Rookie

Chapter Sixteen - Day Eighty

Thursday, November 26

Day 80 - Lunch

Axel wrung his hands together nervously as he heard the sound of the shower upstairs while Roxas got cleaned up to meet the redhead's brother. It was going to be the first time Reno and Axel sat in the same room in years. The last time that Axel had seen Reno face-to-face was the day that the elder redhead abandoned him. Sure, they had spoken a few hurried conversations over the years, but it just wasn't the same – not to Axel.

His tensed body jumped when he heard the musical rap on the door. This was it.

Slowly, his trembling fingers rolled the doorknob and the wooden blockage swung open, a redhead with a long ponytail and a bald man with his ears lined with piercings hiding behind. The redhead cracked a large smile at his taller, younger brother before spreading his arms wide. The body-guard-like bald man watched on passively, turning his large Rolex watch in what appeared to be a nervous habit. Perhaps he was just worried that the younger redhead would go and attack his breakable little Reno.

"R-Reno. Hi. Um, why don't you two come in? Rox'll be down in a little bit."

Axel moved out of the doorway before the elder redhead could wrap him up in his embrace, bowing his head lightly at the men as they ventured their way inside. The bald man looked around apprehensively, as though some little bombshell would come bursting out and rip his master to shreds. Reno, on the other hand, let out a low whistle as he looked over the entrance way.

"Hardwood floor, no dirt, no dust. What the hell man, you're makin' out all right!"

The younger redhead couldn't help but smile. "It's because I have a mom now."

"What?"

"Rox's mom. She's basically semi-adopted me."

If it were possible, Reno's face broke into an even greater smile. "That's great, man! What's the kid's name?"

"Roxas?" Axel cringed, just a little bit, at using the blonde's full name. He never used a friend's name unless he was upset with either them or something really just took complete control over him. Everyone had a nickname and he disliked calling them by anything but. Even Reno had a nickname.

"Roxas, eh? What is he, anyways? Just a friend? Or are you screwin' him senseless?"

Axel let out a low grumble, his face hardening. "I'm glad you think so little of me."

"Hey, the lil' bro I know doesn't get attached."

"Then you don't know me very well. Rox-as is my boyfriend."

Reno couldn't help but clutch his younger brother in a tight hug, crushing him while the shorter man shoved his nose into the younger's chest. "Oh, Axe! I'm so proud of you!"

Axel looked away, gritting his teeth. The last thing he wanted from his brother right now was such a bone-crushing hug. "Okay, thanks. Now, can we just go sit down for a while? Do you want anything? Tea, coffee? Rude? Is that your name? What about you? Want anything?"

"Oh, right, yeah, sorry, I completely forgot! Axel, this is my 'servant', Rude. Rude, babe, this is my bro, Axel."

The large man nodded towards the taller redhead, his face still not breaking out in a smile. Axel returned the nod. "Well? Anything?"

"Um, sure? I'll just have water though."

"Rude?"

"Coffee is fine, thank you."

"Okay, Re... Reno, you can let go now." Axel hesitated, unsure himself if he was already willing to use the redhead's nickname so freely face-to-face. The smaller brother smiled even wider, giving one last squeeze before backing away, slipping his shoes off in the entranceway. Rude mimicked him, appearing to feel slightly awkward in his master's little brother's presence.

Axel pointed over to the sofa, telling the two to make themselves at home before he moved into the kitchen. As he started more water boiling for the coffee, he overheard the two in the next room.

"- wonder if he screams like you do, master?"

"Hey! He's my brother! You better get them thoughts outta your head right now or you won't be goin' anywhere near my ass tonight!"

Axel's eyes widened, his cheeks growing dark. Hopefully poor Rox hadn't just heard that. To mask over the sound of the two, Axel began clattering around, clanging pots together as he searched under the cupboard for the right one to use.

"Hey, bro, you okay? Need some help?"

"No, I am fine, thank you. I've got it handled. I just don't want to hear you two, please." Axel gritted as Reno stood in the doorway to the kitchen. The elder brother smirked, patting the crouched teen on the head.

"We'll try to tone it down, bro."

"Please do. I don't want Rox listening to that shit."

"Don't you two go through it yourselves? Doesn't he ever deny you his ass?"

Axel glared up at his brother, standing up with the correct pot in hand. "I don't want him to hear you, okay?"

"Ooh, so protective. Guess not much has changed. You always were more of a big brother than I was."

"Tell me about it." All Axel wished for was that his brother would leave him to start the soup and get out of his face. Sensing this with his dusty fraternal instincts, Reno backed away, still smiling.

"Well, need any help, we're out here."

"It'll be fine."

xXxXx

"Rox, save me, please? It's so awkward! I don't want him here anymore!"

Axel was sulking, sitting on the closed toilet beside the bathtub. The shower was still going and Axel could make out the glimmering shadow of his love through the curtain.

"I'll be done soon. I'm sorry."

The redhead sighed, covering his face with his hands, rubbing and pulling at the skin with his fingertips, massaging it lightly. "You don't have anything to be sorry for, babe. I do, but you don't."

"What do you have to be sorry for? Shit, I forgot a facecloth. You think you could pass me one?"

Axel reached above his head, pulling out the asked-for item, shoving it through the curtain. He shuddered at the feel of Roxas' warm skin as the blonde intentionally backed into the hand, teasing the elder teen.

"Please don't. The last thing I need right now is a boner. And, I'm forcing you into meeting my prick of a brother."

"Maybe it would do you some good. Get your mind off things."

"I need my mind on things or else I'll lose my nerve and I won't be able to go down there and face him again."

"Then I'd either leave or close your eyes. I'm getting out."

"Nng, wait up a sec. I'll jet."

"Sorry, Axe. I wish I could be more of a help."

"You will be, you will be."

The redhead closed his eyes firmly, slipping out through the door, closing it softly behind himself.

xXxXx

"So, why are you really not in school today?" Reno asked his brother, lifting a spoonful of the steaming soup to his mouth, sucking it in greedily as he eyed his brother. Axel didn't notice the blue eyes on him as he watched his little blonde closely. Despite the shower, Roxas was still rather groggy and only swirled his soup around in the bowl. Without looking at his brother, Axel answered.

"Fight yesterday. Got suspended for a few days."

"Who was it?"

"Seifer. Rox, you gotta eat. I want you to get better soon." The blonde stiffened, but did as he was told, hesitantly lifting the spoon to his mouth, shoveling the creamy liquid into his awaiting mouth.

"Ugh, that little prick. Has he not learned his lesson yet?"

"He better have. Xig shot him yesterday."

Reno's eyes grew wide and his spoon clattered into the bowl. "What? He's dead? Really?"

"No. Shot him in the leg. Just enough to make him hurt. And bleed. He bled a lot. So, both me and Xig are suspended for a while. Rox is just staying home because he is sick and needs his rest."

"I'm not tired! And besides, it's not like it's my fault I was dragged out into the snow."

Axel's face melted and he winced. "I-I'm sorry, Rox."

"I know. It's not your fault either."

"But-"

"It wasn't your fault either."

Silence surrounded the table for a few moments. Finally, Reno spoke up. "How old are you, Roxas?" The addressed blonde glanced up at the elder redhead, blushing slightly.

"Fourteen."

"That's it?"

"Yeah, why?"

"I was ... just wonderin'."

xXxXx

"Well, I think we should get goin' now, Rude, don't ya think? Thank you so much, guys. I had a good afternoon."

Roxas smiled happily, bowing slightly to the men as they stood in the doorway. Axel wrapped his arm around the younger boy's shoulders, hugging him close. The embrace caused Reno's face to break into his giant smile, happy for his brother. "Hey, Roxas, thanks. I really appreciate all that you've done for my lil' bro. Keep lookin' after him for me, kay?"

Roxas' smile grew wider, his head bobbing enthusiastically in agreement. "Axe, can I talk to you for a minute? Alone?"

Axel glanced nervously between his brother and his little blonde. Two sets of blue eyes gazed back at him. Roxas gave the elder teen a quick squeeze before prying himself from Axel's embrace. "I'm really exhausted. It was nice to meet the two of you. Axe, I'm gonna go up and see if I can get some more sleep, okay?"

After a hesitant nod from the redhead, Roxas made his way for the stairs. As he turned back to his brother, he noticed that all traces of humor had left the elder's face. Rude disappeared through the door, going out to go warm up the car. "What's the matter, Re?"

"I don't wanna see you hurt."

Axel gaped at his brother. "What?"

"That kid is only fourteen. He's still just a kid."

"I think I already knew this, thanks."

"Do you not get what I'm saying here? He's a kid. He's at least three years younger than you. Your eighteenth is coming up."

Axel set his jaw, glaring down at the floor. How many times had he thought about this? How many times had he almost broken himself thinking of his upcoming birthday?

"It's six months away."

"It's still coming. And I know that you two won't have any trouble before then. I know you're serious about that kid. I'm just here to tell you not to get too attached."

"It's a little late for that warning."

"Axel, please. It's going to kill you. I know you. You may not think I do, but I do. You care too much. You always have. How many friends have changed already? Eighteen is a big age, you know? It changes you. I ... I was in a situation kinda like you. Except it wasn't such a difference. It was only something like four months. And she -yeah, she- found someone else and left me before she even had the chance to get old enough. I don't want the same thing to happen to you."

It was taking all of Axel's self-restraint to keep from punching his brother right there. He was shaking with the effort. "You don't know me. You don't know him. He won't leave me, Reno. He won't be like that slutty little bitch of yours. He isn't like that."

"That's what you think."

"Whatever. Get out of my house."

"It isn't yours. It's his. What will you do when you can't live here? Keep talking to me like that and I won't even consider letting you in."

"What the fuck do you think you are saying? Why ... Why do you think you have the right to be preaching all of this to me? You haven't been around for years! What makes you think you know what's best for me?"

Reno sighed, running a hand through his crimson spikes, exposing the crescent tattoo around the outer edge of his eye. "I just don't want you to get hurt too badly when the time comes."

"Who said I was gonna let it?"

"What?"

"Who said I was gonna follow the rules? I don't care if I get sent to jail. Roxas is mine and I'm not letting him out of my life because of some stupid rule!"

"Axel ... it isn't just 'some stupid rule'. You can get seriously punished for it. You have to obey."

"Fuck it. Just go, Reno. Please. The last thing I wanted from you was a reality check."

"I think you needed it."

"Fuck you. Get out."

"Keep in touch this time, 'kay?"

"Whatever."

"I'll see you around sometime, Axe. It was nice meeting Roxas. Remember, need me for anything and I'll be here."

"You wouldn't say something like that if I were still living with Dad."

"Actually, that's why I came down. I wanted to see if you would like to get outta that place. But, I guess you already have."

"Yeah, no thanks to you."

"Oh, Axe, lighten up, 'kay? I didn't mean any harm. I just want what's best for you."

"Just leave already, before I punch your lights out."

Reno stiffened before taking a deep breath. "Okay, Axel, I get it. I hurt you and I'm sorry. Just remember that I love you and I'm here for you."

"Whatever."

Sighing, Reno turned away from his brother. He turned the handle, opening the door. "I'll see you around."

"I guess."

As the door closed, Axel let out his pent-up anger, slamming his fist into the door that had just closed, leaning his forehead against it.

He couldn't leave the blonde. It would kill him.

With shaking limbs, Axel headed for the stairs, climbing them slowly. He opened the blonde's door a tiny way, peering inside. Roxas was already in bed, dozing lightly. Still shaking, Axel shuffled over to the bed, stripping himself down to his tee-shirt and boxers before lifting the covers and sidling in next to the blonde.

"Axe?"

The redhead could feel the tears gathering in his emerald orbs. Instead of answering the drowsy voice, he pressed his nose in close to the blonde's warm neck, breathing in his sweet smell. Wrapping his arms around the blonde, he snuggled in close, needing the warmth that the boy was throwing off.

"Rox, I need you. I don't know what I would ever do without you. You saved me."

"You won't have to live without me. I think you're gonna be stuck with me for a long time."

At Roxas' words, Axel could hold himself back no longer, letting everything his brother had said wash over him in painful waves. Sobbing, he pressed himself farther into the crook of the blonde's neck. Roxas didn't question what had happened. Instead, he pressed his lips to Axel's forehead, holding him close, knowing that all he needed right now was a comforting embrace.

To be Continued

So, this chapter was painful to reread, since my mom keeps stressing to me that if I continue with my own little Roxas, I'm gonna end up goin' to Jail. But, hey, you don't let that stop love, now do you? Tell me what you guys think, kay? And, thank you all soo much for all the reviews! I cried when I noticed I was over the Hundred mark. Thanks soo much!

~xbuttonsx~