kiss before he grabbed his hand, closed his eyes tight, and took the hard six inches in one thrust.

The kiss broke almost immediately and Roxas winced, his forehead dropping to Axel's stained shirt where he grabbed fistfuls and gasped raggedly. Axel's arms swept around him and the governing purr rustled through his chest with thrumming vibrations. Buried six inches inside, feeling the heat swell and buckle and burst around him, he couldn't wait. With swift kisses and bites to Roxas's neck he pulled out, promising things would get easier and pushing back in, creating a smooth and steady rhythm, lifting Roxas up and pushing him down, hearing the haggard moans by his chest and insisting on more until finally the friction eased and Roxas hummed pleasurably.

Steadying himself by Axel's chest, he fucked himself hard on four inches, gradually taking five before he stretched himself to the near impossible on six, his heart overflowing to have Axel beg him to go faster, helped along by those rough hands and swept away by the ecstasy brimming on the edge of his mind. The fogged haze of his drunken state caused him to slip, but Axel caught him, holding him and licking the sweet spot along his neck.

"Ngh…Ah! A-A-Axel…"

"Y-yeah?"

Roxas buried the cock inside of him, refusing to lift when Axel wanted and drawing a delicious cry from him. He held himself there, smothering Axel with heat and tightness until finally the Tora turned almost weeping eyes upon him.

"Kitten, please... Don't stop."

The kiss on his lips was needy, as if Roxas was withholding an addictive drug from him. Battling back, Roxas shimmied up a little, hearing the joyous moan turn growl and stopping again, teasing him with a wink and gasps for his own desire.

"A-Axel…I want… I want…"

"Name it, Kitten."

Roxas blushed harder, his cheeks scarlet in colour. "I want you to f-fuck me-"

"Gladly." He went to take Roxas's hips before he was stopped by soft hands.

"N-no, I mean… I mean properly."

"Properly?"

"Like… like you want to. Don't go gently just for me. I won't break."

"What are you asking for, Kitten?"

"You're a Tora," Roxas moaned, feeling the cock twitch inside him and trembling. "P-prove it."

Axel raised an eyebrow, his hands tightening on the blonde's waist. "You wouldn't like it."

"Try me."

"It's rough, Roxas. I don't think-"

"I want it, Axel. Going this slow is killing me."

"Don't joke about that," Axel growled. He stopped, folding his ears back and thinking for a moment. "You're really sure? You could get hurt."

"I'm sure-ah!"

He yelped when Axel dragged him off of his cock and threw him back against the pillows. Without time to breathe he was smothered by kisses, the chest hard upon his own and crushing him down. The tongue attacked his lips and his mouth was forced open, leaving him stammering for some grip on reality as his legs were pulled apart and lifted up. He was left without warning before Axel plunged into him, biting at him when he tried to buck upwards and roaring against him.

No sooner were six inches inside of him than Axel was pulling away and ramming back in, punishing him with dangerous determination. Roxas staggered to feel hands scratching down his side, neglecting him completely as Axel located the sweet bundle of nerves within him and pounded it, striking it with sublime accuracy and reinforced skill until the thrusts increased to an incredible pace Roxas couldn't keep time with. No sooner had he gasped than a full-bodied thrust left him broken and trembling, misplaced in the agonising pleasure affronting him, but frantically wanting.

He wrapped his arms around Axel's neck, holding him close as the Tora neglected his mouth to tear at his throat, leaving deep bite-marks and bruises on pale flesh with eager delight. His moans were ragged in the air and Axel bucked his hips into him, seizing his waist and dragging him down until Roxas couldn't take any more. His mind raced, his body quivered, he could feel his heart threatening to explode and his nerves tingled with overriding volts of untapped ecstasy.

" A-Axel! Axel, I'm gonna c-mmf!"

The kiss was brutal and the thrusts refused to relent. Instead they dug harder, burying deeper, hitting him so fast and hard Roxas was sure he'd be sore before the euphoria swallowed him up. He gasped into Axel's mouth, clenching hard and coming against the building friction of Axel's chest. The Tora swallowed the cry, giving Roxas two ripping thrusts before he came with a deep growl and a lethal bite to Roxas's lip.

Roxas winced, his ears thrown back as he enjoyed the final thrusts he was given. The tempo decreased until he was left wheezing for air, his breaths fitting and his pulse scurrying up and down his veins in a scrambled mess. He closed his eyes with blood on his lips, tensing as Axel pulled out before a hard kiss was placed to his bust lip. He shivered and took it, confused when Axel pulled back and turned him over.

Lifting him up onto all fours, Axel scratched up his thighs again, drawing identic lines and pausing only as Roxas looked back to him, muddled clarity clear in his eyes.

"A-Axel-"

"You said you wanted to do it properly."

"Well, yeah, bu-Ah! F-fuck! Ngh…"

Axel purred to have six inches back inside, hanging over Roxas and nipping him with his canines. He ran his hands along the other's belly, rubbing beneath the shirt and positioning himself perfectly.

"Axel…fuck, t-twice? A-again?"

"Heh, it's gonna be a lot more than twice, Kitten."

"Huh?"

"You wanted me to treat you like a Tora. You don't know what the fuck you've got yourself in for."

He pulled out, thrusting in so hard Roxas's arms buckled beneath him. Axel groaned, setting up another rapid rhythm, delving in deep, egged on by Roxas's begs and moans and pulling him back.

Roxas grabbed the sheets, the thrusts so hard the bed hammered against the wall it was two inches away from. He rocked back and forth, locked in the pleasurable turmoil he had asked for and loving the rush he was given. When Axel reached around his front to grasp his cock and pull he began to push back, eager to have the heat and willing to yield, wanting to be dominated by the one he'd give everything for as Axel's heavy pants and pleasing grunts were layered under his own vivid cries for more, for him to go faster, harder, to take him deeply and not stop.

His chest pounded, and he put it down to his beating heart…

Neither saw the glowing blue gem beneath.

Author's Notes:

I know I promised a new character, but this was over ten thousand words. I promise, the new character is in the next chapter, though, and they have something to say about this engagement! I know there are still a few characters missing as well, but don't worry, they'll make an appearance soon!

Anyway, let me know what you think! I'm sorry about the smut guys, but hey, they just got engaged. And I wanted to stress the difference between Neko and Tora (even if it was sexual), and by the sounds of it Roxas is in for a rough night. Oh well, he asked for it.

Miitu - Haha, glad you're excited! I hope you're okay.

Stalker - Thank you! I'm glad it could make you smile, and I like to think the unique take on the characters is one of the mains strengths of My neko; that and the twisting plot line, anyway. I'm glad you're excited! Sorry you'll have to wait till the next chapter for the new character, but hopefully it's worth the wait!

Deuuis2lzy2login - Haha, I agree. I thin the Royal Committee needs putting back in line, but poor Cloud's hands are tied unfortunately. At least he's going to try and fight them though! That's always a good start! Lol, if something happens to Cloud and Roxas refuses the throne it passes to Sora... Would Roxas leave Sora to rule? I dunno... let's hope it doesn't come to that.

mitzi-hindle - Glad you were happy to see it so soon! And I'm very glad you liked it! I didn't want to break anybody's brain by having too many details right off the bat lol. Aha, drama is my thing with this story. There's always some twist or hook laying in the water, I just have to set it right. I hope you like this chapter too!