By : Shawnathan

Chapter Eight : Festival

[A/N : A bit more AkuRoku in this chapter, which may become a side thing if I get back into this. R & R folks! ]

[Disclaimer : I own nothing. All credit to Disney/Square Enix]

A crash ripped through Wet Sand's practice space, a resounding "God damn it!" reverberating off the walls, as Axel threw his guitar down. He usually never did that, treating his instrument like a member of the family, but he had been so frustrated lately that he was having trouble controlling his temper. Ever since they got the booking for the festival, he had been having trouble holding it together. Gritting his teeth, Axel pulled out his cigarettes and lit one, the nicotine providing a little relief. The amp feedback was muting the rest of the world under a blanket of white noise, until he heard a knock at the door. Switching his amp off, Axel placed his guitar gently in its case, apologizing to it mentally, and headed over to the door. As soon as it was open, he caught that familiar glimpse of blonde spikes, smiling a little as Roxas pulled the cigarette from his mouth and stomped it out on the ground outside.

"Axel, how many times do I have to ask you to quit smoking?" Roxas asked, a little annoyed. Axel sighed, waving his boyfriend inside as he strung together a response. "I'm sorry... sort of. I'm having trouble with the new song. Okay that's a lie. I'm nervous about our festival spot." Roxas raised an eyebrow, walking over and taking his boyfriend's hand, plopping down next to him on the couch. "You, nervous? You never get nervous, you're... well, you." Axel chuckled a little at that, but nodded in a knowing manner as he shot back. "You're right, I don't normally get nervous. This isn't a normal situation, though, so cut me some slack... even though we're on one of the smaller stages for semi-unknowns, this is a big chance for us. I don't want to fuck it up." Roxas was surprised that Axel was pouring out to him like this. Not to say that Axel didn't share his feelings, just not this feeling specifically. He felt like he was seeing a side of Axel he hadn't before, despite how long they had been together. In an attempt to be comforting, Roxas scooted closer, nuzzling himself into Axel's chest, and whispered to him. "You won't fuck it up, babe. You'll fucking destroy, the crowd will love you guys; I know it." Axel's acid green eyes slunk down to meet Roxas', a smile returning to his face. "You really think so?" Roxas nodded sheepishly, blush hitting his cheeks when Axel pulled him closer. "Of course I mean it, stupid, I would tell you if I thought you sucked." Axel busted out laughing at that, sending the two of them into a laughing fit that lasted several minutes. When they had finally managed to calm down, Axel planted a kiss on Roxas' cheek, enjoying the surprised look that always got him.

Roxas pretended to be mad, but that never lasted long when things got like this. Axel began to slink forward, his skinny frame towering over Roxas as he began to plant little kisses everywhere, his free hand rubbing Roxas' crotch. "A-Axel, we can't... w-ah!.. we can't do this h-here... what if the oth-aah..ah!- others show up?" Roxas was trying to resist, but his heart wasn't in it. Axel had been practicing so much lately that they had barely seen each other in two weeks, let alone had an intimate moment. Axel was in full on incubus mode, his mouth attacking Roxas' neck, arguments and protests going right over his head. "Roxas... take your fucking shirt off..." Roxas was already red-faced and blurry-eyed, so he complied as quickly as he was able. Axel was so impatient that he growled as the shirt flew across the room, diving in to kiss Roxas' chest with a renewed vigor. Roxas was so lost in the heat of the moment that he barely felt his pants being undone, or being slid off of him. When their eyes met again, they were both completely stripped nude, but Axel's eyes were more important to Roxas in that moment. They looked like they were glowing, like they were emitting radiation, Axel's expression was so intense. Roxas let out a whimper, but it was one of anticipation. Axel caught the hint of expectancy in Roxas' tone, a feral growl building in his chest as he bent down for a passionate kiss.

[Back at Twilight U ...]

The calm and quiet of the library were doing little to calm Zexion's inner turmoil, his eyes staring off into space, rather than the laptop screen or the open books on the table. He had been doing classwork with a renewed tenacity, spending many a late hour in the library, giving Demyx the time to practice for the festival. Zexion let out a sigh, closing his laptop, and paused to think. He had done research in his spare time, regarding Demyx's request.

Lysergic acid diethylamide, known more commonly as Acid; a semi-synthetic drug of the ergoline family. Psychological effects included altered thinking processes, open and closed eye visuals, synesthesia, and an altered sense of time. Zexion had been thinking about it a lot, weighing the possibilities as he read through people's experiences on the net, both good and bad. There was the inevitable horror story, the infamous "bad trip", but even those didn't really do much to deter his curiosity. Zexion trusted his boyfriend, and this was really important to Demyx. Beyond that, Zexion was becoming more and more intrigued by the prospect of hallucinating. He concluded that when Demyx came to him after Wet Sand's set, dragging him toward the main stage to see John Butler Trio, he would make his decision. It was going to be a potentially life-altering choice, so he felt that making it with Demyx next to him was the only right way. Gathering his things, Zexion made his way back to the dorms, flopping down uselessly on his bed.

Sora peeked up from under a sleeping Riku's chest, eyeballing his roommate with some small measure of concern. "Zexy, are you okay?" He whispered, not wanting to wake Riku and disturb the bed of silver hair he was resting his head on. Zexion groaned in response, his body barely shifting a centimeter. Sora sighed, trying to speak quietly. "I'm worried about you, Zexion. You're running yourself into the ground, barely sleeping at all some nights... what's wrong?" Zexion turned his head and made eye contact with Sora.

Zexion knew that the brunette was a perpetually happy-go-lucky, empathetic, and sensitive person... but, knowing that he really cared enough to say something was kind of... nice. He smiled at Sora, trying not to seem embarrassed. "It's not so much that something is wrong... my studies are on track, and things with Demyx have been great, but..." Zexion leveled his voice, and tried to remain vague. He knew that saying too much to Sora was a risk; Sora was as kindhearted as they came, but couldn't control the flow of words coming out of his mouth sometimes. "Demyx has something planned for us after Wet Sand plays their set at the festival. He wants to take me to see his favorite band, and... let's say he got us something to take, for recreational use. Catch my drift here, kid?" Sora stuck his tongue out, but nodded for Zexion to continue. Zexion let his eyes fall to the bed as he let his voice drone on. "I think I'm going to say yes, and go on a journey of sorts with Demyx. I'm a little scared, but I'm also excited. Dem once described it as life-changing, so I'm sure you understand my apprehension."

Taking several long minutes to think about all of that, Sora finally delivered a hushed response. "I think you should do what you feel is right, Zexion. I don't want you to hurt yourself, or get involved too heavily in that world, but I trust that you know what is best for you. I won't think badly of you for doing... whatever it is you plan on doing."

A deep breath was required, and a few more minutes of silence, before Zexion spoke again. "I really appreciate that, Sora. Your concern for me is an admirable trait... I hope you are right wh-" Before he could finish his thought, Zexion was cut off; by Riku.

"Whatever it is, be sure that you set limits for yourself, and always be around at least one person you trust. You can never be too careful." Riku glanced down at Sora, kissing his forehead before closing his eyes again.

Zexion rolled over, facing the wall to indicate that the conversation was over. It wouldn't do him any good to dwell on it now, the time for decision making would be at hand soon enough. Pacing his breathing, Zexion allowed unconsciousness to take him, his head spinning from how tired he had been. He dreamed a strange dream that involved walking on water with Demyx, and exploring some Atlantean ruins with him. The whole thing was rather bizarre, but Zexion went with the flow, and it all seemed really peaceful to him. Taking it as a positive sign, he went to class refreshed the next day, having left a note on Sora's forehead before departing. Satisfied that he had gotten his point across, Zexion had waved to a slowly-waking Riku, and left. It read;

Dear Sora,

Thanks for being really cool. Love you, kid.

P.S. - Riku, you're cool too.

[Wet Sand's practice space, 12:00 noon, the day of the festival]

Axel was staring at the ground, sweat dripping from the tip of his nose, breath ragged. Demyx was nearly panting, a sheen of sweat covering his bare back, giving his band-mates a look of surprise and awe. After a lengthy pause, it was Axel who spoke first. "That was... that was it, you guys. If we can play our set today like we just did here, then I will have no regrets." Demyx began gathering up his gear, packing it all into their van securely before pulling Axel aside, dragging him outside for a word in private.

Checking around for any prying ears, Demyx finally let on what was bothering him. "Axel, I have the acid, and... I'm going to take it tonight, after we've played, with Zexion." He stared at the ground, unable to look Axel in the eye. Axel was the last person who would judge him where drug use was concerned, but Demyx couldn't seem to strip the feeling of anxiousness that had crept up on him. He cleared his throat, and continued. "I'm scared. I had such an amazing experience last time, with the band... but..." Demyx paused briefly, swallowed the knot that was forming in his throat. "It's different this time, Ax. I love him, and I want to share this with him, but... I don't want him to feel pressured, or to freak out and have a bad trip." Axel had stood in silence, waiting for Demyx to get it all off of his chest, before stepping in closer and placing a hand on one bare shoulder.

"I know how you feel kid, believe me, but Zexion's a big boy... sort of. The little professor would never agree to do anything he didn't want to, especially drugs, he isn't that kind of person. If he agrees to this, it's because he wants it. Got it memorized?" Axel saw the relief wash across Demyx's face as he removed his hand, leaning back against the van and pulling out a cigarette. Rather than place it in his mouth and light it, he simply stared at it, seemingly lost in some raging mental debate. Demyx noticed, and asked what was up with the spooky face. Axel's head drooped, and he let out a big sigh. "Roxas is helping me quit. He said cold turkey would never work for someone like me, so I'm getting off of them slowly... I'm only allowed three a day, and I already smoked one." Shrugging his shoulders, Axel flipped his lighter out and struck a flame, lighting the cigarette. Inhaling deeply, he tried not to savor it, but that was impossible at this point. "I guess I'm saving the last one for after the show today. No matter how it goes, I'm gonna need one." Demyx chuckled, shaking with silent laughter. Annoyed, Axel ruffled the boy's spikes, growling "what's so funny?"

Hands resting on his hips, playing at the corners of his low-cut jeans, Demyx responded, just hoping it wouldn't sound like an insult. "I just think it's cute is all, knowing you as well as I do, that you... you're just wrapped around Roxas' little finger. You really love him don't you?" Axel smirked, letting out an indignant snort. All the same, the redhead was now blushing and avoiding eye contact. That was answer enough for Demyx. Feeling a lot better after that exchange, he headed back to the apartment to shower and change. He wanted to be perfect for the show tonight... and for Zexion afterward.

[4:28 PM, Festival grounds, backstage]

Zexion and Roxas had flashed badges to get in with Wet Sand, helping them transport gear to the backstage area while the opening acts of stage three were playing. Zexion didn't want to be in the way, so after all of the gear was situated and ready to move into place, he sat in the corner and played with his cell phone. Roxas seemed to notice that he was taking refuge in technology and being a bit antisocial, but didn't pester him about it, just giving him a sympathetic look. Before Zexion could answer the look with a polite nod or gesture of some kind, someone stepped in front of him... it was Demyx, and he looked... gorgeous. The blonde hair was in the same crazy style as before, but Demyx had chosen a somewhat subtle outfit. A white tank top that must have been for women, but suited his thin frame very well, which featured a crashing wave across the front. A pair of tight jeans that he had converted to shorts, featuring his trademark rips and holes. Rings, bracelets, wristbands, and even a choker adorned Demyx's body. Zexion gulped, almost dropping his phone as he was helped to his feet.

Demyx was blushing and looking away shyly as he spoke. "Wh-what do you think, Zexy?" Zexion seemed a bit taken aback, but answered as best he could. "Is that a serious question, Dem? You look beautiful... I'd have you right here if you didn't need to play this show." Zexion's face burned bright red when he realized what he'd just said. Mercifully, everyone else in the immediate vicinity seemed to be too preoccupied to have heard him.

Demyx brushed the hair from Zexion's face, a little ritual of his, and leaned in for a kiss. Zexion stood on his tiptoes, putting all of his feelings for the spacey blonde in the forefront of his mind, trying to convey exactly how he felt with his lips and tongue. When they parted, Demyx had a look of absolute peace spread across his face, the picture of serenity. Zexion started to wish him good luck, but Demyx held a finger to his lips to silence him. "It's alright Zexy, I know... I heard you. I felt you. I don't need good luck, we've got this." He leaned in for a whisper, lingering for a moment to nibble at Zexion's earlobe. "I love you, and I hope your ready for the most amazing night of your life, babe. See you soon." With that, Demyx turned and headed toward the stage with the rest of Wet Sand.

There was a decent sized crowd at this point, since they had the best time slot. Headlining stage three was still headlining somewhere, and it was still a big deal. Axel adjusted the microphone as the rest of the band set up and adjusted various gear, his guitar already tuned and ready. Turning to the crowd, he raised his picking hand, the crowd's attention focusing on him. Breathing in deeply, Axel bellowed out in his most overconfident and cocky voice yet. "Hello, festival-goers! Are you ready to get lost in the waves?" There was thunderous applause, Axel grinning his sly grin as the rest of the band took their positions. "Good! We're kicking things off with a cover, so let's do this-" Nodding to the rest of the group, Axel began picking at the notes to his favorite song, stepping forward to the microphone, voice flowing out of him with such stunning precision that the crowd was lost in awe.

We all have a weakness,
but some of ours are easy to identify
Look me in the eye

and ask for forgiveness;
We'll make a pact to never speak that word again
Yes you are my friend

We all have something that digs at us,
at least we dig each other
So when weakness turns my ego up
I know you'll count on the me from yesterday
If I turn into another~

Dig me up from under what is covering
the better part of me
Sing this song
Remind me that we'll always have each other
When everything else is gone

We all have a sickness
That cleverly attaches and multiplies
No matter how we try

We all have someone that digs at us,
at least we dig each other
So when sickness turns my ego up
I know you'll act as a clever medicine
If I turn into another~

Dig me up from under what is covering
the better part of me
Sing this song!
Remind me that we'll always have each other
When everything else is gone
Oh each other...
When everything else is gone

Rather than end the song the normal way, Axel let a note ring out, and Demyx's sitar dove in to begin an interesting interlude that wasn't a normal part of the song. They brought it back for one last powerful chorus, and had completely won the crowd over. Axel handed his guitar to Luxord so that he could take his shirt off and throw it to some screaming girls; Roxas wouldn't like that one, but then again Roxas was sexy when he was angry. Zexion watched from the backstage area as Wet Sand broke into their set, noting the fact that their performance was boosted by the positive response they were getting, feeding off of the crowd's energy. When they were approaching the last song, Demyx joined the rhythm section in providing a subtle background, another interlude of sorts... only this time it led to the new song, and Axel's most difficult guitar solo. Axel seemed to struggle but didn't miss a single note, dropping to his knees, and eventually to his back as his fingers danced frantically across the fretboard. The fans were going wild, applauding and shouting for more as Axel threw his arms up and screamed at the darkening sky.

Zexion was waiting patiently for Demyx behind the scenes, rushing out to move the equipment off of the stage, and tossing the spiky blonde a towel. Demyx let out a sigh of relief, wiping a light sheen of sweat from his face and neck, casting Zexion an appreciative glance. Once the gear had been packed back up and ready for the road, Zexion found himself being dragged into the backseat of the van by a still-buzzing Demyx, and felt soft lips crushing against his own. When they parted, Zexion smiled at his lover, gazing deeply into the teal orbs before him. Demyx stared back, whispering in a tone that Zexion recognized all too well. "That was so intense Zexy, I've never felt like that on stage before... it was like I could feel the people's energy. It was... almost turning me on." Zexion raised an eyebrow, but found himself kissing Demyx back playfully as he responded. "I quite enjoyed your music tonight, love. It was a powerful performance."

Demyx smiled his goofy smile, but quickly blushed and looked away when his crotch rubbed against Zexion's. "Wait, Zexy. Believe me, I want to... I really want to... but there's a band coming up that we can't miss. They're phenomenal, and they inspire me so much." Adjusting their bodies so that the friction couldn't get the better of them, Demyx continued. "Also, there's the thing we talked about before. Would you be willing to trip with me Zexion? I've decided that if you aren't comfortable with it, then I won't be doing it either. I'll give it all to Axel or something, or sell it." Zexion took Demyx's hands in his own, sitting up straight and pulling Demyx up with him, taking a deep breath as he worked up the courage to say what he needed to say.

"Demyx, I love you, and that was a major factor in helping me decide what to do here. However, it wasn't the only factor. As you know, I'm a naturally curious person, and I'm always trying to learn something new, experience new things... I've actually thought about what it would be like to try hallucinogens before, but never had access to them." Zexion held a hand to Demyx's cheek, kissing him gently before concluding. "I can think of no better set of circumstances, no better situation to be in, than this... I love you, and I trust you. My answer is yes." Demyx was staring back at him in awe, but regained his senses quickly and reached into the front of the car, stretching out to pull a small bit of aluminum foil out of the glove box. Zexion watched as the foil was unfolded carefully, revealing two tiny little strips of paper, three squares across. Demyx locked eyes with him again, face calm, and whispered "You're sure, Zexy?" Zexion nodded, staring into the glowing teal eyes in front of him and sticking his tongue out. Demyx nodded back, placing one strip on his own tongue, the other on Zexion's.

Without another word, Demyx grabbed Zexion tightly and pulled him along toward the main stage. The headlining act, the John Butler Trio, wouldn't be going on for another twenty or so minutes, but Demyx wanted to find the best spot possible. There were already crowds gathering, and the band's crew were setting up the lights and doing a sound check. Demyx found them a couple seats in the section behind the floor, with a good view of the stage. They slid into their seats, Zexion's face a little red from how close they were. Demyx leaned in to whisper to his shy boyfriend, brushing the hair from his face. "It's going to kick in soon, about midway through the first song. It'll probably feel strange to you... strong body high; you'll feel either really heavy or really light. Then the visuals will come. They start slow, and then gradually increase until you start peaking. It's going to get... intense... for a while."

Zexion nodded, already feeling somewhat strange. He was, understandably enough, a bit nervous. Having Demyx next to him though, clinging to him tightly, was enough to clear Zexion's mind of all worry. The band walked on stage to tumultuous applause, picking up various instruments and taking their positions. The band's lead songwriter, John Butler, was playing an extremely battered, aged, twelve-string acoustic guitar. The crowd simmered down as a chord was struck, the opening track seemingly an acoustic instrumental. Zexion watched on and listened to the sounds as his body began to feel strangely light. By the time the third song began, his vision was beginning to blur, the straight lines and edges of the stage waving and pulsing. Halfway through the set, Zexion felt he was starting to peak, the entire world warping around him, his senses overloading... until he felt a familiar soft sensation on his lips. Demyx was kissing him, but... his world was becoming a swirling array of insanity, such that he could not determine what he was looking at anymore. Kissing back with a deep need and desire, Zexion moved on his sense of touch alone, spiraling fractals obscuring his field of vision now.

Demyx was seeing the floor start to flow, like the current of the ocean, glittering crystalline shapes sliding across its surface. Pulling away ever so slightly, he wrapped his arms around Zexion, whispering quietly to him. "Just go with the flow, Zexy. I don't know about you, but I'm seeing some interesting stuff... I feel like we're somehow floating on the ocean, adrift at sea." Taking a moment to kiss Zexion's collarbone, or at least what he assumed to be his collarbone, Demyx continued. "I'm going to take your hand and pull you out into the lawn area so we can lay together. Just follow my lead and don't lose my hand, okay?"

Unable to respond, Zexion simply stood as commanded, and held on tight as Demyx pulled him out into the field. A stunning sight all its own, the field was like a primordial mass of green energy, moving to the flow of the music. "Demyx, do you even-" Before Zexion could finish his sentence, he was pulled down into the cool grass, Demyx clinging to him tightly. He felt lips on his own again, teal eyes literally glowing now in front of his own as he felt the hair being brushed from his face. Demyx was grinding against his leg, tongue fighting for dominance before he knew what hit him. When the kiss broke, Zexion somehow found Demyx's eyes, maintaining clarity long enough to say "You have the most beautiful eyes I've ever seen Dem... they're glowing like stars..." Demyx smiled wide, staring right back at him, expression intense and full of lust.

"If my eyes are stars, yours are the night sky... azure, so deep and mysterious; they're what first drew me to you." Demyx whispered, rubbing himself a little more intently against Zexion's leg. "I-I don't... know if I can hold it. I really need t-to..." Zexion seemed to sense what he meant, as he felt a hand sliding up his shirt. They weren't the only couple sprawled out in the grass, and probably weren't the only ones under the influence of something, Demyx thought as the pleasure hit him; the feeling of arousal was driving his visual hallucinations in a beautiful new direction. Every little tingle or wave of arousal caused a ripple effect, distorting the borders of Demyx's field of vision distorting even further. He was so unsure of his surroundings, but none of it mattered under the current circumstances. A familiar heat was forming in his stomach, his hips sliding in rhythm as Zexion's arms wrapped around him lovingly, the pressure building up as his breath became ragged.

Zexion felt himself growing hard at the thought of Demyx grinding against him. His eyes were displaying nothing but chaos, but... it was amazing. Energy rippled off solid objects in waves, the stars in the sky practically flying past, forming vast nameless constellations. Using instinct alone, Zexion located Demyx's earlobe and nibbled at it, his face flaming up as Demyx moaned erotically into his in return.

Demyx's body shook as his orgasm hit him, spilling his seed in his pants, biting his bottom lip as he clutched at Zexion's shirt for dear life. He slowly regained control of himself as his breath evened out, moaning seductively at Zexion. "Aaaah...Z-Zexy, I... I'm sorry, aahmmhm... I couldn't stop m-myself." Zexion was laying back in the grass, staring up at the sky, holding onto him.

The stars and fracturing galaxies spinning past him were throwing off Zexion's sense of time, but Demyx's breath on his chest kept him centered enough to remain calm. Speaking in a clear and concise tone, he tried to articulate what it was he was going through. "This is amazing, I... I can't even begin to describe it to you. I'm witnessing the formation and destruction of whole galaxies..." Zexion paused, his nose and lips tickling Demyx's neck, voice lowering and pitch shifting to express how turned on he was. "... and I get to witness all that while hearing you, and feeling you, dry hump me until you cum in your pants." His voice hitched in his throat before he could say more, Demyx's hand suddenly down the front of his pants. He wanted to say something, to protest, but the sensation was too great. Zexion found himself arching into Demyx's hand, whose tongue suddenly found itself exploring his mouth. He didn't even have the time to moan or beg for mercy before he was leaking onto Demyx's hand. The slick feeling became too much for him, climax sending waves of endorphins in to supplement his visuals and cloud his mind; it was the most unbelievable thing he had ever been a part of, which was saying a lot.

Face heavily set with blush, eyes cloudy, Demyx did what he could to remain in control so he could tell Zexion the only thing that he needed to say at that moment. "I love you Zexy. Thank you so much for coming tonight, and being a part of this. I'm so happy I could die. I... I want you to be mine forever."

Zexion's eyes widened, a flash of teal accompanying the feel of Demyx's lips on his own. "Demyx, I... I love you too, and... I..." Struggling to maintain control as the visuals continued, slowly but surely waning in intensity, Zexion searched until he got a clear lock on Demyx's face, and those bright teal eyes. "I want to be yours..." Both pairs of eyes watered as he held Demyx's hand, watching his face come back into focus. "W-will... " He swallowed what little fear was left to inhibit him, and found the courage to ask his question. "Demyx, will you marry me?"

[A/N: I own none of the artist's names, nor songs names or lyrics, used in this story. Just some music I enjoy. Song lyrics of the cover played by Wet Sand belong to Incubus. Track #3 off of their 2006 masterpiece "Light Grenades".]