Kingdom Hearts Fan Fiction ❯ Out of My Element ❯ Until There’s Time Enough For Us ( Chapter 19 )

Chapter 19: Until There's Time Enough For Us

For Axel the week passed in a blur. The moments without Demyx there passed like hours but left no impression on him. He found himself watching the clock at work, and wishing his professors might cut class short or, even better never show. And when the blonde was there, the world seemed to go into hyper drive, leaving him feeling as though the time they spent together could never quite be long enough. He lived for the times when he could see Demyx's face and they could do whatever they wanted without fear of persecution.

I don't know but I think I maybe fallin' for you,
Dropping so quickly.
Maybe I should keep this to myself.
Wait until I know you better

Monday-

Axel grinned down at Demyx who was sprawl over the couch like he'd just run a marathon and passed out. Sure, it was Monday but school wasn't military training. Whipping Demyx on the chest with the towel he held in his hands, he jolted Demyx awake, “Day's not over yet, waterboy.” And Demxy groaned. Covering his face with his arms, he tried to hide the grin that was spreading across his lips but Axel grabbed his wrist to take a peak, “You're fine, come on. The car needs to be washed.”

“Ugh! But it's not even my car!” Demyx objected, flailing just a moment on the couch before going limp again, “Do I have to?”

Leaning over, Axel knocked on Demyx's forehead with his knuckles, “Did it sound like I was asking?” Inquired Axel with a quirk of his brow, implying that this wasn't up to debate. Then he noticed Demyx was half laying on a blanket that Luxord was using. Grabbing the edge of it, he gave a sharp tug, “Now get up!” He said as he swiped the blanket out from under him and sent Demyx plummeting to the ground.

“Geez! All right, all right! I'm up!” Scrambling to his feet, Demyx cast him a crooked look that was half annoyed and half amused. He marched over and snatched the towel from his hands, “Let's get to work then, I've got beauty sleep to catch up on.”

Axel chuckled, “'Cause boy do you need it.” Teased Axel as he rushed past and ruffled up Demyx's hair. Behind him, he could hear Demyx pick up pace, rushing to walk on his heels as they went outside. The hotrod was parked in the driveway and Axel had already pulled out the hose and filled up some buckets with soap water, “There's your bucket, I'll do the other side.” Axel told him as he rounded the car and reached into the cold water bucket and pulled out his sponge, “We'll be done before you know it.”

“Yeah, yeah. Two's better than one and all that jazz.” Demyx said, till pretending to be unhappy with the situation as he began to scrub down his half of the car. As Axel reached across the car to get the window, Demyx quickly dunked his sponge back in the water and slapped it down on the windshield in front of Axel's face.

Axel inhaled sharply, gasping a little louder than he expected he would. Leaning back, he wiped his hand down his face, “You did not just splash with the filthy soap water.”

Elbows on the car, Demyx grinned through his teeth, “Payback's a bitch.” He said with a laugh in his voice before he let out a similar gasp as Axel squeezed his sponge and flung the excess water at Demyx to effectively spray his torso with the icy water, “Oh, so that's how we're gonna do this. You're going down, hothead!” He exclaimed wildly, slapping his hands down on the car.

Axel stuck his tongue out at him before letting out a short yelp, jumping out of the way as Demyx jumped atop the soap car and slid across the hood, “Hey! You be careful with the car!” He yelled running around the car to keep away from Demyx. As it turned out, pulling out the hose was a bad idea because he tripped over it. Demyx caught him as he fell and shoved his sponge down the front of Axel shirt. He gave it a squeeze and drenched Axel in the soapy liquid before darting. Axel couldn't quite move for a minute, paralyzed by how cold it was, “You are so dead!”

“Gotta catch me first!” But that wasn't really an issue. Long legs are useful when sprinting and grabbing Demyx by the collar he pulled him to the ground. On his knees, Axel pinned him to the ground and reached over for Demyx's bucket and tipped it. Waves of the murky water poured over Demyx, washing over him and wetting not only Demyx's entire body but Axel's pantlegs as well.

“How's that for payback?” Axel grinned, but Demyx had already devised a counter. Grabbing the hose, he flipped the latch to unleash the water and sprayed Axel in the face. Axel practically flew back off of Demyx and fell on his ass, “Holy shit that's cold! Stop! Stop!” He cried before scrambling out of the stream and behind the car. Grabbing his own bucket, he made a last ditch effort to get Demyx, but as he came out Demyx sprayed him again and Axel only managed to clip him with the gallon or so of water. From then on, Demyx had the upper hand and was chasing Axel in circles around the car.

Needless to say, it took them three times as long to get the car washed than it normally should have.

I am trying not to tell you, but I want to.
I'm scared of what you'll say.
So I'm hiding what I'm feeling,
But I'm tired of holding this inside my head.

Tuesday-

Luxord was out on another date with Xigbar leaving the living room free again. So Demyx was in the front room again with the coffee table pulled up close to the couch so he could hunch over and use it to work on. Curiously, Axel leaned over the back of the couch to see was he was doing. From the amount of color and paper, it didn't look like he was working on homework… Well, that is unless highschool teachers assigned homework to be done in colorful non-toxic paints on craft paper, “Hey, what're you doing?” Asked Axel, practically on Demyx's shoulder.

Demyx shrugged, “Painting.” He said, dragging his paint covered fingers over the sheet.

Axel waited for a better answer than that but not came. With a shrug of his own, he nodded, “Okay…” Then he purposefully tipped himself over the back and crawled over to sit behind Demyx, who objected quietly as Axel nearly shoved him face first into his piece of art, “What are you painting?” Axel asked, head on Demyx's shoulders and arms snaking around his waist.

“Stuff! What do you care?” Demyx looked over his shoulder and gave him a grumpy look and Axel chuckled.

“I think you're doing it wrong.”

“What?” Demyx looked back at the paints. Obviously he was confused but it gave Axel a chance to dip his fingers in the red paint, “How am I doing it wrong?” As he turned his head back, Axel smeared the paint down Demyx forehead to his nose. Shocked, Demyx raised one of his own hands and touched it to his nose, “Hey!” But that was all he could say in objection as Axel leaned in and kissed his cheek. Visibly relaxing, Demyx smiled hopelessly at Axel, “You're incorrigible.”

Axel kissed him again, “Such big words, you must be learning something.” He leaned in to steal another kiss but found Demyx's hand instead. Smearing paint all over Axel's face, he held him at bay, “Thanks…” Pulling away, Axel wiped some of the paint away from his eyes.

“You are most welcome.” Demyx lifted his chin, “Now stop being a pest!” Batting Axel away, the redhead got up and sat on the other side of the table on the floor. Arms cushioning his head, Axel looked up at him pitifully, “What?”

“Can I paint too?” Axel asked childishly.

Demyx heaved a sigh, but smiled none the less, “All right…”

I've been spending all my time just thinking about ya.
I don't know what to do. I think I'm fallin' for you.
I've been waiting all my life and now I found ya.
I don't know what to do. I think I'm fallin' for you.
I'm fallin' for you…

Wednesday-

“Axel! Where's my lunch?!” Yelled Demyx, zooming around the house like dog after a laser pointer, “We're going to be late!”

From the kitchen, Axel shook his head and continued packing his book bag, “Don't worry about it! Just get your books together!” Actually, he had something a little different planned for today and he hoped that Demyx would like the surprise. If he didn't, they could do the packed lunches again, but Axel thought this new idea superior to that in every way possible, “Got everything?” He asked as Demyx walked into the kitchen, panting a little. Given a nod, Axel responded with a short, “Good, let's go.”

In the car, Demyx inquired about lunch again, “I can't go without lunch Axel. I'll starve.” He complained boyishly in the passenger's seat, “And you get home late today! If I don't get lunch I'll have to wait forever.” He moaned.

Axel rolled his eyes, “I wouldn't make you wait forever to eat.” He promised, “Just wait out by the parking lot during your lunch break.” Demyx cast him a disapproving look but resigned. Getting out of the car, he looked back at the car longingly for a moment before jogging inside to get to class.

By the time lunch rolled around for the highschool, Axel was back. Sitting next to a tree that was located somewhere between the building and the parking lot, he waited for Demyx to emerge. It wasn't long before he did, spotting Axel almost immediately and rushing over to see him, “What's this?” He asked curiously as he sat down in the grass more in the shade than Axel. Axel could practically see the hunger in Demyx's eyes.

“I thought it would be nice if we ate lunch together. I have an hour break and, like you said, I don't get home until later tonight.” Axel told him as he unpacked the bag that he'd packed at work. He had made their restaurants signature grilled sandwich, specialty cheese potato wedges, and some garlic onion rings. They were still hot from the grill and fryer. In the bag, there was also some sauces and soda, “I wasn't sure how much cheese you could eat so one of the sandwiches doesn't have cheese and I got onion rings too.”

Demyx smiled, “I'm not that bad. Some dairy here or there won't kill me.” He said taking the wedges and one of the sandwiches, not bothering to see which he had selected. Sighing, he looked to Axel, “I wish you didn't have class tonight.”

“I'll be home before you know it.” Promised Axel, “Now eat up before everything gets cold, I didn't cook it up fresh so it could go to waste.”

Nodding in resignation, Demyx began to eat, “Axel?”

“Hm?”

“Could we do this again tomorrow?”

“Yeah.”

As I'm standing here and you hold my hand,
Pull me towards you and we start to dance.
All around us I see nobody.
Here in silence, it's just you and me.
Thursday-

Axel came in his casuals. Class started an hour earlier on Thursdays than Wednesdays so he'd be leaving to go directly to class when they were through eating. As a result, the car was also parked in the lot, gaining attention from a couple of students who passed by to go out for lunch, “So, I leave Roxas to it and not thirty minutes later I hear him whine `Axel, I can't get the door open and T-Rex keeps eating me!' So I go in there and there's the girl on the screen twirling around like an idiot while this giant T-Rex is trying to chomp her to bits. And I'm like, `Just open the damn door it's not locked!' But Roxas insists that it's just not possible so I take the controller from him and just like that, I run the girl over to the door and get inside with no problem.”

Demyx laughed at the story, “You and Roxas used to hang out a lot, huh?”

“Well, yeah. He's been my best friend since I was seven. We go way back…” Wadding up the empty paper that had originally contained his wrap, Axel tossed in the garbage a few feet away without standing, “We used to do all sorts of things together. Play video games, riding at the park, conventions downtown, you name it… Things changed after I graduated though. It wasn't really a falling out, but we just don't do that kind of stuff so much anymore…” Axel rested his chin in his palm, “I'd forgotten how much fun it could be.” Then he grinned, “Though I could do without the crowds, you know too many people.”

Shaking his head, Demyx waved a hand dismissively, “You just don't know enough people, but, you know what? It's fun with just me and you.” Lying on his back, Demyx cushioned his head with his arms. He stared up at the sky, “When you're with me… I can forget sometimes…”

Axel saw the melancholy expression on Demyx's face and knew exactly what he was thinking about. Sighing, Axel sat back and shifted his weight onto his hand, the other laying over his lap, “Don't think about it. I'm with you now, there's no reason to be sad.” Demyx turned his eyes from the blue sky to rest his gaze on him, “Whenever you feel lonely, you can always call me. Here, give me your cell.” Reaching out, Axel waited for Demyx to pull the phone from his pocket. Entering his information in the phone, he handed it back, “There, whenever you call, I'll answer. No matter what.”

Demyx held the phone over his head and stared at it. Then he tucked it in his back pocket, “Sometimes, I just can't figure you out…” He murmured wistfully.

“I could say the same thing about you.”

That night, they settled on a quiet evening, just watching a movie in each other's arms knowing and waiting for Luxord or Reno to interrupt their time together.

I am trying not to tell you, but I want to.
I'm scared of what you'll say.
So I'm hiding what I'm feeling,
But I'm tired of holding this inside my head.

Friday-

“Where's lunch?” Asked Demyx when he finally spotted Axel in the parking lot and met him over at the car. His bright blue eyes shined in the sunlight like gems, wide and eager. If the day had exhausted him at all, it didn't show on his face.

Lifting a shoulder in a half shrug, Axel replied “Didn't bring any,” And Demyx's face dropped, obviously disappointed in the lack of food, “I missed you a lot this morning…” Axel leaned back on the car and looked off at the horizon, “So I thought you could ditch class the rest of the day and we'd go out. Doesn't have to be anything fancy. I just wanted to get away with you for a while. What do you say?”

Demyx was stumped. For a long moment, he just stood there and stared, this open confused expression on his face. Then he closed his eyes and shook the expression away so he could speak, “You're giving me permission to skip class?”

Smiling, Axel let out a breath of a laugh, “Yeah, what's one day gonna do? Or are you too good to drop everything and go out with me?” He asked, placing both hands on the hood and leaning heavily to tip his head to the side.

“Sometimes I wonder about my luck.” Opening up the car door, “Let's get out of here.”

As Axel got out of the car, he peeled off his sticky shirt, “Has a day passed this week where we've actually been able to stay clean around each other?” Asked Axel. Hopping on one foot, he attempted to pull his shoe off. He fell against the car and managed to get it off and remained on the car to get off the other. Similarly, Demyx was sitting in the front seat of the car and pulling off his own shirt and shoes.

“I don't think so.” Demyx replied as he dumped his shoes in his shirt and got out of the car, “In my defense, you always start it.” He added, watching as Axel went a bit further and pulled off his socks and lastly his pants. As far as Axel was concerned, the garage was his house and boxers were close enough to shorts to be seen in, “Pants too? I didn't think it was that bad.” He mentioned as he tossed his dirty clothes in the corner of the garage with the rest of the dirty laundry.

“I bet you didn't,” Axel threw his clothes on top of Demyx's and closed the garage door and headed inside, “That maple syrup was on a mission.” He said as he entered the kitchen, “I'm not even sure where it all got.”

“Should have had whip cream like me. Easier to lick off.” Demyx told him with a grin hopping up on the counter, “Want to take the first shower?” He asked but Axel was looking out back.

Now Axel wasn't fond of the water and he rarely did anything in the backyard pool, but something about Demyx changed him. Things he'd never considered fun or acceptable were now, quite suddenly, the things he looked forward to the most, “Shower?” He repeated staring out the window, “I think I've got a better idea.” Demyx raised a brow curiously watching as Axel passed by and opened up the back idea, “How about a swim?”

Demyx hopped down, “Now you're speaking my language!” Without stripping out of anymore clothes, Demyx ran out past Axel and jumped into the pool. He looked as if he had leapt up to fly, arms spread as if to hug the air. When he came crashing down, the water spilled up over the edges of the pool onto the concrete, “Come on!” He called eagerly when he surfaced and shook the water from his face.

Axel needed little encouragement, with Demyx in the water already the thought of the liquid became highly tolerable, “Move aside, I'll show you a real splash.” Challenged Axel as he cracked his fingers and stepped back for a running start. Leaping up off the edge of the poolside, Axel balled up and hit the water hard, sending waves of water showering down in all directions.

When he came up for air, Demyx was almost immediately on top of him. Arms around his neck, Demyx leaned over, “This is the best idea you've had yet.”

“Well, I had a little inspiration.”

“Oh yeah? What?” Demyx kicked some, forcing his weight on top of Axel to dunk him under the water. Countering, Axel reached back and pulled Demyx up and over him. With Demyx in front of him, Axel captured him in his arms. Face to face, Axel rest his forehead against Demyx's.

“You, of course.”

I've been spending all my time just thinking about ya.
I don't know what to do. I think I'm fallin' for you.
I've been waiting all my life and now I found ya.
I don't know what to do. I think I'm fallin' for you.
I'm fallin' for you…

Saturday-

Axel pulled the necklace Demyx had given him from his nightstand and fastened it around his neck. He felt refreshed now that he'd had a shower. Demyx had taken his that morning so Axel had to wait until late the late afternoon for his own. He didn't mind giving up the first shower to Demyx, but he'd had to wait for the hot water to return to useable levels.

Briefly Axel looked at the notebook from Namine, he considered looking through it again. He'd yet to really go through the whole thing, but then the scent of food wafted up into his room from the kitchen and Axel's stomach twisted anxiously. He loved it when Demyx cooked, probably the same reason Demyx had been thrilled with their swim the previous day. It meant they were taking an interest in each other beyond their looks but interests as well.

Leaving his room, Axel leaned over the railing and peered into the kitchen. A smile spread across his lips. Somehow, standing in front of the stove, spatula in hand, Demyx looked so hot. Biting his lip, Axel crept down the stairs. As he made his way into the kitchen, Demyx spotted him and smiled, “I thought I'd cook lunch, I guess it's a little late… Whatever. You said we were going out with Luxord today so I thought we could use the energy.”

“Yeah…” Axel responded vaguely, eying Demyx like a kid drooling over the displays in a candy store. His eyes flicked briefly to what Demyx was cooking. Oh good, nothing too time sensitive. As Demyx turned to wipe his hands off on the dish towel on the counter, Axel stepped up behind him and flicked the stove to low. Then he placed both his hands on the counter to trap Demyx between the tabletop and his body.

“Hey, the food's gonna burn!” Objected Demyx before letting out a quiet gasp when Axel leaned in and his lips brushed the back of his neck. Demyx's knees trembled and he quickly placed his own hands on the counter to keep himself steady.

“No it won't. I've turned it down.” Axel murmured against the nape of Demyx's neck. Stepping closer, Axel pressed up against Demyx's back, “You know,” He began as he moved an arm around Demyx waist, “Luxord won't be by to pick us up for another hour.” His hand slid up under Demyx's shirt and he pressed his palm against Demyx's flat stomach. The way it rose and fell so quickly, Axel knew Demyx had caught his meaning.

“Axel…” Demyx's heart pounded fast, fluttering like a timid rabbit as Axel's hand rose to rest over it.

Kissing his neck, Axel closed his eyes to enjoy the feeling, “I love the way you look when you're cooking… You look so focused.” He murmured as he slid his other hand off the counter to pull Demyx's hips against him. The action made Demyx shudder and he arched his back to press into Axel's touch. There was no doubt in Axel's mind that Demyx couldn't feel the hard on he was already sporting. Perhaps it was the accumulation of desire this past week that had him ready at the drop of a hat for such an occasion.

Demyx laughed lightly, the sound of it slightly breathy, “The kitchen, really?”

Axel chuckled and gently bit at Demyx's neck, “Really.” Axel wasn't picky about location as long as they weren't seen, “Besides, don't want to burn the house down.” Added Axel, though the thought of fire only made him that much more excited, “Why do you want to go upstairs?” He bit again at the back of Demyx's neck and Demyx nearly collapsed, good thing Axel had a hold of him.

“N-no… Here's fine.” Bowing his head, Demyx exposed the back of his neck and gripped the counter as if he'd fall if he let it go, though Axel believed this might actually be the case.

“Hm… Good.” He licked away whatever pain he might have caused. The hand on Demyx's chest sought his sensitive, teasing it hardness when it was found. It made Demyx shiver with delight and his chest heave for breath. His other hand made its way down to Demyx's groin. For the time being, it remained on the outside massaging the bulge there methodically. For this, he was rewarded by a low breathy moan from Demyx and a shift of his hips back to press his ass up against Axel's erection.

Growling in the back of his throat, Axel thrust his hips against Demyx eagerly. Damn it, it felt good. How could he have forgotten this long lost delight?

Easily tugging the button open of Demyx's pants, Axel unzipped the jeans and slipped his hand under the harsh fabric. Demyx sighed pleasantly at the release pressure, which was quickly replaced by Axel's soft warm hand trailing up and down the length of his erection, “Axel.” Demyx dropped to his elbows on the counter and rested his forehead on his arms.

Axel followed him down, one hand in Demyx's pants, he held his body close with the other. Another kiss to his neck, “Demyx…” The words fell out without reason or knowing, “I think I-“

GASP!!!

Gasp? Axel shot up quickly, pulling his hands from the tangle of Demyx's shirt. He scarcely avoided being knocked in the face as Demyx did exactly the same thing. Both immediately looked to the entryway of the kitchen.

Roxas covered his eyes, “Oh god! I am so sorry!” He exclaimed, stumbling back up against the frame of the kitchen entrance.

With a frustrated growl, Demyx threw the dish towel at Axel face, “Damn it, Axel!” He yelled, running out of the room quickly and disappearing up the stairs.

Axel stared after him, why was he angry with him?

“Roxas!” Axel barked, tossing the towel on the counter, “What are you doing here? Didn't I tell you to knock anyway?!” He was flustered, no that would be an understatement. Axel was down-right frustrated, the kind of frustration that he wasn't sure how much longer he could take it. And damn it! What the fuck was he doing? What was he going to tell Demyx? That he loved him? Shit!

“I did knock, shouldn't you be doing- er- that, in your room or something?” Demanded Roxas defensively, lowering his hand cautiously. Then he sighed, “I really am sorry man, I didn't mean to… You can, uh… Go take care of that if you want.” Roxas looked nervous as he made a general gesture Axel's way.

The anger drained out of Axel and he bent over the countertop to half lay on it, “I couldn't with you knowing what I was doing…” Covering his head, Axel closed his eyes. Roxas might have just saved him. It was way too soon wasn't it? For sex and love? This was a mess, “Just… Forget about it.” Pushing himself up, Axel turned to the sink and turned on the cold water. Splashing it on his face, he tried to cool himself down. He felt like he was on fire.

Roxas stood in awkward silence before uttering a soft `sorry' again. Then shifted anxiously, “I just… We're teenagers, not blind, you know…”

Dabbing the back of his neck with the icy water, Axel turned around to look at Roxas. He knitted his brows together, “Roxas… What on earth are you talking about?”

Arms folded, Roxas avoided looking at Axel directly, “This lunch thing you've been doing with Demyx this week… I'm worried about you guys. I mean, just because you're outside and you don't really… Do anything. I've heard some rumors going around. I just want to make sure you're being careful what you do where you can be seen.” His eyes slowly fell and he sounded like he regretted saying anything at all, “I… I'm your best friend Axel. I know Demyx makes happy, but…”

Suddenly Axel felt like an asshole. Head down, Axel crossed the kitchen and placed a hand on Roxas's shoulder, “I know, you're just looking out for me… I'm sorry Roxas. I've been a really shitty friend lately. I just got so caught up with this… Thing with Demyx. Thanks for telling me. I'll be more careful.” Axel promised. Then he let him go, “How about we catch a movie after my test next week? You can tell me all about your little girlfriend.”

Roxas rolled his eyes, “Yeah, `cause that's going so well.” Muttered Roxas folding his arms, keeping his gaze averted. It became obvious to Axel just how much he'd been neglecting his dearest friend.

Looking up at Demyx's room, Axel weighed the options. How long would Demyx be up there sulking? Wait- Was he sulking, “How long do you think he'd going to be up there.” Roxas groaned and made his way over to the couch. Flopping over onto it, he flailed his arms a bit.

“How should I know?” He asked in exasperation before thinking on it a minute, “I guess it depends how far along you two were. Oh god, don't tell me how far. I do not need that kind of mental image in my head. No offense or anything, but I really don't. Did you even wash your hand? Did you touch me with that hand- Augh!” Roxas pulled a pillow over his head.

Axel looked at his hands guiltily. Backing into the kitchen, he washed his hands and then splashed more icy water on his face when he felt it burning. That's what Demyx was doing up there? The mental image was not helping the boner in his pants go away.

Returning to the living room, Axel sat down in the chair. He had to sit kind of low with his legs spread a bit wider than normal, but he hoped Roxas would understand, “Sorry…” Axel murmured awkwardly, “So… What's going on with you and Namine?”

Still under the pillow, Roxas sighed, “I guess I see her more than I used to… But I choke up and always say something stupid. I just can't talk to her like I can with you or anyone else. I must sound like such a retard.”

Axel smiled, “Why don't you just tell her you're nervous? Don't girls think that kind of thing is cute?”

“That's stupid. I can't tell her I'm interested!”

“Sure you can.” Axel insisted, “I mean, isn't it strange for someone who isn't interested to be following her around to the library?”

Roxas pulled the pillow down and glared at Axel, “Shut up.”

Apparently Demyx hadn't been too far off when he ran out, because he reappeared just then at the top of the stairs. Looking embarrassed, he folded his arms and looked between the two, “What's going on?” He asked, his voice sounding a little lower than it usually was.

Axel waved a hand, “Nothing, don't worry about it.” He said as he got up, “I'll talk to you soon, okay Roxas?” His friend nodded and got up. Purposefully, he didn't look at Demyx as he made his way to the front door and left quietly.

When Demyx came down, Axel could smell something inorganic on him, cologne or deodorant. Axel wasn't sure which it was, but the scent was sharp and strong. He didn't like it much, especially compared to the natural scent Axel still comforted himself with… Yes, Axel still wasn't particularly good at falling asleep without something of Demyx's nearby. He wondered how long he could get away with stealing Demyx's clothes without him noticing.

Demyx bowed his head, “Uh… Sorry… For yelling at you earlier.” He mentioned, rubbing the back of his head with a nervous hand.

“Forget about it.” Axel took him by the arm and pulled him close. Kissing his head, Axel hugged him lightly.

I love you… He thought silently

Luxord arrived a short while later, after Axel had scrapped the food Demyx had started. As it turned out it was possible to burn it, even on low if you forgot about it long enough. So, with empty stomachs they piled into his car. It was then that Axel noticed something peculiar. He couldn't quite put his finger on what it was that was different about the interior of the car. For the entirety of the drive, Axel sat in silence contemplating what it could possibly be.

As Luxord came to a stop outside a club, Axel cast a confused glance his way, “What are we doing here?”

“We're celebrating, come on and get out of the car. I hope you haven't eaten.” He added with a grin as he got out. Axel recalled the ruined meal from earlier and remembered he was starving, “Axel, you go in around front. I'll take Demyx in the back.” Axel frowned at him, but it wasn't like they could go home.

The building was old red brick and looked relatively peaceful on the outside. However, upon getting inside by flashing his ID, he found that it was quite the opposite inside. There was loud music playing and, for being so early, there were quite a few people… Most of which were dancing, drinking, and pawing all over each other. Axel regretted agreeing to come already.

Spotting Luxord and Demyx at a booth off in the corner, he headed their way. Weaving his way through the crowd, he frowned down at Luxord, “I will murder you if this comes back to bite me or Demyx in the ass.” He warned as he took a seat next to Demyx. His stomach grumbled in complaint. Was there even anything eatable here?

“Ye of little faith. You're among friends here.” Luxord assured before waiving to someone in the crowd and within seconds they were joined by Xigbar. He looked rather stunning. Wearing a dark gray pinstripe suit, purple shirt, and his hair tied back, he looked like a classy waiter… Maybe a businessman.

“What'll you boys have? It's on me.” Xigbar said. A smile lit up his face and he seemed in good spirits. In fact, since Luxord and Xigbar had gotten together, they both seemed to be happier. Not that Axel saw them a whole lot… Maybe that's how it normally was when you start seeing someone. It didn't make Axel feel any better about abandoning Roxas though…

“Just a beer for me.” Luxord said with the wave of his hand.

“I'll uh…” Demyx looked around the group with uncertainty but Luxord gave him a reassuring nod. As far as Luxord was concerned Demyx was old enough to drink. But then again… This was Luxord they were talking about, “Just a Mimosa… If I could…” Demyx looked unsure, maybe about drinking alcohol or possibly knowing enough about it to know what he wanted. Either way, Axel wasn't sure what was in a Mimosa.

“I don't drink…” Axel murmured, trying to hide his anxiety. Why were they there?

Luxord rolled his eyes, “Of course the boy drinks! Get this good chap a Screaming Orgasm. We'll see what you say after that.” Xigbar nodded and left them.

“A what?” Axel wasn't up to date on all these weird names.

“A Screaming Orgasm, you'll like it!” Luxord assured him loudly, sounding as if he might already be a tad buzzed. To Axel's side, Demyx tried to hide his smile, “Don't be such a girl Axel. A couple of drinks won't kill you,” That wasn't what Axel was worried about, “Besides, the occasion calls for a drink.”

“What occasion?” But Luxord refused to tell until Xigbar returned with their drinks. At least that didn't take long. Divvying out the drinks, Xigbar took a seat with his arm around Luxord's shoulder. He had a Brandy for himself, not that Axel recognized that himself, “All right, so what's this news?”

Luxord grinned, “I'm moving out of your living room.” He said proudly. Ah! That's what it was about the car; all his things had been missing from it.

“And moving in with me.” Xigbar finished. Holding out his glass, he added, “Cheers.” And instinctively the rest of the group took their drinks in hand and clinked the glasses together. Xigbar downed about half of his short glass and Luxord took a good swig from his bottle. Demyx was more reserved, sipping at his orange colored beverage. A Mimosa had alcohol right? And what the hell was in his? It was brown… It confused Axel and he stared at it hard as if that would force an answer from the liquid.

“That… Is big news.” Shaking away the confusion of his drink, he settled on shock for the time being. And he thought he was going fast with Demyx. Moving in together? They'd been spending a lot of time together so he supposed it wasn't unthinkable. Still, weren't they worried about being caught or found out? Maybe it was just everyone who was in the closet who had to worry about those kinds of things. Not that Axel was particularly closeted, “I, uh… Congratulations.” Axel stammered and as if to hide from the conversation he took a drink of his beverage-

Oh! It was tasty, surprising. Kind of chocolaty with a nutty finish… Maybe a hint of citrus.

Tipping his head back, he drank more and more of it without stopping until it was gone. Everyone was silent and watching. Then it hit him.

Covering his mouth, he whined in pain, “Holy mother- It burns!”

Luxord and Xigbar chuckled heartily, while Demyx snorted and attempted not be cruel by outright laughing at him.

Whew, I'm telling you guys I just had to get some of this cute out of my system. It'll be good for you guys too when the drama comes, that way you have something to go back on to get the warm fuzzies.

Now you don't have to worry about Axel or Demyx sleeping with anyone but each other. The drama has to do with something entirely different (that I've already hinted at). And Axel and Demyx won't always get caught. Axel learns eventually to lock the door. Maybe next chapter? Maybe not… Who knows?!

Oh wait, I do. Bwahahahah! *evil laughter there*

On a serious note, I'm always willing to consider reader concerns about future developments in the story. I write not just because I enjoy it, but because I like to make things other people will enjoy as well.