Open Your Heart
Chapter 2: You'll be Amazed by What You Find
Disclaimer: I do not own the characters in this story they belong respectfully to Square Enix
Warning: Themes of shounen-ai/yaoi/homosexual relationships, impregnation, etc, you know all that good stuff. If it bothers you then you have the option of leaving.
Summary: The males of the Strife bloodline are gifted with the ability to reproduce and have children of their own like women. Take Prince Squall Leonhart from Balamb and Prince Cloud Strife from Nibelheim and you have the twins Sora and Roxas. Forward sixteen years and now the parents are trying to get the idea of marriage into their boys mind, but Nibelheim's rebellious prince, Roxas Strife Leonhart refuses to be pushed into a marriage he doesn't want. In comes Prince Axel with his younger sister Princess Kairi from Radiant Garden and Roxas has just about had it for the summer.
Pairings: Axel x Roxas, Riku x Sora, Leon x Cloud
Music: "To the Sky" by Owl City & "Look Through My Eyes" by Phil Collins
A/N: Here's the second chapter I was able to crank out. Whoa, talk about update huh? And I'm never this fast either but considering Akuroku day is coming up, I have no choice in the matter ^^; Well, enjoy this bit and don't forget to review if you can? :3
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Roxas' knees buckled under the weight of his twin brother's body. Why in the world he was giving the brunet a piggy back ride, he had absolutely no idea but after spending the last five or so hours helping out the head cook in the kitchen with the morning chores and breakfast, he really didn't care. One thing was certain though, he never, ever wanted to watch another pig be slaughtered, ever again in his young life—even if it was the time of the month where they had to procure the pork meat that would last them for the next several weeks.
"Never, again!" the blond exclaimed, his voice hoarse now as the weight on his back finally pushed him to the limits and he found himself falling face first onto the garden floor.
"All that blood… the squeals... I'll have nightmares for weeks, maybe even for the rest of the summer…" Sora groaned. Pressing his face into the others shoulder blade, he felt his twin's body vibrate under him.
"Sor… get your fat ass off of me…"
"I'm not fat…"
"Then why are you crushing me?"
"Maybe it's because he's such a lazy bum." a familiar voice called from afar, ringing in their ears.
Rolling off the blonde's exhausted body; Sora laid himself flat on his back next to his younger brother. Peering up at the empty space, his blue eyes fluttered and began to dance with excitement once he found himself staring face to face with the source of the familiar voice.
"Riku!" Sora cried.
"Hey there spikey," The silverette grinned down at the brown haired prince, "I came here as soon as I read your letter." He said, his voice taking on a serious tone.
"I almost thought that you wouldn't come…" Sora pouted.
Seeing the look of distress adorning the baby faced prince, Riku settled himself down beside him before leaning over to press soft lips against the other's forehead, "Silly, I would never leave you, your highness, especially not like this."
"Urghh, get a room you guys…" Roxas grumbled. Lifting his face up a little, he glanced over his shoulder and watched the couple entangle themselves in a tight embrace, "Tell me, what are you doing here, Riku?"
Tucking Sora's head under his chin, the older boy eyed the young blond haired prince before looking down at the brunet in his arms, "You haven't told him yet?"
"Uh… No I—"
"Tell me what?" Roxas sat up now, his curiosity perked, "Sora? What are you hiding?"
"I, um… Riku?..." Sora looked up at the silver haired boy, but he just shook his head.
"Sora, you have to tell him."
"Yeah Sora, tell me." Roxas mocked, his arms crossed and blue eyes narrowed at him now.
"Well, where do I start?"
The blond rolled his eyes, "Come on Sora, spit it out. Riku seems to be here for a reason, and let me tell you, it's really no secret that you two are together either so don't—" Reevaluating his words, Roxas stopped instantly as his face began to fall. The wheels in his brain began to move and an understanding was beginning to sink in.
"R-roxas?" Sora squeaked, his face now reduced to a flushed mess, "See Riku! I told you he'd react this way."
"Shh! He's thinking, maybe he figured it out." Riku remarked.
"Y-you… You! And! A-and Riku!" Looking between the both of them Roxas' heart began to speed up. He was panicking now, "Oh my! Does father know!"
"Not so loud Roxas!" Sora hissed, "The guards might hear you…"
"See, told you he'd figure it out."
Scrambling out from Riku's tight embrace, Sora crawled over to his twin and gripped his shoulders, "I-I'm really sorry I didn't tell you earlier but—"
"How long?" Roxas asked, his face blank but his voice trembling now.
"What?"
"How long have you known that you were… You know?" Roxas' blue eyes clouded over. He was trying to hold himself back from yelling but he didn't know how long he'd be able to keep it in. All this time, he had thought his twin was being lazy as usual if not then just more so than normal. Pushing all the heavy work on him and then there was his constant nausea recently, it all made sense now.
"I've known for about a month now…"
"And you didn't think to tell me about this earlier?" the beating in his chest was hurting even more now.
"Roxas how was I supposed to explain myself? It's not exactly easy telling anybody that I'm p—pregnant… Not only that, but I'm still sixteen, just barely an adult..." The brunet's hold fell to the other's forearms, his fingers gliding lower until they reached the blonde's shaking hands, "Please understand, I didn't tell you earlier out of ignoring you or feeling like you didn't have the right to know…"
"Whatever! You still kept it a secret from me for so long! I'm your twin Sora! And, and—argh!" that was it. He finally snapped and it made Sora flinch back with surprise.
Yanking himself away from his twin, Roxas was up on his feet in no time. Without so much as another word or glance back, he found himself running, trying to get as far away as possible from his brother and his lover. Sora was left there on his knees, too shocked to move. Neither he nor Riku made a move to go after the blond but even if they did, he would have just snarled and bitten their heads off like the short-tempered boy he was.
Soon enough, Roxas found himself in the stables, ignoring everyone he passed by. Axel too was already there, tending to his own horse Ember but upon resting his bright green eyes on the fuming boy that passed by, he was taken aback by the sudden change in the blonde's attitude. Frowning, he was just about to ask what his problem was but Roxas worked too fast for him to even get a single word out. By the time he was able to utter the blond prince's name, he was already galloping out the doors on his horse.
Concerned for his wellbeing, Axel saddled up own his steed and booked it quickly out of the stables as well. He was grateful that the gates were open, but Roxas had quite the head start and was far ahead of him. Despite that little set back though, Axel was positive that Ember would be able to catch up. He really didn't mean to boast, but he was one of Radiant Garden's fastest riders, and Ember was no slack off either so trailing after the runaway prince wasn't a challenge at all, more like fun if he had to admit it.
Destiny was picking up speed with each second they ran. Roxas had no real direction or place he wanted to go to. He avoided the road to town all together, opting instead for the dirt trail that led deep into the woods. He just wanted to run, run as far away from Sora and Riku as he possibly could. His heart was racing, pounding loudly in his ears and it hurt. Everything inside hurt and it felt as though something was trying to squeeze the life from his small heart and suffocate him.
He loved his twin dearly, he truly did but having since met Riku when they were children—Sora and the noble from Radiant Garden were just as inseparable as he and the brunet were. Every time the silverette visited, it was always the same thing—he'd be ignored for the duration of the older boy's visit and no matter how much he wanted to spend time with his twin, he was never available—all because of Riku. And things just got even worse when Roxas found them in the gardens two years before, kissing under the tree. That day had really broken him. He never confronted his older brother about what he saw, but that day was burned into his memory, so much so that it haunted him at times. Now that the two were with child, he just didn't know what to think now.
The sound of another horse galloping close behind him inched closer and closer but it could not break the zombie-like trance he was in.
"Roxas!" Axel called out but the boy did not waver, "Damn, he must really be out of it. Come on Ember, give it all you've got boy!" he urged.
Giving his redheaded master a whinny, the ash colored horse pushed himself forward, taking longer strides until he was running up right beside the painted black and white mare. Unfortunately the prince's horse was not pleased by this stranger being so close to her and her master and in the spur of the moment she shot out to try and nip the other in the face as she neighed wildly in protest.
"What the—! Great Shiva! Like master like horse!" Axel exclaimed in surprise as he yanked the reigns to his left in order to give the temperamental mare some room before she attacked again.
Ember was displeased by the turn of events he found himself and his master in. He knew very well that the redhead wanted this boy's attention but the rider's horse seemed to be just as stubborn as her blond haired rider. Her dark eyes were narrowed at him especially and she was not letting him get any closer. But Axel's desperation was egging him on, and he had to please his master's wishes no matter what the consequences. Without any further hesitations, Ember rode up beside the threatening mare once more but this time he was careful to steer clear of that bite of hers.
Unfortunately for the ash colored stallion, the young mare was no fool and she was not about to let him or the red haired rider come anywhere near Roxas if it was the last thing she did. To everyone's utter shock, she came to a complete stop, nearly throwing off her own master in the process as he bounced up from her saddle. During the confusion she then aimed a nice kick with both her hind legs at the surprised pair, startling all three boys.
"D-Destiny!" Roxas shouted, his body feeling more like a rag doll now that his mare was going maniacal, "What's wrong? Destiny!"
"Roxas!" Axel cried, trying desperately to control Ember and lead him away from the aggressive mare that belonged to the blond haired prince, "Control your horse!"
"Prince Axel? What are you—"
"Don't look at me like that, control your horse before she tears Ember and I to pieces!"
Pulling on Destiny's reigns, it took quite a bit for Roxas to get her under control before she was somewhat calmed down. But even so, the painted mare was still anxious being around the other two and she made her discomfort known through her ragged breathing and heavy steps as she swayed her body to and fro.
"Don't come any closer." Roxas warned.
"I know, why do you think Ember isn't going anywhere near you?" Axel pointed out, his stallion feeling a little irked now by the mare's overprotective nature towards the blond rider.
Patting Destiny's neck, the mare shook all over, "She's not usually like this… you okay girl?"
The mare neighed in response, her whinny sounding more like the whine of a young child. Roxas could tell instantly that she was not happy and he seemed to know why. But at least he knew that he wasn't the only one upset here now.
"And what's she saying Roxy?"
Being called Roxy, was something he really didn't like, and coming from Axel just made it feel ten times worse. Frowning, Roxas rolled his blue eyes, "She basically said that she doesn't like you. Both you and your horse. And at the moment, neither do I." he finally said.
With that, Destiny trotted ahead of the stunned pair, her hips swaying as if to entice the two to follow them but once she glanced back, she gave Ember a glare and then kicked up a few clots of dirt to make her point clear.
Axel's jaw dropped. Even Ember was at a loss himself. Looking up at his master, Axel did nothing at first until finally he looked down between his stallion and the retreating blond with his spunky young mare.
"Did you see that? I mean, come on! Those two are really just—! Man!" he was nearly screaming now, his hands combing roughly through his red locks, "Hey! Wait up blondie!"
Ember did not want to follow after the two, but Axel persisted. Despite his protest, the stallion sucked up his pride and did as he was directed but kept up a fair distance so as not to upset the mare any further. But Destiny was distressed as it was and instantly she was on him in a second, neighing loudly in his face and giving him a huff. This took a turn for the worst and Ember was frightened to the point of standing on his hind legs.
"Whoa—whoa!" Axel shouted but it was no use and he fell right off the saddle to the ground.
"Destiny!" Roxas tried to scold but his laughter broke through and he sat there pointing down at the humiliated redhead.
"Huh, you find it funny do ya?"
"Y-yes." He choked, struggling to contain himself but to no avail. Even Destiny was neighing wildly now, as if she too were laughing at the redhead alongside her master.
"Ha, ha, ha… Jeez, demented prince… and he has a demented horse to match that personality of his too, oh joy!"
"Whatever…" Roxas mumbled but cracked a guilty smile.
Getting up on shaky legs, Axel dusted himself off before approaching his horse again, "Well, now that I have your attention, mind telling me why you were in such a rush?"
Lowering his gaze down to stare at his hands clutched tightly at the reigns, Roxas didn't feel it was a good idea to talk about his feelings and to this total stranger no less.
"Come on, you need to let it out sometime you know?"
"And why should I?"
"Because," Placing his left foot on the stirrup, the redhead easily lifted himself back up onto the saddle, "If you keep it bottled up inside, whatever it is that's bothering you will eat you up from the inside out. And it hurts, and it will keep hurting you so much that when the time does come, you won't be able to stop the tears from falling."
Placing a hand over his chest, Roxas felt the place where his heart was throbbing uncontrollably. And it did hurt. It was an inexplicable pain and more than anything he wanted it gone, he wanted it to go away.
Swallowing nervously, Axel tried to get Ember to move closer to the younger prince again but his stallion would not budge this time having already faced the wrath of the boy's painted mare one too many times as it is, "Oh you, you're such a coward Ember…"
"I—I, it hurts…" Roxas admitted quietly, his hand still over his heart, "Right in here."
Axel's face softened, "See, I told you. Think you can tell me what happened now? Or do you need more time?"
The look of concern, the softness on the other's face, it made him blush. Hoping to conceal his embarrassed expression, Roxas kept his eyes down, "Well um… just, I—ride with me!"
"Excuse me?" the redhead blinked several times, stunned by the prince's sudden request.
"Y-you heard me! Just ride with me okay…" pouting at him, there was no way in hell that Axel was going to say no, not with that innocent look on the blonde's face just screaming for him not to leave him alone, "Besides, I'm still on punishment and… and I need to show you around, right?"
"Oh I see." He chuckled, "Now how in the world could I say no to you, your highness?" Axel grinned.
"Be quiet…" Roxas huffed but led the way nonetheless.
Smiling, Axel felt a bit of relief that the boy was at least letting him in, if only a little but it was much better than nothing so he didn't complain, "Whatever you say my prince, whatever you say."
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The pair rode on to the edge of the forest until the Cosmo Canyon came in view. They didn't venture any further though but Roxas explained as much as he could about what he knew. Axel listened intently, his interested peeked and he became even more engrossed when the blond began his story of when he and Sora stole Cloud's horse, Fenrir. Back then, they were only six years old, and being abnormally adventurous they took a ride out to the Cosmo Canyon for some fun and it was there that they met Nanaki who was injured at the time. Roxas explained his persistence to stay and take care of Nanaki, which had resulted in the twins being missing for a day before Leon found them. As a result of their outing, Nanaki was taken back to Nibelheim where he recovered and since then had stayed with the royal family while also watching over the princes.
Axel was quite astonished by the story but nonetheless he came to a better understanding now as to why such a creature like the wolf like beast Nanaki was living with Roxas. Not only that, but after learning about this nurturing side the blond male possessed, it made him like the boy even more now.
From the edge of the forest, the two rode back the same path until Roxas took another route and Axel followed. Ember continued to keep himself at a distance from Destiny, and it made the redhead quite annoyed but then again who would want to be on the bad end of a horse like her? So he stuck it out as best he could. Roxas though, he didn't seem at all very bothered by the hostility Destiny kept stubbornly emitting. But whatever the case, Axel was still in the prince's proximity and that was enough for him, at least for now that is.
Hours passed as they pressed on, talking about themselves and telling stories. At some point, Axel revealed that he was best friends with Riku, something that obviously made Roxas cringe. Luckily the redhead was quick to notice his mistake and switched the conversation to one of the times he had gone to town dressed in a beggar's clothes for fun with his friend Demyx. It was a nice save but Roxas questioned him about it since he never felt the need to hide himself in such a way whenever he made public appearances in Nibelheim. This, Axel had to explain was because Radiant Garden was much bigger in comparison to Nibelheim but also because it had its dangers—dangers that Roxas wouldn't be able to understand because he grew up so very well sheltered and bathed in a world where there was true integrity among his people.
It was well around the afternoon from what Axel could gather now, but he still had more to say—as did Roxas. Around them, the trees were growing familiar but the redhead knew that this wasn't the way to the castle. Just as soon as he thought this though, the blond haired prince was already trotting faster, and Axel had to gallop a little just to keep up. Soon, Roxas was back at the river, the only difference was that this time it was just him and Axel to enjoy the scenery.
"Whoa! Would you look at this…"
"It's nice isn't it?"
"Nice?" Axel smirked, "This is more than nice it is amazing!"
"Heh, I guess. To tell you the truth, I was here just yesterday… you know? After you distracted my father long enough for all of us to escape… I never got to thank you for that." Roxas said slowly, his eyes lifting little by little to peer up at his companion.
"It's no problem at all. I'd have done the same, though I must tell you… King Leon really is a force to be reckoned with. Honestly, if looks could kill—I'd have been dead in less than a second! Because right after you all booked it, he was glaring daggers at me!"
"Ha! You think he's scary? My dad, Cloud is even worse! Just because he seems tamed doesn't mean he'll go easy on you!"
"Really now? Well this I have got to see before the end of the summer then."
The blond chuckled and shook his head, "No way, I really doubt you'd want to face Cloud's wrath."
"Are you sure?"
"Positive!" Roxas replied before jumping off his saddle and grabbing the scabbard that held his bow and arrows which were attached to the side.
Axel did the same too, and followed Roxas down towards the water's edge. Though, unlike Roxas, he was weaponless. Still it didn't stop him from watching the blond march into the water, "Are you going fishing? And with a bow?" he asked, quirking an eye brow as he looked at him skeptically. This was really peculiar he thought.
"Yes, I am. Is that bad?"
"No, but it is rather odd don't you think?"
"Pft, my father taught me this and not to brag or anything but I am pretty good at archery." Roxas stated, his fingers releasing the string. Seeing the arrow fly straight into the running water, he was quick to retrieve it and trudged back over to Axel with a miraculous catch of two fish squirming wildly on that single arrow.
Smirking at the redhead, he waved the heavy arrow in front of him before shoving the suffocating morsels in his hands, "Now, be a good boy and start cooking, I still have a meal to catch for us because I'm pretty sure you're gonna wanna eat more than just one fish."
Nodding silently in response, Roxas left Axel there on the shore standing dumbfounded and just amazed by his skills. No, not just his skills but everything about the blond haired prince so far. This was just the icing on the cake, Axel was quite sure of it and he couldn't wait to dig in even further now to see what else there was about the boy.
It took a few nudges from Ember to get Axel's mind back in gear. He was grateful for it though, and doing what Roxas told him, he built them a fire and began fixing up their supper. Roxas returned shortly after he got the flames growing with three more fish on his persons. He was happy and jokingly asked the blond to teach him how to fish using his unique technique. This, Roxas didn't object to, and he agreed so long as the redhead was willing to spend time with him. Of course Axel jumped for the very chance he got. Though surprised, the large grin on his face was evident and it showed Roxas how truly happy the red haired prince was feeling.
Sharing a meal together while sitting side by side around their fire, Axel couldn't help but smile so much. His day took an odd turn but he didn't regret it and hoped that there would be many more days like this to come with Roxas. Speaking of which, he had nearly forgotten why he followed the boy in the first place. Quickly finishing up his third helping, Axel threw the remaindered of his fish into the fire and watched it burn.
"Well, I've done as you've asked. Do you think you're comfortable with telling me what it is that was hurting you so much now?"
"Uh…" Lowering the fish from his lips, Roxas swallowed the contents already in his mouth and frowned, "I almost forgot about that…"
"Either that, or you just wanted to avoid it."
"No, I didn't avoid it I just—I was really happy…"
"You were?"
"Yes, I truly was."
"Well that's good, I wouldn't want you to continue being so upset." Axel said with a soft smile.
"I bet you noticed how I reacted to Riku's name earlier, right?"
Axel nodded, "How could I have missed that? Does your being upset have something to do with him?"
"Yes, it does actually…" he admitted and he sounded quite guilty for feeling that way too.
"Why?"
"B-because… he and my… my brother… they're so close…" there was a lot of hesitation in his voice, and Axel could see him begin to tremble now.
"You don't like it very much, do you?" Axel asked, his green eyes growing worried now.
The younger boy shook his head. Dropping his unfinished meal into the dirt, he brought his knees up to his chest and hid his face from view.
"Well, look at it this way; everyone has all kinds of relationships with different people. The friendship between Sora and Riku is of course going to be different than the one he has with you. And besides, you're brothers, blood is always thicker you know? So why are you upset about it?"
"Because!" Roxas yelled this time, but his voice shook and Axel was none too surprised by his reaction, "E-every time…" he sniffled, "Every he visits, Sora ignores me… sometimes it feels like I don't exist to him when Riku is around… and it hurts! I don't know what to do and I can't tell Sora and make him choose between him or me because then he'll cry… and for a while now, they've been seeing each behind my back—it isn't friendship anymore between them! It's—it's!"
"They're lovers now, aren't they?" Axel stared carefully at the blond, but he did not once lift his face up from his hiding place to meet his gaze.
"Yes… I saw them, two years ago in the garden. Riku confessed his feelings then and they kissed… they don't know that I watched… that is until now…"
Slowly but surely, Roxas was becoming a shaking mess of sobs. Axel could not handle seeing him like this though, and without thinking, he reached out towards him, only to bring the smaller boy's body to his in a tight embrace. The blonde's tremors became even shakier and he collapsed forward, willingly nestling himself in the redhead's arms as he clutched tightly to his front.
"I—I didn't know the extent of their relationship or how far they would go but—but today, I learned that Riku and Sora!—they're with a child now, and I'm so angry that Sora didn't think to tell me the very second he found out!" Roxas cried into his chest.
The sudden revelation nearly scared Axel out of his skin. His best friend, Riku Jenova was with child now? And with Sora Strife Leonhart? He had to catch his breath for a moment but he now knew how very upsetting it was on blond to have been kept in the dark. Now that he thought about it, Axel had very nearly forgotten about the Strife family's bloodline. Though it was odd, even he had to admit it, he could see why this would be a predicament, not only that but seeing as Sora was pregnant now, it was bound to make one of many nice scandalous stories among the noble gossip chains and fill up every royal's court on the continent.
"Shh, it's alright Roxas…" Axel whispered quietly, his fingers dancing up the boy's small back as he reached to stroke the locks of blond hair, "I know you're upset, but what's happened, happened and there isn't anything we can do about it. All we can do though is accept the situation as it is and adjust. Do you understand?"
Roxas continued to shake, but Axel knew he was trying to calm himself down. Feeling a nod of the blonde's head rubbing against his chest, he smiled softly—relieved that the boy at least understood that he couldn't control what had happened.
"I know that the relationship between Sora and Riku isn't something you're comfortable with, heck if I was you I'd probably be throwing a tantrum but they love each other and we can't get in the way of that. Now, to solve at least half of your problem I believe that you should try to tell Sora how you feel—you know, about being ignored by him? Do you think you can do that?"
"M-maybe…" Roxas squeaked. This made Axel a little happy since he was trying to make the effort to speak instead of using his body language.
"You don't have to do it right away, but I want you to at least be brave enough to let go of how you feel. I don't know what will happen when you do tell him but I can assure you that releasing all those negative thoughts inside you, is a lot better than keeping it in." he said. Pushing the teary eyed blond back a little, just enough for him to see his sniffling face, it was then that Axel leaned down to press his lips against the other's forehead.
Instantly, Roxas blushed the very moment Axel's lips touched his skin. He could feel the other's lips lingering, brushing against his skin several times before slowly they were pulling away. And he was shocked with himself once those soft lips left the contact of his skin, because he wanted Axel to do it again, he wanted the feeling back, the rush of excitement that was pounding in his chest. It was a different sort of pain than the one he felt earlier and it made him curious.
Watching the younger boy intently, Axel could see how much he was affecting him and he took pride in it, "That took a lot of courage for you to tell me all of this Roxas, and I really appreciate you opening up to me. Just know that, no matter what you can tell me anything, alright?" he said, this time his hand reaching out to stroke his tear stained cheek.
Roxas could only nod his head, too speechless and nervous to say anything.
Axel chuckled at his reaction, he couldn't help but find it so damn adorable, "Now, let me ask you, do you feel lighter?"
"L-lighter?" he asked, his head a little dizzy still from the kiss to his forehead and now the hand on his cheek.
"Yes, lighter. In here." Axel pressed his finger softly against Roxas' throbbing chest.
Gulping, he didn't know whether to be happy or surprised that Axel managed to find just where his heart was. Still, the redhead continued to wait for an answer from him, so he nodded his head, "I think so…"
"You better be sure." he mused before moving his hand up to ruffle the tuffs of blond hair.
Just as Axel was about to pull his hand away from the boy's front, Roxas reached forward only to entwine their fingers together and press his hand deeper into his chest. Axel could feel the quickening beat of the other's heart right beneath his fingertips and he was very startled as to why the blond was doing this to him in the first place. Was this young prince's heart going biolistic now because of him he had to wonder? If so, should he take pride in it? Because really, it wasn't every day that Axel had such a beautiful boy like this in his arms. A woman would have made sense but Roxas, Roxas was different and Axel didn't feel at all disgusted with himself. If anything, this all felt right, it felt perfect to him.
The heat from the fire was long forgotten at this point, and the two could feel something else grow between them—a different kind of fire, one that could not be seen so easily. Slowly the princes found themselves leaning in towards each other, their hands weaved tightly together as their eyes began to fall shut. To them, it was a natural pull, a need that they had to fulfill and that was to close the short distance between them. They shouldn't have to fight this force they thought and just as they were about to touch, Fate had other plans in store for them for it. In the next second, Destiny, Roxas' mare, she whinnied quite loudly, her sudden whine causing the pair to blink before breaking apart abruptly and scrambling to their feet.
Just as Roxas went to relieve his finicky horse of whatever was stressing her, he found the girl at it again, kicking wildly in poor Ember's direction for some odd reason. Why she hadn't done that earlier before while they were eating supper was a mystery to them both. Roxas was actually relieved that Destiny was able to get him back to his senses again but Axel on the other hand—he wasn't too happy with the disruption at all. If anything, he was cursing the damn horse with his very being and to every deity that he knew for ruining such a beautiful moment.
-x-x-x-x-
Axel and Roxas made it back to the castle safe and sound despite it being so late. Again, the blond was scolded but after explaining that he was just giving the redhead a tour of the town and suggesting a day of riding together, he was dismissed from receiving any more creative punishments from his two worry wart fathers.
Cleaning himself up and heading off to bed, Axel and Roxas bided a good night to each other, though Roxas was a bit nervous during his parting, Axel could see that and it highly amused him to no end even when the blond was gone and out of sight.
Alone in his room, Roxas reflected on the redhead's words by the river. He was right. Taking a deep breath, he made his way over to the bed before pushing the heavy thing away as far as he could to reveal a trap door right there in the stone floor. Almost every room in the entire castle had a secret door and it was like a maze once you stepped in but the idea behind the passageways was to give the residents of the estate a route to use if the castle were ever to be overtaken. He and Sora used them all the time to sneak around for their own amusement and it was times like these where he was glad he didn't have to go knocking on doors in the hallways either.
Lifting up the small door, Roxas sighed again before jumping right down into the darkness. Very few people now ever used these routes, but Roxas—he knew these parts of the castle like the back of his hand and it was no trouble at all making his way down to Sora's bedroom. Crawling on his hands and knees, he made it to his destination in no time and was careful to push open the other side of the door as quietly as he could. Unlike his trap door, Sora had a much easier access to his since it was hidden behind a tapestry. But that was the thing about Sora's room that made the escape route far too obvious to find.
Opening the door wide enough for him to crawl out onto the stone floor, Roxas rolled out until he was in the clear.
"R-roxas? What are you doing here?" Sora asked. Lifting himself up from his bed, he rubbed his swollen blue eyes. The brunet had clearly been crying for a long time and it stabbed at Roxas' heart to see his disheveled form.
Looking around the room, there was not a head of silver hair in sight. That was a good sign at least. Getting up, Roxas plopped himself on his twin's bed before throwing his arms around the other's shoulders, "I-I came here to apologize for getting so angry with you earlier…"
"Oh Roxas…" Sora returned the hug just as tightly and buried his face into the other's shoulder.
"Sora, I'm… I'm not sure you know this but, I don't like having to share your attention whenever Riku is around..." Roxas finally admitted, at long last, "I feel ignored by you every time he is here, and I—I don't know what to do sometimes, and it hurts…"
"I'm sorry that I neglected your feelings in favor of Riku… but—but I'm in love with him, I've been in love with him for years…" Sora murmured against him but Roxas had no trouble catching any of it, "But what I feel for you Roxas, Riku can never compare. You're irreplaceable. It doesn't matter if he takes my heart away, because I know that our relationship, it will always be stronger." Pulling away from the other's shoulder, he looked into his younger brother's eyes and smiled softly, "After all, we are brothers—we're twins and there is nothing in this world that can come between what we have."
No longer could Roxas hold back his tears. As he sat there, entangled in his brother's arms, the both of them cried together, relishing in one another's presence. Just knowing that they had each other—no matter what happened, that was enough.
Somehow, the two found themselves falling back into the sheets of the brunet's bed, their identical blue eyes staring back at one another. Their finger's searched until they were finally holding hands, connected tightly now and refusing to ever let go. Though they didn't speak, they understood each other through their silence and that night they fell asleep, hand in hand, curled up so close that it was like their bodies were one.
-x-x-x-x-
Several weeks passed now, Sora still had yet to tell their father's about his little bun in the oven but both Roxas and Riku assured him that they would be there when he was ready to tell them. Axel, though still slightly unnerved by Riku's actions with Sora was happy to have his best friend around and the two often talked during meal times but other than that they spent their time with their own respective Strife twin. Kairi had nothing better to do herself but after spending some time with Sora, she was always found close by at his side which both Roxas and Axel found quite amusing. Roxas went so far as to call her a lost puppy, which she wasn't very happy with at all. Riku too wasn't pleased with her since it meant that he was having an even harder time than before sneaking quality time with his brunet haired lover but after being reminded by Roxas that he already made a claim on his dear brother, there wasn't anything to worry about. Well not too much at least.
Though the friendship between Axel and Roxas started out rocky, the immense amount of time that they spent together in each other's company each and every day that passed by helped to speed up their fast growing familiarity with one another. Soon enough, Nibelheim didn't see one prince without the other and if they were apart, someone was bound to ask, 'Where is Axel?' or 'Where is Roxas?'
The same could not be said for their horses though. At this point, Roxas was confused and had absolutely no idea as to why Destiny had yet to allow Ember or Axel anywhere near her. Even when they went out riding together, Axel was still forced to gallop at a slow pace several feet behind her in fear of the painted mare attacking him and his horse whenever the opportunity presented itself. Despite it being so off putting for both the redhead and him, they worked around it as best they could. As long as they were in each other's presence, they were capable of adjusting to whatever situation they found themselves in.
Soon enough, the twin's seventeenth birthday arrived, and a party was thrown in celebration. Roxas wasn't at all as excited as he should have been, but it was only because he could see his twin beginning to show now. Sora's morning sickness was becoming even more frequent than before, and it took not only him but the help of Axel and Riku as well to cover Sora whenever it seemed like he would be found out. Not only that, but the brunet was growing pickier with his meals. Some day's he would be eating like a horse and other days he'd barely touch his plate. They had a close call after lunch one time when Cloud came into the room asking what was wrong. Had it not been for Riku's sacrifice, Cloud might have figured it out. Sadly for Riku though, their blond haired father had placed him on his hit list but Axel got his wish and saw a taste of what the older man's temper was like.
Now here the twins were, with both Axel and Riku by their sides, standing like a bunch of awkward ninnies. Leon had told them to mingle and make conversation with as many of the guests as they possibly could but both boys were not up to it and instead defied orders and were now standing in the corner of the ball room as a result. Sora couldn't eat very much, and it was something to worry about since he had an innocent life growing inside him to worry about.
"Can I get you anything Sora?" Riku asked again for the fifth time that night.
Rolling his eyes, Roxas was losing his patience, as was Axel. It was one thing to care but Riku was acting like an overbearing mother hen now and that didn't sit well with Sora at all.
"No I'm fine, nothing at the table looks good enough anyways…" Sora murmured tiredly. All he wanted was to go upstairs to his room and sleep but being one of the birthday boys, he couldn't leave without getting caught along the way.
"But you need to eat something you've barely touched anything at all today."
"Riku, please… I am really, really tired and I'm cranky. I've been experiencing more morning sickness than I ever have before in my entire life and I'd like to breathe and do things my way!" The brunet snapped.
The three boys winced around the pregnant teen but didn't say anything. It was fine though, because that was what Sora really wanted after all. Now if only they could get everyone else to just shut up with all the drunken speech and merriment.
Usually Axel was a true party animal when it came to these sorts of events but tonight his attention was obscured and detached. The girls who did brave across the room for his attention were promptly turned away without so much as a word—merely the wave of his hand or a single glance from his cold green eyes was enough for them to stop in their tracks and trudge back to wherever they came from with their tails between their legs.
He was glad the blond prince didn't notice but Riku was well aware of his change in attitude. The reason for his foul mood and disinterest was because of the devil's daughter herself, Larxene Morgan. How in the hell she managed to get an invite to the twin's seventeenth birthday he didn't know but he sure as hell wished that she'd just disappear already. The very reason he was in Nibelheim in the first place was so that he could take a vacation from having to see her in his palace nearly every day in Radiant Garden!
The lady was a part of Ansem's court and she was the daughter of one of his father's closest friends. He didn't know how their engagement came to be, but it was there and it had been set in place even before he understood the concept of marriage. But then he could not protest against marrying such a beast like her. He tried to fight off the upcoming wedding in the fall months before arriving here in Nibelheim but the ensuing argument between him and the court was vicious and he lost the battle after they threatened him about pulling out their support to the king, his father.
Axel was a defeated man despite his efforts to hide it. He didn't have long now before the summer came to an end, and he knew that by the time he returned home there would be a new life waiting for him in Radiant Garden—one he knew he would be unhappy with. But he didn't want Roxas to know that, no; he would play the part of the best friend like any good man. The only difference was that in the short period of just several weeks he was already falling in love and with the young blond prince of Nibelheim no less. But he didn't care, because he knew once his union with Larxene happened, he would not give her his heart because it would always belong to some else.
Riku was well aware of what was probably ailing his dear friend, Prince Axel. From the direction in which the redhead was glaring at, he could see the she-wolf herself, Larxene Morgan hanging off the arm of another noble, Marluxia Vain. What in the world she was doing here was a mystery to him but it was no secret that Axel held the darkest and deepest hatred for the young woman.
"Axel, are you alright?" Roxas finally asked, his blue eyes sad and filled with the upmost concern for him.
The older male sighed heavily and it didn't go unnoticed, "There's just someone here that has been making me feel very uncomfortable. But don't worry about it; once the night is over and they're gone I'll be alright again."
The blond wasn't satisfied with his answer though and he frowned, his eye brows kneaded closely together in frustration, "Who is it? Tell me and I'll deal with it."
"Roxas don't, I said that I'll be okay once the party is over."
"No, I don't want this birthday if it makes you unhappy." Roxas was almost shouting. Turning his attention to Riku, he gave the silverette a stern look, "Do you know who it is Riku?"
Axel quickly turned to his best friend and shook his head, his eyes begging the silver headed noble not to say a word to the blond but Riku just shrugged. Crossing his arms, he let a smirk play across his lips and a glow of mischief twinkled in those aqua blue colored eyes of his.
"Her name is Larxene Morgan, she is a noble from Radiant Garden just like me. She's the one with bright blond hair, blue eyes and those two little strands of hair that stick out and make her look like the devil's daughter."
"Riku you traitor…" Axel hissed.
Roxas blinked, clearly surprised that Riku would even release that information to him so easily. But nonetheless he looked for the said girl and quickly spotted her on the other side of the ballroom, a goblet in hand. She was one of the loudest guests he had seen so far at the party tonight and that just made him dislike her even more.
"That woman!" Sora exclaimed, "She looks like a rabid gorgonopsid!"
"Oh believe me, she's worse than that. The girl is a behemoth." Riku commented.
"Argh can we please just drop it already!" Axel groaned.
Clasping his hands down on the redhead's shoulder, Riku shook his head, "No can do, and besides its already too late now. So you had better prepare yourself."
"For what?" Axel asked, this time he was curious.
"Just wait and see." Roxas replied, having somehow produced a small dagger in his hand as he began twirling it expertly between his fingers.
"You're going to murder her!" The redheaded prince exclaimed, shocked now that Roxas would even go so far or even think of such an idea.
"No way!" Sora laughed, a plate of cake now in his hands but he didn't move to take a bite out of it for some reason and that unnerved Axel even more.
"Axel, my dear friend, just sit back and enjoy the show." Riku was smiling now, like really smiling and it wasn't just an everyday smile either, it looked far too sadistic to be one, "Now be amazed by what these twins are really capable of, alright!" he laughed.
With that said, Roxas stepped back. The ballroom's decorations were quite elaborate he had to admit and he did like it for the most part since it was pretty to look at but he liked it even more now since the many pedestals hanging around the walls held clear vases filled with summer flowers. Not only that but where there were flowers, there was water and the vases that contained them held quite the large amount of it. And probably the best part of it all was that Lady Larxene Morgan was standing under one of the said pedestals. Giving his twin a smirk, Sora nodded in reply and weaved his way through the crowds of people, avoiding all who tried to get in his way until he was a good distance closer to their target.
With Sora in place where he was supposed to be, Roxas quickly flung the blade into the air. It went so fast that no one caught sight of it as it flew over the waltzing guests across the ballroom and hit its target dead on. In that instant, the vase shattered loudly, catching everyone off guard as the glass pieces went flying out around the group that stood below it. Roxas didn't expect there to be so much water, but the more there was the better because once the water showered down on the beastly girl, she screamed at the top of her lungs. As if on cue, Sora kneeled down and slid the plate of cake he had until it arrived sitting right behind Larxene. And just like they expected, she stepped back until her heel met the center of the cake and she slipped on it, falling backwards with an even more terrifying scream than before.
All Axel could do was stare, mortified as his fiancée went flying into the air, flashing practically everything there was that could be seen under that ridiculous gown of hers. Next to him, Riku was laughing the hardest he had ever seen him laugh before in his life and Roxas was no better off either. Sora came back quickly, he too laughing and gasping all at the same time. Unfortunately their moment of amusement was short lived because the sound of Leon's booming voice filled the room.
"Sora! Roxas!" And just like that, the four boys booked it out—escaping quickly to the balcony where Axel and Roxas jumped down into the darkness of the gardens while Sora led Riku towards another secret door in the stone wall.
Gripping his hand tightly, Roxas led Axel as far as he could into the garden until they stood by the edge of the rosebush maze. Both were panting now but from what they could tell, they were safe and that was all that mattered.
"Dear Shiva, I can't believe you did that!"
"Haha, what do you mean?"
"Well!" Axel's hands began to move in the air, trying to explain himself but he was still in so much shock, "That! All of that! I mean you could have hurt someone with that knife! But I mean that— god it was only really Larxene but still!—ohh Shiva this is… this is just—"
"Amazing right?" Roxas grinned.
"Yes actually." Axel finally sighed, his green eyes gentle now as he moved to wrap strong arms around Roxas's shoulders.
The younger boy just blinked, but he returned the gesture, embracing the taller prince closely to him. He could feel his heart pounding, racing, but the feeling was nice especially being in Axel's arms. The fluttering in his stomach and quickening beat of his heart had become routine now but only whenever he was with Axel. He would jump now when he was around the redhead and never once did he ever leave his side either. He had never felt this way before in his life and he wondered if this was how Sora first felt when he and Riku became friends. This must be the start of what love feels like.
All too soon, Axel pulled away, leaving Roxas whining a little over the loss of contact. The redhead chuckled though, and brought his hand to the other's check, stroking the soft skin with his thumb.
"You are quite beautiful under the moon light, did you know that?"
The softest of smiles broke across his lips, and he leaned into the other's hand, "No, you're the first to tell me so."
"I am? Well then, it's an honor to be your first." He replied, his face leaning down towards the others.
In the short amount of time since having met, Axel had never encountered someone so full of emotions and life. This boy, this prince, he could be unpredictable, he was boundless and free—never letting anyone tell him what to do. Even having witnessed Leon scolding him over and over about meeting a potential wife, some noble girl named Xion Lior, Roxas just crossed his arms then and threw all his feelings into the air. He thought the blond only interesting at first, but now, now he was certain that this person, Prince Roxas is the one that he was destined to give his heart to.
"You know, your highness… I never gave you your birthday gift." Axel whispered, his breath making the skin on Roxas' face blush and twinkle from how close he was.
"I-It's okay, I mean you don't have to give me anything, really." He tried to insist, his body beginning to tremble in the other's strong arms.
"But I want to give you something." The redhead said, his green eyes sparkling under the moving light that was reflected off the moon.
Gulping, Roxas couldn't find it in his heart to say no, so he reluctantly nodded his head in reply.
Smiling, Axel leaned down until their noses touched, "Close your eyes." He said softly, almost breathlessly.
Doing just as he said, Roxas' eyes fell and his vision was casted into darkness. Satisfied, Axel took in the sight, staring at the boy's flawless skin, the youthfulness in his structure. He was almost the spitting image of his father Cloud, and Axel had a feeling that he would be just as beautiful too when he got older. Smiling, he finally pressed forward until his lips at long last met the young prince in a chaste kiss.
Roxas felt his heart soar, and immediately he pushed back into the other's lips. His hands instantly went up to wrap themselves around the taller boy's neck, bringing him down as close as possible. Axel was thoroughly surprised by the younger boy's reaction but even so he welcomed it with other arms. The blond began to moan into the kiss, his lips parting ever so slightly and it was then that Axel took his chance and dove his tongue in to taste the caverns of his mouth.
The excitement rose the blonde's chest. Never before had he ever engaged in such physical activities as this before in his life. He was very sure that Sora and Riku did this many times and were probably already masters at it unlike Roxas himself. He was still quite new to all of this intimacy and struggled to keep up with Axel as best he could.
The battle for dominance between their tongues was really something that Roxas failed at and quickly Axel had him beaten. The kiss was getting heated and sloppy now and without even thinking Roxas arched forward to grind his hips into the redhead's body. Axel shivered at this, and commended the blond in his head for exciting him so quickly. He could feel himself getting hard down there and it was both a good and bad sign—mostly bad but he had control or at least he was trying to keep himself in control but Roxas was demanding and he had to stay a few steps ahead of the boy in order to keep his throne of power between them.
Just as Axel was about to roll his hips back into the blonde's, a roar was heard just behind them, and the pair pulled apart instantly with labored pants. There stood none other than Nanaki and Axel glared at the offending beast for ruining his moment with the blond. Really, was everyone trying to destroy what intimate time he could make with Roxas?
"Na-nanaki? H-hey…" Roxas laughed nervously, his cheeks flushed deeply now.
"Yeah, hey there…" Axel added, the anger in his voice clear as day.
"Good evening, I see that you two were enjoying yourselves, so I'm sorry for intruding but your father wants you Roxas."
"Why? If it's because of what I did in the ballroom I can explain but—"
"No, it's Sora."
"Sora?" Immediately the color drained from his face and before Nanaki could finish, the blond was already seen sprinting back towards the castle in search of his twin.
-x-x-x-x-
Sora laid in his bed, a cold wet towel placed gently on his forehead as Cloud sat beside him, Leon pacing back and forth around the and Riku standing up against the wall with his arms crossed silently. Roxas threw the door open instantly, panting heavily as he entered the room followed by Nanaki and Axel. All was quiet and the space suddenly felt thick with tension now that Leon had everyone gathered.
"For a while now, I've noticed all of you hiding something that has been pertaining to Sora. Don't think that I didn't see, because I did. And now that we're all here, start talking." Leon said, his voice cold and hard.
No one in the room said anything at first and this just made Leon's patience deteriorate even more.
"Father…" Sora squeaked and tried to sit up from his bed but Cloud pushed him gently back down, determined to keep his son from overexerting himself, "I'm pregnant with Riku's child." He finally said, his voice calm and controlled but who knew how long he would be able to keep it up.
"What?" Leon's eyes widened and he turned to stare at Riku who instantly froze in place out of pure fear.
"I was the one that urged him to keep going so please don't get mad at him!" Sora suddenly yelled, afraid that his father would kill the silverette on the spot.
Seeing this, Roxas ran quickly and stood in front of Riku—shielding him from Leon in case he did try to hurt his brother's lover.
"Father please don't…" Roxas said.
Turning away from both his youngest son and Riku, he looked back at Sora and glared, "It takes two to tango Sora! And I am not happy with you—all of you for that matter!" he yelled, turning his gaze to all who were in the room.
"I love Riku father!" Sora exclaimed, tears quickly filling his eyes.
Hearing that, Leon had just about turned heel, only to shove Roxas roughly out of the way. His hands instantly went to the silverette's front shirt as he lifted the younger boy up into the air. Axel couldn't stand there anymore and quickly helped Roxas back up to his feet before the blond scrambled to try and pry his father's hands off of the silver haired noble but the king's grip did not relent.
"Father! Don't hurt him! Please!" Roxas cried, desperately trying to get the older man to release the silverette.
Cloud didn't make a single move to help Leon and instead busied himself with holding a wailing Sora back from running up to rescue his lover. Axel was at a loss for words and Nanaki simply sat in the background, waiting.
Riku was truly frightened now. He knew the king was strong but he didn't know that he was so powerful as to lift him up off the floor in such a violent manner like this. He stared into the majesty's dark blue eyes, they were different from Sora's, very different. They didn't sparkle and shine with life as easily as Sora's did, if anything they were as deep and dark as the ocean floor and that scared him—not knowing what there was to expect. Anything could happen.
The king glared down at the boy in his clutches, ignoring everything around him in favor of staring down at this one person, "Do you know what you did to my son?"
The silverette couldn't speak and instead nodded his head. That only made Leon angrier so he shook him.
"Talk! I will not allow body responses as your reply!" he commanded.
"Y-yes your majesty!" he finally yelled.
"Good… now, do you love my son, Sora?" Leon asked, his eyes still dangerously narrowed.
It was then that Riku began to glare at him as well, "Of course I do! I'd give him my life! My everything!"
"Really now?"
"Yes!" Riku exclaimed, small tears filling the corners of his eyes now.
"Very well." And just like that, Leon dropped him, and Riku fell to the ground with a yelp. Still glaring at him, Leon kneeled down until they were face to face again, his hand instantly reaching out to grip the roots of the boy's silver hair, "I expect you to do everything, and I mean everything you can to ensure that my son is happy. You will take full responsibility for what you've done and I expect you to visit regularly because that is my grandchild that is growing inside of my son. If I ever hear that he is crying or in pain because of you, I'll kill you myself." He hissed before getting up and leaving the room with a slam of the door.
Sora stopped his crying, feeling absolutely shocked by what had just transpired. Riku too was breathing hard before promptly passing out on the floor, to which Axel quickly tried to snap his friend out of. Roxas was trembling but he maneuvered his way towards his twin and threw strong arms around him. The nightmare was over, he didn't have to hide his secret now and he was relieved. Not only that but now he could finally be with Riku.
-x-x-x-x-
Cloud hadn't been phased by the scene at all but scolded Sora afterwards for keeping such a secret from him and Leon for as long as he did but also for his lack of properly taking care of himself—especially with the way he had been eating as of late. Eventually he and Nanaki left the room after lecturing everyone, leaving the boys to collect themselves and think about his words.
Though Roxas wanted to stay with his twin, the brunet seemed quite comfortable with just Riku, so he and Axel took their leave as well. This, he thought was probably a good idea since he and the redhead still needed to talk.
Unfortunately, life just loved making him miserable because low and behold the devil's daughter was stomping her way towards them and dragging with her a frightened Kairi by the arm.
"Kairi!" Axel yelled and was running the short distance to save his younger sister from the blond girl's clutches. Roxas too was following close behind, his eyes glaring down at the disheveled noble woman.
"There you are darling!" Larxene practically spat.
"Axel, I'm so sorry!" Kairi cried before the blond woman shoved her to the side. This only made Axel angry and he towered right in front of the Morgan girl as Roxas collected Axel's teary eyed sister.
"Kairi, are you okay?" Roxas asked, checking her arm quickly, he could already see a bruise forming on her pale skin.
"Y-yes, I tried to keep that devil from finding Axel but she threatened me and now—I'm just…"
"No, no… shh, it's okay." The prince said, smiling softly at her.
"Axel! My darling!" Larxene mocked, "So nice to see you again. I'm sure you heard what happened to me earlier?" she glared.
"Lady Larxene…" he replied, "Yes I did, not only that but I saw. It truly was quite a show I must say, you had everyone's undivided attention, my dear…"
"Oh how clever of you! Trying to sweet talk me, but to hell with you! I know it was your little friend here who humiliated me!" she shouted, pointing an accusing finger at Roxas who merely rolled his eyes, "Don't think that I don't know, precious!" she glared at him now, which the blond prince promptly returned.
"My apologizes, I didn't see you. I was aiming for the hag that was crackling wildly with drunken laughter in my castle ballroom. Really, the woman was an annoyance that had to be disposed of, my mistake that I got you instead." Roxas smirked this time and Larxene twirled around at him with an even poisonous glare than before.
"You must think you're clever too, huh? Well boy I'll see to it that you—"
"Tell me! What will you do, my Lady!" Roxas' voice rose mockingly now but the sound of his anger was evident nonetheless. Though he was shorter than the woman his temper was far more monstrous, something he had inherited from his fathers.
"Wha—how dare you! I am a lady of Radiant Garden's royal court! You have no right to—"
"Oh! I have no right to what? Disrespect you!" he began to laugh, "Did you forget? This is my home, my castle! For you to barge your way in here, threatening my friends and entering this private part of the castle, I should have you thrown out! This here is not your territory anymore, it's mine! You're playing by my rules now, and if you think you can just waltz right in here all willy nilly like you own the place, you've got another thing coming!" He hissed, pushing his face right up to hers.
It was as if the woman had lost her voice and she took several steps back, too shocked to try and say a word now that the prince had made her a target of his wrath.
"Now, I suggest you leave before I get really angry…" Roxas said, his voice low and threatening.
Biting her lip, Larxene glared at him but nodded quickly before stomping out. Reaching the end of the hallway though, she stopped and glowered at the three, "When you come back home Axel, you had better apologize or so help me I'll make your marriage with me a living hell." She spat.
Once she was gone and out of sight, Roxas felt his heart begin to crack now, the vile woman's words sinking in. Marriage? Then that would mean that she and Axel were engaged. He had never heard once about this, not a single word. Quickly turning towards the redhead next to him, he could see the uneasiness in his face begin to grow.
Kairi was still at a loss, shocked by Roxas' ruthless demeanor but seeing the sudden change in the blond prince she excused herself to her room as swiftly as she could, afraid to watch the upcoming argument that was sure to spur between him and her brother. She knew how infatuated the two of them were with each other, they made it so obvious but now that Larxene had revealed herself as Axel's fiancée, she didn't know what to expect from Roxas now after having witnessed that explosive temper of his.
It was just the two of them now, alone in the hallway. Tensions were high, much higher than they were earlier and Axel didn't know what to do. He hadn't counted on Larxene confronting him and right in front of Roxas of all people. Now the cat was out of the bag and looking down at the said blond, he could tell that this was not going to end well.
"When were you planning on telling me that you were engaged?" There it was, he asked it, "Were you even considering on telling me at all?"
"Roxas please I—"
"No! Just tell me!" The blond shouted, his voice almost begging him now.
Axel breathed deeply and rubbed the back of his neck nervously, "I wasn't planning on telling you… the whole reason why I'm here in Nibelheim with my family was to escape from Larxene. I wanted to be as far away from her as possible before our wedding this coming fall…"
The blonde's breathing was becoming ragged now and he didn't know how much more he'd be able to take before he fell apart. So soon? This meant that the moment Axel left Nibelheim at the end of summer, a union with that woman was waiting for him, "And what about me? In the garden y-you, you kissed me… You took my first kiss… was it all just a game to you?"
"No! No it wasn't! Listen to me, please Roxas!" Axel said as he quickly reached forward and hugged the boy close, "Even though I'm engaged to her, I don't love her! I never will! I don't even want to be married to her!"
Roxas didn't make a move to return the embrace, instead he just stood there frozen, the tears now filling his oceanic blue eyes, "But you never told me about her!"
"Because I never expected to find myself here falling in love with you Roxas!" Axel shouted his reply. Looking down, he watched painfully as tears began streaking down the blonde's beautiful face, "Roxas please try to understand, I've done everything I could to break our engagement, really I've tried but there is nothing I can do to stop it from proceeding. I have been threatened by the royal court, if I don't follow through with the wedding, some of my father's supporters will abandon him and I can't let that happen. Even though Larxene will become my wife, she can never have this, my heart." Grabbing the boy's shaking hand, Axel pressed it up against his chest, "It will never belong to her because it's already yours, Roxas."
The young prince's cries could only grow worse and he hid his face from the other boy's sad green eyes, "No! I won't become your secret!" Roxas finally yelled, "How could you deceive me all this time and tell me that you love me? I refuse to be your mistress away from that devil woman!" he continued to yell before finally pushing the taller prince away from him as he ran towards the sanctuary of his room.
There Axel stood, alone as Roxas slammed the door and locked him out. From his place in the hallway he could hear the other boy's cries being muffled, but he knew he was crying hysterically nonetheless. Riku slowly opened the door of Sora's room, his eyes slightly narrowed at the redhead. The silverette had heard everything and he wasn't happy with him at all. Not just him, but Axel was quite sure that Sora was well aware of what had just happened too, maybe even Kairi. Ashamed and tired, he ignored his best friend's glare and trudge back towards the sanctity of his own bedroom to try and sleep.
Sadly, there was hardly any sleep, not a single moment of soothing rest for anyone in the west wing, the residents all bothered by the problems that had transpired and revealed themselves through the night.
A/N: About 12,000 words and 24 pages for this chapter alone and it took me two days to write… but I gotta keep cranking it out! I can do this! (Well I hope I can). And we're almost done! I promise! Bleh there was a lot of drama going on in here and it just gets better in the next chapter, you'll see. I feel kind of bad for Roxas and Axel at the moment but they will find their happy ending!
I don't know how you guys feel about the time skip in here but I felt it was needed since this is a short story and I can only write so much T-T I hope that the humor I wrote in was a good balance and just something fun for you guys to read (: Anyways I will update soon! Feedback would be lovely please :3