The Cogitare Bookstore

By DXMJUNKIE

A/N: Is it sad that whenever I write the word "nobody/nobodies" in my regular writing or with a Kingdom Hearts fanfic, my mind dashes away to the reason I started loving this fandom in the first place? I confess, I am but a helpless fangirl.

Chapter Seven: The Jealousy Situation

Demyx bounced jovially in time with the music. Axel's decorated living room was lively and rambunctious. Dem's long cloak twisted around him dramatically. The fabric was illuminated brightly from the black light overhead making him easy to locate. The smile split across his face never waned, his whole body elegantly spinning as he belted out indecipherable lyrics.

Zexion sat hunched forward on a cracked leather couch, sipping his soda while watching nameless students come and go. He recognized very few. Demyx seemed to know them all and would stop to chat with several or take photos with others.

They'd been at Axel's party for nearly an hour. Zexion wasn't bored despite the fact that this wasn't his ideal scene. Staring at Demyx never got old. He was enamored with observing his spunky lover. Around numerous people Demyx shined and was in his element. He acted totally comfortable around complete strangers. Zexion wondered how he might imitate such behavior.

The room was stifling hot from crowded bodies packed tight inside a miniscule space. The floor pounded under their feet from the bass in the basement, the windows rattling precariously. Zexion couldn't hear himself think properly. He idly wondered if he should grab himself an alcoholic beverage but was hesitant to head down to the basement. He could only imagine how humid it was in that dank concrete death trap.

Demyx plopped on the sofa beside him and leaned back with a careless grin, his chest heaving with exertion. Zexion darted his arm out suddenly to protect Dem's face from a set of costume wings. The dark-haired girl wearing the wings motioned her apology and stumbled precariously. Zexion noticed that her face was slick with sweat and how she was barely wearing any clothing.

Zexion tugged at his black shirt but that act brought no comfort. The material was sticky and stubbornly clung to him. Demyx got to his feet and pulled Zexion up.

Demyx snagged his wrist and weaved them around the hall past the kitchen and out to the backyard. Dem's drink sloshed precariously as he shut the door behind him but he didn't seem to care.

The air outside was blissfully cool, Zexion huffed a sigh of relief. He truly didn't like parties; especially events where people wore costumes.

"I'm so warm!" Demyx cried, pulling his cloak over his head and unbuttoning his long cotton shirt till he was shirtless. He dropped the clothes beside him and brought his arms overhead to stretch.

Zexion peered anxiously at Demyx's smooth taunt skin in the moonlight. He thought his boyfriend looked equally silly and wonderful with the elf ears sticking out. The bow and arrow set was still wrapped around his bare torso with a leather belt. If Zexion was the poetic type he could've written several sonnets about how physically attractive this musician was. Instead he thought about how staring at Demyx half-naked made his stomach clench nervously. It made him feel a little guilty.

"Take care not to get overheated. Your dancing is quite expressive and unreserved." Zexion observed.

Demyx shook his head, excess glitter cascading down onto the lawn, "Yeah, I know. I promise I won't faint or anything. That song is like, my ultimate favorite."

"You say that about hundreds of songs." Zexion pointed out warmly.

Demyx giggled, twirling fast circles like a witch around a fire, "Yes! But dancing is just so epic and totally freeing! And when you have good music- Ahhh life is just too awesome!"

Demyx nearly toppled over when he stopped randomly. He giggled again and dropped to the ground to catch his breath. Axel's backyard was empty since there was no camp fire. They could both hear noise from inside the house and were thankful for the relative silence.

Zexion gracefully sat beside Demyx on the grass, bringing his arms back to rest with his legs splayed in front of him. Demyx placed his palm atop Zexion's, squeezing affectionately. Zexion flipped his hand around and twined their fingers together. The easy physical interaction was comforting.

"Did you see any costumes you like?" Demyx asked conversationally.

"Hardly." Zexion muttered wryly with a grimace, "I sincerely don't understand why women view Halloween as the optimal night to prance about in their undergarments."

"Well," Demyx hummed, "It's probably because these parties are so jam-packed and humid; so the more skin the better. Plus, Halloween is the only night you can dress like a slut and get away with it. The chicks you see in nothing but their undies don't usually dress like that. Well, most of them anyway."

"Still, did you spot that one dark-haired lady wearing nothing but black lingerie with a set of handcuffs?"

"Yeah, that's Xion. She's a good girl, prime example of somebody who normally doesn't wear that stuff. She's usually a prude but tonight she's supposed to be a cop. Enforcer of 'da law! The paper badge she made fell off somewhere and Axel stole her gun for his cowboy getup."

Zexion rolled his eyes in amusement, "Now her costume is that of a sadist."

"A what now?" Demyx turned, blinking innocently.

Zexion's cheeks flushed, "A sadist- someone who prefers to inflict pain and humiliation on their sexual partner. As opposed to a masochist who enjoys pain inflicted on themselves."

Demyx gasped in astonishment, "People really do that stuff outside of porno? Are you talking about, like, whips and chains and wax? I didn't know people did that in real life when they're not getting paid."

Zexion snorted, "Wax? And I assume there are those who engage in that activity. I would have thought you might know more about these things. Being as experienced as you are."

"You make me sound like a man-whore." Demyx frowned petulantly.

"Indeed, Demyx." Zexion stated, "Because I most certainly would use that precise wording let alone date such a person. I was simply referring to the fact that I am not experienced in any manner to such eccentricities."

Demyx chuckled in relief, leaning sideways to rest on Zexion's arm, "Yeah, I know what you meant. I just don't want you to think that I'm a slut, I guess."

"You can be as promiscuous as you want, provided I am your only partner." Zexion added. After he spoke he was amazed he even uttered those words aloud.

Zexion shifted his head around to press his lips against his lovers in a chaste peck. The bookworm still wasn't used to initiating this type of contact but he could tell how much Demyx appreciated it. Demyx parted his lips and their tongues brushed together slowly, the musician tasted like cheap beer and sweat. Zexion could care less. He brought his free hand up to brush through Demyx's gelled hair. They kissed gently, the action a mutual give and take of tongue and lips.

Demyx pulled back after a moment, his mouth slightly bruised. He suddenly blushed and glanced away, the action catching Zexion off-guard. Zexion turned a little more, snuggling fitting Demyx in the crook of his arm. The slate-haired man was trying not to glance down at Demyx's revealed skin.

"Hey, Zexion?" Demyx piped up after a beat of silence.

"Yes?"

"Well… I know we really haven't talked about it… and I know this is your first relationship and stuff and the last thing I want to do is rush you to do anything you don't want to do… But I was just wondering, if, um, maybe you'd like to um… eventually…"

"You're fretting about something inconsequential again, aren't you?" Zexion teased.

Demyx pursed his lips, "Kinda. Maybe."

"So?" Zexion hedged.

"Well… if you want to, you know, whenever that may be and when you think the time might be right… um… jeeze this is seriously awkward." Demyx groaned, falling backwards out of Zexion's arms to sprawl on the grass in exasperation. He felt like such a pansy.

Zexion plucked a leaf out of his hair, expression thoughtful, "Demyx?"

"Hmm?"

"Are you speaking of sexual intimacy?" Zexion wondered, trying to make the words sound nonchalant.

Demyx pushed himself upright and tried to giggle though it came out chocked, "I'll never know how you say that stuff with a straight face."

Zexion twitched a smile, "I may speak with a straight face; however I think the activity we are referring to is anything but straight."

Demyx's jaw dropped, his eyes wide with shock, "Did you just speak innuendo to me?"

Zexion flushed again in embarrassment, momentarily speechless. Demyx reached his arms over to clasp Zexion's thin arm with both hands. His cheek rested atop a sharp clavicle, breath fanning bare skin. Zexion spooned closer.

Demyx smiled thoughtlessly, "Zexion, I am so thankful you're here. I'm so happy you let me be your boyfriend. My life is so much better now that you're in it."

Zexion relaxed, pecking Demyx's forehead, "Let me? You make it sound as if those feelings are not mutual."

Demyx glanced up, grinning sheepishly, "I guess this whole thing is still hard to wrap my head around. You know?"

"I think I may understand." Zexion confirmed, "Rather…"

"Hmm?"

"I sincerely hope that you won't lump me in with those deplorable miscreants who you confessed your feelings for previously."

Demyx cocked his head, "What d'ya mean?"

"I will never treat you as they did, Demyx. And just so we are clear… Your urges, as it were… are also mutual. So don't be afraid or worried or what have you about wishing to take the next step in our relationship. From what Marluxia says such activities are a natural transition with dating."

Demyx snorted, "And since when do you listen to Marluxia?"

"Touché."

"Okay, that's good I guess. I've been a little worried," Demyx admitted with a whisper.

"Why would you be worried? You mentioned how you felt I might be scared away."

Demyx nodded, "Well, yeah, there's that. But I guess I think about it this way- It's been what? Three months since we finally talked in this very yard at that party? And barely a month ago since we started dating? It feels like I've known you so much longer."

Zexion sighed distantly, "I suppose it does seem like a short span of time when you put it that way. Yet I also feel as if I've known you forever."

"That's why it's weird for me."

"Weird?" Zexion stiffed, unsure what he meant.

Demyx frowned thoughtfully, "Well, here I am, this dude who's only had other dudes hate me for being gay. Even in high school, my first boyfriend and all that crap. It was such a messed up situation. He made it seem like we were this disgusting secret that could never be told. Ax says it kinda gave me a complex. And then I met you and couldn't help but think that things would be the same."

Zexion tried to imagine what that might have been like. He couldn't.

"And then… you asked me out. I was so happy and-"

"Dem," Zexion interrupted, "There is nothing wrong with your subsequent emotions. You're human. I confess that I've also been not only amazed but sometimes overwhelmed by how strongly I feel for you."

Demyx felt a wash of tears sting his eyes, he tried to hold them back, "How so?"

Zexion squeezed Demyx's shoulder, nearly pulling the taller man across his lap, "I like to entertain the notion that I am an intelligent, rational man. I go about life methodically and logically. Then I met you and it threw me for a loop. Not in a bad way, mind you. I also worry that I might frighten you, or that this wonderful relationship we share might shrivel away if you get bored of my disposition."

"Pssh, that's not going to happen. I'm a lot more boring than you, Zex."

Zexion snorted rhetorically, "Yes, compared to person who spends the majority of his day in a bookstore with a pink-haired OCD for a boss."

Demyx flung his arms around Zexion, leaning up to press a kiss on his cheek, "No, I'm referring to this educated guy who adores his bookstore and finds satisfaction with his job. He's this brilliantly sexy dude who acts awkward around other people but never that way around his boyfriend."

Zexion felt his heart spike from that declaration; his skin warm and tingling when Demyx pressed calloused fingers gently down his neck. Zexion felt a rush of blood pool liquid in his groin and he was nervous for a moment until he remembered that this was Demyx. Demyx would never make him feel anything but perfect.

Zexion felt his whole body relax, his mind calm and clear when he finally opened his mouth to state, "I'm in love with you, Demyx. And I don't foresee that fact changing."

Demyx dramatically tackled him to the grass, lips pecking butterfly kisses around Zexion's face, "I love you too! So damn much, Zexion!"

They began making out. The action was both heady and fast. Each were breathless when Zexion rolled them over, elbows resting on the grass to prop his face over Dem's and prolong the contact. Zexion began pressing open-mouthed kissed down Demyx's neck. He suckled his Adam's apple before nipping at a collar bone. Neither heard the door behind them open. They were both too wrapped up in each other to notice the ray of light illuminate the lawn around their strewn bodies.

"Damn, you two!" A voice cried out.

The pair glanced over simultaneously to spot Roxas perched at the back landing. His arms were crossed over his chest in apparent amusement with a case of beer dangling by his hip. Roxas was dressed up as a hard-rock singer with fake studs in his nose and ears and tight punk clothing. The blond strode forward carelessly and plopped to the grass beside them while the couple frantically pulled back and tried to appear innocent.

"I leave you two alone for five seconds and you try to hump on the back lawn." Roxas mentioned, deftly handing Demyx and Zexion two beers. Demyx took his and swished back a large chug.

Demyx huffed in pretend agitation when he was finished drinking, "Oh, shove off, Roxas. We know you liked it."

Roxas laughed shortly though his tone sounded off, "I should've gotten a picture to send Marluxia. Would've been the best trick-or-treat on this side of town."

Zexion smoothed his wrinkled shirt, shaking the glitter from his black cloak that had fallen off Demyx's hair.

"Got sick of the party?" Dem asked eventually, just to change the topic.

Roxas scowled and dropped to his back in dismay, "Well I was having fun until jerkwad started flirting with all these chicks and their goddamn perky tits. Fuckin' perverted idiot."

Zexion peered over at his blond friend in concern, "Are you alright, Roxas?"

Roxas snorted, "Yeah, I guess. It just pisses me off how fucking careless that fucktard can be. Seriously, he's all like, oh they're not hitting on me. And I'm like, I have eyes, Axel. I'm not blind even when you pretend to be."

Demyx patted Roxas's shoulder, "He's probably just drunk."

"That's doesn't make it better. And don't make excuses for him, Dem." Roxas retorted spitefully.

Zexion popped the cap of his own beer and took a sip, "You know Roxas…"

Roxas glanced over but didn't get up, his arms spread eagle around him.

"In the last few months I've had the chance to observe your interactions with Axel."

"You're not going to ask me why the hell I'm dating him, are you? Cause honestly I'm asking myself that fucking question already."

"No, what I was going to say is that you two are perfect together."

Roxas finally flung himself up, expression aghast, "What the fuck?"

Zexion nodded, "You heard me. I think it's healthy that you are jealous of Axel talking with girls."

"He's right," Demyx added. "What Zexion means to say is that you might think girls are flirting with him and all, and you may be right. Some will and some won't. But if you didn't love Axel as much as you do you wouldn't get so angry and leave your party to pout about it."

"So you're saying that being a pathetic jealous twit is a good thing?" Roxas deadpanned.

"Correct." Zexion confirmed.

"And let's be serious, Rox." Demyx continued, "How many times have you seen Axel's panties in a bunch because you're the one talking to girls? Remember when he flipped 'cause he thought you'd break up with him for Xion?"

Zexion blinked as he recalled the short girl in her underwear, "He did?"

Demyx cackled, "Oh, god, you should've seen him! I've never seen Axel act like that. He got so freaking dramatic and confronted Xion and told her to stay the hell away from Roxas or he'd smite her like a plague. When Rox found out he got mad at him for being controlling and they had this huge fight."

"How nice that you both find my near-break-up amusing." Roxas sneered.

Demyx smiled openly, "You forget how it all ended, Rox. You guys are glued together and can barely function apart. Remember? You came up during one of my live shows and went on stage in the middle of a song to confess that you were in love with Axel. You did that all in front of your brother! And Sora got all weepy and wished you both the best and told you how obvious it was that Axel adored you?"

Roxas frowned at his beer, "Yeah, I remember. That was fucking embarrassing."

"More or less embarrassing then being perturbed at Axel for conversing with scantily-clad ladies during a costume party?" Zexion murmured rhetorically.

Roxas chose not to dignify that comment with a response.

He turned to Demyx instead, "What did Axel say to you during that time?"

Demyx glanced up with a hum, trying to recall, "You mean after he came whining to me that he'd just lost the best thing that ever happened to him? And by whining, I mean uncontrollably sobbing?"

Roxas quietly murmured, "He said that?"

Demyx crawled forward to wrap his arms around his friend, "Dude, Roxas, my Zexion is supposed to be the one who acts oblivious."

Zexion glared, "I'm sitting right here."

Roxas sighed when Demyx pulled away, "I just get so unsure of things sometimes. I know that Axel loves me, but I wonder if he feels like there's someone better out there."

"I doubt this shall comfort you," Zexion said wryly, "But from what I've seen you are the only human being who could put up with Axel's… ostentatious behavior."

"That's not true!" Roxas suddenly shouted.

Demyx giggled and played along, "Yeah?"

"Yeah! Axel is amazing! People just don't give him a chance-" Roxas clamped his teeth together, amazed that he'd been defending the guy he was supposed to be mad at.

"I see," Zexion allowed coyly, "And you want people to give him a chance? And realize how, as you put it, amazing he is?"

Roxas flung back to the ground, hands kneading his eyes aggressively, "Oh, shut up."

Demyx and Zexion smiled at each other discretely.

"Oh! This is where you guys ran off to!" Axel's voice echoed across the empty yard.

Axel jumped off the landing and shut the door, meandering over to Roxas and frowning when he saw his lover on the grass. Axel bent down on his knees and brushed Roxas's hair.

"Rox? Are you okay?" Axel's tone was awash with pure concern. "Are you not feeling well? Do you need anything?"

Roxas peeked up at his boyfriend through spread fingers and croaked, "I'm fine."

Axel didn't believe him, "If you say so. But if you need anything…"

Demyx chuckled, "He's good. Just a little green-eyed monster trying to scare him on Halloween is all."

Axel quirked an eyebrow, "A green-eyed what now? Roxas, is some chick hitting on you? Cause I'll tell her off in a heartbeat!"

Roxas laughed and pulled himself up onto his butt, "No, Ax. I'm fine. Nobodies hitting on me."

Axel became immediately suspicious, "You're lying, Rox. I don't like it."

Roxas was taken aback, "What?"

"Of course girls are going to hit on you! I mean, hell, you normally look sexy but tonight even I have a hard time not staring at your ass." Axel retorted.

Roxas rolled his eyes, "What about yourself, huh? What about that chick in the nurses outfit?"

Axel blinked, confused, "You mean Aerith Fair? Like, Zack's wife?"

Zexion burst out laughing, he couldn't help it. Once he started he couldn't stop. Demyx followed him a moment later and they both giggled uncontrollably, collapsing with their backs resting.

Axel watched them, amazed. He'd never seen Zexion laugh like that and he didn't understand what was so funny to begin with. He peered down at his boyfriend, trying to find the answer.

Roxas reached his hand out motioning for Axel to help him to his feet. Once standing, Roxas held his boyfriend's hand tightly before smirking down at his friends.

"So, you'll never guess what I saw Zexion and Demyx doing on your lawn…" Roxas slyly mentioned.

"Roxas!" The couple shouted in unison.

Axel threw his arm around Roxas's shoulder, "Ohhhh, did you get photos? We can send them to that pink-haired dude."

Demyx stood, "Why does everyone wanna take photos of us dry-humping?"

Zexion blinked, feeling rather naïve, "That was considered 'dry-humping?' What is the difference between wet and dry humping?"

Axel's jaw dropped, "Seriously?"

Three sets of laughter followed them back inside to their Halloween party, Zexion ducking his head in shame. Demyx retrieved his cloak and wrapped it around his bare torso before pecking his boyfriend on the cheek.

Zexion felt his mouth twist into a smile. Maybe Halloween wasn't so bad, after all.

TBC.