It Began With a Letter – Axel
I didn't call Roxas a zombie just because I'm rude and like to give people annoying nicknames. That would be Xigbar's job. I called Roxas a zombie because, frankly, he is. Seriously, I think the Dusks are more responsive.
So here I am, trying to teach him something that five-year-olds can do.
"Ixel?"
I just barely stop myself from facepalming. "It starts with the letter 'A', not 'I'."
"Ax…ess?" Roxas tries again.
This time I do facepalm. "You're messing with me, right?"
I might be seeing things, but I think he actually cracked a smile. That would be the first one since I gave him ice cream when he was just recruited into the Organization. Heart or no heart, it's nice to see a hint of a smile like that when you're normally surrounded by heartless (no pun intended) jerks.
"…" Silence again. Better try another direct approach, since that seems like the only thing he responds to.
"C'mon, try and say my name for real this time. A-X-E-L. Ax-el. Got it memorized?"
"A…A…xel."
I give him a clap on the shoulder, grinning. "There you go! Was that so hard?"
He shakes his head, smiling again. "Axel…"
"Hm?"
"Can you say my name?" He asks.
I grin. "Sure can, Rock… what was it again?"
"You're doing that on purpose!"
"'Course I am, Roxas." I laugh, and eventually he joins in too.
Sure, he might be a zombie, but Roxas is a good kid. He likes sea-salt ice cream, has the potential to grow a sense of humor, and can now officially pronounce my name. Those are three of the most important things to look for in a friend, right?
"Okay, now I've just gotta teach you how to play pranks on the Dusks…"
A/N: Just some random Axel/Roxas friendship, because I felt like it. My general writing muse is trying to die on me, and I'm determined not to let it by at least attempting some of these drabbles. The quality might not be the greatest until I get back in my groove. I'm working on it, but I'm pretty inconsistent.
