Kingdom Hearts Fan Fiction ❯ The Gambling Series ❯ Pat a Cake ( Chapter 6 )

It had started with an innocent bet. They were playing a game of poker, Luxord being the dealer, and since they had no money they were betting other things. Demyx, having been goaded into playing, wasn't doing so hot, but he wasn't losing either. Xemnas, in fact, was losing, much to his displeasure, and he showed it. The only thing keeping him playing and being a good sport was Axel's taunting.

“Xemnas, you have nothing else to bet. This game has turned into strip poker now because of you,” Zexion stated calmly, throwing down a discard. The last few hands the leader had been forced to fold, and he couldn't bully anyone into letting him cheat and get away with it.

“Ante up Xemnas,” Axel gloated, his small, though impressive pile of winnings including earrings, rings, trinkets, and someone's underwear, among other things. Several pieces of papers with IOU's and promises to be kept were in there as well.

Stealing the pad of paper and pen, he intended to write something, but what would be good enough to appease Axel's ego?

“Hey, no bribes,” Axel pouted, annoyed that Xemnas would probably write something like, `no missions for the next two hours,' or, `the freedom to sleep in your own bed.' The bastard would have done it too. When Xemnas could think of nothing after a moment save threats and bribes, Axel snatched the paper away, coming up with his own pen from the nothingness.  Xemnas glared, about to spit out some underhanded comment, but the red head merely winked, writing something obscured on the paper, then folding it and adding it in the pile. 

"There Xemnas, that's your bet."  The Superior looked as though he might kill someone. 

"I do not consent to this.  What does it say?"  Zexion merely smiled, Saix was too busy looking at Zexion to have cared, more busy with hanging to his arm and stroking it lovingly, and Demyx looked Timid and unsure. 

"Okay then, lay em down," Luxord prompted, seeing that all the bets are in. 

"What does it say Axel?" 

"Hah!  A pair of jacks!" Axel triumphed. 

"Two Aces," Zexion said calmly, then laid out Saix's card.  "And Saix has three two's."  Xemnas threw down his cards, a hand he should have folded if he had not wanted to try winning a bluff, which off course didn't work.  Luxord looked expectantly at Demyx, Xemnas' glare keeping the skittish boy from laying down his hand.  Finally, Axel prompted him, snatching the cards from his hand and throwing them down, revealing a straight flush.  Zexion looked surprised, Saix still didn't care, Demyx was trying to Hide, Axel was grinning like an idiot, and Xemnas had paled as much as his rich coco colored countenance would allow.  The blonde, one of the wimpiest members of the organization had made a straight flush. 

It would have been more impressive if he had known what was written.  Thrown his hands up and growling he left the table, walking stark naked into a door to darkness to find something to wear and sulk, threats and curses running through his head.  He would pay Axel back.

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"Out of sheer curiosity, what did the paper say?" Saix asked later, walking swiftly behind Zexion as the smaller man walked down a hall, the game of poker having ended shortly after Xemnas' leaving. 

"What it said?"  He shrugged when Saix nodded. 

"You'll have to ask Demyx; Axel already left with his winnings somewhere."  Saix was more caught up with staring at Zexion's backside though, the reason for him remaining several paces behind the deep blue haired man.

 

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“C'mon Demyx you have to! It would be the perfect opportunity to teach him something! Now he can see what it's like to be on the receiving end!” Axel insisted for the fifth time that day. Demyx wasn't so sure though.

“I still don't think it would be a good idea. I mean, he is the Superior. If he knew what the paper said……” The blonde shook his head helplessly. This really wasn't his sort of thing anyway. As the two argued, more that Axel was complaining, Demyx kept shaking his head saying he didn't know, and Saix was begging to know what was on the paper, the sandwiches the water boy was making weren't being made any faster. Zexion stood idly by, leaning against the table of the castle's kitchen, eating an orange, listening to the squabbling.

“Saix will you shut up already? You're getting on my nerves!” the pyro shouted, finally having had enough and rounding on the berserker, gloves sparking and threatening to ignite.

“Well if you would tell me what was written down I'd stop asking!” Saix stubbornly replied, crossing his arms with a huff.

Axel opened his mouth, but didn't say anything.

“Yes, what does the paper say?” Xemnas coolly asked as he entered the room, taking the last few slices of Zexion's orange and promptly eating them. When he received a glare, the leader merely shrugged, popping another orange slice in his mouth.

“Er…. Heh…. Gotta go!” Axel fled the room, taking a few steps away from the Superior and the others, backing into a portal of darkness. Frowning at his departure, Xemnas stared hard at where he had been, no doubt mentally cursing the red head. With Axel gone, Saix took to Badgering Demyx.

“So, what does it say?” He sidled next the blonde, asking eagerly. Zexion merely sighed, following after Saix and pulling on his sleeve.

“Come on Saix.” He began tugging the berserker behind him who was caught between looking at Demyx for an answer and Zexion for an explanation. Helpless to the brunette's leading, he followed.

“I still want to know,” he mumbled, pouting.

With Xemnas in the room, Demyx still busily preparing the ultimate sandwich, everything was quiet. The blonde turned around, sandwich in hand, gasping.

“X-Xemnas….. I forgot you were in here.” The Superior seemed amused. Deciding against leaving the kitchen, not wanting to try to slip by the dark skinned man, he instead turned back to the counter, promptly setting his sandwich down as if he might be missing something. Searching the bread on his sandwich, he felt arms encircling his waist, pulling him against a strong body. He paled, flustering at the same time. He feared being so close to Xemnas, but the gesture itself was rather intimate for him. He swallowed hard, trying to shrug it off.

“Demyx,” the low, rich voice murmured in his ear. “Give me the sheet of paper.” Whimpering involuntarily, the blonde had to fish inside his coat a moment, Xemnas' embrace not helping in the least. Taking the paper from Demyx, he withdrew from the blonde with the possession he was after. 

Leaning back against the table as Zexion had done, he unfolded it, Demyx tensely waiting for his reaction.  There was a long, slightly shocked silence as Xemnas stared at the paper.  Was Axel serious?  Crumpling up the paper and throwing it aside, he 'humphed.'  Axel would die for even suggesting that. 

"And just what do you think of that, Demyx?  Of dear Axel's proposition?" he asked in a sweet voice, edged with his threatening annoyance.  Before the water boy could respond, however, a shrill cry was heard from the kitchen doorway, where there Saix stood, the paper uncrumpled in his hands, face lit with a glow of victory. 

"Xemnas has to do this?" he cried in glee, grinning widely, Zexion shortly behind him and sighing.  He had tried to get Saix to come with him, away from the kitchen, but the berserker wouldn't hear of it.  Hehad just had to know. 

"Do what?" the small, mysterious man asked as he peered over Saix's shoulder.  He raised a brow. 

He'd give props to the pyro for having the tenacity to even think of something like that.  To get away with it though..... Zexion seriously doubted Xemnas would follow through though.  He would need from prodding first. 

"Doesn't matter," he stated, clipping the paper from Saix's hands and folding it neatly to tuck into his sleeve.  Xemnas was glaring, almost pouting at them both, lips pursed and waiting for a so far unspoken explanation. 

"Xemnas isn't man enough to follow through."  Saix looked to Zexion, unsure and a little afraid that he should say that.  Xemnas would lose it on them and send them running for their lives, holes smoking in their clothing from lasers aimed at them. 

"Not man?  I'm not stupid is what I am!" the Superior spat back, fingers flexing. 

"Not stupid?  Demyx won the bet.  The least you could do is follow through with it.  You're the leader of the organization for a reason right?  Why should we trust what you say if you're not going to do it in the end?  It's just false promises." 

"I didn't consent to this," Xemnas countered; disgruntled that Zexion would bring up him doing a bad job of running his organization. 

What Axel had suggested was ludicrous.  Zexion merely shrugged, Saix staring at him in shock and awe for saying such a thing.  It did make sense though, and he nodded agreement, turning to Xemnas to see what else he would say. 

"I am not doing it!"  Zexion was silent a long moment.  "Just because you don't want to?  You send us on missions we don't particularly care for but we do them anyway.  We're working towards a goal here." 

"Nothing like this!" 

"Not specifically no, but now you know what we think about it.  Some of the things you have us do we find ludicrous."  Xemnas paused, looking curtly at the young man, smaller than he in every aspect.  Zexion remained passive, holding his ground calmly. 

"This has nothing to do with attaining Kingdom Hearts," Xemnas pointed out. 

"Not entirely no," Zexion carefully chose his words.  "Except the trust we have in you and the example you set.  If you example is refusing what should be done, we might as well follow you in it. 

You can't keep to your word or fulfill your end of the bargain, why should we?"  There was a long silence drawn between them, Demyx trying to be invisible, and Saix having nothing to say.  When he logically thought about it, Zexion was right, but Xemnas didn't want to admit that.  Finally, the younger man just nodded, figuring Xemnas would do what he thought right.  Turning to leave he took Saix with him.  Down the hall could be heard Saix's enthusiastic voice. 

"That was so cool!"

 

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It had taken a little intimidation and plenty of consideration, wrestling the thought around, but Xemnas knew Zexion would know his decision and hold it against him, and so, after telling Demyx he would agree with it but wouldn't necessarily be obedient about it, the Superior was finally able to sleep.  Axel of course made Demyx tell him what was up, and so the red head knew, grinning triumphantly and spouting off suggestions and instructions.  The next morning, meeting in the kitchen as instructed, Xemnas had casual attire, an open, white, button up shirt, collar flat.  His white pants matched.  Xemnas crossed his arms.  Oddly, Demyx had convinced him he personally preferred the casual clothing as compared to their usual black cloaks, but was a little reluctant to request that Xemnas wear a collar as well.  Of course the leader suspected that Axel was up to no good, encouraging Demyx every step of the way, since the red head had been the one to throw in the bet in the first place. 

He would pay dearly for it.  Crossing his arms, barefooted and pants dragging at his feet, Xemnas stood in the doorway to the kitchen, bemused.  Demyx had, apparently, been trying to shoo his audience out of the kitchen.  Marluxia was there, just because he could be, Zexion was there modestly to see and approve of Xemnas carrying out his end of the deal, Saix was there because Zexion was there, Axel was there to make Xemnas as miserable as possible, and of course give pointers, Larxene was there because she couldn't believe what had happened, and Demyx was there because he was originally supposed to be the only person there. 

"Way to go Xemnas!" Axel cheered, crowing, once he had noticed his boss in the doorway, at the time he said he would be, if still a little late, dressed in the garments he had been asked, including, to his great pleasure, the collar. 

"Our Superior's actually going to do this?  I wish I had a camera," Larxene smirked, idling by the sink. 

Demyx coughed, trying to find something to avert his attention from the glaring Xemnas.  He hadn't really expected him to show up, and he could have been fine with it.  Zexion watched silently. 

"You have a nice choice in underwear," Marluxia observed, blinking distantly, completely serious, sitting cross-legged on the table.  Xemnas gave him a sideways look. 

"I'm not wearing any," he stated scathingly, upset that if he had to do this, why did it have to be before an audience. 

"I wasn't implying you were wearing any.  I just think it was a nice choice of underwear."  He received several confused looks.  Feeling the need to explain, he stood on the table, unzipping his black pants.  Larxene shook her head, a little amused but still weirded out, Demyx was still considering if he should trying fitting in the cabinet under the sink or perhaps one of the drawers in the fridge, Xemnas blanched, and Axel laughed. 

Lifting his pink shirt out of the way, Marluxia proudly flashed them all with a red silk thong, fitting him loosely because of its size.  Xemnas slapped his forehead. 

"Love the color there Xem!" Axel laughed, slapping his thigh.  The Superior growled, making for the pyro but was forced to stop when Zexion held out his arm.  Tempted to twist the obstructing arm the wrong way to teach Zexion better, the brunette merely shook his head.  In that distraction Larxene snapped a leash onto his collar, Axel having escaped far enough across the room to where he wouldn't be dismembered.  The woman tugged on the leash and grinned, Xemnas glaring at her.  He couldn't do anything to Larxene though.  She was just as sadistic and mean, if not meaner, than he was. 

"Well, I've seen my fun for now," she said, tossing the leash aside, trailing from Xemnas' neck.  She gave him a salute, stepping back into a portal. 

"Come along Saix.  I think Xemnas is true to his word.  He doesn't need an audience."  Zexion tugged his friend along, prompting him to follow in his reluctance. 

After taking a moment to tug and prod the berserker away, the Superior was alone with Axel.  Well, almost.  Having given another threatening growl, he made again for the pyro but was held back by the leash.  Seeing what was wrong he found a tentative, and timid, though determined Demyx on the other end. Good naturedly, the blonde wagged a reprimanding finger at him, which he was tempted to bite at, but refrained from. Crossing his arms with a huff, Axel crowed, grinning like a Cheshire. He wished the day would be over already.

"Axel, it's okay now.  I know what you wanted and I'll be good for now.  Um..... could you please leave?" Demyx asked the pyro, glancing from Xemnas to the red head, wanting to look at the man he was talking to but not wanting to break eye contact with Xemnas for fear of their leader jumping him or pulling off some other crazy stunt.  Axel cocked a brow.  He figure the blonde was too soft, would end up letting the Superior overtake him and go on his way, but the look of determination, though laughable, was also praiseworthy.  Demyx seemed to be stepped up. 

"All right then captain.  If your dog gets loose, let me know so I can track him down.  Trust me, my methods should work quite well." 

With a wink, Axel calmly and confidently walked past Xemnas and exited the kitchen, his step holding an air of arrogance and superiority.  It just made the leader glare all the more, irked that anyone would try and stand above him.  He rounded on Demyx imposingly, threateningly, but holding back snappy comments and anger with strained abate.  The blonde gave an uncertain half smile.  Xemnas tugged on his leash, hoping to pull it free of Demyx's now slack hands, but to no avail.  He though to overthrow the skittish boy with his dominance, but Demyx was resilient and if he was that adamant about carrying out the bet, probably to Zexion's imposing as well, then even his fear of the Superior would be less voracious. 

"Ok then, 'My Master,' what is your bidding?"  Xemnas held a bad taste in his mouth and didn't hesitate to show it. 

Demyx shifted his weight, not used to any respectable treatment and certainly not used to being called 'Master.' 

"Well, I was kinda up for a morning walk so.... I guess you could accompany me?"  He looked a little sheepish at the idea of taking the Superior, the one who most often stayed within the nonexistent castle, to go walking. 

"Is that a question or a command?" 

"Er, come on."  He gave a slight tug on the leash, holding it loosely and holding it only because it was something to hold onto and would distract him from his nervousness.

 

 

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Xemnas followed behind at first, but despised feeling as if someone were ahead of him and therefore better or more important than he.  Taking brisker steps, he had to fall back to match Demyx's slower pace as they strolled through Beast's garden, now walking alongside the water bearer. 

"Why are we here?" Xemnas asked, eyeing the flowers, the roses and bushes, the fountain, and the tresses and vines crawling up the castle walls. 

"Because, it's a nice down out, sunny but slightly overcast.  The breeze is cool.  It's a peaceful place and I like it," was the supplied answer.  Xemnas remained nonplussed.  When he had first arrived, he had to adjust to the bright sunshine and the warmth spreading its wings across the world, and so, blinking, he had ended up being tugged gently along.  With head bowed under the sun, acting like a shield, he was forced to look at the bright, pale, and pastel colors of the flowers.  It was Marluxia's heaven.  Merry little birds hopped around, twittering, bathing in the fountain, and their shrill cries and cheery songs made him want to fry them with a laser.

"Come on, Xemnas," Demyx encouraged, giving another gentle tug on the leash and leading him behind a high hedge, cut neatly on each side. 

Inside it was shady, a wooden bench to one side, a large, branching oak tree providing the shade, smaller apple trees in blossom hidden in the corners.  Their white petals rained down to earth, the green grass lush and soft beneath his bare feet.  It wasn't carpet though, and so Xemnas found it to his distaste.  With rose bushes lining one side and a small stone deer place on the other side, Demyx led his boss to the oak tree.  Climbing onto a low slung branch, Xemnas refused to follow after him.  "I am not climbing up there," he said defiantly, hating the tree just for being there. 

"Come on Xemnas!  You can't get a good enough view from there."  Demyx tugged gently once more, coaxing the suspicious tanned skinned man up each branch of the tree.  The Superior clung warily to each branch, clutching, muscles twisting and taunt, not wanting to fall off.  He wished he could have at least taken a door way to darkness to where Demyx was, but apparently the blonde didn't trust him, for he never let the leash go.  Xemnas felt like he was being tamed, and inside he rebelled, but his thoughts kept reminding him of what Zexion had said and the point he had made. 

Demyx was patient, and soon, offering the disgruntled man a small smile, he had gotten Xemnas to sit with him at the top of the tree, perched comfortably on a branch, leaning against another that acted like a pillow to catch him when he leaned back.  His legs trailed lazily over the edge of the rough bark, Xemnas joining beside him, but not trusting the tree with their weight.  If he fell he was going to lacerate the damn thing. They had been sitting up there a good while.  The sunlight scattered through the leaves over their bodies, but the wide open space to their left gave them an overlooking view of the rest of the grounds.  Trees, walls, a stretched out field, lay below them and in the distance.  For a long time the blonde sat contently watching the scenery grow beneath him, but Xemnas seemed to be waiting for Demyx to finish, merely wanting to leave.  Patiently he waited.  Their early morning walk was turning into an afternoon nap.  When the Superior thought he could take it no longer, he carefully reached a hand up to his leash to unsnap it. 

Fighting for a moment with the different sort of clasp he felt a gentle hand still him.  Startled, he jerked, upsetting his equilibrium and losing his balance, sprawling across the duel tree limbs that reached out like an arm behind him to catch his fall.  Slightly startled, his face darkened at the jovial and somewhat sheepish look Demyx was wearing. 

"Ready to leave then?" he asked, to which Xemnas nodded.  Slipping from the branch he sat on, the blonde had let go of the leash, landing nimbly on a branch not far below.  Steadily making his way down, Xemnas stood.  He wasn't  much for tree climbing, but he was agile enough to slip and slide his way smoothly to the ground, his grip tight on each branch, his landings light, though sure in their placement.  He had reached the ground before Demyx, who merely grinned when he saw he had been beaten. 

"Where to now, Master?" the dark grey haired man inquired, looking to the blonde coolly. 

The blonde stepped from beneath the sheltering shade of the large oak, leading Xemnas out and back into the garden.  He blinked under the bright sunlight, warming him quite a bit.  Stretching, he rubbed the back of his head, as though just waking up.  Having collected the leash once more, he indicated for Xemnas to follow, weaving his way through the garden.  Xemnas didn't ask what would happen if they were caught; it simply didn't matter, what with the two nobodies being relatively well-trained fighters, and possessing their use of the darkness, escaping through their portals.  A short way beyond the gardens behind the castle lay the dips and swells of rising and falling valleys like bowls of the earth, mountains and hilly sides giving rise steadily or sharply before them.  The vast boldness of the world lay spread before them like an earthly blanket.  Xemnas was impressed.  He had seen endless things before; interminable darkness, seas of enemies, but they did little to compare to the extension before them that reached so far it could have been its own private galaxy. 

In short, it was breath taking.  Demyx, having slyly been watching his boss's reaction from the corner of his eyes, was pleased with the stillness it imbued in the normally volatile man.  Intentionally shifting his weight, the gesture brought him closer to Xemnas, arms brushing against each other.  Their view was framed by the small branches of young plants and trees, and so it seemed as if they were looking into an innate window of Mother Nature's.  Taking a step forward, Xemnas felt a sudden and nearly overwhelming urge to trek the endless trails and unnoticed roads before him—to mentally map out every contour of the land, but of course his common sense stayed him. 

"Do you want to go into the forest?" the blonde asked, belying his eagerness with a patience for Xemnas' rebuttal, his stubbornness and hesitance.  Seeming unsure of an answer, Demyx coaxed him on, and as they pushed the plants aside, their slow descent nearly turned into a saunter, foliage crunching and crushed beneath their feet. 

Xemnas wasn't the least bit happy with his bare feet, though the decayed matter and bed of pine needles were soft under his feet, but it wasn't until their anxiousness had tangled Xemnas' legs in a rope of thorns that he voiced his dislike and complaint for the pricks and tears of pain. 

"Huh?" the blonde stumbled to a halt on their downward slope, leash still loosely held in one hand, tugging Xemnas' head forward, the leader's legs rooted in their ensnaring captors and not willing to be ripped off by the stubborn vines.  Caught between the blonde's sudden halt and the incessant grip of the thorns, Xemnas had to balance his weight or else fall over and attempt a downhill tumble, the vines ripping flesh from his legs.  Only once Demyx had climbed back up to him, noticing the brambles he had landed in, did he cringe. 

"Oops."  Xemnas glared, but his attention was turned to the small plants biting his legs.  If he had a voice in the matter, he would have said they had reached out with little hands, or else in the manner of a snake, to grip his ankles and up his calves. 

"Let me get it." 

Grunting his distaste, Xemnas had to wait for long moments as Demyx freed his legs.  His pants were perforated where the thorns had pierced, but had protected his legs for the most part.  Nonetheless, upon observation, in a small clearing not far away from Xemnas' trap, the two took account for the damage done.  The thorns, particularly the large ones, had drawn blood from Xemnas' legs, small trickles of the crimson liquid staining his pants, trailing down his legs to eventually dry.  Demyx's fingers had not gone unscathed either, but still, he had fewer wounds to show for it.  He was stressed over the damage done to his boss, the one he had purposefully led into the woods; and offered to take him back, but for one reason or another, Xemnas refused. While a long pause played out, Demyx having argued futilely with the stubborn older man who now had his arms crossed defiantly. 

He realized that, subconsciously and non vocally, Xemnas was trying to tell him something, whether it was the simple fact that refused to obey and would show where the line was drawn, or that Xemnas did indeed enjoy the outdoors.  And it was true.  The world of wonder, of prospering life around him amazed him overwhelming his senses with an experience never before encountered.  It was new, and although it was unknown, he was not daunted by the challenge it represented.  It was for that reason that the blonde smiled, unarming Xemnas with his unexpected mood. 

"Okay, we won't go back now, but I'd better not hear you complain."  Xemnas looked Demyx over, as if there might be some catch, but he nodded his approval in the end.  Leading his boss on, Demyx headed in no particular direction, at one point crossing a small stream, hopping from stone to stone across the bubbling water.  He was jerked to a stop, Xemnas' feet planted firmly on the dry ground of the closer side. 

Demyx gave a questioning look and tugged gently. 

"Where are you taking me?  What is this?"  Xemnas had seen water before sure, and man powered water that ran because of equipment making it run, but to have water flowing on its own?  It was ridiculous!  In no memory could he recall such a thing.  Even worse, he couldn't see its legs.  Was it some sort of beast?  Like a great translucent heartless?  The blonde looked confused.  Of course water was his element so he didn't understand Xemnas confusion, but when he saw their leader warily eyeing the stream like some living beast about to attack, he couldn't help but laugh. 

"It's a stream," he explained, as if it meant anything.  "Come on, it won't bite."  Xemnas muttered something about it not having teeth but still being able to grab at his ankles, when he hopped cautiously from the small overlooking ledge to the rocks below, he caught his balance on light feet, waiting to attack if need be. 

Needless to say this amused Demyx immensely.  Stepping along the smooth, warm, rocky ridges of the stream creature's back, Demyx led him farther into the belly of the stream, hitting the middle before turning and heading down the spine of the water monster.  Xemnas followed with sly, wolfish steps, soft, and shadow like, his weight evenly distributed to maintain his balance.  The blonde was instigating something he was unaware of, and he could sense it as they drew closer to a nearly still standing pool of water, running along again over the rocks on the other side.  Demyx was headed straight for it. 

"What are you doing?" Xemnas sharply demanded, but the blonde just waved a hand at him. 

"If I'm your master and you obey me, at least take your shirt off and keep it in a dry spot." 

Demyx had already stripped out of his tank top, leaving it on a large basking rock.  He grinned, looking back to the puzzled man, before hooking the leash about his wrist and helping Xemnas off with his shirt.  He stubbornly shied away, defending himself, but as he drew nearer the water, running out of space he glared, hoping to send the blonde away but with no such chance.  He was half naked, standing in the middle of an unknown forest, a stream coursing beneath him, growling and spitting at his feet. 

"Come on," Demyx coaxed, pulling Xemnas as far as he could, still finding a lot of resistance.  He sighed, looking the leader over.  He was still amused, and an idea struck him. Approaching Xemnas, who stepped and edged away as best he could, Demyx sidled next to the leader, earning him an odd look. With the blonde still smiling broadly, Xemnas was sure something was up but he wasn't entirely sure, especially because he was being stared at with humorous eyes.

“Demyx?” His voice was firm traced with an underlying warning that hinted at impending doom upon the water boy should he do something the Superior disagreed with.

Unrelenting, only furthering to confuse the man, the blonde stepped closer to Xemnas, forcing him attempt hopping to another rock, but as soon as he landed, and before he could gain his footing, Demyx gave a rather strong tug, and Xemnas was forced to either land in the water or hop back. Growling, the leader grabbed the leash and gave a good yank, but Demyx was audaciously stubborn, holding on tight but nearly suffering whiplash for it. Xemnas' outburst seemed to set the boy on caution mode.

“Easy Xemnas, I was just being friendly.” He patted the air with his hands in a calming manner, the Superior crouched where he had caught himself when he landed. He glowered, straightening himself

“A little too friendly, if you ask me.” He huffed, eliciting a frown from the blonde. With his feathers still a little ruffled, turning away only a half second to check himself, he was suddenly tackled rather violently from the side, landing in the waist deep water with a splash sending clear water flying. If he had not been dragged down with weight, he might never had hit the water, but even so he was standing before he really knew it, Demyx hanging half off one shoulder and mostly about his waist. They were soaked.

Breathing harshly, dazed from what Demyx's tenacity had just brought about, Xemnas struggled for dry land. He would have certainly made it, but the still collection of water had supplied algae to grow in beds over the rocks, and so, slippery as they were, Xemnas was down, easily catching himself and continuing on. Although they hadn't landed far out, they had drifted in the water, it's cradling warm arms sending waves washing over once dry rocks. Demyx let go as Xemnas pulled himself up, sopping wet and raving mad.

“Demyx,” he hissed, cracking his knuckles, but the blonde just smiled and toyed with the hanging leash.

“Lighten up Xemnas. You need to take a break, okay? I could be worse.” This prompted a cocked brow and a doubtful gaze. “I could be Saix or Axel.” Okay, he did have a point, but his actions were uncalled for and certainly not justified. Pouting and not in the mood to fight or argue anymore, the warm sun and cool breeze lulling the fight out of him, instead plopped down on the basking rock, their shirts a little damp in places but otherwise untouched.

Crossing legs ad arms he closed his eyes, wanting to dry off and wishing he had a towel. Grabbing Demyx's tank top, he used it as such, drying his face and squeezing out his hair. He threw an evil look the blonde's way, as if challenging to say something about it, but the water boy only smiled. Floating with his back in the water, Demyx sat to watch Xemnas, several yards away in the small pool. Hunkering down until only the top parts of his shoulders and head were showing, he waited until Xemnas had closed his eyes again before summoning up a little storm. With a small funnel from the stream, he sprinkled rain over Xemnas head, like a heavy shower, laughing at the disgruntled look he received from his leader. He wasn't in possession of the leash anymore. Xemnas could run if he wanted to. But no, he was a man of his word, and so instead, he merely jumped up with a cry and dove in, hungry for Demyx's blood. Once he had his hands on the blonde he found he was laughing, managing to comment about the look on Xemnas' face and how he should have seen it. With a feral growl, he grabbed Demyx's face, catching his attention. His voice was soft, smooth, snake-like.

“Demyx, do you have a death wish? Don't you think you're pushing it a little too far here? Or would you prefer me relocate your internal organs so I'll have you—” The blonde burst into laughter again, leaning on Xemnas for support least he fall in the water and drown from laughter. “—through your mouth.” Demyx had missed his threat. Growling and throwing Demyx aside, Xemnas turned his back to the blonde in a huff.

“Oh come on, Xemnas, I told you to lighten up!” Demyx giggled, stifling his laughter and ending abruptly when he noticed his boss's back was still turned, arms folded. Carefully stepping on the moss covered rocks and bed of pebbles below the surface of the reflective water, Demyx peered around Xemnas cautiously, but the Superior only turned his face away.

“Xemnas?” His voice was tentative, uncertain. Leash still dangling from his neck, the dark grey haired man finally unhooked it, snapping it off and throwing it into the water. Trudging out from the deeper water, managing to only slip once, he climbed atop the shore they had arrived from, dirt and pine straw clinging to his wet body.

“Xemnas!” Demyx called after him, hurt that his boss had suddenly just left without word. He seemed upset.

He'd only been having a good time, and now everything was crashing down. What a killjoy. Sighing sorrowfully, not wanting to leave Xemnas out of his sight for fear he'd end up walking through a briar patch and being unable to get out, Demyx quickly collected the two shirts, trekking after Xemnas. He hadn't gone far. In a small clearing, no bigger than about twelve feet by ten feet sat Xemnas, looking more as though he had fallen, legs bent to the side beneath him. He was still streaming wet. Draping Xemnas' open shirt over the crook of his arm, the leash still clutched in his other hand, he offered his shirt as a towel to the older man.

“You okay?” he asked once more, concerned. Crouching down, Xemnas finally took the shirt, intending to wipe himself off but thinking twice and instead handing it back.

“Xemnas?” Demyx prodded, laying a hand on a broad, tanned shoulder, but it was shrugged off. Sitting, making to sidle up to the man, he elicited a growl from Xemnas and a scathingly spat, “Be careful you idiot!”

Curious blue eyes regarded Xemnas quizzically. It was only when Xemnas shoved him aside and moved his legs did the blonde notice he had practically been sitting on Xemnas' feet. Even at first glance he could tell one of the Superior's ankles was swollen.

“It's fine,” his boss assured, aggravated, pulling his foot out of Demyx's reach.

“How did you manage that?” the water boy sighed, though good-naturedly. Lying Xemnas' shirt in the warm grass beside him, he folded his shirt lengthwise and using his hands, soon drenched it in cold water. He offered it, sopping, to the other, but the nobody made no gesture to take it. Patiently, the blonde inched closer to Xemnas, aware and anticipating and attack, but the weary leader allowed him to gently move his foot, stretching it out and wrapping the cold cloth about the swollen area. Xemnas hissed, but glancing up, Demyx conjectured that it was only from the unwanted pressure.

“I'm no expert, but it should feel better,” Demyx told Xemnas, though he was quite sure his boss was aware. Xemnas only nodded curtly. There was a long silence filled only by the nearby stream seeming to gloat its victory, gibing at Xemnas for having won the battle, the birds and the rustling wind the only other sounds filling the scene.

The heel of the leader's hand was pressed to his forehead, propped on the bent knee of his good leg, and his eyes were closed.

“How's your other leg?” Demyx asked, but Xemnas didn't answer. For long moment's they sat in the half shade of the trees.

“I think we should get going,” the blonde suggested, and Xemnas cracked one fiery orange eye to observe the younger man. As if in a staring contest they faced off, ending when Xemnas blinked slowly.

“I'd like to dry off,” he said softly, and after another moment, he finally lowered his arms, making to stand. Demyx, quick on his heels, gathered Xemnas' shirt and scrambled to stand, offering himself as a crutch for the Superior, but he was only ignored.

“You should stay off your feet,” he chastised, but Xemnas merely glared over his shoulder with a look at said the blonde was an idiot. Testing his weight, he immediately shifted his weight to his good foot, swearing. Apprehensively, he heavily limped back the way they had come, managing to cross the stream at a particularly rocky spot that provided good footing.

On the other side was an expansive field, filled to the tops of the long grass with sunshine. Half tumbling through the long grass to a large patch of clover, Xemnas sat with a grunt, wincing as his wounded ankle was jostled. It had been twisted when he had slipped on the rocks prior to jumping in after Demyx, but it had only gotten worse with his excessive use of it. Lying back in the clover, he closed his eyes, the warm sun washing over him being shadowed as Demyx stepped over him. The blonde was silent, obviously knowledgeable to the fact that the grey haired man did not want to talk. Instead, the water boy folded Xemnas shirt into a make shift pillow and gently tucked it under Xemnas' head. Another long moment of slightly awkward silence persisted before a cold trickle of water ran down Xemnas' ankle, soaking the shirt further. It felt soothing. Stretched out in the grass, the warm sun and soft breeze lulling him to sleep, the throb in his ankle diminished with Demyx's care and soon slumber overtook him.

 

************************

 

When he awoke, his head was cradled in Demyx's lap and the sun had been making a slow but sure arc across the sky. He wouldn't have thought he was out for more than an hour or so, despite the sun having been past its equinox by the time he had fallen asleep. It was actually very pleasant to wake up in the middle of the forest, and Xemnas could have slept continually if he had not awoken to find Demyx's boyish face greeting him, blue eyes veiled with dusky lashes, gracing his cheeks with a kiss. Feet outstretched, he forgot about his ankle until he rolled over and attempted to stand. Swearing softly, blue eyes watched, shaken from their half sleep upon being jostled by Xemnas' movements.  Standing and stretching as Xemnas leaned heavily on one foot Demyx propped him up on one side, one tanned around draped over narrow shoulders, Xemnas' shirt as well as the leash in one hand. 

"Come now, we're going back to the castle."  With no signs of protest, leaving the late afternoon and early evening embraced forest behind, Demyx half stumbled under Xemnas weight towards a portal he had open. 

They painlessly had made it back to the common room, wind dried and sun warmed.  Ankle still pulsating with a dull throb from having tried to use it earlier, the Superior was deposited on the couch rather gently, still a little sleep from his nap. 

"Rest here and I'll get some ice."  Making motions for Xemnas to stay even though he hadn't planned on going anywhere, Demyx turned tail and fled for the kitchen on foot, since it wasn't far off.  Returning moments later with a bag of iced water he propped Xemnas' foot on several pillows, the leader stretched lazily out over the length of the couch.  As the blonde gently unwrapped the still damp cloth from Xemnas' ankle, he spoke. 

"We should at least wrap your ankle or splint it, so you're not trying to move it so much."  He glanced up to Xemnas, whose lips twitched, caught between a snarl of pain and a smirk.  He remained passive.  "As stubborn as you are, if I didn't force you to keep your ankle still you'd no doubt end up breaking it." 

Crouching to observe the extent of the injury Demyx's lips were drawn in concentration.  Xemnas merely watched evenly, his ankle still swollen, bruised from the way muscles had been jerked the wrong way, a bright pink from the wound's anger. 

"You'll be okay.  Just sit back and relax.  If you have to plot missions you shouldn't require too much walking or being on your feet."  Again the blonde looked to the Superior for some sort of reaction but gained none.  A little timidly, the boy arranged the tied back of ice water neatly over Xemnas' ankle, making sure he was comfortable. 

"Do you need something?"  He looked into orange eyes, catching their stolid gaze. 

"I thought I was the pet," Xemnas said evenly, flatly.  Demyx laughed sheepishly. 

"Well, I take care of my pets."  Xemnas gave him an odd look, but the sitar player just dismissed it.  "I'll find something to drink.  It's getting later so I'll make something to eat, but it'll be a while okay?  Be right back." 

He vanished before Xemnas could say anything.  Once he had a cold drink of fruit something or another, which he sipped slowly, Demyx had sat to watch the tanned man, irking him with an insistently watchful annoyance.  After long moments, however, Demyx excused himself to the kitchen to make something to eat.  As Xemnas sat, undisturbed, thoughts trailed like a marquee through his mind.  Demyx was being....nice?  Was that they word for it?  He seemed suspicious, like he was only playing Xemnas, like suddenly he would just say, "Gotcha," and attack the grey haired man when his back was turn.  Xemnas expected people to trust him as their Superior and lead them to achieve Kingdom Hearts, but it was only very warily and cautiously that he might begin to trust others to any degree.  He expected to be betrayed, backstabbed, plotted against to be overthrown, and attacked at any moment, and so his guard remained up and his senses were alert.  Seldom did he take anything lightly and when he did, it was only because he was too tired to give a damn.  Demyx though.... something was different. 

Xemnas didn't sense any bad or negative intentions, and in fact, the blonde seemed gloomy and beaten if he was yelled at for doing something he deemed helpful.  Demyx was like a puppy dog, willing and eager to please, to play and enjoy himself, but still retain a certain amount of fear and obedience about him towards his master and superiors.  Sure he wasn't the best fighter, and he didn't claim to be, but by nature he was good willed and determined and did what he had to the best he could.  Even so, the only conclusion Xemnas could come to as to why Demyx would care for him was because he, Xemnas, was the Superior and expected to be taken care of if he deemed it necessary, and because that was simply how Demyx was.  Xemnas questioned the boy's original genetics but there wasn't much he could do about it save shrug it off.  On the other hand, in regards to being taken care of, Xemnas tended to stay by himself, and only to himself, and whatever wound he suffered, time would take care of.  He hated being touched in friendly ways and he hated intimacy.

It was something that bothered him, allowing someone so close to make him so vulnerable.  He only made intimate contact if he was either being dangerous and serving as an unsettling warning, or else out of lust.  Lust of course was different, something like a truce at most, but even so, things like cuddling and snuggling were not something Xemnas was well known for.  Xemnas wasn't doing anything about Demyx's crowning over him, taking care of him and tending to his wounds, his needs, his comforts, and that's what unsettled the Superior.  Likewise, he was supposed to be the blonde's pet, like a play thing that could be used for amusement or obedience and that was all.  That was what pets were for.  If they were bad, you could beat them, if you had to train them they weren't supposed to complain, and if you got tired of them, you could throw them out.  That's what pets were for, or at least, that's the way Xemnas saw things.  Lost in his brooding he finally noticed he had been sucking on an empty straw for a while.  Sighing, he laid his head back, closing his eyes.  His mind was alert, and for a while he let it drift.  He thought about Kingdom Hearts.  He thought about how everything would be in the end, how nothing would matter to him them.  He thought about why Demyx was so damn insistent about befriending people, about how easily he trusted them, about how naive he was, and about how, now matter how childish Demyx seemed, he really was a strong person and he knew how to make the best of things. 

Their rendezvous in the woods proved it.  Looking at the scarce remains of his fruit something, in the bottom of his glass he sighed.  Brushing one hand through dark grey locks, he closed his eyes, feeling the need to do something, to get up and check the kitchen for Demyx, or something, but it was then that the blonde chose to announce his arrival.  He had come in, unheard from the doorway, watching his boss contemplating the meaning of nonexistence.  Smiling, though still a little unsure of himself, Demyx approached the leader, a makeshift table with his food on it in hand. 

"Here ya go, sorry for the wait," he apologized, waiting for Xemnas to sit up before setting it in his lap. He had a white tank top on, a simple black character for water printed on it.  "I was kind of in an Italian mood," he explained, rubbing the back of his head.  Chicken parmesan bathed in extra sauce with lightly buttered garlic bread on the side. 

"Nothing too fancy."  He had a glass of wine and a cup of water as well as silverware. 

"I'm not sick you know," Xemnas replied softly, matter-of-factly as he awkwardly cut his food.  It was still quite hot. 

Demyx settled at Xemnas' feet, placing them in his lap, and rearranging the ice so it sat over his ankle better, having melted partially. Sitting stiffly, he eventually relaxed, nearly forgetting Demyx was even there, until he jerked his foot in reaction to the soreness. He glared over the table at the blonde, nearly upsetting his plate.

“Sorry,” came the somewhat sheepish apology, but Demyx didn't relent in his ministrations, carefully massing Xemnas' ankles, even when he twitched and tried to pull away, swearing because he was jolting his hurt ankle.

“Dammit Demyx, what are you doing?” he snarled, ready to jump across his small table, sending it flying as he tackled Demyx, if he had to. Inwardly, the water boy was scared enough to have backed off and he fainted, but somehow, the thought that he Xemnas was his `pet,' and that he took care of his pets came foremost to mind. So coolly and controlled he replied, they reluctant look in his eyes the only thing giving away his inner thoughts of wanting to retreat.

“Give it the rest of the night and you'll feel better.” He offered a small smile, a little nervous but still sincere.

As Xemnas finished up, cool fingers gently massaging around his twisted ankle, the blonde seemed to get an idea.

“Hey Xemnas?” he jumped up as eagerly as he could, still being careful of Xemnas' foot and taking the tray to set it aside. Crossed arms, the Superior looked stoically at Demyx.

“Yes?”

“Roll over.” Xemnas gave him a look like he had to be kidding. Demyx, giving orders? “Uh, please?” The leader narrowed his eyes, complying nonetheless.

“Masters don't say `please.'” Stretched on his stomach, careful of his ankle he looked sideways at Demyx, asking what he was supposed to be doing next. Smiling, pleased that Xemnas hadn't put up so much of a fuss, no questions were asked as he deliberately settled himself over Xemnas' lower back. One knee wedged between the Superior and the couch, the other not really having room and thus trailing to half stand, the blonde softly placed his cool hands on Xemnas' shoulders, awaiting a protest. Receiving none, he went ahead with his intentions, a shoulder and back massage.

“Relax,” Demyx soothed as Xemnas seemed to tense up, but even when the leader had gone visibly limp, he was still tangibly high strung. Just working his shoulders loose was a job in and of itself but Xemnas groaned and sighed appreciatively. With a small smile in response to a low hiss from his boss, he worked his way down his spine, palms and knuckled sweeping up and out in sensuous, firm motions.

“Is this hard enough?” Demyx asked softly when Xemnas bit back a malicious remark about being careful. Instead he merely grit his teeth against the soreness and was flooded with pleasure and relief when the blonde worked out a particularly annoying knot.

“Yes,” he nearly moaned, silently berating himself for speaking in such a derogatory manner, undermining his superiority. It was a good, slow forty minutes or so by the time Demyx was thoroughly down, even doing so much as to finish with a good back rub. Standing, arms a little tired, he shook them out, looking Xemnas over. He looked completely and utterly limp, as if in a state of such relaxation that even sleep couldn't compete. He kneeled to pick the tray up.

“Hey, Xemnas. What to help me in the kitchen? You won't have to stand,” he offered, a little more boisterously than intended and thus making Xemnas question his exuberance. Instead, the Superior asked a rather unexpected question.

“Where'd you learn to be a masseuse?” he drawled lazily. Blinking, Demyx blushed as it registered.

“Oh no, no. I'm just used to it. I tend to get quite a bit of practice so, I've been refining my skill lately.” He grinned, still abashed. “So, uh what do you say? Want to help me make something for dessert? A late night snack maybe?”

Thinking, it appeared that Xemnas was truly considering it. He finally shrugged.

“Sure, why not? I'm no help in the kitchen, but I've amused you this far; why not for another good hour or two?” Swinging his legs over the couch he stretched, standing and careful to keep his weight of his foot, picking his water bag up.

“We'll get more ice,” Demyx said, nodding to the bag of cool water. “Can you walk any?” Slender golden brows just barely hinted at concern, his crystal blue eyes more of a give away to his internal worries. Finding he was late in a reply, he nodded slightly, making a portal to the kitchen and limping through, Demyx scurrying behind. There were used pots in the sink from Demyx having made Xemnas something. Hastily cleaning up, he just as promptly pulled things seemingly out of nowhere, which he did in some cases for ingredients. Laying everything out, the Superior only leaned on the counter and looked it over. How the blonde managed to put all that together and make something out of it was beyond him.

“Go ahead and sit,” Demyx instructed, washing his hands. He could live if Xemnas didn't, considering he wouldn't be doing anything too major.

Still not entirely certain what Demyx had planned, he easily hefted himself onto the counter, the blonde's puzzled look turning into a smile before turning his attention back to the ingredients. Despite the minimal amount of ingredients, Demyx hummed as he fixed what he needed. What looked like cookie crumbs were mixed with melted butter and when that was done the bowl was handed to Xemnas, muffin tins lined with paper ready for him.

“Use a spoon and press some into the bottom of the cupcake wrappers,” the blonde instructed, showing him how with one muffin tin. He flashed a pleasant smile, picking up humming his tune as he set about setting white chocolate on a heater to melt and beating cream cheese in a bowl. They worked in relative silence, Xemnas meticulously patted the crumbs firmly into the little cups while the chocolate melted.

“I still have some left and not enough trays,” Xemnas said once had run out of muffin trays. There were only two, which would make twenty-four, more than enough for both of them.

“That's fine, just set it aside. Thank you.” Continuing his unnamed song, he added the melted white chocolate after it had cooled to his beaten cream cheese, mixing vigorously. He handed a spoon to Xemnas, arming himself with one.

“Now we fill them. I don't particularly feel like doing anything fancy so, just make sure they're even, okay?” Demyx set to work, spooning the thick white substance into the muffin trays, Xemnas following his lead, still a little tentative to work in the kitchen.

“See, not that hard now is it? Thanks for helping. They'll be set in less than two hours,” Demyx said, throwing a grin Xemnas' way as he picked the trays up to place in the refrigerator to keep cold. Xemnas slid off the counter. Watching Demyx's back, he had an odd sensation, like a tingling in the pit of his stomach. It wasn't from the food he had eaten. It was like drinking wine and being buzzed, only different. He was slightly confused, though content and placid. He usually didn't spend much time with his organization members, least of all Demyx, and so it was odd to be so homely with him. He felt like a stranger in his own house, and yet here was the blonde wonder boy, not asking questions, just quietly accepting everything. Silently pondering what was going through that golden headed nobody, Xemnas was approached with a slightly nervous smile, the leash from earlier being pressed into his hand.

“Well, that should be enough, so you can take the collar off.” His big blue seemed apologetic, almost sad, in a way. “Take care of yourself okay? Keep your ankle rested. I can wrap it or splint it too if you want.”

“Demyx?” Xemnas asked softly, seeming to ignore what the blonde had been saying completely.

“Er, yes?” emitted the tentative reply. Was Xemnas going to tell him to shut up, that he would be fine?

“Why didn't you eat with me?” It was a simple question, asked, it seemed, out of curiosity and not demanded of at all.

It threw the water boy for a loop.

“Well, there wasn't enough of everything to make more than one serving….” he trailed off, confused, as though it had been a trick question. Xemnas' confusion seemed to clear his mind.

“I can fix something else later, I'm okay.” He held his hands up in defense. Slightly annoyed by the gesture, Xemnas deftly flipped their positions, pressing Demyx to the counter. Setting the leash down he held one of the blonde's wrists in his hands, the other propped on the counter like a barrier. The boy's eyes were wide, fearful. Would he be punished for the bet they had made? There was an oddly placated expression on Xemnas' face though, orange eyes weary but… something else. Something different. It was almost creepy to see in the leader, as if he wasn't all there.

“X-Xemnas?” He sounded like he was panicking, but the Superior hushed him softly. His voice seemed like a muttered breath.

“Shh….” He gazed solemnly into deep blue eyes. The hand that held Demyx's thin wrist captive moved to tangle itself in blonde hair. His face had been hovering closer, inevitably.

“I don't know what I'm doing.” He let himself kiss Demyx, softly, lips brushing together and at first the blonde cringed back and whimpered, apparently expecting something abusive, but after a long second when no pain came, he relaxed. The hand in his hair gripped tighter as Xemnas deepened the kiss, almost naturally opening pink lips to let his tongue enter.

He had no recollections of ever kissing anyone before, but it felt natural, even with his slow and curious pace, and he was soon lost, kissing the blonde, on arm hanging off a narrow shoulder to help keep him standing. Finally he drew back, dazed, drawing a shaky breath. Demyx looked up at him with passionate eyes, leaned against the counter but leaning back, not wanting Xemnas to leave. He was warm and safe, even if it was his boss. Then shock overtook him, and a serious of expressions crossed his countenance, his eyes. Confusion, embarrassment, passion, disbelief, want, fear. Finally he just settled for stunned silence. Xemnas, however, had creeping doubts, shadows of something like insecurity. Pressing back his instincts to shrug it off and disregard his actions, coming up with some justified excuse, he instead tilted his head, claiming Demyx's lips again, and this time the blonde complied by pulling him closer by the arms. A hesitant hand slipped to a narrow waist, settling over a white T-shirt, the other stroking Demyx's cheek with a firm though tender thumb.

Tasting water boy's cool mouth, his tongue sliding against his own, his lips between his teeth, soft and pout, was completely new, and it was another long moment before Xemnas away just enough to allow breathing room. It couldn't explain what had come over him, other than just a certain want to do what he had just done. It felt almost forbidden, but that dangerous challenge of doing something that shouldn't be done was something Xemnas loved to chase.

“Why…” he began, not sure how to word his questions. Eyes closed and temples pressed together, Xemnas fingered Demyx's hair, slightly fragrant of whatever he washed his hair of, redolent of the woods and the stream water. It was earthy, yet sweet, almost musky, yet faint.

“Why do you act so… nice… so understanding, like you're always the good guy? Like nothing bothers you?” His voice was low. It was just automatic, like whispering when the room was dead silent, or in the middle of the night.

Demyx seemed at a loss, everything happening so fast. He stuttered.

“W-what?” Breathing softly, not moving from where he stood, he waited patiently for an answer.

“Er… uh… well…. I guess…. I don't know… that's how I am.” Poor confused Demyx. Running his palm over Demyx's cheek, he found the blonde was blushing. He should leave. Daring to steal one more kiss, it was light, barely able to be considered a kiss, darker lips ghosting over bright red ones, hesitating, as though wanting but unsure, and that's how it was. Pulling away from Demyx, the Superior cleared his throat, averting his gaze, finally turning his back and headed out of the kitchen. He didn't know what to say, but as he limped heavily back to his bedroom, he wondered if the blonde only treated him that way because he was supposed to be a pet. Then he remembered the leash he had left on the counter. Demyx had said before Xemnas started questioning him that the bet was up, that the sides had been kept.

So then why did Demyx kiss him back? It would be a long night.