Kingdom Hearts Fan Fiction ❯ Out of My Element ❯ Can Always Get Worse ( Chapter 25 )

Drama lama alert! Plus it's an early Friday update, isn't that great?

Chapter 25: Can Always Get Worse

Axel was having a very serious, or not so serious, conversation with Luxord about the extreme censorship of children's movies. He'd all but given up on talking to Roxas for the time being, so this was the only kind of external communication he was getting, other than being yelled at by his boss. It was his lunch break and he'd called Luxord, who'd taken the day off. Currently, they were on the topic of how current kid's television series focused on puzzles and simple tragedies like lost toys, “I think if we had these things when we were kids, we might've just killed ourselves. I mean, come on! How traumatizing could it have been to us that in Pound Puppies that crazy scientist brainwashed dogs to attack people? And what, the cure was saying `I love you' and maybe a kiss? Yeah, I think I was scarred for life. Us poor bastard kids being subjected to violence being cured with love.” Axel said sarcastically and Luxord laughed from the other end of the line. He had a good laugh, infectious. It was one of those things Axel liked most about him.

“I'm concerned in general by the crap you blokes feed your kids in this country. It sounds like you guys are on crack most of the time.” Luxord told him before Xigbar murmured something in the background. It must have been particularly hilarious because Luxord cracked up, laughing like a hyena and unable to catch his breath.

“In this country? I'm concerned on a number of levels for kids pretty much everywhere. I mean, think of Pokemon! Kids eat that stuff up and if you really think about it, the entire show is based on humans enslaving sentient creatures and forcing them to fight and even kill each other in battle-“ His phone beeped at him and Axel paused. Pulling it away, he glanced at it. The caller ID flashed at him and he put the phone back to his ear, “Hey I'll call you back, Roxas is calling.” Luxord didn't argue and just rang off with a quick goodbye. Switching the phone to the other line, Axel answered, “Decided you weren't going to be an asshole anymore?” He asked as he leaned back in his chair in the back room.

“I probably shouldn't be telling you this, but… I'm worried. Something happened again at school.” Roxas whispered into the phone. In the background Axel could hear the shouting of students in the background and the occasional teacher. Roxas yelled something inaudible at someone before returning to the call, “You need to go home.”

Alarmed, Axel stood up, “Why? What happened?” He demanded feeling his pulse quicken.

“I'm sorry, just go.” Then the line went dead. What the hell was with this cryptic calling and saying sorry shit?

“Damn it, Roxas.” Hanging up, Axel tore off his work clothes and pulled on his casual's. As he made his way out of the backroom, he was cut off by his boss. A short young girl with shoulder length blonde hair, she glared up at him with blue eyes, “Uh, there's been… It's an emergency.” Axel almost said an accident but that wouldn't have been true. Axel didn't know what's going on.

“Emergency? What kind of emergency? You're shift doesn't end for another hour!” She barked back, hands on her hips. The gesture made her seem even younger than she was, which was younger than Axel. How she had become manager was a mystery to Axel.

“Call someone in. I have to go,” Axel paused just a beat before adding with emphasis, “Now.”

Her face flushed and her glare grew sharper, “You take one step out that door and you're fired. Don't think I don't know this little trade-off game you and your pal play. Luxord fixes food like shit!”

“Then fucking fire me, Larxene! I can't stand here and argue with you all day.” Axel grabbed her by the shoulder and shoved the little twerp out of his way. His boss could be such a bitch!

“Axel!” Larxene yelled, but Axel didn't look back and just raised a hand to flash his middle finger at her as he left.

He made it home in record time, speeding around corners to avoid lights that would have slowed him down. If a cop had seen his driving, he was sure he'd have been ticketed for reckless driving, speeding, not coming to a complete stop at red lights, etc. However, he didn't care and there wasn't a black and white in sight anywhere on the way.

When he parked in the driveway, the house seemed somehow ominous. Everything looked the same but Roxas certainly knew how to spook him. That and the visions from his nightmare on Friday randomly flashed through his mind. Swallowing to loosen his tight throat, he ran to the front door to find it unlocked. Slipping inside, he looked around. There was no sign of anyone in the house except the sound of running water coming from upstairs, “Demyx?” He called as he took the stairs two at a time. At the top, he caught of glimpse of Demyx darting into his room and locking the door.

Axel glanced at the door but turned instead to the bathroom. The tap in the sink was still running and he automatically went to turn it off. His eyes jumped from smudges and flecks of crimson on the white countertop. For a moment he thought it strange, as if someone had been dabbling with red paint. He reached for the faucet and gave it a twist. His fingers slipped a little on it and he pulled his hand back to look at it. Red painted the pads of his fingers and he tested the consistency between his forefinger and thumb.

His gaze shifted farther and he saw pink swirling down the drain. Wiping his hands off on his pants, he swallowed hard again. His mouth felt dry. It wasn't a lot of blood, maybe just enough from a nosebleed or something.

Leaving the bathroom in a hurry, Axel felt his chest constrict as he went to Demyx's room. He felt edgy, on the brink of panic, “Demyx? Demyx! Open the door! Let me in!” Axel tried the knob, even though he'd heard it lock earlier. He shook it a few times, “What happened? Are you all right?”

“Just leave me alone!” Demyx barked from the other side of the door, his voice hoarse. The words were followed by the sound something being knocked over, countless objects crashing to the floor. Then there were a few clicks and suddenly music blared from the room, so loud at Axel stumbled back a little at the volume. If Demyx said anything else or did anything else, Axel couldn't hear it over the music.

Woah, woah.

“Demyx, please!” Axel yelled through the door, pushed up against and straining to hear.
Bang, bang go the coffin nails, like a breath exhaled, then gone forever!
It seems like just yesterday, how did I miss the red flags raised?
Think back to the days we laughed.
We braved these bitter storms together!
Brought to his knees he cried, but on his feet he died!

Banging on the door, Axel tried to keep his voice steady, “Demyx, you're scaring me! Knock it off! Open this door!” But his only answer was the song. Stepping back, Axel went down the stairs to the kitchen. There was a key for the room somewhere!
What God would damn a heart?
And what God drove us apart?
What God could-

Make it stop! Let this end!
Eighteen years pushed to the ledge!
It's come to this, a weightless step.

On the way down singing, `Woah, woah.'

Rummaging through what seemed like a million drawers; Axel at last found the key and ran up the stairs. He tried the key and the lock gave way. Turning the knob, he tried to open the door, but it wouldn't open still. Shoulder against the door, Axel pushed on it harder. It budged a little and Axel could see the items piled up around the door to barricade it.

“Demyx! Let me in! Don't do anything stupid!” He shouted into the room.
Bang, bang from the closet walls, the schoolhouse halls, the shotgun's loaded!
Push me and I'll push back!
I'm done asking, I demand.
From a nation under God, I feel its love like a cattle prod.
Born free, but still they hate!
Born me, no I can't change!

From the other side, Demyx rammed into the door and shut Axel out.
It's always darkest just before the dawn…
So stay awake with me, let's prove them wrong!

Now, ear to the door, Axel could hear Demyx on the other side. His breathing was heavy and he could hear soft but sharp cries between each breath. Then Demyx hit the door with his fists and moved away from the door.
Make it stop! Let this end!
Eighteen years pushed to the ledge!
It's come to this, a weightless step.
On the way down singing, `Woah, woah.'

Under the music more crashing came from the room: things being thrown against the walls and door with fury, breaking and crumbling from the impact. Axel became increasingly alarmed as Demyx began to scream with anguish that Axel could not understand.

With renewed vigor, Axel turned the knob and rammed into the door.
The cold river washed him away, but how could we forget?
The gatherings hold candles, but not their tongues.
And too much blood has flown from the wrists of the children shamed for those they chose to kiss.
Who will rise to stop the blood?

When Axel had enough room, he wriggled through the gap in the door and made his way inside. The room was a mess. Pictures and papers ripped from the walls, toys and figures strewn across the floor, no longer in piles. Demyx was on the bed ripping the books from his backpack and when he had them out, he tore their pages. Bindings bare, he chucked them across the room without heed only stopping as once crashed into the window and a loud cracking sound rang out.

Somehow, Axel didn't seem to notice. His eyes were on Demyx's discolored skin. His shirt peeled away, Demyx's torso lay bare and naked, revealing the truth behind his actions. Bruises colored his normally pale skin ugly shades of yellow, green, blue, and black.

Sitting up, Demyx looked to the window, chest heaving, tears and blood streaming down his face.

“Baby… Who did this to you?” Axel breathed, though he wasn't sure Demyx hear him over the noise blaring from the CD player. At the bedside, he placed a gentle hand on Demyx's shoulder and was nearly struck across the face when Demyx turned in retaliation. Grabbing Demyx's wrists, Axel struggled with him for a moment before, Demyx suddenly collapsed against him. Shudders racked Demyx's body, making him look as though he were crying, or maybe he was.

Axel didn't dare try to hold him. The bruises, fresh and aged, covered his chest and stomach, welts flaring red against the black and blue. They were huge and scarcely left an inch of his skin unmarred by pain.
We're calling for, insisting on, a different beat, yeah!
A brand new song!
'Whoa, whoa.' Tyler Clementi, age 18… Billy Lucas, age 15…

`Whoa, whoa.' Harrison Chase Brown, age 15… Cody J. Barker, age 17…

`Whoa, whoa.' Seth Walsh, age 13…

Releasing Demyx's wrists, Axel sat beside him. He grabbed one of Demyx shirts and touched it to Demyx's face to dab away the blood and tears. The blood came from a small cut on his head and other than a swollen lip there didn't seem anymore damage. Whoever had done this had been careful to keep it isolated to parts of his body people normally wouldn't see, “Why didn't you say anything?” Axel found himself shaking as he cradled Demyx's head in his arms.
Make it stop! Let this end!
This life chose me, I'm not lost in sin.
But proud I stand of who I am, I plan to go on living!

Reaching over, Axel pulled the plug on the stereo and the room was suddenly filled with silence. Then, carefully, he rested a hand on Demyx's shoulder. He kept his touch light, but Demyx still flinched. Axel worry began to ebb away and he had to focus to keep his touch gentle, “Who did this to you?” He said, voice low and dangerous. When he found the person who did this, he'd beat them unconscious.

Demyx shook his head against Axel's chest and raised his hand to wipe away a new stream of blood trickling down his face. It was probably more annoying than painful, head wounds always bled so much, “Don't… I don't even want… I should have known I couldn't take them all on.” Fuck, Axel trembled with rage. There was more than one? Some little bastards ganged up on him? How fair was that? “I was just… I wanted to be strong.”

“What happened? Why did they do this to you?” Axel demanded, trying to keep his voice steady.

Hand over the cut, Demyx pulled away, “Why do you think?” He sounded hurt and a little angry at Axel's ignorance, “Roxas let it slip that Namine and I weren't going out… It was the only protection I had and then they must have followed me. They saw us… It would have been so obvious, no one needed to tell them and I… I couldn't say or do anything to change their minds.” Grabbing the shirt from Axel's hand, he wiped off the blood from his hand and held it to his head, “They were in my classes and they beat me so hard the first time... I stopped going to class with them, but then today I heard that song… And I thought that they could really do more than just hurt me.” Demyx pulled the cloth away to see if the bleeding had stopped, “People like that… They've killed people like us and so I fought back. I shouldn't have… I'm so weak. Couldn't even defend myself against some kids… I can't do anything right.”

“Don't say that. You're not weak, they're just… They took advantage of their numbers. You should have told me. I would have protected you.” Axel stroked Demyx's cheek and shifted on the bed, “I wouldn't have let them touch you.”

Demyx rolled his eyes, “Oh yeah, because having my gay boyfriend run to my rescue would have been so much better. You can't be there all the time.”

“But I could have-“

“Axel stop! I just wanted to keep you out of it. This is my problem.”

This had to stop. Axel stood up and glared down at Demyx, “No it's not. This isn't just your problem Demyx. I love you! We're partners and that means we're in this together.” Axel told him, voice commanding and almost angry, “Stop trying to be the martyr, too many boys like you and me have died for that and it hasn't made things any better. Dying and getting hurt isn't going to make things easier. It's not going to magically make people more accepting of us. If they hate us, they don't care. Our blood might as well be rain falling from the sky to people like them. Don't you understand?” Axel waited for a response but Demyx wouldn't meet his gaze. Getting to his knees between Demyx's legs, Axel gently placed his hands on Demyx's shoulders, “You're not alone. I love you, Reno loves you, Namine, Roxas, Zell, all of your friends… We're here for you when you're in trouble.” His hands snaked up Demyx's thin neck and cradled his face. He was so thin, “Promise me, you'll never do this again. I can't bear to see you hurt; I want you to be so happy… You've braved enough, it's time someone shouldered the burden for you.”

Demyx's deep blue eyes searched Axel before closing. Tilting his head into Axel's right hand, he cupped Axel's arm with his hands, “I'm sorry… You're right… I'm tired of trying.” He waited a moment to sigh, “I promise.”

Relief washed over Axel. He'd deal with the school tomorrow; right now Demyx needed his attention. Shifting his weight, Axel got to his feet, “Come on, let's get you cleaned up.” He said, helping Demyx to his feet and then escorting him through the disaster which was Demyx's room. He turned on the water and helped Demyx get undressed, “I'll be right back, stay here.” Axel told him before running to his room. Grabbing one of his own shirts he returned with it.

“What's that for?” Demyx asked as he got in the bathtub, carefully sitting down in the water. Even his thighs were bruised.

Offering a coy smile, Axel hung it up, “I figured it's about time I gave you one of mine.” Axel told him. Sitting up against the bathtub, Axel reached over and grabbed a rag and dipped it in the water. Then he gently began to wipe Demyx down. He hoped the confession might help brighten Demyx's day, “So… I know it's kind of creepy and I've never really told you, but I love the way you smell…” Axel smiled stupidly, “I actually can't sleep very well, um, without it… So I've been taking your dirty clothes from the laundry. I collect them under my covers so that when I go to bed… I can smell you like you're right there beside me.” Axel practically breathed the words, face heating up with a blush.

Demyx was quiet a moment, then a smile broke out across his face, “Ow!” He reached up to touch his torn lip, “That's really perverted Axel. You do anything else besides sleep with them?” He asked with a laugh.

“Huh? Oh! Well…”

“I guess that must be why I eventually get them back huh?” Demyx chuckled, “At least you're decent enough to wash them when you're done.” He said, obviously feeling a bit more at ease. Though Axel couldn't be sure if it was exactly due to the conversation all things considered.

“Well, they do start to smell like me eventually.” Mentioned Axel as he wiped down Demyx's chest, “So, just to be even, you can have one of mine.”

Demyx's smile grew, “That doesn't seem quite fair. I think you've got more of my clothes than just one t-shirt. I think you just want to see me in your oversized shirt. I bet you find that kind of thing sexy.” Axel blushed and looked away but Demyx leaned back a little and held onto Axel's arm to keep upright, “Maybe I do too.”

Eyes back on Demyx, Axel looked him up and down, “We don't have to… If it'll hurt you.” Though Axel would be lying if he said he didn't want to. One week apart was far too long, made longer by the fact Demyx had been so distant. Axel wanted him now, to feel him close. Leaning over the tub, Axel kissed the cut on Demyx's forehead, “I could always just… You know.” He made his point by reaching into the water to fondle Demyx a little.

Demyx grabbed his wrist and pulled it away, “No, not yet.” Demyx murmured, still smiling, “Help me out.” He added, shifting his weight again before Axel helped him up out of the water, “Give me the shirt.” He said as soon as he was on his shirt. Axel obliged him. Pulling the shirt over Demyx's head and arms, he helped Demyx step out of the bathtub.

A little unsteady on his feet, Demyx staggered to Axel's room with a moderate amount of help. Once there, he sat on Axel's bed, “You're right, this shirt is hot.” Demyx told him laying on his back and holding out an inviting hand. Taking the hand, Axel got into bed with him, kneeling over him, “As long as we're careful.” Demyx assured him before Axel leaned down and began to kiss Demyx's swollen lips. Moaning softly, Demyx placed his hands on Axel's waist. The redhead sighed under Demyx's touch; the feeling of Demyx's cool wet hands sliding up under his shirt was enchanting. He was already hard.

“Reno wait!” But it was too late. When Axel got to his knees and turned around, Reno was standing in the doorway. This day was just about to go from a disaster to a miracle and here it was back to a disaster. If it were possible, Axel would have opened up a black portal and hid inside a shadow for the rest of the night.

Face draining of color, his heart sank. Hastily, he jumped off the bed, letting Demyx quickly cover himself with his sheets. His eyes lingered on Demyx a moment before they settled on Reno. He looked shocked and confused at the same time, but then it turned to anger and betrayal, “Reno, please, I can explain.” Axel started, practically raising his hands in surrender.

Rude placed a hand on Reno's shoulder to keep him from doing anything stupid, “Explain?! That's my boss's kid!” Reno pointed, “He's- You- I can't believe this! You two-?” Reno couldn't seem to make a full sentence, “And under my nose! How could you keep something like this from me, yo?” He accused before looking at Rude. As if he had sensed it, he shrugged Rude's hand off of him, “And you knew?!” Rude stiffened and stepped back, looking away guiltily, “Do you know how much trouble I'll be in? How much trouble we'll be in? Axel what were you thinking?”

Axel quickly crossed the room, “Can we take this downstairs?”

Glowering, Reno gave Axel a shove as he started out the door and followed him out. Rude stayed behind. Once downstairs, Reno went on, “Axel why didn't you tell me, yo? Shit! Do you know how stupid that was- this is?” Reno covered his face with his hands and practically yowled in frustration, “How could you do this to me, yo?”

“Reno, I'm sorry! I couldn't help it… I didn't mean for it to happen but when it did- Reno, he makes me happy.” Axel told him earnestly.

“I don't care! This is practically illegal! I could lose my job! Rude could lose his job! What you did, yo, it's dangerous! And what the hell happened today? I got called out of nowhere that Demyx was involved in some kinda fight! You got somethin' to do with that too?” Reno accused irrationally.

“No- Er, not directly! Some homophobes jumped him at school.” Axel explained before Reno went off again.

“Oh no! And you're gettin' the kid beat up at school! Didn't you think before you did any of this?” Asked Reno pacing about the room, “Of course you didn't- You're too young to get it!”

Axel was appalled. Knitting his brows together Axel placed his hands on his hips, “Too young? The man I love-“

“Boy!” Reno corrected.

“Damn it, Reno! I'm not a fucking kid anymore, Demyx isn't a kid either! We're old enough to be together- to know how to make sacrifices and love each other for who we are! Why can't you be happy for me?!” Axel was yelling. Hell, he'd been yelling since they'd left his room, but he couldn't stop himself.

Exasperated Reno growled, “Because you can't be together!” He said, dropping his hands and sighing. His words broke the noise of the house and left them in the silence of the house. With a sigh, Axel shook his head and turned away from his brother. He couldn't look at him right now.

“There is no one in this world who can dictate how and who in this world someone can love. Not even you as my brother.” Axel said, voice calm and steady now. He could hear Reno going up the stairs, “You should know that…”

“I'm sorry, yo… I gotta call it in.” Then he disappeared into his room.

When Axel went up the stairs, Rude was cleaning up the bathroom, “I'm sorry. I tried to stop him.” Rude said as he tossed a dirty rag into the hamper. Axel just shook his head and walked on by to find Demyx still in his room.

They didn't say anything to each other. Demyx had heard enough from their yelling anyway to know what was happening. It could be their last night together. If Reno called Rufus, no doubt the man would be there in the morning to collect him. Even so, Axel wasn't really in the mood for sex. Instead, he got in the bed and pulled Demyx gently against him. They fit together perfectly.

Stroking Demyx's hair, Axel kissed his head, “Even when we're apart, we'll be together. I love you.”

Sighing, Demyx gazed back into his eyes and smiled, “I love you too.”

It was early in the morning when Rude lightly knocked on the doorframe to wake them. He was gentle yet persistent, remaining until Axel sat up to confirm that he had actually woken. Then Rude cast a sympathetic look at the young couple before leaving to go downstairs. Axel lay back down and ran his hand gently down Demyx's stomach. His body felt hot from the bruising, trying to heal, “Rufus must be coming.” Axel murmured as he kissed Demyx's brow and smoothed his hair back.

Demyx groaned and raised his hand to Axel's cheek, “I don't want to go.” He murmured softly, still drowsy from deep sleep.

“It's not our choice.” Axel told him before getting up out of the bed, “You need to pack your things… I'll help.” He added as he picked up Demyx's clothes from various hiding spots about his room. Demyx watched him from the bed, smiling just a tad. Axel smiled back a little. Then he left and fought his way into the wreck of Demyx's room to gather up the rest of Demyx's clothes, packing them away into a luggage container Rude had brought back when he moved in. Soon after he started, Demyx came to join him. He got dressed in something more suitable and made to give Axel back the shirt.

“No… You keep it. Something to remember me by on lonely nights.” Axel told him as he continued to pack Demyx's clothes. As he did so, Demyx gathered up other things from the room. Packing went by so quickly and in no time all Demyx's clothes were put away. Unable to do much else he ran his hand over the back of Demyx's neck, “I'll leave the rest to you… Take what you want, anything you like.” Axel told him before making his way out and leaving Demyx with the task of picking through the rubble.

Downstairs, Reno was sitting in the chair. One knee crossed over the other, he played with his long red hair anxiously. He didn't look very happy and refused to look Axel's way. Rude was a bit more polite and nodded to him from the couch as he came down, “How soon?” Asked Axel as he took a seat beside Rude. He didn't know what else to do… He had been fired from his job and there was no helping the events that would soon take place.

Rude looked at Reno before answering, “Soon… Demyx?”

“He's packing his things.” Axel replied promptly.

Then the room settled into a tense silence until a commanding knock came at the door. Reno was on his feet in an instant and pulled it open quickly. Stepping aside, Reno kept his head down as Rufus came in. The air he brought it somehow made the tension in the air that much thicker. Axel turned in his seat as Rude got up to join Reno, “He called as soon as he heard.” Rude stated as he took his place beside Reno.

Rufus examined the pair, as if frowning upon the fact Rude was there. Reno and Rude didn't exactly advertise their relationship and Axel wasn't sure if Rufus knew or if he approved. Apparently it didn't matter at all at that moment, “Where is he?”

“Upstairs packing.” Rude told him.

“Go up there and get him. You will collect the things he has not yet packed.” Rufus said, eying Reno now who nodded. Rude also nodded and went upstairs to retrieve Demyx like he was a common criminal being ripped from his cell. In seconds, he returned with Demyx close behind. He looked like he had the first day he'd come. Backpack hanging off his shoulders, guitar slung over his chest, and headphones on. His expression was somber and frozen in place…

His eyes moved over the room and grazed over Axel before they returned to rest on Rufus, “You'll be staying at a nice hotel near my office. I've arranged for someone to guard your door at all times. You'll be safe.” Rufus told him as if it were for Demyx's best interest but sounding more like he was sentencing Demyx to solitary. When Demyx got near, Rufus placed a hand on his shoulder.

Demyx tensed immediately and smacked his hand away, “Whatever.” He said loudly, possibly so he could hear himself over the music blaring from his headphones. Then he walked out the door.

“Come Rude.” Rufus ordered as he left, leaving Axel and Reno alone in their house together… Just like old times, except without the pleasantness.

Axel stared at the door a moment, then picked up his keys from the side table, “I'm going out.”

“Where?” Reno asked.

“Out.”

And that's Chapter 25. We all knew this was going to happen right?

Also, since you guys brought it up (thanks for the reviews guys), I surprised everyone by making Axel sub. Even myself a little until I remembered his thing with Luxord (who so isn't bottom to anyone but Xig). It's also less surprising when… You know a secret... That I know about Demyx. ;]

The end is near; I hope you guys will enjoy the epilogue I'm thinking up. It's pretty fluffy and I don't want to use the word cute, but it really is.