Kingdom Hearts Fan Fiction ❯ Out of My Element ❯ By Design A Spider's Web ( Chapter 23 )

Chapter 23: By Design A Spider's Web

Reno came home again all too soon, but Axel would be lying if he said he wasn't happy to see him again. In fact, when Axel heard the roar of Rude's black SUV, he rushed downstairs to meet him. Opening the front door, he smiled brightly at Reno and greeted him with a hug, “Man, I can't remember the last time you stayed out more than a night!” Axel told him before noticing the bags in his hands, “Let me get those.” He offered graciously, hauling the suitcase and duffle bag inside.

“Thanks, bro!” Reno stepped inside after him and looked around the house. Demyx was on the couch, acting nonchalant, “What's this yo? Spic and span?” He asked pointing out how clean the house was. Actually, Demyx and Axel had spent the better part of the day cleaning it. Since Monday night's rather urgent meeting of bodies, they'd slowed down quite a bit, enjoying the process more and more with each encounter. First it was the couch, then the kitchen table, the bathroom sink, Axel's bed, the shower, back to Demyx's bed, the coffee table in the front room, the floor (of several rooms), even the washer and dryer in the garage had seen a little action. By now it was quite safe to say, they were more comfortable with each other's skins than their own. As a result, Axel felt obligated to give the house a thorough cleaning, lest Reno find some trace evidence that would give them away.

“Hm? Oh yeah. I thought it'd be nice for you to…” Axel trailed off a bit as Rude came in carrying more bags, “Uh, to come home to a clean house.” Then he looked down at the things he was holding. These weren't Reno's were they? Wait, Axel recognized at least the duffle bag; Reno had taken it over to Rude's when he brought some clothes for overnight stays.

“That was thoughtful.” Reno said brightly with a smile as he moved to the living room, “Mind takin' that stuff up to my room, yo? I'm bushed!” Throwing himself on the chair, Reno sagged into it as Rude moved without word up the stairs, “Hey, kid, how's it goin'?” He asked, turning his attention to Demyx. Axel actually thought Reno was quite fond of Demyx, that didn't make lying to him any easier though.

“Uh, good I guess…” Demyx replied looking up from the textbook on his lap, “Working on homework.”

“Want help?” Reno asked eagerly.

Demyx snorted a laugh, “From you?”

But that was all Axel heard of the conversation as he carried the suitcase and bag up the stairs. Pushing Reno's door open with his shoulder, he found Rude setting the things he'd carried up on the bed: four other bags of luggage, “I don't like lying to you,” Rude mentioned as he opened up one of the bags and began to unpack, “Or your brother.”

“I'm sorry… Uh, wait, what?” Axel set the luggage down and approached. Those weren't Reno's clothes.

“Figured the least I could do was buy you some time…” Then Rude stopped what he was doing and turned to Axel, “I'm a full-time resident now.” Axel, dumbfounded, just stared a moment trying to fit the pieces together. And then it caught up to him.

“How long have you two been planning this?” Axel asked, surprised that Reno wouldn't have told him. After all, Axel was right there with him trying to get Rude to leave that crappy apartment in the city and live with them.

Rude sighed and began to put his clothes away, “Since our last vacation.”

“Eight months? What the hell took you- And you guys just didn't tell me? You jerks!” Axel gave Rude a playful shove and Rude offered a rare smile.

“Reno made me promise I wouldn't say until we were sure.” Sure? Well, they certainly must have been now if Rude had packed up all his things and brought them over, “Did you enjoy your… Vacation?” Rude didn't seem to know how to word what he wanted to say and another wave of realization washed over him. Luring Reno away with the prospect of packing away Rude's things… Rude had planned this.

Following Rude to the dresser, Axel pushed the drawer closed and leaned up against, “You are way smarter than most people give you credit for.”

Rude looked stumped or insulted, or maybe happy- Okay, Axel really couldn't tell behind those shades. Axel was good at reading Rude, not great, “People think I'm stupid?” He asked seriously, waiting patiently for Axel to move so he could continue to put his things away.

Chuckling, Axel shrugged, “Well the phrase `tall, dark, and handsome' comes to mind, not clever.” He responded with a smile. It really wasn't a secret. Even if Axel loved Rude like a brother, Axel knew what people thought when they first saw him. Big, dumb, and strong.

“Ouch.”

“Sorry.” Axel patted his shoulder and pushed away. Moving past him, he started for the door, “Thanks for the three days, we spent them well.” He assured, “I owe you bro.” Man did he owe him.

“Bro?”

Axel paused and looked over his shoulder. The slight shift of Rude's brows, the alteration of tension held in his shoulders. Axel wasn't sure what that was, maybe surprise? “You're officially part of the family now, big guy, welcome home. Now I gotta beat the shit out of my blood brother.” Grinning, he tossed a thumb over his shoulder to point down the stairs.

“Leave him in one piece, Axel; I like him better that way!” Rude called after him.

As one would expect, it became difficult once more for Demyx and Axel to find time alone together. They had the morning drive to school, their daily luncheons held at the park, and, irregularly, they had time after Demyx came home from school. However, Demyx and Axel also had their own friends and as a result they spent a good deal apart even when they could have possibly been together. It was rather strenuous for Axel, who once started, had a hard time putting the breaks on his lust. And if that wasn't bad enough, Axel felt the impending doom of the renovations looming about in the distance. Demyx wouldn't be staying there forever, then what would they do?

Just thinking about Demyx's departure tugged at Axel's heartstrings. So Axel turned his thoughts to the time. It was Monday afternoon and Axel was waiting at the park for Demyx. Demyx usually arrived fifteen minutes after the lunch hour started and they'd have thirty minutes to eat and talk before Demyx would have to go. Axel's watch indicated that it was now twenty minutes after and he was growing concerned. Demyx was usually very good about the time.

Axel thought back to this morning. They'd had breakfast with Reno and Rude, as usual, talked about school and then left to actually go to school. The drive wasn't out of the ordinary, except for that Demyx had pretty much insisted on getting into Axel's pants one last time before he had to leave for the day. Other than that… Nothing was worth mentioning. So, it was unlikely that Demyx was angry with him.

When thirty after ticked by and Axel was sure that Demyx wasn't going to show but he was reluctant to leave. His own appetite lost, Axel pushed the bag of food away from himself dejectedly. He wondered if he should just throw it away now, or maybe take it with him to eat later.

Thinking it over, Axel realized that plenty could have happened. The most obvious and logical answer was that Demyx had fallen into bad habits again and was in trouble at school. If that was the case, he'd have been kept in detention or a teacher's room while being dealt some kind of punishment involving repetitive writing. Axel was half tempted to call the school or Shinra Corp to see if this was the case, but decided against it. If anything more severe had happened, certainly his brother would have called him.

Fifty minutes after, Axel stood up and shoved the food into the garbage. He didn't want it anymore.

When he got home, Demyx hadn't arrived yet and Axel waited in the front room so he could have a word with him. Demyx could have at least texted him to say he wasn't coming, or even to say `sorry' after the fact, but nothing! Axel was actually kind of pissed off about it, which was weird for him. He hadn't been angry with Demyx since… Well, since he'd fallen in love with him, which seemed like forever ago.

The front door opened and Axel turned in his seat, “Demyx,” He started, but his voice died in his throat when he saw him. Demyx's skin was parchment white, eyes red like blood, and his hair was disheveled and dull, “Baby, what happened?” Axel stood and Demyx's head jerked like he hadn't heard him and dropped his backpack. Axel could see him visibly shudder as he placed a hand over his mouth and turned his head away. Holding his stomach, Demyx darted up the stairs. Axel ran after him but stopped in the bathroom doorway as Demyx doubled over the toilet.

Retching, Demyx emptied the bile of his stomach and a strange wheezing cry of pain from his lungs. Then he pressed his skull to the porcelain and closed his eyes tight as his entire body seemed to twist and shudder.

“Shit, I'll call the hospital.” Axel turned to leave, but Demyx rapidly caught him by the pant-leg to stop him.

“N-no. I'm all right.” Demyx's body did one of those contorting contractions again, “Just… Help me up.” Axel shifted uncomfortably, looking out the door as he debated whether or not to do as Demyx asked. He looked like shit and Axel thought he needed to go to the hospital for it. But, when he looked back at the desperation in Demyx's face, Axel smothered his instincts and got down low to put an arm under Demyx's shoulder.

Getting Demyx to his feet, Axel helped him to his room. After taking off his shoes, Axel tucked him in and quickly left to retrieve some water and medication. He didn't know what was wrong, so he grabbed some nausea and pain pills.

“Don't call the hospital…” Demyx begged as he finished drinking down the water and pills, “I can't go there…” Laying back down flat in bed, Demyx winced and shifted uncomfortably.

“You're sick, Demyx… You need to go to the hospital. What if your appendix burst? You could die.” Axel said, worry painted on his face, but Demyx just shook his head, “Please…”

“No.” Demyx's answer was clear and strong, “Just… Give me the night.”

Leaning down, Axel kissed his head with a sigh, “Fine. If you're not feeling better in the morning; I'm taking you to the hospital.” Axel told him as he smoothed back Demyx's hair. It was strange. Demyx didn't feel hot… “I'll be up with some soup later; you stay in bed and rest.” Axel ordered as he left, his own stomach feeling a bit weak. Downstairs, he called Reno to let him know that Demyx wasn't feeling well. Then he called Rufus's office and got the secretary to take a message.

After that, he started cutting up vegetables for the soup. His breathing was rapid and heavy and Axel felt a little light headed. He couldn't concentrate and he accidentally cut himself before he realized he'd chopped up way too much. Cursing under his breath, he threw the ingredients in the pot. He needed to talk to someone, anyone.

While the water boiled, he phoned Roxas but only got his voice mail. He felt panic creeping up on him and quickly hung up and rang Luxord instead. Relief swept over him when he heard his friends voice.

“Hey fireball!” Luxord answered cheerily. Somewhere in the background he could hear Xigbar talking. From the sounds of it, information on where the laundry detergent was, “Ah, found it!” Luxord told Xigbar before he proceeded with whatever it was he was doing. Luxord didn't seem the laundry type to Axel.

Rubbing his face, Axel sighed, “It's good to hear your voice.” And it really was. For a moment, Axel felt like having a nervous break down. Luxord's easy going attitude did wonders for his blood pressure, sometimes.

“Missed the accent, didn't you?” Luxord laughed before his tone became serious, “You sound ragged.”

“Yeah… I just…” Axel leaned on the counter, “It's nothing, just a bit freaked out. How's domestic life treating you?”

“Everything's aces,” Luxord assured, “I've quite a knack for it, I think. So what's happened love? It's not like you to ring me up out of the blue.” He was a good friend where it counted. Maybe he did miss work quite a bit, but he always seemed to be there for Axel looking out for him.

“Demyx missed lunch today.” Axel mentioned, “I think he's sick, he looks awful, but he won't go to the hospital.”

“You worry too much. I'm sure he'll perk up by morning. The flu's been going around, haven't you heard?”

“But… Never mind, you're right. I'll talk to you later.” Then Axel hung up without another word and set the phone aside. Turning around, he splashed his face. Yeah, he was just overreacting. Demyx was fine. Come tomorrow, he'd feel like a fool for ever suggesting this warranted a trip to the emergency room.

Taking the soup upstairs, Axel found Demyx was sleeping uneasily and decided not to wake him. Instead, he set the bowl aside and sat on the edge of the bed. He watched over him until Reno came home, then nursing duty was handed off to Reno while Rude assured Axel it was probably nothing.

The next morning, Demyx was up early. He had showered, dressed, and brushed his teeth all before Axel rolled out of bed. Reno was up too, talking with Demyx at the table in the kitchen when Axel came down, “Maybe you ought to get sick more often. Rufus hasn't given me paid time off like that for ages!” Reno said merrily. Rude had gone into work as usual but apparently Rufus had given orders for Reno to stay home and look after his nephew, “Seriously, it's good you're better, yo. Bein' sick ain't much fun.”

“You two are up early.” Axel mentioned as he entered the kitchen. The two at the table looked up at him. Reno offered a cheery grin and Demyx managed a stained smile that looked to be half a grimace.

“Slept like a baby, little bro!”

Demyx gave a tight, restricted shrug, “I fell asleep so early… I must have slept ten hours.” Axel supposed that made sense and went about his morning routine of making breakfast for the family. However, he found himself looking over his shoulder every ten seconds to look at Demyx. He looked… Sort of better. His skin had color again, his eyes looked fine, and he wasn't bent over the porcelain bowl.

“Don't push yourself too hard today. Okay, Demyx.” Advised Axel as he laid plates in front of everyone. Demyx just nodded quietly, “Think I should wake Rude?”

“Nah, I'll get him when it's time to go.” Reno said as he dug in enthusiastically. Axel couldn't help but notice Demyx was less eager as he pushed the food around lazily on the plate. Maybe he still wasn't feeling well, so Axel didn't push the matter as he sat down to eat. It was quieter than normal at the breakfast table. Usually Demyx and Reno chatted up a storm, with Axel diving in here or there. But neither Axel nor Demyx seemed to have much to say.

When breakfast was over, Axel cleared the plates and Reno headed back upstairs to his room. Axel doubted it was to get ready for work, but couldn't imagine he was going up there to get more rest. He tried not to think about the alternatives as he washed the dishes, “Are you sure you're up for school today?” He asked over his shoulder, “I've told Rufus you weren't feeling well yesterday. He can't get angry over you missing a day or two while you get over this.”

Demyx, who still sat in the chair Axel had found him in, shook his head, “No… I'll be all right. Could you fix me something for lunch? I uh… I don't think I'll be up for the walk to the park this afternoon.” Demyx murmured, staring at the table solemnly.

Axel frowned but didn't argue, “Sure…” He loved their lunches together but he couldn't very well make Demyx do anything he didn't want to. Besides, it was him who'd advised Demyx not to push himself. It was really his own fault. Putting the plates in the rack to dry, Axel began to prepare Demyx's food. When he was done, he found Demyx's backpack and placed it inside, “It's time to go.”

“Kay…” Demyx placed both hands on the table and carefully stood. He waited a moment, as if to gain his bearings before he moved around the table, walking with confidence, “Backpack.” Curtly, Demyx held out his hand and Axel handed it over. Something felt strange about this.

Intending to help Demyx along, Axel placed his hand on Demyx's back and the blonde went stiff a split second before he smacked Axel's hand away, “Don't touch me.” Demyx spat before quickening his pace, leaving Axel confused in the entryway. Now Axel knew something wasn't right. He wasn't imagining things; there was something wrong with Demyx.

In the car, Axel slammed the door, “What aren't you telling me?” He demanded, shoving the keys in the ignition.

Demyx looked away, “Nothing. Just drop it already.”

“It's obviously not nothing. Are you still feeling sick? Does it hurt-“

Angrily, Demyx shoved his backpack onto the floor and wrapped his arms around himself, “I'm fine! Now take me to school or I'll tell Rufus-“ Demyx seemed to think better of the statement, “Just take me to school!”

“Fine, see if I care!” Snarled Axel pulling on his seatbelt and starting the car. They didn't speak at all on the way there and Demyx didn't look back at the car when he got out and stomped into school.

Things did not get much better when Demyx came home after school either. The blonde simply trudged up the stairs and told Axel to leave him alone and that he wasn't hungry. Axel, who was handling things less than stellarly, responded by yelling up at him saying that he was `going to fucking eat dinner anyway'. Luckily, Reno and Rude ate out and weren't there to witness the awkward and tense dinner.

About halfway through his own food, Demyx not having touched his own except to destroy it, Axel's guilt caught up to him. He couldn't stay angry forever, “Demyx, I… I'm sorry. I didn't mean to yell earlier.” Axel mentioned in a low voice as he kept his eyes on the table, “I'm just worried about you.”

“Well, don't.” Axel looked up at the harshness in Demyx tone. Finding himself being glared at, Axel drew his head back and knitted his brows together. He was trying to apologize, why was Demyx acting like this? The expression must have written the message plainly across his face because Demyx's eyes softened. Looking down at his plate, Demyx pushed it away, “I'm fine, Axel.”

“Lover…” Murmured Axel, knowing how much Demyx enjoyed hearing it.

Closing his eyes, Demyx turned his head away, “Just… Give me some time.” Grimacing, Demyx reached across the table and took Axel's hand in his own. He gave it a squeeze before getting up, “I'm tired… Good night.” He muttered, not looking Axel in the eye as he slunk out of the kitchen and up the stairs.

Axel gave him his time.

Fuck, why couldn't Axel get a hold of Roxas?

“You little shit, call me when you get this. I'm serious Roxas, or I'm coming over there.” Axel snarled into the phone and hung up. He'd been trying to contact Roxas since Demyx started acting weird and Roxas hadn't once answered the phone or called back in response to his messages.

It was Friday and the situation with Demyx hadn't improved. If anything, it had gotten worse. Demyx acted fine in front of Reno, but avoided Axel at every turn. It was opening week at the nuthouse all over again! Whenever he touched him, tried to kiss him, or even just tried to sit in the same room with him Demyx would offer up the silent treatment and leave to be somewhere else. Axel was getting really worried.

Demyx wasn't eating too, Axel could see he was losing weight, and he was so rigid and stiff all the time. Of most concern… Demyx, Axel's beautiful songbird from the coast, had apparently lost the music in his soul. His voice worked, but not a tune or melody would escape those lips. Even sad Demyx sung… But now, nothing. Silence.

Looking at Demyx's door, Axel willed something to happen. For Demyx to at least turn on the radio, for some sound to leave that room- He was so concentrated on it, he nearly leapt out of his skin when his cell rang.

Phone in hand, he flipped it open. Roxas, finally, “Where the hell have you been? I've been trying to call you all damn week!” Axel yelled into the phone, feeling suddenly violent. If Roxas was there right now he would have beat the crap out of him.

On the other end of the line, Roxas was quiet for a moment. Then he said in a soft voice, “Sorry.”

“You'd better be! Did something happen at school? What the hell is going on with you and Demyx? Why won't you two talk to me- What did I do to deserve this?” Axel still felt his blood boiling as he left the house, slamming the front door as he took his shouting outside.

It took a long time for Roxas to answer, “Maybe… No. I don't know… I… Axel, I'm sorry.” Roxas struggled a bit, “I can't tell you… I'm sorry. I have to go.”

“Don't you dare hang up, Roxas!” But it was too late, the line went dead and when Axel hit the speed dial, Roxas's phone went straight to voicemail again. Fighting the urge to throw his phone into the street, Axel cursed and went inside. Yeah, he could go over there, but Roxas lived with his parents. His mom would answer the door and Axel would demand to see Roxas and she'd tell him `no'. Then that would be that unless Axel wanted to get arrested.

When he got inside, the house phone was ringing and Axel pounced on it. Checking the number, he found he didn't recognize it. He answered anyway, “Hello?”

“Yes, hello? This is Aerith Gainsborough. I'm calling about one of my students-“

“Demyx. This is Axel.” Axel cut her off, he was a little too wound up for niceties, “What's wrong, what happened?” He demanded.

“I'm just worried about him. He didn't show up for class again today. I thought he might be sick, but I saw him in the halls. He wouldn't talk to me when I caught up with him.” She explained.

“That makes two of us. When did he stop coming to class?” Asked Axel pacing the front room, keeping his voice low so Demyx wouldn't hear.

“I haven't seen him since last Thursday. He was supposed to come Monday, Wednesday, and today this week. Is everything all right? He looked so… Fragile when I saw him today.” She sounded as worried as Axel was.

“I don't know… I'll check on him. Thank you for calling.” Hanging up, Axel went up the stairs and threw open Demyx's door. His stomach flipped in his gut. First because all the color had gone from the walls and everthing was now stacked in piles in the room, waiting for disposal. Secondly, because Demyx wasn't there. Axel hadn't left the door unguarded for more than a minute to talk to Roxas. Where had he gone?

“Shit!” Running downstairs, he searched the house and the yard but couldn't find him. All the way, he called Demyx's cell phone, but there was no answer. The phone rang in the house and Axel rushed back inside and answered it, “Hello?” He answered hastily, hoping beyond hope it was Demyx. It wasn't.

It was Rufus and he sounded pissed, “What the hell do you two think you're doing over there?! I just got a call from the school informing me that Demyx is missing class again!”

“Rufus- I- I don't know what to tell you. I need- I'll call you back.” Rufus was yelling something and Axel ignored it as he hung up the phone. With the landline in hand, he searched for Namine's number. She called sometimes and her number might still be in the phone. Or maybe Zell- Anyone who might know what the hell is going on!

It was there and, Lifestream all mighty, when Axel called the number it rang.

Namine answered the phone, “Hello?”

“Namine! Finally!” Axel could have cried just hearing her voice, “Namine, you have to tell me what's going on. Rufus just called and said Demyx is missing school, his teacher called, she's worried- I'm worried! No one will talk to me!”

The line was gut wrenchingly quiet but Namine didn't hang up, “I'm sorry Axel… It's all our fault. I'm so sorry!”

“No! Don't hang up- Please! Do you know the number for Demyx's band mates? Please tell me… I… Demyx…” Axel's voice broke and he sat down on the couch. Head in hand, he swallowed a whimper. He was losing it, “I lost him, I don't know where he is.”

“I… I shouldn't. He told me not to talk to you…” Namine murmured from the other end. But still… She didn't hang up, “Did you try calling him?”

Axel let out a frustrated cry, “Of course, I tried calling! He won't answer!”

“I'll try… I'll call you.” This time she really did hang up.

He's freakin' out guys! Poor Axel! Poor Demyx! The drama!

On a lighter note: you just know Axel's been cuddly with Demyx clothes right? With how rough things are, I wouldn't be surprised if he has a whole wardrobe in there!

Also, I'm really bad at titles still so… That title is just the first thing I thought of when I went to type a chapter title in.

Next update definitely soon- Thinking next weekend.