Chapter 11: The Flurry of Dancing Flames (Halloween Pt 2)
Vincent's POV
I moved from the stage, Roxas following as we headed over to get some water. Being up on stage is enjoyable; don't get me wrong, but having that many bright lights aimed toward you tends to make you quite warm. Grabbing some water bottles from the cooler we put behind the stage, we both enjoyed a chuckle as we noticed Riku and Sora sneaking off. I had always said their ability to find someplace private enough to enjoy one another without interruption was the makings of legend. I smirked, and looked towards Roxas' grinning face. He really was cute, when he smiled. Carefully draping one arm over his shoulder, I leaned against the stage, sipping my water whilst he did likewise.
"Hello! Sorry to bother you, but I wanted to congratulate you two on your great show tonight!" I looked over at the sound of a voice, my smirk disappearing via force of habit. Then, I blinked. As a matter of due course, I blinked multiple times. The man in front of us… well he reminded me of something out of The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Mind you, I hadn't watched it of my own free will. Roxas had heard it was funny and blackmailed me into watching it with him. Something I deeply regretted as I had suffered from very strange dreams for a full month afterward. Would it really have harmed me in any way for everyone in our school to know I was ticklish…? Not likely, but I hadn't been willing to take the chance. But, I digress. Nodding my thanks to him, I noted that Roxas seemed unable to remove his eyes from the newcomer. I felt a small twinge of jealousy, and then mentally raised an eyebrow. I say mentally, because as I'm sure you recall my anti-social tendencies have become so instinctual to me that I can barely control them any longer.
"It's nice to meet you guys! You're Roxas and Vincent, right? The name's Axel, A-X-E-L. Got it memorized? I'm Sephiroth's roommate. I got dragged along because I really had nothing better to do. Plus I work at the club you guys played at last. You know, the Cave of Evil? Well, anyway, I liked you guys a great deal, so I figured I'd come to see you again." I noted with some amusement how he moved his hands throughout his little speech, making gestures to emphasis a few key points. However, I also noticed how he, like Roxas, seemed unable to remove his eyes from the other. I instantly recognized the lie he had spouted for what it was. He was here for Roxas… Huh. This is interesting… I've had a few try to steal my lover from me, but they were usually female, or at the least our age. Besides, each time Roxas had recognized it as quickly as I had and immediately informed them of the futility of their actions. Currently, I couldn't tell whether to be amused or greatly worried over this. My usual scowl intensifies, as Roxas finally closes his mouth and nods to him, with a nearly mumbled 'nice to meet you'. This… could not be good.
Axel continues his little speech, apparently taking my silence much as he did Roxas' nod, an indication to continue. "Honestly, I knew Sephy (at this point he looked around, likely to ensure that said silver-haired man was nowhere to be seen) could sing. But I never realized just how talented the people he was working with were. Especially you, Roxy! I was really impressed, that was some of the best bass playing I've heard in awhile!" I blinked again, looking down at Roxas. So, that was his plan, huh? Flatter Roxas right in front of me, leaving him comparing us subconsciously as we stand next to one another. An interesting concept… but one that had already failed miserably. You see, Roxas hates having his name shortened. He is the only person I have ever met, or even heard of for that matter, that hated having his name mangled more than I did. As a matter of fact, the only time I made the attempt he had punched me on reflex, before storming off and not talking to me for a week. I literally watched as the redhead's spell on my lovable blonde break when Roxas' eyes flashed angrily. I quickly shifted myself slightly so as to not be in the direct line of fire.
Roxas' POV
Okay, allow me a moment to explain myself. Many of you were likely thinking 'How could you do that?! How dare you so openly drool over someone else in front of your boyfriend, especially when your boyfriend is as smexy as Vincent!' Well, I'll gladly explain this to you right now.
There I was, happily enjoying a break with my lover (and loving the feel of his body pressed against mine), when this really weird dude shows up and just starts talking to us randomly. I looked over towards him, and my brain shut down. 'Wow… that guy's hair is wacked out… who the hell would want their hair that color? I mean, seriously, it's almost bright enough to blind somebody… and those spikes!!! How the hell much gel does he USE?! Admittedly it's Halloween, but still! Plus, he must have something at least similar regularly. NOBODY could wear THAT hair without some difficulty unless they were used to it!'
Now, during this entire episode, I hadn't noticed the way he was dressed, the fact he was staring at me, or anything else. Then I heard him call me 'Roxy'. BIG mistake. I immediately snapped out of my daze, instinctively getting pissed. I HATE having people call me 'Roxy'. The only one allowed to do that is Vincent, and that's only because he never calls me Roxy unless we've just had sex. And at that point I'm too tired and happy-high to really care. THIS was an entirely different situation. I finally noted his outfit and mentally gagged as I realized what he was up to, running through what he had said so far in my head. As usual, Vincent's timing was perfect when he moved out of the way, and I moved toward this hedgehog-looking freak.
"What did you call me?" I asked in a low hiss, my eyes burning angrily. Apparently, he didn't know what that meant, as he merely grinned and repeated that most hated of words. That name which is the bane of my very existence.
"Roxy, of course!"
That did it. Without thinking twice I launched myself at the guy, swinging. Tomato Head was apparently a bit faster than I thought, though, because with a "whoa!" he dodged my attack, almost twirling like some kind of ballerina. I quickly adjusted my trajectory, moving to strike again. But, it was the same. Each time I struck out towards him he would twirl or lean, dodging me in ways that honestly almost made it look like he was dancing. Eventually, I wound up next to the stage again, breathing heavily while glaring at him. He just kind of chuckled, which made me angry again, but Vincent put a hand on my shoulder, holding me back and calming me.
"Hey now Roxas! Geez, sorry, I didn't think you'd mind being called by a shorter name! Yeesh, I was trying to be friendly after all. Got it memorized?"
I growled again, only to have Vincent drape his arm across my shoulders and sigh. "Axel. In case you haven't noticed, Roxas is spoken for. If you'll excuse us, the time has come for the show to resume." Finishing his water, he releases me and heads for the stage. I turn to follow, but pause. Turning back to Axel, I decide to explain something to him.
"Besides, there's no way I would drop Vincent for you, pal. Who on earth would want to be with an over-bearing, makeup using, obviously immature, sluttish, hedgehog-haired freak like you?"
Grinning to myself at the look of pure hurt and horror on his face, I headed back to the stage, whistling in my head.
Sephiroth's POV
Cloud and I spent a little time together talking at the bar, mostly about work nonsense. Finally, he worked up the nerve (I could tell he had been meaning to for awhile), and asked me straight out. "Sephiroth… after what happened… does this make us a couple…?"
I merely smirked, taking one last sip of my drink. "Cloud. What this means is what you want it to mean. If you want our actions to signify that we are a couple, it shall. If you merely want to view it as a lapse in judgment, or perhaps a one time occurrence caused by alcohol and lust, then so be it. The choice is your own. Think it over. For now, I need to get back on stage." He merely nods, obviously mulling over what I said as I head for the stage. Suddenly, on a whim, I decide I'll give him something to help his decision.
Moving up to the stage, I noted Roxas and Vincent acting a bit more clingy then usual. Well, ok. Roxas was practically attached to Vincent as they made sure no one had messed with the instruments during our break, as Vincent isn't the clingy type but any means, but you get the point I'm sure. Riku and Sora were sweaty, and apparently had found someplace private and secluded long enough to cause the small bit of white on Riku's neck. I quickly pointed it out to him, and he wiped it away with a blush. However, I needed to talk to my brother about something else.
"Roran." I remembered my stage etiquette at the last second, and he nodded to show he was listening. "I need a favor. Use your acoustic for the next song. Do you remember that one song you wrote to throw off your mother about you and Sora?" He nodded, then seemed to understand and walked over to grab his guitar. I moved to the mike. It was time to welcome everyone back.
"Ladies and Gentlemen! We'd like to thank you for waiting so patiently, but we are finally ready to resume! Our first song is going to be rather low-key, but I'm sure you'll all enjoy it! It's called, Hey There Delilah (Plain White T's)"
Nodding to Riku, I began at the correct point.
Cloud's POV
I was hanging out around the bar; thinking about what Sephiroth had said when he took the stage again. What did I want that kiss to be…? I admit he is extremely handsome, and I'm not going to deny the jolt of electricity that passed through me when we kissed. He was an amazing kisser, and I had never felt anything like what I did while he was dominating me like that. Then, my head perks up when the next songs begins, and blink when I hear the lyrics…
"Hey there Delilah, what's it like in New York City?
I'm a thousand miles away but, girl, tonight you look so pretty.
Yes you do.
Times Square can't shine as bright as you.
I swear it's true…
He there Delilah don't you worry about the distance,
I'm right there if you get lonely, give this song another listen.
Close your eyes…
Listen to my voice it's my disguise…
I'm by your side…
Oh, it's what you do to me…
Oh, it's what you do to me…
Oh, it's what you do to me…
Oh, it's what you do to me, what you do to me."
This song… Sephiroth was singing it for me… I could tell. Though the lyrics weren't what he was truly thinking, it was obvious that he meant it as a way to convey his thoughts to me.
"Hey there Delilah, I know times are getting hard.
But just believe me, girl, someday I'll pay the bills with this guitar.
We'll have it good…
We'll have the life we knew we would…
My word is good…
Hey there Delilah I've got so much left to say,
If every simple song I wrote to you would take your breath away
I'd write it all…
Even more in love with me you'd fall…
We'd have it all…
Oh, it's what you do to me…
Oh, it's what you do to me…
Oh, it's what you do to me…
Oh, it's what you do to me…"
Sephiroth… he was trying to explain that he didn't want that kiss to be the end of us… But he would respect my decision. Though he wants us together, he doesn't want us that way if it means I'd be uncomfortable, or if it wasn't what I wanted. I was truly touched… and I knew my answer immediately. There could be no doubt in my mind about what I wanted anymore.
"Oh, a thousand miles seems pretty far,
But they've got planes and trains and cars,
I'd walk to you if I had no other way…
Our friends would all just laugh at us,
But we'd just laugh along because,
We know that none of them have felt this way…
Delilah I can promise you,
That by the time that we get through,
The world will never ever be the same. And you're to blame…
Hey there Delilah, you be good and don't you miss me.
Two more years and you'll be done with school, and I'll be making history,
Like I do…
You know it's all because of you…
We can do whatever we want to…
Hey there Delilah here's to you… This one's for you…
Oh, it's what you do to me…
Oh, it's what you do to me…
Oh, it's what you do to me…
Oh, it's what you do to me, what you do to me."
I had made up my mind. Thanking Sephiroth silently, I ordered a glass of water from the bartender. I intended on being perfectly sober when I told him my decision.
As I went to take a sip from my drink, I was suddenly glomped from behind by a familiar-feeling pair of arms. "CLO-KUN!!!" I fell off my chair, struggling with my attacker before easily pinning him. Once I realized who it was, however, I quickly got up, smiling. "Zidane!"
Pulling himself to a standing position in front of me was both one of my best friends, and my former crush. Zidane Tribal. His brushed-down hair and mischief-filled grin hadn't changed at all, and I couldn't help but smile in response. He was one of the few people able to pull a smile from me, something he constantly teased me about. He was wearing his signature Halloween costume: a stereotypical pirate outfit. He looked like Jack Sparrow without the dreads. "Hey there Clo-kun! How have you been lately, huh? It's been nearly a month since we last talked!" At this point he gives a cute little pout, before grinning again. "Ahhh doesn't matter! It's just so good to see you! Zell and Selphie are here too!"
I blinked a few times, and then gasped. "You've got to be kidding! Where are they?!" I immediately looked around, trying to find them.
"I'll lead you to them, the whole group is here! Come on!" Pulling me with him quickly, we wound up in a far corner of the yard. We could still hear the music and party, but that really didn't matter. All around us were friends from high school and my short stint in the military. The guys and girls were, though close to one another, talking in their own little groups. Well, except Squall, who was in between the two sulking like usual. Ever since he changed his name to Leon it was a little better, but we all still called him Squall, something that annoyed him to no end.
I'll give you a quick rundown of who was here, how I knew them, and what they were dressed as, so please forgive me. Tifa and I had been friends since we were little, having grown up next to each other. She was dressed like Tsunade from the anime Naruto, with her long black hair tied into two ponytails, a purple diamond-shape painted on her forehead between her brown eyes. Her outfit consisted of a grey Gi-style top and karate pants, with a green jacket over them.
Aerith, my ex-girlfriend, was dressed like some kind of wizard or priestess, with white robes lined with red. Her brown hair was hidden beneath a deep cowl, and she was carrying some kind of staff with her. She looked like a White Mage from some RPG.
Selphie, Zell's girlfriend and my old lab partner (shudder), was wearing a Hawaiian Luau outfit, complete with a coconut-shell bra and grass skirt. I wasn't really surprised; the girl was so hyper that she needed loose clothing to keep from hurting herself each day.
Quistis was there as well. Actually, she had been our teacher, but she was extremely young when she got the job. As a result, we connected with her and she remained our friend even after graduating. She was dressed like a nurse, including the hat and a very large syringe.
The last young lady there was Lulu, our group's darkest member. She wore her favorite outfit, a belt-skirt (no, not a skirt so shirt it looks like a belt but a skirt made OUT of belts), and a fur-lined black coat that she left open to reveal her cleavage. To be honest she was extremely smart and good looking, but her demeanor tends to scare most people off. If the two of us hadn't both been in the art club, we never would have become friends.
The guys were over doing their usual. That is, Zell and Zack were arguing about something random while Irvine bugged the heck out of Squall. Zidane, Tidus, and Wakka were talking about Blitzball (like usual). I just laughed and headed over towards them.
Zell, Zack and I had all had the same gym class together back in school. Zell was a martial artist, and about as good as Tifa (though they had never fought so that had never been confirmed). He was energetic, to say the least, and it had made sense when he and Selphie had decided to go out. Their sugar-loving, energetic personalities had meshed perfectly. He was dressed in a swimsuit and tank top, with a surfboard beside him. Apparently, he and his girl had decided to share a theme.
Zack, on the other hand, was dressed as he always was. The guy owned at least twenty pairs of the same outfit, I SWEAR! The only difference was he had added a metal bracer and shoulder guard onto one arm. Other than that, he was wearing a sleeveless, turtleneck shirt with matching pants. While I had an identical outfit that was dark blue (which I had received from him, no less), his was purple. He also had on a pair of brown combat boots. Zack had been my superior in the military; though not the head of our unit he was the second in command at the time. We had hit it off, and I had introduced him to my friends. In particular, to Aerith, who he was now engaged to.
Tidus and Wakka were dressed in their Blitzball uniforms. Both played professionally. Currently, they played on the same team after Wakka had taken over as captain of their team. Originally, Tidus had played for the Zanarkind Abes, but hated knowing he was playing on the same team his father once captained and had quit.
Irvine was wearing a cowboy outfit, complete with his trademark hat and boots. Then again, he always dressed like a cowboy, with denim jeans, a long leather coat, his hat and boots. Shirts varied, but were almost always button-up. I had met him in the military too. He had been a sharpshooter support for our unit, and he was damn good at what he did. After he met the group, he had gained a rather obvious crush on Squall, and began aggravating him whenever possible. Apparently, it was the only way he knew of to get any kind of reaction out of our enigmatic companion.
I watched with amusement when Rinoa walked up and grabbed Irvine by the ear, dragging him away before returning to Squall and snuggling up to him. Rinoa was Squall's longtime girlfriend, and hated when Irvine bugged him. She felt sorry for Irvine, it's true, but she wasn't giving up Squall without a fight.
Being reunited with my friends, I began to chat with them like old times. Apparently, each of them lived not far from here and had heard about the party, so they came to investigate. I couldn't help but grin, knowing it had been Zell, Zack, and Zidane (The Three Zees as we called them) had caused this, always in the mood for a party.
Well, if nothing else, when I told Sephiroth about my decision, I could introduce my friends.
DNS: Yes, Yes, I know the ending sucked but I have to get to class and have hit a stumbling block. I promise I will update ASAP, and hopefully the next chapter won't be quite so bad. As usual, please R&R.
Sephiroth: Please do so. I'm tired of hearing him whine about how horrible his writing is, and the better he feels about his ability to write the more of it he does.