Okay, okay! I'm so sorry that this took so long! I've been so busy, and I've had a lot of hardships lately. But all is well now, and I'm trying my hardest to get this story up. I thank you for all your patience and reviews!
LiteraryMirage: Yes, poor Dem. I feel bad doing this to him, but it's all part of the story. I'm sorry I made you wait so long! Thanks for reviewing!
QuarantineVirus: I know, I'm terrible. As for the rest....muahahaha! I cannot say more! Thank you for the review, and I hope you continue to enjoy the story. :)
Sadist-Schemer: Don't worry, you shall find out what happens to Axel. Yes, evil Riku, my comic relief. Love him. Thanks for reviewing! It's good to have you!
MuffinPirate: No! You can't eat his liver, or he will be in pretty bad shape! o.O Glad you're still reviewing and I'm sorry I took so long!
xcupidxstuntx: I know, shame on Zexy! Yet it's all part of the story. Hopefully next time you sign online, I don't have to leave so fast! Sorry I didn't get to talk to you. Good that we finally got that fixed though. Troublesome things. Thanks for reviewing and hope to chat soon!
aydlee: Thank you! I'm sorry! I'm so terrible at updating fast anymore. I used to be quick, but business slows me down. Thanks for sticking around to read and review though!
Renka: Aw, thank you! I appreciate you taking time to review. I love when people enjoy my stories. I hope to see you back!
dark and light heart: Thank you for leaving a review. I appreciate your time and I'm glad you like it!
Akarui Siren: Yeah, I don't really see Dem get rejected much either. I wanted to make it a little more interesting, and it helps with Zexion's confusion. Thank you for reviewing and I hope to see you again!
Lipgloss-x-Lies: Welcome back! Thanks for your compliments. I felt bad making all the stories from Dem's POV (since Zex is my favorite) so I wanted this one to show both sides. I think it's working out well. Thank you for your review!
Wow, I think that's the most reviews I've had for one chapter so far! Thank you all for taking the time. I truly do appreciate it! On with the Chapter!
"You're a very lucky man, Mr. Kimura," the doctor spoke, glancing away from his clipboard. "A light concussion and a few scrapes. It could have been much worse."
After Axel's fall from the roof, they'd immediately called an ambulance. Roxas had ridden in the back of the rescue vehicle with Axel, while Xigbar, Xaldin, Demyx, and Zexion crammed into Xaldin's pickup truck. Unfortunately, injury protocol required that the boss be contacted. It was Saix, however, that showed up at the hospital. He could only shake his head as the doctor informed that they'd be keeping Axel overnight just to be safe before leaving the room.
"I can't believe this," Saix muttered. "I warn you about not injuring others on the job, so you throw yourself off a roof?"
"I tripped, okay?" Axel defended. "And don't worry. I'm fine. I'm not suing."
"That's great news. Well, I have to get this report back to Xemnas. I wish you a speedy recovery, Axel."
He wished everyone a goodnight, and the others sighed, glancing at the clocks and watches. Xigbar yawned and Xaldin pulled the keys from his pocket. Roxas was sitting next to the bed, whispering with Axel. Demyx didn't pay much attention to the others. He was too preoccupied with stealing glances at Zexion. The slate-haired man had practically been sitting on Demyx's lap during the ride to the hospital. But only because the truck was so cramped, and being the lightest, it was only natural he'd be chosen to do so. It didn't bother Demyx in the least. But he could tell that Zexion had been uneasy.
"Okay, let's get back to Marluxia's," Xaldin spoke. "It's late, and I'm sure you want your cars so that you can go home."
"I'm gonna stay," Roxas said, scooting closer to Axel.
The redhead gave a devilish grin, waving farewell as the others left the room. They returned to Xaldin's truck, piled in, and started the drive back to Marluxia's house. They'd been at the hospital for several hours, and the sun was already setting. Zexion was quite fidgety the entire way back, and Demyx could only smile with each movement. It was cute, despite his crush's discomfort.
Once they'd arrived at Marluxia's, Zexion and Demyx climbed out. Since Xigbar and Xaldin always carpooled, they remained in the truck, bidding the others goodnight before driving away. Both Demyx and Zexion stood in place for a moment, glancing at each other.
"So…" Demyx spoke slowly after a few moments. "I guess I'll see you in the morning?"
"Yeah," Zexion replied distractedly. "Yeah, I'll see you."
They each headed to their cars, Zexion to his small black one, and Demyx to his dark blue. Demyx sighed as he fell into the driver's seat. What a day it had been. And now he had to spend the night alone in his apartment. He slid the key into the ignition and turned it.
But the car didn't start.
He tried again and again, only to end with the same results. Great….First he was rejected by his crush, then his roommate nearly died. Now his car wouldn't start and he was stranded. This day sucked! He slouched down in his seat, preparing to pout when a timid knock sounded on the window. His face lit up with a bright smile when he saw Zexion looking in at him.
"Hey, Dem….Do you need a ride?"
Zexion couldn't help but notice how quite Demyx was during the drive to his apartment. It bothered him, because he felt mostly responsible for the unusual silence. All day before the accident, Zexion had been feeling confident with what he'd had to say to Demyx. He had to be honest with the blonde, that the kiss was a mistake. But after the conversation, he felt horrible, like he'd been lying. And Demyx, who smiled the whole time, seemed to take it well.
But now he was quiet, and Zexion started thinking. This whole time he thought he'd been playing with Demyx's emotions. Now, he found himself wondering if it was Demyx playing with his. The blonde stirred up so many feelings inside him, and Zexion was worried. This wasn't him, this wasn't who he was! Zexion was routine, sensible. He knew what was going on! He was never confused! Why now? Why Demyx?
He pushed the thoughts away. Perhaps it would fade. Perhaps he'd been so drunk on emotion he'd just lost control last night. Besides, it had been a long time since he'd hung out with someone like that. It was just a fluke.
"It's that building right there," Demyx spoke, pointing.
Zexion pulled in front of the complex and parked the car. "If you need a ride, I can get you in the morning."
Demyx smiled. "Sure. I appreciate it. I'd take Axel's car, but I don't trust it as far as I can throw it. And I can't even lift it, so…that's…not very far at all."
"Yeah." Zexion looked away as Demyx made eye contact with him for a second.
"Well, thanks again, Zexy," Demyx said, unbuckling his seatbelt. "See you in the morning!"
Zexion nodded. "Okay. If you need anything, just call me."
Demyx paused. "Um…I can't. I don't have your number."
"I never gave it to you? Do you have pen?"
"Not on me. Got a whole drawer of them in the apartment." Demyx shrugged. "Come on up and I'll get one."
Zexion felt somewhat uneasy. But nevertheless, he nodded and got out of the car.
Demyx tried to contain himself as Zexion followed him up the stairs. He'd made a mental promise to himself not to even attempt to do anything to his crush. He would let Zexion in, offer him a drink and a pen. He would keep at least a three foot distance at all times. Anything to keep Zexion comfortable. But Zexion already seemed nervous, and Demyx could only hope he hadn't done anything wrong.
"Sorry if it's a mess," Demyx spoke, unlocking the door. "If Riku is anywhere near as messy as Axel, then you would understand."
Zexion simply responded wit ha small smile. Demyx pushed the door open and let the smaller man inside. Fortunately, the apartment was mostly tidy. Zexion remained near the door, drinking in the sights of the apartment from there. Demyx stepped into the kitchen a few feet away. After moment of rifling through a drawer, he found a pen and a small notepad and returned to Zexion.
"Here, this should work," he smiled, handing over the supplies. "Did you want something to drink?"
Zexion shook his head, penned his number, and returned the items. "No, thank you. Riku's probably home by now, so I have to make sure he had something for dinner. He…likes to skip meals."
Demyx smiled. "Okay. Thanks again."
"It's not a problem. I'll be here around seven-thirty to get you." He turned and reached for the doorknob. But then he paused, shook his head, and looked back at Demyx. "Dem, I…I don't…"
Demyx wasn't sure exactly what happened next. Before he could react, Zexion had completely thrown off the three-foot rule, wrapped his arms around Demyx's neck, and was kissing him. But this wasn't like before. No, these were real kisses, passionate kisses that Zexion had initiated. At first, Demyx thought he should push away. But even if he wanted to he couldn't. He could taste Zexion's kisses on his lips; feel their tongues slowly twining together. He could feel Zexion's body shaking slightly, and Demyx smiled into the kiss, pulling him closer. They were in their own world.
And it was the sound of Zexion's keys hitting the floor that snapped them out of it.
Zexion quickly pulled away, eyes darting frantically around the apartment. He shook his head, quickly scooping his keys from the floor. Demyx wanted to calm him, but he wasn't sure what to say.
"Dem…" Zexion said, his voice shaky. "I…Dem, I'm so sorry. I don't know what's wrong with me. I…I have to go. I'm sorry!"
He rushed out of the apartment, leaving Demyx worried. And very confused.
Zexion had never felt so embarrassed in his entire life. He didn't know why he'd just done what he'd done. Or what he would have done if he hadn't stopped himself. And he couldn't blame Demyx. He'd initiated it himself this time. What had come over him, he didn't know. But if he kept leading Demyx on like this, the blonde would hate him for sure. Especially since he said he wasn't into guys earlier that day! Kingdom Hearts, he needed to get a grip on his impulse control!
He tried to look as calm and collected as he could as he walked up the stairs to his apartment. If Riku saw him looking frazzled, he would know something was up. He took in a deep breath before stepping inside. Riku was pacing back and forth across the kitchen, but he froze in place upon seeing his older brother.
"Oh! Zexion, what the hell?!" Riku exclaimed, rushing to his brother. "What happened to you?"
"Happened?" Zexion nearly choked. Was he that obvious? "Nothing happened!"
Riku raised his eyebrows, walked to the phone in the corner and hit the play button on the answering machine.
"Riku, it's Zexion. I'm at the hospital, so I didn't want you to worry when I'm not home on time. Bye."
"You were at the hospital?" Riku questioned. "How was I not supposed to worry when you leave a message like that?!"
Zexion quickly regained himself, seeing Riku didn't actually suspect anything with Demyx. "It was Axel that got hurt."
"Well, do you think you could have mentioned that?"
"I'm sorry, Riku. My head's been a little foggy today. I think I need to…rest."
Riku raised his eyebrows again, following his elder brother down the hall. "Hey, Zex, are you okay? You don't seem too good."
"I really don't know, Riku." He stopped before opening his bedroom door. "Did you make something to eat?"
"Yeah. I made spaghetti. Want some?"
"No, thanks. I'm not hungry."
"So it's okay for you to skip meals, but not me? Don't be a hypocrite, Zexion."
Zexion found himself getting somewhat irritated. "I'll eat later. Please, just let me lie down for a bit."
Riku paused, then nodded, taking a hint. "Sure. Feel better, okay?"
"Yeah…I'll try."
It was chiller than most mornings and Demyx shivered as he waited outside for Zexion to arrive. Fortunately, Zexion was punctual, arriving exactly when he had promised. As Demyx climbed into the car, he couldn't help noticing how exhausted Zexion looked. His skin seemed somewhat paler than usual, and there was a dark circle under his visible eye. He was sipping coffee from a fast-food Styrofoam cup, then pointed to another sitting in the cup holder.
"I know you don't like coffee, so I got you hot chocolate," Zexion spoke.
Demyx smiled, accepting the drink. "I never told you that. How'd you know?"
Zexion glanced at him quickly, then back to the road, shrugging a shoulder. "You just don't seem like the coffee type."
Then, he went silent, not speaking another word for the rest of the trip. Demyx automatically knew what was bothering him. But despite the fact that it felt like Zexion was teasing him, he knew his crush's actions weren't intentional. Zexion was confused and trying to figure out where he stood with this whole kissing thing. And Demyx knew what that could be like. They pulled up to Marluxia's home, apparently the first to arrive. Zexion shut the car off and made to get out, but Demyx stopped him.
"Zexy, wait," he said, reaching and grasping the slate-haired man's arm. "I think we should talk."
Zexion didn't move, the look on his face troubled. "Demyx, I─"
"Stop. You don't have to say anything. I know what's going on in that smart brain of yours. Just listen to me. I know you're confused, maybe even a little scared. And if you're worried about what the others will say, you don't have to worry. I'm not going to say anything. You're a good friend, and I don't want to do anything to ruin that. So you just take your time and figure things out, okay? I'll still be here, whether you're really interested in me or not."
The smaller man was silent for a long moment, and then sighed. "I'm sorry, Demyx. I don't want you to think I'm trying to play with your emotions. It's just….I don't know what it is, really. It's you. You make me…"
Demyx smiled as Zexion's voice trailed off. "It's okay. You'll find the words sometime."
Zexion gave a nervous smile. "Thanks, Dem."
For a moment, Demyx considered attempting another kiss for good measure. But a knock on the window quickly changed his mind. Zexion's eyes were wide as Xigbar peered in at them through the passenger window, a satisfied grin on his face. Xaldin stood behind him, and Roxas was arriving in a small green car. Trying not to make themselves seem suspicious, both Demyx and Zexion climbed out of the car and walked toward the others.
Demyx attempted to hide his worry as Xigbar laughed. "What's so funny?"
Xigbar could barely contain himself, pointing across the street. "You see that little yellow car over there?"
Demyx nodded as Xigbar burst into another fit of laughter. "Yeah. What about it?"
"That's Larxene's car," Xaldin finished in Xigbar's place. "He thinks it's funny that she parked across the street to hide the fact that she's sleeping with Marluxia. Not to mention that we're here to catch her and she's probably late for work. And she'll probably come dashing out of the house any minute now."
No sooner did Xaldin finish his sentence did Larxene rush out of the house. Xigbar was nearing hysterics, and she simply made obscene gestures toward him they crossed paths. Xaldin shook his head, making to unlock the trailer. Roxas approached Demyx and Zexion, looking somewhat tired. He glanced at the two of them, then a Demyx's car.
"I'm so glad it's Friday," the young blonde sighed. "Axel's fine. The doctor said he can come back Monday. What happened to your car, Demyx?"
"Won't start," Demyx frowned. "Good thing Zexy was here to save me last night. I suppose I should call a tow truck now."
Zexion gave a distant smile. "I can bring you for as long as you need me to. Better get to work."
The slate-haired man started toward the trailer, the faraway look still on his face. Though Demyx knew what it was, he still couldn't stop the grimace crossing his face. Roxas watched, waiting until Zexion disappeared before speaking.
"What's his deal?" Roxas questioned. "Is he okay?"
"He's…got a lot on his mind right now," Demyx replied. "But he'll figure it out."
Roxas raised his eyebrows. Demyx, however, was secretly praying that it worked out in his favor, and that Zexion was really getting the message.
I am going to try my absolute hardest to have the next chapter up on or by Christmas. Just in case I am not successful, I wish you all Happy Holidays, and a very Happy New Year!