Dance With the Devil

AN: Alright everyone, this is chapter two, pretty boring I guess, but I promise that the plot picks up, right now its just Roxas' day at the moment. I hope you like it. ^^'

Roxas was more tired then he'd ever been, he didn't know how the hell Xigbar managed it; when he walked into the house the place was as dusty and old as when he'd snuck in there as a child to play around, but it was two in the morning, Roxas' arms and legs hurt like hell and the house was spotless, shinny floors and carpeted rugs in the living room, the kitchen looked brand new and Xigbar didn't even look a slight bit tired.

"Alright Roxas. Enough for tonight. I should be getting you home… here's the spare key." Xigbar walked over to Roxas, handing the blonde a large thick key that looked old and expensive. "In the morning a bunch of guys are going to be here dropping stuff off, TV, game system, new furniture, if you get them to just drop the stuff in the entrance way or living room I'll set it all up once I wake up. don't let anyone in here just to hang out Roxas."

Roxas gave a nod and put the key into his pocket. "So your going to take me home?" Xigbar nodded. "Yes, as part of our agreement I'm going to take you home every night at this time to ensure your safety from other vampires." he jerked his head towards the door and Roxas followed, he was still sweating and panting like a maniac. "And make sure that the next time you come to train, bring work out clothes- oh! I reset the sound peg in your cello for you, it should sound a little richer now."

With a sigh Roxas just nodded, not wanting to get off the cool wood flooring of the entranceway, his lungs heaving up and down as he tried to get more air into his lungs.

"Roxas… you alright? Need me to give you mouth to mouth?" his lips pulling into a smile as he looked over Roxas' head watching as Roxas shook his head, sitting up slowly and rolling his shoulders to try and work them out.

"How are you going to take me home Xigbar?"

"I was thinking walking… how far is it from here?"

"About ten kilometers. Maybe eleven..." Xigbar let out a whistle before looking around.

"How'd you get down town then kid?"

"My brothers boyfriend dropped me off at Orchestra practice at one. I walked from there to meet you. I told my dad I'd have one of my friends take me home if they were alright for driving, but I'm prepped to stay the night."

Xigbar let out a huff before putting his hands on his hips. And looking around. "I guess I'll just have to run you I guess. If your going to come here tomorrow then I should get you home for some sleep. Common get up."

"I'm too tired, just let me stay here the night." Roxas rolled onto his stomach and curled his arms under his head as a makeshift pillow.

"God kid… I don't want to have to break you into your own house. Get up." Roxas just shook his head and snuggled further into his arms letting a smile cross his face before he felt cold hands on his sides and he yelped.

"Calm down and stop squirming! I'm taking you home if I have to break in and toss you into your damn bed."

"Fine! I get it, just let me go!" Roxas struggled as much as he could and Xigbar let out a sigh, lowering Roxas back down to the ground and having him move away a few feet. "God Xigbar… all you had to do was say I wasn't allowed to stay here!"

"But you are Roxas. This house is basically yours. I even have the master bedroom made up for you already-well with a sleeping bag and pillow for tonight. If I was willing to have you here tonight you'd stay here. The fact is you still have a family and your young, I'm guessing no older then sixteen. Since you haven't really told me much about yourself."

"Tomorrow night then I guess we'll have something to talk about."

"Not really. I'm having a get together, maybe bring your cello so you can hang out in your bedroom if it gets too boring for you. Do you own a good suit?" Roxas shook his head and Xigbar nodded as he leaned against the side of the entrance to the living room. "Alright then, I'll get you a tuxedo, have your hair however you like it- oh, and tomorrow there are also going to be some men coming with a security system, let them hook it up to your phone and don't let them into the basement, only let them put a camera pointed at the door alright? I've given them the details but I don't want them going outside the rules I've given."

Roxas gave a nod and grabbed his phone looking at it before looking up. "How are they…"

"They'll hook it up so if any alarms go of it'll send you a text to let you know what part of the house has been breeched and it'll give you the video feed any time of day." Roxas nodded his head again before stuffing his phone back into his pocket.

"Alright… uh, my address is just over the to the north… by the lake, it's a pretty normal house… slate blue walls and a black roof." Xigbar nodded as he pushed off the wall holding his hand out for Roxas to take.

"It'll get kinda intense your first time flitting… how long can you hold your breath for?" Roxas shrugged and Xigbar nodded. "I'll stop every few seconds then… tap my shoulder twice if you need me to stop sooner. And don't try and stop the barf, if you need to, let it go- just, try and get me to stop first, alright?" Roxas nodded again and took the hand offered to him, following the gentile guidance that Xigbar gave with ushering Roxas behind him, allowing the teen to move as slowly as he wanted.

"Just hop on whenever your ready." Roxas nodded and placed his hands on Xigbar's shoulders, feeling the tight muscles under his palms and how they moved slightly with each shift of Roxas' weight as if to support him without holding him in any other way.

Closing his eyes and expecting to tumble to the ground like what happened with any of his other friends Roxas hopped onto Xigbar's back, wrapping his legs around the thin waist and waiting a moment, preparing himself for the fall that didn't come. When hands slid under his knees he opened his eyes, seeing the house from over Xigbar's shoulder the remnants of a smirk on the vampires face. "Relax kid… I can lift a car with one hand, I think I can hold a light weight like you."

"Hey, I told you to stop calling me kid. The name is Roxas, use it or don't call me anything."

"I like these nicknames though. It makes me feel a little closer to you."

Roxas just rolled his eyes. "So… your coffin's down in the basement?" Xigbar gave a single nod and walked towards the back door- simply because it was a closer exit.

"Yes… but I assure you that it wont be found if you go looking for it… you have to know where it is." Roxas nodded as he lowered his head so only his eyes were visible around his arms that he wrapped around Xigbar's neck. "Alright… hold your breath kid." Roxas did as he was told, taking in a heavy sent that he couldn't place, something woodsy and natural with the underlying hint of dust.

Roxas' body shook as that first gust of speed hit him. Xigbar starting and stopping so suddenly that he scrambled to get away from Xigbar, having to spill his guts.

Xigbar didn't stop him, letting Roxas go as the teen scrambled towards a large hedge and stuffed his head inside, hearing the familiar sound of his stomach contents leaving his body.

"And to think I bought you your own whole pizza." his lips pulling into a bit of a smile as Roxas moved away from the bush, face pale and panting slightly, tears in the corners of his eyes.

"Holly shit… how far did we get?"

Xigbar looked around as the teen tried to compose himself again and spat to the side, emptying his mouth of the foul taste. "I'd say about two kilometers in a second… not bad, want me to go faster and get it all over with?" Roxas shook his head, fear covering his face as he tried to get up and his legs decided not to work, making him flop back down and let out a groan as his butt hit the hard dirt. "Common, I'll go slower." Roxas nodded his head, taking the hand Xigbar offered once again but noticing as the thin man picked him up and held him to his chest.

"Hold your breath again." Roxas nodded and ducked his head into Xigbar's chest to minimize the amount of wind hitting his face.

The next time Xigbar stopped he was outside Roxas' house, hiding in the bushes just beside the driveway by the main road. "Alright Roxas… this is your house, right?" Roxas turned his head and looked at the house, nodding when he noticed the familiar house and cars in the driveway.

"Y-yeah… I guess I'll see you when you wake up tomorrow. I can be by your house around nine." Xigbar nodded, letting Roxas down and letting his feet and legs strengthen again holding him up around his waist as his legs strengthened.

"Alright… see you tomorrow night then Roxas." Xigbar let him go and Roxas was glad when his legs held up, Xigbar vanishing just like the night before.

Getting inside his house was easy, his house key sliding into the lock perfectly and turning easily. He opened the door without a single squeak and took a few steps in, his muscles hurting like hell as he realized he forgot his cello.

"Awe fuck." he mumbled as he kicked his shoes off and locked the door behind him. Walking through the entrance way and to the large staircase. The house was so quiet that he could hear Sora snoring in the room beside his, the same noise coming from their fathers room.

He let out a sigh and opened his window against the scorching heat that summer brought with it before taking his shirt off and just laying out on his bed, looking up at the poster from Alice in Wonderland of the Cheshire cat. "I'll just get it tomorrow I guess." he let out a deep sigh and closed his eyes falling asleep faster then he had in a long time.

~Ó~

"Roxas… glad your home, now wake up son." Roxas rolled over, seeing his dads blonde hair before the world came into focus. "What time did you get in?"

"Uh… maybe two-ish…" Cloud nodded and looked around the room at all the Disney movie posters and the open window. "How was your night?"

"I got in an hour before you… I'm not about to sit in the house with those two watching a movie. Went out drinking last night with Leon and Tifa." Roxas nodded and sat up. "What time is it?"

"Its about eight. Breakfast is downstairs for you… I want you to get working on that summer project you were talking about for school." Roxas nodded as he looked around the room, noticing right away that his cello was in the room, right beside his bed where he usually put it if he had it in his room and not in the music room.

"Alright… I'm thinking about staying out again today and tonight dad… I want to work on my project outside, I found a really good place yesterday before I went to Demyx's place." Cloud nodded and got up, patting Roxas' knee and turned towards the door of the bright blue room.

"Alright… just make sure you have a shower… smells like Demyx made you get sick again." Roxas scoffed before nodding, wide smile spreading over his face.

"Yeah… he challenged me to see how much pizza I could eat before talking about some really fucked stuff." Cloud nodded, knowing how bad Demyx could get when on a sugar high, also knowing that the kid would never drink or get into booze.

"Alright, see you down in a few minutes." Roxas nodded, getting up himself and moving towards the bathroom, ready to chew Xigbar out for coming into his house let alone his room the moment he saw the stupid old vampire.

Roxas got into the bathroom and brushed his teeth before a quick shower, making sure he looked normal before getting ready for Xigbar's house, phone charger, laptop, blank sheets of music, cello and a million pens in hand as he hopped down the stairs into the main part of the house, seeing Sora and Zexion curled up on the couch together and reading books, Cloud in his lazy boy with a cup of coffee, sipping it every now and then as he watched the morning news.

"Dad… can I please take the car today? The quiet spot is a little way away." Roxas smiled up at his dad as he set his cello down and dropped his bag to the floor beside it. Looking as earnestly as he could at his dad.

Cloud looked over before nodding his head and motioning towards the door where his car lay behind. "Yeah, its all gassed up, just top it up before you come back. And call in every few hours alright?" Roxas nodded, thinking a moment.

"I might be out late again though… I promise I wont get into trouble though." Cloud nodded his head again, knowing that Roxas wasn't going to get himself stuck in jail or killed in the course of a single night, and the city was small enough that he trusted his sixteen year old enough.

~Ó~

Roxas stopped the bright red Cadillac outside the gates and got out, pushing the gates open before hopping back in the car and driving through, getting out once again to close the gate before he saw a large truck driving up and he shrugged, getting back into his dads car and finishing the drive up to the front door, pulling into the parking spot that was there and he turned the car off.

"Are you Roxas Vertex?" Roxas nodded as he closed his car door and moved up to the front door.

"Yeah, need me to sign something for the delivery?" the man nodded as another large truck drove into the yard and Roxas nodded taking the digital tablet and signing his name on the line where the man was pointing.

"Alright… so what's first to come in?"

"Fridge is first in line… then the stove. First truck is downstairs stuff and the second is upstairs stuff." Roxas nodded turning and unlocking the front door. "Um, upstairs things can be put in the bedrooms for right now, downstairs stuff in the living and dining room…"

"Is your uncle home kid?"

"I'm not a kid. And he's not. He's at work so he left me in charge." the man nodded and Roxas opened the door as two men walked up with a large box he was assuming was the fridge.

"Alright kid… I guess you're the one to talk to about the security system then." Roxas nodded as he stepped inside the house with the man who was obviously in charge, noticing the note pinned into the wall by the basement door and he walked over, ripping it off the wall and quickly reading got over.

'Roxas, I left a hundred dollar bill down here for you, once all the stuff is in the house here, go get some stuff for the fridge that you like if you want, make sure that there are some stuff for the party tonight if you could- don't have to though. I also have the suit for you coming by, make sure you put it right up in the closet so it doesn't get damaged. Also ask if the guys could set the TV up for you since you'll probably want something to do while you're here all day. Maybe get yourself a pizza for dinner before I get up. P.S.: its all been paid for, so don't give them money. Thanks kid, Xigbar.' Roxas folded the paper and stuffed it into his pocket turning back to the men with a smile.

"Alright… if you guys could set the TV up against that wall that'd be great." Roxas pointed towards the wall that was across from the kitchen.

"You want us to mount it for you?" Roxas tilted his head, a single eyebrow raising.

"What kind of TV is it?"

"Uh, 52 inch flat screen plasma TV… how could you not know this?" Roxas' eyes bugged open for a moment before he shook his head.

"None of your business how I didn't know. Set it up and shut up about my personal life will ya?" Roxas rolled his eyes and walked towards the kitchen, hopping onto the half wall divider holding the sinks and pulled out his phone as everyone started moving around, getting things set up and moving things around.

Two full length couches came in, two love seats and two large comfy chairs too; all of it quality black suede. A large coffee table that could hold over a hundred cups or cans made of cherry wood. Thick purple velvet drapes were brought in and hung, stainless steel fridge and stove were brought in, what looked like a large king sized metal four poster bed set, dressers and desks. Roxas also took heavy interest as he saw the jet black grand piano being brought in on its side, legs missing and men carrying it with care.

"Where do you want the piano, kid?" Roxas hopped off his perch and motioned for them to follow him into what he supposed was the parlor.

"Just in here guys. And make sure you don't scratch it." he wasn't sure how stiff on stuff like that Xigbar was, but he wasn't about to be on the receiving end of a pissed vampire, so he'd been hollering that all day.

"No shit kid." Roxas just rolled his eyes and walked back to his perch noticing that a couple guys were heading for the basement, their hands reaching out and grabbing the handle before Roxas slid in their way.

"Where do you think your going?"

"To finish setting up the security before we put it all on your phone. What's your problem?"

"Strict orders were given for you not to go down into the basement. Nothing is to go into the basement. A camera is to be set up outside the basement on the door and that is all. Do that then leave it alone."

"Yeah, but we brought over an extra camera and were gonna place it down there for safe keeping, we were told you're going to be putting something important down there by your uncle, so we figured-"

"You figured wrong. We're not paying for the extra camera and we don't want it. A camera on the door is all we need." the men nodded, surprised that Roxas' glare could be so intimidating and simply went to putting the camera up outside the door, wondering more then ever what the hell was going to go or was already down there.

Roxas noticed that nothing else was going in the parlor and smiled slightly, walking over with his cello and bag, setting them down as people worked upstairs and down to put the place together properly asking where he wanted something or how he wanted it when it came down to that.

"Hey, we've got a gallery set up here… where do you want it put?" Roxas looked around for a moment, before seeing the note on the wall in the parlor and he walked over, taking the note off that wall as well.

"Over here… uncle wants the picture set up here too… its supposed to be something big I think." the men nodded as they moved over.

"Yeah, big ass thing, it'll take up the whole wall. Its some kind of London scenery thing. Supposed to be famous." Roxas nodded before walking back towards the kitchen, picking up his laptop and starting to work on it as some men came in with a computer and internet system. "Where do you want the computer and internet box kid?" Roxas looked up then around.

"Box in the center most point of the house I guess… computer can go in the office upstairs though… once your done if you could give me the password that'd be great." the men nodded before setting to work again.

"Hey kid… we've got the security system up and running, as for your uncles orders we haven't set it up to call the police right away but your phone… we just need to see it and we'll load the app and everything." Roxas nodded and pulled his phone out of his pocket again, handing over the white device and watching as the men punched in some codes. "Alright… punch in a four digit number that no one knows." the man handed his phone back and Roxas punched in his favorite number: 1308.

"Alright, here." Roxas handed it back and the men punched a few more buttons before nodding.

"Alright kid… you can lock the house up and unlock it form anywhere in the world now. I'm pretty sure you can also set the TV up and stuff so you can set the PVR for yourself. Its pretty basic though; video feed is this button here, and you just slide the screen for different camera angles, there are ten cameras in total, its all in real time and it records, turning the alarms on and off is right here- there is also a key pad in the house and a secondary keypad that you can install anywhere in the house that'll work. There is also a speed-dial button in the app for 911." Roxas nodded, taking all the information in and following where the guy was pointing and tapping on the screen.

Roxas played with the app for a moment, before he sat back down with his computer finishing his write up on his summer school project; to compose a song of his own. Not an easy task he knew.

"Excuse me… is this where Xigbar Elburn and Roxas Vertex live?" Roxas turned towards the door hearing his name and hopped off the counter again, walking over with his hands in his pockets.

"Yes… what can I do for you?" his smile wide as he walked over with his hand held out to shake. The tall man wearing glasses looking at him oddly for a moment before taking his hand and nodding once.

"Hello, I'm here to speak with Mr. Elburn please, Mr. Vertex." Roxas raised an eyebrow before shaking his head.

"Sorry, my uncle is out right now, he's at work, should be home around eight though if you're willing to come back." the man seemed angered by that before just nodding and turning to leave not bothering with a goodbye or anything.

"Hey kid! We've got the wireless set up for ya… where's that computer we saw ya tinkerin' with?" Roxas looked back seeing the guys coming back down the stairs from the upstairs office and pointed to his computer sitting on the divider where he'd been.

"There… and I wasn't tinkering, I was doing my school project if you must know. don't close anything down, just minimize it please." the man nodded before grabbing the computer and starting his work of typing.

"Alright… I put the password on a sticky-note on the desktop… that way you can put it on your phone or whatever. PVR password and information is there too." Roxas nodded, noticing that the guy was reading something and walked over to see what it was.

"Your project is composing a song huh? How's it going so far?"

"So far I've got what instruments I'm using and the mental image of how I want this to sound. All that's left is to put it down on paper." the man nodded before setting the computer down again.

"Alright… I'm done, my card is on the fridge if you need any help with fixing anything."

One by one the house slowly emptied again, leaving no one but Roxas at the very end of it all at three in the afternoon. The TV was set up and turned off, the fridge off since there was nothing to put in it, most the lights off and the blinds all pulled open to let in natural light and him sitting in the same spot, a stack of business cards beside him and a smile on his face as he wrote up the paper on his inspiration for the song he was about to write down.

The large grandfather clock he hadn't noticed went off in the parlor and Roxas looked up, noticing that it actually was three and he closed down his computer, deciding to go out and get some stuff since his stomach was kind of rumbling and having something to snack on for the supposed party would be good.

With a slight huff he packed everything up and walked over to the basement door, and grabbed the handle, feeling how suddenly cold it was with the summer heat all around him as he stood there, nervous as heck about opening that door.

It opened with a creak, his body shivering as he looked down the dark set of stairs and he shivered, not seeing a light switch. "Common Xigbar… no light switch?" he put his hand on the wall and felt along it as he walked down the steps, noticing as the fifth stair creaked worse then all the others.

"This place is so dark compared to the rest of the house now… geez, its like walking into that crypt all over again." Roxas shivered again as his hand brushed over something that felt like a light switch. He flipped it quickly and shielded his eyes from the bright florescent light that was the only light source in the whole box shaped basement.

There was nothing but a small pile of twenty dollar bills and a note in the large space, not a coffin, door, nothing but the money and the stairs back up to the first floor of the two story house.

"Alright… another note… maybe I should teach this guy what a text is." Roxas rolled his eyes as he walked down the final step and up to the pile of money and note.

'Hey kid… I know I said I'd leave a hundred dollar bill, but I realized that no one would think a kid would have that kinda cash. So I left a pile of twenty's and it's a bit more then a hundred. Make sure you lock up if you leave. I'll be awake around six-ish.' Roxas folded the note again and stuffed it into his pocket, looking around for Xigbar as he picked up the pile of ten twenty dollar bills.

"Alright… two hundred bucks and a fridge to fill… and a party to get food for… man, Xigbar really is making me think here." looking around the room once more and seeing nothing out of the ordinary in the large stone basement he turned back to the stairs and walked up them, taking extra care to close the basement door behind him and close all the curtains on his way out of the house, locking the front door and stuffing his hands into his pockets on his way to the store, deciding at the last minute to take his dads car so he had something to take the groceries back in.

~Ó~

"Alright… I've got everything for the fridge, I've got Pocky galore, Melona pops of every flavor but Mango, cans of pop for fifty and cookies. I think I'm alright… I've never bought stuff for an adult party let alone a… yeah." Roxas let out a sigh as he walked up to the cashier, piling his list of groceries onto the conveyer belt and following them up the line with a slight scowl.

"Well… you having a party or something?" Roxas looked up seeing one of his friends at the register and scoffed.

"Not a chance Riku. Just filling up on junk for the week."

"More like month Roxas. God, look at this crap… if I didn't know you liked salad I'd be worrying here man." Roxas just smiled and the two fell in to comfortable silence before Riku spoke up again.

"Sora says you were out late last night… and left again this morning before he noticed you were awake… where are you going every hour of the day Roxas?" Roxas blanched for a moment before he rolled his eyes.

"I'm working on my project. I got a summer job and it's a nice job. I just sit around all day taking calls and working on my project." Riku scoffed before shaking his head at Roxas.

"Only you would get a summer job that requires you wake up early and stay out late. What does your boss have you doing besides phones?"

"I just deal with people… kinda like an assistant. He goes to work early and gets home late to work on whatever the hell he does. Honestly, I don't really know and I want to keep it that way."

"Hold it… is it the same guy who was at the Café with you? Everyone's been talking about that." Roxas let out a sigh as he rolled his yes. "The dude had an eye patch Roxas… what kind of shit do you think he does?"

"Its nothing like that. But it is him. Anyhow, I'll see you later Riku." Roxas finished paying and grabbed his things, turning towards the doors as his phone went off, Dance with the Devil playing indicating it was either Sora or his dad.

He tugged his phone out of his pocket and answered the call. "Hello, Roxas here."

"Roxas… I just got a text from Riku… is it true you're the new guy in towns personal assistant?" Roxas ground his teeth together, realizing he should have just scoffed and walked away with Riku, the loud mouth obviously couldn't keep a damn secret, he honestly didn't know why he spoke to Riku at all.

"Yeah… he just called me back about my interview." he unlocked the hatch of the car, setting the groceries down and closing the trunk again.

"Roxas! When were you going to tell dad? He's freaking out man, he doesn't know this guy, he doesn't even know what he does for a living Roxas! No body does, Are you fucking insane?"

"Dad can meet him tonight when he gets off work. I'll bring him by the house and they can meet, dad can be assured that I'll be fine." Roxas got into the drivers seat and looked around for his Bluetooth. "Give me a minute Sora I need to get the Bluetooth." he grabbed the device, set it in his ear and pressed the small button on the side so it connected to his phone.

"Roxas… how much of an idiot are you? How do you think this is going to go? You've got to go back to school in the fall you cant be an assistant to anyone then."

"That's why its called a summer job Sora, common, I'm not going to get into trouble. I just get to sit in a room all day working on my project. Is dad there with you?"

"Yes."

"Put him on then." Roxas turned the car on as the shuffling was going on and pulled out of the parking lot, prepared to do nothing but kick Riku's ass into next month if that's what it took.

"Roxas… I just want to know one thing; when are you going to be by tonight with him?"

"About six thirty dad. And I promise, nothing bad is going to happen to me. I can take care of myself." his heart was hammering in his chest, knowing that if a vampire came after him he wouldn't be fine. Or even if another day guard came after him. Sure he could swing the sword Xigbar had given him, but he still couldn't block the simplest attacks without hurting himself yet.

"Alright… I'll make dinner I guess then, or, are you going to have dinner already?"

"I was planning on dinner already, and as for Xigbar, I don't think he's going to need dinner. He's probably going to pick something up before he gets back."

"Alright son… just uh, be safe until then I guess."

"Alright dad… I promise. Talk to you later." his dad gave a short goodbye before they both hung up, Roxas rolling up to the gates and getting out to open the gates again driving through and getting out again the close them.

With a huff Roxas walked back into the house, right into the kitchen and put all the stuff away as quickly as possible, grabbing out a Sea-Salt ice-cream bar and moving into the living room to sit on one of the couches he figured he'd get most used to, calling eternal dibs on the seat best located for the TV and sound system.

As soon as his ice-cream was done Roxas got up again and moved into the parlor, opening all the curtains for that area and sat on the piano bench as he pulled out his cello and started tuning.

~Ó~

Roxas was so lost in his music that he didn't notice the fact that it had gone passed five, passed five thirty and finally passes six o'clock. Roxas was completely oblivious that Xigbar was leaning against the entranceway already having gone out to hunt that night and was back, smirk on his face as the boy was so lost in the music, eyes closed and his body swaying slightly with the rhythm of the music.

The moment Roxas stopped playing and his bow left the strings there was a loud sudden clap that made him jump.

"Holly-!" he spun in his chair, looking Xigbar in the eye before his eyes swept over to the grandfather clock and he stood up, panic rising in his very being, noticing he only had five minutes for a ten minute drive.

"We have to go! Oh god, we have to go! Shit, why didn't you tell me you were up?" Xigbar looked shocked at the greeting he got before he shrugged with a smirk.

"I liked how it sounded… are you going to be a professional?"

"You can ask questions later. I got into shit today and you need to tell my dad that you're my boss… I'm your assistant and you need to tell him that I'll be fine working here over the summer. Common, we need to get going. I said we'd be there by six-thirty."

Roxas fumbled with his cello, trying to put the large instrument away before he stood up and ran his hands through his hair, looking for where he put the house keys.

"Calm down Roxas… how was everything when the guys were coming in, I heard something go on about the basement door."

"Yeah, they tried to get down into the basement but I stopped them. I also grabbed some pop for tonight and a couple other small snack-like things."

"Did you get stuff you humans like?" Roxas just shrugged looking confused for a moment.

"There will be other day guards there. Its my job as host to make them comfortable and the vampires as comfortable as possible. Like I said though, you just need to hang out, sit down beside me or walk around a little and mingle if you want."

Roxas nodded, grabbing Xigbar's arms and tugging the unmoving man towards the door. "Common Xigbar… you have to meet my dad, please… if not he's going to get pissed and keep me home for the rest of summer."

"Here I figured you'd want him to put you on house arrest… like the house that much huh kid?"

"Its not that… I need this time away from my house to finish my project. I'm not thrilled in one bit about being in a house filled with vampires and people designated to protect and kill for them. But on the other hand, I did make the promise for you to save my life, so I have to protect your life while you sleep. I might look like a punk kid who doesn't give a shit. But I don't go back on promises Xigbar." Roxas looked into Xigbar's eyes as seriously as possible and Xigbar let out a heavy sigh, nodding his head and allowing Roxas to pull him towards the door.

"Fine kid… I'll tell your dad I'm your boss… what does he think I do for a living?"

"I don't know, I said I'm not even sure at the moment. But the guys who were here today think you're my uncle… and my dad, brother and one friend- who's most likely texted others think you're my boss…" Xigbar nodded again, following Roxas to the Cadillac and whistled.

"Damn… please say you didn't buy this with my money?"

"No, its my dads, he's letting me drive it for today, I'm going for my motorcycle test first day off though."

"A bike huh? Like danger there kid?"

"Nah, dad's got an old bike in the garage he said I can drive it if I get a license and go through the safety courses, as well as his own personal safety tests to see how I am on a bike." Xigbar nodded standing behind Roxas as the teen climbed into the front seat.

"What do you think your doing kid? I'm driving."

"Ha… yeah right. This is my dads car, I'm not about to let an un dead guy behind the wheel." Roxas made to close the door but a hand caught it, stopping the door dead in is tracks and sending a shock of fear through Roxas.

"Kid, I can get us there before we're late. My reflexes are faster then yours and I've known how to drive since cars came out." with a huff Roxas climbed out of the driver seat with a glare.

"If you scratch it, your buying my dad a brand-fucking new one Xigbar." with a smirk and a nod Xigbar slid into the drivers seat and shivered slightly as the engine purred to life, making Roxas roll his eyes as he slid into the passenger seat.

Cloud was standing out on the porch, arms crossed over his chest and slight scowl on his face as he looked at the driveway, waiting for Roxas to pull in with the one eyed man he'd herd had stolen his blonde son from his brunette son- not really what happened he knew, but close enough until proven otherwise.

As soon as the red Cadillac drove up Cloud noticed that Roxas wasn't the one driving, but the one eyed man with a scar running down his face- something he hadn't been told about.

Roxas climbed out of the car and walked up to his dad, giving him a quick hug before moving back slightly as Xigbar walked up, smile on his face and hand outstretched for a handshake.

"Hello, Xigbar Elburn. Pleased to meet you Mr. Vertex." Cloud nodded shaking the mans hand and motioning for them to both enter the house.

"So… Mr. Elburn, how do you know my son?"

"I met him on my houses roof. He was up there with a cello and playing, how the hell he got up there I'm not sure. I thought he was going to jump for a few minutes. Anyhow… he said the view from my property inspired him to write music, and I'm a music lover so I couldn't possibly take that away from him. I offered him my parlor for his musical studies if he watched my house for me during the day, taking calls if they came in and signing for deliveries."

Cloud nodded, and motioned for them to sit down in the living room, Sora and Zexion already sitting there and glaring at Xigbar.

"Roxas… what's it like working for him? Nothing odd goes on, correct?" Cloud knew that Roxas would answer honestly, even if Xigbar was in the room, knowing that he would protect his son.

"Of course not. I just kinda sit around all day watching TV really… I got half of my rhapsody written out- well, the cello part and I know what instruments I'm going to have to use. Its really peaceful, and the view is almost as nice as the clock tower."

Cloud nodded, looking Xigbar over again and seeing that the man was calm, very relaxed and dressed nicely. "So Mr. Elburn… what is it you do exactly?

"I'm a writer. I've sold a few books already, nothing too major I guess… but I go into an out of town office so I leave pretty early and get back kind of late. Unfortunately my house is really boring so, I'm thinking about getting a few things that he could use to keep himself entertained."

"Alright… and does he get days off?"

"I get weekends off so he can have weekends off too… though I might need him some nights- like tonight. I'm holding a small get together with a few business associates and Roxas has agreed to hang back and help me host… I'm really terrible with things like that."

"And what's he getting paid to do all this for you? You're not cheating my son out of money, are you?"

"As if. My life depends on him really… he's already got all my meetings scheduled for the next month. Truly remarkable sir. And as for pay I'm giving him two hundred dollars a week. It'll go down a bit when he goes back to school if he's planning on staying and working, but other then that I think my price is fair and the job is reasonable. I have internet access for him so he can work on school stuff, the phone has a 911 speed dial button, there is nothing unsafe, and I've got a room set up for him if he wants a nap or something during the day. I'm also thinking about getting a dog to help protect him while he's at the house kinda thing."

Cloud looked from Roxas to Xigbar, seeing that Roxas was calm around the man, his hands under his chin and his elbows on his knees, looking at Sora as if having a silent conversation like they did so much.

"Roxas. Kitchen. Now." Sora stood up with a glare and Roxas followed with a slight scowl of his own hands stuffed into pockets.

Getting into the kitchen Roxas stopped seeing the tears almost falling from Sora's eyes. "He-he's not gonna hurt you… is he Roxas? H-how can you work for someone like that? I mean… your just a kid."

"Sora… I'm fine. I trust Xigbar, its fine. He's not even home all day, its just me sitting around for twelve hours on my own not doing anything really. I promise Sora… if something wasn't right I wouldn't be doing this. And the pay is pretty fucking good if you ask me."

"But Roxas! The dude looks like a creep! How can you not be freaked out that he's not gonna touch you or anything!"

"Sora. Like I said, he's not home during the day. We'll see each other for a few minutes around six before I head home. This is a good opportunity for me to work on my project. I still have to get it written and recorded you know. Its gonna take me a while. And I can just… shut off the world at his place. Its so calm, and it's the old house on that hill over there… the one with the really good view.. Its so inspirational for this piece I feel like my soul is being put right into the music I'm writing down Sora, do you know that feeling?"

"No I don't Roxas… I can just play music, you know that. My soul is in playing, not writing it down." Roxas walked over to his brother, tapping their foreheads together and smiling.

"If something goes wrong, you'll be the first I call Sora. I promise… can we go back in there so dad doesn't kill him with his glare now?"

"I guess… but I wouldn't mind the glare staying." Roxas and Sora started laughing as they moved back into the living room, knowing that they were going to have to get more time to spend together.

"I'd even be willing to have you and Sora… maybe even Zexion come over one night for a movie thing. Just so you know where Roxas is spending his days and that it's completely safe for him. I care about his education and I think I have a nice educational set up there. But as for tonight, I have to be getting back before our guests show up… something about greeting people that I just cant do correctly."

Cloud nodded slightly, standing up and looking at Roxas. "Alright… you can keep the job son, but I want you home every night by at least midnight unless Xigbar calls me himself asking for you to stay later." Roxas nodded, smiling at his dad.

"Thanks dad. Now I can finally get Sora that birthday present I've been working on forever." He smirked in Sora's direction before walking towards the car again, moving to the drivers seat and having Xigbar walk up behind him.

"Hey… I drive." Roxas looked up at his dad and Cloud glared at Xigbar.

"Roxas and only Roxas drives my car Xigbar… take the passenger seat." Roxas couldn't help but smirk as he slunk into the cushy seat. "If you want to drive, use your own vehicle next time." Clouds smile widening seeing the slight glare on Roxas' face as the teen closed his door and turned the car on, waving to his family as Xigbar slid into the passenger seat.

~Ó~

Roxas hated the suit, it was stiff, and he hated the feel of the silk on his skin. Granted, it was a good suit, high quality and something high end that you'd find princes wearing. His hair done up in the same hair style he wore every day, determined to not let the suit take over his entire body as he still wore his earring to show off the fact that he didn't care if random people thought he was gay.

The doorbell rang and Roxas walked over from the piano, where a group had set themselves up, playing classical music on strings, asking Roxas to play something on the piano and having him refuse every time they asked.

There were already more people there then Roxas thought would be coming, several were people he recognized from glimpses around town, others people with funny accents he didn't know at all.

The man on the other side of the door looked lively, and by that; absolutely boring as hell. The only thing interesting about the guy was the fact that his hair was bright blue and his eyes were the same amber color that Xigbar's were, only a slightly different shade. Roxas had taken it upon himself in deciding that color of eye distinguished a vampire on its own, all the guests showing up with them and glaring as menacingly as they could at him. "Hello food. I'm looking for Xigbar. Announce me and be on your way."

"Hey! I'm not some stupid door man you blood sucking cretin. I have a name and its Roxas. Get it? Got it? Good. Announce yourself or go on your way." Roxas' bristling with anger at the simple fact that this vampire seemed to think that he was nothing but a walking blood bag.

"I should drain you for everything your worth for speaking to me that way! Do you have any idea who you are talking to? You'd be nothing in our world but-"

"Off limits Sïax. And Roxas, try and be kinder with my guests please. They are dear friends who know much information and have great wisdom." Roxas just rolled his eyes, turning back towards the piano so he could just hide from all the old people talking about past events he had no idea what they were talking about. And all the other day guards and people seemed to be in a very tight knit group that didn't want to include him.

"Human, my guard will be by in a moment or two… make sure you give him everything he needs." Roxas just rolled his eyes and waved a hand behind his head, looking at the shining ivory and ebony keys on the piano, wanting nothing more then to play his rhapsody and he would if it wasn't for all the old vampires who'd just critique him.

There was another loud chime a few minutes later, Roxas got up again, scowl still in place as he walked over to the door, gripping the gold plated handle and pulling the door open effortlessly.

Roxas froze seeing what was on the other side of the door. Bright red hair sticking straight back. Bright green eyes, hovering over two upside down tear tattoos. A smirk on the manly face that seemed to Roxas like it would never go away. His black tuxedo hugging his body like a second skin made of silk.

"Hey kid. The names Axel, I'm here with Sïax care to let me in?" Roxas was just frozen, he couldn't move and he was pinned by the bright green eyes he thought he might be stuck inside as his mouth opened and closed, bright blue eyes wide in shock as he tried to find something to say.

AN: There we go! done with this chapter! And I promise, the plot is picking up next chapter! And… well, we all know who the red head is, right? Right? Well, next chapter; IT GETS MOVING! Also I promise for any spelling mistakes, I checked it myself but there still might be some mistakes, and I apologies. Loves & please review!