agh... i meant to get this chapter out last week, but then i got stuck on the last scene. so if it seems kinda crappy to you... i'm sorry -.-; but i had to get it out. ON THE BRIGHT SIDE: this chapter is longer by about a page :)
and this chapter marks the turning point (kinda). next chapter will be the wee wee beginning of the end... i'm still kinda in denial about it, really... i've never gotten this far in a multi-chaptered fic before. it makes me happy at the same time that i'll be able to finish something though :) it shouldn't take more than two weeks to get the next chapter out (only a week if i can get it right)
anyways, thanks a ton for the continued support you guys! your reviews make me all warm and fuzzy inside :3
Disclaimer: i don't own Pokemon and i am sorry if i happen to offend any British people in the audience in this particular chapter. but there's something you should know: i'm American--hence, i make fun of EVERYTHING. so yes, that explains it all :P
"Ok, Demyx, your breathing is good enough for us to continue, but before we move on, there's some things we need to go over."
Demyx gulped. It'd been about a week since they'd started his lessons and Zexion was just now saying his breathing was satisfactory. If Zexion was that strict about the little things—not that breathing was that little of a thing in singing—, the younger couldn't help but feel nervous about what was yet to come.
"First, you need to open your mouth more—drop your jaw. And work on your enunciation. It's great if the song is pretty and if your voice is appealing, but none of that will matter if they can't understand what you're saying. How good is your British accent?" Zexion asked unexpectedly.
Demyx blinked. British accent . . . ? He didn't quite understand how that was supposed to help, but he gave his best shot.
"Cheerio, chap! Care for some tea and crumpets?" Demyx attempted cheerfully.
Now, Zexion didn't know many British people—scratch that, he didn't know any British people, but he was fairly sure that Demyx was stereotyping. That didn't stop him from finding it terribly amusing though. Unable to stifle it, he barked out a laugh and bent over as chuckles continued escaping.
Demyx giggled, too. Powerless to stop himself, he continued, "Maybe play a game of cricket? Oh blast! The weather looks too ghastly for that. How about a round of chess at nine o'clock sharp? I've got a wicked set. Oh, bloody hell! It's raining on my new sneakers!"
Zexion's laughs echoed up and down the corridor. If anyone heard it, they would most likely question who was laughing. Even if they knew Zexion, it was a rare thing indeed for him to laugh so uproariously. Or at all.
When both of them had finally worn out the British jokes, Demyx asked, "So why did you ask about my British accent anyway?"
Still chuckling a little, Zexion answered, "In singing, British people are very lucky. The way they speak will help your enunciation while you sing.
"Oh . . . so I guess enunciation is super important?"
"Yeah."
"And I guess I'm not the best at it . . ."
"Not exactly."
"Worse than my breathing?"
"Worse than your breathing," Zexion confirmed.
Demyx sighed, fearing the worst as he said, "Working on enunciation's gonna be hell, isn't it?"
"You better believe it."
-
"Dammit! How could he miss that time, too?!" Axel yelled in frustration.
Roxas grinned triumphantly. "Axel, 'Earthquake' doesn't work on flying Pokemon."
The vampire sulked, crossing his arms. "Well, that's stupid. Your Noctowl was on the ground, for Christ's sake!
"All is possible in the world of video games," the blond replied sagely. Axel just muttered some profanities under his breath before gripping his controller again.
"You'd think Gyarados would be able to beat that stupid bird."
"Never judge a book by its cover," Roxas countered.
It was then that Axel turned to Roxas, hitting his arm, saying, "Stop it with the old sayings already, wise-ass."
"And just what would you know about my ass being wise or not?" inquired Roxas, tilting his head to the side as he gave the vampire an innocent look.
"Again, stop being a wise-ass and play—it's your turn, kid," Axel replied flatly.
"If I'm a kid, then you must be a pedophile!" Roxas grumbled under his breath.
Sighing inaudibly, Axel replied, "If you were that worried about it, you could've kicked me out at any time. Now go—your turn." Roxas obeyed the last part, checking out his options on the screen.
Axel had come over a while ago. Having already managed to collect the blood for Sora and himself, he'd just had to drop by Riku's for Sora's letter. Until then, however, he could do whatever he darn well pleased. So he visited Roxas. It'd been a little awkward at first, but once they got into playing Pokemon Coliseum, it was as if they were old friends. Of course, an old friend would've had more experience with the game and the like, but that was getting technical.
And honestly, who cared about the details?
"Come on, Teddiursa! You can live you can make it you'll be able to attack—NO! Damn it . . . stupid bear . . ." Axel mumbled at the screen as Roxas's Pikachu electrocuted it back to his pokeball.
"Ready to give up?" the human taunted, flashing a smirk.
"Not on your life," the redhead retorted, sending out his Merrill.
Roxas shrugged. "Suit yourself."
It was on.
-
Riku rubbed his eyes wearily. No matter how hard he'd tried—he just couldn't sleep. He'd been laying wide awake in bed for the past two dreadful hours just staring at the plain ceiling. At one time, he'd had those little glow-in-the-dark stars and planets on his ceiling, but they'd fallen off a long time ago. If he dared to peek under his bed, it was likely that he would find some of them still illuminating the horde of dust bunnies taking residence there.
Blinking rapidly as he turned on his bedside lamp, he reached for what he felt he'd reread over and over to the point of memorization—Sora's return letter. Admittedly, he hadn't quite memorized it yet, but parts of it wouldn't leave his mind. Besides, the information he'd learned about vampires still fascinated him. Having been taught about humans all his life, it was intriguing how similar yet different his and Sora's kind were. Then again, vampires were made from humans.
Riku
Before I get to the stuff about vampires, I did tell Axel to set letters in your mailbox from now on, so it's entirely his fault if he doesn't. (Never believe his crap about not hearing me say that—or anyone say something, really. His hearing is good even for vampires. And his memory is even better.)
And me and you being Axel's and Roxas's relationship counselor? Hehe... that'd be fun… I doubt either of them would let us though.
Now about the vampire stuff. Yeah, Zexion and Demyx are my guards. They can't simply lock the door because we can travel between dimensions. There are only two dimensions we go through though. The one we live in and the other is what we call Kingdom Hearts. I don't think you've traveled with me through Kingdom Hearts to get somewhere else in this dimension, but it is really cold going through there. However, we can't stay inside Kingdom Hearts for long, so how far we can travel is limited. Think of going through Kingdom Hearts like going through a person's yard you need to go around in order to get to the other side. Why go around when you can walk straight through? Of course, you have to hurry across or you'll be caught and taken somewhere you didn't intend to go.. I don't know why anyone would want to stay in Kingdom Hearts anyway though, it's always dark and freezing! But the rules about that are confusing, so I won't get into the details.
As for vampire abilities, good hearing is a given, but you know how you humans can see easily in the light but not very well in the dark? For us it's the opposite. I'd be able to see you way better in the dark than in the light. (FYI: This is why we go out at night—not because we get burned by the sun; it's just easier to see.) And our bodies are in good athletic shape like you said—more so than they appear.
Umm . . . vampire myths . . . Oh! You know the one about garlic killing us? That's a bunch of bull. No one likes garlic—vampire or otherwise, but it won't kill us by any means. The rules about religious things and vampires is too complicated, so I'm not even gonna start on that. (I don't think either of us want a headache. Besides, I don't think I know all the rules dealing with that anyway.) Let's see . . . What are some other myths . . . ? Oh yeah, you know how we apparently live in coffins? That's not true either. No one would want to sleep in a coffin. It's damn uncomfortable.
And you haven't been annoying me with your questions at all! Really! It gives me something to write about, for one. 'Cause I doubt you'd be interested to hear about Demyx's singing lesson adventures. (I've had to listen to them working on his breathing for the last few days alone! Zexion is one tough teacher. Either that, or Demyx is just a bad student. He seems eager to learn though, so I doubt it's the latter.)
Oh, and you haven't told your parents that you're gay yet? You really should, you know. From what you've told me, they sound pretty strict and stuff, but they are your parents. They have a right to know—even if they don't like it. I don't wanna seem like a nag, but it'd be best if you told them now instead of waiting 'til you're twenty and bringing me home. ;)
Though I'll admit 8:00 every morning isn't exactly fun. Especially on Saturdays. It does sound unreasonable. I'd love to tell you they're doing it for your sake, but that still seems a bit much.
But Axel's outside my room right now, convincing the guards to let him in. (The other guards are so weak-willed it's not even funny. Wait, never mind, I lied. It is funny.) So I better finish if I want you to get this soon. So, as a last-minute thing, confess to your parents and write back soon! Your letters are what keep me from going insane on this end. ('Cause the queen is trying to make sure I don't get any luxuries—not that she knows about your letters or Axel's visits or anything. Good thing, too. Otherwise Axel would be in a ton of trouble, too.)
But I really do have to wrap this up. Take care!
Sora
A smile played on his lips at the part "Your letters are what keep me from going insane." Those words made Riku feel special—important to somebody for once. Needed.
Pangs of guilt wrenched in his guts again however at the excerpt mentioning his parents. Sora, you don't know my parents like I do. Riku couldn't help but think. He knew Sora was just trying to help him overall, but it wasn't as if he could just say abruptly at supper one day "Hey Mom, Dad, guess what? I'm gay—just thought you should know." Laughing bitterly in his mind, he went shut off the light and rolled over to once again attempt to go to sleep.
-
"Again. Articulate," Zexion ordered. "Over-exaggerate the way your mouth moves when forming sounds and don't leave letters like 'T's and 'D's out when they're at the end of a word."
Demyx sighed. "Alright." He was about to start up again when two particular vampires came up from opposite ends of the hall as their slightly heeled boots clacked on the stone floor. Coming to a halt at the guards' station, Axel and Leon waited expectantly and somewhat hopefully for the duo to let them in. Well, maybe not the duo—just Zexion, really. If they only had to deal with Demyx, it wouldn't have been much of a concern in the first place.
"I suppose you're both here to see Sora," Zexion grumbled, bringing his index finger and thumb up to rub his temples.
Both men glanced at each other before Leon said, "Well, yes."
". . . Fine."
All three of the vampires stared shocked at Zexion. He'd been such a stickler to the rules during his shift before; what had changed to make him give in so quickly?
Zexion elaborated. "Usually he yells at us at least once to shut up, but he's been silent all day. As his guard, I'm allowing you to check up on him since he doesn't seem to be acting normal."
The redheaded vampire grinned victoriously. "Thanks, Zexion! We owe you one!"
"Don't mention it—seriously, don't," Zexion replied, allowing them passage.
"Thanks, you guys," Leon said, nodding slightly at both Zexion and Demyx in turn. Returning the nod, the guards let them through.
The form of a sleeping Sora under the bedcovers greeted them as they entered the cold room. Olive green blankets were wrapped tightly around the slightly shivering mass. Barren, the floor remained stone cold while failed attempts at letters to Riku lay crumpled on the desk. There were no windows in the room; it might've seemed brighter if there had been.
Leon frowned. "Has he been like this when you've visited him, too?"
Axel nodded solemnly. "Unfortunately. I think the poison must be getting to him." Going over to the slumbering vampire, he shook his shoulder. "C'mon Sora, time to wake up . . . Riku's here."
"Fwhat?" the small brunet asked, his voice muffled by the fabric of the blankets. Still sleepy, he rubbed his eyes and slowly sat up, glancing around the room. "Liar," he said gruffly. "It's Leon, not Riku," stated Sora, unable to keep the disappointment and relief out of his voice.
Leon rolled his eyes. "Thanks, Sora. Really makes me feel special."
"You should," Sora replied, a small smirk raising one end of his lips. Leon raised an eyebrow, a grin tugging at the corner of his mouth. He's got some spunk in him yet. Leon thought gratefully. It was nice to know the reserves weren't affecting him too much.
"So what's it like on the other side?" Sora inquired.
Seating himself on the chair at the desk, Axel answered, shrugging, "Well, I've been seeing Roxas some."
"You mean you're dating?"
The redhead shook his head. "Nah, I'm too scared I'll scare him off if I do anything. I got a little too carried away the first time we met, and he still hasn't put it in the past. So we've just been hanging out—nothing friends wouldn't do."
"They always say it's better to befriend someone before you date them," Sora mentioned.
"And I know Roxas, he wouldn't allow you near him if he seriously felt threatened by you or in danger around you in any way," Leon commented.
"That's good, but that still doesn't let me know if he wants to be in a relationship or not," Axel pointed out.
"Actually, according to Riku, Roxas is confused about his sexuality. He's open to experimentation, but he won't guarantee anything," Sora piped up. "Oh, but don't let him know I told you that."
A grin formed on Axel's face. "Really? Awesome, I have a chance!" he said happily.
In Sora's mind, however, he couldn't help but think: What do you know, Riku? We really have become their relationship counselors!
Turning to his older brother, he said, "How have you been, Leon?"
Said brother glanced away, bringing his downcast eyes to the floor. "Not the best . . . I think Cloud might be drifting from me . . ."
Sora blinked. "Leon, who's Cloud?"
"Waaaaaaait—you still haven't told him, Leon?!" Axel questioned, surprised.
Sighing, the vampire said, "No, I guess I never got around to it . . . Sora, Cloud is my boyfriend. And before you can ask—yeah, he's a human."
"Ohhhh . . ." Sora said. Leon's behavior made more sense to him now—there was a reason he hadn't been able to visit him as much, but still, the fact that he had put a human before his brother did kind of hurt. After all, Sora had put his family before himself, too. Then again, that had been a long time ago . . . Best not to dwell on it now. Sora convinced himself.
"How long have you two been together?" he asked his brother.
"About three or four months now."
"I see . . . and you didn't think to tell me because . . . ?"
"Because . . . I didn't want you to worry." Sora was about to protest, but Leon held up a finger—cutting him off. "Let me finish. I knew your views on love—it's dangerous and has way too much control over a person; in short, love doesn't let one think things out. Am I right?"
At Sora's nod of agreement, he continued, "I knew how your experience with love went, but Cloud . . . it's different between me and him than it was between you and Kairi. I think I may really love him."
"Does he love you?" Sora asked.
Leon looked down. "I'm not sure . . . He's said he does before, but . . . he's been befriending this guy at the library—where they both work. And I really don't trust him. I mean, I trust Cloud; it's his friend I don't like," he said, his voice emphasizing his dislike for whoever Cloud was befriending.
"Do you know his name?" Axel wondered curiously.
"Sephiroth," Leon stated scornfully in a frigid tone.
Both Sora and Axel physically felt the room's temperature drop a few degrees.
". . . Can't say I know anyone by that name," Sora said nervously, scratching his head.
"Good, I don't want you to meet him," Leon said firmly.
Sora couldn't help himself—he had to ask. "Why?"
"He screams 'sex offender' like a rooster screams 'cock-a-doodle-doo at dawn.'"
Again, the room's temperature fell a few more notches.
"Um . . . Well, I think all you can really do is spend more time with Cloud to keep him away from this 'Sephiroth.' You could warn Cloud about him, but since they're friends, it might not go over so well . . ."
"I know that. Roxas already warned Cloud after the first time he met him, but Cloud still hasn't accepted the reality of what's going on from what he thinks is happening." Leon let out a sigh of frustration. "Just what am I supposed to do?"
"Before I answer that, does Roxas live with Cloud or something?" Sora checked.
"Sora, they're brothers," Axel answered.
"Ok, makes sense now—no wonder they look so much alike . . . Anyway, you could always warn this 'Sephiroth' guy to stay away from Cloud instead of warning Cloud to stay away from him," he suggested.
"I guess I don't have much of a choice . . ." Leon agreed, raising a hand to brush a few bangs out of his face.
"So um . . . now that we're done with our little relationship counseling session . . ." Axel began.
Leon chuckled. "Can't believe I'm taking advice from him."
Sora pouted. "Hey, I should be getting paid if you ask me—this is high-quality common sense, you know!" he protested, mischief twinkling in his eyes.
Snorting, his brother replied, "'High-quality common sense' my ass."
"Actually," the redhead interrupted as he reached into his coat pocket. "I did bring a little something or two for our favorite criminal."
"I'm not a criminal!" Sora protested, adding, "But what'd you bring me, anyway?"
Chuckling, Axel said, "Here, you should probably take this first." Sora's mouth watered at the very sight of the jug full of painfully bright red blood. The younger brunet's blue eyes stayed stuck on it until Axel finally handed it over to him. Numbly unscrewing the cap, Sora hurriedly poured the jug's contents down his parched throat. The lukewarm liquid filled him, tripping its way down his esophagus like water tumbling over rocks in a steady stream. By the time he was done, even his little toes were pink with warmth.
Leon gazed at him worriedly—noticing the obvious change. "The reserves are getting to you, aren't they . . . ?" he murmured, inaudible to the other two in the room.
"Thanks, Axel!" Sora said, beaming at him.
Ruffling his spikes, Axel said fondly, "No problem, kid. Here's the other thing I got for you." Flicking his wrist, he let the white envelope poke Sora's forehead with the corner. The receiver flinched, but greedily snatched the letter in his hands, unable to keep the smile from flitting across his face.
Leon stood up. "Sora? We should get going before the guards change shifts again, ok?"
Axel glanced around, "Yeah, we probably should . . ."
"Alright . . . thanks for coming, you guys. Really," Sora reluctantly said—not really wanting them to leave just yet.
"I'll try to come around more often, ok, Sora?" Leon checked. Sora nodded, smiling at him.
Axel, feeling somewhat awkward, coughed. "Ok, ok! So, see you later, Sora. You coming, Leon?" he asked, heading over to the door.
"Yeah, I'm coming. See you later, Sora," he replied, following the redhead.
"Bye, guys! And thanks!" the prisoner called as he saw Leon nod once in recognition before winking out of sight behind the door.
Sighing, Sora stared around him at the empty room. It was so small, but without Axel and Leon—it suddenly seemed much emptier. But then the texture of the paper envelope against his fingers caught his attention again. Carefully, (well, maybe not so carefully) he ripped it open. Unfolding the letter, he stared at the paper that had captured his interest and read . . .
Sora,
That thing about Kingdom Hearts does sound complicated, but it sounds kinda interesting, too. If you ever can't think of something to tell me, talk about that, ok? I wanna know about your way of life (for lack of a better term).
And ouch. Zexion seems like a tough teacher. I wish Demyx luck.
But about my parents . . . How do I put this . . . ? I can't tell them! You have no idea how religious my family is (or pretends to be). And my mom's a therapist—knowing her, she'd try to "cure" me or some crap like that. (She may not be able to prescribe medication, but she has a few psychiatrist friends that owe her some favors.) Anyway, my mom would flip. And my dad . . . Geez, I have no idea how he'll react. He'll probably join my mom's side just because it's easier. Sora, my parents practically use me for their public image—can you imagine what would happen to that image if their son turned out to be gay? The perfect family would be ruined—they'd be ruined—I'd probably be ruined, too . . . It's making me nervous enough as it is to let my friends know. What if something slips?
I know I'll have to come out sometime, but I just don't think now is that time . . .
Hey, I'm sorry this is so short, but my mom's calling me and I gotta go. Sorry.
Talk to you later.
Riku
"Riku, just what are you going to do when they find out? And what if they don't find out from you?" Sora muttered in the empty room.
so... see the purple button? yes, it's a pretty purple button, don't you think? drag the mouse over and click it and you'll be capable of making something even prettier--a review :) isn't it amazing how things work like that :P