Kingdom Hearts Fan Fiction ❯ Out of My Element ❯ Under the Mess ( Chapter 3 )

Chapter 3: Under the Mess

 

His uniform thrown on in a hurry, Axel slid in the back and into the kitchen. Other than the fact he was breathing a little hard and his hair was a little messed up from the hurry, there was no indication he'd not been there. From the card on the wall, he could see Luxord had punched him in and that he'd been covering his shift. The guy really was a good friend.

Taking his place in the kitchen, it was mere seconds before Luxord spotted him. Luxord was older then Axel, about four or five years older, but they got along like they'd been in school together since kindergarten. They were pretty much opposites of each other, Luxord was a devoted worker but just sucked at doing just about everything, Axel was a good worker but he could be quite the slacker. Luxord was happy-go-lucky, Axel was dedicated and serious. Luxord easily got addicted to things, Axel tended to wander from fad to fad. They were two sides of the same coin.

“Axel! There you are!” Luxord voiced in exclamation, his pronunciation heavy with an English accent. “What the hell took you so long? The boss came in two times, I had to lie and tell her you were in the bathroom. Also, if she asks, you're feeling much better now.” He leaned over the counter, blue eye glancing around in anxiety hoping that no one had heard or seen. Axel chuckled, not at his nervousness; he just always had to laugh when he saw Luxord in his work clothes. The apron made him look even more eccentric than he actually was; his goatee and dice earrings didn't help. The clothes really didn't complement him at all.

“Sorry, I didn't mean to take so long. I ran into a problem in the shape of a teenage punk.” Axel apologized as he took the slip Luxord handed him still smiling; it was the next order to be filled and he instantly got to work. Luxord returned to his own station just behind Axel to get working too.

“What's up?” Voiced his blonde friend.

“Well yesterday my brother comes home with this kid and tells me he's going to be staying with us for a couple of months. I wouldn't mind so much, but the kid's got some major problems. No teenager is that moody just because of hormonal imbalances, none Luxord. I can't express how weird he is. First time I see him, he's like a dead man walking and then ten seconds later he perks right back up. Then I ask him about where he came from and he turns into a total ass about it and stomps off upstairs and he's like that the rest of the night.” Axel ranted, “This morning he was normal again until breakfast when he turns back to Mr. Hyde. We get to school and he wouldn't go into the building so I had to walk him inside like a five year old. Seriously, he was more mood swings then a girl with PMS. I was never like that! Is there some sort of new male PMS I don't know about?”

“Not that I know of, but I think you're overreacting Axel. Teenagers have lots of emotional problems, you were probably the same way-“ Axel voiced his objection but Luxord didn't skip a beat, “You just don't remember being that way because you thought your actions were justified. Trust me, I know these things.”

“You haven't met him Luxord. He's completely haywire.” Axel grumbled in disdain.

“Well, look at it this way Axel. He's just moved into your house, right?” Axel gave a nod, “And you've never met him before, right?” Another nod, “Well, there you go. Moving is a stressful thing, and when you don't know the people you're moving in with I bet it's a pretty scary thing. I know I would act a little eccentric for the first week or so too. I bet as soon as the week is done, he'll level out and things will cool down. You just don't understand people Axel, that's why you only have two friends. Me and Roxas are the only ones who could stand your nasty attitude long enough for you to warm up to us. You should be nicer to people.”

“I am nice.” Stated Axel looking over his shoulder with a frown. Luxord looked back at him and rolled his eyes.

“Since when? I bet you five schillings that if I ask someone in one of your classes they'll say you've got a foul attitude.”

“I'm not betting a nickel, you've already got a gambling problem and hell if I'm going to feed it.” Raising his spatula, Axel shook the utensil at Luxord in a scolding manner, “You come over to my house tonight, you'll see.”

“I was planning on coming over anyway.” Luxord shrugged turning his attention back to his cooking, “I've got some questions about the reading for class. I don't want to look like a fool when he asks for comments and questions and he asks for my opinion.” Luxord told him. A smile touched Axel's lips and he chuckled.

“That would be a shame now wouldn't it?”

“Don't even start!”

“I wasn't.”

“You were thinking about it.” Luxord accused sorely. Even though Axel wasn't looking, he could tell Luxord had slouched forward and adopted a sulky posture. He'd known him long enough to tell by Luxord's tone what his pose was; Luxord was very expressive in his voice. With how his emotions shined through his speech, Axel wondered how their teacher hadn't caught on to Luxord.

“Maybe just a little… Honestly! How can I not?! The guy has an eye patch!” By now, Axel was laughing, his mind completely abandoning all thought of his current issues about Demyx, “I'm lucky I can look at him without bursting into tearful laughter!”

“Oy! I happen to think his eye patch looks lascivious and he's got a charming personality!” Defended Luxord heatedly.

“Oh, lascivious and charming? He's quite the catch.” Joked Axel, “He's got battle scars galore, stories to last you for a lifetime and he's only thirty years older than you are.”

“Love transcends all barriers, Axel! You would know that if you'd ever been in love, you heartless bastard.” Luxord argued. Axel was just playing around; Luxord really shouldn't have been getting so worked up over the conversation. Of course, the fact he was getting upset was pretty amusing to say the least, “One day you'll see! I'll confess my love for him and he'll- Yipe!” Luxord's startled cry caused Axel to turn.

“Ugh, Luxord!” Axel scolded loudly. Turning off his stove he quickly finished his assigned meal and sent it on its way before aiding Luxord. The man had burned himself, but luckily not the food this time. It happened sometimes, when Luxord would get involved in a conversation he'd do something stupid and end up hurting himself or destroying a project. “Watch what you're doing or one of these days you're going to get killed Luxord, got it memorized?” In response all Luxord did was nod sadly, allowing Axel to tend to his burnt fingertips. Shaking his head Axel added, “Sometimes I wonder about you, I really do.” Then he smiled, “Perhaps we should get the Professor to kiss it better for you?”

“Axel, don't joke about that!” Whined Luxord pitifully.

“All right, all right. I'll stop teasing you… At least for today, I can't promise anything about tomorrow.” Axel stated before giving Luxord a pat on the back, “Now buck up, we've got more work to do.”

“I know… Say, about that kid staying at your place.” Oh right, Demyx. Axel had almost forgotten about him. Luxord really shouldn't have reminded him, Axel would have rather kept the teenager forgotten then to have to think about him anymore. The kid was a real hassle.

“Hm?” Voiced the redhead in inquiry.

“I was wondering what's he staying at your place for?”

“Oh, that. Reno said he's moving in with Rufus, my brother's boss and Demyx's uncle, but they need some renovations done. Until they're finished, he's going to be staying with us.”

“What's he moving in with Rufus for?”

“Huh?” Axel was stumped. He'd never really thought to ask; actually he never even thought there was a reason why. In his mind, it was just a simple move, but Demyx had to come from somewhere and if he was leaving that somewhere there had to be a reason why. Curiosity was beginning to slither into his mind, “I don't actually know.”

“Guess I'll have to ask when I come over then, won't I?”

“Don't!”

“Wha?” Axel was just as surprised as Luxord about his reaction. It wasn't that big of a deal to bring it up, but he'd instantly resisted the notion because of Demyx's words. He seemed really upset about anyone asking him about that sort of thing and resisted answering questions about it. God forbid, Axel might actually have just reacted like that to protect Demyx. That just couldn't be. No, he had to have said it because… Because… Axel couldn't think of any other reason.

“He… Doesn't like to talk about it.” Axel murmured returning quietly to his place to deal with another order. There was a long pause, before Axel spoke again in defense that he was not worried about Demyx, “If he gets upset and starts to cry, my brother will get angry with me…”

“Right… So… Is there anything I shouldn't say then.”

“No, just don't ask him about where he came from… Got it memorized?”

By the time Axel had to pick up Demyx rolled around, Axel had been home for a while and the conversation with Luxord had been long forgotten. After stacking his books into a neat little pile and cleaning up the house a bit, he'd gotten in the car and headed down to the schoolyard. When he pulled up, the sidewalks were a bustle with students and the driveway was fairly packed with cars and busses.

Deciding that Demyx wouldn't spot the car, he parked it a little ways off and got out to retrieve him. Demyx was sitting just outside the school doors, up on top of the brick walls that lined the stairs to the entrance. Slouched over, he had both hands between his legs in a timid gesture, his head hung down low. Behind him there were a few books stacked along with some papers.

“Hey.” Axel stepped up in front of Demyx, both hands in his pockets as he voiced the greeting.

Blue eyes flashed up to him instantly. There was a fraction of time when Axel saw despair in those ocean blue eyes but it was gone before Axel could even confirm it. A wide smile lit up Demyx's face and light entered his eyes; the sorrow was gone.

Thrusting himself off of the brick, Demyx landed lightly on his feet, “Axel!” He greeted cheerfully his smile turning into a full fledged grin in his excitement, “You didn't forget to get me! I'm so happy you came.” Added the teenager, “Let's go!” He started forward but then his mind sparked and he quickly turned and snatched up his books, “Almost forgot `em! Come on!” Taking Axel's arm Demyx urged him to lead the way to the car, but Axel was far too stunned to walk; in fact, his voice was running away from him too. This was the kid he'd come to get, he knew that, but he was so friendly and happy. Demyx turned to him and tilted his head, “Hey, what's wrong with you? Come on, let's go!”

Axel shook his head and started walking. Until they'd gotten in the car, he'd remained completely silent. Then his curiosity got the better of him and he spoke, “You seem… very happy.” It was a statement but it was obvious he was asking why Demyx was so upbeat at the moment.

“Uh-huh! Rufus got me some pretty cool classes! I've got a guitar class, a choir class, English, and Dance on A days. My first day of school was pretty awesome. I love my classes, my teachers are really friendly, and it's really nice weather and everything; why wouldn't I be happy?” Demyx voiced merrily as he buckled in and the car was put in motion.

“No reason… I was just surprised. So what would you like to eat for dinner tonight?” Axel asked casually.

“I don't care; as long as you cook it I'm sure it'll be delicious.” Responded Demyx casting Axel a quick glance before looking out the window.

Axel chose not to respond to the compliment. He was hesitant on saying anything, lest he wrought forth Mr. Hyde from the good natured Dr. Jekyll. This side was a lot more pleasant than the `I hate life, slit my wrists, I hope you die' angst boy.

“I… Who….” Demyx bowed his head, now suddenly frowning. Dear god, angst boy had better not returned; Axel hadn't said anything! “I was wondering… I got some papers today… I guess I need to get them signed by someone… Who… Who would I get to sign them? I mean… It says parents or guardians.”

Axel raised a brow, “Well I guess I could sign them. I mean technically Rufus should sign them but I'm sure we wouldn't be able to get a hold of him. What're they for?”

“Nothing… Just some disclosures.” Murmured Demyx.

“Yeah, just give them to me when we get back, I'll sign them for you. They don't check the signatures anyway.”

“Thanks…”

“No problem.” Again, a pause as Axel glanced over at Demyx. Well, that was it for the happy side, he supposed.

Demyx looked over and caught Axel staring, when he realized a smile came to Demyx face again and he gave a soft happy hum before looking idly out the window, “So what's there to do around this place anyway? Got any parks or zoos or anything?” He asked fairly happily.

“I'm not really sure there's much to entertain you, but there's a park just about two blocks from the house. It's got a biking path, a playground area for kids, and a lake; whenever I go there's usually someone feeding the ducks there. If you haven't had time to check, we've got a swimming pool in the backyard. I don't ever use it, but Reno does so it gets cleaned out whenever needed.” Axel replied without much thought, “Farther off there are movie theaters and stuff, but you'd need to get someone to drive you down there- Which reminds me. If you need any clothes or something like that, tell me or Reno. We can probably get them by this weekend.”

“Cool, actually I couldn't take a lot of my clothes with me so I need to go shopping. Would you mind taking me?”

“Well, it would be easier for my brother to take you on Sunday, but if you want me to go with you…” His voice trailed off as he pulled into the driveway and put the car in park, “Why do you want me to go with you?”

“No reason.” Replied Demyx with a bright smile as he hopped out of the car and dashed over to the door. He paused before entering the house and turned back to Axel. Then he waved and slipped into the house.

Axel smiled a little at Demyx's energy, but then shook his head and solemnly entered the house. The said boy was lying on the couch, his things lying on the ground beside it. One of his arms was covering his eyes and he seemed to merely be resting; his breathing slightly heavy. It was barely of any importance so Axel let the behavior slide, “By the way, a friend will be dropping by a little later to study with me, so don't be alarmed if he randomly climbs in through a window or something. He doesn't care to ring the doorbell or knock.”

“Hey, Axel?”

“Yeah?” He paused just before the kitchen and looked over his shoulder. Demyx hadn't moved from his spot.

“Thanks for being so nice to me.”

“… Sure thing.” And Axel went back to his business in the kitchen.

It didn't take long before a soft click sounded and the front door swung open. Luxord stampeded into the house, just about as loudly as humanly possible and was in the kitchen in a flash. He was wearing a British flag shirt and some blue pants; they looked ten times better on him than their ridiculous uniform. In his left hand were his books which he dropped onto the counter.

“The kid crashing in your living room's a cutie.” Luxord informed spontaneously, “If I liked them younger I would definitely be interested.”

“Thanks for informing me of this within earshot of him, I'm sure he's pleased to know that he's pedophile material.” Axel grumbled resting his chin on his palm.

“I wasn't saying that!” Luxord objected, pulling himself up and sitting on the countertop, “I'm just saying he's cute.”

“Which is also insulting to most of the male population.”

“Stop being so sour. Anyway, let's get down to business. Page 253.” Picking up his own book he opened to the said page, “I could not make heads or tails of the theorem in the bottom half of the page.”

Axel sighed heavily, “You're hopeless.” He voiced, flipping to the same page. After quickly reading over it, he pulled out his notes on the page and began to explain the theorem in a simpler way, a way that Luxord would hopefully understand. As he explained, Demyx entered the kitchen. The guitar the he'd brought in the case the other day was slung around his chest. In that moment, Axel's attention was immediately torn from what he was currently doing, his gaze locked on the teenager. Luxord too had forgotten about the book and was staring at Demyx.

Around his neck, his headphones hung playing music. The music was loud enough for both Luxord and Axel to hear clearly. Axel recognized this band, it was Blue October, but he couldn't name the song even though he'd heard it several times. Of course, that wasn't the reason why Axel was staring at him. It was the fact that Demyx was singing to the lead vocals, and his voice was beautiful.

The singing appeared to be subconscious, as he didn't seem to be thinking much on the words and they were sung quietly. Taking a cup from the cupboard, he swiftly moved to the sink and turned on the water. His fingers beneath the stream, he let the water turn icy cold before withdrawing the hand and filling up the cup. For a moment he just stared at the liquid, singing softly to the song about the ocean, then his words faded and he drank the water and set the cup on the counter.

A smile lit up on his face again as his eyes rose to meet the two pairs watching him, “Sorry, I guess I disturbed you.”

“Ah, no! You're singing's wonderful, you don't have to apologize.” Luxord said waving his hand, dismissing Demyx's actions, “If you ever play in a club or at a concert, give me a ring, I'll definitely attend.”

Demyx cast them a small smile before quickly escaping their eyes and rushing back into the front room.

A moment of silence passed before Luxord grinned down at Axel like a Cheshire cat, “Oh, he's good. The voice of an angel and a face to match, aren't you interested? Even a little?” Asked Luxord in a hushed voice from his perch on the counter.

“He's a minor.” Was all Axel needed to say on the matter, but for good measure he added, “Besides, he'd got the personality of the devil in disguise.”

“So you say…”

 

 

Luxord is so much fun. I love him! Anyway, reviews are appreciated and blah blah blah. Reno and Rude will pop in and out of the story from time to time, so if you love them, be patient.

I'm thinking Roxas will make his first appearance in the fic next chapter.