The entrance to the banquet hall looked like a red carpet premiere. Celebrities being dropped off at the curb in elegant cars, designer clothes perfectly tailored to flawless bodies, cameras flashing all the way to the steps of the hall, and dazzling smiles one could not tell were fake or real - all of it made the evening air shimmer with surreal beauty. As the limo door was opened for them, and Axel gingerly assisted Roxas in stepping out into the glimmering light cast by the hall's open doors, Axel saw the awestruck glow in those eyes. The boy was stunned into amazement - to the point of open-mouthed speechlessness.

But Axel had been right. As soon as they were in view, all eyes were on them. The buzz of reporters and bystanders picked up to an excited roar, almost as though the sound itself could create a force field around them. Immediately, Roxas huddled against Axel's side, who instantly put his arm around the boy in comforting support - the action only stirred more madness from the crowd. Axel put his best smile on, one easy and charming, and guided Roxas to the large steps that led to the main entrance of the banquet hall. When Axel glanced down to catch Roxas' expression, he smiled. Anyone would fall in love with those feminine eyes, the humble smile, that rose-hued flush upon his cheeks.

Axel led Rose inside the entrance hall, where their coats were immediately taken from them with courteous greetings and they were ushered inside with formal bows and polite smiles. High above their heads, crystal chandeliers gleamed brilliantly, spreading warm yellow light to all corners of the hall. Priceless paintings lined the walls and ornate sculptures added a touch of royal wealth to the marble floor. A plush red carpet led them to an open arch where the wide double doors were being held open in earnest, promising welcome. As they stepped through those doors, Roxas gasped.

The ballroom. Large enough to house a thousand people, with a high, twinkling ceiling and tall, thick pillars along the edges of the room. White cloths draped over the circular tables set around the room, decorated with lovely centerpieces of candles and sweet-smelling flowers: orchids of a soft violet hue and roses the colors of peaches and strawberries. The ballroom was already littered with elegantly garbed people, each beautiful and foreboding, whether aged or young. Shining silk and flowing chiffon, tight bodices and precious jewels making skin and hair glitter like gold. Traditionally dressed caterers glided skillfully around the ballroom, holding a tray of some rich hors d'oeuvre or wine perfectly upright.

Axel couldn't stop watching Roxas as they moved out of the hallway and deeper into the ballroom, where the banquet would be taking place. His eyes lit by the candlelight, mouth parted at the lips, head turning slowly in every direction. He looked so stunned, so shocked. Axel smiled, guiding him carefully to a more isolated corner of the room.

"Are you alright?" he asked, touching Roxas' cheek to get his attention. Immediately, those glowing blue eyes landed on him.

"It's so beautiful," he whispered, like he couldn't let anyone know. As if it was a precious secret.

"With you here, it is," Axel teased, leaning forward to steal a quick kiss. Roxas blushed, giggling at the cliché line. Axel couldn't keep from grinning. "I'm glad you're enjoying it so far."

"Mr. Heart!" a voice called out, not obnoxiously loud, but a booming voice befitting of the holder's innate charisma. Axel straightened, placing a protective arm around Roxas instinctively. It was Namura, a head businessman for military affairs, closely affiliated with the Hearts. He approached with a grin. "What a delight to see you. You've certainly been growing, eh? I can remember the first banquet Xemnas brought you to. Lanky, awkward thing weren't you?"

Axel would have replied had it not been for Roxas' disbelieving little snicker. He blinked down at the boy in surprise, who became wide-eyed and quiet when he realized he had captured bother men's attention.

"And who's this young thing?" Namura inquired, leaning down to peer at Roxas, who instantly moved to press himself to Axel, half-hiding with his eyes peeking out. Namura let out a roar of laughter. "Shy, aren't ya?"

"This is Roxas," Axel introduced, placing an encouraging hand on the boy's back and giving him a little push to bring him out from behind him. "He is my date for the evening."

Namura's gaze jerked right back up to Axel's. After a moment of pause, he straightened up, face drawn inward in an expression of cautious disbelief. Leaning closer to Axel, he had to clarify.

"Your date, you say?" he asked, wetting his lips almost nervously at the crisp click of the "t". Axel forced himself to smile pleasantly and easily, fingers clenching subconsciously, pressing into Roxas' shoulder. The blonde looked up at him in concern, wide eyes gleaming.

"Yes, sir," was all the response Axel could manage while maintaining his polite smile. Namura studied him for a long, quiet moment before letting out a huff of a laugh and shrugging casually.

"Well, to each his own," he conceded, grinning from ear to ear at his new revelation. He gave them each a firm nod. "It was good to see you again, Axel. Maybe we can do business later. Good meeting you, Roxas."

And then he dismissed himself and rejoined the crowds of attendees, no doubt to spread word of what he'd learned.

"That went…" Roxas trailed off, face scrunched in deep thought. "Well?"

"That went fantastic!" Axel laughed whole-heartedly, taking Roxas' face in his free hand and leaning down to press their lips together. Roxas, taken off guard, squeaked and spluttered in surprise. Axel only laughed harder, ignoring the embarrassment-induced daggers Roxas was glaring at him. "Now the news will spread! Now everyone will know you're mine."


The night carried on smoothly, with Axel easing Roxas into the crowd as often as he could. There was initially a generally surprised response amongst the guests, especially the closer of the Heart family's relations. But more often than not, the shock faded, and Axel's peers took to Roxas with no abandon, fawning over his pretty face, gushing over how cute he was. In no time, Roxas was the main attraction; not only was he a new piece of gossip, the evening news, but he was fun to tease, to gaze at, to touch ever so lightly.

He was a hit, instantly popular with the ladies and striking a fair bit of curiosity in the men, even. No one had expected the formal, the charismatic, the flirtatious Axel Heart to bring a male as a date. As a romantic interest. What made the boy so special? Was it his feminine appearance? His mysterious background? His innocent personality?

Either way, everyone loved him. Axel couldn't have been more thrilled, watching his business partners urge Roxas to join conversation, tell them about himself, speak up, here have a drink. Axel made sure to keep a careful eye on Roxas' tolerance level, making sure the attention didn't become too overbearing for the boy. Every so often, they'd slip away to catch their breath, steal a kiss maybe, recover before diving back inside.

At some point, the couple met with Xemnas and Saix and the four took their seats. The music ceased, the chatter dulled, and the speeches and entertainment began. Axel paid little attention to the stage and main mic events. His mind was on Roxas, who gripped his hand tight under the table.

He kept his affections limited to playing with Roxas's fingers, brushing his knee, squeezing his thigh. Every so often, the blonde would squeak or giggle, biting back his laughter at a sharp look from Saix. The night thus far was spectacular.

"Axel," Roxas whispered in the redhead's ear, blushing at their close proximity when Axel turned his head to give him his full attention. "I - um… I need to use the restroom."

"It's across the entrance hall," he said softly, before smirking devilishly at him, tugging at his tie suggestively. "Do you want me to come with you?"

"No!" Roxas exclaimed, his voice hushed enough to not draw any attention. But he was smiling, even through his red cheeks, as he slipped from the table.

A few minutes passed without Axel minding. He kept his eyes fixated on the speakers, laughing when appropriate, and taking mental note of what was being said. It was, after all, a business event, in which information could be gathered and strategies collected. Xemnas had drilled into him every piece of a businessman, and Axel wanted to make him proud, even if he craved Roxas instead. It was easier to work without the blonde here, so he had to take advantage of the moment. There was a balance between work and play. He'd had his fun. Now was time to buckle down.

Minutes ticked by as Axel became more absorbed, more involved in the speeches. They passed smoothly, quickly, without a break in pace. It was easy paying attention. It came naturally.

It was a while, a good while, before Axel realized that the seat next to his remained empty.


When Axel happened to glance at Roxas' seat, registering abruptly how much time had passed, that Roxas had not returned, he nearly had a panic attack. Once before, he had feared Roxas had left him, had run away in fear - but he knew with no doubt that Roxas had enjoyed the night. Then again, there were other possibilities… A million scenarios passed through his mind, all of which he shook from his head. Worrying was helpless - he needed to stay calm. Stay calm. Find Roxas.

Without speaking, Axel stood with a quick nod of apology to the audience and the speaker and swiftly made his way to the entrance hall. The atmosphere in the lobby was significantly brighter and set his nerves on high alert. The only people present were the door keepers, standing dutifully at their posts. Axel crossed the hall to the wide room beyond the archway, a generally empty room aside from the art it exhibited and the two bathrooms it housed. Axel quickly swung open the men's door, taking in the wide room with hopeful eyes. As far as he could see, the bathroom was vacant.

"Roxas!" he hissed softly, eyes darting as his voice faded with every resonating echo. There was no reply, but Axel got on his hands and knees anyway to check for himself. "Roxas!"

Nothing. There was nothing.

No one.

No Roxas.

He felt his body going limp, felt all of his muscles begin to give out. Powerless, devastated… His breath came quick, short and erratic. His heart was beating faster and faster and faster, his blood rushing hot in his veins. He was trembling…

"Roxas…"

Axel flew to his feet and burst from the bathroom door. His footsteps were like thunder echoing in his ears, his heart pounding like drums. Into the entrance hall and toward the double doors. Outside. Yes, he would be outside. He would be outside because he had gotten bored and wanted some fresh air. Axel would find him sitting on the wide length of steps, waiting for the event to be over. With that precious smile, that innocent, sweet, helpless smile.

But he wasn't. As soon as Axel threw open the doors, and the cold air struck his face, he knew that he would not find Roxas waiting for him. Some of the reporters were still camping out, but the steps were clear. There was no blue-eyed blonde boy.

"Axel?"

He whirled, facing his father with an expression he never wanted to see. The look on his father's face was enough to tell him he looked absolutely miserable. He gasped for his breath, shook his head slowly.

"He's gone…" Axel murmured, shaking his head faster as Xemnas stepped closer to him cautiously, brow knit. "Dad, he's gone. I… I can't find him."

It had been a long time since he'd called Xemnas anything but "father".

"Axel, calm down," he commanded, clapping his hand on Axel's shoulder and guiding him - nearly having to drag him, since Axel felt so numb he could hardly move his feet - back inside, away from the cameramen, who were beginning to stir to life again. The doors were shut behind them, and Xemnas shook Axel. "What the hell happened?"

"He's gone," Axel said plainly, wanting nothing more than to sink to his knees, press his palms to his eyes, and disappear. "He left for just a second… I thought he'd be right back… But he never did. He's… He's gone!"

"Hold on; wait just a minute," Xemnas answered, grasping both of his shoulders, no doubt holding Axel up. "First of all, don't shout in here. Secondly, are you sure he isn't somewhere in this building? Really, Axel, where could he have gone to?"

"He didn't," Axel said, eyes hardened. "He didn't leave on his own…"

"You've got to be kidding me, Axel," Xemnas growled, pushing Axel away from him and giving him a smoldering glare. "Why the hell would anyone take Roxas?"

Axel stared at him. They stood like that for a good while, communicating in that way family can. Finally, Xemnas turned slightly, lifting his chin and pinching the bridge of his nose with an exasperated sigh. His eyes were shut tight.

"Father, I need to find him," Axel said slowly, clenching his hands into fists at his side. "I… I can't just sit here while he could be somewhere waiting for me to find him… Where some creep could be doing anything they want to him… He's so fragile, and I can't let something like that happen to him. I have to find him."

"And how do you intend to do that?" Xemnas snapped, crossing his arms and narrowing his eyes at him. His eyebrow twitched a little. "Let's say Roxas did get kidnapped by some creep. How the hell do you think you'd be able to find where they went? The speeches have been going on for hours. He's been gone at least thirty, forty-five minutes, Axel."

"And you think I should just abandon him?" Axel gasped in disbelief, gaping at his father. "Just let him go? Just… not do anything about it? What the hell kind of a person are you?"

"Axel-"

"Mr. Heart."

The voice that interrupted them was smooth and slick, one that silenced the both of them almost immediately with its authority. Both men raised their heads in unison to the one who called their attention - it was unclear who was being addressed. But it seemed insignificant.

"Governor Shira," Xemnas greeted with a slight nod of his head, a strained smile stretching his features. "It's been a lovely banquet, sir."

"I'm sure," Shira responded, eyebrow up, uncharacteristically unimpressed by either of them. News of Roxas had no doubt reached him, his plans to hook Axel up with his daughter foiled. Either that, or he wasn't too pleased with the disturbance they were probably making whenever Axel's voice rose to a shout. Or both. But then the governor was turning his cold attention to Axel. "Mr. Heart, our security received this just a few minutes ago from an anonymous source."

And he raised his hand to offer the small, square envelope he held, its surface white and pristine, and the second Axel saw it, he knew. Ignoring the heavy pain in his chest, he snatched the envelope from his hands. He didn't pay attention to anything else as he tore it open - not as Shira snorted in offense, not as Xemnas jumped to apologize for his son's rude behavior, not as they were warned not to cause any trouble, not as Shira wished them a good night and walked away, not as Xemnas began to scold him.

His eyes were glued on the words scripted carefully and deliberately onto the note in his hands.

Roxas is safe. For now. If you want to see him again, you'll follow these instructions

carefully. Don't show anyone else this letter. Don't call the police. Drive to the Heart

Headquarters and make sure no one follows you. If you do as you're instructed, you'll

get your Roxas back. Don't take long.


It was difficult not to speed.

But the note had said not to draw any attention from the police, so Axel couldn't take any risks. He forced himself to sit at every red light, to slide idly down every street, to make sure he was just another car in the city.

He had left without a word. One minute, he was panicking, and the next, as soon as he read that note, he knew exactly what he had to do. He told his Xemnas exactly what he wanted to hear. The note was from Roxas, telling him that he had been too nervous to go return to the banquet and had asked their driver to take him home. That he was safe and sound, no need to worry. And Axel told his father that all was well, and since he'd already made his appearance, he needed to go home and rest rather than make a scene by going back inside the ballroom. No need to stir up any more trouble. And Xemnas, while wary in listening to Axel's sudden change of heart, didn't seem to suspect a thing. Axel made it convincing. He promised his father everything was fine.

And the second he was outside, he called on his driver and told him that he had something to take care of. That they needed to get home as soon as possible, using that tone of voice that demanded no questions be asked because this wasn't the time.

Axel gripped the stirring wheel, watching as the blood ran from his knuckles. He had no clue what he was going to do. He had no plan. All he knew was that he was getting to his precious Roxas as soon as possible. That's all he knew. He was merely doing as he had been told and that was going to be enough for now, so long as he got there. Got to Roxas. That's all that mattered.

But what did they want?

It made no sense. The most obvious reason for kidnapping was to use the captive as a means to demand ransom, and it was certainly make sense considering the amount of power and influence the Heart family held. Money would have made sense.

But the note hadn't asked for money.

It had asked for Axel.


I'm going to admit that I feel like I'm rushing through this because I really want to finish this, haha... I'm sorry that it might seem forced to you. I really do know what I want to write - I've had it planned out for months!

You see, in my experience as a writer, there are two types of writer's block. The first is when you can't think of a thing to write. Period. The second is when you know exactly what you want to write, but you can't get it to come out in a fitting manner. With this story, I've been experiencing the latter. Hope it isn't becoming steadily dreadful, but it's almost done! I may go back and revise this if I get too many negative reviews. Sorry.

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