Kingdom Hearts Fan Fiction ❯ Out of My Element ❯ Between You And Me ( Chapter 13 )

(Probably the least eventful chapter ever known to mankind, but it is done and 11 pages long not including the lyrics. Also, I've noticed I suck at chapter titles, I may have to fix those.)

 

Chapter 13: Between Me and You

 

It was around noon by the time Luxord finally staggered in. Up until then, Axel had been working double time to cover both his and Luxord's stations and, by the looks of his friend, he'd be doing it for another hour or two. Luxord was a sickly shade and disheveled; he probably was experiencing the hangover from hell. Ha! That wasn't about to stop Axel from tormenting the gambler.

A wry smile crept onto Axel's face as he tossed the food sautéing in his pan with the flick of his wrist. The contents made a nice sizzling sound and the pan gave a shriek of retaliation when Axel shifted it back onto the burner. Behind him, Luxord let out an agonized moan and, from the sounds of it, curled up best he could on top of his station stool. Then, he grumbled something along the lines of `do you have to be so loud?' before letting out a disgruntled moan. Axel's smile grew.

“So… Hit the clubs hard, did you?” Axel inquired a little louder than he needed to, inside giggling with glee when Luxord voiced his disapproval in a rather high-pitched whimper.

“Keep it down.” Luxord plead in agony; of course, he deserved it. Axel had stayed up late waiting for his call and he'd had a hell of a time getting out of bed this morning. “Isn't it obvious, friend, that I drank a little too much last night? Mercy, it feels like my skull is gonna split any second… Ugh… My stomach's got the same idea. I must have drank some hard shit, and a lot of it.” Too true. Luxord had an exceptionally high tolerance for alcohol; he could down two entire bottles of whiskey and still be able to think, walk, talk, and act straight. Well maybe not act straight, Luxord was always a little loopy especially when he was having a good time.

“Must have… By the way, I waited up pretty late for you. What happened, buddy?” Asked Axel. Oh, yes, he knew Luxord wouldn't remember that he'd called and Axel was going to milk this opportunity for all it was worth. Exacting revenge was sweet.

Luxord let out a pitiful sound of anxiety, the sound some people make when they suck at lying and feel so trapped they might faint just to get away. Revenge was oh so sweet. “What was that? If you answered you're going to have to do it louder than that.”

“For the sake of all things sacred, keep your voice down!” Luxord snapped, but, from his accompanying whimper, he'd regretted having raised his own voice. There was a moment's silence as he recoiled before he continued in a quiet mumble, “I was… Picked up by a friend so I stayed over at his place.”

“Oh, is that so? Wasn't that nice of him.” Quickly finishing up the final dish of the rush Axel called out the order and returned to continue torturing his ailing companion. Leaning on the counter, careful not to stand too close to the hot stovetop Axel smiled pleasantly and looked to the gambler, “So you met him while you were out? Was he looking for a good time too?” He inquired, trying to not to smile too much.

“Why would you say that?! Maybe I called him, huh, what about that?” Luxord defended hastily, his voice higher in pitch due to nervousness. If Axel hadn't known already, he'd have definitely been clued in by that tone.

“Well, I just assumed since you couldn't call me and I was on speed dial that you wouldn't be able to get a hold of any one else either.” Axel stated, feigning innocence but only for a moment. When Luxord seemed to consider Axel's statement, Axel went in for the kill, “So, did you two screw like a pair of little bunnies?”

There was a long pause and Luxord's face went oddly flat and calm, “I didn't think to ask…”

This time it was Axel's turn to be shaken up, “Wha?” What the hell did that mean? Where was the shocked and terrified reaction Axel had been hoping for? Why wasn't Luxord in a cold sweat- Wait, there it was.

Suddenly, what little color Luxord had in his skin drained away and he went slack-jawed. His voice seemed to be caught in his throat for he was moving his lips but only quiet utterances escaped his mouth. The sight of a petrified Luxord was oddly satisfying and Axel only turned to better bask in the glory of the situation.

Behind, there was a soft pitter patter of feet before a quiet thump. From the pattern, Axel immediately knew who it was beside him, the voice only reassured his presumption, “What's up with Luxord, you didn't put something in his food again did you? Because last time man, that was really gross; I wrenched just hearing about it.”

“No, no, Roxas.” Hummed Axel pleasantly, not even turning to the sixteen year old as he spoke, “We were just discussing some midnight escapades. Luxord slept with our teacher last night after picking him up at a club, just so ya know?” The said let out a strangled gasp and doubled over, looking very much like he was going to puke. This time Axel couldn't help but snort and give a little chortle.

“Wha- How- but? What?” Luxord managed to spit out.

With a shake of his head, Axel reached into his pocket and shook his phone at Luxord, “You called me, moron. What? Did you think I could read minds?” With his last question he placed the phone tip to his temple and waggled the fingers of his free hands in a cheesy magician impression.

“No way! Luxord slept with the teacher?! Couldn't he be arrested for that?!” Roxas exclaimed leaping over the counter and through the window to stand as Axel side. He let out a soft yelp; he'd touched the hot stove but Axel didn't worry, the kid would be fine.

“Not arrested.” Axel corrected tossing Roxas a wet rag, “But our Professor could be fired.”

“Damn.” Muttered Roxas absently placing the rag on his hand before coming back into the conversation, “That totally sucks. So much for your `love transcends all barriers',” Huffed Roxas, “More like `busts down the walls and makes hell for everyone'.” Well that wasn't true, assuming it wasn't a forbidden love things would be all right. However, in Luxord's case it was fairly accurate.

“Roxas, try being a little more gentle.” Axel voiced carefully, “Luxord's had a rough morning… You know with the waking up beside his lover, not remembering how he got there, and his poor little head pounding.” A little condescension may have entered his voice but it was a futile effort to cover it up.

SCREECH-BAM-CLATTER

“I'VE GOTTA CALL HIM!!!!” Luxord was already out the door by the time his voice echoed back through the kitchen. The sound of the stool scraping against the ground reverberated in the background, rolling against the hard floor after being knocked down.

“Damn it! You better get back soon, I've got the rest of the day off!” Axel called back; it wasn't likely Luxord had heard him though. Sighing, Axel leaned back and rested his elbows on the counter. “Well, then…” His eyes came to the stool, watching it as it slowly came to a stop.

“Think he's coming back?” Asked Roxas.

Looking back to the kitchen door Axel frowned, thought, and then looked back over at Roxas silently and contemplatively. Then, “No.” Axel's gaze returned to the back door, “He's not coming back… Least not for a while.”

“Huh… Well now what're supposed to do? You can't leave work without someone to cover you right?” Inquired Roxas folding his arms as he pondered a solution.

“Right… We'll just have to stay put until third shift comes in. They should be in,” Axel paused looking around for a clock. Finding it on the west wall, he continued, “in just about twenty minutes… We'll have to stop by the house before we go anywhere though.” Axel pushed off the counter and headed to the back to snag a drink. However, just a few steps in that direction and he was stopped by Roxas' reply.

“Why? Demyx isn't even there, unless Reno's got a new rule to keep you on ball and chain.”

“What?” Turning on a dime, Axel gave Roxas his full attention. He must have had a strange and somewhat angry expression on his face because Roxas flinched and looked around nervously.

“Um… Never mind?”

“No, no, no. What did you say about Demyx just now?” Axel clarified shaking his head a little to remove whatever expression he was wearing as he quickly returned to Roxas' side.

“Oh, uh, Demyx is out with his friends today, I guess.” When Axel didn't respond, Roxas assumed correctly that he was to continue, “I saw them on the way in. Demyx was sitting with a couple of kids from school at one of the tables. They were eating so I assumed that they'd already been out for a while and you'd dropped him off on your way to work… You didn't?”

“No…” Axel hummed in puzzlement, “I'll be back.”

Leaning back in his chair, Demyx stifled a yawn and closed his eyes. The conversation around him continued without interruption. From the looks of it, Demyx wasn't really interested in what they were talking about. Axel could identify two of the people in the group.

Demyx sat at the far end of the table, facing neither the front or back of the restaurant. Beside him, facing the front of the building so Axel could only see her profile from time to time, was Namine. To his left, across from Namine, was a boy he didn't know with blonde hair and blue eyes. Next to the unknown teenager was Zell; Axel knew this because the blonde had a large black tattoo on the side of his face. Then, finally, next to Namine was a strange boy with long faded green blonde hair.

To any passersby the group probably looked like a no-good bunch of punks. They all wore the clothes to match the profile… It didn't help that Demyx had his feet up on the table, his guitar resting against the table, and the green haired kid was crouching on his chair hunched over like some kind of animal.

“Yup, we used to live just down the street of each other. When I heard about what happened, I finally let up on my parents and came on over too.” Said the blonde with no name. He laughed, smiling brightly as if it were really that amusing of a story, “He's really quick on his feet. I thought he'd still be moping around but look at this! Got a girlfriend and thrown together a band. This is great!”

“Yeah, it's a pretty good deal our way too. We were short a guy,” Zell piped up, “And since you two have worked together before it's a smooth transaction.” He swiped his hand out to express the clean-cut works of the situation, “With the house nearly all to ourselves, we don't have a thing to worry about. We'll definitely be able to shape up for Friday night.”

“That's really nice and all, but isn't Demyx already failing class as it is? I don't know if he can afford skipping out on homework for an entire week.” Namine cut in with genuine concern, “And he's got the dance to practice for too.”

“Which reminds me-“ The blonde boy picked up a book that had been lying abandoned on the table. Lifting it high he gave Demyx a quick smack upside the head. The musician let out a yelp and quickly recoiled, bringing his legs to his chest and his arms over his head.

“What was that for?!” Demyx snapped unhappily with a pout on his face. At this Axel smiled, it was cute.

“You're supposed to be finishing up your homework, Dem-Dem.”

“But I don't wanna!” Cried Demyx dejectedly nearly throwing himself on the tabletop. Hands still on his head, Demyx rested his chin on the table and gave them the most pitiful look the boy could muster, “Be merciful, Tidus. I really tried to get it done last night, doesn't that count for anything?”

The blonde, apparently named Tidus, shrugged and tapped the book against the table, “Not really. I mean, if all I did was try to perfect Blitz Ball, then I wouldn't have gotten anywhere. So don't try, do.” Opening the book, Demyx's companion shoved it in his face, “Get it done, we've gotta get back to practicing soon.”

“Man, you should just write down something.” Commented Zell before taking a large bite out of his sandwich and pausing his commentary for a brief moment, “If something's written down, at least you have something to turn it.”

“Don't tell him things like that!” Scolded Namine before taking the book from Tidus to peek at the material, “This isn't too bad.”

“Says you.” Grumbled Demyx sitting up straight again. Picking up his guitar he ran his fingers over the strings, “I just don't get it and that's that.”

“Well not with that attitude.” Grumped Tidus.

Axel's attention was suddenly drawn away from the conversation. There was warmth beside him which he finally recognized as a human body. Looking over he found it to be Roxas, who was just as silently eavesdropping on the group. Though, he seemed to be watching Namine in particular.

Raising a brow, Axel cocked his head while withdrawing a bit to stand securely behind the wall; they were hiding just within the kitchen entry, “Got eyes for little Namine, huh?”

“WHAT?!?! I-mph!”

Axel clasped a hand over Roxas' mouth. He'd nearly screamed at the top of his lungs, was he trying to get them caught?! Scowling a bit, Axel slouched down a bit, “Keep it down you idiot; they aren't deaf in case you'd forgotten.” He hissed between his teeth. Wide-eyed, Roxas just nodded.

Huffing a little, Axel released him and peeked around the corner again. Almost immediately, he regretted it. A pair of cat-like eyes caught hold of him. The long haired one among the group stared at him, eyes wide and frown on his lips. Mechanically, his head slowly turned further to look over his shoulder and watch Axel. His hand came around briefly to feed a piece of fish to his lips, which he gobbled down quickly before licking his fingers and claw-like nails clean.

A grin crept onto the boy's face to reveal a mouth full of pearly whites, set included with fangs. Bringing his feet around, he turned completely to watch Axel and, now, Roxas. His toes curled around the tips of his flip-flops, they looked clawed as well. His animal print shirt rode up on his knees a little, revealing the bottom of a bony ribcage. The pants he wore knotted a bit, the hem of the shorts having gotten caught on the chair as he'd turned. He looked like a `wild child' or one of those really strange drum players for an extreme band. Bone and teeth jewelry hung around his neck, wrists, ankles, and ears.

With a tilt of his head, he slung his arms over the back of the chair. Only when he reached back again and grabbed at his food with bare hands and commenced eating were his actions noticed.

“Hey, man!” Zell exclaimed, “This isn't a pig pen, eat with a fork ya monkey!” Ordered Zell, though he himself was eating his own food with just as much indecency. In response, this Gau practically inhaled the rest of the food in his hands, turned, and plopped his butt into the chair. He sat like that for a while, licking his hands clean and whipping his face with an arm. Eventually, however, he turned back, slinging one arm over the chair to once again stare at the eavesdroppers.

“Gau?” Namine turned to look at the boy, probably concerned with why he was no longer paying any attention to the conversation.

“Uwah?” Barely interested, Gau shifted his eyes to her.

“What are you looking at?” She asked, smiling pleasantly. Axel instantly disappeared around the corner, back flat against the wall, “Hm? There's no one there now.” She spoke, obviously in reply to a whisper or gesture from Gau. Then the conversation commenced, well for a moment.

The uncharacteristic hum of a guitar sounded in the restaurant and Axel peeked around the corner to find that Demyx had his eyes already set on him. The beach boy gave him a smile, already rocking a little to the beat of the song. Looking down shyly, Demyx's mouth opened and illuminated the words,

 

“I've been awake for a while now,

You got me feelin' like a child now.” Demyx glanced up at Axel out of the corner of his eyes and smiled a little more sweetly.

“`Cause every time I see your bubbly face,

I get the tingles in a silly place.” Looking away Demyx closed his eyes, looking almost as if he might laugh but he continued quite fluently and tipped his head back a little as he sung.

“Starts in my toes

And I crinkle my nose,

Wherever it goes

I always know.

That you make smile,” Demyx's eyes returned to Axel and this time it was Axel's turn to shy away and offer a meek smile.

“Please stay for a while now.

Just take your time

Wherever you go.”

Demyx closed his eyes again and lifted his head high, perhaps remembering something as he sang the next verse and as soon as Axel heard the first line, he was thinking of a particular time too.

“The rain is fallin' on my window pane

But we are hidin' in a safer place,

Under covers stayin' safe and warm,

You give me feelings that I adore.

Start in my toes

Make me crinkle my nose,

Wherever it goes

I always know

That you make smile

Please stay for a while now.

Just take your time

Wherever you go.” The rhythm of the guitar slowed and Demyx dipped his head down again and looked back over at Axel.

“What am I gonna say?

When you make me feel this way?”

 

“Oh… my… god… it is contagious.” Came Roxas' voice from his side and Axel furrowed his brows in confusion. Looking away from Demyx, he gazed down in inquiry at Roxas. What in the world was Roxas talking about now? It? What is it? And why is it suddenly contagious?

“What?” Axel finally managed to voice his internal bedlam after a moment or two of staring blankly at his friend.

“The gay.” Oh… that, “Luxord moved in with you guys and it got him too!”

With a laugh Axel waved a hand, “What? No way! How did you come up with that conclusion Roxas?”

“He was singing a girl song. Think about.” Roxas mimicked Axel's habit of placing a finger to his forehead, purposely making fun of him since the situation, “Guys do not sing girl songs! That is not normal behavior!”

“Oh come on!” Giving an over exaggerated shrug Axel tipped his head up in superiority, “I'm sure plenty of normal guys sing girl songs.”

“Name one person.” A smug smile took its place on Roxas' lips and he folded his arms in confidence. Roxas knew very well that Axel barely knew anyone, let alone anyone who was actually straight. There was Roxas and his friends, but Axel didn't know Roxas' friends that well. Demyx and Luxord had both come right out with it to him. Then there was Reno and Rude, but that wouldn't help his case either. It really was official, Axel would never be able to name one person and defend his choice.

“Sometimes I hate you.” Muttered Axel unhappily.

“It's `cause I'm right isn't it?”

“No.” Axel refused to give in, even if he had already lost, “You win because of insufficient evidence and that's all. If I knew more straight people I'd have won.”

“Yeah right, you're just trying to defend your masculinity by pinning girly things on straight guys.” Retorted Roxas, not that he really meant much of what he said. They both knew that it was just one of those games that they played… However, everyone else didn't.

A strange feeling came over him and Axel raised his hand to his head. Placing his fingers to his forehead, he drew his brows together in agitation. Shit, “Roxas… Tell me. Do you derive some sick pleasure out of making me a public spectacle by revealing information that I'd rather was kept in dark?”

“Not really, why?” Of course Roxas would be oblivious, but Axel couldn't help but think the world did this kind of thing to him on purpose.

Using his free hand, he pointed a thumb in the general direction of the tables, “Oops.” Yeah, `oops' was right Roxas.

Already shuddering inside, Axel dared a glance in Demyx's direction. He was glad he did, immediately the guilt and embarrassment over the situation dissipated. Demyx sat smiling, arms strung over his guitar. For a moment he didn't say anything but then he raised his hand and gestured for Axel to come over. Axel obeyed, closely followed by Roxas.

“Guys, this is Axel, he's the guy I'm living with right now. His brother works for my uncle.” Demyx explained getting to his feet as he introduced them, “And most of you already know Roxas from school.” They nodded before Tidus stood up.

“Hey, I'm Tidus!” He greeted reaching over the table to shake Axel's hand, “I used to live at the coast with Demyx. I know he can be tough kid to deal with, glad to see you're doing all right with him.”

“Oh? He hasn't made any trouble for us… Least not yet.” Axel responded before Tidus sat back down, however, it seemed he wasn't done talking.

“I'll be playing the guitar this Friday and assist as a back-up singer for the performance. I couldn't miss out on a chance like this with an old buddy of mine.” Tidus informed him. He seemed pleasant enough, wasn't dressed too punk either. He had on a black shirt and short accompanied by a strange hoodie that looked like it was made from a yellow and blue one; the sleeves were cut off too.

Zell stood up next, but shifted to go around the table to great Axel, “Hey, I'm Zell.” He greeted, taking instead Axel's wrist in sort of a ghetto handshake. Not quite as clean looking as Tidus, Zell had torn jeans with black lettering scribbled all over them and a black leather jacket with some blue and red designs plastered on it. He also wore a set of fingerless gloves, “I'll be playing electric guitar too for the festival. It's gonna be a lot fun, I hope they've got a hotdog stand though.” He added on the way back to his seat, “I love hotdogs.”

“Uh huh… Um and that guy there, that's Gau. He's our drummer.” That much Axel had figured out. The kid was creepy. In response to being mentioned he let out a disgruntled grumble and bit at a roll on his plate. His long hair fell around his shoulder a matted and frizzy lion's mane, “He doesn't talk much, but he's really pretty fun to hang out with once he gets to know you.” Explained Demyx, “And you've already met,” Axel's attention was captured by Demyx's pause. He was looking at Namine who was now standing politely, “My girlfriend.”

Girlfriend? Axel looked Namine up and down, not actually sure why he felt uneasy. After all, Demyx had already confessed that he didn't like girls. Maybe it was the fact he was hiding behind her and their fake relationship. It made Axel uncomfortable to know that it was a lie or it may have been the fact that Axel was jealous. Even if the relationship wasn't real, she at least got to play the part. She could hold his hand, put her arm around his, hold him, even kiss him… No one would even take a second glance.

“Axel?” Demyx's voice snapped him out of his thoughts.

“Oh! Yeah, we met over the weekend when you dropped by for a visit.” Confirmed Axel bowing a little, a habit he'd picked up because he was so much taller than girls, “Nice to see you again.”

Namine smiled, “Nice to see you too.” She voiced happily before leaning over a bit to look around Axel.

Stepping aside, Axel looked back to Roxas, “Oh, you're the only one who hasn't met Roxas personally.” Demyx stepped in, “Namine, this is Roxas. Roxas, Namine.”

“Hello.” Namine clasped her hands behind her back and bowed her head shyly.

Roxas was a deer caught in the headlights of a car. Actually, it looked like he might faint any second. If he didn't start breathing here in a moment, he was going to be on the floor anyway.

Bringing an arm around, Axel placed a hand on Roxas' back and pushed him forward, “Well now, say hello to the girl.” He commanded trying to bite back the smile creeping onto his face. Hey, he was allowed to have a little fun with his best friend for the incident just minutes ago.

“Ah! Uh, er, ah… H-hi.” Roxas tried to step away, but Axel held him firmly in place. Wasn't this cute? Little Roxas has a crush on Namine, the girl Demyx is supposed to be dating. This could be interesting, and eventually fulfilling. After all, if Roxas steals the girl away, there's nothing Demyx could do about it and the world would be set back on the correct course. That would result in-

Axel slapped himself mentally. Those were terrible things to think! With all the deceit, secrecy, and hidden motives it would make it seem like Axel was a bad guy. That wouldn't do. He was just being overrun with jealousy, a terrible emotion; he'd never think to cause such trouble otherwise.

“I just have to deal with it.”

“What?” Demyx was sitting back down, Namine too, and they were watching him in mild interest. He must have been thinking in silence too long.

“Nothing. I think I'll head back home…” He replied looking around, “Where is that oaf?” He muttered under his breath, shouldn't Luxord have been back by now?

“You can't.” Demyx immediately responded.

“Why not?”

“Reno said he'd need the house to himself until at least two o'clock.” Demyx hinted. Of course, Reno would want to be alone for at least part of the day he had off. Axel couldn't blame him, Reno and Rude had to keep a little more on the `low-down' with Demyx around. Sure, Axel could run into them and be mortified for a week, but they didn't want to risk it so much with Demyx; he was minor after all.

“Right, guess it's you and me, buddy.” Not that Roxas was listening to hear that Axel was including him in today's little adventure to the outside world.

“Hey, Axel.” Demyx beckoned before Axel could even turn to go.

“Yeah?”

“I'll be home late today.” At least he had the nerve to inform him.

“… How late is late?” He hoped his voice didn't give it away that he was hurt and wanted to see Demyx as soon as they could return home.

Demyx hesitated, then stated softly, “About seven.” God that was painful.

“Dinner will be waiting for you.” Axel thought a moment, “If I'm lucky I'll have my schoolwork done by then too.” Was that too obvious? Axel looked to Roxas to see if the response had caused a stir then to the others, no one seemed to care.

“Cool. I'll see you then.”

“Yeah, later punk.” Giving a curt wave, Axel turned and started for the back to retrieve his keys. When Roxas didn't follow Axel let out an aggravated sigh, “Come on Roxas!”

“Oh! Coming!” And his friend dashed to his side.

“Hey! Boss, I'm takin' off for the day!” He called out. By the time she yelled back, Axel had retrieved his keys and was out the door.

A light smile touched his lips; it was something he'd never really done before. Listening, actually just listening… It was strangely comforting, something that he'd never felt from the simple act before. Maybe it was the nostalgic aura of remembrance, thinking back to the night of the storm, of their first serious fight… It was a first for a lot of things, like the deep rooted feelings harbored in his heart for his mother. Axel didn't linger on that though; more important were the feelings when Demyx slid into the bed beside. Though, admittedly Demyx hadn't seemed too fond of the idea, but maybe that was just an act… Being with Namine was an act; it would be easy to express discomfort in a situation where you didn't want to be found out.

“Axel, you done yet?” Grumbled Roxas. Well, Axel had listened to the song at least three times already.

Taking off the headphones, Axel hung them back on the rack and picked up the CD again, “Yeah, I'm done- Wait.” A section just across the floor caught his eye. Pretty much ignoring Roxas' groan of misery, Axel made his way to the CD display. There was a picture of a forest above it and some words stating `Natural Records'. It may have been changed to sound more appealing, but they were just sound recordings of nature.

His eyes danced over the covers, settling on one in particular. The ocean…

When he reached out to touch it, the sensation was oddly foreign. The motion of taking it into his hands felt out of place. It had not been so with the other CD, but Axel didn't mind. He'd already decided on it before he'd touched the case. He didn't believe much in destiny but if at any time he was close to admitting it, now might have been such a time.

“Yeah, I'm done.” He repeated, this time for sure. Going to the front desk, he lay the two CDs down.

“Will that be all?”

“Yes, could I have `Oceans' one wrapped?” Leaning on the counter he rested his elbow on the top and his head on the flat of his hand. He looked back at Roxas. He was silent, they both knew who the CD was for and bringing up a conversation about it would get them nowhere but in trouble. However, Axel had expected at least a slight comment on the other one, the Colby Callait CD.

“Of course, what color would you like?”

“Something blue.”

“That'll be $23.37.”

Absent mindedly setting the money on the counter Axel spoke, “You should get her something.”

“Did you not just hear Demyx introduce her as his girlfriend?” Inquired Roxas unhappily as he folded his arms.

“I did,” Axel paused taking the sack he was handed with a quiet `thank you', “But it was a lie.” He added on the way out of the store. Briefly, Axel wondered why they'd decided on the mall. It was a bit of a cliché, always meeting up here.

“Even if it was, they're going to keep it looking real to others.” Roxas explained.

“If you insist…” If Roxas was going to be difficult, Axel wasn't going to argue the fact. Eventually Roxas would give in. Axel just had to wait a little bit, and then the conversation would just be so much easier.

“Well, then? What do you propose?” That was quick, they hadn't even gotten ten feet from the CD store.

“I never said to approach her as a potential suitor. You know, starting off as friends is never a bad idea. No one will think anything of it if you approach her as just a friend.” Axel suggested, sure it was the long way, but he wasn't really good at this sort of thing anyway, “And don't give me `but I don't want to be just a friend' crap. Get to know the girl and Demyx and things will work out. I mean, surely Demyx will understand if the both of you come out with wanting a relationship.”

There was a long pause, “Why do your ideas always sound stupider than mine?”

Axel shrugged, “Dunno, maybe you're expecting more because I'm in college.”

“Either way that sounded really lame.” Roxas informed him unhappily, “Come on, we're going to look at video games.” With the change of course, another bout of silence came around but neither had anything to say so it wasn't all that uncomfortable.

After about a half-hour or more of `testing' games in the story, conversation finally picked up again. It was Roxas' doing.

“Soooo… You like Demyx and he's pretending to have Namine as his girlfriend.” Roxas drawled a bit, maybe wondering if he shouldn't have opened the door, “How does that make you feel?”

“Fuckin' pissed.” The answer just popped out of him mouth with no thought, but what would have been the good in hiding the fact?

De-Do-De-Do YOU DIED

Axel sat back, staying at the screen, “That sucked.”

“Have you told him anything yet?” Roxas leaned on Axel's shoulder, staring just as perplexed at the video screen.

“Of course not.” He replied before selecting the `continue…' button and the game resumed from a former point in the scenerio.

“He at least knows that you don't like girls, right?”

“I should hope so.” After all the time they'd spent together and all the clues, surely Demyx had picked up the scent on that. Of course, he hadn't figured out that Axel liked him yet so he couldn't have a lot of faith in the musician.

“You know, the festival this Friday would be a great time to make a move.”

“Same goes for you.”

“Point taken.”

“Hey Roxas…” Axel stood up and set down the controller. It was time to go home; Axel didn't want to be around Roxas right now. He wanted to be alone right now. Maybe he'd just lie in bed until he fell asleep, “Don't tell Demyx I like him, all right?”

“Sure… But one thing before you leave me to walk home alone again.” Axel gave a nod to confirm he was listening, “Does he still call you cute little nicknames in private? Because if he's calling you things like `hotstuff' still, I need to know so I don't freak out again.”

Stupid Roxas, “Why you jealous?”

“Maybe just a little.”

Axel smiled and shook his head, “Shut up, I'm trying to be angry.”

“I know… See you at the festival?”

“Sure.”

“RENO!!! I'm home!” Axel called out, throwing his keys on the stand next to the couch. There was a soft rumble from upstairs, indicating his brother's presence. Following the sound, his brother appeared at the top of the stairs.

“Hey, bro!” He greeted happily. His hair was dripping wet and only a pair of boxers clothed him. Must have just gotten out of the shower, well at leas he wouldn't smell of sex. That was always unpleasant when talking to someone related to you, “Dem's out with his band mates, said he wouldn' be home `till late, yo.”

“Yeah… I know. Think you could come down for a minute?” Instantly the paternal look entered his brother's face the `mama's here I'll protect ya' look. Axel didn't care for the look but it meant his brother would be serious and listen carefully.

“What is it, yo? Ya know I always got time ta listen if ya need me to.” Reno didn't bother to grab anymore clothes and came down the stairs, following Axel into the kitchen. They both took as seat at the counter, side by side. Reno leaned over resting a single arm on the table while Axel rested both his on it and gaze down at the sack he still held in his hands. He couldn't tell Reno what he wanted to, but there was always something else.

`I think I'm interested in seeing someone.' Well, that's what Axel wanted to say. With all his heart, he wanted to tell Reno everything about what was happening, but that was impossible. Demyx was their responsibility, what would his brother think if he knew about this? Why were things so complicated? Wasn't it enough that he was gay and didn't have the guidance of real parents?

Apparently not, “I miss you all the time.” He murmured so softly, Reno almost couldn't hear.

“Come `ere.” Reno put an arm around Axel's shoulders and pulled him close. It was nice to have someone to hold you sometimes. Axel sighed, closed his eyes, and rested his head on Reno's shoulder. Silently he stared at the hills of Reno's chest and stomach, shimmering with drops of water. The sight was welcome, the smell and warmth too, human contact was something Axel didn't get a lot of so it was appreciated whenever he could get it.

 

If only everyone knew him like Reno. Then they'd all know: Axel never made the first move...

 

Pulling away, Axel offered Reno a smile, “Sorry… Rough day. Luxord came in late and ran off early. I'm going to kick his ass later.” Axel voiced, trying to excuse his behavior. Reno shrugged the justification off immediately.

“Don' need ta tell me, yo.” Reno grinned before pulling Axel's head close and rested their foreheads together, “'Sides, I love huggin' you too, little bro.” Then both arms came around and Reno ruffled his hair playfully, “Now get cookin' I haven't eat'n all day! I'm starved!”

Laughing, Axel ducked out of his grasp, “All right, all right! Just give me a second. I've got to drop this off in my room.” Axel held up the bag before rushing upstairs. Stopping at the top of the stairs, he glanced back to make sure that Reno wasn't watching. He wasn't. Axel slipped into Demyx's bedroom.

The room was cool, warmth blocked out by the door, and a blue tint touched everything from the light that showered in through the drapes. It was quiet and calm, eerily empty still. Well, maybe this would make things feel a little more like home.

Breathe hitching, he reached in and tenderly removed the wrapped CD from his plastic sack. It still felt so strange but, in the room, was so in place. Lifting the gift to his lips, he kissed the ocean blue waves, cold and firm, then placed the small square gently on the center of the bed tilted ever so slightly just enough to retain the feeling of calm that surrounded it.

Smiling, Axel turned and left the room, pausing once more to catch one last glimpse of the room.

 

… At least he'd never made the first move until now.

 

 

A whole lot of nothing occurred in this chapter and I am super pissed with myself! This was supposed to be the chapter containing the festival, but it contains nothing of the sort and now has to be covered in the next chapter. Argh. X(

If any of it seems rushed, I'm sorry but I'm pressed for time currently (really I have three papers to get done before the weekend is over, it totally sucks)

 

For fun, I'll list the series of unfortunate events that led to such a long delay. As you all should know, first I was sick. After that I was in a writing slump for a few days. When I finally got around to writing again, my glasses broke and I couldn't see for another couple of days. This lasted up until the day before my surgery. So then I had my wisdom teeth removed and for a couple of days after that I was sick and in pain and couldn't eat much of anything… Then school started before I was even off my meds. Of course, with school comes homework, and like tons of it. And while that was happening, admittedly, I veered off course because I had to read Death Note.

Don't my excuses just blow you away? I don't care if you still yell at me though, I deserve it.

 

PS: I finished Death Note, I cried a little… But only on the inside and only when two of my favorite characters died.