Kingdom Hearts Fan Fiction ❯ Out of My Element ❯ Just the Beginning ( Chapter 16 )

Out of My Element - Part II

Chapter 16: Just The Beginning

Axel had been dreading this moment all morning. It wasn't that he didn't want to leave his room, it was just that the world outside held more uncertainties than it had before… A lot more, and he wasn't sure how to deal with it. Changes in his social environment always hit him hard. Leaving school, he'd been out of commission from the sheer weight of adulthood, so he'd gone to college to cling to that last bit of what he'd known. Meeting Luxord had been the hardest thing to incorporate into his life; it took three months to get used to his obnoxious personality and unpredictable drop-ins. This thing with Demyx, Axel had a bad feeling was going to take just as long.

Sure, Demyx was the same person as he was yesterday, but the status jump from high-school dependant to adolescent boyfriend was now a little overwhelming… Well, it had been overwhelming the night before but now it wasn't an overjoyed feeling but a sinking one. Axel couldn't tell his family that he'd taken a step outside of his comfort zone or ask them for help when he didn't know what to do. Keeping things like this all to himself, away from Reno, it was unsettling. Reno and him, they were as close as brothers could get.

What would his only family think of him now?

How was Demyx going to react to the news that they had to keep this secret even inside the house?

Axel hit his head against the doorframe. What a mess this was.

Glancing back at the clock, he let out a breath. Its battery had finally run dry, stopping the hands in place at 8 and 9, the second caught in between. The stillness was calming, and the face's silence had let him rest until late morning. Maybe the clock was a sign for him to take it slow, that time would wait for him until he was ready to move on.

The wishful thinking of a reluctant passive.

Inhaling, he turned the doorknob and stepped out into the world beyond his own. His brother's door remained closed, and down the hall there were the faint sounds of life. Demyx was already up, he could hear him downstairs; how he knew these particular sounds were his, Axel wouldn't be able to explain for some time.

All right, this was no time to back down. Today was the day he figured out how this whole relationship thing really worked. He'd seen plenty of movies on it. Sure there were always some rough spots, but, really, how hard could it be?

With another deep breathe, the third one this morning, he boldly headed down the hall.

When he reached the banister, he was surprised to find Xigbar already there, that or he'd never left in the first place. The older male was sitting on the couch Luxord sprawled about precariously over the couch, legs over the back and head easing ever so slowly to the floor. At the moment, he appeared to be going through some papers, which Axel assumed were school related. A creak of a floorboard under Axel's feet, however, caught the man's sharp ears and turned those eyes to him.

Offering a smile, the professor raised a hand in a casual way, “I thought I'd make myself at home.” He mentioned, “You already have three house guests, I figured one more couldn't hurt.” Cocking his head a little, almost a knowing and smug nod, he turned back to the papers, shifting through.

“Huh?” Four? For a moment Axel paused on the stairs, turning over the phrase in his head. A nod in the direction back up the stairs from Xigbar got the message across. Though how Xigbar knew Rude was there, well, Axel just hoped he'd seen them come in together because the other alternative put images in his head that made him a bit paler than he already was. His lips parted, as if to speak, but the words didn't have a chance to exit his mouth as Demyx spotted him and called out a very cheery `Good morning!' from in front of the stove.

“Good morning.” Axel murmured, a small smile touch the corners of his lips. The smile, though, wasn't entirely a pleased one, there was a bit of nervousness painted on it as well, “What are you doing?” He asked, having finished the journey from room to kitchen. Behind Demyx, he looked over the surfer's shoulder. The boy was cooking, on his own too.

Blushing some, Demyx smiled a little shyly as he looked over his shoulder, “Well, you make me breakfast all the time… And you were still sleeping when I got up so I thought… I thought I'd make you breakfast.”

Axel sighed, heart melting a little. Somehow, it didn't make what he wanted to talk to Demyx about any easier. Leaning in, he kissed Demyx's head, hand on the boy's shoulder, “Thank you… Want some help?” He asked, hoping he was acting relatively normal. What with the change in their relationship, the things he'd experienced the night before, he wasn't so sure he was really himself anymore.

Smile brightening, Demyx turned to meet the light, the action making him glow like angel, “I'd love some help.” He said, seeming to swell with joy to just have something to do with Axel. It was cute.

“Scoot over then.” Axel gave Demyx a little push, chuckling a little as he took over cooking the eggs and Demyx focused on the sausages. The sounds of sizzling meat and juices, soft scraping of spatulas and forks on the pans, filled the air just as the smell had when Demyx had put them on the burners. Despite the noise and distraction, the lack of talking between them felt heavy to Axel. After a few minutes, Axel turned his eyes to Demyx, “Um… Can I… Can I ask you to do something for me?”

That innocent pair of blue eyes turned to him, making Axel's heart tighten a little and his gut sink a bit deeper, “Yeah?” Demyx questioned, head tipped ever so slightly in curiosity.

Axel just couldn't look him in the eyes and he quickly looked down at the eggs, “You know… I mean… I was thinking, and, er…” Oh, what the hell was he trying to say? Stumbling over his words like this, he looked like a fool. Then the words tumbled gracelessly out of his mouth, “Could we keep this a secret?” Wincing at how it sounded, he looked to Demyx, “Actually, just don't let my brother and Rude know. I know you think my brother knows everything about me but… Up until you, I didn't even know for sure that... I've… Before…I had…” And the words just kept coming. He wasn't sure how to stop them but as he tried his sentences just came out all chopped up. At least he didn't let it slip that he and Luxord had been together, but it had tried to come out.

“Don't worry. I understand.” Demyx cut it, stopping the seemingly endless flow of vocabulary jumping off Axel's tongue. He didn't sound at all upset and that forced a sigh of relief from Axel, “It will be our little secret… Promise. I won't tell anyone who doesn't know already.” He confirmed, happily turning the sausages.

“Thanks… The eggs are done.” Added Axel lifting the pan away from the heat as he turned off the stove and turned around. Tipping the heavy pan, he emptied it on one plate before setting it back on the stove. With a `the sausage is done too' Demyx mimicked the action.

As Axel moved effortlessly to pull out the plates and set the table there was a distinct `thump!' from the front room. Axel could only imagine that Luxord had finally slid the rest of the way off the couch and Xigbar had not caught him in time or hadn't tried to catch him before he hit the floor. Shortly after, there was a tired and painful groan as Luxord came to. From the sounds of it, he was going to have a little bit of a rough morning so, like a good friend should, Axel poked his head into the living room, “Breakfast!” He called, louder than needed.

“Ow~! Not so loud!” Luxord barked back as he suddenly appeared into view from in front of the couch. Brows furrowed, he glowered back at Axel, who smirked and disappeared back into the kitchen. Luxord might have been acting soberly enough the night before, but Axel had smelled the alcohol on him and knew he'd be suffering at least a little this morning.

Back in the kitchen, Axel looked at Demyx. He was doing his best to be helpful, divvying out the freshly cooked food for everyone and pouring several glasses of milk and juice. The juice would be for Demyx and Reno, they preferred more sugar in the morning but everyone else would be fine with milk. However, Axel's mind was far from the food on the plate. Demyx had agreed to keep their relationship a secret but Axel was still not at ease. Not sure exactly how he was supposed to act Axel shifted uncomfortably and looked back out the kitchen. If Reno came down soon then he'd be safe, until then he had to stall.

Clearing his throat, he moved to join Demyx at the table, “So… Do you have plans for today?” He asked looking down Demyx's back. Should he place his hand on his back? On his shoulder? Not at all? Axel was at a loss.

Demyx turned and jolted a little at how close Axel was, “Oh, well, actually Roxas invited me to join him at the skate park today.” Then Demyx hesitated and frowned a little, “I could stay home with you though if you want, or you could come with.” He suggested. Obviously, he was thinking about what Axel wanted but Axel found it a little relieving to have Demyx out for the day. He could use some more time to think this out.

“No, you go out and enjoy yourself. I'll see you later when you get home.” Axel said with a small smile. There was a moment of quiet between them, Demyx leaning against the counter and gazing up at him and Axel smiling down at him, before Luxord traipsed into the room. Hand to Axel's back, Luxord gave him a quick shove into Demyx as he passed by.

“Don't let us interrupt you!” Luxord said obnoxiously.

Growling, Axel quickly stepped back, letting Demyx escape, “Damn it, Luxord!” He snarled, but that was about all he could get out before Reno caught his attention. Somehow his brother's light feet were becoming more and more silent to Axel, that or he was being deafened by the sudden rush of desire he felt for Demyx. Either way, Luxord's antics were keeping them out of trouble so Reno wouldn't catch onto anything too peculiar, “Morning, Reno.” Axel greeted a bit sourly.

“Mornin' lil' bro! We sure are gettin' popular, if this keeps up we'll gotta hire a crew to do an addition ta the house or somethin'.” Reno blurted out happily, obviously too preoccupied with their houseful of guests to notice Axel's grouchiness. Reno was right about the house being full though. It'd be nice to have the house to himself for the day. Demyx could go hang out with Roxas and the gang, Luxord and Xigbar would go out on some escapade or another, and Reno and Rude would be at work for a good long while. That ought to give Axel plenty of time to get the whole thing sorted out.

As he leaned on the counter, watching his extended family sitting down for breakfast, he wondered if he was allowed to ask questions when Demyx got back. Now that they were going steady, what was it exactly they could do now that they didn't before? And how far was too far? How soon was too soon? This was all just way too far over Axel's head. Maybe he'd just sleep off his worries.

“Axel?” Snapping out of his momentary thought, Axel lifted his head at Demyx's voice. The musician frowned at him a little, “Did I burn something?” He asked and for a moment, Axel couldn't figure it out. Then he realized, he hadn't been eating and quickly shook his head.

“Ah, no. I was just a bit distracted. Sorry.” He apologized before taking a seat at the counter next to Demyx. Xigbar, Luxord, and Reno all sat at the table talking about some thing or another while Demyx and Axel ate silently closer to the sink and away from the group.

“You sure you don't want me to stay home with you today?” Demyx asked quietly. Maybe he thought that Axel's previous silence had something to do with him going out.

“I'm sure. You were so great last night and this'll be the first time you've had a break in a while right? It'll be a nice change of pace to go out with your friends, just have a good time at the park. Do you need any money for lunch or anything? Should I make you something?” Asked Axel, trying to be supportive but the more he spoke the less enthused Demyx seemed to be, “Demyx?”

Bowing his head, Demyx played with his food, “I want to spend time with all of you… I don't want to have to pick between you and my friends.”

Axel should have realized it at the time, but with a lover's eyes he couldn't see that Demyx was playing him. Feeling guilty for wanting to spend the day alone and lost in thought, Axel conceded, “Don't worry about it. Maybe I could use a little fresh air… I could tag along…” He said, trying to act cool but not really succeeding.

A grin spreading across his face, Demyx leaned over to bump his shoulder against Axel, “I'd like that.” He said before casting a glance over his shoulder. Axel recognized the expression he had on his face.... That curious expression when Demyx sometimes looked at him, like the one he'd witnessed back at Demyx's house. Axel hadn't quite figured it out yet.

Without a second thought, Axel placed his hand on Demyx's face, turning back toward him, “What is that?” He murmured aloud without knowing. Brows furrowed, he tipped his head, searching Demyx's face for the answer but finding none.

Demyx's cheek grew hot under his palm and Demyx offered an embarrassed grin, “What? What's what?” Turning his face away, he wiped his face with the back of his hand. He must have thought Axel was talking about some on his face, other than his expression.

Shaking his head, Axel waved a hand, “Ah, it's nothing. So the skate park, guess I ought to bring along my bike… Oh, you don't have anything to ride do you?” Getting up, abandoning the table to avoid Demyx's impending questions, Axel wandered into the garage. Demyx followed him curiously and watched in relative silence as Axel rummaged through the various objects in the garage, “I guess you could borrow Reno's bike but… It's more of just for leisurely riding. You can't grind rails or anything… Hm...” Pulling down a cardboard box, he looked pulled out various gadgets he used to play with as a kid: a jump rope here, some chalk, a bike chain, a hopscotch puck… When he pulled out a pair of rollerblades, he stood up straight and considered them.

For a moment, they seemed like a good idea. Then he looked back at Demyx, who was looking through the things he'd just pulled out. After a quick look over, he decided they wouldn't work, the size was wrong. Abandoning the box, he went to search another where he commenced tossing aside old toys: Frisbees, baseballs, gloves, bats, remote control cars… Even though he'd lost his parents young, Reno had taken good care of him.

“Ah!” Then he found what he was really looking for, “Here…” Turning around, he held out the old and worn skateboard. It was plain, wood with a black weathered top and red wheels, and obviously quite old, “I know it's not much to look at but it should do for the day. We can get you something you like a little better later.” Axel told him as Demyx took the board to inspect it, “Don't worry, it shouldn't fall apart with you on it.”

“You sure?” Demyx looked skeptical.

Giving Demyx a pat on the shoulder, Axel walked by him to the items carelessly tossed about the garage, “I'm sure.” Axel confirmed offering a cocky smirk as he bent at the waist to pick up the box and the first of the many items.

Before he could put the baseball glove, Demyx's hands fell on his back. Immediately, Axel shot up, dropping the box and mitt, “Oh wait! Can you keep that out?” Demyx asked, not seeming to notice how stiff Axel had gotten. It was less that he was surprised and more that certain parts of Axel's back were extremely sensitive. It was one of those embarrassing weak spots of his that got him all hot and bothered…

Swallowing hard, Axel shifted out of Demyx's grasp, “Ah, yeah.” He breathed in a murmur waving his hand absently, “Uh… Do whatever you want with it…. I don't use any of it much anymore, just, uh…” He was slowly backing away from Demyx, hoping to de-fluster himself by avoiding the source, “Put it away when you're do-EEYAH~!”

Axel let out an unflattering yelp as shivers jolted up and down his spine and then swiftly knocked him off his feet. Falling to his knees, Axel bowed his head and balled his hands into fists, “Damn it, Luxord! Knock it the fuck off!” He snarled viciously, grabbing the mitt and hurling it at Luxord's face. The Englishman easily batted the offending object away.

“I have no idea what you're talking about.” Luxord denied blatantly, “Anyway, Xigbar and I are going to head out, so I'll see you tonight, yeah?”

Demyx's laughter interrupted Axel before he could respond and both head turned to Demyx in question, who had a query of his own, “What was that?”

“Huh?” Axel voiced dumbly, Luxord cocking his head.

“That noise? Was that supposed to be a scream?” Unable to suppress his laughter, the words of the question were broken up by breathy chuckles. There was grin spread across his lips. He seemed to be struggling with the smile, trying to keep his lips from showing off his teeth but not quite succeeding. In the end, he covered his mouth with a palm, chortling from behind it.

With a blush of humiliation, Axel got to his now steady feet, “Oh, shut up.” He spat out irritably as he marched off into the house. Behind him, he could hear both Luxord and Demyx burst into laughter.

Not thirty minutes later, the entire house had dispelled and Axel and Demyx were on their way to the park. Axel was coasting along on his bike, he low so that it practically rested on the handlebars. He was wearing a white shirt, black jacket, jeans, and sneakers. The wardrobe helped him fit in with Demyx, who wore similar attire but all shades of blue and violet.

Demyx pushed along beside him, giving the earth a good kick, he zoomed up ahead of Axel, “Oh, stop moping.” Demyx said rolling his eyes and watching as Axel's bike easily caught up and left him behind, “It was cute.” Added Demyx as he stepped twice to roll beside the redhead.

“I'm not moping.” Lifting his Axel glared half-heartedly at Demyx.

“Oh, then that frown must just be a permanent fixture on your face.” With a bit of a grin, Demyx darted away ahead towards a dip in the road. Hitting it hard, it popped him up enough to flip the skateboard under his feet. Then he continued cruising along leisurely, “Hey Axel… Got any plans for tonight?” He asked, looking over his shoulder.

Anger ebbing away, Axel sighed at the question, “You should know better.” Replied Axel as he stood on the pedals. Throwing his weight into it, he suddenly thrust forward, “Heads up!” He called playfully before he rushed by Demyx and gave him a playful shove. As he tumbled off the skateboard, Axel laughed, “Gotta work on that balance buddy!” Turning, he let go of the handlebars, “Come on, you gonna do something about it or not?”

Demyx sat baffle on the curb a moment, before he glared playfully, “You're going to get it now!” Jumping up, he ran to catch up with the skateboard that had left him behind. Without even trying, he stepped into the speed of it and sped after Axel, who was smiling like a cat.

The pair darted among traffic, weaving in and out of side streets at their leisure. Neither were worried about getting to the park in any reasonable amount of time, Roxas wouldn't stay angry for long and they were having a good time by themselves. Axel had forgotten how much fun going out could be. After high school, Roxas and Axel had spent more time gaming and talking than actually doing anything... This was a nice change of pace.

Suddenly cutting Demyx off in a driveway, Axel gave him a start. Letting out a surprised yelp, Demyx fell off the skateboard for the third time. Axel circle him on the bike, “I'm waiting for y-“ He failed to notice Demyx booting the skateboard at him and the bike easily kicked out from under him, sending him to the ground as well.

“Nice! Need some water for that face-plant, Axel?” Demyx's voice was filled with pride at having finally gotten back at him.

Groaning a little, Axel rolled off his bike and rubbed his stomach, “Ugh, I think I took a handle to my spleen!” He complained, but Demyx seemed unsympathetic as he moved to stand over him. Hand shading his eyes from the sun, Axel looked up at him.

Sticking his tongue out, Demyx made a face at him, “That's what you get for knocking me down.” He said before his grin suddenly left his face and he looked away. Axel followed his gaze and sat up immediately. An old man had exited the house and spotted them in his yard. From his expression he wasn't very happy about having intruders about his house.

“What're yer doin' in my yard?!” He yelled as he came down the steps.

“Oh shit,” Axel gave Demyx a shove so he could jump to his feet, “Let's get out of here!” He urged, but Demyx didn't need telling as he'd already picked up the skateboard and took off running. As soon as Axel straddled his bike and came on behind him, Demyx hopped on the board and the pair disappeared around the corner with the old man still screaming at them.

Out of harms way, they broke into laughter. It was unlikely they would have gotten into any real trouble if they hadn't made a run for it, but somehow or another the rush had given them a boost of adrenaline anyway, “Did you see the look on his face? You'd think he'd caught us shaving his cat!” Demyx yelled over his shoulder at Axel.

“Can't blame him, I was about to pull you down at have my way with you!” Axel called back, grinning as Demyx turned suddenly and nearly plummeted off his board again. Chuckling, Axel zoomed by, “Too bad, right?”

“Huh? You serious?” Demyx replied dumbfounded before realizing he was falling behind, “Hey!” Catching up, he glared oddly at Axel, “You're making fun of me.” He accused with a bit of a pout, but it sounded like he was asking a question instead of making a statement.

Closing his eyes, Axel lifted his chin in a superior way, “Wouldn't you like to know?” Maybe rode a little too long blind because a few seconds later, he crashed into a series of trashcans and finally a dumpster before coming to a stop. At least his landing was a little bit softer due to the piles of black garbage bags he eventually ended up on top of.

“Holy crap! Axel, you all right?!” Demyx tipped the skateboard up and grabbed it so he could run over to Axel's side. Crouching down beside Axel, he leaned over and placed a hand on Axel's head, “Hey, you hurt? Come on answer me!” He demanded in worry, but there was no need for it.

Opening his eyes, Axel swiftly grabbed Demyx's arm and pulled him down on top of him. Demyx had started to cry out, but the sound was silenced when Axel caught his lips in a kiss. Wrapping his arms around him, Axel held him close as he tasted those wonderfully salty lips. They were both hot from riding, skin tingling, and Axel felt a bit lightheaded from the fall…

Above him, Demyx moaned quietly and shifted to straddle Axel's waist. Pulling his arms out from under him, Demyx slid one around Axel's neck and the other gripped the dumpster above their heads. Parting his lips, his tongue glided over Axel's lips before he pulled away. His cheeks were flushed red and his chest was heaving

Swallowing hard, Demyx shook his head and sat up, “You're such a jerk.” He grumbled with embarrassment as he ran his hand through his hair.

“I know it.” Axel admitted as he ran a hand down Demyx's chest to rest on his stomach, “We'd better hurry up and get to the park… Roxas won't wait forever.” Axel told him now as he removed his hand and folded his arms behind his head. He was rather satisfied with the way this accident had turned out, but anymore of this and they'd need to turn right back around and go home.

Demyx gave Axel a playful punch in the gut as he stood up. Then he rummaged through the garbage a bit to find the skateboard and looked around. From the looks of it, there was no one around to have seen them. Somehow they'd ended up behind a strip mall and as far as he could tell no employees had come or gone since their sudden arrival.

Groaning, Axel pushed himself to his feet as well. He gave his jacket a shake and brushed off his pants, “Don't look so worried. Who cares if a stranger sees us?” Axel mentioned, seeing how Demyx was giving the place a thorough look around, “What are they gonna do? Call the cops and report a couple of queers making out in their parking lot?” Demyx shot him a deadly glare and Axel raised his hands in surrender, “All right, all right. Sorry.” Coming up alongside him, Axel ruffled his hair a bit, “Come on, let's go.”

I know, I know. By some miracle I have risen from the grave to finish this fanfic. I'll be surprised if any of my old readers are still here but, if they are, I must convey my sincerest apologies. I never intended to leave this so long. I hope you have it in your hearts to forgive me.

As far as updates go: I'm hoping to get a chapter done about every two weeks.