"Hit me."

The next card was the queen of clubs.

"Twenty-six. Dealer wins."

Xigbar threw up his hands in frustration. "Ugh! I swear you're stacking the deck."

Luxord chuckled at his friend's unfortunate luck. "Nonsense! You're just bad at this."

Xigbar began to pour another round of shots. "It's a game of chance! How can I be bad at it?"

"There's some strategy involved."

Luxord went into a lengthy explanation of gameplay strategy for the game of Blackjack while Xigbar passed out the drinks. Axel tuned out their conversation and listened to Demyx noodle on his sitar. The kid was at least four shots in and sitting upside down on the sofa again with his head hanging off the cushion. As usual, his playing was unaffected by his intoxication and his fingers flew up and down the neck of his instrument effortlessly, never missing a note.

"Man, I'm bored. We should go out! Hit the town!"

"Don't you think you've had enough?"

"Are you kidding? I'm just getting started!" Surprisingly, Demyx downed his drink without choking, never rising from his inverted position. Luxord dealt another hand, including Axel on this round, laying down the deck and waiting for Xigbar's call. Axel chugged his drink in solidarity for Demyx, appreciating his youthful energy.

"Heh, I'm with ya Demyx, but these two old folks here wouldn't be able to keep up with us."

"Ouch! Xigbar did you hear what the young whippersnapper called us?"

"You rotten kids, get off my lawn!"

They burst into laughter as they completed the hand of Blackjack. Much to everyone's surprise, Xigbar won with twenty one at last. He pumped his fist into the air victoriously, and was just uncorking his liquor bottle to pour another celebratory round of shots when they heard the sound of footsteps. Everyone instantly became tense and an apprehensive hush fell over the group. They were occupying Saïx's usual nighttime spot, each now growing wary that it was he who would soon enter the room. There was then a collective sigh of relief as Zexion came in, approaching the group cautiously with a shy look on his face.

"Zexion! Fancy seeing you here!" Axel called out to him, waving him over to their gathering spot.

"Zexion?!" Demyx abruptly reversed his position to upright, wavering as all the blood rushed out of his head. Before anyone could react, he fell forward off the sofa and onto the floor. Not a single one of the group could be bothered to come to his aid, shocking Zexion as he hurried over to lift him up.

"Well, don't everyone rush over at once!" Demyx chided them for their inaction as Zexion helped him back into the sofa. "Thanks a lot, friends ."

"Eh, you're not hurt. Zexion, let me pour you a drink!"

Zexion seated himself on the sofa next to Demyx, prepared to catch him should he fall again. "No thanks. I don't drink."

"Ah, right, I forgot. You don't believe in fun."

Zexion rolled his eyes at Xigbar's comment. Axel leaned back in his chair, trying to conceal his eager anticipation of the inevitable conversation regarding Demyx and Zexion. Zexion was rarely seen out and about at night, and he certainly had never come to join them before. With a polite smile, Axel decided to break the ice himself. "So, what brings you to these parts at this late hour?"

Zexion lowered his gaze, rubbing his fingers along his forehead. "I came to clear my head. I've been staring at that screen for hours… My eyes hurt."

"Shall I deal you in? The game is Blackjack."

"I think I'll quietly observe. I've had enough numbers for the evening."

As they lounged and conversed, time seemed to race by. An hour passed, but each of them could have sworn it had only been minutes. Luxord and Xigbar changed their game to something Axel didn't recognize. Being too drunk to learn a new game, Axel listened to Demyx's music while staring at the ceiling some more. Despite having had several more drinks, his playing was no less virtuosic as he casually strummed the strings with incredible speed. Zexion watched Demyx's hands sweep up and down his instrument in awe, impressed by his keen accuracy.

"So Zexion, do you play any instruments?"

Zexion fidgeted slightly with embarrassment. "Well, uh… I did learn to play the piano as a child, but—"

"No way! You can play the keys?! We should jam sometime!"

"No, no, Demyx, it's been years. I'm sure I can't even remember how to play anymore."

Demyx shrugged, "Never know unless you try. Maybe it's like riding a bike and you never really forget."

"Maybe so. But I doubt I'll ever really have the opportunity anyway."

Demyx heaved a defeated sigh, disappointed that the Organization would have such a huge castle with so many rooms, yet no piano. He had thought pianos were just a standard castle staple.

"What about you, Axel? You know how to play anything?"

"Me? Heck no. I don't have the patience for that sort of thing."

"That's not what I heard." Xigbar chimed in, to their surprise. "My sources tell me that you not only know your way around a guitar, but you're a closet songbird with an angelic set of pipes."

Axel's face and ears flushed, nearly matching the shade of his fiery mane. "And just where did you hear that?"

Xigbar laughed, miming the action of pulling a zipper closed across his lips. "Trade secret. That information's classified."

Axel scoffed, crossing his arms. "Lies and slander, every word of it."

"As if! You were in a garage band! You were the front man! And another Organization member was the bass player. Gosh, I wish I could remember who it was…"

Axel raised his hands in defeat, completely baffled by Xigbar's secret knowledge of his childhood recreational activities. They amounted to little more than glorified jam sessions, but they served as a fun creative outlet at the time, before Lea and Isa developed a curiosity for the goings on in Ansem's castle. "Okay, okay, all right. You got me. But that was a long time ago."

Demyx stared, mouth agape, at Axel, stunned by this unexpected plot twist. "Axel, you've been holding out on me!" He practically shouted, incredulously. "Do you know how lonely is to always have to play by yourself? Who's the other guy?!"

Xigbar lowered his voice to almost a whisper, "I'll give you a hint… it starts with an 'S' and rhymes with 'Buzzkill.'"

Axel glared at him, not wanting to be the guy who had to endure Saïx's wrath if he ever found out they were gossiping about him. For all they knew, he was standing just outside the door, listening to every word they said. Demyx took a few seconds to catch on to Xigbar's joke, giggling when he finally understood. "I'd have never thought him to be a musician."

"We weren't musicians. We were just kids playing around. Stop getting his hopes up, Xigbar."

"All right, all right, lighten up, man. Truce."

There was silence for awhile. Luxord and Xigbar were still absorbed in their card game, Axel sank into the soft cushion of his chair, fighting to stay awake, and Demyx had returned to playing his sitar, oblivious to the fact that Zexion had scooted a hair closer to him. Without any warning, he abruptly stopped his playing with an audible gasp.

"You guys, I have an idea."

"Everybody take cover. Demyx has an idea."

"Come on, hear me out!"

Axel sighed before reluctantly giving him the floor. "Okay. We're listening."

"We should start a band."

"What?!" The group shouted in disbelief before erupting into giggles.

"Seriously! I think we've got all this pent-up creative energy but no outlet. Aren't you the least bit curious how we'd sound?"

"Bad. We'd sound bad."

"Oh come on! We've already got two guitars, bass, keys, vocals… just gotta find a drummer, really. Luxord? Xigbar?"

Xigbar smirked, raising an eyebrow at Luxord. "Well, Luxord's got rhythm, that's for sure. But it's not the kind you're looking for…"

The group succumbed to laughter again. Not disheartened in the slightest, Demyx shrugged off their banter and returned his attention to his sitar. As their laughs died down, they were soon replaced by yawns and outstretched arms.

"Hoo boy. It's late. I'm off to get some shuteye. Demyx, you follow your dreams, kid. They're a precious thing. Don't let anyone take them away from you."

Xigbar's oddly inspirational remarks were met with wide-eyed stares from the entire group. He was usually so laid-back and carefree that it was jarring to see his sentimental side. Demyx was taken aback by his almost fatherly advice, but knowing that his unexpected mood shift was all due to the booze made it all the more heartwarming. Demyx was well aware that alcohol doesn't make one tell lies, but truths, and he couldn't help but smile at Xigbar's sudden affectionate outburst.

"Uh… thanks, Xiggy."

Xigbar collected his liquor and glasses and sent a surprisingly sincere-looking smile to the young musician. "See ya, sport. Luxord, care to join me?"

Luxord flashed him a sly grin. "I was hoping I could practice my drumming with someone."

"Haha! All right, Gershwin, let's go see who's got rhythm."

Luxord collected his cards and the two of them sauntered out the door holding hands. Axel, chuckling, turned his attention to the pair left on the sofa, eager to grill them on their own bedroom activities, but keeping his distance, treading carefully around the shy novice. Zexion, with a puzzled expression, voiced his curiosity about the two men, much to Axel's delight.

"Were they…?"

"Oh yes. Aren't they cute?"

Zexion opened his mouth but uttered no words. Axel, squealing on the inside, casually gave him the rundown with a knowing smile. "I suppose since you're a newbie, you might not be aware of the goings on behind closed doors. You see, Zexion, when it comes to… physical gratification, our options are quite limited, seeing as there are only thirteen of us. We've learned not to be picky. Most of us have… sampled the buffet, if you will."

Zexion raised an eyebrow at him, arms crossed, unamused by his patronizing explanation.

"I was a virgin, Axel, not a moron."

Axel, hands up in surrender, conceded Zexion's argument. "All right, I didn't give you enough credit. So you know that we've all gotten around. But, that doesn't mean some of us don't have our favorites. Let me tell ya, even if I absolutely hate someone's guts, you'll find me knocking on their door every night if they're the best man for the job. So don't worry if you find that you prefer just one 'dish' for awhile."

Zexion couldn't believe what he was hearing. How on earth did Axel know exactly what he was thinking and exactly what to say to put him at ease? He sighed with relief, relaxing some and leaning on Demyx, who appeared to be passed out with his mouth hanging open. Axel leaned in and whispered under his breath to the young scientist.

"That being said… a new flavor has been added to the menu. I'm intrigued."

Zexion, blushing, lowered his eyes, wondering just what he had gotten himself into. He never wanted to make himself into a cut of fresh meat to be sampled by the entire Organization. Still, he knew Axel meant him no harm, and his objectifying statements were clearly designed to quiet the newcomer's anxieties. Zexion appreciated the man's thoughtful advice, even if he did have some ulterior motives of his own. Perhaps one day he might take Axel up on his offer, but this would not be that day. Zexion had his eye on another 'dish.'

"Heh.. there's no rush. When you're ready, I'll be honored to show you the ropes." Axel chortled at Zexion's endearing fondness for Demyx. "Bring him along, we'll have a party."

Axel began to yawn and stretch, surprised to find that he actually felt tired. All this talk of pleasurable company tempted him, but it was a rare treat to get any sleep these days, so he pledged to seize the opportunity if ever it arose.

"Well, I'm calling it. Time for bed," He croaked mid-stretch, rising from his chair. "You kids behave yourselves and don't do anything I wouldn't do."

He lazily ambled to the entryway, looking forward to the comfort of his soft bed. Just before he exited, Zexion called out to him.

"Axel!"

Zexion wracked his brain for the right words with which to express his gratitude. In his nervousness, he settled on the simplest articulation.

"Thanks."

Axel smiled back at him before heading out the door with a wave. "Have fun."

Demyx had spent the better part of an hour resting his eyes as his head spun from his drunkenness. He appeared to be asleep, but unbeknownst to Zexion and Axel, he heard every word of their conversation. He was both elated and relieved to learn that Zexion was feeling drawn to him, but in honoring his code, he decided to keep it to himself and play dumb. He remained still, continuing his charade as he felt Zexion's eyes on him.

"Are you okay, Demyx? How much have you had?"

Demyx said nothing, only responding with a comically loud snore. Zexion giggled, pleased that he was still awake. Competing for Demyx's attention with determination, Zexion reached for his leg and squeezed his thigh seductively, leaning in with arousal in his eyes. Demyx had no sooner lifted his head than Zexion pulled him in by the collar and kissed him with urgency and passion. He began to unzip Demyx's coat and caress his bare chest as their tongues danced together inside their mouths. Demyx had never seen Zexion so feral before. He could feel the heat coming off of his skin.

"Whoa, whoa, Zexion… someone could come in any minute. Let's take this upstairs…"

"I need you now…"

"You can have me. Follow me to my room and I'm all yours."

"Then hurry."

He practically yanked Demyx off the sofa and dragged him out of the room in his haste. They rushed up the stairs and bolted to Demyx's room. The second they were through the door, Zexion pinned Demyx against the wall and resumed their kiss, refusing to pull away even as they tore off their coats and gloves and let them fall to the floor. Restraining Demyx's wrists, Zexion let his mouth wander to his cheek, then along his jaw and down his neck, his plump lips bringing chills to Demyx's skin. Hard as stone, Zexion rolled his hips into Demyx's, thrilled to find him just as stiff. He trailed his hands along Demyx's arms and down his glistening torso to grip him tightly through the thick leather of his pants. His grasp elicited a raspy, barely audible moan from his lover, who pulled Zexion in for another powerful kiss. His hands explored Zexion's youthful figure as he allowed himself to be stroked through his pants, throbbing with anticipation.

When he could stand it no more, Demyx broke the kiss and lowered Zexion by the shoulders until he knelt in front of him. Zexion wasted no time freeing him from the confines of his uncomfortable leather uniform and hungrily taking him into his mouth. Demyx threw his head back, failing to hold back a loud moan as he was overtaken by the intense pleasure. He dug his fingers into the wall behind him, panting heavily as Zexion's tongue dragged up and down the length of him. Much to his surprise and confusion, the supposed rookie handled him like a pro, quickly reading his reactions and changing his technique accordingly.

"I thought… you haven't done this before…"

Zexion looked up at him with a lustful smolder, brushing his fingertips up and down Demyx's erection while he spoke. "I haven't. I'm a mimic. I'm just doing what you did."

"You… learn quickly…"

"I'm a scientist. I should hope that I do."

He ended the conversation by wrapping his lips around Demyx once more. Demyx bit his lip to stifle his moans and whimpers. He fought to keep still as his muscles spasmed with ecstasy. The novice didn't even flinch when Demyx grasped him tightly by the hair and forced himself deeply into his mouth. He graciously accommodated the entirety of Demyx's size with no trouble, a trick even Demyx hadn't mastered.

After greedily devouring Demyx for several minutes, Zexion could no longer contain his arousal. He rose to his feet, and Demyx started to unzip his lover's pants while softly planting his teeth in his neck and shoulder. The uncharacteristically persistent scientist whispered in Demyx's ear in a deep, breathy voice, each word burning with desperation.

"I need you…"

His plea set Demyx off, and he pushed Zexion across the room, nearly throwing him onto the bed. He stripped the remaining clothes off of the apprentice, parted his thighs, and entered him with a forceful grunt. Zexion's euphoric cries echoed in the air, music to Demyx's ears. He suspended himself over his lover, drinking in every feature of his pained expression; the ravenous look in his watering eyes, the glint of his gritted teeth, and the crimson flush of his cheeks. He leaned down until he hung just inches from Zexion's face, listening intently to his soft whimpers and heavy breathing. Zexion clawed impatiently at his back, drawing him closer until he could taste his warm lips, reluctant to break the kiss even to come up for air.

Demyx threw almost his entire body weight into each powerful slam of his hips. Zexion winced at every plunge, his sensual moans joining with the chorus of Demyx's deep grunting. Overcome by desire, Zexion shoved Demyx off of him, making space for his hands to explore his lover's body while aggressively pleasuring himself. Demyx, never missing a beat, accompanied Zexion's rapid strokes with impassioned thrusts, driving into him with unforgiving pace and animalistic fervor.

The young novice was much more relaxed in this encounter, but no less narrow. The feeling of Zexion tightly closing around Demyx was almost too much. He fell forward onto his hands, his imposing form towering over his partner. He gripped the sheets as he approached his breaking point, clenching his jaw as the waves of ecstasy began rolling through him.

Zexion watched attentively as Demyx began to succumb to the pleasure, his arousal heightening at every sign his lover exhibited. The ever-accelerating pace of his heavy breathing, the involuntary flexing of his musculature, and the picture of raw desirous agony on his face nearly did Zexion in, but he held back, having different plans for when he reached his own finish line. With a sultry gaze, he guided Demyx's head down until he could feel his warm breath on his cheek. Zexion advanced on him with his mouth, but did not kiss him, instead brushing his lips against Demyx's in a vicious tease, tracing the shape of his mouth with the tip of his tongue.

Demyx lost control almost immediately, sinking himself deeply into Zexion with a series of loud grunts and moans. The intensity of his climax was overwhelming, and his vision went dark momentarily as the spasms jolted through his body. He pulsed inside Zexion with a powerful sensation of release, so strong that his arms threatened to collapse beneath him. When the waves finally died down, he removed himself and sat back on his heels, panting and wiping sweat from his brow.

"Whew… okay… your turn…"

Still rock solid, Zexion rose to his feet and stood authoritatively beside the bed, giving Demyx a seductive and commanding look. Quickly deciphering Zexion's message, Demyx grinned with excitement. "I see, you want to try now? I'll make it easy for you. Show me your moves."

He turned over onto his hands and knees, eagerly presenting himself for Zexion. Zexion approached him cautiously, hesitating as he took hold of him by the hips, grinding himself against Demyx's backside.

"Come on, dude, don't be shy!"

Snapping out of his anxious spiral and working up the courage to move forward, he began to penetrate Demyx, very slowly. Fireworks went off inside him at the pleasurable constricting sensation as he gradually eased the entire length of himself inside the musician. The intensity blinded him and his breaths ceased altogether as every muscle in his body tensed in reaction to Demyx's tight grasp around him. Lying comfortably on the mattress, Demyx moaned softly at Zexion's presence, enjoying the feeling of the newcomer's gentle and deliberate style.

Zexion's movements remained slow and meticulous, giving himself time to process every sensation. His unstifled gasps and grunts exposed his enjoyment, and he tightened his grip on Demyx's hips in an effort to contain himself.

"Heh… you can pick up the pace, Zexion. I'm not gonna break."

"I'm not hurting you?"

"Of course not. You're about to put me to sleep! Rough me up a little, man. I can take it."

Zexion, appreciating his critique, followed his advice. As the night drew on, he let Demyx guide him until he developed a rhythm of his own. No matter how long Zexion stayed inside him, Demyx's firm hold on him never faltered. The squeezing sensation was agonizing in its intensity, and Zexion found it difficult to suppress the familiar mounting pressure building up inside of him. The closer he came to the edge, the faster he thrusted, and his shallow breaths accelerated in turn. He stiffened further at the sound of Demyx's moaning and whimpering, rising in volume as Zexion increased his speed. Demyx had his head pressed into the mattress, clenching his fists as the vibrations washed over him, taking notice of Zexion's newfound enthusiasm.

"Hey, man, if you're gonna come, just warn me first, alright? I've seen the size of your loads; I don't want to be surprised."

Zexion paused, reining himself in as he processed Demyx's request. He wanted to know ahead of time, but how far ahead of time? Zexion had experienced all of two orgasms in his waking life. What if he didn't recognize it? What if he couldn't tell it was happening at all? What if he did recognize it but too late?

"Okay… I'll try…"

Demyx giggled at the young novice's anxiety, quickly reassuring him to ease his nerves. "Heh.. don't stress, dude. You'll know. But I can usually tell, too. Now, get busy."

Zexion set aside his fears and resumed his thrusting. The pressure and euphoria returned immediately, spreading through his body like an electric current, just as it had before. Spasms rose in his core and, panicking, he stopped again. Demyx called out to him, mildly concerned. "You good? What's up?"

"I think I'm close…"

Demyx chuckled, shaking his head. "Well, don't stop now, dude! Finish the job!"

Biting his lip in concentration, Zexion focused intently on the sensations in his body, watching for the signs as he worked up toward the inevitable crash. The current buzzing beneath his skin amplified to an excruciating degree, and the pressure inside him threatened to explode. When he was certain he'd reached the edge, he gave Demyx his warning.

"Okay Demyx, I'm going to come…"

"Go for it, dude!"

Almost immediately, Zexion let go of his tension and allowed himself to be overwhelmed once more. The pressure released and he was awash in ecstasy. He buried himself deep into Demyx as he came with such force that his ears popped. He strained his voice with his shuddering moans and sighs. The powerful spasms in his muscles took several more seconds before finally subsiding and he slowed his thrusts to a gradual stop at last. Winded and dizzy, he remained still after pulling out of Demyx, recovering from the intensity of his climax.

"Nice, man! Not bad!"

Demyx crawled away from him and flipped onto his back, relaxing on the cool sheets and flashing his winsome smile at Zexion. The novice stood frozen and speechless, prompting the musician to take him by the wrist and guide him onto the bed with a giggle.

"Sit down before you hurt yourself."

Demyx took off toward the bathroom, leaving Zexion to rest there, catching his breath, alone with his thoughts. Except he had no thoughts. His mind had been completely wiped from the moment he reached his climax. He found it refreshing to finally have all the numbers and equations and calculations be silenced, if only for a little while. He could certainly get used to this.

"Demyx… is it always like that?"

"Like what?"

Demyx had returned, tossing a towel at Zexion and returning to his place on the bed beside him. Zexion, struggling to articulate what he wanted to say, raised his fists to his temples and mimed the image of one's head exploding. Demyx laughed for several seconds before finally regaining the breath to answer him.

"Ha! No, it's not always like that. Enjoy it while it lasts!"

They laid next to each other in silence for a long while, recovering from their encounter, staring out the window at the moon. Neither man was willing to say what he was thinking, minding the code Demyx had set during their first encounter. They stole glances at each other whenever they thought the other wasn't looking, eventually being discovered and locking eyes briefly before quickly averting their gaze.

"Well, I'm pretty wiped. I'm gonna crash. Goodnight, bro!"

Demyx rolled over and closed his eyes, waiting to see if Zexion would stay or go. When he felt him getting up to leave, he turned around and reached for him, laying a hand on his shoulder, stopping him in his tracks. When Zexion didn't protest, Demyx scooted up behind him, dragging his fingertips up and down his arm and brushing his lips across his neck, hoping to convince him to stay.

Zexion, taken aback, remained motionless. Demyx's touch sent chills down his spine, and much to his absolute shock, he found himself stiffening yet again. He longed to turn his head and kiss him, but was reluctant to break one of Demyx's rules.

"Demyx… what happened to not making it weird?"

"Do you want me to stop?"

Zexion turned to look at him. The smoldering desire in Demyx's eyes drew him in, and try as he might, he simply couldn't resist.

"Absolutely not."