Kingdom Hearts Fan Fiction ❯ Out of My Element ❯ Within the Heart ( Chapter 4 )

Chapter 4: Within the Heart

 

In the front room the sound of music played quietly in the background noise of the house. Demyx strummed his guitar, plucking a melodious and upbeat tune to play as he sang softly to his own beat. It had become routine over the past few days. Whenever Axel disappeared into the kitchen, the young musician would creep down from his room and start to play. Otherwise, Demyx was up in his room doing whatever it was he did up there, homework, moping, whatever. Occasionally Axel would spot him working dutifully on his homework, still singing to himself quietly.

Over the past couple of days, Axel had made it a priority to speak to Demyx as little as possible. The strategy was utilized to work around Demyx's strange mood swings; so far it had worked. When they got together for a meal or to head out for the day, they would talk but of little things. The conversations were never too deep or intimate, just enough to muffle the uncomfortable silences between them. Not since that first day and a half had Axel treaded onto that tender territory of Demyx's past that got him so upset. Beyond the particular moodiness, they got along just fine. Reno got along well with him too, his older brother seemed to pull out a very happy and playful side of Demyx; Axel always could tell when Reno was home from Demyx's behavior.

Once again, Axel was reading through his books and tediously completing his homework. It didn't take long for that time to be interrupted though. A ring came to the door, a certain welcoming combination of the doorbell told Axel that the guest was a friend. As he got up to get the door, he heard the said door swing open and a startled cry from the front room.

“Woah- New kid!” Yelped a startled boy from the room before the owner stumbled in and ran face first into Axel. The collision knocked the perpetrator off balance but Axel was barely moved by the action. Bright blue eyes turned up to meet his own green ones, “Hey! Axel! I hadn't seen you in a while so I thought I'd drop by- Hey, you know you've got a strange kid sitting on your couch right?”

“Yeah, I know. Just ignore it.” Axel told the teenage blonde boy that had traipsed into the house, “Next time, wait for me to get the door for you. Okay, Roxas?”

“Eh.” Roxas shrugged, “Figured that we were close enough friends that if the door was unlocked that I could let myself in. So, is he your friend too? That's a little strange.” Roxas commented looking over his shoulder at Demyx. The said boy had stopped playing his guitar and had set it on the floor while he gazed back at the two.

“No, he's not a friend. Actually, he's living here.” Axel informed leaning on the frame of the entry way to the kitchen, “Reno brought him home Monday.”

“You mean he's been here five days and you didn't tell me?! Some friend you are!” Roxas scolded playfully, “He's in a couple of my classes, actually.” Roxas snagged Axel's collar yanking his face down to level with him, “He's a little strange. When he's at school he acts like a complete loner. I tried talking to him but he gave me the cold shoulder and left the room- Right in the middle of class no less!!! He didn't get in trouble though…”

“What is it with my friends and speaking about him when he can obviously hear us?” Inquired Axel quirking a brow before stealing the collar of his shirt back and straightening up again, “Besides, he just got here. Luxord said it's probably just going to take him time to adjust, so leave him be while he's obtaining a form of homeostasis, all right?” As he spoke those words Demyx snatched up his guitar and stood. Roxas didn't take any notice of this until Demyx addressed him.

“I'd like to play a few verses of a song for you, Roxas.” He said, surprising Axel with how much malice he heard in the teenager's words. Entering the kitchen, Demyx hopped up onto the counter and adjusted the strings on his guitar as he did he added, “The song's called Welcome to My Life by Simple Plan.

“Do you ever feel like breakin' down?

Do you ever feel out of place?

Like somehow you just don't belong,

And no one understands you?

 

Do you ever want to run away?

Do you lock yourself in your room,

With the radio on turned up so loud

That no one hears you screamin'?

 

No you don't know what its like,

When nothin' feels all right.

You don't what it's like to be like me.

 

To be hurt, to feel lost, to be left out in the dark.

To be kicked when you're down, to feel like you're bein' pushed around

To be on the edge of breakin' down, and no one there to save you.

No you don't know what its like-

Welcome to my life.”

Demyx placed a hand on the strings to silence the sound of the guitar. For a moment he was silent, and so was everyone else. Axel had been stunned into the silence, his mouth slightly agape. He was like this for two reasons: one, Demyx had been so very pleasant and happy today, and, two, his voice was absolutely stunning. More magnificent than before because then he had been singing softly, this time he had sung with force and spirit and his voice had been crystal clear and strong.

Sliding off the counter and back on his feet, Demyx looked at the clock, “Ah man! Look at the time!” He yelped in surprise before smiling at the two, beaming with joy, “I better get to work on my homework, huh? We're going to be out shopping tomorrow so I don't want to limit our time together by being lazy tonight! That means you better get your homework done too, I'm not going easy on you tomorrow just `cause a college student!” Demyx told him excitedly. Then he slipped into the front room again, doing something of a dance as he did. Setting the guitar down, he leapt over the couch and scooped up a book or two before dashing up the stairs. There was hesitation at the top before Demyx turned and leaned over the railing to look down at them, “Call me when dinner's ready all right?”

“Sure…” Was about all the Axel could get out, then Demyx was gone again. That had to be one of the strangest things Demyx had done yet.

“I feel sorry for you.” Roxas finally voiced after a very long pause grabbing Axel's attention. Letting out a hum of confusion Axel raised a brow at him, “That kid's got major issues.” Roxas confirmed, nodding as he entered the kitchen and sat on one of the chairs, “Say, why's he living here with you guys?”

Inside, Axel groaned. How many times would he have to explain this to someone, “Long story short, he's supposed to be with Reno's boss, but the house needs renovations.”

“Ah.” Roxas voiced in recognition.

“So… He hasn't made any friends yet?” Asked Axel as he sat down next to Roxas.

“Nope. Barely talks at all to anyone, at least in my classes. We have English, history, and math together. He really seems to like our English teacher, though. They talk all the time; if it keeps up he'll be the new teacher's pet.”

“What do they talk about?”

“Rhymes and poems and stuff. Never really about books or what's going on in class or anything. Sometimes they talk about home life; I had no idea that he was living here though. They both seem to really enjoy each other's company.”

“What about lunch, you ever see him around then?”

“Oh yeah, he sits in the classroom all alone during lunch, at least on the days I see him. The teachers normally leave him be because after he finishes eating, he starts working on something. I've never checked to see what.” Roxas shrugged disinterestedly, “Why do you ask? You like him or something?”

“Not particularly. He's just my responsibility, I can't have him killing over before he goes back home, got it memorized? Anyway, sorry for bringing him up. You came to see me, not talk about Demyx-“

“No, no. It's all right. I don't mind. Actually I think it might be good to talk about him. I'm a little interested in him and you obviously are having some problems with him. I think you could use a good rant.” Roxas leaned closer, expressing his interest and concern in his body language, “So what's been going on while I've been away for the week?” Axel didn't respond right away. His mind was away pondering on the entire situation. Deciding it might be nice to talk to Roxas about it, he stood and waved his hand for him to follow.

In the backyard Axel took a seat in one of the large trees and Roxas settled himself down at the base of the tree. The fresh air was warm and minimally humid, a little hotter and brighter and it would have been a perfect day for Axel to be out. This was more of Roxas' weather, just the mild, warm, sunny day.

“So Roxas, do you really think he's so strange? The past week, Luxord's been insisting that I'm mental. He says that it's just the way teenagers are, all moody and everything. You're a teenager still and you hang around them a lot. You should know right?”

“I suppose I should, but none of my friends act like that. Besides, you know me. I've never been like that before either. I like to think that past all the drama at school we're all pretty well rounded.” Roxas gave a shrug tipping his head back to look up at the sky, “It's not unheard of though. There are a few kids at school who kind of act like him- Well I'll take that back. They act like he acts at school. To compare with the Demyx who I just say happily run up the stairs, I only know of one kid who acts like that, but he's like that non-stop. Not like that strange 180 mood swing I just witnessed… Did something bad happen to him?”

Axel gave a shrug, lying down like a cat on his stomach as he thought, “Reno didn't mention anything, and obviously Demyx hasn't said anything about it. He's really touchy about his history and where he came from. I don't really talk to him much anyway.”

“I can see why.” Roxas gave a nod of agreement, not that Axel was looking at him to catch it. Actually, Axel had spotted something far more interesting in the window of his house, particularly Demyx's window. The faint silhouette of the teenager within was swiftly working back and forth, maybe pacing maybe dancing. Axel couldn't tell, but the motion had caught his attention none the less and he found that he wanted to know what Demyx did up in his room all the time. After all, all the normal things he'd expect Demyx to do he did in the living room. What did he really do up there?

“Axel… Axel… Hey, are you listening?” Axel looked back down at Roxas who called to him impatiently.

“Oh, sorry. I was distracted, what did you say?”

“I said maybe you should do some bonding. You know? A little one-on-one since he's living there with you. Since he'll be here throughout the renovations, you'll have to be around him a lot longer it sounds like. Might as well try to make the experience as painless as possible right?” Suggested the blonde.

“Yeah… Maybe. But what would I do with him? I don't know how to act around people younger than me, if he was older and not so touchy about his past I could ask about his experiences. He's just too close-minded; I don't even want to try prying anything out of him.” A laugh sounded from his friend on the ground.

“You're just always awkward like that Axel. How is it possible you haven't dealt with your personal issues yet?”

Leaning down heavily off the tree branch, Axel made a face at Roxas, “I've filled my life full of toils and arbitrary tasks to avoid such a confrontation. What about you? When I was your age, I was fighting girls off with a stick!”

“More like weasel your way around back to avoid them.” Chuckled Roxas.

“Hey!” With an accusing finger he pointed down at Roxas, “At least I had offers! There must be some major problems with you; I haven't heard a word of relationship issues from you.”

“Maybe, I don't have relationship issues. Have you ever thought that maybe I have more important things to do than to think about girls?”

“That's doubtful.” Breathed Axel under his breath, bringing his arm back up to rest under his chin.

“Hey! I have my Struggle matches and stuff to prepare for. My life is quite fulfilling and uncomplicated. I go to school, talk with my friends, play games, mock fight- Who needs close relationships? All they do is cause problems.” Roxas stated confidently, folding his arms in finality.

“Those are some pretty famous last words, Rox. One day, you're going to meet a nice looking girl and fall head over heels for her. Just you wait and see… Or a boy. Whatever floats your boat.” Giving a shrug, Axel's eyes once again wandered back to the window. Now the silhouette had settled, and Demyx was sitting, presumably on his bed, and gazing right back out the window. The lighting wouldn't allow Axel to see where Demyx was looking, but the fact he could see Axel made the redhead look away quickly.

“Girl all the way- Let's get back on subject here. So you want to know what you should do with him. Well, for one thing. The whole shopping thing he's looking forward to sounds like a disaster waiting to happen. There's nothing bad with shopping, but it's a little strange for two guys to go together. What are you going for?”

“Clothes… Said he had to leave most of his clothes behind in the move so he needs some. I could use some new pants too, so I guess I'll pick up some stuff along the way… Maybe some boots too.” A sigh slipped past his lips and his eyes drifted shut, “And some groceries… Damn I've got a lot to pick up tomorrow.”

“That's a little sad. A Saturday and you're spending it running errands, not to mention shopping for clothes with him is a little… Well you know.”

“Yeah, but it can't be helped. It's like I just got a little brother, but he's already past the cute stages where if I took him shopping people would think I'm responsible.” Opening his eyes, he glanced down at Roxas, “But it's not like I've never thought of swingin' that way. Love is love, right?”

“That's some hippie bull right there, Axel. Where'd you pick that up from? You didn't get it from Luxord did you? Oh no…” A mischievous and lighthearted smile played on Roxas' lips. “He didn't give you… `the gay' did he?” Roxas voiced, emphasizing the word `gay' as he did.

There was a delayed reaction from Axel, a pause before he burst into laughter. Every aspect of that sentence had been absurd. Roxas knew it too, and as soon as Axel started laughing, so did Roxas. They weren't laughing at what had been said, but the fact that some people believed such things like being gay to be some sort of disease. People could be so ridiculously ignorant and stubborn and it was literally laughable.

“No, no… He didn't give me the gay… Ah, but I'll admit it… The idea did come Luxord.” Axel confirmed after he'd had his good laugh, “We were talking about his crush on our Professor again and he said something along the lines `love can transcend all barriers'. He must have the strangest taste in men this universe has known, and if he can hook a guy like that- Hot damn, love's got to be a pretty amazing thing.”

“Oh, that's right. You've never really been in love either… Guess we're both just newcomers to that game then, huh?”

“Yeah, but I'll find someone eventually. I won't let myself die alone, got it memorized?”

“Yeah, and who knows: maybe the person you're meant for is already here, waiting for you to discover him or her.” Roxas stated wistfully raising his arms and placing them behind his head. Axel hummed in agreement, turning his head to gaze at the window again. It was a nice thought. The way things were right now was fine, but love was something new and exciting... Something he wanted to experience and to have for himself.

Slowly, the glass was drawn open and the boy residing within leaned out on the windowsill. Axel almost drew his gaze away, but then his eyes were captured by Demyx's and they sat motionless, staring at each other. A smile lit up on Demyx's face and he raised a shy arm and waved at him. In return, Axel rewarded him with his own small smile, raising a hand in lazy wave.

“Maybe it's destiny…” Whatever Roxas had said before that, Axel's ears didn't hear, but those three words were exactly the ones that his mind wanted to hear. The moment gained meaning and he crossed his arms in front of him and nestled his face down against them. As he did so, his eyes fluttered shut.

Then in a sort of quiet and thoughtful voice, deeply lost in the prospect of love he spoke, “Yeah, destiny…”

 

 

Okay so seriously, I could not help but put the line `the gay' in there. My sister had a male friend who was watching X and there was a scene when two of the male main characters got awfully close to each other. His response, “Are they… The gay?” The way the line is said is just hilarious!

Axel and Roxas are such dandy friends, despite the fact they always make fun of Luxord behind his back… But honestly, Luxord should expect it because of the whole professor thing, which we'll get back to later.

Oh and the schedule below is for my use but if you want to know, there it is. It's slightly important but no one but me needs to know exactly what class is when.

 

Demyx's Class Schedule:

A Days-

1st Guiatar

2nd Choir

3rd English

4th Dance

B Days-

5th History

6th Driver's Ed

7th Math

8th Science