Ch.5: Hold on

Sage: I do not own Demyx/Zexion from Kingdom hearts/CoM, or 'Hold on' by the Jonas brothers.

Zexion watched in concern as his companion turned over and buried his head into his sleeve. The Cloaked Schemer sighed as he noticed the blonde was depressed, or at least upset. He padded to Demyx's torso and dropped next to him, lying his head on the boy's back and curling close to his body. He was trying to comfort the other as best as possible.

It's probably my fault he's feeling like this. He's probably thinking about the rejection. The dog closed his eyes. Maybe his actions were selfish. Maybe he should go ahead and tell the other how he felt. He shuddered. The canine wanted to say it, he really did, but... He couldn't muster the willpower.

He's going to feel awful for a long time, and it's just because I was stubborn. I was too stubborn then, and now I'm not stubborn enough.

The blonde lifted his head when he felt something lean against him. He glanced at the dog for a moment, not knowing what expression to give him, then turned his gaze over to the egg. It must've cooled down by now. He reached across for it and took another bite, staring off into space around his room as he chewed.

What still bugged him was that even though Zexion rejected him, he kept showing simple signs of affection. They were small, but still there. By now, the nocturne would have shrugged it off and blamed it on the other's newly acquired canine instincts, but something told him that wasn't it. One good way to find out was to further observe his behavior as a human...then he'd know for sure. So perhaps it was time to try a little harder on getting him back to normal.

As soon as he took care of that itching feeling. Something was bothering him...Demyx turned on his side and looked closely at Zexion's fur, running an ungloved hand up his back in the opposite direction it lay, scanning it. Surely enough, his eyes caught a small black spot scurrying across.

"Ak! Zex, I think you've got fleas!"

What's he...? His question was answered even before he could finish that thought.

"I... I'VE GOT WHAT?!" The dog stood and backed away from the Melodious Nocturne, feeling embarrassed as well as disgusted. He began to scratch, even though he had very little idea where the parasites were. "Ugh, that's positively vile! ...Disgusting! Get off of me, you... Degenerate... Insects!" The gray dog shook as it were water he were ridding himself of and not parasites.

"Oh, this isn't working." He turned his attention back to his blonde room mate. "Demyx, I hate to have to ask this of you but..." He looked at the floor, obviously ashamed. "I need a flea collar. I'll pay for it if need be, but I can't go into a store and purchase it on my own." He felt the bite of a bug and scratched at his neck.

"Please... Demyx... I really do hate to ask so much of you, but I can't do this by myself." He whimpered.

"I know, I know..." The blonde calmly replied. "But...I mean, sure, the flea collar will keep them away; but it's not gonna get rid of the ones you already have." Demyx tapped his chin for a moment. "I think you might need a bath. I'll probably have to get some flea shampoo along with the collar.." he trailed off, wondering where on earth he would find a pet store. Not only that, but should he go dressed in his organization coat? It was certain to draw attention...also, what would happen if Xemnas found out he had gone off somewhere? His whereabouts might draw suspicion...even more suspicion would be drawn towards himself if he was seen with the flea products.

To make things even more complicated; where would Zexion be able to bathe? Sea-green eyes trailed their gaze towards the bathroom, a sigh escaping his lips. Guess that could work...again, he felt a sense of...awkwardness. He had never given a dog a bath; let alone he it was Zexion he was bathing. A blush crossed his cheeks as he hung his head. Why me?.. Well, on the bright side, as long as he stayed away from certain areas (-ahemcough-) they should both be fine...right?

Zexion whimpered.

"A... A bath?" He cringed in modesty. The dog looked up and was slightly consoled by the fact that his companion appeared to feel just as awkward as he did. However, that small amount of comfort was short-lived as his mind jerked him back into reality.

"R-Right, well..." He coughed. "There should be... some kind of... pet store or something in Twilight Town, right?" He slowly crept closer to the blonde and placed a timid paw on top of his foot. "So... Can we go right now? Just take off your gloves and your coat..." He felt a signifigant amount of heat rush to his face as he realized what he said could sound suggestive. "...A-And let's go." He turned his gaze downward and pressed his nose against the ground, visibly flustered.

"Mmhmm." Demyx nodded, blush deepening in the slightest. He stood, unzipping his jacket as he walked over to the closet and dug through it. Just when he thought all he had was multiple sets of the same jacket, the nocturne found some 'normal' looking clothes. Out of the heap of jackets he pulled out a dark blue, long sleeve, buttoned shirt and some black jeans. Demyx put on the shirt, then came out of the bathroom a few minutes later with the jeans on. He left his boots on underneath so that they'd look like regular shoes. To be on the safe side, he put on a cap so that his hair and eyes would be obscured as well.

Now they were good to go.

Zexion waited patiently for Demyx to emerge from the bathroom, his tail wagging slightly. An irritating itch suddenly appeared on his shoulder and he raised a back foot to scratch mercilessly.

This had better work...The Cloaked Schemer thought, still bothered by the thought of the blonde giving him a bath. He stopped scratching once he heard the door open behind him. He turned around and was greeted by the handsome look of the older male in casual clothing. He felt a small amount of heat rise to his cheeks.

He's actually quite attractive in those clothes... They seem flattering on him. He frowned a little, somehow visible through his canine appearance. Though I think the cap was quite unnessecary. He thought, somewhat disappointed. The hat made it harder to see the Melodious Nocturne's eyes.

"Come on, Zex." he called, opening a portal.

As the water elemental opened a portal, the gray creature nodded in obedience, hastily bringing his thoughts back to the matter at hand, and stepped into the darkness.

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By the time they entered the pet shop, Demyx had taken the small dog into his hands as he walked down the isles. Looking for the products, they passed by the section with leashes and toys; causing the blonde to pause for a moment. He picked up one of toys, giving it a squeeze. When it squeaked, Demyx gave the dog a playful grin. "Want me to get one of these too?" he chuckled jokingly before putting it back.

At the end of the isle there was a wall lined with fishtanks. The nocturne couldn't help but get distracted with the fascination of the fish. There were so many different kinds in all colors, shapes, and sizes. A smile touched his lips as he watched them swim around for a bit. Zexion's tail began to wag as he noticed the way that Demyx was staring at the fish. Maybe he would buy the blonde a fish or two once he was a humanoid again. After all, he didn't seem to have a problem with having a pet, and a fish would be easier to take care of than he would be, the dog thought, somewhat guilty. After a few moments, Demyx snapped out of his daze and continued searching for what they came for.

Apparently, one of the employees noticed the meandering blonde and approached him. "Do you need some assistance, sir?" It was a young girl with bright emerald eyes and brown hair. Her nametag read 'Olette'.

Demyx blushed lightly, feeling somewhat embarrassed that he seemed like he was lost or something. None the less, he nodded. "Um, yeah...I'm looking for a flea collar and some dog shampoo."

"Right this way." She led him about three isles down, and surely enough, they came across a whole shelf of flea products.

"Thanks." the blonde smiled.

As he watched the Melodious Nocturne ask a teenage girl who worked at the store where they kept the flea products, his chest felt oddly heavy. An emotion swept over him that was new to him, at least as a Nobody. He vaguely recognized it from his life as a Somebody. He felt it when his older brother got praised by his parents and they ignored him. It happened so many times... Eventually it was what led him to become Ansem the Wise's youngest apprentice. Look where that got him. That emotion was... Envy. He closed his eyes in shame. How petty. But, why would he feel it now?

"By the way...do you know what specific brand I should get for my dog?"

The girl glanced at Zexion for a moment before nodding. She skimmed the shelves until she found the right one, handing it to Demyx. "This should work." Once she gave it to him, the brunette looked at the small gray dog again. "Aww..he's so cute!" she squeed. "Can I pet him?"

Demyx shrugged. "Sure, I guess."

He opened his eyes and was met with the girl as she held out a bottle of flea shampoo. Maybe... Could it be because she had Demyx's attention? That was really... stupid. And yet, though the Cloaked Schemer acknowledged it as such, the feeling couldn't go away... And that feeling soon became contempt and dislike for the brunette. When her green eyes gleamed with admiration and she asked Demyx if she could pet him, he became tense.

Demyx, need I remind you that I am not a real dog? He thought, a bit angry that the blonde would give someone permission to touch him. As the girl's hand approached, a low, warning growl came from deep in his throat. His eyes gave his thoughts away well.

Touch me, girl, and your fingers will have suddenly become significantly shorter.

The girl pulled back, hearing Zexion's threat loud and clear.

Demyx nudged the dog, muttering in a hushed tone. "Be nice!"

Zexion scoffed as Demyx scolded him and apologized to the brunette.

"Well, Number IX, how would you feel if a complete stranger ran their hand through your hair and down your back? Don't give random people permission to touch me." He continued to growl, this time directing it towards the blonde holding him.

Ignoring this, sea-green eyes met their gaze with emerald, giving the girl an apologetic smile. "Sorry about that...he probably feels uncomfortable because you're a stranger to him."

"It's understandable. Most dogs are like that." She chuckled.

"Heh, yeah...anyway, thanks for the help."

"No problem."

After paying for everything, Demyx found an alley out back and opened a portal back to his room.

------

The blonde hoped Zexion wasn't mad at him; he was just trying to make having him as a pet look convincing. Besides, the girl seemed friendly, so he didn't think there'd be any harm in it. If it wasn't for that, Demyx would have been more protective of the small dog. That set aside, the nocturne carried him to the bathroom, closing the door behind him. If anyone were to knock or walk in; he could easily make it look like he was the one taking a shower.

He took off his cap, (which in doing so now exposed his messy hair) and set it aside, pulling the shampoo bottle out of the bag and reading the instructions. "Apply once, rinse, then apply a second time...don't use on your pet more than once every two weeks to avoid skin irritation." Seemed simple enough...if Zexion cooperates, that is. The blonde stood in front of the tub on his knees, rolling up his sleeves and turning on the water. Once it was at a warm temperature, he reached over to pick up the dog and place him in the tub.

"Alright.." he sighed, pouring some shampoo into the palm of his hand. Demyx splashed a bit of water onto Zexion's back before rubbing on the shampoo, slightly massaging the area to get it deep in his fur.

After they had returned to his room and the Cloaked Schemer had been carried to the bathroom, the blush from before returned to his face.

Right...The bath. He shifted uneasily, watching with anxiety as the blonde turned the water on. He timidly lowered his head, as if he curled into a small enough ball, he wouldn't be seen. Unfortunately, that appeared not to be the case as the water elemental picked him up and placed him in the tub. No matter how warm the water was when he was splashed, standing water soon becomes cold. He stood still, shivering in the chilly water. As he felt a hand in his fur, his face became bright red. The massaging motion would have felt good to a normal dog, but to Zexion it felt... The same way he would have felt if he were a humanoid. Awkward. He sneezed.

Demyx flinched upon hearing the sneeze. "Eh, bless you?" Again, this felt strange. He often forgot that this was Zexion he was dealing with; (him having the outer appearance of a dog and all) so sometimes things like this didn't bother him. However, once he was given a reminder, the blonde would become quite flustered. His cheeks flushed as he continued to apply the shampoo to the dog's head. He had to wash his fur thoroughly, but didn't want to be touching him so much. Demyx could only imagine what it's like to be in Zexion's position right now.

Shifting on his knees uncomfortably, the blonde splashed water on the small dog again, rinsing out the suds and foam the shampoo had created. The bottle said to repeat, but at the moment, he'd just pretend he missed that part. He grabbed a towel nearby and wrapped it around the dog, pulling him out of the bathtub and onto the floor, ruffling his fur dry. Then he stood back and pulled the shower curtain in front of him, bracing himself in case the other decided to shake.

Zexion winced as water was splashed on him again. Yes, it was warm at first, but it felt so cold after just a short moment.

He shivered as he was pulled out of the tub and dried. At least the cold water would be mostly rid of him. He watched, somewhat amused, as Demyx pulled the shower cutain in front of him.

"Demyx... Need I remind you that I am not a real dog?" He frowned. Yes, he had the urge to shake himself free of the freezing water, who wouldn't? But, he had the human, or shall we say, Nobody determination to refrain from that instinct. "I'm not going to get you wet. I am, however, very cold." He whimpered. "Can't you-" He felt heat rush to his cheeks, though not enough to warm him up. He was about to say "can't you wrap your arms around me or something?" but he just managed to stop himself in time.

Demyx lowered the curtain, feeling slightly guilty. Was he offending him? Probably. "Sorry..."

However, he gave Zexion a curious glance when the other paused in mid-sentence. Although he didn't finish, the blonde knew where he was going with what he said. He found himself blushing again, hesitantly bending down to pick up the small dog. Opening the bathroom door, the blonde carried him to the bed, sitting against the backboard. He held Zexion close to his chest, pulling up the blanket. His warm flushed cheek brushed against the dog's cold nose. "I-is this warm enough?" he whispered.

What would this be like if the schemer were in his human body? His blush deepened slightly at the thought. Demyx began to wonder...would he ever get a chance to do something like this again? Zexion would probably push him away if pulled into an embrace...it's not like he'd ever ask him for warmth; even considering the circumstances. For now, all the nocturne could do was hold onto him while he still could...

Sage: Happy Dexion day to you all! ( Zemyx day would technically be June ninth, so...yeah n.n; ) Also, check out my profile for a link to my DeviantArt featuring newly added Zemyx fanart!