Cloud laughed as Cid smacked Xigbar on the head with the paperwork. His phone rang in his pocket.

"It's Cloud." He said, still laughing a little as he answered it.

"Hey, it's Axel." Axel said, sounding a little distressed and trying to do something.

Cloud's laughter died. "Axel? Did something happen?"

Xigbar glanced at Cloud, a little worried by his tone.

"Demyx left." Axel answered. "Zexion's a mess – I didn't read the whole note, but something was going on with his parents and that's why Zex offered to let him stay with us. Larx is with Zex, but I'm heading to Demyx's. I can swing by and pick you up."

Cloud cursed. "I'll be out front." He hung up and grabbed his jacket. "Family emergency. I'm leaving."

Xigbar frowned. "Everything okay?"

"No." Cloud headed for the door.

A few moments later, Axel pulled up, stopping Larxene's car in front of him.

Cloud got it. "Abusive parents?"

"No idea." Axel admitted. "He didn't seem worried about his safety, but I didn't read the whole thing. Just said he could 'deal with his parents'."

"Even if they aren't… Zex brought him to us for a reason. What is Demyx thinking, trying to leave? How's Zex doing, you know?" Cloud asked.

"No idea." Axel sighed. "Larx is with him, but I know Zex had fallen pretty hard for Demyx, and that note pretty much said, "I like you too, but I'm leaving anyway"." Axel sighed again, "He was worried about us all getting arrested for harboring a minor or something."

"Dammit." Cloud slammed his fist into his knee. "He's not 18? The state views all those under 18 as minors and under the control of parents / guardians. Unless he gets emancipated by a judge… he's right. Why didn't he just say something, though? And I knew they liked each other – they weren't exactly subtle. God, Zex's gotta be crushed. We gotta get Dem back, Axel."

"Well, we're sure as hell going to try." Axel nodded. "his house isn't too much further – hopefully he either skipped school or hasn't left for the day."

"If he liked Zex at all, I don't think he'll be up for school right now." Cloud pointed out.

"Good point." Axel nodded.

"His note say why he snuck out in the middle of the night?" Cloud asked.

"He only said that he couldn't work up the courage to tell Zex." Axel shook his head.

Cloud just shook his head. "Which one is his?" He asked when the car started slowing down.

"The white one." Axel said, pulling in front and stopping the car.

Cloud noted there was no cars in the driveway as they both got out. "Just gonna knock on the door?"

"What else do we do?" Axel asked.

Cloud nodded as they walked to the door. He reached out and knocked. Loudly.

A few moments later, Demyx opened the door. His eyes fell in the two of them and he tried to shut the door again, looking panicked, but Axel grabbed it.

"Can we talk?" Axel asked.

Demyx hesitated.

"Demyx. I think you owe us the right to at least talk about this." Cloud said firmly.

Demyx sighed, nodding and letting them in.

"What are you dealing with in this house? Abuse?" Cloud asked immediately. He didn't care about minor laws – Demyx so much as hesitated with this question and he was taking him out of there now.

Demyx's eyes widened, "No! Definitely not, no. Shit, I should've explained that better; I didn't even think about that."

Axel visibly relaxed. "Then what's going on?"

Demyx sighed, plopping onto the couch, "My parents are divorcing." He mumbled.

"Are they home?" Cloud asked, making sure they were alone.

"Not right now, no." Demyx shook his head.

"Okay, so your parents are divorcing." Axel repeated. "Are they involving you? I know that's tough, but they're probably worrying about you."

Demyx shook his head, "It's not the divorcing that bothers me. Actually, the sooner that they're out of each other's hair, the better. But they can't decide which of them I should be staying with after this. They're fighting over me like I'm some… doll that they can rip in half."

"I'm guessing your opinion isn't being heard? They wouldn't like you staying with us, I bet…" Cloud said, trying to imagine two adults fighting over a child.

"Not at all." Demyx sighed. "They're literally ripping me apart, and treating me like I'm an object instead of a person."

"When do you turn 18?" Cloud asked, glancing at Axel.

"July." Demyx sighed.

Cloud frowned. "Do you know what an emancipated minor is?"

Demyx nodded. "Yeah… I think."

"Basically, anyone under 18 can become an emancipated minor if they can prove they can provide for themselves and would have a more stable life away from their parents or guardians. Obviously little kids can't do this – but you could try. I tried when I was younger but it's hard for a kid to find a steady job that pays enough for food and rent. But if we could prove the emotional damage of staying with your parents and show a judge our willingness to take you in and have you secure a job and continue your education… you could stay with us and not have to wait until July. It would be legal."

Demyx's face lit up. "Do you think it would work?"

"As long as we can find people willing to say in court, 'yes, this is happening', yes. But we'd need a good lawyer. And you're parents would fight us." Cloud said.

"Right…" Demyx nodded.

Axel put a hand on Demyx's shoulder. "Hey, it'll work out. More importantly, do you feel safe enough staying here until it does?"

"Safe? Yes." Demyx said.

Cloud nodded. "Are you okay with this? You would be choosing us over your parents. And we'd need Zexion's help getting a skilled enough lawyer."

Demyx faltered at the sound of Zexion's name, but he took a deep breath, "My parents don't think of me as the son they both want to have, they think of me as an object that one of them won't have. Trust me, I'm fine with it."

"Okay." Cloud nodded. "Then we'll work on it. It'll take a few days – most likely a week – for Zexion's lawyer to gather everything up and then you'll need to go to court. We'll all be there with you and your parents won't know about this until the court date is set – then they'll be notified, so you need to prepare for that."

"Right." Demyx nodded. "For now, just… pretend everything's okay?" He guessed.

Cloud nodded. "Whatever works. Either Axel or I will call when we know more, and the lawyer will need to talk to you, so keep your cell on. Also, don't skip anymore school – it won't look good. I'll start looking for a part-time job."

Demyx nodded. "Okay." He pulled his phone out, quickly turning it back on.

"Dem, you should've told us." Axel said, "Or at least told Zex. He was a mess when I left him. I don't want to say it, but you messed that up and you're going to have to fix it."

"I know." Demyx said, looking away. He was shaking lightly. "I know I did. And I'll fix it. I… I'll do anything. I just hope he forgives me."

"As long as you're willing to try, he will. Eventually. Zex can be stubborn, and you're his first real friend besides us, and I know he considers us more like family just like we know he's ours. This isn't by any measure going to be easy. Are you absolutely sure?" Cloud asked.

Demyx nodded, determined, though still shaking.

"All right. I've got an idea about that job but first we need to head home to fill in Zexion and get the number of his lawyer. Do you… Do you want us to ask Zexion not to call?" Cloud asked hesitantly.

Demyx hesitated. "I… yes. I don't think I can talk to him until all this is over without saying screw it and leaving again."

Cloud nodded. "Okay. Stay in school, and sleep here at night. But between school and nighttime, you'll be working at whatever job I can find. You have to keep up your grades while doing this, too. Can you handle it?"

Demyx nodded again. "Yeah."

"Good. I'll call soon." Cloud said, reaching out and riffling Dem's hair. "We should get going."

"Right." Axel nodded. "Call us if you need something, and we'll keep you posted."

Demyx nodded.

Cloud waved and smiled, hoping Demyx could keep it together long enough for this to work as he walked to the door. He and Axel left and got into the car.

"I'm calling Larx." Cloud said.

"Sounds good." Axel nodded, pulling away from the house. "I hope Zex is a little more stable right now."

Cloud nodded and pulled out his cell.

XXXX

Larxene sighed. "Zex, you need to eat something."

Zexion stared dully at the table, eyes bloodshot. "Not hungry." He mumbled.

"Doesn't matter. Eat." Larxene said sternly.

Zexion shook his head, eyes falling to his hands in his lap. 'We held hands here, too… Demyx…' Larxene's cell started ringing, but Zex ignored it, wiping at his eyes.

Larxene pulled it out, answering "Please tell me you have good news." She said, hopeful.

"Kinda. W found Dem, he's at home. And he has to stay there. Larx, he's 17. Technically, him living with us is illegal. But I've got an idea on a solution. How's Zex doing?" Cloud asked.

"Shit." Larxene sighed, knowing Cloud was right. "He's… been better. He's better than a little while ago, at least."

Zexion's head snapped up. "Who is that? Larx?"

"Good. Because we're going to need coherent Zexion's help. We need his lawyer – I think we can get Demyx declared an emancipated minor and moved back in with us. His home life is okay now – his parents are divorcing, fighting over him – so physically, he'll be fine even if he stays there." Cloud said.

Larxene relaxed a little before glancing at Zexion. "It's Cloud. Eat." Turning her attention back to the phone, she spoke, "That's be good. And yeah, I think you'll be able to talk to him."

"That's good. We'll be there soon, but if he tries before we get there, don't let him call Dem. Neither can handle it right now." Cloud said.

Zexion slumped back, staring at the table again. "Oh. I thought…" He trailed off.

Larxene frowned. "Right. Good idea. Did you leave work?"

"Yeah. Once I get the lawyer information from Zex, I need a ride back to get my bike. I've gotta find Dem a job, and I've got an idea." Cloud said.

"Okay. Axel or I can take care of that." Larxene nodded. "One of us is going to need to stay here."

"I agree. You working later? I've got to see Leon anyway. I can get you off to stay with him it that works best. Unless I can make it back before your shift – Cid knows I'm not going back in today." Cloud said.

Halfheartedly, Zexion mumbled, "I'm fine – no one has to stay here."

Larxene ignored Zexion. "I've got work, but Axel can stay here – I can go with you and then go to work."

"That's fine. We're on the street now, see you in a few." Cloud hung up.

Larxene shut her phone, pocketing it. "Zexion, you need to eat."

"My stomach hurts." Zexion said. 'He always made it hurt, too… but now I'm not feeling butterflies – just aching…'

"Zex…" Larxene frowned. "Your stomach probably hurts because you're hungry."

Zexion shook his head. "No…"

Cloud and Axel walked into the house, heading to the kitchen.

Larxene turned as they walked in. "Hey." She nodded.

"Hey. Zex, you okay?" Cloud asked.

Zexion glanced up at him. "Shouldn't you… aren't you working today?"

Cloud shook his head. "Switched with Xig. Zexion, listen. We have to talk to you."

Zexion nodded, resuming his staring contest with the table.

Axel frowned, glancing at Larxene, who sighed.

"We found Demyx." Axel spoke. "He's okay."

Zexion snapped his gaze to Axel, eyes watering. "He's… okay? Where is he?"

"Back at his house." Axel said. "But Zex, he needs to stay there for now. None of us knew he was only 17. We figured he was 18."

Zexion stood up, striding through the living room towards the door.

"Zex, what're you doing?" Cloud asked.

Zexion pulled on shoes. "I have to see him."

"Not a good idea right now." Axel said, taking Zexion by the shoulders and steering him back into the kitchen.

Zexion twisted out of his grip. "I need to see him." He repeated, heading for the door again.

Larxene stepped forward to block the door, "No, Zex, you need to listen to us first."

"I…" A few tears slipped down his face. "Fine. I'll call him." He pulled out his cell phone.

Axel grabbed it out of his hand, "Zexion. Listen to us. We need to explain something to you. We have a plan to get him out."

A few more tears streaked down his face. "I miss him." Zexion whispered brokenly, staring at his feet.

Axel pulled him into a hug, not saying anything.

Zexion fisted the material of Axel's shirt, crying silently.

Cloud looked at Larxene. "The whole time?" He gestured at Zex.

Larxene nodded, "Most of it."

Cloud ran a hand through his hair. "Zexion, listen to me. We can get him back if we get him declared an emancipated minor. I need you to calm down. Demyx needs your help."

Zexion tried to focus on his breathing, slowly stopping his sobs though his frame shook lightly. Slowly, he let his hands fall to his sides and stepped away from Axel.

Axel took a step back so that Cloud could talk to Zexion.

"He needs a lawyer. A good one. We need you to call one and give the phone to me. I'll explain everything and we'll get him back, though it'll take time and the lawyer'll probably need sworn statements from you. You have to be willing to pay for Dem's well-being if he stays here." Cloud explained.

Zexion nodded. "Anything. I'll do anything."

Cloud nodded. "Call a lawyer, then. The best one you can get."

Zexion thought for a moment. "Saix. My parents have him on retainer, he's the top lawyer in his firm. Axel, I need my phone."

Axel handed Zex back the phone. "Focus on this right now, alright?"

Zexion took a deep breath. "I know." He stared at his phone for a minute before searching his contacts and calling Saix's personal number. "Saix? Zexion speaking. It's time you earned your salary again. My friend Cloud is going to speak to you, and you're to do whatever he says. Understand? Good answer." Zexion held out the phone to Cloud.

Cloud grinned, taking the phone and moving towards the hall. "Saix? This is Cloud. Here's the situation…"

"Will you eat something now?" Larxene asked, hopeful. "You haven't eaten all day."

Reluctantly, Zexion nodded. "Okay."

Larxene led him into the kitchen to get him something to eat.

A few minutes later, Cloud walked back in, handing Axel Zex's phone. "He's working on it. He thinks we have a strong case. Unless you guys need anything else here, I need a ride to the shop."

"I thought you switched out?" Zexion asked. "And won't I need my phone to talk to Saix?"

"Axel picked me up while Cid worked on my bike. It should be done by now. And I'll handle Saix." Cloud said smoothly.

"Oh…" Zexion focused on his sandwich, trying to swallow around the lump of unshed tears in his throat. 'No more crying, I have to help get him back!'

Axel pocketed Zexion's phone, and Larxene spoke up. "Alright, I'll drive you to the shop and then I've gotta get to work." She nodded.

"Okay. You leaving, too, Axel?" Zexion asked.

Axel shook his head. "Nope. Eat."

Zexion stared at his half-eaten sandwich. "I'm full."

"I'll be back in a bit. Call me if anything. And for the love of god, just finish the sandwich, Zex! Bye guys." Cloud said, rolling his eyes and heading for the door.

Larxene chuckled softly. "I have to change, Cloud! Did you not notice the PJ's? Gimme ten minutes." She dashed towards her room.

Cloud rolled his eyes again. "Tell her I'll be in the car." He said, waving and leaving.

"…Do I really have to eat this? I swear I'm not hungry." Zexion said.

"Yes. Eat it." Axel rolled his eyes.

"You're not eating." Zexion pointed out with a frown. He realized he was being childish but he didn't care – focusing on this made it hurt less inside.

"I already ate." Axel said. "You haven't eaten all day. Will you eat if I eat?"

Zexion nodded. "Yes."

Axel grabbed the stuff he needed to make himself a sandwich, taking a bite once done. Swallowing, he gave Zex a look. "Eat."

Zexion sighed, picking up his sandwich half and taking a bite.

Axel continued to eat, making sure Zexion ate too.

"See you later!" Larxene called, leaving the house.

XXXX

"Thanks. See you later." Cloud said, getting out of the car and heading into the Rusty Wrench.

"Thought you had an emergency?" Cid asked.

"Need my bike." Cloud said, going to his motorcycle.

"Everyone okay?" Xigbar asked.

Cloud nodded. "Yeah. One of my roommates had to move out unexpectedly and we're working to get him back."

"Need more time?" Cid asked.

"I'll be back in tomorrow, but will need to answer my cell." Cloud said.

Cid snorted. "Like you don't already. You're lucky you're such a damn fine mechanic."

Cloud grinned. "I know. See you tomorrow."

"Good luck!" Xigbar called over the engine as Cloud left the shop.

Several minutes later, he parked outside the Hardware Store Place. He went inside, heading straight to Leon's office and knocking.

"Come in." Leon called from inside.

Cloud walking in. "Hi."

"Hey." Leon smiled, getting up, "Everything alright? I thought you were working today."

"It will be. I need a favor." Cloud said.

"Sure." Leon nodded.

"I need you to hire my roommate part-time. He's still in high school, so it'll just be a few hours after school each day. Document everything. He's a minor and we're in the legal process of getting him emancipated, and he needs a job. Please, Leon. I wouldn't ask if it wasn't important." Cloud said.

Leon nodded. "Alright. But I can't keep him hired if he doesn't work – you know that."

"He will. Thank you. Our lawyer may ask you to make a statement as his employer. He'll work hard, I promise." Cloud said, reaching for Leon's hand and smiling.

Leon took Cloud's hand and squeezed it. "So, the emancipated minor thing the reason you left work?"

Cloud nodded. "Demyx – the kid you just hired who will be here tomorrow after school – left last night in order to not anger his parents into having us arrested – minor and all that. Problem is, we're all kind of attached now and other roommate, Zexion? Completely in love with him. He just stopped crying."

"Ah…" Leon frowned. "Well, good luck, and let me know if there's anything else I can do – as Demyx's employer or as your boyfriend, of course."

"Larxene'll probably be a little protective of Dem when he's here, so if you could cut her some slack until this is settled, it'd be appreciated. Seriously, thank you Leon." Cloud smiled, squeezing his hand.

"It's no problem." Leon promised.

Cloud stepped closer. "I owe you one, so think of what you want. But before I have to go, how about a kiss?" He asked, tilting his head.

Leon smirked, leaning in and kissing Cloud.

Cloud sighed, smiling and closing his eyes and just enjoying the moment. Leon was a very excellent kisser. When it ended, he pulled back and smiled. "Thank you. I'll keep you updated. I should probably go."

"Alright. Gimme a call later, lemme know how things are going?" Leon asked.

"I will. Thanks, Leon. Bye." Cloud kissed him one more time before smiling and waving, leaving his office.

Weaving through the isles, he found Larxene. "Leon's going to hire Demyx, so he'll be here tomorrow. Make sure he does his job but doesn't burn out, okay?"

"Will do." Larxene nodded. "Leon knows the situation, I'm guessing?"

"I filled him in with the basics. I have to update Saix and let Dem know he has a job, but then I'll call Leon after he's out of here and give him the whole story." Cloud explained.

Larxene nodded. "Alright, sounds good. Give Axel a call later and let him know? Or are you heading back to the house?"

"I'm heading back, but I have to work tomorrow. Later tonight, we need to come up with a schedule so Zex's not alone. I can work only half days if needed to cover for your's and Axel's jobs." Cloud said.

Larxene nodded. "Alright. I'll see if I can get some schedule tweaks once we get everything nailed down, but I want to be working when Dem is."

"As long as Axel sticks to early days, we can cover your afternoons so sthat you can be here. Then I can run in to the shop at night and get the main stuff Cid needs done." Cloud said.

"Can you do that without getting in trouble?" Larxene asked. "I can take some days off if I need to, I guess."

"No, it's fine. Cid needs me and he knows it. I'll talk to Xig, but as long as the work gets done, Cid doesn't really care how or when we do it." Cloud explained, mentally adding Xigbar to his 'people to call' list.

Larxene nodded. "Alright."

"I'll see you at the house." Cloud said, heading for the door.

"See you." Larxene waved, getting back to work.

XXXX

Axel plopped face down on his bed, groaning. Larxene had just gotten back from work, relieving him from Zexion duty. He loved Zexion, don't get him wrong, but he was exhausted.

His ringtone broke the silence in the room and he grumbled to himself, the sound muffled by his pillow. Pulling it out of his jeans pocket, he checked the number before flipping it open. "Hey Rox."

"Hi Axel! Whatcha doing?"

"Resting." Axel answered. "What about you?"

"Just finished making dinner for Sora and me. He's on cleanup duty and I don't have any pressing homework, so I thought I'd call you. You okay?" You sound… weird." Roxas's voice turned worried.

"I'm fine, yeah. Shit's happening over here." Axel sighed.

"What's going on?"

"Demyx left." Axel explained, sighing again. "He's only 17 – he left so that we wouldn't get in trouble for harboring a minor, and now Cloud's setting up a court case to get him emancipated and Larxene and I have to pretty much watch Zexion constantly."

"Is he okay? Is Zex okay? What can I do?" Roxas asked.

"Dem's fine." Axel said. "Zex is… Zex." He sat up, leaning against the wall next to his bed. "There's not much you can do, really, but thanks for offering."

"You want me to come over? Just for comfort?" Roxas asked, worried about him.

"No, no, that's okay. Probably a bad idea tonight." Axel answered. "But thanks, Rox."

"Okay… well, the second you need me, I'm there, okay? How long's this court thing gonna take – you guys need food or anything?"

Axel chuckled. "Cloud estimates at least a week, as long as money is as magical as always." He smirked. "I think we're set on food, too, but I will definitely ask if we need help."

"Please do – I wanna help. How are you holding up? I bet you've only been focusing on Zex – which, god, I can only imagine he's pretty bad since the guy he loves is gone – but what about you?"

"Just exhausted." Axel said. "Zex is pretty much the smartest kid in the universe, but it's in situations like that that you really realize that he's still just a kid, and that he didn't have a childhood. No matter what Larx, Cloud, and I do to try and fix that, we don't have a time machine, you know?" Axel asked. "We're all older than him, and Dem wasn't. Demyx was Zexion's first friend that he… made alone, I guess."

"I… he's gotta be going crazy. But, Axel – don't burn yourself out worrying about him. That won't be good for either of you." Roxas said gently, knowing Axel, Larxene, and Cloud has essentially adopted Zexion.

"I'm not gonna burn myself out." Axel promised, "But thank you for the concern."

"Of course. If you need anything – anything – call me. I mean it, day or night. If you just need to talk or ramble or vent or if you need to just forget for a while, I'm here. I'd be there if you'd let me."

"Thank you, Roxas." Axel said sincerely, "It means a lot. I'll come by your place during my lunch break tomorrow to see you, since I'll be pretty preoccupied at home for the next week or so."

"Of course. I'll make you something special and we can just watch something corny on TV and relax." Roxas said, grinning.

Axel smiled, "Sure, that sounds great. Thanks, Rox."

"You don't have to thank me – it's my job to make you happy." Roxas teased.

Axel chuckled. "You make me happy without trying, Roxy." He said, smirking.

Roxas laughed. "Then I must be doing something right. Miss you, Ax. Wish I could be there – I bet you could use a hug right about now. Or, you know, a kiss or twelve…"

Axel chuckled. "A kiss or twelve would be awesome right now, but Zexion's too volatile for that at the moment. We'll just make up for the lack of kissing tomorrow."

"Whatever you want. Tomorrow's just for you." Roxas promised.

Axel chuckled. "Thanks, Rox."

"You sound exhausted. Want me to go so you can catch a nap?"

"No. I like talking to you."

Roxas smiled. "I do, too. Okay, I'll entertain you with my day. I warn you, though, it's pretty boring."

"Tell me anyway." Axel smiled.

XXXX

"Axel, I am so tired." Larxene groaned, curling up in one of the armchairs in the living room of their house. They'd finally gotten Zexion to get some sleep, and it was almost the middle of the night.

"Likewise, Lightning Bug." Axel groaned. "I have to work in the morning. But we need to talk to Cloud before either of us can pass out."

"I'm still gonna whine about it." Larxene grumbled.

Cloud walked into the house, toeing off his shoes and collapsing onto the couch. "How's Zex?"

"Finally sleeping." Axel said. "Or at least trying to."

Cloud sighed, nodding. "All right. I called Dem – he starts work tomorrow. He's holding up okay – better than Zex, I'd say."

Larxene nodded. "This will all be over soon – Dem'll be back here and we won't have to worry about this."

"Yeah." Cloud agreed. "Saix is working on it – he'll probably be by a few days before the trail to get statements and walk us through it, but right now he's focusing on proving the emotional distress put on Dem in his house. Saix thinks we'll be in court in no less than a week."

"Awesome." Axel nodded. "Money is magic."

Cloud laughed. "I guess. I'll handle Saix to keep him from Zex as long as possible. Ax, you gotta watch Zex. Larx, you gotta watch Dem at work. Other than that, all we can do it wait."

"Right." Larxene sighed. Turning her gaze to the TV, she fell silent, even though the TV wasn't even on.

"Did he break anymore today?" Cloud asked, staring at the ceiling, exhausted.

"He wasn't exactly ever… not broken." Axel said. "But he's better. Focusing on things. We had a ten minute discussion on sandwiches. But he threw a fit when we tried to get him to go to sleep and didn't calm down until we realized that he didn't want to sleep in his room. So, he's still in yours."

"That's fine. I forgot about the room. It's empty? Just Zex's furniture right?" Cloud asked, rubbing his forehead. He was getting a headache.

"Yeah." Larxene said. "Dem is gonna need somewhere to sleep and I'm not sure Zex'll be able to sleep in that bed again."

Cloud sighed. "Probably not." Outside, lightning flashed.

"Okay, I'll handled that." Larxene nodded. "I can take care of getting another bed and redecorating."

"Sounds good. Think you can fit another bed in there?" Cloud asked as thunder boomed and it started raining lightly.

Larxene nodded. "Zex's home library can fit out here. Living room's too lain, anyway."

"Zex isn't gonna like you touching his stuff." Axel raised an eyebrow.

"Zex is going to need to suck it up." Larxene grumbled.

"I can help in the mornings with that until I have to run to the shop." Cloud said as the rain picked up, hitting the windows as the storm got stronger. "Thank god this storm waited until I got home." He grumbled.

At the word 'storm', Larxene's eyes widened. "Fuck." She muttered, leaping out of her chair and running down the hall to Cloud's room.

Axel blinked, "Larx?"

Zexion glanced up when the door opened. He was wedged in the corner, hugging his knees to his chest, tears pouring from his eyes like the rain outside.

"It's raining." He croaked as he spotted Larxene and Axel in the doorway, Cloud behind them.

Larxene carefully approached him, "Zex…"

Zexion shook, his breathing panicky and erratic as the rain pounded into the windows. He buried his head into his arms.

Cloud glanced at Axel. "Rain? Do you know…?"

Larxene pulled Zexion into a hug as Axel shook his head. "No idea…"

Zexion gave in and cried, working himself up almost to the point of hyperventilation.

"Whoa, Zex – calm down. What's wrong?" Cloud demanded.

Larxene turned to him and shook her head.

"Come on, Cloud." Axel said. "Let's let Zex rest." He suggested.

Cloud sighed, frustrated. He nodded, following Axel into the kitchen and bragging a beer. "Want one?"

"Yes please." Axel sighed. "We can't control the fucking weather. If Zex is going to get like this whenever it rains, we're screwed."

Cloud handed him a beer, sitting down. "I know. I hope Larx at least knows why he's upset. The storm's already slowing down – it's just one of those thunderstorms. I think the radio was warning about them for today and tomorrow in the shop this morning… Was it really only this morning?"

Axel sighed, letting his head fall down to hit the counter. "Longest day ever."

"I'll drink to that." Cloud said, pretending to toast Axel and taking a long sip of beer.

They sat there drinking for a few more minutes before Larxene finally walked in.

"Hey. How's Zex?" Axel asked.

"Managed to get him calm, once the rain stopped. It had to fucking rain tonight, didn't it?" She shook her head.

"What's the deal with that?" Cloud asked.

"Yesterday evening, Demyx managed to convince Zexion to go outside and actually play in the rain." Larxene said.

"Fuck. What the hell was he thinking, getting Zex to do something like that and then leaving? Zex really did it?" Cloud asked.

"They came in covered head to tow in mud." Larxene answered.

"…I can't even picture that. No, wait I can – and Zex looks pissed." Cloud said.

Axel sighed. "So rain is bad. Great."

"Think he'll cry every time?" Cloud asked Larx.

Larxene sighed. "If he's not distracted."

Cloud nodded. "It's only for a week – then Dem should be back. Have you guys thought of his reaction to that? He can't lose it in the courtroom – it'll be bad for us."

"I think as long as we talk to him, he'll be fine." Axel said. "When he has something to focus on, Zex is okay."

"When we all get home, my thoughts are to just shut the two of them in a room and let them figure it out." Cloud said.

"Definitely." Larxene nodded.

Cloud sighed. "This is going to be a long week."

XXXX

Oh, Cloud. You have no idea. :D

Jasmine here. If you find anything inaccurate with the legalities of this plotline, I want you to repeat something: Saix is magic.

Magic.

So, there's good news and bad news. Good news is we have up to chapter 26 completely written. Bad news is most of it has yet to be typed and classes are starting, so we have no idea when we'll be able to type it up and post. And then once we run out of pre-written chapters, updates will probably be sporadic at best. But we will try our hardest!

Reviews might make Zexion stop crying ;)