Title: Soaring

By: Metamorcy

Rating: M

Pairing: Leon/Cloud, Riku/Sora, Axel/Roxas, Demyx/Zexion

Disclaimer: don't own

Summary: Everyone believes that high school is supposed to be normal but that was until the Stife and Leonhart group meet and destroyed that … Cleon, Soriku, AkuRoku, Zemyx AU

Thanks for all those that reviewed and cast a vote, here is the result.

CloudXLeon - 3

AxelXRoxas - 2

SoraXRiku - 0

The winner for the second couple is…

Dum dum dum…

CloudXLeon

Thanks for all those that have reviewed and casted a vote. I'm very happy though it's kinda sad to see that Riku and Sora didn't get any. Well now its time for the final votes, for the 3rd couple! Please choose between AxelXRoxas and SoraXRiku.

I don't have a beta so if there's anyone interested, please message me.

Ah! I would have posted this earlier but my main computer crashed because of some stupid virus. But I managed to get everything together. Always keep backup copies so I'm actually happy about. Well anyway, here is the 3rd chapter. Also this one is longer so be happy.

Important Arthur's Note! I've added a part in chapter 1, it's really small and doesn't change the story but I thought it'd be nice to put it. A little futuristic view of what will happen, so if you get the chance please read it. It's only at the top!

Chapter 3: Thermal

Demyx grumbled, looking around the stores in the mall, trying to kill time. He had been abandoned here by his family while they went else where and eventually home without him. However, there was one little tinny-weenie problem with that, he was abandoned here all alone. And for a couple more hours too until they finally decide to at last pick him up from this horrible place. The blond sighed loudly, bored out of his mind, and wandered through the crowd and couldn't help notice some couples that were making out in the back sections where there were no cameras or where there were few people that could see. But he could and he could hear it quite loudly. At one point, when he needed to go, multiple sounds were coming from the men's bathroom and he knew that they weren't someone peeing. Demyx didn't even dare go in afraid that he may be scared for life especially when there was a scream from within. When he got desperate enough from boredom, he went to the only bookstore in the building and sat down for a couple of hours to read manga and tried not to laugh at the jokes that were made or scream when he came upon a scary scene. But after a while, people started to stare at him anyway as if he was some weirdo since he was making all sorts of expressions. Demyx just laughed nervously to himself and buried his nose deeper into the book, hoping that the eyes would go away.

More time passed and five mangas later, he was done. He was happy that he had accomplished his reading for the day and was quite proud of it. Just wait till he tells too!

Demyx left the store and went back to wandering around aimlessly in the mall. He visited clothes stores, trying on garments and anything that looked fashionable. However, everything he tried on was overly expensive and some just looked plain stupid. He had to question why some girls would wear earrings that were bigger than one's head seeing as they were hanging in front of every store. Curious, he held one up to weight it.

Eventually, he left that store and went to Gamestop, taking a hand at some of the games they had on display inside. He tried to kick some serious ass on a fighting one but instead he got his wiped by a six-year old that had bad acne. Frustrated, he stomped out, tempted to give the kid the finger, and turned around to glare as a substitute. He didn't notice where he was going until it was too late.

"Hey, watch it!"

Demyx was pushed to the side by a pair of strong hands. He had accidently crashed into someone, heard a splash, before getting shoved aside like a sack. Collasping to the ground, he hit his knees into the tiles first and then bended over with his right hand taking the blunt of the force as he landed. There was a piercing sting but he ignored it. He shook his head to get his bearings together and looked for the person he had hit. His sea-green eyes widened upon site and fear rushed into his body as he tried to suppress a shudder. 'Seifer! Oh no…'

He looked over the biggest bully in the school that was known for his violent temper. Demyx whimpered quietly to himself when he noticed that the bully was covered in blue slush drink that had been knocked over. The color stained the once clean white coat and the older teen didn't look too happy about that. No, he was pissed. His two buddies were right behind him, staring in shock. The smallest one was a girl with blue hair and the other was a teenager that was much taller than the two and had large muscles.

Demyx swallowed the lump that was forming in his throat. "S-Sorry! I'm so sorry!"

Seifer's eyes turned to him and suddenly Demyx felt really small. He felt like he was shrinking under the pressure and backed away while still on the floor. "Sorry? Sorry!! You think a 'sorry' is going to fix this!" He empathize his point by flapping his blue-spotted coat with his gloved fingers fisting up as they pointed to it. A vein was throbbing on his head, obvious he was angry.

"I can pay for it!" Demyx winced, standing up and looked tremendously frightened. People in the area stopped to watch since it was the largest place in the building, the food court. Some of the employees paused in their work to see what was gathering a crowd and whispered to those in the back area to come out and watch.

"Oh, you'll be paying for it alright…with your money and blood!" Seifer raised his fist back, ready to strike. Demyx let out a cry, ducking down and placed his arms in front of his face to protect himself. He had heard how badly some people had gotten beaten up and how some were even sent to the hospital for the seriousness of their wounds. Demyx just really really hoped and prayed in his heart that this wouldn't last too long.

Then he waited for it, bracing for it, the pain, but after a few moments, it never came. There was a grunt on the other side and a couple of gasps as well as some shuffling. Demyx opened up one eye to see what was happening and gaped with the rest of the crowd.

"Seifer, you're going too far…"

The mullet-haired teen straightened himself up, staring at his savior. He couldn't believe it. For a moment, he thought that it had to be someone else. It couldn't be him, him of all people. But those gray-blue eyes that were cold and emotionless and the familiar scar the adored the forehead, quickly made him believe.

Leon Leonhart had come.

The brunet had his arms around Seifer's own, holding him back and glanced to Demyx with a sharp eye. He gave a firm nod his way and went back to the struggling blond in his arms. "He already said he'll pay for it. That should be good enough, it was just an accident."

"Fuck you, Leonhart!" Seifer screamed. His two lackeys tried to help but a strong glare from Leon that meant doom if they tried anything kept them from going forward. The older blond managed to wiggle himself free and turned around to land a punch. He succeeded and made Leon go back a few feet in return. The brunet kept his calm and shook his head to get rid of the feeling on his face. To the crowd and everyone else, he didn't seem effected by the punch.

Leon's position shifted at that one attack though, getting a little serious, and spent no time in running back, return the gift with twice as much strength. His fist landed on Seifer's face faster than anyone could see and heard a faint snap that echoed in the now silent area. Demyx watched in awe even as the bully fell to the ground, skidding across the tiled floor. The unconscious body stopped at his lackeys' feet and they rushed forward to stand in front to protect him. But they had a nervous look in their eyes, staring at the brunet. Leon huffed, flicking his hand as if nothing had happened and turned to the other. His tall frame overshadowed Demyx and the dark dimness that covered his eyes made the blond almost cower in fear. Leon was really a scary guy. "Come on, let's go."

The brunet forcefully grabbed a limp hand and ran off, dragging Demyx along, who hadn't protested yet nor realized what had happened. The crowd widened to let the two through and they went outside to escape the fuss. They could hear the sounds of people shouting, probably the security that had finally decided to show up at long last. But the people, who were at the counters watching, went back to work. It had been a nice break for them. The high school students kept running through the parking lot, getting away from the building as much as possible and only slowed down when they lost themselves into the mass of cars. Leon reduced the speed in his steps and finally halted, rotating to the other. "You aright?"

"Huh? Oh yeah!" Demyx tried to smile, snapping out of his daze. His mind still couldn't wrap around what had happened. It was just that unbelievable. He waved his right hand to show that he was awake and that this wasn't a dream but then winced at an abrupt throb. He squeezed one eye closed and hissed. "Oww…"

Leon caught the pained expression and reached out. "Let me see it."

The blond hesitated but did as he was told. The other looked over the hand carefully, his fingers running over the skin with care. Though Leon had his gloves on, Demyx could still feel the heat underneath.

"It'll be a little bruised later on but it's just a sprain. Here, let's go to my house, I have some bandages there that can ease the bending a little."

"H-Huh?" Demyx halted in his steps, mouth gaping open once more. Just what the hell had happened? Did he just get asked to go to an enemies' house? After all, the war between the Genova and Stife family expended to the Leonharts since they were friends with one. That and his poor brain was still trying to process this meeting between them. It was official, his brain has shut down.

Leon paused when he saw the face staring back. "Does that make you uncomfortable? If you'd like I can bring you home instead."

Demyx willed his mind to start working and shook his head, smiling brightly enough to make Leon blink at the shine. This was his best opportunity, if he could win over the eldest brother, he could get in a good word to Zexion and his dream of becoming friends would come true. His pursuit for love would have to wait later until afterwards. He didn't care what his family would say after this, he just didn't want to let this once in a life time chance to get away. "No! I'd love to come over!"

"Okay…" The brunet walked off, motioning the other to follow. He was still eyeing the other strangely but shook his head at the thought. He was the one that offered. The car wasn't hard to find especially since it was bright blue and happened to be the only one within a couple feet.

"Nice car!" Demyx smiled as he opened the door to hop in once it had been unlocked by remote control.

"It's my Dad's." Leon turned the engine on and pulled out quickly, shifting gears and headed off. His gray eyes glanced at the passenger, making sure that the seatbelt was on. He didn't want a ticket after all, but as he looked, he noticed that Demyx was rubbing his sprained hand softly. "Does your hand still hurt?"

Demyx, who had been daydreaming, snapped out of it. "Huh? Oh no, it's fine. Thanks again." He rested his hand on his lap and gave a smile, placing his attention to the road. Leon made a few quick turns and went into a neighborhood that was close by. Houses passed by so quickly that Demyx didn't have time to memorize that area at all. There were people in the streets, playing and laughing around. It was quite nice and the houses were homely-looking too. They pulled into a single one that was a little further apart from the rest of the other buildings in the area. But the structure itself was normal, just an average house. "So this is where you live…"

Leon didn't respond and turned off the engine, getting out. He went to the front door of his house and waited for a moment for Demyx to catch up while he was going through his keys, trying to find the right now. The door opened slowly and they stepped into the living room. Light from the sun shining on their backs made their shadows lengthen across the room. It was pass five o'clock already and the sun was beginning its decent into the distance. Demyx instantly examined the place, taking down everything and wandered in further. He remembered to take off his shoes with his left hand in respect and continued to drift around. He could see how clean the place was with all the books and papers on the side in order. From his position, his eyes ran over the furniture, the colors of the room, and even the pictures that were on tables or hanging on the wall but there weren't many.

"Zexion, we have a guest." The brunet called up the stairs. There was a little patter above the ceiling and then came down the younger brother, dressed loosely in black baggy pants and a white shirt. The dark blue eyes turned to the visitor with a raised eyebrow but then he spotted the red spot on his brother's cheek and the bruised hand and ruffled jeans on the other.

"Did you get into another fight?" Zexion asked calmly, heading towards the kitchen where the first-aid kit was located. He didn't like seeing his brother hurt but it did bring a question to his mind as to why Demyx of all people was here…

He too knew about the intense hatred the Stife family had against the Leonharts just like everyone else because of the Genovas. It wasn't hard to find out. Still it seemed odd that one would show up in enemies' territory.

"Seifer attacked Demyx at the mall." Leon stated evenly, settling down onto the couch with the blond beside him. Zexion nodded in response, relieved that it hadn't been a jumping, and disappeared into another room. Leon turned to the other, pulling back his gloves before taking off his bomber jacket. His eyes trailed over the sprained hand again, examining it carefully. Reaching over, his fingers ran along the skin. "Move your fingers. Bend them in."

Demyx did as he was told and winced slightly at the movement.

"Well, at least it's not broken."

Zexion came in at that moment, sitting on the table that was in front of the couch and opened the large white box, taking out the needed items. "Any bleeding?"

"No."

The younger brother nodded again and rotated to Demyx, studying him with one eye. "Hand…"

Demyx stared for a second, not yet registering the command and watched the visible blue eye look over him. He mentally slapped himself back into reality and complied, watching the other wrap his wounded hand. He could feel the soft touches on his warm skin and blushed slightly. The blond was squealing on the inside, he was touching his crush! Well, actually the other way around…but that doesn't matter! He was able to feel the hands he so wanted to hold for so long! Another score in his book! Ah, he could see the light! He tried to keep his thoughts from taking over and swallowed when he felt the hand go further up.

Leon blinked, a small smile breaking out on his face at the scene and twisted away, folding his arms. There was no way in hell he was going to let anyone see him smile besides his brother. But oh, he could tell already about something but kept quiet on it. He had known the entire time about the little crush or should he say large crush, it had been obvious to him from day one. There was no one in the school that would give his brother looks like that and it wasn't the make-fun kind or friendship one either. He chuckled silently, watching as Demyx's blush grow and Zexion asking if something was wrong, it was just so obvious. Though he had to wonder why the others (Axel and Riku) hadn't figured it out. Leon, as he observed the two, couldn't help but approve the making of this little couple though he knew that his brother would need a large push to realize it. He wasn't comfortable about letting someone else into the family but this one could be the exception…

Then there were the rest of the Stife family. They were going to be a problem. The family, especially Cloud and Roxas, the most vicious of the brothers, weren't going to approve of this like he already has. Leon snorted; things were going to get troublesome…

Zexion was almost done with the wrapping when the brunet decided to break the silence, standing up from the couch. "I'm going to start cooking dinner. Would you like to stay or should I drive you home?" He rubbed his cheek with a sleeve to massage the pain, it was still tingling.

Demyx blinked then beamed. "Can I really stay?"

"I did offer, right?" Leon nodded.

"I'll stay!"

Zexion blinked and twisted to his brother in question. A little match happened between them in that second as they stared at each other. But Leon won instantly, vanishing to the kitchen to make dinner, leaving two along.

Demyx smiled at the other. "I haven't introduced myself yet, have I? I'm Demyx Stife!" He gave a bright grin, tilting his head to the side. "It's nice to meet you. Oh, and thanks for the bandages too."

"Zexion Leonhart."

"I know who you are. We're been in the same lunch, just two tables away. I've always wanted to talk you guys but I get a little nervous and then there's your friend, Riku…" Demyx spoke, not budging an inch from his spot. He suddenly looked sad and Zexion narrowed his eye at the expression. "I mean, I have nothing against Riku Genova, it's just my cousins that-"

"I get it." The other teen snapped, silencing the blond and stood up. Demyx appeared shock for a moment. "There's no need to talk about something like that. None of us hold it against you. Now, let's head to the kitchen, it'll be easier to talk there." Zexion took a moment to look at the frightened face before sighing to himself and outstretched his hand. He waited for Demyx to take it, who did, before reaching down to grab the first aid-kit box and dragged themselves to the next room. Leon had already started cooking, making something simple pasta with tomato sauce. The brunet glanced at them before going back to work, stirring the sauce into the pan after draining the water. He added a few herbs and veggies and some spices as well, mixing it all together. Zexion pulled out a chair to sit at the table that was at the center, Demyx was on the other side. He had placed the kit to the side and would put it away later after dinner. It was palpable that the kitchen was used quite often since there were plenty of pots and pans and bottles scattered around tidily.

"Umm…" Demyx started then trailed off.

"What's your relation to the Stife brothers? I mean, everyone knows that you're their cousin and that Cloud is the older brother and the twins are the younger ones. But what about you? Why'd you come here?" Zexion stated to ease the tension in the room, he could just feel the awkwardness.

"Oh! Well I'm their cousin from their mother's side. I came here because my parents couldn't support me for school and that this was a better place. I'm two years younger than Cloud and a year older than the twins. I happen to be one of the youngest in the tenth grade because of my birthday excluding you, Zexion, since you skipped a grade. But even with all the age difference, we're all a close bunch but you know, Cloud kinda reminds me of Leon, you know all quiet and everything, but he's not good with the kitchen. He managed to blow up the microwave once, not on purpose though. Sora is the same but Roxas can cook only certain things. I can do some but not as well. Mrs. Stife can't cook either and so we rely on the microwave to make things for us. It's mostly those frozen meals we eat or takeout." Demyx chuckled, smiling at certain memories.

Zexion shared a look with his older brother when he had rotated around to stare. They both had the same thought running through their head. 'He's a talker.'

"Demyx…" The lavender-haired teen spoke, reaching out.

"Huh?"

"Breath…"

Demyx did as he was told and exhaled. "T-Thanks. I forget to do that sometimes when I'm excited."

"Does all the Stifes do that?" Leon asked, his curiosity perked and continued to stir with one hand.

"No, just me and Sora and sometimes . The others are quiet or in Roxas' case, snappy. He gets easily irritated but he's really a good person, though he's really protective of Sora."

"You're doing it again." Zeion stated, tapping Demyx's shoulder.

The blond blushed at the concern. "I'm sorry, I tend to do that a lot." His body slumped at the thought of disturbing the Leonharts and pulled back. His smile faltered but he managed to keep it up.

Zexion sighed. "It's alright, I don't mind you talking but you went a little off task there."

"Oh!" Demyx brightened and it almost put a smile on Zexion's face if he hadn't smashed the feeling. Both Lenoharts were fighting the urge to return the sensations Demyx brought and it was getting though.

"Alright, enough talk for now. It's time to eat." Leon placed two plates down then a third where he was seating and with some forks in front. Napkins were located in the center of the table. "Anything to drink?"

"Just water. Thanks again."

Leon nodded, heading away to open the cabinet, taking out three cups. He already knew what Zexion wanted before asking and went to the refrigerator to gather everything. Demyx instantly started on the food, twirling his fork gently. But once he bit into it, he grinned.

"This is so good! You're really talented!" Demyx swallowed.

Leon nodded his head again.

"He fell asleep…"

"Yep." Leon folded his arms, staring at the snoozing blond currently on their couch. Dinner had been completed and the two brothers had taken the time to wash the dishes together, leave Demyx to wonder the house, just the bottom floor, not the second. He had offered to help but the two said they didn't need it. Leon looked at his watch for the time. "9:32, he should probably have been home long ago."

Zexion stepped closer, settling down on the couch beside the other and nudged the sleeping bundle a little. "Hey, wake up."

A mumble came from Demyx and he shifted around but didn't wake up.

Zexion tried again a little harder. "Demyx…"

"Zexy…" Demyx muttered, curling up, still sleeping.

"Zexy?" The brothers stared at blond at the same time.

Then Leon spun away, trying not to laugh at the nickname.

"Squall…" Zexion growled, not happy about this development. "This is not funny."

The brunet flicked his brother off by waving his hand and leaned over, patting the blond down. He was looking for something and he hoped that Demyx wasn't sleeping on it or had placed it in an uncomfortable position for him to reach into. When he felt it in the back pocket, he pulled the cell phone out and flipped it open. "I take it he's going to stay here for tonight. I'll call the family to let them know where he's at." He messed with the buttons, trying to find a name he recognized. When he came up to a number called 'home', he clicked the dial button and placed the phone up to his right ear. He listened for the ringing and stepped away from the two on the couch, trying to get a better place to speak openly. Nothing was going to happen while he was gone after all.

The other side clicked. "Hello?" The voice was overly cheery and Leon couldn't help but wince at the sound.

"Hi, can I speak to please?"

"Alright, just one second."

There was some thumping in the background, meaning the holder of the phone was running, and there were voices yelling out. He was able to recognize it as 'Mom'.

"Hello?" A female voice came through and Leon opened his eyes since he had closed them during the commotion.

"Ah yes, my name is Leon Leonhart. Demyx is currently with me at my house, he's actually fast asleep on my couch and doesn't seem to be waking up anytime soon."

Then there was a loud cry. "Hey!"

Leon paused for a second to look at his brother, thinking that something bad had happened. But instead, he found something else. He had to suppress a laugh that was making its way up his throat.

Apparently, Demyx had moved in his sleep, dreaming about whatever, and decided that he needed a pillow. Too bad Zexion was the closest thing. And because of that, his arms were wrapped tightly around the waist, pulling Zexion down onto the couch with him.

Leon tried to continue the conversation with his same monotone voice, however, it was getting increasingly hard to once Zexion started to struggle within the grasp. "I'll be bringing him back in the morning. Is that alright with you?"

"Umm…" The woman hummed to herself. "'Leonhart' you said. One moment."

Though the phone was pulled away, he could still hear the words being spoken on the other side.

"Hey, do any of you know who the Leonharts are?"

"Oh, them. Yeah but not much, they tend to keep to themselves."

"They're friends with Riku Genova."

Leon groaned to himself at that mentioning. The Stifes must really hate the Genova family if they held that much venom in their voice but it was nothing knew. Fans of the Stife would always glare at any Genova or Genova fan and visa versa and it got annoying and fast.

"Why are you asking anyway?"

"Well, Demyx is at their house and fell asleep on their couch."

"That idiot…"

"I can't believe it."

"Well, I don't think the Leonharts have never caused us any trouble before so I see no problems." Leon recognized that cheery voice from before and decided that it had to be Sora, the only male Stife that could be like that.

"Are you crazy?! What happens if Demyx gets raped?!" The brunet scoffed at the accusing, like hell that was going to happen.

"Sora, this is our cousin we're talking about. He's in the hands of complete strangers. Who knows what will happen."

Leon had enough and tuned out the rest of the conversation as the family argued with each other and placed the phone on speaker before heading over to Zexion to help. The younger brother had maneuvered himself around so that Demyx was now rubbing into his stomach then his previous spot at the chest. Zexion had his hands in the blond locks, desperately trying to get the other away. A dark blush was spreading across Zexion's face when Demyx nudged further into his stomach, muttering about something. The red looked unusual on the pale skin since it was so visible.

"Need help?" Leon offered, watching with interest. It wasn't everyday he got to see something this amusing. He wished he had a camera to record this.

The lavender-haired teen glared. "I hate you so much right now."

"Whatever." He leaned over, trying to pry the hands apart but at each pull, Demyx strengthened his grip. "Let go already."

A grumble came from the mass. "No…my pillow…"

"I'm not a pillow, damnit! Let me go!" Zexion panicked, grumbling as Demyx rubbed his head into his flesh. This has never happened to him ever before and it was so embarrassing.

"What the?" A voice came from the phone, clear enough for both brothers to hear. It was deeper than Sora's and it wasn't a female.

Leon glanced to the phone. "Yes?"

"Do I want to know what's going on?"

Zexion answered. "No, you don't."

"Zexy…" Demyx muttered.

"It's Zexion, you bastard!"

"Ummm…" Leon reached forward to grab the phone. "Is he staying or not?"

"I guess he can stay. He's attached himself to something, or by the sounds of it, someone." The two brothers recognized the sigh that came afterwards as Cloud. He was the only one that would really do that. And Roxas would be grumbling angrily so there was no way it could be him.

"Yes, my brother. Is there a way to get him unattached?" The brunet asked.

"Not…really. He has an iron grip and won't let go at all and I mean that. He'll do so when he wakes up but doing that is a chore since he's such a heavy sleeper. It's best to give up and wait it out."

"That's not helping me." Zexion sneered, glaring at the phone, wishing death upon the person behind it. He then turned to the sleeping blond on his lap.

"Sorry, got to go. And good luck." The phone clicked off, leaving the room in silence.

Zexion sighed, fighting and struggling a little more before surrendering into the arms and collapsed onto the couch, trying to find a cozy spot. He might as well get comfortable until morning seeing as he wasn't going anywhere. Leon handed over a pillow, placing it underneath Zexion's head, and flopped down on the couch on the opposite side, relaxing. He was going to stay here for tonight, after all, it wouldn't be fair if only Zexion had to suffer.

"Zexy…" Demyx muttered.

The younger brother sighed heavily at the nickname and ran a hand through his hair. Now that he had stopped panicking, it wasn't that bad, it was actually quite nice. He brought a hand down, patting Demyx on the back. If he was going to suffer in this position, he might as well find a way to enjoy it. Leon watched from the side and rotated away to get his brother some privacy.

Vote for the 3rd pairing! Please! I hope this time it'll be a little more completive. That's always fun!