(A/N): Heyyyyy guyyyys! I hope you haven't forgotten about me or my little story here. I mean, I don't blame you if you have. It's been over two years since I've updated. To give myself a little credit, I will say that I wrote this chapter about a year ago and meant to upload it but never got around to it.

Anyways, with Kingdom Hearts 3D just around the corner, I've reinvigorated my love for Akuroku and decided to finish this story. (Hope springs eternal, right?)

As usual, I must thank all those who have supported me and my story over this years. I wouldn't have brought this back if it weren't for you so THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!

I don't own KH or GI, just the words of this story.

I hope you enjoy it!

Life, Interrupted – Chapter 11

Axel wasted no time in jolting to his feet, his vision swimming in tears, and searching frantically around the room for his clothes. Spotting his jeans on the floor near the foot of the bed, he began to race towards them, but suddenly felt a vice-grip on his upper arm yanking him back.

"Oh no you don't," Xaldin's deep throaty voice commanded.

"Let me go!" Axel shouted, blindly attempting to elbow himself free.

He was roughly jerked around to face the other two men. Both held menacing fire in their eyes. "You want that money don't you, sweetheart?" Xigbar asked. "Well, then you better finish what you started."

"Or else we're going to take all of it back, as well as force you to finish your services, for free this time. Your choice, Red," Xaldin added, chuckling under his breath slightly.

Axel, who'd been struggling to free himself as they spoke, now froze and stared at them. He just wanted to find Roxas. The disappointment and pain he'd seen in those blue eyes was driving daggers into his heart and stomach. But even if Axel caught up to Roxas, what then? They'd be right back where they started. On the run and penniless, and it was entirely his own fault. He dragged Roxas into this, so he had to take care of him. It was either that or having the money taken away and being raped. Twice. Drawing in a ragged breath, he didn't know whether he wanted to cry or vomit or jump out the window. In the end, Axel did none of these, and allowed himself to be pulled towards the larger man.

Xaldin's voice was like ice over his fiery, racing heart. "That's a good boy…" He gripped Axel by the hips, pressing his thumbs deeply into the space just inside his hipbones. Axel jerked backwards, but his back collided with Xigbar's bare chest. He felt his warm breath against the back of his neck.

"My turn, beautiful."

An arm came around from behind to wrap around his waist and then two fingers were inserted into his tight hole. With a sharp gasp, Axel's body spasmed forward.

A whimper escaped his throat as Xigbar inserted another finger and began to twist them.

Xaldin glanced down and excitement danced in his eyes as he reached down. He caressed the tip of Axel's member before lifting his hand for Xigbar to see. In the dim room, his fingers were glistening faintly with Axel's precum. Bile rose in Axel's throat. He hated himself, but his body was reacting involuntarily. "I think he's ready, Xiggy," Xaldin commented.

The very next moment, Xigbar rammed deeply into him. With an anguished cry, Axel's upper half fell against Xaldin's large frame. He weakly tried to break away. Xaldin caught his wrists and bound then together with one hand. He used his other hand to drag one nail down the middle of Axel's chest and back up. His palm came to rest just over Axel's heart. His fingers curled and he dug his nails into the smooth skin there with sheer cruelty.

"Remember the deal here," he hissed through his teeth. "I won't remind you again."

Axel bit his lip as Xigbar viciously pounded into him. The pain was excruciating. He couldn't help himself—he silently began to sob. Not that the other two men seemed to care, as long as he kept his mouth shut and kept as passive as a porcelain doll. The tears streaked down his cheeks in torrents. His vision blurred so that he couldn't see anymore. His closed his eyes and thought of Roxas. He remembered how the younger boy would smile every time he saw Axel. This only tore Axel apart even more. Roxas would never forgive him for this. What had he done? He'd failed him. He would probably never even see him again. At this thought, a small sob choked its way from Axel's throat. His heart was pounding like it never had before from both the sadness and the physical pain. He felt like he was going to die. He hoped so.

Xaldin, whose hand was still pressed against Axel's chest, noticed. "Whoa, whatcha got in there? A ticking time-bomb?"

"What's wrong?" Xigbar asked with a little difficulty. He was nearing his peak.

"Nothing," replied the larger man, but he kept a wary eye on Axel's pained expression.

Xigbar groaned as his grip on Axel's waist tightened. A moment later, he released himself inside the redhead.

Axel heard a small moan escape his own mouth and felt his hips buck forward. Xaldin once again reached down, and this time, produced much more liquid than the last time. Slowly his licked his fingers clean as Axel watch him with glassy eyes. "Mmm," he said when he'd finished. "You were worthy the money. Delicious to the very last drop."

Both boys then let go of him and Axel once again fell to his knees. He lay down on the floor and curled up on his side like an old abandoned toy. Xaldin and Xigbar silently left the room, satisfied.

Axel's head and chest ached. His heart felt like it was going to explode. He just wanted to curl up into a ball and die right then and there. But one thing made him crawl towards his clothes and dress himself. One thing painfully lifted him to his feet and made him limp out of the room, down the stairs and out of the house. Roxas.

"Roxas…"

He felt cold, soft wetness under him as a familiar voice echoed into his consciousness.

"Roxas…Roxas, please. Please wake up."

The voice was clearer now. But it sounded ragged, quiet and pleading. Roxas moaned softly. Had he fallen asleep? He let his eyes slip open. He was lying in the snow in the house's front lawn. No one from the party seemed to notice or care.

"Roxas." This time the voice sounded relieved, though still shaky. Roxas turned towards the sound.

Axel was sitting next to him. The shadows under his eyes were deeper than Roxas had ever seen them. Tears cradled his sharp green eyes.

Suddenly, everything came rushing back to him all at once, almost knocking the breath out of him. He scrambled to his feet, reeling. Axel followed him. "Roxas, I…please…"

"DON'T TOUCH ME! DON'T YOU DARE FUCKING TOUCH ME!" Roxas shouted, staggering a few feet away as the taller boy reached a hand out.

Axel looked close to a breakdown. He drew a desperate, choked breath. "Let me explain, please. I—"

"SHUT UP! THERE IS NO EXPLANATION FOR WHAT YOU DID! I HATE YOU!" Roxas could tell immediately that he'd struck a cord with his last three words. The tears that had been soaking Axel's eyes now spilled over as his mouth parted slightly in a painful exhale. But he said nothing, only nodded faintly.

Roxas turned away from Axel so the redhead couldn't see that he was shedding several of his own tears. He couldn't tell whether it was because of his own hurt over what Axel did or the hurt he'd just seen in the other boy's eyes. Feeling his insides tear apart, Roxas only knew he didn't want to stay here, he couldn't stay here. He began to walk away, but heard footsteps behind him.

"Don't follow me," he spat without turning.

"Where are you gonna go?" Axel asked. His voice sounded almost watery with tears.

"Anywhere you won't be." Roxas bit his lip the moment he spoke. He hadn't meant to sound that vicious. He heard Axel's breath shake behind him.

"Look, Roxy…"

Roxas stiffened at Axel's nickname for him. He'd always felt a warmth inside him when Axel used it, now it was excruciating. He kept walking, Axel a few feet behind him.

"Please," Axel went on. "I know you hate me, and I deserve it. Believe me, I know that. But I know somewhere close we can go and crash for the night. Let me explain. I won't say anything 'til we get there if you can't stand to talk to me now, but if you hear what I have to say and never want to see me again, I'll leave you and I'll disappear. Forever. I promise."

Roxas couldn't find the words he wanted to say, so instead, he just stopped and allowed Axel to catch up and walk next to him.

They walked in agonizing silence for a long time. Axel lagged behind quite a bit, and he was limping, his breath more uneven than Roxas had ever heard it. Several times, he would slow down, place a hand to his chest, and let his eyelids slip closed, inhaling weakly. Every time this happened, Roxas desperately tried to keep himself from going right to the older boy's side. He constantly had to remind himself not to let Axel get away with the sick thing he'd done.

When the two boys neared a small house at the corner of a quiet block, Axel lead the way up the driveway and to the front door. Roxas followed, but to his surprise, Axel did not knock nor ring the bell when they got to the door. Instead, he leaned his back against the wall to the left of the doorframe.

He gestured toward the doorbell. "Ring it," he told Roxas quietly.

Just after Roxas had pressed the button, he stupidly realized he didn't know whose house this was. He had no idea who would answer the door.

He didn't have to wonder long before the door opened a few inches, the security chain still attached from the inside. Wary golden eyes peered out at him from behind the chain. Roxas recognized those eyes. "Xemnas, hey!"

"What are you doing here?" Xemnas asked suspiciously.

"Well, you see, we—" Roxas felt a hand grip his forearm tightly. He glanced quickly over at Axel, who was concealed from the view of Xemnas. Axel shook his head silently.

Understanding immediately, Roxas hurried to correct himself. "I mean I kind of…ran away and…I was wondering if I could crash with you tonight? It would only be for tonight. Please?"

Xemnas narrowed his eyes and was quiet for a few moments. Finally he unhooked the chain and held the door open. "Fine, yeah, come on in."

Roxas walked into the house with Axel on his heels, but Xemnas managed to slam it halfway upon seeing him. Axel put up his arm, holding the door open just enough for their bodies to face each other. He let a playful grin spread across his face and held his other hand up, his index and middle finger forming a V. "Peace, man. I come in peace. Come on, let me in. You wouldn't want me to freeze to death out here, would you?"

For a moment, Xemnas deliberated, apparently willing to take those chances, when Axel reach into his pocket and produced a small handful of pills. "Look, Xemmy. Laxatives. All for you. Mmm, yummy…." he cooed, opening his mouth and getting ready to knock them all back.

In one fell swoop, Xemnas swiped the pills from Axel with one hand, and pushed the door open for him with the other.

"Always the sucker for those. Sweet digs you got here, by the way," Axel commented as he strode in.

Roxas, who'd been watching the two boys, now looked around. They were standing in a small living room that had a doorway to the kitchen further in and a staircase that led upstairs to the left. The living room itself held a couch, a chair, a TV, and one tall bookshelf filled with the little crystal hearts Roxas has seen in Xemnas's room back at the hospital. Aside from these, it was actually pretty simple and plain. He wasn't sure if Axel was being sarcastic.

"Yeah, I bet you're jealous," Xemnas replied.

"Of this? Oh please, suck my—" Axel sneered, but stopped midway when Roxas glared at him. "Whatever…"

"So you both ran away then?" Xemnas asked, his teeth gritted. He sounded annoyed now. "Roxas said so. I mean, it's not like he's the only one who ran away. You must have too, right Axel? It's not like they'd ever let you out. They'd have to be even bigger whack jobs than you are to do that. If that's even possible."

"Guys, please, can we just go to bed?" Roxas attempted to quell the arguing.

"Stay out of this, pipsqueak," Xemnas barked.

Fire blazed in Axel's eyes. "Don't you dare talk to him that way…you motherfucker. Or should I say…daddyfucker. You call this getting better? This goddamn dollhouse you think you're living in? It's pathetic. They just gave up on you, that's why they let you out. Not 'cause you're better, you crazy fuck." Axel was breathing with some difficulty now.

"And what about you?" Xemnas shot back, noticing the state Axel was in. "You look like shit. What? Are they giving you shocks again? You know why they do that, Axel? You know why they sizzle that sick little brain of yours? It's because you're not even a human being. That's why they treat you like some kind of crazed animal. And good for them, too. They've realized it. You are a crazed animal. Unlovable. And not enough. You've never been enough. Not even for Sora. Remember him? No wonder he hung himself. I'm surprised he didn't do it sooner. I'm surprised Roxas hasn't tried to off himself again after being around you. It won't be long now. You make him sick. You made Sora sick. You make us all sick."

Roxas was speechless. "He does not—" Roxas tried to begin but Axel held up a hand to silence him. He looked to Axel who hadn't moved the entire time Xemnas spoke. What scared the blonde the most right now was that Axel didn't give away what he was feeling either way, just continued to stare at Xemnas.

Finally, he spoke, his voice surprisingly even. "You know what's sick? Hm? You know what's sick, Xemnas? What's sick is that daddy keeps you hidden away here just for him." He walked over the bookshelf with the crystal hearts, and picked one up. "Just like you do with these stupid fucking things. He can come toy and play with you whenever he damn well pleases. And you won't leave. You never will. Maybe one day you'll just crack…" He relaxed his hold on the crystal heart in his hand and it plunged to the floor, shattering with a high pitch, making both Xemnas and Roxas flinch.

"But no," Axel continued calmly, walking back towards Xemnas. He edged towards the larger boy until he had him backed up against the wall. "You are a coward. You will always be. And you think I'm unlovable? Look at you. No one is ever going to love you. You know why? Because you are tainted. Daddy has tainted you forever. And this is how it's always going to be. You are always going to be alone and broken. On Daddy's little bookshelf. With only his dick to keep you company."

When he'd finished, Axel stepped back and coldly stared at Xemnas, his fists clenched at his sides. Xemnas stared back. For a long time, no one spoke.

Then, "I'm going to bed," Xemnas stated. "There's a bathroom with a shower and tub past the kitchen. The couch folds out into a bed. I like to sleep late in the mornings, so don't disturb me. Just leave when you're ready."

That was all he said before ascending the stairs. Roxas heard a bedroom door close somewhere on the floor above them. He looked at the back of Axel's form. He was silently shaking. At first, Roxas thought he was laughing, but Axel softly began to gasp, and Roxas knew he was trembling with sobs.

This time, Roxas gave in and went to him. He just couldn't stop himself. The moment he touched Axel's arm, the older boy fell to his knees and the sobs came out full force. Tears cascaded down his thin, pale cheeks and as he gasped deeply with each cry.

"Axel…" Roxas felt helpless sitting on the floor by the redhead.

As tears continued to fall, Axel fumbled in his pocket for something. It looked like a wad of papers. He held it out to Roxas. When Roxas took it, he could it see it was cash. Six one-hundred dollar bills were rolled up together. "What's this for?"

Between gasps, Axel managed to choke out his words. "It's why….why I did it. Why I let…those guys…do it. And you…came in. It killed me…but I had to. I saw the disappointment…in your eyes…in the diner…when you found out that…I didn't have any money for us. I couldn't stand it…the disappointment. So I…I used the only thing…I had to offer. Xemnas was right. I…I am unlovable. I'm…not a…human being. You…hate me…and you should. I'm so sorry. You have to believe…it was for you. It's always…for you. God…I'm sorry…I'm so sorry…"

Axel's words then dissolved into sobs again. A knot rose in Roxas's throat. Was this really how Axel felt and thought? He'd done all that because he thought Roxas was disappointed in him? Roxas's anger was fast melting away and becoming worry and concern. He suddenly realized he was crying too. He was crying because he couldn't deal with seeing Axel this way. A horrible nausea was stabbing him. He hadn't meant to make Axel feel guilty about not having money.

"Oh, Axel…" Roxas whispered. "No. I was never disappointed in you. You never had to do that for me. Shh…let's go to bed." He began to help Axel shed his jacket, but froze when it came off.

Axel's wrists and arms were covered in dark, ugly bruises. And through the thin cotton of Axel's tank top, Roxas could see that they continued to his chest, stomach and hips.

"Jesus…" he breathed.

Axel looked back at him with embarrassed, watery eyes. "I'm so sorry…"

Roxas swallowed and shook his head. "No, shh…come on. Let's get you cleaned up." He stood and offered Axel a smile.

Axel stared at him for a moment almost in surprise. Then a small, sad smile appeared. He allowed Roxas to help him up and he leaned on him heavily as they headed for the bathroom.

The bathroom was small, enough to fit just a tub, toilet, and sink. Roxas carefully lowered Axel down to sit on the edge of the tub. He removed both of their shoes. After running the water, he returned his attention back to the redhead. Axel winced quietly as Roxas lifted the tank top over his head, but said nothing. He kept his glossy green eyes fixed on Roxas's face the entire time. Axel's limbs dropped back down limply once his shirt was off. It was like dealing with a ragdoll—a battered, torn ragdoll.

Axel was barely able to lift himself for a moment to help Roxas pull off his jeans. He looked even thinner underneath his clothes. His narrow hipbones jutted out dangerously underneath his skin. He watched Roxas under heavy eyelids.

"Okay, Axel," Roxas said gently. "I need you to get you into the water. You think you can do that?"

Axel nodded without saying anything. He placed his hands on either side of him on the edge of the tub. Roxas saw him strain for a moment, attempting to get himself into a standing position. After a moment, he exhaled in defeat and glanced back up at Roxas. He was biting his lower lip, worried. "I…can't," he breathed.

"It's okay, we'll do it together," Roxas told him. Bending forward, he wrapped his arms around Axel's naked torso, just under his armpits, and lifted. Axel was surprisingly light. Although, the younger boy knew he shouldn't be that surprised. Axel was practically skin and bones, despite his height.

Roxas had to step with one clothed leg into the tub with Axel in order to help him in, but he managed it. He stepped back out to remove his now partly-soaked jeans along with the rest of his clothing, watching Axel warily as he did so. Axel had pulled his legs towards him the moment he'd sat down in the water and hugged his knees. Glassy, unfocused eyes stared straight ahead of him, his tears still falling steadily. For someone as tall as Axel was, right now, he looked like a helpless little child. Roxas's throat seemed to fight with him as he swallowed.

Green eyes shifted their gaze as the blonde slipped into the water. The corners of Axel's mouth strained to turn upwards, but it was as if even that were too much exertion for him. Grabbing a washcloth and squeezing some liquid soap onto it, Roxas began to run it tenderly over Axel's body. Axel only stared up at him with piercing eyes the entire time. It was unnerving at the same time that it made Roxas's heart beat violently in his chest.

When he reached Axel's lower back and further down, a small cry came out of the older boy's mouth. "I'm sorry…" was all Axel seemed to be able to say when Roxas retracted his hand.

Roxas sat back while ever so carefully pulling Axel on his lap so the taller boy was straddling him. He placed his arms around Axel's hips, supporting him. They were very close now. Their chests were pressed together. One boy's heart pounded against the other's, as if they were trying desperately to break free from their prisons of bone and flesh. Axel placed his hands on Roxas's shoulders, his breathing heavy as their gazes held.

"Do you trust me?" Roxas whispered.

Axel bit his bottom lip and nodded. "Yes…"

Roxas let the hand that was holding the washcloth trail to Axel's delicate skin. Axel inhaled sharply as the cloth touched the place where, hours before, men he barely knew had entered him. With his other hand, Roxas ran soothing caresses down Axel's spine. Roxas watched as the redhead's eyes closed, relaxing to let the younger boy wash him, his beautiful face still stained with tears. When he was finished, Roxas pulled the washcloth away to see it was streaked with pale red. His stomach clenched as put it aside. He encircled Axel's waist against and simply held him close.

After a moment, long fingers gripped tightly against Roxas's skin and Axel opened his eyes. He lifted on hand and cupped the blonde boy's face. "You're so good, Roxas…" he whispered. "I don't deserve this. I don't deserve you… Why are you doing this? Why didn't you just leave me?"

"Because I…" Could he say it? The last time he'd tried to say this, Axel has shut it away. But if he didn't say it now, when would he? It was the only answer to all of Axel's questions. He had to. "I love you, Axel."

Axel was silent for a long time. His green eyes studied Roxas intently, almost searching for doubt or deceit. Maybe he was waiting for Roxas to take it back.

But then, when Roxas thought Axel really wasn't going to respond, he did.

"I love you. I love you more than my own life."

Roxas's heart pounded. He couldn't believe Axel had actually said it. Without wasting another moment, Roxas leaned forward and closed the little remaining space between their bodies in a deep kiss. Axel's lips were hot and they stung Roxas in the most amazing way. Their tongues battled briefly before Axel broke away. Roxas almost felt drunk from the contact. Axel traced a blazing trail of small kisses and licks down the smaller boy's throat before wrapping his arms around Roxas's neck in an embrace that felt so sweet it almost brought the blonde to tears.

They remained that way for a while before getting out of the tub, toweling off and heading to bed. As Roxas lay with his ear against Axel's chest on the pull-out bed, he could hear the now sleeping boy's unsteady heartbeat. It would skip ever few moments. It reminded Roxas that even though they'd just shared a brief bit of happiness, Axel was not okay.

Roxas fell into a fitful sleep before he could feel the tears trickle out of his own eyes.

(A/N): I hope that was worth the wait! I am in the middle of a huge, very busying project at the moment but I'll try my best to bring you the next one sooner than two years. :P

PLEASE review and let me know what you think! Until we meet again!