Bonnie

"Roxas, I love you!" Axel yelled at the sky, head flung back, eyes squeezed shut and one of Roxas' hands trapped in his.

Said blond whipped around to stare at his boyfriend, mouth falling open, "Shhh, Axel!" he hissed, a broad grin spreading across his face no matter how much he tried to stop it, "Someone will hear you!"

"Babe, I'll shout it as much as I like. I love you, and I want the whole world to know about it." The shit-eating grin on Axel's face had softened to a smile as he spoke, green eyes twinkling in mirth as he eyed his blushing partner.

Roxas huffed and shoved at the taller mans shoulder, "You don't have to. Saying it to me and me alone is enough." That stupid grin appeared on Axel's face again as he released Roxas' hand in favour of slinging an arm around his shoulder instead, tugging the short, pouty blonde against his side.

"I know Blondie, I know. So..." he grinned and glanced down at Roxas, grabbing one of his hands with his free hand– which seemed like a cute thing to do, but really he was just thinking of his own hands which were beginning to lose all feeling, "Where are we going?"

Shivering and becoming increasingly tempted to just drag Roxas back to his place and hide out on his sofa with movies and hot chocolate, Axel glared at the swirling white that fell around them, tightening his grip on Roxas' hand as he complained, "What are we even doing out here?"

Roxas scoffed quietly and muttered something that sounded suspiciously like "wimp" under his breath. He otherwise ignored Axel, increasing his pace in an attempt to drag the dawdling redhead behind him to the new store that happened to be at the end of the road. Roxas had high suspicions that Axel had begun digging in his heels by that point, and he wasn't above dragging his beloved along the rough road if it meant they would get there faster. Because god damn, it really was cold.

Roxas was jolted to a halt, his arm nearly ripped out of its socket in the process. He swung around with a ready snarl only to choke back his laughter a second later. Axel had sunk to the ground on his ass, legs crossed, arms folded, and- was that a pout? He was the very picture of a stubborn child. "Axel..." Roxas began in a warning tone.

Axel shook his head, red hair whipping about with the vigorous motion, "Don't you 'Axel' me, Roxas. I've been patient; I was being a good sport about this – at the start. But baby, I can't feel my toes, or my nose, I'm pretty sure my pinkie finger fell off back at that corner. I have a feeling my underwear is now soaked, and I'm hungry. I'm not moving till you tell me where you're dragging me."

Rolling his eyes Roxas propped his hands on his hips, and tried not to sound too frustrated, "Well, babe, if you had stayed patient for—oh, I don't know—a minute longer, we'd be where I want to take you. I swear to you it will be worth it. Trust me?" He held out a hand, which Axel reluctantly took, and heaved the taller man to his feet.

"You promise it'll only be another minute?" Axel frowned as he dusted off his pants; his suspicions about his underwear now fully confirmed as he felt what could only be a puddle of water trapped in the back of his jeans.

"I swear to you. A minute – till we get there." He ignored the look Axel gave him at that. "I've said again and again, it will be worth it. Patience."

Despite Axel's near continuous whining—seriously the guy was just about as bad as a small child sometimes – Roxas was finally able to get him to the store. The stupidest thing about this whole adventure was the fact that the store was only a block away, but due to Axel's attention span, and tendency to complain and drag simple journeys out when forced outside in weather like this, what should have taken them well under ten minutes had taken them instead over forty. This was probably the moment in his life when Roxas realised he was never going to have children. One big redheaded child was enough for him.

Axel was seemingly in shock, if his gaping mouth and wide glassy eyes were any indication. "Roxas... oh god. Roxas..." Sadly he wasn't quite speechless, something the blond had hoped this trip could be enough to render the man so, but alas, it was not. "Baby, I think I want to marry you."

Roxas felt his whole face turn red at that. He pulled away from Axel attempting to cover his face in embarrassment, regretting it almost instantaneously when Axel lunged at him, pulling him into a smothering hug, causing his hands to awkwardly squish against his face.

"You're serious?" Axel muttered into Roxas' hair, "Really? I mean... you were so against it before... but... I can have one? Really?" Roxas mutely nodded his head, still crushed against Axel's body, his arms beginning to ache a little.

At that moment, and Roxas would never, ever let him live it down, Axel let out a high-pitched squeal of excitement, finally releasing his boyfriend and rushing through the front door, into the delicious warmth of the reptile store.

A few weeks prior, Roxas had been walking down the street after work and had seen that the store long under renovation was finally complete. 'Creepy Crawlies' it was proudly named, a vibrant red and black sign arched over the doorway to hell – or at least to Roxas the idea of a store specialising in the creepy, slithery, scaly, fanged, many legged exotic pets was hell. It was his boyfriend's words from a few nights before which made him hesitate.

He knew Axel had always wanted a pet snake; the man had the strangest fascination with them, and at any chance he got would gladly cuddle up to one. Roxas was sure Axel would have gotten a snake by this point if it wasn't for him. He hardly tolerated any pets at all. It wasn't that he didn't like animals, it's just—he never saw the point in having a pet that would shit all over your house, eat, sleep and use up all your money, and just when you started getting close to the damned thing, it would drop dead. Admittedly Roxas had a bad record of pets in the past – not his doing of course; Sora was always the one to bring home something fluffy, neglect it, and Roxas would reluctantly take over caring for the poor thing. But back to the point.

Axel had respected Roxas' wishes for no pets thus far – not that he didn't try puppy-dog-eying his way into something every few months – and had never dared to suggest they get a snake, of all things, knowing the idea alone would probably set Roxas off. But then Axel had offhandedly mentioned that before he died he'd really like to get a pet snake.

"It's been something of a dream of mine," he'd sighed wistfully, "could never have had one as a child, my mother would have had a fit. Then there was no point trying to get one during college. I mean, they banned mice, birds and cats and shit—there's no way they'd let me get away with a snake. And, I've just never had the chance since then." Axel would never actually accuse Roxas of being the sole reason he couldn't have a snake now, despite living in his own home with no parents or dorm rules to stop him. However, Roxas had come along and he too had shot that dream in the foot, and Roxas was painfully aware of this fact.

It was with this in mind that Roxas had hesitantly entered the store, eyes warily darting around, as though expecting something to leap out and attack him the second he stepped in. His caution turned out to be warranted when something did 'leap out and attack' him, though it was not quite what he was expecting.

"Hey there, shortie!" A tall young man with, what Roxas swore was a retarded blonde mop atop his head, appeared from nowhere, leaning way to close to Roxas' face with an enthusiastic grin plastered on his face, "Welcome to Creepy Crawlies! What were you looking for today?—a sweet-ass lizard to show off to your friends? How about one of our spiders to creep out the girls in your life? Or maybe a classic snake to sit in a tank and look cool in your apartment, hmm?"

The shorter blonde just stared, not even sure how to begin to respond to – his eyes flickered to guy's nametag –Demyx's questions. Seeming to pick up on his customers uneasiness, Demyx pulled back and sheepishly ran a hand through his hair, "I came on too strong again didn't I?" he chuckled averting his eyes. Roxas nodded slowly. "I'm sorry, let me start again?" Demyx tilted his head smiling sweetly. Was this guy bi-polar?

Roxas just shrugged, "It's cool, I'm kind of used to that, my brother is a very... energetic person too."

Demyx smiled and shook his head, "Regardless, I'd like to apologise for freaking you out a bit – don't deny it. I just get a bit over enthusiastic when we get new customers. So, uhm, how can I help you?"

Roxas was still very reluctant but he got Demyx to show him some of the snakes, but when the guy offered to let him hold one he instantaneously shied away, "I—no. That's fine."

Seeming a bit perplexed Demyx tilted his head as he asked, "You don't want to hold one?"

Roxas shook his head, shuddering at the idea of touching one of the icky, slimy things, "Nah, I don't- eugh. I'm just enquiring because my boyfriend's interested in getting a snake."

There was a knowing smile on Demyx's face, "They're not slimy at all y'know? They're soft and smooth, not creepy to touch at all. Promise." Roxas frowned at him in disbelief. "Kid, I have no idea where people get that idea, but scouts honour, they're fine to touch." Roxas highly doubted Demyx was a scout, but figured he had nothing to lose, really, if he poked at a snake for a moment. And so, he consented for Demyx to bring one out of its tank for him to poke at.

"I've nicknamed this baby Valentine for now," Demyx said as 'Valentine' clung loosely to his neck, seemingly content just to rest there, absorbing his body heat, and feeling his pulse, "because she's got this adorable heart shape on the top of her head," he gently petted a finger along the heart.

"Couldn't she kill you, wrapped around your neck like that?" Roxas asked, wide-eyed.

The taller blonde scoffed, "Kill me? Naww, she's only a baby really. She's not big enough, and she knows it. Besides, she's a complacent little sweetheart, aren't you darling?" Demyx cooed at the snake, pecking a kiss to her scales as she attempted to make her way atop his head. Roxas shuddered lightly at the sight. Demyx tutted with a smirk and lifted the snake off his head and shoulders, letting her wrap around his arm instead which he held out to Roxas. "Go on, you can touch her, she won't bite."

Roxas bit his lip and stretched out his hand slowly, running a finger along the scales nearest her tail, blinking in surprise because Demyx was right, she wasn't slimy at all. Fascinated, he grew more confident, gently stroking from her head. How could something with scales like those be so soft? She seemed almost delicate now that he could feel her.

"Can I – Can I hold her?" he asked shyly.

The grin that spread across Demyx's face was almost blinding, "Of course!" He gently began nudging the python off his arm, encouraging her to go to Roxas, "Don't squeeze her, okay? You could seriously hurt her if you do, just hold her lightly, and let her move about on her own. Oh and, don't panic if she starts disappearing into your clothes." Roxas went a bit pale at this, but it was already too late; Demyx had moved the snake onto his shoulders and she was happily gripping his arm with her tail as she wound herself around his neck. Roxas nearly shat himself when he felt the tickling sensation of what he hoped was not a snake tongue flickering near his ear.

"Relax," cooed Demyx, a fond smile on his face, "You look good with a snake around you." Roxas stood stiffly, afraid of moving and possibly angering the snake or something, still slightly fearful it would try to strangle him.

"So, buying a snake for your boyfriend?" Demyx asked, leaning back on a nearby counter. Roxas nodded haltingly, breath shallow as the python decided to explore his shirt, "Y-yeah –oh god, what is it doing? – he's, uhh, always wanted a snake, and though I'm not really into them, when I saw this place, I had to take a look."

"Cute! So, has Valentine managed to convince you yet that snakes aren't all that bad?"

Roxas darted a look down at the snake, which had all but disappeared down his shirt, just the tip of her tail peaked out the top – and soon that vanished as well. Roxas prayed she didn't take an interest in his pants too.

"It's not as bad as I thought – but I think I'll probably leave the snake things up to Axel."

Demyx leapt up and clapped his hands, "So you'll buy one?"

"Yeah, but I'll bring Axel in a few weeks, just before his birthday if that's cool? I'll let him choose which one he wants."

"Awesome-sauce," Demyx laughed, "I'll give you our store card. It has our open hours and store number and such."

Demyx scurried off behind the counter, digging around for the cards, leaving Roxas alone with a snake that he swore was trying to molest him. "Wait-Demyx! Don't leave me alone with it," Roxas yelped, shuffling awkwardly as he tried to chase after the man, his mind blanked in panic when he felt Valentine making her way down his leg... towards the bottom of his shorts.

"Help!"

The memories of his previous visit were still fresh in his mind. Roxas was suspicious as he followed after Axel into the store, eyes on the lookout for that molester-snake Valentine. She'd tried to cop a feel last time, and he was wary of her intentions.

Demyx was behind the counter once again, along with the—he saw the flicker of a familiar tail disappearing under Demyx's shirt. The demon was waiting for him! Roxas scowled at the snake hidden under Demyx's shirt. He wasn't going to trust her again, but he was glad the snake was hidden from Axel's eyes, god forbid he chose her to bring home.

When Demyx saw Roxas walk through the doors his eyes lit up, "Kiddo! You're back! Valentine and I didn't scare you off! Great." Then something seemed to click and he turned to Axel – who had been gazing around the store in wonder – with a leer, "And you must be the lucky boyfriend, Axel was it?"

Axel laughed and cast a glance back at Roxas, "Seems like my name precedes me – as usual."

Demyx grinned, leaning on the counter, "It certainly would, you're definitely the memorable type. I'm surprised I haven't heard of you before now actually. Surely a guy with a head of flames for hair would be something worth gossiping about." He winked at Axel, and Roxas found himself hoping that Valentine would bite Demyx.

Stepping up to the counter, getting between the two taller males, Roxas huffed and crossed his arms. "Enough chit-chat. We're here for a snake, Demyx, would you mind showing us them?" Roxas could feel Axel's bemused gaze on him, but chose to ignore it as he followed after Demyx, Axel trailing along behind both of them. Roxas was kind of surprised Axel wasn't already plastered against an enclosure, snake chosen, named, and ready to take home.

"Did you have a specific type in mind? If this is your first snake you might want to get one of the more common types for pets; corn snake, ball python, king or milk snake."

Roxas stepped back and shrugged, "It's completely up to you, babe. Whatever you want, it'll be an early birthday present."

He glanced up at Axel to see the man's green eyes shining in delight, "You never cease to surprise me, I fall a little bit more in love with you every day." The redhead took a step closer, leaning down to press a kiss against the apple of Roxas' cheek, "I won't get something too scary for you, wouldn't want to make you regret this." He gave Roxas' hand a gentle squeeze before moving over to stand near Demyx, who begun pointing to the different snakes. The two enthusiasts immediately got into an animated discussion about the differences of each breed, and the care required, as Roxas stood back watching.

Any doubts he might have had about this were erased when he saw the way Axel smiled as he talked about snakes. His eyes gleamed, and he wove his hands about energetically as he spoke. He felt almost ashamed for having denied Axel this joy for so long. It was evident now that this was something very important to Axel, and it was a shame Roxas hadn't seen so sooner. Axel now had a snake curled around his neck, and Roxas couldn't help but melt slightly at the way his boyfriend cooed at it. "You're such a pretty baby, aren't you?" Axel murmured softly to it, "You're absolutely adorable!"

Vaguely, in the back of his mind, Roxas worried slightly about the way Axel cuddled the snake. He hoped the one he chose wouldn't get between them. As cool as Roxas acted with this, he would really rather not have his boyfriend stolen by a snake, and if Axel spent more time cuddling it, and using pet names – pet names he'd used on Roxas first – then there would have to be an intervention. But that was neither here nor there. At the moment Roxas waited for Axel to fall in love with one of the snakes.

"Oh, who is that under your shirt?" Axel perked up, eying the snake that had poked her head out the top of Demyx's shirt.

"This little lady is Valentine – she's for sale, but she's an attention seeker, and loves to cuddle so I tend to keep her with me. Would you like to hold her?"

No. Roxas glared at Demyx. No, don't you dare. Any snake, any snake but that one. Roxas' silent warnings were ignored by both Axel and Demyx as neither could read his mind. Axel made grabby hands at Demyx, seeming near to bursting when the blonde handed Valentine over. "Oh god, you're perfect," he cooed, "Such a darling!" Roxas bared his teeth in disgust. The demon had his boyfriend under her spell, damn her.

"Roxas!" Axel grinned, turning to Roxas, "we're getting her."

Roxas cursed Axel's smile, that stupidly perfect smile, the one that reached his eyes and made him seem to glow. Stupid Axel. Stupid Valentine.

"Okay," he sighed, feigning a smile. His heart dropped when Axel's smile dropped slightly, worry in those pretty green eyes.

"What's wrong? Have you changed your mind?" Axel bit his lip in disappointment, eyebrows drawn down – the beginnings of a puppy-dog look.

Demyx giggled, shaking his head, "No! He's just got a bit of a grudge against Valentine because last time he was here she tried to get in his pants – apparently he hasn't forgiven her yet."

Roxas scowled at Demyx, "She's a molester. And no, Axel, I haven't changed my mind. You can get her, just don't be surprised if I don't warm up to her for a while. I'm still convinced she's plotting something against me."

The taller boys exchanged grins at that, "This will be interesting," Axel snorted, "but don't worry Roxas, I'll keep you safe from the evil, molesting snake."

Roxas didn't deem that worthy an answer and instead spun around to stomp over to the register, leaving the other two in a fit of laughter as they followed.

"You're gonna need to get an enclosure and stuff for her-"

Demyx began but was interrupted by Roxas, "I already took the liberty of ordering everything we'd need for a snake online. Her enclosure has been hidden in the garage for over a week – it will be a relief to be able to get it out of there. All we need to do is pick up some food for her."

Axel blinked in response. "When you do something, you go all out – and I love that about you," he hurriedly added after the glare Roxas shot his way.

"So you'll be buying her today?" Demyx tilted his head with a grin, "If so, I'll get a box for you to keep her safe 'til you get her home – out of curiosity do y'know what you're gonna call her?"

Axel smiled down at his snake, petting the heart on her head as he thought. Roxas whipped out his credit card and leaned against the counter watching his boyfriend curiously, for Axel was sure to come up with an interesting name for her.

"Bonnie," Axel said with a note of finality in his voice, "her name is Bonnie."

A/N: Thanks to GITface for betaing this baby for me.

[ A few years ago this used to be a ten sentence drabble, then when I was reading over it last night I got inspired to continue it - it's very, very different compared to how it started out. ]

* Axel wasn't originally meant to pick Valentine/Bonnie, but well, my Axel muse insisted he had her - no matter how much my Roxas muse (who is supposed to like snakes but as soon as I got to that bit he was like "Nope. Not happening.") protested against the idea. I was going to be nice to Roxy and have Axel get another snake, but noooo, he fell in love with her. (Roxas warms up to Bonnie eventually.)

* Demyx called her Valentine and that was her name at first, but then Axel got to her and decided to call her Bonnie. And I can't refuse Axel. (Much to Roxas chagrin.)

* Dealing with my muses is an adventure sometimes. :l (Especially Roxas. He likes to argue with me purely for the sake of being difficult)