I was so excited about this story, that I had to update today.

I kinda lied about updating after two reviews *sweat drops* But it's okay! I got one review at least! I love getting reviews, even if its just telling me that you love it. But constructive reviews are the best and encouraging ones help too.

I'm already motivated to write this one, so I kind of want people to read it, ya know. If you don't want to review, just favorite the story so I at least know that people are liking what they're reading..

Thanks to those who are reading this :) You're awesome.

Hope you like this one guys! Review or PM me if you have any questions, comments, or concerns. :D

Disclaimer:

I don't own Kingdom Hearts or any trademarked names I may or may not place in any chapter. I just own my story and that's it.

Messages in a Bottle

III - Axel

It was an hour flight to get to Destiny Islands and Roxas was nervous through the whole flight.

What would Axel really be like? Sure he was handsome and wrote beautiful letters but... Roxas didn't want to get his hopes up. He didn't want to be disappointed when he found the redhead.

When his plane finally landed, he stepped out onto the terminal. He could smell the coast and the fresh air.

He went to get to the baggage claim and grabbed his suitcase. Roxas hadn't packed a lot, just enough for a week's stay.

After eating at the Chick-fil-A in the airport, he left the airport and decided to go find his hotel and settle in before he would try to find Axel.

He walked down the streets of the main island in the Destiny Islands and found it to be crowded, but not as crowded as Twilight Town usually got.

The blonde could clearly see who the tourists were, luckily Roxas had decided to dress subtly, he wore a simple white button up shirt and jeans. Wind blew through his blonde hair as he walked. Roxas looked over at the beach and squinted. There were a lot of people there, but not as many as there were during the day at the beach of Twilight Town.

While looking at the people, he saw an old fat guy laying in the sun. He was as red as a lobster.

Thank god that I brought lots of sunscreen, Roxas thought, Or else I'd look like this guy in minutes. Roxas had easily burning skin even though he was already naturally tan.

After about ten minutes of wandering, Roxas found the hotel/motel that he was staying in. It was a typical Holiday Inn hotel that Sora had booked for him. In Sora words: "I only trust a Holiday Inn to take care of my dearest Roxy."

Sora was crazy sometimes.

Upon entering the inn, he walked up the counter where a pretty woman with auburn hair and blue eyes worked. She smiled upon seeing Roxas.

"May I help you, sir?"

"Yes, I have a, uh, reservation under the name 'Roxas Strife'."

The woman looked through a book and handed Roxas a key.

"Room 304. Top floor, nice!"

Roxas scratched the back of his neck. "Thanks, uh..." He looked at her name tag. "Kairi."

Kairi grinned flirtily. "If you need anything, just come to me hun."

Roxas nodded and walked off, carrying his luggage.

I wonder how she would have reacted if I told her that I was gay, Roxas mused to himself

He laughed at the thought then took the elevator to his room.

Once Roxas got to his room, he placed his bag down on a dresser type thing. The room was actually very nice, it was quite large with a large and decent

looking bed. It was soft too.

I need to always have Sora plan my vacations, Roxas thought, smiling.

He had a feeling that he'd have a great time.

About thirty minutes later, Roxas decided to go find the scuba shop that Axel supposedly owned according to Sora's files. The shop was called "Paopu Scuba Shop".

Roxas thought that it was a really weird name.

It didn't take Roxas long to find it; the shop was near the coast. There was a sign on it that said "Paopu Scuba" and there was some sort of star-shaped fruit painted next to the name.

It seemed like there weren't many people there, so Roxas entered the shop, blinking.

He saw no one behind the counter. As he looked around, he saw that the shop was neatly organized, scuba gear lined the shelves and fliers for scuba lessons were neatly laid on the front counter. Something that caught Roxas' attention was a newspaper article on the wall.

Looking closer, Roxas saw Axel and a woman with short black hair standing in front of a beautiful looking boat with the name Flurry painted on the side in beautiful cursive writing.

Roxas stared at the photo then head the caption. 'Axel and Xion Russo spent four months renovating the beautiful ship named the Flurry.'

"Sir, do you need anything?"

Roxas squeaked, stunned at the sudden voice. He turned to see a friendly looking man with spiked black hair pulled back into a black and red headband. He was a chubby fellow but looked kind enough.

Roxas turned slightly red. "E-eh?"

The man chuckled. "Do you need something?"

Embarrassed, Roxas stood straight up. "U-uh, is there an Axel Russo here?"

The man shook his head. "He's out at the pier, but he should be back in about an hour. Do you want me to take a message?"

Roxas quickly shook his head. "N-no thanks. I'll be going now, um..." He desperately searched for a name tag, but there wasn't one.

"Pence. I forgot to wear my name tag today, sorry." Pence looked a bit embarrassed.

"I'm Roxas," Roxas offered his hand.

Pence shook it.

"Nice to meetcha." They both smiled.

After that exchange, Roxas left, determined to find that pier.

Walking down the street, he asked a kind old woman for directions. She pointed toward the east. So Roxas walked east and soon saw a dock with a few ships docked there.

Walking up to the pier, Roxas saw the Flurry sitting there in all of its glory. It shone and was very clean.

Roxas walked up to it and gently touched it. "Wow," He said aloud. "She's so pretty.."

"I'm pretty proud of her."

The blonde turned around and he froze. Oh my god its him...

Roxas stared at the redhead before him.

Axel was even more handsome in person.

"Sh-she's a beauty," Roxas stuttered, tucking a strand of hair behind his head.

Axel smiled. "We spent a long time renovating her."

"Heh, I've never been on a boat before," Roxas admitted.

"Well.. how about I give you a ride later?" Axel blurted out suddenly.

Roxas looked slightly startled for a moment but then smiled. "A-alright. Yeah, sure. I'd like that."

Axel smiled. "Well how about we meet back here at six and we can go for a sail. Maybe have a picnic on the ship?"

Roxas liked the sound of that. "I'll bring Coca-Cola."

"Make it Pepsi and you've got a deal." Axel flashed him a dazzling smile and Roxas' cheeks turned pink.

"D-deal."

They shook hands.

Axel grabbed a satchel. "Well I should be getting back to my shop. I've left poor Pence alone there long enough!"

He started to rush off, but he stopped and turned. "I never got your name."

"Its Roxas." Roxas said.

Axel smiled. "My names Axel. A-X-E-L. Got it memorized?"

Axel walked back to the shop, humming. That was something that he hadn't done in forever.

Once he got back to the shop, he blinked in realization.

I just offered someone a ride on the Flurry... I never do that.

He frowned. He didn't really understand it.

And I suggested a picnic... Geez, is this a date? Does that guy think it is?

It wouldn't be unusual for Axel to be dating a man; in fact he had only been with one woman in his life... and he married her.

Axel shook his head and walked into the shop.

I can't think about Xion right now. I just need to relieve Pence and get back to work until closing time.

Walking in the store, he was greeted by said man.

"Hey boss!" Pence greeted, waving from behind the counter.

"Hey kid. I'm surprised, the shop is still standing!" Axel joked, making the college kid pout.

"Ye of little faith, Mr. Russo."

Axel wagged his finger. "Oi! It's Axel! My old man is Mr. Russo!"

Pence laughed. "Right, right."

Axel put on the work t-shirt and headed behind the counter. "You can get to class now kid. It's 3:30 already, wouldn't want you to be late."

Pence's brown eyes widened. "Shit!"

He ran and grabbed his backpack from the back room. "Thanks for reminding me, man!"

Axel chuckled. "Yeah, just get to class kid."

Once Pence had scurried off, Axel was alone in the shop. The rush hour of around twelve o'clock had long since passed and his shop was barren at the moment.

The flaming redhead sat down in a chair behind the desk and leaned back in it, thinking. So many questions were running through his head.

Do I really have a date tonight? Should I be wearing something special? God, what if he doesn't like riding in the boat?

Axel shook his head, trying to stop these thoughts and buzzing questions. "Whatever happens will happen, Axel," He said to himself. "And that's all there is to it."