A/N: Sorry! I thought about uploading yesterday, but it was a holiday for me and everyone else in America, so I was lazy. Really hope you all are enjoying it!
Axel
I'd dragged Roxas all over town, showing him the bakery, pastry store, fish market and the garage, which apparently he'd been very interested in as his car was making a funny noise. We were at the butcher's right now and he seemed rather entranced by how the big burly man behind the counter kept hacking into a big lump of red meat with a huge knife, cutting it into pieces to sell as beef to be roasted.
He was nothing like Demyx had described him to be. At least, I could see how he'd ignored Demyx and how it would have annoyed my best friend, but it wasn't because he was arrogant, far from it actually. Roxas seemed the opposite, simply minding his own business and wouldn't step onto anyone's toes or prod into anyone's routines, unless they gave him the permission to do so. He seemed fascinated with everything I'd shown him so far and he treated the people around him like... well, equals. Never had he slipped up and shown the folks he was in fact, a lord.
"I got the nuts, seeds and now the red meat. Would you like to join me in getting a drink at the tavern? I haven't been there in a while and I'm sure they're wondering if I'm alive." I suggested softly, smirking as his eyes kept staying fixed on the butcher's hand movements.
"I've never seen uncooked meat before. It is very disgusting to look at, but at the same time, rather bright and I find myself unable to look away." Despite his words he finally tore his eyes away from the butcher and gave me a nod. "I think I would like to have a drink, please."
I nodded, guiding him back out onto the narrow street, taking a left in direction of the tavern located at the end of the street. "The differences between our stations are flagrant. I'm sure if you'd like to take your revenge, you could shock me with your own specifics in the lord world." I pointed to the door to the tavern, music and laughter flowing out of the place. Demyx could very well be inside, especially considering he was off duty, which was a sure thing since Roxas was right here with me. Should I warn him?
"I do not see how I could possibly shock you after that last display. Perhaps I could bore you to death, but never shock you." He chuckled and looked at the door. "Is this the tavern you spoke of?"
I smiled, "Yes, it is, lets go inside." Stepping in, I scanned the room, not knowing whether I wanted Demyx to be here or not.
"Axel! Over here!" Demyx was standing off to my right, waving and holding up a glass. "The next round is on me, my friend!"
"There he is..." I muttered, looking at Roxas to see what he was thinking about this.
"Is that Demyx? Oh shit." Frantically pulling my hat over his eyes trying to cover up his identity, Roxas stood behind me, maybe thinking he could hide.
I chuckled, "Roxas." First time I properly used his name. "It's okay, he won't bite." Reaching out, I tugged the hat back, giving him a reassuring smile. "Just be yourself like you have been the last little while with me and everything will go fine." I was talking to him as if I were his friend now. Things were very strange today...
"I will try, but I think that I will probably make a fool of myself instead." He muttered and followed me over to where Demyx was sitting.
I moved my arm behind his back, giving his shoulder a pat. "I'll make sure none of the scary servants get to know your identity." I grinned down at his scowl and then moved my attention to Demyx. "Hey!" I returned the firm hello hug he always gave me. "Off duty?" I asked, because it was an automatic question. I should have foreseen the answer Demyx gave me and it wasn't exactly a good one what with Roxas standing right behind me.
"Hell yeah! Little Lord Brat is off taking out your little Miss Ashdown and we figure he'll be gone til dinner. What are you doing out and about?" Taking a swig of his drink, his eyes never left mine so he didn't notice the shorter shadow that I had standing behind me.
I cleared my throat, glancing at Roxas quickly, sending him an apologetic look. "I'm pretending to be chaperoning Kairi." I said carefully.
He rolled his eyes and snorted. "What has that spoiled brat of a sister done now? Run off with my young master?" Freezing for just a moment, his eyes went wide. "Dear god, please tell me she didn't run off with my young master. Lord O'Malley would kill me!"
Shit. Now the sibling secret was no longer a secret. "Demyx, for the love of god, please shut your trap."
I heard Roxas trying to hold in his chuckles and he was failing. Stepping forward and pushing back my hat, he looked at Demyx and said, "Lord O'Malley would never be able to replace you, Demyx. You're safe, rest assured."
I looked at Demyx and then at Roxas, "Way to give him a stroke, man." I chuckled.
Choking on his drink and automatically standing at attention, Demyx's face turned an deep red. Turning frantic eyes on me, he opened his mouth and then closed it repeatedly, looking like a fish out of water. Roxas chuckled again and shook his head at him.
"Relax Demyx. Take your seat. I'm not here as your master." Giving Demyx's shoulder a pat, I nudged him back onto his stool and then pulled one out for Roxas before pulling one out for myself, and while I did the last, I wondered why I'd pulled one out for Roxas since we'd decided he wasn't here as a master and we weren't here as servants... Shit. He must be cuter than I initially thought him to be.
"Kairi ran off with Vaan." I told Demyx, "He's back." He knew all about Vaan. "So I went to inform Roxas here that Kairi wouldn't show, and well, my cup overflowed and I might have had a slight burst out in front of our kind lord here." I gave Roxas a quick smile and then raised an eyebrow at Demyx. "He's a lot more understanding than you made him out to be."
Glaring at me, Demyx eyed Roxas warily. Roxas, for his part, was simply sitting and sipping his drink, nervously staring at the table and every moment or so would glance at Demyx.
"I'm sure I was unfair in my assumptions." Demyx said.
"No. Please, I think perhaps, that you were correct in your assumptions. Please accept my apologies, Demyx. I have not been," Roxas blushed and glanced up to look back at Demyx. "entirely gracious in my dealings with you and I can understand your reasons for being upset with me. Axel has told me a great deal and I am just now learning about how things are."
Demyx's eyes widened and he sent a confused look my way. "Axel? Roxas? I was unaware that you two were on such familiar terms, my lord."
"Trying to speak ones mind while having to juggle terms such as 'my Lord O'Malley' and 'Mister Griffits' is something both Roxas and I have found to be somewhat tiring." I shrugged. "Demyx, lay off, he gave me permission."
He huffed and then relaxed. "Sorry, it's just, well. You guys bloody well surprised me! Here is my employer, my master, dressed like a servant eating in a servants tavern when he is supposed to be out cavorting with your sister. I feel as though the world must be ending." Shaking his head, he finally smiled at Roxas. "Imagine my shock when my young master turned out to be an okay guy behind all that hubbub."
"Roxas, please call me Roxas when we are together like this." Roxas smiled and looked as though a weight had lifted. Wincing suddenly, he lowered his voice, "As much as it will displease me, I feel as though we cannot speak like this under my roof. But when we are alone, I will not mind you calling me by my given name."
Demyx just nodded and smiled back. "I figured and don't worry about it." He paused, "Roxas." I hoped making peace with each other would help Roxas forget about Demyx calling Kairi my sister twice in his presence now. I wished to glare at Dem, smack him for his big blurting mouth, but that would only return the attention to that particular matter, so I hoped by keeping silent, Roxas would not notice.
"Brilliant!" I said, holding up my glass so we could cling them together. "Cheers to a very unexpected turn of events."
"Cheers." Demyx said, back to his smiling self and Roxas followed his example.
Roxas
After a rather interesting time at the tavern that Axel had taken me to and running into none other than my very own manservant Demyx, I glanced at the clock and realized that I should be making my way home. I offered both of them a ride, but Axel declined saying that he would be meeting up with Kairi so they could arrive home at the same time. Demyx accepted, which I was rather glad of as it would seem callus of me to drive to the exact same destination that he had to walk to.
We all walked back to the park and Demyx helped me put my own jacket and things back on so that Axel could go back to wearing his own coat and hat. I felt silly having Demyx help me now, but I bit my lip and decided not to interfere with him. One thing I did feel was the need to say thank you. He'd blinked and just nodded at me and we'd then said farewell to Axel.
Climbing into my car, I started it nervously and watched Axel walk back to the bench, a pang of sympathy twinging in my chest at the thought that he was a servant in his father's house.
"Roxas. Hey, Lord O'Malley." I snapped my attention back to Demyx who was looking at me pointedly. Ducking my head and realizing that I'd been staring at Axel, I quickly reversed the car and started heading back home. Clearing my throat, I decided to ask the question that had been on my mind since we had first run into Demyx at the tavern.
"Demyx? May I ask you a question?"
Chuckling, he rested his arm along the back of the seat. "You just did, my lord. But you may ask another." Ah. He'd gone back to calling me, my lord. I didn't really like that, but maybe it would be better if I just accepted that he felt more comfortable calling me that.
"I suppose I shall have to get used to you calling me my lord again." I sighed, but pressed onward. "Is it true what you said in the tavern? Is Miss Kairi really Axel's sister?"
He closed his eyes and blushed before nodding silently. "Yes. That is the case. He will most likely smack me the next time he has me alone and I will forever wish that I could unsay those words. He would not want anyone to know about it."
I watched the road and thought about that. "Why is he not his father's heir? Despite being what I am assuming is an illegitimate son, he is the only male born to his father." Many a man was known to keep a mistress or two and despite the stigma attached to it, I felt that Axel was somehow cheated out of something. "Why is he a servant when I am sure the lord could set him up in a very nice way of life somewhere else?"
Demyx looked at me with a weird and wary look on his face. "I do not know if I am correct in telling you this, however, I believe that you will not use this knowledge against Axel or Lord Ashdown." His sea-green eyes were piercing mine and I gulped and remembered that Demyx was not just a servant to me, but also a great friend of Axel's and he was trusting me with information that could possibly hurt my new friend.
I nodded. "I will not betray the trust you are putting in me, Demyx." He sat back looking satisfied with my answer.
"Axel was in fact, the firstborn of all of his father's children. However, since his father was young at the time and newly married, he fully expected to have sons of his own with his new wife. Therefore, to protect him against any type of retaliation, Axel's mother bargained with his father for a place in his house as a servant so that he would not be kicked out. In exchange for his place, his mother would leave and keep her secret about who Axel's father was."
Pausing and taking a breath, he looked out into the streets we were driving down. "However, Kairi's mother was quite frail and there were many failed attempts. After Kairi was born, they tried again at having children. Her mother died trying to give birth to a son, who did not survive either." I bit my lip. How horrible. Not only was he a reminder of an affair, in his father's eyes, he would probably always see the legitimate son who did not survive.
"I do not understand. Why does he not leave that place? I don't think I could bare that type of situation."
Demyx smiled at me and shook his head. "You just don't get it." He said kindly. "Family, my lord. That's his home. It's all he's ever known and while it may be hard at times, that is where he is happy. Are you not a little sad now that the Lady Namine and the Lady Rikku have been married off?"
I almost shook my head no, but as he tilted his head knowingly at me, I finally nodded. "I feel as though it is too quiet in the house. Is it not? I fear making too much noise every time I am inside." Chuckling, I realized that we were coming near the house. Not wanting to really stop talking to Demyx, but thinking of how odd it would seem if I continued driving, I slowly pulled into the driveway.
Demyx sighed as we stopped and we both were reluctant to get out of the car. "It is very quiet without the young ladies around. Alright, my lord. Let's get you inside for dinner. As you're the only family member home, you may request whatever you like from the cook."
He jumped from the car and stretched like a cat, making me laugh at how easy he was to talk to. Axel seemed to be the same way, and I was suddenly struck with the idea that I knew almost nothing about the very servants that I saw every day. If I hadn't stayed to talk with Axel, I would never have known that Demyx was unhappy with me. I did not want to lose the connection.
"Demyx." I said to get his attention and when he turned to look at me as I climbed out of the car, I blushed. "Often times my mother and sisters would go down to the kitchens and oversee or check on the cooks. Could I...I mean, do you think that I might forgo the formal dinner and perhaps eat in the kitchen with everyone else?"
I'm surprised that his eyes didn't pop out of his head with how wide they got. Maybe that hadn't been a good idea. I'd never seen or heard of my father eating down with the servants, but I was loathe to step away from the world that Axel had shown me this afternoon.
Demyx cleared his throat and rubbed the back of his head looking thoughtful. "I suppose since you are the master, you may eat wherever you choose. But, please let me announce you are going to be eating there so that we do not frighten the rest of the servants into thinking the world is ending, okay?"
Nodding and unable to keep the smile off of my face I let Demyx lead me inside and hang up my coat and hat before biting my lip nervously and following him into the kitchen.
Two weeks or so later
Closing the book in my lap, I sighed contently. My father had not found another girl for me to start courting since I told him that Kairi had chosen another suitor. I was relieved of course, especially since he seemed to have forgotten all about it. Counting myself lucky, I stood up to stretch and to shelve the book before grabbing another one. Reading the different titles and not finding anything that caught my eye, I glanced outside and figured that a book could wait till later in the evening after dinner. My parent's were here tonight, so instead of sitting in the kitchen with Demyx and the rest of the servants, I would have to sit in the dining area with my family. Or, I could always say that I am taking dinner at the club and avoid the issue altogether. Yes, that seemed like a good idea.
Even though it felt really strange now, I rang the bell to summon Demyx so that I could inform him of my plans. He'd had to remind me a few times that I should not seem overly familiar when my parents were around or they might think that he was trying to rise above his station. I just couldn't help but feel a little childish having the servants waiting on me all the time now. Funny how I'd never noticed it before Axel had explained some things to me. Now I just felt ridiculous when I had them draw me a bath or lay out my clothes.
The door opened and Demyx walked in and bowed. "You rang, my lord?" When the door closed all the way, I rolled my eyes and smirked at my friend.
"I don't know why you ask that. Of course I rang or you wouldn't have run up two flights of stairs to come bother me. I don't know how you move that fast." Shaking my head, I sat down on my reading chair.
He smirked back at me and leaned against the bookshelf. "Practice, my lord. So, what can I do for you this afternoon?" Demyx had resisted my urges that he may sit in my presence and I had the feeling that he hardly ever sat while he was technically on duty. The man had boundless energy.
"Can you inform my father and the cook that I've gone to dine at the club tonight? I don't really feel up to dinner with my parents." I sighed and wished that I could head to the tavern with him and Axel, but I was pretty sure that it wasn't possible tonight. I'd been able to spend a few nights out with them over the past two weeks only because my parents were often in London, enjoying society and parties there.
Demyx nodded and quickly straightened to go. "Will do, my lord." Leaning forward he winked and said quietly, "And I wish to inform you that your parents will be taking this weekend in London again. As will Kairi and the Lord Ashdown." Giving me a quick bow, he turned and left. That meant that I could spend some time with Axel and Demyx. Which was quickly becoming one of my favorite things.
I arrived at the club and after parking the car, I headed inside and was seated in my usual spot. Or rather, the spot that I'd sat in the last time I'd been in here. The waitress took my order and winked at me, which I ignored not being in the mood for that this evening. Taking a sip of my drink, I glanced around to see who else was in the club this evening.
"Roxas O'Malley..." A familiar voice reached my ears and then a hand settled on my shoulder before Loz Pennington came into my line of vision. "And here I thought you were married off, stuck in some country house, confined to settling between the two same pair of legs for the rest of your life."
I raised my glass to him and nodded in greeting. "Loz. How are you this fine evening? And no, I'm not married yet. Had a close shave there a few weeks back, but don't worry, I'm still living free." Waving my hand to the seat across from me, I watched as he sat down.
"Living free." Loz said happily "I am grand, thank you, better now that you're here. How about you back me up and help me scoop up one of those fine looking bar maids tonight? You know, the way we used too?" He waggled his eyebrows.
I groaned internally and wished to be anywhere but here all of a sudden. No, I did not want to cavort with barmaids tonight. I wanted to sit and eat my dinner and sip my scotch and then head home to read a book. But one cannot tell that to Loz, oh no. That would be unheard of for someone like him.
When I'd first been old enough to join this gentleman's club, Loz had taken me under his wing, so to speak. Teaching me the art of seduction with the barmaids, a favorite pastime for most gentlemen of leisure. Even if they did have wives, or were betrothed, most men were guilty of dabbling in their club's workforce. Of course, I didn't realize until a few years later that it was hardly seduction when the girls so often chased you rather than you chasing them. A few were here to try and bargain their way into a comfortable mistress position, while others apparently just enjoyed what they did.
"So, I say we take those two," He turned some in his chair, pointing at two bar maids walking around the club. "If you don't oppose, I'll be going for the red head." Glancing over to where is was pointing, I did a double take as I saw the red hair he was talking about. It wasn't the same color as Axel's and I sat back and took another sip of my drink. I felt no desire for either one of those bar maids and just seeing the red hair had me wishing that Axel was sharing my table instead of Loz. Quickly thinking of an excuse, I shook my head acting sad.
"I'm sorry, Loz. Tonight is bad for me. I'm not feeling all that well. In fact, I'm not sure I should have come to the club tonight." Trying to appear sickly and weak, hoping he would believe my story.
He grimaced, nearly gagging. "Dear god, don't tell me you're in love and faking illness just so you can get out of this?"
I feigned a laugh, all the while thinking about what he said. "Lord, no. But I've been reading this afternoon and I'm afraid the dim light in my study has given me a headache. Hence, eating out at the club and avoiding my parents. But don't let me stop you from enjoying all that the club has to offer." Cringing internally at my rather crude portrayal of the barmaids, I hoped that he would believe that and continue on his way.
He pursed his lips at me, looked over his shoulder at each bar maid and then shrugged. "I'll just take them both. Good evening, Roxas O'Malley, I hope you realize what you're missing." Standing up, he straightened out his jacket, winked and then walked over to the red headed one first. As his back was turned, I didn't bother to hide my disgust although I wasn't sure at what. The crudeness that he'd just displayed or the fact that a month or so ago, I'd have just laughed and even joined in. Thanking the waitress for my food, I took a bite and tried to figure out why exactly I had a problem with what just happened. I knew what the barmaids were like, and I knew quite well that they were taken care of and that most of them did in fact chase just as much as they were chased. So, why was the idea of spending some time with one of them so repulsive to me?
Was I actually ill like I'd claimed to be or could it be something else? Not wanting to watch Loz and his sweet talking of the barmaids, I turned so that I was facing out the window staring at the street and watching as people were still out and about shopping. At first, I was watching the women, trying to see if anyone of them could catch my eye. But after a few minutes of nothing catching, I gave up and just stared out the window and decided that perhaps I was just tired.
Suddenly a flash of red caught my eye. Long hair, longer than Axel's, tied back in a messy ponytail was walking across the street and as I squinted trying to make out his face, I couldn't help but feel my heartbeat quicken and my face heat up. It wasn't Axel, I knew that, but still. I sat back down in my chair after finding myself leaning forward up off my seat. Not that I could have done anything if it had been him, but I wanted to see him. Sighing, I finished my meal quickly and instead of staying and enjoying a cigar and another drink, I grabbed my coat and headed home. At least this weekend I could relax and enjoy myself with Axel and Demyx.
Axel - that weekend
Walking up to the tavern, I pulled the door open, hanging up my coat and hat and looking out over the place to see where Demyx and Roxas where seated. I'd just seen Lord Ashdown and Kairi off, helping them get their things packed and ready so they could spend the following week in London in their townhouse. Myself and the other servants were rather glad as it meant a short time of vacation of sorts, which the servants in the London townhouse got most of the year, living in that great big fancy house, barely having to worry about the family as they didn't go to London all that often. At least, not the both of them and certainly not for this extended period of time. I needed to relax now.
It had been a relatively rough week considering Kairi was hell bent on marrying Vaan and her father wasn't too keen on the idea. Kairi, in the meantime was telling me to try and change the mind of Lord Ashdown, but as far as past experiences could prove, that never really helped matters at all.
He'd ripped his jacket sleeve in his outburst, yelling at me, the fabric snagging on the corner of his desk and now he blamed me for it and I had to pay for the repairs out of my own pocket. I'm not sure lords realized tailoring was quite expensive for a servant. Spotting the two blondes, I smiled and made my way over, sighing as I sat down at the table they'd chosen and feeling glad they'd already ordered me a beer, not needing to wait to gulp half of it down.
"That girl will be the death of me." I muttered out, looking at my glass, shrugging and downing the rest of it.
Demyx snorted into his drink and nodded. "Still hell bent on marrying Vaan, is she? Lord Ashdown not taking it well?"
"He called her stupid." I said. "And then she of course got angry, told me about it and then ordered me to go explain to Lord Ashdown that she isn't stupid and that as their loyal servant, I had certain valid points of proof that Vaan isn't a complete disaster for a match with the young miss." I rolled my eyes.
Roxas stared at me, not really saying anything as he just sipped his drink and listened. Demyx laughed. "What did Lord Ashdown do? I can't imagine he took that well."
I gave Roxas a small smile, appreciating the fact I could spend some time with him today. "It was one of the many private arguments he likes to start with me, you know, the ones were he does all the arguing and I have to stand there and listen without back talking." I groaned. "He ripped his sleeve, snagged it on his desk corner, wants me to pay for the repairs out of my own pocket. He says it's my fault." It wasn't a very large amount of money, but it would cost enough for me to be unable to enjoy these moments at the bar with Demyx and Roxas for a little while.
Demyx winced and shook his head. "I'm sorry. You know, I could probably take care of that. I had to learn how to sew from the housekeeper so I could hem young Roxas' pants here. Who knew he'd be such a shorty." Chuckling, Demyx elbowed Roxas in the side, snapping his attention and I watched as Roxas rolled his eyes and blushed.
"It's not my fault I'm shorter than you both. Besides, isn't there a maid or something who could fix it for you? Or can't Kairi? Isn't that what girls learn? How to sew and stuff?"
I cleared my throat, "Axel, no, I mean, Griffits. When you break something, a true gentleman offers to fix it without questions asked." I imitated Lord Ashdown's voice and shrugged. "He wants to see the receipt." I looked over at Roxas, his big blue eyes fixed on me again. Smiling curiously, I tilted my head. "Are you okay, Roxas? Is there something on my face?"
Blushing and dropping his gaze to his beer he shook his head. "That seems a little ridiculous if you ask me, Axel. I don't know why a receipt should make the shirt any less mended if one of the maids does it."
"It's not about the mending. The receipt proves I paid for it. That's what he wants; he doesn't care about the shirt, he has dozens of others just like it." I frowned, "He'll most likely never wear it again after I've gotten it fixed. Anyway, I'm going to get us some more drinks and visit the rest room." Smiling, I got up and went to do just that.
Roxas
I watched Axel walk away and I had to force myself not to let my eyes sweep over him. He really was a very nice looking man. The other day when I'd been eating at my club and trying to figure out exactly why the thought of chasing skirts repulsed me and I'd seen the man walking down the street with red hair, I knew. I knew exactly why I'd let Axel talk to me on a familiar level and I knew exactly why I'd been unable to take my eyes off of him this entire time. But I was being rather obvious about it. He'd commented that I'd been staring. I needed to back off.
Sighing and taking another long drink from my glass, I thought back to that moment when it had struck me. I was attracted to Axel. And then, I'd thought of other men that had struck me as beautiful. Demyx, in his own way, was a wonder to behold. Loz, in his rather crude fashion, had always fascinated me as well. But none had caused me to question my attraction to woman like Axel. No, the others were simply attractive. I could admit that to myself now. With the many different books that I'd read and studied over the years, there were those from other countries, some quite detailed in their explanations. Culturally, England was rather rigid. Other nations were not so stringent in their couplings.
And so I had heard of this before. This thing of liking men rather than woman. But it was only whispered about by barmaids as they worked, or by the chambermaids as they cleaned. I have never actually met another man like how I found myself to be. Or at least, I hadn't met anyone in my social circle like that. Glancing at Demyx, who was eying me, I wondered if perhaps he might be one to talk to about this. He seemed to know everything about everybody.
"Okay, Roxas. What is the matter with you? Is there something wrong with Axel? Has he offended you somehow? Or is it, perhaps that you dislike hearing about the way his fath-I mean, Lord Ashdown treats him?" I nodded, at least able to agree with how I disliked the way he was being treated about that ripped shirt. I did not understand why his lordship would insist on making Axel show him a receipt like that. It was not fair and if it wouldn't have been extremely condescending, I would have offered to pay for it myself.
"Yes, I agree that his lordship is being rather malicious in his punishment of Axel. It bothers me quite a bit. However, I had another matter on my mind tonight."
Taking a swig of his drink, Demyx waited. "Would you like to share this matter? Does it concern Axel?"
I shook my head. "I suppose it might, in a way. Demyx, can you tell me why we do not talk about woman when we are together? Why are you both not chasing chambermaids or barmaids?"
I suppose I must have shocked him a bit with my change of subject, but he gave me his full attention and sent me a piercing glare. "Why is it you ask that, Roxas? Would you prefer that we do that while you are with us?" His tone was guarded and I recognized it from when I first met him in this tavern a few weeks ago. There was something beyond what he was asking me...
"I was just reminded of a time with a peer in my own club and the conversation revolved around chasing the barmaids. I thought that maybe it was unique to lords and that servants must not do any of that. Is that the reason?" I don't know why I was pressing him so hard, but I felt like I was missing something significant and I had to know what it was.
Looking about him suddenly, Demyx sighed and then turned his attention back to our table. "Perhaps you have heard my lord, of those people who they say do not share the same tastes in appetite as those around them. That their tastes run a little different than normal." I inhaled sharply, hoping but not yet believing what he might be saying. He continued. "Axel will not love me for saying this, but we both share these different appetites for less than normal things." Taking a sip from his glass and staring into my eyes, he softly said, "I only tell you this, because I sense a companionship in you, my lord. Am I wrong?" Letting a smile tug at his lips, he leaned away and waited.
He knew...and he was...and Axel too... Shaking my head slightly, I answered, "You know you are not wrong." Feeling my face warm, I couldn't take my eyes off of this extraordinary friend next to me. "How long did you suspect? For I realize now that you must have suspected or you would not have told me all that you did."
Demyx sent me a warm smile. "I have always suspected, but some are able to suppress what they see as unnatural and I did not know how you would take the revelation." He glanced to the side and when I looked I could see Axel slowly making his way back to the table. "Please do not tell Axel." I blurted out quietly. I didn't want him to know yet. Only nodding his head in understanding, Demyx turned back to greet our friend.
Axel
Giving my two friends a smile, I sat back down, handing them their drinks that I'd finally managed to get a hold off after having caught up with many acquaintances who'd felt the need to ask me how I was doing.
"What have you two been talking about during my absence?" I asked, since they'd stopped talking the moment I'd arrived.
Roxas looked a little guilty and shook his head. "Nothing really. But I just remembered that I cannot stay. I'm sorry." Standing up, he smiled at Demyx and pushed his stool in. "Thank you for reminding me Demyx and I'll see you later." Tipping his cap at me, he quickly took his leave.
Frowning, I looked after his retreating figure and then pointed that confused look onto Demyx. "Mind telling me why he practically ran out of here?"
Demyx just grinned and shook his head. "Ah. I cannot read minds, my friend. And the mind of a young lord is even harder to read. So, besides Lord Ashdown being completely unreasonable, how else is your life going?"
"You're lying." I smirked. "But I'll let it go for now. My life is fine, thank you. How is yours?" He was the most amusing creature. "Have you caught sight of that mysterious young man again?" I asked in a whisper.
He pouted and shook his head. "He is most elusive. But I am determined to find him someday. And I am not lying. I just didn't answer your question." He stuck his tongue out at me, and clinked glasses with mine before taking another drink.
I pursed my lips. "You wouldn't have if you had indeed been unaware of what was going on in the mind of our friend the young lord, but as you do, it would be like reading minds, wouldn't it?" It wasn't supposed to make complete sense, but it would get that thoughtful and pondering expression on Demyx's face for just a moment, trying to make sure what my words were about and, yes, there it was.
I chuckled as he rolled his eyes at me. "I'm sure you will get to talk to this blue haired miracle one fine day." I suppose I could see why he'd caught Demyx's eye, blue hair truly wasn't that common. We'd talked about him extensively as Demyx just liked to do so and our best guess to his hair color was that he most likely was from another country. Both sipping our drinks, we fell silent and I smothered the curiosity as to why Roxas had left so soon again, trying to make myself believe it was none of my business. We didn't get to see him all that often though, so that he'd cut the moment short was a bit... upsetting.
"Will Roxas be here again tomorrow?" I asked. We were friends, it wasn't strange for me to want to spend time with him. He'd been staring today, I'm not sure why, I'd checked in the mirror in the rest room making sure I hadn't anything funny on my face, and as far as I knew, I didn't. Maybe he was just tired and unfocused. That could also be why he left earlier today. "He has very interesting eye color, doesn't he?" I murmured absently, not fully aware of my words as I was thinking of Roxas' blue, blue eyes.
"Eye color?" Demyx murmured, eyebrows raised. "Indeed. They are brown, right?"
I blinked, detaching my eyes from the door Roxas had exited from and looked at Demyx. "Brown?" Where the hell had his mind gone? "How did you miss those big blue eyes?" I asked in bewilderment. They were right there, all the time. You couldn't miss them. "You're his personal servant. You see them everyday." I pointed out, giving him a funny look. "How did you mistake them?"
Chuckling, Demyx poked my arm. "Can you tell me the color of Kairi's eyes? She's your sister."
"Green." Right? "Or maybe grey. Blue?" I frowned, "Brown." Sitting back in my chair, my eye twitched as I gave Demyx a look, "How can I not remember?" I shook my head. "What is your point?" I asked flat out.
Looking at me innocently, he smiled. "I was just thinking that maybe it was a little odd that since you don't know what Kairi's color was, and I didn't know what Roxas' were, that it was strange that you'd noticed and remembered Roxas'. Someone whom you do not see everyday, and only barely starting seeing on a regular basis. That's all." Still smiling, he just smirked my way and took another drink.
I narrowed my eyes. "Don't 'that's all' me, you know I don't like it when you do that." I leaned forward, "They're really big blue eyes, Demyx. It's hard to miss them." I excused myself. "They're right there, all the time, with that blonde hai-" I shut my mouth. "I'm going to stop talking now. This can't lead to anything good."
"Oh Axel, my friend. I am not so sure that it can't lead to anything good. Tell me, what else have you noticed about my young master?"
"Just his eyes." I mumbled, feeling put in the spotlight all of a sudden. I wasn't an idiot, I knew what Demyx was getting at and I'm not sure I wanted to tread into that territory. Being interested in someone above your station was asking for trouble. Up until now I'd been able to repress the attraction I felt towards Roxas. Or in the very least, I was able to hide it and not let it bother me overly so, that last one being easy as I didn't see him all that often to begin with. "Demyx, don't make me say it, it's not a good idea." I said softly. "I'm already jumbled between our station and theirs, adding a-" I cleared my throat, "an interest wouldn't be wise."
Sending me an understanding look, Demyx said, "Axel, maybe an interest is just fine. Roxas is not as concerned with station as your father. In fact," Narrowing his eyes, he looked angry, "I'm convinced that your father is out to make your life miserable."
"To him I'm not supposed to be alive, yet he promised a woman he once loved that he'd make sure I'd be okay." I shrugged. "Of course he's making my life miserable as I'm making his miserable by just breathing alone. What can I do? It's the only home I have and I'd like to hold onto it. Having an interest would only cause complications. And..." I took another sip of my beer. "Even if I weren't concerned with the consequences, it's not like Roxas is..." I frowned at Demyx, "You know, like us? Anyway," I shook my head, "Say he were, what would we do? He'll have to marry someday as he is O'Malley's only heir. We talked about this Dem, both you and I agreed that if we were ever so lucky to find someone, keeping it a secret? Yes, that is expected, but I'm not about to share the person I could very possibly-" My lips parted and my eyes widened. "Love..." Well that was new.
Demyx looked surprised and his eyes widened as well. "Axel, do you love Roxas?" His voice was low and he leaned in closer.
I scoffed, "No. Of course not, don't be ridiculous." He kept on staring, leading me to sigh after a moment and hang my head, fingers pulling on my hair, undoing the neat pony tail somewhat. "I really don't, but the attraction I'm feeling towards him isn't like that quick rush of heat that we shared." That had been the most bizarre thirty minutes of my life. "And it isn't anything like the way I felt for Kellen." A precious waste of my time that guy had been, although I suppose I could be grateful for the experience I'd gotten out of it. "Roxas is just so... sweet."
Snorting into his beer, Demyx just nodded. "Yeah, he's sweet with big blue eyes and blonde hair. If there were no station difference between you, what would you do?"
"I have been avoiding answering that question in my head for days now." I seriously had, that question was just evil. I knew the answer though. "No stations and the certainty my interest wouldn't disgust him?" I chuckled. "I don't know exactly what I'd do, but I wish it were true so I could find out." I rubbed my face into my palms. "He makes me ridiculously happy, Demyx. It's insane and doesn't make sense at all."
I felt his hand pat me on the back trying to comfort me. "I do not know what I can say to help you, my friend. Even if, by some miracle, you were in the same station as Roxas, I cannot see how you could be together. But, do not give up hope. There is always hope." Demyx, ever hopeful and trusting that everything would work out in the end. Of course his words were also hopeless.
"Honestly, Demyx, I don't know how you manage to remain this joyful about everything in life." I smiled fondly at him. "If by some chance that blue haired miracle is everything you've ever wanted, then I'm sure he won't be able to deny you with that big heart of yours." I frowned at him. "Why did it never work between us? It would make perfect sense and there would be no real complications..."
He tilted his head and looked thoughtful. "I can't deny that you are a handsome man Axel, and it would make sense for us to be together, but..." Trailing off and giving me a look that asked for understanding he murmured, "You did not speak to my heart. And I know that I do not speak to yours. Friendship is all that I could ever give."
I nodded. "You're right. I'm just wish something would be easy for once." Downing the rest of my beer, I smiled at him. "Alright. I have to go get that shirt mended, when are we meeting here again?"
"I'll ask the young master. I'm not sure what his plans are now that his parents are out of town. I'll send you a message." Winking and finishing off the last of his beer, he stood up. "I think I might just take a stroll through town, see if I find anything interesting to occupy my time."
I chuckled, as I stood up and straightened my shirt. "Sounds like a nice idea. Think about talking to him instead of stalking; it might work in your favor." I ducked a smack and then laughed as I walked out of the tavern, feeling both lighter thanks to having told someone about the feelings I'd been having, yet heavier at the same time as voicing them gave me a sense of hope I shouldn't allow myself to want.
A/N: :D You should see the big grin I'm sporting. I love this chapter, and I hope you all did to. Again, sorry about the wait:D *HUGS*
