Yay, another chapter! It's jam-packed with fluffiness and a dash of developmental filler, but I'm liking it, and hope you will too! Thanks to everyone for good reviews and suggestions. :)

Time passed, and the castle slowly returned to its normal routine. The excitement of that night in the forest wore off, and the servants went about their everyday lives pretty much just as they had before the whole event took place.

Axel found Roxas far more agreeable most days. The boy joined him for meals without complaint, and there were even a few times the beast actually managed to get him to converse with him. Idle chit chat mostly, barely there, but at the very least it was something...

Together, the beast and his guest agreed to start anew and forget all mention of the dreaded tower, but Roxas remained timid, as if he feared a reappearance of the subject. He never denied Axel when his presence was requested, and he spoke a little from time to time, but for the most part he added nothing that could not have been gained from the servants who kept close by at all times. Practically an ornament with no meaningful words or thoughts.

When he was not needed, the blonde spent much time in his room with the door shut. Other times, he could been seen wandering the expanse of the castle wistfully, pausing to stare into space or through some object before walking on. He talked a bit more with the servants, but he kept his distance even from them.

The beast took notice of this, and mused.

"I want to do something for him..." He watched from his balcony as the blond sat on the edge of the fountain in the courtyard, gazing into the frozen water with unseeing eyes. Roxas's expression was tight and empty, lonesome.

"Well, how do you intend to go about it?" Luxord asked casually, hopping up so that he too could look out. Axel shook his head.

"I have no idea." The master ran a paw through his fur and sighed. "He does not seem angry with me, and yet he speaks even less than before."

"Well, if you want my opinion, Master, I think it's wise to keep treading slowly."

"But this is driving me mad!" the beast groaned a little, letting his head fall forward and rest against the glass, a little awkwardly because of his horns.

"Have you considered telling him the truth about us? About you?"

Both master and servant turned to find Demyx standing behind them, candlesticks placed upon his hips like a scolding woman as he regarded Axel.

"You can't really expect the boy to open up to you when you won't do the same! He knows almost nothing about you, apart from your mannerisms."

Axel shook his head sadly.

"I can't..." he whispered, watching as Roxas brought his hands together and blew on them, shivering a little. "I can't tell him that. He'd leave if he knew the truth; he's already seen too much..." Axel thought back to the locket and the image of the bright-eyed, smiling lad it contained. How unlike Ven Roxas looked now, so weary and sad, his blue eyes dimmed.

"Maybe he would help!" the candelabra offered eagerly. "If he just knew about the curse, perhaps he-"

"Whatever you are about to say, it's not that simple, Demyx," Luxord said matter-of-factly, giving him an irritable look. "It's not a kiss or an absently tossed phrase. The Master must truly love another and earn that person's love in return. If the Master told him about the curse, at best, he would taint the boy's reasons to help. That is not love, but pity."

"Oh...yes…I suppose it is." The candelabra looked down, somewhat discouraged, and the three of them let out a long, sad sigh. Axel kept following Roxas with his gaze, watching as the little blonde rose and looked toward the hedge maze at the far end of the courtyard, before he turned to leave.

"I can't force love," Axel said, some irritation in his voice. Thinking on it, he didn't really want to, either.

It didn't really occur to him to ask why.

"You can't give up, Master!" Demyx pipped up, suddenly cheerful again. "Talk to the boy again, but ask him about himself. Take an interest in his life, his hobbies, anything, and go from there."

"Has he told you anything? Anything at all that I might branch from?" the beast asked hopefully.

"Hm..." The servants stood silently for a moment, thinking in tandem. Finally, Demyx began to hop up and down excitedly, beaming all the while.

"I have the most marvelous idea!"

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"A-Axel? Where are you taking me?"

The red beast smiled deviously, tugging Roxas's wrist gently as he led the boy into the snowy maze.

"I have something I want to show you, Roxas."

The little blond sighed. "If I must."

Axel chuckled, looking back over his shoulder and shaking his head.

"Indeed, you must! I have a surprise in store for you. You're going to love it."

Roxas raised an eyebrow at that, then shivered, pulling his scarf a little tighter about his neck as they walked. The beast had given it to him, rather than the servants as usual. It was odd, but a nice gesture. Axel had been nothing but civil to him, ever since the incident...

"I can see my breath, it's so cold!" he whined after a few minutes. "Can't this wait until the spring?"

"No." After a skeptical look from the blond, Axel chuckled and pointed ahead. "You'll like it, I promise."

"You said that already..." Roxas replied tiredly. Axel laughed louder.

"Good! Commit that thought to memory!"

The beast was…so jovial all of the sudden. True, he'd been much more pleasant of late, but Roxas had never seen him smile thus, or laugh so openly. It was as though this were a completely different beast.

He didn't know quite how to feel about that.

After a while, they'd reached the center of the maze. The wall-like hedges were cut short the further they went in, circling around the center in the shape of a broken bullseye. The hedges were all unkempt, frozen, and blanketed in thick, fluffy snow.

Axel pulled him to the middle of the bullseye before letting his hand go, and Roxas crossed his arms and raised an eyebrow, looking at the beast as impatiently as he dared.

"We've arrived. Now what is it?" he asked, rubbing his arms a little to warm them up. Other than the scarf, thin cloak, and boots, he hadn't thought to wear anything warmer. The boy had expected to be outside for a few minutes, at most. It had been at least half an hour since then.

Axel grinned, slowly reaching out and taking both of Roxas's hands in his own, larger one. He pressed them up over the blond's eyes, grinning as Roxas groaned impatiently.

"Bold, aren't we?" Roxas rolled his eyes. He felt Axel's arm brush lightly against him as he walked off, and he heard the sound of snow crunching underfoot behind him. "Wait here, and don't open your eyes yet."

The blonde groaned again, breathing into his hands a bit. It was so very cold, and he was tired. He wanted nothing more than to dismiss his host and return inside, but he couldn't. He had to indulge the beast as much as possible.

"Now! Open them!"

Roxas did as he was told, but as soon as his blue eyes blinked open, he saw that he was alone in the center of the maze.

"Axel? Where have you gone?" He took a couple steps forward, then looked to the right and left. "I thought you wanted to show me something!"

"I do!" came the voice, drifting from somewhere behind him. "You have to find me first!"

What was this, a childish game of hide and seek?

Roxas found that hard to believe. Even when Axel had been kind to him, he always spoke with a sad, serious air about him. He was impatient, dark and mysterious. The antithesis of childishness.

The little blond sighed, walking around the circular, natural walls in search of the red beast. Axel was faster than him, and unusually silent on the snowy ground, but Roxas was sure he could end the game if he could just catch a glimpse of red anywhere, even out of the corner of his eye...

"Axel! It's cold!" he whined, rubbing his arms again as he left one section of wall to go explore another. Axel seemed to take pity on him, poking his head around one of the walls and smirking as the blonde began to walk away.

"Over here!"

Roxas jumped a little, not expecting the redhead behind him. He whipped around quickly and made for the part of the wall he'd seen Axel's head disappear behind not a moment ago.

"Aha!" he shouted as he looked around the corner of the snowy hedge. But his face instantly fell in disbelief.

There was no one there. Certainly, no hulking red beast.

"Or perhaps I am here?"

Roxas turned around then, only to be suddenly smacked in the face with an unbelievably cold, wet ball of snow. He yelped and quickly brushed the offending cold away, wincing and almost swearing as he felt a little of the snow on his neck trickling down the inside of his shirt. He glared viciously.

"What did you do that for?"

"No reason!" the beast laughed, molding another ball in his paws.

"Is that so?" he growled, reaching down to form a snowball while the beast was distracted. Roxas smirked despite himself, ignoring the icy, stinging feeling in his bare fingers.

"Two can play at this game!"

The little blonde charged forward, his hand held up slightly as he prepared to pummel Axel with a taste of his own medicine. But the beast was quick on his feet, faster than Roxas could blink and holding his wrist tightly, but not harshly, above his head, stopping the boy's progress. He smirked, leaning in until he was mere inches away from Roxas's face.

"A valiant effort, to be sure, but not enough to conquer me."

He then shoved a handful of half-packed snow into his face.

Roxas frowned, squirming and spluttering as he tried to break free of Axel's hold.

"You cheat! You have unfair advantages over me!" Shaking the snow from his face and hair, the blonde snapped, "If you were my size, I could beat you with one arm restricted!"

"If I were your size, I'd be crushed underfoot by the rest of the world," the beast teased back, satisfied when his companion glared again. Smiling, Axel let go of the boy and took a few steps back, spreading his arms wide. "If you're so sure of yourself, then fire away. I'll give you one shot."

"Are you certain?" Roxas asked, scooping up snow in his right hand.

"Of course I am. Can you make it count, or will you-?"

He wasn't expecting was a cold, hard ball of ice to hit him right in the jaw, sealing it shut for a moment as pain erupted.

"Ah!" Axel held his jaw tenderly, running his paw over the abused bone lightly. He turned back to Roxas, mouth agape as the little blonde began to laugh. It was such a pleasant sound, free and light. Also melodious. Roxas opened his mouth wide as he laughed, and even then, with his face cherry red and his emotions open to the world, the boy was a marvel.

Truly beautiful, inside and out.

Still…

"You can't use ice!" the beast growled. "Now who is the cheat?"

"Serves you right!" Roxas laughed, scooping up another ball of snow and ducking behind the nearest wall. "And I wasn't using ice!"

Axel stared at the spot where he'd disappeared, looking puzzled for a moment before he looked down. There, uncovered in the little pile of snow that had just been chucked at him, he saw…a rock. It sat on top of the pile of snow, and looked hard and heavy.

While he was distracted, Roxas chucked another snowball at him, this time without any added ingredients. The beast shielded himself with his arm, looking up once it had hit and smirking as he stalked quickly over to the boy.

"Don't test me, Roxas. I'm bigger than you."

The next thing Roxas knew, Axel was pushing him into the snow. He yelped at the coldness soaking through his clothes as the beast loomed over him, attacking with big, furry paws.

"Ahahaha! A-Axel!" he gasped between laughing fits. The snow under him was making his back wet and cold, and both sensations were making him very uncomfortable. He choked out another laugh." That t-tickles! S-Stop!"

"No mercy!" the beast replied, laughing openly himself. "Now you are going to take your medicine!"

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The day wore on as they battled in the snow, and it was almost evening before Axel was ready to concede. He shook out his fur roughly, getting out the loose moisture and making the fur puff out ridiculously. Roxas laughed a little at the sight, and he missed the beast's gentle smile as he shivered and looked down at himself.

He was soaked to the skin, and his fingers were almost frost-bitten.

A shadow fell over him, and he looked back to see a worried frown on Axel's face.

"Are you alright?" Taking Roxas's hands, the beast held them together in his, letting his drying fur warm them up.

The boy blushed. "You don't have to…"

"But I will," the master replied. "I should have noticed that you lacked gloves."

"No, I should have…h-have…" Roxas broke off in a sneeze, pulling his hands back so he could rub his red nose. "I'm sorry."

"I think it's time we retired for the evening."

Roxas nodded, brushing the rest of the snow off himself and groaning. A wave of exhaustion hit him like a kick in the gut, and he wanted nothing more in life than sleep.

It was a quiet walk back to the main hall, but the air was easy and free of tension. The silence was companionable and relaxed; neither felt the need to fill it. And the dark decor no longer bothered Roxas, as he walked past the torn rooms and grim statutes without even batting an eye.

It was strange to think, but he was adjusting to life at the beast's castle.

Just before he turned to go to his room, Roxas looked back as a paw fell upon his shoulder. He met Axel's venom green eyes, for once not cold or distant. His gaze was melted, so strangely warm. It was still surprising, though he had seen it several times today already...

"You should not fall asleep before supper. Your body needs food and rest to properly account for today's activities."

"But I-"

Axel placed a finger to his lips. A rather large, hairy, red finger.

"Please…I would feel greatly assured if you eat something. Anything you like."

Roxas blinked at the beast in wonder. Was he…truly that worried?

"I suppose…I could eat something light. Something warm, perhaps?"

Axel smiled, and the blonde found himself stunned again by the expression. 'So foreign on that face…'

"I'll have Larxene make a broth for both of us. And perhaps some hot tea?" Roxas nodded dumbly. "Good. I'll have her start immediately. In the meantime, will you come with me? We may dry off and relax at our leisure."

The little blond wanted to decline; to return to his room, collapse in bed, and never wake up again. But Axel was persistent, and Roxas didn't want to ruin his cheerful, generous mood. It was refreshing, and his companionship was new. Very pleasant...

"Yes."

The beast summoned his servants, and they helped the blonde out of his wet outer clothes, offering instead a nightshift, a warm blanket, and a towel for his hair. Sufficiently clothed again, curling inward into the warmth, the boy smiled and slowly followed his host to a western part of the castle he had never ventured into. It was not the west wing, but very near to it.

There were many doors on either side, and the beast did not explain what purpose they served, but instead led him on, still strolling in pleasant silence.

Axel opened two large doors at the end of a long hall and beckoned him inside, into a room that was completely dark and quiet. Roxas's looked around curiously for a moment, but could make out nothing.

"Can we have a light?"

"Of course," the darkness replied, and in moments, the beast lit the large fireplace at the far end of the room.

Roxas looked around the room then, his mouth falling open wide. The room was much wider than he'd been led to believe, and the ceiling seemed to rise up forever, its height still hidden in darkness.

Axel busied himself with pulling back the drapes of several large windows and letting a bright light into the room. It was…a library! The biggest Roxas had ever seen!

Rows upon rows of books, shelves towering over him like literal pillars of knowledge. The cases curled around the room in places, dividing it in others, all the while leaving space for a lovely fire in the hearth, before which sat a large armchair. It was red velvet, similar to others he had seen around the castle, and it was perfectly intact, if a little dusty.

The room overall seemed dusty and abandoned, but that was easily remedied.

"A-Axel..." he gaped, his blue eyes widening with delight and wonder. "W-What is this?"

The redhead smiled, coming back to the fireplace and settling himself down on the rug beside the chair.

"The library," he said casually, chuckling a little as the blond continued to stare. "Grand, isn't it?"

" I...I mean, yes…it's…wonderful…"

Axel laughed, motioning for him to come sit down as he patted the arm of the chair. Roxas shambled forward slowly, eyes still drawn to the treasure trove laying all around him.

"I was kept here frequently as a child. Luxord demanded that, above all else, I keep up in my studies." He huffed a little then, eyes narrowing at a section of historic literature. "I prefer the books with pictures, myself."

Roxas shot him an incredulous look.

"But that isn't why we read stories! We read to enrich ourselves, and to spark our imagination." The blond came over and sat down by the beast, smiling as he felt the warmth of the fire touching his fingers and toes and spreading upward. "No two people read books the same way. It's amazing what you can learn, sharing with others. Supposing you find others that read, I mean…"

Axel nodded. "I can see you are passionate about books."

"Oh, yes," Roxas replied, looking shy after his previous outburst. "Reading has helped me so much. When I am sad, lonely, or upset with my life, books make me feel better. They take me away from the moment, help me travel new lands and explore new things…" His eyes grew a little distant as he gazed into the fire, watching the edges crackle and twist. "All from the comfort of home."

"Well, this room has been untouched for a long time. I hate to see it go to waste. I would like to open it up again, but I lack the patience to care for it and its contents properly, so I've decided to give the library away…" His gaze slid back to Roxas, a large smile tugging at his muzzled lips.

The little blond blinked at him, eyes widening in a way that made Axel's heart warm.

"You can't mean..."

"I do..."

"Axel..."

"It's all yours," the red beast replied, placing a paw on his shoulder again. "And just in time for your birthday, isn't it? Perfect."

Roxas gaped at him, blushing as his eyes began to fill with tears.

"H-How did you…?"

"I have my ways," Axel replied smugly, reclining until he was lying down on his side, still watching the blonde with warm eyes. He didn't choose to inform the boy that he'd used his servants to acquire the information, or that he hadn't noticed his guest seeming even more somber than usual, at first.

Roxas smiled a little, but it did not completely meet his eyes.

"This is the first year I've spent my birthday alone. My friends were going to send me letters..." His voice softened a little, and he looked down at his feet, wrapping his arms around his legs and hugging them to his chest. "I wish my father was here, at the very least..."

Axel fought the urge to wince, and instead watched the boy with understanding. The guilt he had felt the first night they had spent together in the castle, and again after Roxas's escape attempt, had returned, magnified. He was imprisoning a child; a kind, noble child, who had a life he longed to return to, who had so much potential laying before him to fulfill, but never would. The beast was selfishly sharing his misery with another, causing it for another, and for a moment, he looked down at his paw, clenching and unclenching it slowly. He was ashamed.

"It's hardly a proper substitute, but I am here. And Demyx and Luxord, they are here as well. You are not alone."

The boy smiled more genuinely, reaching up to wipe away a tear from his eye.

"Thank you." His heart warmed tremendously at those words, and even more at the gift. No one had ever given him something so large before, or so perfectly suited to him.

After a few minutes in silence, Roxas squirmed a little, shifting closer until he was leaning on the beast. Axel raised an eyebrow at this, until he saw the blonde swaying slightly, his eyelids suddenly seeming very heavy. Forgetting all about food, Axel turned a little and tugged the boy closer, allowing him to curl up against him.

"I-Is this alright?" Roxas murmured tiredly, looking up at his host with doubt.

Axel nodded. "Yes. I realize that I am very warm, and…uh…"

"You're very comfortable," the blonde replied, laying his head back and closing his eyes.

If he'd been able to show it, the beast would have blushed in that moment. Instead, he rubbed the back of his head, shifting a bit to prop himself and his guest against the chair.

A few more minutes passed in quiet, as Axel looked around the room, his heart swelling and clenching with so many memories.

"I would like…" He licked his lips a moment, feeling them suddenly very dry. "I would like to learn to read…"

"You…" Roxas yawned heavily before snuggling against him. "didn't know…before?"

"I did, but years without practice has left my skills somewhat…lacking," Axel replied, his voice half gruff and half sheepish. That sentence put things mildly.

"I can…"Another yawn, "teach you…"

Roxas's breathing evened out, as he fell into a gentle doze.

The beast smiled again, his cheeks aching slightly with the effort.

"I would like that very much."