(no subject)

[clicks_lighter]

Location: Art Room / Streets
Characters: Roxas emo_paints and Axel clicks_lighter
Status: Complete
Warnings: Meh.


The time which had passed between Roxas' latest encounter with everyone's favorite humanity beast had been brief, if not for a mere few hours. Or the entirety of the day, in fact, but who had really been counting? And fortunately, he hadn't had the bad luck to run into this selective person again, feeling he had well overwhelmed his quota for a general jackass.

However, the question of whether or not he would have a model remained in his mind; back in the art room, Roxas took little liberty in a conversation as a peer spoke to him of the contest, and he gave the barest signals he was listening. In honesty, it wasn't the potential publicity of his painting that had drawn him to the competition, but rather the prize that remained at the end. Of course, given the public became aware of his talent was always a benefit, but not one he necessarily wanted. Why draw attention to himself when there were plenty of people such as that already?

But his day had been far too quiet, not at all comforting. He had been forced to skip lunch - much to his dislike - in favor to make up a test, and now his hunger was intending to get the best of him as he chose to resituate the room.. And in turn, chase off the entirely too enthusiastic girl. But he could wait until dinner, he figured, as he had a few sketches he would have liked to finish.

Axel didn't think his day was entirely too bad. He'd been stopped a grand sum of fourteen times for playing with his lighter but he didn't really care. If the faculty hadn't figured that out in the last three years then likely they were never going to learn and he didn't care all that much, evidenced by the fact that he was still roaming down the halls clicking the lighter over and over along with his strides.

It was something to do while walking through the school, though he didn't bother during classes. Seemed no point. Though no matter what he did he was certainly bored. And that left him wandering around, going through the halls with not particular focus on his surroundings.

Spotting a familiar door, however, Axel made a bee-line for it and pushed it open, peeking in to spot a familiar blonde figure before pocketing his lighter and venturing further into the room, throwing his arms around the smaller male's shoulders when he got close enough. "Roxanna~" He was going to claim that his day had found meaning, but he decided to refrain. Just for now.

Pity the lighter had disappeared from sight, as confiscating it - a practice Roxas did out of instinct now - would have been a least a slight highlight to his day. But maybe it was for the sight of seeing Axel whine... Why that could be entirely favorable, no one would quite know.

Roxas gave a quiet sigh as he heard the pet-name supplied, but made no further indication to take notice of his friend's arrival. Rather, keeping his focus on his various sketchpads, and flipping between pages as he compared them, he paused on two particular of a certain, distasteful individual, and another of a professional model. Then seeming to realize Axel was present, he glanced up at him, only to look away.

"Let go of me," he replied and gave a slight shrug of his shoulders to encourage it. Needless to say, the red-head was one of very few people who were allowed to get even in the slightest locality of the male.

"Aw... Don't I feel loved..." Axel sighed, though he didn't remove himself for a few moments. His dislike of doing as told was fairly strong, though considering the value he placed upon the blonde he was eventually compliant, dropping his arms and straightening before holding a bag in front of Roxas' face.

He was aware that the other would forego food at times and considering how much trouble Roxas went to for him at times he wasn't going to let the guy go hungry. There was some mention of a test so he'd taken the time to be sure provisions were made. Heaven forbid that Roxanna go without. Axel would claim he was too pretty to die of starvation but he could save such proclamations for later.

After all his favorite blonde seemed somewhat grumpy.

Temporarily perplexed by Axel's comment, he said nothing as he was released, keeping his focus upon his sketches. Roxas knew he could have asked the instructor for her opinion - heaven forbid he'd need the extra help - given he was beginning to have second thoughts for his request. But the plan was already in motion, and there'd be no stopping it now.

"It's not my place to love you." Looking up at the supplied bag, he blinked, finding whatever foul mood he may have had slip aside, if only temporarily. Accepting it, he supplied his company a glance before deciding to retreat to a nearby table, picking through the contents; strange how Axel managed to have a motherly compassion for him at times, and though he'd already pointed out there wasn't a need for the second care... It came nonetheless. And to be frank, he did enjoy it from time to time.

Settling to enjoy himself, Roxas only managed to find himself deliberating that morning, features soiled with a slight frown.

Axel mouthed a little 'ouch' at the comment directed at him but it wasn't as though he'd never dealt with Roxas in a bad mood. He wasn't ever going to admit that he'd been upset the first time he'd encountered the blonde when he was being such a ray of sunshine. Things like that he avoided expressing and he always had. Such concerns hadn't been typical of his family life.

At least Roxas was willing to eat food. That was a plus side, as opposed to growling and ignoring whoever and whatever came into contact with him, which was entirely possible.

Not at all hindered by what very well could be a foul disposition Axel took a seat on a nearby table, rather than at it. A bad habit of his, he supposed. "So to what do I owe the pleasure of such a cheerful disposition?"

Had Roxas paid Axel's behavior mind, he may have noticed the inaudible comment, though to some extent he realized his remark could be potentially wounding. But not one to really consider what had been said, or why it necessarily was said, he lapsed into a silence as he ate. It was only then beginning to occur to him he had missed lunch... Maybe he should make a point to pack something extra if it was going to become a familiar practice.

Shifting his attention toward Axel as he situated himself on the table, he would only shrug before averting his gaze toward the window. He didn't think he was in a particularly bad mood but.. He'd been wrong before.

"Nothing," he stated in short as he finished - a quick, clean eater - standing to throw the bag away. "Why do you ask?"

"Generally when you're this cheery it's for a reason." Axel stated, leaning back on his palms and letting his gaze drift over the room. It appeared that there were a few new pieces since the last time he'd ventured into the art room, though admittedly he didn't wander in there too often unless he couldn't find his blonde friend elsewhere.

After the cursory inspection he turned his attention back to Roxas. Something had set him in that mood though he wasn't sure he wanted to ask about it. Axel couldn't claim that he wasn't concerned but being invasive wasn't ever a good thing.

Axel's sarcasm wasn't lost to him as he remained on the other side of the room, gaze lingering on the door. Then with a thought, he moved forward casually, and pushed the lock into place, having no desire to re-encounter a certain face until later. But the chances of the male re-entering were next to none, but.. One couldn't be too cautious.

"I simply.. Ran into someone," the blonde replied as he moved back to join his friend, taking a seat at his side upon the table. If he was on edge, it definitely wasn't intended, at least not toward this particular company... But it couldn't always be helped, considering Axel's actions didn't always rouse the best of reactions from him. "Nothing important." He didn't know his friend's status concerning the other male, but he didn't want to introduce a problem if it wasn't necessary.

Axel gave a lazy shrug. If one didn't know better he'd almost look bored as he sat there. "Someone, huh?" The question was rhetorical of course. If it hadn't been specified before it wasn't going to be and that didn't concern him highly unless actual harm came to Roxas. Had that been the case he'd make sure the offended was aware of what a lighter could do.

Not that he was at all protective of course. Axel didn't see himself in that particular light, at any rate. Looking out for someone that had done the same before didn't seem anything particularly unique in itself, though their manners of expressing concern were entirely different.

With Axel present, at least it was someone to speak to. Assuming the question rhetorical, Roxas glanced elsewhere as he gripped the edge of the table, only to lean back in slight with a sigh. Talking to the red-head about the art-related problems likely wouldn't see him anywhere, aside from a tight spot, but.. One necessarily couldn't be picky with their outlets.

"I've been looking for a model," he remarked, tone a bit flat. "It isn't required, since we can have one from the art branch but... I think I may have found a... Likely candidate." It was just a matter of whether or not he would want to use him. As considered before, Riku at his disposal would mean having to be in his company at frequent intervals, however, silence may be demanded. Whether or not Riku cooperated, though, was also an issue.

"I haven't decided if this is the avenue I want to take, though.."

Supplying a thoughtful sound Axel looked contemplative for several moments while he considered Roxas' words, weighing possibilities for what the problem was. The decision was entirely his, though it hadn't been an observed standard for the blonde to go with anything or anyone that wasn't supplied or required in the class.

"You could take the overused route of costs versus benefits." He offered at length, though his tone reflected his distaste toward what he'd recently learned in his economics class. Certainly nothing he wanted sticking around in his head. "Guess it depends on if using someone else does something for you or not."

A curious idea, and a definite weighing point. Regarding Axel with some deep consideration, he frowned in slight, though not directly at his company. Rather, it was a simple mirror reflecting his thoughts, or the present confusion and possible irritation related to the situation. Using the fake wouldn't have any immediate benefits, save he had said he was a model - thus experience had already been gained.. Easier to use an individual accustom to sitting still, instead of something like Axel who may not know the meaning of the word.

Likely why Roxas hadn't asked him.

"A selected model by the artist generally means there's a connection or something.. A calling?" Or an alternative motive, in this event. ".. Maybe I should just use both..."

"I'd say you should do what's more fun, but I doubt that's helpful." It was certainly how Axel approached tasks when he'd a choice of what to make use of but he knew that wasn't always a possible priority. Aside that he was quite a bit more laid back than the blonde was and for one reason or other had a knack for finding what he wanted to do without much thought invested at all.

Although, he couldn't draw people worth shit, as opposed to the ability Roxas had, so perhaps the universe balanced out.

Or something like that. "Is it more work if you do both?"

Clearly, Roxas' present company wasn't thinking in terms of his general mannerisms. Art itself was a desired past-time, "fun" as Axel would have said but... Working with models? Not so much. To be frank, he wasn't much of a people's person, and having to endure company for the sake of a competition, who knew. Certainly, if he managed to get into the top three, there were at least a few benefits.

"Yes," he replied as he redirected his focus to the red-head. "But it'd simply mean you'd see a little less of me." After school extracurriculars would certainly be prolonged.

To which Axel had to express an immediate displeasure, though only making a sour face before recovering. He could whine about it some other time, and surely Roxas knew that was coming. The lack of the blonde would certainly be something he wouldn't fail to notice but he wasn't going to make a terribly big deal out of it since that was school related.

"Guess it's up to what you think works most in your favor then. Although I'll have to be sure you eat."

It didn't take rocket science for Roxas to realize the idea of him spending less time with Axel would be undesired. But it was a solid fact, and something he had to voice, especially concerning if that option was available. May as well warn him now. "Using the model provided by the school would likely but... Using the other model...." Somehow verbally stating the fact he had other intentions aside from art didn't rest well in his stomach, and he wasn't about to present that idea of him to his friend.

"He has natural... Talent." Wounding, to admit as much. But recovering from whatever slight expression he may have pulled, he touched Axel's arm gently before pushing off from the table. ".. If you have to. Just don't take it overboard." He didn't need too many interruptions with his work.

"Why did you come here? Don't usually see you in this wing."

Axel shrugged, looking around the room once more, though his focus was on nothing in particular at all. Another survey that didn't really focus upon anything or look all that interesting. He liked looking at Roxas' art but other things weren't all that fascinating to him. His artistic tastes were admittedly limited but he didn't really care if someone pointed that out to him.

"When have I ever been known to go overboard?" He drawled with a grin, vivid green eyes focusing upon Roxas once more. This model business wasn't something he knew too much about but he was definitely going to be sure his friend was taken care of. The blonde ensured the same for him in his own ways.

It seemed his question had been ignored.

"If you don't know, I don't want to point it out to you," he stated with a nature not entirely playful, but certainly encouragign as much if read correctly. Turning away from Axel, then and moving to the window to regather his possessions, he mused any past occurrences that may have claimed as much. Axel certainly took care of him when he found it necessary, and the blonde was sure to oblige the favor when or where he could. To some, their friendship may have seemed.. Abusive, given Roxas wasn't the friendliest of sorts but... What was it their business to know?

Shoving his sketch pads into his bag, save for one, he slowly returned to Axel's side and presented him with the drawing of the crows and everyone's favorite poster boy. "...What do you think?"

Axel looked at the picture, immediately recognizing the face and internally displeased by it. Although his opinion about the other male was rather biased due to past experiences, which were never good. He didn't tend to treat people differently based on whatever level of the social but that guy was an outright prick no matter what he was. It was some feat to make Axel dislike someone entirely.

"An eye for detail as always." He remarked after a few moments, trying not to pay too much attention to the individual but rather how things were rendered. "I think you improved with textures again."

Roxas attention focused on Axel as he presented the sketch to him, waiting to witness his reaction, as brief as it was expected to be. And though he wasn't able to immediately tell what his friend's thoughts on the piece were, save for what he announced verbally, he had a vague idea they weren't entirely... Pleasant. Whether it was a sensation directed toward his art, or the person within it, he wasn't sure.

"..You think so?" Taking it entirely into his hands then, he surveyed the piece with slight debate, a frown once more dirtying his features. "I've been.. Practicing a few different methods, I don't think I intended to use it here however... But.. What about the model? What do you think of him?" Again, he offered the slate to Axel.

"Honestly."

A definite grimace came over Axel's features. He shifted a bit, wondering if he really wanted to comment on that particular individual, or how it might come out. It wasn't a preference to him, badmouthing some random prick even if he was a prick.

"...I don't like him. Seen what he can do, but he's an ass." Which was really about what he could say unless Roxas wanted to hear the much-used nickname he had for the silver-haired guy. Likely he didn't have to go so far as to do that, though why the blonde was getting at all involved with the guy was unsettling.

Roxas immediately felt a slight wave of relief come Axel's remark, he reassured to know there was a least one other individual who wasn't blind to Riku's... Striking behavior. He had been a bit skeptical when he asked, all too aware of his friend's nature to accept near anyone, so it did come as a minor surprise. Now curious to what may have structured the dislike, the blonde figured to save the question for later. It wasn't his nature to pry, anyway.

"Good, I don't have to re-educate you then," he stated in short, and gave a slight sigh. "Everyone's so.. Fascinated with him. He's perfect visually but beneath it all..." It really wasn't necessary that he complete his train of thought; if Axel was on the same wave length as he, he likely could finish the statement himself.

"I'm thinking of using him as my model. I've asked, and now I'm just waiting for his answer."

Well, Axel couldn't say he liked that idea at all, especially considering the overall nature he'd seen Riku show off a personality that was far from pleasant. And it made him wonder what the other was capable of. Of course if the guy tried anything or hurt Roxas in some way he was going to give him hell, and he could do it too. He'd enough lighters.

"I do have to wonder how his personality doesn't...deter people..." True, a lot of people were fairly shallow an easily enamored with appearances but it stunned him just how many could fail to see that attitude. But then, everyone saw what they wanted to see and that was all there was to it. "...Well, he'd better mind his manners."

Somehow, Roxas had received the distinct impression that the attitude he had witnessed - Axel as well - wasn't the face Riku openly wore. It may have been a mask, to some extent, but whatever the other male reflected.. It definitely wasn't genuine. Thus, Roxas' intention to try and persuade a little something from the fraud, no matter how ugly it was destined to be.

"I doubt that's how he acts around his.. Loyal fans," the blonde replied, and resisted the urge to smirk at the memory of his potential model halfway out the window. It'd been a sight, nonetheless, though not likely something he could use in terms of blackmail. Nor was he that shallow. "I doubt he'll.. Misbehave more than we could expect." Flipping through the book then, he presented another image to Axel, entirely original, but of Riku nonetheless. The likeness was striking, and the male was posed in a leisurely style in a chair, almost as though he already had been Roxas' subject.

"... I've practiced a few separate images to get the feel. Not that I expect him to accept, but... What do you think of this?"

Axel didn't doubt that Riku had a different social face than the one he showed in isolated instances, though why he was selective was not something he was completely sure on. He was aware that most girls considered him some kind of prince charming and though he'd seen evidence to the contrary it was likely that the model knew how to carry himself where large groups were concerned. How he managed such a contrast was a matter of speculation but he knew how he was regarded was not the sort of manners Riku displayed in classes or where there were more people present.

He was an oddity, if nothing else. Although presented with another work to look at Axel's focus shifted to the page, toxic green eyes taking in the line work and of course trying not to think about the subject of the piece. Roxas really was very talented and that was something he could never question, considering the fact that he was well aware most people did not have that kind of ability.

"I think you make him look better than he is, but I think that a lot about your art."

That certainly wasn't the response he would have expected. With his gaze shifting from Axel to the sketch, he frowned in slight, trying to detect what it may have been that Axel saw. In his eyes, it seemed a bit lacking....

"... No. It's a mirror image," he stated at length, rearranging the pad before him to fully regard the image. Staring at it with thought, he'd simply shake his head, musing if he was going to be able to capture Riku with or without him present. There were certain details missing, he figured, as he tapped the page skeptically, only to lay it upon the nearby table as he retreated toward the back room. Then returning, he carried with him a large canvas, the base of the image already upon the material; it'd been a test subject, attempting a new technique, and having found it favorable... It'd simply carried on from there. The fake, of course, wasn't the only life in the image, given he had none whatsoever.

"He's lifeless... He'd be perfect if I wanted to paint a cadaver." Sighing thus, he placed it next to the sketch pad, and scratched his head with consideration. Maybe it was just another failed piece of art.. But what more should he expect? It's subject was just as much of a mistake.
Another image of Riku. Axel was starting to wonder if he should be concerned about that, in light of how much attention the guy seemed to be getting from Roxas. It wasn't typical of the blonde to put so much focus on a particular subject like that and he wasn't completely sure what he should make of it, listening to what his friend had to say and trying not to let his mind wander too much.

Perhaps he worried more for his friend than he really needed to, but... Considering the things he knew for sure versus the things he could only speculate on it didn't seem like a good thing.

He'd just have to look out for him as best he could. Axel leaned back on his palms again, considering what Roxas had said. "People that hide are like that. They're missing something, probably because they guard it." He shrugged. "At least, I was told I was like that." It wasn't exactly the same thing, but his parents never saw him smile or laugh, and he would never let them observe such expressions. To him they were not the ones who should see that side of him.

In retrospect to what Axel may have thought, Roxas had taken some extremes to try and avoid thinking about Mr. Popularity. But as art was a highlight in his mind, it was a bit troublesome to avoid one, but not the other. So to some degree, it was just a vicious cycle.

"..And what he's hiding, I'm going to find out," he stated plainly, nodding to himself; using Riku as his model would not only expose him to his obnoxious behavior, but any hidden mannerisms as well. And though he didn't doubt the pampered brat was one of Riku's more genuine faces, he had a feeling something more had to exist beneath the facade.. And with enough persuasion, or simply spending time with him, who knew what he'd learn.

Leaving the canvas where it was - he'd work on it again in the morning - he retrieved the sketch-pad and folded it neatly together. "..You never did say why you came. Killing time?"

Axel frowned in slight at Roxas' first statement but said nothing. He knew better than anyone what playing with fire could result in but he couldn't very well say for certain that it was a bad idea for his friend to resolve to such a goal. All he could do was make sure that no harm came to him, at least as best he might be able.

To him Roxas was family. Perhaps the only person he might claim to love at all. Not that he went around saying so too much. It wasn't something he was used to expressing or saying but that didn't bother him highly and his friend didn't seem to have a problem with it, so good enough.

"Why?" Once more Axel grinned, turning his thoughts from his past and whatever else. "To see my most favorite person." Of course, he always had fun saying that. Generally because of the responses it got.

Roxas wasn't completely oblivious to what he figured Axel may have thought of his.. Vindictive intentions, but he didn't take them into particular light. It wasn't as though he didn't care for what his friend thought, simply that he figured his judgement was safe under these circumstances. He could handle himself. He was a big boy. And certianly Riku wasn't enough of a threat to intimidate him - as there was little that did. If any.

Resisting the urge to supply Axel a look, given he knew the red-head would find at least some mild entertainment in his expression, the blonde chose to instead distract himself with locking the back room. There wasn't meant to be any further company in the room but.. One never could be too careful. If a student found it within themselves to snatch the paint from the inventory, there'd be no doubt where the blame would shift.

"What? No new applicants?" he replied, tone a bit lame in his return. "I don't recall wanting the position."

"No, I'm afraid you've got no competition, so you're stuck." Axel replied with a smirk. He never did think better of anyone else, but his first real friend was probably Roxas, and the only one he counted as family. His rents certainly didn't mean much if anything to him and that didn't concern him at all. They treated him as nothing and he obliged with the same.

It was why he'd moved out as soon as he was eighteen. And while that was difficult it didn't matter to him. Axel was stubborn enough that he wasn't bothered too much and with the school housing him most of the year he could save for an apartment during the summer. Spending money wasn't great, but Roxas had him over often as well. Another thing he appreciated.

Not that there was anything he didn't when it came to his friend. "S-T-U-C-K." And to illustrate Axel pulled the blonde into a quick hug, ruffling his hair even though it might very well spell his doom. "Got it memorized?"
It didn't surprise Roxas that he was a lone competitor in the tournament for Axel's mighty affection, and though by no means had he ever wanted to reign supreme... As much was a mere benefit to their friendship. It was no secret that the blonde didn't often associate with other people, no matter how they seemed drawn to him - as to why, he had yet to discover - so Axel had been a rare case scenarior. A test subject, if one would. Unfortunately, Roxas may have been equally attached.

His initial reaction was to shrug out of the hug, maybe give Axel an appropriate smack to the face, but neither which did he do. Rather, seeming to prepare for this expected attack, he paused in mid-motion, reconsidering his reaction, and simply let it rest. He didn't have the energy to retaliate. It'd been a long day.

"..Right. I'll just.. Re-educate you later." Detaching himself from the other male thus, he gathered his belongings and made slow progress toward the door. Though Axel had managed to lift his spirits, he was feeling a bit drained, if not suddenly. "...Coming?"

Though expecting some retalliation for his show of affection--perhaps the very reason why he did it at all--Axel was surprised that he encountered nothing of the like, which was indication that Roxas wasn't in a fighting mood. Likley that meant something had wearied him and clearly it was no lack of food because he'd made sure to see to that when he found out the other had a busy lunch break.

When the blonde started heading to the door for a few moments he'd remained in observation, wondering what could be the cause of it. He didn't like it when Roxas wasn't feeling his best, even if it meant he got batted off when he was friendly. Those reactions were far more fun anyhow.

The question issued, however, Axel slipped from his seat to join his friend, giving him another hair-ruffle while he'd the freedom to do so before grinning. "Of course." There wasn't reason for him to stick around if he hadn't a Roxanna to talk to.

Roxas certainly didn't expect the prolonged physical affection, but it was also well received. Accepting it, save for a slight hunch of his shoulders to the contact, the youth paused briefly at the door with what he played to be as consideration. Flipping through a ring of keys, he stared at them in a silence, bemusing himself with a collection of thoughts before slipping through the door.

However, rather than allowing Axel to accompanying him, he slammed it in the other's face, jamming the key into the lock and giving it a quick spin. Hence, locking the door, and securing the red-head within, he pulled the key from the keyhole, and pocketed the ring, only to direct his focus to his friend. Then staring at him for a long moment, expression empty, he abruptly stuck his tongue out at the other male, and turned up his nose.

Action completed, Axel trapped in the art studio, the blonde took his leave after shouldering his bag, somehow feeling better. Ah, sweet abuse... Though it wouldn't be long before Axel foudn a way out, he figured.

"My, don't I feel ever so loved." Be considering how many times his parents had locked him in his room merely to be without the nuisance that was his person, even if he never disrupted them in word or action, he'd become well practiced in breaking out of rooms, if not breaking into them when such became a neccessity.

With a sigh of resignation he pulled out a few small metal tools--a number of which he never lacked in his various pockets--and unlocked the door with practiced ease, stepping out with a rather triumphant smirk before easing the door shut. Roxanna thought he'd the upper hand but clearly there were still things he didn't know.

Oh well, he'd learn. Axel snuck up behind the blonde with some uncanny stealth for being the taller of the two, throwing his arms around the other and plenty of his weight at the same time. "You've broken my poor little heart, Roxanna! I haven't the will to even walk..."

Of course he was exaggerating more than usual, but he felt it was fair game. Being locked in rooms wasn't exactly normal with Roxas.

Roxas didn't doubt that Axel would manage to escape from the confinement, but even those brief few moments of triumph were savory. Not that he celebrated in any fashion as he proceeded down the hall, mind shifting to focus upon the week to come. School was going to be a pressing matter between a few other oddities, and keeping time with Axel, but aside from that... Manageable, and flexible to his art agenda as well.

Pity he hadn't any idea that all matters on his mind would soon be outweighed by that of his friend.

Attempting not to stumble as he caught his balance, feet spread apart to support the additional weight, he remained position for a long moment, expression empty. His initial thought was to move quickly from under the larger male, but with his arms clasped around him... He'd only be dragged to the ground with Axel's momentum in his fall. Hardly pleasurable. Thus, resigning to sigh, he attempted to straighten.

"Then get off me and lay on the floor. It's not my problem."

Well, it seemed Roxas' great attitude was only improving over time. As much as it might've upset some people to be regarded in such a cold outward manner Axel wasn't at all worried about it, nor was he entirely unused to it. Not as though he'd expected anything of anyone in the past and he wasn't going to start off with the blonde.

"I'd rather noooooot~" He claimed in retort, noticing the effect of his weight but staying right where he was for several moments. If he were actually hated he'd never have behaved in such a way but he knew that was not the case. Axel wasn't ever lacking in confidence but he certainly didn't waste time on people that would rather avoid him.

Another bit of silence and he let go, sticking his hands in his pockets and starting down the hallway as though nothing had happened.

Roxas figured he'd receive as much of a response, knowing Axel and his erratic mannerisms. Remaining as he were, slightly bent over with the weight of his friend pressing against him, he simply waited for the other to move, or proceed as desired. What the outcome of this may have been, he didn't know, nor did he really want to consider it. Interaction with Axel was always a bit surprising... But uplifting.

However, as the other proceeded down the hall, and the blonde was able to return to a proper position, he watched Axel with a silent intent, only to follow. Matching strides, he soon walked with the other male and kept his focus ahead; what brief silence there may have been established between them was comfortable, at least to the blonde, who was accustom to extended periods without speech. Yet when with the other, he tended to be a bit more social than usually, likely given to their years of knowing each other.

"...Are you coming over today?"

Axel never failed to be impressed at how easily Roxas would catch up with him, much less match his pace, without ever rushing and in spite of their difference in size. Most people had to make a bit of a scramble if there was a pronounced difference in height but that hadn't ever seemed a problem for the blonde.

The silence was fine enough by him. He was aware that Roxas wasn't highly vocal and was probably more so around him. An accomodation he tried to return by shutting up now and then, at least when able. "Hm... I dunno..." He answered with a shrug. "Depends on whether I'd have to sit out on the lawn or break in through an upstairs window. Can't ninja too much in a nice neighborhood."

Roxas supplied the other male with a curious glance, not entirely sure if he should be amused by the suggestion of locking Axel out, though assuming it was meant in jest. Thus, redirecting his attention ahead, he considered his remark at length, once more allowing the silence to settle between them. His attempt to trap his friend in the art studio had been entirely spontaneous, though he mused just out of his normal behavior it must have been. He supposed it'd only hinder any future playfulness of his.

"A neighbor only recently acquired a dog," he began, tone fairly neutral. "..They've placed a kennel out front. I thought you might want to familiar yourself with the animal." With his suggestion, he gave a slight shrug, as though it were an honest remark. "You might find its tastes better suited with yours."

Axel shrugged, only a marginal rise and fall of his shoulders as he continued to make his way down the hall, wishing he could play with his lighter but well aware that Roxas would abscond with it if he tried. Thus he had to practice self control and leave the thing in one of his various pockets. It was a wonder he kept track of everything he carried as he did, but it might've merely been out of habit.

"Unless it likes hanging offa Roxannas I'm afraid the conversation would be very limited." He made a show of sounding resigned, heaving a sigh. "I think I'd grow bored chasing cars after a while."

The blonde hadn't thought Axel would be accepting of the idea, but at least he seemed to understand to at least some extent, his friend was being sarcastic. Once again, a characteristic not often displayed from the younger male but.. It'd been a long day, and his foul mood from before was no doubt drawing out the other, if not lesser, mannerisms.

"...Guess it depends how you'd categorize me," he answered simply, mimicking Axel's shrug. ".. Though I doubt people would grow bored of you chasing cars." Indeed, the thought nearly brought a grin to his features, but it was a temptation easily resisted. The idea was amusing, nonetheless, imagining the red-head chasing after a car on all fours.. And feral or not under some intentions, it'd be a sight all the same.

"Can I take that as a yes? You're coming over?" He didn't think his room-mate would be present but.. One never knew. And what a colorful character his room-mate was.
Axel could tell he'd caused some bit of amusement, which was good in light of the mood Roxas seemed to be in. If he could lighten things up even a little that was good where his mind was concerned. But he didn't observe the blonde too openly and wasn't going to state some outright concern. That showed often enough in other instances, and a bad mood was fairly minor.

"If my presence won't offend you terribly." Which, Axel could assume when Roxas was asking him about it. The subject was entirely due to the blonde's mention so it was a safe bet that he wasn't unwanted. "We'll just have to hope no cars distract me on the way."