XII: The Deal
I can't close my eyes, and I can't seem to lay still. The burning pain coming from my mutilated arm is cramping my entire body, every inch of me from the crown of my head to the tips of my toes is on fire. I'm panting, though I don't know why. I can't breathe, so it's all useless but it gives me something to do to distract myself. I can feel sweat dripping out of every pore, and I hear it sizzle as it touches the rock underneath me. I've rolled off the blankets Axel laid out, because even feeling the fabric against my skin hurts now. It's not any easier on the ground, but I'm running out of ways to make this suffering end.
"Aarrgh, fuck," A sharp pain comes from the center of my stub, shooting up my arm, right into my head. I clench my teeth tight, trying so hard not to start screaming. I can't take this, every second is total agony. I roll back onto the blankets, my arm throbbing, and the pain in my head would make even the worst migraine imaginable seem like nothing. I hear Axel shift from his place on the bed, before his head pops out and he hangs off over the edge to stare at me. My horrible pain must be attracting him over. He is after all still weary from Heaven, so he's probably starved for anything evil.
"Is there more growing in?" He asks quietly and I can only stare at him, my eyes pulsing in my skull and the sweat burns as it rolls down into them.
"What?" I ask stupidly, because I have no idea what he's talking about. I can't concentrate past my fucking pain.
"The pain usually peaks whenever a bit more of your arm grows back," Axel suddenly seems to decide he's too far away and appears at my side in a puff of black smoke. He smiles softly, wiping the sweat off my forehead and tucks my bangs behind my ear. Oddly enough, his touches don't hurt, in fact, wherever his hand makes contact, it feels amazing. I grab him by the wrist because at his point I don't even give a shit and I make him touch more of my face. The smile is still on his lips when I look back at him, his hand stilling at my shoulder, and the relief that comes with the touch makes me groan. This may sound horrible, but he needs to touch more of me, right now. "Coming on a little strong Roxas," The smile is replaced by the most diabolic smirk I've ever seen and since coming to hell, I've seen quite a few. I try and ignore him, instead trying to move his hand but he isn't letting me.
"Why...why am I reacting like this to your touch?" I narrow my eyes at him, trying to stay focused through the pain that's still steadily throbbing every where else. At least my shoulder isn't hurting though, I guess. Axel laughs, rubbing the spot where his hand is tenderly and I sort of hate the fact that it feels so good. Another sharp stabbing pain comes from deep within my arm and I cry out, my body going rigid for a few seconds. I look up when I feel Axel grip my shoulders, pushing me onto my back and straddling my hips. I choke, but realize that it's not just his hand that makes me feel good, the same applies for every part of Axel that touches me.
It's only because the pain has gone beyond the point of being unbearable that I throw my arms around him and press our bodies flush together. He chuckles against me, pulling away only enough to latch his lips onto mine. The migraine of hellish proportions is gone, and in it's place, the feeling of Axel's icy tongue dancing around inside my mouth. I remember that I can't grip onto him with two hands, so instead I pull him closer using my good arm and whatever's left of my other. The more he touches me, the better I feel. While I may only have one hand, Axel has both of his and he seems to be set on taking full advantage of that. I know I shouldn't be doing this, I shouldn't want him near me but the pain is so bad and this just feels so good.
You know what, I don't care. Why shouldn't I be doing this? It's not about morals anymore, or what I even think is right. I'm living in Hell. It's about surviving and trying to make it through each day in this damned place. My arm hasn't even grown back down to my wrist yet, I still have so much left to go through. I'm going to do anything to ease this process.
I also really don't care anymore because the horrible pain is gone and my body doesn't feel like it's being turned inside out. I could moan because it feels so amazing, and I realize with a slight hint of horror that I'm actually really turned on. Axel stops kissing me, his hands stopping at my waist and he looks down to where my hips are pressed against his, my legs wrapped tightly around him. A short, red eyebrow raises before he looks up at my face. I hate the smirk that's there almost as much as I hate the fact that I can't deny any of this because he knows what I'm thinking. Fucking damn it. "You seem to be enjoying this," He says, licking my spit off his lips and I can't believe I was actually kissing him back almost as feverishly as he was kissing me. Actually I can believe it, because I'm sure even back on Earth, I would've made out with the devil if it meant getting relief from a bad migraine.
"Shut up, you know why," I glare, and almost want to start crying when I feel the pain in my head starting up again. Axel examines my face, but I don't know what he's looking for. Whatever it is, he seems to find it because he grins, kissing me softly before moving to litter soft kisses down my neck.
I can feel him smile against my skin and he answers my question before I can even ask it. "I'm just realizing how much of a genius I am for having you in a thong." The feeling of a blush surprises me and I go to grab him when I remember I only have one hand. I use my left hand to pull him up only half way, but he seems to get the idea and stares up at me. If I had a heart it would be pounding, because Axel just has this look in his eyes. I can feel the fading relief from where he had been kissing and I curse, the migraine is almost as bad as it was before. Why do I have to feel good only like this? Why can't laying still help ease the pain or something? The fact that so much of my after life rests in his hands really is getting to me.
"Calm down Roxas," The way my name rolls off his tongue almost makes me tremble, especially in the state I'm in and I look at him. "Lay still and I'll help you," I wonder if this is what someone feels like when they think making a deal with Axel is a good idea. I say this because, looking into his eyes, I almost feel like I should trust him when he says that.
I'm nodding before I can stop myself and he winks at me, taking up his place from before, his tongue wrapping around one of my nipples. I'd be embarrassed by the sounds I make, but I don't care. I'm not in pain when he touches me, and it feels fucking amazing as an added bonus, so I decide to just let myself enjoy this. I start thinking of Hayner and the way he'd touch me. I feel Axel slowly hook his fingers in the delicate lacy thong, but instead imagine Hayner in his place. It's strange but I don't feel as excited imagining my old boyfriend, when back on Earth he had been the only fantasy I'd ever had.
Axel nips at my thigh and I look down at him, the smirk he sends me erasing Hayner from my thoughts right away and before I know it, the thong is being tossed off somewhere behind the redheaded devil. The air is warm and moist as it touches all the parts of me that where hidden behind clothes before, but it's not like there was much. He drags a sharp nail down my shaft and I hiss, my legs tensing at the odd feeling. Axel places a soft kiss against my bare hip and I close my eyes, biting my bottom lip. There are so many thoughts running through my head right now, I almost feel dizzy.
I can feel Axel staring down at my crotch, which is standing at attention with no shame and I get that same twist of excitement and horror I felt right after he told me he was going to need my help he heal himself. I grab at his shoulder, the fingers of my left hand weakly curling into the fabric and I open my eyes to see him send me one last smile before swallowing my entire length.
I don't know if the gasp is from the shock or from the actual sensation. The inside of Axel's mouth is burning, but his tongue is like ice as it wraps all the way around my shaft. I can't tear my eyes away from the sight, until Axel begins bobbing his head. At that point, my eyes roll back and I release his shoulder, both my arms flopping down uselessly at my sides. All the pain in my entire body seems to wash out, not even the killer migraine is torturing me and instead of pain in my head, there's a choir of angels singing.
I've never in my entire life been on the receiving end of a blow job, so I don't know if it's because its my first time or if it's because Axel gives the best damn head in the universe, but he has me cumming in a few minutes, my back arching off the ground and I push myself a little further into his mouth. Any normal person would probably have choked, instead, Axel takes it all in easily until I flop down, feeling like I have no bones. I hear Axel swallow from somewhere above me before he appears in my line of vision, with a wide grin. "You should be feeling quite painless now," he says, staring at me with his usual blazing emerald eyes. I can barely manage a nod, as I lay on the few blankets. Everything feels good now, the fabric that once caused agony when it brushed against my skin actually feels quite nice against my body. I'm still sweating profusely, but for once since I've been in hell, my body isn't in any type of physical agony. Again, that good emotion swirls around inside of me and I feel another smile coming on. It's when I open my eyes that I realize I've closed them and I find Axel smiling down at me. "Would you like to come with me to earth?" He says straightening up and I stare up at him.
"Huh...right now?" I say slowly, forcing my body to shift and I get up. I look down at my naked self and Axel seems to realize I'm totally nude as he casts a look at the forgotten white thong.
"Yes, now is the perfect time. Your transition will be much more pleasant in your current state, just let me get you something to wear," He moves towards the wall and I watch him stick him hand in a black portal, slowly pulling out a long black garment. He tosses it at me and I catch it. It's very light and when I stretch it out in front of me, I see it sort of resembles Axel's black robe, only much smaller. "There's a musician up there who thinks selling his soul to me is quite an idea, and I'm feeling a little peckish." Axel grins when I send him a look, slipping my arms into the sleeves and feeling the material glide along my skin. It could just be from Axel's little pain 'remedy' or maybe it's just a really fancy robe. Either way, it's nice not to be totally naked anymore and wrapped in soft, delicate silk. It's also nice and fresh too, which is great considering my eternal residence.
"How do you know?" I ask , watching Axel open up another portal only this one's larger, the familiar sounds of rushing wind and crackling coming from its center. Axel turns before stepping in, extending his hand back for me to take. I stare down at it, contemplating whether or not I should actually grab it before deciding to just do it. What's the worst that could happen? It's not like I'll die or anything, ha-ha.
"Roxas, darling, if I didn't know than how would I acquire my souls?" He shakes his head, chuckling like I said something quite funny and I look around. I don't know when, if ever, I'll get used to traveling around in this way. I mean, it feels so strange to float around weightlessly, looking but seeing only nothingness.
Finally there's this strange suction from over top and I look up, just in time to watch a huge crack open up, the sight of millions of stars coming into view. The portal spits us out, Axel landing gracefully, with the practice of decades while I almost stumble right into the road. I look around, the familiar sight of houses and street lamps coming back to me and I smile, eyes wide. I didn't think I'd ever miss it, but I do. Slowly, the sounds from Earth come flooding back and I hear the loud, pumping bass coming from a house just a few lights down the street. I look back at Axel, and I don't know why but I feel almost excited to see this take place. Along with the excitement, there's pity because the guy has no idea what he's getting into.
I stop when I see Axel leaning over, his arms wrapped tightly around his middle. I take a hesitant step towards him, before he reaches out and grabs me, pulling himself up using my good arm. He looks towards the house after standing straight, but I'm looking up at his face. He looks like he's going to be sick, like a kid who's stayed too long on the little tea cup ride. "Whenever I come to Earth, I always feel like throwing up," Axel tells me as he starts walking towards the house, and I follow along, taking in the sight of the neighborhood.
We get to the house and it's filled with people, the smell of pot, sweat and spilled beer swirl around me as Axel leads me into the place. This entire scene reminds me of college, and all the nights I spent before dropping out, partying with people in the dorms, trying to make myself forget Hayner every time he'd be a dick to me. It never worked, obviously. It took dying and going to hell to finally stop caring about him.
The people around us don't seem to notice that we're crashing the party and I watch as a few girls on the couch are spoken to by this really shady looking guy. I get a sick feeling in the core of my being as I watch the two sway slightly in their seats, the guy watching them with hungry, malicious eyes. I hurry to catch up with the Devil as he heads up the stairs and he stops, waiting for me to reach his side. It takes me a few minutes and I notice the hallway light flicker, Axel casting a look at it before turning back to me and rushing me up the last steps.
We're about to push into a room when someone stops us, I hear the man's drunken slurs, turning to send the man a confused stare but Axel actually seems to understand what he wants. I watch the redhead slowly face the guy and I inch away, pressing myself against the wall as Axel walks over to the man. They speak to each other, until the drunk starts to laugh and directs Axel into the room we were about to go into. The man turns and continues along as if he'd never seen us. Axel comes back and I'm the one to stop him before he opens the door this time. "What did you say to him?" I ask, looking back to see where the guy had gone, but not finding him.
"I just found out where Seifer is," Axel finally pushes open the door and we step in. The room is foggy with smoke, and I can hear the low mumble of voices coming from the bed pushed against the far wall. I blink watching as Axel makes his way towards the bed. I stand off to the side, not wanting to get too close. Looking around the room, there's millions of things littered on the floor. Beer cans and whiskey bottles, joint roaches and cigarette butts along with clothes and lined paper, everything just left there. On the coffee table, a mirror is set with lines of cocaine, right beside a cluster of guitar picks and my eyes widen. I move along the shadows, just in case and stand a few steps away as Axel gets the guy to stand off the bed.
"Who the fuck are you?" The guy asks, his beanie hanging onto his head for dear life, his short blonde hair peaking out at the front. He sways all over the place before Axel catches him by the shoulder.
"Seifer, is that really anyway to talk to the man who is about to give you everything?" I watch the smile slowly stretch across Axel's face, the kind of smile that could clearly show he isn't human. If that doesn't work, the two small horns protruding from his forehead could also be pretty convincing.
"Whatchu talking about mister?" The guy's eyebrow lifts high on his forehead, and he tries to cross his arms but loses his balance. He flops back onto the bed and Axel advances on him, forcing me to inch along the wall, closing the gap between us to get a better view. I see a few girls laying on the bed, though Axel doesn't seem to mind their presence. I realize this is because they're passed out completely, before I turn back to see Seifer staring up into Axel's smirking face.
"I have a proposition, if you're willing to hear it," The blonde doesn't even question it, instead he nods his head and lets Axel continue. "I heard what you said, about selling your soul for a record deal, and I'm a promising buyer," Axel's eyes begin to almost glow and Seifer laughs.
"So what? You tellin' me you're the devil here to make a deal?" I can hear the skepticism in his voice, but underneath the tough guy act, there is a hint of fear, almost as if something deep within himself is telling him that the devil is exactly who this mysterious redhead is.
"Precisely. Now, I take it you aren't a very religious man?" Axel pulls away a little, letting Seifer straighten himself up and rest his elbows on his knees.
"No, I don't believe in none of that shit," It's as if he suddenly senses the presence of someone else because he looks towards me but Axel stops him just before he can get a good look at me. The Devil's large hand grips the man by the jaw and turns the blonde's head to face him.
"Then you have nothing to lose in telling me your soul is mine," Axel licks his lips hungrily and the guy stays quiet, staring almost blankly into the redhead's face. "If I am really who I claim to be, you have fame and fortune to gain, all at the price of something you won't even notice is missing."
"I just have to say it? That's it?"
"Just tell me your soul is mine," Axel lets go of the man's face before he sticks his hand out, offering to seal the deal. I feel like screaming out for the man to stay quiet, but I look around and realize he's lost either way. Quickly, I look over, just as he seems to make the decision.
"Alright, it's all yours." He slides his hand into Axel's and there's a slight tremble that runs through the floorboards, the light fixture rattling slightly as a black smoke begins to twirl around their locked hands. The blonde seems to realize the reality of the deal he'd just made as a bright light begins to glow from the center of his belly. Axel grins as the man begins to groan in pain, falling to his knees, hand still clenching Axel's. The lights begin to flitter crazily, and I stare at the door, wondering if anyone else felt the tremors, though I doubt it. Everyone in here is so fucked up.
There's a bright flash and I snap my head back to watch a white, glowing sphere trying to squeeze its way out through Seifer's mouth. The man's eyes are streaming tears and he looks like he's trying to scream but his own soul is muffling the sounds. Axel bends over then, just when the glowing ball is about to slip out and sucks it into his own mouth. Their hands fall away and Seifer looks up at Axel. There's something different about his face, and his eyes have a very unsettling look to them. "Good luck, child," Axel says soothingly before reaching out and grabbing me, making us vanish in a puff of black smoke. The last thing I see, is Seifer's face staring into nothingness. I realize the difference about him is that he looks completely empty.
"I feel much better now, let's go home," Axel sighs contently through the darkness and I blink hugely...Home? Well, I guess so.
A/N: Hey everyone! I need to upload this now, even if there might be some typos and a few things I have to fix. Nothing too bad though, I hope.
My internet has been really on the fritz today, so once again, it's now or in a while and I think you guys want an update now rather than later.
Also, I don't know what's going on but I've been trying to reply to reviews and all I get is a 404 error!
I've been wanting to thank everyone for the support for my new story "So, You're From Space?" but it's not letting me.
Jeeze, I love you guys. I hope you all enjoy this little addition. Now I'm gonna go work on Esa Chica and a little Just Between us. I'm slowly getting back on track guys!
Thank you all for everything. You've all been so amazing.
Hopefully my stupid internet will one day be restored, and I'll have to stop relying on random unprotected connections...but y'all keep that last part a secret ;D
With the power of love, I, Sharmander, bequeath (I used to think it was bequeef LOL) this chapter thee.