Note: This was an idea I had as a maybe character-specific post-campaign story. Specifically, one that focused on Axton and his ex-wife, and a more shadowy side to the Dahl Corporation, as well as demonstrating some character growth on the part of Axton. Mostly because, while his initial character of a glory-hound was admittedly funny, I never really liked it. I expected Axton to be the somewhat level-headed and responsible one of the Borderlands 2 four, but that turned out not to be the case. So I'm writing a story where he sort of becomes that guy. I own nothing relating to the Borderlands series, Gearbox does. Please review, comment, and even criticize if you feel so inclined. It lets me know people are interested in seeing the story continue.

Love's Labors Two

Prologue

Axton sat in his bunk in the Crimson Raider HQ, holding an ECHO recorder. He stared at it for a long time before he finally pressed a button to activate it.

"Hey Sarah. It's, uh, it's me. I can't imagine you have the time to listen to this, or that you even want to, but I'm about to go off and fight a super powered god-like alien warrior, things are looking a little grim, and there are some things I have to say just in case." He sighed, and gathered his thoughts before continuing. "I just want to say, I figured it out, and that I'm sorry. I was a douche, and a glory hound, and I never really paid attention to the things that really mattered. I get why you broke it off, when you let me go. You broke it off because I was the guy I was. Because I never cared about anything but myself. And I'm sorry for that. I don't expect this to change anything, but… I just wanted you to know that I finally figured it out for real."

There was a quick thumping of footsteps and Salvador poked his head in the doorway.

"Whatever you're doing, hurry it up. We've got some pendejos to kill, and we're all waiting on you." He said.

"Jesus. Alright, I'll be right down." Axton grumbled.

Satisfied, Salvador went back down the steps.

"Sorry about that. And, y'know…everything else. Take care of yourself, Sarah." He tapped the button again to end the recording. He walked out onto the balcony and pressed another button, beaming the message out into space. To Themis.

Endnote: I got the idea for the title from a work of Shakespeare, though I can't say I've ever read or seen Love's Labors. I used it partly as a joke, and as a indication of the overall theme of the story. Just in case anyone was wondering.