Chapter Twenty-One
Love

Sora had been right when he said they would be going to a punk rock club, Roxas though, had had no idea what exactly that was supposed to mean. Standing now beside Axel, he realized that it was really short for saying that it was a place where people like Axel gathered, and in his mind, he dubbed it The Punk Rock Church. There was a man standing on stage, his black hair dripping sweat as he thrashed around, screaming really, though Roxas knew he was supposed to be singing. That man, he figured was the priest, preaching about death and destruction as the teens on what was supposed to be the dance floor jumped around, bodies banging into each other, it was utter chaos. There was also a band on stage with the black haired man (the choir, Roxas thought), the guitarist was what really held his attention though, the man's fingers were bleeding but that did not stop him from moving them along the fret at a speed that seemed inhuman. Axel followed Roxas gaze and smiled at the boy's expression.

"That's Xiggy, he's a mad man on the guitar," Axel shouted, trying to get his voice to reach Roxas' ears over the music. Roxas heard and nodded his head, opting not to speak and instead followed Axel around the club. The blonde was amazed at all the people who greeted Axel, slapping the punk on the back and smiling at him. Roxas in all honesty was terrified of every single person he was introduced to; the names he was given for each face for instance, never seemed to be real names, each of them were something you'd never find on a legalbirth certificate, plus it seemed that every name was followed by a curse, Axel laughing when the person shot him a glare for calling them something though they simply shouted something right back. Roxas blinked owlishly, staring around the black walled club and feeling out of place with his plain, blonde hair and face clear of any piercings, tattoos and make-up.

"This is Luxord, he enjoys a good fag every now and then," Axel chuckled as he introduced Roxas to yet another person, the boy looked up, extending his hand and having it grabbed in a rough, calloused hand. The man's grip was not painful like the other one he had just met, Lexaeus' had been. Roxas didn't even want to remember how terrified he had been when he met the monstrous man. He had probably been around 7 feet tall and just as wide, with a strong jaw and piercing blue eyes. The thick bull ring in his nose also did nothing to settle Roxas' deep, growing fear. Until he spoke, softly and bent at the waist so Roxas could hear him, his voice was quiet and gentle, like that of a Kindergarten teacher and Roxas felt like laughing, picturing this enormous man teaching a group of 4 to 5 year olds the ABC's but he held back because something in him told Roxas that should he laugh at the man's voice, he would be snapped in half. Roxas dully noted that by the end of the night, he would know almost everyone in the club and would have touched all of them, which in retrospect would have made him slightly uncomfortable. Already he had shaken at least 50 people's hands and half of their names were already forgotten.

When Axel finally took a seat at the bar he turned to Roxas smiling as another song started up, Roxas could swear he felt the bar stool he was seated on keep jumping to the beat of the song.

"You look really good Roxy," Axel grinned brightly at the blonde, making him blush deeply under the bright lights, if they had been anywhere else, Axel wouldn't have been able to see it.

"Thank you…you too," Roxas had to shout over the loud music, from his peripheral vision he could see the people on the dance floor actually dancing, or well, he'd hoped it was dancing and not something inappropriate. It looked a lot more like the latter in Roxas' opinion.

"I look like this everyday, but thanks Roxy," Axel's smile always caught Roxas offguard. It was so handsome Roxas always had to stare, atleast until Axel stopped smiling and began speaking. Though, the blonde still kept his eyes on the punk's mouth sometimes. "We can go dance!" Roxas was straining to hear Axel, his thoughts torn away Axel's lips and from the pair a few steps away from the stage, their tongues down each other's throats and the girl's leg hitched up high on the man's waist, his hand sliding up her thigh and disappearing under her skirt, when the punk got up and gripped the boy's hand. Roxas quickly figured out that what Axel wanted was to dance and let himself be guided over to the dance floor a little fearfully; he did not have the slightest clue how to dance to this.

Roxas looked around, there was a vast sea of people and if that was what Axel considered dancing, Roxas made a mental note to show him what the word really meant. What these people were doing was not dancing. The people that weren't close to having intercourse were instead bumping into each other, jumping high into the air and thrashing their heads around viciously, Roxas didn't know which dancing he really wanted if he had to chose, personally he was more of the type to Waltz or even Fox Trot. Axel grinned widely as he laced his fingers with Roxas' trembling ones and leaned down close to his ear.

"Try to stay close, this'll be fun!" and just like that they were sucked into the mass of jumping bodies. Roxas could do nothing but laugh crazily as he bounced and soon he was thrashing his head like every other person, deciding that this dance was slightly better than the other one, and a lot more liberating then the Box Step. Roxas, finally feeling the music and liking the way it left his skin tingling, smiled brightly as he caught Axel staring at him, the punk smiled back just at the singer shouted out his last words.

"And they will suffer!" The man's voice sounded over the crowd as they erupted in shouts and cheers, the guitar cried out and the drummer beat his set, sounding like his life would end if he did not hit each drum and cymbal as hard as he could.

Axel turned to him, gripping his waist and pulling them close together. Roxas blushed, glad that the lights in the club were dark and they moved together, enjoying the way the music pounded through them, Roxas realized that he was dancing like the other half of the club and his blush increased tenfold. Now, he could not decide which dance he liked better, thrashing around was great fun, but feeling every curve of Axel's body pressed against his was something else entirely. Suddenly the song stopped, and the singer cleared his throat, catching the attention of everyone on the dance floor.

"It's time for a little loving!" He screamed and the crowd shouted right back, some shouting requests and Axel joined them, shouting the name of a song he probably wanted to hear. Roxas watched, amazed at how everyone could shout so much for so long.

"I don't care what the fuck you want to hear, I'm gonna sing whatever I want!" The singer cackled into the mic, placing it back into it's stand and clearing his throat again. "Everyone pair the fuck up and I want to see you all dancing, almost fucking, 'cause this song will set the mood for sure and I don't want it thrown to waste!" Roxas' eyes were impossibly wide, the singer wasn't happy with the way people were dancing now? How much closer and intimate could people get on a dance floor without actually doing something inappropriate? When Axel looked down at Roxas, he started chuckling, lowering his lips to the blonde's ear.

"Don't look so appalled, he's really a good guy."

When the singer looked back at his band, the drummer hit his sticks together, once, twice three times and the song started. It was quite a change from the loud, skull crushing sound from before but Roxas found that he really liked it. The singer's voice carried a certain rasp to it, and when he wasn't screaming his throat raw, he sounded very good, talented even.

The small blonde found he liked the song, if he ignored what the black haired man was really saying. He was sure the word 'fuck' was used in a lot of different ways, and he was definitely singing about a woman. If he loved her or not Roxas wasn't sure but he knew for sure that he wanted the woman he was singing to, and he wanted her very badly...apparently.

Axel tightened his hold on Roxas and he in turn wrapped his arms around Axel's neck, gazing up at the redhead and smiling as they swayed to the music. A few other couples had taken the singers words to heart and were currently trying to suck each other's lips right off their faces but Roxas was content simply swaying to the song with Axel, he didn't think he needed anything else in that moment.

"Roxas," Axel whispered into his ear and the boy felt a shiver dance down his spine, spreading to the very tips of his fingers and toes. "I'm glad you came," Axel continued and pulled away, smiling softly down at the blonde. Roxas' heart was pounding as he stared into Axel's green eyes, and he smiled back just before the punk leaned in for a kiss. It was slow but passionate and made every hair on Roxas' body stand on end, his skin covered in goose bumps and his heart seemed to be pumping carbonated water through his veins because Roxas simply felt so fuzzy inside, so warm and bubbly he couldn't help but smile, breaking their contact.

Axel gazed down at him and Roxas stared right back, realizing the song was over and the lead singer was talking again, swearing and telling them all that lovey-dovey time was over and those who got laid tonight had to send him a Thank-You card with some cash inside. Together, Roxas and Axel decided they had enough dancing, feet aching and ears ringing as they approached the bar that was slightly quieter than the dance floor. They had decided to go get a drink before Axel had to take Roxas home. Roxas was feeling tired and when he asked what time it was, taking his seat Axel smiled a little sheepishly.

"It's 1 in the morning," Axel said and Roxas' eyes widened, the bartender coming towards them and when Roxas looked up, he had to blink once, twice, three times before looking back at Axel. The bartender looked almost identical to the punk, all the way from his hair to his happy, little smirk.

"Well, Axel, mind introducing me to your little date?" the man said and Roxas blushed as the redhead laughed, throwing his arm over the boy's shoulders and pulling him close to his side.

"Reno this is Roxas, my boyfriend, Roxas this is Reno, my brother," Reno, who was apparently Axel's brother stuck his hand out, smiling brightly and Roxas took it, smiling back a little in return. Make that 51 or so hand shakes, and only around 24 names forgotten. He was sure he'd remember Reno's name, after all, he was Axel's brother.

"So squirt, why are you out so late? Ain't it past your bedtime?" Reno teased Axel and the punk scowled, trying to swat his brother but failing because of the bar's counter. Roxas stood at Axel's side, trying to fight off a tired yawn and trying not to show that his legs ached and he really wanted to be laying in bed.

"Yo, I think Roxy here is tired," Reno said, pushing a drink towards the tiny blonde, who blinked a few times before reaching down and taking a sip. It was just plain juice, which was obvious and he noticed Axel drinking the same thing, only instead of taking a careful little sip, he chugged it down.

"Yeah, I was just gonna take him home now," Axel said turning and smiling down at Roxas as he sipped his drink. Setting it down, Roxas yawned again and nuzzled his face into Axel's chest, inhaling his scent and smiling. "I'm ready to go," Roxas mumbled into Axel's shirt and the punk laughed before they said good-bye to Reno and Roxas was led out of the club into the cool night air.

"So, did you have fun?" Axel asked as he held the car's door open for Roxas and the blonde nodded tiredly, making Axel laugh as he slid into the driver's side and started the car.

"I'm glad. Now let's get you home and into bed!" Axel said smiling brightly, Roxas smiled back before leaning his head on the window and shutting his eyes, letting the car lull him to sleep.

He was awoken by a soft voice in his ear, and even softer lips pressing a gentle kiss to his temple. He blinked his eyes open and slowly his apartment came into view and so did Axel's bright red head. "Home already?" he yawned and the punk nodded his head, climbing out of the car and moving to open Roxas' door, helping the tired boy out of the car. Roxas immediately wrapped his arms around Axel, nuzzling into the punk's warmth and making him laugh as they wobbled towards the building.

"You want to come upstairs?" Roxas asked, not really thinking as he stood by the elevator with Axel. He was much too comfortable clinging to Axel's side to really care about anything else but bed and cuddling against the punk's warm side. Axel chuckled but nodded his head as they climbed into the elevator.

They stumbled into the apartment, Roxas' tired legs banging into the end table by the door as he dropped his keys onto it. The television was on as they tip toed into the living room, fingers laced together and Roxas tried not to scream when Sora's head popped up, and thankfully, Axel did not get scared at all.

"You guys going to bed?" Sora asked, watching as Roxas tugged Axel down the hall, nodding. Axel went to reply but Roxas did it for him.

"Yes, I am so tired," He grumped and continued walking, mumbling a goodnight to his brother. Axel cast a look towards the brunette over his shoulder and the man simply smiled, telling him to have a good night and to get some rest. Roxas missed the wink Sorasent the punk, and he missed the embarrassed blush that tinted Axel's pale cheeks.

Once in Roxas' room they unlaced fingers and the blonde unzipped his coat, tossing everything onto his desk, deciding that he'd worry about cleaning up tomorrow. Once his pants were around his ankles, he remembered that Axel was in the room and that he had tugged him all the way in. He blinked up at the punk who was standing a few steps away from the door smiling.

"I should get going," Axel said softly, and Roxas was blushing furiously as he stepped closer a little awkwardly with his pants around his ankles and wrapped his arms around the boy's waist. Roxas looked up; the moonlight shining in through the window provided just enough light for Roxas to see the tired look on the punk's face.

"It's very late…maybe you could stay over?" Roxas suggested quietly, blushing and feeling embarrassed by his own boldness.

"I don't know…would your mother mind?" Axel seemed hesitant and Roxas remembered that she had told him to tell her when he got home. He pulled away from Axel, signaling for the boy to stay where he was and quickly kicking off his pants he rushed into his mother's room and tip-toed towards the side of the bed that had the lump under the covers. His heart was beating much too fast and he wasn't quite sure why he was so afraid but he was, he nudged her softly a few times and she sat up slowly, rubbing her eyes.

"Roxas sweetie, is that you? Did you have fun?" she asked, her voice rough with sleep and the blonde smiled, sitting on the edge of the bed.

"Yes, it's me and yes I did. Uhm….mom...do you think that…Axel could spend the night?" he asked quietly, biting his lip enough to draw blood, he expected an outraged cry but instead the woman just ruffled his hair before dropping back into bed.

"There's a few extra pillows in the linen closet…ask Sora for a pair of pajamas," and with that she was softly snoring and Roxas smiled, kissing her cheek before quickly going into the living room and finding Sora, his eyes glued to the television as he watched cartoons.

"Sora…could uhm…we borrow some pajamas for Axel?"

"Oh sure, I'll get a pair from Riku," Sora got up quickly from the couch and walked past Roxas, heading straight for his room and turning on the light. Roxas could hear Riku grumble and the sound of a pillow hitting the wall with quite some force echoed through the quiet apartment, along with the man's cussing and Sora telling him to shut up and sleep. When the brunette reappeared, he held a pair of black cotton pants and Roxas took them, thanking his brother.

"Did you have fun Rox?" Sora asked as Roxas opened the hallway closet and quickly found an extra pillow for Axel, he knew his bed had quite a few but he figured he should bring an extra one just in case. He looked up at his brother and smiled.

"Yes, I'm just really tired. I'll tell you all about it at breakfast," Roxas offered and Sora smiled, ruffling his hair and wishing him a good night for the second time. Roxas hurried back to his room and found Axel, curled up on the bed sideways, his long legs hanging off the edge with his booted feet on the floor and Roxas couldn't stop the smile that formed on his face. He winced when he turned on the light and the punk sat up quickly, his make-up smudged as he rubbed his eyes and squinted, trying to focus on Roxas.

"So, whats the verdict?" Axel voice was quiet and tired, just as Roxas went to reply the breeze reminded him that his legs were bare and the light was on. He squeaked, quickly running and jumping into bed and confusing the punk. Once he was under the covers he showed Axel the black pajamas and smiled when the redhead sent him a confused look.

"These are for you…uhm…you can turn off the light to change…I-I won't look," Roxas was trying not to trip over his own words, the thought of the redhead undressing in front of him caused his stomach to tighten and the butterflies to return full force. Axel chuckled, sliding off the bed and bending down to remove his boots.

"I don't mind if you see me half naked, I mean…not much to hide, yanno?" Axel said as he kicked off his boots, and began undoing his array of belts, one by one they fell to the floor, Roxas took notice that he had been right the first time he saw Axel, only one of the belts actually held up the punk's pants. Quickly the boy's jacket joined his growing pile of clothes. Roxas gulped, his throat going dry when Axel's fingers finally went to work on the zippers and buttons on the front of his pants.

Slowly, slender, pale legs were revealed and Roxas had trouble swallowing, he felt like his airway was closing up and his cheeks were just about on fire. Axel grabbed the black pajamas and slid them on, cutting off the trance that had taken over Roxas and he went to turn off the light.

"Whose pants are these anyway? They are hella comfortable," Axel said once the room was engulfed in darkness and Roxas watched as the punk's silhouette neared the bed. Suddenly, Roxas was not very tired anymore, instead he felt wide awake.

"R-Riku's" He spat out, feeling the bed dip as Axel climbed in and under the covers. When their legs brushed and Roxas had to fight the tiny shiver of excitement that raced down his spine, he knew that feeling all too well and he had to squish it before it got out of hand and he ended up exactly as he had that night in his old room, taking a very cold shower. Axel was only climbing into bed; Roxas had no idea why that was causing all these feelings.

"Something wrong?" Axel's voice was suddenly over top of Roxas and the boy blinked, his eyes going round once he saw Axel's face right above his. He hadn't even felt the redhead get so close and now he was practically on top of Roxas. The blonde was blushing furiously, and he was again, very glad for the darkness in the room.

"No," Roxas said quietly before raising a hand and running it through Axel's hair, slowly tangling his fingers in the boy's red locks and bringing the punk's face down towards his. "Except…I-I'd really like a kiss," Roxas was surprised again by his boldness but decided that he liked it and Axel also seemed to enjoy it, if the bright smile was anything to go by. Axel leaned down quickly and pressed his lips against Roxas', making the boy shiver again as his tongue ran along the seam of his lips. Roxas quickly parted them and pressed closer, his fingers tightening their hold on Axel's hair as the punk's hands slid down his sides, soon warm fingers were feeling the soft flesh under the t-shirt and Roxas shivered, enjoying the gentle touch. He found that kissing Axel only increased the feeling he was trying so hard to quell, but instead of ending the kiss, Roxas tilted his head, changing their angle and Axel's tongue moved deeper into his mouth, caressing his tongue softly and a quiet sound escaped the blonde's lips at the pleasurable feeling. He just couldn't get enough of the taste of Axel.

"I thought you were tired," Axel asked breathily, pulling away and looking down at Roxas. The blonde smiled shyly and shrugged.

"I-I am," he whispered and Axel laughed softly before pulling away and dropping onto the bed beside Roxas, he pulled the blonde against his side and breathed in deeply. Roxas nuzzled close, pressing as close as he could.

"We should shower in the morning," Axel said after a yawn, Roxas, in his tired state hadn't even realized that they indeed had been sweating quite some bit at the club. With the excitement dwindling down, Roxas found he didn't care because he was once again very tired. He chose to simply nod and squeeze Axel a little tighter around his middle. Axel laughed softly, tightening his hold on the blonde slightly and kissing the top of his head.

"Roxas…can I tell you something?" Axel whispered into the dark after a comfortable silence had settled over them and Roxas nodded against his chest, his heart fluttered contently as he shut his eyes, again sleepiness was taking over and the warmth radiating off Axel was doing nothing to stop him from falling right into the realm of dreams.

"I think…I'm starting to uhm, fall in love with you," Axel said and Roxas felt like everything else just fell away, leaving him and the redhead simply floating in the air. Had Axel really just said that?

"Y-you are?" Roxas asked quietly and he felt Axel nod.

"Yes. Roxas, there is no way I couldn't. You're the most accepting person I've ever met, you still manage to remain so kind and caring no matter what happens to you, you're willing to try anything new and you're just…I mean, you've been through so much yet you still kept your faith in God, you were brave enough to go against your father and be with me. You are just perfect, there isn't a person alive that could not fall in love with you," Roxas blushed even deeper if that was possible and pulled away slightly to look at Axel, he smiled and couldn't find it in him to stop himself from leaning down and kissing Axel. His small hands cupped the punk's face, pressing their faces closer together, their lips moving in a soft, gentle rhythm.

When he pulled away, he felt complete, as if everything in his entire life had fallen into place and he would have nothing to worry about ever again. Of course, he knew that was a silly idea, there would always be something to worry about but he felt that, if Axel loved him then it really didn't matter.

He could handle almost anything and with a bright smile, even in the complete darkness it was visible, he replied.

"I'm starting to fall for you too."

A/N: Awww, cutsie cutsie.
Too bad it won't last...
Ehem...Moving on...

Is there anyone that would like me to write a little side story about what Sora and Riku were doing in the previous chapter?
If so, feel free to say so 8D

Anyway, thank you all who are reading this, and especially to those who review.
It means a lot to me (: