An Unstoppable Force

~O~

Axel smiled softly as he was pulled out of sleep once again by soft lips and gentle kisses. It seemed to be Roxas' favorite way to wake him up. He sighed quietly, letting Roxas kiss him awake. He turned to find Roxas' mouth and they got lost for a moment. When the blond pulled back, he murmured softly, "Time to get up, beautiful." Green eyes fluttered open and Axel gazed at him affectionately, letting himself take in the blond. Roxas was already dressed. His hair was windswept under his hat. It looked like he had already been out riding. He let a smile break across his face and murmured,

"Good morning, Roxas."

The blond smiled a bit and brushed his gloved fingers through his hair affectionately. His men had been working hard, transporting supplies to rendezvous check points along the tracks over the past few days while he had been teaching Axel how to use the pistol. Now, it was their turn. He was looking forward to getting to work with Axel. He smiled at his red-head endearingly as he keened into his touches. "I'll be back for ya' in a bit," he purred softly, pressing his lips to Axel's forehead in a lingering kiss. Axel nodded gently, watching him pull away and leave him to get ready. It took another moment or two before he finally stretched and set about doing just that. When he made his way to camp, he found himself being greeted by his blond friend.

"Mornin' Axel!" He smiled, gravitating toward Demyx and sipping at some coffee when it was offered to him. He liked how Demyx always took the time to make him feel welcome. The sun was just beginning to lighten the sky. He sat down, murmuring,

"Mm, thanks." Axel glanced around, noticing how empty the camp was and murmured, "Where'd everyone go?" Aside from him and Demyx, there as a small raven-haired girl and a man with blue hair, sitting close to the fire. He'd never seen them before. Demyx shoved food into his hands.

"Roxas' checkin' to make sure everything's goin' smoothly, don't be skippin' meals today 's gonna be busy," he scolded. Axel hummed a bit and obliged him. He knew that the heist was going to take place soon, but he wasn't sure when exactly. He felt eyes on him and looked up to see golden eyes watching him calmly. They felt eerily familiar and reminded him of Xigbar, but he did his best to ignore it. He didn't want to let it bother him. The man gazing at him had an x-shaped scar across his face. Axel cringed internally. It looked painful. The man frowned, almost as if in disapproval, but hummed in interest at the red-head.

"You must be the one helpin' Roxas with th' explosives," he mumbled. "Thought you'd be older an' have a bit more experience." Axel nodded, unsure of what to make of the man.

"You are…?" he questioned. The man grunted a bit and Demyx made a face and complained,

"Saix, don't be rude." The man shrugged and when he turned away, the blond stuck out his tongue at him, making Axel choke a bit on his food as he tried not to laugh. Demyx giggled, whispering an apology to him as he patted his back. Saix scoffed at them. He hated kids. These two looked like they got into all sorts of trouble. He couldn't believe someone as mature and respected as Roxas was infatuated with a kid. Zexion too.

"I don't got the energy to like everyone like you do. Been at my post all night." The girl beside him sighed and tipped her head at the red-headed newcomer, knowing her companion well enough to know when to intervene.

"Xion," she murmured, introducing herself. She looked to be about Roxas' age. Saix too. "Saix ain't one t' be friendly once the sun comes up. 's best not t' bother him b'fore he goes berserk on ya'." Said main glared at her and she rolled her eyes, complaining. "Grouch." Axel watched them banter, slightly confused, but smiled a bit as Demyx patted his back a few more times and bent close to murmur,

"They just got back from guardin' explosives b'fore Roxas left." Axel hummed thoughtfully.

Said blond rode into camp, two other men trailing behind him. Axel brightened and his lips curved up in a smile at the sight of Roxas on his horse. He looked amazing. Roxas dismounted and tugged down his bandanna as he crossed the space between them before the other two had even entered the camp. He was smiling in approval as he came up to the four of them. He sank down beside Axel and smiled gratefully when the red-head offered him his coffee. He took a drink and wrapped an arm around him, making Axel's heart flutter and Saix' frown deepen. Roxas didn't fail to notice.

"Good job as always, Saix," he purred into the mug with a grin. "You too, Xion." The man's mood seemed to lift a little as Roxas praised him. The two other men joined them, one was a tall man with long black hair and blue eyes. The other was Lexaus. "You and Xaldin rest up. Ya deserve it." Axel watched the men go and Roxas gently explained to him, "they're usually guardin' th' place I took ya. I go sometimes too." He nodded slowly in understanding. Of course Roxas would want to watch over and protect something so valuable. "'m gonna go back tomorrow, t' give 'em a break." He handed the mug back to Axel and told him, "Yer welcome t' come with me." Axel smiled.

"I'd like that," he answered. Roxas smiled back.

"Lexaus," he murmured softly, making the man straighten.

"Yes, Roxas?" The blond smiled wryly. The man had been on his toes, ever since he proved his point. He liked that.

"You help Demyx and Xion watch ov'r camp. Take a break." The man nodded, sitting next to the small girl but adverted his gaze from Axel. Roxas sat with his red-head for a bit, watching the sun break across the horizon. When he had finished his coffee, he purred, "Ready?" Axel hummed in affirmation, letting Roxas lead him to Oblivion. They galloped toward the wastelands and Axel could feel adrenaline rushing through him as they got to the first point where they would blow up the tracks. There were two men guarding the explosives. Zexion and a man with black spiky hair and golden eyes. Roxas tipped his head at the duo. "Zexion, Vanitas." The two men were on their horses and nodded to them. "Axel, Vanitas," he murmured, introducing them. The man tipped his head to Axel and the red-head mimicked the gesture.

He followed Roxas as the blond entrusted his horse to Zexion and set about affixing explosives to the tracks. Roxas smiled at the kid as he followed his lead, working alongside him without having to be told what to do. He liked that about Axel. He was smart and he enjoyed seeing him at work. Axel wiped sweat from his forehead as they finished up and smiled a bit when he saw Roxas placing a familiar jar at the center of the explosives. The blond didn't fail to notice. "I like th' idea of lightin' it from a distance. We got more for the rest, too," he purred softly, admiring their handiwork before leading him back to the horse. Axel chuckled softly.

"'m glad," he purred back, feeling proud that Roxas was applying his idea. They mounted the horse, the four of them distancing themselves a bit. Roxas' eyes glimmered and he asked,

"Up for some practice?" Axel tilted his head in confusion and he hummed questioningly. Roxas slid his hands to Axel's hips and took the gun out of its holster. Understanding, he nodded his head, letting the blond guide his hands over his. Roxas chuckled a bit, he could practically feel Zexion's eyes burning a hole through him as he saw his pistol in Axel's hands. It took a few shots before the tracks exploded in a fiery inferno. Axel grinned in delight, watching the blaze as his heart pounded.

"Now that's gotta be my favorite part of workin' with ya' Roxas, you gotta be a damned genius," Vanitas commented with an excited chuckle. Axel hummed in excitement while Roxas rummaged in his saddle bag for a moment. He smiled as he handed Axel some bullets.

"It was Axel's idea," he answered, "kid's just as good as me." The man nodded at them appreciatively.

"Glad t' have ya'," the man purred in excitement. Roxas' smile widened at the flustered red-head before observing him as he reloaded the gun. Once it was safely in its holster, they repeated the process on either side of the gorge as Zexion and Vanitas watched over them, running black powder from jars of nitroglycerin to the explosives. When they finally got to the bridge, he tied the reigns of his horse up to a tree, "Good work, we got it from here," he murmured to his men, dismissing them. Zexion lingered behind, watching over them so that they could work, uninterrupted. It had been a long day and by the end of it, Axel's muscles were sore and he was sweaty. He felt good but exhausted. He listened, tiredly as Roxas explained how to set off the explosives after the train came through. The man nodded obediently and blue eyes sparkled as his second continued to watch him closely. "Fine, say it," he sighed. Axel glanced up at him questioningly. He had been resting against Roxas' shoulder, as he'd grown accustomed to and hadn't realized that the slate haired man had been paying extra attention to them for the better part of the day. Zexion chuckled as they rode along the river.

"Never dreamed you'd openly care 'bout someone so much." Axel blushed. Roxas chuckled wrapping his arm around his red-head and pulling him closer. Axel shivered as their bodies pressed flush together. He gazed up at Roxas, longingly.

"Somethin' wrong with that?" he asked. Zexion hesitated for a long moment, feeling out Roxas' mood.

"Careful Roxas, if he's ever caught…" The blond nodded his head in appreciation. Axel had stilled against him, realizing what Zexion was trying to say and why he was saying it in front of him. Roxas wouldn't have.

"Understood. Go on now, get home to Demyx." His tone was light but there was a finality to it that would have been foolish to ignore. The man nodded, leaving them to discuss this matter. Axel's heart was throbbing at the mere thought of being used to hurt Roxas. He gasped when the blond guided Oblivion away from the river, full speed toward the hoodoos. Air rushed past them and Axel felt incredibly free but safe in Roxas' arms as they rode in the fading light. When they got there Axel helped him set up as he started a fire. He helped unpack their supplies, watching Roxas for a moment. He was almost lost in a daze as he stared at the flames, but he knew that this was something they should discuss, even if Roxas didn't want to. Finally, he tugged down his bandanna and murmured,

"Roxas…" The blond hummed. He had set about cooking and the food was nearly done by the time Axel had gathered the courage to speak. He took a deep breath. What he was about to say hurt, but he knew it would be for the best. "If I… ever get caught… I want you to leave me." The blond's lips formed a straight line and he didn't look at Axel for a moment.

"Tha's th' las' thing 'm doin'," he told the red-head quietly. Axel blushed, watching the man as he pulled the food out of the fire. "You ev'r get caught, know 'm comin' m'self."

"But its dangerous!" He protested, making the blond chuckle. Roxas came to him and his heart pounded uncontrollably, but he scoffed darkly at the flames, refusing to look at him. The blond crouched down before him and tipped his chin up with gloved fingers to stare into his eyes seriously.

"Best you don't get caught then," he told his defiant little red-head. "I love you, I ain't leavin' ya' behind. Ever," he murmured softly before touching their lips together. Axel melted a bit. When he opened his mouth to protest again, Roxas buried his hand in his hair, pulling hard, making him hiss in pleasure. "It ain't a debate," he whispered to the red-head. Then he took Axel's mouth savagely, not stopping until the kid was too wrapped up in the kiss to care about arguing anymore. Axel grasped his shoulders, squeezing hard and breathing harshly, but Roxas didn't let him go for a moment longer. He knew that Roxas was doing it on purpose but he couldn't bring himself to be angry.

"Fine, same goes for you," he whispered fiercely. Blue eyes widened in surprise before he let him go. Axel turned away and he gazed at him endearingly. Kid had to be just as stubborn as he was. He didn't know if he liked that or hated it, but he couldn't help but admire Axel for daring to speak to him that way.

"Fair enough," he conceded with a nod, pulling away from the red-head, his tone soft but neutral.

They ate in silence. It made Axel feel anxious, like he'd done something wrong. He hated it. He knew that Roxas didn't like to be questioned. He cringed. What if… he changed his mind about him? No that was stupid. He hated that he questioned himself so much when he'd been told not to. Axel bit his lower lip as fingers trailed his back before settling on his waist. Then Roxas pulled him onto his lap. Strong hands rubbed his sore body in pleasurable caresses. Axel let his eyes slide shut as he completely melted against Roxas. All Roxas had to do was touch him or kiss him and he completely lost his will to be angry. He knew that he couldn't hide it from Roxas. He exhaled in defeat as lips pressed to the top of his head.

"Good job today," the blond purred to him softly. The red-head sighed softly in pleasure.

"Thanks," he breathed. Hands brushed his hair aside and lips pressed to the nape of his neck.

"Go lay down," Roxas whispered to him. Blushing softly, Axel followed the gentle command, laying on his stomach and gazing at the blond. Roxas went to him, straddling his hips to work his hands down Axel's back. The red-head sighed, relaxing into his touches. "Feel ok?" Axel nodded.

"'s amazing," he answered. Hands kneaded his flesh and he groaned in pleasure.

"Take it easy, you ain't used to workin' so hard," Roxas murmured to him. Axel frowned a bit.

"I wanna become stronger, like you." Roxas hummed softly.

"Give it time, darlin'," he answered, "you will, 'specially 'round here." He smiled a bit when the red-head nodded.

"When's th' train comin?" he murmured tiredly.

"Tomorrow mornin'," he told him gently. Axel hummed, drifting toward sleep. Roxas watched him thoughtfully and laid down beside him. He gently stroked red hair and pale skin. "Still feelin' up to it?" Axel's lips curved up and he nodded, turning around in Roxas' arms.

"Yeah," he murmured, his eyes glimmering in excitement. Roxas smiled down at his little red-head. He knew Axel had been looking forward to this since the day he told him. "I wanna watch th' explosion too." The blond's smile became wry.

"Better get some rest then," he answered. Axel nodded obediently and nuzzled into the crook of his neck, pressing his lips to the sun-kissed skin. Roxas' pulse was racing and it made him blush to think that he was the one that made him react that way.

"Thanks for not holdin' me back," he murmured into the skin. Roxas trailed his hand along the red-head's slender frame.

"'course," he murmured back. "I ain't gonna tell ya' how t' live," he promised. Axel smiled and looked up at him in admiration. Roxas shushed him softly.

"Not tonight, darlin', I don't wanna wear you out," he purred, making the kid blush darkly. He buried his face into Roxas' chest.

"I wasn't thinkin' 'bout that," he groaned softly. Roxas chuckled.

"Keep lookin' at me with them eyes like that an' I will be." Axel stilled against him for a moment.

"Sorry, can't help it," he mumbled. Roxas hummed in interest as his little red-head laid on his chest. He was so flustered, even his ears were red. "You even know how much I adore you? How beautiful I think you are?" Roxas stroked his skin thoughtfully, reminding himself of how young Axel was. Of how he'd told him he'd never felt this way before or done these things with anyone. Roxas held him close.

"I might," he conceded. Axel looked up at him. His face was impossibly red and his eyes were impossibly warm. Roxas touched their lips together gently. Axel's heart was fluttering in his chest.

"I ain't ever been in love before an' I don' ever wanna be with anyone else," he whispered. Roxas smiled at him endearingly.

"Was that b'fore or after you saw me 'gain?" he teased. He wasn't sure how it was possible but Axel's blush darkened.

"You did see the posters," Axel groaned with a pouty frown. Roxas smiled archly. Axel sighed, knowing by now that if he didn't confess, Roxas would make him, but before he could, he asked,

"What posters?" The red-head looked even more flustered if possible and Roxas laughed breathlessly, holding him close so he couldn't escape. He brushed their noses together and asked, "Well?" Axel took a deep breath, absolutely pouting now. Roxas chuckled but was not swayed. He kissed the red-head but didn't let him go.

"After," Axel breathed. The blond smiled but otherwise didn't move. Axel sighed softly. "I started collectin' wanted posters cause I was curious 'bout you." Blue eyes sparkled.

"And you kept 'em?" he hummed softly. "Even when leavin' home?" Axel blushed, nodding.

"You always represented somethin' I couldn't have. Freedom." Roxas' gaze softened. Mercifully, he let Axel go and answered,

"You can have as much as you want, now." Axel smiled blissfully and kissed Roxas deeply, biting his lower as he pulled back. Green eyes widened when a hand found his ass and squeezed.

"Be good," the blond warned dangerously. Axel chuckled a bit.

"Aw c'mon, you're givin' me what I always wanted. You deserved somethin'." Roxas smiled at him wickedly, squeezing again.

"'ll collect when we get back," he promised. Green eyes fluttered, desire reflecting in them but he laid back down without another word. Roxas' smile only widened as the stroked red hair. He liked it when Axel submitted to him like this but he also liked it when that fiery, defiant side came out. He smiled a bit, content to hold him in his arms as he slept.

~O~

They set out before dawn to join the others. Axel counted thirteen horses and grinned in delight to see that Demyx had brought Oathkeeper.

"Can I?" He asked in breathless excitement. Roxas shot Demyx a displeased look when Axel wasn't looking. The younger blond gave him a sheepish grin and winked.. Roxas took a deep breath. He'd told Axel he would give him freedom and he knew that he needed to own up to that.

"Stay close," he answered. He couldn't help but smile as Axel reunited with his horse. He looked so purely, blissfully happy, happier than he'd seen him yet, as he finally mounted his horse. He understood, he felt the same way about Oblivion. He trotted to Roxas on the white mare, chuckling a little. Demyx had braided her mane. Demyx settled beside him.

"We bonded a bit, she wouldn't let me near her til' I said your name an' gave her an apple." Axel smiled, stroking he silky body.

"'s alright, Oathkeeper." She whinnied softly and he purred, "'m glad t' see ya' too."

"Axel," Roxas' voice made his heart race, and he turned to the man, smiling a bit when he offered him a set of gloves. That's when he noticed that Demyx was wearing them as well as Zexion, who was on the other side of Roxas. He nodded, trusting the blond, and put them on. He watched the group line up in formation. Saix was next to Zexion, with an unfamiliar silver haired man at his side. Beside him was Lexaus, Xaldin, and on the other side of him was a man with short blond hair and blue eyes. On the other side of Demyx was Xion, then a woman with blonde hair and green eyes, Vanitas, and a man with pink hair and blue eyes. He blinked realizing that there were six on either side of Roxas. Demyx whispered something to him and Axel hummed, not catching it. The blond moved closer.

"Marluxia, Vanitas, Larxene, Xion, me, you, Roxas, Zexion, Saix, Xemnas, Lexaus, Xaldin, Luxord." His eyes widened as he realized Demyx was telling him names, in the order of their line-up. He took a moment to place names with the faces he didn't know yet. He had seen them but had been avoiding them up until Xigbar died. He nodded to Demyx gratefully, but stilled when he heard the familiar sound of a train whistle. Axel's heart was pounding and they watched it up until it met the gap in the tracks, skidding off with a hideous screech. There was a successive cry from the group. Roxas gazed into Axel's eyes with a small smile and tilted his head to the flank on his right. The group took off at the same moment, led by Zexion. Then, he took Axel's hand, squeezing, and tipped his head to the left. The red-head watched in confusion and then amazement as there were twelve explosions in succession, one after the other, for a total of thirteen, ending with the bridge. Axel gasped in amazement and Roxas' smile widened.

"Stay close," he reminded.

"Worried 'bout me?" Roxas hummed. "Yes," he murmured, trailing his thumb across Axel's fingers and making his heart race. "I got some landmines scattered 'round th' camp, too," he purred. "Keeps unwelcome guests out. Be careful." Axel chuckled, nodding. Then Roxas took hold of the reigns and was taking off. Axel followed close behind. Shortly after, the rest of the gang joined them and they descended on the wreckage together like a vulture descending on a carcass. Axel could only imagine that they were a fearsome sight to behold. An unstoppable force, indeed, when all thirteen were together.

~O~