Axel woke before the sun had fully risen, knowing that he would have to go to work today whether he really wanted to or not. As his eyes slowly opened, he became aware of another presence beside him. It shifted slightly, letting out a soft groan, and Axel smiled warmly, turning to watch over his love.

Roxas lay on his stomach pressed up against Axel's side, his hair an even messier array of honey-colored spikes. The blankets were gathered around his hips loosely, and his arms were bent off to the side slightly, almost at the level of his face. The boy's head was turned slight toward Axel, and his breathing was soft and easy. Axel found himself staring for quite some time, and even though the sun was beginning to peak through below the curtains, he still stayed on his back, looking down at his lover's sweet, angelic face.

Axel rolled over onto his side, careful not to disturb Roxas, and began running his hand smoothly over the boy's back, from his shoulder to his lower back. It felt soft and warm beneath his hand. Axel pulled the blankets up higher and, unable to help himself, drew an arm around Roxas's side, pulling him closer and nuzzling his face into the boy's hair and neck softly.

I could spend the rest of my days this way...

He blinked as the blond snuggled closer, and upon looking down, he found two sleepy blue eyes looking back at him warmly. Roxas smiled as reached up and touched Axel's cheek, rubbing it in smooth little circles over his tattoo.

"Morning..."

The redhead's smile widened, and he whispered a soft "good morning" back before kissing Roxas's forehead sweetly. If he could, he would have stayed in bed with the boy all day, but that wasn't allowed. Xaldin had been lenient with him because of his recent injuries, but he had promised to make up the time. So, reluctantly, Axel kicked off his covers and slid out of bed, making his way to his dresser. He felt Roxas's eyes on him all the way, studying curiously, worriedly.

"Are you sure you want to go?"

Axel sighed heavily. Roxas could be so tempting sometimes. So obnoxiously, deliciously tempting...

"I have to, Roxy. I've been shirking off enough as it is." He pulled out fresh clothes for the day as he continued speaking. "But I think the real question is: are you alright?" Axel looked back as he asked this, seeing Roxas place his feet slowly onto the floor. The bandage on his ankle was visible then, and the redhead noticed it was looking a little crumpled. He would have to change that before he left.

"I'll be fine," the blond said firmly, giving Axel a warm, reassuring smile. But really, he had been saying that for a while now. Axel was no stranger to injury; he knew a broken limb took time to repair. But Roxas's ankle barely looked any better. The skin was still bruised and purple, even with all the rest he was getting. It worried Axel.

"Well, alright then," the redhead resigned. "At least let me look at it. And I'll be doing breakfast this morning," he added firmly, sensing Roxas's protest before he could even voice it.

"But Axel-"

"Rox, it's fine. You do enough around here." The older boy then came back to his side, helping him up from the bed and kissing his forehead softly once more. Roxas sighed, looking up into loving green eyes.

"Fine, but I'm making dinner."

Axel chuckled. "Fair enough."

And so the rest of the early morning went by at a leisurely pace. Axel cooked a bit of fish for breakfast just to change things up, and Roxas settled himself on the couch by the fireplace, picking up a book he had long discarded. The blond couldn't help but feel a slight sense of uneasiness; there hadn't been an attack of any kind in the last two weeks. Things were quiet and peaceful, and Vexen had let them recover significantly without any disturbance. That troubled Roxas, but he didn't want to dampen Axel's good mood. Since the two of them had admitted their attraction, the redhead's health had rapidly improved, even to the point that now he was able to do regular chores again. The proof was the fish he caught this morning. It was fresh and large and delicious; Roxas savored every bite of it.

Still, that didn't take his guard down completely...

Axel was just on his way out the door, but he came and sat down on the cushion in front of Roxas, leaning in for his 'goodbye' kiss. The blond blushed faintly, but happily complied, enjoying the feeling of love and care that Axel never failed to communicate in his kisses. He smiled warmly as Axel pulled away, feeling the redhead's hand running lightly up and down his shoulder.

"I'll be back tonight. I've left a map in the kitchen in case of an emergency, and there's a sandwich in there for lunch. Take it easy, alright?"

Roxas rolled his eyes, but smiled nonetheless. Axel was worse than a mother at times.

"Of course. Come home safely."

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The blond watched him leaved before slowly returning to his book, his eyes skimming over the words and pages as he flipped through. There was really nothing else he could do. Cleaning was apparently too much work, at least by Axel's standards, and he needed to be careful going outside. He needed to be careful being on his feet in general.

Roxas yawned as he flipped past another page. Boring. What had he been thinking, picking this thing up? He looked up for a moment blankly and let his eyes settled on the pictures over the hearth, smiling when he came upon the picture of Axel's mother. From what the redhead had told him, she was an amazing women. If only he could have met her. Maybe their mothers would have gotten along well.

Gah! There's nothing to do!

Roxas shoved the book off the couch and groaned, rolling over until he was facing the back. Maybe a nap would help to pass the time. The blond curled up and shut his eyes, letting his mind wander aimlessly until sleep finally took over. He couldn't remember exactly when; he'd been imagining something about what Axel would look like with all his hair shaved off.

Chuckling lightly, the boy let sleep claim him, embracing the silly little dreams that stemmed from that thought...

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Axel was merrily chipping away at a bothersome rock at the lower half of the mine, whistling to himself faintly. It was dark and dank, but he didn't mind at all. It felt nice to be up and about and have some purpose again. Not that caring for Roxas wasn't fulfilling enough...

He'd never been this thrilled to be back at work. Usually, the mine was just a place he had to be from sun up to sun down in order to earn his meal. But now that he thought about it, it gave him some time to himself, to think about everything with an even head and a mostly quiet space. He loved being around Roxas; the boy was making him more social and outgoing by the minute. And yet this alone time could be equally appealing; it was difficult sometimes, as his moods rose and fell, to tell which one he liked better or more often.

The redhead stopped for a short break, wiping the sweat from his forehead as he leaned against the crumbling rock. Roxas's birthday was coming up soon. Not only was he at a loss for what to give the boy, but Axel also worried. He worried for two reasons; one, that Vexen would try to take his life again before he could come of age. And second, that if Vexen did not succeed, Roxas would return to the castle, to rule as he was always meant to. That part was particularly hard for Axel. No matter which way the situation turned, it felt as though he and Roxas would end up being parted.

But not forever... He reminded himself. Even if he has to leave, he can still come back and visit...

Axel sighed. He wasn't sure he could live that way. With his lover only returning once and a while. And he couldn't let Roxas suffer that way as well. No one should have to be parted from the one they love, but they also shouldn't have to chose between who they love and what they must do. Was it really right to accept the prince's love so quickly, without giving more thought to the consequences.

No...I gave myself plenty of time to think... But could he hurt Roxas by letting him go so casually? Could he himself bear it?

Axel didn't share these worries with Roxas. He couldn't; he couldn't let the boy know any of it. Roxas seemed so happy despite being restricted to rest all day; his smile was somehow brighter and more beautiful to Axel now, knowing that this boy was his. He brushed the topic to the back of his mind firmly, hoping it would stay there. But was it really wise to just wait until the time came?

As he waged this inner war, Axel almost didn't notice a group of miners talking nearby.

"Is it true?"

"What do you think he wants?"

"I haven't got a clue," Terl huffed, crossing his arms with an irritable look. "All I know is he's a strange lookin fellow. Skulking around in a dark cloak...in the light of day, no less!"

Unconsciously, Axel moved closer, wondering who it was they were so rilled about today.

"Somethin ain't right about im!"

"I'll say!"

"About who?" the redhead asked innocently. He winced slightly as Xaldin stomped over to the group, eyebrow furrowing low.

"What're you lazy bums doin standing around?" he demanded, looking harshly at Axel before his gaze swept to Terl.

"I spotted a suspicious character wanderin in the woods this afternoon. Somethin wasn't right about him. Like he had a bad aura or somethin."

Suddenly Axel had a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach. He wanted to brush it off as nothing; it could have just been another merchant pacing through. But something about his bad aura...

The redhead strode over quickly and grabbed his shoulders. "You know which way he was headed?" he asked, as calmly and collectedly as possible. The man scratched his head for a moment, looking up.

"I remember old Bill saying he say him crossing the river about midday. Why?"

"Thanks," was all he got. Without another word, Axel raced for his things and made for the exit, ignoring the calls from the other miners. He knew Xaldin would throttle him for this, but he had to be sure. He was to know that Roxas was safe.

Axel returned to find his house a mess. Everything was turned over, broken, or moved; no space seemed untouched except for the closets. Whatever had happened here looked like it had been a full-out war.

"Roxas?" the redhead called out, his voice echoing in the empty rooms. "Roxas!"

He turned everything over again, searched the whole house, but found no trace of the blond. There was no blood anywhere, but that didn't reassure Axel much. The only clue he had was the door, left wide open to the elements.

But where could they have gone? The forest was vast and wide; it would take him forever to find them. But Axel would; he swore he would. He refused to lose Roxas to anyone.