After a while, Roxas turned to him. "Mmm, thank you." His voice somewhat sleepy. "I- I'm really glad we met Axel. Hey - do you think you could take me with you back to your room, just for tonight?"

"Hmm. Alright, just for tonight."

"Thanks," said Roxas.

"What time do they usually feed you in the morning? I've gotta make sure to have you back in the cage before anyone notices." Axel said, setting the boxes back up and grabbing the bowl of ice cream before they left.

"Not too early, usually around 10, or so?"

"That'll give us plenty of time then." He smirked at Roxas, "and it's no problem Roxas. You dont have to keep thanking me." He scratched Roxas behind the ears again as he headed to his room, being as quiet as he could to avoid waking anyone. He wasn't sure how he'd explain Roxas sitting on shoulder if his parents saw.

"I'm nothing to you," Roxas whispered, he was right next to Axel's ear so it was easy to talk to him without being overheard. "well, a meal later, but you know what I mean. You don't have to be kind to me, especially not going out of your way. No one's ever done that before, and I can't tell you how much it means to me. I'm yours to do with as you will, and instead of tormenting me you're doing all this."

Axel smiled and petting Roxas again, "I don't really see any reason to 'torment' you." He whispered back, "And it doesn't hurt to be a little nice to a future meal for once. I kinda like you anyway. You're cute, and more interesting than my normal food."

Roxas wondered what normal food was exactly, but he'd find out soon enough.

Axel ducked into his room, shutting the door softly before flicking on the lights. There were various posters hung on the wall almost haphazardly, and a desk that was cluttered with various objects and scraps of paper. A large screen hung on one of the walls, with various consoles and games placed below it. In the far corner there was a cage, currently occupied by a couple snacks that Axel was saving for later.

"Welcome to my room, Roxas." He said as he sat on the bed, setting the bowl down on the bedside table.

Roxas looked around room before his eyes settled on the cage. "What's in there?" he asked, whatever they were, they were currently hidden, though Roxas guessed they weren't pets.

"Breakfast, or maybe a late night snack. I am kinda hungry" Axel said, half joking. He knew he couldn't scare Roxas by eating in front of him, but it might've still been a little cruel.

"People?" he asked, "from your world?"

"Yes." He said, hoping that would be the end of the conversation concerning what was in the cage, but something told him it wouldn't be.

Roxas looked away from the cage and fell silent. Axel was what what he was, kind or not. He understood why they ate the sentient creatures, they were smaller, weaker, and to the Axel's race that made them fit for whatever use their betters saw fit, including as food. It was their nature, they were predators, and eating the races they subjugated was their way of making it clear how little they meant. Roxas put his head down, uncurling his tail from around Axel's neck to wrap himself in it and hide the tears that came to his eyes.

"Roxas?" Axel asked, looking at the little creature with a mix of confusion and concern. He didn't think something like that would upset the little guy so much.

"Sorry," he whispered, not quite trusting his voice to speak louder without breaking.

"It's alright," Axel assured him, reaching up to pet him again, "I'm sorry if I upset you, little one. Do you still want to spend the night here?"

Without fear, other emotions took it's place, sorrow, anger, sometimes better things, curiosity, or excitement. Axel petting him, comforting him, that was nice, even if what was going to happen to the others and to him broke his heart. "Yeah, will you hold me?" he asked, "I don't like being alone." His kind were meant to have groups, and he craved Axel's touch, his kindness.

Axel nodded, picking Roxas up off his shoulder and holding him against his chest as he laid back on the bed. He yawned as he continued to pet the little creature curled up against him, and despite his best efforts, soon fell asleep. It had been pretty late.

Roxas snuggled against him, and soon began to purr. It was warm here, and Axel cared for him, and for the moment, that was enough.