pairings: AxelxRoxas

disclaimer: I don't own anything but the plot

w00t, number three wahahahah. OMG, my spring break is happening!! Which means I'll have time to update everything!! When luxord mentions "Shake it up", you'll have to refer down to the bottom most of my author notes to understand what Luxord was talking about.


.:Alcohol Brings On Deep Thoughts:.

Roxas couldn't believe what was happening. The deck had become a flurry of men running. People screaming and the sails dropping to catch the wind that was in their favor. He could see across the moving waves the merchant ship Demyx had been talking about. Roxas stood at the railings of the deck, watching the ship. They were coming fast and it was obvious the merchant ship was bustling to get away. He couldn't believe the excitement all the crew felt. He looked back to see people he didn't know yet on deck. Looking up further he saw Axel who had taken hold of the wheel. Pure joy on his face at the speed they were going and for the chance of a chase.

"Roxas!" the blonde looked around at someone calling his name.

A man with brown hair and a scar across his face was looking to him "Yeah!?" Roxas called.

"Help me!" he said and the blonde hopped over to him.

"What do you need?"

"Help hold the ropes while I tie them off" the man instructed and a bundle of taut ropes were shoved into his arms.

Roxas gripped them, looking up to where they disappeared into the sails. He held them tightly, ignoring the pain in his arm. The man grabbed two ropes and pulled them tight as he walked to the mast. The blonde wasn't sure what he was doing, but if it meant he was on their good side. He would gladly help. Again the man took two more and Roxas held the last one tightly. The rope was taken from his hands and Roxas wiped his hands on his pants.

"Thanks Roxas" the man called pulling tightly on the knot he had made.

"What's your name?" Roxas asked.

The man looked over his shoulder. "It's Leon"

"It's nice to-" and out of nowhere Roxas was once again reacquainted with the ships deck.

"Oop, sorry 'bout that blondie" a man laughed and he was helped up with a tug of his collar.

Roxas looked back, a man with short blonde hair and a goatee was laughing. "It's Roxas" he replied.

The man smiled and held his left hand out. "Luxord" Roxas took it in his right hand and was shaken quiet hard.

"Stop messing with the new guy!" someone yelled. Roxas looked over and was suddenly jumped. Being taken in someones arms who was laughing.

"Well don't molest the poor boy then Demyx" Luxord said punching the other blonde in the shoulder.

Demyx stuck his tongue "Oh be quite you gambling addict"

Luxord glared "Don't be a poor sport because you always lose"

"Nyah! Nyah!" Demyx blew a rasberry at him.

Roxas laughed, Axel's crew were certainly an interesting bunch.

"If the raid goes well, we're guna celebrate tonight. Meaning you Roxas-" Luxord pointed at the boy in Demyx's smothering arms.

"What?"

"You get to learn how to Shake It Up" he said with a sly smile.

"Don't corrupt him just yet" Leon laughed throwing something to the tallest blonde.

A flash of metal and Roxas realized it was a sword. Luxord twirled it expertly in his hand and smirked. "Maybe he wants to be"

Roxas flashed a smile "Or maybe I already am and I'm just pretending to be innocent"

Demyx, Luxord and Leon looked at him. Roxas smiled and started to laugh. The three smiled and joined in.

"Get ready you dogs!" a familiar voice shouted. The three glanced up to see Axel standing against the railing up top. Saix once more holding the wheel.

They looked back to see the merchant ship closer then expected. Demyx let go of Roxas. "Since your not up to par kiddo-" the mow hawked blonde ruffled his hair. Roxas scowled at one of the many nicknames he had been given. "I'll give you some of my share" the dirty blonde smiled.

"You don't have to" Roxas said.

"Nah, we'll share with you kid" Luxord smiled.

"Ready yourself boys!" Axel shouted and there was a rush of the crew to the railing. "Roxas!" the blonde looked back to see the red head gesturing for him to come up.

"Ooo! Your in trouble" Demyx teased and pushed him toward the stairs.

"Yes captain?" Roxas called as he climbed the stairs.

Axel gestured for Saix to join the rest of the crew. Axel took the wheel and nodded for Roxas to join him.

"Since your not ready for active duty" he noted as Roxas stood next to him.

"You can hold the wheel while we take the ship" he said and pulled the boy over in front of him. "Hold it like this"

He raised the blondes hands to grip the wooden handles that jutted out. "Hold them tightly and don't let them slip. Keep it still and you'll be fine"

Roxas blushed slightly as the mans warm breath slid over the shell of his ear. A chill snaked down his spine. Roxas gripped the wood underneath his hands as Axel gripped his own. His wrist throbbed but it was bearable.

"Got it boy?" Axel asked and Roxas nodeed. The man let go, the warmth leaving his hands and cheeks.

He watched, heart pounding as they came up beside the merchant ship. Men were yelling and ropes were being thrown. The more daring men were swinging over, fights started to break out and Roxas hoped the crew would be alright. He watched, entranced as the men he met stormed the ship. The sound of swords meeting, the cries of those who were casualties and the occasional gunfire was heart stopping. He wasn't sure if he could ever do it. Willingly kill someone. But now with his loyalties now lying in the Dancing Shadow and its captain. There was little doubt in his heart now, that if he had to kill, to save his own life. He would do it.


The battling lasted not more then fifteen minutes, the crew tied up with the ship along side the Dancing Shadow. Long planks had been placed across the railings to act as bridges and Roxas watched as the crew came onto the ship. Arms laden with chest and other sorts of things. It was interesting though, he watched as Demyx tried to coax a dog onto their boat. It was golden in color with splotches of black on its ears. A green collar was around its neck, off set the wiry hair.

"Demyx!" Zexion scolded. The dirty blonde loked over his shoulder and smiled sheepishly.

"Yes" he asked ina sing song voice.

"You can't bring a dog on board" he noted.

Demyx stuck his bottom lip out and pouted. "Please! His names Pluto. He's so cute!!"

"No, you'll bring him on board and then get tired of him. Then I'll end up taking care of him" Zexion growled.

"Demyx" a masculine voice said. Demyx looked ahead and shrunk back to see Axel standing beside the dog.

"Yes?" he said quietly.

"Leave the dog" he said.

"Oooooh! Fine" Demyx said sadly. He lowered his eyes and pouted slightly. Axel laughed but jerked away suddenly. Demyx looked over, Pluto had licked his hand but the man had winced.

"Captain?" Demyx asked.

"I'm fine" he smiled and walked around the dog and onto the makeshift bridge.

"You sure?" the dirty blonde asked and the red head nodded.

"Just keep helping everyone and then we can leave" he instructed and hoped down onto the Dancing Shadow's deck. He headed straight for the door that lead to the lower decks.

Roxas watched questioningly. Was that blood!?

"I'll take the helm for now" a voice said and Roxas squeaked in surprise, Saix had somehow appeared next to him without him even knowing it.

"S-sure" Roxas let go and the man grabbed the wooden handles. His face stern as he watched the crew below. Roxas took his chance and quickly made his way down the stairs and to the lower decks.

The lanterns hadn't been lit below yet but he easily navigated and ended up in front of Axel's door. He didn't bother to knock and walked in. He spotted Axel and was thankful he wasn't queasy at blood. With his jacket and shirt off his whole left arm was dripping with blood, a gash just under his shoulder provided the exit for the blood.

"Axel!" Roxas exclimed and sprinted over. The man didn't say anything as the boy suddenly ripped his shirt off and wrapped it around his arm to stop the blood flow.

The red head hissed from the sudden pressure but didn't object. "Coming into my quarters without asking?" Axel chuckled.

Roxas scowled "Your bleeding all over the place, does it matter?"

"Maybe. But at the moment I don't think so" he hissed again when Roxas bunched more of the fabric against the wound.

"Why didn't you tell Zexion?" Roxas asked, lifting the stained shirt to see if the bleeding had stopped.

He chuckled "Didn't want to bother him, he doesn't get out much often when we have raids."

"Doesn't mean you can just go to your room and bleed to death" Roxas scolded. "You better sit down" He instructed and together Axel sat down on his bed.

"I have medical things in that box on the small table over there" Axel said pointing and took hold of the makeshift band-aid.

Roxas turned and spotted it. Snatching up the small box he opened it to see bandages stuffed inside. He laughed a little at the messiness. Coming back he pulled the mess of cotton out and replaced the stained shirt with some of the more absorbent cotton. Holding it he started to bandage the wound tightly. Axel watched the boy, he seemed comfortable with the task of mending wounds.

"Where'd you learn to do this?" he asked and Roxas tied off the bandage.

"I used to help a woman named Aerith at our local clinic. She taught me a lot of things" he whispered.

"Oh yeah? Well maybe we should have Zexion mentor you" Axel offered.

The blonde shrugged, goose bumps prickling on his skin as he realized how cold it actually was on the ship. Roxas let go and nodded that he was done. Axel stood, flexing his arm slightly. "Thanks blondie"

"Roxas" he replied.

Axel laughed "Well, Roxas, why don't you take that chest to your quarters while I check if the crew is done" he said and reached back as the blonde was heading for the chest. Roxas jumped a little when he felt something smack him in the head and then engulf him. The warm fabric turned out to be a blanket and he looked back to Axel who was pulling his jacket on.

"One of the warmest blankets I got, use it tonight" he instructed and walked past the blonde to go top side and hurry his crew.

Roxas hesitated but pulled it closer, warmth returning to his skin and a scent that would soon become familiar to him.


.:Captain's Quarters:.

Demyx giggled happily as he looked around at their group. Zexion shook his head and Luxord snorted. Roxas sat between Leon and Demyx. Zexion to Demyx's left, Axel across the table from Roxas on Zexion's left. Luxord on Axel's left, Saix on Luxord's left. Marluxia on Luxord's left with Cid on Marluxia's left. And a man introduced as Xigbar sitting between Cid and Leon. The rest of the crew were either enjoying in their treasures or getting drunk off their ass on deck.

"Ready?" Luxord asked. Roxas had never played the game before but just went along. Raising the cup he had been given and then shaking its contents and almost in unison they slammed the cups down, silencing their contents and silence dawned for a second as they thought.

Roxas hesitated but stood up along with Demyx and Marluxia. Placing three smaller coins on the table in front of his cup. He'd been given a good share of the coins they had taken from the merchant from Demyx and Luxord. Demyx and Marluxia matched it. Axel stared at his cup for a second before standing up and matching them. Luxord chuckled and held a one finer up along with Saix and Zexion who matched the blondes bet too. Xigbar and Cid held two fingers up and matched the bet.

"Ready?" Luxord asked fingering his cup and looking around the table. Nobody responded but Luxord gave a nod and the cups were pulled away.

"Shit" Axel hissed looking around at the dice on the table. Xigbar smiled and Luxord laughed.

"Well damn" Luxord sighed. Axel laughed and grabbed the bottle of rum in the middle of the table. He took a swig and passed it to Zexion who sighed. After taking a drink, Demyx eagerly accepted it with a giggle. Taking a drink he shoved it toward Roxas who hesitated.

"Come on Roxas! You lost!" Demyx said with yet another giggle.

"Them's the rules!" Luxord laughed heartily.

The blonde sighed and raised it to his lips, smelling the bitter rum and he took a quick drink. Pulling it away coughing as the others cheered and he laughed at their amusment in him. Sitting down he passed it to Xigbar passed the bottle to Marluxia who accepted it, then gave it to Saix, who too took a drink before placing it back in the middle. Roxas coughed a little, the drink had burned his throat while going down but at the same time left an interesting taste on his tongue.

Xigbar reached out and pulled the coins towards him and divided it between him and Cid.

Roxas placed the dice back in his cup. Everyone did the same and the new round began.


Fifteen rounds later and a very drunk circle of men did they decide to stop when Demyx passed out on the table and Roxas felt queasy from the unhealthy amount of alcohol he had consumed. Zexion stood up, slipping the arm of the dirty blonde around his shoulder. Hoisting him up he started toward the door. Marluxia got up with a slight giggle and followed after. Although Cid and Luxord looked none the worse for wear. They got up and made for the door, ushering Marluxia along. Saix Stood, teetering slightly and walked away from the table.

Roxas groaned placing his forehead against the table. The room almost seemed to spin until he felt someone nudge his shoulder. Holding an arm around his stomach he looked up to see Axel.

"I don't feel good" he groaned, words slurring as they came out of his mouth.

"Come one short stuff, if your going to throw up, do it off the side of the deck" he said.

The blonde staggered up and would've fallen back if the captain hadn't slung an arm around the his shoulders and started walking for the door. The blonde grunted and accepted the body that was holding him up as they walked into the hallway. The sound of laughter and giggling was a clue that someone was still having fun. Moonlight greeted them and the sound of men laughing. Axel growled and rubbed a hand over his face.

"You dogs, go to bed, I'm not going to deal with you being bitchy in the morning!" he shouted, startling the men. They complied and hanging off each other they staggered down to the lower decks. But who stayed sober you wonder? The person who was holding the wheel; Leon.

Grumbling to himself he watched the captain practically drag Roxas to the edge of the deck. He sighed. 'I shoulde be getting drunk off my ass too'

Roxas tried to hold it back, but as he looked down at the dark waves below, the sudden feeling of being so high magnified by the alcohol. His stomach muscles spazmed and there was no use for trying to hold it down. Axel leaned heavily against the railing, he was pretty good at holding his liquor. But when it came to moving around and walking some where, everything seemed to go topsy turvy. Roxas cringed and held his throat. The contents of his stomach had been taken away by the sea. But his throat burned and it left a bad taste in his mouth.

"You'll get better at holding your liqour. Trust me!" Axel laughed.

The blonde wiped his mouth on the sleeve of his shirt he'd put on from before. But he new know he was going to have to wash it. "I don't think I want to" Roxas groaned putting his head against the cold wood.

Axel snorted loudly and suddenly slid down to sit on the deck, closing his eyes he laughed a little. Roxas shivered as he sat down but joined the man, focusing on placing his burning throat against the cold wood.

"Hey" Roxas whispered. The red head opened an eye.

"What?"

"Is this life worth it?" Roxas asked, his throat burned and he coughed.

Axel was silent for a moment as he opened both eyes to look up at the stars. "Its everything you make it if that what your asking" he replied quietly.

Roxas tried to think but his mind came up with one answer "I miss Aerith"

The red head looked over at him. "Who?"

"Aerith" the blonde cleared his throat painfully. "From where I used to live"

"Hmmmm, first love?" Axel asked.

"No" the blonde replied hoarsely. "Second mom"

"Second?" Axel raised an eyebrow trying to piece thoughts together.

"She was my mom away from mom" Roxas knit his brow. "If that even made sense" Roxas laughed hoarsely.

Axel smiled "As much as the relationship between Demyx and Zexion" he laughed.

"Wha?" Roxas replied breathing from his mouth the burning sensation in his throat was finally disappearing.

"They're together" Axel whispered.

"But..." Roxas tried to form the connection in his head but a hiccup interrupted his thoughts.

"What?"

"They're guys" Roxas finished looking over at Axel.

The red head snorted "You know nothing do you?"

"What tha supposed to mean?" Roxas asked closing his eyes and holding his throat once more.

"Nothing. Just that love ain't always what you expect it to be" Axel sighed.

"I know that" Roxas said.

Axel laughed. "Sure, blondie, sure"

Roxas scowled at the name but it didn't last. "I'm guna go attempt to try and get to my bed" Roxas replied staggering up. Axel joined him. Roxas held his hands out but it didn't help his balance.

The red head laughed and grabbed the boys hands, Roxas wincing at the pressure on his left hand but ignored it. Steadying each other the blonde gave a giggle and hiccuped, he wasn't even sure how he had even gotten to standing. But the daunting task of moving and walking lay ahead. He stood still, apart from the red head for a second, holding Axel's hands, he was pulled into a hug. Roxas made a noise but accepted the hug, the warmth felt good in the oceans night time breezes.

The swayed slightly and Roxas closed his eyes, willing himself to stay awake. Axel sighed quietly, resting his chin on the boys head.

"Blondie" he whispered. The boy didn't respond, he was dead weight in his arms. "Your killin me kid" he laughed, and in his buzzed state he lifted the boy into his arms to return below deck. Trying not to run into the moving walls.


If your wondering what game they're playing... I have no idea. I just kind of derived it off the game they played in POTC 2 and tweaked it a little. Holding one finger up means you think your total of your dice is odd. Holding two fingers up means you think your total of your dice is even. Standing up means you think you have doubles, like 1,1 or 3,3. There's really no rules, you just shake the dice in a cup, put it on the table. The first person to either, stand up, hold one or two fingers up places the bet that everyone has to match. The way to win the round is... here's an ex: you and someone else are holding two fingers up, meaning you both think you have even. When you remove the cups and you both have even then you win and don't have to drink or do whatever. More then one pair can win. Like if a couple people have odds and they're holding up ones then they win too.

...yeah, so thats kind the game I had them playing. There's no real "winner" you just keep going till you decide to stop lol. But hey, if you want to try it, go right ahead and be my guest. We'll call the game "Shake it up" lol. under the rights of gilgameshforeternity!! If you do try it, you should tell me how it goes lol. Hope you enjoyed this chapter!!