Thick as Thieves

~O~

Roxas reached for Axel and instead of finding a bare expanse of skin, he found the space beside him empty. He exhaled with a frown, opening his eyes and confirming that he was gone. After a moment, he sat up, humming softly. Axel was nowhere to be found and his hat was missing. He stretched before running a hand through his hair, blankets pooling around his waist. He'd almost forgotten what it felt like to wake up without someone beside him, even if it had been bound to happen eventually. He tipped his head back with a sigh. He wanted Axel to go off on his own, but at the same time, felt strange about it because he didn't want him to. Which was a foreign feeling. It wasn't like him to grow so attached to someone. He'd woken up to Axel every day since he'd arrived and he liked it that way. So he couldn't help but feel displeased. Stretching a bit more, he got out of bed and got dressed. His lips quirked up when his gaze landed on a note that Axel had left for him. His fingers trailed across his name before he read it. He smiled a bit and hummed thoughtfully. His little red-head was going horseback riding with Demyx. He could accept that. He smiled softly, appreciating their friendship and Axel's thoughtfulness. At least he knew Axel was in good hands.

Roxas headed out, finding the medic tent. He could hear soft sniffling and sighed a bit, ducking into the tent, to see if Axel had made any progress with the doctor. The little brunette had been crying and was pretending to be asleep. He smiled wryly at her fiery personality, and could see why they'd tied her down, but paused when he saw that her belongings were all over the ground. He sighed. Larxene was at it again. He bent down to pick up the image of the young man she'd been with that was laying on the ground, and when he looked up, he saw that green eyes were watching him. They reminded him of Axel and made him weak. He'd never be able to look into green eyes again without feeling weak. With another sigh, he handed her the picture, murmuring,

"Wanna see 'im?" She sniffled softly, nodding. Roxas stood up, pulling aside the partition separating the two. Olette exhaled in relief and let her eyes slide shut. She was exhausted over worrying and he'd been right beside her the entire time. It had to be that crazy woman's idea to torture her like that.

"Why're you here?" she muttered finally. Roxas hesitated for a moment, biting his tongue at her rudeness, deciding to be nice. Oh he had to have it bad for Axel. Even checking on the girl was a testament to that. His little red-head would be making it up to him later. Even if he didn't realize it yet. Chuckling a bit he answered,

"I got someone who cares an awful lot 'bout what happens to ya'." He regarded her for a moment before coming up to her. She stiffened. "So b'have." She held her breath as he cut her loose. "Go on, clean up, be with 'im." Green eyes blinked up at him.

"Th-thank you." Roxas smiled a bit, handing her some medicine for the pain before leaving her. He wasn't concerned. If she ran away, she wouldn't get far before she hit the landmines and he knew that Axel was right. As long as they had Hayner, she wouldn't leave. He stuck around, waiting. His lips curved up when he saw Larxene. She stood a little straighter upon seeing him. Roxas tipped his head at her and she smiled nervously.

"Mornin' Roxas." He smiled back in amusement. It looked like he'd caught a naughty child red-handed.

"Larxene," he purred softly, "ease up." The blonde put her hand on her hip, pursed her lips, and murmured,

"'m just playin' a little bit. She ain't gonna last long 'round here if ya' let her be soft. Whatever talents she's got ain't gonna matter." Roxas crossed his arms, smiling gently.

"Mhm," he hummed, unconvinced. "Give 'em some space," he purred, "'m afraid that kid don't got much time left." He gazed into her eyes with a soft smile, knowing what it was doing to her, and she backed down. He was aware of how to bend every single member of Unlucky Thirteen to his will. He closed the distance between them, gently trailing his fingers along her arm. "Be good 'til then, at least," he whispered. Larxene pouted at him.

"Wanna keep me company in th' meantime?" she purred softly, "Axel can come too." Roxas' smile widened, his blue eyes glimmering. Even if Axel were ever open to the idea, he wasn't about to share him with anyone else.

"How considerate," he murmured back with a wry grin. He wrapped an arm around her shoulders, making her inhale in surprise, steering her away from Olette. "Gotta ask 'im first. I got this for ya' for now," he purred softly, handing her a small vial. Larxene gasped in delight. Roxas knew that she liked to dip her blades in poison, and had collected rattlesnake venom for that very reason. Sometimes gifts worked wonders.

"'kay, fine," she conceded. Roxas smiled at her, watching her face redden, and purred,

"Good girl."

~O~

Roxas hummed softly when he woke up the next morning to find that his red-had had disappeared again. His lips pressed together. He felt some irritation toward Demyx for stealing his red-head without so much as asking and returning him late at night happy, but too exhausted to spend time with him. He was tempted to put Axel in his place too. He couldn't run away if he couldn't walk. He smiled wryly. The mere thought of it put him in a better mood. Doing just that sounded awfully tempting. He turned his head to gaze at Axel's "missing" poster and thought about it for a bit, making up his mind. He was gonna do it. If he was feeling merciful, he wouldn't make Axel beg but he would make him cry in pleasure.

He tugged on some clothes, trying to shake off his bad mood before he checked up on Olette again, finding her curled up next to Hayner. He sighed in agitation. He hated waiting for the things he wanted. She was in clean clothes and had fallen asleep next to him. He only watched for a moment, leaving her more medicine before leaving them be. He didn't like watching drawn out suffering. It wasn't an easy thing for him to imagine, being on the verge of losing someone like that, but wanting them to suffer instead of letting them go. He thought about Axel and sighed again, hoping he would never have to. His gaze trailed off to the horizon and he found himself wondering just what Demyx was up to. It had to be his idea. He was definitely to blame for corrupting Axel into leaving him. Axel enjoyed being ravished too much to run off like this on his own.

"Mornin' Roxas!" His lips pressed together and his eyes tracked Vanitas. He hummed softly, as the man exited the medic tent as well. Another one that was up to no good.

"After one too?" he muttered back. Vanitas grinned as Roxas caught him. The man simply nodded, already knowing. He knew Roxas was aware of where their guests were. Roxas hummed softly. "You best be nice, I ain't done deciding their value," he warned gently. The raven-haired man simply nodded.

"'course," he agreed before archly asking, "Somethin' wrong?" The blond was in a sour mood. Roxas sighed and scoffed at him patronizingly. Vultures, all'a 'em. He knew they'd go after Axel at the slightest chance of discord. He answered warningly,

"Don' test me." Vanitas held his hands up in surrender.

"'m just sayin', kid's been like a shadow, now he ain't an' you gotta be in th' foulest mood I seen in a while. Might give some the wrong impression." Roxas' lips curved up dangerously, his blue eyes icy. He rested a hand on his hip and muttered,

"He ain't allowed t' leave my side? Seems I gotta do a better job settin' an example 'round here, huh?" The man actually paled a bit. "It ain't no one's business," he purred in satisfaction at the sight.

"Mm'kay, love birds it is," he teased. Roxas stiffened a bit and Vanitas paused. He laughed breathlessly, "Oh-ho 'kay, didn' expect that from you." Roxas crossed his arms, eyeing the man carefully.

"You got 'n awful loose tongue," he answered, "need me t' fix it for ya?" Vanitas set his jaw and shook his head. Roxas smiled at him wickedly and winked. "How 'bout you put it t' good use 'fore I do?" Vanitas nodded enthusiastically, happy to make himself sparse and put a stop to rumors. Roxas smiled in satisfaction and went into the tent the raven-haired man had exited. He saw the frail little blonde working at a sketch. She paused when her gaze met Roxas' but said nothing as he approached. He tipped his head to her. "Mornin' Namine'. The girl lowered her sketchbook but unwaveringly held Roxas' gaze. The blond smiled wryly, wondering if all of their captives had such a spark. This one was braver than he'd given her credit for.

"Roxas. I can be'a use to you. I been thinkin'. That's gotta be why you kept me, right?" she answered simply. His smile softened a touch. Right to the point, this one. He hummed in interest, his mood lifting a bit as he decided to humor her.

"'kay, tell me," he answered wryly.

"Firstly, me, Kairi, Olette, we all got some medical training. All'a us grew up together." Roxas crossed his arms, waiting for her to continue, pleased when she didn't waver. "Second, me and Kairi, we know how to make clothing-" Roxas grinned at her and purred.

"Hmmm. Family trade?" She nodded determinedly. "Two sisters sellin' their wares… That why you were on th' train?" Namine' nodded just as fiercely. "Bet ya' both were runnin' 'way from marriage prospects, unlike that one," he murmured, tilting his head toward Olette. "Such a shame for her."

"We might save 'im if we all work together, sir. Olette ain't in no shape to do it alone." Roxas smiled at the girl wryly and said,

"You do what ya' want. I ain't gonna stop ya'." There was a startled gasp when he tugged apart the second partition. The red haired girl looked fiery but frightened. "Show me what ya' can do an' yer gonna have a place. There ain't no fancy rules 'round here. You can live how ya' want. Otherwise, who's t' say?" He warned gently. Pleased by their determination, he nodded once more before leaving them.

Roxas smiled, his mood lifting even more, finding that Zexion was nearby. He would never cease to enjoy his company. The slate-haired man nodded at him respectfully. Roxas tipped his head at his second as the man noted where he'd come from. "Need some help, Roxas?" The blond nodded with a sigh.

"I ain't in th' mood t' lose more members 'cause they don' wanna listen," he admitted. Zexion chuckled a bit, listening, "'m gonna give th' new ones a chance t' prove their worth. I reckon that'd satisfy Axel," he murmured before scoffing. "Larxene an' Vanitas are messin' with 'em already." Zexion nodded.

"'ll watch out for 'em." Roxas smiled gratefully.

"Axel an' Demyx 're probably safe 'round 'em. Nobody else for now." His second nodded in agreement.

"Thick as thieves, those two," Zexion commented. Roxas smiled at him warmly.

"Kinda cute, ain't it? Ev'n when they ain't up to no good." The slate haired man gave him a rare smile.

"Thanks, Demyx needed a friend," he answered. The blond nodded.

"'course, Axel too."

"Everythin' goin' aright with 'im?" Roxas closed his eyes, exhaling. He must'a been more agitated than he thought.

"Mhm, but Demyx best be givin' Axel back tonight," he complained. Zexion chuckled softly.

"'ll find 'em an' make sure'a it." Roxas' lips curved upward and he peeked at his second, his mood lifting.

"Best you do first, I might punish 'em otherwise." The man grinned at him, nodding. Roxas quirked a brow at him and hummed.

"'s good seein' ya' like this," he answered simply, teasing him gently. The blond sighed, running a hand through his hair. Well, if he was that obvious, he might as well go all in.

"'s drivin' me crazy 'cause he's gone. It ain't like me." Zexion nodded.

"'bout time someone made ya' feel like that," he answered. Roxas sighed again.

"You ain't no help." Zexion laughed softly, watching his friend in amusement. He'd never seen Roxas so worked up over anyone.

"Go ridin', maybe they ain't too far out?" Roxas pursed his lips. He didn't want to intrude on Axel's freedom. That would only cause problems. He shook his head slowly. They'd be back around the end of the day. He could wait for that. Zexion watched him archly, knowing what he was thinking. He chuckled. "'kay, 'll make sure t' reign Demyx in," he promised. Roxas sighed again.

"Mmmn, 'll handle it," he muttered back, "thanks." Zexion nodded, watching Roxas go about distracting himself, humming interestedly. He'd never seen anyone tame Roxas like this before. It truly was a sight to behold.

~O~

Axel smiled widely, letting himself take in beautiful sights as he followed Demyx' lead. He had been determined to make sure Axel had a good time, and so far he was enjoying himself very much. They were currently surrounded by huge crystals. Some of them were even bigger than he was. It was truly a breathtaking sight. The blond grinned at him.

"Gorgeous, ain't it?" Axel smiled nodding. "Zexion showed me a while back. Been wantin' to come back since."

"How'd th' two'a ya' get together?" he asked curiously. They seemed so different but worked well together. His friend hummed thoughtfully.

"You gotta be careful 'round Unlucky Thirteen. I got picked up like th' new kids by Luxord. You ain't met 'im yet. Was fifteen a' th' time." He sighed. "They were gamblin' for my virginity," he muttered. It had been humiliating. "Zexion won me." Axel stared at him, dumbfounded.

"What?" He gasped in horror. "Don' tell me he…" Demyx shook his head, smiling a bit.

"Nah, he protected me. I didn' trust 'im for a long time tho'." Axel sighed in relief, actually having more respect for Zexion, if possible. He stopped to consider for a minute, perhaps he was luckier than he'd thought. He licked his lips, reminiscing on what had happened with Roxas. He'd definitely always had a choice in the matter. He fidgeted a bit. He didn't know if that'd be true if they hadn't met all those years ago.

"Roxas ever been like that?" he asked quietly. His heart hurt at the thought, but he didn't know. Demyx smiled at him.

"Not that I seen," he answered. "I ain't seen him affectionate like this b'fore either." Axel relaxed, blushing softly. Roxas had told him he hadn't felt this way about anyone before. He hummed softly. It was still nice to hear.

They rode through the crystal fissure Demyx had brought him to, and Axel wandered a bit on his own, to get a good look at the canyons. He stopped as he overlooked the sight. Demyx was letting him explore and he liked that. He was thankful to have at least a few supportive people around him. Particularly Roxas. He smiled and sighed. He missed him, even if he'd enjoyed some time away. The blues around him were absolutely beautiful and the light from the setting sun gave the crystals a purple hue. He took a deep breath, enjoying the view. The sun was setting on the horizon, oranges and pinks turning to red. It was gorgeous out here. Axel hadn't known that such a beautiful place existed. Demyx had taken him farther than Roxas had, and it was nice, spending time with him. He smiled softly, enjoying the evening breeze and reminiscing on their day. He felt excited about the possibility of bringing Roxas out here. He knew that Roxas was probably familiar but the idea of surprising him was exciting to Axel. He was brought out of his reverie by someone calling his name.

"Axel! My God you're okay!" The red-head froze, his stomach churning. He paled at the voice, his eyes landing on its owner and confirming his fears. There was a silver haired man in the canyons below him. Riku. He jolted into motion when the man called for back up to help gather him up, riding Oathkeeper hard. His heart was racing. He couldn't let himself get caught, but even if he got away... Zack and Yuna and the rangers were gonna know he was alive. They weren't gonna stop til they took him… and Roxas… they'd catch Roxas if they caught him, Roxas would be in danger. He was vaguely aware of Demyx calling to him in confusion.

"Demyx, c'mon, we gotta go," he called to him anxiously without slowing down. The blond nodded, trusting Axel and following him back into their territory. Demyx threw one of his bags and there was an explosion somewhere behind them. Axel remembered what Roxas had told him about burying landmines, listening to the men pursuing them yelling to hold off. He was relieved that it was enough to make them stay back.

Axel's heart was pounding and his mind was racing. The rangers were gonna know without a doubt that he was with Unlucky Thirteen after this. He was terrified that Zack was gonna hunt him down himself and straighten him out. He couldn't breathe, he couldn't even see what was going on around them anymore. He was shaking and panicking even after they'd ridden into camp. Demyx tried to calm him down, offering him some water. As he sipped at it, Roxas found them and sat beside them. Axel looked up at him, terrified. Had he led them too close to camp? Was Roxas going to be upset with them for getting into a dangerous situation? Roxas gazed at them in concern, placing his hand on Axel's and squeezing gently.

"Wha' happened?"

"We were ridin' at the crystal fissure an' rangers showed up," Demyx explained. Words spilled out of Axel's mouth,

"'m sorry Roxas, I…" Roxas' hands cupped his panicking red-head's face and he kissed him softly until Axel was melting against him. He sighed, stroking red hair gently. It felt nice, finally having him next to him again. He felt himself relaxing more than he had all day. When he was content, he broke the kiss but didn't let him go.

"'s alright, darlin'," he hushed him softly, "it ain't your fault. Was bound to happen after th' heist," he murmured while he continued to stroke red-hair slowly. "'m glad ya' both made it back safe." Axel nodded, keening into the touches, calmer but still shaken. Roxas' lips pressed together.

"Wha's wrong?" He asked, his tone deceptively light. It made him angry to see Axel so worked up.

"Riku recognized me. Zack ain't gonna stop 'til he finds me and then… then…" Their eyes met and Roxas' lips curved up. He smiled at the red-head gently. He was pleased to see Axel worried about him like this. It made him soften about the last two days. A little.

"You jus' stay righ' by my side," he purred, "I told ya' what 'm gonna do t' 'im." Axel nodded calming as the blond continued to run his fingers through his hair and stroke his skin reassuringly as he kissed him again.

"What you gonna do?" Demyx asked curiously. Roxas smiled maliciously and held his red-head close, all while he gently trailing his fingers across his skin.

"Why?" he purred back, "Wanna help?" Demyx's eyes sparkled determinedly. He didn't like seeing Axel like this.

"As a matter of fact, I do," he answered. Roxas smiled at him in approval.

"'m gonna find that uncle'a his an' give 'im back everything he gave Axel," he promised once again. Arms wrapped around him as Axel hugged him tightly. He wrapped his arms around his red-head protectively, "and 'm gonna burn Radiant Garden down. You don't never gotta go back there 'gain after that," he promised Axel. Demyx's gaze darkened as he caught on.

"Mhm 'm helpin'," he declared. Axel smiled softly feeling a bit better. Roxas held him for a while and then hummed.

"Two'a' ya musta' had a good time runnin' off," he mused. Axel blinked shifting to look at his friend when he shushed Roxas.

"Nuh-uh. Secret!" Axel's smile widened and Roxas chuckled.

"'m gonna find out. 's just a matter'a time." Demyx grinned.

"That's fine," he said with a wink. Zexion joined them, relieved that his blond had returned safely.

"Everythin' alright?" he asked Demyx, "I heard you an' Axel came back in a rush." The blond shrugged.

"Eh, just a run-in with some rangers," he answered. He glanced at Roxas. "I might'a blown up one'a yer booby-traps." Roxas smiled a bit.

"'s why I put 'em there," he answered nonchalantly, watching them for a long moment. "Zexion, wha's goin' on b'tween these two." The slate haired man's brows furrowed and he tilted his head at Demyx questioningly. Roxas hummed. It wasn't like Demyx to keep things from Zexion. These two really were thick as thieves.

"Nope, nuh-uh. I ain't told no-one but Axel," he teased, sticking his tongue out playfully. Then he winked at Axel. "Be righ' back! Don' tell 'em nothin'!" The red-head smiled, watching him go. Zexion looked bewildered. Roxas hummed softly, content to watch for now. He had Axel. He could be patient a little while longer. Demyx wasn't getting him back, he was gonna make sure of it. When Demyx returned he had a basket, covered so that they couldn't see what was inside and a spring in his step. Axel's smile grew and Roxas felt the little red-head relaxing against him.

"What are ya' up to?" Demyx giggled, shooing Roxas away so that Axel had some space to accept the gift. The blond watched in amusement as Demyx handed his red-head the basket. He wrapped his arms around Axel and murmured, "Well?" Axel peeked into the basket and laughed cutely. Roxas tilted his head at them. Demyx had given Axel a cake. It wasn't often he did that, especially with the limited supplies they had. The blond shifted a little under Roxas' stare, looking awfully guilty but he smiled in excitement, none-the-less.

"Demy found out 'bout my birthday," Axel told him. Roxas smiled a bit, but gave the blond a look that told him he was going to be in trouble if he'd taken over Axel's birthday. Just as the blond chuckled nervously, the red-head told him, "'s tomorrow." Axel gazed up at he man with a smile. "He celebrated with me today an' yesterday. Figured you wouldn't be keen on sharin' me tomorrow," he told him with a wry smile. Roxas' expression was unreadable for a moment. Then he chuckled breathlessly… these two….

"Want anything in particular?" He murmured. Axel shook his head.

"Never really thought 'bout it," he answered. Roxas smiled wickedly and whispered in his ear,

"How 'bout an orgasm?" Axel blushed. "One for ev'ry year." He swallowed, his heart pounding. He didn't trust his voice, so he nodded. Roxas hummed pleasurably in his ear, nipping at the lobe and making his blush deepen.

"What you whispering 'bout?" Demyx prodded, pouting. Roxas grinned just as wickedly and answered.

"Secret." The little blond laughed at the echo of his words and answered smugly,

"'m gonna find out. 's just a matter of time," he mimicked Roxas' voice and everything. Roxas' brows rose. He'd never quite seen Demyx so bold before. Axel buried his face in Roxas' chest and muttered,

"No, ya' won't." The man holding him laughed, genuinely amused. Demyx pouted and Roxas smiled down at him. If there was one thing Roxas could count on, it was Axel being shy.

"Go on then. Let's get started," he whispered hotly to his little red-head. Axel groaned softly as pleasure swept through him at the thought. Roxas' smile widened when he obediently did as he was told, so flustered he forgot his cake or to tell Demyx goodbye. Roxas chuckled a bit, scooping it up and tipping his head at the blond. "Thanks," he purred, winking at Demyx, who had gone speechless. He followed Axel into his quarters, locking the door behind them.

~O~

Roxas smiled in satisfaction at his dozing red-head. He trailed his fingers across pale skin and Axel sighed in pleasure. His face reddened and he gazed at Roxas heatedly. He moaned, melting when Roxas kissed him, winding his arms around the blond. He was exhausted but satisfied.

"Roxas," he whispered, blushing deeply. The blond hummed, taking his lips again. Axel moaned and Roxas smiled in delight. Axel's body was responding to him and he hadn't even touched him yet.

"Yes, darlin'?" He knew what he was doing to Axel, and gently teased his sensitive skin. The red-head whimpered in pleasure, submitting to the touches.

"Stay with me today." The blond smiled, nodding.

"You ain't allowed t' leave," he answered with a wink. "Happy birthday, gorgeous," he murmured, pressing their lips together and working his way down the red-head's neck. Axel gasped, moaning rapturously as his eyes fluttered. He was weak at Roxas' touches, trembling as pleasure washed over him, burning him to his core. They'd been up all night, and Roxas had been entirely devoted to his promise. Axel felt so good. Roxas was so sexy, he didn't care what he did to him anymore. Fingers probed his body, teasing his prostate as the blond took him into his mouth. It wasn't long until he was crying out, breathlessly, coming in his mouth. He stared up at the ceiling without seeing it. Nineteen times. Roxas had actually… he stopped thinking when his mouth was taken. He whimpered softly, unable to do anything else at this point. "Want th' cake?" he whispered sweetly, as if he hadn't just taken Axel's body until he was too weak to move. The red-head smiled softly, humming in affirmation and letting Roxas feed it to him. It was sweet but moist and delicious. Roxas smiled down at him in satisfaction. Even if Axel hadn't asked him, absolutely no one else would have been allowed to see him today. "How 'bout a bath?" he purred. Axel nodded gratefully. Roxas kissed him gently, tasting sweetness. Green eyes slid shut as he licked the frosting off of his lips before pulling back. Axel watched the sexy little minx slip away. He was exhausted. Before Roxas had even left, he was asleep. The blond smiled softly in satisfaction before departing.

He crossed paths with Demyx on his way to Oblivion and smiled wickedly. Demyx laughed awkwardly "Ahahaha… tell Axel happy birthday for me?"

"Might consider it," he purred back with a wink. The little blond shifted his weight from foot to foot.

"Uhm… You ain't too mad, right?" Roxas simply held his gaze, his smile widening.

"Nah, I ain't mad," he purred. Demyx exhaled in relief, "but 'm gonna get even." He chuckled at the blond's pout.

"An' here I was thinkin' you were startin' t' like me," Demyx complained. Roxas smiled, in a particularly good mood.

"Ya' migh' be growin' on me," he admitted. Demyx beamed at him and Roxas smiled wryly. "Ya' still ain't seein' Axel for two days," he purred, clapping him on the shoulder gently. He was not moved by Demyx's kicked puppy expression. "That'll teach ya' t' steal 'im," he teased. Demyx whined his name and Roxas grinned at him in satisfaction, carrying on about his business with a wave.

~O~