Kingdom Hearts Fan Fiction ❯ Out of My Element ❯ Wherever You Are Is Home ( Chapter 28 )

Chapter 28: Wherever You Are Is Home

Not even the sun dared show its face at the ungodly hour that Axel rose at. Axel wasn't sure if it was the unfamiliarity of the room or the unaccustomed silence, but Axel found himself staring at the bedside clock. It was a hair past four in the morning and the blackness of the room felt foreign. The hard shape of the fish in his palm reassured him some and he felt around for his phone. When his palm landed on it, he flipped it open and the light from the screen illuminated the room some. No new messages.

Sighing, he sent in a call to Demyx and put it on speaker. The ring seemed to echo off the walls before dying at the automated voicemail system. Axel snapped the phone shut and leaned over. He found the lamp and turned it on. It was weak and only lit up a small portion of the room, but it was enough.

He rolled onto his back and left the phone on the bed as he studied the fish with both hands. It's shallowly carved scales glimmered in the lowlight and the stone felt warm against his fingertips. He felt lonely but wasn't it too early to get started? The sun wasn't up and Axel was pretty sure that morning didn't actually start until the sun made an appearance. Then again… Luxord had said if he needed anything.

Axel pushed himself up out of the bed and grabbed his phone. Shoving the fish and phone into each pocket, he adjusted the notebook that had been crammed against his back all night. It had dug in while he slept and he rubbed the sore spots as he left his room, making sure he had the key on him as well.

The building was lit up dimly with small bulbs over each door and Axel easily spotted number two. He paused out front of it and glanced anxiously at number three were Xaldin was staying. The guy was kind of… Not exactly creepy but he certainly didn't have a welcoming air about him. He tried to ignore the repelling aura from the room and knocked on Luxord's and Xigbar's door. Inside there was an immediate eruption of soft sounds, footsteps, things being rummaged through. Then the door flung open and Axel jumped a little.

“Y-Yeah?” Luxord was out of breath and he only had on a pair of boxers. From the looks of it, he'd just thrown them on because they were backwards… And there were faint red blemishes around his throat and shoulders. Well, the world didn't revolve around him, Axel supposed.

Stepping back, Axel looked towards his own room, “I'm interrupting. I can go.” He said already trying leave but Luxord stepped out and grabbed him by the arm to stop him.

“No, no, it's all right.” Luxord insisted pulling Axel back. For just a moment, he paused and looked back into the motel room. A door closed and Luxord pulled him in, “Come in, sit down. We were, er… Just finishing up.” Luxord explained and as he ventured to the bed, he picked up his clothes with had been taken off in a hurry so they were in no particular order anywhere. The light in the small bathroom turned on and the shower began to make the sound of rain from the other side, “It's early.” He mentioned, glancing at the clock. He spotted one of his earrings in the sheets and picked it up to thread it back into his ear.

Axel sat down on a small table, “I was worried.” He told him, wrapping his arms around himself as he watched Luxord try to collect himself. He smiled a little to himself with Luxord noticed the boxers were on backwards and cursed to himself. The smile faded quickly though and he looked towards the bathroom, “He hasn't left any messages and I tried his number again this morning. No one answered.”

Rubbing his head with his hand, Luxord sat down on the bed, “Sorry… Maybe we should just skip the train station and ask the local police.” He suggested. It could have been they weren't taking this quite as seriously the day before but, with an entire night gone by without word, Luxord was taking stock of the situation, “It might be easier and they know the area better than we do.” He added.

“Maybe…” Axel looked at the floor, “Is it too early to head out?”

Luxord shook his head, “I don't think so. The sun will be up in no time. You'll see.”

“We can wait to wake Xaldin, I left the motorcycle somewhere…” Where he had left it was a mystery. They could waste a few hours looking for it until the sun woke up and they could get to work. Axel liked the idea of going to the police but he wanted to wait. Xaldin would be a good man to bounce the idea off of. As a cop, he might be able to tell them if it was a waste of time or if they might have a shot, “I could use a bit of a distraction.”

Standing again, Luxord moved to stand in front of Axel. He grabbed Axel's arm and pulled him up, “Everything is going to be just fine.” Luxord promised looking him in the eye before pressing their forheads together and holding his face. With a breath, he offered a smile and gave his cheek a pat, “Give me a moment to get dressed. We'll go for a stroll, find that bike of yours.”

Axel was silent and just stared back at him for a moment. Then he nodded and pulled his head away, “Thanks, I'll be outside.” He added and stepped aside out of Luxord's grasp and range. He set his key on the tabletop. Out the door, he closed it behind him and made his way to the street. He sat on the curb while he waited and kept his arms wrapped around his chest to keep warm. A few minutes later, Luxord joined him and they hit the streets in search of the motorcycle. They didn't talk much, mostly about the how cool it was and how quiet the coast seemed in comparison to the city. And by the time they'd found the bike, Xaldin had found them.

“Xigbar says you want to see the police.” He said when he'd rolled down the window, “I don't know that they'll have much to say in the matter, but maybe they're more sensitive about these things over here. I'll drive you to the station.” Axel shook his head and Xaldin looked at the motorcycle, “All right then, I'll show you the way.” He said as Luxord got in the car.

As it turned out they weren't far from the police station. They arrived shortly after sun up. Luxord must have called up Xigbar because he wasn't concerned that his lover was missing when they arrived. Axel figured he was back at the motel checking them out and watching over Luxord's car, since he couldn't very well drive it.

They met with one of the officers at the front desk and asked to see missing persons before they were directed to the back corner of the main office. Apparently people didn't go missing that much. Xaldin cut out before they got there, “I'm going to see if I can't get some coffee and I need to call in with the chief.” He told them before wandering away to the break room. Apparently the cop crowd wasn't intimidated by Xaldin's disposition because they talked amiably with him.

The missing persons cop looked a little less `cop' and little more `guy who makes persons go missing'. He had some modern, punkish looking hair style that was cut shorter on top and long so his blue colored locks flowed over his shoulders like water. His eyes were a golden yellow, contacts maybe? But most striking were the pair of scars across the bridge of his nose that made an X.

“Excuse me…” Axel murmured to get the guy's attentions, “Officer… Um?”

“Just call me Saix.” Said the man at his desk, not looking up from his computer screen as he tapped away on the keyboard. His eyes scanned over something before he hit enter and leaned back in his wooden chair. It looked uncomfortable, or maybe Saix was just uptight and constantly stiff looking. Sitting up tall, he laced his fingers together and set them on the desk. His face was serious when he finally gave Axel and Luxord the time.

“I was hoping you might be able to help us.” Axel began not sure if he should sit down or not, so he just kept on standing.

“How long has the person been missing?” Asked Saix flatly. Obviously, he didn't want to waste time dancing around the subject.

“He went missing yesterday morning.” Axel told him.

“Generally we don't look into anything this early unless there's cause for alarm.” Said Saix, now looking away from them and pulling out a sheet of paper and attaching it to a clipboard, “Is there any reason for concern?” He asked, picking up a pen and writing something down.

Axel could already feel this thing going downhill, “A little while ago he was attacked at school. The boys broke a few ribs.” Axel wasn't sure if he believed they'd done anything to him, maybe he was refusing to believe it because that would mean Demyx wasn't somewhere safe right now.

This news, at least, brought back Saix's attention, “How old is the boy? What were the circumstances for the attack? An exact date would be nice.” He said, looking from his paper to Axel as Axel explained the incident, when it happened, why it happened, and how old Demyx was. And once more Saix's attention waned.

“I'm sorry, but all things considered, this sounds more like the boy ran away.” He said writing down a few more things on his paper, “There's not much reason for me to believe that someone might have meant him any harm. Boys that age are prone to leaving without notice, especially when under duress. I'm sure he'll turn up in a few days and if not, he probably just doesn't want to be found. At least not by you.”

Axel felt his body stiffen and he opened his mouth to say something vicious but Luxord placed a hand on his shoulder, “Perhaps you could give us some directions then?” He asked as he grabbed the notebook from Axel's pants, it scratched a sore spot and Axel let out a small hiss of pain.

“Do I look like a tourist guide to you?” Saix said lowly and tucked his clipboard into a drawer, “Listen, I've got other things to worry about other than a couple of gay guys searching for some poor sap that doesn't want your help. Probably doesn't need it-“

Luxord cut him off, “You don't know that and this'll just take a second just look at the picture.” He said and held it up for Saix to look at.

The cop glanced at it and shook his head, “It's not my business to know where things are, it's to know where people are. Now if you don't-“

“Saix!” The missing persons officer immediately snapped his mouth shut and stood. Head up, he watched as a silver haired man made his way over to the desk, “You're not giving these men any problems are you?” He said. His eyes were yellow too and his hair done in a similar fashion. They didn't look like brothers but they seemed to share a lot in common. Something else then?

“No sir. They're searching for a nineteen year old boy. Considering the circumstances I thought it best to put my efforts elsewhere.” Said Saix calmly but he was obviously a bit tense. Their uniforms were different though, so it was possibly Saix was lower in the police hierarchy.

“Elsewhere?” The newcomer looked over Saix's desk, “No one's gone missing around here for three decades, who else do you have to look for?” Saix bowed his head a looked away, “Try not to stick your nose into a detective's business- What's that?” The man pointed to the notebook that Luxord held.

“Oh, it's a lead… I guess. The kid we're looking for. We think he might have gone here. Do you know the place?” Asked Luxord and the man nodded.

“Saix get me that map over there.” Ordered the man and pointed across the room. He sat down in Saix's chair and waited, obviously used to getting his way. When said promptly returned, he opened it up, “Our precinct is located here.” He pointed out, “It's not shown on the map but further south off the coast is Destiny Island. Right around here, that must be the place you're looking for.” He explained.

“That's near the station I checked out yesterday.” Axel jumped, not realizing that Xaldin had returned, “Sounds promising. We should head out there. It shouldn't take more than twenty minutes from here. Is there a ferry?”

The detective shook his head, “No. There's nothing on the island except a rickety hut. The local kids get a kick out of it though. You could ask one of them to take you.” He mentioned as he shot a glance at Saix, who bowed his head as if he were being scolded, “Saix could take you.”

“No. I don't think that will be necessary.” Axel spoke up, “Actually… I'd like to go alone.” He turned to Luxord and Xaldin, “I appreciate the help, really, but… You've done all you can do. I think I need to take it from here.” He told them.

Xaldin shrugged, “Suit yourself. I've got to head home anyway.”

“Are you sure Axel? I don't mind tagging along.” Luxord insisted.

“I'm sure. Go home. Anyway, Xigbar probably has to teach class. I don't want to get either one of you fired. This isn't your problem and I'm sure I'll be okay from here.” Axel told him, “Really, I can't thank you enough for your help, but I know he'll be there and I need to see him on my own.”

Luxord sighed but nodded. They left the station together bidding farewell to Saix and his superior officer, whose name Axel never did catch.

Finding the island was no trouble at all. Just as Xaldin suggested it took less than a half hour. The problem was getting there. Axel figured he'd be able to find someone with a small boat or something but the beach was bare and there were only a few isolated docks. Only one of the docks currently had any boats tied to it and they gave Axel a pause. Walking onto the worn wooden pier, Axel stared down at each plank. They creaked some and Axel could feel his stomach turning. It was probably a good thing he hadn't eaten anything yet today because he might've been sick just stepping out here. Without Demyx by his side, his hate for water was slowly creeping up on him.

He swallowed hard and looked over the side at a sad looking wooden boat. If he took that out, he wondered if it would sink and he would drown… Not that he couldn't swim.

A soft giggle behind him startled him and he nearly leapt out of his skin as a bout of vertigo nearly sent him flying into the ocean. Stumbling just a moment, he planted his feet solidly on the dock and turned. Axel recognized her. Reddish brown hair down to her shoulders and pale blue eyes, it was Kairi, “You looked like you saw a ghost. Something in the reflection?” She asked amiably and Axel looked back at the water. He couldn't really see his reflection and she went on as he studied the water, “News says a storm's rolling in.”

“A storm?” Axel looked out. Now that she mentioned it, the horizon was dark with clouds.

“Mmhm!” Her shoes made a cute tapping noise as she bounced on down to the end of the jetty. She twirled a little as she passed Axel to get a look at him then went straight again and stopped right at the edge. A gust caught her hair and she shrugged her hair out of her face, “It can be pretty scary when the wind picks the waves up. Do you like the water?”

“Uh…” Axel glanced at the boat and then turned to her, “Not really. When's the storm going to hit.”

She offered a smile and shrugged, “Soon. It looks far but it'll be here in a heartbeat, just wait and see.” Kairi tangled her fingers together behind her back and swayed just a little. Axel couldn't see what she was looking at but she certainly was focused on it.

When she didn't say anything Axel went to her side and swallowed a lump that formed when he saw the water close, “I don't have time to wait; I need to get out there.” He pointed and Kairi tipped her head, “I need to see Demyx.” And she shrugged again and looked out to where Axel had pointed to the island.

“What makes you think he's out there?” She asked. If she knew he was there, she had quite the poker face.

Axel shrugged, “Because I need him to be.”

Kairi smiled cryptically, “How are you going to get there? It's quite the swim.” She told him.

“I was looking for a boat; think you can help me out?” Axel asked her and Kairi's smile grew. Moving to the small boat at the dock, she jumped down into it. It swayed and the water sloshed over the sides a little from the force of her jump. Then she turned and offered her hand out to him, “Guess that means `yes'.” He said as he followed her. He stopped just before getting in and got to a knee. Untying his shoes, he removed them both and tied them together.

“Worried you'll go under?” Asked Kairi as Axel got in the boat with her now barefoot.

With a stiff body, Axel scowled, “I'm not worried!” He objected, but his own poker face was probably worse than hers, “So uh… Need me to help row?” He asked as he sat down, but she shook her head and took a seat too. Pulling up the oars, she reached over and untied the boat before pushing off.

The motion of the boat on the waves made Axel sick and when he looked at the water, he felt like he was drowning. Groaning, he covered his face with his hands and tried not to think, “We can turn back if you like, we're not far out.” Kairi told him and he glanced up. They hadn't gotten very far at all.

“No, I need to see him… No matter what.” He told her and they stared into each other's gazes. Then she nodded and continued to push them along. Axel covered his face again and was lulled by the sound of the oars dipping into the salty water.

After a time, the sound died and he looked up. They were pretty damn close to the island but not on the beach yet and he looked at her with furrowed brows, “This is as far as I go.” She said and nodded to the island, “You'll have to go the rest of the way on your own.”

“The rest of the way? But the water.” He leaned over and felt his mind whirling around in his skull.

Kairi shrugged, “It's not deep… A few yards out and you'll be able to walk.” She told him and Axel looked at her skeptically, “Well? Are you going to find him or not?” And Axel's shoulders slumped forward.

“I won't go home without him.” Axel said with confidence. Standing up, he left his shoes in the boat and took the plunge before he had a second thought about it. When he hit the water, his body locked up and he sank for a moment before he darted up for air. She was right, it wasn't very deep but the cold had shocked him. The water looked warmer than it was.

Kairi smiled over the edge of the boat, “Good luck!”

Turning in the water, Axel spotted a smaller nearby island and swam for it. He tied easily and by the time he got to the shallow water, he was gasping for air. Wading in the deeper water near the parimeter, Axel spotted a ladder and hauled himself up onto the smaller island. Once there, he flopped down onto his back to catch his breath. His clothes felt like they weighed a million pounds. Eyes closed, he didn't realize someone was standing over him until the sun was shadowed, “You came for me.” Axel opened his eyes and his heart stumbled and skipped a beat. A halo of white light surrounded Demyx's body as he leaned over to look down at him. It took a moment for Axel's eyes to adjust, but when they did, he could see that Demyx was smiling.

Still breathing heavily, Axel reached up and Demyx took his hand to help him to his feet. Now, standing right in front of each other, Axel drew a blank. Whatever he was going to say and whatever he wanted to say were smothered by a squall of emotion. Anger for Demyx leaving him, happiness at seeing him again, sorrow in anticipation… Axel couldn't decide exactly which one to settle on so his words came out numb, “I told you I would.”

The smile left Demyx's face and he nodded. Frowning, he stepped away and went over to a tree that bowed over the water. He stepped up onto it and walked out over the water, “I know…” He said, half folding his arms and looking down at the water.

“You ran away from me…” Axel said, voice still not holding any emotion as he stopped by the base of the tree.

Demyx looked back and now guilt could be added to the emotions Axel felt. There was sorrow in Demyx's eyes, “I didn't think you'd come.” He shrugged a little and looked away.

Finally Axel decided on the first emotion he needed to tackle, anger, “How can you say that?!” He barked, not daring to step out onto the tree, “I love you, I told you I'd come for you! How could I just let you go?”

“You didn't come the first time…” Demyx told him and sat down to watch the sparkling blue water. Axel clenched his teeth together and glared hard at him even though Demyx wasn't looking. He hoped Demyx could feel the glare on his shoulder but doubted it.

“You were at your friend's house. You were coming back!”

Demyx glanced at him, “I know… That's why I had to do it again… To make sure it was fair.” He said as if it were all completely logical. Unfortunately, Axel wasn't following and it only made him angrier. Kicking the tree trunk, he made the tree quiver a little and Demyx gripped the trunk in order not to fall.

“How was that fair? Why are you doing this at all? I thought you were happy with me!”

“I was happy with you.” Demyx snapped back and Axel felt as though a knife were plunged into his chest. His knees felt weak and he swayed just a moment before he steadied himself, “But then… I can't believe you'd do that to me Axel. I didn't know how else to make sure you wanted me, that you really loved me.”

Axel didn't know what Demyx was talking about at all, “What? Do what to you? I've never done anything to hurt you. I'd never do anything to hurt you.”

This time it was Demyx's turn to be angry and he stood up. Turning to face Axel, he met him with a glare, “You really are an idiot aren't you?” That wiped the glare right off Axel's face and replaced it with his next emotion, confusion. Bewildered, Axel stepped back uncertainly, “You practically gave me away!” Demyx told him, emotion flowing through his voice emphasizing each word, “I get banged up once and… You didn't even fight for me. You just packed my bag and watched me walk out the door. You just sat there and watched! And I couldn't figure out why you did that! Why you didn't stand up and just say `no'…” Demyx turned away and wiped his eyes, “We could have just… Run away together. It wouldn't have mattered where as long as we were together, but you didn't do anything!”

Demyx didn't trust him….

The emotional roller coaster continued and sorrow and anger made a comeback, “Just because I let you go with him doesn't mean I don't love you. I thought maybe….” Shit Axel didn't know what he thought, “I… I wasn't thinking okay. I just… Demyx, baby, I love you… I'm here for you now.” His voice broke and Axel covered his mouth and looked away. He sounded like an idiot, “I'm sorry… I shouldn't have let Rufus take you away from me.” Demyx wouldn't turn around to look at him and Axel shoved his hands into his soaking pockets. He could feel the figurine in one pocket and he remembered now all the things he'd brought with him. The sketchbook was probably toast but he didn't reach back to check on it. Instead, he pulled out the koi figurine, “Demyx… Sometimes… I dream about losing you… And it's unbearable.” Axel paused, “And when I actually did… Demyx… I can't lose you. You hear me? I can't lose you.”

Demyx bowed his head and sighed, “I'm sorry-“

Axel didn't let him finish, “Turn around and come here. Look at me, Demyx.” He waited and after a moment Demyx did. Face to face on solid ground, Demyx hooked his thumbs anxiously on his waistband. All he had on were his boxers, the rest of his clothes were missing, “I bought this for you.” He said taking Demyx's hand and shoving the koi into Demyx's palm.

When Demyx examined the fish, he seemed confused at first. Then his face seemed to light up, “You remembered…”

“Because I love you.” Axel took Demyx's face in both his hands and he pressed their foreheads together, “I wish you could see that… I wish you could trust me.” Why did everything little thing have to be so hard? Axel just wanted to be with him.

“I do trust you… Now.” Demyx seemed to be struggling with the situation himself and Axel kissed him on the lips.

“Don't lie to me, baby.” He said and pulled away, “We can work on it… Apparently we both have trust issues.” Though Axel's were caused by Demyx running away from him. Moving away, Axel walked over a nearby bridge and jumped down onto the sandy beach. He just needed to get away from Demyx a moment, get things sorted out. He'd found Demyx, but things didn't quite feel okay yet and Axel didn't know where to begin. Maybe it'd help if there was somewhere for them to stay and just be together. Things were simpler that way.

Demyx grabbed his hand and stopped him, “Axel, don't walk away from me… I'm sorry I left you. I had to be sure.”

Turning, Axel met his gaze and frowned at him. “You're not helping.” Axel grumbled, feeling exhausted again.

“Make love to me.” The statement was abrupt and Demyx said it with such seriousness it was almost comical.

Axel shook his head and turned away, “Demyx, sex doesn't solve everything.”

Pulling on Axel's hand, Demyx became insistent, “This isn't sex.” Axel looked back at him. He really wasn't in the mood, not right now. He was too confused, too tired. But Demyx looked so vulnerable and desperate and Axel realized that Demyx wanted him, or at the very least wanted to feel loved. So Axel turned back around and pulled Demyx into his arms. He stroked Demyx's hair and kissed his temple. It felt good to hold him, feel his warmth in his arms, “Please Axel… Don't leave me, I'm sorry. I'd do anything to keep you.” His voice trembled and his body shuddered.

With a sigh Axel tipped Demyx's head back and wiped away his tears. Demyx cried a lot and Axel met those tears with a forgiving smile, “Didn't you hear? Being in love means never having to say you're sorry.” Leaning in, Axel kissed his eyelids and then his forehead, “Got it memorized?” Demyx laughed a bit and turned his head away. Wiping his eyes again, he tried to pull away but Axel held him firmly against him.

“Yeah, I got it.” Demyx nodded before looking up suddenly. It had grown dark as they'd talked and a drop of rain fell on his forehead, “Oh, the storm's come.” He said and pointed out to the ocean. Axel's stomach did some weird acrobatic tricks and the weak-kneed sickness returned when he saw the waves beginning to swell and threaten to wash over his feet. Quick as a cat, Axel suddenly jumped away from Demyx and scrambled away before the water could roll up and touch him. Demyx laughed, “It shouldn't last long.” Demyx told him following him up the beach and gesturing to a waterfall, “We can hide out in there. The shacks kind of leak.” And Axel stared at him dumbly, “Come on.” Demyx jumped into the small pond and waded to the waterfall, disappearing behind it.

Axel waited to see if he would come back and when he didn't, Axel followed. Ducking quickly through the waterfall, Axel stopped to look around. It was dark and he could barely see, “Demyx?” He called out with uncertainty. Then Demyx was beside him and he clasped his hand.

“Deeper.” Demyx told him, leading him deeper into the secret cave. It was almost pitch black when they reached their destination and Axel tripped over some fabric and fell into a pile of blankets. He nearly dragged Demyx down with him but their hands were wet from the falls and Demyx slipped free. He could hear Demyx shuffle around and then a soft click of a lamp.

Blue light illuminated the cave and Axel looked all around. Large brown roots held the walls together and the large stones they framed were decorated with drawings of all kinds. At the far end there was a door and Axel wondered where it went briefly until Demyx settled down beside him, “Let's get you out of those wet clothes before you soak all the sheets.” He said, trailing his hands down Axel's chest and stomach until they reached the bottom of Axel's shirt. Then he peeled up the wet fabric, Axel shifting to make it easier for him. Demyx tossed the shirt off the blankets and placed his hands back on Axel's skin, “You're freezing…” Axel hadn't noticed, but now that Demyx pointed it out, he shivered, “I think we can fix that.” Said Demyx, leaning over and kissing his shoulder. Then he crawled on his hands and knees to sit over Axel's legs.

Axel arched his back as Demyx undid his pants and reached under him. Pulling out the notebook, he set that aside without Demyx really noticing. Demyx was a little too preoccupied with pulling Axel's pants and underwear down, which was made difficult because it clung to his skin like Velcro. When they were off, Demyx tossed them over with the shirt and lay back down beside Axel. Wrapping his arms around him, the blonde sighed, “How long are you going to make me wait?”

The words echoed in Axel's head like he'd heard them before and it took him a moment to realize where they came from. A grin spread across his face, remembering their first time together. Axel had said the exact same thing to Demyx then and Demyx had told him, “Until you beg for it.” Axel repeated and Demyx laughed quietly.

Rolling onto his side, Axel propped his head up on his palm and moved his other arm to touch Demyx's cheek. In the pale blue glow, Demyx's eyes took on the depth of an ocean, his blue eyes glimmering like underwater fireflies. The grains of sand in his hair sparkled like diamond dust and his skin looked marble smooth. The place was magical, not even the storm outside could be heard over the falling waters that blanketed them from the world.

Demyx turned his head and kissed Axel's palm, “Please?” He whispered, chilling the kiss with his breath. As quiet as he was, his voice echoed off the walls before it died under the fall of water. His fingers trailed up Axel's side to rest at Axel's neck. Almost coyly, he toyed with the necklace that hung loosely around Axel's neck, the one from the festival. It sparkled as Demyx's twirled it in his fingers.

How could Axel say no?

~Mature Content~

“Come here.” Pulling Demyx in, Axel rolled them. With Demyx laying half on top of him, Axel held the back of his head gently as he kissed him. Their lips moved against one another as if they'd never parted before, tongues dancing between them to greet one another. Those lips tasted uniquely of Demyx, no hint of a fresh meal, just him and Axel relished it.

Breathing in deep, Demyx's body rose and fell with each breath, body sunken into him to match Axel's every curve. Already, the chill of the ocean air and salty waters was melting away. It helped that Demyx's expertly trained hands played Axel's flesh with as much as ease as he would a guitar. Fingers kneaded and brushed every soft spot Axel had, making his heart beat like the wing of a hummingbird and his blood flush, “You taste like the ocean.” Demyx murmured as the kiss was broken and he moved his lips to Axel's ear.

The warm breath that flowed down the side of his neck made Axel's body shudder with delight, “I missed your touch,” Axel paused, turning his face to nuzzle Demyx's hair. Then smiling to himself, he added, “Lover.” The word made Demyx shiver.

Demyx trailed kisses down Axel's throat, sucking deeply at the crook of his neck to leave a mark. Axel didn't mind, so what if anyone saw? Then his lips made their way down the center of Axel's chest to his stomach. Lifting his head, Axel stared down at him as Demyx traced the lines of his tattoo with his tongue, “Oh, baby…” Reaching down, he ran his fingers through Demyx's hair to encourage him. Instead, Demyx pulled himself up and away and knelt over Axel almost protectively.

Bowing his head, Demyx pressed his forehead to Axel's collarbone, “Axel… I want to show you how much I trust you.” He said, words leaving hot trails of steamy breath down Axel's chest. Taking Axel by the hand, he pulled him up and twisted so he could fall down onto his back with Axel lying beside him, “You won't hurt me…” He said as he lay there, looking fragile and beautiful. Vibrant green eyes landed on the pale bruises of Demyx's chest and the younger male sighed, “My ribs will be fine. I'll guide you.”

Placing a gentle hand on Demyx's stomach, the blonde shivered again. Axel had come all this way for him and he did love him… So… Why was he still anxious about this? Forcing the lump in his throat down, Axel got to his knees between Demyx's legs.

“You worry too much.” Demyx told him, draping his arms around Axel shoulders when the taller leaned down to kiss his forehead, “You'll like it, promise.” Searching Demyx's gaze, Axel felt… Relieved. Demyx had never been wrong about these things before and, more than anything, he wanted him to be happy.

“I…” Axel searched for the right word but settled, “Trust you.” He told Demyx and began to kiss Demyx's neck. Despite the salted water nearby, Demyx's skin was anything but salty. It was refreshingly clean, free of fragrant soaps or colognes, which would have tasted bitter on his tongue. The realization that it was all Demyx sent a signal bypassing his logic straight to his groin.

With a soft groan of desire, Axel closed his eyes pressed his face against Demyx's neck and took a deep breath. The scent of his lover filled his nose and his mind went hazy. Wrapping his arms around Demyx's waist, he carefully pulled him up onto his lap, a position that allowed him to press his erection up against Demyx's velvet balls, “Baby, the way you smell… Drives me wild.” Axel murmured with his lips pressed to Demyx's neck. Arching up against him, Demyx moaned softly. It was a sound the rang like music in his ears and he was suddenly determined to make Demyx sing a song with those sweet moans of his.

Gently rocking his hips up against Demyx, Axel held him close with one arm and let his free hand trail down between them. Demyx was already hard and Axel couldn't help but offer a cocky smile, “Someone missed me.” He chuckled into Demyx's ear before finding a better use of his lips there. Nibbling at Demyx's earlobe, he made the blonde squirm beneath him and make soft whimpering noises.

“Axel…” Demyx whined. Giving Axel a little push, the redhead relented.

Nosing Demyx's seashell necklace, Axel shifted his hips, “Do we… Have something?” Asked Axel, hoping Demyx would understand without him having to spell it out. Though, he was sure that the way his erection throbbed between Demyx's legs helped get the message across.

Demyx nodded curtly and reached above his head. Arching his back, he winced just a little and Axel grabbed his hand to stop him from straining, “I'll get it.” Axel murmured, lips against Demyx's palm. For a moment, he preoccupied himself with kissing up Demyx's wrist and arm. Then he finally pulled away, “In the bag?” He asked as he untangled his arms from his lover's body to reach over Demyx.

“Yeah… There's some lotion that should work.” He said, watching Axel intently as if he were studying him. Axel grabbed the bag and glanced at him with a questioning look but Demyx just continued to stare at him, searching him.

Trying to ignore it, Axel opened up the duffle bag and searched it. Easily, he found what he was looking for and tossed the rest aside. Lotion in one hand, Axel grabbed Demyx's leg with the other so he could ease back, “What's that look?” Axel asked, sitting back on his heels as he squirted some of the lotion onto his fingers with some uncertainty.

“I was just thinking…” Demyx said wistfully with a smile, eyes still watching him, “I'm so lucky… You're so handsome.” Reaching up, he placed a hand on Axel's chest and felt the contours of his muscles.

Axel smiled back, “You're quite the looker too.” Lying down between Demyx's legs, he let him rest his legs up on his shoulders while he kissed Demyx's stomach. The touch of his lips there made Demyx inhale sharply and he arched his back some, “Make some noise for me, baby…” He breathed quietly. He wasn't sure if Demyx could hear him but when he sucked Demyx's sensitive stomach hard enough to bruise, his lover let out a wonderful moan.

As his lips kissed lower, he could feel Demyx's fingers comb through his hair. The way his hands trembled against his scalp, Axel knew Demyx was loosing his patience… And that was just too bad. He was on top right? As far as Axel was concerned, that meant it was his rules. Demyx might have drawn him in and lost them both in passion, but Axel was a true lover right down to the core. He was taking his time.

A kiss placed on each peak of Demyx's hipbones, he slid his lotion covered hand just behind his balls. Pressing lightly, he made the area slick with lotion, all the while wringing soft moans from Demyx. If that didn't tell Axel he liked it, the obvious twitch and throb of his erect shaft certainly did. And to reward his lover for his willingness to speak up, he placed a kiss on the side of his erection.

His fingers slid back further and he lubed up the tight pucker of his ass. Demyx trembled and tightened his grip on Axel's hair, “Axel… Please…” His chest was heaving now and his voice was tight with desire. Pushing up against Demyx's hands, Axel looked to his face. A thin layer of sweat made his body shine in the blue light but his cheeks and lips were scarlet red, flush with blood. He wanted it so bad and Axel shuddered because he wanted him just as badly.

With a low moan of his own, Axel took Demyx's hard flesh in his mouth and eased his fingers in. It earned a chorus of moans from Demyx, soft sexy ones that made Axel mindlessly grind his hips into the blankets. Sucking harder, Demyx had to pull his hands away so he could tear at the blankets instead. His body writhed, muscles trembling with anticipation, “Axel!” He gasped when his fingers drove in especially deep.

When Demyx's body grew used to him, Axel pulled out his fingers and got back up onto his hands and knees. Crawling over him, he leaned down and kissed Demyx's lips again and Demyx met him eagerly. Arms snaking around Axel's neck, Demyx pulled him down forcibly to kiss him back. Lifting his hips, Demyx wrapped one leg around Axel and thrust up against Axel, “Please.” He said earnestly as his lips parted from Axel's just long enough to get the word out.

“M'kay, baby.” Murmured Axel, drawing back from Demyx's eager tongue to kiss his neck and jaw. Then he laid Demyx back down flat so he could grab the lotion again. Smearing his palm generously with it, he stroked it onto himself and then repositioned Demyx's hips back up onto his lap. He didn't even think about how it was his first time taking another person, just kissed Demyx again and pushed in.

It was harder than he expected, Demyx was so tight even after the preparation. Groaning low in the back of his throat, he withdrew from the kiss to watch Demyx's face. He couldn't read the expression. His head was tilted back and away from the light so it was covered in shadow. All Axel could see was that his eyes were closed.

Letting out a slow steady breath, Demyx placed his hands on Axel's hips, “It's…” He paused and swallowed hard, “All right. Keep going.” He told him with a nod, turning his face back so the light could touch it. He looked like he was trying to be brave about it. Axel had never really asked if Demyx had really gone all the way with someone, like this.

Giving Demyx another kiss, Axel steadily pushed in until he was fully mounted and then let Demyx adjust. Arms around his lover, Axel murmured sweet nothings to him, littering his skin with kisses, “I love you, baby.”

“Love you too.” Demyx breathed, holding Axel in his own arms as their bodies became reacquainted in this peculiar position. After a few minutes of kissing and nuzzling, Demyx let his hands roam down Axel's back. Finding the vertebrae that mapped out Axel's pleasure zone, he massaged his fingers into the muscle and Axel bucked his hips forward.

Head back, Demyx let out a soft gasp, “Oh yeah… I'm ready.” Axel smiled at the way he said it and gave Demyx's lips a playful bite before diving in for a deep kiss. Maybe it wasn't the best position for leverage, but Axel didn't care. He wanted to see Demyx's face, to kiss him on the lips, while he made love to him.

Eyes closed, he rocked steadily into him and moved one hand between them to gently stroke Demyx in time with each thrust. The prolonged foreplay had already left them slick and sweaty with desire, so when Axel moved his lips to taste his neck it was salty, “You taste a little like the ocean now too, babe.” He murmured lowly before letting out a grunt of pleasure when Demyx tightened up around him.

“Stop trying to romance me, I'm already yours.” Demyx said with a chuckle.

Axel smiled, “And I wouldn't have anyone else but you.” Roxas and Demyx were right, Axel was such a sap. Damn his romantic heart.

Demyx's hands roamed farther down Axel's slender back. Twisting a little, his fingers slipped between the domes of Axel's ass cheeks and teased his entrance. Axel's body remembered that well enough, his own back arching to press his ass into Demyx's probing fingers. Even dry and raw, Demyx could somehow reach inside him. He was an expert at pushing all the right buttons by now and quickly found that sweet spot in Axel that sent the redhead reeling.

Moaning loudly, Axel bucked his hips erratically a moment. It felt good to be inside Demyx, better still to be on the receiving end as well, “Right here, Axel. Same place inside me.” Demyx told him, licking his lips. He prodded that spot again and Axel wondered how he was supposed to think straight in all of this.

He tried to focus on the angle of Demyx's fingers, but thinking about that only made him that much closer to euphoria. Maybe Demyx realized this because he pulled out and placed both hands back on the small of Axel's back. When the stars in his vision finally receded, Axel found his mind again. Nodding to Demyx, Axel shifted to sit up on his knees a bit more to get a better angle. One thrust told him it was the right way to go.

“Ah~!” Throwing his head back dramatically, Demyx cried out in pleasure. Now his hips rocked back in time to meet Axel's every thrust, driving him deeper than before, “Axel!” His body felt tense as he rode Axel and Axel could feel it in the tightness of Demyx's ass.

“Shit, I don't know how you hold out so long.” Axel breathed, his entire body was quivering. He was aching for release, muscles becoming fatigued. Being on top was sure as hell of a lot more work. Maybe it had to be that way because from what Axel felt, the reward was all the greater.

Demyx smiled back, “I'm close too.” He panted, looking vulnerable again. Axel bit his lip, it was all he could do to hold back and not crush Demyx in a tight embrace.

Burying his face under Demyx's jaw, Axel clenched his teeth shut making his breath hiss slightly as it left his lungs. Demyx's hand joined his to help him get off, “Ah…” Axel wasn't sure who that was making those desperate gasping sounds; he was too far gone to decipher, “Ah…”

“Ah~ Axel!” Demyx cried out loudly and his body tightened, warmth spilling over Axel's hand onto Demyx's stomach. It was enough to send Axel over the edge too. Mind going blank, Axel's hips acted of their own accord, jerking hard as he filled Demyx with his own hot seed. The pleasure spread through him like a flame, blazing under his skin to make it hot and red with ecstasy. It swelled and died and returned again, leaving Axel more and more satisfied.

Gasping for breath, Axel pushed himself up off Demyx to make sure he had some breathing room. His read hair hung down and Axel looked under the veil of it at Demyx's face. He was so beautiful. Spent and temporarily exhausted, his expression was peaceful with traces of pleasure.

One hand on the blankets, Axel snaked the other out from under Demyx to caress his cheek. When Demyx's eyes focused on him, they exchanged smiles and kissed one another gently, lovingly, “Maybe sex really does solve everything.” Axel said with a breathless laugh.

With a hearty chuckle of his own, Demyx shook his head, “Love does…” He told Axel dreamily.

“Sappiness must be contagious because I think I might've just given you a severe case of the romantics.” Axel said.

Demyx gave him a kiss, “As long as I don't start spelling out my own name.”

When Axel woke, the blankets beside him were empty and there was no sound but the flowing water at the cave entrance. The lantern was still lit and he sat up, looking all around. Demyx was nowhere to be seen and, at first, he thought Demyx might have gone through the door he'd seen at the back of the cave. However, when he looked, there was no door to be found. Axel could have sworn he'd seen one there…

Shaking his head, he got to his feet and found his clothes. They were still wet, so he only pulled on his boxers before venturing to the mouth of the secret little cave. Jumping quickly through the water fall, Axel looked around outside. It had grown dark but the night sky was so bright he could still see enough to walk onwards, “Demyx?” He called, stepping out of the pool and scanning the area.

Demyx was sitting on the wet beach staring up at the stars and as Axel approached, he turned his gaze upwards too. Axel had never seen so many stars before. It was as though fireworks had lit up the sky and their embers had somehow become stuck up there in the black ocean above.

Looking over his shoulder, Demyx smiled at him and then turned to look at the sea. Arms around his knees he sighed and rested his chin on his legs, “I was so afraid…” He breathed, voice melodious. Axel could feel his heart slow with fondness at the sound of Demyx's singing voice, “Now I realize, love is never wrong and so it never dies.” Sitting down beside Demyx, Axel let his shoulder brush up against his lover and followed Demyx's gaze to the horizon where the moon hung low in the sky.

Taking a deep breath, Demyx leaned over and fell against Axel. His eyes closed and he seemed almost asleep before his lips moved again, “There's a perfect world shining in your eyes.

And if only they could feel it too, the happiness I feel with you,
They'd know love will find a way.

Anywhere we go, we're home, if we are there together.
Like dark turning into day, somehow we'll come through now that I've found you.

Love will find a way.
I know love will find a way.”

Axel offered a smile that Demyx couldn't see and wrapped an arm around Demyx's shoulder, “Demyx… I think we should move in together.” Beside him, he could feel Demyx move to look up at him, “Into your old house… Rufus… He's been paying to get it restored and… I think I'd like it here.” Axel chanced a look at Demyx but his face was difficult to read in the starlight, “You love it here too right?”

“What about your brother, your friends? What about your education?” Asked Demyx, sounding strangely lucid and reasonable.

Chuckling, Axel shook his head, “They can always come see me. I want to be with you and I want you to be happy. I don't care if I have to give up going to college or getting a career… As long as we're together.” Axel told him, kissing Demyx's forehead. The blonde sighed, closing his eyes.

“But… What if we break up? You'll have given up too much.”

“That won't happen.” Demyx jerked a little in his embrace, probably surprised at how sure Axel was about this. They were both so young. It seemed impossible that they'd be together forever, apparently even Demyx realized this. But Axel persisted, “I love you…”

“But-“

Axel said a little more confidently, “I love you.”

This time Demyx conceded, “I love you too.”

Smiling, Axel looked back over the water, “Everything will work out just fine… Anyway, I can always go back to school, or take online courses…. And if you really screw things up for me, I can always marry some old rich guy.” Demyx gave him a hard shove that knocked him over and Axel laughed.

“You're such an asshole.” Demyx said through a smile and Axel grinned back up at him.

“I know, and you love it.”

END

Considering all the Disney in Kingdom Hearts, I figured it was just about time to have Demyx sing a Disney song. In case anyone's wondering, Riku came by the next day to get them and Axel's cell was pretty much toast after that. He did not have a water resistant cell.

Also:

Saix= Not helpful…

Xemnas= Surprisingly helpful?