A/n: I know I kept you guys waiting forever and I'm sorry! I kinda got into another story I'm writing which is a Slender x male OC. I've never really seen many yaoi stories for Slender, so I kinda did one. Please don't be to mad at me. D: Writers block is hard to get past guys...I at least finally wrote this chapter. Now, please read and enjoy this new chapter. :)
Roxas and Axel waited in comfortable silence waiting for doctor Neve to come back so Roxas could contact his mother. Axel's mind has been racing none stop with thoughts of Roxas' life he has witnessed so far. He snuck a glance sideways towards the younger. There didn't really seem to be anything distasteful about him. Why would his father treat him so badly then? He was sure polite enough to him...
A knock brought him back from his thoughts and he snapped his head to the door where Vexen was now standing. "Roxas, Axel, if you'll follow me, I'll take you to the phones patients may use." With that being said, Vexen walked back out, motioning with his hand for them to follow.
The three of them walked down a couple of hallways till they came to a medium sized room where there were lines of phones that looked a lot like payphones. They were lined up on both sides of the room. There were also chairs set in the middle of the room around a small table with magazines littered on the surface. "You may use these. They may look like payphones, but they won't cost you a dime. Go ahead Roxas." Vexen urged. Roxas looked over at the doctor and nodded. He walked slowly to one of the many phones and picked it up. He dialed a number and waited for his 'mother' to answer.
Axel switched his weight from one foot to the other, feeling really awkward. He felt as if he didn't belong. But that wasn't true right? He was going to take the boy in after all. And now that he thought about it...wasn't it a little weird for a grown man to take in a teen that he didn't even know? Sure he was only 23 but still! Oh god, people might start thinking he's a pedophile!
Groaning, Axel covered his face with his hands, his face already getting a pink tint. Vexen looked at the redhead with question but didn't comment.
"H-hello...mom." Roxas voice suddenly popped into the air making Axel look up from his hands. The word mom sounded strained coming from Roxas' mouth. No doubt because that women wasn't much better from his dad. (But he hasn't even met her yet. Could he really judge her already?)
There was a short silence then Roxas spoke again. "I'm...in the hospital..." He said quietly. Another silence. "What happen to dad? Um..." Roxas looked back to Axel with furrowed eyebrows. Axel paused wondering why the teen suddenly looked at him. Then he remembered, he didn't tell the kid what happened to his father. Shit...
Axel thought how he could help without actually interrupting their call. Roxas was looking a little desperate. Maybe he could...
'He got away from the police.' Axel mouthed the words. That was probably a stupid idea. The kid was on the other side of the room, and reading lips was hard when you're almost in front of the person and-
Roxas turned back and said, "The police came for him but he got away."
Axel froze. He got that? Damn this kid was good! He kept learning things about this kid that amazes the hell out of him.
Another pause and he could see Roxas flinch away from the phone. Axel immediately felt saddened for him again. No doubt his 'mom' was yelling at him. He looked over to Vexen whose face had turned to a mix of curiosity, and was that...grief? It was really hard reading the doctor's emtions.
Before he knew what was happening Vexen walked over quickly and took the phone away from Roxas and took over.
"Hello? Mrs. Verde? This is the doctor that has looked over your child for your absence." Vexen spoke calmly, though if you really listen, you could hear clear agitation in his voice. He made sure to emphasis the word 'your', which caught the other blond and redhead off guard. And did Vexen make his voice sound different? Why would he do that? And Verde? Was that Roxas' last name? So many questions, Axel could barely stand it.
Axel and Roxas looked in awe at Vexen, though Roxas' eyes shown anxiety and worry. Not wanting his 'mom' to snap. She had a very short temper.
"The parenting in the household that Roxas came from is being questioned and he is not allowed back there until further notice." Vexen spoke up again, making all thoughts from Axel and Roxas cease. "There is a very capable officer that has volunteered to take him in. Unfortunately we need permission from a family member, and the only one that came up was you. So on with the real matter at hand, will you give permission for your son to be taken in by the officer spoken of?"
There was a long pause, longer then any of the others. The room was silent, the tension so thick you could cut it with a knife. Axel wasn't even breathing. If she didn't say yes, Roxas could go to a home or worse, his 'mom' might actually take him back to his father. Would the doctor even let her do that after all that has happened? He sure hoped not.
"Very well. You must stop by later to sign some paper work, a signature here and there, then this mess is all done with." Vexen spoke after what felt like forever. Axel actually jumped from shock after the long pause. The doctor hung up the phone with a sigh. He turned back to the two. Roxas eyed him warily, Axel with the same look but was nearly bouncing. He needed to hear the answer already. Why was he pausing for so long? For dramatic affect?
"Well looks like you have a place to stay Roxas." Roxas' eyes widened while Axel actually jumped for joy. Literally jumped. The other two looked at him raised eyebrows. Axel immediately flushed and shuffled his feet like some embarrassed teen. God he's stupid.
"Uh...yes well, your mother agreed and will be coming down to sign the papers. You may leave before then. You will most likely need some clothes and other things from your house." Vexen turned to the redheaded cop. "Do you think you can get some back up and take the young man over there to retrieve some of his things?" The blond doctor asked.
Axel blinked. "I...think so. I would have to make sure with Cloud though." Accepting that as a good enough answer, Vexen turned to Roxas.
"I'm glad we were able to work out something for you Mr. Verde." Vexen offered a smile before turning and making his way towards the door.
"Wait!" Roxas called out before Vexen could make it out, taking a step forward. The medical advisor turned back with an arched eyebrow. Roxas shrunk back slightly but forced himself to continue. "W-what exactly...did she say?"
Axel was not expecting that. He was worried for a second that Roxas was going to change his mind and actually want to go to a home. Which the thought immediately worried him. But that was all exchanged for a sense of confusion. Why did it matter what she said?
Vexen looked surprised from the sudden question and turned his gaze down. "Does it matter?" The doctor countered.
Roxas frowned. "Yes." He didn't know why, but he wanted to know what his 'mother' said. Maybe the thought of someone actually wanting him to stay had something to do with it. Shaking the thought away, he waited for the doctor to answer. (That is if he did.)
Vexen sighed and looked back to the other blond. "She said...'that kid isn't a child of mine, take him.' ...Something along those lines." The doctor quoted, the features of his face taking on a look of anger.
Roxas' frown deepened and he took in a deep breath and closed his eyes. Axel looked to him with worry. Looks like his judgement of her was right. He hated her already. He was about to step in, but Vexen beat him to it.
As quick as the look of anger came to the smooth features of the doctor's face it was quickly replaced with a small, sad smile. He walked to the teen and put a comforting hand on his shoulder, squeezing lightly to get Roxas to look at him. The teen opened his eyes, looking watery with unshed tears. Axel's heart lurched. He was never going to get use to Roxas saddened face. It didn't seem right on him.
"Listen Roxas," Vexen said softly. "This is for the best. You're a very special and gifted child, Axel and I figured that out long ago." Roxas turned his watery eyes to the redhead. Axel cocked his head slightly and gave him a soft smile. Roxas could feel his face heat up from the sincere look. The spiky blond turned his head back to the doctor, praying that they wouldn't notice his blush, especially Axel. "If those people you call family didn't want you then they don't know what their missing. You have nothing to worry about. I would bet you my job that your life is going to take a turn for the better. Alright?" Vexen asked.
Roxas could feel the tears starting to want to escape his eyes. He just couldn't stop crying today! But instead of wanting to cry out of sorrow like he wanted moments ago, he wanted to cry because of the hope that was washing over him for the second time that today. Maybe this was for the best. His 'family' didn't even treat him as family to begin with.
...And he was tired of doing the things that his 'family' did. But that matter...would have to come later.
He looked back and forth between Axel and Vexen and smiled. The tears finally falling once again. He nodded and wiped away the tears quickly. "Yeah, your right. Thank you Vexen." Roxas looked towards Axel. "You especially Axel, without you who knows what would happen. Thank you." Roxas caught Axel's eyes with his and the blond gave him the same soft smile the redhead gave him moments earlier.
Axel's eyes widened, not expecting the sincere thanks. A light blush came up and stained his cheeks. He rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. "No problem." He replied shyly.
Roxas chuckled inwardly. Axel acted like a child sometimes. He could feel his hope grow even more. He was actually excited to start living with him. He was so nice and sincere in his actions. To take him in even though he doesn't know much about him seemed strange, but it was also thoughtful. I guess he wasn't use to sincerity in any form of the word. The thought made him frown but quickly covered it with a more strained smile.
Axel saw the change in Roxas' features, but it was gone so quickly he thought he might've imagined it. Vexen noticed as well but kept his thoughts to himself. He took his hand away from the younger's shoulder and turned to Axel. "You should get everything ready for Roxas to get his things. Once you have your plans you may leave at anytime, just make sure to sign out."
Axel nodded at the instructions and took his cell out from his pocket. "I'll call Cloud right now." He turned on the device and started to dialed the number. Vexen gave a nod and made his way out of the room. He turned before walking out and gave Roxas one last look and smiled reassuringly and gave him a thumbs up.
He walked out and looked back to the room with concern. He sure hoped everything would really turn for the better. With Roxas' and his families background...
Shaking his head away from the thoughts he walked back to his office to get the paper work ready.
Back in the room Axel had got Cloud on the line and was filling him in. Roxas took a seat at the table and picked up a magazine, flipping through it absentmindedly. He would flick his gaze towards Axel occasionally. He was really curious about this man. In just less then one day he had changed his life all around. He also had a feeling that he would get closer to him, but that thought terrified him. One day he was going to have to leave and he would most likely never see the cop again. He should just keep himself distant from Axel. There was no use into getting to attached. As much as he was thankful for his help...he just couldn't bear to lose someone else.
"Thanks Cloud. We'll come over and meet you at the station soon." Axel hung up and smiled back towards the blond. He noticed that the blond was staring and chuckled. "See something ya like?" He teased. Roxas gaped at him before snapping his gaze away trying to hide the pink tint forming on his cheeks.
Axel laughed and walked over to the seated blond and ruffled his spikes, making his hair even messier. "I'm just kidding with you Rox."
Roxas looked up with his brows furrowed. "Rox?"
Axel grinned and nodded. "Yeah Rox. You know, a nickname? You don't mind do ya?"
Roxas cocked his head sideways. "Well no...Just never had one before." He admitted.
Axel paused but then shrugged, his grin never left his face. "Well, you do now, get it memorized." He said proudly, putting his hands on his hips.
Roxas ran his hands through his hair to tame it a bit and looked at the taller with a pout. "You didn't have to mess up my hair." He huffed, crossing his arms, sticking out his tongue childishly.
Axel chuckled. It was great to see that Roxas was already lightening up. Usually people who had been under abuse are withdrawn and quiet, but not this one. And yet another thing that makes the kid different. Roxas was going to be fun to hang around with, Axel could already tell. "Alright, Alright. You kids with your hair these days." He said playfully.
Roxas arched an eyebrow and pointed towards Axel's flaming locks. "Really? Cause it looks to me like you sure put enough time into your wild hairstyle." He countered smartly. Axel grinned and shook his head.
"Wrong Rox, this is totally natural." As if to prove his point, he ran his hands over his spikes, holding them down. He then removed them to just have his spiky hair go back into its original place. "See?"
Roxas scowled. "That doesn't prove anything. You could've just used strong hair gel or hair spray."
Axel kneeled down to Roxas' eye level. "Wanna feel for yourself?"
Roxas eyed him strangely before bringing his hand up to run it through the red locks. To his amazement it was soft and silky to the touch. Axel half expected the teen to decline his offer to feel his hair. Well he should've known Roxas would take him up on it. It was hard to believe that his hair stayed up like it did without care products. Some people even found it hard to believe that the fiery red color was natural to. He couldn't blame them, he wondered how himself.
As Roxas' hand ran through his hair, it instantly made him relax. He had to admit that he loved it when people played with his hair. He could understand why girls loved it when other people did the same with their hair. It was utterly soothing. He could feel his eyes getting droopy from exhaustion taking over him.
Roxas noticed the change in the other's eyes and smirked. "Looks like someone likes their hair played with." He chuckled and ran his hand through it one last time before bringing it back down to his side.
Axel rose and smiled down. "Heh, have you ever had your hair played with? It makes you want to fall asleep on the spot."
Roxas shook his head and smiled. "Actually I haven't. I'll have to keep that in mind." Roxas stood up as well and stretched. "So isn't your boss waiting for us?"
Axel's eyes widened as he remembered what he was suppose to be doing, but here he was taking his sweet time. Cloud was definitely going to let him hear about this. Roxas noticed the change in his playful mood and smirked. "You forgot didn't you?"
The redhead groaned. "Yes, now get your butt in gear. No doubt my boss is going to give me a lecture on keeping up with time and getting to places in a timely matter." He grumbled. He started walking towards the door with Roxas following closely behind.
"I'm guessing this happens a lot?" Roxas questioned, looking up at the officer. He's really tall. Roxas noted absentmindedly. He was nearly two heads taller! How had he not notice before?
"Let's just say I'm kinda like the trouble maker out of the police officers back at the station." Axel answered, chuckling.
The two walked in silence as they made their way outside. Axel searched for his car and spotted the police car not far from the front of the parking lot. They made their way over and climbed inside and Axel started the engine. The car came on with a soft purr and Axel drove them in the direction of the station. It was at least ten minutes away. May as well make conversation. Sitting in silence was so boring.
"So do ya believe me now?" He swept his eyes to the blond beside him quickly before turning his eyes back to the road. Can't have a police officer have his own wreak can he? That would sure make Cloud give him a good lecture.
Roxas eyed him questioningly. "What?"
"My hair, what do you think? Natural right?" Axel grinned triumphantly, thinking he already won the battle.
Roxas tapped his chin in mock thought. "Well...it is surprisingly soft but I'm sure they can make products that make your hair soft to the touch when using it. After all, I'm sure no one likes the effect the hair products have on their hair."
"You don't give up do you?" Axel laughed out. "What about you? Do you use these products on your hair? It's really spiky to, and when I ruffled it earlier it was surprisingly soft."
Roxas blinked then shook his head. "No but-"
"So if your hair can be really spiky on its own, then why can't mine? Your logic is flawed Rox."
Roxas opened his mouth but shut it again. Axel had a point and he hated to admit it. And Axel was right when he asked if he never gave up. He always secretly loved questioning and solving things. He also never wanted to give up until he was proven wrong. "You'll just have to prove it." Roxas finally decided on answering.
Axel shook his head with a grin on his face. "Whatever you say. You are going to be living with me now so it shouldn't take to long to prove it to you." Roxas was about to reply when the car came to a stop. He looked out the window and noticed that they had already made it to the station.
Axel switched off the car and stepped out. Roxas quickly followed suit and followed the redhead inside. Once they made it in, it didn't take long until two people made their way to Axel. One had spiky brown hair with blue eyes that looked a lot like his own. The other had blond hair that was in a sort of mohawk, he also had blue eyes that was a little darker. Roxas felt as if he had seen him before, but couldn't put his finger on it.
The two immediately started asking questions about how it went and how the hospital visit turned out. The brunet didn't notice Roxas, however, the blond did. His eyes looked him over and the blue orbs widened. He quickly turned his gazed back to Axel and excused himself quickly. Looks like he knew Roxas. He tilted his head in confusion, trying to remember where he could have seen him.
"So you were able to help the caller right?" The brunet asked excitedly.
Axel raised his brows. "Why don't you ask him yourself?" He motioned his head towards the blond behind him.
The blue-eyed brunet looked over with his eyes wide. He walked quickly over and startled Roxas out of his thoughts. "So you were the caller from earlier right? That was such a good excuse that you came up with. I'm Sora by the way, it's nice to finally meet you." The brunet, Sora, rushed out, taking his hands in his own and shaking them.
Roxas seemed a bit taken back by Sora's hyperness. (Was that even a word?) "Uh... yeah that's me. My names Roxas." He replied shyly.
Sora nodded and looked Roxas over. His eye brows shot up a little. "We kinda look alike don't we?"
Roxas cocked his head. Well that was random. I guess there were little similarities. They both had the same eyes. Their build seemed to be about the same, and their faces also had the same soft features. "I guess maybe a little." He said replied. He wasn't use to talking to new people, so he was clearly out of his comfort zone. And wait...didn't Sora look a little young to be an officer?
Sora smiled and turned back to Axel. "I'll be going with you when you go to his home. Cloud said to tell you we are leaving in about five minutes so be ready. He was kinda half expecting you not to make it in time."
Axel chuckled nervously. "Hehe, probably wouldn't have if Rox here didn't remind me to leave."
Sora arched an eyebrow and shook his head with a fond smile. "I should've known." The brunet turned back to Roxas with a smile adorning his face. "Maybe you can keep this guy on track." Sora pointed his thumb back to the redhead. "He has problems when it comes to work." Axel frowned and crossed his arms with a huff.
Roxas grinned. There goes the taller acting younger then his age again. "I'll make sure to keep him in check."
Sora laughed. "I'll leave it to you then." He confirmed.
"Hey, don't I get a say in this?" Axel grumbled out, making the two stare back at him.
"Nope." They said in unison. They looked at each other with a pause then burst out laughing.
Axel eyed them both. "God, you guys are like twins. It's creepy."
Roxas and Sora both stuck their tongues out at the redhead which made Axel huff. "Yup, creepy twins."
Sora put his arm around the blond and brought him closer. Roxas flinched a little at the sudden contact but made it as subtle as possible, hoping that the other didn't notice. "Your just jealous that you don't have a twin."
"Whatever brat. We need to be going right?" Axel looked at his phone for the time. Sora looked at Axel with bewilderment.
"Are you actually keeping up with the time." He looked back to the blond that he still had his arm around. "Man Roxas, you're already having an impact on him." He chuckled.
Axel looked back to the two and rolled his eyes. "I can be responsible sometimes ya know." He pouted and looked over towards the entrance noticing that some officers were making their way to their cars. "Come on you two, let's get going."
Axel turned and began walking for the entrance. Sora removed his arm and walked briskly up to the taller, leaving Roxas a little further back. He tugged on Axel's sleeve, motioning for him to lean down with his finger.
Axel looked to him with confusion but leaned down anyways. "Roxas flinched earlier when I touched him. He's going to need some time. Make sure you take good care of him Axel." Sora whispered in his ear so the blond wouldn't hear.
Axel stood back to his full height and cast his eyes back to the teen that was lagging behind. He was looking at them with curiosity. When he noticed Axel staring he blinked, offering him a small smile. Axel returned the smile and turned back to Sora and nodded with resolution. "You don't have to tell me." He whispered back with a smile. He may not know to much about this boy, but he was going to make sure that he learned all he could. He'll make sure that Roxas was able to feel secure and not terrified when he came into contact with others.
Axel turned back to Roxas with a grin coming back to his face. "Come on Rox, you're lagging behind. I'm gonna leave ya if you make me late. God knows Cloud will blame me for it, like always."
Roxas nodded and rushed up to the two in front. He fell in step with the officers, Axel in the middle with Sora on the other side of him. Axel moved his eyes to Roxas who was keeping up easily now. He then looked outside through the glass doors towards the sunny scene waiting for them.
Just one more step needs to be taken before Roxas can finally start his new life living with Axel. And it was going to happen if Axel had anything to say about it. It's time for Roxas to be treated like he should be treated. The redhead found himself feeling giddy.
Just wait a little longer Rox.
A/n: Finally done! I made myself write this chapter as soon as I woke up, literally. I know I kept you guys waiting for to long, so here's another really really long chapter. You guys don't know how tough it is for me to write long chapters. (3,000 words is usually my limit.) Heh...well I hope you guys liked it. And does anyone have any idea who Roxas' 'mom' is? It's probably not that hard to figure out...
Well If there's anything wrong or something doesn't make since please feel free to tell me! All I have left to say is review and tell me what you think. I love to hear from you all. :D Till next time my wonderful readers~