Title: Moped Romance [11/12]
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, domesticity, nostalgia like WOAH
Rating: R.
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 of 2009.
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, U2.
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: Axel and Roxas find themselves in a precarious position in their tentative relationship, and find a way to make it work for both of them.
Author's Note: There's actually a story behind this song – when I arrived in Italy my backpack was stolen by a taxi driver, so I lost my laptop, ipod, camera, and PSP (I was THIS close to finishing Crisis Core damn it) in one fell swoop. My parents went out and bought replacements, but the package containing them was stuck in Milan for a month. When I finally received them I turned my new ipod on and discovered my dad had filled it with his entire library of music. Led Zepplin appeared first, but anyway – this song had such a haunting feel to it I fell in love. Also to note: almost exactly two years ago, my own study abroad experience ended.
In other news! There's only one chapter left, guys. And it's ¾ of the way done. I'm kind of having a bit of a panic attack.
Track 11 – Love is Blindness
Love is blindness
I don't want to see
Won't you wrap the night
Around me
Oh my heart
Love is blindness
In a parked car
In a crowded street
You see your love
Made complete
Thread is ripping
The knot is slipping
Love is blindness
The next time Axel woke, it took him several minutes to piece together what had happened, where he was. There was only a faint light filtering through the shaded window – definitely not his own, but signaling the arrival of morning. Hadn't he just woken up to Xigbar's plane engine snore not a few hours ago? He tried to shift around to assess the situation but the blankets were tangled up all around him and he felt unbelievably sore, which kept him from getting very far. The bed - definitely Roxas'; he'd spent the night enough to know the sheets, blanket and pillow, especially since he'd become so intimately familiar with them.
Roxas' apartment: DVDs. Shouting. Desperate hands. Warm, pliant body. Nails across his back. Axel swallowed dryly.
He'd fallen asleep beside him, and the pillow they shared was still warm so Roxas couldn't have gone too far. Though if they'd gotten out of hand, as Axel suspected, there was no telling what the blond might have done.
Axel sat up with difficulty, uneasy at that thought, and immediately found Roxas sitting hunched over further down the bed. Knees drawn up to his chest, he was bent over with his head in his hands and elbows on his knees. He too was naked, his back to Axel; swallowing thickly Axel catalogued the marks of nails scored into his back, red lines the redhead himself had put there mere hours earlier when Roxas fucked him into the mattress, having recovered from their earlier tryst. Tendons and muscles shifted under his skin as Roxas slid his hands up to tangle in his blond hair and grip. Then Axel heard him whisper very clearly, What the fuck am I doing? while his shoulders shook. Axel just watched for a moment, mesmerized by the way his skin stretched over his spine and ribs in his hunched-over position. It made his chest ache.
"Roxas," he said quietly.
"Shut up," Roxas answered quickly, his voice raw and hoarse. "I am not ready yet."
So Axel waited patiently, watching Roxas carefully as he collected his thoughts.
Roxas cleared his throat. A part of me, he began softly, a big part actually, wishes I'd never seen you again. I knew, when we first started dating, that if I actually started feeling something for you I'd only hurt. So I tried and tried, denied feeling anything for you to protect myself. Maybe I even started fooling myself about how I felt, I don't know. But then you said … and it hurt. So fucking …. Every time you said it, it was another cut. And the worst part was, you didn't understand. You have absolutely no idea how much this hurts, knowing how you feel and knowing that I have to let you go, that you're going to leave me behind anyway.
I think you'll find I do understand, Axel said patiently. It breaks my heart knowing-
I wasn't finished yet, Roxas interrupted placidly, cutting him off and looking at Axel pointedly. A big part of me hates you for doing this to me, for making me feel and hurt like this. And I know, I know it's my fault too. But … there is a piece of me that couldn't imagine what I'd do if you hadn't come back for me. That would have hated you even more if you hadn't.
The last part had been spoken so quietly Axel almost didn't hear him. But Roxas met his gaze a moment later, eyes red and a small, sad smile on his face.
Forgive me, I was being selfish, Axel said.
We are both idiots, Roxas chuckled wryly.
Axel held out his hand, beckoning to him and whispering, Come here, so Roxas wouldn't hear his voice break. For all their combined bravados, there wasn't much else Axel wanted to do.
The blond grasped his hand tightly, and Axel tugged him closer, enveloping the smaller boy in his long arms. Roxas slid easily beside him, molding to Axel's side and tucking his head under the redhead's chin, their entangled fingers against Axel's chest.
What should we do? Roxas asked, sounding small and unsure.
Axel licked his lips. I leave in two weeks.
I know. After another few moments he spoke again. Will you still hang out with me?
You want me to?
Roxas nodded against his chest. If you have to go, I want to spend time with you before you leave.
Ok, Axel murmured. We can do that, I think.
The blond tilted his head back, peering up at Axel through the blond hair hanging across his forehead. Think we . . . can still have sex?
Are you sure it's a good idea?
Maybe not, Roxas shrugged slightly. But we shouldn't have even been dating in the first place. Can we just stay like this for a little bit more?
Axel leaned down and kissed the crown of his forehead. Can I say it now?
Roxas curled against him more; Axel could feel the small smile on his face against his chest. As often as you want.
I love you, then.
You too, Roxas whispered. Axel's heart leapt in his chest; he settled back against him, refusing to think about Sora, about the plane in two weeks – nothing was going to tear him away from this feeling of Roxas' heart beating close to his once more. This was their truce, he supposed. They could stay like this until it simply wasn't an option anymore, when they had to let each other go.
They finally decided it was time to leave the room when someone went into the kitchen and started blasting Madonna's "Papa Don't Preach" – as it turned out it was Olette, who was still in her pajamas as she made breakfast. When Axel made his first appearance she stared at him, eyes wide, before her vision flickered to Roxas.
You're crazy, she snorted, returning to her cooking. Eggs? she offered, smirking.
After they finally rolled off of Roxas' mattress to greet the day Axel discovered no less than thirty-two texts and twenty-one missed calls from Demyx, all wondering where he was and if he'd met his end on a butcher knife from Roxas' apartment. Rather than call Axel invited the blond over to his apartment, since he'd never actually been there before. Roxas seemed rather excited about the idea, and willingly left his apartment (after laboriously explaining what had happened to Roxas' roommates and fending Hayner and his spatula weapon off) to explore another.
They didn't head over immediately though – it was late enough that they could grab lunch on the way, leaving the moped parked in a side street. Pizza and a stop at a gelateria later, Axel and Roxas ended up walking leisurely down one of the innumerable alleys hand in hand. When Demyx called yet again, Axel decided that maybe it was time to head back to his school apartment and relieve Demyx's stress.
It's really nice, the blond said appreciatively as they entered the main building. The school got you a very nice apartment.
If only the occupants matched, Axel chuckled as he pulled the heavy cage doors to the tiny elevator. Roxas slipped inside and leaned back against the other side. I'm going to apologize in advance, some of them are idiots and the apartment is probably a terrible mess.
You have seen ours at the worst, Roxas said as he pulled them closed and pressed the highest floor number.
True, Axel conceded. The little elevator lurched and began its ascent.
After a few moments, Roxas crossed the extremely short distance between them and put his hand on Axel's arm. Hey, he prompted, a knowing smirk across his lips.
"Hm?" Axel responded, meeting his gaze and wishing, briefly, for all the world that he too had a photographic memory like the blond.
Do you remember, he said coyly, slipping his arms over Axel's shoulders, the last time we were in this elevator?
Axel's mouth split into a mad grin and leaned closer. Of course I do. Though I don't think picking up from there would be a good idea right now.
Still a nice memory, Roxas hummed, pressing his lips against the redhead's softly.
The gears pulling the elevator up squealed obnoxiously, and the elevator stalled, right on the third floor like it usually did.
Axel sighed against the blond's lips. Stupid elevator.
An undignified squeak hit their ears moments later, and Axel's head snapped to its source – the young girl who'd seen them the first time what felt like ages ago, whose family lived on the third floor of the apartment building was there again, hands clasped together excitedly and flushed cheeks.
Roxas pulled away and jumped to get the elevator moving again, while Axel gave the girl a thumbs up. As they disappeared up to the fifth floor Axel swore he heard and extended "Eeeeeeeeeeeeee" emanating from a few floors down.
"That is the-" Roxas started, recognition dawning.
"Yup," Axel chuckled, pulling Roxas into his embrace and kissing his forehead, the blond's properly styled hair tickling his chin. "So – I've got an asshole of a roommate here, don't be afraid to give him shit too.
Ah, no wonder you prefer me, Roxas teased, his hands squeezing Axel's ass briefly as the elevator reached its destination.
Axel nipped at his lips. Careful, I think you left bruises last night.
Good, the blond said, sounding highly satisfied with himself. Are you still sore?
Is that really a question to ask right before we head in to meet my friends? Axel chuckled.
Roxas shrugged. Just trying to gauge what I can look forward to doing later, he said coyly, disengaging himself from Axel's arms and tugging the elevator doors open. We both went pretty hard, he continued apologetically.
We'll see, Axel said, following him out and wrapping an arm around the younger man's waist.
When Axel unlocked the door to his apartment and let himself and Roxas inside, he was immediately bombarded by a flailing Demyx.
"Where have you been? I thought you'd died!" Demyx wailed.
"Sorry I didn't call, mother," Axel retorted playfully.
"No really," Demyx said, suddenly deadly serious. "Where have you been?"
"Hello," Roxas said, waving as he poked his head around from behind Axel.
"AAAHH, what's he doing here?" Demyx demanded. "I thought he hated your guts. Are you…are you limping?"
"Uh," was all Axel could make out in that moment and that was all Demyx needed.
"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO," Demyx said loudly, his jaw hanging open. "YOU DIDN'T."
"Who didn't do what, you hyperactive freak?" Larxene shouted from the kitchen area.
Xigbar poked his head out from the same place. "Oh look! Against all odds, Axel is still alive!"
"Get your puny ass back here Xigbar, or I'm dealing without you."
"Yeah, yeah, keep your piercings in. Dem! We're playing poker, remember?"
"Oh yeah!" Demyx said, brightening exponentially. "Do you guys want to play?"
Axel turned to Roxas, who looked more than a little confused with all the shouting in English going on. You know how to play poker?
Roxas immediately turned to Demyx. "Texas Hold'em?"
"Very nice," Demyx nodded, grinning. "Right this way," he said, directing Roxas down the hall towards the kitchen. Then he tugged Axel by the collar and whispered in his ear briefly, "We're talking later. Before you leave."
"Uh, sure," Axel nodded warily. "If you want."
"Good," Demyx said, sounding satisfied. "Let's go play some poker."
Roxas, as it turned out, was quite good at poker. Axel knew he was good at cards from the numerous nights spent playing card games with Roxas' flatmates, but he'd never seen his poker face tested out against another player like Luxord, who tended to win most of their games without much contest. But with the pile of dishes now on the line, everyone else was putting their best hands forward.
Axel took great pleasure in Roxas' play against Xigbar (after he'd confided that the upperclassman was his erstwhile roommate) that won him nearly all of the other man's money; while Xigbar cursed up a storm Roxas simply smiled and bumped his fist against Axel's.
In the end the dishes were on Xigbar, and Luxord ended up taking a decent chunk of the winnings as usual. The rest was safely stowed in Roxas' pocket.
"Since I feel for you all and I'm such a nice guy," Luxord said wearily, "I guess drinks can be on me tonight. So it'll almost be like you never lost anything," he reasoned, tapping the neatly gathered pile of bills against Demyx's forehead.
"Hey lovebirds," Larxene barked, "you going to join us?"
Axel looked over at Roxas, who shrugged – then he winked, which signaled his real answer.
"No, I think we have some plans tonight," Axel answered smoothly.
Not that Larxene was ever fooled. "Translation: they're going back to fuck," she said bluntly, rising from her seat. "Let's get out of here, the bars are probably getting packed."
Demyx stayed in his seat. "I'll meet you guys over there . . . I'll call you to see where you are," he said to Zexion as he passed, who nodded shortly.
"He's in 'mother bear' mode," Zexion muttered to Axel on his way out.
"I noticed."
"I see you two talking about me!" Demyx interjected loudly. "I do not have a 'mother bear' mode," he pouted, crossing his arms over his broad chest.
"Right," Zexion said slowly, sarcastically. "Of course you don't." Then the younger man left, leaving Demyx glaring and pouting after him.
Axel raised an eyebrow at him. "What the hell is going on with you?"
"Nothing," Demyx answered quickly, his expression transforming in an instant as he looked back at the couple seated across from him. "So. Will you please enlighten me as to what the hell happened yesterday? I can obviously figure most of it out for myself, but I'd like to hear it from you."
Axel swallowed. "Well. I left you, and went over to Roxas' apartment. We started arguing, one thing led to another and-"
Demyx stopped him. "I don't need to hear the next bit. While I'm sure hearing about how you two screwed each other into oblivion would be incredibly hot, for the sake of time let's fast forward a bit."
Roxas snickered beside him, prompting Axel to elbow him a bit in his side. "All right. We slept together-"
"Why do you say 'sleep together?'" Roxas interjected curiously. "We did not sleep very much."
"True," Axel allowed. "It's just an expression. And it was a little hard to sleep with your fingers in my-"
"TOO MUCH!" Demyx interrupted, flailing around in his chair. "I do not need to know the details of your make-up sex."
"Prude."
"I am not," Demyx said defensively, "a prude. There is, however, a gin and tonic waiting for me where ever those guys went, and I'd like to get to it if that's alright with you. So skip the erotic details and," he waved his hand, urging Axel on, "expressions."
"Ok," Axel said, still chuckling. "We talked this morning, and we realized that we do still have feelings for each other, and want to spend what time we can together before next Thursday."
"So I guess I'm just … a little confused," Demyx said, his puzzlement clear in his expression. "Isn't all this a bit counter-intuitive? Nothing's really changed, but now suddenly you're together again?"
"I think," Roxas started off carefully, moving his bottle in little circles across the table idly, "that now we are on more of the same page. Yes?" he looked to Axel for confirmation, at which point the redhead nodded.
"We both understand what's going to have to happen, and we'd like to end the semester as friends. Or something close to friends."
"Closer to 'friends with benefits,' I think you mean," Demyx corrected, raising an eyebrow.
'
"Dem-"
"You're setting yourselves up," Demyx cut in seriously.
Roxas shook his head quickly, surprising Axel. "We come to terms with it. If he is going to leave, I want to spend time with him before he goes. If I can say," he frowned as he tried to find the right words, pursing his lips cutely, "'you are important to me, but I must let you go' I think we will be happy."
"Well," Axel hedged, causing Roxas to look at him sharply. "As happy as possible. I think ideally it would be a 'be happy because it happened, not sad it's ending' sort of thing."
"You think you can deal with that?"
"Yes, I do," Axel answered shortly.
"Good," Demyx said stuffily, "because I don't want to deal with you whining the whole way home."
Roxas snorted at that. "This one? Whine? I can not see it."
"Six hours, Roxas," Demyx said seriously, his expression pained. "Six hours in a confined space. The last thing I want is him moping at me until I hit him."
Beneath the table Roxas found Axel's hand and tangled their fingers together. "You won't whine, will you?" Roxas asked loftily.
Axel smirked. "Only when I want to bother him."
Demyx narrowed his eyes and shook his head sarcastically. "You evil, evil being. Alright, get out. I've got places to be, liquor to drink. Go . . . do whatever you're going to do."
"What, you don't want to hear about our plans?" Axel asked innocently as he and Roxas rose.
"Shoo!"
0o0
I like your friends, Roxas said as he took off his coat. They were very nice.
Demyx worries, Axel conceded, shucking off his boots. After visiting Demyx and the others at Axel's school apartment they stopped by a little restaurant for a late dinner.
He's a good friend, then, Roxas murmured, helping him with his last boot; then he slid into Axel's lap, resting his arms across the redhead's shoulders and settled his knees on the mattress. He doesn't want you to get hurt.
Axel's hands slid down Roxas' back, eventually cupping his ass. We might hurt sometimes, but I'd never regret doing this with you.
You didn't answer my question earlier, Roxas reminded him, combing Axel's hair back. Are you sore?
The redhead shrugged. A little, I guess.
I'm sorry, Roxas whispered, nuzzling against Axel's neck. I wanted to go slower, but you felt so good I couldn't stop.
What about you, huh?
I could feel you all day long, Roxas murmured into his ear. Which was what I wanted.
Axel placed kisses along Roxas' neck. You're kind of a masochist, you know?
Roxas hummed in response, shifting even closer until their stomachs were pressed together. What if I rode you tonight, just like this? he suggested, nipping at the lobe of Axel's ear as he rolled his hips just slightly. Nice and slow.
It would have to be, Axel said. This angle is terrible.
Roxas shushed him. We aren't in Pence's car anymore. Take your clothes off, he directed, standing up. Axel followed suit and pulled his shirt off; then Roxas, clad only in his boxer-briefs, tugged Axel down into an open-mouthed kiss, all while the blond's hands slithered into the back of Axel's jeans and cupped his ass, pressing their bodies even closer. With Roxas' help his pants were soon on the floor and Axel had turned the tables on him, sliding his hand over the blond's underwear and stroking him through the material, and thoroughly enjoying the pleasing sounds that Roxas was making in his mouth. Roxas broke the kiss, dropping his head and panting slightly as he watched Axel's hand stroke him.
Get on the bed, he muttered huskily, pushing Axel away.
Instead Axel grabbed the lube and a couple of condoms, stripped off his own underwear, then threw some pillows over against the wall; by the time he was leaning back against said pillows Roxas was stepping on the mattress to get to him, his erection bobbing as he went. Axel almost chuckled at the sight, but grabbed the blond's hand to help him straddle Axel's hips.
Come here, Axel muttered, settling the blond comfortably against him. He was probably ready not too long after, but Axel rather enjoyed the way Roxas bit his lip and the little moans he could catch when Axel fingered him – lube-slick fingers opening him up slowly, Roxas pushing back against them while sliding his tongue into Axel's mouth sensuously. Then Roxas sat back, steadying himself with a hand planted against the redhead's breastbone while the other guided his cock.
Axel moaned as the tight heat slowly enveloped him, running his hands over any part of the blond's body he could reach. Roxas tilted his head back when he was fully seated, rolling his hips in minute circles to help himself adjust. Axel himself was transfixed, taking in the sight of Roxas' expression, lost in feeling, to his completely relaxed body and the heat around him, the delicate chain and charms hanging from his neck.
Not for the first time, Axel wondered how on earth he was going to let this – this beautiful boy he'd fallen in love with, who mesmerized him and drove him crazy – go, no matter what he told Demyx or himself.
Then Roxas moaned his name, and started moving – just small motions at first, a slow rise and fall that nearly drove Axel mad.
Roxas, Axel whispered, sliding his hands down to the blond's thighs and feeling the muscles tense and release as he moved. How do you feel?
So good, Roxas breathed, his pace picking up. I can feel you so deep.
Yeah? Axel muttered, wrapping one hand around Roxas' leaking cock.
The blond shuddered, tensing around Axel and drawing a low moan from him. Axel began meeting his downward thrusts, still allowing the blond to control the tempo. Roxas leaned down and kissed him hotly, still meeting Axel's thrusts as he quickened his pace. His fingers combed into red locks, damp with sweat and tugged, spurring Axel on.
Axel could feel himself getting closer, the tight coils of pleasure in his abdomen becoming too tense for him to bear. He came with Roxas shuddering around him and his hand stroking the blond's cock, milking the orgasm from him, with Roxas' face burrowed in his chest; he placed a kiss against Roxas' hair, sliding his hand along his spine soothingly.
We should really go take a shower, Roxas mumbled several long, pleasing moments later, the words muffled against Axel's chest. For his part, Axel wasn't quite ready to move from his spot; he was quite comfortable, despite the drying come on his stomach. After all Roxas was still perfectly molded against him, his breaths shallow, and Axel was in no mood to care about being sticky or sweaty. No really, the blond continued seriously, the point emphasized by teeth closing gently on Axel's nipple, causing him to hiss. We will stink.
That never stopped us before you know, Axel commented. He glanced over at the clock. It's early, too.
With great effort Roxas rolled over and looked at the clock himself. For us, anyway, he chuckled. I'm going to take a shower. You are welcome to join me. Then, Roxas hedged for a moment before he asked hesitantly, Can we watch Supernatural?
I would have thought you might've finished by now, Axel chuckled. They'd only watched the first episode before they'd gone their separate ways and Roxas had mysteriously forgotten to send back Axel's DVDs.
I did not get very far, Roxas admitted. The scary children episode was not fun to watch alone.
Well I think you'll like the next one, Axel said, giving in to the blond's call for cleanliness and rolling out of bed right behind him. It's pretty funny. At Roxas' questioning look, Axel elaborated. Sam is very, very unlucky.
I like Dean better anyway, Roxas said breezily, checking to make sure the coast was clear outside his door before sneaking out towards the bathroom, stark naked, before a more modestly-clothed Axel tackled him with a towel.
Just in time for Hayner to open his door, presumably to use the bathroom himself, to find Axel more or less picking Roxas up on their way to use the shower. Roxas greeted him brightly from across Axel's shoulder, but his flatmate only grumbled in return. No one needs to see that; then he disappeared back into his room.
There were times where it seemed as though nothing had changed, as though they were existing before Axel opened his mouth. They would sleep in Roxas' room at the apartment, eat together, go out to pubs, and watch Supernatural together. The only change was that Roxas seemed to include him more in day-to-day things; sometimes Axel would accompany him on a very brief trip to the grocery store (a rare event) but more commonly a market. Watching Roxas pick his way through produce and haggle his way out of an overpriced bundle of broccolini was a sight to behold, though Roxas didn't see what was so funny.
One thing that did change dramatically was Roxas' presence among Axel's friends rather than the other way around, especially after their poker game. Roxas still had school to go to, but it appeared they were also gearing up for final exams – twice Axel had received calls from the blond asking what he was up to, much earlier than he usually called. Those days sometimes ended up with them exploring more of the Borghese Gardens, one time they even snuck into the zoo nestled in the gardens.
But as the days passed slowly, Axel realized Roxas still hadn't broached another subject – so Axel took it up with him.
I really think you should meet with him, Axel said casually, resting his chin on Roxas' shoulder while the blond brushed his teeth. Roxas paused and leveled a glare at him in the mirror before bending down to spit out the foam.
You can't fix us, Roxas chastised. This isn't a situation where Americans come in and can fix something so deep.
Don't go there with me, Roxas.
Roxas cringed. I didn't mean it like that. I'm sorry.
It's ok, Axel reassured him, kissing the juncture between his neck and shoulder briefly. Strands of Axel's damp hair fell in his face and against the blond's collarbone. I understand. I just think it might be a good idea to give him another chance.
Why should I do that? Roxas asked with a raised eyebrow.
Axel shrugged. You gave me a second chance.
And a third, Roxas reminded him. Then he deflated slightly, meeting Axel's gaze in the slightly foggy mirror through the fringe hanging over his forehead. I like you better, though, he added.
But he's your brother, Axel said. Please?
After a moment Roxas sighed in resignation. Fine. I'll talk to him.
Thank you, Axel whispered, planting a kiss on his cheek. Finished with his morning hygiene detail, Axel headed out of the bathroom towards Roxas' room.
I better not regret it! Roxas called after him; his tone might've been threatening if not for the nervous tambour Axel detected.
With a little cajoling Roxas agreed to go visit Cloud and Tifa, at least to see what was going on with Roxas' brother. When they arrived at Cloud's bar, Axel narrowly escaped a cornetto-grenade assault by Tifa, though it was hard to miss her curses against his bloodline. Roxas, his hand still entangled with Axel's, stepped in to defend him and engaged in a violent-sounding spat with her until Cloud came in, probably wondering what the hell his wife was screaming about. Tifa backed off, staring incredulously at their joined hands; shaking her head she went back behind the bar, leaving Cloud glaring impassively at both of them.
Cloud beckoned Roxas over, and when he complied Axel went with him.
Sora's been looking for you, Cloud said in his deep, quiet voice.
Yeah, I know, Roxas huffed, stuffing is hands into his jean pockets.
You ready to give him a chance to talk?
Roxas shifted uncomfortably. Not really, but what can I do?
Not much, Cloud answered with a shrug. The bell signaling a new arrival rang behind them. Now's your chance.
Roxas started. What? Wait-
"Roxas?" Sora said quietly.
The blond whirled around and flattened himself against the glass, staring at his brunet sibling tensely. Sora was standing in the threshold of the bar, with Riku right behind him watching the exchange unfold warily.
"Sora," Roxas answered, swallowing uncomfortably. "Riku," he nodded to the older teenager. Riku nodded in return.
Sora waved a little awkwardly at Axel, a slightly strained smile on his face; Axel nodded in return.
When Roxas didn't make any motion to move forward, Axel nudged him in the back towards his brother. The blond barely budged when Axel pushed him, but twisted around to give Axel a death glare as he moved.
Sora met him halfway, letting go of Riku's hand almost reluctantly. Think we could talk? Axel heard him ask plaintively. After a moment the blond nodded shortly, glancing over his shoulder at Cloud.
Can we sit out here? he asked. So we don't take up space?
Cloud nodded serenely. If you get too obnoxious I'm putting you in the back room.
Both brothers snorted; their expressions startled Axel slightly, the similarities between them were simply astounding in that moment. Axel watched as they sat down at one of the tables; Cloud brought over two drinks minutes later.
I think we should take a walk, Riku said to him quietly, crossing his arms and leaning in towards Axel slightly. They should do this on their own.
Axel nodded, though he was a little worried the Roxas and Sora might eventually come to blows – he figured, however, that Cloud and Tifa could certainly deal with them. It wasn't his place, he realized, to try and mediate or involve himself in their discussion. Sounds good. Let's go.
Sora and Roxas had been sitting at the table, awkward silence between them as they stroked the sides of their espresso cups or tapped their fingers against the table. Roxas' gaze immediately snapped to Axel when he and Riku turned to head out the door. Hey!
"Eh?" Axel prompted, cocking an eyebrow at Roxas' outburst. He almost burst into laughter when he saw the blond's expression, suspicious and bordering on a pout. We'll be back soon, don't worry, he reassured Roxas. I promise.
Roxas narrowed his eyes at him for a moment, until Sora waved a hand in front of the blond's face. They will be fine, he said, almost sternly.
Riku got his attention again and nodded towards the door, white-silver hair swaying with the movement.
Think they're going to be ok? Axel asked a little bit later as they meandered through the cobblestoned streets.
Riku nodded confidently, putting his hands into his pockets. They share a very strong bond, even though it might look like it's broken.
I think Roxas might take issue with that statement.
You were not there growing up with them, Riku said, veering into a café on a side street. Those brothers are like magnets, they will always find a way back to the other.
Axel followed him, still feeling skeptical about Riku's assertions. Roxas put a lot of effort into avoiding him, though, he pointed out.
Riku sat down in one of the chairs heavily, sighing. Sora screwed up, he knows that. But there's something to be said for Roxas' behavior too – so really they both fucked things up royally.
Were you there? Axel asked carefully. When whatever happened went down?
The younger man nodded his head shortly. My father and I heard shouting from the main house. I went to go see what was happening.
When it didn't look like Riku was going to continue, Axel prompted him again. Would you tell me?
Riku looked rather apprehensive about the idea. I really don't know the whole thing, just what Sora told me.
And I know what Roxas told me, Axel countered. The truth is somewhere in the middle.
Eventually Riku nodded reluctantly. Fine. I'll tell you.
Four years ago, he started, everything seemed fine. Roxas and Sora lived in their father's villa with their mother outside Genoa. Their father is a priest, an ambitious one. He has been trying to gain the rank of Cardinal for some time, so back then he didn't visit that often. Their mother ran the villa with the money this guy regularly sent.
Sora and Roxas had everything they wanted, and shared everything. When I met them they were nearly inseparable, running around the grounds playing at being knights with wooden swords. The trees my father so meticulously trimmed usually ended up being their designated dragon or something, Riku chuckled fondly. I was the gardener's son, I was supposed to help him keep the grounds looking good – but I always ended up cleaning what damage we caused.
Sora and I started talking one day, when we were younger, and suddenly he kissed me. He said Roxas told him it was ok to feel the way he did. I wasn't going to complain, Sora had always been unobtainable in my mind – now he wasn't. I think Roxas thought we were cute, hiding out in the trees along the edges of the villa. He'd tell us sometimes about the boy he liked at school, all the misadventures they'd get into trying to find private places in the building.
One day Sora and I were walking back to the main house after picking some apples. We were holding hands. I took the apples to go down to the kitchen, and Sora kissed me on the cheek. I didn't hear his father shouting, didn't see him slap Sora across the face hard enough to leave cuts on the inside of his mouth, Riku said quietly, a fervent rage underlying his tone that made Axel want to take a step back. I would have killed him if I'd been there. We didn't know he'd be coming back that day. Sora says his father dragged him inside, demanding to know what was going on with his son. And he panicked; Sora had always, always been the apple of that man's eye, the bastard had never hit him, ever.
He said Roxas told him it was ok, Riku said with a sigh, rubbing his temples. That it was ok to like another boy and kiss him. His father made him stand and watch when Roxas got home and the old man just started beating on him. It was bad, and Sora couldn't move without their father turning on him again. Roxas started threatening to tell people about them; gossip mongers had already tried to get information from the house, and Roxas would supply them with undeniable information if his father didn't stop. Roxas sacrificed his family, made their lives a living hell after he left. I don't blame him for what he did, but . . . in a lot of ways he holds Sora too responsible. Maybe he figures Sora just tattled on him, but the old man was pretty much interrogating Sora about it. And yes, Sora panicked and he's ashamed of what happened. He just wants his brother back.
Axel nodded in understanding, giving a low whistle at the whole story. Roxas does think Sora betrayed him. Maybe they'll figure out it was just a big mess.
Hopefully, Riku said with a wry smile. Otherwise I'm going to have to console Sora for the next several weeks.
When are you guys heading back north?
Riku shrugged. Soon. I took a few days off and Sora's on vacation. And I take it you and Roxas are back together?
For a bit, yeah. I leave in a little more than a week.
Riku winced. That's going to be kind of rough.
Tell me about it.
A cappuccino each later, Axel and Riku headed back towards Cloud's bar. Miraculously the bar was still intact – there were no fires, no broken glass or overturned tables. In fact Roxas and Sora were both talking with Cloud at the table they'd left them at, which seemed absolutely amazing to Axel. All three brothers looked up when they entered, and the younger ones' faces lit up.
Everything ok here? Axel asked, though the answer was pretty obvious.
Roxas nodded, almost reluctantly it seemed. Then he rose, moving around the edge of the table until he reached Sora; Roxas leaned down and muttered something to his younger brother before kissing him on the cheek. Sora responded by nearly jumping him, wrapping his arms around Roxas' neck and hugging him tightly. The blond froze, like he wasn't sure what to do with the sudden burst of brotherly affection – finally he patted Sora's back awkwardly, then pulled away and headed for Axel.
How are you doing? Okay? Axel muttered as Roxas closed in, kissing the redhead briefly.
I think so, Roxas answered. I'd like to go home, though.
Axel ruffled his hair. We can do that. I think we're going to take off, he said a little louder, addressing the others.
Sora nodded happily, rising as well. We'll talk soon, he promised.
Roxas gave him an encouraging smile. We will. Then he tangled his fingers with Axel's and led the way out the door.
How do you feel? Axel asked curiously. Roxas hadn't spoken much since he'd arrived in Cloud's bar with Riku.
Roxas shrugged. I need some time to think, he said. I didn't know some of the things he told me.
It's ok, Axel said, rubbing his shoulder. Come on, you want a drink?
Roxas chuckled, pushing Axel in the side playfully. I don't need a drink, I'm ok. Let's just head back.
You sure? Axel joked. I'll buy.
Thanks, Roxas said, wrapping his arm around Axel's waist. For making me go, too.
I'm proud of you, Axel grinned.
0o0
Two days later Axel still wouldn't have changed anything with their relationship. He loved being able to spend the time he did with Roxas and all of their friends, especially with the dwindling number of days left in Europe.
One night, after several hours spent watching soccer matches in a pub a block away, Roxas and Axel headed back to the blond's apartment. Roxas went to go take a shower pretty quickly, but Axel declined; he'd take a shower in the morning. He put his flannel pants on and sat on the bed, setting up his computer to play the next episode of Supernatural. He was sprawled on his stomach, laptop leaned up against their pillows when Roxas returned, door closing quietly behind him.
A moment later he heard Roxas set the lock.
Then the mattress dipped, and a still-damp Roxas crawled beside him, hand sliding across the small of Axel's back and lips murmuring sensuously against the redhead's ear. Hey, gorgeous.
Axel smirked, and closed the laptop screen. Something on your mind, babe?
I dreamed I fucked you last night, he whispered hotly, pressing up against Axel until he could feel the hard line of the blond's arousal, against the flesh of his hip. You screamed so hard, so hot and beautiful, and I wanted to stay inside forever.
I was wondering what got you all excited last night, Axel murmured, turning his head to accommodate the blond's trail of gentle nips up his neck. Roxas had been sweaty and restless, tossing enough to wake Axel up, who at that point realized the problem. He pushed Roxas on his back, shifted so he was on his side flush against the blond, and slipped his hand into Roxas' boxers, stroking the heated flesh his fingers encountered. The reaction had been instantaneous; Roxas' whole body tensed, hips lifting into his touch, and Axel was so close he could feel the orgasm rip through him – heart racing, muscles clenching, erection pulsing in his hand, and Roxas was awake, pulling him into a deep hard kiss as he came in Axel's hand – now just thinking about it, Axel could feel his own cock stiffen. It must've been a really hot dream.
You have no idea, Roxas said hotly into his ear.
Well now he was curious – and horny as hell, damn him. Do you want to fuck me, baby?
Roxas' breath caught for a moment before he answered huskily, Can we do it like in my dream?
Axel twisted and captured the blond's lips, nipping at the plump lower one. However you want me.
On your back, he breathed, pupils blown and voice hushed. I have to go get something. Roxas flew off the mattress and started going through his top drawer, looking for something in particular.
Axel rolled onto his back with great care, the flannel cloth rubbing against his sensitive cock. Roxas returned a moment later, pausing briefly to lick his lips at the tableau Axel presented, before pulling a frame down from the wall just over the mattress to reveal an embedded hook.
Roxas was holding a few long pieces of fabric in his hands.
"Fuck."
The blond chuckled evilly and moved to straddle Axel's torso before grabbing his wrists. He wrapped the material around them loosely, just enough to restrain but not be too tight, then sat back up to loop the end of the fabric around the hook. Once Axel's arms were stretched comfortably behind him Roxas returned to his straddle his upper body, massaging his palms up the redhead's sides and chest, thumbing over his nipples and teasing them. He leaned down, curled over Axel, and began following the trail his hands made with his tongue and lips. At long last he made it to Axel's mouth, fingers holding his jaw and cock hard against the redhead's chest. Are you ok with this? he whispered, as if speaking would break his vision of the dream.
Axel nodded, and after another hard kiss the blond pulled away, moving down where Axel's feet were planted. His flannel pants were carefully removed, leaving him bare and hard and fully on display just for the Roxas – who was sitting back on his heels, enjoying the view.
See something you like? Axel teased, stretching languidly and spreading his legs a bit more.
Roxas responded with a light smack to his calf, and pushed Axel's legs even farther apart with hands on the inside of his knees while Axel's feet shifted along with them. He shuddered at the increased exposure and the warm touch of Roxas' hands over his inner thighs
You're so hard, the blond muttered as he stroked Axel's cock lazily and nipped at his thigh.
You dreamed about tying me up? Axel asked, straining to see what Roxas was up to.
I dream a lot of things, Roxas teased, lips pressing right at the base of his cock, making Axel shudder and twist his hands against the restraints.
Such as? Axel prompted, the question ending in a groan when the blond's lips closed around one of his balls.
Roxas hummed around the flesh in his mouth before releasing it with a wet pop. Such as, he licked his lips, watching you touch yourself. His mouth was back, licking a long, slow trail up the underside of Axel's cock – and Axel vaguely heard the sound of a cap being popped open. Fucking your mouth and coming all over your face – tongue licking over the head, he was so hard now – letting you fuck me while someone else fucks you, or maybe it'll just be us and I can slide a dildo inside you and fuck you with it. Maybe even you fucking me against a wall, so hard and deep – words punctuated by the lube-slick fingers sliding into him and stretching him out.
Axel moaned deeply, shifting his hips again and Roxas' fingers probed deeper, curling until Axel gasped and saw stars. Then his fingers abruptly withdrew; Axel kept his legs spread, his erection hard against his stomach and leaking a clear trail as he shifted. The sound of a condom wrapper and lube sent shivers of anticipation up his spine.
And there was Roxas again, slicked hands lifting Axel's legs by his knees, the blunt head of his cock pressing at Axel's entrance. Want my cock? he asked huskily. Want me to fuck you?
Axel raised his head briefly, taking in the erotic sight of Roxas curled over him before his head flopped back against the mattress. Want you in me, now, he growled, his wrists twisting in their confines.
Roxas leaned down and nipped at the skin just above his hipbone, smiling wickedly. Axel's world abruptly narrowed as he felt the blond's cock at his entrance again, this time pushing forward and deeper, drawing a low moan from Axel's throat.
There was something raw and intense about that single moment, when Roxas was fully seated but not quite ready to move – all his concentration focused on maintaining his control while Axel tensed around him. Axel loved being inside Roxas and fucking him, but he loved this even more, when the blond was buried deep and the roll of his hips sent shudders up Axel's spine. Nothing else would ever compare.
Feel so good, Axel managed to breathe, arching his back and testing the restraints around his wrists. His legs came to wrap around the blond's waist, urging him on.
All of a sudden there seemed to be too much for Axel to process because Roxas was moving, testing his boundaries as they settled into a new, hot push-moan-pull rhythm that Roxas set. It wasn't long before Axel could feel himself begin to unravel – from the hot slide of the blond's dick, slick flesh between them, to the added excitement of his restrained hands and wet, open-mouthed kisses, all convalescing around him.
"Rox," Axel gasped. Please. I want, please want to touch you.
"Shhhh," Roxas whispered soothingly, pressing a finger to Axel's lips – a sharp contrast to his stiff, powerful thrusts that were nearly sending Axel over the edge. Roxas' hand stroking his cock in time with his movements finally took Axel over, his back arching clear off the bed, his hands twisting as he moaned, tensing around Roxas again. The blond groaned, thrusting stiffly a few more times before Axel felt his dick spasming inside him and Roxas collapsed beside him, pulling out and panting against Axel's arm.
How many, Axel asked slowly, still catching his breath himself, of those fantasies do you have?
Roxas chuckled breathlessly. Enough, he answered, reaching up and untying Axel's wrists.
You're going to make me walk funny for a week, Axel commented, only half joking as he immediately wrapped his arms around the blond.
Only a week? I might be losing my touch.
You? I doubt it, Axel chuckled.
Eventually they did get around to watching an episode later, after they'd recovered and Axel had gone to take a late-night shower. They were lying very comfortably on Roxas' mattress, Axel spooned against Roxas' body and watching the laptop screen over the blond's shoulder. They were halfway through season three of Supernatural by now, which wasn't saying much since the writers' strike had cut production off. The brothers were arguing, and Axel could feel the tenseness build in Roxas' body clearly.
"Does Dean die?" Roxas asked quietly, his voice sounding rough.
Axel shifted on the mattress and looked down at the blond. "Spoilers, Rox."
"But Sam, he cannot stop it," Roxas argued. "Dean will die."
"Yeah," Axel sighed, giving it. "Sam will have to let him go."
Roxas frowned deeply and turned back to the screen, sinking into silence for another few minutes. Then he burst into frustrated ranting, These two have got to be the stupidest, but I guess they god it from their dad, this whole family's just falling all over themselves to die for each other WHO THE HELL DOES THAT?
I'd like to point out that your family is a little different, babe, Axel chuckled, tracing his finger in random patterns over the blond's abdomen.
Yes, we are normal! We don't want to die for each other! Hell, most of the time we hate each other! After a few more minutes of ranting the blond settled down again.
Then
Why don't they just make out already?
After a beat wherein Axel attempted to contain his unbecoming snort of laughter, Axel responded through said laughter, Can we not get into Wincest right now?
Roxas pouted, shifting back against him; Axel snickered into Roxas' shoulder and went back to watching the episode.
You're not going to be like that, are you?
Like what? Axel asked quizzically.
Roxas shifted, swallowing uncomfortably. Not let go.
Axel felt his heart drop into the vicinity of his stomach. He squeezed his eyes shut and placed a kiss between the blond's shoulder blades. "No," he responded bravely.
Good answer.
Roxas was silent for the rest of the night.
Time marched on, the days passing like grains of sand filtering to the bottom half of an hourglass.