Being a photographer, one found themselves in.. odd places.
Which is why Roxas was half laying under a picnic table, Nikon to his eye as he watched a pair of squirrels darting between a set of trees a few feets away from him. A soft smile was on his lips as he did, snap a few pictures of the critters as they went about their business.
The smile fell away as feet appeared before him and a voice accompanying them as they were passing, “There’s that kid again.. why is he always on the ground with that camera?” A second pair joined the first along with another voice, “He’s always taking pictures of like.. squirrels and shit. Who does that?” Their laughter followed them as the pair walked away, causing the blond to sigh softly and tucking his camera closer.
“One day you’ll let me run up somebody’s pants leg.”
A blond brow rose as he looked to the squirrel beside him, “Gabriel, we’ve talked about this. You’ve gotten in trouble with Animal Control twice already, I’m running out of excuses.”
“Really, Gabe, you should be more considerate.”
Roxas couldn’t help but snort, “Yes because you are so much better Gracie.” He stated, staring at the other rodent who was currently stuffing her face with what was probably fruit from a picnic not too far away. “You two, I swear..” Blond spikes were swayed as he shook his head before he got himself from under the picnic table to sitting atop it to browse through the pictures he had taken proudly.
Ever since he found a pendent of a four pointed blade in a thrift shop about three years ago, he had picked up the ability to talk to animals. It had made his love of photography and animals that much stronger. Not to mention his possible future career in being a well known animal photographer.
“Are you talking to those squirrels?”
The human and to critters froze in place.
Gabriel and Gracie took off for the trees behind him, cause him to mutter, “Traitors..” before spinning so his converse clad feet were on the opposite set of benches, “Um, well..” His voice trailed off because one, was he really going to admit to talking to animals?, two, he wasn’t sure what to say if he decided against this, and three, the body of the voice was beautiful.
The man was tall- over six feet- and had a shocking mane of flaming red hair that framed a fair, angular face. A set of triangle tattoos were settled on high cheek bones under a pair of emerald eyes.
It took all his willpower not to bring his camera up and take a few pictures of the man.
“If you are, good. Because I thought I was the only one. Well.. not squirrels really, usually the pair of cats I have at home.” He laughed lightly, running a hand through his hair.
Blue eyes watched as the spikes seemed to pop back into place. Huh, he thought his hair only did that..
“I mean, yeah. I was. Just, thanking them for the pictures. The pair are some are my best models.” He found himself saying, a half smile on his face as he fiddled with the strap from his camera. “Well.. currently there my only ones. The birds around here are a bit too stuck up to let me get some pictures of them.”
The redhead had moved to join him on the picnic table. Even though there was plenty of space between the two, it still felt like the other was towering over his five foot nothing self. “Could I see ‘em?” He wondered, “The name’s Axel by the way.” A wicked grin formed on his lips, finger tapping his temple, “Got it memorized?”
This time, he couldn’t help the automatic motions of capturing Axel on film.
“Oh.. I’m- Wow. Really sorry about that. Jesus Christ.. Um..” He knew a blush was flooding his cheeks and, it could have just been his imagination, but he distinctly heard laughter coming from .. the tree branches overhead. “I’m Roxas and yes.” It’s the least I could do.. He couldn’t help but thinking, hitting a few buttons for the playback and turning the camera for the redhead to see.
After a few minutes, Axel grinned, “Shit, these are.. National Geographic worthy.” Green eyes were turned from the camera, to him, “Ever thought about submitting them?”
Roxas couldn’t help but laugh a bit, covering it with a small cough, “That’s flattering really, but.. it’s just squirrels. I’d have to.. get pictures of like..” His voice trailed off, taking on a soft, wistful tone, “Lions.. polar bears.. dolphins-”
“Oh my?” Axel interrupted with a smirk, leaning back on his hand and simply watching him.
“You’re not funny.” The blond stated, pointing a finger at the other, but despite his words, a smile was on his lips.
“Ya know, I’m heading out in a few days to a beach where dolphins usually frequent.. You could tag along if you’d like..?” There was.. a hopeful tone to the redhead’s voice, though he tried to look nonchalant about it. “Going to meet up with an old college friend that decided to move there. It’s a good drive but..”
It was his turn to grin wickedly, “Axel, are you trying to trying to whisk me away to the beach without even offering to buy me dinner?”
Axel mouth opened and closed a few times, “Well.. that’s.. I was just..” A dusting of a blush had formed on the other’s cheeks, a hand coming up to rub a the back of his neck.
“How about some lunch? There’s a great place down the street with the best hot dogs, I swear to you.” His grin softened to a small smile, “We could talk about that beach trip?”
Lanky legs were planted on the ground as the redhead made to stand up, hands settling on his hips as he turned to face the blond. “It’s a date then.” A hand was held out for him to take in offering.
“It’s a date.” Roxas nodded, tucking his camera back into his back and shrugging it on his shoulder, he took the offered hand.