CHAPTER 3

A/N: Woo, another chapter! Centered around Demyx and his free time... he gets to meet some of the locals now, maybe his language skills will improve... maybe.

P.S. Take a wild guess where I got the idea from for Larxene's employment? 3

Translations (German): Ach kommt auf! Bewegen Sie es Come on! Move it!

Sprechen Sie Deutsch? Do you speak German?

Danke thank you
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Demyx stepped out into the fresh morning air, sucking in a deep breath to take in the smells of France. Axel had gone to bed an hour ago and told Demyx he could do what he pleased for the day, seeing how the young servant boy was nutting up with cabin fever. The rose gardens and courtyards were full of life, many of the intoxicating blossoms were in full bloom, pumping out their sweet aromas to Demyx's nostrils. Following his nose, he bent down to sniff a white rose surrounded by red ones in a particular spot in the rose bushes. Blue birds flew by, in their morning bliss, not realizing this was a vampire coven house and merely chirped on with their meager lives. Onward the blonde continued to explore all of the gardens, running or skipping up and down paths through different garden rooms. A small fountain with a pond filled with fish, a worn copper sundial showing its green age on the edges, various marble statues tucked in pockets of the gardens making a game of hide and seek for Demyx. There was even a great oak tree with a lovely swing set. He approached it quietly, timid to sit down and use it. But how would anyone know? All the vampires were asleep at this time, it would be their suicides if they tried to get him out here in the far corners of the gardens. So, turning to face the mansion, Demyx sat down, stepped back and launched himself.

It was a simple thrill. His heart racing as he was filled with joy again, kicking his legs higher and higher. In his swinging, Demyx closed his eyes, drifting his mind off to when he was back home in Germany, his family cooking hot meals and sharing around the ale till he swore everyone couldn't stand. Then enjoying the rare occations of snacking on cookies and cakes his mother made, or sitting next to father, listening to one of his hunting stories. Always wanted to hear about the story with the bear... it was his favorite. Then Christmas time.. the village all dancing about and enjoying themselves, celebrating with the burning of a yule log, handing out candies to the children, and stuffing themselves with feasts of boar, duck, and meat pies. Hmm... meat pies... Demyx's attention snapped to alert when he accidently launched himself off the swing. He landed in the soft grasss with a hard thud on all fours. "Owwww..." He moaned out lightly. Standing up on wobbly legs, he smeared his dirty hands on the rear of his pants and continued to explore the gardens until every square inch was sought out. Once he paused near a wall fountain of a lion spewing water from its lips to wash his hands, watching as the water washed away the remaining dirt... and blood. Demyx's lips parted ever so slightly and eyes widen before coming to release he had a tiny cut on his palm. Barely a trickle of blood washed away, leaving a cut stinging palm. He dried his cut hand on his shirt then thrusted it into his left pants pocket. Pain was temporary, it would go away soon.

His exploration led him to the front of the mansion, spotting a brown haired boy grooming one of the horses. It wasn't one of Xemnas's prized black horses but a chestnut bay gelding. Walking over, Demyx watched the young boy brush the horse's side before placing the blanket and saddle on. "Um... hello." Demyx spoke up sheepishly. The boy turned over and smiled back. "Hi! You're Monsieur de Lioncourt's servant boy, are you?" He asked. "Uh.. de Lioncourt?" "Axel de Lioncourt... you know, the red headed vampire prince." Demyx blinked, then nodded. "Ohh, yes. Yes I am his servant. You are...?" "Sora, just Sora... pleased to meet you. I've heard alot about you, Germany is where you came from right? I have a friend there..." Demyx merely watched Sora with curious interest, from his blue eyes to wildly kept hair. The younger boy smiled, but when Demyx did not return a reply, he tilted his head and drooped his smile. "You don't speak much do you?" He asked. The blonde snapped out of his zoning and made a quick reply. "Sorry, I'm still learning French. Axel's teaching me... as well as English. He said he came from America... New Orleans." "Ah, Creole... his French is very slang. In fact every language he tries at is slang... English is his only good language even when he dirties it." Sora explained, taking a pick from a pocket and started cleaning the horse's shoes. Demyx watched, finding caring for the horses to be Sora's speciality. "What do you mean he... dirties up his English? Can't prounce some words?" "He swears... curses... alot. You haven't heard him yet, but when he and Monsieur Lu Diviner or Monsieur Grace get into heated arguments, de Lioncourt's tongue really flies." Demyx nodded, and noticed the horse swaying a bit. Taking the reins, he held it while patting its neck, feeling the softness of the horse hair over his cut hand, now healed over from bleeding.

"Stt...Stable boy?" He pushed the word in French out of his lips. Sora glanced up and nodded. "Yes, I work the stables... taking care of all the horses. I also make sure Lord Xemnas's personal horses are taken care of first. Paopu here as a gift from him when I took extra care with his horses when he was going off to a grand party. I got all four to be washed and cleaned to look as if they were from a painting. Their coats gleamed in the moonlight, it impressed him so much, that he came back from the party with this one here and gave it to me. In fact, Paopu and I are going into Paris for some of Madame Savage's famous meat pies. She's the best! Sure she might be a bit mean here and there, but if you give her a nice comment, she's your best friend! Want to come along? It's not that far." Sora said with a smile as he tested the stable for security before hopping on. Demyx figited in place, listening to the story and couldn't see Lord Xemnas as being generous to a human servant boy... but if it happened, might as well trust the Lord. "We'll be back before dark right?" He asked. Sora laughed. "Of course silly! I don't have anywhere to go but Madame's shop, since I have two eager mouths to feed. Riku and Namine just can't wait to get those pies." Demyx smiled, nodded and held a hand out for Sora to grab and help him in the saddle behind him. "Hold on, Paopu likes to run first then walk." The stable boy explained, nudging the horse with his boot to go and away they went.

Poor Demyx held on to Sora's waist, watching the trees go by and the mansion grow smaller from behind. He had never ridden horseback before so the experience was all new. "This is my first time!" Sora glanced over. "Riding you mean?" "Yes! Always went by cart!" Demyx tried to explain with the horse bouncing him all over the place. "Ah! Then you're in for a treat then!" Sora leaned forward, holding the reins tightly as he nudge the horse to give it all it had. Paopu neighed with delight, galloping down the gravel dirt road like a speeding arrow. Demyx tensed his body, keeping himself from falling off. It was all too much for him, so the blonde quickly snapped his eyes shut. He couldn't tell how long they were riding, five minutes, ten... thirty? It all felt the same, but at last the horse began to slow and the constant sound of horse shoes to dirt and gravel replaced itself with stone. Demyx opened his eyes, staring down at the stone walkway of a bridge as the trio entered into the city walls of Paris. Everything was so strange and yet exciting for the boy, never been to a city before outside his village in Germany. "Wow, so many buildings..." He said, looking up at some apartments as they past by. Sora merely smiled. "It gets bigger... but you will be amazed how well the city keeps itself with art and nature." Demyx nodded, smiling now and feeling more relaxed than he did in Axel's bedroom. He was in the sunshine, and surrounded by fellow human beings, not vampire noblity. His eyes darted this way and that, staring at the designs and craftmenships of the buildings that he failed to notice that things were slowly down and suddenly came to a stop. He blinked and looked to see Sora slide off to the side, tying up the horse's reins to a post. In front of them was a white and pink striped shop, labeled "Madame Savage's Sweet Pies" Both on the awning, and the windows. He silently followed Sora inside after asked if he was either coming in or watching the horse.

Once inside, he found pies of every flavor and size from tiny bite size tarts to mouthwatering whole pies to feed a family. "Larxene! Are you in?" Sora called towards the doorway leading to the back rooms of the shop. There was no answer and Sora smirked and acted as if he was going to steal a pie slice and eat it. "OI! You tramps! Get out of my shop or I'll be the one putting YOU in a pie! I... Ohhh! Sora, why didn't you say it was you?" Out came a young woman in a frilly yellow dress to make her blonde hair. She had a rolling pin in one hand ready to clonk Sora upside the head until she realize his identity. "Hehe, it's okay Larxene, I figured you were in the back cooking... is it chocolate pies?" Larxene laughed and slapped her hands together, flour flying off. "Oh no... I can't afford chocolate right now... times are getting tough. No, I was just trying out some new reciepes... pot pies with other meats besides beef. I think the customers will enjoy the new flavors they'll bring. Oh? Who's your friend here?" Sora smirked and pushed Demyx forward. "This is Demyx, he's working same place I work at. He's from Germany!" Larxene eyed Demyx up and down, unimpressed at first, till Sora spoke of his country of orgin. "Germany eh? They have some nice tasting beer there. I sure would like some of that once and awhile unstead of wine and gin everynight!" Demyx smiled and nodded. "Y-yes ma'am. We do have good ales to drink from. Home brewed and served frothy." He said with a smile. "Ah, well.. I'll have to try one of those ales someday, but for now... what is it this time Sora?" The young boy glanced back and forth between the meat and dessert pies. "How about... a orginal for me, Namine and Riku wanted orginally chocolate tarts, but I think they can withstand cherry for now... Demyx you wish something?" Demyx looked up and gazed at the delicious pies, forgetting he had not eatten at all today. "I do not know... I have no money.." "Oh it's on the house sweetheart... let's just say... I have a loverboy in Germany right now..." Larxene said with a wink. She stood up off the counter, approached a rack and pulled off a whole size pie, handing it to Demyx. "I think one of my Sheperd's pies ought to fill you in. You look like you had the life sucked out of ya. There's been talk of unnatural occurances... attacks of people at night and by morning, they're found dead with two holes in their necks... I keep saying to my customers there be no vampires in Paris! And here espeically! I'll pound their heads in with my rolling pin with garlic around it!"

Sora and Demyx gave each other uneasy looks, but Demyx took the pie anyways. "Thank you ma'am. I hope it's good." "Should be! That's the last of my stock for beef, having to use some other form of meat, since times are tough..." Larxene folded her arms, rolling pin resting on her shoulder. "Well, thanks for the pies Madam.. see you again soon!" Sora said, finally breaking the silence as he and Demyx nodded to her and headed off. "That was very kind to give us her pies... won't she lose money that way?" Demyx asked while holding Sora's pies as he mounted. "Nah.. she gets real busy on the weekends, everyone comes for her desserts pies. She makes a wonderful fruit tart. Though I wonder what she's using for meat filling wise, now that she's out of beef now?" Demyx now climbed up, placing the pies in the saddle bag. "I don't know, I would not care to find out. Let's go back to the manison." Sora nodded and guilded his steed through the streets. It seemed busier than usual, so Sora eased to a alleyway, taking a longer detour. While they rode through the streets, Demyx dug into his sheperd's pie. So what if he didn't have a fork to eat with? This was the best pie he's ever had! He continued to eat as much as he could, till there was nothing but a empty paper doily in his hand. "Was it good? All I heard was munching." Sora joked, getting a muffled "Ahum!" back. Demyx was full and happy, and hoped to ride with Sora again to Paris for pies and maybe explore the city some more. Soon, the two were back on the main road. Demyx peered over his right shoulder, spotting the problem. A cart had turned over and people were arguing. A crowd gathering had formed around them, and it seemed nothing was going anything fast. But amongst the commotion, Demyx heard something that stood out from the rest of the gibberish.

"Ach kommt auf! Bewegen Sie es!" Demyx's blue eyes darted for the voice... matching up with a man carrying a sack over his shoulder. He had a nasty old scar on his left cheek and his right eye was covered in a black leather eyepatch. His hair was black with the signs of age showing in the form of silver streaks all bound in a pony tail. He had a old brown rain coat duster and wwas in no mood for a traffic jam. "Sora, stop please." Demyx asked, and slid down as soon as Sora stopped. Demyx ran up to the man, getting his attention. He glanced at him and sneered in French. "What do you want kid?" "Sprechen Sie Deutsch?" Demyx spoke in his native tongue, which he hadn't in almost three months. The man's only eye widen and he dropped his sack. "For the love of God, I thought I'd never find someone who unders me here in this rat trap!" He said, speaking German now. "Might I ask Sir, what brings you to Paris?" Demyx asked with a smile. "Oh me? I'm looking for work, seeking employment, I can ask the same with you. Bit far from our mother country Germany eh?" "Yes, I've... been seeking work elsewhere and got a job here in Paris. It's alright. My name is Demyx, what's yours?" "Xigbar's the name, I came all the way from South Germany, seeking anyone looking for some assistance here or there, whatever I can get. You seem like a intellegent kid. You know where I can find a good inn to stay at?" Xigbar asked, rubbing his chin. Demyx shrugged. "I don't know, I haven't been here long myself. I'll ask my friend." He then turned over his shoulder and called to Sora. "What's a good place to sleep at here?" He called out in French.

Sora stood with his arms crossed and looked up at the blue sky filled with puffy clouds. "Hmm... the best I can think of is the "White Raven". It's got a pub too! I love their food and drinks!" Demyx smiled and nodded. "The White Raven my friend says... They have a pub as well." Xigbar chuckled, ruffling Demyx's hair. "White Raven it is... thanks alot Demyx. I owe you one if I ever see you around again. I'll buy us some drinks sometime." The blonde giggled lightly, smiling wide. "How long are you staying in Paris?" He asked. "Oh, dunno... a week... maybe two... could be months. Depends on how my job seeking goes." Demyx nodded. "Well.. maybe I could go back to Germany with you?" "Might be a while kid... after Paris, I'm off to Moscow up in Russia... then off to London, England. So.. unless you don't mind the traveling..." "I don't..." Demyx quickly spoke, looking up at Xigbar. He was his only ticket to salvation and away from being a vampire's slave. But it meant leaving Axel behind... he was a kind soul to him, true... but he was still a vampire. A weird vampire, but still a vampire none the less. He couldn't enjoy the things Demyx could enjoy and in the end, would eventually turn on him just to gain his nurishment. Maybe if Demyx spoke with him, he'll allow Demyx to leave... maybe, he would be greatly missed. "Well, alrighty then kid, if I catch you running around here sometime, I'll let you know when I'll be off again, I can always use a spare set of hands making my darts..." "Darts?" "I'm a hunter... of sorts." Xigbar pointed out, before tipping his weathered brown hat and started off again, waving Demyx off. The boy waved back, seeing Xigbar as a new friend he could come to visit during the day. Without wasting another minute, he returned to Sora's side and mounted Paopu to ride back to Elrase Estate.

Dusk was approaching and the sun set a golden hue over the sky, birds starting to settle down for the night. The warm rays of the setting sun warmed Demyx's back as he snoozed lightly on Sora's shoulder. The boy didn't mind, keeping his horse at bay by walking all the way home, instead of galloping back. Demyx did need some sleep, if he was going to be serving creatures of the night. The forest started to change, from a typical thick French country wood, to the eerie, fog covered ground of black twisted trees that had spooked Demyx the night he came to the mansion. An hour had past and Sora nudged Demyx awake. "Hmm? Huh? What is it?" Demyx yawned. "The Estate... everyone's up early..." Demyx looked up as the grand building came into veiw. "You're right, they're up two hours early..." Sora guilded Paopu past the front yard and towards the stables. "The servant's use the kitchen door to come outside through the stables. We'll go in through there." Sora explained. The pair trotted into the stable, passing the magnificent black horses that were kept in like royality. Past their pens, were normal horse pens. Sora dismounted, helping Demyx down as he guilded his horse to his own pen, removing the saddle and blanket then the bridle. He gave the horse a good rub down before applying a blanket robe for him. Demyx helped in putting the bridle and saddle away, cleaning them a bit with a simply brush. He seemed to lose himself in the cleaning that he failed to realize he was being watched. Finally he glanced up, eyes meeting with that of a young blond girl. "Oh! You must be Demyx! Right? From Germany? Lord Axel's personal servant?" She asked. Demyx nodded, only to flinch when he felt Sora's hand slap his back lightly.

"Come on Namine, leave Demyx here be... we just got back from the city and we're tired." He explained as Demyx stood up. "Did you bring..." Namine started, cut off when Sora held out from the saddle bag a cherry tart pie. "She was out of chocolate, thought you and Riku would like Cherry instead." Namine squealed with delight, snatching the tart from Sora's hand and happily ate it bit by bit. "Riku! Riku! Sora's back with cherry pies!" Out came a slightly older boy with silvery hair and teal blue eyes. "Namine, be quiet, we're trying to listen on the other side of the kitchen doors and... Cherry you say?!" Riku stated, looking down at Sora holding the remainer of the tarts. He snatched it and ruffled Sora's hair. "Thanks alot! We've been waiting all day. What took you so long?" He asked, taking a bite. "Oh, I brought the new boy, Demyx with me, and there was a cart that had turned over in the streets so we had to go around it. Sorry about it." He said with a sheepish grin. "Demyx?" Riku looked up, seeing Demyx look back at him. "Ohhh boy. I suggest not go in right now." "How come?" Sora poked. "Oh... Monsieur de Lioncourt's all fired up with Lord Marluxia again... I heard him speak Demyx's name alot... now the air's foul with his tongue flying." The older boy explained. Before he knew what happened, Namine and Sora darted into the house, both shouting "I wanna see!" Demyx was left with Riku, a thick knot in his throat. Was Axel mad at him? There was only one way to find out as he followed Riku silently into the kitchen to the two servants peeking through the door into a dinning parlor.

"PIG-FACED BASTARD! WHERE IS HE!?!?!" Axel shouted, nearly spitting in Marluxia's face as he held the other vampire by the shirt. Marluxia held his hands up in the air, defending himself. "I told you Axey, I did NOT bite him and drained his life away! He's your pet, not mine! Stop blaming me for everything!" "I'LL SHOVE YOUR DAMN FACE IN A PAINT CAN IF YOU DON'T TELL ME WHERE IN FUCK'S SAKE IS HE!?!" Demyx's eyes widen with shock and fear, never had he seen Axel so angry, he was scared of him. He trembled in place, unable to tear away at the cracked door. "Don't make me summon Xemnas down here! You've already woken up half the coven already with your howling! Lord knows you've gotten Lord Xemnas all stirred up and if he comes down here, don't say I warned you for a beating!" Marluxia continued, unfazed with Axel's threats. The red head opened his mouth, spilling forth swear after swear. It was so much, that Riku popped his hands around Namine's ears to keep her from picking up on their master's speech. Demyx managed to take a step back, not wanting to face Axel now with him all angry. But as he took another step backwards, he felt something against him and looked up to see a pair of golden eyes. He frozed, shivering wildly as Saix gazed down at him. How'd he get in here?! "Quiet..." He said in a whisper to Demyx. "Seems you've cause enough for Axel to panic, that's a first. Come with me..." Demyx whimpered, shaking his head. "I... I can't. What if he kills me for making him mad?" Saix glanced over his shoulder, eyes like that of a hawk. "Why should I care for your safety?" Demyx gulped, the other young servants looking up to see Lord Saix in the kitchen and quickly ran off, leaving Demyx alone with the vampire lord. Saix grasped his shoulders, leading the boy through the swinging doors to the dinning parlor.

Axel balled his fist tightly, aiming for Marluxia's head. "You've got three fucking seconds to come out with the truth! Starting now!" Axel shouted, his eyes now having small tints of red mixed in with his emerald color. "Axel for the love of life! I did not kill your servant boy!" Axel snared, ready to smack Marluxia against a wall until... "He is here." Saix announce, both hands to Demyx's shoulders in front of him, and catching the two men off guard. Axel gasped, and dropped Marluxia like a ton of bricks, and approached Demyx. He gazed up at Saix, who seemed unimpressed with the performance and let go of Demyx, but gave him a light shove forward. Axel snatched Demyx up, grasping him by the jaw and inspected his neck and arms. Once there was no sign he was fed upon, he snorted at both vampires and turned to the blonde. "Where... the hell have you been!?! I woke up an hour early and called you five times before I had to dress and come out of the room! I searched every damn room in this house! Where the devil were you!? You said you were going to the gardens, but you weren't there when I searched!" His voice hissed at Demyx, glaring down at him. "I...I'm sorry! I went to the city with the stabble boy! He offered me a ride on his horse. We came late! I'm sorry!" Axel's face scrunched up with a sneer, his nose and lips curling back like a rapid dog showing off his teeth. Well, same with Axel. "You could of lefted me a message! I was worried sick!" Demyx frowned and stared down at the floor. Without warning, he felt a hard cold backside of a hand make contact with his warm cheek, sending him to the floor. He laid there shocked, holding the slapped cheek and staring back up at Axel. "That's for not letting me know where you went! You promised not to leave me, and for all I could of known, you ran away! Now, get back in my chambers and stay there till I see best fit!! NOW!" Demyx's eyes widen and he jolted up, running for Axel's chambers as he was told to.

Slamming the door, he went for Axel's bed and threw himself on the bedsheets. Tears streamed down his face as he wept, clinging to a handful of satin blanket. He cried till he fell asleep, so tired from the day's events. It was a few hours later in the middle of the night that he awoke. Slowly his vision focused and spotted on the bed a silver tray being placed down. Upon it, was a bowl of fruits and a plate of a small hot roasted chicken, and a small goblet of wine. Candles were lit everywhere, brighter than usual. He lifted his head up slowly, stopping when he felt a hand gently brush through his hair. Axel stepped away from the bed, and gazed out his window, not making eye contact with the blonde. Demyx stood up, gazing at the food presented, obivously for him. Axel didn't look over, but was actually watching the reflection. "Eat... you're starved." He said, almost lifeless in his voice. Demyx blinked and slowly picked at the food, nibbling here and there. But when Axel seemed to clear his throat, Demyx caught the hint and devoured the meal as if he hadn't eaten in days. He tackled that half chicken down to the bone, making sure nothing was wasted. Even the wine was comforting, sending down warmth to him. Once he cleared his plate, Demyx slowly stepped off the bed and gazed up at Axel. "Thank you... Axel... I..." "I'm still mad at you." Axel sharply cut him off, staring at the stary sky. Demyx went silent, lowering his head slowly. "Demyx.." Axel finally turned around and waited till the boy gazed back up at his eyes. "I was scared something bad happened to you. I thought one of the others had gotten ahold of you and... well.. you know. Drained the life out." Demyx merely nodded slowly, trying to advert his eyes from his superior. "I really care about you Demyx, and I don't want my friend to be killed to satisfy someone's hunger. Next time you decide to leave the estate grounds, let me know. I don't mind you waking me up during the day, just let me know so in case something happen, I'll know where to look. Alright? But for now, I have to punish you, and your punishment is a week indoors. Is that clear?" Demyx nodded, unsure what to do besides obey. "Yes sir..."

Demyx return to the bed, taking the tray and moving it aside onto a small table then went about to fix the bed sheets, being the servant he had to be. Axel watched, his emerald eyes trailing over the blonde's features, his mind returning to that night when while still teaching him English, had placed a kiss to his lips. Too many thoughts, and Axel shook his head lightly, returning his gaze back to the window, back to his mindless staring like he always did before Demyx came to him. He didn't notice Demyx finishing fixing the sheets and silently took up the tray with the tray and cup, intending to return to the kitchen. Once he entered, Riku and Namine were playing abit in the sink washing dishes. "Uh... Riku? Namine?" Demyx spoke up. Riku was the first to look up and stopped splashing at Namine and laughing a bit. "Demyx? You're alright?" The blonde nodded while Namine, with dripping hands, ran up to inspect Demyx. "You're alright! Me and Riku were worried Lord Axel was going to actually bite you! How come you're here?" Demyx held his dishes up, looking down at them. "Returning these..." He said, and Namine nodded, taking them from his hands to the sink to be cleaned after throwing away the leftovers. "So, how did he take it?" Riku asked as he dried his own hands. "Huh?" "Axel. How did he take it? You and him went to his chambers without a word and for hours it seemed like we would see the last of you until he came in here and requested a real meal without questioning. I assumed it was for you?" Demyx nodded. "Yes... I was... surprised? Yes, surprised he did that. He's still mad at me, said my punishiment was staying indoors for a week." Riku blinked, then scratched his head. "House arrest for a week? That has to be the lightest sentence I've ever heard. Be thankful it's not doing something real bad. I'd had to live in one of the fire places for a full day and clean the chimmey... while they had the nerve to strike up a match and start a fire!" Demyx gulped, wringing his hands together. "Is that so? I must be lucky..."

Namine returned, her hands dried. "Maybe... but being under house arrest means you're at the mercy of the other Lords. See... just because you're Lord Axel's servant, doesn't mean the others won't order you around... maybe harsher. If any other had to order you about, pray it be Lord Marluxia. At least he has a sence of humor and more interested in the necks of attractive women, not a servant girl like me..." She said with a humble smile. "I think you're cute.." Riku nudged with a wink. She smiled with a small giggle. "What about Lord Saix?" Demyx asked. The two just gave each other side glances. "What is there to tell? That man is just bad news. He's mysterious as he is very dangerous. I wouldn't go near him if you could. Seems like he's always plotting. It makes all the servants here very nervous." Demyx nodded silently, having to deal with him earlier. "Had Lord Axel.. umm... had his drink tonight?" Namine shook her head. "No, he hasn't. Probably a good idea to give him a cup then. Follow me then Demyx. I think it'd be best if you handed it to him. Maybe it'll make him feel better knowing you brought it to him." Demyx tried to smile, and nodded as he followed. She grasped a different goblet, one with a glass flute, followed by a small knife. The two hurried outside, into the stables and down the opposite side where there was a few cows and a chicken coop. "Hmm... chicken or steer..." She pondered, looking at the two livestocks. "He drinks the blood of animals?" Demyx asked. Namine nodded and went to grab a chicken. "Yeah, ever since Lord Axel turned under Superior Lord Xemnas, he's requested only animal's blood. But now Lord Xemnas is getting fustrated with this, as the livestocks orginally here for the servants to eat and having to drain blood constantly is taking its tow. We have to buy our own livestock should many parish from either too much blood draining or disease or even a sly fox or thief." She held the small chicken in her hands, one holding back it's wings as it clucked about. "Demyx, hold the goblet close and catch the blood. Try not to get feathers in it." Demyx nodded, holding the goblet as Namine piece a small cut on the bird's leg, hot blood dripping out. He watched, not so squeemish at the sight. He had seen his family kill their chickens for food, so in a way, it was natural. But something was wrong and the blood stopped flowing and the chicken struggled free from Namine's hands. "Ugh! Stupid bird!" She whined, then looked at the half filled cup. "I didn't cut through completely. I'll get another."

She was stopped, as Demyx held his hand to grasp her. "No." He said. "No?" She looked up at him, eyes wide with confusion. Rolling his left sleeve up, Demyx grasp the knife. "I'll finished the rest." Namine was about to protest, but Demyx already sliced himself a small horizonal cut. He gasped out at the stinging pain, holding out his fist over the cup and began squeezing with his right hand to force his own blood out. It dripped considerably, filling the flute to a more reasonable amount for Axel's appeitite. He looked down, nearly ready to vomit his own meal out at the sight of his own blood, and quickly turned away. Luckily Namine held out her pocket hankerchief and wrapped it tightly around the small cut to Demyx's arm above the wrist. "He won't notice it's you if you don't roll your sleeve up. Hopefully he won't even noticed the mixed taste. Now, hurry back before it gets cold, vampires can't take cold blood, it makes them well... even more angry." Demyx nodded, pulling down his sleeve and hurried back towards Axel's chambers. Surprisingly, he walked past Marluxia lounging on a couch. He watched the servant boy hurry by and rolled his eyes to the ceiling."If Axel keeps on drinking that way, it's going to kill him you know. No vampire can live on livestock blood forever ya know! Espeically in a cup every night! It's going to starve him." But thinking he was being ignored, the pink haired vampire sighed and started to go through his perfume sets again, selecting out a scent to use as bait to lure in a beautiful... dinner.

Demyx entered Axel's room, seeing the red head vampire in his sofa, head buried in his hands. "Axel? My Lord?" Demyx whispered, getting on his knees and held the goblet towards Axel. "You haven't drinked tonight, here... it's... fresh." Axel gazed up at Demyx, only his eye moved. It stared at Demyx as if begging for pity, then shifted to the goblet in Demyx's hand. He had gone to get Axel's meal? That was... out of the blue. He finally leaned back up, taking the goblet in one hand and sniffed the contents. It was indeed hot fresh, that was something new. He usually got it luke warm. He sipped it, tasting which livestock Demyx had to fetch. It was chicken, it carried a nice taste, but something was odd about it, like... sugar added to coffee. The blood was sweet, sweet as wine almost if he could remember what red wine tasted like. He licked his lips, noting the sweeter taste and dived into the cup, drinking down the remaining blood till nothing was left, even licked up the sides it was that sweet and delicious. "Demyx, this is the best I've tasted! What bird did you use? It tastes like chicken, but sweeter! I like it! Tell me what it was?" He asked Demyx, who was shifting slightly in place and fumbled with his sleeve to make sure the makeshift bandage was on tight and not showing lest Axel asked questions. "Uh... I dunno, it was too dark to see. It was... black. A black bird." He lied, bitting his lip. Axel blinked, then looked at the cup. "Black you say? Hmm... must be one of those fancy chickens then... unless... there wasn't a turkey was there?" "Turr...key?" Demyx repeated the words, trying to remember in what it would be in German, and it came back quickly. "Oh yeah! Yeah! Turkey, wild turkey!" A nod came back from the vampire. "I see...well.. I ought to send Riku out to catch some wild turkeys then, I would like to have more of this." He commented, placing the goblet on a table. Demyx quickly nodded and sat down next to Axel when he gave the boy the invitation by patting the seat next to him.

"Are you still mad with me?" Demyx asked after a moment of silence. "Well... not as much anymore, I didn't expect you to bring me my meal. Thank you." Axel said, wrapping an arm around Demyx's shoulder. The blonde smiled and happily snuggled up next to Axel, placing his head on the other's chest. With a smile himself, Axel let his clawed fingers run through that golden hair, repeatedly giving Demyx comfort. "Demyx..." "Hmm?" "Tell me... about Germany. Do you miss it?" Demyx glanced to the floor, and while Axel continued to pet through his hair, he hummed. "Yes... I do miss home. I miss mother, father, and sister. But they're gone now... I have no other family now. But..." Axel paused as Demyx leaned up to face him. "I met a man today, who was German. He's a hunter looking for work." "Oh? What kind of hunter? Wild game?" Axel asked. "I think so, he was in a hurry, but he was kind to me, and told me of his travels... I..." "...Want to go with him the first chance you get?" Axel finished for Demyx, his eyes looked as if what life he had lefted drained from them. Poor Demyx looked away, ashamed of bringing the subject up. "Well.. I've thought about it... he'd said we was going to other places before returning to Germany and that he'd take me with him if I didn't mind the traveling part since he's not returning to France. But if I went, I'd leave you... I know I am... a servant boy, but I do care about you... You're lonely." And with that, Demyx laid his head back down on Axel's chest. "If you really want to go home, I won't stop you. You should be given that freedom. I have no freedom. Seeing you happy, will make me happy." Axel returned, and stroke through Demyx's hair. "Happy?" Demyx stared off at the window, sighing lightly. "I think... I think I'm most happy, when... I'm here." He paused and leaned back up, facing Axel. "With you. You're so kind to me Axel... you let me call you by name, not by lord. You taught me to speak English and French, I couldn't learn back home. And even though I lefted without telling you, you still brought me food instead of starving me. I was told all vampires are evil... but I now know is wrong. You're not evil. You are kind."

Axel blinked at this, letting it flow into his mind. Not evil? Demyx was the first person to ever say that ever since Axel was turned by Lord Xemnas. The servants had called him a monster once until Saix came and made short work of them, with Riku and Namine replacing them. "Demyx... I... I don't know what to say. You're the first to say that to me. No one's ever done so to me. You're just as kind." He said, trying to smile without baring fangs. "Do you ... love me?" Demyx gazed at Axel, curious in his eyes. "Love you? As a friend, yes. Why you ask." Demyx leaned back, staring at the window again. "Father... said... I was... different. I was able to work yes... but said I was not uh... girls would not like a thin boy like me." He frowned then looked back at Axel. "I wish I was not... ahh, what is it? Embarrassed to tell you..." "You can tell me Demyx, I won't tell a soul. I'll hear you out." The vampire prince whispered, his eyes lining up with Demyx's once his blue eyes met his. Demyx gulped silently, his throat bobbed as he swallowed, thought it never gained Axel's attention to want to bite down, thank goodness. "I'm... a monster too. I... I like..." Tears started to well up in his face, so scared of this fact shunned by all of society. He gasped in some tears, rubbing them off his eyes, while Axel laid a hand to his shoulder, comforting him. "...men."

There was a deadly silence in the room, only to be sounded by Demyx's soft sobs. He remembered his father telling him he was nothing if he tried to gain an attaction from another man. It was not proper, not right, it the way things were. "You're... homosexual?" Axel asked finally, his eyes now flooded with confusion. Demyx may not know if that was the right word, by he still nodded, taking his arm and held it to his eyes to keep the tears from flowing. "My ... my father beat me when I said I like boys... He said that was not right, not the way of things. I..." Suddenly Axel got up, pushing Demyx off of him, and held him in his arms. "Enough, you're hurting yourself. So you like men? Big deal... It's nothing here. Lord Xemnas is even that way. Have you seen any Vampresses around here?" Demyx blinked then shook his head. "Of the permenant vampires here... no, all men. The women are of traveling covens, right? Or just friends of Lord Xemnas, nothing more." "Exactly... so what's there to worry about? You're not going to get pelted with rocks for liking guys here. In fact, no one cares." He said and placed Demyx down on the sofa. "Well, that explains the kiss last night. I thought it was a German custom." The blonde snapped his head up at Axel as the other started to take his red coat off, eyes wide. "Do you care?" He asked, waiting for an answer, but when Axel refused to speak, it only brought more tears to the youth's face. He leaned forward, sniffuling in his hands.

Without warning, a pair of arms reached around Demyx's waist, hoisting him up into the air and against a breathing chest. His chin rested on a beige poet's shirt and he realized he was being carried. It wasn't a long trip, as he was gently laid down on Axel's luxurious bed. He gazed up, seeing Axel gently remove his shoes and placed them to the side before removing his own pair. Blowing out most of the candles, Axel closed the window curtains and he soon crawled into bed. "It's late... time for me to sleep." He merely said. Demyx wanted to say something, but nothing parted his lips. He merely allowed Axel to place those blankets on top of him before settling down himself. Demyx stared at the clock on the mantle, drawing close to 6 AM. With Axel now in bed, he laid down on those gold and red satin pillows. "Don't mention it okay? Come here..." Axel whispered, and Demyx slid over, surprised to find himself around Axel's arms. He snuggled against the vampire's chest. He was surprisingly warm, and the sound of his breathing was mesmorizing to Demyx than any other type of breathing. "Dem..." Axel started slowly, in a more tiring voice. The blonde glanced up, whispering lightly. "...Danke... for the sleep..." "...think... I think I'm falling for you to..." Axel mumbled out before his force of sleep placed him in that realm. A small smile came to Demyx, and he nuzzled in closer, trying his best to adjust and sleep to the daylight hours, as long as he was held in Axel's arms, he felt safe, he felt secure... he felt loved.

And he fell peacefully in what had to of been the best sleep he had in ages...