Like Destiny

~O~

Axel tossed and turned, sleeping fitfully. He had taken his boots off and was simply in a loose fitting shirt and his pants now. It wasn't enough to keep him cool. Between the sticky heat and having Roxas on his mind, he just couldn't get comfortable enough to sleep deeply. His eyes fluttered open and he stared at the dimmed ceiling with a miserable sigh. He had already guessed that these were Roxas' living quarters. The accommodations were modest but comfortable. He could hardly wrap his head around the fact that the man had given up his bed for him or that he had made a point of protecting him. His face reddened. Roxas was so intense. Even now. Always had been. He could see those blue eyes and that mysterious smile every time he closed his eyes. Axel felt such a spark of undeniable attraction for the man. He was so attractive, it was unreal. He groaned softly, running his hands through his fiery hair and tugging agitatedly. He was going to get in over his head fast if he didn't get ahold of himself. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He needed to focus and not on something so dangerous. Crossing Roxas could be fatal. Favor or not. Probably would be. The blond was gorgeous, incredibly sharp and incredibly deadly. That didn't mean that he was attracted to Axel too and he didn't want to find himself at the wrong end of his gun. He turned onto his side with a sigh, attempting to get comfortable. Would it really be okay to stay? To get tangled up with such a dangerous man? He felt his face reddening. He had never actually expected to ever see him again, let alone feel like this. For a man thirteen years his senior. He had collected every wanted poster he could find of the outlaw. Learned everything he could. Roxas had been his obsession, his dream. He dreamed of freedom and Roxas was the epitome of freedom around these parts. Axel squirmed a little, hardly daring to believe that he was actually here, that their paths had crossed again. He knew that accepting was probably the best thing for him. For now anyway. Even if Roxas made him feel this way and it could do him in. He groaned. How was he ever going to pretend that Roxas didn't make him feel this way? Could he do it? He covered his face with his hands. Roxas had been through his belongings. Heat radiated from his face. He hadn't said anything, but had he seen the posters? He took a breath to calm himself, telling himself that it couldn't have mattered if he didn't bring it up. Axel exhaled heavily. He hoped so, anyway.

He settled onto his back, folding his fingers together across his stomach and trying to get his head together. He tapped his left pointer finger incessantly as anxiety consumed him. He did appreciate Roxas' offer… and his hospitality. Roxas had treated him very well and told him he was safe… Still, there was still something he needed to know. Something that had been eating at him. He couldn't give Roxas a proper answer til he knew. What if he didn't accept the outlaw's offer? Would he be allowed to leave? In this life, more than anything, he wanted the freedom to make his own decisions. He knew that Roxas probably understood that better than anyone, but had to know for sure. Would Roxas give him a taste of what he craved, no matter what his answer might be? He hesitated for another moment before he got up and made his way to the door, still barefoot. He paused when he heard muffled voices and soft laughter. He shivered, recognizing Roxas' voice. He rested his forehead against the door, trying to get himself together. Roxas was extremely observant. He needed to be careful if he was gonna be around him. He was so drawn to him, it was painful. He couldn't let Roxas know. Axel closed his eyes, focusing on the conversation to get a feel for who Roxas was talking to. Roxas chuckled again and Axel shivered at the delectable sound.

"Yeah… I met 'im back in Radiant Garden. Kid had more guts than any'a these yellow bellied bastards at the age'a twelve…" Axel chuckled a little, despite himself. It eased his nerves. "Seems he still does." Roxas was wholeheartedly amused that Axel had bit one of his men. He couldn't help the small smile that came to his lips. It was reassuring in a way. Roxas seemed to like him, and it made him feel good.

"I'll believe that," came the other voice. Axel recognized it, the slate haired man that had saved him earlier.

"I want'cha to keep Xigbar an' Lexaus in check, Zexion. I don't wanna scare the kid off." Axel made a mental note of those names and pushed the door open slowly, feeling bad for eavesdropping. Especially when Roxas was being so nice to him. The conversation paused. Roxas had indeed stayed close, it made relief surge though Axel. He smiled a bit at the red-head and Axel's heart nearly stopped. Roxas' blue eyes were warm and welcoming. He found himself stuck on the expression until the slate haired man nodded softly to the blond and shifted to stand.

"Wait," Axel blurted, flinching a bit at his own abruptness and scratching the back of his head after, "I… I wanted to thank you…" The stoic man nodded.

"Of course," he replied. Then he nodded to the blond once more before leaving them to talk. Roxas watched him go with a small smile. It had gotten dark and they were sitting beside a small fire. The air was cooler outside and the red-head found himself enjoying it immensely. Axel watched the blond in the firelight for a long moment, entranced by the sight. He looked so soft and beautiful. Roxas had only grown more gorgeous with age. He had an air of confidence around him that left Axel breathless. He was completely captivated by the man.

"My second… Zexion," he explained, startling Axel out of his thoughts. His sparkling blue eyes flicked to Axel's and he gestured for him to sit with a tilt of his head. Green eyes tracked the motion, lingering on the curve of his neck before meeting blue eyes once again. "He's gonna teach them cowards a lesson." Axel sat beside him and was silent. He was incredibly close to Roxas, and it made him shiver a bit. Being close to Roxas felt like destiny. His heart was pounding. The blond took the blanket draped around his shoulders and settled it around Axel, startling him once again. "Better?" he asked. Axel nodded, embarrassed, and looked into the flames instead. He needed to get ahold of himself.

"Let me guess, ya'll ain't that bad after all?" he muttered quietly. Roxas chuckled in amusement and Axel bit his lower lip in an attempt to control himself. The sound was delectable and dangerous. Just like Roxas.

"No. We are," he drawled back. Axel gasped when a hand rested on his thigh, trailing inward in a slow glide. "Careful, outta all these dogs, 'm the worst one," he said softly in Axel's ear. "They touch you again, I'll shoot their dicks off m'self." Axel laughed, the tension in his body easing. Another moment passed as they watched the crackling fire. "Just say it," Roxas murmured. His tone was light and easy. Open and encouraging. Axel hummed quietly. "What you wanna say," the blond murmured back. Anxiety bubbled up in Axel's stomach and he hesitated for a long moment, painfully aware of Roxas touching him and of his scent lingering around him.

"What are you gonna do to me if I don't stay?" he whispered back. The hand on his thigh eased as Roxas said,

"Let you go." Their eyes met and Axel gasped at their proximity. Roxas was so dangerously close that he was all Axel could see.

"What? Really?" He whispered. Roxas simply nodded.

"But, I want'cha to stay," he purred softly. The fire in those gorgeous blue eyes left Axel breathless. He had to look away before they consumed him. His heart was pounding and his blood was rushing in his ears. He could hardly think straight. Roxas looked like he wanted to devour him. He had to be mistaken… but he couldn't stop himself from asking...

"What you gonna do to me if I do?" He couldn't look at Roxas. He couldn't look at him or Roxas would see right through him. He was terrified, but he had to know. Instead of asking what he'd meant, the hand on his thigh squeezed, and it sent a rush of pleasure through the red-head. He gasped softly, he'd never felt this way before in his entire life.

"Darlin', do you even know how gorgeous you are?" he whispered to the red-head. Axel blushed darkly, "That's hardly fair to ask, don'tcha think?" The red-head swallowed harshly and a gloved hand turned his face until he was gazing into beautiful blue eyes. "Nothin' you don't want," he promised gently, his thumb massaging his jaw. Axel's eyelids lowered. His whole body was on fire.

"W-wait, y-you… You like…" Roxas chuckled a bit and Axel shivered uncontrollably.

"I ain't never been partial to the fairer sex. That what you askin'? He purred back. Axel shook his head, unable to look away.

"Me?" the red-head asked, blushing at how low his own voice was.

"I ain't never felt nothin' like when 'm 'round you," the blond purred softly, "Seems the feelin's mutual," he murmured, watching the beauty in his grasp tremble. The blond chuckled dangerously. "'m accustomed to takin' whatever I want," he purred, watching Axel shudder, absolutely delighted, "but 'm gonna wait til you want me just as much. When you do, 'm gonna have you whenever I want," he promised. Heat flashed through Axel and he bit his lower lip to suppress a moan, only to have Roxas' thumb work it back out and press against it, rubbing sensually, forcing the kid to whimper softly, "No. I wanna hear my name when I make you come undone. No holdin' back." Beautiful green eyes fluttered. Axel had never felt such desire for another person in his entire life. Especially this quickly. He knew Roxas could see it and he knew that Roxas liked it. The way the blond was so openly pleased by him was leaving him breathless.

"I… I've never done nothin' like this before," he whispered, trying to keep his voice steady. Roxas bent closer until their lips were nearly brushing. He watched pale cheeks redden. He could feel Axel's fluttering breath and Axel could feel Roxas' warm steady breaths caressing his lips. The blond smiled a bit, his eyes were sparkling like the stars above them as he stared into breathtakingly beautiful green eyes.

"Scared?" he whispered. Axel shook his head.

"No," he breathed, his face steadily reddening. The hand on his face slid into his red hair, tugging hard and Axel groaned in pleasure. Roxas steadied him, pulling him forward, and Axel gasped as their bodies pressed together. Roxas gazed into beautiful green eyes that were absolutely burning up and his lips tugged up into a pleased smile. Axel's mind and heart were racing, his eyelids lowering as Roxas dipped down closer to him and brushed their lips before fitting them together. It was explosive, unlike anything Axel had ever felt in his life. His head was spinning, he couldn't get enough air. He gasped sharply when the hand still buried in his hair pulled hard and Roxas took it as an invitation. Their tongues met and Roxas devoured his mouth, absolutely wild and unrestrained. He barely noticed that he was moaning and gasping or that his eyes had slid shut, completely lost in sensation. It felt so good, he could hardly restrain himself. Axel was panting harshly when Roxas broke the kiss, but the blond didn't give him a chance to recover. Before he was ready for it, Roxas was taking his lips again, deeply, sensually, biting his lower lip as he pulled back.

"How 'bout now," he purred softly. Heated green eyes met ocean blue. Axel could easily get lost in them forever.

"Do that… whenever you want," Axel all but moaned. Roxas chuckled softly and Axel moaned when the blond caressed him intimately, massaging his hardened flesh with his fingers. His green eyes fluttered shut, his head lolling to the side as lips trailed down his neck, pausing to bite and suck at the base of his neck. He was burning up everywhere. "R-Roxas?" he whimpered. It felt so good. The blond hummed softly, pausing to peer up at him.

"Axel," he breathed, straddling the red-head's hips, and bending incredibly close. Axel was trembling by how Roxas said his name alone. Hands explored, touching his body in pleasurable caresses. "When I say I want you, I mean every last inch, beautiful," he purred, grinding their hips together, and Axel's mouth fell open, his eyes lidding, as he moaned Roxas' name as he did it over and over, "and I ain't ever letting you go when that happens," he promised, never stopping the steady motion of his hips, "no one's gonna see you like this 'cept me." The red-head's trembling hands grasped his shoulders, just to have something to hold on to, and he peered into green eyes that were sparkling with desire.

"R-Roxas, please," he whimpered.

"Not yet," the blond chided, "you gotta want me just as much," Axel gasped, moaning when the blond took his mouth in an unrestrained kiss. He pulled back just enough to feel still trembling lips brushing against his own, "but 'm gonna give you a taste since you're askin' so nice." Axel moaned and Roxas' lips curved up in pleasure. "No holdin' back, 'kay?"

"O-okay," Axel promised. Fingers stroked his hair pleasurably and Axel moaned softly.

"Good boy," Roxas purred back, sealing their mouths in a deep kiss. Axel hardly realized he was being undressed until the blond was working his way down his chest. Axel was gasping and mewling when that hot mouth found his nipples, biting, sucking and licking one and then the other. He was hardly even aware that they were still outside. Roxas made him feel safe and he was all Axel could think about.

"R-Roxas… What?" He murmured as he went lower. The blond hummed softly, kissing the red-head's taught stomach, pausing at his navel so that he could push the red-head down and expose him further. Axel blushed deeply, feeling hot breath ghosting over such an intimate area. He gasped harshly when the blond took the head of his erection into his mouth and his mind blanked when blue eyes flicked up to his green. Roxas grinned just before he sucked hard. Moans spilled out of Axel's mouth uncontrollably and by the time Roxas had taken him in his mouth all the way, he was sobbing, shivering, trembling in ecstasy. Hands slid to his ass, squeezing firmly before lifting him and putting his trembling legs over his' shoulders. His hands glided to the backs of Axel's thighs and he pulled long legs up and apart, holding him firmly in place as he began to move his head up and down, reveling in the red-head's cries of pleasure. Axel's body was convulsing and he was trying to hold on to anything, his fingers clawing at the dirt uselessly as his back arched before burying into golden hair and pulling Roxas down hard. The blond hummed in pleasure and rewarded him by moving faster. Just before he came, he moaned Roxas' name, gasping in horror as he came deep in his throat. Roxas' hands clenched, holding him down powerfully and stilling him as he sucked harshly, swallowing at the same time, making to sure to get every last drop. It aroused Axel so much that another wave of ecstasy crashed over him as he came again with a breathless cry. He was trembling, even when it was over. Roxas' lips pressed to his inner thigh, his sparkling blue eyes flicking up to heated green and he licked his lips. Axel whimpered. It felt so good that he felt like he was going to die. His head was spinning. It was all happening so fast, but he couldn't bring himself to care.

"I could make you scream like that all night, beautiful," he purred to the red-head huskily, nipping at trembling the skin teasingly. "Mmm... watchin' ya fall apart..." he purred in pleasure. Axel shivered under the blond's heated gaze. Roxas let him go and righted his clothes pressing their lips together one more time. Axel shuddered, moaning uncontrollably. His face was on fire. Roxas kissed him, delving into his mouth deeply and humming in satisfaction. "Rest up, I'll still be here in the mornin'." Axel took his hand.

"No. Come… come with me," he murmured softly, still trying to catch his breath. Roxas' lips quirked up and he gazed at the beautiful red-head affectionately.

"'kay, be right there," he promised. "Unless ya wanna help," he teased wickedly. Axel blushed deeply, keenly aware of what he meant. He'd felt it. Roxas had been just as aroused as him. He swallowed before he sat up, leaning over Roxas. The invitation made him incredibly flustered and incredibly aroused. His heart was pounding so hard that it was throbbing. Tentatively he touched the blond's heated flesh. It felt good. Blue eyes glimmered in delight. His eyelids fluttered as Roxas guided his hand to touch bare skin. Roxas' hand was over Axel's as he guided it to move up and down, faster and faster. His blush deepened and he got lost in pleasure, feeling the size, shape, thickness, keenly aware of the pleasure he was giving Roxas. The blond purred in pleasure as their lips met and thrust his hips powerfully until he came warmly and wetly into Axel's hand. The red-head shuddered in arousal. Roxas tugged the bandanna off of his neck, cleaning them up before pressing his lips to Axel's in a lingering kiss. "Thanks," he purred softly. Standing, he offered his hand to Axel, pulling him up. It was the first time he'd seen Roxas at his full height since that day. Roxas was still slightly taller than him but not by much. A strong arm wrapped around him, guiding him inside, locking the door behind them and guiding the red-head to the bed. Axel was still blushing furiously as Roxas laid down behind him and wrapped an arm around him. His strong arm held him powerfully. His mind and heart were racing.

"W-when you say every inch…" Lips pressed to the nape of his neck as Roxas' hand trailed his hip, sliding to his ass and squeezing.

"'m gonna be inside you," Roxas breathed in his ear, "I can already tell, Axel," he murmured, nibbling on the fair skin softly, "You are gonna be screamin' my name til ya black out." Axel swallowed harshly.

"I bet," he said, laughing breathlessly, "you say that kinda thing all the time."

"I only got my sight set on you," the blond whispered. Axel turned to face him.

"But before today, you only saw a little kid," he murmured.

"Fate's a funny thing ain't it? You saved my life, now here you are, so goddamn gorgeous, I can't look way." Axel was speechless as he was pulled into Roxas' strong chest, letting the blond stroke his hair and ease him toward sleep. It felt so good, like he could do this every night. If Roxas wanted him. He let his eyes slide shut, quietly afraid for when it would end.

~O~

Axel woke in the morning. He felt comfortable and well rested. More than he had in years. When a body shifted under him, he remembered where he was. Slowly, he opened his eyes, blushing cutely. His body was absolutely buzzing. Just kissing Roxas had felt so good… but it had been so much more than that. Axel couldn't believe that Roxas could make him feel so good with just his mouth. Roxas' lips curved up as if in response to his thoughts.

"Mornin' gorgeous." Axel smiled a bit, shifting to lean over the blond.

"Hey," he murmured. The hand resting on his lower back slid up to his neck to pull him into a kiss. Axel sighed in contentment and kissed him back. "What was that for?" he asked. Roxas grinned a bit.

"You said whenever I want," he purred back. "Now c'mere." Axel laughed, letting Roxas pull him into another deep kiss, and then another. The red-head hummed in pleasure when Roxas pushed him onto his back, working open his clothes to kiss previously unavailable skin, making him whimper for more. Hands framed his face and he was kissed deeply one more time. When Roxas pulled back, Axel wrapped his arms around the back of his neck, stopping him. He smiled at the blond archly.

"No," he chided, "not yet…" and hoping that he seemed more confident than he felt, he kissed the blond back. He wasn't sure how long they kissed but he was beginning to feel aroused. Axel gasped when hands grasped his wrists, moving them above his head and holding them there with a single hand. With the other, he opened his own shirt and pressed their bare chests together. Axel moaned softly, absolutely burning up for Roxas.

"'m gonna make you mine if you don' stop," he blond purred huskily. Axel moaned yearningly.

"I wanna stay with you. I wanna be yours. Whatever it takes," he all but pleaded. The next thing he knew, Roxas was pulling off his clothes and Axel was tugging at his as their mouths met in burning kisses. When they were naked, Roxas straddled him to press their bare arousals together, and Axel was gasping and moaning for more as the blond kissed every available inch of his skin, nibbling on a pale shoulder as he pressed his strong body against Axel's trembling one.

"Turn around," Roxas commanded softly. Axel let him guide him, delirious from pleasure. He allowed himself to be guided onto his knees. He gasped when a tongue slid into the crevice of his ass, probing the muscles there.

"Roxas… Mmmn haah," he whimpered. It felt so good that he couldn't stop moaning and Roxas didn't stop until he was dripping onto the bed. Roxas' bare hands touched him as he shifted. Fingers trailed up his spine, guiding him down.

"Relax, breathe," he purred softly. Axel hissed a bit when a finger slid into him. He whimpered when there was another. Roxas watched in silent appreciation as the red-head wordlessly endured it, trusting him. He rewarded him, curling his fingers, teasing a spot that had the red-head whimpering in pleasure and falling apart. He pulled his fingers back, thrusting them into that spot over and over, adding a third finger to stretch him. "Ready?" he purred to the trembling beauty in his bed. Axel nodded shakily. Roxas pulled him close, stroking his arousal with one hand and guiding him with the other. Axel hissed in pain as his body was entered and stretched. He could feel Roxas pulsing inside him. He gasped, groaning in pleasure when that hot, throbbing arousal stroked that spot inside him. Roxas slowly rolled his hips, brushing it with every movement and stroking Axel until he felt the red-head relaxing against him. Then he pulled back, and thrust hard. Axel screamed in pleasure and he didn't stop as Roxas slammed into him over and over. Roxas pulled him up and back into his lap, pistoning his hips powerfully. Axel reached back, tangling his hands in blond hair, breathlessly moaning, "Roxas… Roxas… Roxas! I'm-" The blond kissed those delicious lips hungrily, moving his hand faster as Axel shuddered violently, forgetting even how to kiss Roxas back as he came with a breathless cry. Roxas groaned at the intensity of Axel's body squeezing around him, slowing down to intensify the orgasm. He moaned in the red-head's ear, making him shudder uncontrollably as he filled him. He was breathing harshly, still trembling when Roxas held him after that, stroking his sweaty skin.

"No horseback ridin' for you o'er the next few days, 'm afraid," he teased gently. Axel laughed breathlessly. "Feelin' okay?"

"Hmm?" Axel hummed, still in a warm, dreamy haze. Roxas smiled a bit, letting the red-head doze. He was so vulnerable and so beautiful that Roxas was tempted to continue until dawn broke the next morning.

Roxas smiled gently, letting his fingers trail along fair skin in gentle glides. He hadn't ever forgotten the kid, or that name. Axel. Not common by any means. Especially in these parts. So when he'd seen a flier that a kid named Axel had gone missing on his way to join the rangers, Roxas hadn't been able to help himself from sending his men to look for him. The resemblance had been uncanny. Even in black and white. Roxas still couldn't believe how breathtakingly gorgeous this kid had grown or that their paths crossed once more.

"Mm Roxas?" Axel murmured. Roxas smoothed back red hair and Axel grasped his hand, tugging him down. He wrapped his arms around the blond, pulling him into a deep, sensual kiss. "Can we do it again?" he murmured between kisses. Chuckling, Roxas hummed in affirmation and set about exploring Axel's mouth thoroughly until he was gasping and moaning.

This time, Axel was under him as he took his body, and he thoroughly enjoyed swallowing up his moans as they kissed and watching the intoxicating expressions as he came undone. "You ain't gonna be walkin' after this," Roxas warned with a teasing grin. Axel laughed breathlessly.

"Better make it worth it then," he groaned.

"Gonna ask for more?" Roxas purred back, shifting Axel's body to thrust deeper. Axel gasped, his back arching.

"Mmm yes!" Roxas chuckled, not stopping until the red-head had climaxed, groaning as he came deep inside. He gently touched Axel and teased,

"That your answer?" Arms wrapped around him.

"Mmm…" he hummed softly, kissing the blond before murmuring "yes… yes… yes… yes. Can you keep up?"

He really didn't expect to be unable to walk the next day because Roxas had kept up.

There was one thing he was grateful for. A hot bath. Roxas had filled it for him and brought him something to eat. The blond stayed close. Axel watched him dozing next to the tub and blushed. He still couldn't believe this was real and wondered when it would end. Roxas' head dropped and it woke him with a start. He stretched and peeked up at the red-head with a gentle smile.

"Thanks for takin' care of me." Roxas gave him a satisfied grin.

"'s mostly my fault," he admitted.

"What're we gonna do when I can walk again?" Axel asked wryly. Roxas hummed thoughtfully.

"Let's blow shit up." Startled, Axel stared into mischievous blue eyes. Roxas was absolutely serious and beaming about it.

"Seriously?" Axel gasped. It was infectious. Roxas was grinning now.

"Mhm," he purred. "I told ya, Unlucky Thirteen needs that talent a' yours." Axel laughed.

"You don't even know if I'm any good." Roxas sighed dramatically.

"I know them rangers are gonna be pissed. Must be pretty good, huh?" He smiled when Axel couldn't refute his praise.

"Wanna join me?" Axel asked, Roxas' smirk became absolutely wicked.

"I ain't keepin' my hands to myself if I do," he purred back. Axel blushed.

"I wouldn't mind." Roxas laughed a bit, standing and undressing. He noticed Axel admiring his body as he did and grinned.

"Hmm… like whatcha see?" he teased. Axel blinked at him, almost uncomprehendingly.

"Of course," he murmured. Roxas climbed into the tub as Axel spoke again, "makes me wonder when I'm gonna wake up from this dream." Roxas' arms framed him and he kissed the red-head gently.

"This ain't a dream darlin'." Axel kissed him back and they got caught up in the moment. "Mmm, you shouldn't," Roxas breathed against slightly swollen lips.

"Sorry, can't help myself with you," he admitted. Roxas chuckled.

"I should be sayin' that." His lips found Axel's neck and the red-head sighed blissfully. Green eyes slid shut and he let himself get lost in sensation. He trusted Roxas. The blond touched him, feeling how aroused he was. Then he gasped feeling intense pleasure as he sank into a velvety caress. Axel gasped, shuddering uncontrollably. The water sloshed and he struggled to hold on to anything.

"Oh my God! Mm Roxas," he groaned, gasping and moaning. The blond kissed him tenderly. Raising and lowering himself. Axel grasped his hips hard. The blond moaned softly, groaning in pleasure when Axel thrust into him instinctively. Roxas moved with him, writhing and reveling in Axel's pleasure. He gasped as Axel thrust more powerfully, following his lead until they were both coming. The red-head had a cute blush on his face as he tried to catch his breath. "You are a dream," he told Roxas breathlessly, "everything I could dream of." The blond kissed him gently and Axel gasped as their bodies separated.

"Stay with me every night, beautiful," he purred back. Axel nodded helplessly. Roxas hummed in pleasure, settling in beside him.

~O~

Aside from small gestures of affection, Roxas waited until Axel could walk before touching him again. It had been well worth his patience to see what Axel could do. Just before dawn broke, he gathered supplies and got his horse ready. He gently patted the black steed, admiring the gorgeous creature.

"Mornin' Roxas. Headin' out?" The blond hummed playfully at his second, his tone affirmative.

"'s gonna be a good day," he purred back. "'m takin' the kid to see how he does. Might be back tomorrow. Keep these dogs in line for me." The smaller man grinned with a nod. He knew that look, back from the days Roxas had pursued him. He offered two steaming mugs of coffee and blue eyes sparkled as he accepted them. "Thanks, Zexion."

"Nice to see you happy," he teased back, "he feel the same?" Roxas chuckled.

"Oh definitely."

He situated the hot mugs and made his way back to his quarters. A pleased smile worked its way across his face as he caught the beautiful red-head dreaming. He set the coffee down and went to Axel, gently brushing red hair aside to admire his face. Then he bent close, brushing his lips against the red-head's cheek in a gentle kiss before whispering in his ear.

"Time to wake up."

The red-head stirred as Roxas continued to kiss him, gently waking up. Green eyes fluttered open and Roxas admired him. He'd never seen such beautiful eyes before. The blond hummed in contentment when Axel kissed him. "Want some coffee?" he asked gently. Axel looked delighted.

"Yes, please." Roxas definitely needed to reward Zexion for this. "I always drank coffee with Aunt Yuna and watched the sunrise. Every mornin'. Feels like a lifetime ago, now," Axel admitted, looking a little sad.

"Get dressed, sun's almost up. We can watch it then head out." Green eyes blinked at him.

"Why so early?" he groaned with a small laugh.

"Heat's hard on ya', ain't it?" he asked. Axel's heart fluttered a bit as Roxas stroked his hair and then his pale skin. "You were absolutely wilted when ya got here. Ain't gone outside hardly since."

"Roxas," he murmured gently, searching blue eyes but looking lost for words. The blond smiled a bit and pressed their lips together.

"Get dressed, darlin'," he purred, and then he was gone, taking his coffee with him.

When Axel joined him, they sat beside one another. Zexion was a little further into the camp, chatting with an animated looking blond. It was new and interesting, seeing the way that their camp was coming to life. Axel watched in silent fascination.

"Should I get Oathkeeper?" Roxas shook his head, sipping at his coffee.

"I want you with me," he answered. Green eyes sparkled a little.

"Hmmm why's that?" he hummed. Roxas smiled.

"I got the fastest horse 'round these parts. I don' want you fallin' behind."

When they mounted the magnificent creature, Axel could feel its muscles flexing under his hands. The horse was gorgeous and strong. He shivered when hands rested on his hips, pulling him close. "Where'd you find him?" Axel whispered in awe.

"He's born wild. Tamed him m'self," Roxas purred in his ear. He held out his hand, offering something to the red-head. Axel blinked at the black bandanna. It had a dark blue design woven into it. The same as the one Roxas had been wearing the day they met. "For the dust," he explained, and Axel mimicked him, tying the bandanna across his face. He gasped softly as the blond pulled him close, telling him to hold on, and they galloped off into the horizon.

~O~