Great News!

One--I, Senpai, have just been selected as one of two A-Kon 18 Screenplay Contest entry winners. Which means I wrote a skit and I TTLY PWN J00. Aka whoever goes to A-kon or uses Youtube (when we film) can see my Death Note skit about orphans and presents and music.

Two--I just love you guys! I am one happy happy person.

Three--Prom was great. 3 hours of dancing, some wasting time, pictures, then afterparty was 2 hours of getting lost and trying to find projectors, then watching Old Boy (don't see it ever) and both Death Note movies. Then Spider-Man 3 (I was disappointed) after pancakes.

Yay, love mah reviewers!
...Silva-trees: AkuZeku IS weird... I almost wrote it in Welcome to KHHS cuz the RP was leading that way (they're so... friendly, thanks to Larxene stealing their money). Am glad you likey, yayz! Yeah, chalky water ish bad bad thing! And w00t, it's one of mine, too! Bakura's Gaydar must get annoying...
...Shattered Sanctuary: Zexy's heeeealed! Like a four-month-long Cure Spell. Or something, lol. Yay for the exclaimation points! Yay!
...blackkeyblade: Have as much fun as possible! Prom rocks! Don't do anything spazzy at the after-party!
...Hikari Aiyano: Thankies! I had fun writing it. I can always imagine Zexy sticking things in Saix's hair, too, like sand or gum or play-doh...
...Metal Chocobo: Well, could've, but didn't, right? No more death needed, only these really close scenes! And it was just to help Zexy sleep, Demyx wanted to help! Am glad you liked the dreams, they were fun to come up with!
...SeventhSenses: Yay! Am glad you likey, thankies! Remember--don't drug your friends, they drool!
...Cerebra Leader Aoki: Yay! Am gad you like! Really, the six comment was unintentional at the beginning, when Axel first said it, but Demyx, purely meant it. Couldn't figure out how to say Demyx acted nine, cuz nine's higher than six, and Zexy wouldn't be happy, but then I went "meh", shrugged, and giggled at random things. Yay for dorks, DORKS UNITE!
...Broken TWiLiGHT Lullaby: Fresh meat! Yum yum! Am glad you like, thank you for reviewing! I've been trying, I love having reviewers! Well, the eighth is now here!
...Ranchdressing: I did, thanks for the well wishes! Am glad you're still reading (you've reviewed, like, every chappy, haven't you?)
...benji's lover iz a cowfree: Am glad you're reading! I love having interested people! (This is doing much better than my "let's make all this stuff happen and give all these people problems!" Digimon story...)
...Honto.Kawaii.Neko-chan: Demyx is ALWAYS hyper. That's just one thing we can never fix (except maybe with those sleep-aids, but I dunno...)
...Lunaa: Happy deaths are good deaths! Am glad juu enjoyed the fluff, I love the shtuff! When it's not killing me with the suffocation of fluff.
...Evil Genius of the COCA: Yay! Am glad it makes ya happy! Read ShadowAili or Dualism or the writer, or find more for our happy little posse of luffness! Cuz Zemyx needs more love! -giggle- I'm trying to convert Mentaru, but she's strictly XigDem, which is, oddly, cute... So I drew a picture of Zexy and Xiggy fighting over DemDem.
...Riceball the Second: Yeah. It's been four months, and bones usually heal by then... Zexy's small enough to fit that "children's bones heal in 6-8 weeks" sorta thing. -snork- And ja, Larxy's got some sort of soft side, cuz I like her. Sleep more!
...Butter fly soup: You inspired me! This simple review actually inspired an idea for a sequel! O M K! O M K! -giggle- It'll come up somewhere, believe me. They SHOULD get married!
...sesshomaruhasafluffytail: I realized I might actually be walking around with a sign that says "looking for these people: -sesshomaruhasafluffytail..." etc. Don't worry, I have a girl who followed him around and spoke rapid-fire for a full minute trying to just ask for a picture. And half my friends are FMA-Addicts, and I think he's too cute, so... yeah. I bet he'll be wondering why KH and DN people are stalking him... Join our posse!
...Ovrlord Crys: I'm considering a sequel, so remember--I'm not dead! Don't have a plot, but humor and pointless smut in the works! I'm glad you're enjoying this, it brightens my day. Yum, hot guys and sugar in cereal... yuuuum... add chocolate and I think we can live in it.
...thexrealxdemyx: Teehee! I like striking chords, I'm so happy! Hope the note was in tune! (Band joke, forgive me). Yeah, love is such a powerful word... it's so much fun to use, too!
...Dearie: Yay! That makes me so happy! I'm loved! I heartz juu sooooo muchoz!
...hanakitsunechan7: So long as you're still not on the island, you're good and alive! And yes, I did say Death Note. Own volumes 2-5, 7-11, and a Death Note (mine's smaller than my Raito's). But I'm so happy! Am glad you like, we need more melty-Zexy. He's getting in touch with his emotions, yay!

Oh jeebush... I was like "damn, how many of these have I written? ...SIX?! Out of... hoshiz... waaah, wanna shower..."

Post-poning my showers...

Tsk! Postpone more! Do it! Read!

Whispered Melody
.xxii.
Kinda Seem to Get it Better

Sunday.

Ocean... sand, waves, sun...

Wet, cold... soggy clothing, sand attached to skin... Zexion felt like a molding cracker next to a very warm and cuddly piece of cheese. When he began making such horrendous analogies was beyond him, but currently, he couldn't think straight. He felt wet and... soggy, for lack of a better word. Demyx lay right next to him, hugging him and squishing him into the sand. What a warm and huggle-loving piece of cheese...

Look at me, I'm being a sap and calling him cheese.' Zexion sighed, keeping his eyes closed for a moment.

Waves washed onto the shore, washing over their legs before receeding, and Zexion found himself cringing. This was... an odd feeling to wake up to.

And Demyx seemed perfectly oblivious, clinging tightly as he slept.

Zexion sighed and shifted, moving a hand to Demyx's face. He couldn't bring himself to wake the older one... Demyx looked so peaceful. Hugging the daylights out of Zexion, but he looked peaceful. Zexion merely pushed back his hair, then let his hand fall back to the sand beside him. Maybe it wasn't so bad... Demyx clung to him lovingly, and they were on the beach. Demyx was a happy person, and Zexion didn't need to spoil that. Plus, the beach was pretty nice...

Demyx moved with a soft groan and turned his head away. He murmured a bit of gibberish, then lifted his head, eyes closed as he questioned, "Why am I wet?"

Now, that was funny. Zexion tried to stifle a laugh and ended up snickering into Demyx's shoulder.

It took a few seconds for Demyx to understand why Zexion was laughing, and when he had, his eyes narrowed. "Oh, you think that's funny?" he asked. "I'll show you funny!"

And before Zexion could scramble away, Demyx's hands found his most ticklish spots, and Zexion was laughing and squirming as he found himself under Demyx's tickling onslaught. It lasted for a few minutes, until Zexion finally screamed out, "I give!" and Demyx dropped onto the sand next to him.

Zexion huffed. "Demyx... no tickly," he whimpered, trying to catch his breath.

"Sorry..."

Demyx wasn't all that sorry, Zexion knew. But he didn't mind. They were both breathing heavily, drenched in ocean water and covered in sand, but they were happy. Zexion liked this feeling, it was so comfortable, relaxing... he could get used to this. Except the sand rubbing against his skin... it bothered him, and he sighed.

He turned to look at his boyfriend. "Demyx, I'm sure you're fully aware that we're covered in sand."

With a nod, Demyx grinned and sat up. "Yeah... it's itchy, isn't it?" Receiving the slightest nod from Zexion, Demyx grinned and sat up, quickly shredding his shirt. "C'mon... ocean's the best way to get rid of it... and your clothes might drag you under."

Zexion sat up quickly. "I'm not swimming!" he said quickly.

"I don't mean naked or anything. Boxers work just fine! I think..." Demyx looked down for a moment, then shrugged. "Maybe jeans?"

"No, Demyx," Zexion said, shaking his head. "Not swimming. At all!"

At least he tried to protest. Demyx ignored him completely and tugged him to his feet, dragging him towards the water. Within seconds, their feet were completely submerged. Zexion immediately clung to Demyx.

"Zexy, calm down!" Demyx urged. "It's just fine. And you're on land, see?"

Zexion shook his head. "No..." He sighed softly, hands grabbing onto Demyx's shoulders tightly. Or as tightly as he could manage. Without a shirt, Demyx didn't have much Zexion could grab hold of. Demyx held him tightly, pressing their bodies together as he slowly began to walk backwards, further into the ocean. The gentle morning waves pushed against him. "Demyx..."

"Relax, would you?" Demyx asked. "We're not gonna go deep or anything... just relax, keep hold of me. I was a lifeguard once, you know!"

"I saw pictures," Zexion replied, but nevertheless kept hold, linking his hands behind Demyx's neck. He looked up at the blond, who cheerfully continued to lead him back. "Don't worry... all good, see? All good..."

The water now came to Demyx's waist, up to Zexion's chest, and the smaller one glared up at him. "Demyx... we're too far out."

"No we're not!" Demyx said with a bright grin. He leaned down and kissed Zexion softly, letting his lips linger as he slowly pulled away. "Trust issues much?"

"Very," Zexion answered, somewhat breathless.

Before either could speak more, a rough wave pushed against Demyx's back, sending him forward. He tripped over Zexion's foot and fell forward, pushing Zexion back as they both briefly went under. The wave passed over them and withdrew, the pull helping to right Demyx back onto his feet. He carefully helped Zexion stand, sheepishly smiling at his boyfriend's unhappy look.

"Smooth, Demyx. Smooth."

Demyx grinned. "Well, you're mainly sand-free, right? Come on... we'll go in and take a shower!"

Zexion lost the ability to protest, and merely clung to Demyx as he walked out of the ocean. Once on land, Demyx shook the sand from his shirt, moving rather animatedly as Zexion attempted to squeeze water out of his. He sighed softly.

"Zexy? You okay?" Demyx asked.

"I don't like swimming," Zexion replied. He was completely soaked, and figured that he wouldn't get far dripping so much. Demyx didn't seem to care, happily grinning.

"Oh, you'll have fun!" he answered. "It's because you can't swim, right?"

"No," Zexion insisted, "That's not why!"

Demyx grinned and tapped his nose. "Yuh-huh!" he argued. "You're unhappy since you can't swim and need my help! You always get really unhappy when you need my help, then you act like you're six!"

"I'm not six!" Zexion argued.

"Are too!"

"At least I don't act like I'm nine on a regular basis!"

Demyx gasped, placing a hand over his heart. "Zexy... I'm hurt. You hurt me right here!" he said dramatically.

Zexion didn't even budge. That trick just reeked of Axel, and Zexion found himself immune to it. That just proved that the blond let their red-haired mutual friend spend too much time influencing him. Zexion would have to change that.

"Come on, Demyx. We're reading."

Another dramatic gasp from the blond. "Reading? No... anything but that!" Demyx cried out, grabbing onto his hair. He seemed ready to drop to his knees and curse the gods, but stopped and grinned. "No, I'm kidding... wanna steal one of your novels, they look really good."

Zexion blinked. "You... like to read?" he had to ask.

Demyx's grin grew. "Don't do it much, but I love books. Why do you think my mommy made the special room?" He hurried to place himself next to Zexion, and the two began walking towards the hotel. "She put loads of books in there for us, so the shelves aren't as dusty as everywhere else."

"Oh..."

"But come on! We should probably get cleaned up and attack the buffet downstairs before lunchtime!" And with that, Demyx began to sprint.

Zexion had no choice but to attempt at running, himself. He was completely soaked, and a tad cold, with his drenched clothing sticking to his skin as he tried to run after his long-legged boyfriend. And he was beginning to think that their little adventure into the ocean was for nothing. "So we didn't have to do into the water?" he called after the blond.

Demyx spun around, running backwards for a second as he smiled. "Nope! Not really!"

Okay, that was it! "I'm going to get you!" he called after Demyx. Hearing the blond 'eep' and attempt at running faster was enough to make Zexion smirk and ignore his soggy appearance, in the hopes of giving Demyx a face-full of sand.

.vi...ix.

Clean-up hadn't been very clean. They were merely out of breath by the time they reached their hotel room, and although Zexion felt the need to make Demyx pay for having not only tickled him but dragged him into the beach for no reason, he ended up being taken. Completely.

"Absolutely exhausted," Zexion whined as Demyx lay next to him.

Demyx took a breath. "It's not the sleep-aids, is it?" he asked. "Cuz I just wanna go again..."

"What'd you do? Slip viagra into your morning coffee?" Zexion questioned sarcastically. He knew that Demyx didn't even drink coffee, but he still felt the need to remark. After all, they had just done it twice, and the sheets were dirty and Zexion was tired, and yet Demyx wanted to go another round.

Plus, he was doing that cute face. The face which said "you love me and I'll feed you chocolate and give you massages if you do this for me" and made Zexion feel all warm and fuzzy inside and upset if he said no. B-but...

"Demyx..." Zexion whimpered.

Demyx intensified the look. "Cuddle-bunny... pleeeeeease?"

Zexion sighed, buried his face into a pillow, and made Demyx promise that there would be no more sex that day. Two to three rounds later, Demyx was out like a light, and Zexion would have beaten him with a pillow if he hadn't collapsed right next to him. Neither emerged from the room until that afternoon. After long showers and fights for who dressed where and what to do with the sand-covered clothing, they finally made their way downstairs to one of the smaller restaurants for lunch.

Axel and Roxas had resurfaced, the blond eating french fries cheerfully as Axel glared. The couple joined them and Demyx grinned. "And what have we missed here?" he asked brightly.

Axel sighed. "Roxas pushed me into the pool."

"And the problem is...?" Zexion inquired, grabbing a menu. He idly flipped through it.

"I hate swimming!"

"Join the club. Demyx tried to drown me this morning."

"Did not!" Demyx cried out. "Was helping you wash off the sand..."

The blond was ignored, left pouting as Zexion turned to his friend. Axel had most likely gone to dry off and change his clothing, but his wet hair gave off his displeasure, if his deep frown hadn't done enough. The redhead sighed and propped his elbows on the table, resting his chin on his folded fingers.

"You'll be fine," Zexion said shortly, sipping his soda. "Not like you'll melt, right?"

"I'd burn you if I had my lighter," Axel threatened dully. Looking out of the corner of his eyes, he sighed softly. "So I guess you guys have been having fun?"

"Oh, loads!" Demyx replied with a grin. "Zexy and I walked the beach, and I'm gonna teach him how to swim!"

The redhead stared at Zexion with wide eyes, and Roxas almost choked on a fry. From what they knew, Zexion wasn't a fan of pools or swimming, and were quietly asking if it was true. Zexion, on the other hand, stared plainly at his boyfriend, blinking as his eyes fought back the intense glare he wanted to send.

"I don't remember agreeing to go swimming," he replied simply. "I'll be reading in the room later tonight."

"Reading," Roxas coughed, smirking. "Yeah, sure..."

Zexion blinked. "Hmm? Demyx will be playing with you two tonight. I plan on reading, and he proves as a sufficient distraction."

Demyx whined loudly. "But Zexy!" he cried out. "What did I do this time?"

The whines were just a consequence for Zexion's pride. He chose to completely deny Demyx of his affection and wish to teach the art of swimming to the college student, and for that, he would have to listen to the boy whimper and sniffle and come damn close to bawling until he chose to give in--

Oh... Demyx was skipping steps. Tears were already forming.

And that was when Zexion realized it. He was completely breaking a promise. He wasn't even sure why he had made such a promise, but only around an hour before, in the hopes of getting Demyx out of the bathroom and away from checking his hair--even though Zexion planned on doing the same narcissistic action--he listened to Demyx ramble on and on about how he loved the beach, and told him it would mean the world, the absolute world, if Zexion would go swimming. Then he said he'd teach. And then Zexion agreed half-heartedly and dropped onto the bed.

How could he have forgotten that? It had only been around an hour ago! He sighed softly, dropping his head onto his fist. "Whatever!"

Demyx sniffled, looking up at him.

Reverse order.

"Y'mean it?" he asked.

Zexion glared. "No. I don't, I just lied to you."

"Zexy..." Demyx whined... Definitely reverse order. The blond rested his head on folded arms, shutting his eyes as he sighed loudly, and Zexion merely pat his shoulder for a moment, before turning to Axel.

"So you're not swimming with us?" Zexion asked.

He didn't wish to suffer alone, and the hopes of finding something to laugh at would make him feel much better about being forced into the water. He was hoping for a yes... but his hope vanished when Axel glared, stood up, and stomped off. Roxas waved goodbye, pat Demyx in sympathy, and hurried after Axel. Once they left, Zexion turned to Demyx.

"You're so mean, Zexy!" Demyx cried. Actually cried. His cheeks were flushed and wet and his eyes were red and Zexion immediately felt like a monster. He hadn't actually meant to make him cry. Just his sarcasm had gotten out of control. Sighing, he rose from his seat and moved closer, sitting next to Demyx. Then, he reached a hand over and gently wiped at Demyx's cheeks, sighing softly.

"Ssh... don't cry," he said softly. "I'll go swimming with you..."

Demyx glared at him, and Zexion actually moved his hand away. Though Demyx's glares were often playful, with the current discoloration on Demyx's face and the intense feeling burning unashamed in his eyes, Zexion felt as if Demyx were truly mad at him. Moreso than the last time... worse than last time.

Demyx hiccupped and looked away. "Just because they're not here... I hate your bravado, Zexy... hate it!"

Zexion looked away silently, and Demyx sniffled and hiccupped again then rose. "Demyx?" The blond didn't reply, roughly wiping at his cheeks, and soon he left the table. Zexion stared after him for a few seconds, surprised. Demyx... leaving? But... why?

Ten minutes passed. Demyx hadn't returned, so Zexion finally left the table. He checked the room, to find it empty. He ran into Axel and Roxas, who had made up by then, but neither had seen him. He even went outside and walked along the beach, Demyx nowhere in sight. It worried him.

He was mentally apologizing, angry that his ego had gotten in the way, wishing he had apologized immediately. But it was too late. Demyx left, and he immediately felt lost.

Zexion sighed, shut his eyes, and collapsed onto the sand.

.vi...ix.

He wasn't sure how long he had been there. The sky had darkened to a soft shade of blue, and the waves were washing further along the shore. The sand was cooler, a soft breeze blowing mist and grain onto his skin. Slowly, he turned over, to find a blond figure squatting over him.

"Zexy?"

"I'm so sorry..." he whispered.

Demyx stroked his cheek gently. "Ssh... ssh, it's okay..." he replied softly. "I'm sorry... I just... dunno what happened. Got really emotional and stuff, I didn't mean to run off like that."

Zexion stared at him. "I'm sorry I hurt you." Sighing, he let his eyes shut. "Next time I do it... slap me."

"Zexy... it's okay. Haven't cried like that in a while, though... felt kinda good." He sent Zexion a small smile, then shifted to lay next to him on the sand. Taking one of Zexion's hands in his, he wove their fingers together and gently kissed their fingers. "Were you down here the whole time?"

"I couldn't find you," Zexion replied. "I... just stopped."

A loud sigh came from Demyx, and Zexion turned to look at him, brows furrowing in the slightest in confusion. When Demyx recieved the look in response, he frowned. "Zexy... you shut down," he replied. "A lot... when something gets really upsetting, you just block it out or you give up too quickly. Have faith!"

Zexion closed his eyes again. "You're a faithful person... sometimes, I wonder how I could deserve such a beautiful thing."

Demyx grinned at him. "Zexy, you've been through a lot--"

"You have, too--"

"--not as much as you," Demyx debated. "Now ssh! I have reasoning! See... first off, you're accidentally drugged, and your mommy's killed, and nobody tells you it'll be okay. With me, when my mom died, I had my dad and sister, and you only had Naminé, but then she left too. And then you tried to continue on your own, and you're really lonely. You deserve better.

"Plus there's the fact that I took away your virginity. I really owe you something for that... and I kinda like you. When you dropped Larx home, I told her you wer cute, and the hit me and called me a moron. But then when we ended up... doin' it... I figured maybe I could make you happy. You need more joy in your life."

Zexion stared. Demyx actually had logic to this twisted sense, and he didn't quite understand why. "Demyx..."

"Ssh... don't argue, just be happy, okay?" Demyx placed a hand to Zexion's lips. "Just... relax... listen to the ocean, watch the sky turn dark and try to spot the first star."

So they lay in silence for a few minutes, before Zexion turned to look at him once more. "I really do love you," he said again. "Like... seriously. I really love you."

Demyx grinned. "I know..." he replied, then added, "you wouldn't shut down so much if you didn't."

Zexion's response was a flushed face, and he turned away quickly as Demyx giggled. As the commotion died down, the two returned to watching the stars, and Zexion felt happy again. They had settled their argument, they were fine... just another couple in love.

Only, something was missing.

"Demyx..."

"Huh?" Demyx asked, then quickly pointed up and grinned. "Look, Zexy, it's a star!" He grinned, then turned to look at Zexion calmly. "What is it, now?"

"I want to go swimming," Zexion replied calmly.

Demyx blinked. "B-but I thought you--"

"Demyx."

"Okay!"

Grinning, Demyx stood up, helping Zexion to his feet. The two shook off the sand that coated their backs, brushing each other off as they grinned to one another. With that, they raced back to the hotel to put on their swimming trunks.

Around twenty minutes later, the ocean was dark and deserted, save for two people. Zexion stood quietly, staring at the water around his legs. Demyx took his hands and held them tightly.

"Just like earlier," Demyx assured him.

"Just like earlier..." Zexion murmured in response. They moved closer to the waves, drifting into the water's moving currents. The gentle rocking of the waves pushing against them had Zexion murmuring his disapproval, clinging onto Demyx's arms. Demyx grinned, stopping when they were a few feet in, and announced that they would stop there. "Now what do I do?" he asked.

"Have a seat. Water should only reach your chest, we're not far out. You gotta be one with the waves, dude!" Demyx's voice had taken on a stereotypical-surfer's tone, and he dropped to sit, holding onto one of Zexion's wrists tightly. Zexion slowly moved to sit next to him, facing the ocean. A wave moved upward, and they slid back a foot, then rocked towards the water. Zexion gasped, his hands tightening on Demyx's, and the blond laughed. "Relax! Trust me, right?"

"I trust you... it's the waves I'm unsure about!" Zexion replied softly.

"Look, here comes another one!"

A second wave repeated motions the first had, and soon more followed. Demyx quietly spoke on how Zexion needed to acquaint himself with the waves, and how he'd be fine, and within minutes, they moved onto step two. Floating. This step took less time than the first, for Zexion seemed a lot more comfortable with the water by this point. They weren't sure how much time had passed, but Zexion was guessing an hour had passed when they had finally had Zexion to the point of flopping around abnormally in the water.

"Demyx!" Zexion whined, reaching his hands up as he tried to catch his footing on the slippery sand. Demyx caught him easily, and he wrapped his arms around Demyx's neck, giving him a small kiss before sighing. "I look like an awkward fish!"

The musician and natural swimmer grinned and kissed him gently. "But you're my cute awkward fish, and that's all that matters!" he replied.

Zexion couldn't help but smile. They waded around for a few more minutes, then finally wobbled out, shivering at the wind. The late night's cool breeze against their cooled skin had them just about frozen, and they tried to dry off as quickly as possible, before giving up and running shakily to the hotel. They walked inside and Demyx looked at Zexion with a grin.

"It's after three," he commented.

"In the morning?" Of course in the morning. It wouldn't be so dark otherwise, but Zexion had to ask. He was rather stunned they had been out so long. But for some reason, he was hungry. The two headed back to their room, showered--together this time, since fighting for first dibs was so bothersome--and snacked until they fell asleep curled up on the bed together.

That night, Zexion's dreams had been peaceful. He and Demyx were at the park, fighting each other with water guns before they switched to throwing slices of cake and seeing who could suggestively lick frosting off the other's elbow the most seductively. He woke to find Demyx still curled to him, and smiled, shutting his eyes as he moved closer. Oddly, he had the feeling that he must've done something right for a change. And that felt very nice.

.xxii. end .xxii.

Comment: Song played repeatedly at the end was "Shout it Loud" by Schudelia Electro. For anyone who's ever seen King of Bandit Jing, which is really amusing even though the plot earns a "WTF?" sticker. But I love the song, which is probably why I OD'd on fluff with this chapter. Who cares! Right? Right?

I love you guys! Reviewers get to dance in circles!

Quotage!
"Must... risk... life... for cards!"
-Joey, YGOTAS (by LittleKuriboh)

:Darkness Princess.