Until We Bleed

Inevitable

Roxas storms away from Saix's apartment the next day. Another bad conversation that changes nothing. This time, Roxas is going to tell Axel what was said. Roxas tried to make things work, he tried to become friends with Saix, but the older boy just wasn't having it. He definitely didn't try to befriend Roxas. The younger boy sighs, sticking his hands in his pockets. Can't say I didn't try.

When he gets back to the house, he sees Axel's car is in the driveway. This surprises him, since Axel should still be at work. He stares at the car questioningly as he walks up to the porch and over to the front door. He opens the door and looks around, "Ax?"

"In here," he replies.

Roxas walks through the living room and into the kitchen to see his boyfriend sitting at the table, looking angry and upset. Roxas frowns lightly, "What's the matter..? Did everything at work go okay?"

"I'm fine," Axel groans, running a hand through his hair, "I got sent home early."

Roxas moves and sits next to him, "Why did you get sent home early?"

"Because I punched some dick that was hitting on me," Axel glares at Roxas, "The boss took the other guy's word over mine. So apparently I have anger issues and I've been suspended."

Roxas shakes his head, "That's.. I'm sorry. That's terrible.."

Axel looks away, banging his fist on the tabletop, "Yeah.."

Roxas winces lightly, staring at him wearily, "Are they going to fire you..?"

Axel grunts, "I don't know. I hope not."

Roxas sighs, "So.. Is there anything I can do to help you feel better?"

Axel glances at him, frowning, "I don't know.. Maybe.."

Roxas reaches and grabs his hand gently, "Whatever happens, I'm here for you, Axel."

Axel simply nods and Roxas pulls his hand back. He tries a smile, "What would you like for dinner? I'll cook tonight."

Axel runs a hand over his face, sighing, "Make whatever you want, I'm not hungry."

He gets up, "I'm going over to Saix's. I'll be back later."

"Okay.." Roxas frowns lightly. He watches Axel head to the door before he gets up and goes after him, "Axel, wait.."

Axel turns back, looking at him expectantly. Roxas licks his lips nervously, looking away for a moment so he can steel himself. He knows this will most likely end in a fight, and yet he can't keep quiet this time. Axel turns to him fully, crossing his arms loosely. He looks impatient, almost annoyed. Roxas looks back at him and winces lightly, "I went and talked to Saix today.."

"Yeah," Axel tilts his head, "And? I can see on your face that it didn't go well. Right? You want to tell me how badly it went, yeah? So I can feel sorry for you?"

Roxas blinks, then frowns. He hadn't even said anything yet and Axel was already on the defensive.

"What? I'm not trying to get your sympathy, I just wanted to let you know what's been going on while you're not around." Roxas states.

"With Saix?" Axel's eyes narrow, stepping towards his boyfriend, "You know, I am so sick of the two of you always fighting."

Roxas glares back at him after a moment, "Are you saying this is all my fault?"

"You always antagonize him whenever he's around," Axel scoffs, "It's your fault just as much as it's his."

"But I didn't even do anything this time!" Roxas defends himself.

Axel's eyes narrow, "This time. See, this is exactly what I'm talking about, Roxas."

"Why are you acting like this?" Roxas groans, shaking his head, "I wasn't trying to start a fight, I---"

Axel cuts him off, stalking up to him, "You're always starting something! You always come running to me whenever anyone says anything you don't like!"

Roxas tries to respond, but he's at a loss for words as Axel grips him by the arms, glaring and seething as he continues to yell at him, "What do you expect me to do about it?! This is just how the world is! You need to just suck it up and deal with it like the rest of us adults! You're not a fucking teenager anymore, Roxas, you need to grow up!"

Tears threaten to spill from Roxas' eyes as he glares back, though he's trembling. He tries to pull his arms from Axel's grip, but he won't release him. Roxas takes a breath, trying to control his anger, "You done? Get everything off your chest? If you hate me so much, why did you even let me come back?"

"Hate you?!" Axel growls, his grip tightening to the point of causing Roxas real pain. The younger boy yelps, making jerking motions to try and back away and break Axel's hold. His hands quiver and his body shakes violently as he can't fight the tears anymore. He continues to glare at Axel, clenching his hands into fists, "Let go of me right now! You're hurting me!"

Axel doesn't let go, instead his hold tightens more. Seething anger pulses through his body as he stares back down at the boy he swears he loves. But in this moment, that love is outweighed by the stress and anger he's been bottling up for so long. He pulls Roxas close to him, snarling, "You're not going to fucking run away from me again, you spoiled brat! It's about time you learned how the world works!"

Genuine fear flashes through Roxas' eyes at Axel's words. He's never seen Axel quite this angry, and he can't recall what he actually did to warrant this anger being pointed at him. They both stare at one another for a few tense, silent moments. Roxas finally breaks eye contact, shivering. He swallows, "C-can you please just.. Let go of me..? I won't run.. I promise."

There's more silence as neither speaks or moves for a few moments more. Finally, Axel releases Roxas, breathing heavily, "Roxas.."

Roxas won't look at him. He just sighs and turns away, heading towards the bedroom. He says nothing, and Axel watches him close the door behind him before moving and sitting on the couch. He groans, the anger slowly settling as it finally dawns on him what he had just done. He leans over, putting his head in his hands as he let's out a sigh. Roxas didn't deserve any of that, and I almost.. Maybe he's right to think I hate him..