It's Jasmine. I have to be at work in less than 8 hours and I'm still awake posting this. Although, I define 'awake' loosely.
This is from Cami: "Blah blah blah, I'm Jasmine, this is the disclaimer Cami never writes, Xigbar's mine now, and Axel's having a heart attack. Enjoy."
Some clarifications: Xigbar was originally written by Cami. In all chapters before this one, that's true. However, he switches hands in this chapter. So from here on out, he's mine. Mwahahaha! Disclaimer: We don't own KH or FF.
Also, we wrote this chapter so long ago I forget the Axel reference she makes. Oh well. Read and find out, I guess.
XXXX
Kairi didn't know a lot about cars, but she knew cars were not supposed to make THAT sound. Pulling into the driveway as quickly as she could, she turned it off and looked at her sister.
"I think..." Namine said slowly, "that you need to take the car to the repair shop tomorrow."
"Sounds like a plan..." Kairi said, "I don't have any classes, but you have class in the morning, right? Think you can get a ride?"
The blonde shrugged. "If I can't, I'll just walk. It's not so far that walking is impractical; driving is just convenient and a time saver."
"Well, I'll see if Sora minds." Kairi said, "Walking from here is impractical to any normal person." she rolled her eyes.
"As you oh so kindly remind me, I am not necessarily normal." Namine stated, heading inside and flipping through their mail.
Kairi rolled her eyes, "Anything good?"
Namine shook her head. "No, it's all junk. Here." She handed her sister the mail stack.
"Oh, thanks." Kairi grumbled, unlocking the door and pushing it open, dropping the mail onto the table.
"You're welcome!" the blonde said, slipping off her shoes and stretching before heading to the stairs. "I have some homework I need to work on before tomorrow, so I'll be in my room if you need me."
"Good luck with that." Kairi said, pulling her jacket off and tossing it on the couch before plopping down herself.
Namine rolled her eyes. "Thanks." She said, climbing the stairs and heading into her bedroom, shutting the door behind her to block out any Kairi-related noise.
XXXX
Late the next morning, Kairi drove the car the two miles to the Rusty Wrench, pulling it in as quickly as she could as it began to make that noise again and she didn't want to be inside the car if it decided to blow up... or something. She hopped out as she turned it off and found herself face to face with Xigbar, who had heard the noise and come to investigate.
"That doesn't sound good." he commented.
"I figured." Kairi said, "Started last night."
"What the hell are you doing, Xig? You trying to blow up an engine or something?" Cloud yelled from the back room, coming out and spotting a redhead with his coworker. "Hi... And you are?"
"Oh!" Kairi said, startled somewhat, "I'm Kairi. And it's my car making the potential self destruct noise, so if you guys could figure out why and fix it, I'd be forever grateful." she said.
"Well, something is definitely wrong with your engine, from the grinding sounds its making. It's gonna take a while to fix - engine work is never easy. Xig, give her the paperwork while I pop the hood." Cloud said, striding over to the car to do just that.
Xigbar grumbled but turned towards the desk, throwing a "follow me" behind him to the redhead. Sitting down and searching for the right forms, he asked: "How long have you had that car?"
Kairi had to think for a minute, "Couple of years. I think Nam and I got it for graduation, so..." she paused, "Four years or so."
"And you've never brought it in for any kind of check-ups." Xigbar bluntly stated, shaking his head.
"That sounds about right." Kairi nodded.
Xigbar sighed, affecting a stern voice and wagging his finger at the redhead. "Bad girl. Bad. Ideally, you need everything checked out at least once a year. Otherwise, things like this happen. Here, you need to sign this giving us permission to work on your car and keep it here until it's fixed."
"Didn't know cars needed doctors appointments like children." Kairi said, signing the sheet of paper.
"Of course they do. Haven't you ever heard a guy refer to his car as his baby? That's the reason!" Xigbar explained.
"I'll be sure to treat 'er nicer now, then." Kairi chuckled, "So... have any idea how long it'll take?" she asked, "All the people who could potentially give me rides anywhere are in class."
"I haven't looked at it yet, so I couldn't answer that. C'mon; you'll have to ask Cloud." Xigbar said, standing up and placing the signed forms into a folder before leading the redhead back through the maze of tools and parts over to where Cloud was bent over poking at things under the hood of Kairi's car.
"How's it lookin'?" Xig asked.
Cloud shook his head, standing and glaring at the redhead. "You've never had this thing checked before, have you?" To Xigbar, he said: "It's pretty much DOA."
Xigbar winced.
Kairi sighed, "Be completely truthful with me here. Is it a better idea to call my dad and guilt him into buying me and Nam a new car?"
"Are you insinuating that I can't fix it?" Cloud glared.
"Honey, I haven't seen an engine yet that Cloud here couldn't fix. Give him some time before you call daddy. If you've got time, you can hang here until you can get a ride, or you can wait 'til my lunch hour and I'll drop you off wherever." Xigbar said.
"I didn't mean anything against your car-fixing-ability, person-I-don't-know. I'm worried about affording the parts." Kairi rolled her eyes.
Cloud frowned. "How much can you handle?"
"Uhh..." Kairi frowned, thinking, "Not too much immediately, but if this is a pay-on-pickup sort of deal, I should be able to get some cash from my dad."
"You've got some corrosion in here that is going to dramatically increase the price and make the repair twice as difficult. If you can cover the manual labor cost, I'll eat the cost of the parts." Cloud said.
Xigbar chuckled. "Got you wondering if you can do it, huh?"
Cloud grinned. "Of course I can! But it might be a challenge. And after all the routine shit we've been doing lately, a challenge is greatly appreciated."
Xigbar nodded. "Whaddya say, Sassy? Can you cough up the $500 for Cloud to do the work?"
Kairi found herself hesitating, "You don't have to do that..."
"You're right, I don't. But I want to work on this car and show Xigbar here what a true mechanic's skills look like, instead of the imitation work he does." Cloud smirked.
Xigbar lightly punched his arm. "Hey, hey. I'm good at my job."
"Sure. Good. But I'm great at it. And I will always be better." Cloud said. "Don't even think about disagreeing. You know it's true. You also know I'm now dating your roommate and can make your life twice as difficult as it already is. Xig? Shut up."
Xig glared and sent the redhead a shrug, miming zipping his lips.
Kairi giggled, "Well, thank you, and if I can do anything to make up for it, lemme know."
"Can you cook?" Cloud asked, eyeing her.
Xigbar snorted, forgetting he was supposed to be quiet. "Is all you ever think about food and mechanics?"
Cloud smirked evilly. "Nope. I also think about having sex with your roommate."
Xigbar made a horrified face at the mental image and shut up.
"I'm sure I can whip something up." Kairi said, "If I'm feeling particularly grateful, I'll even pay Roxas to cook."
Cloud raised an eyebrow. "Roxas? College student Roxas? The blonde haired, blue eyed boyfriend of Axel?"
"The boyfriend is news that I am going to have to ask Sora about, but sounds right, yeah." Kairi nodded.
Cloud smiled. "Yeah, sounds right. I live with Axel; I met Roxas this weekend. You're friends with his brother, I take it?"
"Yep." Kairi nodded. "Small world, apparently."
"Well, definitely get Roxas to cook something. Axel brags way too much about his cooking. I need to taste it for myself. Do that, and I'll gladly cover the parts. Well, half of them. Xig'll cover the other half." Cloud said, jerking a thumb at his coworker.
"Oh, I will huh?" Xigbar asked, incredulous.
"Yes, you will. You still owe me for the pranking fiasco that increased all our blood pressures. Do this and we're even." Cloud glared.
Xigbar sighed. "Fine, fine. I'd do it anyway for the cutie, here." He winked.
Kairi's cheeks turned a little pink, but she smirked, "Well, thank you. And I'll convince Roxas to cook something. Any requests?"
"Oh! Oh! Blueberry pie! Please, please! Blueberry pie!" Xigbar said, practically drooling.
"Shut up - you don't get to pick." Cloud said. "Strawberry shortcake would be great."
"But... the blueberries..." Xigbar said, deflating.
Kairi laughed, turning to Xigbar, "I can get him to make both." she said, batting her eyelashes and going way overboard on purpose.
Xigbar grinned, taking her hand and dropping to his knees. "Darling, marry me?"
Cloud smacked the back of his head.
Kairi laughed, "I'll think about it." she winked.
Xigbar scowled at Cloud before grinning up at Kairi, kissing her hand before standing up. "Every second will be spent in suspence until you accept, my love."
Cloud smacked him again. "Cut it, would you?"
"Aw, just 'cause you're taken doesn't mean you can stop me from flirting. Even you should appreciate how gorgeous Sassy here is." Xigbar said.
Cloud rolled his eyes. "I will never understand the appeal." He said, before deeming the conversation over and diving back under the hood of the car.
"Hey, don't listen to him. He's gay, what does he know? You're gorgeous, honey." Xigbar said with a grin and a wink.
"Well, thank you." Kairi smiled.
"Anytime. So, you gonna call for a ride or wait for my lunch break?" Xigbar asked.
Kairi glanced at her watch, "Sora doesn't get out of class for another two hours. When's your break?"
Xigbar looked at the clock and smirked. "It's right now - isn't that convenient?"
"That it is." Kairi smiled, "You sure you don't mind?"
"How could I mind your company?" Xigbar asked.
Cloud made gagging noises from underneath the hood of the car and said: "Don't you think you're laying it on a bit thick, there?"
"And this is why you are gay, Cloud. Women deserve compliments. Right, Sassy?"
Kairi giggled, "Well, flattery is one of the fastest ways into a girl's heart, it's true."
"Exactly!" Xigbar said. "Good luck with the car, Cloud. I'll leaving with Red here. Be back in a hour." He offered Kairi his hand.
Kairi took it, smiling at him, and glanced over at her car, "Thanks again. I'll come back tomorrow with the food."
"Bring the money, too, if you can. I'll have it done by then." was the muffled reply.
Xigbar tugged Kairi after him before she could answer, taking her out the back door and over to his car, gallantly opening the door for her and gesturing her inside with a bow. Getting into the driver's seat, he glanced at her. "Where to?"
"My house isn't too far. I can make you lunch, if you want, since you're driving me home." Kairi smiled.
"Oh, yeah. You just might have to marry me." Xigbar said, grinning, as he pulled out and followed the redhead's directions.
XXXX
Hayner rolled his eyes as he sped up a bit so that he was walking side by side with his blonde haired, blue eyed, muscular, taller stalker.
"Where you heading, Seifer?" He asked, grinning.
Seifer didn't even look at the blonde, recognizing the voice immediately, "To my car. Just got out of class."
"And your car just happens to be on my way to the cafeteria?" Hayner asked skeptically, raising an eyebrow.
"Newsflash kid, there's parking behind the cafeteria." Seifer rolled his eyes.
"I know that!" Hayner huffed. "There's also several other parking lots, at least two of which that would be closer to your last class. And don't call me kid, dammit!"
"They also fill up really quickly, and I got here late." Seifer grumbled.
Curious, Hayner decided to drop his anger in favor of asking: "Why did you get here late?"
"Do you always question things that are none of your business?" Seifer asked.
"It is too my business! I need to know if you were doing any creepy stalking, which made you late getting here!" Hayner snapped.
"That's it." Seifer said, turning on the younger blonde, "I am sick and tired of you being so fucking suspicious and paranoid about everything. Who the HELL would want to stalk such a sick, insane kid like you? Shut the FUCK up and leave me alone." he snapped at him, pushing open the doors that lead to the cafeteria parking lot, jumping in his car and driving away.
Hayner stared after him, jaw opening and closing before it snapped shut and he glared. "What the fuck got his panties in a bunch?" He grumbled. Turning on his heel, deciding lunch could wait, he headed to the groups' usual spot, hoping his friends would be there.
Relaxing as he saw his sister talking to Roxas, Hayner plopped down next to them.
"Seifer's a dick." He announced.
Roxas gave him a look. "What the hell did you do now?"
"Why is it always my fault?" Hayner yelled.
"Because you're an idiot who talks first and thinks later. What happened?" Roxas explained.
Hayner glared. "He was stalking me. Again. And when I asked why, he said he was running late, so that's why he was parked next to the cafeteria. I asked why, explaining that I needed to know if he was stalking me this morning, and he exploded like I was the one doing something wrong! Can you believe that?"
Olette's mouth opened in surprise and then closed and she glanced at Roxas with a worried and slightly apologetic look in her eyes.
Roxas's eye twitched. "You fucking asshole!"
"What the hell, Rox?" Hayner yelled back.
"You are such an idiot! For the last time, he is not stalking you! Everyone knows that the cafeteria parking lot sucks and is a bitch to get in and out of! The only reason he'd park there is if the other spots were taken!" Roxas snapped.
"Fine! But that doesn't explain why he snapped when I asked why he was running late!" Hayner glared.
Roxas groaned. "How did you even get into college?"
"Hey!" Hayner yelled, smacking Roxas's shoulder.
Roxas hit him back. "It's not your fucking business why he was late! God, you probably made him sound like a creepy pedophile or something! Has this guy ever done anything remotely creepy around you? A real stalker would have kidnapped or molested you by now, and all this guy wants is to be left alone! God, Hayner!"
Hayner glared, but it had no real power behind it. His mind was furiously trying to think of some instance to prove to Roxas that Seifer was stalking him, but as he thought about it more and more, his best friend's words sunk in and he paled slightly. "Shit." He muttered.
Roxas nodded. "Yup. Dude, you need to find him and apologize to him for being an ass."
Hayner grimaced. "He probably hates me."
"That's your own fault! I told you a million times he wasn't stalking you! Now, suck it up and admit you were wrong." The smaller blonde glared.
"All right, all right. Geez, Roxas, you sure don't take it easy on a guy. Even when he's your best friend!" Hayner griped.
Roxas gave him a small smile. "It's 'cause you are my best friend, duh. Who else is gonna tell you when you're being a dick?"
Hayner lightly hit him. "Yeah, yeah. I was wrong, okay? Next time I see him, I'll apologize and hope he doesn't punch me."
Roxas shrugged. "If he hasn't yet, I doubt he will when you're saying sorry."
Olette watched silently, wondering when this situation had gone from hilarious to rather threatening.
Hayner sighed, running his fingers through his hair. "Dropping this now. How's Axel?"
Roxas's face lit up. "He's good. Great. Amazing. And a damn fine kisser."
"Eww, you guys are already making out?" Hayner asked, making a disgusted face.
Roxas smacked him. "Don't be jealous I got to make out with the sexiest redhead alive in his bed all weekend and the closest you got to any action was when you used your right hand."
"And that is my cue to leave." Olette rolled her eyes, "See you guys after class." she chuckled.
Roxas chuckled. "Later, 'Lette."
Hayner was blushing fiercely, glaring at Roxas. He grumbled out a goodbye to his sister, before turning on his best friend. "Please don't tell me you're turning into one of those people who has to constantly brag about their relationship."
Roxas rolled his eyes. "You asked."
Hayner sighed. Today was just not his day, apparently. "Trust me, I won't be asking anymore."
"Aw, Hayner. Don't be like that. I want you to get to know Axel. He really is a great guy."
Hayner rolled his eyes. "The dude's like 25. What could we possibly have in common? What the hell do you have in common with him?"
"He's funny and smart and caring and a great artist and we like the same foods and music and he makes me happy. As my best friend, it's your responsibility to make sure he's good enough for me. It's in the handbook. Bro's before ho's." Roxas said.
Hayner chuckled. "Did you just call your boyfriend a ho?"
Roxas grinned. "Just... don't judge him 'til you meet him, okay?"
"Yeah, yeah." Hayner said, waving his hand. "I'm starving. Wanna grab lunch?"
"Sure." Roxas grinned, standing up with Hayner. Together they made their way to the cafeteria.
XXXX
Roxas paced in the living room, walking back and forth in front of the TV his brother was trying to watch. "What's taking them so long?"
Sora moved over to try and see the television and grimaced at his brother, "Who knows, Rox. Sit down, pacing isn't going to make it any faster."
Roxas sat down. Immediately his legs started bouncing. He managed to stay seated for one whole minute before shooting up again, resuming his pacing. "What if they got into an accident? Or Riku's clunker broke down again? They're a half hour late!"
"Or they got caught up at work or something." Sora said, "If you're worried, text Axel."
"Maybe..." Roxas trailed off, chewing his bottom lip. He reached into his pocket and pulled out his cell phone, but threw it onto the couch when there was a knock at the door.
"I'll get it!" The blonde yelled, running to the door and yanking it open, only registering tall, red, mine before jumping onto his boyfriend.
Judging by the sounds of pouncing Sora heard, he assumed that they were here finally. Standing up, he switched the TV off and walked towards the door.
Riku was laughing at Axel, who had barely managed to catch Roxas, when he turned and saw Sora walking into the entryway. His face broke out into a huge grin, and everything else no longer mattered as he walked over to his boyfriend.
"Hi." He said, still grinning like an idiot.
"Hey." Sora smiled back, "What took you?"
"Our boss was actually at work today and gave a small speech right before our shift ended, so we had to stay to wait for him to stop talking." Riku explained. He stepped closer, but hesitated.
"Sora, can I hug you? Please?" He asked.
"Sure." Sora said, nodding at him.
Riku grinned and stepped close, wrapping his arms around Sora, carefully not to hold him too closely, afraid to scare him in any way. Resting his chin on the brunette's shoulder, he sighed, closing his eyes for a moment and just enjoying the feeling of being in his boyfriend's - his boyfriend! Sora! - arms before stepping out of the hold, reaching down and automatically taking one of Sora's hands into his own.
Roxas finally climbed down from Axel, tugging his head down to kiss him soundly before grabbing his hand and allowing him to actually enter his house.
He was about to say something to his boyfriend when he stopped, noticing Riku's grin and his hand holding his brother's.
"Holy shit! Sora! Why didn't you tell me you're dating Riku?" Roxas glared at his brother.
"I tried." Sora rolled his eyes, "You were a little distracted."
Axel raised an eyebrow, "Distracted by what?" he asked Roxas.
Roxas just gave him a look. "I wonder..." He muttered, before focusing on the couple in front of him. "Well, congrats! Riku's only been trying to get you to notice him for years now!"
"Roxas!" Riku hissed, clearly not wanting the blonde to go further.
Roxas rolled his eyes. "Oh, come on, Riku. A blind man could've seen how in love you were with my brother. I approve, by the way. Actually, I'm more worried about Sora messing it up than you."
Sora rolled his eyes, "Thanks, Rox. You're so nice."
Axel chuckled, putting his arm over Roxas's shoulders.
Riku chuckled. "Thanks, Roxas. It's good to know you're on my side."
Roxas grinned. "By the way, official introductions: Axel, that's my older brother Sora. Sora, this is my boyfriend Axel."
"Hi." Sora said, not really good at the older brother threatening thing. Roxas's last boyfriend had been threatened by Kairi while she was over hanging out with Sora, not Sora himself.
Riku gave Sora a look. "That's it? A guy six years older than your younger brother is currently dating him, and all you have to say is 'hi'?"
"He'll get it eventually." Sora said, "From... Kairi, probably."
Axel raised an eyebrow again, "Well, no worries. I'm not gonna hurt Roxas."
Roxas smiled up at his boyfriend, leaning into him, before chuckling softly. "I know that."
Riku grinned at them. "You guys are incredibly sappy, you know that?"
"Look who's talking! You look like someone just told you Christmas came early this year, and all you're doing is holding my brother's hand!" Roxas retorted, sticking his tongue out.
Sora rolled his eyes, but stayed silent.
Riku squeezed Sora's hand, smiling at him. "That's because we're comfortable like this and in no need to rush into things."
"...Now that was sappy. C'mon, Axel, I wanna show you my room!" Roxas said, dragging the redhead towards the stairs.
Axel laughed and was about to follow when another redhead walked through the still open door.
"You know, keeping doors open is kind of a bad idea." she raised an eyebrow.
"Hey, Kai." Sora chuckled.
"Yeah, yeah, hi." Kairi brushed him off, "Roxas! I need to steal you for a moment. Sorry boyfriend-I-still-need-to-threaten." she grabbed Roxas's arm and dragged him into the kitchen.
"What the hell? Axel! Help!" Roxas yelled as he was pulled into the kitchen.
Axel's eyes widened, and he glanced at Sora who shook his head.
"Kairi won't hurt him. Give her a few, and then save him." he suggested.
Riku nodded. "He's probably right."
"What the hell?" Roxas repeated as Kairi finally let go of him.
"Sorry, sorry." Kairi said, "At least I didn't interupt later."
Roxas crossed his arms, glaring at the redhead who was blocking his way back to his boyfriend. "What do you want?"
"Answer one question and I promise not to bother you anymore." Kairi said.
Roxas raised an eyebrow.
"How much do I need to pay you to get you to bake me a strawberry shortcake and a blueberry pie?" Kairi asked.
"Why do you want a strawberry shortcake and a blueberry pie?" Roxas asked, completely thrown by the question.
"The guys at the garage are paying for the parts for my car repair for me." Kairi said, "I said I'd get them food in exchange, and your food is the best around."
"What kind of garage is that?" Roxas asked. "Who's your mechanic? I'll have to tell Sora to go there if they're so nice."
"It's the one Axel's roommate works at." Kairi said, "So, technically I'm asking you to cook for your boyfriend's roommate."
"Cloud?" Roxas asked. "You should've said that sooner! Sure I'll make the desserts for you. How about you just owe me a favor in exchange?"
"Sure, sounds good." Kairi grinned, "Thanks so much, Roxas."
Roxas grinned. "No problem! Can I go back to my boyfriend now?"
"Yep, feel free." Kairi stepped out of the way, "Thanks again."
Roxas nodded before rushing out of the kitchen and into the living room, where Riku, Sora, and Axel had settled. "Axel!" He ran to the redhead sitting in one of the chairs, jumping into his lap before he could stand.
Axel caught him again, getting rather good at it, and chuckled, "Done talking to Kairi?"
The redhead walked out of the kitchen, "Yes he is." she said, "And since he was so nice, I'll hold off from doing Sora's job of threatening you for a little while."
Roxas chuckled from Axel's lap, wrapping his arms around his boyfriend's neck, snuggling in close.
Riku shook his head at them from his seat on the couch, still firmly grasping Sora's hand.
"Oh! That's right - I was going to show you my room." Roxas said, grinning at Axel, staring into his mesmerizing green eyes.
"Right." Axel said, "Let's go, then?"
Sora squeezed Riku's hand and offered him a smile.
Roxas's eyes twinkled with mischief. "Oh, but Axel... I kinda don't want to get up right now." The blonde said, purposefully saying the same thing he had said last time he was snuggling with his boyfriend, which had led to a very nice make-out session in his bed.
Axel stood up, swinging Roxas into his arms, "Point me in the right direction."
"Are you seriously going to carry him? His room is upstairs, you know." Riku said.
"Why not?" Axel asked, "He's not heavy."
Roxas giggled.
Riku shook his head. "That's not the point. He has two legs that work just fine. Doesn't it feel... I don't know, weird, to carry him?"
"Not really?" Axel asked, "What's with the questions, man?"
"The one person here who should be questioning you doesn't know how to start and Roxas bribed his back-up somehow, so it's up to me." Riku said, shrugging.
Roxas shifted in Axel's arms, pressing his face to his chest, tuning everyone else out and just marveling at how incredibly awesome his boyfriend is.
Axel chuckled, "On that note, see you three later." he said, heading for the stairs.
Roxas looked up into Axel's face as he easily climbed the stairs, reaching up to cup the redhead's cheek. "Axel..."
Axel looked down at him, "Hmm?"
Roxas just shook his head, smiling goofily at him. "Second door on the right."
Axel walked down the hall, pushing open the door before setting Roxas down on the ground and putting an arm over his shoulders.
Roxas reached behind him, firmly shutting the door before pulling Axel down for a kiss.
Axel smirked, giving the blonde what he wanted.
XXXX
Riiiiiight. Roxas is a tad hyper/obsessed when it comes to Axel. Maybe a little.
*smirks evilly* Wait til you see what I make him do next! Mwahahaha!
It's officially too damn early in the morning for this. Thank you to all who read this, please review. Good night!