~O~

Phase Two

~O~

Zexion gazed at his little blond and couldn't help but be concerned. Visiting Axel hadn't made him any less anxious. In fact, he was probably even worse, now. Demyx was undeniably worried about him. He understood why. Axel was the first real friend he'd made on his own since coming here and the kid looked rough. Demyx didn't have any strong connections to anyone else, besides him. It'd be a shame if something happened to his newfound friend. Roxas would be all kinds of unpleasant to be around, too. It was amazing that either of them were so collected, really. He gazed at the kid thoughtfully. Demyx's brows were furrowed and it was like he was far away, even though they were right beside each other. He'd most likely be like that til Axel woke up. He covered Demyx's hand with his own, comforting him.

"You alright?" he murmured gently. The kid looked at him appreciatively, giving him a sweet smile.

"I don' know, t' be honest," he answered. "'m scared." Zexion watched over him patiently, ready to help in any way he could. "Zexion…?" the man hummed as the blond gazed up at him vulnerably, "Will you hold me?" The slate haired man nodded, happy to oblige him He rubbed his back soothingly as he held him close. Demyx sniffled and hugged him, letting himself be comforted before finally asking, "Why's Roxas chasin' me 'way from Axel? Did I do somethin' wrong?" Zexion gazed down at him. The poor kid looked heartbroken.

"That ain't it…" He took a deep breath, before sighing regretfully. He hadn't intended for it to turn out this way, "He was doin' it for me." Demyx stared up at him confusedly. "Roxas wants t' give us some time together. 'm always busy, bein' so close to him. He wouldn' do that if he didn' like you," he told him with a reassuring smile. Demyx as still pouting as he protested.

"If he liked me, he'd let me stay by Axel too." Zexion chuckled a bit at his stubborn little love.

"When he wakes up ya' can," he answered reassuringly. "Give 'em some space, Roxas is awful worried 'bout Axel too. I ain't ever seen him like this." Demyx nodded finally.

"'m gonna be there when he wakes up, no matter what he says," he answered determinedly. He sighed in contentment when Zexion pressed his lips to the top of his head. Then comically, his eyes widened and he blushed. Zexion chuckled a bit, knowing that he was just now remembering the promise he'd made to him before they'd left for Radiant Garden. They were back and finally alone. Demyx had forgotten because he'd been so worried about Axel. When the man holding him chuckled softly his blush deepened and he knew he'd been caught. Zexion was too good at reading his expressions, not to know.

The man gazed at him amusedly. Demyx was often like a mischievous little fox. However, his expression right now was even more telling than when he'd been caught doing something he shouldn't. He loved how open and expressive Demyx was with him. It was one of his favorite things about him. Roxas was wonderful in his own right and had been an amazing lover, but he'd always found himself drawn to Demyx's playful, whimsical nature. They complimented each other in ways he'd never dreamed possible. "Demyx," he chided playfully, "you forgot." His little fox blushed adorably and pouted up at him. Zexion smiled down at him endearingly. "'s okay, you were worried an' rightly so," he told him gently, "'m not gonna hold ya' to it." Beautiful aquamarine eyes gazed up at him warmly. Demyx's heart was fluttering. Zexion was so kind and patient. It was what he loved most about him. He smiled sweetly, wrapping his arms around the man and brushing their noses as he whispered,

"You 're amazing." Zexion melted a bit as his little blond kissed him deeply before pulling back to smile at him warmly. He lived for moments like this. Having Demyx in his arms, gazing up at him with so much warmth and affection was the best feeling in the world. He loved the dynamics of their relationship.

"Tell me 'bout that prank for Marluxia," he murmured, knowing it would lift his mood. Demyx's eyes glittered.

"Well I was thinkin' 'bout puttin' sand in his clothes." Zexion snorted in amusement. Marluxia would be cleaning for days. Of all the harmless but terrible things to do to someone… The blond nodded excitedly and his lips curled up in a smile. "He ain't gonna have time t' stick his nose in anybody's business for a while. He don't like bein' dirty."

"You gonna be satisfied then?" Demyx nodded and then his expression became a bit more serious.

"After you help me, we should talk 'bout it," he answered, blushing. Zexion quirked a brow at him and smiled archly.

"It?" Demyx stuck his lip out at him and sighed, rolling his eyes playfully. It made the man want to kiss the breath right out of him. However, teasing him like this was just as enjoyable.

"You know what 'm talkin' 'bout." Zexion's lips found his and he gasped, finding himself pinned under the man he adored. He sighed blissfully as his body was caressed pleasurably. He whimpered when he pulled back too soon, dissatisfied and craving more. He stared at Zexion with half lidded eyes, pouting deeply and knowing that he'd done it on purpose. "Yeah that."

"You tryin' to seduce me, little fox?" he teased. Demyx' lips quirked up.

"You started it," he answered, laughing in amusement.

"I want you, don' doubt that," he murmured back, caressing the blond's face gently. "I wanna make sure yer okay first." Smiling warmly, Demyx nodded. He played with Zexion's hair, tugging playfully.

"Can we prank 'im now an' go from there?" he purred excitedly. Chuckling a bit, the slate haired man nodded.

"'course we can."

~O~

Roxas stayed with Axel, even through the morning hours when Olette returned to check up on him. It was agonizing to watch him sleep but Roxas knew that he needed to rest. Olette thoroughly looked him over before tending to Hayner, but Roxas paid her no mind. The girl glanced at him now and then. She'd never thought she'd see this dangerous man have a soft side, supposing that it was a good thing. She gazed at Hayner thoughtfully. It was good to have someone who inspired you to be your best at your side. Everyone deserved to have someone like that. Even Roxas. From what she'd seen, Axel was a good kid. Judging by how that stubborn man wouldn't leave his side, he mattered a great deal to him.

It took the better part of the day before Axel finally woke to see Roxas sleeping beside him. He smiled a bit at the blond, shifting toward him but stopping short and hissing in pain. It was a painful reminder of what had happened. He took a moment to take notice of his bandages. He felt like he had been punched in the chest and his left arm was sore and stiff. It burned where he'd been shot. He laid his head back on the pillow with a grimace.

"Still hurts pretty bad, huh? Take it easy." He stiffened, realizing that the brunette doctor was close to him. Hayner was in the bed beside his and she had been tending to them both. He watched her care for him, his heart aching. He hoped Roxas was wrong, he wanted to see the kid pull through.

"Thank you for helpin' me," he murmured finally. Green eyes met his. She looked just as exhausted as Roxas did. He knew Roxas well enough to know she probably hadn't had much choice in the matter. She sighed before answering.

"It was the least we could do. Now we're even." Axel smiled a bit at the answer and closed his eyes. He felt so tired, but was grateful that at least Roxas hadn't gotten hit too.

"Fair enough," he told her. Olette sat beside him.

"Do ya suppose he'd kill me if I took your medicine from him? Stubborn man sat there 'til he passed out." she murmured, giving Roxas a dissatisfied look. He was gonna make himself sick and demand she look after him next. She just knew it. Axel laughed a bit, turning his head to gaze at Roxas, who was holding the vial protectively in his other hand. He didn't doubt they'd been butting heads with how stubborn they both were. He was sorry he'd missed it.

"Prob'ly, he's gorgeous but deadly," he answered, "yer better off stayin' 'way from him." She sighed exaggeratedly and offered him pain medicine instead. He took it, drinking when she offered him water. He took a moment to steel himself before finally asking, "Is it bad?" She shook her head, leaning back and watching him thoughtfully.

"The bullet went through muscle," she answered. "It was a clean shot, we gave you stitches and cleaned the wound. It's gonna hurt for a while, give it time to heal." She tipped her head at Roxas. "Take that elixir when he wakes up. Ya' lost a lotta blood. It'll help ya' recover."

"Alright," he murmured in agreement, nodding and sighing in relief. She gazed at him for a moment, appreciating how agreeable he was. Hopefully he could help level out Roxas. There was a long silence between them before Olette finally said,

"Thank you, for savin' us." Axel blinked, staring at her blankly.

"I did?" The brunette hummed softly. He'd saved them and he hadn't even realized it.

"That's what Roxas said. We got a chance to live 'cause of you so we better not let ya' die." The red-head laughed a bit at the way she mimicked the man's voice.

"Well I…" Axel searched her eyes for a moment, "I was brought in like you, I knew what it felt like t' be captive. Didn' want anyone t' get hurt." Olette smiled a bit, relaxing. The kid really did have a good heart. There was finally someone they could trust a little bit, and he just so happened to be Roxas' soft spot. That was a relief at least.

"Good. Thank you." Axel tipped his head back against his pillow, feeling tired but relieved that he was going to be okay. It was like a huge weight had been lifted off of him. That and, he was grateful that Olette seemed to like him a little bit. The medicine was taking the edge off the pain and helping him to relax, making him feel drowsy again.

"Yer welcome," he answered sleepily. He ran his thumb along the backs of Roxas' fingers, comforted to have him here with him. The gentle motion woke the man. Axel's heart fluttered when his hand was squeezed gently. He gasped softly, meeting ocean blue eyes. Roxas smiled at him tiredly but warmly. His body ached and was heavy from lack of sleep but none of that mattered because Axel was awake.

"Hey kid, how ya' feelin'?" Axel smiled gently.

"Better now," he admitted. Blue eyes sparkled. Roxas looked exhausted but happy. He stretched a bit, stiff from sitting for so long and murmured,

"Mmm… Here, you better take this, doc's orders," offering the medicine. Axel nodded, obediently doing as he was told. He closed his eyes, taking a deep breath. He hated to say it, but Roxas needed to take care of himself too.

"'m okay. Ya' should go get some rest," he murmured.

"I ain't leavin' til you do," Roxas answered. Axel smiled a bit and turned his gaze to Olette.

"When's that gonna be?" he asked. She was giving Roxas another disapproving look. Axel laughed a bit but winced in pain. He liked her, he was sure she was growing on Roxas too. The man was being awfully tolerant.

"He can go if he's gonna rest an' if he can walk," she answered sternly, never looking away from Roxas. The blond stretched again, giving her a wry smile.

"He ain't walkin'. I ain't allowin' it. 'm carryin' 'im."

"No movin' 'im 'round for two weeks. He's gonna stay in bed. Longer if ya' want it t' heal right. I'm comin' by twice'a day to check on him an' bring medicine. If he ain't doin' better he's comin' back, and you ain't," she told Roxas, narrowing her eyes at him, as if daring him to challenge her. The blond held her gaze, answering,

"Fine." Then his lips quirked up. "Think 'bout what ya' want as a reward." Olette blinked, startled.

"What?"

Roxas didn't hesitate, moving to gather up his red-head in his arms. "Whatever ya' want, Axel's worth that much t' me." The red-head smiled at Roxas warmly, a light blush dusting his cheeks. Roxas carried him out without looking back. The kid rested against him, trusting him. He looked exhausted and was extremely pale. He kissed the top of his head gently, murmuring, "Hungry, darlin'?" Axel shook his head.

"Maybe later," he answered. "'m mostly tired." Roxas nodded.

"Both Olette an' Larxene said you were lucky. Bullet wounds ain't no fun."

"You been shot b'fore?" Roxas hummed softly.

"Ain't never been shot that bad 'fore, or for protectin' someone else." He gave the red-head a gentle squeeze and the kid gazed up at him warmly. "Thank you, Axel." Smiling cutely, the little red-head nodded.

"I wasn't 'bout t' lose you," he answered. Roxas kissed his forehead gently.

They walked through camp, and Roxas told him about what had happened to Radiant Garden as they went. He smiled a bit. "Some'a th' men 're callin' it Hallow Bastion now. There ain't nothin' left. Axel smiled. It felt surreal, and he knew the message would be resounding. Unlucky Thirteen would be all that much more feared, now. He blinked when Roxas paused, tipping his head at Axel's questioning gaze. The kid followed the motion, seeing some familiar faces. He couldn't help but smile.

Demyx and Zexion weren't up to no good. He could already tell. They were whispering and giggling like naughty kids as they snuck around in the shadows.

"What are ya' up to?" Demyx jumped, yelping at the sound of Roxas' voice, turning to him with wide eyes before gasping,

"Axel!" The red-head smiled at his friend tiredly. Ignoring Roxas' question, he chattered, "You're okay! Want anything? 'm cookin' for ya' so don't you try an' come out for meals, you need lots'a rest and company and," he said, glaring up at Roxas and putting his hands on his hips, "I don' care what you say, 'm comin' t' help!" The blond smiled wryly.

"Tomorrow," he answered in agreement. He chuckled. "Whatever the two'a ya are doin', don' get caught," he cautioned. Demyx smiled proudly and winked at him.

"Phase two's already complete," he answered. Roxas laughed breathlessly.

"Outta how many phases?" He asked amusedly.

"Only two," Zexion answered. The man smiled.

"'kay, reign 'im in an' lay low, I ain't helpin' if the two'a ya get caught," he murmured with a wink. Axel smiled when his friend gazed up at Zexion warmly, blushing cutely.

"See ya' tomorrow, Demy," he murmured, settling against Roxas' chest tiredly. The blond took him to his quarters, settling him down and locking the door. He felt so much more comfortable and at ease, now that they were home. Axel smiled when Roxas laid beside him, wrapping a strong arm around him and pressing his lips to pale skin, mindful of his injury. He'd hardly realized how much this place had become home. As long as Roxas was with him, he felt happy and at ease. The red-head sighed in contentment. It felt so good to be in Roxas' arms. "Sorry 'bout gettin' hurt," he murmured guiltily. Roxas shook his head.

"'Don' do that, 's my fault. It ain't yours." He pressed his lips to the top of Axel's head when he nodded. "Listen to th' doc' an' go from there, 'kay? Girl's stubborn but good." Axel sighed softly.

"'kay," he answered. He closed his eyes as Roxas pulled blankets over them, warm and comforted. He hardly had the energy to do much else, finally falling into a deep sleep.

~O~

Demyx tugged Zexion along, getting to a proper vantage point after getting caught by Roxas. Their fingers were clasped together and Demyx squeezed excitedly, giggling. He was excited to see Marluxia's reaction. It felt good, having Zexion at his side like this, as his partner in crime.

"An' just what 're you two so happy 'bout?" Demyx jumped as Larxene clapped him on the back.

"N-n-nothin'," he stammered back, trying to get away. He hadn't even heard her sneak up behind them. She dug her nails into his shoulder warningly and he couldn't help but cringe at her poisonous tone.

"No, no, stay, we should watch together. That's what yer doin', ain't it?"

"Roxas s'pifically gave us time t' spend together. Even you ain't interferrin'," Zexion told her patronizingly, tugging his little blond closer. Demyx squeezed his hand, grateful that Zexion was making him feel protected.

"Funny, Roxas also told me I had a right t' punish whoever got me. I been narrowin' it down an' this one looks awful guilty."

"Us spendin' time together an' bein' happy ain't none of yer business," Demyx told her with a glare, really hoping he looked more confident than he felt. He shrugged her off of his shoulder, keeping his voice mostly steady. "J-just cause I like pranks don't mean you got any actual proof'a nothin'." Larxene glared at him dangerously.

"Ya' better hope so," she hissed back dangerously. The kid sighed dramatically.

"C'mon Zexion, le's go." He could practically feel Larxene's eyes burning holes into him as they escaped. When they got back to their quarters, he exhaled in relief, leaning back into the arms of the man that he loved, that made him feel safe. His body was absolutely humming from adrenaline. Escaping with Zexion had actually been pretty exhilarating. "Think we should throw her off?"

"Yeah. So stop bein' naughty," the man answered next to his ear. Demyx sighed dramatically once again.

"'s in m' nature. You know that." Zexion hummed softly in affirmation. "Maybe takin' care'a Axel 'll help," he murmured. He froze when the man sighed his name softly in his ear, somewhat exasperated. Lips pressed to his neck, trailing down in soft kisses and his eyes fluttered as his face steadily reddened. His heart was pounding by the time Zexion turned him around in his arms, to stare into his eyes seriously. He gasped softly as the man's hand trailed down his back, settling on his hip and tugging him close.

"Stop thinkin' 'bout Axel for a minute," he commanded gently. "Yer only 'llowed t' think 'bout me righ' now." Demyx hesitated for a moment before brushing slate hair aside as he cupped Zexion's face.

"Sorry," he murmured. Zexion smiled a bit, tipping his head up to kiss the blond. He looked worried, like there were a thousand questions running through his mind about what was about to happen and so scared to death that he didn't even know where to start. He was sure it was why the kid usually ran away from him. Fear of the unknown. So he kissed him again and again until he finally started to relax. He hushed him softly before sweeping him off of his feet and settling him down on the bed. Demyx gazed up at him anxiously. Zexion simply smiled at him. He knew he was allowed to refuse anything he didn't want. That included Zexion. The man had made it absolutely clear in their time together. His heart lurched at the thought.

His breath caught when the man began to undress, slowly fiddling with the buttons of his shirt until it fell open around him. He blushed. Zexion was absolutely gorgeous. He'd gotten to see glimpses of his body now and then, but this was the first time he'd ever undressed for him. He'd always allowed him to, but he'd never willingly done it himself, like this. Zexion shrugged his shirt off and tugged off his gloves. Demyx gasped softly when hands untucked his own shirt, working it open. His eyes fluttered as their lips brushed. He hardly realized that Zexion was moving until the man deepened the kiss and straddled his hips at the same time. The little blond groaned in pleasure when their bare skin pressed together. Zexion wasn't content until he was arching into him, begging for more.

He gazed at Demyx contemplatively. He was flushed adorably and gazing up at him longingly. He shifted, rolling their hips together and the kid cried out breathlessly, moaning as their heated flesh touched, only separated by their clothing. The expressions on his face were intoxicating. He kissed his little blond deeply, never stopping the motion of his hips until Demyx was begging him to. His eyes were pleading with him as he asked for more. Smiling, Zexion asked, "Oh? D' ya' want all'a me?" He let the kid breathe as he thought about it. "We got all th' time in the world." Demyx blushed deeply.

"I trust you," he answered. Zexion's smile widened and he purred,

"Good, but that ain't my question." Demyx gazed up at him heatedly.

"'ll tell ya' when t' stop," he answered. Zexion chuckled, pulling back to strip out of his clothes and then pull off the blond's. Demyx was gasping this time as he pressed their heated flesh together.

"Good answer," he purred back, intending to devour every last piece of his little blond. He was going to make him feel so good that he wouldn't even think about asking him to stop.

~O~