Moped Romance

by darthvair65

Lost on the back alleys of Rome one night, Axel finds a savior in a young blond on a moped. A love story with subtitles.

7. Track 7: I Kissed a Girl

Title: Moped Romance [7/12]
Pairing: Axel/Roxas, background Riku/Sora

Warnings: Boys speaking Italian, language, Roxas being a whore, highly embarrassing moments, high-speed races through Roman traffic, Larxene, drag kings and queens.
Rating: R. [this chapter, NC-17]
Beta: the BetaMistress alovelysilence
A/N: Inspired by experiences had by a good friend of mine while we were studying abroad in Rome, Italy, in the spring. ALSO: Larxene makes a very good point in this chapter. How do you really think this will tale will end?
Disclaimer: I don't own Kingdom Hearts, but I do get a kick out of writing for the fandom. I also do not own any of the songs mentioned; they belong to their respective artists and labels. In this chapter, Katy Perry.

Summary: Lost on the back alleys of Rome one night, Axel finds a savior in a young blond on a moped. A love story with subtitles.

In this chapter: For his birthday, Roxas invites Axel to the party of a lifetime that he is sure to never forget.

Notes:

Lazio & Arsenal – two of Italy's soccer teams

Supernatural – a darker CW series about two demon-hunting brothers; I actually got into this series during my study abroad, thanks to my muse :D

Risotto – a usually creamy rice dish with multiple variations, made with Arborio rice.

Caravaggio (Michelangelo) – a Baroque painter known for his more realistic depictions of Biblical scenes as well as life in general. Google him!

Track 7: I Kissed a Girl

This was never the way I planned

Not my intention

I got so brave, drink in hand

Lost my discretion

It's not what I'm used to

Just wanna try you on

I'm curious for you

Caught my attention

I kissed a girl and I liked it

The taste of her cherry chapstick

I kissed a girl just to try it

I hope my boyfriend don't mind it

It felt so wrong, it felt so right

Don't mean I'm in love tonight

Lazio was winning.

And Axel was screaming like a maniac, which would have struck anyone who had known him previously as strange – he wasn't much of a soccer fan at all. So why did he care the game this much?

Axel blamed it on Roxas' influence – or, well, Hayner's too. An ardent and devoted fan of Arsenal, Hayner's obsession with the sport and obnoxious behavior just made Axel want to do anything to annoy him, which was totally not limited to soccer. So Axel suddenly became a fan of Lazio, much to Roxas' amusement. They all went to the match – and Axel had never experienced anything quite like it. The fans were beyond passionate – quite honestly they were insane, screaming themselves hoarse and flying banners in either red and black or blue and white. Axel was sure there were at least three brawls going on between fans, and the constant name-calling had gotten more and more violent as the match progressed – especially since Lazio seemed to have the referee on their side tonight.

Axel had even allowed his face to be painted sky-blue, while Hayner's was painted blood red with two gold stripes. All this, Axel thought giddily, for Roxas' birthday. The blond now-seventeen year old had been ecstatic about his prize, enough to make Axel paint himself up like a superfan and scream like a hooligan.

Could have been worse; Axel had only learned about the blond's birthday a day or two before it occurred, and had been completely and utterly lost as to what to get him. And he thought it a little strange that Roxas hadn't mentioned it at all despite Axel practically living in his apartment – but he figured it was probably just an oversight, something he might have missed. Luckily though, Pence and Olette had managed to score tickets to this particular match – five to be exact, having included Axel in their decision to get the tickets and having known that Roxas would be excited for him to come as well.

Through the din of screaming in the stands Axel could have sworn he heard a battle cry and the sharp crash of a breaking bottle from below, signaling another brawl. American football fans had nothing on these guys.

So Lazio won, and the fans screamed – and some wept with joy – and marched back to the parking lot, screaming the Lazio songs hoarsely at the top of their lungs, Axel doing the same through chuckles at the strangeness of the whole thing.

Instead of heading back to the apartment, the five friends opted rather to go to a pub for a few drinks to take care of the post-game high.

As they sat down with their Peroni's in hand, gushing animatedly over the players' brilliance – or in Hayner's case the mistakes of the referee and his belief that Lazio had paid him off beforehand – Axel's mind wandered over the last few weeks of the semester, even though he'd long since forgotten to call it that and just referred to it as 'the spring.' Over the weeks that they had been dating, Axel had learned a great deal about Roxas – little details about his personality that made Axel chuckle or wonder what the genesis of them might have been.

Some were quite intriguing; Roxas had revealed that yes, he did actually have a younger brother up north in his hometown whom Roxas insisted was a closet case pining after the gardener's teenage son. Of course Roxas said this in such a derisive tone Axel nearly flinched but didn't inquire further, which was probably a good thing because Roxas looked vaguely murderous when talking about him.

Despite his obviously non-church-approved lifestyle Roxas still attended Catholic mass on Sundays at a small but beautiful church in nearby Trastevere. He called it a habit from his childhood, but Axel never once saw him take off the cross he wore or miss a mass.

Others were just little facts he found entertaining. Roxas had a celebrity crush on Brad Pitt, evidenced by his multiple viewings of "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" after its release. Axel went to see it with him the first time, and refused the next two.

He couldn't stand dogs but loved cats, seen in his 'walking breaks' when they were passing through Largo Argentina – he never failed to stop at the cat sanctuary there and play with the cats that came up from the ruins to play.

Roxas liked to mix some sort of alcohol into whatever he was cooking, though Axel took that as something normal since the others in the apartment did the same thing. He spoke a bit of French, and his favorite dish was saltimbocca. He had a very good sense of humor, especially when it concerned 'Axelese' – his term for Axel's sometimes odd Italian word choices or mistakes; Axel had been very thankful for this when he accidentally inferred that Roxas was a high-priced whore, much to his chagrin and everyone else's amusement. Roxas was terrible at cards, and aside from the casual cigarette he usually only smoked when agitated and upset. He owned every season of Queer as Folk and The L Word, and shared several seasons of Friends with Olette. Under Axel's influence he became obsessed with Supernatural – when they weren't going out for the night or playing Kings or poker with the other flatmates, Axel and Roxas could usually be found in Roxas' bed with the lights turned out, to which a person walking in would have a fifty-fifty chance of either walking in on sex or Supernatural. In the case of the latter they were almost always laying side by side on their stomachs, faces illuminated by the screen of Axel's laptop as they stared, wide-eyed, eating popcorn methodically.

Axel also discovered that Roxas always been a bit precocious, wary of the world and of others' intensions despite his admittedly sheltered and privileged (and still somewhat mysterious) life prior to running away. But the blond was very not interested in giving any more details than that – if Axel tried to broach the subject Roxas would completely change it, ignoring his questions entirely. But on the subject of being precocious, he was not shy about enjoying sex or his kinks – or the things he was interested in and willing to try out. He expressed interest in videotaping themselves having sex – an idea Axel was half wary of, half salivating over.

Once they were done with their drinks they headed back to the apartment, Axel hanging on to Roxas' waist, occasionally knocking the front of his new helmet (a recent and awesome purchase) against the back of Roxas' since he still wasn't used to both of them wearing one. Everyone was back at the apartment within minutes of each other, and bid each other good night as they dragged their feet to their respective rooms. Axel started stripping down once he was in Roxas' room, while the blond locked the door behind them and started doing the same.

Flopping back on the blankets in his boxers and T-shirt, Axel watched as Roxas undressed, leaving a trail of garments in his wake. Roxas yawned and crawled onto the bed, settling himself in the cocoon of blankets beside the redhead.

Did you have a good time? Axel asked, adjusting his pillow.

Roxas nodded. It was so much fun. You still have blue on your face, he commented, giggling.

Really? Where? Axel asked with a groan.

Here, Roxas grinned, poking Axel on the nose then the cheek.

Axel rubbed at his face vigorously to get rid of the paint. Thought I got it all. So – what would you like for your birthday from me? he asked. I wasn't sure what to get you, especially since I found out on such short notice.

Hmm, Roxas murmured, making a show of thinking as he tapped his chin contemplatively and gazed at the ceiling. Well, there is something I'd like to go to soon. Maybe you could come with me.

You don't want an actual gift or anything? Axel clarified. I can get you whatever you want, within reason.

This will be an awesome gift, Roxas reassured him. Will you go?

What is it?

At that Roxas smiled evilly. A drag ball, he said, wiggling his eyebrows in a clear challenge to the redhead. Will you go?

A drag ball? Axel repeated. As in, you want me to put on a skirt and makeup and dress like a girl?

I'll be doing it too, Roxas chuckled. And Olette too, we share clothing for this sort of thing.

Oh, Olette's going too?

As a boy, yes.

Where is it? Axel sighed, wondering only briefly why this didn't seem like a bigger deal to him.

Coming Out, Roxas answered excitedly. So you will go? Please?

I don't have anything to wear, Axel said helplessly. What do you want me to wear?

There are other girls studying here with you, right?

Well, yeah, but . . . The only girl who was remotely close to his size was Larxene. And that was a disaster waiting to happen. It's really probably not a good idea for me to ask her.

Furthermore, he was actually thinking through how he'd get a DRESS. His brain waved a white flag, mentioned something about him being whipped, and took a nap.

For me, though? For my birthday? Roxas pleaded, turning on the charm with his big blue eyes and his hands rubbing up underneath his shirt over his abdomen to tease a nipple.

Yeah, sure, ok, Axel conceded, shifting under his teasing fingers.

But where the FUCK was he going to get a dress?

A few days after Roxas popped the question of the drag ball on him, Axel was sitting in his morning art history class, his mind wandering. He vaguely picked up information about a class trip to Florence coming up in a few weeks, and the reminder to the kids in the video workshops to get some project in, but otherwise Axel was far away. He didn't even consider the trip to Florence, he was so caught up in his own thought process. When the teacher running the class decided to do a slide show rather than roam about Rome, Axel was ecstatic; he needed the time to think about what he was going to do about the drag ball situation.

He still needed a dress, and shoes. Axel did not want to go to this drag ball looking like a fool, halfway between guy and girl, not when he knew Roxas would be making every effort.

The teacher was talking about Caravaggio or some other painter when Axel's eyes wandered around the room in his thoughts and came upon Demyx, who was sitting in a far corner away from Axel and determinedly not looking at him. During classes like these Demyx would have always been at Axel's elbow, passing notes and whispering furtively throughout the lecture. Then Axel suddenly remembered: he had tickets to Amsterdam with Demyx, Zexion, and a couple of the other guys – and their planned departure date was coming up soon. He'd already bought the tickets, and there was no way he was backing out of a trip to Amsterdam, fight with Demyx and the others or not. Damn it all, he'd have to talk with them and smooth this all out at some point. March thirteenth was right around the corner.

When class was over and everyone started gathering up their things Axel decided to make the first move. He followed the rest of his classmates out of the building until he finally caught up with Demyx and Zexion. "Hey. Guys," he said, shifting his backpack on his shoulder.

Zexion glanced back over his shoulder, raising a disdainful eyebrow. "What do you want?"

"Look guys, I just wanted to apologize. I'm sorry for how I was a while ago."

"Suddenly we're worthy of your attention?" Demyx said, the hurt evident in his voice. "Screw you."

"Oh come on," Axel sighed. He looked imploringly at Demyx. "You've been my best friend and my roommate since freshman year. I'm sorry I acted like a dick. I really am. Think you can forgive me?"

Demyx turned around and frowned deeply at him. "Why the sudden change? You've barely had anything to say to us since you went to that Ice Bar thing."

Axel dropped his hands. "You guys are my friends, and I don't want to be going through the rest of the months here ignoring you guys or getting into bitch fights. I'm sorry for the way I acted."

Demyx looked down; his nose twitched, along with the corner of his mouth as he considered Axel's apology. Suddenly he was reminded that it was something they had first bonded over, their mutual twitchiness and odd quirks when Axel was moving his stuff into their dorm while Demyx sat perched on one of the other twin beds.

"And, you know, us fighting isn't really conducive to a fun trip to Amsterdam," Axel added with a tight smile. "If you guys are still planning on going, anyway."

Zexion adjusted the backpack on his shoulder. "We had to change the date, move it back a week to March 20th. That still good with you?"

Axel nodded, realizing belatedly that the drag ball was supposed to be the weekend of their original plans for Amsterdam. Dodged a bullet there, Axel whistled to himself. The weekend after the drag ball though, that was perfect. "Sounds good, I can change my tickets, shouldn't be that hard."

"Good. We'll, ah, discuss plans and all that a bit later, once we know a bit more. Are you planning on stopping by the apartment sometime soon?" Zexion asked.

"Yeah, I'll stop by and we'll figure everything out," Axel grinned, feeling a little more at ease with his friends now that they weren't arguing. He was still waiting for forgiveness from Demyx though.

"And you might want to tread carefully around Larxene," Zexion warned. "You're kind of on the shit list," he said sagely.

"Kind of figured that," Axel said, scratching the back of his head. "But I think I need to ask her a favor either way so I'll see where that takes me."

Both Zexion and Demyx shrugged, clearly saying Your funeral in their body language.

It couldn't be that bad . . . could it?

On second thought, maybe he ought to find some other source for his dress.

In the end, Axel couldn't think of any backup dress suppliers among his friends in the study abroad group. There was only one place he could think of to get a dress, and it didn't look pretty. He found Larxene's apartment building, which was a few blocks from the Vatican, and rang the buzzer for their apartment. A somewhat static laden voice answered through the speaker a few moments later.

"Yeah, who is it?"

"Xion, its Axel. Is Larxene there?"

"Uh, yep. She's here."

"Think you could let me in? I need to ask her something."

"For your own safety, I think I should say no."

Axel raised an eyebrow. "She really that pissed?"

"She says you're an imbecile, and that they should just leave you here in Italy now that you're a certified Roman homo."

"Straight from the horse's mouth, just now?"

"No, that's only a sampler plate from the last few weeks."

"Ah. Well, let me in anyway. I need to ask her for a favor."

"Danger, Axel Sinclaire, danger."

"Just let me in," Axel said wearily. "Fucking space cadet," he muttered as the lock on the door clicked to unlock, and he pushed the door open. He took the single flight of stone stairs up to Xion and Larxene's shared apartment, knocking on the door once he got there.

The door opened just a crack, and half of Xion's pale face appeared, a bright blue eye peering at him. "There's still time to turn back," she warned. "With your balls intact."

"I've managed to be friends with her for three years and I've still got them, I think it'll be fine," Axel said, pushing the heavy door open.

Xion shrugged and wandered back to her room, closing the door behind her. "Your funeral," she said, the words muffled by the wall between them.

Axel rolled his eyes and let the door close on its own, then looked warily at the ajar door he knew was Larxene's. Suddenly he realized that this probably was not a very good idea.

Axel steeled himself for the inevitable; he was probably going to die. He pushed her door open just a little more and cleared his throat. Larxene was sitting up in bed, leaning back against the wall, and paying no attention to him as she read her book – Machiavelli's The Prince. Only Larxene . . .

"Larxene," Axel prompted, his voice rising in fear.

"Hm." She didn't look up.

"Larxene," Axel said again, deepening his voice, hoping to sound more authoritative. "I, uh . . . I need to borrow a dress."

Larxene looked up slowly and glared. "How did you even get in here?" she asked acidly.

Axel twiddled his fingers. "Xion let me in."

"Of course," Larxene continued in that harshly acidic tone of voice. "That brat would. Now why are you bothering me again?"

"I need to borrow a dress," Axel tried again.

Larxene turned her back on him. "Don't have any."

Axel looked over to her closet, where the door was open and clearly revealing a dress of approximately the right size. "What about tha-"

"No," Larxene cut him off.

"Can I please borrow it?"

"How many times am I going to say it? No! Furthermore, what the fuck do you need my fucking dress for?"

Axel tapped his fingers together. "I'm taking Roxas to a drag ball," he muttered.

"Oh!" Larxene barked, amusement evident in her voice. "Oh, what's that? I couldn't hear you!"

"Drag ball," Axel repeated tersely. "I'm taking Roxas to a drag ball. Get over it, bitch."

"That's not the kind of language that's going to get you my dress, dickhead. Use your big boy words."

"I'm sorry," Axel finally bit out, having to talk over her to even get the words out. "I already apologized to Demyx and Zexion, we're cool now. Can you at least try to accept my apology?"

"I can certainly try, but I can also guarantee it won't be accepted," Larxene replied tartly. "I can hold a grudge until the dinosaurs come back."

"You're really going to hold a grudge against me like this, when I'm trying to be the better guy?"

"Go home, Axel."

"No. Can I please try on the dress?"

Larxene paused and glared at him shrewdly for several moments. Then she put her book back up to cover her face and said easily, "Sure, go right ahead."

"Uh, really?"

"Uh, yeah," she answered mockingly. "Congratulations, you get a gold star! Go put the fucking dress on so I can shut you up, fire crotch."

"Ice queen," Axel retorted, taking the dress out of the closet.

"Cocksucker."

"And proud of it, cuntwaffle."

"Jerk."

"Bitch."

"Stop stalling, dickface – get a move on."

Axel grumbled something in response, but took the dress into the bathroom anyway. He knew Larxene was fucking with him, but he wasn't going to take the dress unless he knew it would fit – if that meant playing dress-up for her, whatever. The dress was a short black scoop neck, a little tight on his hips and chest since Larxene was tinier than him. Feeling distinctly uncomfortable Axel walked back into Larxene's room for her more likely disapproval.

Sure enough, when Axel entered the room she immediately burst into laughter.

"What?" Axel asked testily.

"You look like a man in a dress. It's not that attractive. There's a little spa down the street, you should get yourself waxed."

"Fuck no," Axel snorted. "I'm not that desperate."

Larxene shrugged. "Suit yourself. You're not that hairy, but the legs definitely kill it for me right now."

"Ok then, forget about the legs. The dress fits; I mean, it's a little small, but it works. Would you let me borrow it for a night?"

"I should make you my personal sex slave in return," Larxene said bitterly, "with the way you were treating all of us. But this time I'll be merciful."

Axel flinched just a little. "Why are you being merciful?" he asked warily.

Larxene's expression softened by two degrees, startling Axel; something about it felt really, really fucking wrong. "Because you must really like this kid," Larxene said. "You're willing to forego all of your manly pride and shave your legs and put on a dress, just to take him to a drag ball. He must really be something, huh?"

Axel didn't answer at first, just looked down at his feet and scratched the back of his head. "Yeah, he is."

"Alright then," Larxene said, her voice clipped again. "Just don't go fucking around with us like that again, or I really will maim you. You know how your little fling is going to end-"

"No, we really don't," Axel interrupted, chuckling.

"Yes, you do," she said sternly. "Don't fuck with me, Axel. And furthermore, don't kid yourself, ok?"

"Sure," Axel said, but didn't absorb the advice. He'd figure out what they were going to do on his own time.

"I know you're not really listening, but whatever. Do what you want, I'm not going to stop you. All I'm going to do is stand on the sidelines and tell you you're being a fucktard."

"That's what you do anyway," Axel allowed himself a chuckle.

"Someone's got to keep you in line. Now, I'll let you borrow this dress, on two conditions."

Mayday. Danger! "What would those be?"

"First of all, you get Marluxia to fix you up. I paid good money for that dress, I'm not going to have you waltzing about Rome looking like a transvestite who's just not even really trying. And second, you become my personal homework servant when we take International Relations II in the fall."

Axel groaned. "You fucking bitch . . ."

"Fine, that filler class or whatever. Do my homework for that class and we're clean."

"Didn't you sign up for something in religious studies?"

"Yup," she said, already sitting back with her nose in the book. "Hence my ultimatum."

"Fine. Deal. I agree," Axel said tersely. "And Marluxia?"

"Um, yeah," Larxene answered, as if Axel was a two year old who needed reminding of something he should have known. "Marly's gayer than ten of you, and he dabbles in crossdressing. You think he can't do your hair or makeup, honey?"

"Er, I'm sure he can."

"You don't trust him with your hair, do you."

"He uses a curling iron on his," Axel said, allowing his discomfort to come through.

"And if he knows that's not your style, he probably won't use it on you," Larxene chuckled. "It can't hurt, and I'm sure he's not going to say no."

"He wouldn't pass up making someone else look pretty," Axel snorted. "He'll love the challenge of me."

"I'm sure you'll make a fine woman. Other than, you know, you're all hips and no tits."

"I'm going now."

"Don't spontaneously grow a vagina, you can't get rid of those!"

Axel cringed and escaped out her door before it got any worse. As he went back towards the front door of the apartment, Xion came out of her room; she looked mildly surprised that he not only held a dress in his hands, but was also still whole.

"Still got your balls?" she asked innocently.

"Yep," Axel said shortly, wishing she'd leave him alone.

"Might want to put that in your bag," she said, indicating the black dress slung over his arm. "A man with a dress on the main streets is an invitation for stupid comments."

"Uh, yeah. Thanks," he said, putting the dress in his backpack; then they both paused in the slightly awkward silence that ensued. Axel looked towards the door. "Well, I'm going to go now."

Xion gave him a little wave. "Enjoy your time as a woman!" she called, just as he was opening the door.

Axel scowled at her. Xion was unfazed by his murderous gaze; she shrugged and went back into her room.

"Fucking space cadet," he grumbled, pulling the door closed behind him.

Axel helped Roxas and Hayner made dinner that night, which turned out to be an amazingly delicious spread of artichokes cooked with garlic, risotto, and some bread Roxas had picked up on his way home. Though he'd never had artichokes cooked that way before, he thought they were surprisingly tasty. While they were all sitting at the table Axel decided to ask about the drag ball plans, since it was coming up at the end of the week.

You have your dress? Roxas asked, grinning excitedly.

Axel nodded. Got one earlier from a friend. Hayner was clearly and pointedly ignoring this conversation.

I think I might go with you guys, Pence said, surprising Axel. Sounds like a fun time – I'm not dressing up though, he amended, much to Roxas' disappointment. My brother's going out of town for a bit, so I've got the car if anyone needs a ride . . .

I need to get a new back tire for my moped, Olette said, plucking a piece of bread from the plate. So I think I'll ride with you.

Axel and I will take my moped, Roxas piped in. We can meet here before we head out.

Sounds like a plan to me, Axel nodded. He'd talk with Marluxia about doing his hair that afternoon, then head over to Roxas apartment. Then he realized, if he got ready at his school apartment he'd have to take a taxi or a bus over to Roxas' – which he was more than willing to do, just not in drag. Er, I'm going to be getting ready at my apartment that day, and I'm not sure I want to take the bus over here. Would you mind picking me up, Pence?

Roxas' friend considered this. Sure, that's fine. Roxas can tell me where your apartment is, and I'll give you my cell phone number. I can send you a message when I get there.

Ok, sounds good, Axel agreed, feeling a little better about the prospect of transportation.

Once the food was gone they stayed at the table to chat for a little bit, clearing plates up only to play cards for a bit before people started calling it a night. When he and Roxas started heading for the blond's room, Axel suddenly remembered he should probably keep Roxas abreast with his plans.

I'm going to Amsterdam next week, he said, stripping off his t-shirt and stretching, with some of my friends from school.

Ahh, Amsterdam would be fun, Roxas said as he did the same. I have to go there some time. When are you going?

We're leaving next Friday morning. Was going to be this weekend, but luckily that changed, he chuckled, climbing on to the mattress and collapsing onto his stomach, face in their shared pillow.

Axel felt the mattresss dip as Roxas crawled in beside him, rubbing their shoulders together and laying his head on the pillow as well. Yes, very good. Where did you end up getting your dress?

Oh, a friend of mine. Larxene. She made me fight her for it.

Suddenly Roxas rolled Axel over onto his back and straddled his hips, leaning down and giving Axel a saucy grin. So. Going to show me your dress? I want to see it.

Nope, Axel said with a similar grin. You're just going to have to wait and see.

Tease, Roxas chuckled. I want to see what it looks like.

Too bad, Axel shrugged. Just wait and be surprised.

I know you'll look hot, Roxas whispered, his hand moving slowly up Axel's sternum.

Hard for me not to. In truth though, Axel was having a hard time thinking about Roxas as a girl. It just couldn't click at all.

I know, Roxas answered, slowly grinding down against Axel's hips and now-interested groin.

You'll look pretty hot yourself, Axel ventured, groaning as heat and desire pooled in his abdomen.

With that Roxas leaned down and kissed him deeply, possessively, only breaking it to whisper I know.

After finally getting the chance to talk with Marluxia during the week, Axel made plans to stop by the sophomore's apartment so he could help him get ready for the drag ball. Marluxia was one of four guys who had their own apartment on Via Aurelia, since it was almost impossible to find a single place to house twelve guys – though some of them spent enough time at Axel's apartment that they could've been living there. Axel dropped by a little pizza place on the way and got himself a sandwich, with prosciutto, mozzarella, and some tomatoes to eat while Marluxia worked.

When he got to Marluxia's apartment though, after he was buzzed in and had mounted the three flights of steps to his door, he was very surprised to see half the residents of his own apartment mingling in the kitchen; Demyx, Zexion, Xaldin, Lexaeus, and a few others all gave him quizzical looks as he rounded the corner.

Axel realized that the fact that he was actually there, when he'd barely spent any time what so ever in the school apartment since fighting with Demyx, and at the backpack he had, which carried almost all of the supplies he'd need for the night including Larxene's dress and some other things, probably looked really weird and a little off, especially since he wasn't really friendly with anyone in Marluxia's apartment.

"Hey," Demyx said, a little more guarded than he usually was with him. "What are you doing here?"

Axel shrugged. "I needed a favor from one of the guys, he's just helping me out."

"Oh – ok. We were just heading out to dinner, you want to come?"

Why the fuck was this so awkward? "Nah, no thanks man. I'll catch up with you guys some other time."

"No worries," Demyx said, his easy and thoughtless grin returning gradually as the other guys started picking up to leave the apartment. "See you later; Marly, you coming?"

From behind the closed middle door the familiar voice of Marluxia came filtering through. "No thanks guys, I've got my work cut out for me." The tall sophomore with feathered pink hair opened the door to poke his head out; then he stage-whispered, "It's not every day a man asks for you to make him into a woman."

The reactions were instantaneous and hilarious; Zexion's visible eye bulged and his eyebrow twitched as he looked over at Axel, Demyx' jaw dropped comically, and Xigbar was leaning over, laughing hard.

Marluxia shooed them out, then barked orders for Axel to go shower – and to shave anything he didn't want showing off.

As Axel emerged from the shower with wet hair and a towel around his waist ten minutes later Marluxia ambushed him, brandishing a hair dryer and a flat iron. He barely had time to hiss "Jeeze, Marly," before the pink-haired sophomore stopped him.

"Step into my office," Marluxia said with an evil grin, dragging Axel over to his own desk.

Axel stared at the tools the pink-haired man was lining up. "How did you fit all that stuff in your bags?"

"That's my little secret," Marluxia answered, lathering his hands with some sort of lotion before combing his fingers through his hair. In the meantime, Axel simply sat in the chair and devoured his Panini, allowing the pink-haired man to abuse his precious hair. He added several other products then started brushing and blow-drying; about ten minutes later he examined a full lineup of styling tools, Axel bristled when his hand almost reached for the curling iron.

"Jesus Christ," Axel hissed as the sophomore's hand bypassed the offending implement.

"I am your savior," Marluxia murmured mostly to himself in response, finally choosing the flat iron. Axel gave a small grunt at his revelation; then Marluxia began attacking Axel's hair with the flat iron, straightening out the long red strands. "Tell me you shaved."

"Yeah," Axel answered, disgruntled.

"Everywhere?"

Axel glowered. "Legs, armpits, face, obviously."

Marluxia turned to look at Axel from the front; admiring him obviously. "Oh, I do love me a smooth-chested man," he chuckled.

"I will kill you. And if you tell Xigbar or anyone else about this, I will torture you before murdering you."

"Hm, touchy."

"Use that curling iron on me and you'll really see how 'touchy' I can get," Axel grumbled.

By the time Marluxia was done with his hair and makeup, Axel realized he really could almost pass for a girl. Mar had done something different to his hair; instead of the spikes he usually had it in it fell flat over his shoulders in layers, framing his angular face. He could thread his fingers through it, all the silky-smooth strands sliding though his fingers as he went.

As far as the makeup went, Axel had been afraid that Marly would lay it on thick, and it would be like wearing a clay mask. Instead, it was only really heavy around his eyes, playing up the already-present cheek tattoos. There was foundation to cover up his skin tone and the tiniest bit of blush, and his eyes were lined with black charcoal and purple liner. Topped off with sticky, glistening gloss on his lips, Axel decided the whole look was just plain weird. He hoped Roxas liked it.

"Voila," Marluxia said dramatically, giving Axel's hair one final adjustment or two. "A masterpiece."

"It'll take some getting used to," Axel conceded. "But it looks good."

"Of course it looks good," Marluxia said proudly. "Now go put the dress on, I want to see the whole look."

"Er, Larxene said to ask you about shoes. Her feet are tiny, but we might be closer to the same size."

"Yeah, I think I've got a pair of sturdy heels in this apartment somewhere. Go change into the dress, I'll look for them."

Axel turned and went back into the bathroom to change into Larxene's dress, which was hanging up on the bathroom wall. He pulled out Olette's 'drag goodies' from the bag she'd given him before coming back here today; she'd managed to find a bra to fit around his ribcage, and had also left him with jelly-like inserts for the bust, to make it look like he had both breasts and cleavage. Obviously they didn't fuck around with their crossdressing. Roxas had also contributed 'tucking tools,' basically two pairs of underwear that would help keep his cock and balls from being too visible beneath the skirt. He had to be careful if he got hard though, because then he'd get very uncomfortable, very fast.

He clasped the bra behind his back and stuffed the inserts into the swell of the bra cup; Axel adjusted the undergarment and looked at himself in the mirror. It looked real enough so far. Then he put the snug underwear on and tucked himself between his legs, frowning as he adjusted to the sensation of the bra and the tucking simultaneously. "Jeez," he muttered to himself as he pulled Larxene's dress from the hangar. "Don't know how girls do this, much less drag queens."

"It's an art, honey," Marluxia said breezily, making Axel almost jump out of his skin; he didn't think the walls were that thin. He rolled his eyes and continued working to get the dress up and zipped. Once he was done he unlocked the bathroom door and walked out.

Marluxia wasn't in the room at that moment, so Axel kind of glanced around awkwardly looking for the pink-haired man. Then Marluxia reappeared, carrying what looked like a pair of nice, relatively low-heeled boots. "So you're pretty tall as it is," the sophomore was saying, "and you're not that used to walking in heels, so you'd be a stumbling giant if I gave you anything higher- oh my sweet baby Jesus," Marluxia finished loudly, blinking rapidly. "Very nice," he said appreciatively. "Even I'd say you'd pass for a girl."

"Uh, thanks."

Marluxia recovered fairly quickly. "Here," he said, handing Axel the boots. "Put those on, let's see how they look."

Axel plopped down on one of the beds and slipped his feet into the boots, zipping them up to where they ended mid-calf. They tapered off at the toe a little too much for him, but he was only doing this for one night, that wouldn't hurt too much. The heel was really only about an inch and a half, just enough so that he wouldn't completely lose his balance and fall over on the cobblestones.

Axel stood, only slightly wobbly as he got used to walking in women's boots, and went to examine himself in the mirror, assessing the new additions critically. So far he'd been fitted, partially waxed, shaved, primped, painted, tucked and fastened, all with the goal of basically turning himself into a woman – and for all intents and purposes it appeared to have succeeded. The dress looked really good; it was made out of a slightly stretchy cotton, designed to stretch with a body's curves, but still loose enough to keep his maleness hidden. There was nothing he could do about the broad mass of his shoulders or the flatness of his pectorals up to the point where the bra gave him a little something extra. The boots, calf-length and faux leather, gave him a little bit of added height but mostly added to the whole outfit being pretty sexy. Axel decided he made a pretty good-looking girl, which surprised him to no end.

Furthermore, his mind halfheartedly chimed in, your masculinity is pretty much dead. Axel figured, somewhere in the back of his mind, that some part of him should be having a fit right now given he was dressed in drag; being the guy who never pictured himself doing the whole drag queen thing, Axel found himself surprisingly ok with all of this. It was for Roxas, anyways.

Across the room, Axel heard his cell phone beep. "That's Pence; he's outside to pick me up," Axel called to Marluxia. "How do I look?" he asked, looking for one last once-over.

"You look marvelously sexy," Marluxia gushed. "Take pictures, I want to see this!"

"Yeah, yeah," Axel agreed, heading for the door. "Thanks again, man."

"You owe me!" Then Axel closed the door and headed down to the front door of the apartment building, where Pence – in his brother's borrowed SmartCar – was waiting.

The stairs were looking to be a bit daunting in heels, even modest ones, so Axel opted for the old, rickety elevator.

Pence's ride was indeed one of the iconic little SmartCars, cramped and black with bright yellow accents. The teen himself did a complete double-take when Axel approached the car and gave him a cheery salute, sputtering slightly.

You look good, he finally managed, but didn't say much else for the rest of the drive.

Axel got out of Pence's SmartCar, wobbling slightly in his heeled boots. He couldn't help but feel naked, with almost no body hair and no pants covering his legs or supporting him.

And tucking, while necessary for this situation, was terribly uncomfortable; Axel didn't ever want to do it again, ever. He didn't even feel hot at all anymore after that car ride, just angular and manly . . . but in a form-fitting dress.

Once Pence let them in, Axel checked (read: hobbled) around looking for Roxas and Olette, until Olette's door opened and she came breezing out, looking for all the world like a teenage boy – from her somehow shortened hair to the pinstripe vest and bright orange Converse. She too did a double-take.

Look at you! she gushed. This is fantastic! Look, you have breasts now! she said excitedly, rushing over and cupping his 'breasts.'

Awkward, Pence said quietly, in a sing-song quality voice. Olette shushed him.

Roxas is still getting ready, she informed him. He's still making himself pretty. Though that could take all day! she said, shouting the last few words for Roxas' benefit.

Quiet, you! Roxas responded through his bedroom door mere moments later. I'm almost done!

Olette sighed dramatically, rolling her eyes.

How'd you get your hair short like that? Axel asked. It's usually pretty long.

Nothing special, Olette said, turning around so her back was to Axel and pushing some of her hair up. The longer layers of her hair had been braided against the back of her head, and were covered by another layer to conceal them. Pretty cool though, huh?

I'd say so, Axel chuckled. That's Roxas' vest, isn't it.

Like I said, we share clothes for this sort of thing.

So are we really only waiting on Roxas?

Olette nodded. He's taking his time. Come on Roxas, let's go! she turned and shouted.

I'm coming, I'm coming! Axel leaned around Olette as he heard the door click open.

Holy fuck.

Axel almost didn't recognize Roxas; the blond was decked out in a deep blue, low-cut shirt (and he had to be wearing some sort of bra or something, because Axel swore that was natural cleavage peaking out from the edges of the V-neck), a black miniskirt, and (holy shit) four inch black patent heels. His hair was different too, all the product had been stripped; bangs hung across his forehead and artfully messy around his face. Roxas' eyes were lined in black charcoal, and his lips were plump and glistening.

Something in Axel's chest performed a flying leap as he blinked, the picture Roxas made in his outfit making him feel strangely awkward: he hadn't been attracted to a girl in a long time, long before he decided he preferred men. Then his stomach did yet another flip-flop as Roxas broke into a wide, elated grin at the sight of him. He walked forward, his hips swaying to the click of his heels.

"Ciao bella," Roxas purred teasingly. You look gorgeous, he continued, whispering in Axel's ear as he wrapped his arms over his shoulders.

So do you, Axel answered. You look amazing. Axel pulled away, looking down at Roxas' chest. So, where'd you get these? he asked, cupping the blond's small 'breasts' with a grin.

Roxas smirked. Olette's bra.

"He's got stuffing," Olette piped in, "just to give him a bit more cleavage."

Is she giving away secrets? Roxas demanded. Stop giving away secrets! Sh!

Olette giggled uncontrollably, bending over and holding her stomach as she laughed. It's ok, it's not like Axel isn't stuffed too.

At this Roxas conceded that at least that was true. Ready to go? He asked, a wide grin on his lips.

Axel nodded and wrapped an arm around Roxas' shoulder as they all walked out. They split up in the courtyard, Roxas and Axel taking the moped while Pence and Olette headed directly for the main door where Pence's car was parked. Careful not to mess up his hair, Axel put on the helmet hanging from the handlebars; Roxas was already setting himself astride the moped and adjusting his skirt. Axel climbed on the moped behind him, and they set off for Coming Out.

The ball had already started by the time they arrived, scores of people – in drag and not – were already milling about outside Coming Out. After they'd parked the moped they headed in towards the bar. The thumping bass was audible halfway down the street, a mix of an Italian singer Axel hadn't heard before. Roxas put an arm around Axel's waist, his hand resting on his hip as they walked. Even on the cobblestones, Axel had finally started feeling more comfortable in the heeled boots.

Roxas steered them through the crowd, waving to a few people, and into Coming Out. Once the door opened the music got exponentially louder, the sounds of people yelling and ordering food and drinks melding and creating a musical din. The bar was more crowded than usual, with nearly every occupant dressed in colorful drag. Not even the servers could move in the throng of people, though Axel decided to push his way through those gathered near the bar to order drinks while Roxas went to join Olette and Pence who were mingling in the crowd. With a Singapore Sling in one hand and Roxas' Cuban Beach in the other, Axel fought his way through towards the back of the bar.

As it turned out, one of the causes of the crowding was that some of the back area of Coming Out had been turned into a stage – which explained why their friend and drag queen in charge, Margherita, was the only person standing up there – that her height was not due to extreme footwear, but the stage itself. She was saying something, yelling at some people closer to the front, but it was too difficult to hear. Nevertheless, Axel felt contented with the drink in his hand and to hang out with their friends, chatting amongst themselves. The gin in the Singapore Sling was deceptive, he could feel it burn in the back of his throat, but at the same time it was delicious and made him feel vaguely giddy – even to the point where he didn't really seem fazed by the fingers pinching his butt every once in a while; it was slightly distracting, but not important.

That is, until that hand became the hard line of an erection pressing against his ass, ignoring the clear warning sign of Roxas arm around his waist, and a mouth close to his ear whispering "ciao, bella." Axel's expression turned to one of utmost disgust; who the fuck did this fucker think he was?

It was Roxas though, who reacted first; he shouted a curse over the din and knocked the man away, snarling at him. The man stumbled back into a couple other party-goers, causing them to spill some of their drinks; one woman in that party looked over and saw Roxas glaring mutinously at him, then immediately got in the man's face and started pushing him out towards the door.

Pence was laughing at the man's protestations and the woman's clear threats, followed by boos and catcalls from other people in the bar as he was escorted out. Axel began laughing too and eventually Roxas joined in, but he was still clearly fuming at the man's actions. One of the drag kings, shirt now partially drenched with alcohol, came over and told them that the man had been causing trouble for most of the night, so it was good their 'enforcer' found him.

He's going to get the shit kicked out of him, no need to worry.

Roxas grumbled something about wanting to do the beating himself, and their informer laughed.

Possessive, huh?

You might say that, Roxas answered with a sly grin, his arm tightening around Axel.

Two drinks in the DJ had turned the music down slightly and Margherita had taken up a microphone; she was speaking animatedly, and Axel counted himself well-adjusted to the Italian language that he could figure out what she was saying.

. . . Now we've got some fine-looking kings and queens here tonight! And if you know what I mean, it's a little hot in here – in more ways than one! Margherita feigned a swoon and fanned herself as the rest of the occupants hollered their agreement. I'm thinking we need to get some of you up here to strut your stuff, what do you think?

There was a chorus of cheers in response, including Olette whistling from Axel's other side.

Well you better put your best walk on – DJ, turn the music up; let's get these kings and queens strutting!

The volume immediately turned up a notch, and Margherita started calling people out from the audience to come up on stage. Several drag kings and queens had gone up, with Margherita making sly comments to many, when Olette made her way up.

Of course Margherita and Olette were already pretty good friends, so when Olette posed, leaning back with her arms crossed over her chest and a hip cocked out, then started doing a hip hop dance Margherita got all the audience to cheer and clap along with her.

And if Olette is here, so is Roxas – get your ass up here!

Roxas put his drink down on a table and made his way up to the stage, with Axel leering as he started up; hips already swaying as he moved across the stage to several wolf-whistles – Axel's included. Then Roxas mouthed something to Margherita, and they had a brief exchange in which the drag queen in charge looked positively dumbfounded.

He is? Well then where is he? Axel! Get up here, what are you thinking leaving this – she gestured to Roxas – up here all alone?

Axel stood there stunned for a moment before he realized she was talking to him. Oh crap. At Pence's proffered hand he gave him his drink and headed up towards the stage, his heart beating out a sharp staccato in his throat.

Now I hope you've all got some tissues handy, because it's about to get really hot in here, Margherita was saying as Axel made it to the edge of the stage. Then she turned and winked at Axel. I think that little lady needs a little bit of, hm, help over there. Axel's eyes snapped over to the other end of the stage, where Roxas was waiting.

Axel took her meaning and made for the other side, not even bothering to be worried about the heels on his boots or how awkward he had felt before. The way Roxas was looking at him as he sauntered over was beyond sexy, his eyelids lowered and lips cherry red and you know what? He looked fucking hot dressed like a girl, makeup and illusionary boobs and all. The edges of the world around them frayed as came closer to the blond, and Axel suddenly felt madly giddy.

Was he going to make out with Roxas on the stage with tons of people watching?

Oh hell yes, he was.

Margherita was saying something in a sultry tone, but Axel wasn't listening anymore; the whole world other than Roxas faded, like he'd noticed had been happening lately, focused when he took his younger lover in his arms and kissed him soundly. Everything narrowed to the warmth of Roxas' body, the feel and taste of his lips (cherry) and teeth and tongue, tainted with the hints of cigarettes and mangos, hands on the small of his back, his ass; why would he ever want to stop kissing Roxas, when he felt this good and this right, arching against him, the slightest tremble in the blond's spine.

The perfect world Axel had descended into suddenly and abruptly popped, all when he felt a tap on his shoulder. He paused and pulled away from the kiss, still tasting Roxas on his lips; he could still feel the thrum of the blond's body, even the slightest shudder as they pulled away.

Margherita cleared her throat and fanned herself again. Sorry you two – had to stop you before you started taking each other's clothes off.

Axel nodded vaguely, barely processing the words. They started making their way off the stage when Margherita caught Axel's arm, a hand over the microphone as she whispered in his ear.

Axel, honey, I think you need to take that boy outside, Margherita said with a wiggle to her eyebrows.

It would be my pleasure, Axel answered with a catlike grin.

I'm sure it would! Margherita called after him as Axel steered Roxas off the stage. Want to go outside? Axel asked Roxas, turning to talk in his ear.

Roxas nodded immediately, but asked him to hold on a second while he ran to go get something. A few minutes later he returned and grabbed Axel's hand, pulling him through the crowd and out the door. Axel expected him to stop at one of the tables so they could cool off, but instead Roxas was heading down the street, towards where they had parked his moped.

Roxas' patent heels clicked against the paved sidewalk rhythmically as he walked, pulling Axel behind him towards a group of parked cars. Axel raised an eyebrow, recognizing Pence's little SmartCar. "Where are we going?"

Roxas snickered. "Nowhere," he grinned, finding Pence's car and leaning back against it.

Axel smirked and moved in front of him, sliding his hands over Roxas' hips and pinning the blond to the car door as he leaned in to kiss him soundly. As Axel pressed forward Roxas hitched himself up further against the car, securing himself with a leg around Axel's waist. The redhead moaned deep in his throat as he deepened the kiss, leaning Roxas back against the frame of the car and running his hands up the blond's smooth legs slowly. Roxas broke the kiss to catch his breath, nipping Axel's lower lip gently and teasing it with his tongue. Axel's hands reached the curve of the blond's ass and squeezed, pulling Roxas harder against Axel and drawing a hitched moan from his younger lover. The redhead rolled his hips in smooth circular motions, despite the fact that he was still tucked and therefore getting more and more uncomfortable by the second.

Probably sensing his discomfort, and having already relieved his own, Roxas reached down to shift the hem of Axel's dress higher then slipped his hand underneath his underwear, his hand hot and tantalizing as he pulled Axel's cock free of its confines. Axel groaned low in his throat, his eyelids fluttering shut as Roxas' hand began stroking him. The blond was leering up at the picture of ecstasy playing across his face and flicking his tongue teasingly at Axel's lip, clearly pleased with his reaction.

Think it'll be hot, us fucking dressed like girls? Roxas whispered dirtily, lips just barely ghosting over his, sweet hot temptation Axel never could resist. He groaned in response, and felt an answering shudder run through Roxas' body. Then the blond growled, Get in the car, not even trying to contain the lust in his tone as he produced the key to Pence's SmartCar out of nowhere. Obviously he'd nabbed it from Pence while his friend wasn't looking.

Roxas dangled the key in front of him, raising an eyebrow in a clear question of 'well, you want to?'

In response Axel released him, a mad grin on his face, and the blond unlocked the vehicle, pulling the door open harshly. Then he pushed Axel inside into the passenger seat and climbed in over him while Axel moved the seat back as far as he could – which wasn't much, but it would do. Realizing how much easier it would be without their footwear, they threw their heels into the driver's seat.

As soon as he settled back into the seat Roxas straddled him and pulled Axel into a kiss, effectively picking up where they left off in Coming Out. Axel lost himself in the kiss, reaching over to slam the door of the SmartCar shut to give themselves a bit more privacy. As the kiss turned more passionate and Roxas started pushing the hem of Axel's dress up above his waist, Axel pulled away to catch his breath.

This is Pence's car, Axel reminded him, sure he didn't want to stop and yet he was suddenly a little weirded out that they were going to have sex not only in a SmartCar, but Pence's SmartCar.

Pence's brother's car, Roxas corrected him, dipping his fingers into the deep V of his shirt and pulling out a hidden condom wrapper and a little package of lube. We just have to make sure we're not that messy, he said as he carefully tore the condom wrapper open with his teeth.

Easier said than done, Axel muttered, lifting his hips and pushing his underwear down; once those were out of the way he took the condom because the angle would've been hell on Roxas' arms. Roxas shifted away from his lower body so Axel could roll the condom down his own hard shaft and got rid of his own underwear. Another plastic wrapper ripped; Axel glanced up briefly to see the blond squirting some of the lube onto his fingers before offering the little package to Axel. The redhead took it and Roxas molded himself to Axel's body, curled over him and stroking his erection with lubed fingers.

Arms wrapped around Roxas' torso, Axel squeezed the rest of the lube onto his fingers and began teasing his upper thigh, inching closer to his entrance. Twisting his finger against the puckered muscles of his entrance and finding them somewhat stretched, Axel pushed two fingers inside of him and began stretching the blond, smoothing lube along his inner walls.

Mmmm, Roxas moaned in his ear, nuzzling the side of his face. Want to ride you.

Ready? Axel murmured, nipping at Roxas' lips.

Roxas nodded in response and repositioned himself in the cramped cabin of the SmartCar; Axel ran his hands up Roxas' thighs, pushing his skirt up. He guided Roxas down, one hand holding his cock as Roxas moved, using his grip on the back of Axel's seat as leverage. They shared an intake of breath as the blunt head of Axel's cock penetrated the ring of tight muscle and Roxas took control, easing his way down with no rush.

The blond dropped his forehead gently against Axel's, breathing deeply as Roxas descended onto his cock, taking him deeper and deeper. Axel held him steady, guiding his hips and his own thrusts to hit Roxas' prostate. Finally, when Axel was fully seated inside of his lover, he held that position for a moment to nuzzle his nose; no matter how many times they had sex over the last few weeks, they'd gotten into the habit of sharing this little quiet moment before they could take in the anticipation of the hot press of bodies that was eternally intoxicating when they were together like this. It felt a bit sappy and weird, thinking about it out of context, but Axel always felt ridiculously happy.

Axel knew this position in the car was bound to get uncomfortable fast, so once he could feel that Roxas was well adjusted he tilted the blond's hips and rolled his own, thrusting into the tight moist heat. Roxas exhaled a sigh, licking his lips and gripping Axel's hair, his elbows now propped up on the back of the seat.

The angle was awkward as all hell as Axel had predicted but he continued thrusting, attuned to Roxas' pleasure and comfort in their tight quarters. Axel's hands roamed over the swell of his ass, the length of his back as his fingers grasped at the blue material of his shirt, up his neck, cupping the side of his face as they kissed, tongues mimicking their current activities. Murmured, erotic exhalations quickly fogged up the windows of the SmartCar as they moved against each other.

Holding the blond tightly against him, Axel began feeling the approach of his climax; his formerly slower tempo grew faster, into quick, deep thrusts that drew impassioned, feverish words and sounds from Roxas' throat. The heat welling up inside him and coiling like a tensioned spring, Axel devoted his attentions to Roxas' erection, weeping against his stomach, stroking him to completion and a high, satisfied shout. Axel felt the spring release in his own body, a choked cry finding its way from his throat as he came to the feeling of Roxas contracting around him, drawing out his orgasm.

"Fuck," was all Axel could manage moments later, the word exhaled weakly as they both began to recover.

Roxas giggled. "Yes," he answered, placing a kiss on Axel's lips. We should get dressed.

Axel nodded numbly, not wanting to leave the warmth of Roxas' arms and body. But Roxas shifted and opened the car door, allowing cool air to rush in and chill Axel's skin. As Roxas moved Axel held the condom in place, easing his now-flaccid cock from the blond's body.

While Roxas found his underwear and started cleaning himself up, Axel pulled the condom off and tied it, throwing it in a nearby dumpster. Roxas handed him his underwear and, hidden by the other cars parked in the area, started putting themselves back together again.

Let's go for a walk, Roxas purred once they were dressed again. I'm not ready to go back yet. And you have, the blond gave up explaining and tried to wipe the remnants of lip gloss off of Axel's nick and cheek.

Me neither – want to keep you for myself for just a bit longer, Axel said, twining their fingers together as they walked down the block.

They were coming back from their walk when Pence accosted them, clearly pissed off and incredulous. Are you guys fucking serious? he demanded angrily.

What? Roxas asked, giggling.

You know what! You bastards fucked in my car!

Brother's car, Roxas muttered. I'm going to pay to have it cleaned, I promise.

Pence scowled. Keys. Now. My car keys and your moped keys.

The fuck, I need my keys to get home, Roxas shot back.

Yeah, and Olette flat out refuses to sit in the seat you idiots jizzed all over, so she's going to take your moped.

And what are we supposed to use?

A bus, Pence snorted. One of the night busses. I know it's hard when you've had a few Cuban Beaches, but think next time before you fuck in someone else's car.

Roxas handed the keys over sullenly. I'll get it cleaned, don't worry. You're not really that pissed at me, are you?

Pence frowned at him, then shook his head. No man, just don't fuck in other people's cars! he finished with a chuckle.

Roxas sighed dramatically. Alright, we'll find a bus. Come on, honey, he said, grasping Axel's hand as they started heading for a night bus stop.

Having never been called 'honey' or the Italian equivalent before then, all Axel could think to respond with was a sloppy kiss to the blond's temple as they teetered towards the stop.

Later the next week, Axel was still recovering from the drag ball mentally. It had been a lot of unexpected fun, as he got more comfortable in his clothing – but he wasn't sure he'd do it again anytime soon. It had been too much work getting ready, and he was pretty sure Roxas liked him just the way he was. The shaving was now really obnoxious since his hair was growing back, and he had to deal with that itch. But otherwise? Completely and totally worth it. And furthermore, life was good: he had Roxas, and now he had his friends back, having patched things up further with Demyx.

Since he was heading to Amsterdam with Zexion, Demyx, Xigbar, and a few others in less than two days, Axel was getting things together at his school apartment and making plans with the others for what they wanted to do.

Demyx however, was being absolutely no help; he was warbling a Guster song, belting out "or did you get lost in Aaaaaamsterdaaaaaam" when he wasn't sure about the rest of the lyrics or didn't feel like paying attention to them. This situation ended only when Zexion got too frustrated with his off-key singing that he threw a shoe in Demyx's direction.

Yeah, life was pretty good.