Roommates Chapter 4, a kingdom hearts fanfic

Disclaimer: I don't own Kingdom Hearts…I'm not even sure I own myself anymore.

Joh: Nope, sorry, you're mine.

Jessie: Oh, right…you see, after much debate, we found out just who would be the seme in the ever-so-cannon couple of Sora and Demyx.

Joh: Smirks It's Sora…heheheh

Jessie: Sighs I…just can't top. I don't think I could even if my life depended on it.

Joh: I feel powerful.

Jessie: You should. Awighty, everyone—enjoy!

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I don't really hate Riku—don't let what anyone says or my actions convince you otherwise.

I'd despise anyone who had sexual interest in Sora--geez, I don't even know how people got the idea that I hold something against him personally. I don't hate him, just his goddamn hormones.

Believe you me, if anyone else showed even the slightest implication of interest in him, I'd be on their case as well.

And hey, it's not my fault the jerk had to go and start thinking of Sora as more than just a friend, or that he just refuses to give up.

I always knew he wouldn't be any good; from the moment we first met. And yeah, yeah, I know that he claims that it was a total accident on his part when he tripped and destroyed The Castle That Never Was, but it was probably just part of his idiotic plan to meet Sora.

Argh, why did I have to be cursed with having the most innocent and naïve twin brother in the world?

Well, that isn't to say I don't love him. I really dunno where I'd be without him. Sora doesn't quite understand how people can't immediately spot what few similarities we share right off the bat. But I know I personally agree with those who have difficulty. Hell—I'd go as far as to say that we're as different as night and day (I'll give you one chance to guess which twin is which in that metaphor).

To be honest, though, I think that's one of the greatest things about us, though. Our individualism despite our being twins and all, I mean. I'm pretty sure I would've hated being the stereotypical kind that's the first thing that pops into everyone's mind at the mere mention of twins. Y'know, the whole "same tastes in clothes, music and just about everything else" shpeal.

I guess it probably would've been worse had we been completely identical twins--thank God it's only the eyes.

It's kinda funny, really; some people have even told me that I remind them more of Cloud than Sora. Well, actually…now that I'm thinking about it, I guess I can see what they're saying. While Sora's known for his loud and outgoing personality, I'm much more reserved, as well as more or less infamous for some of the pranks I've pulled due to my more mischievousness nature. I suppose I do resemble Cloud in more ways than I do Sora; with precisely the same hue of blue eyes that has been passed down in our family for generations (or so I've been told), with the same unruly blonde hair (not nearly as spiky as Sora's, but in no way less gravity defying), and cool personality.

Then again, the "cool personality" aspect kind of ceases to apply in the company of certain individuals. For me, it's Riku, and for Cloud it's one of his best friends, Yuffie (he tends to smile a bit more, but he also gets much more wary whenever he's with her).

But then again, everyone who knows Yuffie makes sure to be cautious around her.

And then there's me and Sora. Like I said; I personally don't think our similar tastes are all that self-evident. Sure, we both love our religious movie nights (complete with bag upon bag of popcorn, plus soda) and ice cream (although even Sora agrees that I'm a bigger sea salt ice cream fan than he is) and sleep, but those aren't things that anyone could possibly know from the get-go.

…Wow… I really went on a lot, didn't I? I guess that makes sense, seeing as I've grown up spending a considerable amount of time thinking about our differences. I guess it's because I'm happy things turned out the way they did. This way, it just…it evens out well. When I need someone to pick me up when I'm feeling down, I can always count on Sora to get me to smile some way or another (although usually, it's another). And when Sora needs to talk to someone who'll take him seriously –it's amazing how insecure such an outgoing boy can get sometimes– he knows that he'll always be able to come to me for support.

I guess what I'm getting at is…

I wouldn't have it any other way.

…And God fucking damn it, now I sound like a fucking sap.

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▪▫ ∫Chapter Four∫ ▫▪

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Slow down, you move too fast

You got to make the mornin' last—

"…Dem?"

Just kickin' down the cobblestones

Lookin' for fun and feelin' groovy

"Mmm…whadyawaaan Zex?"

Ba da da da da da da,

Feelin' groovy…

"Could you kindly tell me just who the fuck is calling you at—" Glance "—four thirty-eight in the morning?"

Silence

"Dem? Demyx?"

Zexion stifled an irritated groan before blindly reaching out for his nightstand; by the sounds of it, Demyx had left it on his table (again…) and chucking it unceremoniously into the dark in what he believed to be the general direction of Demyx's head—you really could never tell with Demyx. The blonde often managed to twist his body into the most ridiculous positions while sleeping.

However, the resounding thunk and whine of "Zexxxy, why're you so meaaan?" mollified the tired bluenette somewhat, and he murmured a soft apology from where his face was buried in his pillow.

Sure, Zexion loved Demyx, but that didn't mean he also had to love his crush's phone ringing at odd hours of the morning.

"'lo?" Demyx greeted sleepily before falling silent as he listened.

"…Hiya, Xiggy," Demyx yawned, rubbing his eyes wearily. Zexion cringed slightly at the sheer volume of Xigbar's voice; he could hear the ocularly-challenged man's voice clearly from the other side of the room.

"…No, no, I'm happy to hear from you…just…do you even know what time it is?" Demyx asked groggily.

"Oh…well, how—Xiggy, how much did you drink?"

Zexion opened an eye and angled his head to grace Demyx's phone with a sullen glower.

"Xigbar, you're drunk as all hell…because you're slurring, idiot! Yeah, you are. Yes, you really are, Xigbar. …Xigbar, I—ugh. Okay, look. Xigbar? You're totally plastered; shut up and call me back when you're not totally wasted. You have somewhere to stay right? Right. Okay, goodb—waitwaitwait, where?!" Demyx's head suddenly shot up in alarm, and his grip around his cellular tightened.

"No. No. You are not staying with those…but I--" one of his hands absentmindedly tangled in his long hair as he forced himself to listen to whatever Xigbar's drunken argument happened to be.

At last, just as Zexion felt his consciousness beginning to slip once more, Demyx let out an exasperated sigh.

"Okay. Alright, Xigbar, but if you manage to escape from there by some miraculous stroke of luck, you're staying with us, capiche? G'night, Xigbar. I'll see you tomorr—no! N-NO I will NOT have phone sex with you thankyouverymuchGOODNIGHT!"

BANG

There was suddenly a phone-shaped dent in the wall by the door where there hadn't been a millisecond ago.

"I take it we'll be introducing Xigbar to Riku and the rest tomorrow if he escapes from whatever horrid place it is that he's found to crash at for the night?" Zexion asked through gritted teeth, struggling not to get up to finish off the job on Demyx's phone by grinding it into a fine powder with his heel.

Demyx glanced up sheepishly to meet Zexion's irritated gaze, his eyes having long since become accustomed to the dark by this point.

"Y-yeah, guess so. But I'm seriously having doubts about him getting out of that Wonderland frat's turf without incident. Sorry, Zexion, I wasn't expecting any of his unholy-hour calls so early on in the school year," Demyx apologized--mistaking Zexion's fury at Xigbar's coming onto him for aggravation at being woken up so early in the morning.

"It's not your fault, Demyx," Zexion sighed. "Heck, meeting him wasn't exactly your fault now, either, was it? No one could have ever predicted that you were going to be there to break his fall from the Drunken Trampoline Incident."

X X X

It was with great enthusiasm on Demyx's part, however, that he greeted the daredevil the next morning.

"Xiggy!" Demyx cried out happily as he raced from Axel and Zexion's sides to throw his arms around Xigbar in a crushing embrace.

"Hey lil' buddy!" Xigbar grinned, ruffling the sitarist's hair and smirking at the heated protests he received in response.

"Yo, man, how the hell did you get out of Wonderland so quickly?" Axel laughed incredulously as he approached his two reunited friends; Sora, Riku and Roxas looked on uncertainly from where they stood by Zexion.

"You guys know him?" Sora asked in an awed voice, trying to figure out just how such vastly different people could meet, let alone become best friends.

"Zexion…? How old is he?" Roxas added doubtfully, eyeing Xigbar with some concern as the man gesticulated wildly while recounting a seemingly epic story.

"Old enough to know better than to do half the things he does," Zexion deadpanned as they watched Xigbar pick himself up from the floor where he'd finished his tale.

"Is he safe?" Riku asked at last as the salt-and-pepper haired man turned his one, shockingly golden eye on their group and grinned wolfishly before approaching them.

"Just don't make any sudden movements, and I'm relatively certain he won't bite…much," Zexion teased, the corners of his lips quirking up into a smirk at the glare his younger brother sent him.

"Sooo, my buddy Axel here told me that my two other favorite juniors brought me some fresh meat this year. Heh, get it? Fresh meat instead of freshmen? Man, I crack myself up!" Xigbar crowed as he stuck an arm out jauntily towards Riku.

"Oh, now this is priceless. Complexion like a vampire; hair with a silver sheen; that calculating look? This could only be Zexion's little bro. Hey there, kid, my name's Xigbar Gravitas, nice to meetcha," Xigbar greeted, shaking Riku's hand vigorously when the reserved teenager extended his hand.

"And—there's that famous million dollar smile—that's gotta be Sora over there, am I right?" Xigbar chuckled when Sora nodded distractedly, his smile waning as he gazed at Xigbar curiously.

Riku glanced over to where his best friend stood silently before grasping the brunette's shoulder to give him a slight shake. Sora blinked, and apparently snapped back into reality, for his smile returned full force.

"How'd you loose your eye?" Sora asked easily, as if he were simply inquiring about the weather.

"Sora, that's rude," Roxas hissed from Sora's other side. Xigbar, however, simply laughed aimiably.

"Nah, it's fine, kiddo—hah! He doesn't like that name at all, now, does he? Aww, wouldja look at that pout, that's just precious; you've gotta be Roxas! Sora here doesn't beat around the bush, now, does he?" Xigbar chuckled.

"I like that. Kid's got a 'lotta spunk, is all. So, ya really wanna know, do ya?" Xigbar grinned, snickering as Sora nodded fervently. Xigbar's expression suddenly turned solemn.

"I got stabbed while saving some poor kid these gangsters were mugging in an alley. …Psyche!" Xigbar snickered at the expression of horror that crossed Sora's face.

"Nah, nah, nah—for real? When I was twenty-something, me an' a buncha friends all got drunk off our asses and, some way or another, we got it into our heads that we should start whacking away at some golf balls we had lying around. Anyways, when my turn to putt rolled around, I tried showing off, and I, in all my drunken splendor, managed to miss spectacularly," Xigbar grinned sheepishly.

"You see, Sora? As a matter of fact there are some few, unfortunate souls out there who are unintentionally just as clumsy—if not more so—than even you," Axel declared playfully, tossing an arm around the bewildered boy's shoulders.

"And the scars?" Riku added quickly, unable to help himself.

"Oh, these ain't nothing but scratches; you should see my back."

"And his left foot," Axel broke in.

"Chya—can't forget the Angry Moomba Incident. But these range from pineapple to biking accidents," Xigbar shrugged before clapping his hands together loudly

"So, dudes! Who's gonna be the lucky guy that gets to host me first this fine morning?" Xigbar asked, grinning madly.

"'Host?'" Roxas repeated questioningly, fixing the surfer with a curious look.

"Yep! I might've dropped outta college, but that doesn't mean I don't enjoy crashing my buddies' classes," Xigbar explained gleefully, brightening even further when Demyx gave him a thumbs up.

"Awright Demy! Whatcha got first period?"

"Math."

"Well then what are we waiting for?! Let's go fuck around with some numbers!" Xigbar cackled, grabbing his laughing friend by the wrist and demanding he lead them there immediately. The remainder of the group watched the pair race off towards Demyx's classroom in a wary silence, until it was broken with—

"Ten bucks he gets kicked out within the first five minutes."

"Good morning, class," Luxord greeted amiably as he entered the classroom carrying a neat stack of papers.

"Yes—these papers are what you're no doubt hoping for them to be," Luxord answered with a chuckle in response to the hopeful glances his students were sending said papers.

"As promised, I finished grading both last week's quizzes and in-class assignments last night so that I'd be able to hand back today. So, I hope you kept your word as well, and remembered not only to do the homework I assigned yesterday but the ten additional classroom exercises on that page of your textbooks too," Luxord continued, walking forward to start handing the papers back to their rightful owners.

"Please take out your notebooks while I return these…papers…" Luxord trailed off uncertainly as he approached Demyx's desk where Xigbar had pulled up an extra chair, and who was currently tipped back on its hind legs—his arms crossed casually behind his head and his good eye closed.

"…Pardon me, but, uh, I don't think you've got the right class…" Luxord began slowly, his eyebrows drawing together into a confused frown.

"Actually," he continued uncertainly, "I don't think I've actually ever seen you."

Xigbar opened his eye lazily, his mouth already opening to form the usual, smart comment he reserved for the teachers here, when he registered the new face.

The unfamiliar, British, drop-dead gorgeous face.

"Well, here I am," Xigbar said suddenly, making Demyx jump and turn to look at him in confusion. Luxord blinked in surprise.

"Pardon?"

"What were your other two wishes?" Xigbar finished with a grin, leaning forward to rest his chin on his palm as he gave Luxord a very interested once (read: twice) over.

The blonde teacher stared blankly at the guest.

"I'm sorry?" Luxord asked with no little bewilderment.

"Xigbar, cut it out," Demyx begged softly so only Xigbar could hear him; a hand plastered over his eyes, thoroughly embarrassed for both of his friends' sakes.

"I'm not quite sure just who you think you are, thinking that you can just come barging into one of my classes without any invitation whatso--"

"My bad, gorgeous! The name's Xigbar, and I'll be your plaything tonight," he smirked mischievously.

At last, a look of understanding dawned across Luxord's face; however, it was quickly replaced with one of puzzled bewilderment.

"Are you actually attempting to proposition me?" Luxord asked dubiously, his arms crossing as he raised a delicate eyebrow--though was it Demyx's imagination, or was the usually unshakable mathematician turning a bit pink?

"See, my answer depends on what your view towards bisexuality is," Xigbar leered, a flirtatious grin slipping onto his lips.

"And, judging by the way you dress, I'd say yes," Xigbar finished confidently, titling his chair back once more.

There was no question as to whether Luxord was a bit flushed anymore; the color of his face was now incredibly similar to that of Axel's hair (whether from embarrassment or rage, however, Demyx was uncertain). His mouth opened and shut once more as he gave up the struggle of trying to come up with a logical response.

Instead, he turned his gaze on Demyx, who immediately shrank back in his seat, not used to being the target of his friend's Look.

"Mr. Mizu? Would you mind escorting this nutter to Professor Xenmas' office?" Luxord muttered as he made to continue distributing the remaining stack of papers.

"Uh, um, Luxord, I'm not so sure that, eh—umm, well Xigbar doesn't--"

"What Dem's trying to say is that you actually can't threaten to send me to good ol' Mansex's office for a time out," Xigbar chuckled. Luxord paused where he stood two desks away, and visibly struggled to bite back a smile.

"…I haven't heard that particular endearing nickname all summer long. I rather missed it. Oh, well. In any case, why ever not?" Luxord asked, pausing to glance back to where Xigbar was sprawled in his chair, Demyx trying (unsuccessfully) to hide beneath his desk beside him.

"'Cause I don't actually go here man," Xigbar sang, throwing an arm around a flushed Demyx's shoulders.

"Ah. Well, in that case, I do believe that there are other charges I could bring against you," Luxord informed him as he came to the last row of his extremely amused students.

Xigbar suddenly didn't look so smug, but he tried to brush off Luxord's retort with a nervous chuckle.

"As if! Like what, little Miss Prim and Proper?"

"How does trespassing plus sexual harassment sound for a start?" Luxord replied breezily, a smug little smirk quirking the corners of his lips upwards as he finished distributing the stack of assignments.

At Xigbar's prolonged silence, Demyx stole a glance at his black-clad friend, surprised that he hadn't countered with his usual witty remark already.

Instead, the mischievous gleam in his left eye had disappeared, replaced only with earnest interest and…dear God was that admiration?

"Whoa, slow down, dude! No need to get your panties in a bunch, I'll be good; honest," Xigbar assured Luxord somewhat less flippantly than one would expect, waving his hands for emphasis.

"Is that so?" Luxord asked, raising an eyebrow in mild surprise as he returned to the front of the classroom.

"Totally! You won't even know I'm here," Xigbar grinned, leaning forward on his elbows and focusing on the blonde Englishman where he leaned against his desk.

"Hmm…well, I suppose I could forget to mention this to dear Professor Xenmas," Luxord drawled thoughtfully, "on the condition that you prove not to be any further of a distraction to my students than you have already."

"I guess I can dig that, but the only reason I even started is 'cause you started the disruption."

"Really, now? How do you figure that?" Luxord asked, a hint of genuine curiosity creeping into his voice.

"Simple, man. You walked into the room and started the disruption in my pants."

X X X

"Bow chicka bow wow… Damn, Demyx, why didn't you tell me that you actually scored a hot teacher this year? I would've swung by sooner!" Xigbar exclaimed happily the moment the pair turned the corner of the hallway that lead up to said mathematician's classroom. Meanwhile, Demyx's face was burning.

"Xigbar, I didn't even know you swung that way," Demyx muttered, his ears blazing at this point.

"Demyx, I'm hurt; I thought you knew me better than that!" Xigbar scolded the musician playfully. "Far as I'm concerned, as long as two people are gettin' some, gender shouldn't come remotely close to counting as an issue."

"...So does that mean that when you called me last night, you were actually serious…?" Demyx trailed off timidly, suddenly remembered Xigbar's drunken proposition from last night's call too clearly.

"Dude…I called you last night? I wasn't aware that I'd done anything more than crash on the kitchen counter…for fuck's sake Dem—I gave wasted a new meaning yesterday! Awright, what the hell did I want?" Xigbar asked expectantly, already convinced that it must have been sort of come on by the intensity of Demyx's blush.

"You were looking for phone sex," Demyx informed him sheepishly—laughing at the vaguely appalled look that crossed over Xigbar's face as he processed that particular thought.

"Shit—sorry about that, man, but as if. I'm not exactly into the idea of pedophilia (at least, I don't think I am). Sorry if I got your hopes up," Xigbar teased, grinning madly as Demyx's enormously relieved expression became into a pout.

"But still…the least you coulda done was warn me," Demyx insisted, toying idly with the strap of his bag.

"And to think that I was gonna introduce the both of you after class," Demyx groaned, gesturing vaguely.

The two halted abruptly, Xigbar's hand already having flown out to grab Demyx's wrist to stop him from walking any further

"Dude. You know him?" Xigbar gawked, suddenly gazing at Demyx with something boarding reverence. Demyx's face fell.

"Disregarding the point that he's my teacher, yes, Xigbar, I know him. He's one of my best friends. I met him in freshman year, and ever since, we—ack!"

The ack, of course, was Demyx's intelligent response to Xigbar suddenly spinning him around to face the way they just came.

"What the hell are we waiting for, then?! C'mon!" Xigbar exclaimed, jumping at the opportunity to see his latest love interest again.

Instead of fallowing suit as per usual, Demyx grabbed Xigbar's wrist desperately with both hands and dug his heels into the floor, stopping the excited gunman in his tracks. Xigbar let out an indignant squawk in response, drawing even more eyes to them.

"I think you two spoke plenty in class," Demyx replied hastily, tugging on Xigbar's hand in a silent plea to simply meet back up with the rest of the group for lunch.

Xigbar tried to scare Demyx into compliance with a glare, but quickly gave up with a huffy sigh.

"Damn it, Dem, you know I've got a soft spot for you," Xigbar grumbled, turning around to stalk down the hallway, his arms crossed over his chest sullenly. Demyx heaved a sigh of relief before rushing to catch up to his friend.

"Thanks, Xiggy," Demyx beamed at Xigbar as they approached the doorway to the dining hall; his smile widening a fraction (if possible) upon catching sight of a shock of red hair beside a shorter head of messy, blonde spikes.

"Whatever, man. What I don't get, however, is why you're so adamant about letting me chill out--"

"--Proposition," Demyx interupted.

"Chillin' out, propositioning, they're practically the same thing. Point is," Xigbar continued over Demyx's snort of exasperated amusement, "I don't see what's so wrong with letting two of your best pals have some quality time together—in a coffee shop, on a table, whatever!"

"It's just…weird!" Demyx groaned.

"What is?" Xigbar blinked, surprised at Demyx's behavior. Usually the blonde was all too happy to let his friends hang out with one another; it was no question that Demyx loved it when his friends got along just as much as when he hung out with them himself.

"Because, you're like, two of my best friends! Don't you think it's a little awkward for me, seeing you two flirting right next to me--"

"Uh, I'm pretty sure the hitting-onage was one-sided, lil' buddy," Xigbar laughed.

"Xigbar, he was playing along with you. Luxord never plays coy in class. Outside maybe, but never during class. He's interested, believe me." Demyx did his best to ignore the ecstatic grin that was threatening to split Xigbar's face in half.

"Anyways, so how do you think I feel when, all of a sudden, two of my best friends who I've assumed to be straight up until this point, start coming onto one another?"

"Oh, c'mon Dem, it's not like it's any different than what you're up to with Sunshine over there," Xigbar scoffed, gesturing vaguely towards the doors where their friends were waiting. Demyx stared vacantly at his older companion.

"What are you talking about?" Demyx asked, wearing a look of utter bafflement. Xigbar stopped to stare back at Demyx blankly.

"Wait, you're not with…?" Xigbar began, before suddenly lifting a hand to wave back at Axel, who had apparently just spotted them standing a few yards away.

"I'm not with who, Xig?" Demyx persisted, his ocean eyes gazing curiously at the gunman as he waited for his friend to finish his thought.

"Nah, it doesn't matter," Xigbar replied dismissively, before his face lit up with a grin.

"C'mon, Dem, let's go! I'm starved; I worked up an appetite fantasizing about all the possible ways I could fuck that man to Sunday," Xigbar declared loudly, snickering at the color that rushed to the sitarist's face.

"Oh, God, the images! Zexy, make them go away!" Demyx suddenly wailed as he rushed to bury his face into the shoulder of an unsuspecting Zexion, who nevertheless raised his arms to comfort the somewhat hysterical blonde.

"Xigbar, what on Earth did you say to him to scar his fragile mind to this extent?" Zexion demanded as he shifted Demyx slightly in order to better distribute their combined weight.

"Don't blame me--I just gave the kid a lil' taste of what goes on in my mind! Not my fault he couldn't handle it," Xigbar shrugged in a failed attempt to look reassuring even as Zexion and Axel made similar sounds of dismay while Sora exchanged worried glances with Riku and Roxas.

"Dude," Axel whispered in awe as Demyx whined pitifully, "I think you might've broken him."

"Aww, it's nothing a little pocky won't fix," Xigbar smirked knowingly as Demyx tilted his head to peer at him around Zexion's shoulder.

"Pocky?" Demyx repeated, brightening at the mention of his favorite treat. Xigbar reached into a pocket to retrieve a package of said snack, laughing when Demyx launched himself from his vaguely affronted-looking best friend to throw his arms around the ocularly-challenged man with a manly squeal of delight.

Because that's just what Demyx totally was. Manly.

"I'll completely forget about your mentally scaring me for life in exchange for some pocky," Demyx offered eagerly, utilizing his puppy-dog eyes to the best of his abilities.

"Sounds like a fair trade to me," Xigbar agreed as he relinquished the strawberry flavored treat to the blonde, watching as Sora joined Demyx in hopping about jubilantly with no little amusement.

A few moments later Zexion felt a tap on his shoulder, and he glanced back to see a dubious looking Xigbar; immediately, the hint of a smile that had managed to work its way onto his lips as he'd watched the two Strifes dancing disappeared completely.

"Yes?" Zexion murmured, so as not to draw the rest of the group's attention away from where it was firmly set on where the two boys had collapsed to the floor in a giggling heap.

"Outta curiosity," Xigbar began delicately, "are you even aware that your, like, soul mate doesn't seem to realize that you were kinda supposed to get together forever ago?"

Zexion couldn't quite manage to completely suppress the irritated growl that rose in his throat at Xigbar's remark.

"Xigbar? Shut up," Zexion replied icily.

"C'mon, Loverboy--what the hell's taking you so long to make a fucking move on him?" Xigbar continued incredulously before breaking off to stare at Zexion very seriously.

"Please tell me that the two of you have at least kissed. Please," he implored somewhat desperately; looking as though he'd very much like to strangle Zexion when the junior became suddenly intrigued with his shoelaces.

"Fuck, Zex, you're supposed to be the smart one. It doesn't take a genius to figure out that you should've bedded the kid ages ago," Xigbar groaned

"Xigbar…"

"I mean, dude. If you don't start courting after him soon, someone else will; that I can guarantee you."

"Xigbar, I don't—"

"Hell, the kid's one in a million! He's a genuine catch! It's not hard to see that, so I don't really know just what you're playing at, smarty-pants. He won't be around forever--"

"I don't even know if he's gay and he sure as hell doesn't know I am," Zexion hissed venomously, raking a hand through his slate-colored strands in a rare gesture of open aggravation.

Xigbar fell silent, regarding Zexion with a contemplative look for a few moments before letting out a hearty chuckle.

"What the hell's so funny?" Zexion snapped, glaring daggers at the gunman.

"Well damn! Is that all that's stopping you?" Xigbar asked, honestly surprised.

"So the possibility of loosing the one person you care most about in the entire world because you confessed your undying adoration for them when they didn't share your sexuality wouldn't stop you?" Zexion retorted.

When Xigbar merely grinned, Zexion slapped a hand over his eyes, muttering something that sounded suspiciously along the lines of "I'm having this conversation with the worst person possible" before he released a sigh.

"Hey, hey, hey! I'd give it some thought if honestly were to come to that. I mean, I know how tight you two are, Zex—I just thought you guys woulda shared something like that years ago. Point is, if that's all that's stopping you…" Xigbar grinned mischievously, "I think I can help you there."

Zexion gazed blankly at him before his eyes traveled back over to where Demyx and Sora were finally pulling themselves together. Bright ocean eyes met stormy blue, and Demyx beamed at him, gesturing for him to follow as they started towards the main exit.

At last, Zexion's gaze met Xigbar's, eyes filled with an emotion that would've been called helplessness had he been anyone else.

"What do you mean?"

"No."

"I knew there was a slight chance you wouldn't like that bit, kiddo, but I'm just—"

"No."

"Zex, man, will you just listen for a sec and let me finish?" Xigbar pleaded as he suddenly found himself jogging to keep up with Zexion, who had caught up to where Axel was casually strolling a few feet behind Roxas.

Axel glanced to his side at the sound of footsteps, both eyebrows raising at the seething expression on Zexion's face.

"Uh, Zex? You okay there?" Axel tried uncertainly. When there was no response other than that of Zexion's eyes darkening further, Axel let out a low whistle as he threw a semi-impressed look over his shoulder.

"Damn, Xig, the hell you do to him?" Axel asked, trying vainly to hide the interest in his voice.

"I didn't do nothin'! I was justtrying to give Zex some pointers in the art of romance," Xigbar explained, ignoring the glare Zexion sent his way.

Axel found he simply couldn't contain his curiosity (as well as his amusement, for that matter) any more. Grinning wickedly, he slipped an arm around Zexion's shoulders, who immediately stiffened at the unwanted contact.

"To be honest, I've seen no faults in Xigbar's actions--"

"His so-called advice insinuated that I get Demyx drunk," Zexion ground out between gritted teeth, shrugging Axel's arm off irritably.

Axel's expression was suddenly murderous.

"Hey, hey, hey--don't make me the bad guy here! I care about Dem's wellbeing just as much as you do!" Xigbar protested indignantly.

"I was just saying that alcohol happens to be the best disinhibitor known to man."

"Xigbar, what the fuck do we not know about Dem that we'd need alcohol to get him to him spill it?" Axel hissed.

"Dude? Hasn't it ever occurred to you that Dem's never shown the slightest bit of interest in anyone?" Xigbar began exasperatedly. Axexl blinked.

"Well…yeah, but I never really thought too much about it. I mean, it's Demyx. D-E-M-Y-X. It's impossible for me to think dirty thoughts about him, got it memorized?" Axel replied.

"Dude, I totally get where you're comin' from and all 'cause I feel the same way, but think about it. None of our friends has ever thought too much into it for the same reason--we've all been waiting for someone to claim him," Xigbar said pointedly, looking at a not-so-passive Zexion.

"You're totally right, man: Demyx is Demyx. The kid's all rainbows 'n sunshine. He hugs everyone, laughs with everyone…hell, he loves everyone--platonically. But that's it. Demyx has always been willing to share that love with anyone who'll accept it, but it seems as though he's never thought about anyone in more than a platonic manner," Xigbar explained quietly, a genuinely thoughtful expression replacing his usual grin for the first time since Axel and Zexion could remember.

Axel didn't respond immediately—preferring to let his gaze wander to said musician, who was vainly attempting to get Roxas to join his and Sora's impromptu skip fest; Riku looking on in amusement.

"Geez, Xigbar, you coulda warned us that you could be analytical on occasion," Axel joked, snickering at the affronted look that was sent his way.

"Okay, so you got a point. As impossible as it sounds, no one seems to be quite sure of our buddy's sexuality…or even the existence of one, for that matter," he added in a mumble that earned reactions varying to the extreme—a highly amused laugh from Xigbar and a death glare from Zexion.

"But c'mon, Xig; you can't seriously be overlooking the obvious choice of how to remedy the situation once and for all. And yes--" he continued over Xigbar's immediate response, "--without the use of alcohol."

"As if, dude. What the fuck could you possibly be getting at?" Xigbar scoffed dubiously, but not without some reluctant interest.

However, Axel refused to elaborate any further for the moment, ignoring both Xigbar's pleads and the subtle glances Zexion sent his way in favor of grinning knowingly.

X X X

"Uh, you guys? I'm, um, not so sure I wanna do this anymore…" Demyx mumbled shyly, gripping the neck of his guitar tighter in his hand as he eyed the platform in front of him nervously.

"C'mon Dem! What harm could it do you? That is, other than increase the possibility of your fanatic, R.G.U-attending fans jumping you in the hallways?" Xigbar smirked as Demyx blushed awkwardly.

"Seriously, Demyx. We've all heard you play, and you're good. You're really good," Riku put in.

"It'd be like when you play for us at home…just with more people!" Sora said happily.

"Demyx, you love music, you love making people happy--you love this place! You'd be more comfortable here than anywhere else. If you're gonna start doing this, I don't see any reason why you shouldn't begin here, where you love the atmosphere," Axel assured the blonde.

"We'll be right here, cheering you on," Roxas mumbled somewhat awkwardly; not exactly used to giving words of comfort but willing to try if it meant convincing his cousin.

"And it would mean the world to Tifa if you started here," Zexion finished, giving the hand Demyx had clamped onto a slight squeeze.

"Besides…" Axel grinned evilly, "you promised."

"I didn't know you were serious! I mean come on; you've been teasing me about getting my act together and actually doing this for how long now? And then I certainly didn't realize you meant tonight," Demyx whined unhappily, the hand that wasn't clasped onto Zexion's tugging anxiously on the hem of his shirt.

"Dem, you'll never know how you like performing like this if you don't give it a shot. If you enjoy yourself, you can do it on a regular basis. And, in the extremely unlikely event that you absolutely hate the experience, we'll never bother you about it again. Is that cool with you?" Axel suggested, slinging a comforting arm around the sitarist's waist and hugging him gently.

"Alright," Demyx murmur at last, a reluctant smile playing on his lips at the immediate sounds of approval.

At that moment, Tifa walked up to the group.

"Hey Demy, you're up in five," Tifa greeted warmly.

"'Kay, thanks a lot, Tifa," Demyx replied. His nervous smile of thanks was replaced with one of bewilderment when Tifa threw her arms around him without warning.

"I'm absolutely thrilled you chose my place to start doing this, Demyx--it just means so much to me!" Tifa exclaimed delightedly, giving him a slight squeeze before stepping back to gaze at him approvingly.

"I hope you don't mind, but I invited a few of my friends tonight," Tifa smiled, laughing at the look that crossed Demyx's face.

"Tifa, you really don't have to do all of this for me," Demyx said sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly. Tifa merely sighed in amused exasperation.

"Demyx Mizu, you'd better stop belittling yourself this instant," she declared, fixing him with a look of mock authority before glancing at the clock.

"They'll be here any minute now, so I've gotta let the staff know to get a few of the regular orders started," Tifa explained as she slipped a notebook out of here apron.

"See you in a few!" she smiled, her long hair floating behind her as she turned on her heel to hurry to the kitchen.

Zexion glanced up at the same clock Tifa had checked merely seconds ago. It was already eight-thirty, and as per usual for a Friday night, the popular café was filling up quickly.

"I suggest we head over to the front the back now so as to have the closest seats," Zexion said, bringing everyone's attention to the fact that available seats were quickly becoming a rarity.

Amid answers of agreement, the group of friends began moving towards the two remaining tables closest to the makeshift stage Tifa had all too willingly asked (read: ordered) her staff to set up earlier that evening upon Axel's request to let Demyx perform.

Zexion, however, found it impossible to head over along with the rest of the group; what with the suddenly vice-like grip Demyx had on his wrist.

"Uh, Zexion? Would you, um…would you mind standing by Tifa while I'm on?" Demyx asked in a small voice, unable to meet the slate-haired junior's eyes as he spoke.

The blonde jumped when he was suddenly pulled into a warm embrace—slowly, his gaze raised to meet Zexion's shyly.

"Of course, Dem--whatever you want," Zexion said softly, offering his best friend a fond smile before be let him go.

The instant Demyx pulled away to hurry over to the platform at the sound of Tifa calling his name, Zexion longed for the luxury of Demyx's full body contact once more, but he controlled the desire, following the blonde to where he now stood by Tifa.

"Moral support," he stated simply in response to the curious glance Tifa sent his way as she fiddled with the height of the microphone stand. She nodded knowingly while she smoothed down her skirt—then, putting on her best hostess' smile, stepped up onto the stage, carrying the microphone stand.

The chatter and general hubbub of the café came to a sudden lull at the amplified sound of Tifa greeting her patrons warmly before politely requesting their attention.

Demyx paled slightly where he stood watching Tifa amiably inform the small crowd of tonight's particularly special entertainment from his place at the bottom of the two or three steps that led up to the platform.

"You'll do great, Demyx," Zexion said quietly, reaching out to squeeze Demyx's shoulder as Tifa motioned for Demyx to take his place on the stool placed center stage as the audience began clapping…

…and cheering. There was an uncanny amount of enthusiastic cheering.

Without warning, Demyx's hand shot out to touch Zexion's, his arm back at his side just as quickly.

"Break a leg, Dem," Zexion murmured, sending the blonde a true smile as he ushered him on.

Demyx paused only for the time necessary to return Zexion's smile with a beam of his own before joining Tifa onstage, grinning sheepishly at the abrupt wave of calls of delight that came with his appearance.

Tifa patted him dotingly on the back before making a quick exit, joining Zexion where they stood just out of sight.

Demyx's gaze wandered anxiously over the café's smiling patrons; his ocean eyes widening at the unexpected amount of familiar faces.

Tifa hadn't been kidding when she'd said she invited a few of her friends. In saying her friends, she'd really meant their friends.

There was Yuffie—it was difficult to miss her from where she was perched on top of a table cheering—accompanied by none other than the eldest Strife, hissing at Yuffie to sit down. Tifa had apparently picked up Marlene and Denzel at some point prior in the evening, for they had squeezed into the same chair next to Cloud, giggling at Yuffie as they clapped. Demyx got roped into babysitting the two of them on occasion, and they adored him no less than they did his stoic cousin.

Aerith, Zack and Leon sat at the next table over—Aerith beaming as she clapped politely beside her loudly cheering boyfriend. Leon even wore the ghosts of a smile as he applauded the mullhawked blonde.

He even spotted Lexeaus' looming figure in the middle of the crowd (he figured Zexion had slipped away unnoticed around lunchtime to inform the English teacher of tonight's performance), as well Luxord's platinum blond hair (Demyx could only hope Xigbar wouldn't turn around).

Speaking of which…

Demyx's shy grin widened as he noticed his group of friends cheering at the very front.

And so with one last grin sent back to where Zexion stood smiling beside a beaming Tifa, he strummed the first few chords of his acoustic before taking a breath and parting his lips to sing.

There's no combination, no words I could put on the back of a postcard,

No song that I could sing, but I can try for your heart

Our dreams, and they are made out of real things

Like a, shoebox of photographs of sepia-toned lovin'…"

Immediately the audience was enraptured by the sheer amount of feeling that Demyx poured into his music. His heart and soul was going into his song-- that much was certain.

Zexion closed his eyes, letting Demyx's smooth voice wash over him and sweep away whatever tension remained.

The times that Demyx sang were one of the few times at which he felt completely at ease. Said blonde had quite the talent for affecting the schemer in ways that would undoubtedly prove impossible for anyone else.

Demyx truly was one of a kind.

Demyx's song came to a close all too soon for anyone's liking, and it was with a pleased flush that Demyx began a second song, looking as though he could hardly grasp the reality of the situation.

It was a full three songs later that Demyx stepped off of the stage, positively beaming as he flew into a grinning Zexion's open arms.

"You were wonderful, Demyx," Zexion murmured into Demyx's ear, unable to contain a happy sigh as he caught a whiff of the unmistakable scent of rain.

"Zexion, they actually liked me!" Demyx cried out happily, practically dancing over to where his guitar case lay beside the wall to return his beloved instrument (second in his heart only to his precious sitar) to its casing.

"Tifa, thank you so much!" Demyx exclaimed, hurrying over to hug the lovely woman tightly.

"Are you kidding me, Demyx? Thank you for such a wonderful performance!" Tifa said happily, returning his hug before holding him at arms length.

"I know that I promised you that this could be a one time thing, but honestly Demyx--with a response like that from the audience, you'd better not expect to worm your way out of performing here on a regular basis without repercussions," Tifa warned playfully.

"I'm sure that that won't be a problem," Zexion chuckled as Demyx's expression turned to one of mixed delight and terror at the prospect of future performances

They were quickly joined by the rest of their friends, who took turns hugging and congratulating the elated musician; Zexion immediately launching into some conversation with Lexeaus concerning some article in a recent science publication.

It took all of ten seconds for Xigbar and Luxord to notice the other's presence.

"Let's face it, dude. I'm hot, you're hot and we both know you've got a crush on me. And really, who can blame you with a gorgeous face like this. So, can I snatch a kiss or vice-versa?" Xigbar leered, placing a hand on his hip. Luxord raised an eyebrow at the daring man.

"And whatever gave you that idea, you blighter?" Luxord asked silkily, tilting his head to the side coyly, aquamarine eyes at half-mast.

"I happen to be very knowledgeable about these sorts of things, you little minx. So let's just get drunk and take advantage of each other. Or, I could get drunk and you could just take advantage of me. OR, you can stay here and get drunk and I can go home and take advantage of myself. Either way, it's up to you," Xigbar said, a lazy grin spreading across his lips. Luxord looked extremely amused as he regarded the gunman with more than a little interest.

"I had a feeling that you'd be quite the comedian the moment I laid eyes on you," Luxord smirked, slipping his arm into Xigbar's to lead them off to the aforementioned bar.

Axel watched the couple wander off from the group off dubiously.

"You're shitting me," Axel muttered to Demyx, who merely let out a defeated sigh.

"You shoulda seen then in math class this morning," he replied dryly. Axel stared at him incredulously.

"Demyx, why the hell didn't you mention something about it before now?" Axel asked in disbelief, jade eyes narrowed in confusion.

"It…didn't seem all that important?" Demyx tried sheepishly, unable to stop himself from giggling at the look that crossed Axel's face.

"Never again, Dem, you hear? Don't keep juicy gossip to yourself, it's rude," Axel huffed, before his eyes softened as he continued to gaze at Demyx.

"C'mere, you," he demanded at last with a proud grin, reaching out to pull the musician into a tight hug.

"You were great," Axel said earnestly as he pulled away, grinning madly.

"Thanks Ax—I wouldn't have had the nerve to get up there in the first place if it hadn't been for you," Demyx laughed.

"See, Dem? I have your best interests at heart--you should thank me for tricking you into doing stuff more often," Axel teased, nudging his friend even as he rolled his eyes at the redhead's suggestion.

"Hey," Cloud greeted quietly as he approached his cousin.

"Cloud!" Demyx beamed as he embraced the senior Strife happily, earning an imperceptible smile.

"Everything going well for you?" Demyx asked, regarding the soft-spoken man curiously. Cloud merely shrugged and gave a slight nod, glancing over to where Marlene and Denzel had managed to cajole Zack and Yuffie into playing with them.

"I just wanted to stop by to lend you my support tonight. You did well," Cloud praised.

"Thanks Cloud," Demyx replied cheerfully.

"I've actually got to go for now, though. I promised Tifa I'd bring Marlene and Denzel back to her place by nine thirty. Goodnight, Demyx, Axel," Cloud waved, nodding at Axel in acknowledgement as he headed over to where Zack was tickling Denzel mercilessly, his attacks aided by Yuffie, while Aerith and Marlene giggled as they looked on.

"Damn, Demyx, I'm pretty sure that that was the most I've ever heard your Ice Queen of a cousin say at one time," Axel whistled, snorting in amusement when Demyx whacked him playfully in Cloud's defense.

"Yeah, well, that just means he'll always be cooler than you can ever hope to be," Demyx shot back playfully, laughing when Axel raised a quizzical eyebrow.

"Get it? He's cooler than you, 'cause, 'cause you called him an Ice Queen!" Demyx howled, tears of laughter springing to his eyes as he laughed himself silly at his own pun.

"Who called who an Ice Queen?" a low voice cut in, Leon's attention caught both by Demyx's near-hysterical laughter as well as the miffed look that had crossed the pyromaniac's face.

"Well you of all people should know, Leon--Cloud being in your grade, and all," Axel smirked knowingly.

Hook…

Leon blinked, his naturally aloof expression changing almost indiscernibly as his interest was raised—Axel appeared not to have noticed, for he just kept rambling on.

"I mean for one thing, the guy's so soft spoken that I'd honestly thought he was mute until Demyx introduced us. As for the queen bit…well…everyone knows about that," Axel trailed off tantalizingly with a shrug.

Line…

"Whatever it is, it's apparently kept a better secret than you thought. Axel, what are you talking about?" Leon asked grudgingly, albeit with genuine interest.

Sinker.

"What, so you're telling me that you actually haven't noticed the ridiculous number of fawning girls that follow Cloud around, yet he remains suspiciously oblivious to?" Axel asked in mock surprise.

Demyx had to admit, Axel was a damn good actor when he wanted to be.

"…What are you getting at?" Leon asked, trying to sound indifferent.

"What am I getting at?" Axel repeated with a scoff. "Dude, there's nothing to get at. I'm just reiterating that Cloud is one of, if not the, most flamboyant queens I've ever met; hence the both endearing and accurate nickname, Ice Queen."

Leon shook his head in mild amusement at the grinning redhead before he bid the two juniors good night, but not without congratulating Demyx on his wonderful performance that evening first.

The moment Leon exited through the front doors of the café, Demyx spun on Axel accusingly.

"You got in on Luxord's bet," he sighed exasperatedly (albeit with some amusement) not bothering to ask what he felt was already a reality. Axel shrugged but said nothing more on the subject, although he had the nerve to look rather pleased with how his and Leon's conversation had gone.

"What bet, yo?"

Axel turned around sharply in surprise at the familiar voice, only to find himself staring into nearly identical eyes—they would be, had they not been such a shocking shade of blue rather than green.

"Is it anything particularly interesting? You mentioned that Luxord started it—that means it's gotta be somethin' good," Reno persisted, chewing his bubble gum thoughtfully.

"Hiya, Reno! Is Rude here, too?" Demyx cut in curiously, glancing behind the older Turk as Reno gestured over his shoulder at a table where, sure enough, his best friend was sipping at some steaming beverage.

"What are you doing here?" Axel whined. Reno looked miffed, popping his gum loudly.

"Rude heard from Zack who heard from Yuffie who heard from Cloud who heard from Tifa that a certain buddy of yours, brother-mine, was doing his debut solo performance here tonight, if you must know," Reno replied dryly.

"Y'know, the least you coulda done was tell me Dem was gonna be playing. I care 'bout the little musical prodigy, too," Reno sniffed, blue eyes narrowing at Axel's scoff.

"You sounded awesome, by the way," Reno said, turning to grin at a now-blushing Demyx. "Rude wanted me to tell you that he thought you were great, too."

Reno's attention switched back to Axel, and the grin that he'd offered Demyx disappeared just as quickly as it had appeared.

"So, lil' bro? How's about that bet you mentioned?"

"It's nothing that you'd be interested in," Axel replied flippantly, crossing his arms as he stared his older brother down. Reno merely popped a large bubble in Axel's face.

An abrupt crash which was immediately followed by a raucous bout of drunken laughter made the two brothers jump (in Demyx's case, the poor blonde nearly fell over in his surprise) and turn to send questioning glances to the bar.

"Yo, isn't that Luxord right o'er there?" Reno asked, eyebrows jumping so high that they very nearly vanished into his hairline. Beside him, the color of Demyx's face matched his vibrant strands.

"…You mean the blonde being molested on that table? Uh, yeah, I think it is...hey, Reno, why don't you go ask him about that little wager he has going on right now for yourself?" Axel snickered.

"I probably would, if it weren't so obvious that he and whoever that is on top of him were a little occupied at the moment—wait a sec, is that Xigbar?" Reno gaped, unable to tear his eyes away.

"Yeah, that's Xigbar," Axel coughed as a jacket—he was pretty sure it was Luxord's—went flying.

"Damn," Reno whistled, turning to glance at Demyx when the sitarist let out a groan of embarrassment.

"What'sa matter? You never seen two people doin' that before?" Reno snickered at the horrified look Demyx threw his way.

"Fuck, I'm not even sure I've ever seen someone twist like that before," Axel said, squinting at the two as he cocked his head. "Dude, I didn't even know it was possible to bend at that angle."

Reno nudged the blonde, who by this point had resorted to covering his eyes.

"Chill out, kid. Tifa broke 'em up," Reno with only the slightest hint of disappointment.

"He's not exaggerating either… shit, that girl can throw hard," Axel muttered as twin crashes on opposite sides of the restaurant sounded.

Demyx peered out between his fingers timidly, blue eyes darting about nervously. He only let his hands fall back down to his sides once he had caught glimpses of the two on either sides of the café.

"Aw, c'mon Tif, watcha go 'n do that fer? It took meh five drinkshs just ta get 'im to looshen' up," Xigbar slurred unhappily, glaring up blearily at the busty woman.

"If you really want to have your way with him, Xigbar, I'd appreciate it if you'd at the very least get a room. Far, far away. From. My. Restaurant," Tifa said sweetly, even as she yanked him up by his ponytail; letting go of his hair to grab his wrist, dragging the protesting man over to where she'd thrown Luxord.

"And from Xigbar I could expect this, but you too, Luxord?" Tifa sighed, offering a hand to the disgruntled blonde Englishman seated by the wall.

"Tha bloody basta went an' jumped meh— 't wasn' mah fault," a flushed Luxord insisted, grabbing Tifa's hand as he clumsily tried to smooth out his shirt with the other, gazing up sultrily at the leering gunman.

"Yer absol…absotul…yer a real characta, y'know that?" Luxord stammered drunkenly, stumbling over to the salt-and-pepper haired man.

"Wherez yer place?" Xigbar mumbled into Luxord's ear, nipping the lobe affectionately as if it were an afterthought. Luxord shivered.

"I haf a room on campush, buh 's close ta a buncha other teachas'--"

"'s yer classroom closer?" Xigbar interrupted impatiently. Luxord had to mull this comparison over in his mind for a good ten seconds before he nodded.

"Then fuck the bedroom—y'eva haf sex on a desk 'afore?" Xigbar grinned impishly.

"Xigbar, ya dog, yer completleh off yer rocker," Luxord groaned, yet the way his face lit up at the idea said otherwise.

"You boys have fun—and remember safe sex!" Tifa chirped, ushering them through the front doors, Xigbar yelling back something that sounded suspiciously like "safe sex 's fer door hinges!" in response.

No one really got it, but they weren't exactly sure they wanted to anyway.

"…Right. Well, not that this conversation isn't particularly thrilling, but alas—I must go and join Rude," Reno sighed, his point only backed up with a deadpan demand of "Reno, get your punk ass over here."

Said Turk saluted the two juniors before swaggering off to sit with his companion.

"Awright," Axel demanded loudly, making the remaining juniors and freshmen jump as they turned to look at him questioningly.

Axel smirked.

"So…who's up for some Truth-or-Dare back at the dorms?"

XXXXXXXXX

Jessie: Yeah, so I wrote everything minus the section with Roxas' P.O.V and last 218 words of this chapter while I was on vacation.

Joh: See how much she loves you guys?

Jessie: That's right! Though I must admit, I enjoyed every minute of it. Beams

Joh: Yeah…kay, I'm done now.

Jessie: Uh, me too, actually. But just so you guys know, I'm really busy at the moment… I just felt bad that I hadn't updated this yet, so I felt that I should just post the last chapter I had pre-written (this one), so sorry if updating takes a bit longer. I have started on the next chapter, mind you! ANDI updated both of my KH multi chapter stories, cuz I love you people so much. So before we wrap up, response time!

Kaoru Gal: Yes, dearest. The start of the chapter was Riku; I'd expect YOU of all people to catch onto that notion quickest. And don't worry—I don't harbor any doubts whatsoever as to your undying love for him. I'm still amazed that you love my writing…I love YOURS! Your updates are always what I look forward the most to. Love ya sis!

Mitsuru Aki: I'm sooo glad you consider this one of your favorites stories--thank you for that! I kinda felt (read: still feel) utterly terrible about having Naminé related to both Larxene and Seifer, but hey—the resemblance between the three was too good an opportunity to pass up, y'know? I'd LOVE to read Nami's doujin as well…I just hope it's in the style of drawing you see in the intro to KHII rather than her drawings on the walls of her room. Please, lemme finish that last line; K-I-S-S-I-N-G! I hope you continue to enjoy this story!

Kiki Lelsissia: Well I'm certainly glad you had the patience to review despite your apparent reviewage troubles. But yes, from what I've heard, the game will be coming out soon—I'm uber excited! And darling, Joh's favorite pairing of all time is RikuxSora; and apparently, that makes JoshuaxNeku a favorite pairing by default. Yeah, I know it. I've learned the hard way many, many times that you MUST resist Sora's puppy-eyes. I believe that's how I finally learned how to say NO to my sis. And yes; using hair color to determine family relations makes life SO much easier.

I'm glad I'm being clear enough with the relations… and I'm so thrilled you like the story! I love hearing from you, darling!

Demon's sinner: Aww—thank you so much for your lovely review! And—you fell out of your chair laughing? Gosh, I thought that was only me, and I never really expected to have someone topple off their seat over my writing! Thanks! I'm, uh, honored..? Though I hope you were okay, dear! And good luck joining in the betting poor; it seems as though things are turning in your favor, no? Thank you for your review!

Ossifrage: Dude…if I had Saix as a teacher, I'd end up DEAD. But I do share your precise sentiments! And I'm glad you find Demyx lovable; I do as well. I rather enjoy writing him. Hope you continue to enjoy the story!

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