Rating: M
Always
Chapter 6
Summary: Continuation of Reckoning and How Long is Forever?
Axel had always done so much for me… was always there for me… and I found myself wanting to return the favor. After all… he deserved all the happiness in the world, for giving me mine. Akuroku. Roxas' POV.
A/n: Hello dear fans~ I'm sorry if you've been waiting on me. Life kinda got in the way. AND I'm working on something for Akuroku day. I have like four concepts that I want to write at once and can't decide which I want for AR day /: But anyway, thanks for your support so far! I really am grateful.
Enjoy the sugary sweet love-y goodness 'cos it won't last forever (:
Samo less-than-3 thank you so much :D! I cannot express my gratitude to you enough, truly. Thank you for you kind words (:
Last time:
xXx
"Happy anniversary," I smiled widely.
"Happy anniversary, Axel." I smiled and then stood on my toes. His hands found my waist and his forehead rested against mine.
"Are you sure you're okay with me being a guy?" I grasped either side of his face, kissing him.
"Of course I am," I whispered. "I wouldn't change anything about you." Axel smiled before kissing me again. "I'm so grateful that I'm married to somebody so wonderful." Axel smiled.
"Me too."
xXx
Axel smiled again. "Let's eat."
"Okay," I murmured, letting him lead me to the couch. I smiled thoughtfully at the stack of homemade blueberry pancakes on each plate. They were one of my favorites. Axel sat beside me and I kissed his cheek before grasping his hand. "You're so sweet." His hand gently touched my face.
"Because you deserve it." He moved to kiss my forehead and I raised myself, pressing our lips together instead. Axel's fingers wove into my hair and he grasped it, tugging. I let him deepen the kiss, our tongues brushing just before we pulled apart.
"I love you," I breathed. Axel smiled, kissing me again briefly.
"I love you too," he whispered back. I kissed him again and he pulled back, chuckling. "We should stop or the food will get cold."
"I'll eat it cold if I have to." Axel smirked.
"Oh?" His fingers slid down to my waist and I blushed, "And just how far does Roxy want to go?" He whispered against my lips. My blush deepened. He still hadn't told me why he called me that. To be fair though, I hadn't told him why I had come on to him either. I swallowed and a devilish little smile came across his face. "I have another reason for calling you that now," he whispered before kissing me, as if he'd read my thoughts.
"And why is that?" Axel smirked.
"To antagonize you."
"That isn't very nice," I chided playfully.
"I know," he teased. I paused when his stomach growled.
"Hungry?"
"Yeah," he murmured, his stomach growling again. "It makes me want to strip you, pour maple syrup all over you, and then lick it off." I blushed darkly, aroused by the mental picture that flashed across my mind. He noticed and smiled his small, sexy smile. "Would you like that, Roxy?" He murmured. My heart pounded dangerously fast.
"Yeah," I breathed, my voice weak. Our lips locked and I closed my eyes as his tongue slid into my mouth. Moments later, my sweater was on the floor in a forgotten heap, my shirt soon joining it. Panting, I stared into beautiful seas of green. His finger ran along the elastic band of my boxers and my heart thrummed excitedly. Not a moment later, they were gone and he was pouring syrup on me. I shuddered as it slid down my face and neck, tickling my skin as it went down my chest and then lower yet.
Not a moment later, I gasped as his hot tongue ran along my face, licking slowly. He had never licked my face before and the sensation was so surprising and arousing that I couldn't breathe. "Mmm," he moaned. I swallowed and he worked his way down my neck, sucking and biting. I shuddered as he exhaled, fanning his hot breath across my neck as nimble fingers brushed against my exposed body, twisting and pinching my nipples. I bit my lower lip, suppressing a moan. Axel smirked and then pushed me down. He braced himself over me.
Just as I began to wonder what he'd do, he bent down, trailing open mouthed kisses along the paths of syrup, licking, biting and sucking, the whole way. I gasped and my back arched as he worked his way down further and further before breaking the contact and moving to a trail of syrup that was higher up, repeating the process three times before I groaned, frustrated.
I grasped his hair, pulling hard. "Please!" Axel smiled. He knew exactly what I wanted. He could feel how aroused I was.
"But there's no syrup there, Roxas," he said, all too innocently. I lay my head back, my frustration growing. Then, I glanced at the table. The jar of pure maple syrup was on it. Taking it, I poured some on myself. Axel chuckled before tortuously slowly licking the head of my erection clean. Then, all at once, he took the rest into his mouth, sucking the rest of the syrup off eagerly and I moaned.
My hands pulled down his boxers, shaking all the while. It didn't matter how amazing he was making me feel, I needed to feel him against me. Axel smirked amusedly, licking his lips as he pulled away, his boxers around his knees, and I gasped as his hardened flesh rolled into mine. I thrust against him in response and each of us moaned.
"Harder, darling?" I gasped as he demonstrated.
"Yes!"
I threw my head back, my back arching as I met his wild erratic thrusting. I moaned his name as a shudder racked my body. Axel wrapped his hand around our arousals, pumping them simultaneously as we continued to move. I moaned one more time, gasping as I came. He followed shortly after.
I lay there, panting for a long time before I put his t-shirt back on, sat cross legged and then poured syrup on my pancakes, not even caring that my stomach was covered with the evidence of what we'd just done. Smiling, I cut them up with my fork and eagerly took a bite. They were still amazing even though they were cold. I waited until we were finished before speaking again.
"You aren't allowed to go out into the back yard." Axel smiled wryly. "No peeking either!" I added, shaking my fork at him.
"Only if…" I blinked, confusedly and he lunged forward, tickling me. I thrashed, laughing hysterically until my lungs hurt, unable to push him away. Tears rolled down my face.
"No, Axel! St-top!" I protested, laughing. My breath caught as he pressed me into the couch and I stared up into his eyes. Then, he kissed me. When he pulled back, he looked amused.
"Fine, I'll be good," he whispered. Smiling, I kissed him back.
"You'd better be." Axel chuckled, genuinely amused and I hugged him to myself. His head rested against my chest and it felt nice. "What do you want to do today?" The red-head smiled in a way that made me melt.
"I want to spoil you."
"S-spoil?"
"Mhm. What can I do for you?" I blushed.
"Tell me why you call me 'Roxy'." Axel laughed a little before kissing me on the lips, hard.
"Why did you fuck me against my car," he murmured huskily. My face reddened. I swallowed hard before deciding to answer him.
"I-I drew a picture of it before the accident. It made me want to see it for real." Axel smirked, his eyelids lowering.
"How naughty," he chided. My face flushed just before he spoke again. "I do it when I really want you," he murmured as his hands slid down my body, "or when I'm really turned on." My blush deepened. His smirk widened. "Did you like tying me up?" My heart pounded at the memory of his hands bound and locked in place above his head.
"I loved it," I whispered back.
"Maybe I'll let you do it again then if you'll take advantage of me," he whispered. I blushed.
"I'd like that," I murmured, feeling a flash of heat and arousal.
"Me too," he whispered back. He looked thoughtful for a moment before sitting up. I swallowed. His hair was mused but it made him look adorable. "Let's clean you up," he said softly, his fingers gently trailing along my stomach. "Unless you like smelling like sex." I laughed a little.
"The smell isn't what bothers me… It's how that shit feels when it dries."
"We should then. I'd hate for you to be uncomfortable." I smiled at him.
"Alright."
My smile widened as I followed him to the bathroom. He'd pulled up his boxers but that was all he was wearing and I was still just wearing his t-shirt. It didn't bother me though. He turned on the water and plugged the drain. I smiled a little… I'd been expecting a shower… and then I watched as he added soap.
"Axel?" He glanced back at me humming. "I just… I want to thank you for everything you've ever done for me." The red-head smiled brightly.
"Likewise."
"What… have I done for you?" His eyes widened and he went to me, grasping my hands and pressing our foreheads together.
"Oh no, Roxas… why do you feel that way, sweetheart?" I bit my lower lip, not knowing what to say. I honestly couldn't think of a single thing I'd ever really done for him. "You make me so, so happy."
"Why? What's one good reason that I make you happy? I don't understand…"
"Roxas… you don't need to do anything to make me happy. All you have to do to make me smile every day, to make me feel so incredible, is be yourself. It makes me so happy to know that I'll never have to ask if I can trust you with my heart because you care so much about me… I know that you'll never smash it." He smiled a little, "Especially because you try your hardest to protect me from things that will hurt me because you love me… No one's ever done that for me before and it feels so wonderful." I stared up at him as his thumbs smoothed over my fingers. "I'm so grateful that you let me come into your life, Roxas." I felt my nose and eyes stinging and quickly hugged him.
"I feel… lucky that you even wanted me… after so many-"
"No, Roxas. That wasn't your fault and it shouldn't ever be held against you." I squeezed him more tightly and his chin rested on top of my head. "Hey," he whispered poking my side. I looked up and he smiled down at me. "Cheer up sweetheart. It'll never happen again. I'm here and I'll protect you, I promise." I smiled at him and he brightened. "There we go! Much better." We blinked when water touched our feet. Realization crossed Axel's face and he hastily let go and shut off the water because the bath tub was overflowing. He laughed. "Whoops."
I laughed too and he blushed, both of us getting towels and mopping up the mess. I couldn't stop smiling as he drained some of the water. "Not used to baths anymore?" I teased. His blush deepened.
"I guess not," he said laughing. "But I'm glad."
"Why?"
"Because I got you to laugh," he murmured, smiling. I kissed his cheek and then waited a moment longer before taking off his shirt and getting into the bath. When he joined me, he sat behind me. I relaxed immediately. It felt nice.
He began to massage my shoulders and I leant against him. It felt so good. I hadn't realized he was so good at this. His palms worked my shoulder blades and my back arched.
"Does it feel alright?" My head lolled to the side somewhat and I smiled appreciatively.
"Feels wonderful. I'll have to return the favor sometime."
His uncertainty melted away and he smiled widely. "Sounds nice." I closed my eyes, letting myself relax as his hands travelled along my body. I felt content as I played with the rings on my left hand under the warm water.
"I love you," I murmured.
"I love you too, don't ever forget that." I halfway smiled, reminded of the time I had forgotten. It made me feel terrible.
"I won't." I looked up at him. "I won't ever again." I bit my lower lip.
"What's the matter?" I sighed before speaking.
"Can you ever forgive me for that?"
"There's nothing to forgive," he murmured, kissing the top of my head. "I'm just glad that you're okay."
"Me too," I murmured, reclining a bit. My knees poked out of the water, bubbles sticking to them. I frowned suddenly, remembering how horrible I'd been to him. "I'm sorry for missing your birthday last year."
"Darling, I don't blame you for it."
"I still feel bad, Axel. You didn't deserve what I did to you." He shrugged.
"It's okay. It's not like you just left me in the rain without giving me a chance." I frowned. If I hadn't remembered… it would have happened. "Hey, hey don't be upset. We're closer because of it, aren't we?" I smiled a little bit.
"Yeah."
"Roxas…?" I craned my head back to look at him.
"Yes, Axel?"
"Do you remember how to fight?" I bit my lower lip, thinking. I remember that Demyx taught me and that I thought he looked like a wuss at first…
"Vaguely."
"Do you want me to re-teach you sometime?" I turned around, facing him, my expression must have shown my excitement because he smiled.
"Today? Will you teach me today?" Axel looked surprised. Then he smiled.
"If you'd like."
"Yes! Very much!" The red-head grinned.
"Alright." Smiling, I grabbed my towel and wrapped it around myself as I got out of the tub.
"I'll see you soon then?" Axel looked like he was pleased because of my enthusiasm.
"Of course." Beaming, I bent down and kissed his cheek before leaving the room.
xXx
I waited on the edge of our bed, full of anticipation. I couldn't help but wonder what Axel would show me and hoped I'd either catch on quickly or he'd be patient with me. I shook my head, knowing I was being silly. Of course Axel was going to be patient with me. I chewed on my lower lip, wishing he would hurry because I was eager to learn and…
Hands grasped me from behind and I gasped audibly, quite startled.
"First, use all of your senses," he murmured in my ear gently. "Don't ever let your guard down." I shuddered as his breath tickled my ear before I nodded shakily. I watched as he came around and stood in front of me. I made a noise of shocked surprise when he attacked me, covering my face just in time. I squeaked involuntarily. My wrist was grasped and my face was pressing into the comforter before I even had a chance to think. I gasped when he sat on my back, holding me in place. I struggled but couldn't move.
"A-axel?" I asked uncertainly. My heart pounded when he bent down, getting unbearably close to me.
"If you have to defend yourself, always try to use a counter-attack or you'll leave yourself exposed." I nodded and he released me. Of course- he was teaching me the basics first. It made perfect sense.
"What else?"
"Find your opponent's weak spot and tear that apart first."
"What do you mean?" Axel looked thoughtful for a moment.
"Pin me." I blinked, not understanding, but doing as I was told. "Okay," he said, "now hold me as tightly as you can. The objective is to not let me get away. Okay?" I nodded determinedly, doing as he said. My eyes widened when he struggled, almost breaking free, so I gripped him more tightly. "Ahha! R-roxas," he whimpered, both sounding and looking like he was in pain. It made me feel guilty but I didn't let go. "Y-you're h-hurting me…" He turned his head away, shaking as his face scrunched up. I bit my lower lip, "please…" I heard a tremor in his voice, like he was going to cry. My grip loosened and before I knew what was happening, he was pinning me.
"That's what I mean. Your feelings for me are your weakness," he said, poking my nose. I scoffed at him.
"That was mean."
"But I proved my point, did I not?" Grudgingly, I nodded. "It also means weakening an already injured part of the body. Try it on me." My eyes widened.
"You're injured?"
"Yeah, I've had problems with my right shoulder for a long time…" I immediately grew concerned.
"Axel, I don't want to hurt you."
"I'll be alright." I bit my lower lip. "Trust me."
"O-okay." He nodded.
"Alright. Act as though you're trying to rip it right off." I felt the color drain from my face.
"Axel, I-I," He shook his head, dismissing my worries.
"If it'd make you feel better, I'll switch arms." I nodded.
"It would." He smiled.
"Okay, but you can't stop this time okay?"
"O-okay."
When I was in position and began to attempt to 'rip his arm off' while he struggled beneath me I noticed him tensing but guessed that he was trying to fool me again. When a pained noise finally broke free from his gritted teeth I began to feel badly. Then he began crying out, making noises that accompanied his agonized expression. Then he screamed and I couldn't do it. I let him go.
He sat up, perfectly fine. "I told you not to stop." My jaw dropped.
"Seriously, Axel?!" He smirked wryly.
"No offense, Rox , but if you were my opponent you wouldn't last long." I frowned, irriated.
"Maybe I should have used the injured arm." Axel laughed.
"Actually, both of my arms are fine. I was trying to see what you'd do." He stared at me levelly. "You can't fight me until you see me as an opponent and not as your husband. You're too afraid of hurting me." I pouted.
"You don't feel the same?"
"Of course I do, sweetheart. But, I can place you in the position of being my equal and a worthy opponent in order to spar with you, whereas you cannot. Do you understand?" I nodded slowly. "Good because until you can do that too, you'll always hesitate because you don't want to hurt me and will probably wind up landing on your ass a lot." I bit my lower lip.
"I understand." Axel smiled.
"Do you remember how to attack and block?" I nodded. Even though I couldn't remember everything… I knew enough. Besides, I wanted to learn from Demyx again. I didn't want Axel knowing my every move. I also didn't want to know Axel's every move before we fought. I wanted him to surprise me. He nodded and then dug in his pockets, digging out his phone.
"Oh wow, it's past noon already," he said sounding a bit surprised. "What do you want for lunch?"
"Whatever you want to make." Axel smiled, thoughtfully.
"Wellll, since you did insist, it might be takeout." I laughed.
"Cheater." He laughed as well.
"How about Chinese? Or Thai?" I smiled.
"You choose."
xXx
About an hour later, we sat together in the living room, eating Thai food.
"This' good," I murmured.
"It's a new restaurant. Dem said that their food was amazing so I wanted to try it." He replied. Then he started to chuckle to himself.
"What?" Axel leant back, smiling.
"The delivery boy looked like he was about to piss himself when I answered the door," he said laughing. I laughed as well. Axel had that effect on people every so often and it was rather funny to see.
"Maybe I should answer next time?"
"Nah, it's okay. Lets me know I'm not losing my edge." I smiled a little and chewed on my food slowly.
"What do you want to do next?" Axel looked thoughtful. He hummed after a moment, his green eyes sparkling.
"Let's go to the park." I raised an eyebrow at him.
"What are you up to?" Axel smirked.
"Nothing… much." The smirk faded after a moment. "Hey?"
"What's up?"
"Stay out of the street okay?" I pouted at him.
"You're never going to let me forget, are you?" His face flushed.
"Sorry… I just worry."
"It's okay."
We walked to the park and when we got there I smiled excitedly. There were artists and art work everywhere. I tilted my head back so that I could look at him. "You knew, didn't you?" Axel smiled.
"Yeah, they're having an event today. I thought you'd like it." My smile widened.
"I love it!" Axel grinned.
"Lead the way." Happily, I hurried toward the nearest booth. My excitement grew as we saw more and more art, beautiful hand-crafted items, and much more. All of it was wonderful. We walked through the park, going to a section we hadn't seen yet. Axel paused, making me stop as well. "Having a good time?"
"Of course I am." I smiled. "Especially because I'm with you." Axel smiled back and I leant against a tree. We were by some pink rose bushes. Axel opened his mouth to reply but before he could say anything, he was interrupted.
"Hey gorgeous!" Axel completely froze, the color draining from his face. My heart began to pound and I hid behind him. I was not ready to face her again. I heard the clicking of heels against the sidewalk and felt my chest tighten.
"It's good to see you again, sweetheart. Oh, you brought the little slut."
"What the hell is wrong with you!? Take. That. Back!" I dared to look at her, terrified when our eyes met. She looked like she wanted to strike me dead. Larxene shrugged her shoulders, seemingly amused.
"Why should I? It isn't news that he was whoring around for drugs for four years, Axel." The red-head bristled and his fingers twitched, reaching for something. I grasped his hand, knowing what it was.
"No, Axel, I'm not worth it," I murmured. "Let's just go."
"Yeah, Axel," she mocked, "The slut's not worth it." He tried to lunge but I held him back. She laughed like it was the funniest thing in the world. Then she turned to leave. "Later, handsome," she called over her shoulder.
I hung my head as Axel shook, fully enraged. "I wish she didn't hate me," I said quietly.
"She's just jealous, Roxas."
"It still hurts…" He grasped my hand.
"Hey, it'll be alright. She won't do anything to you." I bit my lower lip.
"She's watching us," I murmured. I could feel it. Axel kissed my cheek. I turned away and when I did I looked up, my eyes meeting poisonous green and a hateful stare.
"I'm sorry…"
"Let's just go."
"Okay," he murmured, leading me out of the park.
xXx
When we got home, Axel tried his hardest to make me feel better and so I just smiled and told him that it was alright. It wasn't his fault, after all. He smiled back, holding me as we lay in bed, just talking about anything and everything. Our legs wound together and his arms wrapped around me.
"I'm sorry," he said suddenly.
"For?"
"What she said." I frowned a bit.
"You don't have to be sorry."
"I know that but… I still am. I'm sure you wouldn't like it if someone said that to me." My fingers played with his sides, brushing them gently.
"Of course I wouldn't." Axel gripped me more tightly.
"In the future, if we see her, we'll just leave, okay? Don't think it's because you're not worth it either." I smiled a little.
"I know. You wanted to attack her earlier." Axel hesitated before speaking.
"Actually… I kindof wanted to kill her." I stared up at him wide eyed.
"Oh no, Axel… Don't kill somebody on my behalf." My face reddened. "…Again." Axel sighed.
"Sorry. She was making me furious."
"It's okay. Look, just forget about her. Today isn't about her. It's about us." Axel smiled and nuzzled his nose into my cheek.
"You are absolutely right. Fuck her." I smiled a bit. "I want to hold you and never let you go."
"Wait, what if I have to go to the bathroom?" Axel laughed.
"Nope, too bad, I'm comfortable." I squirmed and he held on more tightly. "Nope! You're not getting away." I knew he wouldn't be letting me go any time soon so I sighed heavily and gave up.
I was proven correct when nearly twenty minutes later, he finally began to doze off. I gently rubbed his back and he snuggled closer. "Mm I love you," he murmured tiredly. I smiled.
"I love you too," I said gently, letting him get more comfortable. It took some time still, but he eventually fell asleep in my arms. I held him for a while longer and then slipped away, going to the bathroom because I'd really had to go. Then I slipped out into the garage getting my basket and my scissors, not stopping until I got to the tiger lilies. I smiled a bit, nervous but excited, hoping he'd like his surprise.
xXx
Evening was falling and I needed to hurry if I wanted to get Axel outside before Demyx came. I got inside, washed my hands and stuck my hand into my sweater pocket, double checking for the millionth time, feeling that little black box and Axel's card, just in case. Relief washed over me and I hurried to our bedroom.
I smiled as light from the open door cascaded over Axel. He was curled up, still sleeping peacefully. I went to him and my smile widened. He was so beautiful… Gently, I grasped his shoulder, shaking him.
"Axel, wake up," I murmured. Axel made a noise of disapproval, grasped my shoulder, pulled me down, and then proceeded to cuddle with me. I laughed a little. "Axeeeellll!"
"Whaattt," he groaned.
"Wake up!"
"Whhhyy? I want to hold yoou…"
"Because, it's time to go outside." He peeked at me and then smiled excitedly before sitting up.
"You're going to surprise me?" He smiled happily and I flushed. I hadn't realized he liked surprises so much.
"That's the plan." His smile widened.
"Good because, you know, I've been looking forward to it all day." I smiled back.
"Well let's go then," I replied, taking his hand and pulling him with me toward the back door. When we got to the sofa, I hesitated. "Close your eyes. No peeking!" Axel smiled widely and then did as I'd asked. I grasped his hands, walking backward and leading him to the back patio door. I opened the French doors and then led him to the small antique café table I'd found, leading him to the seat. As I helped him sit he looked confused.
"I don't remember this chair."
"That's because I just bought it." Axel smiled a little.
"Can I open my eyes yet?"
"Nope!" He laughed.
"Okay." I looked around, making sure that everything was perfect and then poked my head inside once more, seeing and cueing to Demyx, glad he had agreed to make dinner and help me surprise Axel before shutting the doors. I went to him and sat across from him.
"Now." Axel opened his eyes and gasped. We were sitting at the small table and there was a vase in between us with a tiger lily arrangement. The bottle of wine was chilling just beside it. Everything was lit by three dozen candles, the moon and the stars. I smiled at him from across the table. Then reached over and opened the bottle of wine, pouring a glass of wine for him and then for myself.
"Happy anniversary, to my best friend," I whispered, once I'd closed it and it was chilling once again. I raised my glass and he did the same, clanging it against mine. Axel smiled, swirling his wine in his glass before each of us took a drink. He leant across the table.
"Happy anniversary, beloved." He stared into my eyes for a long moment.
"What?" Axel smiled widely.
"I'm impressed." My heart pounded. I knew that truly impressing Axel was a difficult feat. He reached across the table, grasping the back of my head and pulling me into a sultry kiss. By the time he'd pulled away, I was breathing hard. I grinned.
"Good, because I'm just getting started." Axel's eyes widened and I smiled widely.
"I found something that I want to show you," I said, sliding my chair closer to him.
"Okay." I reached under the table and pulled out the scrapbook I'd found with Axel's present. His fingers ran across two flattened bullets attached to the cover as soon as I set it down. By the expression he wore on his face, I knew that they were from the time my father had shot him. Then they continued along my fancy handwriting that spelled out the word 'memories.' He smiled widely, opening the book. There were pictures of our wedding along with the words 'The beginning of the rest of our lives'. His smile continued to widen as we flipped through the pages and talked about the pictures. Then we got to 'Our honeymoon', laughing as we remembered the fun we'd had. Axel paused when we got to a picture of him next to a giant sea turtle and then kissed the top of my head. He put his arm around me as we continued to look through the album. I'd also scrapbooked our dates, birthdays and parties we'd thrown and attended, adding things from the events, such as dried flowers, and a sea salt ice cream bar that said 'winner', here and there. "I love this," he whispered, reading the final line I'd written aloud: 'This has been an amazing first year with you… and no matter where life takes us in the years after this one, I'm so glad that I get to share them with you. I love you with all my heart. Happy First Anniversary –Roxas'
"Sorry for the rocky second year." Axel shook his head.
"I think that it made us closer. I, for one, appreciate every single second that I have with you because of it." I smiled.
"I suppose you're right." His smile widened and he grasped my face, kissing me. I let him pull me close and as he deepened the kiss, I kissed him back, our tongues clashing again and again. He pulled back startled when the door opened. I smiled sheepishly. "I forgot to mention… Demy wanted to make us dinner," I said, smiling at his questioning look. Demyx smiled as he came over to us and I shut the scrapbook, setting it on the ground.
"Hey bossman," the blond said, smiling widely, "I hope you're having a good night!" Axel smiled at the blond fondly.
"Of course I am." I smiled at Demyx gratefully as he set our dinner in front of us, his grin ever widening as he hugged me, making a little happy sound. I couldn't help but smile.
"I'm gonna go, have fun!" My smile widened as he left. I looked up at Axel and our eyes locked.
"Now, where was I?" I blushed as he leant in and bit my lower lip sensually before sucking on it. My eyes slid shut as his tongue slipped into my mouth once again and I raised my hand to his face, kissing him back for a second time. I was panting by the time he pulled away from the heated kiss.
"You didn't have to do that," I whispered. Axel smiled.
"I know." His hand ran along my face tenderly as his smile grew. "I'm going to kiss the shit out of you for this later, you know that, right?" I blushed as he pulled away and we began to eat dinner. Demyx had made us baby red potatoes tossed in herbs, green beans and medium rare sirloin steak. I hadn't realized that he was such a good cook until I tried the food. "Did Demy go all out, or was this your idea too?" I smiled.
"This was Dem's idea," I said, reaching over for my drink and taking a sip.
"I should do something to thank him then." I smiled.
"I think… just seeing you happy is enough of a reward for him. For as long as I've known him, he's always wanted to see you happy."
"What do you mean?"
"When I first came to live with you… he's the one who encouraged me to give you a chance." Axel blinked. "He said that you'd take really good care of me if I did." My red-head smiled gently.
"Was he right?"
"I can't even begin to describe how right he was." Axel's smile widened and I held his hand until we finished eating.
"Do you want to sleep under the stars with me tonight?"
"I'd love to," I whispered. Axel smiled, moving to get up, looking confused when I didn't move. "But first, I got you something." Axel blinked, looking surprised before glancing around us, obviously thinking that I'd done enough already.
"You didn't have to do that."
"I actually… got it for you for last year. I've been trying to find it ever since I remembered it." Axel looked surprised.
"How long ago was that?"
"About six months." He leant closer, a sly smile coming across his face.
"That's why you were on the floor, that day, isn't it?" I smiled back.
"Wouldn't you like to know?"
"Oh no, sweetheart, I think I already do."
"What if you don't?" I whispered back.
"Then I'll find a way to make you talk," he whispered, leaning in and kissing me gently. I laughed before I reached into my oversized sweater's pocket and handed him the card I'd found.
"I don't know what it says… but it's for you and I thought that you'd like to read it."
The red-head smiled as he took it. "You're sure you want me to read this? I won't if you don't want me to." I smiled back.
"Absolutely."
I watched as my red-head opened the envelope carefully and then began to read, a bit nervous as I watched different expressions come across his face. First, he smiled, then his smile faded a little and his lips trembled but he never stopped reading until he was done. When he was done, he smiled at me warmly.
"Can I read it?"
"Of course you can," he said gently. I took the card, which was beautiful in and of itself, praising a husband for being wonderful and loving, and then opened it up, seeing that I'd written something inside.
Axel,
From the very beginning, you were nothing that I expected you to be. In fact, when we first met, I was terrified of you… but from the very first moment that you tried to protect me, I knew that you were different. I knew that you were special, and I am so grateful that you came into my life. I couldn't ask for a better best friend or husband.
You are and always have been such a kind, patient, and giving person. You are so easy to love… and every day, I fall more and more in love with you. You have always done so much for me, you are always there for me, and I am so thankful because of it. I can't thank you enough for all that you've done for me or for showing me how to love.
For our anniversary, I had something constructed for you—it's a symbol of my love for you, and is as radiant and flawless as you are, and I hope that you will treasure it.
Love always,
Roxas
"I don't suppose you remember where the gift is, do you?" I hesitated, putting the card back in its envelope before setting it on the table, smiling a bit. He'd thought the card was what I'd remembered.
"I searched for it for months and still almost overlooked it."
"Almost?" I reached into my pocket and pulled out a small black box. Axel's eyes widened as I held it out to him. My heart began to pound and nervousness made my skin prickle.
"Yes, almost." The red-head's eyes watered and his mouth opened but he looked like he was at a loss for what to say as he took the box.
"I-I didn't expect you to get me something…" I smiled.
"I know." My smile widened. "Go ahead, open it."
Axel opened the little black box and then gasped, his green eyes going wide as his thumb ran across the stone. Even in the faint light, he could tell that that necklace was stunning. Our eyes met. "H-how did you? When did you?" He covered his mouth as he stared at his gift.
"Lots of planning… and lots of extra flower arrangements for clientele." I smiled softly. "Do you like it?" Tears slid down Axel's face and his hands trembled.
"It's beautiful," he whispered.
"Will you wear it?"Axel nodded smiling as he wiped his eyes.
"Every day." He looked thoughtful for a moment. "I want you to put it on for me."
"Me?" The red-head nodded and so I went to him. "Do you want it long or short?"
"Short. I want to see it when I'm wearing it." I smiled, taking the necklace from him and wrapping it once around his neck, making it look like more of a choker, but the second part with the pendant still hung about half an inch, before fastening the clasp.
"There," I whispered. I gasped when Axel hugged me.
"Thank you." I gently ran my fingers through his hair.
"You deserve it." The red-head smiled.
"Know what you deserve?" I shook my head.
"No, what?" He guided me down until I was sitting on his lap. Axel grasped either side of my face and I gasped as he closed the space between us just before he kissed me deeply. My eyes slid shut as his tongue brushed against mine. He pulled me closer and I hummed into his mouth contentedly before kissing him back. When Axel broke the kiss, I gently ran my fingers along the side of his face. "I love you," I whispered, trying to catch my breath. Axel smiled.
"I love you too, more than I can ever attempt to describe or put into words." His lips trembled as he hugged me again. "Thank you, from the bottom of my heart." I hugged him back. I'd never expected him to be so touched. It made my eyes water.
"You're welcome."
xXx
-TBC-
A/n: I've been sitting down and writing, writing, writing because I wanted to get this done. It made my head hurt but I feel really accomplished haha. I hope that you liked the chapter (I made it extra long 'cos I made you wait). I've been itching to write this since I mentioned the necklace in the last story.