~Hey guys, for this chapter, go and Youtube 'Jabbawockeez at Las Vega Santa Run' Then skip to the numbers I labeled in bold. Also, the song is 'Slow Down the Song' by Selena Gomez :D Xxx ~
The night of the show, Roxas was rushed two hours early for a literally last minute rehearsal and for costume and set up. A crowd was already starting to form outside and several girls were waiting in tents. Roxas had hitched a ride with Katie and Demyx, not too willing to drive by himself. They pull up and a vale takes the keys to park. Security intensifies as the girls start to spring up from their seats; as if expecting a celebrity to arrive for the Struggle. They brace themselves against the waist-high metal gates as Roxas, Demyx and Katie file through the entryway escorted by guards. Roxas says his hellos as the girls all try and scream in a hello.
Once inside the Sandlot, Roxas was called backstage for wardrobe, then a practice run to ensure the costume are of a comfortable fit. Katie and Demyx look for their seats around the stage as people file in and out to add last minute touches before the Tournament.
At the top of the tower that held as the epicenter of the Sandlot, red, green, and blue individual banners were hung above the Twilight Town emblem. Then a fourth banner streamed across the front. "Struggle" spelt in blue lettering with a gold outlining, and under it four small orbs like last year's Four Crystal Trophy. Then as the epicenter is a simple picture of a fist wielding a Struggle sword, often reminding Roxas of the Arm&Hamer logo.
Girls huddle outside the gates, cameras and phone ready and Roxas gives them a wave before he disappears into the area dividing the stage from the back stage area. The thick red-velvet curtain provided privacy as well a backdrop for the stage lights posted at the top of the buildings bordering the Sandlot.
Within the crowded space of backstage, Roxas had to navigate his way through the groups of people, clothes strewn across tables and tucked into gym bags so they know it's there. Walking over to the people in charge, Roxas picked up his uniform hanging fresh and steamed on a near bear rack. The costume seemed simple as it was a very monotone theme. A black-collared sleeveless bodysuit that thankfully wasn't slim-fitting. It cut into a V at the base of the neck and slid all the way down stopping just above the navel; leaving his chest exposed. The lightweight fabric keeps sweat off your skin while mesh panels help your body stay cool. Then a pair of flexible spandex pants that thankfully fit just like skinny jeans, and black sneakers with a Nike logo in white. pin/488851734523524084/
Thankfully the backstage area had been given one of the two sets of bathrooms. Since the Sandlot is the host for most sports areas, the bathrooms were more like the locker rooms of his school. As the door to the boys' locker room began to shut behind another dancer, Roxas broke into a fast walk. He hurried and stopped to catch the meal handle. Pulling it open again, he slipped inside, the sounds of conversations buzzing through the tiled walls as the door eased into the jamb.
At first he didn't see anyone, but as he stole forward, the groups of performers soon eased into view. Roxas made his way around a U-shaped section of blue lockers, straight ahead he noticed his reflection in a narrow full-length mirror affixed to the wall at the end of the aisle. It hung right next to the door that led into the showers. Roxas made his way further down the aisle until he reached a section that was near empty. Only a few gym bags present on the floor or stuffed in the athletic lockers. After stepping into his costume, Roxas buttoned up then made his way back outside where the atmosphere had kicked up a notch. More people were filing into the Sandlot, taking their seats and a few stragglers getting concessions. Roxas heard his name called and he looked to see Josh in the same uniform waving him over. Ducking behind the curtain to avoid another fan frenzy, Roxas walks up to join the other dancers. Coach Annie claps her hands together, rubbing them as if she's applying lotion.
"Alright people this is it! You all look great, now let's head into the back alley for one final run then you're on when they dim the lights. Then remember you file out and take your places."
As they head into the back alley, risking a quick glance over his shoulder, Roxas could see Sora and the others file in with his parents. A camera clutched in his moms hand, and Roxas unleashed a breathy laugh readying himself for the soon to be presentations of the photos and videos later at any family party.
It wasn't until they drilled every dance that Roxas realized just how many routines he was involved in. After it was official Mergra would be singing during halftime of the Struggle, the dancers and routine were quickly modified. Roxas being one of the main dancers through the routine, Roxas had practiced until his feet had blisters, and later that day his muscles sore. If he counted the acts in order, including the fights, he was involved for more than half the show.
There was the opening act, then after the first two fights, there was a hip-hop number. Following, was an all-female dancers routine to "Dirty Dancer" by Enrique Iglesias; a whole new routine Katie designed herself along with a little co-directing from Axel. Then at halftime, Meg was on with her hit single, "Won't say I'm in Love" and a wardrobe change. Once that act was over, Roxas was to change back to his original costume and continue on for the next act. Once it was all spread out, it was a lot for Roxas to take in. How had he not seen it before? A harsh clap of Coach Annie's hands snapped him back as the dancers were beginning to file out. Roxas follows the making his way backstage where he got in his space in line.
"Okay people! Smile and kill it!" Coach Annie's last words of motivation before the lights dimmed and the roar of the crowd intensified.
Fireworks exploded in the afternoon sky as the tournament promoter began his speech, "Ladies and gentlemen, Struggle-fiends of Twilight Town, it's time for the year's most sizzling clash!" the crowd cheers. "That's right! Today's the day for, The Struggle and title match!"
As the speech went on, and then transferred over to Riley, the owner of the Armor Shop, Roxas tried to sneak a peak of who was this year's combatants. Seifer was a definite contestant, and Roxas assumed Hayner since he wasn't in the seats. Since Roxas was technically the reigning champion since he defeated Setzer. But given the circumstances, he and the co-founders of the tournament came to an agreement that Setzer would battle for the title match since Roxas had other priorities.
"Now, you know what comes next!" Riley concluded his speech and riled up the crowd. "Let's . . ."
"Struggle!" the crowd answered.
The entire Sandlot was darkened as the dancers filed onto the stage. The cheers growing as the girls in the front row could see Roxas. The lights of camera flashes and phones slowly rippled across the sea of people as their attention was drawn to the stage. Once in position, the dancers bowed their heads and the crowd falls silent in anticipation.
Even before the song started, some girl from the back of the crowd screams, "I love you Roxas!"
Following the giggles, the chords of a guitar started, then slowly the music introduction rose in tune with the beat. The dancers raise their heads, and spotlights blaze onto the stage. As the lyrics started to sound across the lot, they broke into a knee pop before gliding across the stage to their second position.
"Now that I've captured your attention,
I want to steal you for a rhythm and invention.
Mr. T you say I'm ready for inspection.
Sh-sh-show me how you make a first impression."
Gobos danced across left and right, giving off great effect and detailing their faces when it glissades across their skin. Popping their shoulders left, right, and then a body roll they make different formations in perfect unison with each other and in time with the infectious beat of the music. A slow bridge to the chorus gave them time to do slow and sultry body rolls accompanied with knee pops, then after a quick dip forward, they broke into a fast paced footwork that always got the crowd excited. By the next chorus, Roxas and four other dancers had stepped up front, and chest popping.
"If you want me I'm accepting applications.
Just so long as we can keep this record on rotation.
You know I'm good with mouth to mouth resuscitation.
Breathe me in breathe mw out, so amazing."
The screaming of girls intensifies as he moonwalks his way up to the front where various hands outstretch to touch him. Girls smiling and screaming as he pop and locks his arms before swerving around then pushing back where the next group came to the front of the stage. Even with the pumping music, Roxas could still hear the crowd chanting his name as he dances across the stage. At the closing of the song, the group had divided where the girls were up front and the boys in the back. The boys had whipped their heads to the right while the girls did customized poses for the finish. The crowd goes nuts and as the promoter takes the stage again, a single spotlight shining on him.
"Alright! Well that's a way to start the show huh? Let's give these dancer another round of applause!" he says and the crowd joins in a massive uproar of claps.
Roxas and a few other dancers wave off as they file backstage. While the bouncer announces the first match of the tournament, Roxas does his best to quickly and smoothly change out of his costume for the hip-hop number. The outfit was a simple black tank top, crisp gray-wash jeans and black Nike sneakers. Things were pretty hectic, and he ended up changing early. Using the time to catch his breath and review the routine, he manages to fetch a water, and observes the match from behind the curtain.
Hayner wasn't able to qualify for the second round, so he went to join Olette and the others in the crowd. As the dancers started to change and fall in the line-up, Roxas could see girls readying themselves. He chuckled as he saw girls mounting one another's shoulders, holding up their signs saying 'Roxas I love you!' Josh calls Roxas over and to finish the outfit, Roxas and the dancers were given varsity jackets. Roxas takes his place in the line-up as he lights dim and the bouncer's voice booms across the Sandlot.
"All right, and to add on to the spectacular performance, make some noise for the High School Reject!" the crowd grows loud again. Roxas cringes at the name. He didn't have any better ideas, but still the name was just awful.
The lights go black for a second before spotlights illuminate the stage and the boys start their walk up the steps. The girls scream as each dancer individually make their way up and to their spots on the stage. Roxas being the second to last, the girls got their loudest when his face appeared on the jumbo-tron. And lucky him, he was up in front leading the group. While the crowd is rallied up, the boys start to clap their hands together to the beat, the crowd mimicking their movements, as if controlled by them. Roxas made his way to the front of the stage and as the music stopped for a fraction of a second, they broke into their routine. With Roxas up front, he did a short solo while the others stood still. Then another dancer broke off free styling to the left, then to the right. {1:41 – 2:12}
The crowd cheers on as they make their way around the stage. Near the end, they all stepped back and did their own freestyle to finish the number. Roxas being the last to go. The crowd going nuts to see him pop and lock, like a robot learning how to better his stiff movements. {3:34 – 5:01} Sparing the girls a wave, his eyes flick further back into the crowd and manages to spot Axel sitting with Demyx and Katie. By the end of the number, Roxas was smiling as his gaze locked with Axel's, who's smiling from ear to ear watching Roxas perform.
After the number, the tournament continued on and Roxas stayed backstage for the next performance. Since he wasn't due until halftime for Meg's performance he took the time to grab a jacket and sneak out to snatch a snack. Which probably wasn't the smartest idea. Seeing a how he could experience one of those annoying knot cramps, but he's done it before and pushed through it, either way, he'll be fine. It was funny since the crowd wasn't as rallied since he wasn't on stage. Grabbing his jacket, he shrugged it on and snuck his way out, ducking low so he could sneak past the crowd as best he could.
Tucking his wallet away in his pocket, he decided to settle for a liquid snack. A smoothie stand not too far from the backstage area. Managing to snake his way down the aisle, he had just surpassed the crowd when the music of Dirty Dancer started to pump across the speakers. The vibration of the bass shuddering Roxas to the core. He walks up to the smoothie stand and ordered a medium Blueberry Banana Burst. A woman in her early forties smiled and started to prep the blender. Roxas turns and leans against the stand, watching the girls dance. They moved in perfectly synchronized motions, popping their hips and body rolling, ghosting their hands over their bodies in seduction. The heel of Roxas' foot tapping to the beat as he watches.
After he paid the woman for her services, Roxas walks off to the corner, leaning along the wall of a building bordering the lot and sips his smoothie. One hand tucked under his armpit, he continues to watch, doing his best to remain anonymous. But he made the mistake of not pulling up his hood over his blonde hair. A couple of girls came up to the smoothie stand, and one of them does a double take. When she realizes it's him, she squeals – which thankfully was drowned out by the music – and jostles her friend's arm. Her friend then turns and the two turn to each other exchanging funny faces of shock before trying their best to compose themselves. They don't approach him, instead they both pull out their phones and videotape him for a minute before calling his name.
Roxas, given he has the straw in his mouth, turns his head slightly and smiles, waving. "Hi." He says.
The girls squeal and giggle and he hears one of them shout, "Can we come over?"
While Roxas didn't want to draw much attention that he was outside the backstage area, he nodded and the one girl scurried over; her friend walking calmly behind her. They were both brunettes and possibly sisters. Roxas could only define them by one of the wearing braces. The one girl complimented him on his dancing during the hip-hop routine, and the one with braces asks for a hug. Roxas smiles and opens his arms wide and she walks into them. Roxas' gaze kept flicking to the concessions stands where more people started to gather and order food. He was so worried about being spotted he didn't hear the girl with the braces question.
Stopping mid-sip, he swallows a blueberry seed before talking. "I'm sorry?"
He leans in and the girl talks in his ear to drown out the music. "Are you in the next dance show?" she asks.
"No. No I'm not on until halftime. Hence why I'm out here." He teases holding up his smoothie for reference.
"You're so beautiful!" The one girl blurts and Roxas smiles bashfully, lowering his head as he felt his cheek warm.
Soon he sees more girls rush over to join the growing group. While Roxas didn't want to be rude, he wanted to see Axel before he had to go back to the suffocating crammed space of backstage again. As the girls all talked to him he would occasionally scan the crowd for any sign of him or of other dancers ready to collect him.
"Can I get a picture, Roxas?" one girl asks.
"I can't take pictures right now, I'm sorry." He answers. Reports have been going around, mainly started by haters, saying that he's using the fame the fans give him just to help promote his name. So Roxas made a sort of deal with himself that he could take pictures when he's not working.
"Can I get a hug?" another asks.
"Yeah, you can totally have a hug." He smiles.
Then one girl's question managed to catch his attention. "Are you dating anyone, yet?"
He looks to her with wide eyes for a moment before he clears his throat. By now he had finished his smoothie, but the question had made him feel like a blueberry got caught in his throat. He swallows thickly. How was he supposed to answer that? It was official to both him and Axel that they were together, but he was hesitant about letting it out in the open.
But before he could answer, someone beat him to it. An arm clamped around his shoulder, and Roxas looks up in unison with the girls to see Axel standing tall. Roxas blushes, and lowers his head, grateful for the darkened space.
"Sorry girls but we need to get Roxas backstage to get ready for the next act." Axel said in a professional tone.
At first, Roxas stares at him wondering what he was trying to do. Thankfully it clicked before the girls could notice his warm cheeks. "Oh, uh, right." He managed to mumble.
"Roxas can I get one more photo?" one girl asks.
"I'm, I'm so sorry but I have to go." He says, and then with Axel's arm protectively around his shoulder, he led him toward the backstage area.
Roxas feels Axel look behind him then he was suddenly yanked to the side. Axel's hand pressed into Roxas' back, keeping him hovering low as they weaved through the crowd. They duck into a back alley and once out of sight, Roxas catapults himself into Axel. Idiotic giggles spilling from his mouth. Axle returns the hug and Roxas can feel his chest vibrate with a low laugh. "You were amazing." Axel breathes into his ear.
Roxas idiotically giggles as he releases Axel. Axel places a kiss on Roxas' forehead and Roxas takes in the scent of his cologne. Their reunion was short-lived as he heard squeals coming from behind them. Olette and the others were rushing up to them with Katie and his parents behind. Olette was the first to reach Roxas, and he's taken aback as Olette wraps her arms around his neck, then Namine grabbing them both in a bear hug. Then adding onto that, Hayner, Pence and Sora. Riku and Kairi knowing when Roxas is one person away from tumbling to the floor. Once he's finally released from their excited death grips, they give him hugs. His mom happily wraps her arms around him giggling.
"I'm so proud of you!" she says through a weary voice of joy.
"The show's not over yet Mom." Roxas reminds.
"I know but you're doing so well. I'm so happy for you. Are you proud of yourself?"
"Yes mom." Roxas says with a played roll of his eyes.
Katie smiles and kisses his cheek as she pats his back in an embrace. "You're doing great honey."
"Those girls are crazy for you!" Pence says with his hands for emphasis. "I mean did you see them? They were practically begging for you to just wave to them."
"No kidding. I had to lie just to get him away from a set of groupies." Axel adds with a thumb over his shoulder.
"Well, as much as I'd love to keep congratulating Roxas, he really does need to get back to the stage area for makeup." Katie reminds as she checks her watch. "Let's go! And let's hope that smoothie doesn't slow you down." She snaps.
Roxas looks away with a guilty smile.
"That's right, I can see things." Katie adds.
"You didn't event turn around." Roxas comments.
"Just so you know, for the future, my vision is twenty-twenty, twenty-twenty." She rebuttals by pointing to both her front and alleged back eyes.
Roxas laughs as he's escorted backstage and set in the makeup area. From there he was covered in a gray powder that make his skin look like porcelain. They cover his face in a pale makeup, then draw out his features. His cheekbones, a chiseled jawline, his blue-diamond eyes. The idea was that Meg would be surrounded by statues like she was in her music video. As the stylists powdered his nose, Roxas did his best to listen to who made it to the finals. With Hayner out, that only left Seifer to face off against Setzer. While Roxas wasn't too happy about the idea of Seifer winning the champions belt – a bragging right no one would ever hear the end of – with where he is and who he was about to perform with easily overpowered it.
The crowd had slightly shrunk as halftime came along and people filed out of their seats to fetch concessions and possible bathroom breaks. Meanwhile, the dancers took the stage and got into their poses. Another curtain had been draped around the outer border of the stage so no one could get a sneak peak of the show. Meeting Meg was a surreal experience. Needless to say by now Roxas has had his fair share of celebrity meetings with his job, but it's still amazing every time. She was so laid back with a fun personality. Once on the stage, the dancers take their spots and poses.
Meg takes center stage. The curtain rises, and the crow screams. Meg starts of the song slow, then with a beat of the drums, the female dancers gather around her and at the start of their chorus, the boys simply do basic movements to help exaggerate the music. As the bridge to the chorus comes up, the boys gather around Meg and try to flirt with her. Roxas getting his own personal a moment by holding her chin when the song goes, "Check the grin, you're in love."
The show goes off without a hit and by the time the show ends, the crowd's all pumped up for the final round. Setzer was once again proclaimed as the champion, and despite Roxas' un-liking to both the contenders, he'd rather have him than Seifer; sparing everyone from his nonstop bragging. Holding the belt up high, it amused Roxas when the crowd simply clapped instead cheering. Girls crowded around Roxas while he was still in his costume, wanting pictures and signing autographs. Behind, Roxas can feel the burning glare of jealousy from Setzer as another girl stood next to him for a photo.
After changing back into his normal clothes, and wiping off the paint from his face Roxas told his parents he'll be hanging out tonight for an after party for the crew of the Struggle organization. With parting words, and Katie bringing a spare set of clothes, Roxas washed up at home before changing and driving off. pin/488851734523582882/
The party was held at the manager Haley's house. Axel had briefly given Roxas a rundown of the house, but he really downsized the size and true beauty of the place. It was a grand, three-level Victorian house, built as a private residence. A huge brick building, music thundering against the windowpanes, pretty flower vines crawling up each side of the front door. Thick hedges marked the boundaries running alongside the house. Roxas pulled up onto the grass verge, a number of cars, were lined up in all different colors. Small stones crunched under his shoes as he walked around the bonnet. His footsteps disturbed the gravel, the movement almost in time with the heavy bass thumping through the otherwise silent courtyard.
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As Roxas walked up to the front door, he started to think it probably wasn't the best option given the loud thumping music. Peeking around the corner, he followed a step stone path around back. The music volume increasing as he walked back with steady feet. When he reached the backyard, his mouth fell open. The cobblestone deck stretched on either side of the mansion. Four longchairs stood in front of a patio table, which stood at the middle of two grand staircases leading to two separate decks, separated by a turret-like tower. The pool was as long as the entire house, and practically filled to the edges with people. A diving board posted at the deepest end. Roxas frowns wishing he'd brought a swimsuit had he known. People were packed all around the place inside and out. These kinds of parties made Roxas uneasy as he's had his fair share of teen parties back home.
As he makes his way through the crowd of people to the table, he manages to find a veranda under one of the two staircases. It had plush armchairs and a minibar in the corner. A glass coffee table at the center of the room. Roxas sees Katie sitting with Axel and whom he assumes is Haley. Katie wearing a grey overall-style jumpsuit with a black long-sleeve crop top underneath. A black leather clutch purse in her lap.
Axel is the first to spot Roxas and smiles and gets up to greet him. Roxas' body fit closely to his, an arm securing him in place. He's wearing a simple white shirt under a black blazer, grey pants and brown oxfords. Simple, but very attractive. Roxas bit his lip to try and suppress a grin. Axel's fingers splayed over Roxas' shoulder, the action reaffirming his promise to keep him safe, always under his protection.
"Haley this is Roxas, the star of tonight's show." Axel introduced.
The young woman stood up and greeted Roxas with a white-tooth smile and handshake. She seemed in her mid-thirties, with long brown curly hair, chocolate brown eyes, wearing a long summer maxi dress. "Nice to meet you." She says.
"Likewise." Roxas answered.
"I have heard so much about you." She goes on. "And your incredible rise to stardom."
"I still can't believe it's happening." Roxas bashfully says.
"Can I get you a drink?" she asks.
"No thank you." Roxas refused politely.
"One won't hurt." She persuaded.
Roxas nodded with a smile. Haley grabbed Roxas' hand, guiding him to the mini bar in the corner. As Haley ordered to the bartender, a hand clamped to his shoulder as Axel leaned over him slightly to reach Haley's ear. Roxas' endeavor to decipher the mouthed unsuccessful. But the significance of the hushed conversation dwindled as Axel parted seconds later.
"Of course not." She firmly states.
Roxas had a feeling he was educating her on his alcohol tolerance level, and from the small amount he poured into the glass it reaffirmed his suspicions. Roxas didn't mind though; while the drinking age in Twilight Town was eighteen, Roxas was never much of a drinker.
"You want ice honey?" Haley asks.
"I'm driving, so best to keep it safe." Roxas jokes, and Haley laughs.
The bartender finishes the drink with impressive tricks. Flipping the bottles and cleverly scooping up ice and adding pinches of sugar for sweetener. Handing it Roxas, he almost didn't want to touch it since it seemed like a pretty drink. The clear alcohol had been topped up with fizzy lemonade, the tiny bubbles flittering to the top. His fingers wrapped around the glass with a sugar-lined rim, the scent wafted to his nose and it resembled the scent of lemonade. Tipping the glass to his lips in a quick sip, the beverage tasted like lemonade that was the perfect combination of tart and sweet.
Going back over to the plush couch surrounding the glass coffee table, Roxas sat next to Axel while Katie took an individual seat in an armchair. An arm draped behind Roxas' shoulder, Axel maintained the conversation while Roxas sat back quietly. He was still in initial shock over the expanse of the house. His gaze drifted to the people in the pool, a young man doing a backflip off the diving board, creating a fair-size splash.
Roxas would like to take his own tour around the house, but seeing as how he doesn't know anyone else here besides Axel and Katie, he stays planted on the couch, smiling and nodding vigorously. Haley then called Roxas' name and he broke from his wandering mind.
Haley's friendly eyes slightly concerned at his temporary absence from the present moment. "You want a tour of the house?"
Roxas eyes lit up. "Yes please!" he exclaimed.
The group laughed as Roxas shot up out of his seat, joining Haley, looping arms. Calling over her shoulder, she tells the others we'll be back soon. Roxas only hoped this was an actual tour and not just a walkthrough where they talk business. Keeping his still fairly full cup of liquor in hand, they walk through the house and Haley points out each room, but not its purpose. Each room was fairly crowded with people, conversing and sipping beautiful beverages. They stopped in a beautiful living room with gorgeous archways and a warm fireplace. pin/488851734522529508/
"Your house is so beautiful." Roxas finally tells Haley.
"Thank you." Haley answers.
"So is there a bathroom nearby?" Roxas amuses.
Haley laughs and points him to room at the right near the end of the hall. Placing his nearly finished drink on a table, Roxas leaves for a brief moment, grateful for the solitude and muted music. He just needed a moment to get away from the crowds of people. For a moment, he allowed himself to picture what could possibly happen in a grand mansion, filled with many bedrooms. He leaned against the granite sink, clasping his hands around the basin.
Roxas held little control as his body reacted to the visual trigger. His skin prickled at the thought, frozen trails across his stomach, his back, his thighs. Contrasting heat flushed to his cheeks, mindlessly scolding himself as sinful images bombarded his imagination. The proposition of exploring something different; Axel with an ice cube between his teeth. Enticing hands kept at bay, refusing to make contact aside from the occasional unavoidable brush of cool lips. Chilling path traced down his neck and the curve of his chest as he lay helplessly beneath him. Once melted with the tempting heat of Axel's mouth, he would take a new cube, continuing to torture him with patterns of icy shiver.
"You're getting a bit hot, let's see if we can cool you down." He'd whisper.
Axel's dangerous words haunting him. Roxas desperate visuals were diverted, heart pounding. He squeezed his eyes closed, only to be greeted with the image of Axel carefully encouraging an ice cube beyond his lips. Roxas would hold it in his mouth until Axel kissed him and negotiated its release and transfer to his. It was safe to say Roxas had never experienced anything like it before; never so incredibly hot and cold at the same time. His tunneled vision would watch unbelievably as the now smaller ice cube would be placed into his belly button.
"When it's completely melted, I get to kiss you again." Axel would whisper. His breath tickling Roxas' ear.
Roxas would will his body temperature to dramatically rise in those seconds, consumed with the thoughts of Axel's lips on his, willing to do anything for the solid ice to be reduced to water.
Driven by the visual, and the heavy fact that they were in a stranger's mansion with about a bazillion bedrooms, Roxas yanks open the door and rushes out. He had lost Haley, but he memorized his route back to Axel; hopefully he was still in the backyard. As he snatched his drink, left, hopefully untouched, he started the trek back. The liquid lapped over the rim as a firm force lightly knocked into him. A recognizable hand skimmed Roxas' stomach before holding to him.
Roxas' heart latched in his throat as his gaze trailed up. His blood turning to ice, searing his fear and making his hands clammy.
"Are you sure you don't want ice?" he growled.
Roxas forces down a hatred so thick it felt like drowning. He glared a look of absolute loathing as he stars into the predatory eyes of Marluxia.