This is a super-short interlude chappie.
It was the Christmas season and everything was covered in a thick blanket of powdery snow. The large windows were frosted over and Roxas had just discovered, much to his delight, and he could draw little pictures on the fogged-up glass. Axel watched Roxas take advantage of his new innovation by drawing little smiley faces with his finger.
"Axel! Look! I made a little heart!" he squealed with amusement.
"Yes, Roxas, it's very nice. I'll go get all bundled up, we're going off to the mall now."
"Okay," as he put on his coat, Roxas looked up at him. "Hey Axel? Why are we going to the mall again?"
"Leon gave us some money. We're gonna get you some winter clothes."
"Oh, okay."
"Hey Roxas… Watch your ears pierced?"
"I thought we were buying clothes."
"We will. Just exploring first."
"Axel!" a voice called out to the redhead.
"Oh, hey Zell… What's up? You got a new tattoo, I see."
"Making a living, Axel, making a living! So what are you here for? I should give you another tattoo! On the house."
Axel vaguely remembered Roxas mentioning that he didn't like tattoos, so he shook his head. "No thanks."
"It's the boy, isn't it? Listen, kid, Axel's a big boy now. He should get another tattoo."
"No he shouldn't, he said he didn't want one."
"Axel, are you whipped?"
"I'm not even dating him."
"So you are whipped."
"Zell…"
"Axel, what's whipped?"
Axel sighed. "Zell, I'm taking Roxas shopping right now, so could you just—"
"You mean the little pop star?" Zell looked at Roxas closely. "You're right! Wow, he's adorable. Can I have him, Axel?"
"I have a boyfriend!" Roxas protested.
"Axel, you said you weren't dating."
"We aren't. His boyfriend… it's not me. So just let it go!"
Zell flinched at the harsh tone of Axel's voice. "Bye, munchkin…"
I'm starting to get the feeling that maaaaybee Axel isn't a big fan of Zack Fair... maybe...