~Playground~

~Chapter 6: If We Ever Meet Again~

I hope everyone who actually reads this is enjoying it so far!

Money and power could buy almost anything. Axel could have the latest technology, the fastest cars and the most attractive men. What he couldn't buy was a faster plane and that pissed him off. Sitting in his chair the only stewardess on board his private plane brought him his usual glass of bourbon. Normally he tried not to drink too much but the bad feeling deep in his gut told him he couldn't be completely sober for this. If this was another false lead... Axel was done. He couldn't keep getting his hopes up. Part of him even wondered why he still cared so much. Not too long ago he fulfilled the promise to destroy Hisa and the Playground. Now the man was sitting in jail with all of the corrupt politicians and cops who had helped him stay open. So why did he still hope this was the kid they'd been looking for? Riku only wanted to find him for Sora's sake but what was there for Axel? To be honest, he barely knew the kid. It had been an impulse to help him. The only reason he really couldn't stand to know they'd let the brat down was because it was a blow to Axel's ego.

If that was it then why was he flying to a country he'd never been before and ignoring his meeting the next day? Downing his drink and motioning for another Axel lay his head back. Demyx could handle it and if he couldn't Larxene would just bitch out anyone who questioned her. It would just be one more mess to clean up when he got home.

But Riku had sounded so certain. What was Axel going to do if it really was the kid? Taking him home with him would cause a scandal like none other. He supposed he could send him with Riku and trust Sora would be able to figure everything out. Or set the kid up somewhere nice and cushy until they actually came up with a plan. It didn't matter; he'd discuss it with Riku when he saw him.

Another glass of bourbon was set in front of him and he actually took a few minutes nursing it. This was such a mess. Axel's life was good. Why would he go and throw something like this into it? But when life gives you lemons... Too bad Axel hated lemonade.

By the time the plane had landed Axel was warmly tipsy and not in a good mood. Seeing Riku waiting for him didn't help things. "You'd better not be fucking with me. You had to call me now, of all times."

"You think I planned this? Go fuck yourself Axel," Riku replied with a snarl. "I know it's him. I just don't know what to do about it."

"Why not?"

"He's the favorite slave of the sultan of Agraba. More than that's he's been in "training" so the sultan probably won't part with someone he's put that much energy into."

Why not just leave the kid? asked a treacherous voice in Axel's mind. It would be so much easier... "Then let us meet this sultan and figure out what he wants."

Riku muttered something under his breath but Axel decided to ignore it. From the airport it was a quick thirty minute drive to the sultan's palace. During the ride Riku briefed him on what he was here for and what the sultan was like. He also explained how he explained Axel coming. "You're delivering me the latest stock and trade updates. We're saying the demand for his spices has gone up and we're going to buy a lot more. That should make him happy enough to not question your being here." Axel was used to the political games played but this felt different. This was way too similar to three years ago.

"I'll go let the sultan know you're here," Riku said as they pulled up to where a small army of guards waited. "Just wait right inside. And don't do anything stupid please."

"Like I ever do." The look Riku gave him as he got out said differently. Axel followed him until they got inside then he let Riku go on ahead. Looking around the palace Axel cringed. It was so gaudy. Who needed to flaunt their wealth that much? It was almost pathetic. Then again, if Riku had spoken true about the sultan he was a rather pathetic man. Footsteps drew Axels attention to his left where a man with long pink hair approached him. In only thin white pants the multitude of scars on his body were clearly apparent. "Who are you?" Axel as when the man stopped close to him without introducing himself. The amount of sheer confidence the man exuded felt like a challenge.

"Marluxia. You must be master Axel." Axel prickled at the word master, but not as much as he did at the man's next words. "Roxas used to talk about you often. I'm surprised it took all of you so long to find him."

Roxas. The name awakened the same emotions it did years ago when he had realized what Roxas had done. Grabbing Marluxia by the shoulder Axel tried not to shake him. "Where the hell is he?"

"Ragheb is with our master. If you would like I could mention that you would like to have him."

Have him. Fuck, it was just like back then. Except this time Axel wouldn't be paying. He also didn't know if he even wanted to see Roxas. "Ragheb is Roxas?" Axel asked to clear things up. When Marluxia nodded Axel let him go. Hurting one of the sultan's slaves wouldn't be a good start to this little trip. Besides, maybe this would work out in his favor and he'd gain a new diplomatic relation. Friends in high places were always welcome. "Then tell your master I would like to have Ragheb for as long as he will allow."

Was he smiling? Why the hell was Marluxia smiling as he walked away from Axel? Oh yeah, he had a really bad feeling about all of this.

It seemed to take just as long as the damn plane ride before Riku came back led by Marluxia. But something was different. No longer was Marluxia holding his head up, confidently looking Axel in the eyes. Head down he seemed meek and shy. Like a good slave. He really pissed Axel off. "So? Where's the brat?" Axel asked.

"Detained indefinitely." The look on Riku's face was like a dark gathering storm. "The sultan and I have business to finish. He has granted you full run of the castle, provided you have no intentions to leave any time soon." Axel tried to understand the hidden meaning behind those words. So, he was a prisoner for now. Well, at least it would be a new adventure for him. He'd never been held hostage in another country before. "Marluxia will show you when your rooms for the rest of your stay will be. I will come find you when the sultan and I have finished our negotiations."

Striding away Axel had the distinct feeling Riku was pissed at him. But he hadn't done anything stupid yet. "Wanna fill me in?"

There it was – the transformation from meek slave to confident man. "I passed along your message and with a few words from Ragheb the sultan refused. I wonder what did you do to create such a reaction in Ragheb? I thought he looked up to you."

"Roxas is a brat. Who knows what he's thinking. It's his fault he's here in the first place."

There was that annoying smile. "So you two were lovers." Not a question.

"Not even close." Axel had never wanted to hit someone as badly as he wanted to right then. Well, when he'd found out Roxas had abandoned hope he wanted to hit him. But this was a close second. "Where the hell is my damned room?"

"Right this way, master."

The opulence of the palace was really getting on Axel's nerves. Did everything have to scream how rich the guy was? When Axel saw the emeralds set into the bathtub he'd lost it and stormed out of his room. As he explored the palace servants and slaves all bowed their head as he passed making his mood worse. He didn't need people bowing to him. Hell, he'd been friends with the maids in his home ever since he was a kid. They were like mothers to him; they certainly never had a problem scolding him when he was trouble. Here the rules were vastly different. Axel hated it here already. How Riku could stand coming here for days at a time was beyond him.

Storming around Axel finally calmed himself as he found the back of the palace. Surely the backyard was still considered part of the palace. Benches of marble sat around a small pond, clearly man made in this god forsaken dessert. Brightly colored parrots flew from tree to tree, squawking nonsense at each other. Throwing himself down on the nearest bench he stared into the water. "What the hell am I doing here?" he asked himself. He thought he was a pretty responsible person nowadays. He did his work ahead of time and never missed a meeting. He took time to himself to play but made sure he always acted appropriately. This was the first impulsive thing he'd done in a while. "What is wrong with me?"

"We always long for the forbidden things, and desire what is denied us. Do you desire me because I left?" Glancing behind him Axel wished he hadn't. No, before he'd never wanted Roxas in that way. The dancing the blowjob... Even after that he didn't want Roxas. Now he couldn't say he didn't want him. Dressed in flowing black pants and nothing else Axel could see how well the kid – no, he wasn't a kid anymore – had filled out. His hair had grown out a bit and had lightened in this sunny place making him look like a wild animal. Five piercings decorated his body, a small golden hoop in his left ear and three more hoops in the cartilage of his other ear. The last was in his right nipple. His shoulders had broadened but he still had a slim physique. Black kohl lined his eyes making them seem mysterious. And those eyes, the ones he saw every time he looked at Sora... those eyes were dead. The lacked all of the innocence they used to posses. Now they were filled with a dark sardonic glee.

"I never wanted you like that, Roxas." How many times had Axel imagined seeing him again during that first year? No matter what day dream he came up with this was nothing like it. Shouldn't this be a happier reunion?

"Ragheb. My master doesn't like my old name." His face was totally impassive. Only his eyes seemed to flicker with uncertainty. Even then emotions flashed through them so quickly Axel couldn't be completely sure he didn't imagine them. It's not like he actually knew the guy anymore. It's not like I ever did.

"Whatever, Roxas. What are you doing out here? I thought I wasn't allowed to see you."

"My master is away. I was curious as to why you came out here."

"We want you to come back with us. Sora misses you."

"He's not the one sitting in front of me though." Was Roxas upset that Sora hadn't come to rescue him?

"We all missed you."

"No one missed me. I have no use to any of you. So why are you here?"

This was nothing like the Roxas Axel thought he knew. Axel couldn't think of anything to say. When this seemed to upset Roxas, but who could tell when he was as emotional as a rock, Axel blurted, "I wanted to see you."

"I'm nothing to you." Bringing one hand up Roxas played with the single hoop in his ear. "And you are nothing to me."

"Don't you want to leave here?"

"Why would I?" Roxas seemed genuinely curious. "Everything I want is here. So long as I can keep my master's affection I'm happy."

"Damn it all... What the hell is wrong with you? Since when were you content to be someone's slave?"

Roxas' face darkened. "I was stupid back then to think things would change. Sora and I are two sides of the same coin. Fortune can't smile on both of us. Besides," he said, regaining his composure, "things are different here."

A sharp whistle rang through the air. Immediately Roxas turned and walked away without a look back. Feeling thoroughly insulted Axel slammed his hand down on the bench he sat. Fine, if the brat didn't want him here he would leave.

His master was furious. Months had gone by since Roxas had to go through this type of rough treatment. Feeling the bite of the whip against his back made Roxas bite his lip. He'd be allowed to cry out when his master was done ranting his anger away. "Not only did you not tell me you knew Prince Riku, but now his friend is here asking for you. How many times did you fuck him?" Did his master forget he used to be a whore? "Did you while I met with the prince?" A sharp tug on the ring lodged in his nipple made him gasp. "I thought I had trained you better than that... Or is my goodwill not enough for you? Do you miss your punishments?" Who would miss something like this?

The guard kept up a steady rhythm of hits as the sultan sporadically tugged on the small chain connected to the ring in Roxas' chest. Futilely Roxas strained against the restraints that kept him leashed between the two posts built in the middle of his room. Tears wouldn't do any good. "M-master," he gasped between hits. He tried not to let the piercing in his tongue get caught on his teeth as he spoke. "I beg your for-forgiveness. I merely asked why he," gasp " had come here. You know my devotion to," gasp "you is absolute." When the sultan held up a hand to stop the beating Roxas continued, "I feel nothing for him. At your command I will never let my eyes see him again."

A first in his hair yanked Roxas' head back. Roxas tried to put all the sincerity he could into the devoted gaze he gave his master. His eyes were searched and upon finding the truth there the sultan gave a nod. Roxas felt his restraints cut and fell to his knees, head still held back. "My devotion to you is, and forever will be, absolute. My body is for your enjoyment alone and those you deem worthy. My heart has not wavered in the years since I have come to serve you. My soul is bound completely to your service. My only wish is for your every desire to be fulfilled."

A kick to his chest threw Roxas on his back. Gilded slipper firmly on his chest the sultan gave another nod for the guard to go. When the door shut behind him the sultan ground his heal into Roxas' sternum. Gasping, more to make the man feel more powerful than he really was, Roxas clenched his fists in the rug beneath him. "If you are as truly devoted to me as you claim then seduce him."

"Wh...what?"

"Seduce him, make him want you more than his own life, so I can crush him before I send him away. I don't like people coming after what's mine." Mentally Roxas rejected the idea. It was so childlike. Even worse it was exactly the sort of thing Hisa would have done... It was exactly what Hisa did. But this was his master. Roxas shuttered to think of what would happen to him if he disobeyed this order. Pressing his tongue against the roof of his mouth he felt the small round sapphire that was attached to the head of his piercing.

"It would be such a shame to cut out that tongue of yours. But you must be taught a lesson for publicly questioning me."

"Master, nothing would please me more than to fulfill your wish."

The sultan smiled like a child who just got exactly what he'd wished for Christmas. Removing his foot he went to lay Roxas' bed. "Show me your loyalty." Rising Roxas slipped off the thin material that constituted as pants. He licked his lips as he approached the sultan even though his physique disgusted him. But the sultan liked the way the sapphire caught the light when he did that. Crawling atop the fat man Roxas caught his lips with his teeth. Worrying them until they'd be just that bit more sensitive Roxas slipped his tongue into his mouth. As always the sultan used the kiss to assert his own dominance and Roxas let him with just a token of a fight. He had to keep a bit of fight or he'd be thrown to the side like all of those before him. The sultan liked how even after everything Roxas still had some spirit in him. "Like a good stallion. Never completely tamed but they know who they belong to."

Running one hand up Roxas removed the heavy turban from his master's head. Mouth moving from lips to neck Roxas kissed his way up to the man's ear. Licking the outer shell he let the sultan feel the piercing he demanded Roxas have. Breathing a soft stream of hot air on the skin he'd just licked he dipped his tongue into the sultan's ear quickly. From the hands frantically scratching at the wounds on his back Roxas could tell the sultan still loved the sensation. "My dearest master," he breathed in the softest tones, "knowing you are satisfied gives me the most pleasure. Knowing you will use me to reach your own ecstasy makes me burn with longing for you and you alone." Lies. All lies. Soon after coming here he'd learned the real value of a good lie and a face that let nothing show. Stroking his master's ego was the easiest way out of any situation so long as any promises made were fulfilled.

But while he had complete control of his expressions Roxas still couldn't stop his treacherous mind from drifting to the man with the green eyes that could still see right through him, even after all this time. Axel had become a good looking man. No, that wasn't right. He'd always been good looking but Roxas hadn't really appreciated it back then. Now he could appreciate the almost aristocratic features of his face, the slim build that belied the strength contained within his body. In comparison to the man he was an indentured servant to, there was no comparison. Remembering when he'd had the red head in his mouth he wished he'd understood the value man he'd had in his mouth back then. Those memories got Roxas just hard enough that when the sultan reached one meaty hand down to grope his slave he believed Roxas was getting hard for him.

One by one Roxas undid the golden buttons that held his master's thin jacket closed. When it fell open around him Roxas began to kiss his way down to lick one nipple. His hands continued lower to slide down the man's pants as best he could. Already hard Roxas stroked him as he went from sucking on one nipple to the other. He'd move his mouth lower to suck on him if Roxas didn't know he'd then have to deal with cum in his mouth and ass. If he didn't use his mouth there then he'd be able to get away with only a quick fuck. Kissing his way back up he once again kissed him master. One hand continued to work his dick as the other reached under the pillow to grab the bottle of oil he kept hidden there. Holding the bottle in his palm he worked the top off with his fingers.

"Master, I have the oil ready for you." Sometimes - very rarely - he wanted Roxas to put it on him then climb atop him and ride him.

"Give it to me." Every other time he'd do it himself, deciding just how much he wanted to feel the friction of Roxas' ass around him. Rolling off Roxas held it out for him. The sultan sat up and removed his pants the rest of the way. Spreading a thin layer of the oil on his dick he threw the bottle to the side. Who cared if he stained something? He had the wealth to replace it after all.

Hearing no order to roll on to his knees Roxas move his hands above his head and crossed his wrists. Lifting up his legs he bared himself for his master. Practically pouncing on the blond boy the sultan wrapped one meaty hand around Roxas' wrists and placed the other on his throat. With one thrust he buried himself in Roxas. He wasn't very big or long so it wasn't uncomfortable but the man's fat stomach against the back of his legs was annoying. Knowing the sultan wouldn't last long Roxas tried to think of something to make himself cum. By forcing himself to cum before his master he reassured him of his sexual prowess. Another reason Roxas had lasted as long as he had. But all of his usual fantasies weren't cutting it. Giving his mind loose rein he imagined it was Axel above him, smiling that heart melting smile down at him as he took his time to make sure Roxas was truly satisfied. Clenching around his master Roxas found himself in bliss, trying not to call out for the man he was imagining. Feeling Roxas tighten so much around him the sultan came as well, pulling out halfway through to cover Roxas as well.

Smiling down at Roxas the sultan ran his fingers through his own seed and held them up to Roxas' lips. Obediently Roxas licked them clean. "Ah, Ragheb. You're mine. As much as that man wants you, you belong to me."

"Body and soul," replied Roxas obediently.

Satisfied he'd asserted himself the sultan climbed off the bed and took his time putting his clothes back on. As Roxas watched him he realized how much he'd appreciate fucking someone slim and fit after this. As he left he said, "Clean yourself up and go to him tonight. I expect a full report tomorrow." When the door shut Roxas threw the pillow nearest him at the space where his master had just been.

Damn him to the deepest bowels of hell. Beg and scrape at his master feet might be part of his role but Roxas never meant a word of what he said. When he'd heard that Axel had come to Agraba he'd wanted to see the man who had once called him a friend. Knowing he'd be punished he'd still gone to see Axel. But when he saw him he could see this playing out just as it had before except this time there really would be no hope for Roxas. So he'd been as rude as possible. The anger that had burned in Axel's face had told Roxas he'd leave the second he could, just like Roxas wanted.

Now how was he supposed to go back and tell him he wanted to fuck him?

Gracefully climbing out of bed Roxas went to his bathroom and began running a bath. For kicks he even added scented oil. Not the jasmine scent his master liked but Roxas' favorite, lily. It was so much softer and didn't give Roxas a headache. Bath full he climbed in, hissing as the water hit the scratches on his back. Once they stopped stinging he relaxed. Baths were always so nice. It was the one time Roxas had all to himself and his thoughts; his master never wanted to bathe with him. Scrubbing his skin clean he began thinking of how to seduce Axel. He wasn't a kid anymore who could tug on Axel's heartstrings with his pathetic life story. Hell, he'd destroyed all hope of that when he'd let himself be sold to the sultan. So what was left? He could use Riku to get to Axel but that seemed unfair. But...

An idea blossoming Roxas drained the bath and grabbed a towel. Drying himself he went to the mirror and reapplied the thick kohl around his eyes. Though Axel might not like it, his master did and even through all this he was his master's faithful, albeit reluctant, servant. Going back to his main room he grabbed a new pair of pants and set off to find Axel. When he didn't find the man outside or in the indoor courtyard Roxas began checking all of the guest rooms. On the sixth door he knocked on he heard Axel's silky voice answer from behind it an okay to enter. Taking a deep breath and slipping on his mask of indifference Roxas opened the door. Axel stood by the window, letting a small halo of light surround him. "What do you want, brat?"

Shutting the door behind him Roxas tried not to smile. He hadn't been called that since... well, since Axel turned his life upside down. "Can you tell me how Sora is?" He tried to sound indifferent but it was hard. He was burning with curiosity. Sora, his one brother and family member left, was the lover of a prince. But that was the most he knew and that had taken three years to find out.

"I thought you didn't care." Axel was clearly still upset over how Roxas had treated him earlier. Not that he blamed him. If Axel had done that to Roxas he was sure he'd be upset for days.

"I don't really. It was just a passing whim to ask. If you don't want to tell me then I won't bother asking again."

Before he could even turn around Axel told him what he wanted to hear. "He's doing fine. He lives with Riku in Radiant Garden."

Nervous to hear more Roxas quickly wet his lips. "Is he happy?"

"If you're asking if that stupid move you pulled paid off the answer is yes. But if he finds out you're here and refusing to leave he's going to be pissed again and I'm not going to deal with him this time. You can by yourself."

Before he could stop it a rueful smile twisted his lips. "I figured he'd be pissed. When you go home will you... will you tell him I'm sorry?"

Whatever snappy reply Axel had waiting died before it ever escaped his lips. Emotions of every sort crossed his face in a second. "Why'd you do it Roxas? Didn't you want to be free?"

Roxas debated lying to him. He really wanted to. But if he was going to hurt Axel yet again didn't he deserve the truth? "My debt wasn't going to be gone in time. Hisa was going to keep Sora ignorant that he was free and sell him with me to my master. It seemed the better option at the time to have at least one of us be free." Looking Axel straight in the eye he tried to mentally urge him to understand. "I thought it was the best solution. Asking you to buy me out... The idea seemed worse than selling myself here. At least, it did at the time." Licking his lips again he nodded to Axel. "Thank you for telling me. I'll leave you alone now."

Turning, Roxas' hand got to the door knob before he was stopped. "Don't you dare walk out that door. You have a hell of a lot more explaining to do before I'm satisfied." Looking at Axel blankly over his should he tried not to smile as he heard Axel's next words. "Come here."

Slowly approaching him Roxas said slowly, "I don't have to listen to you. You don't own me."

As he stood before the taller man Axel's eyes flickered over Roxas' body one then again more slowly and his eyes widened. "What the hell happened to you?"

Looking down at his own body Roxas saw the faint scars that still remained. Perhaps he should have put a shirt of some sort on but it hadn't occurred to him. Everyone in the palace expected to see the scars and no longer stared at them. They were a part of him as much as his piercings were. "This seemed the better option at the time," Roxas said defensively. For Axel to seem so appalled at the scars made Roxas feel ashamed. Why did he still feel like a kid around the red head? His opinion had no effect on Roxas, or at least it shouldn't. Raising his head he dared Axel to say something derogatory. Instead he felt two strong arms wrap around him. "Axel..." Damn. It felt like Axel was squeezing his heart. The last person to hold Roxas like this was Axel. It seemed a sick twist of fate it was Axel yet again. Unsure, Roxas felt his arms raise of their own accord to wrap around Axel's waist. The pain in his chest increased but he held on. "Axel..." The man didn't let go but pulled back enough to look down at Roxas. Raising himself up on his toes Roxas gently pressed his lips against Axel's. "Thank you for finding me."

Roxas didn't know why he just kissed Axel but it felt right. In no way was it part of his plan to seduce him. It was just a natural reaction, nothing but a small token of appreciation for all of the trouble Axel must've gone through.

"You're an idiot," Axel muttered as he crushed Roxas against him again. "I wouldn't have had to find you if you weren't so stubborn."

As his fingered curled against Roxas' back he hissed in pain. "Careful," he said. When Axel let him go and gave him a curious look Roxas turned around to let him see his back. "I got in a bit of trouble for coming to see you earlier." A finger carefully traced one of the forming welts on his back and Roxas hissed again. "Careful, they're pretty new."

"They must be. I only saw you a few hours ago."

"My master doesn't let things go unpunished for long."

"Did you know this would happen?"

Tactfully ignoring the question, Roxas stepped away and sat himself on Axel's bed. The room his master had put Axel in was one of the finer guest rooms. Gold decorated almost every surface and gems of every value were scattered across the furniture. When Roxas had first come here he'd been in awe of the sheer grandeur of the palace. Now he realized how kitschy it was. When everything in a room seemed to glitter when a single light was turned on something was wrong. "Will you tell Sora you found me?" Roxas tried to keep his voice steady. Out of everyone Sora was still the one person he cared for most in the world. For him to find out... He didn't want Sora hurt. That was never what he wanted.

"Probably. But you're coming home with us."

Why was this just like back then? What did they think would change? "Stop being stupid. I'm not coming."

"Why not? If we can find a way, don't you want to see your brother?"

Roxas shook his head. Of course he wanted to see Sora. Those first weeks without him had killed Roxas. But as much as he wanted to see him he wasn't sure he could. He'd changed. Where he was naive and hopeful before he was now jaded and guarded. What if he and Sora were no longer on that special twin's wavelength? Wouldn't finding out just how damaged Roxas was be worse? "I have no intentions of leaving."

"When did you lose your spirit?" Axel asked harshly.

"When did you become such an asshole?" Roxas countered.

Axel seemed shocked he'd been called an asshole. Taking a few steps to his right he sat in an ornate chair. "You just bring out the worst in me," he muttered as he ran a hand through his hair. "I'm not normally this angry."

Roxas wasn't sure where to go from there. He'd come in, dealt with Axel's anger, gotten him to talk and now what was left for him to do? He didn't want to fuck Axel yet but there was nothing else left. Besides, the sooner Axel wanted him the sooner he'd be forced to leave.

"Axel..." Roxas let his head hang to hide his face as best he could. "Did you really never feel anything for me?" There, prey on that harsh past that could have ended differently had Roxas swallowed his pride for just one second. Use those memories to win sympathy and get close to him.

Glancing up through his lashes, Roxas watched Axel struggle with himself. "I never wanted you like that. You were a kid. But I told you back then; we were friends until you tricked all of us."

No, that's not where Roxas wanted his thoughts. "But what about now?"

"I haven't seen you for years. Calling us friends might be a bit of a stretch."

"Not that. Do you still not want me?" The indecision on Axel's face made Roxas feel the same. But feelings weren't a part of this game for Roxas. "Am I that repulsive to you still?"

"You were a kid, Roxas. To have those feelings for a kid is just wrong." His voice begged Roxas to understand, and Roxas did. He fully understood and respected Axel for that. But he still needed to push Axel more.

"I'm not a kid anymore." There, the offer was out. Axel was trapped. If he said he really didn't want Roxas than Roxas would pretend to be hurt and distant until Axel broke that barrier. If he could admit to himself that he wanted Roxas - Roxas had seen the lust in his eyes - then Roxas could make the first approach. Either way, Roxas would have him.

"I don't know what to say. You're not a kid anymore but you're someone's slave. If we do anything it's only because your master tells you to."

So, he wouldn't admit to it directly. That wasn't a problem. He had still said he would if he could. "Nothing risqué, nothing gained," Roxas said just loud enough for Axel to hear.

"What do you mean by that?" Axel's tone was guarded. Good. He shouldn't trust Roxas. But he would. He would and then Roxas would run back to his master to tell him Axel was vulnerable enough to hurt. It would just be a bit harder since Roxas had already tricked him once.

"I mean I'm not a kid anymore," said Roxas more strongly, as if he had found his resolve. Looking up at Axel he didn't look away from the eyes that saw all of him. "I'm currently not in my master's favor. He won't be asking for me much and I want… If I can't leave I want you to have my body for as long as you're here."

"You don't know what you want. You've never been free long enough to know."

"Maybe not, but I'm not asking for you to share your heart with me, just your body. All I want is for you to want me. Is that wrong?"

Axel shook his head, seeming to be shocked. Roxas guessed that was fair. How often did he have people throwing themselves at him? "If you want that then why not someone else?"

Roxas could think of a million and one things to say to that. He could lie and say he'd thought about Axel ever since he'd left the Playground but he hadn't. In fact for the past two years Axel barely crossed his mind. He could tell Axel how disgusted he was of the sultan and most of the people here or how he'd never had the chance before to be with anyone else without his master's permission. But none of those seemed good enough. Again, only the truth seemed adequate. "My master desires my body to the point of obsession at times. But the last person to give a value to my life was you. You seemed to think I was something more than I was. I still haven't forgotten that. Letting you have my body… It would be different for me."

Baring his soul to Axel was harder than he thought it would be. He knew it would be the easiest way to get close to the man but it was a double-edged sword. Roxas didn't think he'd still be hurt by his own feelings after all this time. Shouldn't feelings fade? Feeling something catch in his throat Roxas cleared his throat and looked away. It was so stupid. If he could fake an emotion shouldn't he be able to control them with the same proficiency?

The silence in which Axel took his time to think worried Roxas. He didn't think his words would make the man think so much. But if Axel had changed half as much as Roxas then it wasn't really that surprising. It was disconcerting though. Hell, Roxas felt like a little boy who'd told the girl he liked he was in love with her and she had to think about what he meant before saying she didn't like him. It was so stupid. Clenching his fists in the sheets Roxas couldn't even work up the courage to look at Axel again. Stupid! You should have lied!

When Axel seemed to make no move to break the silence Roxas jumped off the bed and walked to the door. "Sorry to disturb you," he muttered so quietly even he could barely hear his own words. Slipping silently out the door he tried not to run away like a spurned lover. But wasn't that what he was? Maybe not a lover, but spurned for sure. For some reason his feelings were actually hurt. But why? Axel was nothing to him. He was a stranger who Roxas had happened to meet in a different life. So why did his heart still feel constricted?

I opened up, that's why, Roxas rationalized. I wasn't ready to after all this time but did anyways without thinking the consequences through. No surprise that happened. So start thinking of some other way to get back into his room. Roxas wished it was as easy as his mind tried to convince him it would be. He could crawl back and beg for Axel to take him; he'd lost any sense of pride or shame long ago. But around Axel Roxas felt stronger. He felt like he had to have pride just to be allowed around him.

He needed something else to think about to help him calm down. These thoughts weren't helping anything.

Stopping for just a second he got his bearings and resumed walking. Taking the side corridors used mostly by servants and slaves Roxas made his way down to the area where the training cells were kept beneath the castle. Like a prison the bars of the cells were starting to rust and the smell was of pure uncleanliness. Passing the open cell at the farthest end of the hall Roxas cringed at the memories that flooded him. Even in the barest amount of light Roxas could still picture where each stain of his blood lay marking his time there forever. Continuing past even his old cell Roxas came to a heavy door. Pushing it open took most of his strength and he didn't bother shutting it behind him using the rest of it. Two faint, ever burning torches hung on the walls to his sides shedding just enough light to make yellow eyes gleam at Roxas dangerously.

With a smile Roxas fearlessly stepped up to the bars of the cage. "Hey, Raja," he whispered to his friend. The deep rumble of Raja's greeting was strangely comforting. Padding up to the bars Raja brushed against them to be closer to his friend. Sticking a hand out Roxas caught the fur of his pelt and marveled again at the amazing power of the tiger's muscles. Pacing in a small circle Raja lay down next to the bars so Roxas could lie against him from the other side. "I think I've bitten off more than I can chew this time. Our master wants me to do something that I have no problem doing. I just can't figure out how to. If this keeps up I'll probably be fed to you." Roxas laughed. To die at Raja's claws didn't seem like to bad of a death. At least it would be quick. "I just wish I knew what to do to. I want to please our master to keep myself safe but I feel strangely around Axel. He reminds me of feelings I haven't needed since I came here. It's upsetting."

"You'd have better luck if you stopped talking to tigers and did what you do best." Roxas looked at the open door where Marluxia leaned against the door frame. "Tell me again why you insist on talking to that beast?"

"Raja is my friend," Roxas said stubbornly.

"Well, tell your friend goodbye," Marluxia said, sounding like a parent who couldn't see their child's annoying imaginary friend. "The red head is running around looking for you."

"Axel's looking for me?"

"Yes and if you don't hurry and find him our master will not be pleased."

Rubbing Raja's coat Roxas smiled. "I guess my stupid feelings didn't mess everything up. I'll come tell you everything when I can." Standing up he brushed himself off. "Marluxia, will you send him back up to his room? I'll wait for him there."

"As you wish." Roxas frowned at the tone. Was Marluxia still mad at him? That their master had chosen him over Marluxia wasn't his fault. Roxas did what he had to to ensure his own safety first. Without Sora around Roxas didn't constantly have to think about others. Marluxia was nothing to him, not anymore. For a brief period they had been friends with Marluxia teaching Roxas the ropes. Then the sultan had finally decided Roxas was done with his training. Ever since that day Marluxia seemed nice enough but there was never the friendly air about him.

Scrambling up to Axel's room Roxas sat himself in the chair Axel previously occupied. He'd just managed to tuck his legs underneath him when the door burst open, thudding as it hit the wall. Roxas barely had the time to take the sight of Axel in - chest heaving, hair slightly out of place, eyes wide, searching for Roxas - before he was being pressed into the chair, lips smashed against his own. "I want you. Now stop running away from me."

Roxas couldn't help it, he smiled against Axel's lips. He'd won. "Then take me."

Axel pulled back from Roxas. The hesitation was still clearly there. "Right now?" When Roxas merely nodded Axel pressed his lips to the younger boy's more gently. Licking Roxas' lips gently Roxas opened them to let Axel's tongue explore his mouth. Gently brushing Axel's with his own he felt Axel jump and pull away. "What was that?" Roxas smiled, embarrassed, and opened his mouth wide for Axel to see the tongue piercing. "How have I not noticed that?"

"I'm pretty good at talking with it in," Roxas said with a laugh. "It's pretty easy to hide if you're not looking for it."

"I noticed. So when did you get that?"

"A bit after I got the second one in my right ear."

"Why? Have you developed a new obsession with piercings or something?"

Roxas new Axel meant it as a joke but all it did was make him remember all of the stupid things he used to do and why it would be Axel getting hurt this time instead of him. "No. It's nothing really."

Axel pulled back more to really look at Roxas. "A lot has changed, hasn't it?" Again Roxas nodded. "Tch. I can't do this. I'm not going to sleep with you without knowing you at all."

"Then what should we do?" Roxas asked more than slightly annoyed.

"Tell me what life is like now." Such a simple question. Roxas really had to think of what to say. Did he tell Axel of his year spent in almost complete darkness? Or should he tell him about when he was tied down so a sword could cut into his skin as punishment for trying to escape? Neither were really stories that set a sexual mood.

"It's pretty normal," Roxas finally said. Turning his gaze towards the window he tried to think of the redeeming qualities of his life. "Everyone who came here with me from the Playground is gone, for one reason or another. I have my own room, almost as nice as this one. Every few days I go to the market in the nearest town to get whatever I want. This whole place is open to me to explore and I get along well with everyone."

"And the sultan?"

"He's actually better than Hisa. I know it doesn't seem like it, but he's just a child playing grown up really. Once you know how to make him happy life is easy." So long as you can stomach losing yourself. "What about you?"

Seating himself at the foot of the chair in which Roxas sat Axel ran his hand through his hair. "Well, I just became mayor of a place called Twilight Town. That's actually where I went to college. Larxene and I are... well, I'd say complicated but that implies there's more to it than there really is. Being a promiscuous homosexual isn't good for appearances you know. So she keeps pretending we're dating while she see's Demyx on the side." The shock must've been clear on Roxas' face. Though he only met her once he couldn't imagine anyone, least of all cheerful Demyx, dating her. Axel just laughed. "Yeah, it's a sight. But he's my personal assistant now. His family's pretty upset he didn't go into politics like me but lately they've been a bit more understanding. Kairi is trying to become a famous actress but she's a bit too headstrong to listen to anyone's orders. We're all pretty sure she and Zexion have something going on but they won't admit it. But with your brother and Riku an item she definitely isn't going all the way out to Radiant Garden to see them. I guess your dream of seeing Sora and Kairi together isn't really plausible. I doubt anyone could come between our prince and his lover."

"How is Sora?"

"He's doing well. He's graduated high school and somehow managed to make himself head of Riku's guard. Not that Riku is pleased with it. He seems to have some insane idea that he has to protect Sora. But Sora's pretty capable of protecting himself now. Hell, he even gives Riku a run for his money. He'll probably start kicking that punk's ass on a regular basis soon." Though he seemed to be hard on Riku it sounded like they became even closer, if that was possible. Hell, they all seemed closer than ever and Roxas was happy Sora had been accepted into their friendship. Knowing he was living such a normal life was gratifying. Everything was worth that and that alone.

"So... Larxene won't be hurt if I insist on pursuing you for as long as you're here?"

"Hurt? She'll be thrilled if she finds out. She hates being the only one having a secret affair. She's a bit of a bitch in that regard."

Axel's life seemed so... Normal. Roxas tried to imagine himself in it but there really was nothing for him there. He'd made the right decision. Having some poor kid saved from a whore house wouldn't have been helpful for his image and he probably wouldn't have made it to where he was if Roxas had been around. But underneath his happiness that everyone's life was going so well Roxas felt a slight anger. He was tired of being the martyr. Didn't he deserve his own happiness?

"Sounds like your life is pretty good."

"I guess it is."

So I used two quotes from famous peeps and am putting them below.

"We always long for the forbidden things, and desire what is denied us" - Francois Rabelais (1483 - 1553)

"Nothing risqué, nothing gained" - Alexander Woollcott (1887 – 1943)

Also, I know this wasn't quite the most thrilling but it set the stage for the next chapter... Shit's about to go down and people are going to begin to learn what needs to happen to get shit done.