Kingdom Hearts Fan Fiction ❯ Just Another Moment ❯ Chapter 4 ( Chapter 4 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

Monday was another day at Century Public High, another dragging day that took for fucking ever to get through. It was the end of math class again and I was taking it easy because I had finished my homework early. Now let me tell you though, this wasn't something I just caught on like—BAM!—oh no. After ten minutes into our lesson when I was wishing I was home, I noticed Demyx was looking at me weird.

“Look at what the teacher's writing,” he said, voice kind of low so Mrs. Larkins wouldn't yell at him for interrupting her.

“So?” I half growled and shrugged, slumping lower in my chair. This was so stupid, and such a waste of my precious time…

“So?! It's the stuff Zexion taught us the other day!” Demyx was all excited now, but he kept glancing between me and the teacher, not wanting to get caught. I remember a couple great accounts where I got his ass in trouble….

Taking a closer look at it, I frowned, then grinned like a mad bitch. It was the stuff Zexion taught us, and we were damn good at it too. So for the entire math class I sat there and doodled on my paper and didn't do much of anything. When the homework came around I had no problem finishing it. It was pretty awesome. But now I was stuck listening to the other people work until they started to cut up, and Demyx was finished soon too, and people were complaining about the homework and how bad they were at math and what was Zexion doing? The emo was reading a book. It didn't surprise me, but how lame was that? No wonder he couldn't get hooked up with a chick.

“Hey, Axel,” Demyx asked, leaning way over in his desk to talk to me, and I was surprised the guy didn't fall out of his chair. “Look!” he half whispered, mystified, and he pointed straight at Zexion. “Look at his neck. He looks like he was… attacked or something.” I craned my neck to look this way and that until I could see what Demyx meant.

When I caught a glimpse, I frowned. The emo did look pretty torn up, like bruised maybe, but from what the hell I didn't know and I didn't care that much either.

“So? Doesn't look that bad from here,” I mused. Demyx was staring at it real hard like he was trying to turn Zexion around with telekinesis or some bullshit like that, and I was about to say something when his blue eyes got all big and wide.

“It's a hickey!” he gasped, a bit too loudly, and some of the people around him looked over at him, blushing like an idiot, hand clapped over his mouth. Demyx practically fell out of his seat coming over to talk to me. “It's a hickey!” he reiterated, pointing it out on Zexion's neck.

“So?” I repeated, annoyed, but then stopped myself. This could be fun. My lips turned into a devilish smirk and I opened my mouth to say something when the damn bell rang. Cursing, I collected my shit. Next was English, but I could talk to him in the hall and see what was up, if that massive looking bruise really was a hickey.

Shouldering through the people, cursing under my breath, I passed row after row of lockers before catching up to the other.

“Hey! Zexion!” I called out, intent to stop him, but the bastard wasn't anywhere to be seem. Damn, I knew he was small, but he couldn't be that fucking small!

“Yes?” I heard him ask calmly and looked behind me to see he had stopped at a choice locker to return and retrieve books from. Fighting the flow of the crowd, I made room for myself and stood firmly beside the emo, not willing to let anyone else get in my goddamn way.

“Dude, what happened to your fucking neck?” I asked a bit amazed as I looked around his hair for a better look. I saw his face harden, like he didn't want to talk about it or something, but that only made me more curious.

“A lover's what happened to it,” the brunette said so quietly that I barely couldn't catch it.

“No fucking way! You're shitting me!” I couldn't believe that he had a lover. “What is he your boyfriend?” I teased, grinned and knocked him on the elbow with an arm, since I couldn't give him a well-to-do punch.

He just kinda looked away and concentrated on putting shit in his locker, clearing ignoring me, but I could tell he was still flustered about it.

“Seriously dude—who is she?” The lock was replaced and Zexion turned to me with a little smile.

“I think you know who,” he said, clearing teasing me, the little fuck, and he turned and lost himself in the crowd. Well that got me to thinking all through English for someone it could be that I knew. It wouldn't be just anyway, and what kind of fucking girl would do that to a guy's neck? Larxene was mean enough too, as tomboyish as she was, but she was sooner a lesbian than dating some freak emo accident. Zexion was smart alright, and turning out to be a pretty decent guy; he helped a hell of a lot on homework, but that didn't make him close enough to normal. I wasn't about to give away my awesome status as the most popular guy in school either, just so the emo could have someone to hang out with; besides it looked liked Demyx's sorry ass was befriending Zexion well enough.

English didn't solve anything in the end, especially since I couldn't talk to Demyx and we were stuck being busy until the end, and I wound up in gym class still wondering who the hell it was. But for some reason, Zexion wasn't in gym and I was left just as clueless as Demyx was about the whole thing. The whole damn time during lunch the blonde ran his mouth about possibilities, and guess after fucking guess, but they were all shot down.

“Maybe it's not someone we know in school?” I asked, poking at my hamburger casserole.

“Maybe…. But you said it was someone you knew. I might not know them at all,” Demyx put in, stealing a French fry. Huffing, I shoved the plate towards him, and rocked back in my chair. I was fed up with guessing. For all I knew it wasn't a fucking lover at all and he was just playing me for an ass. That bastard… I'd find out and strangle his ass for it.

So the rest of lunch passed with little incident, mostly anyway. Towards the end I passed Marluxia, the school pimp, pink hair fluffed up real nice, that smarmy grin plastered to his face, cocky and confident.

“Why, Zexion? Yes, I did see it. It's rather hard not to notice it, isn't it? Obviously if it was from a girl I'd know.” His eyes narrowed and he batted his eyes. “But I'm curious. If a guy like him can get a blemish like that… I'd like to meet this lady.” He chuckled quietly, more like a giggle. I wanted to jeer and actually stand up for the emo, just because I hated the hell outta that punk, but I kinda agreed with him too. Who the hell was it? Who the hell would give Zexion something like that? The guy wasn't that popular, so it only circulated through school long enough for the mark to fade and become history, but in the meantime, Zexion was putting up with a lot of bullshit from a number of people. They badgered to know who it was, including me and Demyx, but he just smiled a little and shook his head.

By Wednesday, you could still see it on his neck, but not near damn as bad. The bruise was still there, but everyone pretty much forgot about it. So we were sitting in biology, just sat our asses down when Professor Vexen said he had an announcement and to shut up or we'd find out what it was like to have a buret shoved down our throats and pour five hundred milliliters of six mol hydrochloric acid very slowly into our stomachs. At least he wasn't threatening to use someone for dissecting, which we hadn't gotten to yet, but would before the Christmas holiday. Demyx wasn't in this class with me, which was kind of sad, but Zexion was my lab partner after my first one had to home school because she was pregnant with a baby and refused to leave the damn thing at her house for someone else to take care of. There were an odd number of students, even though there weren't that many people in the class to begin with. My previous partner was kind of cute though, a really peppy and air headed girl but had a good set of knockers. Anyway, the emo kid had done his labs by himself, and I'd only had one lab with him, but he really knew what he was doing.

“This is a new student,” Professor Vexen said once the afternoon announcements had finished and the class had more of less settled. I glanced up and did a double-take. It wasn't like it was the hottest chick in the world, but damn! I had to look real hard and tell my balls that no, that was a fucking dude, not some tomboyish chick. But I didn't know if I was more relieved when he spoke and I was sure it was a dude or not.

“Hey.” He waved vaguely and sat where Vexen pointed, at the table next to my fucking table!

“His name is Roxas. He will need a partner for our lab today, so get your sheets out, children, and let me discuss what is expected of you so no one will set anyone on fire or misuse the pipettes.” I snickered. Despite the fact that it was only magnesium and hydrochloric acid, someone would find a way to set someone or something on fire. I happened to like fire, and though I was the most likely candidate, I was more interested in talking to this new kid. He looked kinda young, Roxas, but goddamn did he look like a fucking girl! I mean, it was more like androgynous but shit!

I pulled out my biology folder and rifled through all the loose paper to find my worksheet, and eventually found it while Professor Vexen snipped out the rules and what we were going to do. As if no one could fucking read the damn words! No one knew why the hell Mr. V was a teacher here. He was a professor and used to teach at a college, so why the fuck he was here now, we didn't have a clue. It was probably only so he could bitch at us and threaten us, which he couldn't really get away with at the college. Rumor said that was why he had been fired and wound up teaching here for the past, God knows how fucking long. The wages probably sucked ass compared to a professor; they didsuck ass compared to…well, anything. So I was looking sidelong at Roxas, right? This new kid… he had kinda messy blonde hair, dirty blonde, not blonde like Larxene or even Demyx. And damn were his eyes captivating, but I couldn't tell just yet.

Breaking up into our groups before Vexen even finished what he was saying, a couple people were making a pass and asking Roxas to join him. Maybe the kid would be a complete asshole of a guy, but I'd be one first. Butting two skinny girls out of the way, I leaned on his table and grinned.

“You're in our group,” I told him, nodding towards Zexion, then extended a hand to help him out of his seat before he could make up his mind. The kid was smaller than I was and wimpy looking, like Zexion, but once he was standing, he jerked out of my grasp, looking seriously offended, like I had bitch slapped him or something. He looked around, probably about to join another group, but everyone else was beginning and he was shit outta luck; the girls had gone off too, to their little corner. Grinning, took up my paper, pencil, and calculator and accompanied Zexion in the back of the room at our lab station. Roxas trudged behind, looking lost. Fishing out a hair tie, I pulled back my bushy red hair, not that it did a hell of a lot of good tied back anyway, and strapped my goggles on as Vexen stalked around the room at watch, making sure no one was stupid.

“I'm Axel,” I offered once Roxas retrieved a clean pair of goggles and strapped them on. He looked up, lips pout like a cute little chick and dammit, I forgot I was staring. He had a sweet round face, like a little girl, and his skin was smooth and a soft shade of golden brown, not pale like mine, and not pink like Demyx. He only nodded.

“This is Zex.” Jerking a thumb towards my lab partner, the emo had carefully pulled his hair out of the way, and it was kinda weird to see both deep blue eyes. So we started the lab and I fucked up the first time because the damn new kid was watching me so intently and I wasn't paying attention and then the professor was leering over my shoulder with his long platinum blonde hair. It was really `cause I didn't want to totally dominate the class and make them look like a bunch of idiots with my genius when I completed the lab in only ten minutes. Well, then Zexion took the hydrochloric acid away from me and offered it to Zexion, letting him measure it out while he cut a strip of magnesium ribbon again.

“You know, if you used a bigger piece, we'd get a better reaction,” I put in. I had done it perfectly before, but the proportion was off. Besides, it was cooler to watch it fizz and smoke and bubble instead of bother with the stupid numbers.

I didn't care about amounts, and I hardly cared why it worked, but it was fucking awesome to watch it work.

“Axel,” Zexion addressed, “kindly shut up.” That was the first time I really heard something firm from him and it surprised me enough that I did stay quiet. We finished up the lab with little talking and I worked out the formula easily enough. Zexion didn't need any help; he never fucking did when it came to math. I kept waiting for Roxas to say he didn't understand something so I could show him up, but he didn't really, other than checking his work with Zexion and it all matched up, except the rounding was off a little, but that didn't matter. The new kid had this kinda guarded expression behind his eyes, content and laid back, I could tell. He didn't talk so much, but he was cute. For a boy.

By the end of class, we had cleaned up our lab stations and put everything back in order and had finished our quiz, which was tougher than I thought, though as smart as I was, it was no brush off my shoulders. The worst part came ten minutes before class ended.

“You have a project due two weeks from today,” Professor Vexen said, flipping through pages of what could only be our assignment. He passed the papers out as though he didn't want to actually touch them, especially if in connection to us. Like we were fucking diseased or something.

“Over the next couple of weeks we will be looking at the human body before we go into our dissections. We will study the different systems and their interactions with each other. You are to create a chart labeling everything I've asked for; organs, bones, and muscles. Use your books for reference. If you think a specific bone or muscle is unimportant,” he paused to look us over sternly, lip curling dangerously. What an old coot. “Then it is up to your discretion as to whether it should be included or not.

“You are to make models however you see fit, be it a drawn booklet, or other crafty materials. I don't care as long as I know what it is. I will not accept printed pictures or plagiarized work, and a bibliography will be included!” He looked around the room again. “Any questions?” Someone near the back of the class made a smartass remark about labeling each hair on our head too, and Mr. V glared in his direction, clearly aware of what had been said. The bell was probably the only thing that saved his damn ass from a vicious lecture or a detention.

************************

The week sucked balls, majorly. Not only did I have two essays to write within the week, but I wanted to at least start our fucking biology project. Math wasn't so bad, actually, and I did pretty fucking smart on the test too. I was proud of myself and Demyx, of course, was ecstatic about the whole thing. I complained to him over the phone about our project and told him about the new kid, Roxas. We saw him in study hall too, but Roxas wasn't really the social type, like Zexion. Like, he would talk to you and all, but only if he was prompted first.

“We have a stupid project to do,” I whined into the phone, making a face as I twisted the cord into all kinds of shapes. “It's in biology and it's going to take for fucking ever.”

“Aw, well what do you have to do?” Demyx replied, in the middle of making dinner.

“I don't know. Some kind of chart, and like, we have to draw the entirefucking human body. Like, everything in it, all the muscles and organs and stuff.”

“Sounds gross.”

“Sounds like a big waste of my time.” I sighed deeply.

“Hey, I have a beep, hold on.” The phone clicked before I could say anything and I was stuck laying on my bed staring at the ceiling until I rolled over.

Several moments passed in silence.

“Hey! Sorry about that. Roxas called. He wanted to know—”

“Roxas called? What the hell did he want?”

“Er, well, just to asked if he could ride my bus tomorrow morning and where to meet him. He lives close by, you know.”

“Damn right, he does?” I was excited now, grinning as I rolled over on my stomach. “Shit, Demyx. You move fast. I didn't think you were queer!” Laughing at the blonde's expense, he fumbled for his words.

“No, it's not like that! You know that!” Pause. “Axel! Quit laughing….. don't be mean.”

“Haha, alright kid, whatever. But yeah I have this stupid project I really don't want to start….”

“Hey, Axel?” Demyx interrupted.

“Yeah?”

“I need free hands in a minute so I'm about to go, but you're coming to my birthday this weekend aren't you?”

Grinning broadly I didn't need to answer that question. I was planning on taking him to Xemnas' sex shop. Despite the bastard being a fruity nut, he'd let me in there and buy anything with ID, even though the only thing I was interested in was lubricant and condoms, and I didn't want to buy it from a pharmacy or nothing like that. It was a gag gift for Demyx, only he didn't know it yet. Sorry bastard.

“Hell yeah!”

“Okay, well, Zexion and Roxas are coming too, only I don't know if they'll be able to spend the night over or not. Like, I think Zexion can, but I don't know if Roxas can. Is that okay?” I was laughing after he revealed his revelation, and I didn't give a damn if they spent the night or not. Well, I kinda did, but as long as they came, I didn't give a fuck. Especially Roxas. He was so much fun to make fun of—even more so than Demyx, and he reminded me of Demyx too, the way he pouted and all.

“Okay then, I'll let you go so you don't burn the meatloaf. I'll talk to you later.”

“Meatloaf? It's a chicken casserole.”

“Same difference.”

“Yeah….. Bye Axel.”

“Bye.”

************************

Oh my God the last day of the week could not have gone any slower! Especially since I was doing my damn biology project so I'd have a free weekend to hang out with Demyx and all. At least I got all the written stuff down. Now it would take the whole damn week to draw a pamphlet of all the shit we were learning in biology. We had covered the skeletal system and muscular system and were getting into organs. Mr. V said we'd only be able to dissect frogs if we could pass all of the fucking tests, but most of it was memorization anyway, and labeling. Some of the technical questions were like, who really gives a flying fuck if the lymphatic system resembles the circulatory system because of blah, blah, blah when in fact they didn't look an ounce alike and didn't do even close to the same thing. Well, the weekend came anyway—finally! I had made it to Demyx's house, all dressed up spiffy like in my red jacket vest because it was getting colder out, and I had on my nice black and white Vans and baggy green pants, black turtle neck, all that shit.

Zexion was already there and he was eating cookies.

“Hello,” he greeted as I walked in and I only nodded my acknowledgement.

“Heya, Demyx. No birthday suit?” I teased, grinning when I saw the blush. He only shook his head. “So where's the punk?”

“Roxas? He's not yet here,” the emo provided, even though I hadn't asked him. Snorting, I flopped down on the couch and grabbed a cookie.

“My parents and sister are at my Aunt Linda's,” Demyx proceeded to explain and I grumbled and groaned and stretched out. Dammit! I never got to see his fine-assed sister. “They're giving me the weekend for my birthday, since we're having this many people. I mean, we're not staying here the whole time, but it does get sort of crowded.” Sheepishly, the blonde apologized.

“Yeah, yeah, what the hell ever.”

“Axel!”

“Is that the doorbell?” Zexion put in.

“What? Oh yeah, it is. Hey, Roxas is here!” It was funny to see how easily the guy went from pouting and flustered to eager and bouncy, though it was annoying too. Sometimes he just needed to chill the fuck out.

“Hey,” Roxas said, looking around and stepping inside. He handed Demyx an envelope. “Happy Birthday.” Smirking from my seat on the couch, I took up as much of it as I possibly could, but lo and behold, the kid shoved my feet off and sat his happy ass right down on the sofa! Cocking a brow, Zexion merely looked amused. Putting my feet in Roxas' lap, he promptly shoved them off again.

“Keep them off of me!” he bit out, looked upset, lips forming that frowning pout and it made me laugh.

“Mrow! Okay, chill out. So, Demyx, what's on the agenda?”

“Well, I figured we could chill out and decide what we wanted to do. I mean, we have games and stuff, but I didn't know if we should save those for late night or if we'd be out very late. There was a movie I thought we could go see.” I shrugged.

“It's whatever you want, considering it's your birthday and all.” Zexion nodded his approval and Roxas actually smiled a little.

“Um… well then, what about the pool, since it's still kind of early? I have plenty of food too, if anyone wants something now.” I grinned.

“Aww, Demy, you didn't tell me we were swimming! Guess I'll have to go naked.”

“I guess it would help our anatomy project, wouldn't it Axel?” Zexion mused, smirking. The bitch was making fun of me!

“Tch, I think the professor wants it anatomically correct. How can we replicate a model of Axel if we can't even see it?” Roxas joked. Oh my fucking God, they were against me! But what was even more amazing was that the girl was doing most of the joshing. What the fuck was up with that?

“Guess we can borrow you for the girl's anatomy huh?” I claimed, more than questioned, patting the kid on the shoulder before throwing my head back in a barking laugh. Demyx was at least amused and not bright red.

Demyx placated, “Okay now… if we're swimming get dressed. Er… undressed, I guess.” So we all changed and grabbed towels and headed outside. Demyx's apartment was on the end where it had actually had a yard. It paid more a month just to keep the damn thing, but it was good for something, at least.

He had a pretty big above ground pool, at least nine feet across, and almost five feet deep. There was no slide or anything like that, but he had set up a ladder to the side to jump off of. A cooler of drinks sat on a small patio table, surrounded by a couple chairs in need of a new paint job, and up against the wall of his apartment was a grill. Now let me tell you, that the grill Demyx had, was a piece of shit, but I had even some of the best damn food off that thing. I wondered out loud sometimes if it was just Demyx's cooking, or if it was because it was a piece of shit grill. Looking around, I was apparently the only real man around, except for Demyx who was smacking on sunscreen, but given the motley crew, I really was the only manly guy there. I was fit from physical education, and Demyx was a close second, though he was leaner. Zexion looked like he might be in contest with Demyx, but the emo wore a shirt, same as the punk nosed kid.

Despite how cool it was, the water was actually pretty warm. The sun was directly on it, and I was informed that it was filtered with hot water just for the occasion. It was easier to use the hose water instead of hooking it up to the hot water tank, but that just meant the family would have to be frugal with the hot water or pay the extra for it. It wasn't a fortune though. Slipping all the way into the water, it appeared that Demyx had just recently cleaned it out. The water was nice to laze in, and we'd all probably be reluctant to leave once the sun began to sink to eat dinner, and no matter how careful we were, we couldn't eat in the pool. Demyx's family didn't like anything other than plain water in the pool, though the blondie let me drink in there now and again. It would have been more ideal on a hot summer day though. Zexion stepped in too, testing the water like some girl before climbing in. Roxas followed, and Demyx did too.

“Oh, there's a cooler with drinks if anyone wants something. Just be really careful with them,” Demyx said as he settled up to his neck in warm water.

Turned out there was beer in those things, and I popped one open, hanging over the edge to drink half of it. Roxas made a face it.

“You drink that stuff?” I grinned.

“Sure. Only real men drink beer.” Winking, I laughed.

“I've never had beer,” Zexion said softly, looking to Demyx. Demyx didn't normally drink either, but he had them every now and then. He knew I liked them, and his dad drank them, so he shared. His parents either didn't know, or didn't care. I cocked a brow the brunette's way, then grinned smarmily.

“So try one,” I coaxed. “It won't hurt you.” I offered him my bottle, much to Roxas' disgust. “Here, make sure you're not going to spit it out and waste it first.” It was curious to watch Zexion take the bottle and I almost held my damn breath, though I didn't know why the hell I would. Maybe it was the coy little smile on his lips. The bastard looked like he was thinking, “Hah! Take that mom. You always wanted me to be a good boy, but I'm a bad boy.”

He tried a tentative sip closing his eyes, head tilted back to show the line of his neck. I could see him swallow. And dammit I was staring! I didn't even know what his reaction was!

“It's not all that bad,” he replied, handing the bottle back. I grinned widely, feeling victorious.

“You wanna try too, squirt?” Offering the bottle to Roxas he shook his head vigorously, backing away like it was some kind of fucking disease in a bottle I was offering him.

“It's okay. We have soda too.” Demyx climbed out of the pool to offer the kid a coke, which he took, opening it over the lawn before taking a sip. Once he gave me a weird look, I realized I was watching his pout lips a little too closely, but damn, I couldn't help if he looked like a fucking girl. He had a soft round face and pretty eyes… Ducking under the water a moment to distract myself as well as the kid, I held my drink above the water, coming back up, hair weighing me down and clinging to my shoulders. Sometimes it sucked dick to have long hair. Finishing my beer, I heard music start up and grinned. One good thing was that Demyx and I had like, the same interest in music. Tossing my bottle onto the grass, I'd get it later. Belching, it was the kid's turn to snicker, Zexion looking kinda disgusted.

“Two points!” Demyx laughed, holding up his own coke in cheers.

The afternoon wore on and I had a couple more beers, though I had to conserve them since we couldn't have too many or Demyx's dad would no doubt flip and beat the blonde's ass. Zexion had a couple too, which surprised me, but I guess he really liked them. We jammed to some music and I rocked the house with my awesome singing, and we played a game in the water which was funny as hell. Basically, it went like this, one person would secretly tell the actor what they were doing, like riding a roller coaster, and the designated actor would pretend they were riding a roller coaster. Except, the other two people were secretly told something else, that the actor was going to the bathroom, and only the one person would actually know what was happening. It was funny as hell and I nearly died laughing my ass off. There was one point where Roxas nearly lost his swim trunks too. He was climbing up the ladder to get out when the weight of the water pulled his bottoms down.

The poor bastard tried to save himself, but he flashed us all, and though it was funny because he was so embarrassed, I couldn't help but think too that he had a pretty nice ass. It was small, but round and I swear to God to he was a girl who hadn't yet hit puberty.

“Axel, don't you think you've looked enough?” Zexion asked. He was fucking teasing me! I glared at him, confused.

“What the hell does that mean?”

“Now guys, be nice to each other,” Demyx tried to placate nervously.

“You keep staring at Roxas. I think maybe you were hoping his swim trunks would come all the way off.” The brunette smirked softly, and in my flustered anger, I stormed over him.

“Axel!”

“I'm not a faggot!” I grabbed him by the hair and dunked him underwater, but though I was annoyed, I wasn't angry.

“Good lord,” I heard the kid say, and he fixed himself, deciding he wouldn't come back into the pull. Pulling Zexion back up while I grinned, I dunked him again, but I wasn't forcing him down. It might have been weird, but when I thought about it, some people liked having that done to them. The way the guy gasped for breath when I pulled him back up, face dripping water, the dazed look in his eyes, blinking through the sudden submergence reminded me of something completely different but it was kind of amusing to think the other would do something as obscene as that.

“You're wrong Zexion,” I replied coolly, letting him go. “I didn't want to see his trunks come all the way off; I wanted topull his trunks all the way off.” Winking, I patted the brunette on the shoulder. The emo was perplexed, probably not understanding that I was only playing with him. Roxas just scoffed from where he stood, throwing an empty soda can at me. Soon though, the sun was setting and Demyx was grilling burgers. The smell of char grilled beef made my mouth water and I was anxious to eat. We left the pool to dry off, the air a bit too cool for my liking, and we sat at the little table and on the little patio floor and munched chips and drank sodas, finishing the beer. We talked some about school and we talked about what we were going to do later. Demyx didn't normally like scary movies, but he wanted to see “The Night of Knives,” and I was up for watching anything that was good. Zexion didn't have a life so he didn't give a fuck, and Roxas said he was okay with that.

“I have a curfew though. My mom's letting me stay out tonight but she wants me home as soon as possible, so I'll probably leave after it's over,” he explained.

I had been impatiently waiting for my burger when finally they were done, but damn were they worth the wait. Demyx chuckled as he served me, knowing that I appreciated his cooking. Designing my burger to my liking, I made a face at Roxas.

“You're this far into high school and your parents still control you?” The kid shrugged. “God, that's gotta be horrible. I'm glad my parents aren't like that! Shit…” Distracted with my burger, I plopped myself in a chair and set about to eating. We finished as the sun was beginning to disappear, then Demyx brought out cupcakes. They weren't anything fancy, just marble cake with frosting, and I joked about stuffing one full of candles for his birthday. It would have been damn funny to see a flaming cupcake. It was still light out when we cleaned up and went inside. The towels were thrown in the wash. Dried off, I changed into the clothes I wore earlier and brushed out my hair, still damp and mostly flat.

“Are we ready?”

“Hold on I gotta take a piss.

“Yeah.”

“Sure.”

“Okay, I'm done. Let's go.” Jingling my keys, we hopped in the car and sped off for the theater.

The movie wasn't crowded at all. There were some people down front, and there were some people way the hell up in the nose bleed section, and we were fine in the middle. Demyx sat on one side of me, and I was kinda disappointed when Roxas sat on the other side of Demyx. The emo sat next to me and I made a point to take over both arm rests. So the movie started off and we were all comfortable and I couldn't help but comment on the previews, and my imitation of the announcer guy made Demyx crack up. Grinning, I added my own commentary until the movie started, and then I quieted down. The first part of the movie was pretty boring, but it started to get kinda interesting. Like, there was this family that lived in this house, right? And of course oh-so-many damn years ago a murder took place and everyone in the house was killed. Not even the damn children were spared. So then the family is visited by the ghosts that were killed and is threatening to kill them to get revenge. It was pretty creepy, even if you didn't believe in ghosts.

Demyx jumped probably the most; he's such a fucking scaredy cat—why did he want to see it again? It was damn good to have me spooked too. There was one part in the middle, right? Where the little girl's peeking really slowly into her bathroom, and she doesn't find anything there, but behind her the ghost jumps out to attack her and it was such a surprise that everyone probably jumped, and Demyx half landed in my lap, and a hand was clutching my own, and I'm not even sure what happened to Roxas. But I was laughing my ass off because the people way the hell down in the front row had jumped and I could see it. Well, the movie played out and the credits were rolling when I stood up to find my hand had been occupied. I looked curiously at Zexion who just looked a little daze and stumbled out of the aisle, catching a railing while he waited for us. Still astounding, I watch him, then realized that he was fucking drunk! The emo had a couple of beers and gotten drunk off them. Goddamn he had a low tolerance.

“You gotta admit it was pretty damn funny the way you jumped. I swear if the arm rest hadn't been in the way you would have been clinging to me,” I boasted, teasing Demyx a moment later as we left the theater.

“It was so sudden! I wasn't expecting it.”

“Yeah, well why the hell did we agree on a movie that would scare the shit out of you? I thought you hated horror movies?”

“Well…. I thought it was something to do, and besides everyone else liked it right?” I clucked my tongue at him.

“Hey, I gotta get going. My mom's over there to pick me up,” Roxas interrupted and I scowled. I didn't care if the kid was staying or not, but he was fun to kid around with.

“Whatever, I'll catch ya later. See ya at school, Roxas.”

“Drive safely.”

“Sure. Night guys. Happy birthday Demyx. Sorry I couldn't stay longer.” Roxas looked a little sheepish. It was oddly cute.

“No, it's okay. I understand completely—trust me! Thanks a lot for coming Roxas!” Roxas smiled and waved before heading over to a white mini-van and climbed in.

“Okay, now where the hell did I park my car?” Scratching a red head, I looked around before locating the piece of junk.

The night went by like pretty much any other; we went home, lazed around and talked about the movie, teased Demyx's ass about it for awhile, then decided to play games and take showers. I was just settling down on Demyx's bed. The blonde was already asleep in a sleeping back on the floor, drooling on a pillow and half smiling. All the lights were out and Zexion was in the bathroom, fixing himself up for the night. I pulled the blankets up and rolled over and closed my eyes, but I'll be damned if I could sleep even a wink. I rolled all over the place and at some point Zexion joined in the bed and fell asleep and dammit the hours just slowly crept by. Once I decided I was tired of just waiting around for nothing to happen, I sat up, grumbling and pissed I couldn't sleep, and I threw the covers off me and half crawled out of the bed and stumbled for the bathroom.

I wanted to take a hot shower and just soak until the steam made me sleepy, but I didn't want to make too much noise, and besides, that was just even more hot water. But the pool was still hot. So instead I grabbed a towel, and went outside to the little patio. The night was pretty nice, all peaceful-like and cool and silent. It was probably two in the damn morning, which pissed me off because I was tired and wanted some damn sleep and could only hope I wouldn't fucking fall asleep in the pool and drown my ass. I threw off my clothes and was half way in the water when I found I wasn't alone. Stark naked, I froze, then eased into the water when the other person turned their back to me and half clung to the edge. Who the hell was in Demyx's pool?

“Hey…” I started, but recognized Zexion, and grinned, then frowned. Into the warm water I sighed and floated back. “What the hell are you doing out here?” He hadn't been in the bed when I climbed out of it. But I wasn't used to someone else being there either, except maybe Demyx sometimes.

“The same thing you are, I would guess,” he said quietly, voice soft but kinda deep. “Can't sleep really. I woke up…. And I couldn't go back to sleep. It was hot. So I came out here.” That was some of the most I'd heard him talk all night.

“Still tipsy?” I asked, half joking. I couldn't believe the guy got drunk off a few beers.

“Mm…” His hunched form shrugged in the starlight, skin and water silver from the moonlight. I took it as a yes.

“First time?”

“…..” A sigh. I grinned, submerging myself. My hair would fix itself in the morning. We sat and hung around for awhile. The breeze felt nice through my hair, comforting, and the water was warm but not as warm as I would like. For a pool though, that was a good thing; I didn't need to scald my ass because I wasn't careful. So for awhile we just sat there, soaking in the water and relaxing and trying to get to sleep. I had my eyes half closed, just in case I nodded off and went under though I was holding onto the side. I was startled half awake when I felt a hand on my shoulder, brushing down my arm, and then Zexion was pressing against me. Tensing up, nearly jumping out of the pool, I started.

“What the hell—?!” I half shouted, keeping mind to keep my voice down. The damn bastard, what the fuck was he doing?!

“You look comfortable…you are comfortable,” Zexion murmured, his head resting on my shoulder.

“The hell! That's not a reason…” Grumbling, not used to getting hugs from an emo guy, I shifted but couldn't shake him off. As long as he didn't fall asleep on me….

“Axel?” I could feel his lips brushing over my shoulder and it tickled. “Axel?”

“Uh… what?” I shifted again, trying to get the bastard off of me, to no avail.

“Axel?” He kept calling my name, quiet, almost kind of creepy and kinda pathetic too. Dammit.

“What?! What the hell is it?” I turned around, successfully throwing him back a step. At least he wasn't clinging to me. Zexion's eyes were hazy, dark, glowing deep blue in the moonlight. His cheeks tinged with blush and dammit I could tell he looked pretty tipsy. But that was a strange damn look for someone who was just tipsy. Back to the side of the pool wall, I felt trapped, staring at the emo as he reached a hand out. I caught the other but it didn't stop him.

“What? What is it? You feel sick or something? Zexion? Zexion?!” He caught me off guard, that's why I allowed it. The bastard caught me off guard and I didn't know what to do other than the most logical thing.

He had soft lips, kissing me. He had a cool mouth pressed to mine. I tried to cry out and shove him back, but the bastard caught me by surprise. Why the fuck was this guy kissing me? Dammit… he must be those pervy drunks who try and take advantage of you. I could feel a tongue on mine and I shoved him back. If he hadn't a been drunk he wouldn't have felt like he weighed twice as much, as relaxed as he was. Dammit! I wiped my mouth on the back of my hand, feeling my cheeks burn.

“The hell that was for…” I mumbled, turning to climb out of the pool before he could do anything else. Calling my name again, the emo made to get out, stopping before he topped the ladder. I wasn't about to look to make sure the fucker was okay; I'd had enough babysitting his damn ass anyway.

Drying off as I walked into the house, I pulled my clothes on. I'd find out later my damn shirt was on backwards, but I didn't give a fuck. Still wiping that stupid kiss off my lips, I crawled back in bed. This was just fucking great; I'd probably have damn nightmares now… But as I lay there, my initial anger dissolved, and besides that, it wasn't that big of a deal; the guy was drunk. But mistaking me for a fucking woman? Now that was an insult! Under the covers, pressed to the wall, I sighed, closed my eyes. Stupid Zexion. What the hell did he think he was doing? It was damn weird to say it wasn't really bad or anything but dammit… who the fuck did he think I was to be kissing me or even trying? Well, the guy was smart enough not to kill himself by drowning or something, and I wasn't about to drag his ass out and do him any favors. Pulling the covers up, I finally fell asleep.

************************

I was roused from my sleep to the feeling of something kind ticklish but really…good. Really….arousing. Stretching out and groaning softly, it was dark out, and I could tell I hadn't been asleep all that long, and now goddammit someone was waking me the fuck up. Grouchy, I could hear a pleased sort of sigh instead. I think it was a dream—what else could be this good. A wet dream, like that one with the woman and the feather. I wasn't really into kinky shit like that, but it had felt so good. Maybe I could give it a try. I dreamt it was that girl I met at the party, the fine bitch I had made out with, her gorgeous figure running her hands over me. She kept teasing, starting to run away and I had to catch her and I could feel her fingers through my hair. It felt so real too and it was damn nice.

I'm not sure at that point if I was awake or asleep but I looked up in the dark room, bathed half in moonlight and there she was, dark smoldering eyes glowing and sultry. Her long hair tickled my chest, bare from my shirt being pushed up, whether it was in my sleep or because she did it. Dreams are weird like that because the next thing I knew I wasn't dreaming anymore, I was waking up and it was morning and I was wet. Laying back in the bed and grumbling, I was disappointed it had only been a damn dream, but I would have been fucking freaking out if the bitch was in the house doing something to me while I slept. She was fine as hell but strangers in your house was another story. Getting up, groaning, Demyx and Zexion weren't in the bedroom, but it was nearly noon anyway.

So I took care of myself and met the other two in the kitchen.

“Morning sleepy head,” Demyx chirped cheerful. Zexion just sipped his milk.

“Yeah hey.” Taking a chair with a dramatic sigh, I smirked as I helped myself to Demyx's cup of juice. “I had the best damn dream in the world. Remember the chick I met at Xigbar's party I told you about, Demyx? I dreamt she was servicing me.” I laughed, then shook my head good naturedly. I didn't know where that had come from, other than just thinking about her and how well she kissed and how fucking hot she was, but dreams were often spontaneous anyway.

“Guess that's why you slept late,” Demyx chuckled, cheeks tinged red. Drinking his juice, I poured another cup, but set it aside for him. No use dirtying up another cup if the blondie was gonna just end up washing it anyway.

“So what are today's plans, captain?” I asked Demyx with a grin. “Other than stopping by to pick out your present anyway.”

Demyx flustered.

“Oh, you don't have to get me anything. Please don't feel obligated.” Green eyes just rolled.

“Like hell, it's your fucking birthday, so dammit I gotta get you something.” Demyx laughed quietly, amused.

“Okay then. That's fine. I figured maybe we could head out somewhere but, I don't know where. What direction are we going?”

“In town.” My grin widened. A slender dark brow rose on Zexion's face, but he only looked away when I turned my grin to him.

“I'd ask but I guess I won't ruin the surprise. Here, eat up.” Offering a plate of homemade French toast, I ate my breakfast in nearly record time. I wasn't in a hurry but I was pretty damn hungry, especially after stay up so damn late last night. Looking over Zexion, I remember the pool and the kiss he gave me. Wary of the guy, I studied him a moment longer, and at one point he looked up to catch me, but just stared back, not in any meaningful way. My brain made some connection.

He was the chick in my dream. But that was fucking impossible…well for a dream I guess it wasn't but it was damn scary. Zexion as a girl? That was ridiculous. He was a man, and I had solid evidence of that fact! Looking away I helped clean up the dishes. At least it was a girl in my dream. So we finished up breakfast and drove out to the city and Demyx started to get excited and wanted to know what I was getting. Zexion was tagging along too, not ready to go home just yet I guess, but I didn't really care. I was busier trying to figure out exactly what I was getting Demyx. I said he could pick but I'd be damned if he did. I'd be surprised if he didn't pass out from a blood rush to the head, but we'd see.

“What is it, Axel?” he asked, bouncing in the seat, and it wasn't from my damn driving either. He kinda gave me those big blue puppy eyes, like it would work on a man such as myself. “Tell me, please?”

“Hey,” I grinned wolfishly. “It's your birthday right? You can be patient enough to see. Unless you think you're still a kid or something.”

“Axel!” he pouted, but settled down and was smiling and looking out the window a moment later. So finally we made it to the place I was gonna get Demyx's birthday present from; a place called Lulu's Bells. It looked a bit inconspicuous from the outside, but as soon as we stepped inside—

“A sex shop?” Demyx half wailed, bright red already. Outside I had glanced at Zexion and he seemed unfazed; I couldn't tell if he knew what the place was or not, any expression obscure by a stolid countenance.

“Ohh welcome, welcome,” Xemnas greeted, moving fluidly between an aisle of sex toys to get to us. He wore his usual tight pants and baggy half buttoned shirt. Frowning softly once he saw I had company, he smirked wryly.

“Corrupting a few more minors now, are we?” he asked smoothly, turning the sign on his shop so it said closed. “You have a lot of gall to come here during the day, Axel.”

The rest of his windows were mostly covered with sighs, to keep just anybody from looking in and shattering their innocence.

“I have a lot of balls to come here at any time,” I replied, looking around. I never was one for the sex toys, but Xemnas let me in here too. He had to be damn careful about minors, and usually let me in and out the back, if he could. I only ever came here for lubricant and condoms and tried to make it pretty quick. Staring at fake dicks was not something I wanted to do for any longer than the time it took to purchase what I needed and scram.

“I said gall…”

“Yeah that too. Enough of it for all of us.”

“So who's the company?” Xemnas purred, looking them over. “Let's see your friend right. Oh and you're—“

“Zexion,” the emo replied, cutting him off. “I'm Zexion.”

Orange eyes flickered between me and the brunette a moment before a thin smile crept onto the store owner's face.

“Lovely. What can I do for you Axel? Boys?” Smarmily grinning I replied.

“I'm here to get Demyx a birthday present.”

“Oh my God,” Demyx whimpered. Chuckling, I patted him good naturedly on the back. Half the fun was just getting him through this store. “Come on.” I had to drag him off towards and aisle.

“Vibrators are to the left,” Xemnas called. “Fetish items are the back shelf.”

Xemnas looked to Zexion.

“Just what are you doing here anyway? You haven't caught him yet?” Zexion shook his head a bit, stepping away from the door and into the shop. Walking slowly down an aisle of flavored lubricant and phallic candy, he took his time before speaking.

“He doesn't know about the party yet.”

“You're sure?” A nod.

“He's oblivious,” followed by a long pause. “I kissed him last night. He thought I was drunk.” Looking over his shoulder, Zexion caught the smirk on Xemnas' face as he trailed behind.

“How did he take that?”

“Not that badly actually. He freaked out, but I figured he would. He hasn't said anything about it.”

“Axel's confused. You're lucky you have a chance at all with him.”

The brunette nodded and paused. “Yeah I guess so.”

“You've made progress.”

“He woke up last night.”

“What were you doing to him?” Xemnas darkly chuckled, reaching a hand out to hook around Zexion's belly, eyes darting about to see if Axel or Demyx were watching.

“Just touching…..”

“Ooh touching were? Wait let me use my imagination…. What did he do when he woke up?” A punctuation of a pause.

“Nothing actually. He was still half asleep. I don't think he knew it was me. He murmured something about a girl and fell back asleep.”

“But you finished it didn't you?” Zexion nodded.

“Good boy,” Xemnas purred, pulling the slightly detached brunette against him. “But I can't believe he hasn't put the image together just yet…”

Zexion shrugged. “I don't know if I'd want him to. He'd probably run away.”

“He needs to know at some point,” Xemnas commented, letting his fingers trail over a bare stomach, having sneaked their way under an offending shirt.

“Sure but….”

“Well the way I see it you only have three options: you can drop it completely and forget about him; you can steal him and have your way with him and see how things work out; or you can let him know everything and hope he has enough respect to at least consider the, ah…circumstances.” Silent, Zexion removed a curious hand, much to Xemnas' distaste.

“You know it'd be considered statutory rape.”

“It was last time too.” Winking, Xemnas laughed softly, then withdrew his arm. “Mmm but you're so handsome. Axel's a fool not to want you.”

“Maybe he's smarter than you think.”

“He's not that bright if he can't tell you were the `girl' at our party. You did pull it off pretty well, but he can't be that blind. Of course, I knew right away, no matter what disguise you wore.”

“Hey Xemnas?” Axel called out, approaching.

“Yes?” the silver-grey haired guy asked, stepping away from Zexion and towards us with a smile. Just what was he saying about me? Deciding I'd ask Zexion or Xemnas about it later, I held up two different vibrators.

“Which one do you think a virgin like Demyx would prefer?” I grinned, the blonde behind me still severely flustered. Xemnas took the two toys, one at a time to look over, glancing up to Demyx while he considered them. It was a gag gift, sure, and if Demyx actually wanted to use it on himself, I wouldn't stop him. Maybe it would prompt him to get a girlfriend to use on her until he could stop blushing long enough to take his own damn pants off.

“Hmm…. Both would be good, but it depends on his willingness. I'd go with this one, personally.” Xemnas held up one of them, smaller though not by much, and silver, smooth all the way around. It was simplistic and could easily enough be mistaken for something else. “Although I think that depends on who we're using this for. You have to keep the person in mind when you shop for these sorts of things. Their preferences, of course, and most importantly their limits.”

I nodded. “Sure. I thought he might have a little adventure in him.” Chuckling, I patted Demyx on the shoulder. “That on them. You can even gift wrap it.” It was enough adventure for the blondie just to get his ass into the store. Taking the vibrator to the counter to garnish with a box before boxing it and placing it in an inconspicuous bag, taped shut the other vibrator sat on the counter, honey yellow and blue. Looking over Zexion, the thought that he looked like the girl in my dreams came back to me. But I had to dismiss it. I didn't need to ruin the rest of Demyx's birthday, so I decided I was probably just overreacting and waited while Xemnas finished at the register. Paying for Demyx's new toy, I helped him stand and shoved the bag into his hands. He almost dropped it.

“I put a sample bottle of lubricant in there too,” Xemnas said, smiling foxily, amused but sympathetic. He could be a wolf for submissive, easily flustering guys, but they weren't really his thing. Xemnas just liked to tease them.

“Is it just regular?” I asked with a grin.

“Vanilla flavored.” The guy licked his lips when he said it.

“At least it's not sex flavored,” I joked.

“Not yet.” Patting Demyx good naturedly again I jibed at Zexion, though thought better of it—after I said it.

“Do you need anything here Zexy? Or are you still celibate?”

“A dildo for those long lonely nights?” Xemnas added, winking, and I swear to fucking God there was something between them I didn't know. Xemnas might have been a faggot, but it was beyond being gay. Like they were talking about me, only I didn't know it. What the fuck?!

“No thanks.” Zexion sounded almost venomous, eyes glaring, but he looked away and then the scathe was gone. Xemnas chuckled.

“Okay, I won't spread the love anymore. Take care. Oh! Demyx, I included something else for you too, you might want to read. You know…just in case.” Winking at the blonde he rounded the register desk and made his way to the front of the store, switching his sign and looking out to make sure no one else was about.

A couple people walked by, but there were no legal forces, pious nuts, or general assholes around. Letting us out, I could feel eyes on the back of me. I know I was a fucking god when it came to my body, but dammit I didn't need someone like Xemnas staring so blatantly. It was just creepy.

“Happy Birthday Demyx!” I granted once settled in the car, grinning at the boy next to me, then started the engine and took off.

************************

We wasted part of the day driving around and got a late lunch, but then the clouds were gathering and it was starting to get raining so we headed back to the birthday boy's house.

“Thanks guys, it's been fun. Even if I'm not sure what to do with….this.” Demyx held the bag up, still unopened.

“Well I'd say give it to your sister, but I wouldn't want her insulted with something that small. She deserves more than that anyway,” I replied, grinning. Demyx flustered.

“Good Lord, don't talk about my sister that way. Geez.” So I gathered my shit and Zexion already had his together because he didn't have much anyway, and we helped Demyx straighten everything up and cover the pool and all that before it dropped bottom.

“Damn rain. I like it but hell it leaves me nothing to do.” Sighing, I dropped my shit by the front door. “Well man, take care. I'll see you in school okay?” Demyx nodded.

“Yeah. Drive safely, especially if it starts pouring hard.”

I rolled my eyes. Demyx really was a fucking mother hen sometimes.

“Sure thing boss. Hey, you coming or what?” I looked over to Zexion, standing there with a bag on his shoulder by the counter and looking at me. He nodded, annoyed by my attitude but resigned to his fate so long as he was around me. If he didn't damn like it, he didn't have to stick around. Toting the bags to the car, Demyx waved us out. Wet, but thankfully not too wet so it didn't ruin the car, I flicked on my lights and honked at the blondie while I pulled out of the parking lot of the apartment complex and took off. It had been drizzling a bit so the roads were still slick, but I was responsible enough. Zexion gave me directions even though I knew where the hell he lived; I was just taking the scenic route. As we drove in relative silence, music in the background, the sound of heavy rain beating on the car, my mind wandered back to that damn dream and the uncanny resemblance of Zexion and the girl. It was just a fucking dream, so why the hell should I freak out?

“Hey Zexion?” I asked, cutting the music to diminish the excessive sound and talk to the brunette as we sped down a familiar road. “Uh… back in the shop…. I kinda overheard you and Xemnas talking.” No point stalling or beating around the bush. “And I heard my name. What the fuck were you talking about?” I heard part of what they said but I couldn't just fucking believe it. Maybe I heard wrong. Zexion was quiet until I prompted him again.

“What the fuck were you saying?!”

“Nothing in particular.”

“Don't bullshit me Zexion, I heard you talking about me. I heard you say I couldn't put it together. What the fuck is it now?!” I was bearing on the accelerator in my growing annoyance, but I wasn't stupid enough to wreck myself. The windshield wipers sped furiously to clear the rain. He was silent again, looking out the window, but before I could say anything else, he spoke.

“We talked…. About the party at Xigbar's place.” He looked at me while he spoke. I recognized the woods. How much farther did I have? I had never actually stopped at Zexion's house before; he had walked part of the way there. “I was there. With you.” This place did seem familiar and I recognized it from that girl's house. That girl…. The girl in my dream… the girl I took home…

“I had no intention of misleading you. Not that far, no. I disguised myself as a girl because that was the only way you might look at me.” I slowed the car down, a little faster than intended, and had the sense to pull over into the grass on the empty expanse of highway.

“What?” I looked incredulously at Zexion. “You were the girl?!” Good lord you can't be fucking serious.” I put the car in park, not sure if I wanted to jump out or shove Zexion out. I hadn't even suspected until that damn dream.

“I'm not a faggot Zexion, what the hell were you fucking thinking?!”

“I like you, Axel.” His voice was soft. Great, the bastard emo liked me. He liked me so damn much he wanted to do me.

“Goddammit.” I punched the steering wheel. “Get the fuck outta my car!” I was too busy fuming to unlock the doors.

Zexion had kissed me while he was drunk—if he was even that drunk, he had taken advantage of me in my sleep, and he had lied to me at the party by dressing like a woman and playing me for the fool.

“Goddammit!” I shouted. “Do you really think I'm such a fucking idiot?! You asshole, get the hell outta my car. You think just because I act nice to you, you can use me like that? Get the fuck outta my damn car!” The brunette was just looking away, finally opened the car door into the rain. I didn't even wait for it to close before I shifted to drive and stomped the pedal. The door closed itself.