"So, when are you having this baby, exactly?" Reno glanced at his sister as she scrubbed a dish to use to cook them dinner.
She raised an eyebrow, "About eight months from now."
"That long?" Reno blinked.
Aerith grabbed the closest towel and swatted him with it. "Yes, that long. It takes nine months for a baby to grow before they're born. Did you pay no attention during Science or Sex Ed?"
"Was paying attention to other things during Sex Ed." Reno winked.
Aerith swatted him again, "Shame on you—you have a girlfriend now."
"Yeah, but I didn't then." Reno rolled his eyes, ducking out of the way of another swat.
Riku snickered, "You're an idiot."
Zack grinned, "Hey, don't make fun of Reno—he can't help it if he couldn't get a decent girlfriend until now."
"Nah, but I got laid more often than either of you." Reno shrugged.
Aerith turned slightly red.
"Though you have to be getting some action." Reno said, eyeing his sister.
Aerith smacked him, foregoing the towel this time. "Oh, I see you were listening when they told you how babies are made at least."
Zack rolled his eyes and pulled his wife into a hug. "Hey, leave my pregnant wife alone." Over her shoulder, he smirked at Reno.
Riku snorted, "Reno? I don't think it's a good thing to brag about being a manwhore."
"Former." Reno corrected. "Working at a bar has its advantages. You meet lots of very willing women." He winked.
"You're not still doing that, are you? Remember what I said before—don't hurt Naminé. God, it's a miracle you don't have STDs. Wait, you don't, right?" Riku asked, straight faced.
"Hey, hey. Only I can pick on Reno." Zack said, moving between the two brothers.
Reno laughed, "It's fine, Zack—he's my brother and poses no threat to Nam and I. And I said former." He rolled his eyes, "Also, no, I don't have any STDs." He informed his younger brother.
"Okay, crowding the kitchen is not making cooking any faster." Aerith shooed them towards the kitchen door.
Zack clapped Reno on his shoulder, chuckling, "Whatever you say."
Riku shrugged, smiling at Aerith in apology before following the other two into the living room and plopping on the couch. He opened his mouth to say something, but closed it when his cell started ringing in is pocket. He pulled it out and answered. "Hello? Hey! Yeah. Yeah. No, it's true. Thanks. No, sure, I'm home. Okay, see you soon." To Zack and Reno, he said, "Nami's on her way over," putting his cell back in his pocket.
Reno smiled, "Cool." He said, completely unashamed that he'd been talking about his previously philandering ways just moments earlier. "Hey, she hasn't met you or Aerith since we started dating, has she?"
"Nah, but I knew you two would end up together." Zack grinned, "She's nice, cute—polite and yet more than capable of handling you."
Riku grinned, "I can agree with that."
Reno rolled his eyes, "I've been a perfect gentleman, I promise. She has no handling to worry about."
"Good. 'Cause I don't want either of you hurt by this." Riku said.
Zack nodded solemnly in one of his rare, serious moments.
"I have no intention of hurting her. I called in a favor with Rude for god's sake." He rolled his eyes.
Zack whistled, "Damn. Smooth move, Reno. She love it?"
"I don't think she stopped smiling all weekend." Reno grinned.
Zack punched his shoulder lightly, smiling, "Way to go!"
"What? I don't get it—what favor did you get from Rude?" Riku asked, looking between the two, confused.
"You didn't notice the fact that I left Saturday morning and didn't come back until late last night?" Reno raised an eyebrow.
Riku shrugged, "I wasn't really home all weekend either, and you work nights. I thought we just kept missing each other. You saying you were out with Nami all weekend?"
"Yep." Reno grinned, still not answering his original question.
"Where?" Riku asked, getting annoyed.
Zack chuckled, "He's savoring his moment—you really think he'll just tell you? Trust me, it was a fun weekend for both of them."
Riku glared at Reno but gave in, nodding at Zack, "Fine, I'll just ask her when she gets here."
Reno grinned, "I'm fine with this."
There was a knock at the door and Zack sprang up, shouting, "I'll get it!" and racing to the door.
He threw it open and grinned at Naminé. "Hiya! We were waiting for you! C'mon in!"
Naminé smiled, stepping inside, "Hi Zack."
"Reno and Riku are in the living room, Aerith's cooking. I'll go tell her you're here!" Zack grinned, nudging Naminé towards the couch where Riku was sitting before he shut the door and bounded into the kitchen.
"Hi Reno, Riku." Naminé said, sitting next to Riku and grinning at them.
"Where did you two go all weekend?" Riku demanded.
Naminé's face lit up. "Reno took me to Disneyplace!"
Riku was shocked, "Disneyplace?" he echoed.
"Yes, and it was amazing! Thank you again, Reno. It was perfect." Naminé smiled.
Riku took one last look at her radiant face and nodded at Reno, as if to say well done.
Reno smirked triumphantly at his brother before smiling at Naminé, "And again, it was no big deal." He assured her.
She shook her head, but let it drop, "So, how're you both? Reno, when do you leave for work?"
Reno raised an eyebrow, "I thought you memorized my schedule?" he teased softly.
Naminé blushed lightly.
Riku turned to her, grinning, "Oh, really?"
Naminé hit him lightly, before pretending to glare at Reno, "I was just making conversation!"
Reno chuckled, "I'm leaving in about two hours." He told her, even though she knew the answer.
"In that case, I'm stealing your girlfriend—wow, that 's weird to say out loud—for a bit." Riku said, standing up and pulling Naminé up with him.
Naminé smiled and winked at Reno, "We'll be back in a bit!"
"Have fun." Reno laughed, heading into the kitchen to check on Zack and Aerith.
Zack glanced up from where he was washing vegetables at the counter, "Hey, where's your girlfriend? Your brother steal her from you?"
"Yeah, but I had her all weekend, so he can spend some time with his best friend." Reno chuckled, "Need any help, Ri?"
"Nope, Zack and I have it about covered. And what do you mean, you 'had her all weekend'?" Aerith raised an eyebrow at her brother.
"Get this—Reno here spirited Naminé away for a fun and romantic weekend at Disneyplace!" Zack announced gleefully.
"Really?" Aerith asked, surprised.
"Is it that hard to believe I'm actually serious about a girl?" Reno asked his sister.
"Well, no." Aerith shook her head, "But you've never been…" she paused, "This interested this early."
"I like her." Zack decided, "I think they're good together."
Aerith glanced at her husband, before looking back at her brother, "Congrats on your marriage." She joked.
Reno raised an eyebrow.
"Babe, don't scare him, now." Zack chuckled, hugging her from behind and kissing her cheek.
Aerith chuckled, leaning into her husband, "He just has an uncanny power to predict future relationships." She explained, "I mean, Wakka and Lulu were married within two months, remember?" she glanced back at Zack.
Zack grinned, "Yeah. They were perfect for each other… and I did say that early on… But I don't know what Naminé's like—if she's looking to get married. Either way, I think Reno and her will definitely be together for a long time—honey, they went to Disneyplace."
Aerith giggled, and Reno shook his head, "Let me know if you need help cooking." He chuckled, escaping the room.
Zack laughed and shook his head.
XXXX
Riku led Namine into his bedroom, closing the door behind them.
"So, Kairi tells me you and Sora kissed?" Namine asked with a grin.
Riku smiled. "Several times, actually."
"Oh, I'm so happy for you!" Namine hugged him.
Riku chuckled, hugging her back. "Thanks. And hey, Disneyplace?"
Namine giggled. "Your brother certainly knows how to impress."
Riku laughed. "Honestly, I don't think he's ever gone all out like this before."
Namine smiled softly and leaned in, confessing: "I really like him."
"He likes you too. And this is so weird for me to talk about! I mean, you're my best friend and he's my brother. It's just weird."
Namine nodded. "You don't have a problem with it?"
"No, no! It's just strange, that's all. I don't want either of you to get hurt." Riku said.
"We won't. I'm being careful, I promise." Namine said.
"Good." Riku said, sitting on the bed. Namine joined him.
"So, tell me about your first kiss!" She demanded.
Riku grinned. "Halloween, on his couch. I told him I would be fine waiting for him, but I wanted to kiss him. And he said okay. So… I did."
"Was it amazing? How'd he react?" Namine asked.
"Of course it was amazing – this is Sora we're talking about. He was a little freaked at first – I love that I reduce him to babbling – but he got into it. He told me to kiss him
whenever because he'd definitely be kissing me whenever he wanted." Riku explained.
"That's awesome! I knew he would realize how perfect you two are together eventually! And you made him babble?" Namine giggled.
Riku's grin widened. "Yeah. It was cute."
"I bet." Namine agreed.
"I really think this is going to work." Riku said.
Namine nodded. "I think so too."
Riku stood, pulling her up with him. "C'mon, let's get back out there before my brother thinks I've kidnapped you."
Namine shook her head. "I came to visit you. Reno knows we're close friends."
Riku studied her. "I think you guys might just work after all."
Namine rolled her eyes. "We're both adults, Riku. But yes, I think we'll definitely have fun."
Riku smiled, hugging her once more before leading her back out to the rest of his family.
XXXX
Xigbar walked into the kitchen to grab a drink, but paused when he saw Leon sitting at the table. "Hey, I didn't know you were home."
"Have the day off work." Leon shrugged, "Not hanging with that supposed new girl of yours?" Leon raised an eyebrow.
Xigbar rolled his eyes, "Kairi's got homework to catch up on. And yes, she's my girlfriend. And I'll tell you what I told Seifer—I think she's the one. Actually, I pretty much know it."
"How long have you known this chick?" Leon raised an eyebrow.
Xigbar winked at him, "A week."
Leon rolled his eyes, "Hard to trust in your prediction about the longevity of your relationship when you don't have the time to back it up." He said.
"What's with the stuffy language?" Seifer raised an eyebrow as he walked into the kitchen.
"Unlike some people, I have a real job?" Leon asked, taking any opportunity to jab at Seifer.
Seifer rolled his eyes, "You've used that one too many times, man."
"Believe what you want, but here's another thing to fight about—which one of you wants to be my best man?" Xigbar asked, straight faced.
"Ask us when you propose." Leon answered, rolling his eyes.
Seifer walked over to the fridge, grabbing a drink before plopping into a chair at the table.
Xigbar snorted, shaking his head and grabbing his own drink, joining them at the table. "Where's Blondie?"
"Hanging with his roommates." Leon answered, not skipping a beat.
"I knew forcing you two together was a good idea." Seifer smirked.
"Yes, until you went too far." Leon reminded him.
"The stripper wasn't us." Seifer protested.
"Larxene wouldn't have called Zack if you two hadn't started the pranking in the first place."
"Whatever, you're with him now, and you obviously like him. What about you? Still single?" Xigbar asked Seifer.
"Working on someone." Seifer smirked, "Looks like a challenge. I'm excited."
Xigbar groaned, letting his head fall on the table.
Leon raised an eyebrow, "Straight or lesbian this time?"
"Straight." Seifer answered, "Remember my stalker?"
"The kid with the weird name who you punched a dude for?" Xigbar asked, raising his head.
"Yeah, him." Seifer nodded.
"When did the stalker become a not-stalker?" Leon asked, "I apparently haven't hung out with you two in awhile."
"Lemme sum this up—Seifer here defended his stalker after the stalker apologized for stalking. What is this kid's name?" Xigbar explained to Leon, directing his question to Seifer.
"Hayner." Seifer answered.
"That's no weird than your name, Xig." Leon informed him.
"Xigbar—fixes cars. Hayner—is a lamer." Xigbar grinned.
Seifer smacked his head on the table, sighing, as Leon reached over and smacked Xigbar with the newspaper he'd been reading.
"What the hell? It was funny, c'mon." Xigbar said, rubbing his head.
"You're ridiculous." Seifer grumbled.
Leon sighed, going back to the previous conversation topic, "Try not to kill the kid, Seifer."
"I make no promises." Seifer shrugged, lifting his head.
"How straight is he?" Xigbar asked.
"Straight enough." Seifer answered, "But his best friend is gay, so he's at least open to the idea when it's not him."
Xigbar snorted, "Good luck with that. Try not to break him when you eventually get bored and leave him. We don't want another repeat of last time."
"I'll be more careful." Seifer promised.
"We don't need another girl living in the tree outside the building, waiting for Seifer to walk out so she can kill him, you mean?" Leon asked Xigbar, apparently never wanting Seifer to forget "last time."
Xigbar grinned, "Yeah. Damn that chick was annoying."
"Not to mention trying to kill me." Seifer grumbled.
"It's your own fault." Leon rolled his eyes, "She had a steady girlfriend before she met you."
"Don't even." Xigbar said when Seifer opened his mouth to protest, "Just be careful with this one."
"I already said I would." Seifer rolled his eyes. "It's not like the guy before her tried to kill me."
"He did run his car into that tree, though." Leon reminded him.
Xigbar winced, "It took Cloud a whole week to fix that one."
"Well, he's been out of the hospital for like three months now." Seifer said, pushing the comments off, "I'm sure he's fine now."
"Do you even remember his name?" Leon asked.
"Nope."
"You're kinda a dick, huh?" Xigbar asked, "Scratch that—you are a dick. It's all you think with, at least."
Seifer shrugged, "Won't deny that."
Leon sighed, "I'm not calling the police this time."
"If he's smart about it this time, no one will have to call the cops." Xigbar said with a pointed glare at Seifer.
"I can't expect you two to believe that I'm going to be more careful this time, but I am." Seifer rolled his eyes.
"Oh wow—best friends not believing you when you're serious about something? Sucks, doesn't it?" Xigbar said, sarcastically.
"Hey, I'm not the only manwhore in this apartment." Seifer rolled his eyes.
Xigbar snorted, "At least I've decided on a gender to chase after."
"I'm not picky." Seifer shrugged, "I have twice as many people to chase after."
"Sure, sure. You know, I may have had a few very short relationships, but no one's tried to kill me. And I'm not doing that anymore, anyway. Red's a handful all on her own and damn near perfect—why would I screw myself by messing around?"
"Well, if she has a nickname, that means you're at least slightly more serious about this one." Leon commented.
"Finally. You need to meet her. She's already met Cloud—I'm sure you'll see her 'round the shop. Unless you want a special meeting scheduled?" Xigbar asked, only half serious.
Leon rolled his eyes, "Somehow, I don't think I need to give her the threatening talk."
"Asshole, I just meant it'd be nice if my roommates didn't hate my girlfriend, especially since she's going to be around a lot." Xigbar rolled his eyes.
"I don't hate her." Seifer laughed, "She was nice."
"Sure, Xig." Leon chuckled, "I was joking. I'd love to meet her."
"Good, 'cause she should be here soon." Xigbar said with a grin.
"I thought she was working on homework." Leon raised an eyebrow.
"She had to drop her sister off somewhere and was planning on swinging by on her way to get her." Xigbar explained.
"Ah." Leon nodded, "Alright, sounds good."
"Gee, thanks for the permission." Xigbar joked. More seriously, "Be nice, okay?"
"I'm always nice." Leon answered.
"You're never nice." Seifer rolled his eyes.
"No, I'm never nice to you, there's a difference."
Xigbar laughed, "Old. Married. Couple."
Leon went to retort, but was interrupted by the doorbell.
Xigbar left them to their bickering and went to open the door. He grinned at Kairi.
"Hey Red. Thanks for swinging by" He said.
"No problem." Kairi smiled at him.
Xigbar closed the door behind her and slung his arm around her, guiding her to their kitchen area.
"How goes the homework?"
Kairi groaned, "I don't want to talk about it. I hate English."
He squeezed her sympathetically as they stopped near the table.
"Right, well, you met Seifer. This is my other roommate, Leon. He's Cloud's boyfriend." Xigbar said, making introductions.
"Nice to meet you." Kairi nodded, "The old married couple, right?" she asked Xigbar with a small smirk.
Xigbar laughed, "You got it, Sass."
Leon rolled his eyes before speaking, "It's nice to meet you." He glanced at Xigbar, "Two nicknames?" he asked.
"At least four, actually. She doesn't mind, right Red?" Xigbar asked, smiling at her.
Kairi laughed, but shook her head, "Not at all."
Leon glanced at Seifer for a moment.
"When did you tell Naminé you'd pick her up?" Xigbar asked.
Kairi glanced at her watch, "Fifteen minutes, so I'll have to leave in about ten."
"Okay. Did she have fun at Disneyplace?" Xigbar asked.
"I don't think she stopped smiling once." Kairi said, "By the way, would you be willing to go on a double date with Nam and her boyfriend?"
"Sure. Just lemme know when, Red. Gotta get in as many points as I can with your sister, right?" Xigbar smirked.
Kairi laughed, "She's not as scary as she seems."
Xigbar looked at her, "Sass, you really think I'm gonna chance anything here? Just lemme know when and where."
Kairi laughed again, "Well, when's your next day off?"
"Thursday." Xigbar answered.
"And are you free?" Kairi asked.
"Of course, Red. I've always got time for you." Xigbar grinned.
Kairi smiled, "Awesome. It'll have to be before Reno leaves for work, since he works nights. Unless you want to venture out for a date in the middle of the night."
"Whichever you and your sister decide on is fine with me—I'm not scared of the dark, Red." Xigbar grinned.
Kairi rolled her eyes, but didn't comment.
"All right, you should get going. Do me a favor and text me when you're home, Sass?" Xigbar asked.
Kairi smiled, "Sure. Shouldn't be more than a half hour. I'll call you later tonight, so we can work out date details."
"Sounds good. I'll walk you out to your car." Xigbar said.
"Sure." Kairi smiled.
"Be right back." Xigbar said to his strangely quiet roommates before guiding Kairi out of the apartment and down to her car. He leaned in and kissed her cheek. "Drive safe, Red."
Kairi smiled at him, "I will." She murmured, "Call you later."
Xigbar smiled back, opening her door for her, "You got it." He watched her drive away before going back to his apartment, plopping down at the table and looking between the two.
Seifer spoke up, "You two didn't act like that last time you were here! You're fucking serious about this girl!"
Xigbar snorted, "Dumbass, I told you I'm serious about her!"
"You knew I didn't believe you, so don't 'dumbass' me." Seifer grumbled.
"Whatever. Leon, you're awfully quiet over there." Xigbar said, rolling his eyes.
"Have you ever given someone four nicknames?" Leon asked him in response.
Xigbar thought for a moment, "Not unless you count you guys."
"And you've known her for a week."
"Yeah." Xigbar shrugged.
Leon sighed, "Try not to get in over your head."
"I don't know whether to be insulted or impressed that you care." Xigbar said, thoughtfully.
Leon rolled his eyes.
"Well, get used to seeing her around, 'cause I'm dead serious about this—I could really fall for her." Xigbar said, standing and dumping the rest of his drink down the sink.
"Well, good for you, then, man." Seifer said.
"Yeah, maybe Seifer will follow suit eventually and we'll have less lawsuits to deal with." Leon commented.
Xigbar snorted, "Unlikely. I'll be in my room."
"See you." Leon nodded, turning back to his paper.
Xigbar mock-saluted them before heading to his room, firmly closing the door behind him.
XXXX
Kairi walked in through Sora's front door without knocking after dropping Naminé off at their house and texting Xigbar.
"Sora?" she called out.
"In the kitchen!" Sora called back.
Kairi headed that way, walking into the kitchen.
"Hey." Sora nodded.
"Hey." Kairi smiled.
"Want a sandwich?" Sora asked.
"Nah, I'm good." Kairi said, "I'm gonna go find something on TV."
Sora idly nodded and Kairi headed into the living room and plopped on the couch to find a TV show. She found something a minute later as Sora walked in with his sandwich and sat next to her.
Roxas ran down the stairs and walked into the living room, pulling a jacket on, "Oh, hey Kairi. I didn't know you were here. Sora, Pence is here to pick me up—we're going to Hayner's 'cause he's freaking out about his ex-stalker flirting with him."
"Oh, kay." Sora nodded.
Kairi glanced over, "What is he freaking out about?" she asked Roxas.
"Hayner's ex-stalker—not a real stalker, you know Hayner, he's paranoid—flirted with him, apparently, and Hayner is the worst closet-case gay I've ever met, so naturally, he believes he's straight even though he's already called this guy hot and is now freaking out. I'll be back later." Roxas explained before waving and slipping out the door.
Kairi blinked, "One of the weirder stories I've heard."
"Tell me about it." Sora shook his head, sighing, "Everything out of that kid's mouth has been weird lately."
Kairi laughed, "He's Roxas, though. I know you're not worried."
"Nah, I'm not." Sora chuckled.
"Does your mom know Roxas has a boyfriend?" Kairi asked, "Come to think of it, does your mom know that you have a boyfriend."
"Nope." Sora shrugged, "She's been really busy with work."
"Well, I would be surprised if she didn't see you and Riku coming, because everyone else did. But she should probably meet Axel eventually." Kairi said, leaning back on the couch and snatching a chip off of Sora's plate.
"I'm sure she will." Sora said, "But you know my mom."
Kairi nodded, "Yes, I do. But I also think you should tell her."
Sora sighed, "I will, I will. So, how are you and Xigbar?"
"Pretty good." Kairi grinned, "We're going on a double date with Naminé and Reno soon. Speaking of, I need an idea of where this date should happen. Have anywhere to suggest?"
"Ooh!" Sora perked up, "The new Chinese place on the edge of town! Dragonfly Soy Sauce!" he said, "I brought Riku there, it was great."
"Awww, look at you, all grown up and bringing your boyfriend on dates." Kairi cooed.
Sora smacked her with a couch pillow, "Shut up, Kairi."
Kairi laughed, "Thanks for the suggestion, though, I'll keep it in mind."
XXXX
Hayner paced back and forth across his living room, ignoring his sister who was sitting in one of the chairs. The doorbell rang and he ran to the door, pulling it open.
"Thank god! Took you long enough!" he grumbled.
Roxas rolled his eyes, "So, what exactly happened?" he asked as he and Pence passed Hayner and headed into the house, shutting the door behind them.
"I told you already!" Hayner exclaimed.
Pence guided them into the living room and sat down, "Tell us again."
Hayner glared but Roxas just glared back from his seat on the couch until Hayner started pacing again.
"I ran into Seifer on my way to grab lunch and he wasn't doing anything, so he came with me. We were talking about stupid shit, really—the type of crap you ask people you didn't really know—when I asked him if he was bi."
"You seriously just up and asked him that?" Roxas asked, incredulous.
"You're the one who said he was!" Hayner snapped.
Roxas rolled his eyes, "That doesn't mean you can randomly ask the guy!"
"What'd he say?" Pence asked.
"He said he was and asked about me, so I told him I'm straight. And do you know what the bastard said?" Hayner asked.
"Obviously not." Roxas said.
"Don't be a dick, I'm having a crisis here!" Hayner snapped, looking panicked.
"Okay, okay. Just spit it out." Roxas said.
"He said maybe I should be Seifer-sexual!" Hayner exclaimed.
Olette, who had previously been pretty much silently listening to her brother's story started laughing.
"It's not funny!" Hayner yelled. "He flat out told me he was flirting with me!"
"Calm down. So what? Let him flirt." Roxas said.
"I'm straight! I don't want some random dude flirting with me!" Hayner protested.
"Even though you think he's hot." Roxas pointed out.
"That's not the point!" Hayner yelled angrily.
"Whoa, you told Rox he's hot?" Pence asked, confused.
"Yes! But I didn't mean it like that! Arg, this is so messed up!" Hayner collapsed into the nearest chair and let his head fall into his hands.
"Hayner, relax. Seifer's just probably trying to get a rise out of you. Even if he's serious about flirting, just ignore it. Or," Roxas smirked, "you could flirt back and mess with him back."
Hayner glanced up at the smaller blonde, "I can't do that—I'm straight."
Roxas snorted, "So? It'd be fun, and I bet Seifer wouldn't see it coming."
"I'm not into guys, Rox…" Hayner protested.
"Fine, then learn to ignore him. He'll give up eventually." Roxas said.
"Yeah, it'll be fine, Hayner." Pence said reassuringly.
"You think so?" Hayner asked hopefully.
Olette giggled, deciding to let her brother's two friends handle this one. After all, she only encouraged Hayner's strange behavior.
"Definitely." Pence said.
"Don't blow up the situation and it will." Roxas said.
"I don't blow up situations!" Hayner protested.
"Stalking." Roxas said straight-faced.
"That was one time!" Hayner said.
Roxas rolled his eyes, "Whatever. Are you okay now?"
"I guess… I'll just ignore it." Hayner said, a little uncertainly.
"Right. You wanna be friends with him, right?" Roxas asked.
Hayner nodded "We practically have the same schedule. And he can't be that bad of a person if he punched that guy."
"What guy?" Pence asked.
Roxas rolled his eyes, "Seifer punched a bigot on campus who was calling Hay and me faggots."
"Jerk! I hope Seifer broke his jaw." Pence said, not liking anyone making fun of his friends.
"Yeah, he definitely bruised it. He's pretty strong." Hayner said.
Roxas smirked, "Now that that is settled, wanna watch a movie or something?"
"Sure." Pence said.
"Yeah. Thanks, guys." Hayner said.
"No problem, Hay. We're your best friends! Olette, movie?" Roxas asked.
"I'm always up for a movie." Olette grinned.
"Great. Let's find something." Roxas said, standing and going over to the DVD stack by the TV.
XXXX
"On your right." Larxene muttered to the redhead sitting next to her. A few button presses, and his character blasted Demyx's character off the arena top.
"Hey!" Demyx said, surprised.
Axel smirked, not apologizing, and he and Larxene's characters both turned their sights on Zexion's.
"Hit him with your cannon!" Demyx said, trying to give Zexion advice, "Preferably in the face."
"Hey!" Axel pouted.
"Serves you right." Demyx grumbled.
Axel rolled his eyes and Larxene laughed. "You stand no chance. Maybe you could beat us if Cloud was on your team. Maybe."
"I still don't see the point in this!" Zexion snapped, randomly mashing buttons on his controller, "I told you you should have waited for Cloud to finish showering to play this." He said to Demyx, ignoring the death of his character.
"I wanted to play with you." Demyx shrugged.
Larxene and Axel high fived, "You guys want to play again?" Axel asked with a smirk.
Zexion glanced at Demyx, "You still want to play, don't you?"
"Play what?" Cloud asked, walking into the living room and running his fingers through his damp hair.
"Cloud! Perfect! Play on Demyx's team so he can actually play for more than two seconds." Zexion said.
"We're playing Death Fight 12." Larxene smirked, "And Scarlet and I are kicking ass, as usual."
Demyx sent a pleading look at Cloud, wanting to shove those words down Larxene and Axel's throats.
Cloud grinned, "Gimme your controller and scoot over, Zex."
Zexion gladly handed over the controller and moved closer to Demyx in order to make room for Cloud.
"You ready, Dem?" Cloud asked, sitting with the controller.
"Definitely." Demyx smirked.
Axel tightened his grip on his controller and Larxene hit the try again button to restart the battle.
Immediately, Cloud knocked Axel's character out. "Keep him down, Dem! I've got Larx."
"Fuck you, Cloud!" Axel grumbled, "Lightning bug, dive!"
Larxene's character dove to the ground to avoid Cloud's, and then rolled, knocking Cloud's character into Demyx's, sending the two flying backwards and allowing Larxene enough time to revive Axel.
"What's that blinking?" Zexion asked, pointing at the flashing near Demyx's character's health stats.
Cloyd grinned, "New attack. Go for it, Dem!" He charged Axel and Larxene's characters, furiously pushing buttons.
Demyx grinned, pushing the combination that would trigger his new attack. A blast of energy from his character sent Axel's character flying off the platform much in the same way Axel had blasted him.
"Shit!" Larxene cursed.
Zexion grinned when he saw Demyx's huge grin.
"Yes! Now, we can take her!" Cloud said, charging Larxene's character. Within seconds, she was following Axel off the platform. "Yeah! Take that!"
"You know what, fuck you two." Larxene grumbled.
Axel laughed, "Looks like we need a less predictable strategy next time, Sparky." He said, "Good job Demyx, Cloudy."
Cloud rolled his eyes at the nickname but grinned, "Thanks—it was a good fight."
Zexion smiled at Demyx, "You won."
"Well, Cloud did most of it." Demyx chuckled, "Thanks, Cloud."
"No problem." Cloud said, standing, "Anyone want to drink?"
Zexion moved away from Demyx so they weren't as squished anymore, "No thanks."
"Beer please." Larxene said, switching the game into training mode as Axel put his controller down and leaned back in his chair.
"I'm good." Demyx nodded.
Cloud nodded and went to grab the drinks, returning moments later and chucking a beer can at Larxene, sitting in one of the empty chairs instead of trying to squish onto the couch again and opening his own drink.
Larxene snatched her beer out of the air, putting her controller down so she could open it.
"So, what have you been up to, Cloudy?" Axel asked, "Feels like I haven't seen you around in awhile."
Cloud shrugged. "Work, hanging at Leon's. Nothing special."
"How are you and Leon doing?" Zexion asked, hoping it was going good.
Cloud smiled, "Everything's good."
"That's good." Demyx smiled.
"Leon's been less of a crab at work lately, so something must be going well." Larxene commented.
"That's good, I guess. We went to Zack's on Halloween and they got along okay, surprisingly. Oh, did I tell you guys Aerith's pregnant? Zack's gonna be a dad." Cloud said with a shake of the head.
"Seriously?" Larxene leapt forward, "Good for him!" she cheered, "Tell him congrats for me and not to do anything reckless or else his wife might snap."
Cloud chuckled, "I will. But I think Zack'll be a good dad."
Zexion smiled, "That's wonderful."
"Yeah, definitely." Demyx smiled, "I mean, I don't know Zack, but tell him congrats."
Cloud nodded and smiled at Dem, "He's an old friend of mine."
"Ah, okay." Demyx nodded. He'd been fitting in with the four of them a lot more easily lately, but there were still some things he wasn't sure he'd ever be able to keep track of.
"So what about you guys? Anything new? How's Roxas?" Cloud asked.
"Roxas is really good." Axel grinned.
"Well, the fact that he's still around must say something." Larxene smirked.
Axel hit her with a pillow, "Shut it, Sparky."
Larxene stuck her tongue out at him as Demyx laughed.
Cloud grinned, "Well, good for you."
"Thanks." Axel smiled.
XXXX
The last bell rang and Zexion watched his last class bolt for the door. He sighed and started packing up his things—it was a gloomy day and the steady rain had made most of the kids feel pent up and anxious, which had meant a long day for Zexion trying to teach them things they obviously weren't interested in.
There was a small knock on the door and someone entered the classroom.
"Marluxia. What are you doing here?" Zexion asked, surprised to see the man.
"I was just coming by to thank you for subbing in for Mr. Xaldin and let you know that he will be returning to school starting tomorrow morning." Marluxia said.
"Of course. Thank you." Zexion said with a nod, shouldering his backpack.
"Thank you." Marluxia nodded, ducking out the door and leaving.
Zexion glanced around one more time to make sure he had everything before leaving as well and heading down the halls. He made it to the entrance and dashed to his car, climbing in and throwing his pack into the back just as Demyx climbed into the passenger's side.
Demyx smiled at Zexion, "Hey, how was your day?"
"It was tedious. This type of weather tends to make students anxious. Oh, and Mr. Xaldin is returning, starting tomorrow." Zexion said as he started the car and headed for home.
Demyx frowned, "You mean you won't be teaching anymore?"
"That's right. I can still drive you to school and help with homework, though. Or you're welcome to borrow my car." Zexion said.
"Oh." Demyx frowned, "Right. Thanks."
"You're welcome. So, how was your day?" Zexion asked.
Demyx shrugged, "Not bad, I guess."
"That's good then. Did you get a lot of work to do?" Zexion asked, glancing at the blonde when he pulled up to a stop sign.
Demyux glanced back, "Not… that much, no." he shook his head, "Teachers were surprisingly easy on me today, and if I know Mr. Xaldin, he won't collect the homework you assigned, so I don't have to do it, right?" he joked.
"I've been recording my lessons and assignments in my grade book, which I left for him, so he very well may collect it." Zexion informed him.
Demyx laughed, "I was joking, Zex. I'll do it."
"Oh. Okay." Zexion blushed lightly, concentration on the road—they were almost home.
Demyx chuckled again, settling back in his chair and keeping his thoughts occupied.
Zexion pulled into the driveway and parked, turning off the car. Grabbing his bag from the back, he reached for his door. "Ready?"
"Yep." Demyx said, grabbing his own bag and opening his door.
Zexion hurried to the door, making his way inside and closing the door behind Demyx, wiping his wet hair out of his face.
Demyx laughed, "I love rain."
Zexion stared at him, "It is the most annoying type of weather. At least snow is pretty."
Demyx chuckled, "Yeah, but haven't you ever gone outside during a rainstorm and just like…" he paused, trying to word his sentence right, "Played in it?"
"No." Zexion said shortly, taking his bag to the kitchen and setting it on one of the chairs.
Demyx followed him in, tossing his own bag down, and grabbed Zexion's arm, "Come on." He said, dragging him towards the back door.
"What are you doing?" Zexion demanded, trying to pull out of his grip.
"We're going outside." Demyx answered not letting him go and dragging him through the doors. Once outside of the house, he left Zexion under the overhang and walked out into the rain.
"Demyx. It's raining." Zexion stressed.
"And?" Demyx laughed, walking towards him, thoroughly drenched by this point.
Zexion took a step back towards the door, "You'll get sick. Let's go inside, all right?"
"I'm not going to get sick." Demyx rolled his eyes. He walked towards Zexion, taking both of the older boy's hands in his own and slowly stepping backwards, "Come on, it's fun."
Zexion blushed, staring at their hands. He didn't notice he was moving forwards until the first drops hit him. "I don't understand how this is fun—it's wet."
"So?" Demyx asked, "It's fun."
Zexion stood in the rain, holding Demyx's hands. After a few minutes, he looked up into his eyes. "Show me."
Demyx laughed, and started running.
XXXX
"What happened to you two?" Larxene raised an eyebrow as her two youngest roommates walked into the living room from the backyard, covered pretty much head to toe in mud and soaking wet.
"We played in the rain." Zexion said, sounding happy.
Larxene glanced at Zexion, then at the grinning Demyx, and then back at Zexion.
"Oh." She said, not sure if she'd believe it if the proof wasn't in front of her. "Well, that sounds like fun."
Zexion glanced at Demyx, "It… was."
Demyx grinned at him, "I told you."
Zexion looked down at himself, "I'm filthy. I need to shower and change."
"Yeah, me too." Demyx laughed.
"One of you can use my bathroom." Larxene shrugged, "Better than being covered in mud while waiting for the other to be done.
Zexion nodded, "Thank you."
Larxene just nodded back, plopping into a chair, "Glad you had fun."
XXXX
Zexion smacked Cloud's alarm block, turning it off. He was still sharing rooms with Cloud, although they had managed to fit a futon in the room so the blonde wasn't sleeping on the floor.
Yawning and climbing out of bed, Zexion quickly changed and headed to the kitchen. They had never decided if he was going to give Demyx a ride to school or if the blonde would just take his car.
"Morning, Axel." Zexion said, grabbing a glass of milk and sitting at the table with the redhead.
"Hey." Axel nodded, "Thought you weren't teaching anymore?" he asked.
"I'm not, but Demyx still needs a way to get to school." Zexion said, glancing at the clock with a frown, "He should've been up by now."
Axel glanced up from his food, "Alright, well, maybe his alarm didn't go off." He stood up, "Come on, let's go check."
Zexion nodded, heading to his—Demyx's—room and knocking on the door, Axel standing right behind him. They waited, but there was no answer. Knocking harder, Zexion called, "Demyx?"
Axel frowned, trying to open the door. It was unlocked and flew right open to reveal an empty room.
"Demyx?" Zexion said, frowning and stepping into the room, "Where are you?"
Axel walked in after him, scanning the room. Demyx's things were gone but there was a note sitting on top of the dresser. Grabbing it, he scanned it, cursing lightly.
"Axel?" Zexion asked, fear gathering in his stomach.
Axel handed him the note, walking quickly over to the door and shouting down the hall, "LARXENE! GET YOUR ASS UP!"
There was some banging and then loud cursing before Larxene slammed the door to her room open and glared at Axel, "What? I was sleeping!" One look at Axel's face, though, and she frowned, "Axel?"
Axel left Zexion's room, "Stay with Zex? Dem is gone. I'm gonna call Cloud and head to try and find him, but I don't want to leave Zexion alone."
Larxene nodded, "Sure. What happened?"
"Read the note he left." Axel said, "Thanks Larx." He muttered, grabbing for his cell phone and running for it as Larxene entered Zexion's bedroom.
Zexion sat on the bed and skimmed the note, ignoring Axel's yelling. Then his stomach dropped and he read it again, slowly and carefully.
Zexion,
I'm guessing by now you've noticed I left and didn't say anything. I… I was talking to Yuffie a few days ago, and finally told her where I'd been staying for the past few days.
And then she warned me that you could get arrested if caught 'harboring a minor', meaning that if my parents got mad or worried enough, they could get you and your roommates arrested for kidnapping me. I couldn't stay here and let you all get hurt or arrested just so I wouldn't have to deal with my parents…
I don't know how obvious it was, but I have feelings for you. I wasn't sure if you figured it out. I wish things would have worked out, but the way things are with my family right now… I'm not willing to risk your safety for my happiness.
Maybe once I turn 18 I can come back, and we can pick up where we left off… If you ever forgive me for leaving without telling you.
I tried, Zex. I could never get up the courage. Please forgive me. I'm sorry.
Love, Demyx.
Zexion stared at the paper in his hands. He read it again. And again.
'He's… gone? But… He went back to that house! We would have—I would have-! He just left? How…? Doesn't he trust me? Why? I don't… But we…'
His hands started shaking and tears gathered at his lashes. His hands… 'We held hands yesterday. He… likes me. He likes me? He likes me. He likes me, he likes me, He lo-'
Zexion sprang up at the sound of someone entering the room. "Demyx!" he cried, whirling to face the door.
His stomach dropped at the sight of Larxene. 'Not Demyx. Demyx left. He's gone. Gone.'
"Gone." Zexion croaked, sitting heavily on the bed.
Larxene stepped towards Zexion. "Zex?" she spoke softly, sitting next to him.
Zexion tried to clear his throat but only managed to make this watery, pathetic sound. He stared at the letter even though his shaking prevented him from reading it. He knew what it said. Demyx—
"Larx." Zexion choked out, "Demyx… he… he, he left!"
Larxene put her hand on his shoulder, "Zex…" she murmured.
Zexion dropped the paper and covered his face as he started to cry, shoulders shaking with the force of his sobs.
Larxene pulled him into a hug, holding him close to her. Positioning the letter so she could read it over Zexion's shoulder, she scanned it.
Zexion leaned into her, crying harder. He tried to talk, but the words caught in his throat. He started breathing shallowly, taking faster and faster breaths. 'He's gone, he's gone, he's gone, he's gone, Demyx, gone!'