Cloud glanced up as Zexion walked into the kitchen, "Snack break?"
Zexion nodded, "I'm between books at the moment, so yes."
Cloud nodded back, flipping through the channels of the TV as Zexion poured himself a drink.
Axel leaned back in his chair, "Will you just decide already?" he asked, rolling his eyes.
"There's nothing good on!" Cloud protested, throwing the remote to Axel as Zexion came into the room with his drink and an apple, sitting on the couch.
Axel caught the remote, laughing and flipping through to see if he could find something.
Zexion took a bite of his snack, slightly amused as he watched Axel flip through the channels. His phone started buzzing in his pocket, the ring catching up a second later.
Setting down the food, he pulled it out and frowned slightly at the number, getting up to move into the kitchen away from the television noise as he answered it, "This is Zexion."
Cloud watched him leave, shrugging at Axel.
"What?" Zexion asked, abruptly sitting at the table. "How did it happen?"
Axel glanced over at Cloud, frowning.
"Are they... how bad is it?" Zexion asked. A beat later, he snapped, "Just tell me, Saix!"
"Zex? Everything okay?" Cloud called, also frowning.
"I... no, not unless... Yes. Yes, I understand. No, I won't drive myself. Yes, ten minutes. Five if Axel drives." Zexion said, closing his eyes, knuckles white as he gripped his phone.
Axel put the remote down, standing up and walking over towards Zexion.
Zexion nodded, "Thank you Saix." He hung up and just sat there, motionless.
Cloud approached and shared a look with Axel, hesitantly saying, "Zex?"
Zexion made no move to answer.
Axel put a hand on Zexion's shoulder, "Zexion, what happened?"
"I need someone to drive me to the hospital. Saix is waiting there," Zexion said.
"What happened?" Cloud asked.
"My parents' jet crashed just outside the airport. This is the closest hospital. Saix is unsure if they'll make it," Zexion said, no emotion in his voice.
Axel looked up at Cloud, before pulling Zexion up out his chair as kindly as he could, "I'll drive. Start calling people." he told Cloud, leading Zexion towards the car without even bothering to find a coat.
Cloud ran down the hall and grabbed his keys, his wallet, his phone, and slipped on his jacket, hurrying into Axel's room and grabbing the redhead's wallet as well before running back to the living room and grabbing jackets for both of them, hurrying out to the car. He climbed into the backseat and threw Axel's coat at him, handing Zexion's to the teen who mechanically pulled it on.
Slamming back into his seat as Axel peeled out of the driveway, he started dialing.
XXXX
Larxene pulled her phone out of her pocket as it started buzzing, frowning. Cloud knew she was working, why was he calling? Flipping it open, she answered, "Yeah?"
"Grab Demyx and head to the hospital," Cloud ordered.
Immediately putting down what she was working on, she headed towards the back to grab her keys and Demyx's stuff, "What happened?"
"Zexion's parents were in an accident, Saix just called. Ax, Zex, and I are on our way," Cloud said, "And Larx? He said it doesn't look good."
"Fuck," Larxene cursed, "Alright. We'll be there soon." She shut her phone, grabbing her and Demyx's stuff before racing out of the room, passing Leon on the way.
Startled, Leon grabbed her arm, "What's going on?"
"Leaving." Larxene said, "Taking Dem. Will explain later." she pulled her arm from Leon's running to the front of the store, grabbing Demyx (who was luckily not in the middle of anything), and dragging him out the front doors of the store.
"What's going on?" Demyx asked, frowning.
"Zex's parents were in an accident, we're going to the hospital. Come on, get in the car." She tossed their stuff in the back seat and started her car as Demyx quickly scrambled into the seat opposite her.
XXXX
Leon stared out the doors where Larxene and Demyx had just vanished and pulled his phone out of his pocket. If Larxene and Demyx had to go-his thoughts were cut off by his phone ringing.
Checking to see who it was before answering, he spoke, "Had a feeling I'd be hearing from you. What happened?"
"They left then? Good. Sorry, Leon, but-" Cloud cut off with a string of curses, "Goddammit Axel, take the turns slower, at least! Sorry," he said to Leon again.
"No worries, if both of them had to go, it must be something important." he said, "What happened?"
"Zexion's parents' were in an accident. We're on our way to the hospital now, but the call we got said it didn't look good," Cloud explained.
Leon frowned, "I'll be there as soon as I can." he said, "Just have to close the store."
"You don't have to do that," Cloud said, "I can call you with updates."
"No, I'm coming." Leon said, "I'll be there soon."
"...Thank you. Fuck!" Cloud swore, "Sorry. We're here. See you soon, I gotta go." Cloud hung up.
Leon put his phone away before moving to clear out his store and get to the hospital.
XXXX
Cloud climbed out of the car along with Axel and Zexion. He squeezed Zex's shoulder as they made their way into the emergency room.
"We should check with someone-" Cloud broke off when Saix walked over to them.
"Zexion, you're here. Thank you, both of you," the lawyer said to Cloud and Axel.
"How are they?" Zexion asked.
"Both in emergency surgery. I've sequestered a private waiting room, if you'll follow me?" Saix led them through the halls to a waiting room, closing the doors behind them.
"What is the extent of their injuries?" Zexion asked.
Saix frowned slightly, but answered: "They both have extensive internal damage and brain trauma. Your mother broke her left arm and leg, cracked four ribs, punctured a lung, and her kidneys are severely damaged. Your father broke both of his legs and dislocated his left shoulder; he also cracked some ribs and he has severe heart damage - he's already flatlined once. Those are the major things, but they both have multiple cuts and bruises covering their bodies."
Zexion paled, "What are their chances?"
Saix hesitated.
"Saix, please, just tell me," Zexion said.
Saix sighed, "At the last update, they were having trouble bringing down the swelling in your mother's brain and stopping the internal bleeding of your father, as well as keeping his heart pumping. I'm sorry, Zexion, but the prognosis is grim."
Zexion exhaled sharply and closed his eyes, hands fisted.
Axel put his hands on Zexion's shoulders, nodding at Saix to thank him before steering the younger boy towards the chairs.
"How did this happen?" Cloud quietly asked Saix, glancing worriedly at Zexion.
"I don't know yet, but an investigation has been launched," Saix answered.
"Was it an accident or a murder attempt?" Cloud asked bluntly.
"It appears accidental; they weren't scheduled to land here but the pilot insisted, not liking the readings he was getting." Saix replied.
Cloud frowned, "How is the pilot?"
"Dead," Saix answered shortly.
"Dammit," Cloud muttered. Clearing his throat, "Have you contacted other family?"
Saix shook his head, "I am their medical proxy and Zexion is the sole heir. I asked him if he would like me to contact the other family, but he declined."
"Thanks," Cloud said, just as Larxene and Demyx walked in and the nurse leading them motioned to Saix.
"Excuse me," Saix walked out of the room.
Demyx immediately hurried over to Zexion, sitting down on the other side of him. Axel glanced at Larx, motioned to Zex, and then stood up, pulling his phone out of his pocket.
Larxene nodded.
Axel wandered over to the other side of the room, dialing Roxas's number.
"Hello?" Roxas answered his phone.
"Hey, it's me." Axel spoke.
Roxas sighed, "Good, I could use a homework break. What's up?"
"Zex's parents are in the hospital." Axel said, hearing his voice start to shake, "Larx, Cloud, Dem, and I are here with him, but it's not looking too good."
"Oh my God! What happened?" Roxas demanded.
"Plane crash." Axel answered.
"Oh my God," Roxas repeated, "Are they...?"
Axel didn't answer, lowering himself into a chair instead.
Roxas swallowed audibly into the silence, "I'll be there soon. Where are you in the hospital, what ward? Never mind, I'll find you."
"You don't have to come over here, Rox..." Axel hesitated.
"Yes I do. Even if I ignore the fact that I love you and you clearly need me, Zexion is my friend," Roxas said firmly, "I will be there soon."
"Thank you." Axel said.
"Of course. See you soon," Roxas hung up.
Axel put his phone away, standing up and walking back towards the others.
Cloud glanced up from where he was talking to Leon as Axel walked in, "Everything okay?"
"Yeah, just called Roxas." Axel answered.
Cloud nodded, glancing over to Zexion again before squeezing Leon's hand. Just because he didn't have parents didn't mean he couldn't understand how much this sucked.
Saix slipped back into the room, Zexion meeting his gaze with a question - the question - written on his face. Saix shook his head, "I was just handling some paperwork."
There was a collective sigh as everyone settled in to wait.
Twenty minutes later, Roxas poked his head in, immediately going to Axel, "Finally. Took forever to find you, sorry."
"Don't worry about it." Axel pulled Roxas down next to him. "Thanks for coming."
Roxas shook his head, "There's no place else I'd rather be. Any news?" He glanced worriedly at Zexion.
Axel frowned, "Not yet."
"Have any of you eaten yet?" Roxas asked.
Axel shook his head, "Nah, but we haven't been here that long."
"You should at least have some drinks. Water'd be best. I'll find some," Roxas said, standing up. "Leon, would you help me? Let's get everyone something to drink, okay?"
Leon nodded, squeezing Cloud's hand before standing.
"Thanks," Roxas smiled, winking at Axel just because he could before leaving with Leon.
Roxas glanced sidelong at Leon as they tried to find one of those drink vending machines, "Do you know exactly what happened or how bad it is? Axel didn't really say and I didn't want to push."
"All I really know is that it was a plane crash and it doesn't look good." Leon answered, frowning.
Roxas swallowed, "Are they going to die?"
Leon put a hand on Roxas's shoulder, frowning.
"This sucks," Roxas hissed, stopping with Leon at the machine and kicking it while Leon dug out some money. "Why do parents have to die like that?"
Leon frowned, "What do you mean?" he asked the younger boy.
Roxas took some of the water bottles from Leon as they headed back, "Randomly. Parents are supposed to grow old and die at the age of 92 in their sleep. They shouldn't just be... ripped away."
Leon put a hand on Roxas's shoulder again, "I don't know." he answered, "But... you sound like you're talking from experience."
Roxas shrugged, "My dad died when I was a baby; I didn't know him at all."
Leon frowned, "Ah." he said, "My parents died in a car crash when I was young, so I know where Zexion's coming from. And you too, I suppose."
"Is it worse to have known them for that small amount of time or to not know them at all?" Roxas mused aloud.
"I don't know." Leon sighed.
Before Roxas could respond, a doctor in scrubs hurried part them, heading for the waiting room. Roxas and Leon shared a look before speeding up their steps, entering the room right after the doctor and immediately going to their significant others, waters placed on end tables and forgotten.
Saix walked over to the doctor and Zexion stood up, taking a few steps towards them.
"Mr. Thornton?" the doctor asked.
Saix nodded, "Yes."
The doctor glanced around the room, "Are any of you family of the Corazzas?"
"I'm their son," Zexion answered.
"What is the news, doctor?" Saix asked.
"I'm sorry, but they didn't make it. The extent of their injuries were too severe. We tried our best, but there was nothing we could do. I'm sorry for your loss," the doctor said.
Zexion blinked slowly, exhaling sharply. He wasn't sure what to think at the moment, what to feel.
Demyx came up beside Zexion, taking his hand and squeezing it, a worried frown on his face.
Saix sighed, "Thank you, Doctor."
The doctor nodded, "You can make arrangements at the nurses station. Again, I'm terribily sorry." He turned and left.
Saix turn to everyone else, "I'll take care of everything here. I'll need to speak with you about details tomorrow, Zexion, but tonight... go home and get some rest."
Zexion nodded, quietly replying, "Thank you, Saix."
Saix nodded and left.
Roxas leaned into Axel, holding his hand tightly and Cloud sighed heavily, "Zex?"
Zexion blinked, turning to him.
"Saix is right, let's just leave it to him for now. Did you... did you want to... see them before we leave?" Cloud asked.
Zexion shook his head, "No. No. That can wait until... later."
Cloud nodded, leaning slightly into Leon.
Demyx squeezed Zexion's hand again, hesitating and glancing at Larxene and Axel, neither of whom seemed to have any idea what to do.
"Let's go," Zexion said, started the march out of the door.
"Leon, are you coming over?" Cloud asked as they made their way out of the hospital.
Leon nodded, "If you want me to." he answered.
"Thank you," Cloud said quietly.
After a bit of arranging, everyone piled into the cars available and returned to the main house.
Roxas quickly called Sora to let him know he was staying at Axel's before also ordering a few pizzas. They might not be hungry now, but they'd need food later.
Everyone settled into the living room and kitchen, all wearily watching Zexion until he finally stood up.
"Please stop staring at me. I'm fine. I have a lot to take care of now... Just go about your lives, do whatever you want. I'm not hungry, but please save me some of that pizza. I'll be in my room," Zexion said, leaving before anyone could say anything.
Axel exchanged a glance with Larxene before sighing, "What are we supposed to do?" he sighed, "He's handling this like he was 50 and his elderly parents just died."
Demyx stood up, walking out of the kitchen without a word and following Zexion.
XXXX
Zexion glanced up when Demyx walked into their bedroom, gaze dropping back down to the various lists he was making. There were so many details to see to - clothes, flowers, a funeral home and church service, the delivery of the headstone, calling every one of his relatives, arranging an after-the-service meal...
Demyx walked over, putting his hands on Zexion's shoulders as the door shut behind him, "How're you holding up?" he asked, glancing at Zexion's lists.
Zexion's shoulders tensed slightly but he answered evenly, "I'm fine, thank you."
Feeling Zexion tense, Demyx frowned, "Do you need any help with anything?"
"Could you find out if everyone has the proper attire for a funeral? That includes yourself. If not, I'll have to place an order for that as well..." Zexion trailed off, frowning at the paper.
"Yeah, I can check." Demyx said, not moving, "Can I get you anything?"
"Not at the moment," Zexion said, pausing to look up at Demyx and try to smile.
Demyx nodded, smiling back, moving to lean on his bed, "Do you want me to go ask now, or keep you company?"
Zexion shrugged, tensing again as he returned to his lists, "Whichever you want."
Demyx sat down on his bed in response, giving Zexion a smile, "Let me know if I can do anything?"
Zexion relaxed, letting out a breath as he nodded.
XXXX
Zexion hung up his cell, placing it on the table and rubbing his eyes, stifling a yawn. At least Saix was handling most of the things, he thought as he crossed things off of his lists. He glanced at the clock. 4am. He sighed. He'd have to wait before attempting to call his relatives, not looking forward to the task.
Demyx walked into the room, yawning, "Hey."
Zexion blinked, "Did I wake you? I'm sorry, please go back to sleep."
Demyx shook his head, "What're you doing up?"
"Making arrangements," Zexion answered. "Even with Saix handling the majority of things, I still have several things to take care of. Demyx, please. Go to sleep."
Demyx shook his head again, "No, if you're staying up, then I'm staying up." he smiled. "And Axel should probably be out here any moment."
As if he'd been waiting, Axel stumbled in, yawning, "Kay, where's the fire?"
"What are you doing up?" Zexion asked, slightly amazed Axel was upright at this hour.
"Doesn't matter." Axel said, "What can I do so that you can go to sleep?"
"There's nothing to do. Either of you. I've got it handled, so just go back to sleep," Zexion said, his sternness ruined by another yawn.
Axel crossed his arms and Demyx just sighed.
"Not buying it, Zex."
Zexion stared at them both for a long moment before giving in. "I need to call my family members, but I can't do that this early in the morning. They aren't going to be happy with the short notice, but Saix is arranging accommodations for them so that should help. It'd be nice if you two could make sure you're all ready for the funeral tomorrow, in the way of clothes. Take the credit cards if you aren't. Also, I need to find a space large enough to host a memorial meal after the service. And I'm hungry."
Axel glanced at Demyx for a moment before saying, "Can you cook without burning the kitchen down?"
"I'm sure I can handle making something." Demyx nodded.
"Kay. I'll go see if I can figure out this whole 'space large enough for a memorial meal' thing." he nodded.
XXXX
Yawning and hoping he wasn't about to get punched, Axel knocked on Cloud's bedroom door.
Cloud rolled over.
Axel sighed, knocking louder, "Wake upppppp, Cloudddd."
"Cid! It's my day off! Call Xigbar!" Cloud yelled, turning in his sleep.
"Wake up, Cloud!" Axel snapped.
Cloud's head snapped up and he glared at the door, trying to stand and falling to the floor as his blankets were completely twisted around his legs. Cursing, he managed to untangle himself and strode to the door, yanking it open.
Immediately, Axel said, "Please don't kill me."
"If it's not something big, I might just," Cloud growled.
"Dem and I are trying to get Zexion to go to bed. This means that I am currently trying to find a place for him to host this after-funeral dinner thing." Axel was not eloquent at 4:30 in the morning. "Do you have any ideas? I don't think the Box Depot will work."
"Why is he up now? Why is anyone up now?" Cloud asked. "Box Depot? Box Depot! You can't have it at the Box Depot! If I find a place, can we sleep?"
"I don't know why he's up now! I'm up because Demyx woke me." Axel grumbled.
"Why is Demyx up?" Cloud growled. "After funeral thing? What thing?" His brain was finally starting to wake up.
"Demyx is up because Zexion accidentally woke him up, I think." Axel frowned, "Actually, I don't really know. And I don't know, the after funeral dinner thing."
"Right, okay. Let's go then," Cloud said, leading Axel back to the kitchen, only faltering slightly at the sight of Demyx cooking. "No fire, that's good," he muttered before clearing his throat, "Right. After funeral dinner thing. Someplace big and not a dump, yeah? For tomorrow? How about The Chocolate Chocobo? Reno - Zack's brother-in-law - works there. I'll visit later and arrange it. Can we all please sleep now?"
Zexion frowned, "I guess that could work... Although it's not very elegant."
"Hey, it's classy. Not a dump. They'll clean before. Put away the alcohol," Cloud defended.
"All right. Are you sure you can handle making the arrangements?" Zexion asked.
Cloud nodded, "I'll visit Reno later. Anything else you need done? Saix call? You holding up?"
Zexion smiled wryly, "I'm fine, Cloud, go back to sleep."
"Thank God," Cloud muttered, immediately retreating to his room.
Axel glanced between Zexion and Demyx, "Need me for anything else?"
"Just the clothes situation, but that can be taken care of later. Thank you, Axel," Zexion said.
Axel nodded, "No problem. Sleep, okay?"
Zexion made a noncommittal sound, turning to Demyx, "Really, I'm all set now. You can go to sleep."
Demyx shook his head, "Not until you do."
"I'll nap later."
"Nope." Demyx shook his head again.
"I will, I promise. I just... can't sleep now. Not yet," Zexion poked at the food Demyx set before him.
Demyx sighed, nodding and dragging a chair over so he could sit down.
"You don't have to do this," Zexion said, glancing up at him.
"I want to." Demyx answered, smiling at him.
XXXX
Later that day, Cloud parked his bike at The Chocolate Chocobo. From Zack's frequent over-sharing of information, he knew Reno would just be setting up the bar and wanted to talk to him before his shift really began.
Walking in and waving off the wait staff, he strode over to the bar. "Reno."
Reno turned, "Cloud?" he asked, mildly surprised.
"I need a favor," Cloud said.
"What's up?" Reno asked, walking over.
Cloud took a breath, "I'd like to rent this place for tomorrow afternoon. The whole restaurant, money's no issue. With a buffet or something instead of menu-ordering."
Reno blinked. "Er... why?"
"My roommate's parents died. Both of them, plane crash. We need somewhere to have the after-funeral dinner thing," Cloud briefly explained.
Reno blinked again, "Oh." he said, "I'll talk to Tifa, then. Gimme a sec." He headed to the office near the back of the restaurant, knocking and then slipping inside.
No noises could be heard for a little bit, before Cloud heard, "I don't do funerals!" The voices began to increase until they were snapping at each other, before a disgruntled Reno exited the office, pulling his cell phone out immediately and calling someone.
Cloud glanced at the office door and back to Reno, "Everything okay?"
"Mhmm." Reno said, not really listening. When whoever he'd called picked up the phone, he quickly explained the situation and grumbled something about Tifa being stubborn and needing 'your pregnant hormones.'
"Reno? Did you mention money is no problem? Because it really isn't, I've got access to hundreds of thousands," Cloud said lowly, glancing around to make sure no one else to hear him.
As Reno hung up, he turned, "Hmm? Oh, yeah, that's not the problem. Tifa's stubborn." he said, walking back over to the bar to continue getting set up.
Cloud frowned, "What do I do, then? There isn't any other place in town big enough that is also decent."
"Oh, you don't have to find anywhere else." Reno said, "I've got it taken care of."
"How?" Cloud asked bluntly.
As if to answer, the restaurant doors opened and Aerith walked in, ignoring the wait staff and walking past Reno and Cloud without so much as a glance. She swung open Tifa's office door without knocking, getting a bewildered look from the restaurant owner, before the door slammed shut behind her and the screaming started.
"That's how." Reno answered.
Cloud looked slightly alarmed, "I don't see how Aerith's screaming is helping my case!"
Reno didn't answer. The screaming steadily got louder, Tifa and Aerith's arguing starting to draw the attention of the rest of the restaurant. Finally, the arguing stopped with one final shout, and Aerith exited the office, looking satisfied.
"Hello, Cloud. Nice to see you again." she nodded at Cloud as if she hadn't just been screaming at her best friend.
Cloud stared at her, "Uh, hi Aerith."
She smiled, "You can work out all the details with Reno." she said, "See you later." she waved, before leaving the restaurant.
Cloud watched her leave before turning his questioning gaze to Reno.
Reno laughed, "Tifa's stubborn, but Aerith's pregnant." he said, "She gets what she wants. Always."
Cloud blew out a breath before muttering, "Well, one more reason to be thankful I'm gay, I guess."
Reno laughed again, "So, details. Gimme."
"All right. But first, could you get me the cost? Zexion will ask when I get back," Cloud said.
"Sure." Reno nodded.
XXXX
Demyx glanced at Zex as his phone rang, "Be right back." he said, hopping up and walking into the kitchen to answer it.
"Hey, Dem."
"Hey, what's up?" Demyx asked.
"You sound exhausted."
"Been a long night."
"Everything okay?"
"Meh. What's up?"
"You're saying nothing, that's never good. Was wondering you and Zex wanted to come over for a bit. Get to know each other and all that."
Demyx glanced over at Zexion before saying, "Can't." He quickly explained the situation in as few words as possible.
"Oh god, I'm sorry." Yuffie seemed flustered, "My parents even mentioned that and I didn't connect it."
"Don't worry about it." Demyx said, "Does that mean you're coming?"
"Well, my parents wanted me to, and now that I know who it's for, I'd like to. That okay?"
"Of course." Demyx said, "Thanks, Yuff."
"No problem! See you tomorrow then. And get some rest." There was a click as she hung up.
XXXX
"Yes, thank you," Zexion said, hanging up and placing his phone on the table, leaning back into his chair with a sigh.
Demyx frowned, "That was the last one, right?"
Zexion nodded, "Yes. Everything is all set, now."
"Well, that's good, right?" he asked.
Axel glanced over from the TV.
Zexion nodded again but didn't reply.
Axel frowned, "Zex?"
"Yes?"
"Do you need anything?" he asked, tossing the TV remote towards Demyx, who caught it clumsily, not expecting it.
"No, I'm fine, thanks," Zexion said, standing. "I'll be right back." He left the room, going into his own and grabbing a book, returning moments later and sitting down.
"Er, Zex?"
Zexion glanced up, having just opened the book, "Yes?"
"It's almost one in the morning." Axel answered, "Don't you want to sleep? Have you slept at all since this morning?"
Demyx shook his head to answer.
"I'm fine. I'm not tired," Zexion said.
"Yes you are." Axel said, standing up and grabbing Zexion's arm, pulling him up. Taking the book from him, he started to lead Zex towards his room.
Zexion squirmed, digging his feet in, "What do you think you're doing? Axel! Axel, let go! Give me my book! Dem, help!"
Axel ignored Zexion's protests.
"You need to sleep." Demyx said, following them towards the room.
"No I don't! Axel, stop it!" Zexion tried to pull away before screaming the one thing he knew would make Axel let go: "Axel, you're hurting me!"
Larxene poked her head out of her room, "What the hell is going on?"
Axel, whose grip on Zexion's arm was far from painful (but he loosened it anyway), spoke, "Zexion needs to sleep, but he's protesting. Loudly."
Larxene walked over, Demyx taking a step forward, the three essentially sandwiching Zexion between them. Even if Axel did let Zexion go, he'd have to tackle one of them to get back to the living room.
Zexion tugged on his arm, feeling slightly claustrophobic, tears pricking his eyes, "Please let go, Axel. Please. You're hurting me."
Axel let go this time, "Zex, you need to sleep."
Zexion shook his head stubbornly, hugging himself, "I'm fine, really. You go to bed, I just want to find out what happens next in my book, then I'll sleep."
"We've been your friends for long enough to know that's not true." Axel said, "Zexion, come on." he said, frowning.
"I said I'm fine!" Zexion snapped.
"No you're not!" Axel snapped back.
"How would you know? I'm the only one who knows how I am feeling and I am fine!" Zexion yelled. "Now just leave me alone and let me read!" He made a move towards his book, which Axel had carelessly flung to the floor.
Demyx grabbed Zexion's arm lightly, "Zex..."
Zexion's eyes flashed as he faced Demyx with a glare, "Let go of me. Now. I've about had it with everyone attempting to manhandle me!"
Demyx let go, not used to seeing Zexion like this.
Zexion turned and bent, picking up his book and clutching it tightly. "Good night," he said dismissively, going to make his way back to his chair when Cloud's door opened.
"What the hell is going on?" the blonde demanded.
"Zexion finally cracked." Larxene muttered so that Zexion wouldn't hear.
Cloud cursed, "Zex? What's going on?"
Zexion turned slowly, "Everyone in this house seems to think they know me better than I know myself. I know what I can handle and I say I'm fine so I'm fine and I'm sick to death of being pushed around!"
"Whoa, calm down, who's pushing you to do what?" Cloud asked, slightly confused but definitely noticing the cracks.
"Everyone thinks I should sleep," Zexion answered.
"Because you haven't." Axel added.
"You've stayed up for several days at a time and no one bothered you about it!" Zexion glared at the redhead.
"That's completely different!" Axel protested.
"Why? Because your parents are alive and mine...?" Zexion said, cutting off harshly and turning away so his back was to everyone.
Cloud shared a look with Larxene.
Demyx put a hand on Zexion's shoulder as Axel stiffened.
"Don't," Zexion shrugged off the hand and hastily wiped his eyes, "just don't. Just let me read my book and not think. Because if I go into that room and lay on that bed, all I'll be able to do is think. And I can't-" He cut off abruptly, trying very hard not to burst into sobs.
Larxene glanced at Cloud and gestured towards their rooms, suggesting they get out of the way for a bit.
Axel frowned, "Zex, I... I'm sorry, I just..."
Cloud nodded, briefly placing his hand on Axel's shoulder before quietly disappearing back into his room.
"Axel, please," Zexion whispered, voice too watery to talk.
Axel just nodded, "Promise you'll let me know if you need something?" he asked, frowning.
Zexion swallowed a lump of tears, "Okay."
Axel headed towards the kitchen, unsure of what else to do.
Demyx glanced at Zexion, "Do you want me to stay away, or..."
"You should sleep," Zexion said hoarsely.
Demyx hesitated, but nodded, "Wake me up if you need me?"
Zexion nodded, no longer trusting his voice.
Demyx gave him a shaky smile, before retreating to the bedroom.
Zexion watched him go before slowly walking into the kitchen, book thunking onto the table, tears beginning to fall from his eyes, "A-Axel?"
Axel hurried over to him, pulling him into a hug.
Gripping Axel tightly, Zexion gave in and started to sob, leaning heavily on the redhead.
XXXX
"Dem?" Larxene poked her head into Demyx and Zexion's room after Zexion had vanished into the kitchen.
Demyx glanced over. He was sitting on his bed, knowing he wouldn't be able to sleep even if he'd tried, "Hey, Larx."
Larxene slipped in, shutting the door behind her, "Hey. Don't take what Zexion said to heart. This is... Axel, Cloud, and I were waiting for it."
Demyx frowned.
"This is how he handles things like this. He distracts himself, and when he has to face it, he cracks." Larxene said.
Demyx sighed, "I just... wish I could do something."
"Axel's got him." Larxene said, "Just let Axel take care of him and make sure you're there for him tomorrow. He'll need you."
Demyx nodded.
Larxene smiled at him, "And try and sleep. I know it's hard, but try."
"Alright." Demyx said, "Thanks, Larx."
"Of course." Larxene smiled, before leaving the room.
XXXX
The next morning, everyone dressed in somber clothes bought just the day before and prepared to head for the service. No one mentioned Zexion's meltdown and for that he was grateful, too busy trying to prepare himself for the long day ahead of him. Piling into two cars, they picked up Roxas along the way and met Saix at the church.
"Zexion, how are you doing?" Saix asked.
"I'm all right, Saix, thank you," Zexion said.
Saix nodded, "I know I asked you this yesterday, but are you sure you don't want to see them? This is your last chance before it's too late."
"No," Zexion said sharply. "No. I don't want to remember them like that." He gladly took Demyx's hand, grateful for his presence. He felt someone briefly touch his shoulder and he felt stronger, knowing his real family was there for him.
"Very well," Saix said. "You all should go inside, I'll greet and direct your family."
"But-"
"No, this is your time to mourn, now. You'll talk to them after the service," Saix said firmly.
Zexion nodded and allowed his friends to lead him inside. Throughout the service, he had trouble keeping his eyes off of the coffins, unable to truly comprehend that his parents were in there. Through the efforts of his friends, he was shielded from his family on the short walk to the graves, where they all watched as the coffins were lowered into the ground.
Climbing into the car later on to head to The Chocolate Chocobo, Zexion took a calming breath, glad that he had kept it together thus far.
They pulled in and went inside, Cloud talking to a redheaded worker. Reno, Zexion guessed. He looked around at the elegantly set tables and simple buffet, hoping his family would approve. Saix moved to join Cloud, but everyone else stayed clustered around Zexion.
"I'm going to get a drink, does anyone want anything?" Roxas asked.
Zexion shook his head.
Glancing at Larxene and getting a small nod, Axel said, "I'll come with you."
Roxas smiled at him and linked their hands as they wandered over to the tables of food.
Zexion watched them for a minute before turning to Larxene, "Please try to be nice once they get here."
Larxene frowned, "Fine." she said, "I'll do my best."
"Thank you," Zexion sighed.
Cloud walked over, "Maybe you should eat before they get here?"
Zexion shook his head, "I can't."
Cloud nodded in understanding, "I'm going to grab something now, though."
Before anyone could say anything else, the door opened and the first of Zexion's family arrived.
Zexion carefully made his face blank as he moved towards the door to greet everyone.
"Thank you for coming. Please help yourself to the refreshments."
Over the next hour, that's all he seemed to say as family members and business associates poured in to offer their condolences.
Demyx didn't leave his side. Somewhere in the middle, Yuffie and her parents arrived. She held off despite wanting to give Demyx a hug, and made quiet conversation with the two of them before wandering off to take a seat somewhere until everyone arrived and she wouldn't be blocking the door.
When it seemed like the majority of people were there, Zexion and Demyx headed over to the table Axel, Roxas, Larxene, Cloud, and Saix had already claimed.
Clearing his throat, Zexion spoke briefly to everyone: "I'd like to thank you, again, for coming to celebrate the lives of Timothy and Isabel Corazza. They were loyal friends and loving family, and will be dearly missed. Please, help yourselves to the refreshments and join in on remembering all the good times had with them."
Sitting quickly and ignoring the stares of a few, Zexion waited for conversation to start up again.
"How long before they all rush over here?" he muttered.
"Ten minutes. Fifteen if the food is good," Saix wryly answered.
Larxene smirked, cracking her knuckles, but Demyx and Axel simultaneously shot her a look and she dropped her hands to the table, pouting.
Roxas glanced at them, but decided not to ask.
"Here comes someone now," Cloud said.
Zexion looked up to see his father's older brother making his way over. The man nodded in general to the table before going to Zexion, who stood to shake his hand.
"He was a great man, your father. Your mother, too. It's terrible to lose them like this," the man said.
Zexion merely nodded.
"I suppose you couldn't find a better place than this on such short notice, hm? Don't worry, I'll have a talk with the owner about the advantages of an elegant decor. You come visit us soon." With that, he placed his hand on Zexion's shoulder before moving away to the buffet.
"Cloud?" Zexion sighed.
Cloud frowned, standing, "I'll warn Reno."
Larxene grumbled softly and Demyx squeezed Zexion's hand under the table.
And with that, it began. Business partners were perhaps the easiest to deal with, as they made no judgements and seemed genuinely sincere in their sympathy. His family, however...
"Really, Zexion, I thought you'd know better than to have such a short, informal service..."
"Those floral arrangements were just dreadful! I know Isabel would've hated them..."
"A man of your age should really own a proper suit by now, dear..."
His grandmother walked over, "Zexion, stand up straight."
Automatically, Zexion adjusted his posture, "Yes, Grandmother."
"Speak clearer. Enunciate, boy." the elderly woman said.
"Yes, Grandmother," Zexion replied louder.
"Good boy. You should be sitting with family, not this riffraff. I never liked that your parents allowed you to leave their supervision. Obviously, they placed too much faith in you," the woman said disdainfully.
"Muriel," Saix said smoothly, standing, "Have you been introduced to the head of the law firm? I believe he mentioned interest in some business dealings. Please, allow me to introduce you."
"All right, Mr. Thornton, thank you," the woman said, gracefully taking Saix's offered arm and allowing him to lead her away from the table.
Glancing over from her seat a table away, Yuffie frowned at the look on Demyx's face. She couldn't hear much of the conversation, just the occasional few words, but she had a general idea of what was going on.
Roxas squeezed Axel's hand, glancing fearfully at the murderous look on Larxene's face.
Zexion tugged Demyx up by the hand to stand with him, talking to them all, "I'm sorry, she didn't mean to insult you."
Larxene raised an eyebrow, "Yes she did, and don't apologize for them." she said.
"You know they can't tell they're being rude," Zexion muttered, closing his eyes briefly.
Larxene just rolled her eyes, "Right, right." she smiled at him.
Demyx squeezed his hand again.
Zexion glanced around, not noticing anyone heading over at the moment, "I'll be right back, I need a minute. I'll go to the restroom, so just tell anyone who comes over that, okay?"
"Take your time." Axel said, nodding.
Zexion nodded back and started making his way there, only half realizing he was dragging Demyx with him.
Roxas blew out a breath, "I didn't realize his family would be like this. Don't they care at all that his parents are dead?"
"Nope." Larxene answered, taking a sip of the drink she had in front of her.
Axel rolled his eyes at her, "I'm sure they care, but they have a really bad way of showing it. They're always like this."
"Should've seen his parents." Larxene mumbled.
"They were like this? But they were his parents!" Roxas said, unable to imagine it.
"They were..." Axel trailed off.
"We took him in for a reason." Larxene said, leaving it at that.
Roxas was silent, staring at the table, just trying to understand it all, especially two young teens who took it upon themselves to basically raise another.
Zexion stared at himself in the mirror, straightening his tie, "I guess we should go back. I shouldn't have left at all, really. It'll just upset them more."
Demyx shook his head, "They use the bathroom too." he said, "Unless they're robots or something. Anything's possible, I guess." he squeezed Zexion's hand.
Zexion smiled and squeezed back, "Thanks."
Demyx smiled back.
Letting his smile fade, Zexion turned and opened the door. A few people glanced at the pair as they made their way back to the table, but no one said anything. They were almost to their seats, standing just behind Axel and Roxas, when Zexion's aunt stopped them.
"What in the world were you thinking?" the woman demanded, clearly upset.
"Aunt Sarah, what's wrong?" Zexion asked.
She glared, "You know very well. Did you think you could do this and no one would notice?"
"I'm sorry, I-"
"Don't apologize to me - you should be apologizing to everyone! It was bad enough that the pastor you hired was clearly a nutjob and the service was terrible. Not to mention that you offered no wake. No wake! Who ever heard of such nonsense!"
"But-"
"I don't care how badly they look, you hold a wake! It's the proper thing to do! Then you book this hole-in-the-wall for immediately after the graveside service - couldn't get them in the ground quick enough, hm?"
"Aunt Sarah-"
"My sister deserved better! And now, after all that, you go and flaunt this boy in our faces! I've been watching, you haven't let go of his hand yet! And where did you two just disappear to? A quickie in the closet? Not only is that disrespectful, it's insulting! After everything you've put the family through, Zexion, I'd have thought you'd have the common courtesy to not go gay!"
"What is wrong with you?" A voice snapped from behind Sarah. The woman turned to see Yuffie standing there, her hands on her hips, clearly enraged.
"Yuff-" Demyx went to try and protest, but Yuffie ignored him.
"That's your nephew, and all you just did was tear him apart over the stupidest shit I've ever heard! There was nothing wrong with the service, there is nothing wrong with this place, and there is NOTHING wrong with Zexion!" Yuffie clenched her fists at her side.
"Zexion, control your little friend before I do!" Sarah threatened, outraged.
"Don't talk like I'm not here. If you have a problem with me, say it to me." Yuffie said before Demyx could jump in.
"You are being extremely rude and interrupting a private conversation. And don't think I don't know who you are, Ms. Kisaragi, and you can be sure that I will be boycotting your family's business dealings after this little stunt!" Sarah hissed.
"My family doesn't need to business with people like you." Yuffie said in response.
"Zexion, I insist that you do something! Or are you involved with this one as well? And I thought you had learned good breeding! Never sleep with a common whore!" Sarah sneered. "What would your parents say, hm? You are tarnishing their good name!"
"That's enough." Axel said, "Zexion's had a long day, I think it's time everyone left." he said, drawing attention to him as Larxene swooped in to pull Yuffie out of the way before she could cause any more of a scene.
Cloud glanced across the room at Saix, who nodded, before grabbing Reno and starting to usher people out of the doors.
"Who are you to make such decisions? This is to honor my dead sister! You are of no relation to us, just some common street thug! Zexion! Why are you standing there so silently? I demand that you defend your family!" Sarah yelled.
"You're in no position to demand anything of Zexion right now." Axel said, "Now please." he gestured to the door.
"This is an utter outrage! You are embarrassing my sister's memory! Zexion!" Sarah screeched.
Zexion closed his eyes and turned, hiding his head on Demyx's shoulder.
"You are disgusting, do you hear me? All of you are nothing but trash! My lawyer will be contesting their wills, because it will be over my dead body before you inherit all their hard work!" Sarah spit out before turning on her heel and storming out.
With all of the guests gone except Yuffie, who had told her parents she'd be home later (and was expecting to never see the light of day after that later), Axel relaxed, sitting down and pulling Roxas down with him.
Cloud closed the doors firmly, "Thanks for the help, Reno."
"Of course." Reno said, glancing at Zexion with a frown on his face.
"Can we just... gather ourselves for a minute before we go?" Cloud asked, following Reno's gaze to Zexion.
"Of course, take your time." Reno said, "I'll be here for a couple of hours, and besides, you rented the place all evening."
"Thanks," Cloud smiled at him before heading over to those that were left.
Saix spoke up, "I'll deal with her complaints and her lawyer, and I can assure you she has no case."
"Can we sue her for something?" Axel asked, still pretty angry.
"Hm," Saix thought for a moment, "I'm sure I could find something. Slander, maybe. I'd need a few testimonies, though, from those who heard the whole of her... speech."
"Whatever it takes." Axel nodded.
"I'll look into it, then," Saix nodded. He opened his mouth to say something to Zexion but closed it again with a frown, noticing how the boy had yet to unbury himself from Demyx.
"Yuffie..." Demyx glanced over at the girl, who was standing awkwardly on the other side of the restaurant, not really sure what to do.
"Sorry about that..." she said, frowning.
"Thank you for standing up for Zexion," Cloud said, smiling at the girl. "You're a friend of Demyx's, I take it?"
Yuffie nodded. "Yes."
"Well, it's nice to meet you. I'm Cloud, that's Axel and Roxas, that's our lawyer, Saix, and I think you've met Larx already," Cloud said.
Roxas jerked back. "No, I'm not letting you mail her pictures of us making out!" he hissed at his boyfriend, blushing.
Axel pouted and Larxene laughed.
"It's nice to meet you." Yuffie nodded.
Roxas settled down, glancing anxiously at Zexion."Um..." he trailed off, unsure of what to say.
Saix cleared his throat, "I'll head out now, and get started on those things. I'll call you sometime during the week. Take care of Zexion, please. Contrary to what his family seems to think, I believe you to be the best things to have happened to him."
"Thank you, Saix." Larxene nodded.
Saix smiled and nodded, "I'll call you," he repeated before making his way to the doors and exiting.
"Zex?" Axel asked, glancing at him.
Zexion took a deep breathe, finally moving out of Demyx's arms, "I'm fine."
Demyx frowned.
"You don't have to be okay, Zexion." Axel said, "You know that."
Zexion sighed, "I'm sorry. I didn't want that - any of it - to happen..."
"Stop apologizing." Larxene walked over, "Zexion, you know that wasn't your fault." she said.
"But it is," Zexion protested, "I know they can be like that. I should've been more prepared."
Larxene sighed and shook her head, "No."
"I could've prevented this if I'd just... They're all grieving, too, I should had tried to not make this day any worse," Zexion closed his eyes for a moment, feeling totally overwhelmed.
"You did nothing wrong." Larxene told him, putting her hands on his shoulders.
Zexion said nothing, not able to really look her in the eyes. Instead, he spoke to Yuffie, "I'm sorry she yelled at you like that."
Yuffie shook her head, "I was the one who butted in and yelled right back."
"Zex, it wasn't your fault," Cloud said. "And from the looks of it, Yuffie can certainly handle her own."
Zexion just nodded.
Yuffie sent him a small smile.
Zexion turned to Demyx finally, blushing and a little ashamed, "Demyx, I..."
Demyx just pulled him in and hugged him.
Zexion relaxed, clinging to him a bit before saying quietly, "Can we go home now?"
Axel nodded, "Of course."
XXXX
CAMI: Aaaaaaaand everyone is sad. We always do this.
JASMINE: Um, yeah. Pretty much. :)
So I know this chapter was long but we didn't want to split this stuff up. Review to let us know what you thought of our latest plot-torture! :D