I'm back already! Not much to say, since I don't want to give anything away! xD Just that this is my longest chapter yet. Whoo!

WARNING: Contains yaoi (manXman), main pairings being Zemyx, AkuRoku, slight AkuZeku, some SoRiku, perhaps some CloudXSephiroth...oh, just expect anything...

This story is centered around vampires. Huzzuh for cliché~ There is OOCness and AU.

Disclaimer: I do not own Kingdom Hearts, any of the characters, place names, etc. I am but a humble, obsessive fan. U_U

MIRROR

When I returned I was disgusted to find Axel missing and the sharp scent of that man hanging heavy in the air, like some sickening perfume. What the hell did he want now? I shook my head and moved through the doorway, my eyes coming to rest on the empty sofa. Normally, this wouldn't be unusual; however, there was another scent in the room, lingering on the fabric. I felt a jolt as I realised the large man was missing.

It was then I took a moment to extend my senses to the rest of the house. He was still here... upstairs. I cautiously moved up the stairway, stepping over the debris of the former railing and gazing warily around the upper landing. I followed the scent to the closed door of my room and stopped, frozen before it. Was I afraid to enter...? I reached my hand out to grab the doorknob and turned it quickly, banishing all hesitation from my mind.

When I entered the room the first thing I saw was a giant figure blocking the light coming in through the window, regarding the destruction that he'd inflicted upon the room when he'd entered. His back was turned to me and he tensed noticeably when I stepped in, his shoulders beginning to rise and fall in a jerky rhythm.

"You...," he hissed in a low voice. I stood with my feet planted firmly on the ground, a stoic expression on my face. He turned towards me; his eyes were sharp daggers as they tore into me. "You manipulative, little monster." I did not let my gaze falter as he took a step towards me, his fists clenched at his sides. "What have you done to me?" His voice was shaking now, with sorrow or rage, I could not tell.

I remained silent. He stood there, seething; glaring at me before finally, he let out a heart wrenching roar and flew forwards, taking me by the shoulders and smashing me into the wall clear across the other side of the hallway. He pulled a fist back, tears beginning to form in the corners of his eyes. I gasped at the impact and braced myself for the pain that was coming.

"Damn...," came a strangled whisper. "You're... really helpless aren't you?" I opened my eyes in shock and looked at the smile on his face. It was a smile full of pity and sadness.

"SHUT UP!," I cried, taking the hands that were restraining me with my own and wrenching at them with all my strength. I could not budge them. I was startled to notice just how small I was compared to this man. "You don't know anything," I hissed. Instead of answering me, he let me drop onto my feet, looking down at me silently. I was breathing hard, my expression fierce and laced with hatred.

"I could never harm you. You're already beyond any help."

"What is that supposed to mean, you idiot! The reason you can't harm me is because I turned you! I'm your sire! There's now a bond between us that you could never... could never..." As I trailed off, I realised that I was trying to use the same thing that tortured me daily against this man whose life I had destroyed and claimed. Suddenly, all my pride, all my strength left me and I sunk to the floor, my head in my hands. I felt the warm wetness against my cheeks, but could do nothing to stop the tears. I felt utterly broken.

I was so absorbed with my own self pity that I didn't notice the man moving until he was kneeling down before me. I did not look up, did not meet those clear, blue eyes.

"You never meant for this to happen." He said it with such certainty. I'd never felt so readable, so easy to pick apart and see from every angle. "I know you think I pity you..., but if you help me to understand you, I will not be lead in that direction." My shoulders shook in a silent, hateful laughter.

"There's nothing to understand," I said, my voice muffled by my knees that were pulled up against my chest. "I am pitiful." A long silence followed this.

"I do not blame you." I laughed again. Each time I moved, my chest began to ache as if my heart was still beating and feeling the sorrows in my mind. "I am regretful that this has happened, but I do not think that Fate has put us here without reason."

"Fate," I scoffed. "Can such a thing really exist?"

"I believe so," he said firmly. "There is reason to everything that happens in life... and death. I know what I've become and I accept it. The bond you described is something I can feel is very dominate within me, but even if I did not carry this bond... I feel as if... I must protect you."

"Am I that fragile," I asked, lifting my head to finally look at him, at the true honesty I found radiating off of him. For some reason, the fear and sorrow that had been choking me was quickly dissipating. This man's voice was soothing, assuring. He went on un-answering as we stared at each other silently. Finally, I let a smirk reach across my face and I pushed myself up, feeling mostly revived. There was something about this man...

"I believe I have upset your life terribly, however I will not leave you on your own. That is... if you would like me to help you adjust to this new life of yours...I owe you that much at least," I said, watching him rise after me.

"I will accept your aid then and I hope you will not object to my being a guard of some sort. I really would like to keep you safe... until you have healed yourself at least." I nodded and extended my hand.

"I am Zexion."

"My name is Lexaeus." We shook and an after thought hit me.

"The other one... the red head, assuming you remember of course, is Axel." My new 'friend' Lexaeus nodded, his face clearly displaying that he was able to recall what had occurred only hours before.

Just as we both calmed down and agreed to have a little discussion over some coffee, there came a knock at the door. I recognized the presence at once.

Halfway home I decided not to see Cloud. If I brought him any information at all regarding vampires, whether it was true or not, he'd be off in a rush, not hearing anything I had to say. What if I was correct and Zexion was a vampire..., or what if I was wrong? What if this so called 'feeling' wasn't what I'd felt? After all, I'd never felt any unease around him before.

I was almost seventeen, plenty old enough to start investigating matters like this myself. I'd go to Zexion and try and figure something out before I even let on to Cloud that I had any leads. For all I knew, I was only being paranoid.

I thought about going home and grabbing my keyblade, but I realised that doing that would only raise suspicions. Cloud, for one, would first question why I was not at school and then start asking more serious questions. Questions were bad. Zexion, on the other hand, might figure out my intentions right away. If he really was a vampire, it was more than likely that he knew all about Cloud.

This new train of thought caused me to stop in my tracks, surprised at what I'd discovered. Zexion had been to our house... and Cloud hadn't noticed a thing. That, in its self, should have proven that Zexion was human..., but...

The strange uneasiness that drew me closer to the blunette's home was becoming more pronounced every time I thought of turning back. It wasn't as if I had anything to lose from paying him a visit anyways. My only purpose, currently, was to find out if he was a vampire or not. As much as I didn't like it, the situation with Demyx had given me an opportunity to go see him again.

I felt a jolt of guilt. Was I using my best friend as an excuse? Why did he always seem to be mixed up in these painful situations? I reasoned that I was doing it for everyone's safety ultimately. If Zexion was a threat... all of my friends were in danger. With this mindset, I marched determinedly towards the center of town, where the two story home was situated.

When I reached the house, solitary among the taller buildings, I walked up the drive without hesitation and made my way to the steps. Looking around as I walked, I noticed that there were very few, actual houses in this part of town, although the apartment buildings were many. Zexion and his idiot friend must have run into some money somewhere... I thought of how unusual that was for your average vampire, seeing as many of those without a coven were usually kicked out with nothing left to them.

That was one thing about vampires. They stuck together often. It was hard to live on your own when the number of hunters was growing by the year. I doubted that the two of them (obviously with the assumption that the red haired bastard was also a vampire) were part of such a coven, seeing as there was not enough room in the home for more than a few people. Covens liked to live in a common area.

I knocked on the door, calming my fast heartbeat with a few measured breaths. I couldn't come across as suspicious. No matter what. After a couple of moments, the door opened and Zexion stood staring at me with a stoic expression. As soon as my eyes hit him, the uneasy feeling intensified and I had to physically restrain myself from gasping out loud. If Zexion noticed any strange behaviour, he didn't let on.

"Roxas. What are you doing here?"

"Hey, I know you're upset right now, but... can we talk?" Zexion's expression remained unreadable, but he stepped aside and granted me access. I moved past him and gaped at the condition the room was in. The entire stairway was destroyed, the railing in splinters.

"Axel and his friend were drunk," Zexion explained in a monotone. "Lexaeus here tripped and broke the railing." It was as the blue haired teen was gesturing to the kitchenette that I noticed the hulking figure. My attention had been so absorbed by the destruction that I'd fail to notice him before. My breath hitched as the same feeling I was getting off of Zexion hit me again. If what Cloud had always said about this sensation was correct, it was clear that I was in a room with two vampires. The door clicked shut behind me.

"So, if I'm not mistaken, you were the one who lashed out at me," Zexion growled without properly introducing me. "Before we 'talk', I would like you to apologize."

"What? You're the one who..." Remembering my real intentions for this visit, I sighed and folded my arms. "Okay. Fine. I'm sorry for chewing you out, alright?"

"Very well. I'll accept that." I noticed that Zexion didn't seem to really care either way. He looked slightly vacant, occasionally sharing a glance with the silent giant. "Would you like some coffee," he then offered, nodding towards the brewing pot.

"Uh, sure." He nodded again and then swept his hand over towards the living room area. "You can take a seat if you'd like." I made my way over to the same seat I'd occupied last time I'd visited and tried to look natural. Zexion made a sign to his friend Lexaeus, as if telling him he could remain where he was and followed me over.

"So... You wish to talk?"

"Yeah. Actually, it's about Demyx." I wasn't quite sure how I was going to confirm my growing suspicions, but for the moment, I had to keep him talking. Zexion did not seem surprised when I mentioned Demyx, but there was something off about his attitude. He wasn't acting cocky or condescending as he usually did. He seemed more guarded than anything. "So... did you really... mean that stuff about him? You basically called him stupid to his face. Were you being honest?"

"Not really," he answered immediately. "Demyx may be slow at times, but he is not unintelligent."

"Th...Then, why say something like that?"

"I was having a bad morning. Is it not natural for one to lash out when they are disgruntled?"

"I guess..., but I mean..., you really hurt him." I saw something flash in his eyes then. It almost looked like veritable regret. Was Zexion truly sorry for what he'd said?

"I will apologize to him tomorrow," he said softly, his gaze averted.

"Okay... good then," I said with a nod. Seeing that the only topic I'd presented was now resolved I thought quickly to figure out something else to say. Actually, I knew exactly what I wanted to say... I just wasn't sure how to approach the subject. I took a breath and began to speak casually, not letting my eyes give anything away.

"I heard they're going to release information soon... about the disappearance. Someone was telling me they might give the identity of the missing person..." I was basing everything around Zexion's reaction. If he had something to do with it, as I suspected, I was hoping to find a clue, some sort of indicator in the way he spoke or acted. Zexion's eyes turned very slowly to regard me, narrowed into near-slits. He had a frightening expression on his face, a dangerous one. I could almost feel the threat embodied in his position.

"Roxas...," he said in a smooth, low voice. "What have you really come here for?"

"What are you talking about," I countered, not missing a beat. "Aren't you curious?" Zexion smirked, but there was no pleasure on his features.

"Not particularly...Although, it does intrigue me that you are able to notice, and yet you remain so unsure, so naïve, trusting..." I felt my heart skip a beat as I realized what he was talking about. He gave a small laugh, noticing my accelerating pulse rate. "Do you still believe that it can't be true... because I'm your friend? Don't be so childish."

"Zexion..."

"If you're still unsure..." He leaned forward, peering over his folded hands, his elbows resting on his knees. ", then allow me to put your mind at ease." He smiled then. A malicious, revealing smile. One that showed me everything. The gleaming fangs... the calm assurance in his wide, reflective eyes.

I had been right. And now I was trapped.

When Saix and I reached the small club, I made sure to note all of the escape routes. It wasn't as if I thought I'd need them..., but it was never bad to be careful.

"So, I have to say Sai, I never expected you guys to be so close to home."

"The Superior's business here is top priority at the moment. He's started to show himself again." I did not respond to that. If He was really on the move again, it was no surprise that Xemnas himself would be here. We walked brusquely through the large, empty room and towards a back door. When we entered, we headed down a small hallway and Saix gestured to a doorway at the end.

"After me," I said with slight gusto. I opened the door and found myself in a room that was entirely dominated by a large table and a few chairs.

"Sit down. The Superior will be here shortly."

"Yessir!"

"Axel," I heard the impatient tone and nearly smirked, but I contained myself... barely.

"Yeah?"

"If you behave in this fashion when the Superior is present... I'm going to have to kill you." I knew all too well that Saix did not make death threats unless he was completely serious. Needless to say, I shut up real quick.

There was a click as the door began to open and Saix violently thrust me down into the nearest chair with an uncharacteristic amount of enthusiasm. Seriously, that guy lived solely for the Superior. Like his obedient lapdog. I frowned.

"Ah. Axel," came the slow, even voice that I knew all too well. Xemnas entered the room, taking his good time in doing so and assumed position at the head of the table. Saix quietly shut the door and sat down himself.

"Hello Superior," I said respectfully.

"It seems as if we have much to speak of," he pointed out with a smile and a noticeable narrowing of his eyes. I remained silent, knowing the time for fun and games was over. Way over.

"Superior," Saix interjected quickly in a curt tone. I have yet to inform you of my latest report. Xemnas' expression remained the same, if not slightly more pinched.

"Can it wait?"

"I'm afraid not. It is quite a vital development." Xemnas looked like he would have sighed if he weren't so formal.

"Very well. Speak."

"As we know, Zexion attacked a human by the name of Lexaeus Hero last night and very carelessly disposed of the body, which later went missing by some unknown occurrence." Xemnas nodded. "I have now discovered that our suspicions were correct and the human had been half turned. I arrived this morning, as ordered, to find that he had been completely turned and is now resting at the residence."

"I see," Xemnas said, his eyes closed and his head down. "We will deal with this accordingly in due time. At the moment, let us return to the topic at hand. Axel, would you like to explain to me how Zexion is coming along?" Saix seemed slightly offended that his newly acquired information turned out to be of little importance and he took on a stony expression and gazed at me, waiting for me to speak.

"Ahem, well from what I've seen personally, it's working great, his power that is. He's still unaware of it though and it works subconsciously, so it's not like he can really control it yet," I explained with a slight shrug.

"Do you believe that if he were made aware, he would be able to manipulate this power?"

"I can't say..."

"Judging by our current situation, I believe it is necessary that he is made aware. He must learn to control it himself. We are running out of time."

"A-are you sure...? You want me to tell him?"

"Of his powers, yes. Nothing else for the moment." I nearly collapsed in relief. As long as he didn't have to know that yet.

Now, as for the other matter. Axel, you were found by the hunters. Both Cloud Strife and the Shinra division know of you. How this information was released, I have yet to find out, however you do realize your situation. You must leave this city, this country perhaps. As of yet, they know nothing of Zexion, correct?" I nodded to confirm this. "It is very important that it stays this way."

"Yeah, I understand. We'll be packed and outta here tonight."

"Oh no Axel," Xemnas said with a smirk.

"You need not go anywhere just yet."

"What...? But I thought you just said..."

"You must leave here eventually, but when you do... it will be with me. I believe it is nearly time that you rejoin us Axel. Zexion has yet to be introduced as well."

"But... he's still not..."

"I have hope that his powers will come more swiftly once he's aware of them. When he achieves them, your duty will be fulfilled. You've had your solitude for quite a while, don't you believe? Do you not miss the company of belonging to a family?"

"Heh." Once again, I didn't answer properly. What could I say? I'd gotten more used to my current lifestyle than I'd ever intended.

"Until this time, I will be sending someone else to protect and... watch over you. I haven't quite decided who yet, but Saix will inform you within a day or so.

"Okay... I understand. So until then just lay low?"

"That is to be your goal, yes." I knew that I was leaving the biggest complication of them all out, the one thing that could seriously get both Zexion and I killed. Roxas. If Roxas found out from his brother that I was a vampire, then it was obvious Cloud Strife would end up coming after us. If I told Xemnas of this... who knows what would happen to that kid? For some reason, I couldn't bring myself to say it. If worst came down to worst, I'd take Strife on myself...

"Very well. You may leave." I was dismissed just like that, with a nod akin to a bow by my standards, I opened the door, and left, heading home to finally tell Zexion this long withheld secret.

I was crying. I couldn't help it. I think I must have been in shock before, but now that his words had truly hit me, I couldn't stop the tears. Roxas had run off somewhere and now I was alone, on the bench, by myself, crying.

Why was I so weak? How come a couple of words could completely break down my walls? I was like a shattered mirror. Was it really what he said that got to me..., or was it that it had been him, Zexion, who said it?

How come I felt so much when he was angry with me, or laughing with me, or making embarrassing jokes at my expense? I'd been thinking a lot about this lately and I think I finally realized the only thing it could be. I felt as if I'd known for a while, but hadn't been able to admit it to myself.

I was in love with Zexion.

The thought echoed around in my mind. It sounded...nice.

"He couldn't have meant all that... He was upset," I said to myself, clutching at my heart. "I should... go apologize. I shouldn't have aggravated him, should have given him his space..." Roxas had told me his address after visiting him at one point. If I was remembering it right, it would only take me a few minutes to reach it.

"He'll forgive me... I hope... No. I know Zexion. I know he will." A small blossom of hope began to grow in my heart and I stood up and began walking. I was going to Zexion's. I was going to apologize. I was going to... Maybe I'd confess some other day, take it slow.

I was in love. The thought made me smile a little.

There it is. Finally. Demyx has realized his love. Phew.

So, Roxas is in a bit of a prediciment, wouldn't you say? He's in a house, alone with two vampires and another on the way. BUT WAIT, Demyx is also headed in their direction! Uh oh.

I'm assuming you've all hear by now, but if not, here I go again. I'm doing a little contest/game thing. If you can guess how many times Zexy's used his power and when, I will write a one-shot fan fiction of your choice. It doesn't have to be KH, or yaoi. I will sincerely try and research whatever you have in mind if I don't know it.

Here's a couple hints since people seem to be having a little trouble.

-It is less than five times

- Two of the times are very obvious

- There hasn't been use of it since AXEL RAN IN ON ZEXION *cough*

-Roxas was previously unable to sense vampires at all

Hopefully this will help out some! Please leave a comment and let me know what you think! Thank you!