Fool's Paradise [open]

Axel leaned against a wall, arms crossed and looking rather sour. It seemed wrong to have a scowl on one's face in this world. It was one of a few that it didn't seem quite right to be anything other than happy and having fun. This was a world to indulge, especially for the young who were meant to be good little children. Here they could make literal asses out of themselves and not even realize it. The people that ran Pleasure Island sure knew how to rope kids in and ruin things.

Luckily for the redhead he wasn't a child, wasn't gullible, and was in too much of a bad mood for anyone to want to mess with him. Things were swirling in his head and he wasn't sure how to go about fixing them. It was like a constant rotation of negative thoughts, rarely broken up by something pleasant. He was on a mental ride that resembled the worst carnival ride that he could easily get on physically here in this world.

He sighed, pushing off the building and starting forward. He didn't care that he was so much taller than most around him. Perhaps he would be considered one of the adults that helped run the place. He had his hood up which hid his unruly red hair. It was just the cloak that stood out which he could deal with. The Flurry was hoping for something to come up to get his mind out of the dark place he was headed toward. There had to be something here that could make him feel better. It was supposed to be a world of fun, right?

[attr="class","tiacon"]

[attr="class","tiabox"]

♡TAGS: Axel

♡NOTES:cranky little firebug ooooo

What a night! Or.. Day. Roxas doing what he normally did, simply moving from world to world to give them all a quick sweep, Pleasure Island being the next destination on the boy's list. Being caretacker of the worlds and constantly being in search of other Nobodies that could have possibly come back was a full time job, one that was also easily overwhelming.

But Roxas took the job upon himself without a single complaint. He was more than happy to do his fair share (and them some) if it meant strengthening the concept of someone else's well-being. He was concerned with the way things were heading and the odd rifts that had been appearing before him, and had affected him in so many ways. He had been separated from Sora, and Axel was brought back. He hadn't really seen anyone that had worked with him in the ranks of the Organization during all of his travels from world to world, but he figured that they would show eventually. That was a hope he hold onto quite tightly, as he didn't want to let go of it without a fight - Axel obviously didn't share the same fire (pardon the pun) that the Keyblade wielder had when it came to helping those who had been in the same boat as them.

Roxas was walking around the amusement park, nothing out of the ordinary becoming apparent to him at first. Things were bustling just as they always were, but he did have to admit that this was, indeed, a slow day for the park. Usually there was at least double the visitors here than there was at that moment, but, maybe he had come during an off day. Eh, either way it didn't matter. Not only hadn't he seen anyone he knew or was at least familiar with, but this place seemed to also be void of any Heartless. He hadn't witnessed a single one, which was strange for this world - he tried his best not to think too much of it.

He rounded a corner and, to his surprise, saw a very familiar figure walking about the thin crowd, one that stood up much taller than the rest of the people meandering about the park. Roxas blinked his blue eyes, knowing very well about the posture, the walk, and the height - that was Axel, no doubt. Maybe they had run into each other doing their usual scouting...? He wasn't too sure, but of course he wasn't going to just let the redhead walk away!

"Hey!" He called out, jogging over towards the cloaked man, a beaming smile showing itself upon his features. It wasn't until he walked up closer to the firebug that he noticed that something was... Wrong. The aroma was different, the air was heavy, and the tension surrounding his best friend was unbelievably high.

"Axel?" He said with a careful, concerned tone that sounded almost maternal. It was weird how Roxas could be like that sometimes - so protective and worried about those he cared about. He peered past the darkness shrouding the Nobody's face, noticing that the expression on his features was anything but delightful.

"You... Alright?"

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His trek through what was supposed to be a happy world was proving useless. He really wasn't feeling the joy that the boys stolen from their homes were supposed to be giving off. It wasn't helping that he knew their fates once they had fallen so far from the innocence that they were meant to retain during their childhood years. He would have liked to have known that this was just fun and games for a little while. He needed something to cheer him up.

He pressed forward, hands deep in his pockets, and feet moving on autopilot. Just like always, at the sound of a familiar voice, he stopped. He would know that voice anywhere, even in absolute darkness he would be able to find Roxas if he called out to him. He didn't mean to stop, to half turn toward the blond that would be hurrying toward him. He had to stop himself and remember that he wasn't in a good mood and he really didn't want to see the Key at that moment.

How strange. Roxas, the thing that he knew would make him happiest, was not the person he wanted near him now. Whatever was wrong with him was not meant for the sweet little Nobody that wouldn't understand this darkness. Hell, the redhead didn't understand it either which made it that much worse. He shifted on his feet, ready to start moving again even though he had already acknowledged his friend's presence. He didn't move fast enough as he heard the worry in Roxas' voice as the boy spoke his name.

Their eyes met for a moment once the Key tried to get a good look at him. Their hoods cast such a dark shadow that he knew it would be at least shield a little bit of his bad mood. He quickly dropped his gaze to look at the ground. It was unacceptable that he couldn't school his face like he used to. Now it seemed like he would actually have to work at it. Hey, Roxy, He greeted, finally bringing his eyes back up. They didn't have quite the shine they usually did, but he was offering his usual devil may care smile. I'll be fine. What are you doing here? Axel asked, quick to move the topic away from himself.

The Flurry really wasn't comfortable thinking that the light he saw in Roxas, his light, wasn't strong enough. Had he been in the darkness too long? Had he done too many terrible things to be allowed happiness? What was going to become of him if he wasn't able to overcome this sneaking feeling he wasn't meant for anything but bad? He needed a distraction for the both of them. His gaze drifted over to the carnival rides. He nodded and removed his hand from his pocket to put on the shorter male's shoulder. Tilt'a'whirl?

Roxas

♥ thanks tia!

[attr="class","tiacon"]

[attr="class","tiabox"]

♡TAGS: Axel

♡NOTES:cranky little firebug ooooo

Axel was acting rather peculiar, and that could be considered an understatement. The blond hadn't... Ever really seen the redhead act like this before, and that alone was quite concerning to him. The Flurry of Dancing Flames was never one to be displaced, was always aware of what was going on, and was consistently smug and happy to share that feature of his with everyone that dared to listen or admire. He was cocky, but now it was like that trait had been washed away by something much more sinister and less admirable.

It was troubling...

What he was given in terms of a response to his question also gave Roxas a big reason to be concerned about his well-being. It was the fact that he said he would be alright, not that he wasn't already. His blue eyes were filled with something that he couldn't quite describe, though it was definitely along the lines of putting his entire self into being worried for his best friend. The one that gave him so much life and made him feel like something more than an empty husk.

"Yeah. I might throw up, but totally. Let's do it." The thirteenth giggled a bit through his own words, trying his hardest to discard the overbearing sense of discomfort from his voice. It wasn't that he was uncomfortable being with his lover, but it was more so that he knew that there wasn't anything he could do to solve this. This was a darkness that he coudl sense, a very dooming one that was intent on ruining all in its path and corrupting all it could.

"Just, uh, promise me something?" He spoke, finally allowing his cautious tone to creep in from his undertone. "Tell me what's going on later?"

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The Flurry saw that he wasn't easing any tension in the young blond. He was bothered by how he found his lover and Axel wasn't really about to share. If he couldn't figure it out, how was he supposed to let Roxas in on this? The redhead was supposed to be the one that could fix things, had been since he had taken the boy on as an apprentice of sorts. Their relationship had shifted and morphed a couple of times now, but that didn't mean that original role wasn't still his to play.

He gave a sigh and let something a little more genuine rest on his features. The smile wasn't quite as big, he let a little sadness seep into his eyes even though he didn't want to. His arm moved to wrap around the Key's shoulder and he leaned down to kiss his forehead. Hey, don't worry. It's not that big a deal. I think I'm just missing certain people. I've never felt this before, not really. He gave a small shrug and started for the rides. Perhaps he should just really believe that. Honestly, he wouldn't mind having a couple of the others around the castle again.

Demyx had always been good to just laze around with. While hardly fun anymore, if he really concentrated, he knew he would find room in this new heart of his for Saix. They had such a large rift between them now, but his once best friend was still buried in there somewhere. Taking a deep breath, Axel pushed the darker thoughts away, trying to focus on something that wouldn't upset him. He really needed to figure out how to control real emotions if that's what these were. Choosing to believe that he might actually have formed something like a heart was clearly affecting him.

The fire starter looked down to study Roxas, hoping to have appeased a little of that concern. So, really, what brought you here? I hope not the drinking and smoking, He said, disapproval clean in his voice already. Axel didn't believe that to be the reason, but had it been he would have been very upset. Roxas was not allowed to be that irresponsible without him. Firstly, he wanted to be present for such nonsense. Secondly, he would join in but at least one of them would have at least a few of their senses left about them to get them safely home.

Roxas

♥ thanks tia!

[attr="class","tiacon"]

[attr="class","tiabox"]

♡TAGS: Axel

♡NOTES:cranky little firebug ooooo

He had a feeling he wouldn't be getting answers so soon and so easily from his boyfriend, as Axel was one to try and keep all things negative to himself. He wanted to protect those he cared about, but in turn, was more than willing to take the entirety of the fall when he didn't have to. That bothered Roxas more than anything, though a lot of other traits about him were still blurred. Sometimes, reading Axel was like trying to read a novel in gibberish.

But what romantic gibberish it was-

The gentle and warm kiss placed upon his forehead caused his eyes to light up and a gentle smile to appear upon his lips; adoration shimmered in his eyes and he couldn't help but laugh, a gentle flush appearing to his cheeks. He was captivated, that was for certain - Axel could say jump, and whilst the blond was in the air he would ask "how high?"

"I've uh - wait what?" He was cut off by the redhead's sudden dialogue, blinking his blue eyes in a bout of disbelief. He knew that the reason it had been said was to simply get a rouse out of him, and damn it, it worked spectacularly. He unwillingly pouted and rolled his eyes towards his lover, though he couldn't help but keep his laughter away. "I've never done anything like that." And he absolutely wasn't lying. The little guy hadn't ever done a bad thing like that in all of his days, and he hadn't even ever thought about it - there were more important things on his plate, and none of them involved getting completely wasted or beyond the point of comprehension.

"I'm here to see if anyone else has shown up. Ya jerk." The Key of Destiny joked toward the other Nobody, beginning to laugh. Unfortunately, however, such a thing died down rather quickly. He was starting to think again, and more times than not, thinking could prove to be his worst enemy. Axel was trying to hide everything he could, and that... Bothered Roxas more than anything else. He wanted to be able to help, to try and make him feel better, but here he was, attempting to shoulder it all upon his stance and handle it all on his own. That... Wasn't what this was supposed to be about, was it?

But, maybe he should grant his Flurry a bit more time. It was very likely that he was pushing it by trying to get all the information at once. It was a start for the eighth to admit that there was, in fact, something the matter. That, within itself, was a rare sight.

Roxas leaned into his lover as they walked towards the rides, though he had to admit that he was content... Where he was.

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Well, for the moment it seemed that Roxas was easily appeased. He lit up at the show of affection and that had been the redhead's goal. He hated to see sadness on the boy's face. This was much better and he would hide away the darkness in all the worlds just for that small smile. He brushed his thumb over the Key's cheek and knew he couldn't hide everything and certainly not forever.

The kid was getting more observant, more aware of Axel's little tricks. There was going to come a day when no matter how good at pretending he thought he was, the blond was going to be able to push that aside and get to the real issues he was having. Fear at the thought shot through him, chased by anger that he doubted that he couldn't hide his emotions and problems. No, he had been the best at it for years, unsuspected by those that knew how to hide. He sure as hell could hide things from his beloved. Not that he should. He rotated his neck in an effort to the growing tension that he was creating.

He took a deep breath and at Roxas' indignation, he remembered that he could still be amusing. He grinned at the boy and ruffled his hair. I know you haven't which is why you shouldn't do so alone, Axel reasoned as if that was the only response anyone should give. He wouldn't be able to stand for his lover to be off on his own getting into trouble with no way of knowing how to cope once he was in said trouble. Though, depending on his demeanor, trouble could mean several different things. You would probably be a clingy drunk anyway. You would probably be alright if you clung to the right person, He mused, brow pinching in thought as he considered that situation.

The Flurry started to slow as they got within easy walking distance of any ride they chose, eyeing each in turn. He wasn't going to force Roxas onto the Tilt'a'whirl if he actually thought he might get sick. He made a thoughtful noise and glanced down at the other Nobody and gave him a small nudge. Well, almighty tracker of Nobodies, track us down a good ride. With a smirk he offered the most traditional bow he could, bending low, head down, and hand sweeping out to gesture his love forward to lead the way. If he was going to claim the title "jerk" he might as well play it up. It would add to the distraction away from his troubles at the very least.

Roxas

♥ thanks tia!

[attr="class","tiacon"]

[attr="class","tiabox"]

♡TAGS: Axel

♡NOTES:cranky little firebug ooooo

Although there definitely was something odd nudging him from the back of his mind, telling him that something was very, very wrong... He couldn't help but try his hardest to have a good time. He was in a fun and happy setting with the person that he loved more than anything else, so the act Axel was playing up was too funny not to crack up at. The blond boy laughed as he took the hand offered to him through the theatrical bow, proceeding to scan the area for any good rides. The Tilt'a'Whirl certainly was an idea, one that might cause him to hurl, but still an idea.

"And please, you just want me to cling to you. Which.. Isn't a problem, y'know." The Keyblade bearer continued to joke around with his lover, keeping his hand grasped for a few more seconds before letting it go, smiling towards his redhead with true sincerity. Being with someone that made him so happy was surreal, but it was also... Worrisome. At least for right now - why was there so much tension in the air? He could feel it weighing down on him in an odd way, making his stomach feel heavy and his chest tight with bad yet unknown expectations.

"Ah - Found it!" The boy noted aloud when he saw the swiveling right in the distance, beginning to walk toward it and stand in line. There weren't many people here, so the line was quick and was totally squandered whenever the previous group of people on the ride dismounted it. They were let on and they chose their own little cart, sitting down and making sure that the bar was locked into place. Roxas watched as the keeper of the ride walked around to make sure that nobody could fling out and cause a potential lawsuit, and then they were off.

Thankfully, they were in a position to where Roxas was literally plastered into the body next to him, and he simply let it happen, laughing as he did so. Instead of holding on to the bar, he found himself clinging onto Axel's arm for dear life, finding that even in a situation such as this, he was comforted and relaxed whenever he was experiencing physical contact with the Flurry.

The ride ended in only a minute or two, leaving them with a bit of a dizzy head, but otherwise unaffected. At least Roxas. He wasn't too sure how Axel dealt with.. Spinny things.

"That was fun," Roxas mused aloud as he stumbled out of the cart, not used to being on a still surface. He regained his balance quickly and was able to leave with the rest of the group that was heading out of the tiny gate. For a few moments, he had literally forgotten about the tension that he had previously been introduced to, but it was now back in full force as the two of them walked together. The boy frowned and looked away, trying to think of a way to try and ease the air surrounding them, but...

He knew that the only way for that to happen was for Axel to actually talk.

And that wasn't about to happen.

"I just.. I really care about you, yknow?" He mumbled suddenly, maintaining his closeness to his lover, feeling his warmth. "I don't want you to be going through something bad and for you to leave me in the dark. I mean, I'm pretty used to not knowing stuff, but - this is kinda different." His blue eyes were plastered forward, not really having it in him to look up at the redhead in fear that he would be refused again; that, once again, he was forced to remain clueless. "I.. Love you. I want you to be happy."

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Axel gave a small chuckle. His emerald eyes finally sparkled with their usual mischief as he glanced down at Roxas. Can you blame me for wanting you to? Not only was the thought of Roxas' keeping his arms wrapped around him appealing because he loved the smaller Nobody, but he would know definitively that he was there, that it wasn't just his imagination. Plus, maybe, it might help keep him together and not break apart at the seams. He didn't want to go back to what he had been, to the hole he had been stuck in. He liked the light.

The darkness was pushed just a little farther away when the blond took his hand and easing something in him. He allowed himself to be lead by his Key, a relaxed expression settling on his features while they waited for their turn on the ride. He watched the riders in the carts be whipped this way and that. He raised a brow at the choice, but said nothing as their turn came and they were secured into the contraption. The grin on his face broadened considerably as the ride started and his lover was nearly plastered to his side. That was perhaps the best part of the ride and he found he had no complaints whatsoever.

Sadly, it was over too quickly, but he kept his hand on the blond as they got out of the cart. The spinning had caused dizziness but he was able to keep steady footing as they wandered out of the gated area. The fun of the ride was quick to dissipate after that. He could feel the tension seeping back into the other male and he knew what was coming. This wasn't going to be allowed to be dropped. His personal issues weren't going to be left alone and instead poked at, even in a more passive way. He gave a small sigh as he bit his lip, trying to think of anything comforting to say.

The redhead could think of nothing. Instead he took a deep breath and wrapped his arm around Roxas' shoulders. I don't know what this is, Rox. I feel like something wants to take over, something not me. There was almost a note of fear in his voice, a bare wavering that he tried desperately to hide. He looked away, unable to even chance catching that bright blue gaze. I don't think I can protect you from this one. That was part of his job after all. As his lover, teacher, friend, he wanted nothing more than to keep his blond happy and safe. How could he do that when he didn't want to be the thing to hurt him? Axel couldn't ask Roxas to stay close when he was becoming increasingly more worried that he was going to be the thing that hurt him most.

Roxas

♥ thanks tia!

[attr="class","tiacon"]

[attr="class","tiabox"]

♡TAGS: Axel

♡NOTES: this got real sad real fast wow

Being happy was becoming harder and harder as time wore on. He was actually being talked to like an equal instead of something to be sheltered, and Roxas had to admit he appreciated that, as much as he loved being coddled by the Flurry as well. This was serious, and it needed the immediate attention of both of them to be handled responsibly. This was something that Axel wasn't sure he had a handle on, and it was enough to rouse some fear from within him. He didn't understand how this could have suddenly just happened.

Before adding anything to the conversation, the blond spotted a picnic table not too far off from where they were, and he set off for it, but of course stopped by at the food stand adjacent to it, ordering them two lemonades and a funnel cake, and then bringing it back to his lover awaiting him at the table.

He figured that his Axel was actually ready to explain some of what was going on, that he deserved a bit of a "reward." And Roxas knew just how much his Axel loved sweet things. Powdered sugar was a definite way to make his flamesilocks happy.

"Something you can't protect me from, huh?" He asked softly, handing Axel his lemonade and taking a seat at the bench, resting his elbows against the metal table, his skin protesting against the sudden, cold contact. He ignored it though, breaking off a piece of the fair cake and popping it into his mouth, the grease and sugar making a wonderful, artery-clogging treat. "Hey, listen" He obviously turned much more serious as he began to speak, taking in a deep breath, though he retained a smile.

"Like I said, I'm here. You don't have to do this alone." This was troubling, but it was.. Comforting to know that the redhead was actually beginning to trust him with these things. For so long, the eighth was intent on hiding things from the Key of Destiny to ensure his protection, but sometimes, that was simply not the way to handle things. It was in the other Nobody's nature to be parental and protective, but Roxas was completely fixated upon the aspect of helping the one he loved. "You don't have to try and protect me from anything. "

He was silent for a moment before he asked another question, this one a little more.. puzzled.

"Axel... What happened?"

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That feeling he had first come here with was returning. He didn't want to be dark and broody in front of Roxas. He didn't want to be anything but happy when he was with the thirteenth. He had spent so long trying to find him, to get him back so he could find that bit of happiness and now he was worried that he wasn't meant for such things. This wasn't how any of this should be working out.

He heaved a heavy sigh and glanced to the benches that Roxas wanted to sit at. He silently made his way over, being bumped into by a few young boys that had been horsing around. The glare he gave them had obviously put an end to their fun for the moment. The terror in their eyes gave him pause and realized that his bad moods were getting worse. The Flurry quickly looked away, staring down at the table as he seated himself as he awaited the blond to return to his side. It was a bad idea for him to be left on his own with nothing but his thoughts to distract him. If he really analyzed that brief moment of interaction with the kids, he had felt the briefest of twinges that he might want to do them harm for not paying attention.

That wasn't like him. That wasn't like the tall redhead at all. He would have shouted at them at most then sent them on their way. Axel did not do physical harm to others unless he had to. He didn't get involved in things unless they directly affected him or Roxas. One hand traveled to the hanging string that rested over where his heart should, where his heart might be if that Heartless had been correct.

The blond approached, offering him a lemonade and startling him out of his thoughts. He murmured his thanks and took a sip. I appreciate it, Roxy, but I don't even know how to figure this out, He said in response. He did need to figure out how to keep this darkness away from his small ray of light. This wasn't okay for him to be around. However, if they could even think of a solution together, then Axel went off to fix it on his own, that would be good enough. Reaching forward, the fire starter pulled off a piece of funnel cake, savoring the sugar and fried dough. His emerald eyes drifted up to meet the Key's, hoping that his gratitude for the treat showed.

It wasn't just all about the cake though. He needed to share, as was expected of him. I found a sentient Heartless. It ... She said that she could feel a heart in me. Then she showed me Lea's heart. His words drifted off as he recalled what the darkness had done to his original heart. That mangled thing made him worry for his own heart if she were right. Then his mind went off on the questions of whether he could be meant for anything other than darkness, having never been meant to exist in the first place. Could an abomination such as him be worthy of the light?

Roxas

♥ thanks tia!

[attr="class","tiacon"]

[attr="class","tiabox"]

♡TAGS: Axel

♡NOTES: this got real sad real fast wow

As odd and disturbing as it was to listen to the full story, Roxas sat there and listened as attentively as he possibly could have, his expression turning much more concerned than he wanted it to. His eyebrows were furrowed as Axel spoke, and he averted his gaze to the funnel cake below them, tearing off another piece of keep himself occupied. Maybe even in a futile attempt to deter him from the discomfort he was beginning to feel. He knew that the redhead's energy had been off, as he hadn't been giving off the same vibes that he usually did, but he could have never anticipated just how deep within him it ran.

They were going through something that was much more serious than the blond boy could have ever began to imagine - why did Axel wait so long to tell him about it? If they had done something sooner instead of letting it fester and brew like this... Maybe something could have been done to eradicate it before it got to this point. The boy sighed; he couldn't be thinking like that. His lover needed him, and he would be there no matter what. All that mattered was that Axel did, in due time, open up and tell him what was going on. At least... Roxas hoped he had all of the information necessary.

"She felt.. A heart?" The young Nobody repeated the statement that he was told, a strong sense of confusion weaving into his voice. He didn't understand, but he somehow wasn't surprised when he was told this fact for some unknown reason. It was like.. He had already known of this, but he hadn't been told - as if it was a piece of information that had been stored away in the back of his mind that was trying so hard to come forth as a fragment of knowledge that he retained from forgotten experiences. Roxas was puzzled, bringing a hand up to his cheek to rest his head upon.

"And - hold up." Just as soon as he had rested his head, his arm plopped back on the table. What kind of Heartless was able to do these sorts of things. Roxas blinked his sapphire eyes for a solid two seconds before continuing. "She showed you the heartless?" Yikes. That must have been a bit more than disturbing.

"Did she do anything to you? Did she hurt you?" A sense of anger flared up inside of him, a writhing rage that someone would hurt the one that he loved. Funny - Roxas was really beginning to understand that "protective" thing all of a sudden...

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This was probably the most difficult and awkward conversation he had ever had. Axel was not good with sharing in the first place, often choosing to offer half truths or talk in circles until they were somewhere else. For once he was being fully straight forward as a Nobody and it made him feel odd. It was so unusual to know that he was allowed to tell the truth and he wouldn't be harmed because of it. Roxas genuinely cared and wanted to help.

He shrugged at the blond's question. Yeah, not sure if I believe her, but according to her its in there. Axel picked at the powdered dough between them as he considered how likely it was that he had one. Perhaps a good deal more likely considering he never thought he would "live" again. He had put his entire existence into one attack, giving up everything, yet here he was sitting with the one person he cared about. So, really, what were the chances that he didn't have a heart?

He settled back, taking another sip of his drink and stared at the table while he thought. Roxas was able to reach him with the anger in his voice. His bright green gaze shot up from the table to see what had overcome the usually peppy blond that he held so dear. Was he really so upset that something may have happened to him? That was generally his response, not the other way around. For a moment the Flurry was speechless, resulting in simply smiling at his lover. It was small, and sad, but he held a gratitude that he had never felt for another. For the first time in years he felt cared for.

Hurt, no. It was just really disturbing. It was like a mangled version of myself, He replied, remembering what that thing looked like. The smell from it had been stomach churning as well, making the funnel cake so kindly bought seem that much more unappealing. He shook his head and waved a hand as if shooing the thoughts away. I really shouldn't worry about it, right? That thing isn't my heart anymore.

Roxas

♥ thanks tia!

[attr="class","tiacon"]

[attr="class","tiabox"]

♡TAGS: Axel

♡NOTES: this got real sad real fast wow

Anger was such a peculiar emotion. He didn't experience it often, at least not anymore, and he found that it was a hard one to keep in check. It wanted to act out on its own, it wanted to make him get up and go hunt this awful Heartless out and put an end to her, but that.. That wasn't practical, right? That wouldn't be the smart thing to do, so he stayed where he was, but his legs were definitely tensed up and ready to pounce on anything that were to try and bring his Axel harm. He shook his head and gave a large sigh.

"It doesn't matter if it is or isn't. That's still not okay." He mumbled half to himself, pouting slightly and bringing his lemonade up to his lips to take another sip of it, the sweet and sourness of the beverage delightfully mixing across his tongue. It was able to take the edge off of the strange sensation that was being really pissed off. So this is what it was like to feel so protective over someone, huh? He wasn't sure if he liked it or not, but it was able to get a smile out of the Flurry, so he guessed that it must have been a good thing.

"So.. Is that what's been going on with your eyes?" He asked carefully, as he was completely sure that the redhead was aware of what was going on with his iris' coloration. He had mentioned it once before, but was met with no more than a joke about how he was the "colors of Christmas" or something or other. It was nothing regarding the switch to gold, though, which was concerning. He hoped that this wouldn't bring some shock to his lover - little did he know just how deep of a rut the eighth was in, however. It would take much more than a few hugs and kisses to bring him out of this, but the blond was prepared to do whatever was necessary. He wouldn't let Axel fall victim to the darkness. He refused.

thanks tia and kaigra!

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It was strange to see Roxas so pissed off. If either of them were angry, it was usually the redhead, especially when it came to worrying about their safety. It had been a trait that the Flurry had adopted upon becoming a Nobody and used it well. It went perfectly with the fact that his element was fire. Yet, here sat his blond, full of light, sweetness, and fury at a Heartless he had never met.

His brow furrowed and he leaned forward. Why are you so upset about me seeing Lea's heart? It didn't do anything to me physically, He asked, curious as to why something that only resulted in his disgust and pity for the creature was so bad. Sure, now his mental and emotional health weren't exactly great, but who cared about that? It wasn't like Nobodies mattered to the point that anyone would notice that they weren't operating at one hundred percent other than themselves. The pair pretty much only had themselves to look out for each other.

That was why he felt he needed to take on the role of protector between the two of them. He had always taken care of the Key and felt he was more apt for that position in their relationship. He didn't know how to let someone else take care of him, to put him first. His family and Isa had been the last people to care about his safety so Axel had never had anyone to tend to his needs other than himself. Lea's life was not his anymore and those lost didn't count.

His confusion continued at Roxas' next question. His eyes? He lifted a hand to touch the corner of one eye, not really sure what to be worried about. What do you mean? Axel couldn't help but to let his gaze quickly flit over nearby surfaces, fighting off the urge to get up to find something reflective to check to see what had happened. He actually quite liked his eyes, holiday themed as they were with his vibrant red hair. The eighth was always pleased with his appearance and this question just added one more thing for him to stress over. It wasn't to say that he was conceited, though he acted plenty confident in himself anyway, but he didn't need to worry about physical changes. Great, maybe he was going to turn into the same mess of a being that Lea's Heartless was.

Roxas

♥ thanks tia!