A/N: Time for another chapter in the tale of Christmas in the Castle. I'm truly happy that I've had so many readers for this story. When I had started the layout, it was just meant to be a little one-shot for Roxas and Axel, but we ended up drawing out a whole storyline to revolve around several characters instead. Glad to know people like my work, it makes me smile more each day! Enjoy!

I am so sorry that it's taken me this long to get another chapter up. I have been super busy with work and I'm in the process of moving. Trying to organize and pack up boxes with a hurricane of a toddler leaves me little time to actually write, I kind of miss the quiet nights when I wasn't too exhausted. But in the end, I will be in a new house and it'll all be worth it.

Warning: This one is a bit long, but there was so much detail that I wanted to include (it is in fact where the whole idea started)

Disclaimer: So…Once more I must state that I do not own any rights to the Kingdom Hearts characters…Disney does.

Chapter 10: Secret Santa

Roxas & Axel

The Castle was fairly active for it only being 10 in the morning. Axel walked down the stairs and through the main living area.

"Good morning Axel" Larxene chimed from where she was standing in front of the large tree and placing a silver star ornament on one of its green branches.

Axel lifted his hand to wave back as he glanced up and down the tree. It had already been wrapped in brightly colored lights that seemed to dance and chase each other around the tree. Namine, Xion and Demyx were all standing around different places of the tree and pulling assorted decorations from the containers near their feet.

"Dem, I think we need some more candy canes on this side of the tree" Xion said as she placed a bear with angel wings on a branch by her. "Oh, hey Axel" she waved upon spotting him.

"Okay. I'm on it" Demyx stepped around the tree and hooked a few more striped canes onto the branches.

"Hey, have any of you seen Roxas?" Axel asked as he moved through the living room. "He wasn't in his bedroom"

"Yeah, he's in the kitchen" Lexaeus said from where he was sitting on the couch and flipping through the newspaper.

"Thanks" Axel said with a wave and started walking towards the kitchen area. "Tree looks great, by the way guys"

He heard as several voices said "thank you" at the same time as he turned from the room and moved swiftly through the dining room and into the kitchen. Axel stopped in the doorway and watched with a smile as he saw Roxas standing in front of one of the ovens and singing 'Jingle Bell Rock' as he flipped large hotcakes over a griddle. Zexion was at the other counter and seemed to be whisking a large bowl of eggs. The smells of bacon and sausage were thick in the air and it made Axel's stomach lurch slightly.

What a bright time, it's the right time

To rock the night away

Jingle bell time, is a swell time

To go riding in a one horse sleigh

Axel chuckled as Roxas continued to sing and place the hotcakes onto a large platter. Upon hearing his laugh though, Roxas turned his head towards the voice in the doorway.

"Hey, you're awake" Roxas said with a smile as he watched Axel start to walk towards him.

"Yup" Axel leaned forward and pecked Roxas on the lips "And I'm starving"

"Well, we're just about done in here" Zexion said as he moved to the stovetop next to Roxas and dumped the eggs into a large fry pan.

"Need any help?" Axel asked as he looked between the two.

"Can you help me set the table?"

Axel turned his head to see Marluxia carrying a stack of plates.

"Sure can Marly" Axel said with a nod. He turned and winked at Roxas, earning a quick laugh from the young blonde and followed Marluxia out of the kitchen and towards the dining room.

The two moved around like clockwork and set the table in a familiar way. Marluxia had already placed several glasses and sets of silverware on the table, so the only task left had been to place the dishes in the proper places. Axel and Marluxia set the table in silence with the sounds of an active home-life ringing around them, when suddenly Xemnas came storming through the dining room entrance. He had a very disgruntled look on his face and was muttering something under his breath.

"And after I specifically asked him not to drink and complete this one task for me…the fool can barely keep his eyes open!"

Xemnas stomped around to where Axel had stopped setting the table and was holding a plate in his hands while he stared at Xemnas continuing his rant.

"Is there something going on this morning, chief?" Axel asked a little warily as Xemnas plopped into his usual seat with a huff.

"Huh?" He looked up at the direction of the voice. "Did you say something Axel?" Xemnas asked as Axel placed the plate down in front of him.

Marluxia placed the last glass on the table and wandered towards the kitchen.

"Just if something was bothering you this morning"

Xemnas let out a sigh as he ran a hand through his hair. "Oh, it's just that I asked Luxord to do this Santa Claus thing for Cloud and Tifa and he promised he would. Only last night, he decided that he was going to have some traumatic breakdown and complain about being the only person in the Castle who's not in a 'romantic relationship', as he put it, and drown his sorrows in a bottle of rum."

Axel sat across from Xemnas and crossed his arms in front of him laying them on the table as Xemnas continued.

"So, now instead of getting ready to take the gifts to the children, he's hugging a pillow to his face and nursing a hangover!" Xemnas grunted and pressed his forehead onto the table. "Now what am I gonna tell Tifa?" he grumbled into the decorative table cloth.

"There's no one else to do it?" Axel asked and watched as Xemnas just shook his head.

Axel thought for a moment before he glanced out into the kitchen and a grin spread over his face. "Well, how about Roxas and I do it instead?"

Xemnas looked up across the table at Axel "Would you really?"

"Sure" Axel nodded. "I'm sure I can fit into the Santa suit, Luxord and I are about the same height"

Axel saw as a smile spread across Xemnas' face and he truly looked relieved.

"Besides," Axel said with a soft chuckle "I even have an elf costume that Roxas can wear for the kids"

"I don't have the slightest desire to want to know why on earth you have an elf costume for Roxas" Xemnas said raising his hands. "As long as you're up for the job"

"What job?"

They turned their heads and watched as Roxas stepped into the dining area carrying a large tray of steaming hotcakes. Zexion was walking close behind him with two large platters. One held various breakfast meats, the other scrambled eggs covered in cheese.

"Oh, just a special little mission for you and I" Axel said with a grin as he reached his hands forward to take the platter from Roxas.

"Okaaay" Roxas drew the word out as he stared at Axel.

"I'll let everyone know that breakfast is ready" Marluxia chirped from where he was walking towards the table carrying a pitcher of orange juice and milk and each hand. He set them on the table as Roxas took his seat next to Axel.

"Exactly what have you got me into this time Ax?" Roxas asked as Xemnas laughed softly and stabbed his fork into a sausage link from the plate in front of him.

"Oh, it'll be fun Roxy. Trust me" Axel grinned even wider as he watched Roxas place a hotcake on his plate and everyone else started to file into the dining area, smiling and talking amongst themselves.

All Roxas could do was shake his head back and forth a few times as he stared at the wide smile in the face of his best friend. He knew that Axel wasn't going to tell him anything else yet.

~xoxoxoxoxoxoxox~

A few hours later he found himself in Axel's bedroom, wishing he had asked more about this 'mission' Axel had volunteered them for.

"This is ridiculous!"

Roxas looked, in slight horror, at the reflection staring back at him as he stood in front of the mirror. He was dressed in green and red velvet pants and a shirt that matched in print and had small gold bells at the ends of the sleeves and hem. His feet were already sweating in the pointy shoes wrapped around them, and a constant jingle was heard as he tapped his foot with his arms crossed.

"Ah, c'mon Rox, it's not that bad"

Axel stepped out of the bathroom and pulled the traditional red and white coat over his white t-shirt and suspenders. His black boots thudding on the floor with each step he took, all the while smiling at Roxas. He wrapped a black leather belt around his waist and tightened the strap. The suit was a little too big, but otherwise a comfortable fit.

Roxas uncrossed his arms and turned to tell Axel that he wasn't so sure he wanted to be seen in public like this, when there was a knock on the door.

"Yeah?" Axel asked walking towards the door and reaching for the knob.

"It's us!" They heard the cheery voice of Xion on the other side right before Axel pulled the door open.

Xion and Namine were standing in the hall and each holding a red velvet bag in their hands. Axel opened the door wider and motioned for them to come in.

"Thanks" Xion said as she stepped past Axel and into his bedroom, followed by Namine who nodded a thank you as she entered.

"Awe! Roxas you look so…"

"Don't even say it, Xion!" Roxas glared as he pointed a finger towards her. He was shocked to see that she seemed unfazed by his threat and just giggled.

"Fine I won't say it" Xion said as she set her bag on Axel's bed "But it doesn't mean that I'm not thinking it"

"It's a good look for you Rox" Namine said with a chuckle as she handed her bag to Xion to be placed with the other.

"Ha ha. So not funny Namine" Roxas said as he rolled his eyes.

"Ah, cheer up Roxas" Xion walked towards him and wrapped him in a tight hug. She was happy to feel him hug her back and not try to push her away.

She squeezed him tight once before stepping back and flashing him a bright smile. "Remember, it's for all the kids"

Roxas sighed as he brushed a bit of his bangs from his eyes. "I know. But why can't one of you girls play the elf?"

Namine watched Axel as he stepped into the bathroom mumbling something about a lost button, she shook her head and answered Roxas without looking at him "Because we have to do all the shopping for tomorrow night's dinner before the stores close"

"Or get too crazy" Xion added as she reached a hand into her back pocket. "C'mere Rox, you're missing one more little detail"

Roxas had no idea what Xion was talking about, but he obediently stepped towards her and watched as she grinned at him. "And what would that be?

"This!" Xion placed both her thumbs on Roxas' cheeks and rubbed in small circles.

"What're you…?"

He watched the smile on her face grow as she let out a little giggle.

"What did you do?" Roxas asked as she stepped back still smiling. He turned his face towards the mirror and saw in his reflection what it was that made her so giggly.

"Every elf as to have a little bit of sparkle!" Xion squealed as she watched Roxas raise a hand and run a finger over one of his cheeks.

"You put glitter on my face!?" He asked slightly bewildered.

"Only a little" Xion said as Axel stepped out of the bathroom.

"Ready to go Rox?"

"Um…you can't leave yet" Namine said as she watched Axel pull the velvet white and red hat onto his head.

Axel looked over into the mirror checking out his reflection. "Why not? I've got the boots, the coat, the pants, the hat, gifts, and a really cute elf…" he looked up to see Roxas shake his head with a sigh.

"And red hair" Namine said as she pointed at his head.

"Well duh" Axel scoffed as he turned around to talk to Namine.

"But Santa has white hair" Xion said as she moved across the room.

Axel looked back and forth between the two girls as they smiled up at him before asking "Well what'd ya want me to do about it? I'm not bleaching my hair!"

"You won't have to" Namine turned her head towards the bathroom door. "Do you have any baby powder?"

"Uhhh…yeah?" Axel just stared at the blonde as she turned her attention back to him with a smirk.

"C'mon" Namine reached forward and grabbed Axel's wrist dragging him into the bathroom behind her. For a girl who mostly just spent her time drawing, she was pretty dang strong.

Roxas couldn't help the smile that spread over his face as he heard Axel protest the idea of having baby powder in his hair, topped by the sounds of Namine telling him 'too bad' and 'quit acting like a baby, it's for the kids remember?'

"One of the bags is full of the children's presents. The other is stuff for Cloud, Tifa and the girls" Xion moved closer to Roxas as she spoke and handed him a brightly colored envelope.

"Okay" Roxas nodded as he took the envelope from Xion.

"All of them are labeled with the proper names, so it'll be easy to pass them out" Xion smiled as the jingling sound from his outfit rang around them. "Just be sure that you don't shake the bags around too much and brake up the treats inside."

"Got 'cha" He nodded once more as Axel stepped out of the bathroom grumbling and wiping loose powder from the front of his suit.

"I can't believe you want to try and paint a beard on my face!" He turned his head towards Namine as she followed him out of the bathroom dusting her hands together.

Namine just shrugged her shoulders and said with a grin "It's just because everyone knows that Santa has a big white beard"

"Yeah, well Santa decided to shave this year" Axel said loudly as he pulled the hat back over his now white, powdered spikes.

"He's also supposed to be fat" Roxas couldn't help but say.

"I believe the term is 'plump'" Xion grinned as she said it.

"Santa went on a diet as well!" Axel was starting to regret letting them into his bedroom.

Axel crossed his arms over his chest and did his best to send an annoyed glare in the girls' direction, although he was finding it a little difficult, given how cute he thought Roxas looked in his elf outfit.

He shook the thoughts out of his mind and cleared his throat loudly.

"Alright, alright" Namine said holding up her hands. "We're leaving" she stepped quickly around Roxas and towards the door.

"Tell everyone we say 'Hello' and we miss them" Xion waved with a smile as she followed Namine through the open door.

Roxas looked up at Axel in full Santa Claus garb and grinned.

"What are you grinning at?" Axel asked as he carefully picked up one of the velvet bags and placed it over his shoulder.

"Oh, nothing in particular" Roxas said with a smile as he held his hand out for the other bag. "Maybe this will be more fun than I thought" He winked at Axel as he felt the ropes from the bag wrap around his fingers.

Axel chuckled a few times and reached out to ruffle Roxas' hair playfully. "Whatever you say, Roxy. Let's get going"

~xoxoxoxoxoxoxox~

They made their way through the Castle halls and swiftly down the stairs, reaching for their cloaks and pulling them over their outfits. They rushed out the large front doors and were relieved that it had stopped snowing. As they began to walk down the stone steps, their eyes fell upon a beautiful sight parked a short ways from the bottom step.

"Hello guys" The cheery voice belonged to a girl with soft colored pink hair pulled into pigtails that hung over her shoulders. She waved happily from the front seat of the decorated sleigh. "Merry early Christmas!"

"Hi Vanille" Roxas greeted her with a returning wave as he walked down the steps.

"What's all this?" Axel asked as he pointed to the large white sleigh hitched to a large chestnut Clydesdale.

"Well Santa has to have a sleigh, right?" Vanille said with a giggle as the large chestnut horse shook his mane out and pawed at the snow, clearly antsy to get moving. "Easy Maksim, good boy" she said in a comforting voice as she held tight to the reins in her hand.

Roxas had reached the sleigh before Axel and was already placing his bag into the seat when he heard the red head ask another question from close behind him.

"Where did you even get this thing?" He asked, handing his bag to Roxas who had already climbed in and was holding an outstretched hand towards him.

"They belong to farmer Sweeterly. He lets me take the horses out from time to time. Lightning, Serah and I like to race." Vanille smiled proudly as she continued. "He has about three of these sleighs and lets people rent them out"

"Rent them?" Axel asked still not making an effort to enter the carriage.

"For special occasions" Vanille responded with a shrug of her shoulders.

Axel crossed his arms as he eyed the large white sleigh with dark cherry wood lining. This one had no doors, just a dip in the middle on either side with a small metal step hanging close to the bottom of it. Vanille sat a little higher than the two seats in the back where she could easily control the animal pulling it.

"Well?"

He looked up to see her smiling at him.

"C'mon Ax"

Axel turned his head and watched Roxas extend a hand out to help him up into the back. With a quick sigh he placed a gloved hand into Roxas' and stepped up, placing his foot directly into the carriage and not needing to use the metal step.

He let Roxas pull him to the middle of the seat as he was tugged down onto one of the velour seats. Axel watched as Vanille nodded her head once at them before turning her body and clicking her tongue a few times, signaling the horse to move. They pulled through the large gates of the Castle and were moving down one of the back roads and towards Seventh Heaven Orphanage.

Axel glanced over to see that Roxas was gazing at all the snow covered trees as they passed by. He felt the soft grip of his fingers wrapped though the younger blondes still. Despite what he had originally thought of the idea, Axel found that he was actually enjoying the ride. Besides, he thought to himself, it's better than walking.

He eventually settled back into the seat and began to, like Roxas; gaze around at the snow covered town as they moved down the street. The only sounds were the rhythmic beats of Maksim's hoofs as they trotted through the snow and the small jingling sound of the silver bells that lined the outside of the sled. Axel thought it sounded almost like fairies fluttering playfully around them and turned his face towards the back of Roxas' head.

"Hey Rox" He said to the back of soft blonde spikes.

"Yeah?" Roxas turned his face to look at Axel and was surprised to see the red head leaning close to his face. He barely had time to let a small gasp escape his mouth before he felt the slight coldness of Axel's lips pressed over his. Roxas relaxed and felt as Axel smiled into the kiss.

Axel pulled his face back to see that Roxas was smiling back at him "Merry Christmas Roxas" he whispered close to his face.

Roxas shook his head back and forth with a laugh "But Ax, it's not actually Christmas yet"

"I guess Christmas came early for me this year" Axel grinned as he leaned into Roxas and pressed his lips over his once more.

He felt as Roxas sighed into the kiss, clearly enjoying himself as the sleigh came to a halt. Axel could hear as Vanille talked calmly to Maksim before a discreet giggle rang out around them.

"Awe, you two are so cute!" she placed a fuzzy gloved hand over her mouth as she watched the two break from the kiss.

"You sound just like Xion" Axel said as he directed his gaze towards Vanille and shook his head a few times.

"Well" Vanille shrugged her shoulders "Must be the truth"

Axel rolled his eyes once at the grin on her rosy cheeks as he felt a shift in the sleigh. He looked over to see Roxas standing up and pulling one of the velvet sacks towards him.

"Thanks for the ride Vanille" he waved and placed the sack over his shoulder.

"Any time boys" Vanille pointed with a wink as Axel grabbed the second velvet bag and stood, following behind Roxas. He waved his hand in the air as a form of thanks when they heard the door fly open and the sound of squealing girls seemed to engulf their senses.

"It's SANTA!"

"He's here!"

"Oh, look a horsey!"

Axel looked over at Roxas and watched as beamed a bright smile at him and nodded his head a few times. "Merry Christmas girls!" He yelled over the sounds of laughter as the children all flocked towards the large horse at the front of the sleigh.

Vanille had handed a few sugar cubes to each of the younger ones and laughed as they all held out their palms at the soft lips of Maksim as he snorted out puffs of white cold air and nuzzled into their hands enjoying the attention.

"Oh Annie, look how pretty he is!" Marlene squealed as she placed a hand over the soft hairs on his nose.

"I know!" Annie said wide eyed "And his lips tickle!" she giggled.

They were rubbing their hands over the sides of his neck and talking to him in cute little voices when there was a new voice suddenly behind them.

"You girls are gonna catch a cold"

The three small girls turned to see a blonde man smiling down at them with bright blue eyes.

"But Cloud, he's such a pretty horse" Via cooed as her fingers brushed over his mane.

"Maybe you girls can have a ride and see him after the holidays" Vanille leaned over and smiled at the three of them.

"Oh could we please?"

"Pretty please Cloud?"

Cloud watched as three sets of puppy dog eyes all looked up at him simultaneously. "We'll see" he sighed "But right now, you're making everyone wait for Santa" Cloud pointed over the sleigh at Axel as he waved to the girls. "And his…helper" he quipped an eyebrow up as he pointed at Roxas, he was pretty sure he saw the younger blonde roll his eyes slightly at the introduction.

Vanille made sure the girls were all standing next to Cloud before she clicked her tongue a few times signaling to Maksim to move. "Happy holiday's guys" she waved as she pulled the sleigh away and watched everyone raise a hand to wave back.

"Yay Santa!" Marlene ran over and grabbed one of Axel's hands and began to pull him forward.

"And an elf" Annie held out a hand towards Roxas and watched as he walked forward smiling and took her hand. Via grabbed Cloud's hand as they all began to walk towards the door and into the building.

~xoxoxoxoxoxox~

As soon as they were led through the front doors of Seventh Heaven, Axel and Roxas were engulfed in the wonderment that was what made up this holiday season. The open area in the center which normally just housed a few long tables lined with various wooden chairs was now decorated in colorful linens and outlined with sparkly garland. In several places along the center, there were hand-painted snowmen and glass bulbs that were scattered close to the middle.

A large balsam was at the end of the room near the wall and twinkled brightly with an array of dancing lights. It was decked out from top to bottom with homemade ornaments that the children had added to every year. A large golden star lit the very top of the tree.

Roxas and Axel smiled as they looked around the room.

"Can I take your cloaks?"

They both turned their heads to see Cloud holding one of his hands out. Via was still clutching tight to the other as she gazed up at them with a smile. Annie and Marlene had run over to where the other children were sitting in a circle and tossing a large beach ball to each other.

Roxas and Axel both placed their bag on the floor carefully and began to unzip their cloaks. Cloud looked down at Via and ran a hand lightly through her brunette hair. "Via sweetie, why don't you go join the other kids?"

"Okay Cloud" Via said with a smile as she nodded and released his hand. She waved shyly at Santa and his elf before running towards the corner to play with the rest of the kids.

"Tifa and I can't tell you how thankful we are for this" Cloud said as Axel and Roxas placed their cloaks over his arm and began to run their hands over their outfits to straighten them out.

"It's no problem Cloud" Axel said with a nod. "Now, where do you want us?" he asked as he picked up one of the velvet bags.

"Right over here boys"

Three heads turned towards the cheery female voice as Roxas grabbed his bag.

"We have a comfy chair in the reading area for you"

"Hello Tifa" Roxas said with a smile and waved. "Happy holidays"

"Happy holidays" the raven haired woman said with a soft smile. She wiped her hands down the front of her red and white apron before pointing towards the corner closest to the tree. Cloud walked towards the side door where the wall was lined with hooks for their coats.

"Loved to watch, but gotta finish up prep for dinner" Tifa said with a smile "And again, thank you so much for doing this"

"It's no problem at all Tifa. You guys are like family" Roxas said moving around Axel to place one of the bags under the tree. "This bag is for the adults" he pointed at the bag with one hand as his other dug into his pocket. "And this is from Xemnas"

"Oh!" Tifa said a little surprised as she took the bright envelope from Roxas. "You guys didn't have to get us anything"

"But we're all in the holiday spirit" Axel said with a grin tucking his hands in his pockets as he moved to stand next to Roxas.

Cloud walked over to where they were standing and looked at the tree before looking at the envelope in Tifa's hand. "Besides, we like presents"

Roxas and Axel watched as Tifa huffed lightly before nodding at Cloud.

"Oh, and heads up…a couple little girls let it slip that Santa is here and the others are getting restless" Cloud said with a mischievous grin.

"Alright. But you're not opening any presents tonight" Tifa said pointing a finger at Cloud.

"You're no fun" Cloud pretended to pout, but smiled.

Tifa shook her head as she started to walk back towards the kitchen area. "I know. And I think you've been spending too much time with Via and Annie. You're starting to puppy-pout like them" she called back as she walked. Tifa heard Cloud just chuckle.

"Alright guys" Cloud clapped his hands once as he spoke. "I'll try and keep the kids occupied while you set up shop"

"Thanks Cloud. It should only take a few minutes to sort through the gift boxes" Roxas said as he bent forward and started to dig into the other bag on the floor."

"We'll holler" Axel said as he plopped into the large green plush chair.

Cloud waved a hand and nodded as he turned and left the reading area.

"This is nice" Axel said with a sigh as he laced his fingers together behind his head and leaned back into the chair.

He looked around the small area which held a few wooden bookshelves that were lined with various age appropriate titles. The floor was littered with a few small beanbag chairs and a tall floor lamp sat in the corner. There was a large round rug beneath them that was covered in a vineyard style of dark purple grapes and green ivy vines around the edges. The walls held a few wrapped "presents" that were for decoration purposes.

"I could take a nap"

Roxas looked up after pulling another box from the bag "And leave me to do all the work?"

"I'm just saying, it's cozy in here is all" Axel grinned at his best friend.

"Yeah, I guess it is" Roxas said as he looked around. "Are you gonna help me sort these though?" he pointed towards the bag.

"Sure thing Roxy" Axel rocked forward and stood up. "Hey what's that?" he asked and moved over towards the lamp.

There was a small green wreath hanging on the wall. Axel looked at carefully and then plucked a piece from it with a grin.

"Hey Roxas, I think I found a new holiday present"

"What's that Axel?" Roxas said not looking from the bag

Axel walked over to where Roxas was kneeling on the floor and stood over him. He held his arm out over the blondes head and began to chuckle.

"Oh Roxas, look up" Axel said with a grin in a sing-song tone.

"Huh?" Roxas pulled the last box from the bag and placed it with the rest of the pile before looking up. He turned his head to the side in slight confusion.

"Um Axel?"

"Yeah Rox?"

"Why are you holding a piece of plastic holly over my head?" Roxas asked before looking up at Axel.

"What the heck is holly?!" Axel asked in shock as he brought the greenery close to his face. "I thought it was mistletoe!"

Roxas couldn't help the fit of laughter that came from his lips. He placed a hand over his mouth to muffle the sound as he gazed at is dumbfounded best friend.

"What's so funny?" Axel asked throwing the piece of holly at Roxas.

Roxas stood up and stifled his laughter. "Oh Axel." He moved to stand in front of the red head and reached his arms around his neck, the jingle from his sleeves making him giggle. He watched as Axel leaned his face closer to him and he could feel as a pair of arms wrapped around his back.

"If you wanted a kiss…" Roxas said softly "You should've just asked"

Axel smiled light as he pressed his lips against the blondes. The kiss was soft and sweet but still held so much more to them. He felt a flutter in his stomach as he heard the sound of someone clearing his throat.

"I, uh…hate to interrupt…"

Roxas and Axel pulled away from each other with a slight blush on their faces as they watched Cloud smile.

"But there are 8 anxious kids out here waiting to meet Santa and his elf" Cloud said with a chuckle.

Axel pretended to cough as he straightened his hat and moved to sit back in the chair. "Ah, yeah. Well Santa is ready." Axel said trying not to smile too much as he brushed his hands over the front of his pants. "Are we ready Rox, I mean…Jingles?"

"Jingles?!" Roxas asked with a gasp

"Well I can't call you 'Roxas' now can I? The kids will know who we are" Axel explained as he watched Roxas cross his arms over his chest. He tapped his foot lightly.

"I guess not" he huffed "But why Jingles?" Roxas asked as he uncrossed his arms.

"Because" Axel said with a grin "You jingle when you walk"

Roxas rolled his eyes and shook his head. He made a mental note to get back at Axel for this, but put on a smile as he watched Denzel and Lucas charge into the room followed close by the rest of the kids. He smiled towards Axel and watched as he best friend went into 'Santa Mode' for the children.

"Ho ho ho. Merry Christmas!" Axel shouted as he smiled towards Roxas.

A/A/N: I plan on having a oneshot that goes with this on where it picks up and the kids reactions, but I don't want this one chapter to be a novel. If you'd like to read it, keep an eye out for 'Secret Santa' the same as the chapter title. Working on getting the rest of the story finished. Hope everyone is having a happy holiday in whatever you celebrate!