Kingdom Hearts Fan Fiction ❯ Out of My Element ❯ In the Heat of the Moment ( Chapter 15 )

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

 

Chapter 15: In the Heat of the Moment

 

Demyx's fingers were loosely intertwined with Axel's as the blonde led the way through the vendors. They walked just close enough to keep in touch, but far enough not to catch the attention of others. Axel had no idea where they were headed, but Demyx seemed to know well enough so he just followed trustingly. The sketchbook Namine had left him was now wedged between his back and his pants; it was the only place he could really find to put it.

Along the way, they paused momentarily. Demyx had caught sight of Luxord and Xigbar at a mini shooting range game. From the look of it, Luxord wasn't fairing too well with the toy gun, because just as they came within hearing distance Xigbar took the plastic riffle, “You're not even holding it right; let me show you how it's done.” He'd said as he laid a few coins down for some ammunition. Loading the gun, he brought it up to his shoulders and took aim. His stance was that of an actual shooter, the way he held the gun, peered down the barrel, and breathed in just before firing. He hit every mark.

Bringing the gun down from his face, he twirled the rifle on a finger before slamming it down on the table, “That's how you shoot a gun, sweetheart.” He grinned holding out a hand as a plush white bear wearing a casino vest was placed in his hand. Then he held it out for Luxord, “For you.”

“Show off.” Luxord huffed good-naturedly, taking the bear, “Lead the way to any throwing game and you bet I'll show you.”

“I look forward to it.” Hooking his fingers on Luxord's pocket, he pulled the gambler close, “Come on, I think I saw one just down the way.” He said, before they headed back on their way, hip to hip and a hand in each other's pocket.

“Axel, this way.” Demyx gave his hand a light tug and that's all it took to lead him back through a narrow opening between two booths. Then their pace slowed and Demyx fell back closer to Axel, “We're just going to pick up something first.” He voiced merrily, something of a chime in his voice. Axel didn't even think to ask what they were getting.

Whatever he needed was apparently metal or stone because they stopped in front of a cubicle that had a lot of precious gems and metals on display as well as a wide variety of jewelry for both men and women. The boy manning the counter was sitting in a fold-up metal chair, one leg crossed over the other, and a book in his hand. He didn't even look up as he addressed them, “Demyx. A pleasure to have your company as always.”

“Ha ha ha! How'd you know it was me?” Demyx asked, leaning over the flat top to look at the book the boy was reading. Storm-cloud blue eyes flashed up from under steel gray locks.

“I could smell you a mile away, sea salt ocean breeze with a hint of sundew and herbal conditioner. Very distinct. I think a few of your friends passed by here earlier; they smelled like they just came from the beach.” Said the boy before looking back down at his book, “Who's your cypress and ash friend?”

“Oh, this is Axel.” Demyx told him, “Axel, this is Zexion. He's a teacher's aid in my English and science class. He took summer school and he's graduating soon so he couldn't find anything new to take.”

“Hi.” Zexion only hummed in acknowledgment to Axel's greeting.

“So did Lexaeus get it done?” Demyx inquired. For a moment Zexion was still, and then he slowly got to his feet and turned to a drawer case. His fingers ran over the rows of small rectangles before landing on one and tugging at the handle. Once open, he picked up a small black box and set it on the counter.

“It's even polished for you.” He stated, sitting back down and turning the page of his book.

Demyx picked up the box and Axel leaned over his shoulder curiously. Flipping it open, the musician took out the chain necklace within. Held high, it whirled to and fro in his hands, the front of the chain weighed down by a pendant. Axel recognized the design immediately. The pendant, held up by a spherical fastener, was metal and shaped to form a chakram. However, the first solid ring gave way to a warm multicolored stone that was translucent so you could see the metal through it. It appeared to be glass, but Axel could be sure, what he could see was that within the class there was the etching of a blazing sun; a miniature version of those internal crystal sculptures that you could find in glass shops or fantasy stores. To each side of the main pendant, seven links away from it, there was a diamond shaped glass or crystal piece, also held up by the sphere metal clasps. The chains themselves were a mixture of dark gray, orange, and red; as a result Axel wouldn't have even a guess at what it was made of.

“Wow. It's perfect.” Demyx breathed, before turning to Axel, who immediately stepped back to try to hide that he was looking, “Down here.” Waiving a hand, Demyx motioned for Axel to lower his head and he did, “Let's see how it fits.” He stated absent-mindedly unfastening the sturdy chain necklace at the back and raising it to hang around Axel's neck. Binding it together once again, Demyx finally let the full weight of the chain and pendants come down on Axel's neck.

Pulling his head back, Axel looked down at the ornament lying at his upper sternum. Rather gently, he reached up and turned the chakram in his fingers, examining it. Demyx held up a mirror from the table, “Here.” He offered.

“… Thanks.” It looked good on him, not feminine at all. The curve of it was smooth, the dual pendants keeping the larger one from creating to sharp of an arc. And, against his slender frame, it looked strong.

“It's quite becoming.” Voiced the strange young man, glancing up from his book.

“I think so too, worth every cent. So Axel, it's for you. Of course, only if you want it.” Was he kidding? Of course, he wanted it. Demyx had it made for him; the fact that it was from him was enough to make him want it in the first place. Not that he'd display his actual enthusiasm for the gift. He didn't want to seem too girlish, squealing over a necklace.

“It's from you, how could I not accept?” Was his response.

Demyx set down the mirror and took Axel's hand in his once again, “Good, come on. Let's have some fun.” He bade a quick farewell to Zexion before leading them away.

It seemed they stopped at nearly every vendor. Sometimes it was to play a game, while other times it was to watch a magic trick or look at some hand crafted goods. It didn't seem to matter what they did though. Demyx was happy whether they won or not and wowed by even the simplest of illusions. And the stops by the merchandise booths were just another chance to learn about each other's taste in every insignificant thing.

Axel flinched as an over zealous game overseer showered him with confetti for getting a perfect score at a ring toss game. It was the first time that night apparently anyone had done so, though it seemed like it was really the only game he'd been good at. He'd only won a few minor trinkets from the other booths, which was why Demyx had a pocketful of candy and another of tiny plush toys.

With a huff, he shook his head to rid his face of a few stray pieces of paper, “What prize would you like?” The man asked merrily as Axel picked a ribbon from his hair which dangled in front of his face.

“Uh…” Axel looked at the toys hung along the walls, “I think-“ Axel spotted a blue-gray dolphin in the corner, it wasn't the biggest thing there but ,as he'd learned earlier at a figurine vendor, Demyx loved dolphins, “That dolphin, there.”

“Here ya go. Have fun now!” He said as they moved aside for others to play. The dolphin was soft to the touch and extremely squishy.

“Now you have a dolphin of your own.” Axel voiced relinquishing his ring-toss trophy to the boy. Demyx grinned, happily hugging the thing close to his chest; he pressed a cheek against the side of its head.

“You're giving me too much; I think I better win you something too.”

Axel laughed, “No one's stopping you.”

“All right then.” Demyx looked around, “Ah! There's something I can do. Have you ever eaten eel before?”

“Eel? No… I don't think I have. Why?”

“Over here!” Rushing across the human flow of traffic, Demyx ran up to a rather large booth. It read `Fresh Eel' over it, and from that alone Axel could tell it was a blend culture into the festival. Surely the school wouldn't have offered this, “Hold him.” Demyx gave Axel the dolphin to hold onto as he laid down some money on the counter. The woman at the counter began to reach into a large bucket at the side of the table, but Demyx stopped her, “Let me. Could I use a pair of gloves?”

“Oh, sure.” The lady handed him a pair of latex gloves. They were long and as Demyx pulled them on, they came clear up to his shoulders.

“All right, which one do you want Axel?” Asked the beach boy, Axel shrugged. He'd never eaten it, how would he know what eel was best? Demyx rolled his eyes, “Fine, I'll pick one for you.” Leaning over the tub of water, his eyes surveyed the slick water snakes as they writhed at the bottom, “Ah, that one's strong and healthy.”

Slipping his hands down into the water, the eels at the bottom stirred. Demyx froze until the slender fish settled again. Then in a swift motion, he lurched forward to close in on the chosen eel. The water sloshed about, distorting the view of what lay beneath. Axel couldn't tell that Demyx had caught the thing until he suddenly wretched it out of the water. Water splashed across Demyx's face, the tail flailing about widely.

Axel nearly leapt out of his skin when Demyx turned and presented him with the eel. The worm fish gaped its mouth and squirmed, but Demyx had a good hold of it by the neck and body. Then he turned and leaned over to hold the eel on the cutting board.

“Wow, young man. You're very good at that.” The woman complimented.

“Thanks, it's taken years of practice.” He told her, smiling over his shoulder as he stepped back to let the woman gut and clean it.

“What would you like on it?”

“Onions and soy will be just fine.” Demyx informed her, stripping himself of the gloves before turning back to Axel, “Bet you can't do that.”

“Can't say I can.” Axel admitted handing the dolphin back to Demyx, “Did you fish a lot back home?”

“Oh yeah, every day. I'm glad I haven't gotten rusty.” The musician looked back as the eel was wrapped around on a stick and covered with some leaves to keep in the moisture, “It didn't matter what we had; I used everything. We had fishing harpoons, rods, cages, really anything you can think of. If we'd wanted to, I bet we could've lived off the ocean. We had a permit, so it wouldn't have caused any legal problems either. You know, by five I could catch birds in mid-flight. Of course, seagoing birds aren't much to eat so it was really just for fun.”

“I'd like to see that one day.” Murmured Axel, trying to imagine what it must have been like to live as Demyx had.

“I guess you're going to have to keep an eye on me then.” Demyx flashed him a knowing smile, before the woman removed their eel from the fire and handed it over. Shifting the dolphin under one arm, he held the eel on a stick in his left hand, “Thanks, miss. Let's eat it over there, it's quieter.”

“Sure.” Ducking out of the crowded roadways, Demyx and Axel took a seat on the grass just beyond the streets. The voices and music seemed distant with the barrier of the cubicles shielding them from the disruptions. Light, soft but illuminating, poured in through the crevices and clothe walls.

Demyx had his legs folded to one side and leaned heavily against Axel, who sat with one leg folded and the other upright to rest his arm upon, “Here, try it.” Demyx raising the eel to him and when it was taken from him he wrapped his arm around the dolphin.

It looked a little questionable, now unwrapped to reveal the darkened flesh. Axel was glad it was at least beheaded. But, Demyx seemed sure about it, so swallowing his reluctance he took the first bite.

The meat slipped easily off the ribs, leaving Axel with no worry of choking on the bone. Though the skin was crisp, the inside was incredibly succulent and the flavor reminded Axel of a mix between lobster and halibut. Of course, he wasn't too familiar with much seafood so his description wasn't particularly accurate. The point was, it was actually quite good.

“Like it?” Demyx tipped his head back to look up at him.

“Yeah. You picked a good one.”

“Good.” Slipping a hand around Axel waist, Demyx let out a quizzical hum, “Hey Axel, where'd you get that book?”

“Oh… I just picked it up somewhere.” He wasn't sure why he didn't say it was from Namine. It didn't seem like a bad idea to tell him, something just told him not to.

“'Kay.” Demyx didn't press any further as he rested his head against Axel's shoulder. He let out a disgruntled `hey' when Axel slid his arm out from between them, but the objection was hushed when he wrapped it back around Demyx.

They stayed like that for a while, even after Axel had finished eating the eel. The stars were bright above their heads and the grass was soft beneath them, even if the air around wasn't warm their bodies shared the natural heat within and kept them content. Axel turned his face to rest his chin on Demyx's head, wondering silently how long they could stay like this. He really didn't ever want to leave this spot.

A new song play over the system, light compared to the washed out sound of people talking but singled out because of its euphoric tones.

 

I like where we are

When we drive in your car.

I like where we are,

Here.

 

`Cause our lips can touch,

Our cheeks can brush

Our lips can touch,

Here.

 

Well you are the one, the one that lies close to me

Whispers hello I'll miss you quite terribly

I fell in love, in love with you suddenly

Now there's nowhere else I could be but here in your arms.

 

Axel raised a hand to stroke Demyx's cheek, this was a position they'd been in many time before. It was different now somehow. True they were not snuggled up on a couch, safe and warm in his house, but that wasn't the reason. It felt different. As if before, they had existed on different sides of a glass wall, indifferent to one another. The glass had shattered.

 

I like where you sleep

When you sleep next to me.

I like where you sleep,

Here.

 

Our lips can touch,

Our cheeks can brush,

`Cause our lips can touch

Here.

 

Well you are the one, the one that lies close to me

Whispers hello I'll miss you quite terribly

I fell in love, in love with you suddenly

Now there's nowhere else I could be but here in your arms.

 

Drawing his head back, Axel ran his hand under the blonde's jaw, lifting his head ever so slightly. He looked just as he had before, but the lens in Axel's mind seemed to have shifted. Why did he look so much older now? Like he'd matured since the last time he took a close look. Had it just been that before Axel had been so focused on age? Was that what it was? The same thing had occurred earlier that week, when he'd looked at Luxord and Xigbar. The difference in time seemed so much less that time too.

Demyx was still so beautiful. Hair like threads of honey gold and skin so smooth and rich. His eyes were full of vivacity and premature understanding of life and death. Full lips, which Axel found were already being stroke by his thumb, so soft.

 

Our lips can touch.

 

“Demyx, I…” Axel couldn't for the life of him remember what he was about to say, but it didn't matter. The space between their mouths closed and his words were lost on the lips of another.

His eyes fell shut as he gently pulled at the back of Demyx's jaw, pressing their lips closer together. They were softer than he could've ever imagined when they were against his own, and so warm.

Demyx's arm came around his neck, closing whatever distance remained between them. And for how short and incredibly sweet the kiss was, it left Axel hot and in a mild haze of lust. The passion for a close mouth kiss like that was once in a lifetime. Axel couldn't have asked for more in a first kiss in what he hoped to be his first and only true relationship.

 

Our lips can touch,

Here.

 

A playful smile touched Demyx's face as he placed their foreheads together. Soft and almost inaudible, Demyx giggled before whispering, “I like the way you kiss me.” Sliding his face past Axel's he breathed down his neck, “Hotstuff.”

“I love the way you sweep me off my feet.” Axel voiced huskily.

Demyx pulled back, “We're sitting down.” He teased with a melodious laugh.

“Precisely,” Axel pushed Demyx down, back flat to the grass. With a soft chuckle, he kneeled over the musician, placing a knee at each side of his hips and a hand at each side of his head. Leaning down close, his smile spread, “You're so sweet.” He hummed pleasantly and placed a kiss on the boy's forehead.

Giggling, Demyx shook his head, turning it away shyly, “Oh yeah? Well I don't mind. Because I think you're cute.”

Axel quirked a brow, “Not handsome?”

“Not a bit, just cute.”

Narrowing his eyes in mock suspicion, Axel lowered his tone, “You're teasing me.”

Arms came up around Axel's neck, pulling him off to the side and toppling him over, “Yeah, but only `cause it's fun.” Demyx rolled over onto his side to face Axel and rested his arm on Axel's neck. The other he used to rest his head on, “If I ran away, would you come for me?”

Axel stared at him for a moment. It was a strange question to be asking, “It depends on why you're running. Why?” Demyx shrugged.

“Come on, there's still a strip we haven't been to yet. I want to go before I have to perform.” Sitting up, Demyx grabbed the temporarily forgotten dolphin. Then he stood and held out a hand for Axel, who took the offered hand and got up as well.

Down at the vendors, Demyx cheered. He'd found something else he'd try to do for Axel, and miraculously won. It was pure luck that he had, but that didn't seem to matter to him because he picked out a small nine-tailed fire fox as his prize. This he proudly gave to Axel as if it were filled with diamonds and sewn with gold.

The tiny thing found a place in his pocket, the front half of it lolling out as if it lived and needed to breathe. Though the real reason it was only half-way in was because the pockets were just really small.

“Oh! Axel, check this out!” Demyx called, having moved to the next station. He had a lollipop in his mouth now; one of the many Axel had gotten him earlier.

He was playing around at a small booth selling hats, wigs, and gloves. He already had a baseball cap, which said `punked' over the bill, on. His eyes were on a mirror in front of himself, admiring it.

Shaking his head at the behavior, Axel looked over the rest of the items. One in particular caught his eye and he simply had to try it on. Reaching into the pocket not holding the fox toy, he pulled out a silver hair tie. As he pulled his hair back, he tied it in place before taking the black cowboy hat in his hands.

Hot damn, it matched his outfit and everything. Black leather with silver studs, Axel was liking this. Putting it on, he tipped it a bit forward, which caused the loose hair near his face to frame his features more snugly. Another look around and he found something else.

Pulling on the black biker gloves he turned to see Demyx. The singer had on a velveteen yellow and purple jester's hat now, the bells ringing out cheerily around his head. What a goof.

“Hey, Demyx.” Axel tapped him on shoulder and the boy turned, “What do you think?” As he inquired, Axel struck a pose. Stance widen and a hand on one hip, he turned a head over his shoulder and brought his other hand to take hold of the tip of the cowboy hat.

When Demyx only laughed, Axel started to take the hat off and take on a normal stance, “Wait, no, stay like that just for a moment.” Axel did. Reaching into his pocket, Demyx took out his cell phone and centered Axel in his screen, “Smile.” He commanded and Axel obeyed, though his smile was more of an amused smirk. The camera phone snapped the shot and Demyx grabbed Axel by the arm and pulled him close. “Check it out.”

Phone presented to him, Axel took a look at the new image. He was surprised at how well it looked, like something from a band magazine where the singers would get all dressed in fancy clothes and strike artistic poses in front of still shots of various places. His own pose mimicked an image he'd once seen in such a magazine, vest caught behind the wrist of the hand on his waist to expose stained skin basking in the warm light.

The lighting of the various lanterns had left orange and red hues on the black leather of his clothes. Blurred motions of people shifting in the background gave it a strange and mysterious appeal. It looks like a river of people, lantern fireflies lighting the cloth and frame embankments.

“Looks good.” Really, he couldn't think of anything else to say.

Demyx glanced at the time on his phone, “Gotta head over soon or I'll be late.” He said taking off the jester hat and setting it aside. Axel did the same with the cowboy hat and also placed the gloves back in place, “What should we do-“

“Axel!” Turning in response, Axel spotted Luxord and Xigbar, still attached at the hip. It was Luxord who'd called, “We're headed over to watch some Struggle matches. You and Demyx should join us.” He offered pleasantly enough and soberly enough, seeing as how Axel could smell alcohol on him when he stopped before them.

“Oh sure, but Demyx has to get ready again soon.”

“Actually that's right next to the school so that'll be great. The dance performance is going to be held in the auditorium because they were worried about weather conditions. Singers can still perform if it's raining, but dancing requires more stable conditions.” Demyx explained, “The bonfire should be lit over there now too; you look like you could use a little warming up by it.” Chuckled the musician, eyeing Axel up at down. Axel hadn't taken notice up until now that Demyx was looking at him quite differently now, like how a starved man stared hungrily at a feast. It wasn't entirely unwelcome, but Axel wondered just when he'd started looking at him like that.

“I hadn't noticed the cold.” At least he hadn't until now. Reminded of the fact he now felt ten times colder than he otherwise would have. This made him shiver a little.

“I'd warm you up but there's going to be more students that'll recognize me down there.” Demyx apologized. Xigbar and Luxord shared a look, obviously understanding the way it was but also rejecting the fact it had to be done.

“That's all right.” Stepping back, he gave Demyx his space, “I know how it is.”

Looking away, Demyx nodded a silent thanks before leading the way to the school. Because he was a bit conspicuous Axel hung back closer to Xigbar and Luxord. The two didn't seem to mind much either so they talked, mostly about how the night had been going for them. From what he heard, Xigbar was really warming up to Luxord. They'd already planned to go out over the weekend. Xigbar was going to take Luxord to a shooting range and teach him how to `properly fire a gun'. Then they'd go paint-balling, which to Axel seemed like a bad idea for Luxord. As soon as it was late enough, Luxord was taking Xigbar gambling and dancing. Really, anything Luxord loved to do was a nighttime activity so their schedule worked with Xigbar choosing the daylight activities and Luxord choosing the nighttime ones.

Axel vaguely wondered where he and Demyx would go on their second date.

As they finally came within sight of the fire, Luxord's attention was drawn to a group around the flames, “Oh Axel, check it out. Those pacific islanders are doing some traditional dancing; you should join in and show off some.” He stated making Axel blush. While it was true that music annoyed him to a certain extent, Axel appreciated a good beat because dancing was just one of the things he loved to do. However, it was embarrassing to admit that he actually knew the steps to a great many dances, including a few traditional island dances.

Though, the actual reason he blushed was that any mention of dancing from Luxord reminded him of that week long lapse of judgment. Why? Because he'd provided Luxord a great many lap dances as well as few modified belly dances he'd used to strip. It certainly was not something to be proud of, though Luxord had really appreciated them at the time.

“Did I ever thank you for the dances you did for me?” Speak of the devil. Axel whipped out the sketchbook and-

SMACK!!!

“OW! I didn't mean those ones!” Luxord pawed at his nose tenderly as he ducked behind Xigbar, “You're a violent one!” He complained.

Axel crossed his arms and tapped a foot irritably, “Oh, yeah, I bet you didn't. Get your mind out of the gutter!”

“Yours was in it too!” With a yelp, Luxord ducked down before Axel smacked him in the head for a second time. And though Axel tried to pursue him, Xigbar got between them and held them at arms length of each other.

“As much as fun as this is in my classroom, you two are going to cause a scene out here. Now be good boys and cool it.” Xigbar commanded. Axel snorted angrily; Luxord stuck out his tongue childishly before hugging Xigbar's arm with a smug smile, “What's this all about anyway?” Now it was time for both of them to fall quiet: Luxord looking away from Xigbar guiltily and Axel looking worriedly in Demyx's direction. Demyx too seemed to be curious of the situation.

With no real cover up, Axel looked for an out, shoving the art pad back between his pants and back. Luckily, it came by itself.

“Axel, Demyx, Luxord!” Roxas jogged up to the group, “And um… I don't think we've met.”

“Xigbar.”

“Hey,” That was it for greetings from Roxas; he's come with a purpose, “The struggle matches just started. Come and root for me.”

Axel looked back to Demyx, “Go on, I have to head inside to get ready. Just make sure you're there for the performance, kay?” The water goer didn't need any confirmation; already sure Axel wouldn't miss it, and started off for the front doors of the school.

“Come on!” Roxas urged.

“Coming.”

Over at the Struggle fighting ring, the crowd had gathered to watch. The arena was large and hexagonal, blocked off by portable pipe fences. The rules of Struggling were simple. Two opponents were put into the ring with heavily padded batons. Points were awarded to contact blows, partial or full, from the baton. There were no cheap shots allowed, so no tripping, kicking while the other was down, or use of any weapon other than the baton. Axel had never been great at it; fighting to him involved the whole body and he could never get into a good rhythm by just using his hands. Roxas on the other hand was superb.

Pence and Olette were already waiting for the Struggle matches to begin when they got there and the three took their place beside them; Roxas went off to get ready for the match. What Axel didn't expect while waiting there was Namine. Soon after getting settled, she'd appeared near the back to watch. She didn't seem the type to be into this sort of thing so Axel gathered she was there for someone in particular.

“Namine! Up here!” He called waving his hand. Hesitant at first, she looked around as if she might leave, but then she slowly picked her way to the front, “So, here to cheer on the Strugglers?”

“Ah,” She clasped her hands tightly, wringing her dress a little in her small fists, “Yes.”

“Let me guess.” Leaning over the rail, Axel looked in Roxas's direction. He really wasn't good at guessing people's types but he was hoping that his response was right, “You're here to see Roxas, right?” As he looked back to her, he caught her looking towards his young friend. She quickly looked away, but smiled angelically, giving him a short nod. Well, Roxas was in luck now, his tender feelings were shared, “You should come visit Demyx more often, or at least drop by the restaurant on Sundays. You might just bump into him. If nothing else, I'll have a free meal waiting for you.”

“I think… I may just do that.” She voiced quietly.

“The Twilight Skate Park and Sunset Hills on east side are really nice too. I hear there's an amateur skateboard competition in a couple of weeks. Should be fun.” Axel casually leaned against the stabilized fencing. Pressing up against the rail, he was reminded of the book and he took it out, “How did you draw all these things?” They'd only seen each other a few times and briefly and he didn't understand how she knew the things she knew or drew them so accurately.

“I don't know. I just find the inspiration somewhere.” She gave a little shrug, “Sometimes things just come to you, you know?”

“But these pictures-,” Axel flashed through them, “Did Demyx tell you about the things in them?” He asked.

“Maybe… Oh. There's a match starting.” Axel turned; Hayner against Yuffie. Well, Namine obviously didn't want to talk about the booklet so he might as well enjoy the festivities while he could.

The first struggle match was relatively sad state of affairs; Yuffie had Hayner beaten hands down within a few minutes. It seemed that Yuffie hadn't been lying about the black belt thing either. Axel had to admit she had some skills but just because she beat Hayner didn't make her good. From what Axel remembered, Hayner was all bark and no bite. Still, it would've been nice for her to lose; Axel just did not like that girl.

Seifer entered the ring for the next round. He was one of the older participants; only students could enter and he was a senior. Axel had known him in school; he was a power hog and over all stuck up punk. This also showed throw his clothes, beanie on his head, which wasn't allowed at school, black tank, and torn jeans. His mini mafia groupies were on the sidelines, just watching today.

Sure, Seifer looked cool and, actually, usually had good intentions. Axel had never liked him. Since he could remember, he'd been Roxas' enemy and thus Axel's. They'd only gotten into a few scuffles before Axel graduated.

This match far outdid the previous. Yuffie looked like a frightened rabbit and Seifer the hungry wolf. She was quite enough on her feet, but Seifer easily blocked her attacks and came back strong with a counter. Axel quite enjoyed watching her get hit with the baton and scamper away mildly scathed. His dislike for Yuffie outweighed his distaste for the young bully.

A wicked grin spread across his face when the final blow was struck. It wasn't so much the fact Yuffie lost that amused him, but that she was knocked back on her ass when it happened. Then, of course, the look of pure bitter humiliation was priceless. Stupid girl deserved that for clinging all over his Demyx like that.

Stepping back, Axel coaxed Namine to stand beside Luxord, “You know, I think I'll wait inside for the performance.”

“What? Leaving us again?” Whined Luxord.

“Yeah, but I'll see you in an hour or so to head home. You two enjoy the rest of your date. Tell me how the tournament ends.” Giving Luxord a pat on the back Axel slunk away and into the building.

It was quiet and empty in there, only the lights leading up to the auditorium were lit up. Axel had always wanted to be inside the school after dark, when no one was around. Now that he was, he didn't know what to do. If it were back when he was in high school, he might've contemplated setting a garbage can on fire or riding his bike down the hall to leave hours worth of skid marks. But he was older now; he was beyond the stage of pulling pranks for the sheer fun of getting in trouble. However, pulling pranks for the sheer fun of making others suffer was not beyond him and he'd have given all the money in his wallet for a can of red spray paint.

Oh well… At least Demyx was in there somewhere.

Upon finding the double doors to the stage, Axel pushed them open and slipped in behind the scenes. He was on the right wing of the stage; most of the students there were practicing on the viewable section of the stage, no doubt just orientating themselves. Of the students, Demyx was not one of them, nor was he sitting out.

“He must be still getting ready.” He murmured to himself, fiddling mindlessly at the toy in his pocket. Then continued talking to himself, “Guess I should go sit down then. It may not start for a while, but people will be getting seated soon. Now how do I…” Axel looked around for a way out from behind the curtains. It was faster not to have to go around to the other doors just to sit down.

“Hey, Axel! Are you looking for Demyx?” It was Yuna, calling him from the door she'd just come in through, “He's changing in the boy's bathroom. If you're quick, you can probably catch him naked.” She added with a soft laugh.

As long as he knew and didn't have anything better to do, Axel didn't see the harm in seeking him out. So leaving the stage, he paced down the hall and cautiously stepped into the bathroom. When he got there, Demyx had his back to the doorway and was just finishing pulling up his pants, “Hey,” The boy jumped nearly a foot before turning, “I thought I should wish you good luck before you went out again.”

“Oh, yeah. Thanks.” Demyx nabbed his shirt from hanging on a stall door and pulled it on. Fumbling as he buttoned up the shirt, he added, “I thought you'd still be watching the Struggle matches.”

With a smile, Axel went to him and placed his hands over Demyx's to still them. Then as he took Demyx's place in buttoning the shirt, he spoke, “I missed you.” It was quiet, though in an empty tile room, it sounded moderately loud. “There, all set.” Axel straightened out Demyx's shirt a little before stepping away to observe.

“Thanks…” Demyx flashed him a smile, tucking the shirt into his trousers. The shirt, more of a blouse really, was loose and flowing. The fabric was white, fairly see-through, with a few well placed ruffles. His pants, pale blue, were just as revealing of the body beneath, but they were so in a different way. Instead of being translucent, they wore fairly tight against his skin near his hips and thighs before loosening up around his calves, “It's kind of an interpretive dance.” He explained, trying to excuse his attire.

“Hey, I don't mind.” This time it was Axel's time to take in the way his partner looked, “This way you're not the only one who gets a fair look.”

“You can see me any time,” Demyx looked at the multiple mirrors along the wall, “You just have to open your eyes sometimes.” Axel didn't know what he meant, wasn't sure if he was supposed to. And Demyx changed the subject before Axel was given time to think about it any further, “You should get a seat, I don't want you to miss me.”

“All right, I'll go.” Axel turned to leave, “Anyway, good luck.”

Back in the theatre, or rather the auditorium, Axel found a seat easily. It wasn't too near the front, but not in the back either, just a little before the center. From there, he could sit comfortably with no need to turn his head or strain his eyes. This was all well and good because he fully intended to watch every move Demyx made. He wanted to see how he moved, his expression as he did so. Axel had always been the one dancing; now it was time to see for himself what he'd actually been offering to those who had watched him.

The wait seemed like forever, lengthened by the rush of noise following the entrance of other observers. And even as the program began, the wait continued. Main lights dimmed, the stage was shown in a variety of color as dancers tread lightly on the wood floor with their bare feet. None of them were Demyx, Axel couldn't have expected him to be in every dance but until he was the redhead would only watch in mild boredom. The movements, no matter how well timed or performed, were lost to him in this state; it really wasn't fair to the other dancers, but Axel only had eyes for one.

It was probably about halfway through the dances when Demyx came onto the stage, and despite the darkness Axel spotted him in an instant. And to this, Axel sat up, alert and watchful.

This time when the music eased the lights awake, the sound did not pass over him, Axel listened. He watched the shift of the colored light, the pinks and blue melding to form shades of purple. Demyx, standing beside his partner, was crouched low waiting for the music to wake him into action as well. It was only after the lights had fully come to life; Axel noticed Yuna was Demyx's partner.

Of the two, Demyx was the first to stand. Face, illuminated by the well rendered make-up, stay calm and stern, but his eyes lay on her soft and gently to begin to tell the underlying story. Encircling her sleeping form, ever graceful, he bent a knee to bring a hand to her. His touch brought her into awareness; she rose with him this time

Axel watched in silent contemplation. It was a story of spring, that much was apparent. Demyx was the flowing water, melted from its icy form by the sun to awaken the sleeping flowers, Yuna. As the time passed in the abbreviated season, Yuna wilted and fell, only to be revived once more by Demyx. Others stormed in once and again, some the spring storm flurries, other drought chasing the water away.

Having only been there for a few weeks, Demyx was extraordinarily elegant. His motions were smooth and confident, body bending to his will with increasing understanding. The calm expression on his face faltered only when it should have, a soft smile when he went to his flower's side and a look of sorrow and longing as they were torn away. Whenever they could be together, they touched at their fingers, dancing lightly, twirling in place.

When the time came, the conclusion was this. The stage, having been softly lit, grew harsh with a yellow and orange blaze. Its intensity had Demyx's character weakening, falling back away from the light. The flowers grew weary, slowly falling to the ground before the water nymphs were driven away completely and they lay still on the floor. Spent from the heat, summer had come to take over the life of springtime.

 

 

FINALLY!!!! THEY KISSED!!!!!! Wasn't that exciting? Bringing in the New Year with their first kiss?!

PS: I may just have to commission someone to draw the kick ass photo of Axel in his cowboy hat. It would be fucking awesome.