Chapter 4
(Axel POV)
Over the next week, I went to the hospital every day after classes. Demyx and Zexion occasionally accompanied me. I had to take me work with me when I went though. It made me happy when Roxas became interested in the book I was writing. I had finally come up with a topic and told him he could read it when I was finished if he wanted.
I didn't press the issue about his parents any further, but I did ask him about his brothers a couple of times. He reacted the same way as before, but simply said they didn't get along and they lived far away. After that, he didn't want to talk about that subject any more.
I loaned him a couple of my books so he could read them while I was at school. Each book only took him a couple of days to read, and when he was done he always flattered me with all kinds of comments. Not in an ass kissing sort of way, but in a way that showed he really enjoyed what he read.
It was a Wednesday, and I was in Mr. Miyano's class 'writing' an essay. Like I said before, I don't know why I even bother coming to school. I already have a pretty successful career as a writer. Why did I have to write some stupid essay that doesn't help me in any way, shape, or form? Anyway, I was a little fidgety because Roxas was being released from the hospital today. I was really anxious to get him out of that looney bin and into a real home and eat some real food. The kid had really grown on me the past couple of weeks.
Class seemed to drag on forever, but when it was finally over, Demyx, Zexion and I hurried back to the apartment and took Demyx's black Maserati Quattroporte. I was fairly certain he'd be more comforatable ina car that on the back seat of a motorcycle.
When we arrived, Roxas was waiting in the front desk area with Aerith. We signed him out and he immediately bolted out the doors, probably relieved to be out of that palce. H seemed strangely nervous when we were getting in the car. It was almost like he'd never seen one before, and was very hesitant to get in. On the way home, he stared out the window with a fascinated expression on his face asking constantly, "What's that?" when he saw things like buildings and cars and cell phones. The kid's seventeen, you'd think he'd know what a cell phone was by now. Regardless, his childlike curiosity only made me smile. By the time we reached the appartment, he was asking about technology in general. It was mostly stuff I couldn't answer like what the internet was and how it worked. It was like he'd been living under a rock for the past century.
(Roxas POV)
Everything around me was so new and strange. The pieces of technology I witnessed were very unusual, mainly the device known as a 'cell phone'. Axel let me see his, and I asked him questions about it, but I could not, for the life of me, figure out how pressing a few buttons would let you communicate with someone on the other side of the world. I was also intregued by their modes of transportation, but was just as confused about that explanation as I had been about the others. I had thought that once we reached Axel's home, I'd be able to focus on one thing. However, when I walked through the door, I was flooded with new technology. It was too much for me to handle. For now, all I wanted to do was eat and rest, which was basically all I did.
Axel gave me the room next to his. He showed me where everything was located if I required it, and told me that he would take me to purchase new attire tomorrow after he finished his studies.
The red head bid me goodnight and left me to my thoughts. However, I was plagued with having to think of ways to explain to Axel about my situation. I didn't want to push the red head away, but I didn't want to lie to him either. If I kept it from him, sooner or later, he was going to catch on with my lack of knowledge about modern technology. Finally, I decided that tomorrow night I would confront him alone and show him. If he accepted me, fine. If he rejected me, I would be forced to face my situation alone. I just hoped that he woud be able to accept me for who I was and not reject me for what I was.
(Axel POV)
After classes, I went home to get Roxas and found him messing with the toaster. When I asked him what he was doing, he asked, 'what is this device used for', so I demonstrated using a piece of bread. His reaction to the toast was complete and utter amazement. It was especially cute when he jumped as the toast popped. He must've leapt like a foot in the air, and then hid behind me like it was going to hurt him or something.
After the little demonstration, we proceeded to go to the mall. The little blonde was nervous at first, so I picked out his first few outfits. Once he became more comforatable, he began picking out clothes hiself. He was particullarly fond of dress shirts and pants, but I didn't question it. The clothes actually made the little guy look pretty stylish. Nearing the end of our trip though, I noticed he stopped looking me in the eyes. It was kind of like a child who thinks their parents are angry at them. Every time he noticed me looking at him, he would glace up at me, but then quickly look away.
On our way back we stopped by a resteraunt for dinner. Most of the time was filled with awkward silence. After a few minutes, Roxas finially spoke up. "Hey Axel." I looked up. There was a large chunk of steak in my mouth, making my cheeks bulge. "when we get back to the appartment, could I talk to you about something?"
After managing to swallow the the food in my mouth, I cocked my head to the side, brows furrowed, "Sure. Is something bothering you?"
His eyes fell to the floor, "Somewhat. I'll tell you about it later."
After that, the tension in the air seemed to lift. We talked for a bit while we finished our food. I noticed he was very proper about the way he ate. He neatly placed the napkin on his lap and held his silverware European style. I have no idea why I was noticing all these little things, but I was.
Walking back to the appartment, I decided to take another route. I knew Roxas wouldn't protest, because he still didn't really know the way back. We weaved in and out of alleyways until we reached our destination, the park. I led him over to my favorite bench and plopped myself down.
"Wait, I thought we were going back to the appartment." The blonde inquired as he took a seat next to me.
"I wanted to show you my favorite spot in town," I gestured toward the city. The lights from the streets sparkled in the darkness, happily coexisting with the stars in the sky.
"It's beautiful," he gasped as he stared wide-eyed at the scenery. His azure eyes sparkled with the lights reflected from the town.
"Ain't it though?"
Even though the scenery was indeed beautiful, I couldn't take my eyes off of the small blonde sitting next to me. He was the only scenery I needed. Suddenly, saphire eyes met emerald and he quickly turned away, a large blush spread across his face. I couldn't help but laugh at this, he was just so adorible. What happened next was a violation of everything I stood for. I placed my thumb and index finger under his chin and tilted his head up so he faced me. I then leaned down and, ever so gently, captured his lips in my own.
Realizing what I had just done, I quickly retreated out of the kiss and started to completely freak! "Oh my god, I am SO sorry! Iv'e never done something like that before! I'm not normally like that! I hope you don't think I'm some sort of creep now! Oh, you probably think I am don't you?! I'd totally understand if you just started avoiding me!" However, somewhere amidst my rambling, Roxas leaned over next to me and cupped his hand to my face, successfully snapping me out of my rant. He gently pulled my head down so our eyes met, and pressed his lips to my own. After a moment of shock, I returned the kiss. It was very innocent, but enough for me to feel an overwhelmingly strong sensation flow through me. I was the happiest I've been in a long time. Very slowly, we pulled back from the kiss and looked at each other.
"I think we shoud go home now," Roxas said very softly. I might not have heard him if he hadn't been so close.
"Yeah," was all I could manage. We picked up the bags and proceeded to walk home.
When we stepped through the door, we were greeted by an overly excited Demyx. "How was you guys' shopping trip? Zexy! Muffin and Axel are home!" The tall blonde ran over and glomped Roxas. He immediately protested with a sharp hiss of pain as he clutched his side. Demyx quickly pulled away, a sheepish grin on his face. "Sorry. I forgot you were still broken." The small blonde managed to open an eye and smile as he nodded in forgivness. Demyx and I helped him off the floor and walked to the couch where we spotted Zexion. The violet haired male glanced upward slightly from the book he was reading in acknowledgement. The tall blonde skipped over and snuggled next to his boyfriend, turning on the T.V.
"Hey Axel," I looked down in acknowledgement, "I have to talk to you."
"Oh, right!" I suddenly remembered his request from back at the resteraunt.
We both began to head upstairs toward my room. "Hey. Where're you guys goin'?!" Demyx called from the couch.
"We'll be right back!" I called back down.
We stepped into the room and I closed the door. The lights were off, but he moon shone so brightly through the window that they were hardly nesecary.
"So?" I asked, strolling to the side of the bed where Roxas was sitting and took a seat next to him. "You wanted to talk?"
The small blonde was hesitant for a moment before he finally spoke. "If I'm going to stay here," Roxas stood and began pacing in front of me, keeping his eyes on the floor, "You need to know a few things about me. I would greatly appreciate if you head what I had to say first, and held all questions or comments until the end." I simply nodded in response.
(Roxas POV)
I was far too nervous for this. My heart was racing and I could feel myself breaking into a sweat.. I felt Axel's eyes watching me as I paced about the room. Pacing helped me think, and right now I needed to think of a way to explain myself to Axel without him responding in a negative mannor.
"I guess… I should start with my parents." Axel appeared to be a little shocked, but nodded in response. "When I was around fouteen, I was returning home from the school house. My parents were wealthy and very respected members of the society, so our house was fairly large and I was able to go to a private school. Our family owned horses and I had decided to take a quick detour to the stables instead of going straight home, to see my twin brother, Ventus. He was a very nice person when we were younger. We would always play together and ride on the trails on our property after school." Axel looked as though he was about to ask something, but decided against it. I was grateful for his silence. "That day, however, when I approached the stables, his horse was still in its stall. I had thought maybe he was doing some work inside, so I went to the house. But when I got there, there was no one around. I searched for a while and still was unable to locate anyone. Finally, I went into the basement, and when I got there, I found Ven, my loder brother Vanitas and a fried of his, Terra. All three were drenched in blood, and Ventus was wielding an axe that was also dripping in blood. I looked behind them and found my parents, Ven had killed them with his own two hands. When I tried to run, they beat me until I fell unconcious. For two years they kept me as their slave, until one day I tried to escape. Ven and Terra captured me. They beat me, then took their knives and began slashing gaping wounds all over my body. Vanitas finished the job. He took a musket and attempted to shoot me in the heart, but missed and ended up shooting me here instead." I lifted my shirt and guestured to the stitches across my abdomen. "Weapons back then weren't very accurate. After he shot me, they left me there to die. I spent nearly two hours on the floor before bleeding to death. "That was nearly two hundred years ago."
Axel appeared to be both shocked and on the verge of tears. I walked over and sat next to him. "You do believe me… don't you?" The red head smiled and chuckled, letting his head hang on his chest. No, don't tell me he doesn't. My gaxe dropped to the floor. I couldn't believe it. I thought for certain he'd belive me.
"Well," the red head sighed, "It sounds plausible to me. You always talk like you're from a different time, and you're not exactly an expert when it come to technology."
"So you believe me then?!" I asked hopefully.
"I don't have a reason not to."
I could feel the smile spread across my face as I ran over and embraced the red head. "Thank you," I sobbed, burying my face in his warm, toned chest.
"One thing I don't understand though," Axel said sofly, resting his chin on the top of my head, "I fthat was two hundred years ago, how are you here now?"
"Oh, right," I sighed, pulling away from Axel, "I wasn't finished explaining." Axel took his seat back on the bed, pulling me with him. I sat on his lap and laid my head against his chest. Again, he placed his chin on the top of my head, and I continued speaking.
"After my death, I became a Tenshi, or as you mortals refer to us, an angel."
"You mean like with wings and a halo?" I could tell by the sound of his voice he was shocked.
I couldn't help but giggle at the second part of his question, even though it was perfectly valid. "I don't have a halo, but I did have wings," I said softly. "If you'd like, I could show."
Axel lifted his head and we looked at each other. "Seriously, like right now?" I nodded. "Show me!" I hopped off of his lap and turned to face him. I still didn't know how he would react. He may have seemed accepting, but there was no telling if my actions could still push him over the edge.
I guessed he must have sensed my hesitation, because he smiled and said, "Hey, I'm the one who asked to see. I'm not going to judge you." That was enough to reassure me. I took a deep breath and…
(Axel POV)
Okay, I admit it. What he told me was pretty difficult to believe. I mean, hey, anyone would question someone's sanity if they told you they were an angel. However, I wanted to belive his word, so if he was willing to prove it, I wan't going to stop him. But what I saw next destroyed any hint of doubt that still remained.
He took a deep breath, hung his head on his chest, and slowly began to raise his arms until they were at shoulder height. Then, suddenly, a large snow white wing spread from his right shoulder blade. I was completely speachless. He exhaled slowly, and listlessly raised his eyelids exposing his brilliant saphire eyes. Lowering his arms, he turned his head to observed the shimmering appendige as if to make sure he actually did it. The blonde turned his attention back to me and asked, "Are you alright? You look surprised."
I hadn't noticed my mouth was hanging open 'till he said that. Quickly snapping my mouth shut I responded, "It's just that you look exactly like the angel from my dream. I thought it was just a coincidence, but I see now."
The blonde cocked his head to the side and folded his wing against his back. "What do you mean?"
"Before I met you, I had a dream that I was lost in darkness and then was saved by an angel with white wings and blue eyes. I think it was you."
"I see," was his response.
"But in my dream, you had two wings. Did something happen to the other one?" I stood and wrapped my arms around his back, pulling him close.
"Yes," I heard him half giggle, half sob.
"You okay?" I cooed, burying my face in his soft spikes. I could feel the warm tears stain my shirt. I repositioned my left hand from behind his back to the back of his head, pushing him closer to my chest.
"Yes, I'm okay. I'm just glad I won't have to lose you."
We stood in silence for a few minuted. I massaged my hand up and down his back, tryin to comfort him. The feathers from his wing were so soft. I took his chin in my hand and tilted his head up so that his eyes met mine. Then I smiled and said in a low voice, "You never finished your story."