(I own nothing)

Chapter Nine

I didn't think I'd done anything wrong, but more and more, I found myself home, with only Moogle for company- and Axel and Roxas, but they don't really count. Demyx had a summer class that had started, so between that and his rigorous work schedule, he wasn't around much. He'd been so stressed out, too, that even when we did hang out, he wasn't his usual, cheerful self. He always seemed preoccupied, no matter what we were doing. Like now, for example. We were watching Adventure Time- except that neither of us were actually watching it. I kept watching Demyx out of the corner of my eye, but he didn't even notice. His gaze kept drifting, focusing occasionally on the television, with mild interest, and then moving on to roam about the room. We were high, but that usually only made this show more awesome! And it was his favorite show! He'd been waiting for the new episode, but now he didn't even care!

"Demyx!" I called, startling him slightly. "What time is it?" He glanced around the room.

"12:00," he declared, upon seeing Axel's alarm clock in the next room- which had been blinking '12:00' ever since the last power outage- at least three months ago (don't ask me how he gets to school and work on time).

"No, Demyx." My heart sank as he looked at me blankly. "It's adventure time!" His eyes widened, darting back to the television.

"Oh, man! How long has it been on this show?"

"Like, ten minutes..." Sure, it had been on a different show when we initially turned it on, but... this wasn't right.

"I'm sorry, Zex. I've been feeling really run down and tired lately. I've been so busy with my class, and then I have to pay for that... I've been taking all the hours I can get, but it's not exactly a high-paying job." He hugged me, pulling me close to him. When he put his arms around me, I was shocked by how frail he looked and felt. His sweatshirt seemed way too big for him, and he had dark circles under his eyes. His hair was shaggier than usual, his trademark faux-hawk hanging limp.

"You do look pretty tired," I admitted. "What time do you want to go to bed?" He blinked at me, looking slightly guilty. "You are staying, right?" He coughed awkwardly, and I felt myself slump.

"Look, Zex... I'm sorry, but I should probably head out... I have to work first thing in the morning, and my place is closer... I can make it up to you , I swear!" I crossed my arms.

"When? You're always working or at school. When am I supposed to see you?" I turned away, embarrassed. I'd never lost my composure so... explosively in front of him. He didn't say anything for a minute, then just wrapped his arms around me, resting his face on my back.

"I know," he whispered, holding me tightly. "And I'm really sorry. I just... the deadline for tuition is coming up, and I have to get through that, and then... I'll have more time for everything." I sighed, hoping that he was right. I turned around to face him, and he met me with a hearty kiss. "I'm really sorry that I can't stay; believe me. I really do have to go, though." Moogle stared imploringly at him, whining nervously.

"See? He doesn't want you to go either!" He patted him on the head.

"Sorry guys. I'll be here tomorrow, though! I think." I perked up. At least I had a set time to look forward to... mot that I was a hopeless romantic, or anything.

"See you tomorrow, then," I turned, but he caught me.

"I'm sorry, Zex. It will get better..." I could tell that even he wasn't sure he believed it. I sighed.

"I love you too. Goodnight..." I didn't think I would be sleeping much.

Axel got home around four- I was still awake.

"Zex? What's up? Except you, I mean." I shook my head.

"I don't know," I confessed. "I don't think I did anything wrong-" I yawned.

"What do you mean?" His eyes grew wide. "You guys didn't break up, did you?" He asked frantically. I shook my head.

"No, but he's been so weird lately... and he's never around."

"He does work a lot, doesn't he?"

"Yeah..."

"What do you mean 'weird?' It's Demyx, after all." I smiled, albeit grimly- he had a point.

"He's so distracted lately, and he never wants to-" I blushed- "do anything. You know, sexually. Not that we have to, but I don't know why-" I stopped talking before I embarrassed myself further. For once, Axel made no smart remarks to embarrass me. "And he's so... skinny." Axel raised his eyebrow.

"Skinny? How skinny? Again, we're talking Demyx here." I nodded.

"I know. Skinny, even for him. Unhealthily so. I can feel his ribs when he hugs me, and his clothes are starting to look baggy. He feels... fragile." I shook my head. "I'm probably just over-reacting. He's been so stressed, he hasn't been eating much." Axel looked grim.

"No, you're right. He's been off lately..."

"And he's working all the time, but he never has any money. I know he's got to pay for his class, and it's expensive, but it is a community college, one of the main perks is that it's cheaper..."

"Yeah, I've noticed that, too." I was relieved that I wasn't losing my mind, but... this was one of these things that I didn't want to be right about. "I'll see if I can figure out what's bothering him." I smiled at him, grateful.

"Thanks, Axel." I sighed again, a sad and anxious and exhausted sigh. Before Axel said anything, Moogle yipped, trotting over to hop on my lap. "Augghhh..." I half-heartedly tried to push him off of my lap.

"He wants you to be happy! So cheer the fuck up, if only for the dog's sake!" I had to laugh, and that did indeed seem to make Moogle much happier. He yipped again, wagging his tail and walking all over my lap and stomach, so that he could lick, and then nip playfully, at my nose. "Well, Zexxy, I'm going to bed. You should get some sleep too, because sleep deprivation won't help anything." I stuck my tongue out at him.

"Alright, Mother." He was right, though. I really did need to get to sleep.

"C'mon, Moo!" Axel called, but although he wagged his tail, he didn't budge from his spot, now on the floor at my feet. "Alright, fine. Traitor." I was sure he would get up to go sleep with Axel at some point, like usual, but Moogle stayed next to me, warming the spot that should have been Demyx's, comforting me in his absence.

Loneliness and the feeling of being unwanted is the most terrible poverty.
~Mother Teresa

I think dogs are the most amazing creatures; they give unconditional love. For me they are the role model for being alive.
~Gilda Radner

A/N: Don't hate me! I'm sorry! But don't worry, you'll find out next chapter. :D I hate cliffhangers, but sometimes they're necessary.

let me know what you think!

~alex~