A/N: If you still patiently wait for me to update, thank you. I am currently tending to a lot of personal matters in my family. It has been hard, but I still get to writing sometimes. Not as much as I would like to, but I am here. I will continue to post for those of you who still make time to read. I know how disappointing it is when a favorite author disappears for forever. This is something I will do my best not to do.

Renegade

~O~

Roxas was woken much too soon by persistent knocking. He detested being woken up like this. He sighed agitatedly, having half'a mind to teach whoever it was a lesson they'd never forget. The other half reminded him how exhausted he was and he was less than inclined to move. His whole body protested when he tried, aching and heavy. When whoever it was wouldn't go away on their own volition, he rolled to his side searching and fumbling, half awake, for his revolver. It was gonna be a lesson then. A good one, too. His fingers brushed a warm expanse of skin instead of metal. The reason for his exhaustion, no less. He paused, slowly opening eyes. His lips curved up, and he smiled tiredly. He hummed softly, his mood lifting as he took a moment or two to gaze at his sleeping red-head. That's all it seemed to take. Just looking at Axel made his heart soften. Without thinking about it, he lifted himself to kiss him gently. Somehow, it lightened his discomfort. Axel nuzzled into him automatically and he was tempted to stay right where he was. He did just that, soaking in the feeling, finally humming gently against soft lips. That was right... Axel was here. He brushed their noses gently, exhaling softly. That meant Olette was likely checking in on him, as promised. She was too prompt and thorough for it not to be her. Roxas couldn't deny that he liked that about her, even if he wasn't happy about it at the moment. He sighed again, supposing it was his fault. What with demanding she take care of him.

He tugged the kid closer and stole one more kiss. Then, he sat up slowly and stretched before crossing the space to open the door. She'd be scolding him if he moved any slower, he could already tell. Might yet, even. Seemed she didn't care if she upset him or not. It was actually refreshing in a way. Now that he was more alert, he appreciated Olette a little bit more. Just a little. He would never tell her, but he secretly enjoyed how feisty she was. Maybe in another life they could have been friends. He snorted softly in amusement, sure that she'd never like him in this one. He raked a hand through his messy hair, failing to tame it. Then he pulled open the door, eyeing the pretty brunette and finding himself smiling despite himself as he murmured, "Mornin', doc." She gazed back, sternly and a bit apprehensively. At his full height next to her, she really did look small. Not that she would let that intimidate her.

"Well, how is he?" Roxas smiled at her amusedly and tilted his head at her, one hand on his hip, the other resting lazily against the door frame. No nonsense. Not even a good morning. His smile widened. Just straight to business. He'd expected nothing less. He didn't mind tolerating it. He didn't think he'd like her if she was anything less than what she was. The blond inclined his head toward the sleeping red-head.

"Still sleepin'," he answered, "Needs it, too. 'd be best if ya' don't wake 'im." She crossed her arms, narrowing her eyes.

"I wanna see." Roxas' smile became wry. She really was determined to check on him herself. Not that he blamed her. He was probably the least trustworthy of this bunch, in her eyes. She had the scar to prove it, too.

"Don't worry so much. I been shot before. I ain't gonna do nothin' t' hurt Axel." She adjusted the basket she'd brought with her and put her hand on her hip, gesturing with the other.

"Move." She was prepared to fight him, even if he was much bigger and much more dangerous. They'd only butted heads so far, so Roxas conceded this time, stepping aside but warning gently,

"Careful, I ain't gonna keep toleratin' that attitude, darlin'."

"Don't interrupt my work," she quipped back with a sharp glare. Roxas watched with a small smile. She was brave and fearless, even in a precarious situation such as this. He respected that. Probably a bit too much. He yawned, crossing his arms and resting against the doorframe, content to watch. Olette looked over Axel, careful not to wake him as she checked his vitals and his wound.

"Well?" Roxas drawled, teasingly. Olette huffed in annoyance.

"He looks good. I'll trust him to you then," she murmured, acknowledging Roxas' experience. She knew without a doubt Roxas wanted what was best for him, so she knew he was in good hands, at least.

"Good girl," The blond hummed in affirmation. She glared at him before stepping away from the red-head, inclining her head and wordlessly telling him to join her. Roxas watched amusedly but didn't move. She set her basket on the table and sighed,

"Well, c'mon," when he made her wait. After a moment or two, he lazily obliged. Once he was beside her, she looked up at the man unamusedly before saying, "Let him rest. Change his bandages when he wakes up." Then she took supplies out, meticulously placing items on the table, as well as medicine, explaining what each was and when to give it to him. Roxas nodded and tipped his head to her as she finished up.

"Go on, then," he answered, stretching lazily.

"'m comin' back," she reminded sternly, gathering up her basket and glancing back at the red-head one more time. Her tone was disapproving when she spoke again. "If he takes a turn for the worse, find me. The wound could get infected since ya' insisted on movin' 'im."

"'course," Roxas promised. Olette nodded and hesitated. She met his gaze for a long moment.

"Roxas, just a suggestion but," The blond tilted his head, waiting for her to speak. "ya' might wanna take care'a yourself too." The man sighed exaggeratedly before breathlessly complaining,

"Thing is, I was restin' this mornin' 'til someone made a point'a comin' by first thing," he told her. Olette's face reddened and Roxas' lips curved up. "Made sure I was b'havin', huh?" Her flush deepened.

"You! You frustrate me so much!" She answered, hands on her hips and scoffing at him in exasperation. Roxas actually laughed and she blinked then stared at him for a whole minute, startled.

"'m startin' t' like you too," he answered smiling wryly. She didn't deny it, instead sighing and promising,

"I belive ya' now. Next time 'll wait." Roxas' smile widened.

"Thanks," he purred softly, "now... you best be gettin' back. You got someone that needs ya'." Her face softened as she thought about Hayner. Roxas laughed softly. "Ya' can smile," he teased. She gave him a stern expression but it was less severe than the previous ones and wordlessly turned away, leaving him behind. Still smiling, he saw her off and then went back to Axel, wrapping himself around his little love comfortingly, yawning tiredly. He just might know how she felt. He settled back down, nodding off. He could easily fall back asleep if he wasn't careful but he probably shouldn't. He needed to look after Axel. He waited patiently for his red-head to stir, trying his best to stay awake.

Roxas took a moment to just watch the kid. He traced his fingers along pale skin. No matter how much sun he seemed to get, his complexion always stayed fair after the burn. Axel was best suited for indoor work. He was going to make sure he stayed as safe as possible, after this. If he didn't like it… he would be convincin' him. One way or another. Of course, he'd let Axel think he'd had a choice in the matter. He sighed softly. He knew how important freedom was to the kid, but Axel was too precious to him to be lost so easily. He smiled softly, content as he admired his little red-head, happy to simply be by his side. When green eyes finally fluttered open, he grinned, helplessly blissful. He wanted to be just like this for as long as he could. Axel sighed softly, leaning into him.

"Hey, mornin' Roxas." Gloved fingers smoothed back his hair, which was cutely skewed from sleep. He ran his hand through crimson spikes affectionately as Axel melted against him.

"Feelin' okay?" the blond asked softly. Axel grimaced and murmured,

"It hurts a lot." Secretly, his heart was pounding and he nuzzled into the man until his blush subsided. Then his eyes traveled to ocean blue, his tone serious. "'m happy it wasn't you. I never wanna see you hurt." Roxas touched their lips together, humming softly and mused thoughtfully,

"Any better, now?" When his little red-head sighed blissfully, he let his fingers trail bandages and murmured, "I reckon I owe ya' for this." Axel's lips curved up into a half smile.

"C'mere then. Take care'a me," he answered, tugging the man closer. They got lost in another kiss until Roxas gently placed a hand on Axel's uninjured shoulder and squeezed. He stared deeply into warm green eyes that were looking at him affectionately.

"Mmm... be good," he teased, pleased at the flustered look on Axel's face. "I love you. 'course 'd be by yer side like this," he answered seriously, "this ain't repayment." He stroked red hair thoughtfully, watching pale skin redden. "Doc said ya' look good. I gotta change th' bandages tho." Axel nodded, obediently following Roxas' instructions and taking his medicine. Roxas rewarded him with soothing touches. He smiled at the blond gratefully, thanking him. With a nod, Roxas helped him drink some water before helping him back into bed. He smiled down at the red-head fondly and Axel hummed softly in response. Wryly, he answered, "You make me happy. That alright?" With a small smile, Axel closed his eyes and nodded. "Good," Roxas purred back, staying with him until he'd fallen asleep again.

~O~

It took much longer than he had expected for Demyx to come by. Halfway til noon, even. He'd been about to go lookin'. He smiled mischievously when the kid arrived, looking disorganized and flustered but determined. Roxas laughed softly. He pretended to be disinterested but couldn't keep a playful tone out of his voice as he teased Axel's little friend.

"'bout time. Was 'bout t' cook for 'im m'self. What were ya' doin'?" he purred with a wink. Demyx blushed darkly. Roxas grinned at him as he saw the kid make a connection. Demyx liked to misbehave, but he was also smarter than most of the men in his lot of outlaws. It got him further than most. Zexion liked to liken him to a little fox. He could see why. Demyx gaped at him wordlessly for a whole minute before accusing,

"You! You knew this was gonna happen!" He was wide eyed, pouting and blushing. Looking absolutely satisfied, Roxas hummed back an affirmation,

"'ll be sure t' tell 'im you enjoyed it." Demyx was too flustered to argue. Watching his mouth work uselessly before chuckling, Roxas muttered, "Go on then," watching amusedly as Demyx hurried into his quarters and away from his scrutiny. He was tempted to find Zexion to repay how troublesome he'd been, too. Axel was in good hands for now. His smile faded a bit and he decided against it just as quickly. He'd almost lost the kid already. He was going to be keeping a close eye on him, himself, to make sure he healed properly.

He tended to Oblivion, trying to distract himself from worrying about Axel. It was really the first time he'd really thought about it, now that things were settling down. Now that he knew Axel would be okay. He exhaled heavily, lost in thought. He knew the kid would be fine. He knew it. He was just so emotionally invested in him that he couldn't shake it. He was so wrapped up in thoughts of Axel that he hardly heard Demyx call his name. He tipped his head at the man distractedly.

"You stayin' 'round here?" Roxas nodded. "Take care'a yourself, too." He smiled a bit when Demyx offered him some food.

"Thanks, kid."

"If ya' need to do somethin'…" Roxas took a bite and gave him a wry smile.

"Zexion comin' too? Otherwise ya' better get on back."Demyx blushed.

"Mmm stop it!" Roxas' smile became wicked.

"'m bein' serious," he purred back. "I promised." Demyx's blush only deepened as he sighed.

"'ll ask 'im," the kid answered, sounding a bit more serious. "You should go out ridin'. Ya' look terrible." Roxas scoffed, pretending to be offended, but he knew it would do him some good.

"Fine," he sighed. "Go get 'im."

"'kay," he answered, looking pleasantly surprised and nodding. He knew how stubborn he could be. He gazed into Roxas' eyes for a moment before seriously adding, "we wanna help."

"No misbehavin' in m' quarters," he warned. Demyx's face flushed darkly.

"Roxas!" Chortling amusedly, he waved him off and returned his attention to Oblivion.

Once Demyx had gone down into the camp, Roxas smiled a bit. He really did appreciate the offer. He hardly had an appetite, but he made himself eat. He closed his eyes and exhaled angrily, reminiscing on what had happened. He would never make a mistake like that again. That was for certain. He gazed off into the horizon wistfully, supposing he should tend to a few things. He'd promised Zexion some time off, after all and someone needed to break Sora. Best it was him. One way or another, he was going to take care of any obstacles in Unlucky Thirteen's way. Especially since Axel was his thirteenth.

He stepped back inside, expecting to find his red-head asleep, but Axel was sitting up with a small smile. Demyx's company always seemed to do him some good. He picked up his hat, dusting it off before putting it on, and went to him. He sank down beside the kid, mindful of his injury. Green eyes searched his own. His heart pounded as he got lost in them.

"Headin' out?" he asked. Roxas hummed in affirmation.

"Demyx an' Zexion are comin' by. That alright, darlin'?"

"Yeah but, I wish I could go with ya'." Roxas touched their lips together gently, grasping his own thigh and clenching his fingers hard. He was so weak to Axel. The restraint was killing him. He wanted more. But he couldn't. Not yet.

"When ya' heal, you can have whatever ya' want," he promised.

"Sounds nice," Axel answered softly, "but I have everything I want." Roxas kissed him again, deeper this time, letting his fingers dig into soft red hair as he pulled the kid close. Axel was breathing harshly against his lips when he pulled back.

"Think 'bout it, at least," he answered, pressing their foreheads together and running his hand through crimson spikes, tugging affectionately. Axel whimpered in pleasure. Roxas held himself back, hissing softly before murmuring, "I should go."

"'kay," the red-head answered breathily. Roxas bit his lower lip hard. His eyes were sparkling with desire. It made Axel's body heat up dangerously and his heart pounded dangerously fast as he realized what Roxas was doing.

"You best be gettin' some rest." Axel nodded in agreement and Roxas pressed his lips to the top of his head, leaving him. He exhaled frustratedly, tipping his head to his second once he and Demyx made their way to his quarters, trusting Axel to them. Then he mounted Oblivion without a backward glance, riding him toward the Hoodoos, hard.

Sora was going to be a welcome distraction. He had all night to work on him, too, but he knew it wouldn't take that long. Law men weren't near as tough as they looked. As the they pretended to be. Zack was proof enough of that. Sora wouldn't take much longer than him. And he would obey or he would die. Roxas would make sure of it. He tethered Oblivion when he arrived, finding Xion shortly after, greeting her with a smile and a nod.

"Where is 'e?" he purred softly. The girl inclined her head and he followed her lead. Roxas smiled amusedly at the bound man. From the looks'a it, he'd tried to escape. Xion had put him in his place if his disheveled, defeated, appearance was any indication of the time they'd spent together. She might seem frail at first glace, but Xion knew how to fight. She could more than hold her own. He nodded to her in approval, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Good job. You head on back, now. Send Saix back in th' mornin'." He watched her go before eyeing their bound captive for a moment.

Roxas spoke to him as he approached from behind. The ranger stiffened at the sound of his voice filling the space between them.

"Evenin' Sora, I ain't seen you in a long time. Zack must'a been special, for you t' be taggin' 'long, eh? Or was it for ol' time's sake?" He drawled. Sora braced himself defensively and glared at him fiercely as he settled in beside him with a much too satisfied smile. He hadn't seen Roxas since their positions had been reversed. The blond's lips quirked up ever-so-slightly. Xion had given him a black eye and a bloodied lip, even. He was sorry he'd missed it.

"Axel's a good kid, y-you let 'im go. Zack too!" he rasped harshly. Roxas tipped his head back, laughing in pure amusement.

"That what ya' really think?" he asked mockingly, a smirk stretching his lips dangerously. He watched the ranger chew on that one speechlessly. "I ain't like you." Then, he smiled wickedly, with a shrug, "'fraid I can't do nothin' 'bout yer friend. There ain't nothin' left'a anyone who wronged Axel. Made sure'a it m'self."

"Zack was doin' right by 'im! Joinin' th' rangers is what he needed!" Roxas scoffed darkly, tsking before patronizingly asking,

"Right thing only applies when 's convenient, huh? Lookin' th' other way for yer friend. Really, Sora? You ever once think 'bout what Axel wanted?" Roxas sighed and tipped his head mockingly. "Makes me wonder what kinda man ya' really are." He glanced at the ranger, his blue eyes glinting dangerously. "Sounds t' me yer' more suited bein' 'round th' likes'a us than ya' realize."

"Filth like you don't suit me." Sora seethed. Roxas smiled wryly before he laughed in amusement.

"Don' y'all get tired'a bein' self-righteous all th' time? Gotta be exhaustin'," he sighed. Roxas watched him with disdain. "I can't stand none'a you. Lucky you, Axel don't want me to hurt ya'." He smiled at the ranger unpleasantly. "'least til' I take care'a Riku." Sora stiffened and fell silent. Roxas quirked a brow and folded his arms, humming in interest.

"By th' sounds'a it, he'd do anything for ya'. Bet you yer freedom, he'd ev'n join Unlucky Thirteen." Blue eyes widened.

"Then you don't know nothin' 'bout Riku!" Roxas was chuckling. Dangerously.

"I don' make losin' bets, Sora," he answered patronizingly. His eyes narrowed as his lips curled upward. His captive was silent, trying to avoid his scrutiny. His face slowly reddening. Roxas could sense his terror and his horror, and shivered in excitement. "'d be willin' t' wager… ya' feel th' same." Sora's eyes met his, wild and panicked. With a satisfied smile Roxas tossed a log into the fire, tsking as he glanced at the bound man. "Pity ya' don't got th' freedom t' do nothin' 'bout it, huh? Lawmen an' yer rules," he chided. Sora looked stunned. Roxas liked that. It was a good look on him. Finally he said quietly, angrily,

"I ain't bettin' somethin' like that. I aint givin' you no opportunities t' corrupt 'im." Roxas sighed.

"I don' need you. Matter'a fact, maybe 'm thinkin' ya' ain't worth keepin' 'round. Maybe, yer more useful dead." His tone was light but no less dangerous. Sora glowered at him.

"Sounds to me you gotta listen to Axel. What kinda relationship you got with him anyway?" he asked distastefully. Something dangerous flickered in Roxas' eyes for just a moment before the emotion was veiled again. He rose, slowly going to the man. His gaze was cold. Sora didn't so much as flinch when the barrel of a gun pressed to his temple. But, he did cry out in alarm when Roxas shoved it into his mouth instead, for the lack of response, signaling that he was no longer interested in anything he had to say. With a wicked smile, the man clicked back the safety and teased the trigger, his voice devoid of any emotion.

"Th' kind you dream'a havin' with Riku," he purred softly into his ear, trailing his quivering face with gloved fingers. Much better. He didn't mind setting an example instead, if Sora wasn't going to cooperate. He pulled the trigger but the gun didn't go off. Sora was screaming and gagging, tugging at his bindings in vain. Roxas shushed him softly, continuing to stroke his face as tears trailed down his cheeks. "You best remember, I don' gotta listen t' nobody," he told him dangerously. Then, he sighed in disappointment, pulling the gun out of Sora's mouth. The man always did seem to have the best luck 'round him. Roxas hated it. The ranger was coughing violently, unable to stop the saliva that was trailing past his lips as he tried to catch his breath. Roxas examined the gun. He aimed at the ground next to his captive and pulled the trigger. This time the gun went off. Sora screamed. He was visibly shaking this time, when Roxas trailed the barrel across his lips and clenched his jaw shut. Roxas was absolutely delighted about his fear. They both knew teeth wouldn't stop a bullet. Sora pressed back, desperately pleading,

"Ww-wait! L-let me, let me be useful to you!" he was terrified. The blond laughed wildly.

"You? Makin' a deal with me?" More laughter and a wide smile. It pleased him more than he would ever show Sora. "Cross me an' 'll make ya' beg for death," Roxas promised, the cold, hard reality of his words terrifying the man beyond words. Sora nodded, too afraid to speak. The dangerous man smiled, pleased. Sora's terror was palpable. At least he was smarter than Zack had been. He leaned close, purring the terms of the deal to the man. "Yer life 's mine. Ya' work for me, now, m' little renegade." When Sora didn't answer, the barrel of his gun bit into his cheek and with a cry of terror, he answered,

"Yes'sir."

"Ain't nobody gonna suspect you 'a betrayin' yer fellow rangers." Sora gasped as Roxas told him, "Yer helpin' us get rid'a the lot'a 'em." Roxas smiled knowingly, as his panicked thoughts immediately went to Riku. "Please me an' 'll let ya' keep 'im," he promised with a touch of amusement. Sora stared at him wide-eyed for a moment.

"Wh-what if I fail I-I don't know if I can-" The blond gave him a dangerous look, all humor leaving his face, and he fell silent. Finally he closed his eyes, nodding in resignation.

"Good," he answered.

Time would tell if he'd live up to Roxas' expectations. He smiled a bit. He had more work to do before he could even start to trust Sora. He pulled away, leaving him bound and exposed to the elements. Sora panicked even more. "W-wait, you ain't leavin' me here, right? Roxas?" The blond paused, turning back to smile at him coldly.

"You ain't goin' nowhere. Not yet. Yer gonna suffer more, first," he promised.

~O~