Author’s Note:

Boo, I take too long. *phailtastic* Well, anyway. Dedicated to my Kiki. Because I worship the ever-lovin pants off her. ^__^

Standard disclaimers.

~o~

Roxas was waiting by the door when he heard Axel’s key in the lock. A hurried glance through the peephole, and Roxas was yanking the bolt back and throwing the door open to the only man he’d ever met with hair that red.

Beaming happily, he all but jumped into Axel’s arms, nearly knocking the man over. Axel yelped in surprise, dropping his computer case – not caring either, it was well-padded enough – and reaching for Roxas, quickly wrapping his arms around the blond to support his weight.

Roxas’ face was buried in Axel’s shirt, and he just…inhaled the man’s wonderful, familiar scent. The whole apartment smelled like him, of course, but not enough. Roxas was already getting used to the apartment, the scent ceasing to register in his mind, but this…this was better. Stronger. It was Axel’s cologne after a long day and just a little bit of dried sweat from the hot drive home, and one deep breath wasn’t enough. Roxas inhaled again, and then again, and Axel was laughing at him as Roxas clung to him, sniffing and smiling.

And even though it was hot out on the landing, Roxas wasn’t thinking about getting back into the apartment, not yet. He was thinking…that he hadn’t been this happy to see someone in months. And he was dreamily wondering if that meant that what Zexion had said about love…

And then he heard Axel’s laughter calm down, and a deep voice with a deep smile in it greeted him – “Hey, you.” Then there was a hand touching his cheek, lifting his face from Axel’s chest, and he was looking up at the other man, at those green eyes with the little crinkles at the corners from Axel’s wide grin.

“So I guess you missed me?” Axel teased softly, and Roxas just sighed and reached upward.

“Lots,” he murmured, and then Axel was kissing him, one arm drawing him closer, settling more securely around him as their lips met in a warm caress. Roxas just closed his eyes, enjoying the way Axel made his heart race.

A shocked gasp from further down the landing caused both young men to open their eyes and glance sideways. Roxas broke away when he saw they were being watched – a little old lady with iron-gray hair in rollers was staring at them, wrinkled face appalled as she stood frozen in her doorway.

Axel grinned nervously. “Uh…heh heh, good afternoon, Mrs. MacEnroy.” The old lady’s face began to move from blank shock to scandalized…and deeply interested in her neighbor’s business. Roxas was glad when Axel decided to forget about making further conversation with the lady next door, instead grabbing up his computer case, his free hand clasping Roxas’, and pulled them both into the apartment.

Axel dropped his stuff again with a relieved exhalation, then his eyes met Roxas’. The blond felt himself struggling to conceal a smirk…but not for long. Axel burst into laughter, and Roxas immediately joined him. It was a moment before Axel could speak through his chuckles.

“Well, I must admit…I’ve scandalized her before, but this may be my most appalling crime to date.”

“Mmm,” Roxas hummed, smiling, then sidled closer, lids drooping over his eyes. “Sooo…how was your day, dear?”

Axel grinned fondly down at him, then tapped his chin in mock thought as his other hand snaked around Roxas’ waist again. “Miserably lacking in you, I’m afraid.” He sighed melodramatically.

Roxas chuckled, his arms sliding up around Axel’s neck. “Well…fortunately, I have lots of me, right here…and you can have all you want.”

Axel purred. “Hmm, tempting.” Then, he leaned down for another kiss, this one slower, deeper…more enticing.

And Axel’s embrace and the taste of the other man were so thrilling to Roxas, so perfect…at once, he felt the familiar surge of desire rising up, powerful and magnetic, making him hunger for Axel. But this time, he didn’t have to fight it or force it down. Knowing what it was and why he felt it, Roxas was somehow able to calmly and gently put it aside. He wasn’t denying it or crushing it, just…saving it for later. He didn’t know when, but he knew the time would come. And even though he wanted more, more of Axel, all of him now – that hadn’t changed in the least – he found that, at least for the time being, he could just focus on the present, on the little details of this kiss, right now…and that was more than enough to love.

He loved Axel’s scent around him; he loved the slightly-firmer-than-gentle pressure of those arms holding him; he loved the way Axel moved his mouth, alternating between mostly lips and mostly tongue in a not-quite-predictable pattern; he loved the brush of Axel’s hair over his fingers behind the man’s neck; he loved the angle as he leaned upward, feeling just slightly swept away but not completely; he loved Axel’s breath against his face; he loved the occasional low hums of pleasure Axel made. He loved everything. Like Zexion had said – every little thing about Axel was wonderful to Roxas.

Like this, when he was cherishing the details, wanting more was quite simply beyond what he could manage. Axel already occupied his full attention, and Roxas was very busy loving and appreciating every bit of the man.

The finally parted, slowly…lingering just a little longer. Axel gazed down at him, his eyes and smile so, so soft as he spoke. “I was thinking of a beer after work today…but you are way more relaxing.”

Roxas winked playfully. “I’m low-calorie too.”

Chuckling, Axel bantered back, “Ooh, I’m getting a new, healthy lifestyle already. Maybe I should start working out.”

Roxas leaned in again, grinning broadly. “Well, if you’re in need of a workout, I can also help with that…”

Amused fire danced in Axel’s eyes, his hands sliding to Roxas’ hips and tightening as he dove in for a brief kiss, rougher than before. Then he pulled back, but not far, breathing against Roxas’ lips.

“Tease.” They grinned at each other, nose to nose for a moment. Finally, Axel bumped his forehead lightly against Roxas’. “I’m gonna go change and then cook you dinner, kay?”

“Kay.” Roxas smiled again and released his boyfriend. Axel’s fingers squeezed Roxas’ hips briefly, then he turned toward the bedroom. Blue eyes trailed after the redhead for a moment before the blond turned and wandered back over to the couch to wait for Axel to change.

And Roxas made another discovery – just because he’d been able to put off his desire until “later” didn’t mean he could pick and choose when that feeling would come raging back, filling him with a burning craving for Axel, for more. His breathing was suddenly heavy and fast, and his skin felt horribly lonely, especially where Axel had just touched him. His fingers lifted automatically to trace his lips, remembering the way Axel’s kisses felt.

Zexion was right…it really is the other way around from what I always thought. I…I wonder how long until we can get closer. He paused. Actually, maybe I should wonder how much longer I can stand the wait.

Roxas sighed. I want him so much…

~o~

Roxas was washing dishes as Axel opened and started up his laptop in the living room. The blond had absolutely insisted upon cleaning up, saying that it was only fair, since Axel had cooked. And Axel allowed himself to be convinced, adding that he did have a few phone calls to make…

Roxas had unceremoniously shoved him out of the kitchen at that. Axel was secretly a little glad – it meant that he could call a few of Luxord’s contacts without his houseguest overhearing, and without having to find a more suspicious excuse to be left alone.

The reporter knew well enough where he should start. When digging up dirt on a guy who you know to have a certain vice, sniff around the connections closest to that vice. In other words – call the guy in the sex industry.

Starting with the first of the two Luxord had given him, Axel dialed the scribbled number. His phone rang twice before it was picked up, music and background noise immediately hitting his eardrum painfully. The next moment, a gruff male voice came over the line.

“Yeah, what? Who’s this?”

Axel cleared his throat briefly. “Hello, is this Amarant Coral?”

“This is Coral. You are?”

“My name is Axel, I work with someone you know…a man named Luxord.” The noise continued, but the deep voice paused a moment.

“Hang on.”

Axel waited, and from the noise level on the other end of the line, it sounded like the man had left wherever he was, abandoning it for someplace quieter. At last the voice spoke again, a little lower and quieter than before.

“Now. Who sent you again?”

“His name is Luxord…” Axel was cut off from continuing.

“And how do you know him?”

“He’s a colleague of mine. We work together.”

“He gave you this number?”

“Yes, he did.” Axel maintained an even tone, even though the curt questioning was almost antagonizing.

There was a short huff of breath. “What do you want?” It was almost stated more than asked.

Axel began to carefully explain. “I was wondering if I could meet with you to ask you a few questions. Strictly off-the-record, of course.” He almost smiled, remembering how adamant Roxas had been about that point at their first interview. And he had been posing as a novelist then, rather than letting on that he was a reporter.

Before he could continue, the voice cut in again. “Tomorrow lunch. Fine?”

Startled, Axel agreed. “Um, yes. Where would you like to…?”

“Bar called The Claw on South Jackson Avenue. Noon. Fine?”

“Uh, yes, thanks. I’ll see you…” The line went dead as Axel finished, “…then.”

Forcing himself to shut his phone gently, Axel tried to remain calm. This is a good thing. He’s willing to talk to me. We’re getting somewhere. It doesn’t matter if he’s an asshole. He’s a lead.

Sighing, Axel set to work looking up the bar the man had mentioned and finding directions online. He needed to make sure he’d have enough time on his lunch break for the trip.

It looked like he would.

As Axel was contemplating calling the other contacts as well, Roxas emerged from the kitchen, smiling and walking over.

“Done your calls, or more work to do?”

The redhead smiled back and shut his laptop. “Nothing pressing. Though I do need to get caught up on you.” He grinned, winking teasingly at Roxas. There was absolutely no way to express how much he loved doing this – talking to the guy, flirting shamelessly, touching…everything to do with Roxas made his pulse race and little shivers prickle the back of his neck, and he couldn’t stop smiling for the world. He’d been in relationships before, sure, but he knew he’d never felt like this. Love…was better than he’d ever realized.

Roxas was settling into his lap, straddling his legs and looping his arms around Axel’s neck. It was…thrilling. Dangerous, yes…but they were both getting better at controlling these things. Besides, he knew Roxas was doing better and understood more now, and Axel could wait…because they’d get there. Sooner or later…God I hope it’s sooner…it would happen.

The blond was grinning just as wickedly as he answered Axel’s flirting. “Hey, if you need to get on me, we can take care of that anytime.” As he finished answering, Axel felt first warm breath and then soft lips touch his own as Roxas kissed him.

This…this was paradise. At least…Axel couldn’t think of anything else on earth that came close. As he kissed back softly, arms winding behind Roxas to draw him close, he didn’t even think of the risks this relationship was bringing him. Potential costs and extra trouble – none of it occurred to him, because none of it mattered. He was ready to sacrifice anything for this love…for Roxas.

“Mmmm,” Roxas hummed in unconscious pleasure. Axel couldn’t help grinning a little into the kiss at that.

“Somebody’s…mmm…happy,” Axel teased, still grinning. He was talking and smiling too much, damnit…kissing was getting messy. As Roxas broke away to reply,Axel chided himself in disappointment. Stupid klutz. You made him stop.

The blond’s tongue traced briefly over his lips. “Somebody makes me happy,” Roxas teased back, winking.

Oh well. Never mind. “Good,” Axel smiled softly, tightening his arms until Roxas was pressed against him in a firm hug. This was good, too. Very good. It made his heart pound a little heavier when Roxas returned the embrace, laying his head on Axel’s shoulder and squeezing back.

They stayed like that for a moment, until Axel remembered something. “Oh…I forgot. I have something for you.” Roxas released him to send a questioning blue glance in his direction. Axel just smiled and moved to get up. “Let me up, I’ll go get it.”

“Kay.” Roxas did, sliding off his lap and settling on the couch to wait, while Axel went in search of his suit. He had left it in the inner pocket…

Finding what he was looking for, Axel returned to the living room, where Roxas waited on the couch, hugging his knees to his chest and looking up at Axel with an expectant smile. The redhead settled himself comfortably close, wrapping an arm around Roxas’ shoulders.

“Now, don’t let the landlord find out about this, because I’m not supposed to make copies, but…” Axel held out his hand, offering Roxas the result of his trip to the hardware store on the way home. The spare key.

He watched as Roxas’ face broke into a wide smile of understanding, and the blond took the key from his hand, looking at it for a moment. Then, blue eyes found his, and Roxas answered softly. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome,” Axel breathed, then moved closer, placing a soft peck against Roxas’ lips. Kissing Roxas just…never got old. Feeling the boy’s shudders of delight, hearing the little, pleased sounds he made as they drew closer again…Axel wanted to spend his whole life appreciating these little things.

He lost track of time, like he seemed to do every time he and Roxas got this close. He didn’t know how long it had been when they finally parted again. They were both breathing a little heavily, and Axel took that as a sign that they needed to slow down, before one or both of them started to lose it.

Roxas, fortunately, was still smiling and snuggled close immediately. “I…I know it sounds kind of bad,” he began, “But I’m almost glad…you know, for the circumstances. Because I get to live with you.” Roxas chuckled. “And even if it’s temporary, it’s…really cool. Living with my…my boyfriend.” He beamed at Axel, who returned the expression gladly. Then, the redhead swallowed, a little nervously.

“Well…you know,” he hesitated, trying to find the right words. “I mean, it doesn’t have to be only temporary. That is…when things calm down again, I don’t wanna hold you back or restrict your independence or anything. But…at the same time…well, you’re welcome to stay here too, if you want.”

Blue eyes widened, just a little. “I don’t want to impose though…” Axel shook his head at Roxas’ uncertainty and replied, softly and seriously.

“Roxas. I’ve never been this happy in my life. And I’ll be happy still, if you want to go, as long as we can be together, but…I couldn’t possibly dislike having you here, either. I know it hasn’t been long, but I really love having you here. And that’s not gonna change.”

He felt Roxas’ fingers find his own and squeeze. “Even if it’s crowded and I hog all the covers?” The blond teased.

Axel rolled his eyes. “You don’t, though. You’re a perfect…uh, bunkmate.” Axel thanked his lucky stars he’d been able to come up with that relatively non-insinuating term on the spur of the moment. “Thinking of which, though,” he grimaced slightly, “we may need to change the sleeping arrangements. Not that I want to!” He hastily corrected, seeing Roxas’ disappointment. Axel struggled to explain. “It’s my fault; I just…I don’t trust myself to share a bed with you every night. I’m, uh, worried about what I’ll do in my sleep.”

Roxas’ wry smile showed his understanding. “I suppose it won’t help to say I don’t mind what you do to me?”

Axel just chuckled, and leaned in to briefly kiss Roxas’ cheek. “I’ll sleep here on the couch, for now.”

Roxas’ disappointment grew to a pout. “No, I should! I’m the guest…and anyway, I don’t wanna sleep in your bed all alone.”

Axel sighed. “Well, I don’t want you camping in my living room. It isn’t good enough for you.” He considered a moment, while Roxas reddened slightly. “Look,” he amended, “how about we switch? Take turns on the couch? Sound fair?”

Roxas still didn’t look thrilled, but he nodded. “I guess it can’t be helped. For now.” And Axel knew what he meant…and silently agreed. He didn’t like it much either, but he felt better about it knowing that it was only for now…and soon, maybe they’d be back to sharing a bed. In the meantime…

“OK. That’s settled.” Axel turned his body a bit so that he could more comfortably give Roxas his full attention. “So how was hanging out with Zexion today? You guys get along?”

And, as Roxas briefly described his day and questioned Axel in return about his, the redhead found himself more than content just to sit with his boyfriend and talk. They never even thought to turn the TV on – the conversation carried from one topic to the next, until both were too tired to hold their eyes open anymore, and there was nothing left to do but play rock, paper, scissors for who got the couch tonight, and then go to bed.

~o~

The Claw was a dark, quiet bar during the daytime. Axel entered the slightly-dusky atmosphere and looked around. Aside from the bartender, there were a few scattered patrons, but Axel couldn’t be sure which was the man he’d come to see. So, as unobtrusively as possible, he approached the bar. The bartender, seeing him, came over.

“What’ll it be?” The dull voice asked.

Axel leaned in slightly, questioning quietly. “Actually, I’m here to meet someone. Do you know an Amarant Coral?”

Dark eyes stopped on his face, studying him a moment. Then, without a word, the man pointed to the far corner of the bar. Axel looked – there was only one customer in that direction, a man sitting at a table in a dark corner. Axel nodded to the bartender. “Thanks. You have coffee?”

The man nodded, relaxing a little with Axel’s order. “I’ll bring it over. Have to make a fresh pot.”

“Thanks.” Axel turned away and headed for the table.

The man who was apparently Amarant Coral didn’t look up as he approached. Axel examined his potential informant, studying him. He was…a little intimidating. He was huge, for one thing, and very muscular. A mass of reddish dreadlocks covered his head, and tattoos marked his large biceps. He had a beard, and his skin was a bit sickly-looking in tone.

When Axel reached the table he paused, cautiously asking, “Mr. Amarant Coral?”

“Sit.” A deep voice cut in at once. Axel did, without argument.

The man across from him sipped a beer, and when Axel tried to begin talking, he only cut in again.

“Wait.”

Axel waited for several minutes in increasing discomfort. Finally, the bartender brought over a coffee mug and set it down in front of Axel, pouring the strong-smelling black liquid out, then leaving. At this, the man across from him apparently decided to speak.

“It’s Coral.” Narrowed eye finally met his. “Ask your questions.”

Axel ignored his coffee and started in. “I’m looking into this guy. A businessman. He has some shady interests, and I’m willing to pay for any information you can give me that would help me find out more about that. Especially if his activities can be proven to be criminal.” Axel went on to briefly explain what Xemnas had done to Roxas. “I wonder if you’ve ever encountered him in…in your line of work. He’s got long, white hair, and his name is Xemnas.”

Coral took another slow swallow of beer. “Doesn’t sound familiar. But you say he’s been after this boy?”

“Yes,” Axel affirmed.

The muscled man shook his head. “If he’s into little boys, he wouldn’t run into my sort.” The man set his empty glass down and met Axel’s eyes again. “I run a call service of Doms. Guys that look like me. Big. Not little boys. Most of our clients want us to tie them up an’ shit. Guy like you’re talkin about – he wouldn’t call us.”

Brief as the explanation was, Axel understood. “I see…” However, he couldn’t help making sure. “Are you sure you never even heard of him before? Any leads to others who could tell me about him…”

Coral cut him off again. “Look. I’m sorry. Don’t know him. I’d love to give you leads – you offered to pay. I’d love to talk your damn ear off, but none of it would get you shit. And Luxord would fuck my ass up if I stole from one of his boys. So…sorry. Love to tell ya some expensive lies, but can’t.”

Axel nodded as the huge man stood. “Thanks for your time then. Appreciate it.” A grunt was his only answer before Coral left.

It’s OK. One down. Time to check the next lead. Axel checked his watch. No time now though. Then, after a moment’s thought, as he left a tip under his untouched coffee cup and turned to leave, he decided what he would do instead.

I’ll call Roxas. I can see how he’s doing, and tell him I’ll be a little later tonight. Then I can call the other contact this afternoon, while I’m out on field work, and maybe meet him after work.

With that decided, he unlocked his car, spirits already rising again as he dialed his apartment. He couldn’t wait to hear Roxas’ voice.

~o~

“Hot dogs? Yeah I like hot dogs…sure.”

Roxas was smiling secretly to himself as Axel’s voice came over the phone. “Can you look in my freezer and make sure I have a package?”

“Yeah I can check…hang on.” He hurried from the couch to the kitchen with the cordless phone and opened the freezer. There was a package of frozen hot dogs beside a pizza. “Yeah you have some.”

He listened as Axel asked another question. “Is there anything else you want with them? I know I have rolls and ketchup and mustard and probably some relish, and I can chop up an onion, and I think I have a can of baked beans if you like. Anything else you like with hot dogs? I can get whatever you want.”

Roxas flushed a little, happily. “No I’m good, that’ll be great.”

As Axel continued on from dinner plans to explaining that he’d be a little later, Roxas meandered back to the couch, sitting again, and just enjoying the way Axel’s voice sounded over the phone. The man was apologizing about the extra wait for dinner, but Roxas wouldn’t hear it.

“No, no, it’s perfectly OK. Good luck with the rest of your day.”

“Thanks. I’m back at the office now, gotta get back to work…”

Roxas was a little regretful that the call was over. “OK, I’ll see you later then.”

Axel’s final goodbye turned the blond’s face suddenly red, and Roxas stammered an answering farewell. He still felt like his stomach did a somersault every time he heard those words from Axel.

I love you.

Sighing, Roxas hung up. He had goosebumps on his arms and his heart rate had sped up. Shaking his head to drive away silly thoughts, he clicked the TV off “mute” again and listened to the sound of the daytime talk show suddenly giving meaning to the images. He watched for a few minutes as some overweight women argued, growing increasingly noisy until they started fighting. Raising a bored eyebrow, Roxas clicked over to another channel.

After a minute of channel surfing, he lost interest in the TV and turned it off. His thoughts wouldn’t leave him alone anyway. Glancing at the phone, he hesitated a minute before reaching over and snatching it up again. Zexion and Demyx weren’t coming over today, but he knew Demyx’s home number was stored in the phone. Finding it, Roxas dialed and listened to it ring.

When it was picked up, he spoke. “Hello, Zexion? Yeah, it’s Roxas. Are you busy?” Zexion wasn’t, and asked what was up. “Um…can I ask you something?”

“Sure.”

“OK. Well…how do you tell a person you love them?”

~o~

The building Axel stood in front of looked fairly nondescript from the outside. Brick, with a vague and unassuming sign marking it as “Vinnie’s.” Nothing in the place’s appearance indicated that it was an S&M club and bondage hotel.

The phone call Axel had made earlier in the day while between field assignments had gone much like the first, except that instead of catching the contact in a loud club of some kind, Axel had apparently caught him asleep in the middle of the day. However, at the mention of Luxord’s name, this man had also shut up and agreed to meet Axel. The young reporter was really beginning to be in awe of his senior editor’s influence.

Taking the initiative, Axel had asked if today would work for an appointment, and the contact had agreed. Apparently, he couldn’t be spared from the club for too long in the late afternoon, and had asked Axel to come find him at his building.

So here Axel was, knocking on the front door when a try at the handle found it locked. After continuing to knock for a good minute, he finally heard someone on the other side – footsteps, and then a scuffling with the door. It was opened by a man in a cowboy hat, and Axel was welcomed into…a tiny, bare room.

Surprised, he glanced around briefly before turning his guarded study to the man.

“Irvine Kinneas?” He questioned. The guy had long, light brown hair tied back in a ponytail, and black, fingerless gloves…and the cowboy hat topped off an overall Western getup.

“Naw, call me Vinnie. Yer Axel, ain’tcha? Luxord’s pal? What can I help ya with?”

Axel couldn’t quite contain his curiosity. “This…is a club? It looks abandoned…”

The other man shrugged amiably. “This here’s the front, pal. The patrons don’t use this door; we operate from the back door, know what I mean? Have to. Now c’mon, I ain’t got a lotta time. Not to be rude, ya know, but we’re gettin ready for tonight.”

“Right.” Axel quickly and briefly repeated the explanation he had given to Coral a few hours before, asking his questions again. “Have you ever seen or had dealings with a man like this? A businessman, with long, silver hair, named Xemnas?”

For the briefest second, the easy grin the man had worn the entire time seemed frozen. Axel couldn’t be sure…but his reporter’s instinct tingled a moment. And then, the cowboy shrugged again. “Naw, pal, I never heard of a guy like that. Pretty sure I’d remember that physical description too, know what I mean? Nah, sorry, can’t tell ya nothin.”

Again, Axel had to make sure. “You sure? I’d be happy to pay for any helpful information…” He watched “Vinnie” carefully.

“Shucks, pal, you make it temptin!” A heavy hand came slapping down on Axel’s shoulder, startling him a bit. “But I can’t tell ya what I don’t know. Sure would be happy to though, if ya hadn’t come from Luxord.”

Yeah, heard that before. Now Axel was sure there was a lot more to the older reporter than met the eye. “All right,” he relented. “Thanks anyway.”

“Sure thing, any time!” The eccentric man saw him out of the disused front door, Axel turning his steps toward his parked car again. He was discouraged that nothing had turned up today…yet in spite of that, his steps moved more swiftly and his spirits picked up, as soon as he thought about Roxas waiting back at his apartment.

Well, there’s always the illegal goods contacts to try…and maybe Luxord can dig up someone else. And anyway, we’ve got time. Roxas is safe as long as he stays out of sight…

The thought of his new live-in boyfriend banished all the worries from Axel’s mind. He couldn’t wait to get home and…well, cook hot dogs and watch TV or talk or…or something.

With Roxas.

~o~