-OH MY GOD.

Final chapter.

Too excited for notes. Disclaimer starts now. Yadayadayada, do not own, want so bad but never will obtain, blah blah blah imma start now, mmm'kay?-

Roxas could hear their cheers from backstage, still going strong from his erotic and enticing performance. It had to be his best one yet, and the adrenaline that came from every aspect of his act still hadn't faded away. He felt his cheeks flame as he recalled nearly climaxing on stage, thinking perhaps that he didn't have to go that far.

But seeing the redhead's face from the stage when he had finished…it was amazing. It was almost as if he had been completely forgiven, or at the very least like Axel had gotten the message loud and clear and was in a similar situation. Hopefully this granted the results he was expecting.

As he hastily packed his things in the duffel bag he left with, he couldn't help but fantasize about the life he and Axel would live. After all the running they had done alone they could finally run together, and when they felt safe they could settle down and start a real relationship. Perhaps one day they'd look back and laugh at this and how the mixed feelings and communication mishaps had almost kept them apart when they were destined to be together.

He hurriedly ran to the dressing room and then through the back door where most of the employees had their own room. Nudging the handle he was able to slide the door open and creep inside without catching anyone else's attention. With the performance he just gave no doubt people from all over the club would be looking for him, and he needed to maintain a low profile as possible.

First he headed to the bureau and grabbed his clothes, most of which he had brought when he left Namine. The other blonde was just a distant memory now as he felt a new emotion course through his veins when packing this second time around. Finishing with his undergarments, a few shirts and jeans, he closed the drawers, looking at the top of the desk where his hygiene products and other small necessities were kept. With one skillful motion, he swept the contents of the top into his duffle bag.

Finally, Roxas got down on his knees, looking at the small space underneath the bureau. He reached for the shoebox that he had hidden, and upon grasping the thin cardboard frame smiled and pulled it out from under its hiding place. Cracking the top open again, he was thrilled to see it overflowing with dollar bills of big and small sizes; his hard work while at Royal Garden had certainly paid off. He couldn't imagine the money he had made that evening; that added to what he had been saving would be perfect for starting their new life. He made room at the very top of his duffel bag and squeezed it inside, finally zipping it up and setting it aside. It was ready to go.

Next would be the clothes on his back; slipping off the robe he opted for a pair of jeans, a plain old t-shirt, and his checkered shoes. Slipping on another sweatshirt would help conceal his identity as he tried to escape unnoticed, and with the quick swish of the hood hiding his locks he was all set to leave.

Sneakily, he left his room behind as he re-entered the main dressing room. His quick strides brought his to that door, and upon opening it he looked left and then right, and then again to double-check and make sure the coast was clear. He was hoping that no one would recognize him; he hadn't worn garments like this since first entering the bar, so hopefully none of the employees would be able to see him in a new getup.

With the coast all clear, Roxas quickly made his way to the curtain separating the dancer's hall from the bar. He knew this was going to be tricky since it was still so full of people, and if he tried to physically run or it seemed like he was in a hurry things would look awfully suspicious. His next plan of action was to stroll nonchalantly through the crowd and out the door where he hoped the redhead would be waiting for him outside.

Slowly, he put one foot into the bar area and stepped from behind the curtain. No one seemed to notice him as the next dancer was up on stage, and they were so entranced by the seductiveness on stage that they didn't even notice the blond. With a sigh of relief, he continued his steady stride across the floor towards the main exit.

And then their eyes locked, and Roxas couldn't help but pause for a moment as he stared into those poisonous green orbs. Of course Axel would be able to see through his disguise. But Roxas felt his heart jump when the redhead smiled at him and motioned for him, beckoning him forward as the Axel touched the panels of the wooden door. With a smile back, Roxas took a few more steps, knowing full well that his freedom was right in front of him.

But those few steps didn't go any further as he felt himself collide with a taller figure, and upon looking up his smile turned into a frown. Of course he would run into Marluxia on his way out. Axel paused at the door when he saw what was holding the blond up, a saddened look on his face.

"Babe, that last performance was amazing!" Marluxia exclaimed, eyes lighting up once he saw it was Roxas who had run into him. "Never knew you had so much…" he paused, taking in Roxas's current look, processing it for a second and then choosing to ignore it, "sexiness hidden in that tiny little body of yours."

"Uh…yeah…thanks, I guess."

"Collector is still counting your money in back; you put on such a show and made quite a pretty penny. I'm sure you'll have your wages by the end of the evening, but I wouldn't be surprised if you made a new record."

"Right, now if you excuse me…" the blond began, only to be interrupted again.

"C'mon, let me buy you a drink this time for doing such a great job," Marluxia slung his arms over the blond and led him in the other direction, the new look of hurt carving itself into Axel's features from over by the door. "And y'know," he whispered to him, mouth licking at his ears ever so slightly, "tonight maybe we can talk a bit more about that deal I told you about a couple weeks ago, hmm?"

Roxas felt his plan to run away unraveling and spinning in an unwanted direction with every step he took with his boss. He surely didn't want to go with him, but what choice did he have? He sighed, and turned his head to throw Axel an apologetic look only to be surprised at the look he got back.

It was that of ultimate disappointment. Roxas felt that he couldn't ignore the hurt look in Axel's eye, and truthfully, after all that had happened between them he figured that this was not only the last straw, but also the most painful of all their running away. He was being complacent and settling for Marluxia, and whether it was under blackmail or not, he really couldn't stand the look in the redhead's eyes.

He couldn't do this to him anymore. They had secretly sworn with his dance that he was done running; that both of them were done running. As Marluxia and him neared the bar, the pink haired man still talking rather loudly, he forcefully pulled himself away. "No," he threatened rather loudly, not enough to be considered a scream or a shout, but loud enough that he had attracted the attention of quite a few people around him including Axel, who had just opened the door and was about to leave.

"No?" Marluxia asked back, raising an eyebrow. "No what?"

"I'm not doing this anymore," Roxas said, straightening the duffel that had been pretty much disregarded until now on his shoulder and turning around to leave.

Of course, he knew it wouldn't be that easy. As soon as he was facing the other direction and took a step, Marluxia grabbed his wrist. "I don't think someone in your situation should be doing something this rash, Roxas." He glared daggers at him for a split second before smiling sweetly. "C'mon, now, we've been through this before, so let's just drop the usual and get on with it."

"Uh-uh," Roxas shook his head and more forcefully pulled away, his wrist being freed by his tug. "I'm gone. Call the cops or do whatever you want. It's been so long I bet they don't even care anymore."

But again before he could fully get away he was stopped in his tracks, this time by a hand on his shoulder. Instead of a look of anger though, there was one of pleading. "And you're just going to throw away this relationship we have? This…this…natural chemistry between us?"

"Oh please, there hasn't been any of that! Only you coming onto me and me consistently refusing!"

This time Roxas didn't even get a chance to turn around. With a more fiercer tug than his own, his boss snatched his wrists and pulled him along, though this time it was away from the bar. They were headed back towards the curtain that led to the back, and with each forced step Roxas felt himself growing angrier and angrier until he just couldn't take it anymore.

"I said let go of me!" he reached his opposite hand up and slapped Marluxia in the face. The whole bar stood still watching as the smack resonated throughout the air, and even the current dancer on stage had stopped to watch as the music slowed down and came to a staggering halt. The blond breathed heavily in and out, surprised by his own anger, but maintaining a threatening front to let his boss know that he meant it this time.

"Why are you doing this to me? What the hell is your problem?" he shouted at his boss, not really caring if anyone was watching now.

"Because I love you," Marluxia whispered back, though Roxas could hear him. And he had figured this for quite some time, though he had been waiting for a confession to confirm his suspicions. Pausing for a moment, the pink haired man had actually let his guard down and told him, so he knew now that he had to be gentle in letting him down. After all, with that much feeling behind his confession…

Though he didn't get a chance to finish his current thought before he felt hot lips press against his, Marluxia nearly forcing his tongue down Roxas's throat. As he tried to deepen this sloppy kiss Roxas felt his anger and any sympathy he had for the man die as he pushed him away, their lips and bodies disconnecting as the pink haired man staggered backward.

"I'm in love with somebody. Found someone who completes me. I'm in love with somebody. Oh yeah, and it's not you!" Roxas's voice grew angrier with each new word, sick and tired of Marluxia's unwanted advances. He immediately turned on his heels in the opposite direction, storming across the wooden floor of the bar.

"Roxas, wait," the pink-haired man said, beginning to walk quickly behind him, to which the blond turned his head to face him, an angry glare displayed across his face. Noticing his boss following him he huffed in frustration and turned himself around, though he did not moving an inch forward. Instead he lifted one of his hands, his pointer finger up in an attempt to get him to stop. "Read my finger, what you gonna do?"

"Let's talk about this, doll."

Of course, at the pet name Roxas just rolled his eyes. "See these lips are all done talking to you."

Marluxia motioned forward again and opened his mouth to speak, only to be interrupted by the angry blond. "I don't mean to bruise your ego, but I've had you nailed down for so long, and I don't see your name on my tattoo."

"We can work this out, c'mon," Marluxia finally said after a pause, thinking about his words and calculating his every move. "Let's go to the bar and get you a drink and well sit down and chat and…"

Again, he was interrupted. "Hope you understand…"

"What?" he shot back right away, sounding rather annoyed.

"It's been a long time coming. It's for the best," to which Roxas shrugged and turned back around to leave, "no offense, I'm in love with somebody. Found someone who completes me. I'm in love with somebody."

"Oh yeah?" Marluxia challenged.

"Oh yeah, and it's not you!"

He once again turned to move towards the door, only this time before he took a single step in the other direction his wrist was firmly grabbed by the taller, a menacing glare thrown at the smaller. He gulped, feeling a bit intimidated by the hard look in his boss's eyes and the strong grip that held him in place, but he didn't abandon his former confidence and aggravation.

"I know who you think you are," Roxas raised his voice, forcefully pulling his wrist away from Marluxia's grasp, succeeding in separating the contact. "Sorry I turned you on, but I'm kissing you off." Gesturing to the bar, he took into account all of the times that Marluxia had tried to sate him and talk things over using alcohol. "Your lines are whiskey and cigarettes; they're not enough to make me forget I've got someone who has raised the bar."

"I've heard it all before; stop spinning your wheels. I'll show you the door," he put a hand on Marluxia's shoulder, feigning sympathy, "no hard feelings. I'm in love with somebody. Found someone who completes me. I'm in love with somebody."

"Oh yeah?"

"Oh yeah," Roxas smiled back, pushing his boss back from his shoulder, "and it's not you!"

Of course, at all of this Marluxia looked fairly dejected and fuming beyond words. Roxas felt a bit sorry for him, if only a little, with all he had to put up with since the beginning. "You've probably never been shot down before," he pointed to him, trying to maintain the look of assertion he had earlier, yet perhaps sound a bit kinder. "You've probably never been shot down before, so I'll try and make it easier."

With that, he turned to leave for the final time, getting all the way from where he had been standing and shouting at his former boss. There was no one stopping him this time; his former boss was pretty floored at what was happening and just stood there, a mixture of shock, anger, and disappointment splayed across his face. No one grabbed his wrist, no one said anything to make him stay as he stormed out.

Of course, he stopped once actually reaching the door when he was face-to-face with the redhead. Axel had had one foot out the door when all of it started, but once Roxas began furiously protesting he stopped to watch. At first there was an awkwardness between the two as they gave blank looks to each other, neither knowing where to begin.

But once Axel cracked a smile, his lips curving upward to form a rather happy, thankful grin, and Roxas couldn't help but smile back at him, his eyes closing as he let out a chuckle. Of course, before he could officially leave, he needed to make sure that his stubborn boss understood him.

"I'm in love with somebody," he smiled, grabbing hold of Axel's hand, entwining their fingers, "Found someone who completes me." He squeezed the others hand, and felt his heart jump when the taller squeezed back. "I'm in love with somebody, oh yeah."

"Oh yeah," Axel whispered.

"And," he turned his head back to Marluxia, "it's not you!"

At that, Roxas took Axel with him and bolted out the door. Once out the door he yelled back over his shoulder; though he was sure Marluxia couldn't hear him, it felt good to just say it, "It's not you!"

And then he broke into a sprint, his sneakers scratching against the loose gravel as he felt himself his feet carry him further and further away. He was dragging the redhead behind him, and he could feel himself laughing wildly, the feeling of freedom and finally obtaining what he had wanted for so long fueling him and pushing him forward. Axel was laughing too, letting out breathy chuckles as he kept up with the other's fast pace. Although he wasn't too sure at what the blond was laughing about, he had a feeling they were somewhat the same.

Roxas suddenly dropped his hand and skidded to a halt. He looked back at the club, which was now a good ways away yet still in sight, and smirked at it. "It's not you," he screamed, throwing his arm into the air to gesture his relief and happiness, " yeah!"

As the cold night air stabbed at him, pierced his lungs as he finally allowed himself to suck in air, he still let out a string of laughs, Axel watching him from a few feet away, his breath finally starting to slow down. He stared as the blond buckled over, laughing and choking for breath. But Roxas was just so godamn happy at the moment and he really couldn't have cared less.

Finally, after his breath caught back up with him he stood up to face the redhead, the moonlight hitting his frame in a way that made half of him glow while the other half was shrouded in darkness as he stood to the side. A grin on his face, he kicked the gravel below him casually, turning to face Axel as he did. When the light from the moon revealed him in his entirety, Axel couldn't help but let out a gasp.

"I'm in love with somebody," Roxas whispered, walking towards the redhead slowly.

Axel looked down to the ground, his previous smile turning into a small frown. With his past looming over him he felt too soiled, too dirty to even be looking at the blond. "I'm not an angel."

"Found someone who completes me," Roxas was now standing so close, his body nearly touching the redheads. He slowly brought his hand into Axel's and grasped it gently, entwining their fingers together as he did earlier.

"I'm not an angel, I'm not an angel," Axel repeated in low whispers, a tear almost falling from his eyes as the blond pressed their foreheads together. He closed his eyes, hoping this wasn't too good to be true.

"I'm in love with somebody," Roxas repeated, squeezing Axel's hand in his, letting the other know that this was real and that there would be no more running. When the redhead opened his eyes he was looking straight into the blond's big blue orbs, filled with love and emotion, with a smile to match it. The space between their lips was small and growing even smaller, their noses touching now as the mere centimeters between them slowly melted away.

And with the kiss that they shared a fire was lit, the first few seconds a gentle press that barely either of them could feel and then evolving into something slow and passionate and beautiful. Soft sucking noises came from their mouths as one slid his tongue against the other's bottom lip, who it was neither were really sure because they were so focused on the moment that who started what seemed insignificant and so small. They opened up to one another, letting their tongues touch as Roxas let out a soft moan.

Parting for air a small strand of saliva that broke in seconds was the only evidence of what they had just shared, but they were just happy to be together. Even though their lips were no longer pressed together and their bodies pressed flush against each other at the moment would soon separate, they knew that leaving the other now would never happened. Although their bodies had shared that night of passion they hadn't become one until now, their hearts fully committed and ready to start their new life together.

Foreheads against each others just as before they smiled and shared another small peck, and then a second before breaking apart. Hands still entwined they walked together side-by-side in the darkness of the night, smiling and letting out small laughs when comparing what had happened between them in the past. They all seemed like such distant memories now.

But then they stopped again, after only taking a few steps. At that moment they both faced the crossroad in their lives that they knew they would eventually come to, and while Axel took his deep breath and was ready to plunge headfirst, Roxas stayed put for just a second more as he let his mind catch up and process all that had happened. From that moment when he was barely an adult to right now, he had to stop and think and wonder what the future would hold and whether this would all be worth it at the very end.

Looking up to Axel he noticed how the redhead's eyes were focused on him, waiting for the shorter to take the next step. "Yes," he thought at that moment. He couldn't remember a moment in his life when he was so happy just by looking into someone's eyes. It made him feel at peace. He was so deeply and madly in love with the redhead, and although they had had a painful journey together up to this point, there being together now had been well worth the struggle. Squeezing the taller's hand he smiled, and the two ran off into the night together, not caring of consequences, just happy to finally have each other.

He had seen it all, his happiness, in those eyes.

Those brilliant, sparkling emeralds.

That familiar taste of poison.

END

-HOLY FUCK. It's finished. Done. No more. And it feels fucking brilliant.

This little adventure was actually all I had ever hoped for a year and half ago before I even posted this thing when it was just a little itty bitty thought that popped into my head. I am so happy with how it turned out and I don't care how many reviews I get or how I feel in the future because right now at this moment I. Feel. Awesome.

I mean, I haven't finished a LONG fic since Freak on a Leash!

Haha, well I hope you all did enjoy reading this as much as I did writing. Even though I tend to talk too much and take hella long updating and you probably wanted to hold a gun to my head saying, "WRITE IT NOW OR I BLOW YOUR FUCKING BRAINS OUT, WHOREBAG!"

Ugh, I'm swearing a lot. I get that way when I'm excited. Stupid potty mouth.

Well, I'll finally switch this to complete then. Many thanks to everyone who has read since the beginning and all who read in the future, especially the former. Without you few folks I would not have had the motivation to finish this thing, and I am so grateful for your reviews and encouragement.

So for the last time for this one, read and review, over and out! -Nibzo-